Dear Members, Friends, and Newcomers,

I hope you’re all giving yourselves time to bask in election results that were a lot more hopeful than maybe some of us were expecting. I have a friend who told me that they spent Wednesday morning “hopescrolling” social media (as opposed to the “doomscrolling” we hear about more often).

We had some historic firsts in this election, including Deb Haaland in New Mexico being elected as the first Native American female governor in U.S. history, Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia being elected as the first Black woman state governor, Abdul El-Sayed from Michigan becoming the first Muslim American elected to the U.S. senate, and Chris Pappas from New Hampshire elected as the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. senate.

Of course, there were also some losses. In particular, my heart is with the trans community as anti-trans ballot measures passed in Washington, Colorado, and Arizona. But, the election was just one moment that showed us what using our voices can do. With the transitions in leadership, as new senators and representatives take office, we can continue to raise our voices, working to make sure the trans community and other vulnerable people are protected.

We know that work toward justice is something we’re in for the long-haul, so I think that’s all the more reason to make sure we pause and let ourselves really feel the moments where we’re hopeful. With the historic wins this week, it’s my hope that we don’t feel simply that we are fighting against injustice, but that we remind ourselves of all that we are fighting for. It’s important to give ourselves time to do visioning work for the future, engaging in collective imagining of ways we might realize beloved community together.

With love,

Sophia

P.S. Our annual service auction is coming up this Saturday, and silent bidding is open now! See below for links to get your bids as we approach our “Sparkle of Community” event.

Sunday, November 8, 10:30 am:

Making History, Instead of Being Pushed Around By It

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones preaching, with Veterans’ Day reflections by Ted Scott-Femenella, Rev Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Intern Sophia McKean, Worship Associate Dawn Huebner, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, Violinist Jennifer Campbell

Mid-term elections are over! Where do we go from here? Does it depend on whether your hopes have been dashed by the results, or reassured by them? No matter the outcomes, let’s remember that the values which we affirm and promote haven’t gone away. Future generations are depending on the work that we carry forward. Also, our congregant Ted Scott-Femenella will offer his perspective as a Vietnam War veteran.

• After service: Monthly Newcomers’ Orientation and Tour (11:50 am-12:50 pm), child care provided in Room 11. Led by Rev. Lucy and Nicolette Thayer.
• After service: Forum on the Spiritual Core of Hinduism with Swami Medhananda, Vedanta Society, in sanctuary. Snacks provided. Freewill donations welcome.
• Young Adults Meet & Greet at 12:00 pm

To request that your joy, sorrow, prayer, or milestone be spoken at a service (or just to let us know your news privately) enter the information at this link or contact the ministers before the weekend by email or phone. 

We extend our condolences to our members Neil Callendar and Kate Looby on the passing of Neil's father, Arthur Callender, in Stockton on Oct. 18. Arthur was 91.

We extend our tender care to our member Ellen Schaefer, who lost three dear friends in October. May Chuck, Freddie, and Denni rest in peace.

We are happy that our member Sarah Patton is now at her parents' home following a stay in a skilled nursing facility and hospitalization for infections and mobility issues.

We are also happy to share that our member Susan Carlsen is home recovering from hip surgery. She appreciates the cards and calls she's received from the congregation.  

We extend our joy to Pam and John Martin for two things: After major heart health issues had kept him away for weeks, John was back in church on Nov. 1! Also, they are going to be grandparents, as John's daughter Alia is having a baby. Cheers!

We congratulate our member Melisa McCampbell on retirement from her career of service as a speech therapist for a local school district. Now she is serving as a Sunday greeter at UUSS (as well as a Sunday coffee server)!

Our member Donna Reese has let us know that her former husband, George, who is the father of their daughter, Laura, and still a good friend of Donna's, is in his last days of life. At this tender time we extend wishes for comfort and peace for George and extend our care to the whole family.

Childcare--The Nursery welcomes infants (6 mos.+) through age 5. Staff supervise child-led play in a fun, friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance, not parking lot. Don't forget to sign in when you get to Room 11.

Childcare on 2nd and 4th Sundays extends until 1:30pm (staff leaves at 12:15 if there are no children present)

Meeting during service this Sunday, Nov. 8:

Soul Kids (grades K-5) will talk about Diwali with DJ and have time for fun activities.

Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8) will meet with Bess to talk and play games.

Parents, please sign-in at the RE Welcome Table when you arrive if your child is going to join us in Religious Education.

Find more details, more updates, and other invitations and announcements by clicking on the link above for the RE/Family Ministry Email

You are invited to contact RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain with questions or for more info about Religious Education, child and family programs and childcare.

⏰ 2026 Auction Final Countdown! ⏰

✨ The Sparkle of Community ✨

Our annual auction wraps up THIS WEEKEND!

Our auction is the second-largest fundraiser of the year and a wonderful way to deepen your connections in the community through shared meals, outings, learning experiences, services and lessons from our talented members and friends. Best of all, you can get many of the items for less than $20--read on!

🥂 The Live Auction Happy Hour Event happening tomorrow is SOLD OUT!

🖱️ Fear Not! 98% of the items are available in the online Silent Auction, and bidding CLOSES this Sunday, Nov. 8, at 8:00 pm!

👉 Visit the Sparkle Auction Website to browse 130+ items! 👈

💻 Fund-a-Need: A Brand-New UUSS Website! 🌐

This year’s Fund-a-Need will help build the new online hub of our congregational life!

• After months of careful evaluation, our task force has chosen a local, woman-owned firm to create a contemporary, user-friendly, and fully accessible website.
• It will be shaped by input from across the congregation and will connect seamlessly with the scheduling and communications tools we already use.
• Our goal is $35,000, and the Board will match it  from restricted funds to cover the estimated $70,000 contract.

🛍️ Browse by Category

🏷️ Fixed Price Items

Lower cost, “Buy-it-Now” items include a Musical Celebration Concert with Irina & Anthony for just $20, and an All-Ages Karaoke Party with Rev. Lucy and the Choir for just $15.

🎭 Let Us Entertain You ⭐ Most Popular! ⭐

Wonderful dinner parties, lunches, brunches, game nights and gatherings to keep you entertained and surrounded by community all year long! Check out the New Year’s Eve Game Night for just $20, a Sunset Lakeside Stroll & Dinner for $25, and get ready for the Super Bowl with Football for Dummies for $25.

🎨 Learn, Grow & Have Fun!

Classes and experiences in arts, crafts, and food. Learn about ArtificiaI Intelligence and Robots for just $10. Create a pen or wand on a Lathe or make jewelry.

Pick up backgammon, chess, piano or knitting!

🙋 At Your Service

Helpful UUs will lead you in Springtime Outdoor Chair Yoga for $20, provide Piano Background Music at your next party, make you a Custom Holiday Wreath or a Custom T-shirt Quilt, serenade you with “Happy Birthday,” deliver baked goodies or homegrown fruit, clean your home, tackle handyperson chores, pet-sit your dog or cat, drive you to the airport and so much more!

🌆 On the Town

For those who prefer smaller groups or one-on-one outings, with entertainment beyond just eating (though there’s plenty of eating, too). Great restaurant meals, local theater, Crocker Art Museum Tours, Iris Garden picnics and wine tasting. This category truly has it all!

🌲 The Great Outdoors

A Family Nature Hike (with snacks and crafts!) for just $10/person. Many more hikes, canoeing, golf and even a bat tour!

🎟️ Event Tickets for You

Seats at Broadway and Symphony shows! 

🏖️ A Vacation Adventure

The Florida Keys!

💌 Questions? Contact Jennifer Webb at auction@uuss.org

✨ Happy bidding! ✨

Saturday Stitchers & Crafters - Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10:00 am will meet in the Fahs Room. Bring your favorite hobby or crafts for the usual Saturday Stitchers activities. Snacks to share are always welcome. Come! Bring your friends! The chatter around the crafting tables at Stitchers Saturday is always delightful! No RSVP required. All are welcome!

Contact: Karen Sparrow stitchers@uuss.org

Neurodivergence Focus Group

this Sunday, Nov. 8 at 12:00pm in the Fahs Room

If you identify as someone who is neurodivergent, you are invited to join us for this focus group, where we will be seeking your feedback to better understand the experiences and needs of neurodivergent people at UUSS. You are invited to join us in person in the Fahs room, or via our main Sunday service Zoom link. For more info, contact sophia@uuss.org

Young Adult Meet-n-Greet & Discussion - Sunday, Nov. 8 at Noon in Room 7/8 Join us for connection and conversation with people of the UUSS community aged 18-40! Monthly discussion topics range from reflection on the service, world events and personal passions. Contact: youngadults@uuss.org

The Spiritual Core of Hinduism

with Swami Medhananda of the

Vedanta Society of Sacramento

Sunday, Nov. 8

after service in the Sanctuary

Come meet the Vedanta Society's new assistant minister and research fellow in philosophy, and learn more about Vedanta and Hinduism.

This forum is part of our church-wide exploration of some neighboring faiths. We are looking at one tradition per month here at UUSS in Religious Education for Children & Youth as well as Adult Enrichment and Sunday services. There is no charge to attend but donations to Adult Enrichment are welcome. Light snacks available. Bring your coffee over after church.

Blossoms and Bushes

Monday, Nov. 9, 9:30am - 10:30am

Last meeting of 2026

Second Monday of the month. Weeding, deadheading, beautifying our landscaping and having fun! Clippers and gloves are available or bring your own. We keep pretty true to our slogan "It's only one hour, once a month." Your showing up is appreciated. Hope to see you there. Note the office is closed on Mondays. Contact: Glory Wicklund at blossoms@uuss.org

Ukulele Strum-Along 2:00 pm Monday, Nov. 9 Fahs Room. Everyone is welcome. Beginners are encouraged to come at 1:30 for help getting started. We welcome brand-new players, and we supply the music and have ukes to lend. Contact: ukes@uuss.org

Safe-room Walkthrough for UUSS Members and Friends Nov. 15

Churches are sacred spaces where people gather for spirituality, fellowship, and community support. Yet, in the midst of spiritual care, physical emergencies can arise without warning. On Sunday, Nov. 15, the UUSS Safety Committee will be leading a short walkthrough of several rooms we have identified on campus that could serve as Safe Rooms in the event of an emergency that requires us to shelter in place. To get the best estimate for capacity and assess feasibility, we are kindly seeking maximum participation for this walkthrough right after service. Please contact safety@uuss.org for questions.  

Save the Date: Christmas Tree Trimming Party Friday, December 4 beginning at 5:30pm at UUSS

All ages are invited to join our annual Christmas Tree Trimming Party featuring holiday arts and crafts, food, carols at the piano, an interactive 12 Days of Christmas sing-along, tree decorating and more!

Bring a dish to share if you can (no sign-up required). There will be a few different hot soups to choose from as well. Volunteers are welcome!

Sign up to help **at this link**

Questions? Please contact CrystalFountain@uuss.org

Rev. Roger (he/him) is available for pastoral support by appointment by phone, Zoom or in person, and the Pastoral Volunteers are available for support by phone. His day off is Monday.

Rev. Lucy (she/her) is available for pastoral support by appointment by phone, Zoom or in person. Schedule an appointment with Rev. Lucy at calendly.com/revlucyb.

Ministerial Intern Sophia McKean (they/them). Sophia is available for pastoral support by phone, Zoom or in person. They welcome a chance to get acquainted with you, whether or not you have a pastoral concern. They are on campus on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and by appointment.

Click here to read When to Contact a Minister

Office staff members (office@uuss.org or 916-483-9283) are available to respond to your calls and emails Tuesdays through Fridays 9:00-4:30; closed Mondays and holidays.

Our part-time staff members have hours that vary (some of them serve UUSS only on Sundays), so please call the office if you have a question or need to be in touch with them. Member Engagement Coordinator Nicolette Thayer nicolette@uuss.org.

Our Pianist and Music Director are available by email and invite you to weekly choir practice Wednesdays at 7:00 which takes place this month in the sanctuary.

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