Our ingathering service celebrates our 75th anniversary with a look at why it is important to know our history and tell our story. Music Ginger Murphy, cello

Elizabeth Campbell, who has written the introduction to a new edition of the Jefferson Bible, will be offering her perspective on Thomas Jefferson and his unique miracle-free version of the Bible, some history on the First Amendment, Jefferson’s personal views on religion, and his relationship with the Unitarian church of his day. For those who aren't familiar, Jefferson took several copies of the Bible and literally cut-and-pasted them together (before the advent of personal computers running Word or Windows '76), excising any references to the supernatural or miraculous events, leaving only what he considered to be “the most benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man.” If you missed “Bordeaux & the Jefferson Bible” during Dining for Dollars last spring, now’s your chance for this reprise (minus the dinner and wine). Ms. Campbell will be speaking following regular Sunday services on September 30 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The event is open to the entire UUCCSM community and is sponsored by AAHS — Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists & Secularists. For more info: contact Len Harris or Ian Dodd or stop by the AAHS table in Forbes Hall following each service on Sunday mornings.

Phillip Roth's new novel, which takes its title from the medieval morality play, pushes me to ask a few questions that usually go unasked in the public arena. If we are so comfortable, why do we feel so anxious? If we are so strong, why do we feel so afraid? If we are so wealthy, why do we feel so poor? Is there a name for this dis-ease? Jim serves as the Director of New Ministries for the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he previously served as Urban Strategist. For 22 years he was our neighbor as minister of the untraditional Church in Ocean Park and, for a term, Mayor of the City of Santa Monica.

This year we celebrate our annual Winter Holiday Pageant with a twist by re-living the birth stories of three of the world’s greatest teachers. This is an intergenerational service, and be forewarned: there may be a part for YOU to play. (Who wants to be the elephant?) So, friends, what do you get when you cross Buddha, Confucius and Jesus with a chorus of Friendly Beasts? Here’s a hint: it’s something you won’t want to miss. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the season.

Music: Sara Parkins, violin