Coastside Hope and several local organizations are partnering to ensure that children from families with financial needs receive high-quality backpacks and school supplies in time for the fall. Last year, 521 children received backpacks and school supplies; more children are expected this year. Here’s how you can help:

• If you know of children who could benefit from this program, have the family call Coastside Hope at (650) 726-9071 or Text (650) 729-4344 / Violeta (650) 523-3537.
• The overall cost of this program is approximately $35,000, and donations are needed. Holy Family manages the money for the school backpack program. 100% of the funds donated go directly to this program to buy backpacks and school supplies. You can donate by sending a check to: Holy Family Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 215, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-0215.
• You can also volunteer in two ways: (1) At the Farmers Market you can recruit donations and volunteers. (2) You can stuff or distribute the backpacks.
• Links: (a) To volunteer or donate to Holy Family's Coastside Community Backpack Drive. (b) To staff a table at the Farmer's Market.

La Honda Indivisible and Coastside Democratic Club (“Coastside Dems” are sponsoring:

GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON

Thursday, July 17

5:00 - 6:30 pm

Corner of Hwy 92 & Main Street

Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of action responding to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration. Together, we’ll remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.

Coined by civil rights icon and congressman John Lewis, "Good Trouble" are those actions of coming together to take peaceful, nonviolent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. On July 17, five years since the passing of Congressman John Lewis, communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all.

Reminders

• Family-friendly
• Zero tolerance for violence or vandalism
• Please do not respond to provocative remarks from people in cars or those on the street
• Registration is optional.

Join us as UUCC celebrates our 10th anniversary here on the Coastside with a special Sunday service featuring our beloved guest minister, Rev. Ben Meyers, on Sunday, July 6th, 11am, upstairs at Odd Fellows Hall.

Rev. Ben's sermon, "...How the Light Gets In...," will shed some insights on ways we can repair ourselves and our troubled world—and the necessity for spiritual care and community during these times. Come and explore these ideas with us. This particular service will be music-rich with outstanding local musicians Diedrik & Kaj Edholm, Shauna Pickett-Gordon, and Vera Vanderschalk.

"There is a crack in everything...that's how the light gets in," is a line from Leonard Cohen's song "Anthem." The mystic Rumi from the 13th century first recorded this line.

The Rev. Benjamin Meyers was ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 1995. Currently, he serves as a Spiritual Care Counselor for Redwood Hospice in Daly City. He is an ardent advocate for transgender rights and loves working with individuals and faith-based communities to accelerate the adoption of clean energy—especially solar—as a moral imperative. He resides in Oakland, CA.

Order of Service

Sunday, July 6th

Please join us at 11:00 am

Odd Fellows Hall

526 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

(No Live Zoom Service on First Sundays)

We believe that having a UU presence on the Coast has been hugely beneficial as we enter our tenth year together. It takes a lot of effort to organize services and host events, and it's been amazing to hear about your favorite experiences attending UUCC services and participating in adult RE discussion groups, social action events, and social gatherings. Gary Barbato attends UUCC services, special events, and marches/protests regularly, and he has given us permission to publish his thoughts below on the significance of UUCC in his life.

"We live in difficult, unexplainably crazy times...which can frequently be hard to endure on our own...we all need help. The problems can be from within...(mental or physical health, family or financial issues) or from the outside...politically or environmentally imposed. The problems can be like walls that are put in our way that sap us of our energy, enthusiasm, faith, hope and positivity...and prevent us from moving forward with our own happiness and health. Then, these walls can also restrict us from helping others find theirs.  

For me, the UUCC...the wonderful services, interesting discussion groups, beautiful music...but most importantly...its members...offers and has given me...and probably many others...refuge, calm and respite from life's predictably difficult craziness. It is wonderful to be with like-minded people who feel the same way about many things...and are usually ready to listen, discuss, empathize, and help guide us to better, healthier lives...and a better world...even though it may take some work and sacrifice.  

What really stands out for me about UUCC activities is that I always feel uplifted...energized...and hopeful about the future...both mine and the world's. Not only while participating...but afterwards; helping me back to a healthy "way forward" during daily life...that we can so easily lose track of.  I think of UUCC members as friends that I can comfortably share with. I know that I can rely on a sympathetic ear if I have issues that I just want to talk about...get off my chest. Even if we don't agree on everything, it is great to be able to share. I am very thankful for being accepted into the UU Coastside Community!" - Gary Barbato

Thanks to everyone who has sent in a description of your favorite memory/memories from past UUCC services, music, community meet-ups, or social action events. We plan to incorporate everyone's memorable moments in our 10-year anniversary service on July 6th.

On July 20th, we explore further the July congregational theme of Healing, and consider more deeply Rev. Ben Meyer's sermon "...How the Light Gets In..." We gather at 11am in the Odd Fellows Hall, 526 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, in the kitchen/reception area.

We invite you to share your personal healing stories, whether they involve body therapy, talk therapy, spirituality, support groups, or any other way you feel like you were restored to wholeness. Bill will also share a thematically relevant dessert.

UUCC had its largest turnout ever for this year's Coast Pride Parade on June 22nd. This year we wore matching t-shirts to carry a message of hope and justice as we walked on behalf of LGBTQ+ rights for our Coastside friends and neighbors. Participating in this year's parade march were Laurel, Tom, Bruce, Carlean, Judy, Noreen, Bill, Gary, and Cirrus.

Noreen and Bill were responsible for setting up the Coast Pride Multi-Faith Partner table and tent, where the craft was to make a rainbow fairy wand. After the parade, Joanne, Laurel, and Noreen helped staff the craft table with other faith leaders such as Pastor Sue, Jack McKinnon, and Reb Moshe. Special thanks to Holy Family for lending us the table, chairs, and tent.

Laurel was sporting a t-shirt that read, "We the People Means Everyone."

Cirrus, the dog that Gary Barbato walked in a stroller, was a huge hit. Cirrus was proud to show up to support LGBTQ+ rights even though he is still recuperating from surgery.

Bruce wore one of the t-shirts that read "The Future is Inclusive."

UUCC's "Some Kind of Modern Men's Group" (SKOMMG) is still a-manifesting! We meet on the second Wednesday of each month. This month that's Wednesday, July 9th, at 5:30 pm. The topic of discussion is "mentor(s) in our lives."

Last month's discussion on origin stories for our values was well received. Join us if you appreciate good conversation, a delicious meal/dessert, and good wine. Once more, everyone is welcome to join Bill for a home-cooked meal at his home in El Granada.

For further information, email Bill Heavlin.

Our next Deeper Conversations group meets at the Half Moon Bay Coffee Company, 20 Stone Pine Rd., on Saturday, July 26th, at 1:30pm. On this date, we will change to the Uncurated card series. Sample questions include "What is one time you wish you didn't ignore your gut instinct?" "What is one thing you are obsessing over these days?" and "If you could share one message with the world, what would it be?" Join us as we set aside the small talk and braid some deeper bonds within our UU Coastside beloved community.

UUCC now has a bank account at Chase here in Half Moon Bay. We are beginning the transfer of our financial assets from UU San Mateo to UUCC over the next month. We request all future checks be made out to UUCC or UU Coastside or Unitarian Universalist Coastside Community.

We are grateful to UU San Mateo for their many years acting as UUCC's fiscal sponsor. We are also very excited to begin this new chapter of independence and thank all of you for your continued support throughout the last 10 years. Now that we have an EIN from the state of California and approved bylaws, UUCC qualifies for tax deduction status with both state and federal government.

Here are 11 small things you can do to help support our beloved community here at UUCC in less than 15 minutes a month:

1. Bring a potluck item to share for coffee hour on First Sundays.
2. Come 15 minutes early to help set up the kitchen area for Coffee Hour.
3. Like and comment on our NextDoor posts announcing first Sunday services and/or on our YouTube video uploads.
4. Send an idea to the Public Relations (PR) Steering Committee on how to increase local awareness of UUCC's First and Third Sunday Services.
5. Bring flowers for the hall.
6. Take a photograph during the service or of the flowers!
7. Greet a newcomer!
8. Set up and put away chairs.
9. After coffee hour, wash dishes and wipe down the tables.
10. Call or send an email to someone in our community who could use more emotional support.
11. Invite a friend to join you for a First Sunday service.

Bill Heavlin, UUCC Planning Committee

Dave Rokosky, UUCC Planning Committee

Noreen Cooper Heavlin, UUCC Planning Committee

Bruce Rafnel, UUCC Technical Director

Tom Devine, Hymn Leader

Nancy Palmer, UUCC Treasurer