News & Announcements Archive
Save the Date: Sunday, June 14 is the L.A. Pride Parade
KIDS MARCH; FAMILIES MARCH; EVEN DOGS MARCH. You can march too! Join us! You don’t even need to drive! We’ll be chartering a bus that will leave from the church right after the 9 a.m. service. Round trip fare is $15 (with a bit of a break for families). Contact Janet Goodwin for more information. The first 55 marchers to sign up and pay up will have a reserved seat. Otherwise, try to carpool with your UU neighbors.
New Member Recognition Sunday
Every year we join together as a congregation to celebrate and welcome the members who have joined in the past year. This year our welcome will take place on May 3 during both services. After the service we will honor our new members with a special reception in Forbes Hall. We hope you stop by to say a personal hello.
Please join the Membership Committee in welcoming the following new members to our church family: Boyd Adams, Mark Christiansen, Joanne Brownlie, Dierdre Dietel, Olga Felton, Christie & David Ferreria, Manuel Fonseca, Clayton Fossett, Brad & Lois Hutchinson, Brigham Johnson, Kikanza Nuri-Robbins, Wendell Pascual & Carolina San Juan, Barbara Powers, Norman P. Richey & Beverly Shoenberger, Mark Rizzo & Christine Suarez, Sarah Robson, Herb & Susan Stahl, Andrea Steffan, Manny Trujillo.
You can find photos and some of their biographies on the New Member bulletin board in Forbes Hall. A few of these names may sound familiar to some of you and for good reason. A number of these new members have been participating in our congregational life for many years and only recently have made the decision to become formal members. A warm welcome to all of you. Please join us on May 3 for our congregational celebration!
— Beth Rendeiro
Town Hall Meeting on Church Finances
Save the date! On Sunday, April 19, 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, there will be a Town Hall meeting to review/preview the 2015-2016 fiscal budget in advance of the annual meeting and an update from the Committee on Money.
Save the Date: Work and Play at Camp de Benneville Pines.
We have reserved Craig’s Cabin over the weekend of May 8 to 10 for about 20 members of UU Santa Monica. That weekend is scheduled as the regular Spring Work Weekend, so UU’s from many churches will be there painting, repairing, and raking leaves for fire safety. You have two choices: agree to work and receive free room and meals, or just have a leisurely time in the mountains for reading, hiking, and hot-tubbing under the stars for a reduced rate of $100 for adults, $75 for accompanying children above grade 6, and $50 for grade 6 or below. First-come, first-served until our 7 rooms are spoken for. Please contact Jerry Moore for more information. Note: Our regular church weekend at Camp de Benneville Pines is scheduled for September 18 to 20.
February Ministry Theme: God
The ministry theme for February is God. This month, Rev. Rebecca continues a four-part series of sermons on God from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. February 1 she will give a brief history of non-theism, humanism, and the New Atheism movement. February 15 she will have a conversation about UUs in recovery from addiction and their experiences with AA and other recovery programs. February 22 she will conclude with the images of God held by UUs, and what Amerians say about God, and what that says about us.
Dining for Dollars Is Coming in February!
Dining for Dollars is an annual silent auction that raises income essential to meeting our UU Santa Monica budget goals. Members and friends can bid on events and services such as dinners, baked goods, gift certificates, and concerts offered by other members and friends. Whether you’re new to the church, or a regular, Dining for Dollars is a fun (and delicious) way to get to know the people at UU Santa Monica. The bid sign-up sheets will be in Forbes Hall after both services on February 15 and 22 this year. Everyone is encouraged to participate, both as a donor of dinners or services and as a bidder. But NOW is the time to sign up to offer an event or service. Thank you for your contributions to the church!Hear to Heart Circles:
Sign up now through Jan 18 at www.tinyurl.com/heartcircles or grab a paper form from the LRE table in Forbes Hall. New groups begin in February.
New Year Retreat 2015: Let Your Life Speak
Sign up now through January 4 for the New Year Retreat at the LRE table in Forbes Hall. This day-long retreat will be held on January 10 from 8:30-4:30. For more information contact Rhonda Peacock.
Undy Sunday returns in January
Wundering who? Wundering why? Wundering where? No, no, no! Not underwhere, underwear! Undy Sunday is approaching fast. Are you ready? Please don’t be shy. When you see those new briefs, boxers, socks, panties, bras, slips, hose, and anything else one wears under whatever one wears for the day (on sale or not), just purchase them. Then on any Sunday in January, truck ’em into good ol’ UU Santa Monica (to Forbes Hall). Westside homeless adults and children will appreciate your gift. Contact: Geralyn Lambson or Jessica Fant-
Chapin.
— Jessica Fant-Chapin
Small Group Ministry: now Heart to Heart
Small Group Ministry is a program for participants to meet together to practice deep listening and sharing from the heart. Each month there is a different topic with readings and questions to guide the participants as they reflect on the topic and what it means to them. It is a time when space is given to be heard and to listen. Because of the nature of the sharing, for the 2015-year, the program is being renamed “Heart to Heart.” The hope is that the new name will clarify what it is that goes on in a Small Group Ministry meeting, which is sharing
from one’s heart and listening with an open heart to others. Sign-ups for the 2015 session will begin in
January; new groups will begin meeting in February. There will be more information to come.
— Rhonda Peacock
Ernie Pipes Lecture with Sandy Banks a Great Success!
The Pipes Lecture Committee is pleased to report that our recent lecture was well attended with everyone reporting that it was a fine event. Los Angeles Times columnist Sandy Banks gave a heartfelt commentary on the foster system in Los Angeles, along with suggestions of how people can assist foster kids. On behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone who helped out, including Kris Langabeer, Debbie Menzies, Cathie
Gentile, Bob Dietz, Karl Lisovsky, Lori Hutchinson, Teri Bond, Pam Teplitz and, for services above and beyond the call of duty, Tom Ahern! Hope I haven’t missed anyone.
Also, we are looking for church members who would like to join the committee. Each year we present a speaker who will enlighten the congregation on a stimulating topic — much as Ernie Pipes’ sermons have done throughout the years. If you are interested in participating or making suggestions for future speakers, please contact me. Thank you!
— Patrick McGuire
The Treasure Hunt is on!
During the November 16 Craft Fair there will be a special presentation of treasures for sale to benefit the church. This call is to those who have been hiding/holding/hoarding a jeweled scarf or a Chanel handbag or a grandmother’s brooch or a handcrafted leather vest — you know what I mean. The decision to give it to a treasure trove for our beloved church will make you happy. Call me for a pick up, call me with questions, call me because I am bringing some great treasures to surprise you. Beverly Alison at your service.
One Man Play about Thomas Paine, Sunday, November 16, in the Sanctuary, at 1:30 p.m.
Thomas Paine is in Ian Ruskin’s skin in “To Begin the World Again: The Life of Thomas Paine.” Ruskin reminds us that what makes us great as a nation is that all are equal in the system of justice. At a time when we were all radicals, more than any other founding father, Thomas Paine possessed a vision for a democracy based emphatically on “justice for all.” Paine foreshadowed Martin Luther King, Jr., who believed, “the moral arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice.”
In this one-man play Ruskin will show us again the fiery eloquence that made Paine’s “Common Sense,” a best-seller and stirred a nation to revolution. In his “Age of Reason,” Paine championed man’s abilities and challenged organized religion.
When justice seems to be foundering, Thomas Paine speaks to us again about making our voices heard — not for self-interest but for the interest of us all. To quote Paine: “The World is my country and all mankind my brethren, and to do good is my religion.”
Recent performances include a two-month run of the play in Los Angeles and at The Organization of American Historians; The American Philosophical Society; the Harvard Law School; and Conway Hall, London, England. Donations will be welcome and there will be refreshments and the sale of books and CDs at 12:45 p.m.
Undy Sunday is Coming!
Undy Sunday will be in January. We have become known in our community for providing this needed service to those in need. Read more in next month’s newsletter
Save the Date: Annual Holiday Bazaar
Sunday December 7, after both services. On the Patio next to Forbes Hall. Hand made items by Knitters and Friends. All proceeds go to UU Santa Monica
Small Group Ministry
Small Group Ministry participants meet monthly to practice deep listening and share from the heart their thoughts about a particular topic. Each group also commits to doing two service projects: one for our church, and one for the wider community. This year our seven small group folks have done church projects ranging
from hosting several Second Sunday Suppers, hosting the brunch for the Annual Town Hall Meeting, offering CareNet services for one of our church families, organizing church office spaces, and baking mass quantities of cookies for Sunday Coffee Hour.
Community Service project beneficiaries have included Lunches for Bunches, Step Up on 2nd, Westside Food Bank, and Turning Point.
The Treasure Hunt is on!
There will be a special presentation of treasures for sale during the November 16 Craft Fair. All proceeds will benefit the church. If you have been wondering what to do with that jeweled scarf, Chanel handbag, handcrafted leather vest or your grandmother’s brooch, now is your chance to donate items to the treasure trove! Beverly Alison has many exciting surprises in store, and wants to add your contributions to the collection. Call Beverly to arrange for
a pick up or for more information.
Volunteer Day Saturday, November 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Come help beautify our church campus. On this workday, the congregation has a chance to roll up its sleeves for a while and make the place shine. On this day we will mainly be painting and beautifying Anderson Courtyard, sealing the outdoor benches, and pruning vegetation everywhere. Indoor jobs, too. Please come! Talk to Karl Lisovsky for more information. Everybody is welcome. Childcare available.
Artists and Crafters Wanted...
...for the Holiday Craft Fair on Sunday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Art Committee is hosting this event and a percentage of the proceeds will go to the general fund of the church. For information or to sign up, please contact Bettye Barclay.
CareNet Can Help
CareNet offers meals, rides, and cards to church members and friends. If you have such a need or know of someone who does, please call the church office, call Karl Lisovsky, or send an email to carenet@uusm.org
Reminder: It's renewal time for the Scrip program at Ralph's
If you shop at Ralph's, you can designate UU Santa Monica as the recipient for donations through the market’s community contribution program. Participants are required to register for the new term at www.ralphs.com starting September 1. Even if you have registered as recently as last month you MUST re-register in September to keep your account current. Easy step-by-step instructions are posted on the ralphs.com website: Click on Community, then Community Contributions, then “For participant questions, click here.” You may also request a letter with a barcode that can be scanned at the checkout counter. Email your request to community.programs@ralphs.com
Announcements, Order of Service and Newsletter Submissions
The correct address for submission of items to our Weekly Announcements (or corrections of items that have appeared in the Announcements) is office@uusm.org
Order of Service items should be sent to oos@uusm.org
Items for our monthly newsletter should always be sent to newsletter@uusm.org
Also, please note that these submissions and corrections should NOT be made by clicking “reply” to an announcements or newsletter mailing. Clicking "reply" directs your message to our outgoing mailing list, not to the staff members you need to reach. The mailing list is moderated, so your “reply” is held in a moderation queue until our webmaster can review it and forward it to the correct person. “Reply”-generated messages do eventually get where they need to go, but it is faster and better and more efficient to direct your message to the correct destination from the beginning.
Photographs of new and established members will be taken at the church on Sunday, August 17, at 11 a.m. Look for Charles and Christine Haskell in the Southwest corner of Forbes Hall.Camp de Benneville Pines — September 12 to 14
Each year, UU Santa Monica members and friends flock to Camp de Benneville Pines, an idyllic, rustic paradise two hours east of Santa Monica (if you leave at the right time on Friday), for a weekend of ping-pong tournaments, dam building, s'mores, tye-dying and sing-along versions of every '60s song you know (or don't). New this year: get to know UUSM's intern minister and spend some quality time with DRE Catherine Farmer Loya and her family.
You are invited to join us! Singles, couples, and families young and old enjoy clean mountain air, lots of activities, great camp food, and fellowship. Rustic heated cabins are clean and comfortable, with indoor plumbing and hot showers, for "roughing it, gently".
See http://archive.uusm.org/getting-involved/events/lifespan-religious-education/camp-debenneville-pines-uuccsm-weekend-retreat for more information, including a registration form. You can also pay online at uusm.org under “make a donation.”
Prices start at $145/person for adults, $85/person for kids, and $110 for teens. That price includes all food and
activities for the weekend!
This year we are also offering a limited number of financial aid “camperships” for those who need them. If that's your situation, your camp fee is just half-price (down to a slim $73 per adult), and FREE for kids/teens. Or
alternately, if you're flush with cash, you could contribute to the campership pot, which would help even more campers make it to Camp de Benneville in September. A full camp is a happy camp, and we aim to be very happy. Contact Jacki Weber for more information.
Jacqueline Schwab
From Our Minister
I am delighted to report that we have a Communications and Volunteer Coordinator! Our new staff member is Jacqueline Schwab, and her first day in the office was Thursday, May 22.
A graduate of Oberlin College, Jacqueline brings strong administration and communications skills to the position from her previous work as Administration and Operations Manager for a large auction house in Los Angeles. Her coworkers describe her as a mediator and an organizer who is calm under pressure and never misses a deadline. After years in a for-profit setting, she is ready to leap into the non-profit world, where she wants to give back and be part of a more meaningful, helping community.
Many thanks to Robin Wohlman for her assistance in the office during the time of transition.
— Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
Guest Musicians for the Summer
June 15 - Gertrude Bradley
June 22 - Paul Meier
June 29 - Debra Penberthy
July 6 - Ohannon
July 13 - Jared Anderson
July 20 - Leslie Beauvais
July 27 - Joe Engleman
August 3- Lynn Angebranndt
August 10 - Debra Penberthy
August 17 - DJ Alex Transistor
August 24 - Whyman Project
Camp de Bennevill Pines -- September 12-14
Each year, UU Santa Monica members and friends flock to Camp de Benneville Pines, an idyllic rustic paradise two hours east of Santa Monica, for a weekend of reveling in nature, ping pong tournaments, dam building, s'mores, tie-dying and sing-alongs. Singles, couples and families young and old enjoy clean mountain air, lots of activities, great camp food and fellowship. Look for additional information in the August newsletter. Sign-ups are currently being taken at archive.uusm.org Just click on the event in the September calendar to download the registration form. Prices start at $145/person for adults, $85/person for kids and $110 for teens.