Newsletter for November, 2011
From Our Minister:
Our Theme for November is Service
And Service is OurPrayer...
Our worship is ended, our service begins. Thesewords provide the coda closing our worship services,reminding us of our call to work and serve inthe world. Our ministry theme this month is Service.Here are a few other resonances that echofrom that theme:
Service... to our country. This month VeteransDay falls on 11-11-11. What does this day ofremembrance mean to you, and to veterans in ourliberal faith?
Service... to the vulnerable. On the fourth Saturdayof every month, volunteers from our churchserve a meal at Step Up on Second, a social serviceagency serving the mentally ill in our community.What a difference that service makes in their lives- and in ours.
Service... of worship. Every Sunday, we gatherfor worship at 9 and 11 a.m. This month we willcontinue to offer, in addition to Sunday worship,an evening Vespers service, on the third Thursdayof the month at 7 p.m. I hope to see you there.
Our community depends on the dedicated serviceof our volunteers and staff. It is hard to say"thank you" enough for the gifts of service theygive, but I consider this month another opportunityto try: thank you, thank you, thank you.
Your minister,
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
From Our President:
Minister EmeritusErnie Pipes shookthe hand of StuartMoore and said "Stu, wehave to stop meeting likethis."
Ernie and Stu were returning to their cars afterattending the graveside service of their dearfriend, John Raiford. Walking slowly over to thegraveside with Stu and his spouse Francine, I sawa whole generation of our elders making theirway as best as they could to say farewell. Andstanding near the casket was our minister,Rebecca, who we all knew was holding a delicatenew life inside of her.
What a remarkable spanning of time before myeyes. How touching our community can be whenwe allow it to be with us. For those who live along way from our original families or those whosimply don't have a big family, or those who cannotstand to be with their original families, thisis the one place we experience this kind ofbreadth of humanity all together.
My sister in Australia has done a marvelousjob at restoring the multigenerational Jones familyexperience. Although our parents are longgone, she married for the second time to a manwith three kids who are all about the same age asher three kids. She became a grandma at 52. Nowshe has six grandkids at 60. My son, Baxter, reallyloves visiting Australia as he gets to be with somany first and second cousins. He feels sad attimes that he cannot spend more time with them.But I know he really likes the church being hisother big family.
Our community is embarking on a whole newjourney in being a part of raising our minister'syoung children. I believe we are able to lovinglysupport Rebecca, Jonathan, and Miriam throughtheir transformation to a family of four. I congratulatethem, wish Rebecca good health, andlook forward with anticipation to the arrival ofanother Benefiel Bijur into this crazy world.And as a final comment, on that aforementionedday, Ernie remarked (with a sparkle in hiseye) that our minister is indeed increasing ourmembership. Isn't it delightful?
Yours,
Bronwen
Featured Articles:
Ernie Pipes' 85th Birthday Celebration
We celebrated Ernie Pipe's 85th birthday onOctober 16 with cake and greetings fromMinister Emerita Judith Meyer. Shown hereare Beth Rendeiro, organizer of the celebration, withErnie and our president,Bronwen Jones. KateSchlesinger also helpedwith the program.
The Friendly Beasts Are Coming
Once again, our preschoolthroughelementary-agedchildren will sing "The Friendly Beasts" song atour holiday pageant on Sunday, December 18, at bothservices. As in years past, all involved children will singthe first and last verses of the song. Small groups ofchildren will sing the middle five verses, dressed in acostume appropriate to the animal speaking in thatverse (brown donkey, red and white cow, dog, dove,and mouse). The children pick which animal theywant to be, but traditionally, the preschoolers sing themice verse.
We have costumes for our Beasts from previousyears. Older kids who don't want to dress as an animalbut do want to sing are welcome to be shepherds.
Religious Exploration teachers, please note: I willlead Sunday rehearsals (about 10 minutes long) thatoccur in the RE classrooms during both services.Below is the rehearsal schedule, including a dressrehearsal Saturday morning, December 17:
November 6 Preschoolers-grade 5: 10 minutes eachclassroom
November 13 Preschoolers-grade 5: 10 minutes eachclassroom
November 20 No rehearsal because of intergenerationalservice
November 27 Group rehearsal for all at the beginningof RE
December 4 Preschoolers-grade 5: 10 minutes eachclassroom
December 11 Group rehearsal for all at the beginningof RE
December 17 Saturday dress rehearsal in Sanctuaryfrom 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
December 18 PAGEANT (both services)
Call or email me with questions at (310) 396-5905 orklangabeer@gmail.com. I look forward to working withyour friendly beasts once again this year.
- Kris Langabeer
We Revisit Restored Great Wall
About 20 of us spent a beautiful morning viewingthe Great Wall of Los Angeles, near L.A. Valley Collegein North Hollywood, the longest mural in the world(about a half-mile long). Initiated by artist Judy Bacain 1974 and recently restored, it portrays in brilliantcolors the multicultural and working-class history ofCalifornia from pre-history to the 1990s. Vilma Ortizled us along the Tujunga Flood Control Channel wherethe mural is located, narrating the amazing stories thatthe mural documents. We had a fantastic pizza lunchat Pitfire Pizza after the walk. It was a wonderful Diningfor Dollars outing, sponsored by the Multi-RacialDevelopment Committee.
- Roberta Frye
Project Dazzle Team Previews New Website
Project Dazzle team members provided us a previewof the church's new website on October 23. Theyplan to roll out the official version in December. Teammembers are shown in this photo (left to right): BobDietz, Pam Teplitz, Beth Rendeiro, Rhonda Peacock,and Liz Fuller.
Generating Generosity:
The UUCCSM 2012 Commitment Campaign
The Commitment Campaign is now on ourplate,
"Generating Generosity" we hope to create.
All members and friends with your faith andyour love
Will pledge just like last year - or even above!
We kicked off 2012 with a party for all
On October 9th, on the patio, in the fall.
We served up mimosas, wine, hot dogs, andcrepes,
The treats were so yummy, all sizes and shapes.
From what we have heard, all enjoyed our bigbash,
And we've already started to raise plenty ofcash.
So thank you to donors who've filled out a card,
Now we look to the rest of you. C'mon it's nothard.
And November 12th, this month, we all recommend,
Save the evening for more fun and partying, myfriend.
Filled with wine, cheese, and chocolate, anevening enchanted,
More generous seeds will be lovingly planted.
The Stewardship Committee has gone over theedge
By collectively saying we'll increase this year'spledge.
How much YOU should give is all up to you,
Make it meaningful, generous, and do what youcan do.
Don't have a pledge card? Just ask one of us,
Or go to the office, it's really no fuss.
Be kind and be giving to the church that weshare
Come back and come often. We'll see you allthere!
- Your UUCCSM Stewardship Committee:
Cynthia Hallinan, Natalie Kahn, Robert Kory,Amy Lacombe, Patrick Meighan, and Beth Rendeiro
Faith in Action News:
RE Faith in Action
Common Ground Donation Drive: Can You Help?
On Sunday, November 27, the RE program will becollecting and sorting donated items to give to homelessteens served by Common Ground Westside.
Please take a look at the list of items below andbring some things in for our donation drive. Undergarments,socks and personal care items should benew. Other items can be gently used or new.
Items can be dropped off at the "Common GroundDonations" table at church on November 13, 20, or 27.
The following items are needed:
For “Hygiene Kits”
Travel- or hotel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner,soap, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.), toothbrushes,shaving razors, feminine hygiene products,etc. (available at most drug stores or brought homefrom hotel stays).
Clothing Items
Socks, underwear, bras, hoodies/sweat shirts (largersizes — will be worn over other layers), warm hats orbeanies, gloves, scarves, etc.
Other Items
Blankets, sleeping bags, backpacks
Questions? ContactCatherine@uusm.org or(310) 829-5436 x105. Thank youfor helping us support the workof Common Ground!
Interweave News
Interweave, our church's group for bisexual,gay, lesbian, transgender, and queerindividuals and their allies, is in the process of redefiningits goals and seeking new members and leaders. Ifyou would like to be part of that conversation, please contact me to join the Interweavelistserv.
- Judy Federick
Green Living Committee News
We completed a successful Beach Clean Up onSunday, October 3 at High Noon at the 1550 LifeguardTower on Santa Monica Beach. It was abeautiful day, bright and sparkling, with lots of visitorsto the beach. It was difficult, but we (20 of usin all) picked up lots of trash. We had seven kidswith us too! Jessica Clay, Beth Brownlie and theGreen Living Committee thank all of those whogave some of their time on Sunday to clean up ourBeaches. Yeah for EarthJustice!
For more news see YouAre Invited ourupcoming tree plantingevent.
- Beth Brownlie
CareNet
CareNet offers meals, rides and cards to churchmembers and friends. If you have such a need or knowof someone who does, please call the church office,email carenet@uusm.org or contact Karl Lisovsky.
Splinters from the Board:
In the President's Report Bronwen Jones said thatCareNet is succeeding. She reminded the board thatJirina Kyas is continuing chemotherapy; Drew Stillcontinues to be in the convalescent hospital, and menfrom church assisted him in closing out his apartment.John Fels is having pain from his spinal fusion and willnot return to church soon.
A walker is now available for getting from the handicappedparking area into the Sanctuary. It will be leftnext to the kitchen door for Sunday services.
Bronwen thanked Karl Lisovsky, Rob Briner, KathyCook, S. J. Guidotti, and Kenn Mengert for removingthe carpet in Nurit's part of the office. She also praisedthe excellent event the Stewardship Committee presentedto launch the pledge drive for this year. And shepraised Rob Briner for organizing the celebration ofour 30-year-old organ.
In the minister's report, The Rev. Rebecca BenefielBijur thanked The Rev. Ernie Pipes for his assistancewith the many memorial services held lately. Shereported that our Generous Contribution to St Joseph'sCenter this month was $839.51.
Catherine Farmer Loya, Director of Religious Education,asked for volunteers to help the teachers in thenursery and preschool programs. We have an unusuallylarge group of young children this year, and moreon the way. Catherine also said that the first Faith inAction event of the year is a food sort at the WestsideFood Bank on October 23.
Nurit Gordon, Church Administrator, reported thatafter carpet is removed from the front office, bids willbe taken to refinish the floors. Trees in the front andside patios were trimmed on September 19. The lightsin the Sanctuary and the security lights in the sideyardwere repaired or replaced.
Director of Music Seth Houston reported that he isseeking a replacement for Rima Snyder as chair of themusic committee because she would like to retire fromthe position. Seth is glad that there are two new membersin the choir, and appreciates the strong performancesso far. He has scheduled guest musicians formost of the 9 a.m. services this fall. He has workedwith the children during the 9 a.m. service in preparationfor the Day of the Dead service.
Nurit reported that the Personnel Committee hasapproved forms that formalize the procedures for hiringnew staff. They have also begun reviewing or revisingjob descriptions, some of which are very old.
The membership report lists Howard Westley, JohnRaiford, and Libbie Barach as deceased. Membershipis now 360.
Treasurer Alan Brunell reported that attempts toopen an account at Pacific Community Bank were metwith poor response and were abandoned. A motionpassed to overturn the previous motion to invest withthem. The money was reinvested at Merrill Lynch. Inthe statement of the monthly status for September,Alan reported that there was an increase in fundingfrom activities on the Art Wall. Otherwise there wasonly the expected.
In reviewing the Statement of Financial PositionBeth Rendeiro pointed out that we have only collected$5,287 toward meeting the Challenge Grant to pay forProject Dazzle. More donations are invited.
In the Nominating Committee Report the motion toapprove Kit Shaw as a member of the Finance Committeewas passed.
In New Business a motion was approved allowinglocal Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to conduct sales atchurch as long as all Scouts in the congregation areincluded.
Project Dazzle Team members Elizabeth Fuller, PamTeplitz, and Bob Dietz presented the completed firstdraft of the online resource. It is continually beingdebugged. It went online and will be presented to thecongregation on October 23. One of the advantages ofthe new system is that committees will be able toupload updates to the information themselves. Trainingfor committee chairs is planned for November.
- Geralyn Lambson
In Gratitude
This is Gerrie's last "SplintersFrom The Board" column.After many yearsattending board meetingsand summarizing theirdiscussions, she is retiringfrom this task. All of us on the newsletter are gratefulfor her hard work, diligence, and professionalismin reporting on the board meetings. She will bemissed in this capacity, but we're pleased to reportthat she will continue as a member of our newsletter editorialteam. Thank you, Gerrie.
- Charles Haskell
RE News:
"Love is the doctrine ofthis church/the questof truth is its sacrament/andservice is its prayer," beginsthe congregational covenantwe say together each Sundaymorning. Have you ever takenthe time to think about what we're saying when werecite these words together? Are they just nice words tosay on Sundays, or do they carry a deeper message for us?
This month our congregational ministry themeis SERVICE. Our covenant says that service is ourcongregation's prayer. But what does that reallymean? Prayer or meditation is a way of connectingwith our very deepest selves, with the sacred, andwith the whole world around us. So in the wordsof our covenant, perhaps we are saying thatthese connections are found when we serve othersand work to make the world a better place.
"Faith in Action" is what we call this work inour congregation, and there are many ways tojoin our community in acts of service to theworld. In the RE program this month, we're especiallyexcited to be conducting our annual donationdrive to benefit homeless teens served byCommon Ground. On November 27, children andyouth will compile "hygiene kits" from donatedtoiletries and will count and sort donations ofclothes, blankets, and backpacks. Last year ourmembers' generosity resulted in 86 hygiene kits- can we make it to 100 this year?
What a gift it is to our children that they are invitedto participate in putting their hands and feet on our UUprinciples, that we not only talk about what it meansto be a UU, but also give them opportunities to liveour values. As our young people are learning, givingfeels good. And doing feels even better. As UnitarianUniversalists, we know that what we do matters, andthat each of us has the ability to make a difference in theworld. How will service be your prayer this month?
- Catherine Farmer Loya
Lifespan RE
UU Kids: We have a very full monthplanned in the children's RE program.In November, preschoolerswill celebrate trees - how importantthey are and how we can helptake care of them. Early elementary participants willexplore our UU principles through story, and they willengage our November theme of SERVICE. Upper elementarychildren will learn about DNA as a commonbuilding block of all life - we'll even extract strands ofDNA from strawberries right in our classroom! Middleschoolers in Neighboring Faiths will complete theirstudy of Hinduism with a trip to the Hare KrishnaTemple.
And we'll all take part in this year's donation driveto benefit Common Ground's homeless teen drop-incenter. On Sundays in November, please bring donationsof unused travel-sized hygiene products, as wellas warm clothing, socks, underwear, blankets, andsleeping bags. On November 27, children and youthwill compile "hygiene kits" and will count and sort alldonated items. Last year we made 86 hygiene kits -can we make it to 100 this year? Children's Programssubcommittee members welcome your comments andquestions - Nicole Henderson-MacLennan, SusanHendricks Richman, Sabina Mayo-Smith, and KimSantiago-Kalmanson.
Youth in the Glow: An impressive crowd of enthusiasticbeachgoers came out to enjoy a bonfire at Dockweileron October 8. Thanks to the dedicated parent volunteersKarl Lisovsky, Lara Del Piccolo, and CarolCromer who organized the festive teen event, about 25folks had fun playing games, talking, laughing, andeating in the glow of a roaring fire. The setting sun wasespecially dramatic that night and the breeze mild.After roasting dogs, marshmallows got hot and gooeyfor delicious s'mores.
Watch your email for details about the next youthget-together on Saturday, November 12 for Bowl-ORama!Questions or ideas can be directed to any of theyouth committee members: Teri Bond, Liza Cranis,Elaine Gordon, and Nalani Santiago-Kalmanson.
Adults look inward in November with the return ofBuilding Your Own Theology (BYOT) on November 6upstairs in Room 1 at 1 p.m. Based on the assumptionthat everyone is their own theologian, this classic UUadult education program invites participants to developtheir personal credos: the fundamental beliefs, valuesand convictions that inform and direct the living oftheir lives. Facilitators are Judy Federick and MaxJohnson. Register at the Lifespan table in Forbes Hallafter the service on Sunday.
Vespers with The Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur on Thursday,November 17 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary offer anopportunity to enjoy a little serenity before theonslaught of the holiday season.
Mark your calendar for November 27. Between serviceswe'll have a patio chat on the monthly theme ofService. Then at 1 p.m. in the Sanctuary, Adult Programswill co-host with AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists,Secularists) a lecture by renowned sociologist Dr.Phil Zuckerman. For more information about this lecturesee Ian Dodd's article elsewhere in this newsletter.
If you have a question or an idea about a workshop,stop by the Lifespan table in Forbes, or contact amember of the Adult Programs Committee: EmmyCresciman, Joe Engleman, Tom Hamilton, JudithMartin-Straw, and Rhonda Peacock.
All-church activities in November:
November 13: Second-Sunday Games and SupperGames start at 4 p.m. Bring your own to share andteach or play one of ours (Scrabble, Dominoes,Bananagrams, Pictionary, etc.) Players of all ages arewelcome. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. Bring a side dish,salad, or dessert to share. Main dish is provided. Thefood is tasty and the company is beyond compare.
November 19: No movie - Come to ThanksgivingFeast, the potluck to end all potlucks!
Have ideas for all-church activities? Contact membersof the Multi-Generational Programs subcommittee- Judy Federick, Leon Henderson-MacLennan,Carol-Jean Teuffel, and Larry Weiner.
- Emmy Cresciman
RE Faith in Action
Common Ground Donation Drive: Can You Help?
On Sunday, November 27, the RE program will becollecting and sorting donated items to give to homeless teens served by Common Ground Westside.
Please take a look at the list of items below andbring some things in for our donation drive. Undergarments,socks and personal care items should benew. Other items can be gently used or new.
Items can be dropped off at the "Common GroundDonations" table at church on November 13, 20, or 27.
The following items are needed:
For "Hygiene Kits"
Travel- or hotel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner,soap, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.), toothbrushes,shaving razors, feminine hygiene products,etc. (available at most drug stores or brought homefrom hotel stays).
Clothing Items
Socks, underwear, bras, hoodies/sweat shirts (largersizes - will be worn over other layers), warm hats orbeanies, gloves, scarves, etc.
Other Items
Blankets, sleeping bags, backpacks
Questions? ContactCatherine@uusm.org or(310) 829-5436 x105. Thank you for helping us support the work of Common Ground!
Music News:
From Our Director of Music: Come Sing with the Choir forAdvent Season
As I finish up my secondmonth working with the choirhere at UUCCSM, I feel so luckyto have the opportunity to make such fabulous musicwith such wonderful people. The choir keeps gettingbetter and better and is such a treat to work with.If you've ever thought you'd like to be involved inthe church this way, I hope you'll consider joining usfor the Advent season. We have wonderful musicplanned, culminating in two services on ChristmasEve. If you think you might be interested, please contactRima Snyder or me at rima@dslextreme.com orseth@sethhouston.com.I have also been enjoying working with some of thechildren in our church community during some of the9 a.m. services. We have a delightful small crop ofyoung singers, who sang at the Day of the Dead serviceon October 30.
Yours in music,
Seth Houston
Music Notes
The Saturday Spotlight returnsthis month on November 12 at 7p.m. in the Sanctuary. Theevening will feature entertainmentby church members includingmusical performances, poetryand stories. Anything can happen - drop by andenjoy the show! The magic continues at 8:15 p.m.with An Enchanted Evening, sponsored by theStewardship Committee. For more informationplease contact Tom Ahern.
Louis Durra returns to the stage on Sunday,November 6 at 7 p.m., accompanied by Jerry Kalafon drums and Ryan McGillicuddy on bass. The trioplays jazz standards, original compositions, andinventive interpretations of a myriad of musicalgenres. Suggested donation $10; a reception followsin Forbes Hall.
- Rima Snyder