We, by our very nature as human beings, long for connection.  We will seek ways to be in association, cohesion, solidarity and community with what feeds our soul.  This will occur in ways that defy logic, reason and convenience.  There are some things to which we attach ourselves that are transient.  And such things, often with critical importance, come and go.  Our hearts rise and fall with their entry and exit.  But there are other things to which we will always, and inseparably, be connected.  These bring about the sighs and exultations of the universe.  This is a sermon about the transient and the permanent within ministry and our human evolution.  

The story of Abraham and Sarah includes God coming to them announcing that Sarah will bear a child.  But by this time Sarah and Abraham are nearly a hundred years old (they lived a long time back then).  Sarah's reaction to bringing children into the world is to laugh.  Why does she laugh?   We will think about the laughter that's important for every community to have and also offer appreciation and praise for DRE Kathleen Hogue on her last Sunday with us at UUCCSM.

There is an essential new truth emerging in our culture that is challenging us to re-think one of the most basic elements of self identification.  We are now being asked to clarify pronouns rather than simply rely on our own assumptions of gender.  This pulls us all - some, kicking and screaming - into an enlightening new era of self definition that will test our mental, emotional and linguistic flexibility.  The reward, of course, is a much more expansive and accepting world in which there is more beauty abiding and more love possible.  

Greg has done a wonderful sermon on this, and it’s time to get a woman’s perspective.  This sermon will give examples of patriarchy experienced in the congregation and the world.  

Please join the Healthy Congregation Council in reflecting upon staff transitions occurring at UUCCSM. We will have the opportunity to listen to one another as we share our thoughts, concerns, challenges, expectations and aspirations for the coming church year. Please sign up at the Right Relations table, email us at RightRelations@uusm.org or speak to a Right Relations Team member about your interest. Contact Audrey Lyness at alyness@aol.com.  >> details

UUSM Obituary at: http://news.uusm.org/two-memorial-services-this-weekend-june-8-and-9-2019/

What: Lets create a new vision of our Lifespan Religious Exploration Program together!  Let our collective voices be heard with heart, spirit and compassion.

Join the LRE Program Task Force, The Board of Directors, and our UUA Regional Staff, Sarah Gibb Millspaugh to collaborate on our new vision of what our LRE Program could be.  

We will ask the great questions:

How can we encourage more families and youth to be part of our Community?

How can we do more exciting and fun faith formation out in the community doing cool FIA projects?

What does a successful LRE program look like for UU Santa Monica?

Your Advance Directive is a legal document that can speak for you when you cannot speak for yourself. It empowers an agent that you select to make medical decisions for you and act as your advocate in difficult times. In this workshop we’ll explore materials that can help you make the choices to mark on your directive. Bring your questions, maybe a previous directive or “living will” document, and join us for homemade muffins Saturday morning, from 9:30 am to noon in the Warren Matthews Conference Room. This is the first of a two part workshop. Contact: Joyce Holmen. One time materials cost: $5.00. 

Contact: Joyce Holmen, or email AdultRE@UUSM.org.