Welcome to October!

It's the final stretch for all of those candidates, proposition-advocates (and opponents), dedicated volunteers and contributors who have been working hard in advance of the Nov. 3 election. Let's pause to give thanks for the energy and heart that so many people give to the perpetuation of our representative democracy!

Let's be grateful and let's be informed. A speaker from the Sacramento League of Women Voters will explain the ballot propositions at a forum after church this Sunday.

We also have Soup Sunday on the same day, another special feature at UUSS in the cooler seasons. If you wish to bring your soup into the sanctuary to listen to the forum, please do. But if you want to converse with other charming people like yourself, please do it quietly or move to another space. If you miss the forum, You can also click through the CalMatters Voting Guide at this link.

Speaking of democracy, it's time for our fall Congregational Meeting! It's after the service on Oct. 18. Grab a cuppa, greet someone you haven't met, or hit the restroom, then come back to the sanctuary or the Zoom room. Come for updates on recent accomplishments and new projects in the life of this creative, loving and vital religious community. All are welcome, but we need a quorum of voting members to conduct business.

Speaking of involvement, our Social Justice Fair will take place after the Oct. 11 service. All of our Community Partner organizations will be represented, and leaders of our UUSS groups will be staffing tables alongside our guests on the covered patio.

One of our UU values is pluralism. For this church year as a community of all ages we are exploring a sampling of the religious pluralism of this area. Our comparative religion series is "Crossing Paths." We will have sermons, forums, and field trips for all ages. We welcome help in any of these efforts, including any rituals or celebrations we might hold at UUSS; let us know of your expertise!

Please see the article in the Religious Education section below to sign up for our Oct. 24 field trip.

October is also the time when our Service Auction team goes into high gear, asking you to donate your services, tickets, meals, outings, backyard parties, condo getaways, and fresh baked goods.

They are also soliciting themed baskets for the drawing at the Nov. 7 happy-hour event at UUSS.

Ticket sales for this festive, delicious, decorated and sparkly occasion start soon--read more below.

Did you notice what I left out? Well, plenty! There's a lot more happening in this busy congregation, where we come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.

Keep the faith and keep in touch!

Love,

Rev. Roger

P.S.--Next Friday is the monthly potluck! Our Senior High Youth Group starts a new year this Sunday!

Sunday, October 4, 10:30 am: Opening to Transcendence

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

What would you think if you heard that there was an energy that is greater than any one of us, that connects us with each other and with the universe and that we are wired for connection?   Neuroscience is learning amazing things about the brain and spirituality. Let’s explore these ideas together. Bring an open mind. 

• Candles of Joys and Sorrows during the service (first Sunday of each month).
• Before the service: Labyrinth meditation in the meadow at 9:30.
• Newcomer Orientation after the service 

Sunday, October 11, 10:30 am: 

Growing Beyond our Roots: What Are We & How Did We Get Here?

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones preaching with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Worship Associate Connor Lane, Pianist Irina Tchantceva. 

Our comparative-religion theme in October is Protestantism. Unitarianism emerged on the liberal end of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s in Central Europe and 1800s in America. After many transformations over the years, Unitarian Universalism looks a lot different today. With a great variety of beliefs among UUs, including non-theistic paths, is there anything still Protestant that's present in our movement?  Also, Irina will play the greatest hits of Protestantism! (Well, maybe just a few of them today.)

• After service: Social Justice Activity Fair on the Patio (learn about our justice groups and programs)
• Young Adults Meet & Greet at 12:00 pm

Sunday, October 18, 10:30 am:

Loving Every Body: Disability Justice

Ministerial Intern Sophia McKean, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Eric Gudz, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva

Disability is a huge topic, involving many needs and concerns. This service is an invitation to begin exploring the world of disability justice. How might we better care for ourselves and one another in a world that does not always value every body as it should?

*Spiritual Practice before church : Tai Chi & Qi Gong in the Fahs Classroom at 9:30



*Congregational Meeting after service (est. 11:50 am) in the sanctuary and on Zoom

*Men’s Group after the Congregational Meeting

Sunday, October 25, 10:30am: Calling our Beloved Dead

A Circle Service for all ages led by Rev. Lucy Bunch with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Ministerial Intern Sophia McKean, Worship Associates Dawn Huebner and Andy Cramer, UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.

We come together in community to honor our loved ones who have died and whom we wish to remember and celebrate. We will read the roll call of names of those in our UUSS community and families who have died in the past year.  We will feature our altar of remembrance during the service and have a chance to share our memories of those who have gone before. Come with an open heart. Bring a photo or an object of remembrance for our shared altar. 

If you know members or other loved ones who have died since October 2024 and would like their names to be read aloud in the Honor Roll, email elaine@uuss.org or call the office by Oct. 17.

• Before service: Embodied Spiritual Practices at 9:30 am in the Fahs Room
• Parents & Children's Caregivers’ Meeting with tea & snacks in Room 12
• After the service: People of Color Caucus meet & greet at noon.
• After the service: Exploring Unitarian Universalism at noon: History and Theology

Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices

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

1st Sunday - Facilitated labyrinth walk in the meadow (October 4)

2nd Sunday - No program (October 11)

3rd Sunday - Introduction to Qi Gong/Tai Chi - Fahs Room (October 18)

4th Sunday - Embodied Practices for Stressful Times - (October 25)

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. 11

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.

October 25 topic: UU History & Theology

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 joyful congratulations to Emma and Derek Lantz and their son Theo on the birth of Sylvan, their second child, in September.

Gloria Storer notes that October is a hard month, as her mother and sister died in October. Her sister died two years ago. Gloria writes: I miss her everyday and in the space between us. We are happy that JoAnn Anglin has returned home and wish her steadiness and strength.

We extend wishes for healing also to Chuck Todd, Byron Tucker, John Martin, Michelle Stevens, Max Soucia, Jan Kelley, and others on our hearts. We extend loving wishes and prayers for patience, healing and renewed strength. For all those who are providing care and support to loved ones, we extend gratitude and prayers for ease and self-care.

Memorial Services

The service for Jim Chakedis, partner of Jan Fleming, is at 2:00pm, this Sunday, Oct. 4, at UUSS.

Our Soul Matters Theme for October: Courage

Our Soul Matters groups kick off their first full month with the theme of courage. If you missed the sign up period, stay tuned, there may be room for you in January.

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

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. - Ambrose Redmoon

You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot have both. - Brené Brown

There are two forms of courage in this world. One demands that we jump into action with our armor on. The other demands that we strip ourselves bare-naked and surrender. - Jeff Brown

More resources about this months theme on our website

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, relevant service projects, 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 on our Crossing Paths Program are available on our Religious Education webpage.

Upcoming themes

October: Protestant Christianity

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

Crossing Paths Field Trip:

Visiting the Seventh Day Adventists in Carmichael

Let's visit a neighboring faith community together!

Families and individuals are invited to join us as we embark on a field trip to visit and attend services at a local Seventh Day Adventist church--the one in Carmichael, not Sacramento. Attendance will be limited, so please register by clicking the link below

**Click to Register Now **

We will leave from UUSS on the morning of Saturday, October 24, to arrive in advance of their 11:00 start time. Carpooling is encouraged. More info will be sent to registrants.

Childcare--The Nursery--open Sundays 9:30am-12:15 (until 1:30pm on 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

Auction Event Tickets on Sale Tomorrow!

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.

Tickets for the event go on sale tomorrow, Sat., Oct. 3 on the Sparkle Auction Website. 

Highlights of the event: 

• 🍷 Sips and small bites (see the fabulous menu on the Tickets page starting Saturday)
• 🎤 A lively in-person live auction featuring three special items + Fund-A-Need (the new UUSS Website!)
• 🧺 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
• 
  

Other ways to help make the event a success:

• 🥾🎨🍽️🛠️ There’s still time to donate auction items for the online silent auction

Donate show tickets, outings, vacation home stays, classes, services, and themed meals! You can enter your donation on the Sparkle Auction Website. Or visit the auction table during coffee hour this Sunday to complete a paper donation form. You can also sign up to:

• 🧺 Donate a themed basket
• 🖐 Volunteer before or during the event
• 
  

More information will be coming soon about how you can:

• 💰 Bid online- the silent online auction goes live October 23
• 🍷 Donate wine for the event- drop off at the auction table during Sunday coffee hour or in the church office during business hours
• 🎁 Contribute to Fund-a-Need: the new UUSS Website! (more details coming)

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

Save The Date 

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

Registration will open in November.  

Our October

Community Partner

Planned Parenthood



Planned Parenthood Mar Monte invests in communities by providing health care and education, and by expanding rights and access for all.

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.

Men’s Group Weeknight Meeting - Thursday, Oct. 1 & 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 - tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10:00 am in the Welcome Hall. 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

Soup Sunday Returns!

Running from October through February, after service, on the first and third Sundays of the month. (Please note, there will be no Soup Sunday on October 18 due to the Congregational Meeting.)

The kickoff will be on October 4, hosted by the UUSS volunteers of Blossoms & Bushes and the Earth Song Garden.

If you’re interested in helping, please see Tiki Harlow or Peggy Cranston or email soupsunday@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 - Wednesday, Oct. 7 6:00pm in the Library. Our UU Christian Fellowship chapter celebrates communion in the tradition of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All are welcome! Contact:  uuchristian@uuss.org

New Testament Conversations Oct. 7 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 backgrounds and experiences with the Bible and a variety of perspectives among the folks who show up. No charge, but donations to Adult Enrichment programs 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.)

*Reading for Oct. 7: Topic: Stilling the Storm: Attending to Nature. Reading: the Gospel of Mark, chapter 4, verses 35-41. If you've never read Mark, consider reading as much of it as you can before this meeting. It goes fast!

Crone Connection (for wise older women) Friday, Oct. 9 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 October 9

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, Oct. 10

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

Oct. 10 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

Young Adult Meet-n-Greet & Discussion - Sunday, Oct. 11 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

Blossoms and Bushes

Monday, Oct. 12, 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, Oct. 12 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

Mindfulness Meditation with Rev. Roger and Others

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

Oct. 14 and 28 

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

Caregivers' Support Circle

Oct. 16 10:30am in the Fahs Classroom

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.

Men’s Group Meeting - Sunday, Oct. 18, after the Congregational Meeting 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, Oct. 20, 7-9PM

Location: Lefty's Tap Room 5610 Elvas Ave. Sac, 95819

If you wish to order food, we can start gathering at 6:30

Check out their Menus: leftystaproom.com/menus

We will be sitting outside and dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed and well behaved.



Soul Matters Topic: Courage

Contact theologyontap@uuss.org for more info. All are welcome! See you soon!

John McMillan - Facilitator; Karen Sparrow - Communications

Interplay at UUSS - guaranteed fun 

Join us on 4th Saturdays at 10:30 in the Welcome Hall 

Led by Rev Lucy and Friends 

Do you need a break from the dreary? Looking for ways to lighten up?  

InterPlay is an active, creative way to unlock the wisdom of the body.

But it is hard to describe. Once someone described it as “sneaky deep”. It can be both playful and profound. It uses forms associated with the arts—movement, storytelling, voice and stillness—but does it in ways that don’t require particular skill or even nerve.

InterPlay is easy. The things that you might be asked to do are things that almost anyone can do. InterPlay celebrates and creates connection and community. Through this simple sort of play we learn more about ourselves and each other. And we have fun. 

Join us and see where it takes you.  Question? Contact Rev Lucy

Before Service Parents' Group - Sunday, Oct. 25 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. Light breakfast (fruit and 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

POC Caucus Meet & Greet - Sunday, Oct. 25 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.

Samhain Celebration with CUUPs

Saturday, Oct. 25, 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Fahs Room

Everyone is welcome at the Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs) Samhain Celebration. Come celebrate the turning season!

Bring a potluck dish to share and tableware.

Contact Leanna Pierson at cuups@uuss.org

Loaves and Fishes Meal Prep Crew Monday Oct. 26 7:15 am - We provide helping hands to prepare and serve food to homeless people on the fourth Monday of each month at 1321 North C St. There are 2 crews: Food Prep and Serving/Cleanup. Contact us at loavesandfishes@uuss.org

UUSS Readers’ Book Club last Thursday of each month

Oct. 29, 7:00 pm in the Fahs Room

Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut

Questions, contact Glory or readers@uuss.org.

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