Newsletter for October, 2013
From Our Minister:
From Your President and Minister
The time for sharing your dreams about the future of our church is here. During the month of October, your board of directors will facilitate eight meetings — four after services on Sundays and four in members’ homes. ignups are taking place in Forbes each Sunday. The meetings will last 90 minutes, and discussion will revolve around a set of questions, which will be the same for all groups. If you feel the urge to write out answers to some or all of these questions, your president will be happy to receive them. You can email or mail them to Cynthia at home, or you can leave them for her in the office.
Our Long Range Planning Committee, chaired by Patricia Wright, has been working on Vision Statements for
some time. They adopted the following mission statement that reflects their vision for the church:
“We want to build a church that is an agent of transformation, central in individual people’s lives and in the community at large. We desire to reflect our larger community and its diversity and to be a place where people feel welcome, well connected, valued, and loved.”
In their work, they were inspired by the sermon given by Rev. Tom Rosiello on February 13, 2011 prior to the Rev. Rebecca Bijur’s installation. He in turn was inspired by sermons delivered by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who speaks of a complete life as a balanced life, equal in depth, breadth, and height. In his sermon, Rev. Rosiello interprets these terms in a UU context, referring to a healthy church as a place “where the three dimensions of community, spiritual depth, and social justice are in balance.”
To quote him further: “Among us here this morning, I am sure there are deep longings for spiritual depth, for inclusive community, and for real justice. I know it is easy, even exciting, to run with just one of them; the one that we are more committed to, perhaps better at. The harder task is to hold all three in equal measure. When we do that, we learn that each enriches the other and contributes to a whole that is something more, something much more than just the sum of its parts.”
In the spirit of these words, we will be exploring what we value, what we long for, and what we are willing to commit to in our life at church. In sharing with each other, we will each give the gift of ourselves and receive from others in return. These meetings are the first step in a process which will culminate in goals for the future and also some decisions and actions about the best use of legacy gifts, such as the bequests our church has received in the past year. Let’s see what we can dream — and do — together.
— In Anticipation,
Cynthia Cottam and Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
P.S. You will notice a theme to the questions: each one begins with you. Our intent is not to fuel a shallow vision of a church that is only about meeting the needs of the individual, but rather to invite you to personally and intentionally commit to the good work of building our shared future. Dive in!
Visioning Questions
1. Describe your relationship to the church in terms of depth: the inner dimension. Consider the practices that bring you self-understanding, healing when you are hurting, practices that touch your soul, connect you with the spirit of life, and lead to spiritual depth, personal growth, and a claiming of your own personal worth and dignity. What makes this church transformational for you in terms of depth, and central in your life as you are living it right now? If money were no object, what would you like to see the church do to further enrich your experience in this area?
2. Describe your relationship to the church in terms of breadth: reaching outward to others within our community. Consider the practices that enable you to care for others and be cared for, to help others in times of need and receive help, and to communicate with respect, kindness, and consideration, even when you experience disagreement or disappointment. What makes the experience of reaching out to others, and receiving help from others, transformational for you? If money were no object, what would you like to see the church do, to promote your growth in this area and to help us take good care of each other?
3. Describe your relationship to the church in terms of height: reaching upward, beyond our community. Consider the actions that help you to realize your aspirations for a better world, connect with something larger than yourself and your concerns, experience solidarity, work for justice and fairness, and help you live your deepest values as you relate to your neighbors and to the world at large. What helps you to express your values fully? If money were no object, what might the church do to make your actions transformational, both for yourself and for the world?
4. How do you see yourself in the church three years from now? 10 years from now? 30 years from now?
Featured Articles:
We Started a New Church Year on Ingathering Sunday, September 8
Director of Music DeReau K. Farrar, the Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, and Director of Religious Education Catherine Farmer Loya welcomed our congregation back to the new church year on Ingathering Sunday, September 8. 
Ingathering Sunday was a multigenerational service centered around a fable about a generous, wealthy man who invited his entire town to a feast, asking only that they bring the wine. This story, entitled “What Will You Bring to the Feast?” was adapted from “Story, Song and Spirit” by Erika Hewitt. The social and moral onsequences resulting from the town’s failure to contribute to the feast were dramatized. Shown here is the Town Council discussing the matter. From left to right: Brigham Johnson, Edna Bonacich, Richard Scher, Babatunde Akinboboye, Diane Fletcher-Hoppe, Cynthia Kelly, James Zinner, Sue Bickford, Teri Bond.My Experience at Camp de Benneville Pines - September 2013
I’d like to share what I experienced at the once-a-year UUCCSM weekend at Camp de Benneville Pines (“de Benneville”). Although I’ve been a church member for over 10 years, this was my first experience staying there overnight (eight years ago I visited for a day). It was terrific. How so? In June of this year I was fortunate enough to travel to Scotland to sing in a festival choir for a week and then tour the west coast of Scotland. It was a great two-week trip, but I enjoyed the weekend at de Benneville just as much (at less than 5% of the cost). How could that be? At de Benneville the environment reminded me of childhood vacations to nearby Lake Arrowhead and YMCA’s Camp Round Meadow (next door to de Benneville); I reconnected with a former church member who moved away and has returned; I talked with a half dozen people trying to figure out a historical mystery; I learned more about OWL; I hiked to a beautiful lake; I participated in a workshop about money and values; I met some UUs from the Palomar Fellowship who were at de Benneville along with UUCCSM; I saw some children play like they were on Tom Sawyer’s Island; I met some new and “new-ish” members who I’ve never met before; I deepened my connection with and appreciation of many veteran church members; I enjoyed a talent show on Saturday night; I was reminded how patient and wise UU parents are; and I witnessed a small miracle or two of growth and development in others.
All of this in a mere 44 hours from 4 p.m. on Friday to noon on Sunday (I had arranged to leave my job at 1 p.m. on Friday and it took me three hours to drive from L.A. to de Benneville). None of that happened a couple of months ago in Scotland, and if I had to choose between the two experiences — de Benneville was more personally enriching. I’ll make sure to visit de Benneville again next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.
— Rob Briner
News & Announcements:
Nametage Reminder!
Wear your nametag. (I’m so embarrassed when I forget your name.)
Photos Requested for Dia de los Muertos
Be prepared to provide photographs of deceased loved ones for our annual Dia de los Muertos service on October 27. Shown here is Vilma Ortiz with the table for the service in October 2011.
Faith in Action News:
Textbook Fund
Faith in Action is launching a campaign to collect funds for textbooks for people incarcerated in the California prison system who are taking courses through a community college while in prison. The campaign is part of a collaborative program between the college and several UU churches in the state of California. Our current goal is $750, which would provide funds for textbooks for five students. Further information and forms for those wishing to donate are available at the Faith in Action table in Forbes Hall. Checks should be made out to UUCCSM with “FIA textbook fund” in the memo line.
Update as of 9/30/13: The Peace and Social Justice Commission is happy to announced that donations for the textbook fund are now more than double our initial goal of $750! We want to thank everyone who has contributed so generously to make this a success. We also want to remind everyone that this is an ongoing project, so if
anyone is still interested in donating, the contributions will be gratefully received.
We have been in contact with the Foundation at the community college which is responsible for the courses regarding the possibility of reducing the cost of textbooks. The Foundation is of course interested in having the funds go as far as possible, and is in contact with the bookstore regarding the possibility of obtaining used books and/or discounts.
CLUE in the Pulpit
Our service for the Labor Day weekend is traditionally dedicated to social justice, usually given in collaboration with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE). On September 1 we were pleased to welcome CLUE to the pulpit to tell the story of efforts to keep two new Santa Monica hotels as union workplaces. Shown here are Gabriella Rosco of CLUE, the Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, Arturo Hueso (who told his story in Spanish about working at the Fairmont Miramar, which is a union hotel), and Francis Engler (CLUE translator).
Faith in Action Movie Night
The Peace and Social Justice Committee and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are cohosting the movie “Two Americas”on Tuesday, October 22, at 7 p.m. in Forbes Hall. It will be followed by a Question and Answer session with the film’s director, Jon Henion. “Two Americas” profiles a month in the lives of two
families in very different income brackets, showing the growing economic disparity in America. It is part of the
Emmy-winning Vanguard series, a series of investigative reports from Current TV (soon to be Al Jazeera
America). John Henion has been awarded the Livingston Award for Young Journalists, the largest all-media,
general-reporting prize in the country. He was also nominated for a Genesis Award for his investigation into illegal tiger trading in China. For further information contact Cathie Gentile, co-chair of the Peace and Social Justice Committee, at fia@uusm.org
What is FIA?
Faith in Action consists of the Peace and Social Justice Committee, Interweave, the Green Living Committee, and the Hunger Task Force. Every Sunday the Faith in Action table provides information about these various programs and provides an opportunity for one-on-one conversations about these programs. After many years of faithful coverage by a handful of volunteers,
Faith in Action is reaching out for possible additional volunteers to help with this service. Two people are needed every Sunday. Ideally, the table should be set up and staffed at 10 a.m., while volunteers after the second service provide coverage and cleanup at 12 noon. This is a great volunteer opportunity, especially for newcomers. For further information contact Cathie Gentile at fia@uusm.org
Faith in Action is reaching out for possible additional volunteers to help with this service. Two people are needed every Sunday. Ideally, the table should be set up and staffed at 10 a.m., while volunteers after the second service provide coverage and cleanup at 12 noon. This is a great volunteer opportunity, especially for newcomers. For further information contact Cathie Gentile at fia@uusm.org
Green Living Committee:
Go Green. Contact office@uusm.org to receive the newsletter online only.
Splinters from the Board:
Rev. Rebecca lit the chalice and invited attendees to share any stories there might be behind their given names. Some interesting stories emerged with several people breaking with tradition.
As of this month’s meeting the church has 374 members. Sheila Cummins has joined us.
The Generous Congregation contribution in August was $580 going to Camp de Benneville Pines.
Church Administrator Nurit Gordon reported that the grounds have been spruced up and the piano was moved up onto the chancel. Rev. Rebecca has temporarily moved back into her office until the renovations are in full swing.
Director of Music DeReau Farrar reported that the SummerSing was a success. He would like to continue the program next year. He also attended the UU Musician’s Network Conference in July. The choir is back in business and they have moved their position in relation to the piano and organ in order to correct some acoustic problems. Rev. Rebecca and DeReau have decided to accept the invitation to host the UUA Pacific Southwest District Annual Choral Festival on May 14, 2014. And this year’s L.A.-area MLK Choral Festival will be held on January 19, 2014 at Throop Memorial UU Church in Pasadena.
The minister and board welcomed the return of DRE Catherine Farmer who has been on family leave.Catherine reported that there would be a YRUU Barbecue on Saturday, September 21, hosted by YRUU advisor Chris Brown. Also, the de Benneville Pines church camp weekend has meant that RE classes would start a week later than usual, on September 22.
Treasurer Kit Shaw presented the Treasurer’s Report. The board gratefully accepted the appointment of Wendi Gladstone, Karen Patch, and Melanie Sharp to be our Financial Review Committee for 2013.The church approved Faith In Action’s desire to fundraise for the Textbook Fund For Incarcerated Students.
Rev. Rebecca reported on her activities since returning from her refreshing vacation. She also shared the reading “The Wisdom to Survive” by Wendell Berry, which can be found as #465 in our hymnal. This introduced the discussion that followed regarding the visioning process for our church.
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. and the next board meeting will be on October 8.
— Bronwen Jones
RE News:
From Our DRE:
This month’s congregational ministry theme is CHANGE, something that I’ve been grappling with a great deal in my own life in recent months as well as in my work with UUCCSM. This year has brought both the birth of my son in May, as well as the loss of his great-grandmother in August, bookends that mark the very greatest changes we face in our lifetimes. Change comes in many guises, though, and a great part of the human experience is how we respond to the upheaval that comes with joyful as well as sorrowful, minor as well as major changes. This month, adults in our congregation have the opportunity to participate in the Lessons of Loss series of workshops led by Leon Henderson-MacLennan, which acknowledges the many kinds of loss we experience and helps participants work through their own responses to loss and change. Our community has so much to gain from members engaging in this program together. After all, this is why many of us are here in this congregation: to offer and receive support is one of the fundamental reasons that we join religious communities.
Change can be hard, for communities as well as individuals. Just when we think we are standing on solid ground, everything shifts. In our congregation, the board is leading us this month in a visioning process, inspired in part by the legacy gifts that came to UUCCSM from the estates of two beloved members lost in the last year. We will be asked to think about where we see our congregation headed, what changes will come in the next three or five or ten years and what we each can commit to doing to help bring that vision to fruition.
We’ll be exploring this month’s theme in our children and youth RE classes this month as well, looking at both change that comes to us whether we like it or not—and how we can choose how we respond even if we have no control over the change itself — as well as ways in which we have the ability to be change agents in our own lives and in the world. I am reminded of an unattributed story that was passed around online some years ago about a girl who asked her father to help her understand how to deal with the hardships in her life. He took her to the kitchen and boiled three pots of water, putting carrots in the first, eggs in the second, and coffee beans in the third. He then explained that each of the three had reacted differently to the same situation: the carrots had started out strong and rigid, but came out of the boiling water soft and weakened. The eggs went in fragile but became hardened throughout. But the coffee beans changed the water. Then he asked his daughter, “What are you? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?” We have all been each of these things at different moments in our lives, but it is my hope that our UUCCSM community can help provide a safe and loving space for those of us who are in carrot or egg times, as well as support and tools for strengthening our coffee bean selves.
— Catherine Farmer Loya
Ministry Theme for October: Change
Bettye Barclay has provided this list of weekly thoughts about our ministerial theme for October. Daily thoughts are published in the weekly email announcements.
Week 1. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. — Maya Angelou
Week 2. For the past 33 years I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something. — Steve Jobs
Week 3. A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject. — Winston Churchill
Week 4. I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road. — Stephen Hawking
Week 5. Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots. — Victor Hugo
Children's RE
This month in the children’s RE program, preschoolers and kindergarteners will “celebrate me and my world” by exploring their ability to move, bend and stretch, talk and see. First to 5th graders will engage this month’s
theme of CHANGE through stories and special class activities, in our new children’s chapel program format; we will share a “Froggy Fable” about learning to adapt to changes that come whether we like them or not, will look at ways even small efforts can make a difference in the world, and will take part in a special “ribbons of
memory” ritual to honor people and animals we love who are no longer present physically but are still in our hearts. Middle-schoolers in the You the Creator class will introduce spirituality as a mixture of mystery and connection, and will take part in activities that deepen their understanding of creativity as a force of potential
importance, not just in the arts but in almost any human enterprise. And on October 27, children, youth, and adults will wrap up this month’s theme together with our annual Day of the Dead Intergenerational Sunday services.
Youth
Coming of Age and YRUU are off to a great start, with plans for monthly joint social events in the works — families should stay tuned for more details to come. We are very excited about what’s in the pipeline for youth at UUCCSM this year, with support from Youth Programs Subcommittee members Liza Cranis, Geoff Lee, and Nalani Santiago-Kalmanson. YRUU kicked off on September 21with a barbeque and orientation hosted by advisor Chris Brown, replete with good food, games, and conversation about youth’s hopes and dreams for their program this year. We also have big plans in the works for Coming of Age; we hope to take our whole group to the Jr. High winter camp at de Benneville Pines in November, and are exploring other possibilities for outings and community-building events. Three cheers for our wonderful advisors: Donavan Martinelli, Amelia Monteiro, Geno Monteiro, and Amy Thiel for Coming of Age, and Chris Brown, Emily Linnemeier, Dan Patterson, and Rick Rhoads for YRUU!
Adult Programs
Patio Chats
Monthly UUCCSM Theme Discussion with Leon Henderson-MacLennan @ 10:10 a.m. on the Patio. Sunday, October 27: Grace
Patio Chats are undergoing some slight changes this year. They will take place on the fourth Sunday of each month at 10:10 a.m. under the shade structure on the patio. But instead of discussing the ministerial theme of the month preceding, the group will discuss the topic for the upcoming month. In October, the Chat will meet on October 27 to discuss the November theme, “Grace.” As always, everyone is welcome and no sign-ups are required. The Adult Programs subcommittee will facilitate.
New Fiction Book Group Forms
A new fiction reading group is forming under the auspices of Adult Religious Exploration. The group will meet monthly on the fourth Monday evening beginning October 28 at 7 p.m. at the church. Group leaders Melinda
Ewen and Emmy Cresciman have chosen the Santa MonicaPublic Library’s 2013 “Santa Monica Reads” selection “Wonder” by R. Palacio as their first book. “Wonder” is the inspiring story of 10-year-old August (Auggie) Pullman, an ordinary boy in every way, except for a congenital facial deformity that has kept him away from kids his own age for much of his young life.The monthly selections for the group will be other fiction titles chosen from the Santa Monica Reads program over the past 11 years. All are welcome, but please read the book before the meeting.Check the Lifespan Table for the latest information on location and book selection.
Lessons of Loss
Facilitated by Leon Henderson-MacLennan this group will meet in the Cottage on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. on October 10, 17, 24, and November 7. Attendees will explore a variety of types of loss, the language of loss and its inevitability, the relationship between loss and gain, the grieving process, and the roles of religious community in dealing with loss. The group will share coping skills and learn strategies designed to incorporate loss into life. Sign up now in Forbes Hall at the Lifespan Table.
OUR WHOLE LIVES (O.W.L.)
Sexuality Education for Adults of all Ages and Stages.
When: Nine sessions on occasional Saturdays from October to March First Session: Saturday, October 19, 2013
When: Nine sessions on occasional Saturdays from October to March First Session: Saturday, October 19, 2013
Where: Forbes Hall
What: Sexuality Exploration, including:
- accepting, understanding, and affirming personal sexuality
- opening dialogue/building communication
- sexual diversity, sexuality in adulthood, sexual health
- society, media, and values
- your questions, concerns, opinions
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! To sign up or with questions, go to the LRE table on Sundays, or contact Beth Rendeiro or any of the facilitators: Cynthia Cottam, Buudha Quant, Sylvia or Steve Young (all in the directory).
Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth
Join in the viewing and discussion of an episode of this timeless television series on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Cottage beginning October 6. Sign up in Forbes Hall even if you’re not sure you can attend each session.
Episode 1: The Hero’s Adventure 10/6/2013
Episode 2: The Message of the Myth 11/3/2013
Episode 3: The First Storytellers 12/1/2013
Episode 4: Sacrifice and Bliss 1/5/2014
Episode 5: Love and the Goddess 2/2/2014
Episode 6: Masks of Eternity 3/2/2014
Ongoing Activities:
- Empty Nesters meet on the 3rd Sunday of each month in the Cottage at 12:30 p.m., facilitated by Linda
Marten.
- New Fiction Book Group meets on the 4th Monday evening of each month at 7 p.m. upstairs in Forbes Hall, facilitated by Melinda Ewen.
- Wednesday Night Writers meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (changed from 7:30 p.m.) in
Forbes Hall, facilitated by Emmy Cresciman.
- Quilters meet in Forbes Hall on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until they get tired, and on other Saturdays as the spirit moves them, facilitated by Joyce Holmen.
For information on these and all other Lifespan programs, come to the table in Forbes Hall on Sunday mornings after each service.
— Emmy Cresciman
Care Net
CareNet offers meals, rides and cards to church members and friends. If you have such a need or know of someone who does, please call the church office, email carenet@ uusm.org or call Karl Lisovsky.
Music News:
The choir moved to a new location along the southwest wall for Ingathering Sunday. Choir members present were as follows. Back row from left to right: Edna Bonacich, alto; Debra Penberthy, substitute alto section leader; Rima Snyder, alto; Gabriel Paredes, tenor section leader; Liam Mina, tenor; Brigham Johnson, bass; Babatunde Akinboboye, bass section leader; VanNessa Hulme, soprano section leader; Cindy Kelly, soprano. Front row from left to right: Teri Bond, alto; Sue Bickford, alto; Janet Goodwin, alto; Karen Hsu Patterson, alto; Rob Briner, tenor; Richard Scher, tenor; Larry Howard, bass; Diane Fletcher-Hoppe, soprano; Rebecca Crawford, soprano. Not pictured, alphabetically: Thomas Ahern, bass; Norb Gallery, bass; Jyvonne Haskin, alto section leader; Kim Miller, soprano.
A quintet of choir members sang “Come Home” by Peter Eldridge during Ingathering Sunday. The singers are as follows from left to right: DeReau Farrar, Director of Music; Babatunde Akinboboye, Bass Section Leader; VanNessa Hulme, Soprano Section Leader; Debra Penberthy, Substitute Alto Section Leader; Gabriel Paredes, Tenor Section Leader.