Newsletter for February, 2019
From Our Minister:
To the Glory of Life: Trust
Dear Friends,
Eric and Alice (not their real names) ‘were’ married. And I mean ‘were’ in the tenuous past-present sense that sits like a burning lead ball in the center of your heart. Alice made a mistake, the details of which are unimportant. Eric struggled in arriving at forgiveness. That’s where the relationship ended. And where a new one would begin – IF – they figured out how in counseling.
Counseling made it clear to everyone that Eric struggled with restoring the trust. Even though they had been happy. Even though the mistake was something Alice confessed and admitted, not something she was ‘caught’ doing. Even though she acknowledged and showed remorse for the pain she’d caused. Even though she’d apologized repeatedly and outlined a plan allow trust to return.
Alice stuck to the plan. But the tears didn’t stop and the trust didn’t return. Which is when it began to become obvious that the problem wasn’t as simple as it seemed. It’s not simple, because trust isn’t simple.
After some conversations, it became apparent that Erik’s struggle wasn’t in trusting Alice. It was in trusting anyone fully.
February’s theme of the month is ‘trust’ which is something we all need to know something about. Because we will find it – and lose it – many times.
Live long enough and you will be betrayed. When betrayed, you’ll face the choice of opening up to the heartbreak, the grief and the disappointment – or closing off to the pain. Most prefer to shut down – at least for a little – which makes sense, because pain is… well, painful. But without sitting with some of that discomfort, it becomes hard to let it go. Which makes it hard to re-prime the pump that love uses to give – or receive – love again. If we never really heal, or process through those early betrayals; each new betrayal will not be a ‘simple’ matter of healing the relationship you’re currently in, it will be the complex – even impossible – job of healing every relationship heartbreak you’ve endured to that point. And whether or not our brain wants to acknowledge it, our body keeps score in this game of trust from the moment we’re born.
In the words of therapist, theologian and author, David Richo:
Some of us trust easily and appropriately because we have had a safe and secure past. Many of us, however, have had a somewhat compromised experience of trust since our parents were mostly trustworthy, but sometimes failed us. A few of us were so betrayed and abused – traumatized early and often in life – that we lost our ability to trust appropriately and reliably. Our adult relationships then might seem like one long episode of post-traumatic stress.
Eric was not in the latter category, but he had been disappointed enough in childhood and adulthood that he became extremely cautious of trusting others. Since part of trust involves risk, extreme caution usually means not trusting or extending highly conditional trust (which rarely delivers the deep connection we desire).
Deep connection – being part of a bond of trust – has two components: (1) being trustworthy (the part we think of the most – and usually questioning ‘other people’s’ trustworthiness; and (2) cultivating and maintaining ‘trust-ability.’ This second part is actually more rare since it requires us to do the hard work of processing all the little (and big) betrayals we’ve encountered in life.
Does this describe you (even more than you’d like or at certain tender periods of your life)? Does it describe those you know? People at work? The Church?
Sure it does. Because all of this is part of being human. And we’re all human.
This month, we’re going to talk about trust. Because deep connection depends on trust. And any concerted plan relying on the interdependent commitment of a diverse array of people depends on maintaining a deep connection.
When people invite you to connect; to talk about what you dream; about and what has broken your heart, take a risk. Make room in your life. Trust there is a path. And that you can walk it.
To the Glory of Life.
Featured Articles:
Black Lives Matter Banner Rededicated then Stolen Again in 3 Days
UUSM RECOMMITS TO #BLM BANNER "SIDING WITH LOVE"
On Sunday, January 20, the Universalist Unitarian Community Church of Santa Monica congregation rededicated a new Black Lives Matter/Side with Love banner to replace the one that was vandalized last spring. (The “Black Lives Matter” portion had been slashed off.) During coffee hour, we celebrated with cakes decorated with the banners’ dual messages.
As we were about to post a celebratory article on the Wednesday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we learned that the newly installed banner had been cut down and stolen sometime on Tuesday night. According to James Witker, Sarah Mae Harper, and Deirdre Dietel, writing on behalf of UUSM’s Faith in Action Committee, “A police report has been filed, and we are discerning next steps. We appreciate your support in the wake of this hateful act against our community. We expected that the new banner would face the threat of further vandalism, but were deeply disappointed that it happened after less than three days.” Several other UU congregations around the country that have taken up the clarion call of Black Lives Matter have reported vandalism.
Santa Monica City leaders, including Chief of Police Cynthia Renaud, expressed sadness at the repeat vandalism. “As much as we would all like to live in a hate-free zone, a city of 93,000 that flows daily with rivers of people from all over the world can no more dam intolerance at its borders than America can erect walls to keep out the world,” Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole wrote in an email. “I would not let the furtive actions of an unknown party or parties take away from Santa Monica’s community spirit of love and tolerance.”
The Rev. Greg Ward is pictured above standing in front of the newly hung banner on Sunday, January 20, sending a message of unity and committing UUSM to Side with Love and supporting Black Lives across America. The banner was re-dedicated at the conclusion of both services that day with the assembled congregation looking on.
Cables all that's left of Black Lives Matter banner
This image shows the tie-down cables remaining after the sign was stolen. “We are a predominantly white church in a fairly affluent area of West LA. We are steeped in privilege. We are beginning to understand what that means. And the responsibilities that go with it,” wrote Rev. Greg in a pastoral letter to our community. He went on to recount stories of oppression and complacency along with instances, here and now, that bend towards justice.
“But mostly, I will lift up that all these stories are the same story. They have the same plot and the same conflict – they are just waiting for a protagonist to appear. And the protagonist is not a person or a people. It is a conscience and some consciousness. And, finally,” he wrote, “the $250 it will cost for a new banner and a re-dedication – even if we have to do it monthly – is a small price to pay for a conscience.”
This is a developing story. Stay tuned.
Internship Committee Announcement
When we voted to take on an intern minister, we as a congregation committed to provide attentive, caring feedback to challenge and polish the skills in all areas of congregational ministry to our intern, Robin Stillwater. As a part of this learning experience, students in the ministerial formation process are asked to establish an internship committee. This committee is to be comprised of a diverse cross-section of the congregation and to have a commitment to the growth of Unitarian Universalism. Duties of the committee are to meet with the intern monthly and to assist with the learning goals, as well as to provide feedback about their ministerial presence. The committee will also be providing formal feedback to the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee with recommendations about their ministerial process.
Robin, and her Internship Committee (Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Tom Peters, Olga Felton, Beverly Shoenberger, Aubrey Sassoon and Cassie Winters) would love to hear from you to help support her growth as a minister. When considering your offer of feedback, please consider these seven competencies as a starting point: Worship and Rites of Passage, Pastoral Care and Presence, Spiritual Development for Self and Others, Social Justice in the Public Square, Administration, Serves the larger Unitarian Universalist Faith, and Leads the Faith into the Future. She is looking forward to hearing compliments, questions, observations, constructive and supportive feedback, listening to stories and having great conversations about your journey as well as sharing hers with you.
Please feel free to talk with Robin directly or to email her to set up an appointment to see her at Internminister@uusm.org. You may also contact someone on the Internship Committee who can help facilitate a conversation if needed.
Stewardship Redefines Generosity
The Institutionalizing a Ministry of Generosity (IMG) program espouses the idea that generosity is more than an action – it is an abiding attitude and a culture that encompasses many areas of congregational life far beyond money.
Congregations who are intentional about adopting new practices and paying attention to the need for cultural shifts are open to all types of giving. What does being more generous with our time look like? Could we be more welcoming, or more generous listeners? What kinds of programs could we develop within our congregational life to promote and transform our culture around all these contributions?
The IMG program is sponsored by the Pacific Western Region (PWR) of the UUA. The region provides materials and support to engage congregational leaders and help them with their work. At UUSM, volunteers have already participated in three web conference calls with other PWR congregations to begin brainstorming and to learn what other congregations are doing. Leaders from all the participating congregations will gather for a retreat February 15–17 in Phoenix, AZ, to create a 3-year plan that is specific to their congregation.
The Rev. Greg Ward, Stewardship Cochairs Gretchen Goetz and Kit Shaw, Olga Felton, and Sarah Robson are leading what we envision will become a large team here at UUSM. We’ve been working on our “homework,” which is a personal reflection on generosity. We invite all member to ask themselves,
Are there areas of my congregational life in which I find it easier to be generous?
Whom do I see modeling generosity, and how do they show it?
How do early messages I learned about money shape my feelings and attitudes today?
Looking at my current resources, are there ways in which I’d like to be more generous?
In what ways could my fellow members support me to do more?
In what ways does the congregation already call for my generosity?
What role does gratitude play in my life?
Please think about how these issues present stumbling blocks and promote joy in your life. Then discuss it with an IMG leader or any of the Connectors who are stepping forward to share their stories and explore your values, attitudes, and commitment.
IMG and Stewardship leaders continue to enlist Connectors, who will each meet with a handful of fellow congregants, one-on-one, to hear their personal stories and who are curious to learn new facets of our common vision and hopes for a brighter future.
We seek to move beyond reactionary responses and technical financial fixes. A more intentional and comprehensive approach to a culture of giving can nurture the generosity that glows within each of us.
Gretchen Goetz and Kit Shaw
Stewardship Committee Cochairs
Connecting to a Brighter Future
Dear UUSM Friends,
The church has held an important place in our hearts. We’ve been with it in good times and hard times. And it – because it is all of us – has been with us in such times. Just like ourselves and friends and family, the church can be in a good place – close to its very high potential. Or it can struggle and lead us to worry or grieve. And just like any of us, the church’s tendency to live close to its high potential is most often seen when all of its friends are close, supportive, and encouraging it to be what it is capable of being.
Right now, the church is on the rise. It is, clearly, still in a place where it knows struggle. But it is also beginning to see a path to a greater purpose and higher resolve. Of course, the promise of such a path depends on those who choose to walk it together and who pass the miles with stories of where they are headed.
As we prepare for our 2019–20 Stewardship campaign in March, we do so in stories and conversation with one another around values. Friends of UUSM are coming together to share stories of clarity, purpose, meaning… They are stories about the values at the core of our lives. The people who taught them to us. The ways in which we bring these values to life today, and how we hope they’ll be passed on to others.
If you are interested in being part of this outreach of stories and values, we invite you to become a Connector.
As a Connector, you’ll have the chance to tell your story of values, as well as the values of the church. You’ll get the chance to sit down with other people on the path and hear their stories – both personal and what they hope for the church. This is a time when we all connect our individual lives to the common good and a brighter future. We’ll describe the places we’ve found meaning, hope, and inspiration. We’ll share our vision for what we all need and what we’re all willing to commit to.
We welcome you to sign up for a Connectors training session:
Sunday, January 27 3–5:30pm
Saturday, February 2 9 am–12 pm
Wednesday, February 6 6:30–9 pm
You only need to come to one. These will be both informative and fun. You will walk away feeling better about the path you’re on and the people who are on it with you.
Please consider saying “yes” to the chance to be a Connector. And no one need wait to be asked. Contact our Stewardship Cochairs Kit Shaw and Gretchen Goetz, or myself, to let us know you’re ready to sign up. I think you’ll be very glad you did. The church certainly will, because its in these very conversations that we get to see where we’re really going.
To the Glory of Life.
-- Rev. Greg Ward
Dining 4 Dollars Auction is Approaching - February 17 & 24
On Sunday, February 3, the Dining for Dollars host sign-up table closes, if you have not entered your event online and prefer to do it in person. Please come and see Barbara J. Gibbs at the Welcome Table. Stop by, even if it’s just to chat or ask for clarification or assistance. Remember that D4$ success depends on your participation!
What is Dining for Dollars?
Dining for Dollars is one of UUSM’s largest and most successful fundraisers of the year. Don’t miss the opportunity to lend financial support to our beloved community while enjoying the fellowship of community members. From individual homes and gardens spreading out onto fascinating SoCal sites, hosts plan fun and creative events and activities. Some offer ticketed events or goods and services. We’ve got it all!
How often are events held?
The auction for Dining for Dollars events is held once a year, and the individual events take place all through the year. We have often have as many as 50 or more events up for auction!
Who may bid on and attend the events?
Bidding in the Dining for Dollars silent auction is open to anyone who attends the church, and the winning bidders attend the events.
How many events are there?
Groups and individual hosts usually offer about 50 different events each year, each with a different theme.
What kinds of themes do hosts choose?
Ethnic meals (Indian, Italian, Mexican, French, etc.) are always popular. We’ve also had sailing trips, pancake breakfasts, game nights, pool parties, Shakespeare nights, architectural tours, murder mystery parties, and even a tide-pooling picnic. The possibilities for themes are as varied and infinite as the hosts’ imaginations.
How can I host a Dining for Dollars event?
For 2019 events, please contact Barbara Gibbs. She will be happy to guide you through the process of hosting an event.
When will the next round of bidding be held?
This year’s Dining for Dollars auction dates are February 17 and February 24. Don’t miss out!
January Podcast: News Plus Kit Shaw on Generosity and Connection
UUSM’s Interfaith Quest RE class presents the January 2019 “18th & Arizona” podcast. Listen in for highlights from the online Newsletter plus an interview with Stewardship Committee Cochair Kit Shaw. She discusses the March pledge drive and how generosity means so much more than dollars and cents.
Please let these middle-schoolers know what you think of their work!
Ready, Set, Bid!
UU Santa Monica’s Dining for Dollars silent auction gives members and friends the opportunity to help the church and build community when bidding kicks off after both services this Sunday, February 17.
The dazzling array of member-hosted parties and events offers opportunities for fun and fellowship. Check out the full catalog by clicking below, and you’ll see tastings and tours; games and art; the staff and the spice of life; plus much, much more. All the proceeds – that’s 100% – from D4$ support the church’s mission and crucial programs.
If you’re not able to attend on Sunday, ask a friend to bid for you. The last chance is Sunday, February 24 at 1:00 pm. Sharp. Don’t miss out!
News & Announcements:
Community Donations
To the People Concern (formerly the Ocean Park Community Center/OPCC), through its various locations in Santa Monica, seeks to transition people from life on the streets to healthy living. Donations may be left in Forbes Hall every Sunday, by the Faith in Action table.
Contact Peggy Kharraz for more information.
Office Schedule
Church offices will be closed on Monday, February 18, 2019 for the President's Day holiday.
UUSM Committee list for review and update by committees members
To keep our Committees list updated and accurate we are asking all committees members and chairs to review and update the list. The list will be posted in the Announcements every week,and you are invited to make any appropriate changes at the link above.
Calling all Connectors!
The Stewardship Committee has begun looking for people to be Connectors to help with the upcoming Pledge Drive. If you are interested in talking to fellow congregants about our church's many gifts and about giving a pledge to the church, please contact committee chair Kit Shaw or another committee member.
West Side Community Resources
The Westside Community Resources binder is now available on the counter in the front office. The Binder includes information and contacts related to Homelessness, Adult Daycare, Seniors, Care Givers, Senior Centers etc.
Thank you to Linda Van Lighten who put it all together!
Dining for Dollars - Important Announcement!
Our thanks to the 28 people who have signed up so far to host an event.
To match our 2018 record breaking revenue, we need at least 20 more hosts. So please don't wait any longer to make your final decision.
Deadline for sign up is Sunday, February 3.
Auction Dates: February 17 and 24
Dinning 4 Dollars Table in Forbes Hall is waiting for you. Contact Barbara Gibbs for more information.
Westside Food Bank Food Sort
Sunday February 10, 11am to 1pm. This is a family friendly social service event. The age cut-off is 4 years old. So who is in? They can take 15 to 20 volunteers. If interested, contact Erik Paesel.
Camp De Benneville Pines Family Winter Camp - Saturday-Monday, February 16-18
Come Join families from UU congregations across Southern California for a long winter weekend with: Sledding, snow play, games, puzzles and crafts, family friendly workshops and activities where we “time travel,” exploring our history and imagine a future that foster kindness, learning, and caring for the earth, Dogma-free worship with songs, music, and wise words that celebrate our connection to nature and each other.
Find out more and sign up at www.bit.ly/2HfPSSv
Safe Sitter Class!
Safe Sitter® teaches young babysitters how to handle crises and how to nurture and guide young child. Safe Sitter® babysitters help children stay safe and sound while their parents are away. In the process, these 11 to 18-year-olds emerge as more confident, responsible and compassionate teens and adults.
February 16, 9:00am-4:00pm, Forbes Classroom 4. Bring a lunch! For more information or to sign up, contact Kathleen Hogue at uusmdre@gmail.com
Interfaith Co-ed Softball League Forming this Spring
Games are held on Monday nights. If interested in playing (or curious) about playing on the UU Santa Monica team contact Erik Passel. We're asking interested individuals to contribute a $25 donation to offset the dues for this activity.
Looking for Ushers
Want to help out with worship services but don't like meetings? Do you like handing out things and counting money? No commitment needed - just help when you can. Email Dan Patterson if you have questions or are interested in being trained as a UUCCSM usher!
Passover
We welcome you to join us in celebrating Passover with a Seder to be held Saturday, April 20 at 5 PM in Forbes Hall
We have invited a Rabbi intern to help us with the service which will include a reading of the Haggadah and the traditional Passover foods and wine. To cover the costs, we are asking for a donation of 15$ per person or 30$ per family plus a side dish like a vegetable, salad or dessert (macaroons, honey cake) No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
We are capping the number attending at 40 so as to provide an intimate family-like setting.
We NEED volunteers to help us with ideas, setting up and cleaning up. If you would like to help in this joyous event, please contact Resa Foreman or Teri Lucas.
Attendees can sign up at the Adult RE table in Forbes Hall or by contacting one of us.
Thank you,
The Passover Committee
Freethinker Forum Considers Anthony Pinn and Humanism in the Civil Rights Movement
In honor of Black History Month, AAHS: Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists & Secularists continues to explore the legacy of freethought and humanism within African American thought and culture, and its impact on efforts for racial and social justice in our time. We will consider some short reading excerpts and video clips, emphasizing the scholarship and thought of Dr. Anthony Pinn, a scholar of religion and Humanist philosophy, a professor at Rice University, and an African American Unitarian Universalist Atheist/Humanist.
Freethinker Forum Sunday, February 24, 1:30-3:00 PM in the Cottage. Join us for a thought-provoking and lively conversation! A diversity of viewpoints is always welcomed and encouraged.
Please note the later start time due to D4$ bidding.
Contact: aahs@uusm.org
Pledge Packets
On Sunday, February 24, and Sunday, March 3, Stewardship will be handing out pledge packets after each service. If you're a member, stop by to get your packet! If you're not a member, stop by to pick up a pledge form! This is what generosity looks like.
Faith in Action News:
Family Service Project
Sunday February 10
11am to 1pm
UU Santa Monica Members and their children will be sorting food for the Westside Food Bank. No child too young. We will be walking to the WFB at 10:30am from Church. Contact Erik Paesel for more info.
RE News:
From Our DRE:
Building Relationships Based On Trust\
“Trust comes from the Norse traust, Proto-Germanic traustam, and Old English treowian. All these roots point to confidence, reliance, protection, solace, and support. They ask, where do you find your confidence? Where do you find solace?”
One of my favorite movies, “Liar Liar” with Jim Carrey, is about a lawyer who can’t lie for 24 hours. This is his son’s birthday wish, after he disappoints him for the last time. I love the movie because it teaches the dad a lesson about earning trust by being dependable and following through on commitments.
Most of my life before Unitarian Universalism (BUU) was a time when trust was in short supply. Disappointed so many times by adults in my early life, in the areas of basics such as food, shelter and safety; I learned to only count on myself, or to trust only that the adults in my life would let me down. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” – Dr. Seuss, on trusting yourself
I carried this outlook further in life with most of my relationships. Author Christopher Pike says this, “Relationships are mysterious. We doubt the positive qualities in others, seldom the negative. You will say to your partner: do you really love me? Are you sure you love me? You will ask this a dozen times and drive the person nuts. But you never ask: are you really mad at me? Are you sure you’re angry? When someone is angry, you don’t doubt it for a moment. Yet the reverse should be true. We should doubt the negative in life, and have faith in the positive.” ―, Remember Me
That was all BUU. Now I look for the positive time and time again in all my relationships. Though I may be disappointed on occasion, I can see a pattern that demonstrates more positive than negative. I trust that for the most part, people have good intentions. I keep looking to our first principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. I remember that as Unitarian Universalists we are all working for the common good, to make the world a better place, one of peace, love and compassion.
Here at UUSM we are trying to build up relationships based on trust. We are doing this by having confidence in our board to make decisions that are in the best interest of the congregation. We are relying on our minister to take us places (where we may not want to go) but need to go in order to become a stronger and healthier congregation. We are having tough conversations about relationships, racial issues, and women in safe settings where we all can be heard. And most importantly, friendships are building!
“But it does not seem that I can trust anyone,” said Frodo.
Sam looked at him unhappily. “It all depends on what you want,” put in Merry. “You can trust us to stick with you through thick and thin–to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours–closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Yes, we are going to be disappointed at times. People are going to let us down. We are going to be hurt but we must keep returning, because we cannot begin to make a change in our communities or in our world unless we start within. We must continue to build trust. “If we are willing to embrace the challenge of becoming whole, we cannot embrace it alone—at least, not for long: we need trustworthy relationships to sustain us, tenacious communities of support, to sustain the journey toward an undivided life.” – Parker Palmer
Kathleen Hogue
Exploring the Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is a core “source of wisdom and knowledge,” forming the basis of many of the values in Western literature and culture, from Hamlet to Harry Potter. Come explore this important part of our heritage with Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews in three weekly 2-hour sessions starting Monday, February 25, 7:00pm, in the Cottage. We’ll discuss how the ideas speak to us (if at all), what the ideas might mean in practical application, and how they are or are not useful today. Register with Abby or Laura to receive the Sermon to print out and read ahead of time. Our hope is that the discussion will be uplifting, positive, and practical, with all of us learning from the perspective of others to bring a fresh awareness to these ancient words.
Adult Personal and Spiritual Exploration for February 2019
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
Recognizing and Resisting Racist Responses Sunday, February 3:
Please join us to discuss anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo’s new book, White Fragility. We will share our responses to the author’s perspectives on implicit bias and structural racism, and explore the unconscious strategies that white folks may engage in to defend against the notion that they are complicit. From author, academic and preacher Michael Eric Dyson: “A vital, necessary and beautiful book, a bracing call to white folk everywhere to see their whiteness for what it is and to seize the opportunity to make things better now.” Poet and playwright Claudia Rankine writes that the book “brings language to the emotional structures that make true discussions about racial attitudes difficult.” Books are available for purchase at the Lifespan RE table. 156 pp. We will be meeting from 1:00-4:15 pm in Warren Matthews Conference Room. Contacts: Roberta Frye or Audrey Lyness.
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Monday, February 4 and February 18:
This ongoing, twice-a-month class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
UU Men’s Group Thursday, February 7 and February 21:
The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. The topic for February will be reporting on your favorite book. 4 Men will report on Feb. 7 and 4 more will report on Feb. 21. We meet from 7:30-9:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Richard Mathias.
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, February 9 and February 23:
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are 1. to create works of art and 2. possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Open Meditation Monday, February 11 and 25:
We sit quietly for 20 minutes, walk with gentle awareness for 7 minutes, and explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through journaling, readings, and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We meet on the second, fourth, (and fifth) Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Conversations and Connections Saturday, February 16:
Each person attending sits 1 to 1 with several different people during the time we are together. In these dyads there is time to talk, to listen and to dialogue about the questions presented each time. It is our intention that these times will be relaxing, enjoyable and an opportunity for people in our congregation to create a growing web of connections. For information contact Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bettye Barclay or Sue Stoyanoff.
Come Dance with Us! Saturday, February 23:
Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. No partners needed! New dancers are welcome. We meet from 7:00-8:30 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Ellen Levy.
AAHS Freethinker Forum (Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists and Secularists) Sunday, February 24:
AAHS is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. We meet 1:00-3:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conference Room. Contact: James Witker.
The Disability Support Group Sunday February 24:
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. There is a different theme for each month. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For January, we will be discussing “Governmental Programs.” We meet the fourth Sunday of each month beginning at 12:30-2:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
Exploring the Sermon on the Mount Monday, February 25:
The Sermon on the Mount is a core source of wisdom and knowledge, forming the basis of many of the values in Western literature and culture, from Hamlet to Harry Potter. Come explore this important part of our heritage with Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews in three weekly 2-hour sessions starting Monday, February 25. We’ll discuss how the ideas speak to us (if at all), what the ideas might mean in practical application, and how they are or are not useful today. Register with Abby or Laura to receive the Sermon to print out and read ahead of time. Our hope is that the discussion will be uplifting, positive, and practical, with all of us learning from the perspective of others to bring a fresh awareness to these ancient words. We meet from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Community Room. Contacts: Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews.
Humanist Voices: Is God a White Racist? Dates TBA
Humanist Voices continues to read and discuss the book, Is God a White Racist? by the late Rev. Dr. William R. Jones, an African American UU minister, theologian, professor, and mentor. In this provocative, powerful, emotional examination of liberation theology, Jones questions whether the belief in an omnibenevolent God who has dominion over human history can provide an adequate theological foundation to effectively dismantle the economic, social, and political framework of oppression. Seeing divine benevolence as part of oppression’s mechanism of disguise, Jones argues that black liberation theologians must adopt a new theism that is informed by humanism and its principle of the functional ultimacy of wo/man, where human choice and action determine whether our condition is slavery or freedom. UU religious educator and blogger Daniel Harper argues that Bill Jones is one of the most important UU theologians of the 20th Century. A short synopsis of the book’s ideas and arguments is also available. Contact: James Witker.
Highlights of additional interest groups coming in February:
Knitters and Friends Please join us for fellowship in between services on Sundays. You are welcome to bring any project. All Sundays 10-11 am in West Forbes Hall. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties for UUSM members. All Fridays 10-11 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for non-members.
Fiction Reading Book Club Monday February 18, 7:00-8:30 pm. We will discuss “Warlight” by Michael Ondaatje (304 pages). A story set in the decade after World War II, seen through the lives of a small group of unexpected characters and two teenagers whose lives are indelibly shaped by their unwitting involvement.
Science Non-Fiction Book Group Tuesday February 19, 7:30 pm, Forbes Hall. Contact: Rebecca Crawford. We will discuss “The Rise and Fall of American Growth,” by Robert J. Gordon. An excellent explanation of the effect of the important inventions and modernizations on the “American century” and why new developments today seem to have less effect. All are welcome.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Saturdays, April 6 & 27, May 11, June 1, in Forbes Hall,
followed by five sessions in the fall
Sexuality Education for Adults of all Ages and Stages (ages 18 – 98+) Join with other adults to fully consider this vital aspect of being a whole person. O.W.L. is fun and engaging too… we promise!
Sexuality Exploration, including:
- accepting, understanding, and affirming personal sexuality
- opening dialogue/building communication
- sexual diversity, sexuality in adulthood, sexual health and relationships
- sexuality & spirituality
- society, media, and values
- your questions, concerns, opinions
How: To sign up, or with questions, go to the R.E. table in Forbes on Sundays or contact uusmdre@gmail.com.