Newsletter for January, 2021
From Our Minister:
From Our Minister: Imagination
CREATING REALITIES BEYOND OUR SENSES
We tend to consider imagination too lightly, forgetting that the life we make, for ourselves individually and for the world as a whole, is shaped and limited only by the perimeters of our imagination. Things are as we imagine them to be, as we imagine them into existence.
-Thomas Moore, The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life
Happy New Year! A new year arrives and with it new hope and new possibilities. Each passing day feels as though it brings us closer to a brighter future. I don’t imagine many of us will miss 2020 though new life was born, anniversaries were celebrated, traditions were honored, memories were made, and unprecedented challenges were met with innovation, resilience, grace, connection, and the strength of community.
I would like to celebrate the many leaders of our community who stepped forward to shepherd us through this long dark night and kept the vigil through each new challenge and uncertainty. Our Board of Directors, worship leaders, musicians, pastoral caregivers, small group ministry facilitators, staff members, and many committees and groups of the church all demonstrated exemplary leadership and are deserving of our praise and gratitude for what we achieved together as a congregation in the past year. Though we were physically separated for most of the year, many connections grew stronger, and our sense of our church as a beloved community was emboldened by facing a common threat together. We had to put aside conflict and differences to truly care for one another and center what is most important in our lives. Though, we are still in the midst of the pandemic and a volatile social, cultural, and political landscape, we are also turning the page of history and preparing for what might be born of this rupture in our lives.
“Imagination” is our theme for community reflection in the month of January. Each month, we engage with a universal spiritual theme throughout the life of our church to build community as we deepen our spiritual lives. Our themes are derived from the Soul Matters Sharing Circle which is a theme-based ministry utilized by hundreds of Unitarian Universalist congregations. I am heartened to think that as we struggle with these themes each month we are doing so with churches all around the country and creating a discourse that extends far beyond the confines of this beloved community. Imagination can be broadly defined as creating realities beyond those of the senses.
Liberal religion has had a unique relationship with the role of imagination in religion as we’ve often dreamed of the future that may be rather than romanticizing the past or demanding conformity with what has been. Religion is very much an exercise of imagination that invites us to consider realities beyond the concrete world of our senses. As I have shared before, I’ve always approached religion and spiritually as a form of art for this very reason. How has your imagination shaped your sense of religion or your spiritual life? What might it mean for you to approach our common spiritual life as an artist? What will you contribute to the canvas of 2021?
Let us enter this new year with the appropriate degree of caution and also with a creative optimism for the future. As the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker reminds us in Choose to Bless the World: None of us alone can save the world. Together–that is another possibility waiting.
As always, if you are having a difficult time or would appreciate spiritual companionship, you can access our pastoral care team at pastoralcare@uusm.org. Please reach out to your beloved community if you are in need. We care about you and we love you.
Yours in ministry,
Jeremiah
Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae
Developmental Minister
Developmental Minister
Featured Articles:
Welcome to the UUSM Community News Magazine
CLEARING UP CONFUSION FOR THE NEW YEAR
Not the UUSM newsroom
In a continuing effort to differentiate UUSM’s public online multi-author blog from the private weekly Thursday Announcements emails, the newsletter committee has decided to rename our online publication the UUSM Community News Magazine. We agreed that this may better describe our longer-form posts written by members of the congregation and staff, and published throughout the month on the news.uusm.org website. We encourage submissions that both describe upcoming events and activities and which report results and outcomes afterwards. All posts are fully edited by our crack team of volunteer editors.
UUSM Community News Magazine
The UUSM Community News Magazine is a website managed and edited by church volunteers. It is available for everyone in the world to learn more about UUSM. To stay abreast of new articles as they are published, please use the form in the blue box in the right column of this page to subscribe. By signing up, you will only receive notifications of new articles; you will not be added to any other church mailing list.
Near the beginning of every month, the News Magazine emails a News Digest to the Members and Friends email list. The email contains just a few of the articles published over the previous month, but always includes the upcoming sermons and event information. The purpose of the email is to remind those on the list that more information can be found at the news.uusm.org website.
Thursday Announcements
The Thursday Announcements email blast is prepared by the amazing UUSM office staff, notably Sibylla Nash, and sent to a smaller list of Members and Friends of UUSM. The Announcements often include shorter versions of articles on the News Magazine website…but those who subscribe to updates from the News Magazine website are not automatically added to the Members and Friends list.
UUSM Website
Finally, UUSM also offers the uusm.org website, which is our church’s online doorway to UUSM and Unitarian Universalism in general. UUSM.org provides information about UUSM for visitors, as well as the church calendar with Sunday Service and event information. The website also is the home to our giving portal, a staff directory, and historical and governance archives…and it contains a secure members-only section, where the membership directory and other more “inside” information lives.
We sincerely hope this name change helps to clear up any confusion about the content each online publication provides. And please feel free to contact us at newsletter@uusm.org if you have any questions or if you would like to join our editing team!
News & Announcements:
UUSM Online Auction: Zoom Pizza-Making Party
THE FIRST EVENT OF THE SEASON!
This event was organized on BiddingOwl.com/UUSantaMonica, our (still ongoing) UU Santa Monica auction, and was realized on Zoom. A great time was had by all!
Many items and events are still open at BiddingOwl.com/UUSantaMonica. The auction has been extended through January 6, 2021.
Bid high! Bid often!
Generous Congregation Recipients: UNICEF, then the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
We come together for more than ourselves. On Sunday, January 3, 50% of the offering will be donated to the United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF does whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines, it supports child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Created in 1946, non-political and impartial, UNICEF is never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures.
For the rest of January, 50% of the Sunday offering will be donated to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an African-American civil rights organization. SCLC is closely associated with its first president, Martin Luther King, Jr., who had a large role in the American civil rights movement.
Thank you for your generous support.
Faith in Action News:
Let’s Keep Learning (and Practicing) “How to be an Antiracist”
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. 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 year.
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 Saturday, January 23 and Saturday, January 30, 3:00 – 5:00 pm, and Wednesday, February 3, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Dates to be confirmed).
Please email justice@uusm.org for the Zoom link.
More Information from the Publisher
Ibram X. Kendi’s concept of antiracism reenergizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America–but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. Instead of working with the policies and system we have in place, Kendi asks us to think about what an antiracist society might look like, and how we can play an active role in building it.
In his memoir, Kendi weaves together an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science–including the story of his own awakening to antiracism–bringing it all together in a cogent, accessible form. He begins by helping us rethink our most deeply held, if implicit, beliefs and our most intimate personal relationships (including beliefs about race and IQ and interracial social relations) and reexamines the policies and larger social arrangements we support. How to Be an Antiracist promises to become an essential book for anyone who wants to go beyond an awareness of racism to the next step of contributing to the formation of a truly just and equitable society.
Splinters from the Board:
From our Board President: An Uplifting Board Development Day
The Board of Directors met on December 5 for a marathon 6-1/2 hour Zoom meeting with Pacific Western Regional staff leaders. The Rev. Dr. Melissa James and the Rev. Sarah Shurr led the group with technical assistance by Amanda Radak. All of the 2020–21 UUSM board members attended. Topics covered included leadership in these liminal times, self-differentiated leadership, and systems theory. Our minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae, commented that our particular board group has already done a lot of learning around many of these topics! That felt good to hear.
We talked extensively about moving from an “I” culture to a “We” culture. We’ve already made steps toward embodying this concept since we first discussed it at a Board Development Day in 2018. We were asked a very important, reflective question: “How do we want to tell our story of how we were resilient in this time of a global pandemic?”
We touched on mission and vision and RASCI (Responsible, Accountable, Supporting, Consulted, and Informed) charts. We will bring these back into focus more in our community. RASCI charts lend clarity to roles and responsibilities that help us execute important programs and realize exciting ideas, like how to feed more hungry people in our community or teach anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism to our youth. We were asked about how we, as a congregation, are responding to the Commission on Institutional Change. Well, we created our own commission just last month!
During small breakout sessions, we wrestled with ideas on how to make changes in our Annual Meeting format and other congregational meetings so that marginalized voices can be lifted up and heard. We’re learning how to evolve beyond some of the characteristics of dominant culture to be more multicultural and inclusive.
Overall, it was a good experience and handled very well with the technology. I applaud my fellow leaders for attending and for their thoughtful presence and important contributions: Vice President Eileen McCormack, Secretary Larry Weiner, Treasurer Vilma Ortiz, Past President Jacki Weber, Member at Large Abby Arnold, Member at Large Roberta Frye, Member at Large Michael Monte, and Member at Large Norm Richey.
RE News:
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, January 2021
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 below for our January activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
To contact the facilitator in regard to any offering, you may email AdultRE@UUSM.org with the title of the group in the subject line. Your email will be forwarded. Please note that currently, all offerings are facilitated through Zoom. Contact Teri Lucas for more information and the link to the Zoom meeting.
Do you have a passion or an expertise? Are you a chef or a gardener, a historian or an actor? Would you like to offer some help, support, or some frivolity to our UU community via Zoom? We’re seeking programming that is fun, informative, and engaging. Please let us know if there’s something you’d like to offer and the Adult RE Committee will help you to do it. Email the Adult RE Committee (AdultRE@UUSM.org) or Teri Lucas (uusmREassist@uusm.org) and we can work with you on presenting your ideas.
Special Offerings, beginning in January 2021:
“How to Be an Antiracist,” Study Group - Saturdays, January 23 and 30, and Wednesday, February 3
How to be an AntiracistThis winter, the Faith In Action: 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. Kendi, a professor of history and international relations and founder of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University, 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. The Peace & Social Justice Committee undertakes study groups such as this to help us grow in knowledge and understanding, which helps us to bear witness and work for change as part of our congregation’s commitment to UU Principles. Facilitated by James Witker, Faith In Action Co-Chair. Contact justice@uusm.org for dates and Zoom link.
New Year Resolution Workshop - Wednesdays, January 6, February 3, and March 3
Increase your ability to follow-through and achieve success with New Year Resolutions in our New Year Resolution Workshop, a 3-session workshop on Zoom. The New Year is the time we typically set out our list of things we want to do, change, see, and accomplish. If you’ve had problems keeping those resolutions in the past, this workshop is where you want to start. Over the course of three sessions, Norm Richey, MSW, and Certified Life Coach will introduce you to new skills that will help you achieve your resolution and goals for 2021. The class will meet on the first Wednesday of the month — January 6, February 3, and March 3 — from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. Please email Teri Lucas at uusmreassist@uusm.org to reserve your spot. Only 12 spots available.
Community Building Through Personal Development: Natural Journaling – Insects - Sunday, January 17
Come and join us in observing, learning about, and enjoying nature. Whether you are spending some time outdoors or not stepping out your front door at all, you can still enjoy and appreciate nature. You are welcome to join even if you have no knowledge of nature, botany, drawing or writing. In our upcoming nature journaling session we will investigate insects. These are underappreciated and vital members of the animal kingdom. You won’t be asked 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. People who attend these groups remark that they are reminded of times in childhood when they had the time to get lost in wonder at the natural world. As adults, we rarely give ourselves that permission. We will meet from 2:30 – 4:00 pm. Contact: Dorothy Steinicke.
Spiritual Grounding and Productivity Drop-In - Every weekday beginning Monday, January 11
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. We will meet every weekday, from 9:00-9:30 am, starting Monday January 11. Contact: Jacki Weber.
Exploration of Ideas:
AAHS Freethinker Forum - Sunday, January 24
The Freethinker Forum is a monthly interactive meeting sponsored by AAHS: Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists & Secularists of UU Santa Monica. All are welcome to join in a lively discussion where a diversity of viewpoints are encouraged and respected. We’ll meet from 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm via Zoom. Contact: James Witker.
Science Non-Fiction Book Discussion - Tuesday, January 19
We will discuss “How Google Works,” by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg. Written by one current and one former executive at the company, the book describes some of the unconventional and novel business approaches that have made Google so successful – and all-pervading. To receive the link to join the discussion, you will want to be on the group email list. All are welcome. We meet from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Contact: Rebecca Crawford, sci-nonfiction@uusm.org.
UU Men’s Group - Thursdays, January 7 and 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 Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 is: Time magazine’s cover for Dec. 14 was “2020,” with an X marked across it, and “The Worst Year Ever” (by Stephanie Zacharek). Discuss why that either was or was not true for you. The topic for Thursday Jan. 21, 2021 is: Many see the defeat of Trump as a huge relief for the future of America. Still, Trump received 72 million votes (Biden 81 million) and many see a possible dire future, not just from Trump and his unprecedented support from Republicans in Congress, but by millions of Americans who still accept the Trump line that Biden/Harris/Democrats stole the election, right wing nationalism is on the rise world wide and there have been various threats/acts of violence from the right. What is your best prediction of what will happen in the years ahead? We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:30 pm via Zoom. For more information, contact Richard Mathias.
Meditations:
Open Meditation - Mondays, January 11 and 25
We gather twice a month to sit together quietly for 20 minutes, to walk with gentle awareness for seven minutes, and to explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We have found that this time of quiet meditation and shared exploration can be deeply nourishing – a time of simply “being” amidst all the “doing” of our lives. We meet from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Open Meditation: Wellsprings - All Wednesdays and Fridays
These are exceptional times. Taking this time for quiet meditation and sharing in the intimacy of having sat in silence together can help sustain and ground us during these difficult days. We trust each of you will use this group in the way that fits your needs. We listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal, and share with each other what’s on our hearts. We simply sit together in our shared humanity. We call off the struggle to become other than we are. These are drop-in groups. You are welcome to join us when it feels right to you. If you come in late or need to leave early, just do so quietly. We meet every Wednesday and Friday afternoon from 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm online. Contact: Bev Shoenberger.Reimagining the Children and Youth Religious Exploration Program
Rev. Jeremiah, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE) Cleo Anderson, RE staff Teri Lucas, and Board and community members met in Zoom on December 6 with Pacific Western Regional (PWR) Congregational Life field staff, Rev. Dr. Melissa James. Discussion among the twelve participants was facilitated by Rev. Melissa, who served at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego as the Director of Family and Lifespan Ministry. Rev. Melissa provided good insight into the topic.
The group discussed the difficulty of doing Youth RE during the pandemic lockdown. Our DRE, Cleo, talked about the different activities – about eight programs, from art classes to dance classes to book clubs – that she had planned and set up as online Zoom meetings. Unfortunately, attendance was minimal.
The participants brainstormed as a team about how to reach out to UUSM’s kids in these difficult times. Discussion turned to the gifts the UUSM community has to offer and how these gifts could be matched up with our kids’ and parents’ needs. It was recognized that Religious Exploration may need to focus more on relationships and pastoral care, and less on programming right now.
Children and Youth RE will continue to reach out to the children and families of UUSM. Non-denominational winter festivities packages are being sent to all UUSM children in celebration of the holiday season. An exciting Skateboard Ministry is coming up in the new year.
In the coming weeks, we will reach out to our community members to solicit ideas and suggestions as we move into 2021. If you have ideas, please send them to dre@uusm.org or president@uusm.org.