Newsletter for March, 2018
From Our Minister:
Achieving Balance in Life and in Resources
Dear Friends,
There’s a story of an international businessman on holiday in Mexico, where a fisherman was on his boat with a great many fish.
“How long did it take to catch that many fish?” he asked.
“Not long,” was the reply.
“Why didn’t you stay out longer?” asked the businessman.
“Because this is enough for me and my family,” explained the fisherman.
“So what do you do with the rest of your time?”
“I sleep late, play with my children, take a siesta, and talk to my wife. In the evening, I go to town and visit friends. I play the guitar and sing songs. I have a full life.”
“Well, I have an MBA from Harvard,” explained the businessman. “I can help. You should spend more time fishing. Catch more fish. You can sell the extra fish, make more money, and buy a bigger boat.”
“Why?”
“The money from the bigger boat will buy two or three additional boats. Instead of selling fish to a middle man, you sell directly to processing plants. Then, open your own plant. Then you could live in Mexico City or New York! When the business gets really big, you sell stock and make millions!”
“Wow, millions?!? What happens after that?” asked the fisherman.
“After that you’ll be able to retire on the coast, sleep in, play with your grandkids, take a siesta, and talk to your wife. In the evenings you’ll go to town and play and sing with your friends.”
Friends, I use this story as a way to introduce balance – our theme of the month. And I hope it highlights the irony of giving up presence for profit.
But I also want to challenge us to think about things beyond our personal inventory. I’m talking about how things hang in the balance of our culture and in our national/global society. Specifically, things like love, liberty, safety and justice.
Would you consider the distribution of these resources to be balanced among people? Are they significantly lacking in some communities and stockpiled in others? Might our fisherman choose to work harder if it reduced the suffering in some other family? In some other village?
When we look out at the greatest challenges in the world today I worry greatly about the imbalance between the rich and poor, the haves and have-nots, peoples of different races and different cultures. Between one gender and another – and those courageously moving beyond gender binaries altogether.
One of the key conversations I hope our country begins to move toward – and that we, in this community, begin to initiate – are balancing a variety of resources — like privilege, power, protection, decision-making authority, representation, and responsibility.
By far, one of the biggest conversations I hope we enter into is the balance of self interest vs. human interest. The balance of those holding love and those holding fear. I believe our world needs such conversations.
I believe UUSM is ready to begin them.
To the Glory of Life.
— The Rev. Greg Ward
From Our President:
Making Our Vision a Reality
The Finance Committee, the board, the staff, and numerous members are working on next year’s budget for the church.
We need your help, support, and minds.
We currently project a deficit.
This is the year we hoped to reach a balanced budget.
There is a Finance Town Hall planned to give details as we attempt to develop a budget for next year. Your attendance and participation at the Town Hall and the Annual Meeting is needed.
We also need your financial support in supporting the church in the endeavors as we attempt to make a community that addresses the needs of our church family, and our work to make the world a place that reflects our Vision and our Principles.
I strongly request that you be involved in discussions and decisions that face us. Rev. Greg has brought new possibilities to our community.
Each of us needs to be a part of that development.
Please be an active member in our work together to bring positivity to what seems to be an ever-increasingly chaotic word.
We need each other’s hearts, minds, and souls.
Please join in.
— Ron Crane
Featured Articles:
And a Hush Fell Over the Lodge. A Hush!
I remember my first de Benneville Pines experience. It was UUSM family camp in 1998. I was new to the church, newly divorced, needing a fresh start. I don’t know if I was yet attuned to de Benneville’s aura and its abundance of gifts that waited for me — all I can remember from that weekend was bunking with a roommate who snored, and that I needed a new sleeping bag.
Subsequent de Benneville trips involved our church’s young adult group (YAG) and deep sharing on the back steps of cabin 1, which should not accommodate seven adults. Twice we created elaborate ghost stories, with actors in elaborate costumes, one about “the real story behind George de Benneville.” One YAGster was dressed as an alien; why I can’t remember, but it spooked some kids more than expected. Later trips as a youth advisor I chaperoned our high school group’s cabin and helmed seed spitting contests.
Each subsequent year, de Benneville allowed me to open myself to human connections and reflections and life revelations unfolding amongst the tall pines and mountain air. For those who haven’t been, I could explain its material beauty, though essentially if you’ve been anywhere above 6,000 feet in Southern California, you get the idea. I could call the lodge and cabins “rustic” but I’ve been to other UU camps that would better resemble that overused word. It’s the setting, you see, that creates the connection with the people.
For years, my experience has been about interacting with fellow UUSM members in a relaxed setting, making friends of acquaintances, deepening bonds, finding that person at church with whom you’ve had little communication and coming down the hill with a new relationship.
And then I found Silvia, my wife, and we created two kids, and my de Benneville experience entered new chapters. I’ve seen how my kids get excited for de Benneville and I see it in new ways through the eyes of a six- and three-year old. After UUSM family camp in September we came back for Thanksgiving, which opened us to new friends from other churches in the district. And I just returned from my son Nico’s first elementary school camp. And Silvia will be attending the women’s retreat in May.
I now realize the abundance of gifts de Benneville is bestowing on my wife and sons, and so de Benneville has become that much more meaningful as a family. For kids de Benneville is — I hope this comes out right — a constructive, nurturing, community-building, friendship-forming Lord of the Flies experience. This is an experience I hope my kids take advantage of. Isn’t that what “camp” is all about?
A HUSH! Ask me about that if you don’t know, and I’ll tell you more.
— Chris Brown
Summer Camps for Youth and Families at Camp de Benneville Pines
Registration opens Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 12:01 am Early Birds save $75 on registration.
PSWD Elementary Camp (for campers completing grades 2-5)
Sunday, July 8 through Saturday, July 14 $595
PSWD Junior High Camp (for campers completing grades 6-8)
Sunday, July 15 through Saturday, July 21 $595
PSWD Senior High Summer Camp (for campers completing grades 9-12)
Sunday, July 22 through Saturday, July 28 $595
Kids spend a week with kindred spirits making friends from across the PSWD and memories that last a lifetime.
More information and registration at uucamp.org
Sign up early for UUSM Family Camp! Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16, $95 to $235 per person, includes all food and activities.
See de Benneville Pines table in Forbes Hall on Sunday, March 25, or contact Jacki Weber.
Join Our Larger Faith at UU General Assembly June 20-24 in Kansas City
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Members of our congregation who have attended General Assembly find it educational, inspiring, and a way to broaden our faith. Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the UUA through a democratic process. It’s a place to meet Unitarian Universalists from around the country, and around the world, and connect with people who are doing the work of our faith in ways and in places far beyond our reach. Anyone may attend; congregations must certify annually to send voting delegates. The 2018 General Assembly will be Wednesday, June 20 through Sunday, June 24 in Kansas City, Missouri. Most GA events will be held in the Kansas City Convention Center.
The two GAs I attended mark significant high points in my life. At the Portland GA in 2015, I learned about how the Dallas church deepens membership through a multi-year continuum of religious education courses for adult members of the congregation. The US Supreme Court announced its decision on marriage equality that Friday morning, and more than 3,000 UUs, many in yellow t-shirts, gathered immediately to celebrate that decision as a faith in the forefront of the movement, with a worship service featuring the many LGBT clergy and lay leaders who urged the world to choose love. GA 2017, in New Orleans, featured an inspirational lecture by Bryan Stevenson, who is leading efforts to heal our nation from the shame of slavery, along with large worship services with music led by UU “rock stars” including DeReau Farrar, who began his career in UU music in the sanctuary at UUSM.
Kansas City is likely to be just as exciting and inspiring. The theme of this year’s GA is “All Are Called.” Join us in Kansas City as we dive deeply into questions of mission for our UUA, for our congregations and communities, and for each of us as individuals. Please consider attending this year.
Registration and Housing Open March 1
The GA Registration and the GA Housing Reservation System open on March 1 at 9 am CST at www.uua.org/ ga/travel. There are scholarships available for those with financial need, along with opportunities to trade work for registration fees. The UUA is committed to the goal of making GA accessible to as many attendees as possible. Visit uua.org/ ga during the month of March to learn about scholarships to support delegates - particularly those from marginalized groups - and volunteer opportunities (work in exchange for registration).
Excellent Programming
GA will offer more than 175 programming selections over the course of five days. Major worships this year will be led by UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray and Rev. Sofia Betancourt. More programming details are available at www.uua.org/ga. You may also host a networking session, or present a poster on an inspiring story, best practice or a resource of interest to other GA attendees. The deadline to apply to present programming is March 15.
If you have questions or want more encouragement to attend GA this year, contact me or one of the many other people who have attended GA over the years. You’ll be glad you went!
— Abby Arnold
Right Relations
Greetings from the Right Relations Team! Yes, we have a new name. Our previous name, Right Relations Task Force, reflected our initial short-term and task-oriented mandate. We are now a Team working with you to move the Right Relations process forward, and church members who help with our Right Relations work are called Right Relations Support.
We offered two Dialogue Circles in February to invite conversation about what it means to live into our Congregational Covenant of Right Relations. The congregants who attended the February 4 and February 22 Circles reflected and shared their responses to questions exploring the application of the Covenant of Right Relations to their lives.
On Sunday, March 4, from 1 to 4:30 pm, the Right Relations Team and Support will host a Congregational Workshop, similar to the Covenant Workshop held in October. As before, we will start with an informational session in the Sanctuary, then move to Forbes Hall to work in small breakout groups. This event is open to all, and will offer an opportunity to more deeply contemplate our Congregational Covenant of Right Relations. You are invited to share your thoughts, feelings, and hopes on how we will live out, and into, the promises contained in our Congregational Covenant of Right Relations. See you then!
Don’t forget that we will vote on adoption of the Congregational Covenant of Right Relations at our annual business meeting in May.
Finally, we are seeking to add up to four new members to the Right Relations Team. Church members may nominate other members or themselves. The deadline for applications is Sunday, April 1, and new members will start their tenure on Thursday, May 17. If you are interested in serving on the Right Relations Team, write to us about your qualifications for the team, why you are interested in joining, what personal satisfaction you expect from the work, and what contribution you would like to make to the Right Relations process. This can be submitted at the Right Relations Table or via email at rightrelations@ uusm.org. Please contact any team member or come by the table if you have questions.
Right Relations Team: Vilma Ortiz and Sue Stoyanoff (co-chairs), Emily Linnemeier, Audrey Lyness, Linda Marten, Beth Rendeiro, Cassie Winters, and James Witker
Right Relations Support: Kim Kalmanson, Cindy Kelly, Margot Page, Nalani Santiago-Kalmanson, Linda van Ligten, Patricia Wright, and Steve and Sylvia Young
— The Right Relations Team
And Service is Its Prayer
Read what your fellow members are saying about which part of the church covenant that we recite together every Sunday is most meaningful to them. In this issue, we discuss: "And Service Is Its Prayer"
“The covenant resonates for me, and I like that it starts with ‘love’ because love is important. I chose this church because it has a strong commitment to doing service in the world, caring for its people and the earth. The stereotype of UUs is that we are intellectual and analytical - living in our heads - but to me this is not as important as living through our hearts: being caring, respectful, and esteeming others and our world. Where will we end up if we don’t have that?” — Katie Malich
“I originally came to the church for the R.E. program, but once my daughter grew up, I continued attending in order to go out and help in the community on behalf of the church. Both Judith Meyer and Maggie Pipes encouraged my involvement in the Westside Shelter and Hunger Coalition, through which we collected food for the Westside Food Bank, and served meals at Turning Point. Through Faith in Action now, we walk our walk and talk our talk.” — Cathie Gentile
“I like ‘service is its prayer,’ ‘the quest for truth,’ and ‘seeking knowledge in freedom.’ I joined the church to be part of a community that cares about justice and service, and that invites an open mind to new ways of looking at the world.” — Sarah Mae Harper
“I think our covenant could be enlivened by a reference to environmental and social justice. ‘Service is its prayer’ - the core of our mission and vision is how to help the broken world. People feel enlivened by helping others, and serving together helps us to set aside our differences.” — Beth Brownlie
“We express the best of our faith by doing good in the world. I have always helped those who were on the ropes or at the fringes of society, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve and advocate for the homeless community, and for those with mental health needs, through church programs.” — Sarah Robson
“The parts of the covenant that are most meaningful to me are ‘the quest for truth is our sacrament’ and ‘service is its prayer.’ I like that the church does not require a particular belief system, but rather encourages me to learn how to be a better person and to make a difference. It is important to me to participate in church activities, such as the choir and the Peace and Social Justice Committee, which help the world by sharing love and support.” — Barbara Andres
If you would like to share your thoughts about our church covenant, please contact Audrey Lyness.
-- Audrey Lyness
Troubleshooting the UUSM Website
Are you a church member who has been having trouble logging into the website, or accessing certain site areas or features? If so, we can help! Here are a couple of issues we’ve heard people have been having lately, along with some simple fixes:
My browser says I’m logged in, but the website still won’t let me access the For Members area...or the browser says I’m not logged in, but I can ignore the warning and still access the For Members area.
If your browser and/or the website seem to be confused about whether or not you’re logged in, please try clearing your browser cache and/or cookies (for more information on how to do that, see https://kb.iu.edu/d/ahic), and then log into the site again with your user name and password. This should solve the problem. Also, to keep it from happening again, you can also try logging out of the site when you leave (rather than just moving to another site or tab). This may help prevent the browser/site log-in confusion when you return for your next visit.
I no longer see the audio player under sermon listings where audio files are available for listening.
Our current audio player uses a tool called Flash, which has been deprecated (less supported) in recent versions of Chrome (and possibly other browsers). If you don’t see the audio player graphic under a sermon for which there is audio available, or if – when trying to play sermon audio – you’re getting a message that you need to either install Flash or update your Flash player...please note that you probably don’t need to do either, especially if you’ve been able to listen to the sermons on our website in the recent past. Instead:
1. Look at the URL address bar near the top of your browser. Find the little icon at the left-hand end of the bar – it should be either a circled “i” (which says “Website Information” when you mouse over it), or a little padlock with the word “Secure” next to it. Click the icon.
2. At the bottom of the small pop-up window that opens, click “Site Settings.”
3. In the Settings page that opens, scroll down to “Flash,” and at the right-hand side of the page, click the little down-pointing arrow to open the drop-down menu. It is probably set to “Ask.” Change the setting to “Allow.”
4. Return to the church site, re-load the page, and the Flash player for the sermon audio should now be showing...and it should remain available whenever you return to the site using Chrome on that particular computer.
I am a former church member and can no longer access the For Members area of the website. How can I keep reading the PDF newsletter?
If you are no longer a UUSM church member, we may have recently downgraded your website account (if you still have one), from «member» to «friend» status, so you will no longer be able to access the PDF version of the newsletter (or other content) in the For Members area of the site. We do understand, though, that for many former members – especially those who have moved away from Los Angeles – the monthly newsletter is a vital means of staying in touch with much-loved church friends and activities...and we would like to maintain your access to this special document. So if you no longer have member-level access to our website, but would still like to receive the color PDF version of the newsletter each month, please contact webmaster@uusm.org, and we will put you on a special direct e-mail list for former members. You don’t have to lose your newsletters!
Finally, if you have a different question about the website, or are having trouble with any aspect of the site, please check the Website Help page (the link is always in the upper right-hand corner of every page)...or contact webmaster@uusm.org - we’ll be happy to help.
-- Elizabeth Fuller
Building a Lifelong Commitment to UUSM
The Stewardship Team works to bring the congregation together to support the church financially through community building and annual pledging. This is the first of a series in which team members share their stories. My name is Cynthia Kelly, and I am a member of the Stewardship Committee. I would like to share some of the reasons why I support this Church with my pledge each year.
To give you a little history about me: I grew up in this church. My parents joined the church not long after they moved here from Wisconsin in 1948. My family and my extended family – uncles, aunts, and cousins – have all been members of this church. It has been the church home for all of us for all these years.
I was involved in the RE program from the time I was a little girl until I graduated from high school. It is my opinion that the Religious Education Program I experienced in this church informs a lot of who I am and the principles I follow today. It was here that I learned about respect and tolerance for others, no matter their culture, religion, or ethnicity. Also, how to wonder about everything – from the stars to how to plant a seed then watch the roots grow down and the stems grow up.
As I grew up in RE, I learned how to participate in social justice, nonviolently, and how to love, and be loving of others, despite my differences with anyone. Also, how to think and question everything, including ecology and politics and the unanswerable questions like, “What is the meaning of life?” One of the reasons I support the church is to give back to the RE program that gave me so much a long time ago.
I am also thankful for all the friends I have made over the years; I am still in correspondence with my childhood friend in the church whose mother was my RE teacher. She lives in New Zealand now, but we still have a strong bond of friendship that we created those many years ago.
Another reason that I am grateful for this church is that it has always been here for me in times of joy, as well as times of sorrow. We say that every Sunday, but it becomes personal when the church and your minister are where you go to help you with the passing of the older members of your family, or when you have a tragic and unexpected loss, like when I lost my son. Or when the minister calls, as he did recently, to find out how you are doing when your husband has surgery.
Lastly, I am appreciative of the music program in this church in which I participate and which has brought me great joy and has helped expand my participation in music in other places. I joined the choir 16 years ago after my son died and that act, which was suggested by the Rev. Judith Meyer, was a life saver for me. It made me want to live again, and it made me want to find joy in my life.
So, when you think about what you can offer to our church, please consider your connection and what the church means to you, and give what you can to keep the Unitarian Universalist Church here on 18th and Arizona, the one that I have loved for so many years, viable. I believe UUSM is an important institution, a meaningful, welcoming place, and one that I want to exist for a long time.
— Cynthia Kelly
HOW DO YOU GET INFO ABOUT UUSM?
In August and September of last year, the Communications Team undertook a survey of members. We were looking to find out how members get information about what’s going on at church, but also, what makes them feel connected to church when they’re not there. UUSM staff and volunteers currently expend a great deal of time and money on the various communications efforts. By gathering information about the relative successes of different channels, and members’ preferences, we hope to make better decisions on how we allocate resources in the future. And maybe try some new things.
Eight members of the Comm Team conducted interviews with 74 (mostly) randomly assigned congregation members. The Comm Team members conducted the interviews themselves. Most interviews were conducted over the phone, but a few people connected in person. One respondent preferred email. The survey included both multiple-choice (e.g., Do you have a church directory?) and free-response (e.g., Do you want to comment on the newsletter and its value to you?) questions. The responses were entered onto a Google Survey form.
The decision to conduct interviews person-to-person provided excellent opportunities to connect with fellow congregants and build community. We thank all the members who took the time to speak with us frankly and openly.
The pool of respondents did lack diversity. Only a couple of respondents could be called “young people,” and other than some elderly persons, no persons with disabilities participated. While we may have gotten a pretty good picture of what our current, older congregation experiences, different methodologies would better capture the needs of the future.
Highlights
• 70% of respondents get the Thursday Announcements by email and find them useful.
• 60% of respondents offered a comment on the newsletter that was favorable or very favorable.
• A quarter reported that they have trouble with the members-only section of UUSM.org.
• Another quarter said they do not access the website at all.
• Half of respondents are not on social media.
• Though it was not included as a survey question, 28% mentioned church services, the Order of Service, and talking to friends as primary ways they get info about the church. Of course!
• More than half of respondents expressed a disappointment in or disconnection with the church and/or communications. (Some have been referred for pastoral care.)
Showcase Sunday Spurs Involvement
On Sunday, January 28, the Board of Directors, 16 committees, 12 special interest groups, and five Sunday volunteer groups set up spaces at tables in Forbes Hall and welcomed the members and friends of our congregation to engage in conversations. People learned how committees work, what it would feel like to be on the committees, and some joined a committee. It created good energy in the room. Many people suggested we do it again.
A few things we learned for next time: we’ll spread out more to improve circulation, enlarge the names of the groups on the posters, and add a few more activities. In order to organize the Showcase we needed to collect information from all the committees. As a result, you can go to UUSM.org->Getting Involved->Committees->Nominating Committee to see links to Posters from the Showcase which give a good overview of each committee and to see a list of all committees and their members. This committee membership list is an editable Google Doc; we trust you to update it. This Showcase Sunday was a joint effort of the Nominating and Membership committees.
— Bob Dietz
News & Announcements:
April Newsletter Deadlines
The April 2018 issue of the UUSM Newsletter will be published on March 27. Deadline for that issue is Thursday, March 15 at noon. Please submit announcements to office@uusm.org. Submit articles to newsletter@uusm.org.
Rev. Greg’s Sunday Sermons Available for Purchase
The Rev. Greg Ward’s sermons are now available for purchase at the church office at $10 per publication. All proceeds will be contributed to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund to help those who are in need in our community. If you would like to order a copy of the monthly sermons you can either mail a contribution to the church or call the office and pay with a credit card and the sermons will be mailed to you. You can also stop at the office during office hours to purchase a copy.
Second Sunday Supper - CENA DI FAMIGLIA (Italian Family Dinner) hosted by the Stewardship and Membership Committees March 11 • Potluck at 6 pm • Forbes Hall
We hope you can make it to this informal, community potluck event. It has been described as, “…a chance to meet over good food, bond in conversation as we get to know one another. It is also “an opportunity to develop and deepen friendship and trust.” Bring a side dish or dessert if you can. As always, to save on waste and promote green living, we kindly ask that you bring your own plates, cups, utensils, and cloth napkins (we will have extra dishes if you cannot bring your own). Contact: Norm Richey.
UUSM’s World Religions Banners Will Soon Include Humanist Tradition
I
n late 2014, the UUSM board unanimously approved the addition of a banner representing Humanism to the parade of symbols on display in our historic sanctuary. Humanism is a philosophical tradition of reason and compassion; it emphasizes the responsibility of human beings to lead ethical lives that aspire to the greater good of humankind and our planet, without regard to theism or the supernatural. It traces its roots to the ancient Greeks and the Renaissance, and has been an influential and integral theology within Unitarian Universalism for at least a hundred years.
It has taken some time to move the plan for this banner from aspiration to reality. A dedicated group of us, including some who were instrumental in the design and implementation of the existing banners (thanks to Ron Crane, Joyce Holmen, David Olson, Carol Ring, Pam Teplitz, and Mark Warkentin) to identify the most appropriate design and ensure aesthetic consistency. We are happy to report that the process is nearing completion. In the next few months, the Humanist banner will join the other world religious traditions on the walls of our congregation, helping to honor and welcome the contributions of non-theists to our community of love and justice beyond belief.
— James Witker
Need a Photograph for the Directory?
All church members are listed in the church directory, along with their photographs. If you are a new member, or a longtime member whose photo needs refreshing, Charles Haskell welcomes you to his home studio for your headshot. Contact Charles to set up an appointment.
Annual Reports by Committee and Program Leaders Due Soon
Each year our Annual Reports, in many voices, offer detailed perspectives on the life and times of our church. They can educate and inspire current and future members and leaders. And your committee or program deserves to be included this year with a write-up that’s due April 16.
— Joyce Holmen
ARE YOU AWARE? Walking Distances Present Barriers
From cottage to sanctuary to Forbes Hall to the Mural Room to the parking structure. Up steps and stairs. And down. There is a lot of walking we may need to do at church. This is hard for some of us.
Those who find distance a challenge and come to church by car need to be able to park in the spaces behind the church on Sundays. The parking for persons with disabilities in the parking structure at 16th is too far away. Some in our community have felt burdened or stayed away due to this barrier.
You can help by looking around as you are involved in the church. Can you park in the UCLA parking structure and leave a space free near or behind the church? Do you have a need that is not being addressed? What can be done to improve access for you, or someone you know?
You can help by talking with the Disability Support Group and others in the Church about ways to improve support for persons with disabilities in our church community or by sharing your concerns and needs. Not sure whom to contact? Look for Mark Christiansen, Michael Young, Steve Young, or Sylvia Young.
— Steve Young, for the Disability Support Group
The Homeless Street Care Project
There is now a donation box in Forbes Hall where you can leave items such as blankets, underwear, socks, and toiletries to fill care kits for 100 needy people. Flyers listing what we still need are available at the donation box.
UUpcoming Event
May 20.......ANNUAL MEETING
Faith in Action News:
Roy Zimmerman ReZists!
Political folksinger Roy Zimmerman brought his ReZist tour to the UUSM sanctuary on Sunday, February 11, with performances at both worship services, and a community fundraiser that filled the church that evening. Zimmerman’s songs, available on YouTube, iTunes, and CD, speak to the issues facing our country, including gun violence and marriage equality. The Rev. Greg Ward made Roy Zimmerman the beneficiary of the newly-inaugurated Entrepreneurial Ministry Project, to recognize “inspired individuals following an entrepreneurial call to cast a vision, call out shared values, wake people up, and get people involved in changing the world.”
Spirit of the Sixties: Then and Now
Photojournalist and peace activist Francesco Da Vinci will offer a talk and multimedia presentation about his struggle as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, hosted by the Peace & Social Justice Committee on Saturday, March 3, at 5 pm in the sanctuary. He is currently producing a documentary film about his story, the lessons of the 1960s, and how they can be applied to today’s divided America. Discussion will follow the presentation.
— James Witker
Valentine's Day Protest
On Valentine’s Day, UUSM members joined CLUE organizers, clergy, and other community supporters to walk the picket line with workers at the JW Marriott Le Merigot hotel as they continue their struggle for fair treatment. The day concluded with an Ash Wednesday blessing at the shore.
Splinters from the Board:
Board Tackles Budget Challenges
The board met in Forbes Hall on February 13 with nine board members, Rev. Greg, and nine guests in attendance. Jerry Gates lit the chalice with the thought that although we are different, our efforts are united.
There were no new members this month. The current membership is 314, with 17 members lapsed since the January board meeting.
Rev. Greg spoke of working hard and feeling tired but not giving up. A majority of the targets he has set (Worship, Pastoral Care, Staffing, Leadership Development, etc.) are on track or ahead of schedule; and Membership and Adult RE are making progress. But tiredness is likely to continue until there is a way to address (with the understanding and commitment of the whole congregation) the magnitude of needs that require the work of more than staff and, historically, just 15% of the congregation, to meet.
A lengthy discussion of the budget process and the projected minimum deficit of ~$60,000 for FY ’18-19 followed. Treasurer Kim Miller provided a comprehensive report on the deficit and possible scenarios to address it. Patricia Wright provided the status of the Committee on Money Reserves since its inception. A Town Hall meeting on the budget will be held on Sunday, March 18.
A lengthy discussion on the role of stewardship in addressing the deficit, culminated in a motion and the commitment of the board to have courageous conversations with the congregation and to make a three-year plan to develop a culture of high expectations and commitment.
UUSM board meetings are held on each second Tuesday and are open to all members. For more details, contact one of the board members or read the minutes and materials of each meeting, which are posted on the website in the “For Members” section.
— Patricia Wright
RE News:
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION:
Moving Toward Credentialed Status
My credentialing work is well underway. This process takes time and it takes support from you! For me it involves a great deal of reading, writing, reflection, and even more education. This is going to make me a stronger leader in doing the work that we all do together.
Some benefits to the congregation are:
• A stronger, more vital religious education program and multigenerational ministry
• A religious educator with demonstrated knowledge and skill in the many areas of religious education leadership, such as program administration, Unitarian Universalist history, religious education philosophy, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism, and right relations and professional ethics
• Assurance that the religious educator has met professional development standards and is held accountable to professional ethics guidelines by the UUA
• The potential for enhanced collegial relationships among staff members
• A religious educator with the professional confidence that comes from knowing that s/he has been evaluated and recognized by the UUA as a professional religious educator, and
• Recognition by the UUA as a congregation that supports and values professional excellence.
This will continue to be a journey full of accomplishments, joys, and opportunities for congregational support. One of the ways you can show your support is by showing up for church services, children’s classes, OWL, and adult and multigenerational gatherings. See below for our next event. I appreciate this congregation’s commitment and support in continuing education and professional development of its staff members. I am looking forward to many years of shared ministry here at UUSM.
— Kathleen Hogue
March Madness: March 17 6 pm in Forbes Hall - Cost: $25
Dress in your jersey, stripes, hats, and shoes. This party will be fun no matter which team you choose. We will have pizza, wings, sandwiches, and more. Whatever your taste you will definitely score. Bring the kids, they’ll have fun too, with lots of activities for them to do. Come watch the game and be a team player. Funds will go toward paying our RE Assistant. Tickets: Kathleen Hogue uusmdre@gmail.com
ADULT RELIGIOUS GROWTH AND EDUCATION
New Adult RE Offerings for March 2017
Humanist Voices in Unitarian Universalism
Join me as we read and discuss this new and remarkable little volume of provocative, inspiring, and heart-warming essays that just might challenge your view of Humanism – whether you consider yourself a Humanist or not. Contributors include luminaries of Secular Humanism and Unitarian Universalism such as Edd Doerr, Michael Werner, Chris Stedman, Rev. David Bumbaugh, Rev. Kendyl Gibbons, and Rev. William Murry.
From the publisher:
“In this highly anticipated collection, Unitarian Universalist Humanists present their faith perspectives in 23 engaging and thought-provoking essays. The contributors, both lay and ordained, demonstrate why Humanism has been one of the bedrock theologies of Unitarian Universalism for the last hundred years. They reflect on what it means to be a religious Humanist today and how they see the movement evolving in the twenty-first century. They explore Humanist history, beliefs, approach to life, social justice, community, and religious education. Together, these voices proclaim a passionate affirmation of a rich and dynamic tradition within Unitarian Universalism.”
We’ll meet for three to four sessions. Dates, times, and locations will be decided by the group participants at the meetings. Sign up and purchase the book at the Adult RE table and/or contact James Witker.
“Building Your Own Theology: Ethics meets the 5th UU Principle”
Over two workshops, we have focused on eight dimensions of moral decision-making: authority, motivation, responsibility, situation, intention, relationships, values, and character. In this workshop, we strive to discuss the 5th Principle of Unitarian Universalism in the context of these dimensions.
The 5th Principle stresses the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. Let us explore this principle in the context of the elements of moral decision-making both in the abstract and in specific scenarios generated by BYOT’s author, coverage and interpretations of current events, and workshop participants!
Don’t worry if you have not participated in past BYOT Ethics workshops – the only prerequisite for this gathering is interest.
Facilitator Leon Henderson-MacLennan. Scheduled for Sundays March 4, 11, 1 pm to 3 pm Location: Room 3 For questions, contact Dorothy Steinicke.
Music News:
Choir News
The UUSM choir will participate in a Jason Shelton workshop with the Studio City Unitarian Church on March 10, and will sing jointly with Jason and the Studio City choir on Sunday March 11 at the Studio City UU Church.
The Rev. Jason Shelton is a composer, arranger, conductor, singer, multi-instrumentalist, workshop, and retreat leader. He is the Associate Minister for Music at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashville, TN, where he has served since 1998. His compositions, familiar to people who worship in UU congregations, have been performed in churches and concert halls throughout North America, and his workshops for choirs, musicians and ministers are helping to redefine music ministry in the liberal religious tradition for the 21st century.
— Cynthia Kelly