Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

of Santa Cruz County

Current Happenings

October 15, 2026

Sunday, October 18, 2026 ~ 10:00 a.m.


Often Torn But Always Healing


Sometimes life sends us careening in a direction we didn't choose and didn't want. How can we find our way back to joy? Today we'll look to the gentle, playful example of the Dalai Lama and the historical Buddha, who found ways to root and heal themselves and their communities again.


Minister: Laura Horton-Ludwig via zoom

Worship Associate: Andy Kreyche


Click here for ZOOM Link for Sunday

Meeting ID: 840 9560 1835

Passcode: 612397


When you click on this link on Sunday, a pop-up window will appear asking, "Allow the host to unmute you, etc." with two buttons: Allow and Don't Allow. Please click “Don’t Allow,” and you will join the meeting as usual.


If you want to revisit a past service, please visit our UUFSCC YouTube Channel


Our goal is to provide a meaningful worship experience for all,

for those who can attend in person, and for those who cannot.

Hospitality News

This Sunday, October 18th, is the 3rd Sunday of the month

Last names starting J-R, please bring ready-to-serve food to share.

New Member/Information Workshop

Sunday, October 18

11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

in the Gallery

Come curious! Are you interested in finding out more about the Fellowship and the Unitarian faith? Have you been thinking of becoming a Member and wondering what that means for you? Do you want to deepen your connection with the Fellowship and have questions? Consider attending this Workshop to learn more. Led by Wendy Wyckoff and Ginny Aragon from the Membership Team with assistance from Rev Laura via Zoom. All are welcome. And all questions are welcome. Please let us know you are coming so we have the right number of handouts prepared! Email RSVP Here.


If you are attending via Zoom, here is the link: Workshop Zoom.

The UUFSCC Legacy Fund

Securing Our Fellowship’s Future

Sunday, October 18

11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

in the Sanctuary

Join the Stewardship Committee after the service for an informational Q&A session about the new Legacy Fund. Come learn how this new fund works and how you can contribute to a lasting foundation for our Fellowship community.

Book Group


Monday, October 19th ~ 6:30 p.m. via Zoom

Good People, by Patmeena Sabit - led by Bonnie


Nov. 16th:

A World Appears: a Journey into Consciousness, by Michael Pollan - led by Jenny


From the Green Team

MOTHER NATURE NEEDS YOUR VOTE!

Please consider CA Proposition 45 and Santa Cruz County Measure D carefully as they could have significant environmental impacts.


Proposition 45

Modifies Environmental Review for Some Projects

As the Trump administration rolls back environmental protections across the country, California’s state laws are now one of the last backstops remaining. The California Environmental Quality Act is one of our strongest remaining defenses for public health, air, land, and water.

  • A "yes" vote means certain projects could use a weakened review and court process that limits public input on harmful projects and weakens public health protections.
  • A "no" vote means California keeps the public oversight, tribal consultation, and corporate accountability we have today, and keeps our clean air and clean water protections strong.

Measure D

Require Voter Approval for Deep-Sea Mining Land Use Changes 

Santa Cruz County Measure D is on the ballot as a referral in Santa Cruz County

  • A "yes" vote supports requiring voter approval for land use changes related to deep-sea mining facilities.
  • A "no" vote opposes voter approval for land use changes related to deep-sea mining facilities.

A simple majority is required to approve the measure.

UUFSCC Justice Team

The Election! What do the Propositions really Mean?

If you had wanted to go to John Laird's information session about the propositions last Saturday but could not make it, there is a recording of it HERE. In addition, find a copy of the recommendations shared during Hospitality last Sunday HERE.

No Kings! Vote Early!

Saturday, October 17

A large showing will help encourage others to vote early and early voting will help make it clear that the outcomes are legitimate! Please join us for a great UU showing!!! 


Santa Cruz Co Courthouse steps, 701 Ocean Street

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Rally briefly on the courthouse steps, provide opportunities for participants to sign up to defend this election, and drop ballots in the County’s secure ballot drop box in a joyful celebration of voting rights!


Then encourage early voting by lining Ocean Street until noon with signs, music, giant puppets, and artwork. Bring signs that encourage early voting, standing up for democracy, and voter participation. More info and registration HERE.


Watsonville City Plaza Park, 358 Main St., Watsonville

12:00 - 2:00 p.m. 

Join the party with music, dancers, art, games, messages about the importance of voting, and more. More than a protest, this gathering is also about turning People Power into Voter Power: bringing us together to stand up for democracy and helping every voter understand our options. Make a plan to vote early and make our voices heard. More info and registration HERE.

Shared Plate Recipient for October:

Prophets of Hope

A program of Peace United Church of Christ, Prophets of Hope provides a compassionate presence to inmates at Santa Cruz County Jail facilities and their families. Along with regular weekly spiritual services, Prophets of Hope gives timely supplies to those it serves. Our donations will help pay for key items needed by women being released from jail, food items for families, plus special meals and goodie bags for inmates during the holidays. Holiday gifts like books, art supplies, games and sports equipment will go to the juvenile, men’s, and women’s jail facilities.

Other Community Events

Peace United Church's

Beach Clean Up

Tuesday, Oct. 27th ~ 10:00 a.m.

Natural Bridge State Beach

Join in for a Save Our Shores cleanup hosted by Lanakila. Bring sun protection, closed shoes, and work gloves if you have them. Enjoy this productive community activity leaving a beautiful stretch of our coastline cleaner than we found it. Please email here if you plan to participate.

Hands Off Our Vote!

If you wanted more information about the Indivisible Zoom about ways to help protect our vote, see information HERE.

UUFSCC CONTACTS

Office Phone: (831) 684-0506

Minister: Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig

Rev. Laura is available for appointments: minister@uufscc.org

Board of Trustees uuboard@uufscc.org

Fellowship Office admin@uufscc.org

Office Open Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 2pm

For urgent matters, contact: urgent@uufscc.org

Fellowship Calendar

Reserve space for or announce a Fellowship event: calendar@uufscc.org

Current Happenings

Deadline for announcements or content for Current Happenings, Wednesdays by 5 pm: admin@uufscc.org

Helping Hands

Limited to UUFSCC Members and Friends, for events, expressions of thanks, or offering or announcing need of items or services: helpinghands@uufscc.org

Caring Connection

Limited to UUFSCC Members and Friends, announces opportunities to provide support for navigating a challenge or larger life event such as medical procedure, illness, etc.: caringconnection@uufscc.org.

Click here for Volunteer and service opportunities

Fellowship Website edits, new content, questions, or comments: admin@uufscc.org

Current Happenings is published weekly by the Office Manager: admin@uufscc.org

Useful Links

Our Fellowship Web Page: ufscc.org

Our Fellowship Calendar: uufscc calendar

Our Fellowship Facebook: facebook UUFSCC

Unitarian Universalist Association: uua.org

Pacific Western Region of UUA: uua.org/pacific-western