Nov-08
From Our Minister:
This November, let us ponderthe words of one of the mostfamous American men whoshaped the Unitarian tradition,Ralph Waldo Emerson:
We are not born free; we are born with a mortgage.That mortgage is a debt, a debt that we owe to thepast and to the future. While we live we pay interestand then pass it on to the next generation. That'show churches, communities, and nations survive; byaccepting what has been bequeathed and passing iton to those that come after them. This ritual ofreceiving and giving is an act of Thanksgiving.
My hope is that UUCCSM is a place to receive and givesustenance for your minds, hearts, and spirits. There ismuch for which to be grateful. I am grateful for an excellentstaff, who give so much of their talents and skills toserve this church. I am grateful for the excellent musicand religious education programs. I am grateful forthose among us who without fail work tirelessly for thebenefit of everyone. There are congregational challengesahead. Yet, there is much to be thankful for. In thisinterim period, I invite you to stop and celebrate whoyou are and who you are becoming. November is thattime to show your gratitude.
Along with the stewardship leaders, I invite each ofyou to attend the November 16 service, CommitmentSunday, and be ready to make your 2009 pledge on thatday. After service, it will be a time to celebrate communitywith good food, good company, and good conversation.You need to know that you can count on eachother for a fulfilling future together. The annual pledgedrive is a ritual - a rite of commitment. You commit yourfinancial resources to the church's operating fund andyou commit yourselves to one another. Through makinga financial contribution, you show others how muchthey mean to you. It doesn't matter if you only have aseemingly small donation. It matters that you give fromyour heart to build up the community you cherish.
It is a well-known fact that people become involvedbecause "Someone asked me." For example, when nonblooddonors were asked why they didn't give blood, themost common response was, "Nobody asked." You willnot be asked to participate in a blood drive; rather, youwill be asked to make your pledge to the future ofUUCCSM. You are preparing for a new minister, whowill be happy to learn of your generosity in so manyways, including having a solid financial future.
Henri Nouwen says: "Every time I take a step in thedirection of generosity, I know I am moving from fear tolove." The word, liberal, literally means generous.We area liberal religious tradition. We are generous people.Please, be generous with your time and financialresources as you are able.
-- Roberta Haskin
From Our President:
It seems that we can't escapethe continuing impact of theworld financial crisis. Twoactions on your part will help usin monitoring the financial viabilityof the church.
1. Current pledge receipts are below normal.The church administration and finance committeeestimate receipts according to monies pledgedmonthly, quarterly, and yearly. According to ourhistorical pattern of income we are currently 20percent below expected contributions. Pleasecheck your payment history to ascertain whetheryou are behind. If you are so affected by the currenteconomy that you aren't able to meet yourpledged amount, let us know so that we mightmake appropriate income estimate adjustments.Contact Roberta Haskin, Melinda Ewen, or me.
2. The Stewardship Committee is beginningnext year's pledge drive. Historically "no newpledge form" has indicated your desire to maintainpledging at the current level. This year we are askingEVERYONE to submit a pledge form in orderthat budget planning may be accurate. In anunusual and time-consuming effort, the StewardshipCommittee and the Board of Directors willcall those who have not submitted a currentpledge form on or before Commitment Sunday.
This is not a "sales" call to get you to give more.Callers won't even know your pledge amount; onlythat a form has not been received. This call is anattempt to ensure accuracy in the estimation ofprojected income, which in turn allows for accuracyin budgeting and financial planning. You canconserve time and effort by submitting yourpledge form.
We have reserves established to meet economicmodulations.We have utilized $30,000 this year tomaintain programs.We look to being conservativein the next year should financial conditions so dictate.The budget is established at the Annual BusinessMeeting. You are the ones who determinehow our resources are utilized. Be a participant.
Your assistance in providing accurate informationis integral to proper planning. Please keep usinformed so that we may continue our consideredand detailed monitoring of our financial condition.Informed action is one of our strongestattributes.
With Appreciation,
Ron Crane
Featured Articles:
The UU Legislative Ministry, California, has coordinatedinput to help us sort out the pros and cons of thecomplex ballot measures to be decided November 4th.Please visit uulmca.org. The Rev. Lindi Ramsdenwrites, "We don't pretend to represent the views of allUUs, but do our best to weigh the pros and cons inlight of our principles, whenever possible consultingUUs with experience in the field in question." Sheadds, "This past year, while trying to discourage peoplefrom signing petitions to stop marriage equality, wegot to see the paid signature gathering process upclose and personal. It was sobering. Many people havelittle idea what they are signing. Seeing parental notificationon the ballot for the third time (Prop 4) is areminder that wealthy donors can continue to buyaccess to our decision making pro c e s s, causing a seve redrain on the resources of the community. Ever wonderwhy there aren't donation limits to ballot measures?
Letters
The purpose of this note is to encourage everyone tovote no on proposition 8. Many members of ourchurch have helped with the phone banks Wednesdaysin the cottage, by placing yard signs and windowposters at their homes and apartments, and by talkingwith their friends, families and coworkers. I particularlywant to thank Kris Langabeer, Debbie Menzies,and Bronwen Jones for spearheading this issue atchurch. Without their leadership we would be muchless galvanized on this issue. I also want to thank themany other behind-the-scenes volunteers.
- Michael Young
News & Announcements:
Did you know that if you are age 70.5 or older, youcan now make gifts to UUCCSM, the UUA, or otherUU entities directly from your IRA - without includingthe IRA withdrawal in your taxable income? Thistimely provision will be in effect through December31, 2009.
To make a tax-free distribution, simply send a letterto your IRA custodian requesting a transfer directlyfrom your IRA to the organization of your choice.
Women's Alliance Asks, "Now What?"
It seems like it's been a long election season. Assumingthat we have the results on at least most of whatbrought voters into the November 4th democraticprocess, what do we face now? Let's light a chalice andconsider some questions together. What we can celebrate,what do we mourn, and what challenges are instore for Unitarian Universalists?The Women's Alliance meets Sunday, November 9.You can bring your ideas and sack lunch to the Cottageat 12:30 pm. For information, contact Joyce Holmen.
We Need Help with UUCCSM's Electronic Presence
Did you know that most of our new members findus on the Web? Did you know that members' labor andpledges are what support the smooth functioning ofour church? Are you aware that we need new membersin order to continue to develop as a community?All this to say that we need to develop a larger Webpresence - possibly a Facebook site, postings to chatrooms - let your imagination run wild. Our web site isably run by Liz Fuller and Dan Kegel, so we're all setthere. Thank you, Dan and Liz, for your on-going webmasterwork. Now we need to get the word out aboutUUCCSM's unique community instead of just waitingfor folks to find us.Do you love to play with computers?Are you savvy with new developments on the web?Will you help the church get itself out there intocyberspace?Please volunteer for this fun project by contactingboard member Beth Rendeiro.
Building News:
Are Our Building Funds Safe?
Some people have asked how recent national financialproblems affect the church building program. Allchurch funds, including the building fund, are insecure cash instruments guaranteed by the FDIC. Thisconservative approach means we miss out on stockmarket booms, but are not directly affected bydeclines. Indeed the recent decline in constructionactivity in Southern California has reduced the pressurethat has in the past driven up construction costsin our area. The church now projects that when thelandscaping phase is finished we will have approximately$950,000 available for further construction.How this is spent will be the subject of future congregationaldiscussion and vote. The building committeewill work with the church architect to present optionsand their costs so that the congregation can make aninformed decision. We expect that the congregationwill prefer a safe approach that doesn't risk the projectexceeding its resources. In any case, if the congregationdecides to spend the bulk of available funds onimprovements to Forbes Hall, the improvements willbe dramatic. $950,000 is still a lot of money. As for theongoing landscaping, we hope to have it complete in afew weeks. Perhaps by the time you read this peopleare able to park on rough asphalt at the back of thecottage. When the backyard work is finished theasphalt will receive its top layer and have stripespainted. After the landscaping is complete there willbe a period with no construction activity while thechurch makes detailed plans for the next step. IfForbes is to be closed to church use, it is importantthat it be closed for as short a time as possible.Wedon't want to start anything without a firm contractand timetable for its completion. We also want tomake sure there is as much congregational involvementas possible. The building committee hasn't beentalking about Forbes much lately because, frankly, wehave been working flat out on the landscaping. Thatphase will end soon.
— Tom Hamilton,New Building Committee
Faith in Action News:
Holiday Bazaar
Sunday, November 23,10:00 a.m.
The Faith in Action Multi-CulturalHoliday Bazaar will be held onSunday, November 23, from10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Forbes Hall.This holiday season, relieve the strain on your pocketbookand help others at the same time. You’ll findgreat deals that support great causes like social andeconomic justice, programs on hunger, homelessness,civil liberties, peace, the environment, fair elections,and health care. Most toys and gifts are under $15, andmany are much less. Please help us spread the word:notify all your friends, neighbors, and colleagues by emailor telephone.Donations of holiday gifts, baked goods, and treatsare welcomed. Please bring them to Forbes Hall after 9a.m. on Sunday, November 23. Helpers get first pick, soplease volunteer to help.
Splinters from the Board:
At the board retreat on September13, the board approveda motion recommended byDirector of AdministrationMelinda Ewen to update signatories to financial documents.Also approved were motions recommendedby Tom Hamilton of the New Building Committee tofund the children's play area, to build a retaining wallbetween the sanctuary and Forbes Hall for the widesteps to accommodate the change in elevation, andto install a doorway between the sanctuary and thecourtyard.
At the board meeting on October 15 Melindareported that church membership decreasedbecause of the death of Frances Smotherman, butwas increased by the reinstatement of Susanne Griffinand addition of Adam Galley. Membership nowstands at 416.
Melinda also reported that at the end of the firstquarter the pledge income was down $21,000 fromthe amount pledged. In the Financial Committeereport that followed, Treasurer Gene Balas said thatthe gap is being filled by funds from unrestrictedsavings. Gene pointed out that if the 28% deficit continuesover the next few months, unrestricted savingswill be exhausted.
Phil Bonacich reported for the Stewardship Committeeon plans for the upcoming pledge drive andfor Commitment Sunday.
The board approved a motion presented byWarren Mathews to specify the handling of an IRSrequired statement of proceduresfor payment of theminister's housingallowance. This does notaffect the church budget; it is simply a statement ofprocedure.
Tom reported on progress in building the children'splay area. The board voted to table a decisionon what to do with the funds for a recognition ofJudith Meyer's tenure as minister.
Melanie Sharp reported for the Dining for DollarsCommittee that plans for recruiting people to hostevents are in place and committee members willbegin making telephone and e-mail requests.
The board approved creation of an ad hoc committeeto create principles and policies for namingdonations and gifts.
Melinda reported that Sexton Michael Gober hasbeen hired as an employee, rather than as a temp,and that Annie Bates has been hired as part-timeOffice/RE Assistant.
Director of Religious Education Catherine FarmerLoya reported that the Religious Exploration programis fully staffed with volunteers, and that attendanceon Sunday averages 71 children, of 117 registered.
The board approved that 100% of non-pledgecollections on the October 19 Association Sundayservice go to the UUA. Bonnie Brae was appointedAssociation District Representative for the PacificSouthwest District of the UUA to replace Carol Agate.
- Geralyn Lambson
RE News:
From Our DRE
This year I'm trying somethingnew with my weekly"RE UUpdates" e-mail forparents and volunteers: I'mincluding a section called "UU Eve ryday." Each week Ishare a short reflection or reading for families to saytogether at mealtimes or bedtime, as a special chalicelighting, or perhaps in the morning before headingout to work and school. And there are also severalsuggested activities or rituals that families can dotogether to help reinforce UU values in their eve rydaylives.
I made this addition to the weekly e-mail becauseI've been thinking quite a lot lately about when ReligiousEducation happens. The easy answer is that ithappens on Sunday morning in our classrooms. Ithappens when we gather our children and youthtogether in groups to learn about Unitarian Universalismand what its history and values can tell us abouthow to live good lives. It happens when we explore theworld's faith traditions as well as our own. It happenswhen we ask our kids to think for themselves in figuringout how to find meaning in the world and in theirlives. It happens when we lead our kids in creatingcaring communities right there in their classrooms,and it happens on Social Justice Sundays when wework together to make the world a better place.
But does Religious Education stop when we leavethe church grounds? Is four hours per month, assumingperfect attendance, enough to give our kids andyouth a grounding in what it means to be UU? Is itenough time to teach them to think for themselves, torespect all people, and to take action to make theworld a better place? Of course not! Parents, you arethe primary religious educators in your children'slives. They watch what you say and what you do -how are you living your own UU values? How are youshowing your children that being UU matters? Whatare the things that you're doing already to reinforcewhat we do in RE classes on Sunday mornings? Whatmore could you do? And what more can we do to supportyou in this role? Remember, friends, that ours isnot just a Sunday religion. And we are all religiouseducators.
- Catherine Farmer Loya
YRUU Goes to Boston
If you asked about the trip last July to Boston, everyone will agree - It was The Perfect Trip.We literally had nomishaps, wonderful weather and fabulous food. Thanks to the generous support of the congregation, a lot offundraising, and help from the parents and folks in the office, eleven teens and eight adults were able to go toBoston for an unforgettable tour. The Rev. Judith Meyer planned a beautifully balanced itinerary.Here are somefavorite memories:
Elizabeth Saldo - The Boston trip was amemorable and exciting experience. I hadno idea so much Unitarian history waslocated in the old city. I loved walking onthe cobblestone streets and walkingthrough the Boston Common. The foodand city were magnificent. I am so lucky tohave been a part of our wonderful trip withJudith Meyer.
Jordan Paddock - I really enjoyed learningabout how the UUA works and how it allstarted. I also loved stopping at Fenway andexperiencing watching a live game at a sportsbar in Boston.
Melanie Sharp - We were following theBlack Heritage Trail and saw keys in the lockof the door of one of the landmark houses.We rang thebell, and the owner was delighted when we told herabout her keys and she invited us in! She kept the housebasically as it was since the 1770s, and in the sub-basementshe had the remnants of the Underground Railroad,which went from one house down the street to thenext until it got to where the river had been. She was adelightful woman, and we loved getting to see her historichouse.
Rachael Dodd - I remember thecrazy, " haunted" wallpaper in myroom at the P&E plus Adam's and Jordan'smagazine clippings decoratingtheir room.Adam Reyes - I enjoyed our own Harvardtour and visiting the library to viewold UU documents. It was fun learningabout our UU history there.
Bronwen Jones - For me, getting toknow the teens was great. Also Icouldn't believe how high the pulpitswere. After living in Boston as a non-UU, it was great learning about thecity's wonderful UU history.
Rachael Moore - I will alwaysremember 4th of July on the Promenadewith the Boston Pops (got meout of Band Camp) and Little Italywith the most amazing food and thebest lasagna ever.
Catherine Farmer Loya - I lovedgoing to the Museum of Fine Arts withAlyssa, Colette, and Haley. It was sonice to just hang out in a small group andshare their excitement.
Karen Patch - I got a kick watching theteens get to know Judith, having fun withher and discovering she is very gullible.They started asking her questions aboutbeing a hippie in the 60s (didn't get muchinfo from her), but great fun in theprocess.
Kathy Cook - So much history everywhereplus seeing the UUA offices wasinteresting. Everything was well plannedand there was time to relax, too. There wasplenty of time to get to know the teens andJudith better.
Sarah Gaillot - The trolleytour of the city was myhighlight along with theSunday church service atArlington Street Churc h(with real Tiffany windows).
Linda Van Ligten - I feltthe trip was very thoughtfullyplanned, and even letthe teens sleep in. Very balancedwith time to hang out mixed with sightseeing.The weather was great and wegot to do a lot of walking.T h e re was a mixture ofdoing things in smallgroups and all together.
Judith Meyer - I think thecongregation should knowthat the public informationperson who gave us the UUAtour found our group to be"really engaged and wellinformedabout UU" andthat one Pickett and EliotHouse staff member told methat ours was the bestbehaved youth group that hadever stayed there. Our youthmade a wonderful impression onour UUA hosts and that made mefeel very proud. Thank you toeveryone who supported us. Youmade something special happen.We appreciate it so much.
- Karen Patch
The Friendly Beasts are Coming
Once again, our preschool through elementarychildren will sing "The Friendly Beasts" song atour holiday pageant on Sunday, December 21,at both services.
As in years past, all involved children will sing thefirst and last verses of the song. Small groups of childrenwill sing the middle five verses dressed in a costumeappropriate to the animal speaking in that verse(brown donkey, red and white cow, dog, dove, andmouse). The children pick which animal they want tobe, but generally, the preschoolers sing the mice verse.Elizabeth Wheat will be organizing costume-makingfor our Beasts this year (thank you, Elizabeth). Olderkids who don't want to dress as an animal but do wantto 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. Belowis the rehearsal schedule, including a dress rehearsalSaturday morning, December 20:
November 9 - Preschoolers: at beginning of RE class
November 16 - Preschoolers