Welcome to November!

I don't know about you but I am a wee bit apprehensive about the election on Tuesday. My worry is like a consistent hum that's keeping me tense.

But at the same time I refuse to give up hope - I am holding it like a flickering flame, flickering but not extinguished. And I am keeping the faith as best I can; faith in our democracy, faith that enough people will be on the side of love and justice.

Our congregation gives me hope too, and helps with my apprehension. We are a community of love and justice and our presence makes a difference. Its good to be together.

I hope you can join us this Sunday. Roger will be preaching on Hinduism as part of our year-long whole-church program Crossing Paths. This month we will also visit the Vedanta Society as part of our consideration of Hinduism. (see below for more information).

Also on Sunday you have two options to share your concerns and ideas. Our Intern Minister Sophia is convening a physical disabilities focus group to learn how we can be more accommodating and welcoming. We will also have a discussion with the team that is building our new website - they want to hear from you about what you want for our new site.

And its a soup Sunday!!! You will not want to miss it. So to make sure you don't, set your clocks back Saturday night as daylight savings time ends. Of course if you forget and arrive an hour early for the service, you can join in the labyrinth walk.

However and whenever you come, we look forward to seeing you.

Keep breathing.

Sending love,

Rev. Lucy

Sunday, November 1, 10:30 am: Hinduism: The Tangible Presence of the Divine 

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones preaching with reflections by Kaushik Das, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Intern Sophia McKean, Worship Associate Jenni Gouine, UUSS choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva

In our year-long look at neighboring faiths, this month we share glimpses of the ancient and vital Hindu tradition. Its followers make offerings and prayers to local images of the Hindu diversity of deities. Its philosophers promote the unity of all things. Yet this tradition is not one thing, not easily defined. Our congregant Kaushik Das offers a personal perspective along with Rev. Roger’s ideas on what it means to have a god you can touch and see.

• Candles of Joys and Sorrows during the service (first Sunday of each month).
• Before the service: Labyrinth meditation in the meadow at 9:30.
• After the service: Soup Sunday lunch (freewill donations accepted)
• Focus group for individuals with physical disabilities.
• Meeting with web site team - they want your input.
• Daylight Savings Time ends Saturday night, so set your clocks back one hour. If you come to UUSS an hour early, you will be welcomed!

Sunday, November 8, 10:30 am: Making History, Instead of Being Pushed Around By It

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones preaching 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 

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 what the outcomes are, 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 of UUSS (11:50 am-12:50 pm), child care provided in Room 11.
• After service: Forum on The Spiritual Core of Hinduism with Swami Medhananda, Vedanta Society
• Young Adults Meet & Greet at 12:00 pm

Sunday, November 15, 10:30 am:

Being a Force for Healing

Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Eric Gudz, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva. Musical Guests: The Sacramento Master Singers (Dr. Brett Epperson, Artistic Director)

Our UUSS mission statement says, “We come together to deepen our lives and be a force or healing in the world.” What does it mean to be a force for healing in our world today? What does it require of us, and how is deepening our lives necessary? Lets explore what healing can mean for our hurting world.

• Before service: Spiritual Practice: Tai Chi & Qi Gong in the Fahs Classroom at 9:30
• After service: Soup Sunday lunch (freewill donations accepted).
• After service: A walk-through of safe rooms by the Safety Committee
• Men’s Group monthly meeting at 12:15 pm.

Sunday, November 22, 10:30am:

Gratitude - A Circle Service for All Ages

Led by Ministerial Intern Sophia McKean, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Connor Lane, UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, Altar Design by Terrie Taylor.

Join us for our yearly all-ages service on gratitude! This Sunday, we will lift up thanks for the earth and one another, considering the impact gratitude can have on our lives. We’ll explore our theme through song, reflection, and ritual.

*Before service: Embodied Spiritual Practices at 9:30 am in the Fahs Room

*Parents & Caregivers’ Meeting with tea & snacks at 9:30 in Room 12

*After the service: People of Color Caucus meet & greet at noon.

*After the service: Exploring Unitarian Universalism at noon (child care provided in Room 11)

Sunday, November 29, 10:30am: The Power of Fiction

Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Ministerial Intern Sophia McKean, Anara Guard, Worship Associates Andy Cramer and Christie Braziel, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.

Is there a novel that has opened your eyes or made a difference in your life? Do you have a favorite fictional character? This Sunday writer and publisher Anara Guard will share her thoughts on the power of fiction. We will hear from other about fictional characters that have made a difference in their lives.

*Fifth Sunday Offering shared with Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices

Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS

1st Sunday - Facilitated labyrinth walk in the meadow (November 1)

2nd Sunday - No program

3rd Sunday - Introduction to Qi Gong/Tai Chi - Fahs Room (November 15)

4th Sunday - Embodied Practices for Stressful Times - (November 22)

Are you new to UUSS?

Welcome! Please check out our Newcomer page at UUSS.org to learn all about our congregation.

Join us on the 2nd Sunday of the month for a Newcomer Orientation and tour of the campus. It starts about 10 minutes after the service and lasts an hour. Next orientation is Oct. 8

Join us on the 4th Sunday for Exploring UUism A great way for newcomers and long-timers to learn about Unitarian Universalism. Four rotating topics: Social Justice, Values and Beliefs, History & Theology, and Faith. Each class includes a presentation and group discussion.

November 22 topic: UU Faith

To request your joy, sorrow, prayer, or milestone to 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 Susan Zierenberg and her family on the passing of her sister, Liesel Woodard. She died from a brain bleed after a recent fall, at age 74, in the presence of her loved ones. 

We extend our healing wishes to Cathy Zinn, who had an extended hospital stay following gallbladder surgery.

We extend our care to Sarah Patton, has been to an ER twice recently and is now in a skilled nursing facility due to pneumonia, other infections and mobility problems. She requests prayers for healing and strength. 

JoAnn Anglin is "very grateful to the ministers and many members who have so kindly sent cards, emails, or flowers, or made thoughtful calls and visits during my ongoing recovery from a damaging fall."

With joy we welcome back a number of l members who have been on extended travels for several weeks or living out of the country for several months.

Our Soul Matters Theme for November: Healing

Our Soul Matters groups continue this month with the theme of Healing. Rev Lucy will also preach on this topic on Nov. 15.

Here are some of the quotes we will be reflecting on this month:

It’s not forgetting that heals. It’s remembering. - Amy Greene

When you don’t give people the chance to say, “I hurt,” they end up saying “I hate.” - Rev. Don Wheat

Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion. -bell hooks

More resources about this months theme on our soul matters web page

Crossing Paths: 

Our Comparative-Religion Curriculum for All Ages in 2026-2027

UUSS has embarked on a program of whole-church religious education, a journey of faith exploration, with adapted materials from the Soul Matters curriculum, Crossing Paths. 

Sunday sermons, after-service forums and field trips to other houses of worship will be open to all ages. Our Sunday Religious Education program for children and youth will feature related faith exploration content and reflection questions related to our monthly themes.  More details are available on our Religious Education webpage.

Upcoming themes

November: Hinduism

December: Roman Catholic Christianity

If you have a particular connection or background to neighboring faiths in the local area, please let us know. If you would like to help with field trips, Sunday programs, or special celebrations or meals connected to Crossing Paths, we invite you to reach out! 

If you have any questions or offers to help, please contact the Rev. Dr. Roger Jones

or our Religious Education Coordinator, Crystal Fountain

Let's visit the Vedanta Society!

As part of our all-ages comparative religions program, Crossing Paths, we are organizing visits to neighboring faith communities.

Come with us on our field trip to visit

The Vedanta Society of Sacramento

on Saturday, Nov. 14, 4:30 pm.

We will meet at UUSS beforehand (carpooling preferred!) and arrive at the center together to tour the grounds with the Swami Medhananda (see below in this message for info on his visit to UUSS). They have a beautiful campus with many shrines dedicated to Hindu deities. Send questions to Rev. Roger.

Attendance will be limited, so please register by clicking the link below

**Click to Register Now **

Childcare--The Nursery--open Sundays 9:15am-12:15pm (until 1:15pm on 2nd and 4th Sundays) welcomes infants 6 mos. through age 5. Our staff supervise child-led play in a fun, friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance. Don't forget to sign-in when you get to Room 11. Please contact Crystal with questions.

All RE groups meet during service.

No RE groups meet during the Circle Service on Sunday, October 25 (childcare is still available).

Soul Kids--K-5th grade--meets every Sunday

Junior High Youth Group (JHYG)--6th-8th grade--will meet 1st through 4th Sundays

Senior High Youth Group (SHYG)--9th-12th grade--will meet 1st and 3rd Sundays

Please sign-in upon arrival and start in the Sanctuary. RE groups and volunteers with leave together when invited by the singing of our song, "Lead With Love" by Melanie DeMore

Please register your child(ren) at this link and sign-in your child(ren) when you arrive on a Sunday morning that they will participate in the RE classroom.

Click on the newsletter link above to learn more about RE and Family Ministry programs including updates on OWL, groups and events and more!

Questions? Please contact CrystalFountain@uuss.org or come to

the RE Welcome Table on Sunday morning

 2026 Auction Tickets Sales End Sunday, 11/1!

Our annual service auction, The Sparkle of Community, is now underway and will culminate in a festive happy hour on Saturday, November 7, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Don’t miss out- EVENT TICKET SALES END THIS SUNDAY, 11/1!

Highlights of the event: 

• 🍷 Sips and small bites (see the fabulous menu on the Tickets page) (Note: needed are a few more volunteer prep. chefs! See below.)
• 🎤 A lively in-person live auction featuring three special items + Fund-A-Need (see above)
• 🧺  A Theme Basket Raffle — $1 per ticket or $20 for 25 tickets
• 💵 A 50/50 Raffle — $10 per ticket or $40 for 5 tickets; half of ticket proceeds go to one lucky winner
• 📸 A complimentary photo booth
• 🧸 Complimentary childcare — register here

Tickets are $30/person, but if this price is a barrier, discounted tickets are available:

• $10 per person — use code cost10
• $20 per couple — use code couple20

Silent Auction online bidding is open and tickets for the event are now available on the Sparkle Auction Website.

Check out the 130+ items that are grouped into the following categories:

• Fund-a-Need this year raises funds for creating a Brand New UUSS Website! 
• Help build the new online hub of our congregational life! After months of careful evaluation, our task force has selected 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. 
• Be sure to complete this survey and/or plan to attend a facilitated forum after the service this Sunday to give your input.
• Our goal is $35,000–which will be matched by the Board from restricted funds to pay the contract estimated to be $70K. 
• You can make your contribution now on the Sparkle Auction Website as well as during the live auction portion of the event.
• Vacation Adventures offers you two great getaways this year. One is offered in the Live Auction only–check it out ahead of time so you can make live bidding plans! 
• Fixed Price items are "buy-it-now items" that are often lower cost options. No one will out-bid you, and some items are as low as $15. Many of these items sell out very quickly, so don’t delay!
• Let Us Entertain You is our most popular category because it includes all those wonderful dinner parties, lunches, brunches, game nights and social gatherings that will keep you entertained and surrounded by community all year long! 
• Learn, Grow and Have Fun! This category offers you classes and experiences in creating all sorts of arts, crafts, and food items. You can learn not just how to make pickles but how to play pickle ball. You can learn to play backgammon, chess or the ukulele.
• At Your Service has many ways helpful UUs will deliver baked goodies or homegrown fruit, serenade you with “Happy Birthday,” clean your home, do all your handyperson chores, play live piano music, pet-sit your dog or cat, drive you to the airport, and so much more! 
• On the Town - If you prefer smaller groups or one-on-one and enjoy other entertainment besides just eating, check out On the Town (though many of these items involve eating also). From great restaurant meals to local theater productions to Crocker art tours to Iris Garden picnics to wine tasting, this category literally has it all!
• The Great Outdoors category contains hikes, canoeing, golf, and even a bat tour! 
• Event Tickets for You offers seats at shows. 

Other ways to help make the event a success:

• 🖐 Volunteer before or during the event- stop by the auction table during Sunday coffee hour to sign-up or contact Jennifer Webb auction@uuss.org. 
• We especially need a few more Prep Chefs 
• 🧺 Donate a themed basket by Nov 5- drop off at the auction table on the patio during Sunday coffee hour or at the church during business hours. Contact Susan Davis-James auction@uuss.org to sign up.
• 🍷 Donate wine (ESPECIALLY WHITE) for the event by Nov. 6- drop off at the auction table during Sunday coffee hour or in the church office during business hours.

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

UNSUNG HERO RECIPIENTS: OCTOBER 2026 UUSS CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

The Unsung Hero Award honors those members of the UUSS Congregation who have made significant contributions in time and participation to our Beloved Community, including...

• Significant efforts over several years,

• Mostly “behind the scenes” contributions, without obvious recognition by the congregation,

• Must be a member of UUSS,

• Not a prior recipient of the award, and;

• Not currently serving on the Program Council or Board of Trustees (exceptions allowed).

Patty Taylor has been a UUSS member since 2008. We haven’t seen her at church since her move to Redwood City, where she is at an assisted living facility in the vicinity of her sister and brother-in-law. Many of her sculptures were commissioned as public art installations in this region. She also created several for us at UUSS, including the bronze and blue sculpture over the piano and the metal design on the redwood wall outside our main entrance, the long and wavy metal sculpture on the fence above our community garden.

Patty brought artmaking into our programs of religious education for children and youth. She brought ordinary household materials and showed our children and youth what their imagination could yield. She also offered a service auction item which culminated in a group show of work by several members. During the pandemic she organized teams to paint the river mural on the parking lot side of the RE building. She was a member and the curator for the Art Exhibit Committee, which brought the works of dozens of local and regional artists onto our sanctuary walls. In 2015, when this building was undergoing its major expansion and renovation, Patty’s involvement in design choices was crucial in selecting the combination of colors and fabrics. In all that she has done, with humor, creativity and kindness, Patty has expressed the UU values of human dignity, equity, and cultural pluralism. We honor her compassion and generosity and count Patty as an Unsung Hero.

Terrie Taylor has been involved in many things at UUSS, but she is not an “in the spotlight” person - she has been on the auction committee for many years, in charge of decor, table settings, and more, always with spectacular results. She has been doing altar design for the all-ages services for years, bringing her creative and design talents to the whole congregation, as well as having taught many a summer RE art class. Let nobody forget that Terrie is also an anchor of All Ages Camp. Many of us have our keepsake camp nametags and other camp crafts thanks to Terrie! She has also served on the Program Council, Caring Committee (before it was called the Caring Committee), Nominating Committee, and the Art Exhibits Committee. Terrie has brought food, done shopping, visited, and offered rides to countless people in our community. Terrie is an indispensable part of Saturday morning Stitchers, often stopping her work to show others how to do things or let them join in on what she is doing. She has helped in the kitchen for every single auction, Soup Sundays, memorial services, as well as soup and cookie prep for the Caring Committee. She is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave, staying until every last dish is washed and put away. She is generous with her time and talents, and truly the embodiment of an Unsung Hero. 

A lifelong UU, Molly Stuart has been a part of UUSS for many years and has worn many hats over that time – literally and figuratively. The thing that stands out about Molly is not just her versatility, creativity, commitment and energy, its that she makes everything she touches better. Prettier, cleaner, clearer, more organized and more fun. Currently Molly serves as an Endowment Trustee, leads our Memorial Reception volunteers, and creates stunning altars for our all-ages services. In past years she has been a Worship Associate, all-ages camp coordinator, and the lead UUSS fashionista whose outfits inspire us and elevate the style of everyone in the room. You can find her on the first at Saturday Stitcher, creating something fabulous, and supporting others in their creativity. Molly has both a creative and an analytical side, and UUSS has benefitted from both. For several years Molly offered classes on preparing for death. Using her training as a lawyer, she outlined the steps needed to prepare, as well as helped people with the emotional aspects, which no one likes to talk about, but are important for peace of mind in later life. We honor all the gifts that Molly brings to UUSS and count her as one of our Unsung Heroes. (Past honorees are on a plaque in the UUSS Library.)

Save The Date! 

Mark your calendars for the UUSS Women's retreat February 12-14.  

Registration will open in November.  

Our November

Community Partner

Sacramento Native American Health Center



SNAHC is committed to serving the Native community and welcomes everyone to receive high-quality healthcare. We provide holistic care combining innovation and tradition to support the wellness of individuals and families while strengthening the Sacramento community.

UUSS has a tradition of giving half of every Sunday's offering to a Community Partner whose work aligns with our mission and values. Click here to see the list for 2026.

Please join us for Soup Sundays in November! 

Nov. 1 will be sponsored by the Men’s Group, and Nov. 15 by Young Adults. As Fall settles in and tension/excitement mounts over the upcoming elections, we invite you to take a break and enjoy some soup and fellowship immediately following service on these two Sundays. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns: soupsunday@uuss.org

Physical Disabilities Focus Group Sunday, Nov. 1 at 12:00pm in the Fahs Room (or via Zoom)

If you identify as someone with a physical disability (including hidden disabilities and chronic illnesses), 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 disabled 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

Ted's Web Discussion Group meets every Tuesday for open discussion of current events and politics in person 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the UUSS Library AND as a separate group for a Tuesday evening Zoom session at 6:30 p.m. Contact tedsweb@uuss.org for the link. 

UU Christian Fellowship - Our meetings are open to all who enjoy spiritual reflection on the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth in a warm, curious context. Like other chapters of the UUCF, we gather at UUSS for devotional fellowship and conversation. Reach out or just show up! uuchristian@uuss.org  

*Nov. 4, 6:00 pm: Communion using a ritual from the 1937 Unitarian hymnal (each month we explore a different denomination's communion). Meeting in the Library/Bookstore; we finish right before Rev. Roger's Drop-in New Testament Conversations at 6:30 pm.

*Sunday, Nov. 15: 12:00 pm: Discussion, prayer and fellowship on on passages from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and Christian New Testament.--Library/Bookstore, 3rd Sunday of each month.

New Testament Conversations Nov. 4 at UUSS

First Wednesday of each month, 6:30-8:15 pm.

Join Rev. Roger and others for monthly reflections together.

All welcome to share our personal perspectives on selected scriptures. We have a wide range of perspectives among the folks who show up. No charge, but donations are welcome!

If you'd like to borrow a Bible, stop by the Bookstore on Sunday and pick one up on Sunday. You can also look up books of the Bible as well as selected verses at biblegateway.com. (Note: at 6:00pm each month before the class the UU Christian Fellowship hosts a brief communion, each month reflecting a different tradition. All welcome to either or both of these activities, but please wait till 6:30 if you are coming only for the Bible Study.)

*Reading for Nov. 4: Luke 9:10-17 (Feeding the 5,000… or more).

Men’s Group Weeknight Meeting - Thursday, Nov. 5, 6:30pm in Room 12

We're a diverse community of male and/or masculine identifying people seeking fellowship, personal growth, and meaningful conversations. Whether you're new to the church or a long-time member, you're welcome here. Let's build a strong community and support each other in navigating life's challenges together. We invite you meetings on 1st Thursdays at 6:30pm in Room 12 and 3rd Sundays in Room 7/8 at Noon. Contact us at mensgroup@uuss.org.

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

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

SANDWICH BRIGADE - NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS Sandwich Brigade needs about 10 more volunteers to keep our 300+sandwiches monthly commitment. If you're interested, here's what you do: once a month make 10 PBJ sandwiches, put them in brown lunch bags, add a soft fruit, a granola bar and a bottle of water and deliver all to UUSS (outside office), by 10am on either Wednesday, 11/11 or 11/18, and the 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays of each month thereafter.  If possible, continue to do that for as long as you'd like (preferably a year or more). If you have questions, sandwiches@uuss.org or see Sally Wilkins Thanks.  

Mindfulness Meditation with Rev. Roger and Others

2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

Nov. 11 & 25

No experience necessary. After brief introductions and brief words of guidance, we invite mindful attention to our breathing for 20 minutes and sit in silence. Total time together is about 30 minutes.

We meet in the Library/Bookstore. Please enter by the single door to the Library with the Meditation sign on it, not by the glass and wooden sliding doors. Please arrive by 6:00, especially if it's your first time. roger@uuss.org

Crone Connection (for wise older women) Friday, Nov. 13 at 10:00 am in the Welcome Hall. We explore our strengths and wisdom, share our stories, support, inspire each other and laugh. Open to any woman who identifies herself as an elder. Email Marla Jensen at croneconnection@uuss.org

All-ages Potluck November 13

All are invited to join this no-sign-up potluck on the second Friday of the month in the Welcome Hall. Arrive at 5:30 and we'll sit down to eat. at 6:00 pm.

It's okay to come if you are not able to bring a dish. Plates, cups, and silverware (the reusable kind) are provided.

Contact CrystalFountain@uuss.org with questions

American River Parkway Stewards Saturday, Nov. 14

We meet on the second Saturday of every month between 8:45-9:00AM in the parking lot, next to the levee, at the end of Northrop Avenue, off Howe Avenue, behind Panera. We sign in; trash bags are issued and new folks are oriented. We then spend one hour removing trash from the UU Mile.

After our work, we meet back at the levee stairway at 10:00 AM for a photograph of our crew and the results of our efforts. Afterward, many of us continue the fun at Panera with refreshments and conversation.

Soul Collage

Second Saturdays in Room 7/8

Nov. 14 from 10:00 a.m. to noon

Come embrace your intuition and creativity by making collage cards with images that you choose. The purpose is to offer a flexible, creative, accessible, and inclusive tool that can be used as a practice for our own exploring, healing, and empowering. No experience (or talent) required; all materials provided. Suggested donation for materials: $5. If you choose you can bring a favorite picture to include in your collage. Questions? Contact: soulcollage@uuss.org

Men’s Group Meeting - Sunday, Nov. 15, in Room 7/8 We're a diverse community of male and/or masculine identifying people seeking fellowship, personal growth, and meaningful conversations. Whether you're new to the church or a long-time member, you're welcome here. Let's build a strong community and support each other in navigating life's challenges together. We invite you to meetings on 1st Thursdays at 6:30pm in Room 12 and 3rd Sundays in Room 7/8 at 12:15. Contact us at mensgroup@uuss.org.

Theology on Tap - Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7-9PM

Location: Bike Dog Brewery 915 Broadway Suite 110 Sac.

Outside food is welcome. Selland’s is next door. Come early to buy your food. Contact theologyontap@uuss.org for more info. All are welcome! See you soon!

John McMillan - Facilitator; Karen Sparrow - Communications

We are having an indigenous art show with two tribes represented: Tlingit from Alaska and Pomo. The subjects of the photography part will represent different tribes.

Exhibit starts Nov 3 and continues through Dec. 13. 

Come join us for a middle-of-the-show reception on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 7:30PM. Stephen Cranston and Ted Scott-Femenella will be there to answer questions and give a short talk.

Since Steven is also a printmaker he will have printed T-shirts and other prints for sale at the reception and I know Ted will have smaller photo pieces for sale on his table.

Come join us for this free event and light refreshments are provided. All ages are welcome. For more info contact Kim Stoddard at art@uuss.org

UUSS Readers’ Book Club last Thursday of each month

Nov. 19, 7:00 pm in the Fahs Room (Not Nov. 26)

Theo of Golden, Allen Levi

Questions, contact Glory or readers@uuss.org.

Caregivers' Support Circle

Friday, Nov. 20 10:30am in Room 12

Once a month, we provide a place for congregants who are the primary caregivers for loved ones with dementia, life-threatening illnesses, or disabling physical, neurological or emotional conditions. We provide a confidential source of affirmation and respect for one another in the spirit of care. We do not give advice or provide professional recommendations, as there are expert sources for that in the larger community. If you would like to attend, please register with Rev. Roger in advance.

Before Service Parents' Group - Sunday, Nov. 22 9:30-10:15am (arriving late is ok!)

Join Rev. Roger and RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain, before service on 4th Sundays in Room 12 to connect as parents/caregivers of babies, children and teens (expectant parents and parenting grandparents are welcome). Take a breath, have a chat, and a cup of tea. 

Staffed childcare is available next door in Room 11. Fruit, cereal bars, and tea are provided. Please use the main UUSS entrance to access Room 12 and not the parking lot side. Send questions to CrystalFountain@uuss.org

November Community Partner Event after services on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 11:45am. Join SNAHC team member Mollie Murbach to learn about the important services that Sacramento Native American Health Clinic (SNAHC) provides to the Sacramento community. For more info, contact partners@uuss.org

POC Caucus Meet & Greet - Sunday, Nov. 22 If you identify as Indigenous, a Person of Color, or have a mixed racial background, please join us in Room 6 at 11:45 am for light refreshments, introductions, and conversation. For more info: contact Christiana Quick-Cleveland at multi@uuss.org.

Game and Craft Night Saturday, Nov. 28 at 5:00pm in the Fahs Room A selection of games, snacks, and non-alcohol drinks provided. No experience necessary! While event is geared toward younger adults (18-40), feel free to bring your friends, partners, and family of any age. Childcare is not available at this time but please reach out if this is a barrier to participation. youngadultgroup@uuss.org

Save the Date! Sunday, Dec. 13 at noon, Fahs Room

Forum: Bushy Lake Eco-Cultural Restoration Project: Reciprocity in Action

UUSS member Dr. Michelle Stevens, a Nez Perce descendent of the Colville Reservation and Professor Emerita at Sacr State, will be talking about the ecological and cultural restoration at Bushy Lake, near Cal Expo. The talk will be followed by an invitation to visit Bushy Lake, Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9:00 - 12:00 am. The Bushy Lake Eco-Cultural Restoration Project represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Indigenous knowledge holders, educational institutions, state and local conservation agencies, and technical experts to restore and protect a critical ecosystem within the American River Parkway. This project represents a model for collaborative conservation that honors Indigenous leadership and integrates Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with contemporary restoration practices. The project also represents high impact student learning with hundreds of Sac State students participating in education, research, and community service over the years. 

PLEASE NOTE! If you click unsubscribe below,

you will stop receiving ALL UUSS email.