Jul-05
From Our Minister:
The Rev. Judith Meyer is on vacation during July. Her column will resumein August.
News & Announcements:
Your Clutter is Our Treasure
Contact Ed Field or Phil Bonacich to donateitems to the UU Mens' Group September garage sale.
Mother's Day Picnic was a Huge Success
Moms,children, fathers, in-laws - it was everybody's Mother's Day potluck party inour own Anderson Courtyard. (There were two people with no food, and we fedthem, too.) A wonderful automatic bubble machine, thanks to Jacki Weber whobrought it, triggered gales of laughter as children leapt about trying to catchthe bubbles. Thanks to the unofficial volunteers who set up tables and chairs.The picnic was a gratifyingly good time for all.
- Serena Shames
Extended Family Picnic will be Held on July 10
We had so much fun at the Mother's Day picnic we've decided to do it again.So mark your datebook and get out your cooler. Sunday, July 10, in the 17thStreet lot after service, we'll have a picnic, along with balls, bubbles andmore for the young 'uns and nice conversation for the over 10 set. Everyone'sinvited. We hope to mix up the generations and share our lunches. No need toRSVP. Just show up and bring your own lunch. For more information, contact JackiWeber.
Board Members Have a New Role in the Sunday Morning Services
Starting in July, each Sunday a member of the church board will play a roleby carrying out the welcoming part of the service. This will increase the members'awareness of who is serving on their board.
Another Successful Food Sort
UUCCSMvolunteers (here with Bruce Rankin, director of the Westside Food Bank, secondfrom right) completed another successful food sort at the Food Bank in SantaMonica on June 16, filling boxes of canned goods, packages of groceries, andjars of baby food collected by letter carriers in their May food drive. Theboxes are distributed by agencies sponsoring food pantries for hungry people(mostly the working poor) on the Westside. Our church participates in thesefood sorts in June and December
Our Ordinations
On Sunday, June 12, our formerFaith in action intern, Susan Conrad, was ordained by the FirstParish in Cambridge, MA. The Rev. Judith Meyer preached the sermon. Susan willbe moving back to the West Coast to spend a year as a chaplain intern at AltaBates hospital in Berkeley. The Rev. Jory Agate, Minister of Religious Educationat the First Parish in Cambridge, also participated in the service. (Jory isCarol's daughter.) Church members Pat and Ned Wright, as well as David Denton,were present for the ordination ceremony.
On Sunday, June 19, in our sanctuary, our former ministerial intern, StefanieEtzbach-Dale (right) was ordained by the congregation.
Living Green Group Launches
The Seventh Principle of the UUA is "Respect for the interdependent web ofall existence of which we are a part." So we have started an e-mail conversationabout "Living Green," discussing ways to leave a lighter footprint on the earth.To join in, go to http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/livinggreen
Here are two tips from our group that we would like to share with you:
1. Buy paper towels, tissue, and toilet paper made from 100% recycled paper.(Sold at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.)
2. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save energy.
Contact Sandra Trutt for more information.
Building News:
Planning Commission to Hold Critical Hearing About Our Church Building Projecton July 20
On Wednesday, July 20, the Santa Monica Planning Commission will review ourapplication for a Conditional Use Permit and Variance. The two permits are neededfor us to build new Religious Exploration classrooms to the north of ForbesHall and to convert the old house to offices so we can expand the size of oursanctuary. We are urging all members, friends, and supporters of the churchand its project to write to the Planning Commission or to attend to expresstheir support in person.
If you choose to write, please send your letter by June 30 to the PlanningCommission, Attention Roxanne Tanemori, Associate Planner, Planning & CommunityDevelopment Department, City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Room 212, Santa Monica,CA 90401. Note that you are writing regarding Variance 05VAR006 and ConditionalUse Permit 05CUP004 for 1248-1260 18th Street by the Unitarian UniversalistCommunity Church of Santa Monica. Please note whether you are a member, friend,neighbor, or supporter of the church. Note any other roles you have in the SantaMonica community, including living in Santa Monica, owning a home or business,or volunteering with local community groups.
Here are some key points you may want to include: The sanctuary was built 75years ago, in 1930, and the social hall in 1961. Both were built before on-siteparking was required. Recognizing the need to accommodate parking for memberson Sundays, our church has a longstanding agreement to use UCLA's garage at16th and Arizona. On a typical Sunday, 40 to 50 members park their cars in thisstructure to avoid crowding on local streets. The congregation has approveda Good Neighbor Parking Impact Reduction Plan to assure that all groups usingchurch facilities work to reduce noise and parking problems for our neighbors.Be sure to note if you regularly walk, bike, carpool or park in the garage.
The proposed project preserves the Craftsman bungalow on its original site,moving it forward and away from side property lines to conform to setbacks.The house would be used for offices, while a new classroom wing would be locatedbehind the old house, with open space between the two buildings. The plan preservesthe scale and character of the existing buildings, including our historic sanctuary.
Be sure to talk about how important the project is to you, the fact that thechurch has been working on the project for six years, and your support for thecurrent plans.
If you can, join us on July 20 to deliver your message in person. The locationis City Hall on Main Street and the time is 7 p.m.
- Alison Kendall, Chair, Building Committee
Splinters from the Board:
At the June meeting, the board approved allowing the UU Service Committee tocontact members of our congregation to ask for funds for UUSC's worldwide projects.
It was unanimously approved that we discontinue participation in the stateunemployment program, replacing it with a severance policy and fund. As a churchwe are entitled to an exemption.
The board reappointed the Bylaws and Policies Committee, which consists ofthree board members (Charles Haskell, Carol Agate, Melinda Ewen) and two membersof the congregation (John Fels, John Agnew). Warren Mathews, who has been theinstitutional memory for the committee, has resigned, so a new member will haveto be found.
Ron Crane reported that the current Capital Campaign is at about the halfwaypoint with around $551,000 pledged. A table has been established in the courtyardfor those who have not yet pledged. It was pointed out that expenses of thecampaign are well below budget, largely because Ron's management has made itunnecessary to hire a consultant.
Alison Kendall, Building Committee Chair, said that the City Planning Commissionhearing will now be held on July 20, and that the building project target is$2 million, which is the total of the past and present Capital Campaigns.
Hillary Price has been appointed to the Finance Committee, Hillary is a financialplanner employed by American Financial Services.
Carol Agate, Treasurer, reported that the current deficit is approximately$16,550. Final figures will be available at the end of June.
The Rev. Judith Meyer reminded the board that summer services, which consistof one service at 10 a.m., begin July 3 and continue through September 3. Shetraveled to Cambridge, MA, for the ordination of Susan Conrad and will participatein the ordination of Stefanie Etzbach-Dale on June 19.
Catherine Farmer, Director of Religious Education, reviewed Sunday serviceRE Ceremonies. In the RE ceremony on June 3 each class presented something aboutwhat the Second and Third UUA Principles mean to them. The May 22 Coming ofAge ceremony was attended by a packed audience at both services. The 8th gradersparticipating were Nicky DePaul, Hannah Groezinger, Jordan Paddock, Tommy Nunan,Natalie Storey, John-Michael Lisovsky, Alyssa Wood, Karra Maas-Ruane, ConnerNannini, Casey Zierler, and Alex Rosenthal. Thanks were given to advisors BarbaraKernochan, Mel Horan, and Gary Kinsinger, as well as to the mentors. In addition,there was a Bridging Ceremony on June 12 recognizing this year's graduatinghigh school seniors and reminding to the congregation that we should includethese young people in all activities.
Catherine also described summer activities. The summer program will be on peopleand cultures of different time periods. Preschoolers will examine the five senses- seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching. Catherine has recruiteda team of RE teachers for the coming year. Annual training for teachers willbegin on Saturday, September 10.
Church Administer Marie Kashmer-Stiebing reported that we lost three memberswho moved, but gained five new members for a total membership of 467. She hiredMark Dwyer as the new weekend sexton, and she is seeking a bookkeeping firmor individual to replace Steven Andrews, who has resigned. Marie attended atraining program for our new Lanier printer/copier/scanner/fax machine.
The Music Committee reported several achievements. It presented a successfuland well-attended concert on May 21. In addition to the choir, there were performancesby Bronwen Jones, Julie Millett, and Pete Snell. June 26 will be Choir AppreciationDay, with beautiful music at both services.The last music event of the yearwas a sparkling jazz concert by the group led by our own Louis Durra. Plansfor next year include a series of jazz concerts and four "Stevenings" events.
Choir and church member Wally Giffen has been commissioned to create a piecefor the choir, which will be presented in the fall. Judy Schonebaum is workingwith others to present a teach-in at the Watts Labor Center, which will useDirector of Music Steve Wight's arrangements of anti-war songs.
At Pat Wright's request the mission and authority of the Long Range PlanningCommittee was explained: the committee's function is to make a report and submitrecommendations for board approval. Members of the committee include the Rev.Judith Meyer, Pat Wright, Rebecca Crawford, Carol Kerr, Edna and Phil Bonacich,Greg Poirier, and Laurel Bleak and Marsha Smith. Issues considered by the committeeinclude funding, increased expectation of members, increased involvement ofmembers, and increased leadership and management responsibilities.
- Gerrie Lambson and Melinda Ewen
Other UU News & Events:
Colorado Rockies Camp Beckons
You are invited to a UU Camp in the Colorado Rockies from July 24 to 30. CampLaforet is an annual gathering of caring people who cherish community and life'sprofound experiences. It is held at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale,Colorado where the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers meet, between Glenwood Springsand Aspen. The program has something for everyone: workshops for adults, youthand children and a multitude of activities including drumming, dances of universalpeace, white water rafting and more. Check out the website: www.camplaforet.com
Register Early for Youth Camps
The PSWD Summer Youth Camps' registration forms are now available on the Campde Benneville Pines web site, http://www.uucamp.org
Please register early. Last summer, both the senior high and elementary wintercamps were full and people had to be turned away. To be sure your child hasa spot, please return your registration form and deposit as soon as possible.There is also an option to pay in full with PayPal and a credit card.
The dates for the camps are:
Sunday, July 10 to Saturday, July 16, for elementary grades2 to 6 (beginning this fall). Theme: "Let's Play! Exploring the seven principlesthrough games." Dean: Kevin Drewery.
Sunday, July 10 to Saturday, July 16, CIT Training (ages 15+and attended at least one Senior High Camp) Would you like to be a counselorat camp? Take the CIT Training. Facilitator: Kim St Clair.
Sunday, July 17 to Saturday, July 23, for junior high grades7 to 9 (beginning this fall). Project: Fun! Come to camp and play, explore thenatural environment, learn how we can positively impact the world. We'll hosta staff person from the Humane Education Project. We'll learn how we can lessenour footprint on the planet. We'll also have fun exploring Jenks Lake and themountains, playing your favorite games, and creating a UU community. Dean: BridgitPaparella.
Sunday, July 24 to Saturday, July 30, for senior high grades10 to 13 (beginning this fall). YoUUth Empowerment: May the Force be with YoUU.Youth Deans: Katie Plattner and Kevin Land. Adult Dean: Craig Block
See Alaska, Wild Creatures and More with UU Fellowship Members in July
Five Alaska UU fellowships invite other UUs to see the real Alaska for eco-spiritual/interculturalprograms in July. Visitors will stay in UU homes in Anchorage, Seward, Fairbanks,Juneau, and Sitka and enjoy discussions and dinners with Alaska UUs. They willsee whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, bears, moose, caribou, wolves, Dallsheep, puffins, eagles, and other birds in the wild from the Arctic Ocean tothe Inside Passage in the south. They will visit Denali's Mt. McKinley and Kenai'sfjords and glaciers and see totem poles, native arts, dancing, and storytelling.The Rev. Dick and Mary Weston-Jones will lead the tour. For additional information,see wuurld.org or phone toll-free (888)998-8753 for a brochure. Reservations are due April 1.
Connect with other UU Youth
ConnectUU is an online database of Unitarian Universalist youth and young adultgroups. You can find a group or event near you, register to get informationabout upcoming events and forming groups, and much more. Over two dozen newgroups and events have been added to ConnectUU in the past month - everythingfrom conferences to weekly Soulful Sundown services to movie nights to campusMinistry groups. So check it out. You may find exactly what you been lookingfor: http://www.connectuu.com
The Church of the Larger Fellowship Supports UU Members of the Military
The Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) can be a lifeline for someone whois far away from home and from her/his church community. Unitarian Universalistsstationed overseas in the military often find they benefit greatly from beingmembers of the CLF. The CLF provides an e-mail discussion list for UUs who arein the military, and offers the support of a UU military chaplain. If you knowsomeone active in the military who could benefit from some UU sustenance andsupport, please tell them about the UUMIL discussion listserve, which can besubscribed to at http://lists.uua.org/mailman/listinfo/uumil
UUA Assistance is Online
Whatever your major church activity is, the UUA probably has some materialto help you. Go to http://www.uua.org/programs/layleaderto see the areas for which there are questions and answers. Links at those locationsmay lead to other places where information is available.
UU Bed & Breakfasts Listed in Directory
Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations whereyou can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happyto provide directions and advice for their area?
The UU bed and breakfast directory UU're Home (formerly Homecomings) can fulfillyour dream. For 25 years, it has provided a network of hosts in the United States(and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open theirhome to likeminded people.
You can also become a host and be listed in the directory. Contact the directoryat info@uurehome.com to get informationabout listing your accommodations.
UU're Home has recently launched a new website at UureHome.com,where entries are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added.The paper edition, which is published every year in April, is still available(and has many more listings than the website). For a copy of the 2005 directory,send a check for $18 to UU're Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.
RE News:
RE Shining Star: Liza Cranis
Fromthe youngest of our children in the Superfriends class (3 to 5 year olds) tothe oldest in YRUU (senior high school), kids of all ages know that Liza Cranishas been an incredibly dedicated RE teacher. One of Liza's greatest strengthsis the way she identifies so closely with the age group she's working with.Her offbeat humor (remember the wonderful Halloween cow costume with an udder?)and her warm and nurturing acceptance make her a hit with all ages. Whetherdecorating the classroom in a bright and cheerful way, writing a monthly newsletterto each child in the class, or listening really carefully to what you have tosay, Liza has a knack for making each young person feel special. For the manyways Liza makes all of us in RE feel special, we honor her this month as ourR E Shining Star.
RE Sunday
Religious ExplorationSunday was on June 5. Each grade level participated, giving the congregationan insight to its program. The morning concluded with a ceremony and thanksfor the volunteers.