Come and play ukulele with us or join with another strumming instrument. We recommend a familiarity with the ukulele for this online format but all levels are welcome (beginner to advanced). Bring a ukulele to our Zoom meeting and chords and lyrics will be provided in advance with a few folks prepared to lead some songs. We will share tips and support each other, pulling from a wide range of music. We will need your email contact information by February10, so that we can send you the music ahead of time. This event is for ages 15 and up, or 10 and up if accompanied by a guardian.  We will gather from 9:30 - 10:45 am. 

Contact: Kim Kalmanson.

Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins

Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae

Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae

This Winter, the Peace & Social Justice Committee offers another opportunity to read and discuss Dr. Ibram X Kendi’s “How to be an Antiracist.” Last year’s acclaimed New York Times #1 Bestseller was our guide for several sessions of provocative, important learning and dialogue in early 2020. In the time since, our country has been roiled by more violence, protests, and a renewed call to confront systemic racism. And this instructive volume has solidified its place as something of a “common read” to understand both racism and anti-racism today. This is a chance for more UUSM members and friends to join us as we reconvene to review Dr. Kendi’s lessons and apply them to what we have seen and experienced during this difficult years.

Ibram Kendi is a professor of history and international relations and founder of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University, along with a new center at Boston University. He became the youngest winner of the National Book Award for his previous work, “Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.” In “How to be an Antiracist,” he argues that a redefinition of terms — focusing on policies rather than attitudes and feelings — is in order if we are to properly confront the historical legacy and enduring oppressive systems of racism. Drawing on his personal story of struggle and awakening, he writes that “being an anti-racist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination.”

The Faith In Action: Peace & Social Justice Committee undertakes this study as part of ongoing work we have been doing for many years. Study groups such as this (following texts like “The New Jim Crow,” “This Changes Everything,” “The Third Reconstruction,” “Justice on Earth,” and “White Fragility”) help us, together, to seek knowledge and grow in our understanding of how systemic racism continues to shape our society. Growing our knowledge and understanding, in turn, help us to bear witness and work for change as part of our congregation’s commitment to UU principles of love and justice.

Please join us for this important work!

Join us in virtual space Sat. Jan. 23rd and Sat. Jan. 30th, 3-5PM, and Wed. Feb. 3rd, 7-9PM (Dates to be confirmed).

Please email justice@uusm.org for the Zoom link.

Many visitors come to UUSM with a host of questions ranging from "What is Unitarian Universalism?" to "What do UUs believe?" Our Inquirers Series for vistiors, new members and current members is designed to help answer these questions and many others.

The Series consists of nine sessions that are presented consecutively from January 10th through March 7th. You may attend any session at any time; it is not necessary to attend them in sequence nor is it necessary to attend them all, although we hope you do so. The following is a list of Sessions:

1.  1/10/21 - Session 1: UU History & sources & The 7 Principles

2.  1/17/21 - Session 2: Campus Tour, Orientation and Church History

3.  1/24/21 - Session 3: Worship and the Liturgical Year

4.  1/31/21 - Session 4: Q & A with the Minister

5.  2/7/21   - Session 5: Faith Development for Children & Our Whole Lives (OWL)

6. 2/14/21  - Session 6: Adult RE: Personal, Intellectual & Spiritual Development Groups & Programs

7. 2/21/21  - Session 7: Faith in Action

8. 2/28/21  - Session 8: Pastoral Care & Chalice Circles

9. 3/7/21    - Session 9: Membership 101

Please send an email to visitormeetup@uusm.org to register. You will then be sent the zoom link.We lool forward to seeing you.

Norm Richey - Co-Chair, Membership

Join us for a weekday morning short meditation and check-in session to encourage connection and accountability around mindful presence and daily action. We will meditate for 10-15 minutes and share priorities, victories, and stumbling blocks in our work-at-home/family life in this unprecedented time. Led by Jacki Weber. 

Email uusmreassist@uusm.org for Zoom Room.

“First Church and artistic partners, including our very own UU Santa Monica music staff, present the third annual Fulfilling the Dream concert in celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and as a call to action to carry on the work that he helped establish. The concert will feature musical performances from ensembles around Los Angeles, a reading of Dr. King’s words by renowned actress Anna Deavere Smith, and a conversation with Scott Carter and Michael Render (aka Killer Mike) focused on the work of ending systemic racism in the United States.                                                                                                                                                                                     This event streams on Friday, Jan. 15, at 7PM. A link to the virtual concert can be accessed through fccla.org/live."

Nature Journaling with Dorothy Steinicke

Sunday, January 17, 2021 from 2:30pm-4pm

Insects

In our upcoming nature journaling session we will investigate insects. These
are underappreciated and vital members of the animal kingdom. I won’t ask
you to collect any (although you can if you want). We will work from
photographs as we take a closer look at insects and reflect on their places in
our lives and our world.
The nature journaling group has been meeting monthly to contemplate, write
about and draw various aspects of nature. It is a way to slow down and
come to a deeper appreciation of the world around us. No knowledge, skill
or experience are necessary and new participants are always welcome.
A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Dorothy Steinicke has spent years
encouraging people to experience the natural world. She leads hikes for
children and for adults in Topanga Canyon, Ballona Wetlands, and
Dockweiller State Beach.

Michael Eselun