Newsletter for October, 2021
From Our Minister:
From Our Minister: Cultivating Relationship
Our beautiful Ingathering and Water Communion Service inaugurated the new church year and we are busy with preparations for returning to our sanctuary and our buildings in the coming months. We hope to soon be able to raffle a few seats each week to members and friends who are vaccinated and would like to attend worship in person. We are proceeding cautiously, because although the LA County health data is trending in a good direction, we know that’s partly because of the measures that organizations like ours have taken to protect community health.
With our young people back in school and many young adults returning to their college campuses, life is starting to regain some sense of normalcy for many in our congregation. We’ve not only begun to livestream from our sanctuary at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings with a small worship team, but we’ve also resumed renting to a few community groups and have opened our space for outdoor meetings of church groups. We are presently restricting participation in activities at the church to those who are vaccinated. So, we are in the liminal time of transitioning to what will hopefully be a new normal. It isn’t possible to know exactly when the transition will be over, but we are thankful to everyone who is making it possible and for the graciousness and understanding of the larger community in the midst of these many changes and new routines.
Our spiritual theme for community reflection this month is Cultivating Relationship. Each month, our theme-based ministry invites the whole congregation to reflect together on an important theme in liberal religious life to help deepen our spiritual lives and build greater community. Cultivating Relationship asks us to explore how we nurture the complex and sometimes messy bonds that are the lifeblood of any gathered community. Religion is all about relationship as it attempts to comprehend and promote how people should relate to each other, to the larger world, and to ultimacy or the divine. We are a covenantal tradition, which means we aren’t defined by creeds or dogmas but we are defined by the mutual promises we make to each other about the kind and quality of relationships we aspire to model in our church and in our larger society. Our 7 Unitarian Universalist Principles define what we consider to be the bedrock of our covenantal promises and these promises are further delineated in our congregational covenant — ”Love is the doctrine…” — and healthy congregations covenant.
In my reading of the Buddhist monk Thich Naht Hahn this past month, I am reminded that it is our deep interbeing with each other which is the real substance of our existences. He reminds us that if we deeply perceive a flower, we will see that it also holds the rocks and soil, the oxygen and sunlight, the planets and the stars. So in cultivating relationship, we should be ever more mindful of the preciousness of the interconnectedness of all things.
We know these times have been a traumatic challenge for most of us and we hope you will lean into your beloved community for support and care. You may confidentially request pastoral care or share a joy, milestone, or sorrow you’d like us to include in a Sunday morning service by emailing pastoralcare@uusm.org. We are all connected and we are committed to showing up for each other, both in times of difficulty and need and in times of joy and celebration.
With love and faith,
Jeremiah
Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae
Developmental Minister
Featured Articles:
New UUSM Website Coming to a Screen Near You
Imagine a world where uusm.org is fresh, streamlined, and oh-so-au-courant. Strangers come and instantly view Sunday worship; discover what UU Santa Monica is all about; and explore activities we’ve got coming up. Members find the latest news and their preferred donation method quickly, and they can easily log in behind-the-scenes to see private contact info, board minutes, and financial statements.
Well, the hardworking website team – along with staff, a consultant, and some temp volunteers – are approaching the debut of a new uusm.org. The goal of the public-facing portions of the new site is to expand our membership: to efficiently guide brand-new visitors to the conclusion that UUSM church life could be for them (or not) and draw in more visitors to worship, special events, and small-group activities. The members-only areas will feature easy sign-in (all Members and Pledging Friends are being issued login credentials) and quicklinks to take members to what they most commonly need. Members will also be able to access important documents like Annual Meeting materials, bylaws, and historical Newsletters, News Magazines, and announcements; though it may take a while to load it all in.
Besides looking more up to date, the security of our digital home will be much improved; we’ll be less vulnerable to hackers and scammers. The new site is based on the WordPress platform, so it can be easily updated as needs and circumstances change. It’ll look better on our phones, which is how more and more visitors experience our website, and there are lots of “plug-ins” available that improve the site experience. Future refreshes to keep up with internet design trends will be SO much easier.
The separate news site you’re reading here will fuse right in to uusm.org, and the display of public events will be enhanced to increase interest and attendance. A separate calendar, behind the member login, handles nonpublic committee meetings and room rentals.
The UU Santa Monica website will look and feel different, for sure; and it’ll continue to evolve in the weeks, months, and years to come. Look for coming announcements about the big reveal, your members-only login, and how to stay informed via email.
Celebrating the Life of Anne Hastings MacQueen
IN PERSON IN THE UUSM COURYARD
A Brief Biography
Anne Hastings MacQueen was born December 24, 1933, in Lewes, Delaware and died January 30, 2021, in Santa Monica, California. She spent her early years in Seaford, Delaware partly in a house her grandfather built, adjoining their farmland, and partly in the town where her father ran a local newspaper. Perhaps some of her progressive ideas were formed at that time, in the small, segregated community her father took the then radical step of hiring a black person to assist at the newspaper. She had many stories of those early years, especially of her two adored older brothers, Woodland and Stevens.
At the age of 14, immediately after WWII, she attended high school at an international school in France and also helped with the war recovery efforts in Germany. She returned to the U.S. for her final year at Putney in Vermont, before attending Reed College in Oregon where she met her husband, Jim MacQueen and started a family. Son Donald was born in 1953 in Oregon, daughter Katherine in Berkeley, California and daughter Mary in Santa Barbara, California where Jim pursued graduate studies and then work.
The family finally settled in Santa Monica. Eventually, Anne achieved a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from UCLA, and worked as an analyst. It was after her retirement that her grandchildren began arriving – they were one of her great joys in life, and she spent many hours helping and playing with them.
Anne joined the UU of Santa Monica in the 1970s and, following retirement from her career as an analyst, worked for the church doing accounting and helped in the office with the newsletter. She enjoyed inviting church members to dinner and beach walks for its “Dining for Dollars” campaigns, and the many festivals, programs and events put on by the church.
She is survived by one son, Donald, two daughters, Katherine and Mary, five grandchildren, Metabrafor, Sarah, Onome, James, and Kiemute, and one great-grandchild, Eleanor.
The family invites you to a celebration of Anne’s life on Saturday, November 6 in the courtyard at church, at 11:00 am.
- The church’s rules for the gathering include being vaccinated, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and not eating or drinking onsite.
- Please RSVP to: Kate.
- A parking attendant will be available to greet us at the Santa Monica UCLA hospital structure south of Arizona, at the entrance on the east side of 16th Street. If you park on the street instead, please read the parking signs before you turn off the key, to avoid a ticket.
- If the weather is cool, please dress warmly as we will be outside — as we gather to remember someone who loved being outside!
News & Announcements:
October 2021 UUSM Generous Congregation Supports Westside Food Bank
YOUR DONATIONS ARE NEEDED
Even as conditions improve for many emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of unemployed workers and others in our community continue to face poverty and food insecurity. Many people are turning to hunger-relief organizations to meet urgent needs. Westside Food Bank distributes to more than 70 local social service agencies, providing emergency food assistance.
UU Santa Monica has a long relationship with Westside Food Bank: volunteering, donating food, providing labor, and raising money. Most UUSM youth and young adults remember trekking over on a Sunday morning to sort food and learn more about hunger in our community. Right now, the most urgent need is cash. According to the website: “As the need for emergency food assistance skyrockets, we need your help to continue buying the truckloads of food required to keep our warehouse stocked.”
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Westside Food Bank. Your support will help keep our vulnerable neighbors food secure. We can make a high volume of nutritious food available for free throughout this crisis.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and Westside Food Bank. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
Walk to End Hunger Oct. 17 - SUPPORT US!
Hello UU Santa Monica—
This October, our Generous Congregation recipient is the Westside Food Bank. UU Santa Monica has a long relationship with Westside Food Bank: donating food, volunteering labor, and raising money. Most UUSM youth and young adults remember trekking over on a Sunday morning to sort food and learn more about hunger in our community.
This year there’s a way that UU Santa Monica members and friends can support the Westside Food Bank and get some exercise in the process. Westside Food Bank is conducting their 31st 5k Hunger Walk virtually, October 17-24. And the UUSM Hunger Task Force is on the march!
We are doubling down to support Westside Food Bank with cash. They distribute to more than 70 local service agencies and can stretch a dollar like nobody’s business. The economy is improving, but even before the pandemic, an estimated one in five individuals in LA County lived with food insecurity.
If you are able, please join us to walk the 5K, on your own time, in your own neighborhood; or with the group on October 17. Yes, a real in-person group is walking October 17 at 2:00 pm. We’re starting at 18th and Arizona, but note that the church buildings and campus are is closed. This is a public, intergenerational event, so mask up and kids must have an escort.
If you’re not able to walk, please help the Hunger Task Force by supporting an individual walker or the UUSM team.
Lois Hutchinson and Jo An Peters will lead the walk from church, and all funds will go directly to the Westside Food Bank to help food-insecure persons in our communities. This is a way to have some fun in addition to your regular support via Generous Congregation donations on Sundays.
Remember, lots of people are walking on their own time in their own neighborhoods, but we will be walking at 2:00 pm on October 17 starting at church. We are hoping to get ten walkers with ten sponsors each, raising $1000… or even more. It’s going to be super fun! Everyone is welcome, kids, dogs, families, single folks, old and young… Come join us as we walk AND make a difference!
Thanks!
— The UUSM Hunger Task Force
Let Amazon Contribute to UUSM - IT'S EASY! HERE'S HOW
“Wouldn’t it be great to have a winning lottery ticket and be able to make a big donation to UUSM?” Linda said at the morning’s breakfast.
‘That’s a terrific idea” I said. “But first, we have to buy a lottery ticket and the chances of us winning are pretty slim. We’ve never played the lottery.”
Linda said, “I’ve got an idea, and it won’t cost a cent and the church can get some additional revenue through targeted donations. Amazon will donate .5% of whatever we spend to the charity of our choice.”
“You’re talking about Amazon’s Smile donation program, right?” I replied.
“Yes” Linda responded. “All we have to do is login to Amazon at their Smile portal and order our usual products.”
“Besides benefiting the church, it’s easy to set up. We’re buying things from Amazon anyway. We could be helping the church by designating them as our favorite non-profit organization” I added.
“Why don’t you share the how-to piece you made for people who want the church to get small contributions” she suggested. “Imagine, if everyone in the church ordered their Amazon products this way, the church would benefit”
So here are the three steps to order your Amazon products and automatically send UUSM the benefits.
Step 1 – Log Into Amazon’s Smile Portal
You probably already have a login name or email and a password that you use when you sign in to Amazon for your purchases. Have that information handy. Instead of logging into Amazon.com, log into Amazon’s charity portal at:
On this page, you will see this screen. Click on the yellow “Get started” button (see the red arrow on the screen shot below).
Clicking on the yellow button will take you to the Amazon login screen (below). Type in your Amazon account email or phone number and click on the gold “Continue” button just below it.
Next, type in your Amazon account password and click on the gold “Sign In” button below it (see red arrow in screen shot below):
You are now logged into your Amazon account and on their Smile charity portal.
Step 2 – Designate UUSM as your charity
Click on the “Supporting” tab (see red arrow in screen shot below) to move to next screen.
In the next screen, type “Unitarian Universalist of Santa Monica” (as shown below in #1 arrow) and click on the “Search” (shown by the #2 arrow below). It will display the name of the church (as shown below in the #3 arrow). To select your church, click on the yellow “Select” button (shown by the #4 arrow below).
You now see that UUSM has been selected (see the red arrow in this screen shot below):
You have successfully set up your Amazon account to automatically contribute (from Amazon’s profits) an amount equal to a percentage of the money you spend at Amazon.
From now on, all you have to do is login to Amazon at the Smile portal (https://smile.amazon.com and begin your search for your desired purchases.
Step 3 – Order Your Products from Amazon
Simply login to your Amazon Smile account at https://smile.amazon.com. Click on the search bar (see red arrow in screen shot below) and type in the name or type of product you intend to purchase and proceed as you always do in purchasing from Amazon.
See if that automatic church contribution puts a smile on your face.
Philip Siddons is a new member and contributing author. He and his wife Linda are new to Santa Monica. They came from Buffalo, New York, having lived in Chicago and Boston. Philip was a Technology and Communications Coordinator for a number of non-profits. Philip’s three books are on Amazon and his Medium.com articles are indexed at https://connectedness.org.
RE News:
The Artist’s Way, A Group with Judith Martin-Shaw
Break the blockages within that prevent us from being the master artists we were all born to be.
We invite you to join us in a path called The Artist’s Way, facilitated by Judith Martin-Shaw. Using simple tools, writing, discussion, exploration, we can begin to access our identities as creators and put those energies to use in any (or all) parts of life. We will do so by dedicating ourselves to a kaleidoscope of self-freeing writing exercises. These writing exercises will affect your creative lives outside of writing too – including music, visual art, and even dancing.
The Artist’s Way is still a best-seller after 25 years in print, it’s an experience that might change anything, and might change everything. With the subtitle “A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity,” it’s significant for people who feel that traditional religion does not give them what they need.
As Judith Martin-Shaw tells us of her journey with this book,
“I first did the Artist’s Way with one friend. We met for breakfast once a week to ‘turn in our homework’ and talk. It was a huge experience in growth for both of us. Years later, I took it as a class at a bookstore with a very experienced teacher and about 40 other students. Again, it was a quantum leap in being able to use my own creativity to open my life. Some years later, I offered to teach it to a group at my yoga studio, and most of the people in the class reported very significant positive changes. I felt I got as much out of teaching it as they did while doing the work. Every time I’ve done it, I’ve been very glad that I did.”
The Artist’s Way will be taught by Judith as a 10-week class in creativity that can open your mind to the best of your inner self, an assisted spiritual recovery through becoming the brilliant creators we were born to be. While the class is only scheduled for a short time, you may be surprised at the amount of self-discovery you can experience in that time frame.
This creative path will help us in a myriad of ways. You will hopefully begin to cultivate a new life: Uncover the limitless possibilities of creativity; Recover your beautiful nature, linked with your innate power and strength; Sculpt a life of integrity and foster deep connections; Eliminate the lie of perfectionism and live comfortably with risk; Undo the self-defeating feelings of jealousy, distrust, and doubt; Enhance your compassion towards yourself and others; And build faithful trust in yourself and welcome abundance and success.
Not everyone who uses The Artist’s Way has a breakthrough, however. But Elizabeth Gilbert said it was what got her to write “Eat, Pray, Love.”
As someone who has enjoyed this workbook from just about every angle – reader, student, teacher, and returning pilgrim – Judith feels as if there is no limit to the amount of good that can come from sincere reflection.
We hope and have faith that you will find it delightful, useful, and self-inspiring. It will be held on Thursday evenings on Zoom, 7 to 9 pm, starting Sept. 23, 2021.You do have to commit to all 10 sessions, and it is a closed group after the first meeting. You’ll be asked to commit to a daily writing exercise, which will hopefully start your new life-long journey into being who you truly are – an inspired creator.
Please purchase the book, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, from any independent bookseller (the 25th Anniversary edition is now available!)
Any questions or signups? Email AdultRE@uusm.org with ‘Artist’s Way’ in the subject line.
New Class for Adults: “A History of God”
JOIN ADULT PROGRAMS FOR A HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION STARTING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23
How and why have concepts of God changed over time and across cultures, yet remained resonant and important? How have the three great monotheistic religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam — shaped the image of God in their own ways? How have these faith traditions influenced each other?
Join us for a theological and historical exploration of monotheism in its myriad forms and possibilities, guided by Karen Armstrong’s classic, “A History of God.” In the acclaimed book, Armstrong, a renowned author, scholar and spiritual seeker in her own right, traces the epic story of the Abrahamic Faiths across eras of history and empire, through evolving beliefs, and into the inner workings of the human psyche:
“The epic story begins with the Jews’ gradual transformation of pagan idol worship in Babylon into true monotheism — a concept previously unknown in the world. Christianity and Islam both rose on the foundation of this revolutionary idea, but these religions refashioned ‘The One God’ to suit the social and political needs of their followers. From classical philosophy and medieval mysticism to the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the modern age of skepticism, Karen Armstrong performs the near miracle of distilling the intellectual history of monotheism into one superbly readable volume.” [Publisher]
For consideration and discussion, we will also include supplemental material on directions in liberal theology that have been influential since Armstrong’s bestselling book was written, including 21st Century developments in Progressive Christianity, Pantheism, and Religious Naturalism.
Facilitators Sarah Robson and James Witker both bring lifelong interest in the topic, as well as differing personal histories and viewpoints.
Via reflection and sharing throughout the discussion, we will draw upon our own spiritual journeys, questions, and aspirations. Whether you believe in one god, many gods, or none, or are eager to question all answers on the nature of ultimate reality, you are welcome! In our community of theists, non-theists and everyone in between, we will intentionally practice deep listening and hold a space where a diversity of viewpoints are included and celebrated.
Participants are encouraged to read the book, but shorter summaries of the chapters will also be available, and everyone is welcome to join.
Four Saturday Mornings: (11/06,11/20, 12/04, 12/18) 9:30-11:30AM. Additional sessions may be added upon request. Please contact AdultRE@uusm.org for more details and to sign up.
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, October 2021
Come, come, whoever you are!
Welcome to an exciting journey of questioning, challenging, and celebrating life’s mysteries and wonders. For generations, Adult Programs at UU Santa Monica has welcomed seekers, exiles, and interfaith families along with those who have grown up in our own Unitarian Universalist tradition. We are a congregation made up of people who believe in God or a higher power, people who do not, those who are content to live with the mystery, and those who are ever searching for answers to the big questions. Most of all, we are enriched by one another’s life journeys, diverse beliefs, shared progressive values and uniting UU Principles as we learn and explore together.
Our Purpose and Our Guide
At its core, the purpose of our educational ministry is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to deepen their spiritual lives, and to live with compassion, integrity and joy as we nurture beloved community and work together for peace and justice in this world. Adult Programs offers classes, discussion groups, and special events on an array of topics relevant to the Six Sources and our congregation’s spiritual life. Some of these may include in-depth study of theology and spirituality, discussion of science writing or Humanist ideas, opportunities to explore music, arts and crafts, or chances to connect socially for fellowship and fun. Many programs are made possible through the time and talent of our members and friends.
An Invitation
Do you have an idea for a program or event? We want to hear it. Email the Adult RE Committee (AdultRE@UUSM.org) and we can work with you on presenting your ideas.
Community Building Through Personal Development:
The Artist’s Way Workshop Thursdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Join us for a fresh perspective on art, creativity, and the meaning of life (Really) with Judith Martin-Straw. She will facilitate this 10-week class using the popular workbook The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. The class runs from September 23 – December 4 (no class November 25). We meet from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Contact AdultRE@uusm.org for the Zoom link
Nature Journaling: “Bats” – Sunday, October 31
Spend some of Halloween Day contemplating bats. Bats are fascinating animals that tend to both intrigue and repel people. We will spend some time learning about some of the many species of bats and then spend some time drawing them from photographs. We may recall some encounters or associations that we have had with bats. We will definitely go into Halloween evening more familiar with these amazing animals. This session will be facilitated by Dorothy Steinicke, who has more than twenty years experience encouraging people to a love for the natural world. To receive the Zoom link for this program contact Dorothy Steinicke, through Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
Exploration of Ideas:
Green Committee Meeting Sunday, October 3
Please email greenchair@uusm.org for Zoom link. The Green Committee informs others of the simple changes that can be made to decrease their carbon footprint and to implement social action to green our community. We meet from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.
Science Non-Fiction Book Discussion Tuesday, October 19
We will discuss Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein. We sometimes think that all sports greats follow a path like Tiger Woods, but, in fact, most have explored several sports before settling on their passion. Groups with wide ranges of knowledge are much better at problem solving. Epstein explores the data. All are welcome. We meet from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Contact: Rebecca Crawford, sci-nonfiction@uusm.org.
AAHS (Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, Secularists) Freethinkers Forum Sunday, October 24
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for a lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion, and philosophy. 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 from 12:00-1:30 pm. For up-to-date information and Zoom information, please contact: James Witker at aahs@uusm.org
UU Men’s Group Saturday, October 9, Thursday October 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. We generally meet on the first and third Thursday of the month. However, in October, we will hold our first meeting on Saturday, October 9 at an outdoor location to be announced and our second meeting via Zoom on Thursday, October 21 at 7:30 PM.
The topic for October 9 is: What was the single greatest challenge you have faced so far in your life? How did you fare and what did you learn from it? The topic for October 21 is: “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.”— Albert Camus. Do you have a favorite novel or movie? How old were you when you first read or saw it? Why do you think it resonated with you? Was there a “truth” that ran through the story or that was revealed by the ending? For more information, contact Jim Rheinwald or Richard Mathias through the Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
Meditation:
Open Meditation Mondays, October 11, 25
We gather and listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal and share with each other what’s on our hearts. We explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. This is a non-guided, quiet meditation that may be deeply nourishing. A time to simply “be” amidst all the “doing,” calling off the struggle to become other than we are. We meet every 2nd, 4th, and if possible 5th Monday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Contact Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring through the Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
Open Meditation: Wellsprings All Wednesdays and Fridays
Taking 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 through the Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)