News & Announcements Archive
November Generous Congregation Supports Lakota People’s Law Project
In 2004, a group of grandmothers in Lakota country — an area comprised of nine Indian reservations in North and South Dakota — asked to investigate and help prevent South Dakota’s Department of Social Services from removing their grandchildren from their families. The investigation uncovered that drugging and routine patterns of physical and mental abuse of Native children in foster care were leading to high levels of youth suicide.
These atrocities, a direct violation of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) — a federal law enacted in 1978 — inspired the formation of the Lakota People’s Law Project (lakotalaw.org). Their mission is to end the cycles of injustice leading to the slow genocide of the Lakota.
In 2016, the Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL) threatened the Lakota’s sacred lands and water, so the LPLP expanded their mission. The injustices perpetrated against the Lakota during the peaceful and prayerful resistance to DAPL highlighted a blatant pattern of contempt and disregard for the Lakota and their sovereignty.
The Lakota People’s Law Project also works closely with tribal nations and nonprofit compatriots to amplify Indigenous voices, provide renewable solutions in place of fossil fuel consumption, protect the voting rights of Native people, and provide on-the-ground support when and where it is needed most. That includes working with organizers to advance LGTBQ2S rights in Indian Country and help with challenges around COVID-19.
Understanding that Native peoples possess inherent sovereignty and the right to autonomous rule and self-determination, LAPL aims to assist in the reclamation of Indigenous lands and to stop all threats to the Lakota culture.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to the Lakota People’s Law Project. Your donations will help the Lakota toward the revitalization of their people and culture.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and the Lakota People’s Law Project. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
Dear Members and Friends,
Our new Chalice Circles are a wonderful small group ministry opportunity to strengthen our community in this time of physical distancing. Your participation will help us to weave the threads of beloved community so our community becomes even more connected this church year. They offer opportunities to share from the heart, listen deeply to others, and offer compassion and presence to your fellow church members and friends. Many who have attended small group ministries like these describe them as truly transformational experiences.
Chalice Circles will include 8-10 participants who meet together over time to deepen relationships and practice living a Unitarian Universalist religious life. The groups for this year are organized around a variety of themes which you will find described in detail below, along with the group facilitators, meeting dates, and times. Although our groups will meet online, you may participate by phone if you do not have a computer or internet access at home.
To register for a Chalice Circle, please send an email to ChaliceCircles@uusm.org with the name of your preferred Chalice Circle in the subject line. In the body of the email, include your name and contact information. You may also include a first and a second choice to be considered if space is available. If you do not have email, please contact the church office and let our staff know you’d like to participate in a Chalice Circle by phone.
Chalice Circles Starting October 2020
Spirit in Practice
This Chalice Circle explores and nourishes the many ways in which regular disciplines, or practices, can help us connect with the sacred ground of our individual being. Spirit in Practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Topics will include personal and communal practices, mind and body practices, and justice practices amongst others.
Co-facilitators: Patricia Wright and Cynthia Cottam
Date and time: Third Tuesdays, October through June, 1 to 3 PM
Transitions and Passages
With monthly ministry themes as a starting place, we will explore the transitions and passages in our lives and the ways they have expanded the depth dimension of our lives.
Co-facilitators: Denise Helton and Bettye Barclay
Date and time: Third Thursdays, October through June, 1 to 3 PM
Poetry as a Spiritual Practice
Join us to explore the ways in which poetry can enrich our lives and deepen our spiritual practice. We will discuss topics like Beauty, Observing Nature, Social Conscience, and others. We look forward to sharing together.
Co-facilitators: Rima Snyder and Dorothy Steinicke
Date and time: Fourth Wednesday, October through June, 7 to 9 PM
CommUUnity Connections
This Chalice Circle is a place to come connect with our community by listening deeply, sharing our feelings, perspectives, and personal connections to a variety of topics. These topics may include our human connection to nature, personal growth, love, spirit, our inner narrative about current events, and connecting deeply with each other.
Co-facilitators: Wendi Gladstone and Margot Page
Date and time: Second Thursdays, October through June, 7 to 9 P.M.
Council Meeting
This small group ministry provides a space for people to be seen and heard through a facilitated practice for connecting to ourselves and our community through listening and speaking with intention. It is an opportunity to explore our growing edges, understand our shadows as protective responses to challenges. Through deep listening and sharing, we will practice connecting with ourselves and one another while expanding and deepening our community.
Co-facilitators: Jo An Peters and Grace Edgerly
Date and times: Third Mondays, October – June, 7:00-9:00 PM
Toward a Beloved Community Embracing Anti-racism: Telling Our Stories
This Chalice Circle offers the opportunity to engage together in the lifelong spiritual work of anti-racism and anti-oppression. We will do this by telling our own stories and exploring our relationship with race and racism. We will explore white identity and unearned privilege. We will look at how racism acts as a barrier to building beloved community. Together we will build a brave space so we may talk about the uncomfortable reality of racism in ourselves and in the larger community.
Co-facilitators: Sue Stoyanoff, Dorothy Steinicke, and Audrey Lyness
Date and times: Second Wednesdays, October - June, 7 to 9 PM
A 7-principled Perspective on Current Events
Featuring ways to explore current events, our group aims to maintain helpful and influential perspectives on today's news cycle from pre-election through the election and post-election phases and beyond. Grounded in UU principles, we hope to manage what we take in through media in a way that fosters spiritual health and growth.
Co-facilitators: Tom Peters and Leon Henderson-MacLennan
Meets: Fourth Sundays, October through June, 12 to 2 PM
We hope you’ll register for a Chalice Circle today and help us create a vibrant liberal religious community together!
Yours in ministry,
Jeremiah Bettye
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae Bettye Barclay
Developmental Minister Chalice Circle Facilitators
Generous Congregation Recipient: UUA Disaster Relief Fund
We come together for more than ourselves. This month 50% of the Sunday offering will be donated to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Disaster Relief Fund is part of a covenant — a covenant between the UUA and congregations, between congregations who give generously and those in need, and with our community partners. Through aiding our congregations, their members, and their community partners, we are able to embody our faith and values.
Disasters impact our congregations and their communities with increasing rapidity. From natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes to human caused disasters, UU congregations, people, and communities sustain the impact. Your donation allows our national organization to respond flexibly on your behalf to tragedies that overtake us.
Grants can be used for damage to congregations’ buildings, and relocation to temporary locations; damage to members/friends homes, and relocation expenses; donations to local partner organizations that serve the community at large, particularly those who would not be eligible for other funding; and certain expenses related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. For details, visit UUA Disaster Relief Fund. Thank you for your generous support.
October Generous Congregation Supports UUA Disaster Relief Fund
Disasters impact our congregations and their communities with increasing rapidity. From natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes to human-caused calamities, UU congregations, their members, and their community partners bear the impact.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Disaster Relief Fund is part of a covenant—a covenant between the UUA and congregations, between congregations who give generously and those in need, and with our community partners. By aiding other congregations, we act through our faith and values. Donations from across the nation allow the national organization to respond quickly and flexibly.
Grants can be used to repair damage to congregations’ buildings or for temporary relocation; to help members and friends who require housing assistance; to support partner organizations that serve the community on the scene, particularly those that would not be eligible for other funding. For grants related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, priority is given to UU organizations partnering with local organizations to support the larger community and at-risk individuals.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund. Your donations will help congregations, their members, and their communities facing the impact of disasters.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and the UUA Disaster Relief Fund. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
Generous Congregation Recipient:
Community Services Unlimited: Paul Robeson Wellness Center
We come together for more than ourselves. This month 50% of the offering will be donated to the Community Services Unlimited: Paul Robeson Wellness Center. Community Services Unlimited Inc. (CSU), is a 501c3 established in 1977 and headquartered in South Central Los Angeles. Since then it has created community programs and organizing campaigns like the early Safe Seniors to the more recent Free Medical Screening Program and the most recent From the Ground Up.
UUCCSM volunteers have helped CSU to refurbish the Veggie Bus classroom and seed library and to remodel the Paul Robeson Community Wellness Center. The Center includes a produce market, cafe, catering kitchen, community center, and programs promoting environmental and social justice and health.
CSU’s mission is to foster the creation of communities actively working to address the issues of unsustainable resources and unequal impact. We are committed to supporting and creating justice-driven, community-based programs and educational initiatives which foster dialogue and raise awareness. Thank you for your generous support.
September Generous Congregation Supports Community Services Unlimited
CONTINUING TO HELP BUILD HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
The COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement have brought to the fore the extreme inequalities that impact the health and lives of black and brown communities in Los Angeles. Food deserts — areas where residents have limited access to a variety of healthy foods — were already problematic in low-income areas of Los Angeles. Since the stay-at-home order closed thousands of businesses across the county, many permanently, food banks have been inundated with requests from working-poor households experiencing loss of income. Standing in line for food has become a daily, full-time job for some.
Community Services Unlimited, based in South Central Los Angeles, has been working to build a healthier local community since 1977. CSU helps local families apply for food aid via CalFresh. But their primary focus is to work against the injustices of a food system steeped in unsustainable charity and based on poor-quality and unhealthy foods. Founded on community self-reliance, CSU coordinates local food production. Among many health initiatives, CSU distributes organic produce, much of which is grown on their urban farm. During the school year (not this year) children tour the farm and colorful Veggie Bus, learning how to grow food at home, and why healthy, locally grown food is so important.
Over the past five years, UUSM’s Faith in Action Committee has supported the ongoing health and environmental justice efforts of Community Services Unlimited. UUSM volunteers provided expertise and connections to raise funds to convert an old school bus into the Veggie Bus learning center, and pitched in with some hands-on labor. UUSM was pleased to connect CSU leadership with the Los Angeles Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBCLA) and the Self Help Credit Union (where substantial UUSM reserve funds are invested) as they undertook a substantial renovation of CSU’s Paul Robeson Community Wellness Center (PRCWC). The center includes a produce market, cafe, catering kitchen, and community center, and created a model for sustainable development and self-sufficiency. The PRCWC and the urban garden are the base of operations for CSU’s work in the community.
Many of CSU’s programs have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, but they continue to provide healthy organic produce at affordable prices from their Expo Park garden and other local organic producers. UUSM members have organized a Santa Monica drop-off point for CSU produce bags, which enables congregants and friends to receive a weekly bounty of organic fruits and veggies grown by local farmers. These weekly deliveries to Santa Monica support CSU’s ongoing programs, including discounted produce sales to households in South LA. It also gives us a chance to greet some of our (masked) church friends every Friday afternoon as we pick up our produce. (If you are interested in ordering a weekly organic produce bag at the Supporter rate, first email greenchair@uusm.org and then sign up on the CSU market site choosing the UUSM Private Drop Site).
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Community Services Unlimited. Your support will help provide healthy organic food and preventive health services, while building the South LA community’s capacity to address issues of unsustainable resources and unequal impact.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and the great work of Community Services Unlimited. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
Coming Soon: Chalice Circles at UUSM
SIGN UP BY SEPTEMBER 30
Chalice Circles are opportunities to explore ideas and delve into our beloved community this year.
As diverse as our community is, so too are the Chalice Circles being offered by your fellow congregants starting this fall. The Chalice Circle options are: Spirit in Practice, CommUUnity Connections, Poetry as a Spiritual Practice, Transitions and Passages, Anti-Racism: Telling Our Stories Toward a Beloved Community, Council Meeting, and A 7-Principled Perspective of Current Events.
Each circle will meet monthly from October through June on the Zoom platform.
Registration is open during September. Please send an e-mail to ChaliceCircles@uusm.org requesting the circle(s) in which you would like to participate. Registration closes September 30.
Spirit in Practice
This Chalice Circle explores and nourishes the many ways in which regular disciplines, or practices, can help us connect with the sacred ground of our individual being. Spirit in Practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Topics will include personal and communal practices, mind and body practices, and justice practices amongst others.
Co-facilitators: Patricia Wright and Cynthia Cottam
Date and time: Third Tuesdays, October through June, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
CommUUnity Connections
This Chalice Circle is a place to connect with our community by listening deeply, sharing our feelings, perspectives, and personal connections to a variety of topics. These topics may include our human connection to nature, personal growth, love, spirit, our inner narrative about current events, and connecting deeply with each other.
Co-facilitators: Wendi Gladstone and Margot Page
Date and time: Second Thursdays, October through June, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Poetry as a Spiritual Practice
Join us to explore the ways in which poetry can enrich our lives and deepen our spiritual practice. We will discuss topics like Beauty, Observing Nature, Social Conscience, and others. We look forward to sharing together.
Co-facilitators: Rima Snyder and Dorothy Steinicke
Date and time: Fourth Wednesday, October through June, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Transitions and Passages
With monthly ministry themes as a starting place, we will explore the transitions and passages in our lives and the ways they have expanded the depth dimension of our lives.
Co-facilitators: Denise Helton and Bettye Barclay
Date and time: Third Thursdays, October through June, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Anti-Racism: Telling Our Stories Toward a Beloved Community.
This Chalice Circle offers the opportunity to engage together in the lifelong spiritual work of anti-racism and anti-oppression. We will do this by telling our own stories and exploring our relationship with race and racism. We will explore white identity and unearned privilege. We will look at how racism acts as a barrier to building beloved community. Together we will build a brave space so we may talk about the uncomfortable reality of racism in ourselves and in the larger community.
Co-facilitators: Sue Stoyanoff, Dorothy Steinicke and Audrey Lyness
Date and time: Second Wednesdays, October through June, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Council Meeting
This small group ministry provides a space for people to be seen and heard in a facilitated practice for connecting to ourselves and our community through listening and speaking with intention. It is an opportunity to explore our growing edges, understand our shadows as protective responses to challenges. Through deep listening and sharing we will practice connecting with ourselves and one another while expanding and deepening our community.
Co-facilitators: Jo An Peters and Grace Edgerly
Date and times: Third Mondays, October – June, 7:00-9:00 pm
A 7-principled Perspective on Current Events
Featuring ways to explore current events, our group aims to maintain helpful and influential perspectives on today’s news cycle from pre-election through the election and post-election phases and beyond. Grounded in UU principles, we hope to manage what we take in through media in a way that fosters spiritual health and growth.
Co-facilitators: Tom Peters and Leon Henderson-MacLennan
Date and time: Fourth Sundays, October through June, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Come Kick Off the #UUtheVote Campaign Sept 13
EXPLORE HOW WE CAN #UUTHEVOTE
Dear Friends,
The UUSM Board of Directors has committed that we will do all we can to fulfill our UUA’s #VoteLove pledge in November: we are fully committed to mobilizing the electorate and UUs in support of dignity and justice for all through our democratic process.
And we invite you to join us on Sunday, September 13 at 11:30 a.m. as we gather online to organize for the remaining weeks before the election.
Already ready to sign on? Join the Santa Monica UU the Vote Team today!
You don’t need to be told about the importance of the November election, or to mail back your ballot early. But you might be wondering what else can you do to move the needle on the election, and who are the people you can do it with?
Well right now, you can take the #VoteLove pledge to mobilize the electorate and UUs. It states our faith’s values, that we are unequivocally: Pro-Migrant, Pro-Democracy, Pro-Equity & Liberation Movements, Pro-Human & Civil Rights for All, Pro-Reparations, and Pro-Sustainability.
Then join UUSM as we:
- Act alongside advocates and issues that have direct and material impacts on the communities with which we have declared political solidarity.
- Get Out the Vote through phone banks, text banks, postcards, and voter registration drives.
- Have values-based conversations with our UU community and networks about our values and what we are voting for in 2020.
- Participate in learning and political education to responsibly and effectively engage and organize in anti-racist and pro-democracy movements.
- Share our resources with people and communities most deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the decades-long campaign of voter suppression.
- Turn out with resources, time, and support to fight against authoritarianism and in support of communities of Color, poor people, people with disabilities, immigrants, and Trans and Queer people in our congregation and community following the election.
- Vote!
UUSMers are already phone banking, writing postcards, and working with civic and faith-based organizations like the League of Women Voters, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, and the UU Justice Ministry of California.
Now we’d like to invite you to join us as we plan to mobilize as a community in the precious remaining weeks before the election.
Please join us September 13 after the Sunday service at 11:30 am as we explore how we can all best #UUtheVote! RSVP here.
In solidarity,
Beth Brownlie
Beth Brownlie
UUSM Board of Directors President
August Generous Congregation Supports Camp de Benneville Pines
SAVE OUR CAMP!
Because of COVID-19, this year’s Santa Monica UU Family Retreat at Camp de Benneville Pines, slated to take place September 18-20, is canceled. The mid-September weekend has provided a moment for us to slow down and spend time together in the woods. But under today’s conditions of social distancing, church camp would just not work very well.
As a result, Camp de Benneville Pines is in serious financial trouble, and it is not clear if it will survive. We think about all the joy that we have found at our blessed retreat in the mountains and are motivated to help. Camp Director Janet James says that if the churches can raise the money that their members would have spent on coming to camp, then Camp de Benneville will survive.
As you consider, flash back to memories of last year’s UUSM sojourn up to the mountain.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation program supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Camp de Benneville Pines. Your support will help keep our congregational home in the mountains afloat, and make sure it still serves as a UU gathering place and important youth camp in future, better times.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and Camp de Benneville. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
De Benneville Pines: Help Save our Camp!
CAMP IS CANCELLED THIS YEAR - PLEASE HELP US SUSTAIN IT FOR FUTURE YEARS
Dear UU Friends of de Benneville Pines,
Because of COVID-19, this year’s Santa Monica UU Family Retreat, slated to take place September 18, 19 and 20, is cancelled. Tie dye on the line2We are sad and disappointed to say that after careful consideration, we have decided that under today’s conditions, Church Camp as we know it would not work very well.
The retreat represents a gathering of people larger than what is considered safe, given social distancing. Room sharing would not be possible for singles, and the food serving protocol would also entail necessary but unwelcome changes, like no self-service salad bar.
Also, as a result of COVID-19, de Benneville Pines is in serious financial trouble, and it is not clear if it will survive. We think about all the joy that we have found at our blessed retreat in the mountains and are motivated to help. One way, if you can afford to do so, is to offer as a donation whatever you would have spent actually going up to Camp.
If you can afford it.
This is a big ask — but a reasonable one. Camp Director Janet James says that if the churches can raise the money that their members would have spent on coming to Camp, then de Benneville will survive.
Here is the fee structure from our registration form:
Find the “Make a Donation” button on the UUSM Church webpage (under What’s New on UUSM.org?) and you will see two online-donation options, UUSM Online and UUSM Mobile, where you can specify “de Benneville Pines Camp” under Program Support. You can also simply write a check and mail it to 1260 18th St. SM CA 90404.
Camp de Benneville Pines will indeed be closed for the near future, and for that we are sorry. Let’s think now for the long term and sustain the Camp that we love so much.
- The de Benneville Pines Planning Committee
Karl Lisovsky, Amy Brunell, Joyce Holmen, Linda Van Ligten, Chela Metzger, Sunni Pavlovic, Judith Martin-Straw
July Generous Congregation Supports Westside Food Bank
EMERGENCY AID NEEDED
As Los Angeles extends lockdown orders and many non-essential businesses remain closed due to coronavirus, thousands of furloughed and unemployed workers face poverty and food insecurity. Many people are turning to hunger-relief organizations to meet urgent needs, and Westside Food Bank is increasing its distribution to more than 70 local social service agencies, providing emergency food assistance.
UU Santa Monica has a long relationship with Westside Food Bank: volunteering, donating food, providing labor, and raising money. Most UUSM youth and young adults remember trekking over on a Sunday morning to sort food and learn more about hunger in our community. Right now, the most urgent need is cash. According to the website: “As the need for emergency food assistance skyrockets, we need your help to continue buying the truckloads of food required to keep our warehouse stocked.”
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Westside Food Bank. Your support will help keep our vulnerable neighbors food secure. We can make a high volume of nutritious food available for free throughout this crisis.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and Westside Food Bank. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
April Generous Congregation Supports UUA COVID-19 Response Fund
STRENGTHENING OUR CONGREGATIONS
UU leaders across the country are tirelessly tending to our communities through the pandemic. The Unitarian Universalist Association is working alongside our congregations and supporting our UU religious professionals and administrative staff. The impact of COVID-19 is widespread, but some will be hit harder than others.
Gifts to the UUA’s COVID-19 Response Fund go to two resources. Together they allow our UU faith community to financially support those religious communities with greatest need.
- The Disaster Relief Fund allows the UUA to respond flexibly. Priority is given to congregations and related Unitarian Universalist organizations that are responding to the crisis with systemic, collaborative approaches, such as partnering with local organizations to provide assistance in the congregation’s local community.
- The Living Tradition Fund provides assistance to congregational staff and community ministers facing extraordinary health-related expenses, emergency housing needs, and other serious financial challenges in times of crisis.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to the UUA COVID-19 Response Fund. Your donation will show our appreciation for those who are being impacted even as they continue to lead and strengthen our congregations. It is a concrete way to show support and love to the staff and communities most impacted by this health emergency.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and the UUA COVID-19 Response Fund. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
Update March 28: UUSM events during the COVID-19 emergency
UUSM IN TRANSITION TO ONLINE EVENTS
From the announcement email sent on Thursday, March 26.
Join us online again this Sunday as we co-create beloved community together in the midst of a global pandemic. We are suspending congregational worship gatherings until further notice to protect vulnerable members of our congregation and the larger community. You can watch our special live-streamed service on the church’s Facebook page at 10 am on Sunday morning, March 29. Our services are now reaching hundreds of people and are inviting us to be interactive in worship in new ways. In addition to sharing joys, sorrows, and milestones, you may want to light a chalice and singalong with our worship leaders in your home sanctuary. You do not need a Facebook account to watch the service live. Just visit the link. The services will remain available on our UU Santa Monica Facebook page, on our YouTube channel. If you need help getting online, please contact board member Eileen McCormack for assistance.
A YouTube link will be available after the service on Sunday, March 29
“Find a stillness, hold a stillness, let the stillness carry me…”
Join us this Sunday for a meditation on silence.
Church Facilities are Closed
Please note that church buildings and offices are now closed for business and services until further notice, and church staff members are working remotely. See above for online Sunday service information.
Scheduling Meetings
Although our current in-person meetings and events have been canceled/postponed, we are working on offering online gatherings and other ways of maintaining our community spirit. Please stay tuned as we work out the details.
In the meantime, if you need to schedule a church business group or committee meeting via Zoom, please contact Cyndee Hayes at assistant@uusm.org 310-829-5436 ext. 102.
Please provide the following details at least three days prior to the meeting. If you would like the meeting to be posted in the Weekly Email Announcements, please email Sibylla Nash at OOS@uusm.org by Wednesday evenings.
- Title of meeting
- Meeting’s host information
- Start time and end time
- Participants’ email addresses for an Invite.
Note that individuals can attend the meeting by phone if they do not have an email address.
Adult Programming
During this time of social distancing and uncertainty, the Adult Programs Committee is working hard to transition many of our groups and programs for personal and spiritual exploration to an online format, mainly via Zoom (but other platforms are a possibility). The plan is to get much of our regular programming up and running within the next ten days. We’ll also be providing assistance to those unfamiliar with how to use Zoom – just let us know you’d like help by emailing AdultRE@UUSM.org at least a few days before the program you’d like to take part in. Look for more information and links for programs on Zoom soon. We look forward to connecting with you!
Upcoming Events
CANCELED>> Adult Programs – Body-Mind Tune-up with Bruno, Saturday, March 28, 2020, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Offsite. Bruno Lacombe is conducting exercise classes for UUSM members who are seniors, super-seniors, and people with physical difficulties. Contact Bruno Lacombe at (310) 666-7387.
CANCELED>> D&D – Living in UUville, Sunday, March 29, 2020, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Cottage NW. Contact Cleo Anderson for more information at DRE@uusm.org.
CANCELED>> Town Hall Meeting, Sunday, March 29, 2020, 11:45 am – 1:00 pm, Sanctuary. Review of 2020-2021 budget and current church finances.
ONLINE>> Lessons of Loss with Leon Henderson, Sunday, March 29, 2020, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please email AdultRE@UUSM.org for information. We will be holding our last two gatherings of this four session group on Zoom — March 29th, and Easter Sunday, April 12th. The Lessons of Loss is a Life-Span Curriculum developed by Unitarian Universalist Carol Galginaitis. We shall explore participants’ experiences to losses large and small including those associated with death. Reflecting on experiences, we shall also explore the consequences of both sharing and ignoring feelings of loss as well as relevant, related Unitarian Universalist theses from theologians and laypeople alike.
ONLINE>> Open Meditation Wellsprings, Monday, March 30, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please email AdultRE@UUSM.org for the Zoom link and directions for using Zoom. These are drop-in groups. You are welcome to join us when it feels right to you. If you come in late or need to leave early, just do so quietly. These are exceptional times, and we trust each person to use the group in the way that fits their need. We listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal and share with each other what’s on our hearts. This time of quiet meditation and sharing can help sustain and ground us during these difficult days – supporting us to pause and rest in our embodied experience, as it is. We simply sit together in our shared humanity. We call off the struggle to become other than we are. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, AND every 2nd and 4th Monday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.
ONLINE>> Open Meditation Wellsprings, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please email AdultRE@UUSM.org for the Zoom link and directions for using Zoom. These are drop-in groups. You are welcome to join us when it feels right to you. If you come in late or need to leave early, just do so quietly. These are exceptional times, and we trust each person to use the group in the way that fits their need. We listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal and share with each other what’s on our hearts. This time of quiet meditation and sharing can help sustain and ground us during these difficult days – supporting us to pause and rest in our embodied experience, as it is. We simply sit together in our shared humanity. We call off the struggle to become other than we are. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, AND every 2nd and 4th Monday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.
ONLINE>> Check-in with the Minister at our Online Coffee & Teahouse Conversation, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Email minister@uusm.org for the Zoom link. It will be sent out on Tuesdays and posted in our Facebook Group.
ONLINE>> Open Meditation Wellsprings, Thursday, April 2, 2020, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please email AdultRE@UUSM.org for the Zoom link and directions for using Zoom. These are drop-in groups. You are welcome to join us when it feels right to you. If you come in late or need to leave early, just do so quietly. These are exceptional times, and we trust each person to use the group in the way that fits their need. We listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal and share with each other what’s on our hearts. This time of quiet meditation and sharing can help sustain and ground us during these difficult days – supporting us to pause and rest in our embodied experience, as it is. We simply sit together in our shared humanity. We call off the struggle to become other than we are. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, AND every 2nd and 4th Monday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.
ONLINE>> UU Men’s Group, Thursday, April 2, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please email AdultRE@UUSM.org for information. The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. The topics for April come from the Holstee “Reflection Cards” deck,”A deck of questions for meaningful conversation and reflection.” This evening’s topics will be: Who have you lost touch with but still wonder about, and is it better to let relationships ebb and flow in and out of our lives or intentionally try and maintain them?
CANCELED>> Adult Programs – Body-Mind Tune-up with Bruno, Saturday, April 4, 2020, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Offsite. Bruno Lacombe is conducting exercise classes for UUSM members who are seniors, super-seniors, and people with physical difficulties. Contact Bruno Lacombe at (310) 666-7387.
CANCELED>> D&D – Living in UUville, Sunday, April 5, 2020, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Cottage NW. Contact Cleo Anderson for more information at DRE@uusm.org.
CANCELED>> Green Committee Meeting, Sunday, April 5, 2020, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Cottage SE. To inform others of the simple changes that can be made to decrease their carbon footprint, and to implement social action to green our community. Contact: Alison Kendall for more information.
CANCELED>> Faith Forward – Inquirers Group Faith Forward – Inquirers Group, Sunday, April 5, 2020, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Forbes Classroom 1. Session 6: Social Action and Community Service. Please come for an informative and very interesting presentation.
ONLINE>> Parents Group Meeting, Sunday, April 5, 2020, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please contact Chris Brown for more information.
ONLINE>> Adult RE Committee Meeting, Monday, April 6, 2020, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please contact: AdultRE@UUSM.org to get the Zoom link and instructions for logging on.
ONLINE>>Adult Programs – “An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are”, Monday, April 6, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please contact: AdultRE@UUSM.org to get the Zoom link and instructions for logging on. Bill Blake will present an enjoyable dive into the “who and what” we are. This on-going, twice a month class on the 1st and 3rd Monday is presented to help participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings will also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice.
ONLINE>> Open Meditation Wellsprings, Tuesday, April 7, 2020, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please email AdultRE@UUSM.org for the Zoom link and directions for using Zoom. These are drop-in groups. You are welcome to join us when it feels right to you. If you come in late or need to leave early, just do so quietly. These are exceptional times, and we trust each person to use the group in the way that fits their need. We listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal and share with each other what’s on our hearts. This time of quiet meditation and sharing can help sustain and ground us during these difficult days – supporting us to pause and rest in our embodied experience, as it is. We simply sit together in our shared humanity. We call off the struggle to become other than we are. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, AND every 2nd and 4th Monday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.
ONLINE>> Check-in with the Minister at our Online Coffee & Teahouse Conversation, Wednesday, April 8, 2020, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Email minister@uusm.org for the Zoom link. It will be sent out on Tuesdays and posted in our Facebook Group.
ONLINE>>Open Meditation Wellsprings, Thursday, April 9, 2020, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please email AdultRE@UUSM.org for the Zoom link and directions for using Zoom. These are drop-in groups. You are welcome to join us when it feels right to you. If you come in late or need to leave early, just do so quietly. These are exceptional times, and we trust each person to use the group in the way that fits their need. We listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal and share with each other what’s on our hearts. This time of quiet meditation and sharing can help sustain and ground us during these difficult days – supporting us to pause and rest in our embodied experience, as it is. We simply sit together in our shared humanity. We call off the struggle to become other than we are. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, AND every 2nd and 4th Monday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.
CANCELED>> R/E – Collage Group with Stan Bemis R/E, Saturday, April 11, 2020, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Cottage NE. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering into that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are to create works of art and create cards for events or celebrations. Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives by creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes all ages.
CANCELED>> Adult Programs – Body-Mind Tune-up with Bruno, Saturday, April 11, 2020, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Offsite. Bruno Lacombe is conducting exercise classes for UUSM members who are seniors, super-seniors, and people with physical difficulties. Contact Bruno Lacombe at (310) 666-7387.
PENDING>> Passover Seder, Saturday, April 11. If you are interested in pursuing the idea of a “virtual” Passover using Zoom, please Contact Teri Lucas at uusmreassist@uusm.org. She’d love to see if we can come up with a plan to connect during this meaningful holiday.
CANCELED>> Dining for Dollars. With reluctance and disappointment D4$ announces cancellation of this year’s auction 2020. This decision eliminates both a major fundraising opportunity and denies all of us the pleasure and joyful opportunity to socialize and fellowship together throughout the year in special places and special ways. On a more positive note, the 12-member D4$ committee fully expects to rebound next year and be up and running, ready for a February 2021 D4$ auction once again. They hope that many of this year’s hosts might hold tight and be ready to resume their intent to host next year.
COVID-19 Cancels Dining for Dollars 2020
COMMUNITY AND FUNDRAISING LOSSES
With reluctance and disappointment, the Dining for Dollars Committee announces the cancellation of this year’s Dining for Dollars 2020 Auction. This decision eliminates both a major fundraising opportunity and denies all of us the pleasure and joyful opportunity to socialize and enjoy fellowship together throughout the year in special places and special ways.
The D4$ team worked for months in preparation for this year’s auction. The events themselves required the devoted attention and contribution of many of you (65 this year), who planned to host events and offer goods and services. All of that effort has been dissolved and deteriorated by the COVID-19 Pandemic, dealing a dramatic blow to all of us.
On a more positive note, the 12-member D4$ Committee fully expects to rebound next year and be up and running, ready for a February 2021 D4$ auction once again. They hope that many of this year’s hosts might hold tight and be ready to resume their intent to host next year.
This D4$ 2020 cancellation eliminates fundraising totaling at least $30,000 that supports UUSM programs and personnel. Please consider, as you are able, adding an amount that might have been spent on this year’s D4$ campaign to your annual pledge in our current Stewardship campaign.
Thank you for the difficult on-going work and dedication of the 2020 D4$ team: Rebecca Crawford, Farrokh Allen, Barbara Gibbs, Cheryl Barnett, Bob Dietz, Resa Foreman, Lucy Hahn, Emily Hero, Carol Ring, Haygo Salibian, Cathy Wolfson, and Patricia Wright.
Update March 21: UUSM events during the COVID-19 emergency
UUSM IN TRANSITION TO ONLINE EVENTS
From the announcement email sent on Thursday, March 19.
Join us online again this Sunday as we co-create beloved community together in the midst of a global pandemic. We are suspending congregational worship gatherings until further notice to protect vulnerable members of our congregation and the larger community. You can watch our special live-streamed service on the church’s Facebook page at 10 am on Sunday morning, March 22. Help us spread the word about these changes. We look forward to being with you virtually and in spirit on Sunday morning. If you need help getting online, please contact board member Eileen McCormack for assistance.
“Giving Ourselves Away” (A Special Online Worship Service)
A YouTube link will be available after the service on Sunday, March 22
The generosity of heart, spirit, and resources is fundamental to the spiritual path. This is taught by all of the great religions of the world. This Sunday, we celebrate the formal launch of our annual stewardship campaign and explore the meaning of giving to our lives, our beloved community, and the world. We will get to hear the many transformative stories of why so many support this congregation with our first congregational video.
Church Facilities are Closed
Please note that church buildings and offices are now closed for business and services until further notice, and church staff members are working remotely. See above for online Sunday service information.
Scheduling Meetings
Although our current in-person meetings and events have been canceled/postponed, we are working on offering online gatherings and other ways of maintaining our community spirit. Please stay tuned as we work out the details. In the meantime, if you need to schedule a church business group or committee meeting via zoom, please contact Cyndee Hayes at assistant@uusm.org 310-829-5436 ext. 102. Please provide the following details at least three days prior to the meeting. If you would like the meeting to be posted in the Weekly Email Announcements, please email Sibylla Nash at OOS@uusm.org by Wednesday evenings.
- Title of meeting
- Meeting’s host information
- Start time and end time
- Participants’ email addresses for an Invite. Individuals can attend the meeting by phone if they do not have an email address.
Adult Programming
During this time of social distancing and uncertainty, the Adult Programs Committee is working hard to transition many of our groups and programs for personal and spiritual exploration to an online format, mainly via Zoom (but other platforms are a possibility). The plan is to get much of our regular programming up and running within the next ten days. We’ll also be providing assistance to those unfamiliar with how to use Zoom – just let us know you’d like help by emailing AdultRE@UUSM.org at least a few days before the program you’d like to take part in. Look for more information and links for programs on Zoom soon. We look forward to connecting with you!
Upcoming Events
CANCELED>> D&D – Living in UUville, Sunday, March 22, 2020, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Cottage NW. Contact Cleo Anderson for more information at DRE@uusm.org.
CANCELED>> Visitor Meetup, Sunday, March 22, 2020, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Cottage NE. Visitors and prospective members are encouraged to attend this informal get-together held on each Sunday of the month.
CANCELED>> Faith Forward – Inquirers Group, Sunday, March 22, 2020, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Forbes Classroom 1. Session 5: Faith Development for Children & Youth with Cleo Anderson, Director of Religious Education. Our Whole Lives (OWL) and Program Coordinator, Beth Rendeiro. You can find the full schedule here.
CANCELED>> Discussion and Support Group for Persons with Disabilities, Sunday, March 22, 2020, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Cottage SE. Come and join us as we share stories, inspirations, and find community with each other. This group offers a forum in which members can feel the benefit of its mutual support. Contact Michael Young for more information.
CANCELED>> AAHS Freethinker Forum, Sunday, March 22, 2020, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, Warren Mathews Conference Room. The Freethinker Forum is a monthly interactive meeting sponsored by AAHS: Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists & Secularists of UU Santa Monica. All are welcome to join in a lively discussion where diversity of viewpoints is encouraged and respected. Contact James Witker at aahs@uusm.org for more information.
CANCELED>> Coalition for Police Reform, Monday, March 23, 2020, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Forbes Classroom 1. Contact Audrey Lyness for more information. Meditation
ONLINE WITH ZOOM>> Open Meditation, Monday, March 23, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm, Forbes Hall. We gather twice a month to sit together quietly for 20 minutes, to walk with gentle awareness for seven minutes, and to explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. Contact Bev Schoenberger or email AdultRE@uusm.org for more information and the Zoom link.
CANCELED>> Facility Meeting, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, 8:30 am – 10:00 am, Forbes Classroom 1. For more information contact John Zinner or Brad Hutchinson.
CANCELED>> C&Y/RE – Book Group Discussion and Dinner, Friday, March 27, 2020, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Sanctuary. Brilliant, bold, and energetic, Mona Eltahawy’s “The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls,” is a manifesto for all feminists in the fight against patriarchy. Join us on Friday nights March 27 – May 15 (no meeting April 10) to discuss one chapter per meeting. Dinner will be served. All are welcome. Contact Cleo Anderson, DRE to register and purchase a book at dre@uusm.org.
CANCELED>> Adult Programs – Body-Mind Tune-Up with Bruno, Saturday, March 28, 2020, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Offsite. Bruno Lacombe is conducting exercise classes for UUSM members who are seniors, super-seniors, and people with physical difficulties. Contact Bruno Lacombe at (310) 666-7387.
CANCELED>> D&D – Living in UUville, Sunday, March 29, 2020, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Cottage NW. Contact Cleo Anderson for more information at DRE@uusm.org.
CANCELED>> Town Hall Meeting, Sunday, March 29, 2020, 11:45 am – 1:00 pm, Sanctuary. Review of 2020-2021 budget and current church finances.
CANCELED>> Lessons of Loss with Leon Henderson, Sunday, March 29, 2020, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Forbes Hall. The Lessons of Loss is a Life-Span Curriculum developed by Unitarian Universalist Carol Galginaitis. We shall explore participants’ experiences to losses large and small including those associated with death. Reflecting on experiences, we shall also explore the consequences of both sharing and ignoring feelings of loss as well as relevant, related Unitarian Universalist theses from theologians and laypeople alike.
CANCELED>> Open Meditation, Monday, March 30, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm, Forbes Hall. We gather twice a month to sit together quietly for 20 minutes, to walk with gentle awareness for seven minutes, and to explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us.
CANCELED>> UU Men’s Group, Thursday, April 2, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Cottage NE. The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way.
CANCELED>> Adult Programs – Body-Mind Tune-Up with Bruno, Saturday, April 4, 2020, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Offsite. Bruno Lacombe is conducting exercise classes for UUSM members who are seniors, super-seniors, and people with physical difficulties. Contact Bruno Lacombe at (310) 666-7387.
UUSM events during the COVID-19 emergency
STAY SAFE. BE WELL.
From the announcement email sent on Thursday, March 12.
“Love is the Spirit” (A Special Online Worship Service)
Join us online this Sunday as we co-create beloved community together in the midst of a global pandemic. We are temporarily suspending congregational worship gatherings to protect vulnerable members of our congregation and the larger community. We will be providing more information soon so you can watch our special live-streamed service on the church’s Facebook page on Sunday morning. We will consider how we spiritually prepare and fortify ourselves in uncertain times. Help us spread the word about these changes. We look forward to being with you virtually and in spirit on Sunday morning. If you need help getting online, please contact board member Eileen McCormack for assistance.
Upcoming Events
CANCELED>> R/E – Collage Group with Stan Bemis, Saturday, March 14, 2020, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Cottage NE. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering into that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are to create works of art and create cards for events or celebrations.
CANCELED>> Adult Programs – Body-Mind Tune-Up with Bruno, Saturday, March 14, 2020, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Offsite. Bruno Lacombe is conducting exercise classes for UUSM members who are seniors, super-seniors, and people with physical difficulties. Contact Bruno Lacombe.
CANCELED>> Visitor Meetup, Sunday, March 15, 2020, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Cottage NE. First-time visitors are encouraged to attend this informal get-together held every Sunday of the month. This is an opportunity for you to get to know us and for us to get to know you. We look forward to meeting you. Contact Cheryl Sims or Sharon Harrell of the Membership Committee at membership@uusm.org.
CANCELED>> D&D – Living in UUville, Sunday, March 15, 2020, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Cottage NW. Contact Cleo Anderson for more information at DRE@uusm.org.
POSTPONED>> Dining for Dollars Bidding, Sunday, March 15, 2020, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Forbes Hall. Dining for Dollars is one of UUSM’s largest and most successful fundraisers of the year. Events, goods, and services – it’s all there! Don’t be left out on the final Sunday and miss the opportunity to lend financial support to our beloved community while enjoying the fellowship of community members in so many varied and interesting venues including!
CANCELED>> Children & Youth RE Committee Meeting, Sunday, March 15, 2020, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Cottage NW. The Children and Youth Religious Exploration Committee will meet for its monthly meeting. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.
CANCELED>> FIA: Peace & Social Justice, Sunday, March 15, 2020, 11:45 am – 1:00 pm, Warren Mathews Conference Room. The Peace & Social Justice Committee (PSJ) focuses on many activities in the areas of labor and economic issues; racism, police brutality, and mass incarceration; immigration and immigrant detention; and peace and alternatives to war. It also collaborates with the Green Committee on activities focusing on climate change. Please email Dierdra Deitel for more information.
CANCELED>> OWL Meeting – K/1 Parent Orientation #2, Sunday, March 15, 2020, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, Forbes Classroom 1, Forbes Classroom 4, Mural Room. Are you a parent of a 5 – 7-year-old or know others who are? Then come to a parent orientation for the K/1 O.W.L. (Our Whole Lives), part of the comprehensive, life-span human sexuality program offered at our church. If you need child care please email Cleo, our DRE, a few days ahead of the event at DRE@uusm.org.
POSTPONED until March 29, 2020>> Lessons of Loss with Leon Henderson, Sunday, March 15, 2020, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Forbes Hall. The Lessons of Loss is a Life-Span Curriculum developed by Unitarian Universalist Carol Galginaitis. We shall explore participants’ experiences to losses large and small including those associated with death. Reflecting on experiences, we shall also explore the consequences of both sharing and ignoring feelings of loss as well as relevant, related Unitarian Universalist theses from theologians and laypeople alike.
CANCELED>> Adult Programs – An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are, Monday, March 16, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Forbes Classroom, 3. Bill Blake helps participants master specific meditation skills. This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals.
CANCELED>> Science Non-Fiction Book Group, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Forbes Hall. We will discuss “Sorting the Beef from the Bull: The Science of Food Fraud Forensics,” by Richard Evershed, et al. The authors go beyond the important stories of adulteration – both purposeful and accidental – and look at the methods for detection and the “arms race” as scammers respond to ever-improving technology. All are welcome. Contact Rebecca Crawford for more information.
CANCELED>> UU Men’s Group, Thursday, March 19, 2020, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Cottage NE. The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. This week’s topics include: “What was the model of masculinity you grew up with, and how did you receive the messages of what attitudes, values, behaviors, and roles are expected of a man?”
CANCELED>> Ukulele Strum and Sing-Along, Saturday, March 21, 2020, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Forbes Hall. Please contact Kim Kalmanson for questions.
CANCELED>> R/E – Collage Group with Stan Bemis, Saturday, March 21, 2020, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Cottage NE. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering into that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are to create works of art and create cards for events or celebrations. Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives by creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes all ages.
CANCELED>> Adult Programs – Body-Mind Tune-Up with Bruno, Saturday, March 21, 2020, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Offsite. Bruno Lacombe is conducting exercise classes for UUSM members who are seniors, super-seniors, and people with physical difficulties. Contact Bruno Lacombe.
CANCELED>> International Folk Dancing with Instructors, Saturday, March 21, 2020, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Forbes Hall. They say that dancing is combining fun with exercise and friends! Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. New dancers are welcome – there are no partners required. Donations accepted.
March UUSM Generous Congregation Supports #UUtheVote Nationwide
UUS MOBILIZE FOR THE 2020 ELECTION
We know our current democratic process is flawed. But the issues we care most deeply about — climate change, LGBTQ rights, immigration, racial justice, and more — will be on the ballot in 2020. So we continue to work within our democratic processes as one of the ways we can reduce harm and dismantle oppressive systems. Unitarian Universalists have a legacy of working to expand democracy and to shape a world in which all people are free and flourishing. Participating in our democracy is not only about our fifth principle. As UUs, our deepest beliefs are a life-giving, life-saving, life-sustaining alternative to the narratives and policies of domination, supremacy, exceptionalism, and exploitation that are on the rise. The stakes couldn’t be higher. #UUtheVote is a coordinated campaign of action and advocacy. UUs are joining forces across the country to organize; to engage in spiritually grounded, values-based issue conversations in our communities; and to vote a Side with Love agenda. For more info on how UUSM is taking action locally, check out Let’s #UUtheVote in 2020! #UUtheVote is an opportunity to communicate our passion to voters nationwide. #UUtheVote doesn’t just facilitate voter registration drives or get-out-the-vote campaigns. It’s a powerful chance to engage UU justice ministries and their partnerships with community, state, and national justice organizations. We can help ensure the voices of the people — particularly those most directly impacted by oppressive structures — are heard in the halls of our government. Click here to send a $10 GCC text donation Generous Congregation Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church. UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to #UUtheVote. Your support will help congregations and UU organizations, nationwide, as they engage and educate their communities, mobilize voters, and rally around key ballot initiatives—all while seeking electoral justice at the local, state, and national levels. “We face a daunting challenge in this election year, but when UUs lead with love, we are stronger than any attempts to silence us,” tweeted UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray. Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and #UUtheVote. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Because #UUtheVote is non-partisan, your gift is eligible to be treated as a charitable contribution, not a political donation. 
February UUSM Generous Congregation Supports Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism
TEXT NOW TO HELP DISMANTLE RACISM
Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) formed out of several conversations among Black UUs at the July 2015 Movement for Black Lives Convening in Cleveland, OH. BLUU’s goals are to expand the power and capacity of black UUs within the faith; to provide support, information and resources for black UUs; and to focus on justice-making and liberation through the faith.
BLUU operates from a non-hierarchical model that embraces the gifts and talents of not only the individuals in leadership, but also of Black UUs that are a part of the BLUU community. There is no membership, and no one pays dues. A relationship with BLUU comes through working directly with the organizing collective on various projects. This fosters connection within justice movements and service to other groups, and provides spiritual nurturance for the Black UU community.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism. Your support will help us to live into a future that actively dismantles racism within our movement and in the larger world.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and BLUU. To give $10 right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
January UUSM Generous Congregation Supports the Trans Lifeline
TEXT NOW TO SUPPORT TRANS PEOPLE IN CRISIS
Transgender people face unique stressors, particularly when their gender identity is not affirmed in their family or in their community. Trans people also experience high rates of discrimination and harassment and, as a result, tend to experience poor mental health outcomes. Studies have shown that they are at greater risk for suicide as they are twice as likely to think about and attempt suicide than LGB people. Because gender identity is not recorded on death certificates, the exact number of trans people who die by suicide each year is difficult to determine.
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis—for the trans community, by the trans community. Founded in 2014, the Hotline remains the only peer-support service in the country in which all operators are transgender. The Hotline has evolved into a comprehensive resource that employs trans people working as paid operators and team leads.
In time, Trans Lifeline came to recognize that the epidemic of suicide in the trans community is inextricably tied to the economic justice issues trans people face at alarming rates, and that meaningful emotional support often requires financial support as well. The Microgrants program offers low-barrier grants to trans people for legal name changes and updated government identification documents, as well as specialized support for incarcerated and undocumented trans people.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to the life-changing work of Trans Lifeline. With your support, we can keep these vital services available to those in our community who need them most.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and Trans Lifeline. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
Showcase Sunday: January 12, 2020
EXPLORE CHURCH ACTIVITIES ON SHOWCASE SUNDAY
On Sunday January 12, 2020, after the service, Forbes Hall and the Courtyard will be alive with bustle and information about our church’s committees and activity groups.
Find out what committees and groups exist, what they do and how you might fit in. Would you like to know about greeters and ushers and the Membership Committee? Did you know we have a Young Adults group, a group called AAHS — find out what those letters stand for. Maybe you would like to be a part of our Care Ring, or work with our fun fundraiser, Dining for Dollars.
We invite every member and friend of the church, and others curious about the doings at UUSM, to come to Showcase Sunday after the services on January 12th, when people from all committees will answer your questions.
Good food, too.
Find out what the committees do, how often they meet, what skills are required or helpful, and what it would take to get on to the committee — sometimes all you need to do is ask.
Or… Maybe you yourself have an idea for how to fill a need in our community. Would you like to start a social action or a postcard-writing effort? Come check us out.
Sponsored by the Nominating Committee along with the Membership Committee.
If you have any suggestions or would like to help on the day of the event, please contact us.
Finally, for some great photos of last year's event, see http://news.uusm.org/showcase-sunday-january-12-2020/
Pipes Distinguished Lecture Series: Organist Jeffrey Parola
We are pleased to announce that on December 15 at 4 pm, the Pipes Distinguished Lecture Series is bringing exceptional organist Jeffrey Parola to UUSM for an organ recital in our sanctuary.
Jeffrey Parola is an accomplished organist, conductor, and vocalist, who recently made his Walt Disney Concert Hall debut in the World Premiere performance of the David Lang sleeper’s prayer for boy soprano and organ.
Our monthly potluck Second Sunday Supper, will be held after the concert in Forbes Hall, on the Third Sunday this month. It will be hosted by the Music Committee, the Choir, and the Pipes Lecture Committee. Everyone is warmly invited to participate.
About the Pipes Distinguished Lecture Series
The Pipes Lecture Fund was established in 1991 to honor Rev. Ernest D. Pipes upon his retirement after 35 years in the Santa Monica pulpit. The founding members of the committee (Leonard & Elizabeth Adler, Ray & Betty Goodman, Patrick McGuire, and Marguerite Spears) collected monies for an annual free Pipes Distinguished Lecture Series of renowned guest speakers. The series has continued yearly since 1991 with one interruption in 2018.
The series began with William Schultz, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and has included luminaries such as Ramona Ripston, Patt Morrison, Arianna Huffington, Michael Dukakis, George Takei, Father Gregory Boyle, and Reza Aslan. It resumes this year with an organ recital — something Ernie has always desired because our organ was hand picked in Italy by the Goodmans to complement the acoustics of our Sanctuary. The committee has also been able to provide money to repair our ailing organ.
Contributions to the Pipes Lecture Fund are welcome to support the tradition of a free, wide-ranging, public lecture series including the topics of public service, government, social justice, religion and ethics, environmentalism, and the media. Please contact the church office to make a contribution. office@uusm.org; (310) 829-5436. Anyone who wishes to become a member of the Pipes Lecture Committee or has a suggestion of someone they’d like to hear speak should contact Patrick McGuire.
Showcase Sunday: January 12, 2020
EXPLORE CHURCH ACTIVITIES ON SHOWCASE SUNDAY
Organized by the Nominating and Membership Committees, Showcase Sunday will be a fun event designed to answer your questions about the church’s many committees and how you can become involved.
Tables will be set up in Forbes Hall and the Courtyard after the service on Sunday, January 12, 2020, from 11 am to 1 pm. Each of the church’s committees will have a spot at one of the tables, and one or two of its members stationed there and available to discuss the purpose and activities of the committee and the volunteer opportunities they offer.
Longtime members, new members, and friends — we hope to see you there!
For more photos of the 2018 event, see http://news.uusm.org/showcase-sunday-january-12-2020/
-- Sheila Cummins
December UUSM Generous Congregation Supports the Downtown Women’s Center
December 3, 2019 Newsletter Staff Faith In Action, Stewardship
Homelessness is a societal problem that is especially hard on women. Unhoused cisgender and transgender women are targets of misogyny and sexual violence on the streets, exacerbated by intersections of mental health, racism, underemployment, and domestic violence. The number of shelters and services available for women in Los Angeles is inadequate to meet the rising need.
Homelessness is not inevitable. Only through the collaboration of committed communities and allies like UUSM, can we change inequitable systems and individual lives.
The Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) is the only organization in greater Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women. They envision a Los Angeles where every woman is housed, well, and on a path to personal stability. Visit the DWC website for more information on their housing, health, and advocacy efforts.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to the life-changing work of the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) .
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and the DWC. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
