In This Issue

The Meaning of the Bells

December 1st

At this time of the year in many places around the world, people gather to listen to a "chorus of the bells". How does this tradition resonate and connect people with deeper meaning during the holidays? What experiences have we had with the sounds of bells in our lives? Can holiday bells, church bells, Buddhist bells reach us in our hyper-busy, hyper-visual, hyper-verbal world? Our chorus will sing a classic Ukrainian Carol of the Bells.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Susan Thollaug

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share the Basket: Friends of Wadi Faquin

 Celebrations of the Season

December 8th

As Unitarian Universalists, we embrace the diversity of traditions that grace this time of year, recognizing the beauty in the tapestry of beliefs that weave us together. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or find solace in the quiet reflection of winter's embrace, our collective spirit radiates a message of love, compassion, and unity. As we embark on this journey through the holiday season, may our hearts be open to the shared humanity that unites us, and may the light of understanding guide us through these days of celebration and reflection. We invite you to join us as we share with you about these holiday beliefs.

Service Leaders: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Mark Sowers

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Louise Bettner

Share the Basket: Positive Images

Holiday Pageant - Stories from Stories

December 15th

The birth of Jesus, the triumph of the Maccabees, the longest night of the year. We all know the originating stories of winter holidays we celebrate, but what about the stories that came from those? Join us this Sunday as the kids of RE help us carry the holiday spirit and the light of perseverance stories from around the world.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Cathie Wise

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: TBD

The Basket: UUCSR General Fund

Winter Solstice: Spark of Life

December 22nd

Spark of Life - a solstice service presented by CUUPS, the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. Join us as we welcome back the light and share hopes and wishes for the coming year. We'll participate in a candle lighting ceremony and then adjourn to the courtyard for the burning of the Yule log.

Service Leader: CUUPs & Rev Dave

Worship Associates: Linda Lampson

Music: Sally Jones

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: Saturday Breakfast

When Darkness Falls, the Light Shines Brighter

Tuesday December 24th

 Potluck at 5:30pm

Service at 7:00pm

Why, when there is so much evidence to the contrary, do we hold fast to the belief that there is indeed Love in the world? To celebrate Christmas is to celebrate the Love that is born in us over and over again. To celebrate Christmas is to find Love in the simple birth of a child, in the poverty of a people, in the struggle to be free of oppression, in our quest to love and to BE love in the world.

Service Leader: Rev Bev

Worship Associates: Jonathan Choe

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman 

The Basket: Minister's Discretionary Fund

A Taize Service 

December 29th

A contemplative service of song, meditation, and candle light to embrace the old year and welcome the year to come.

Service Leader: Judy Withee

Worship Associates: Gage Purdy

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: Saturday Breakfast

From the Minister's Desk

Reverend Dave Clements

Embracing the Season Together: A Holiday Message from your Minister

Dear Members and Friends,

As December unfolds, many of us feel the familiar mix of excitement, nostalgia, and perhaps even stress that accompanies the holiday season. For Unitarian Universalists, this time of year offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared values of love, compassion, and inclusivity while honoring the diverse traditions that make up our community.

The holidays often shine a light on the richness of our world’s faiths and cultural practices. Whether we’re lighting the menorah, celebrating the Winter Solstice, decorating a Christmas tree, or reflecting on Kwanzaa’s principles, we’re reminded that this season is ultimately about connection. It’s a chance to draw closer to family, friends, and the wider community, embracing the spirit of generosity and care.

Yet, the holidays can also be challenging. For some, it’s a time of missing loved ones or navigating difficult emotions. As UUs, we can lean into our values by offering a supportive hand to those around us who may feel alone or burdened. Simple acts of kindness—a phone call, a shared meal, or even a smile—can be transformative.

This December let’s celebrate the season in ways that reflect our principles. Join us for our special holiday services, including our Solstice celebration on Sunday December 22, and Christmas Eve candlelight service on Tuesday December 24th, where we’ll gather to share stories, songs, and the warmth of community. 

May this season remind us of the light we can bring into the world. No matter what you celebrate, may your holidays be filled with peace, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. May you find joy and a sense of peace.

Cheers,

Rev. Dave 

President's Message

Board of Trustee President- David Reitzell

president@uusantarosa.org

Thank you for helping us to create an enlightening Town Hall on November 10th. The presentations were informative and the dialogue was passionate as well. The blessing/curse of “may you live in interesting times,” applies to our congregation at the moment. Our country and our church are in flux. What I saw in the Town Hall and then at the B4 training was enthusiasm as we take on the exciting and challenging times ahead.

We do have challenges ahead of us. Looking toward our three year budget outlook there is both financial strength and also some uncertainty. I do want to point out that while I try to keep my rose colored glasses in the drawer, I seem to see that we have always looked forward with a little trepidation.

I also hear more voices with opinions and ideas. We are poised to speak up for our community in every way we can. The 41 of us at the B4 training last Saturday heard a poignant story about a minister of color who quit the church after only four years. When asked, they stated it was not just the “paper cuts” of micro aggression that were the cause of discontent but more the silence from those who were present and said nothing.

As we strive to raise our consciousness to the subtleties of separation, we as a congregation move together towards a bright future. I believe we will find a wonderful minister to serve with us. I love the idea of a community of communities. I love ideas brought out of sincerity and enthusiasm. Consensus building that comes from free and responsible expression, creativity and caring, seems to always serve the common good. I am looking forward to the holidays and the new year with each of you. 

Peace and Love, David Reitzell

Financial Report

October 2024 Financial Report



REVENUE

Pledges - $148,912.07 ($7,245.43 more than what was budgeted)

Donations/Gifts - $10,806.17 ($9,377.11 less than what was budgeted)

Rental Income - $11,920.00 ($2,080.00 less than what was budgeted) 

TOTAL INCOME: $184,367.69 ($5,348.87 less than what was budgeted) (Not all categories are listed above, but they are included in the total)

EXPENSE

Employee Expenses & Contracted Services - $145,435.17 ($596.64 more than what was budgeted)

Expenditures - $54,089.05 ($4,691.07 less than what was budgeted)

TOTAL EXPENSE: $199,524.22 ($4,094.43 less than what was budgeted)

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Saturday Breakfast – Negative balance of $6,736.13 (this is an improvement over last month and does not include the proceeds from the fundraiser yet)

NET INCOME – We had a loss of $8,356.53 which includes the $1700.00 monthly reimbursement from the Saturday Breakfast for janitorial and carpet cleaning. 

Music at UUCSR

Gage Purdy

"Music is continuous; only listening is intermittent." -John Cage

As the year draws to a close, we are invited to reflect on the theme of "Presence." In this season of celebration and introspection, music reminds us to ground ourselves in the moment. Whether through the quiet resonance of a single note or the communal joy of shared song, music calls us to pause, listen, and simply be.

This month, we’ll explore how music can deepen our understanding of presence—not just as a state of being but as a gift we give to one another. Through singing and listening, we find connection, healing, and a reminder of the sacred in the here and now.

Let us take this season as an opportunity to listen deeply, to be present in every sound, and to share that presence with our community. Join us for music this month as we celebrate the beauty of being fully here, fully alive, and fully connected.

With joy,

Gage

musicdirector@uusantarosa.org

Religious Education

Era Capone

Hello all,

Happy holidays! With the end of the year approaching, we have lots of festive plans here in RE, as well as some well-deserved time away to spend the season with loved ones. However, there is lots coming up in RE in the new year, including 4th-6th Grade OWL, UU Parenting, Game Nights, Parents' Nights Out, and more! With our RE programs continuing to grow as many folks are seeking out a progressive, welcoming, and active community, now is the perfect time to invite new folks to come try out our many RE programs.

For those of you looking to get your family, friends, or self involved in RE, we would love to have you join us! If you're interested in volunteering, leading an activity, or just want to learn more about our programs, please email me at dre@uusantarosa.org. There's a little something for everyone in RE, and we can't wait for you to join us!

In love and gratitude,

Era

dre@uusantarosa.org

Taize at UUCSR

There will be two opportunities to experience Taize in December. 

The first is the regular Thursday evening service on December 5th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. 

The second is the last Sunday morning service of 2025, December 29th at 10:30 am. 

Join us for inspiration, contemplation, music, and candle light.

From CUUPs

By Lucia Kasulis

2024 Winter Solstice/Yule Sunday service

We will thank the Winter Darkness for a much needed rest and welcome back the Sun with it's ever lengthening days with a Winter Solstice Celebration on Sunday, Dec 22, 2024 starting at 10:30am in the sanctuary. 

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere is when the Earth is actually CLOSEST to the Sun, so why do we feel colder? This has to do with the axial tit of our Mother. If you internet, go to earthsky.org for some fascinating information on the science of Winter Solstice. Ancient people however, didn't need the internet to notice what was happening each and every wheel of the year; that there was that one very short day and hideously long night just before the beginning of longer light-giving days. They celebrated this wonderful event with all those things that represented the Sun and warmth and life. Yule logs for the Scandinavian's represented not just the warmth of fire but of the birth of new animals for the year. The Greek's version of the end of Winter was when Persephone would begin her journey up from the underworld to join her mother, Demeter on Mount Olympus and the Earth would be fertile with a mother's joy. 

We will celebrate the joy of our Mother Earth warming again at the regular Sunday morning service on Dec 22nd. We will raise the light out of the darkness, sing some warming songs, and commit our wishes for the new year to a Yule fire. For more information contact cuups@uusantarosa.org 

Soul Matters

Soul Matters theme for November is,

Living Love Through The Practice of: Presence

(Click on the photo for more information)

Soul Matters is a deeper spiritual version of Small Group Ministries where we meet monthly or twice monthly in small groups to dive into our own spirituality and get to know each other in a more personal sharing.

Contact Katie Trieller for information:

ktrieller@icloud.com 

707-329-5083. 

smallgroupministry@uusantarosa.org

Holiday Appeal 2024

Grateful for Our Community

Dear Friends, 

Community brings us here. Love and hope keep us here. Now, more than ever, UUCSR is our sanctuary - a place to belong, to renew our spirits, to lift our hearts in music, to teach our kids our values. 

This holiday, especially, let us celebrate all that we have - and reach out to others also looking for their home, their community. 

There is much for us to do in the world. We are facing extraordinary challenges as well as exciting new opportunities as we search for a new minister. 

Please help us live our values by making a special gift this holiday season. We know you’ve been generous this year. Many of you have increased your pledges. But your gift this holiday season is needed. It will help move us forward and increase our impact. 

You can easily give online, through the Give Now Link on the website. And when you see “Fund”, please select “Holiday Appeal 2024”. Or send a check to the church office, or put it in the Sunday offering – please be sure to write “Holiday Appeal” on the memo line. 

Thank you! We appreciate your support. We send you warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season.  

With love, 

Rev Dave, and the Stewardship Team

Considering the Saturday Breakfast Program

The Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Program has been a flagship community outreach project for our congregation since moving downtown in 2005. The program is a source of pride for our volunteers who have worked so hard to sustain this contribution to the community. It is touted as the best breakfast in town by our guests. Some who haven't come in years and find themselves in need again are grateful and delighted to find it still ongoing. A handful of guests come almost every Saturday, some for years, to be of service cooking, cleaning, and helping to manage the crowd. 

The congregation has been generous in funding the program all of these years. However, due to numerous factors: fires that caused life changes for many of our members, the COVID pandemic which altered the dynamic of church-going, the depletion of previous sizable bequests and some grants, and changes in the overall economy, the program will not be sustainable through next year at the current level of volunteer, financial, and organizational support. 

The Board has formed a Task Force to investigate and recommend options. People leading the Breakfast Project feel that the congregation must seriously consider whether they really can or want to support the Breakfast ongoing. We will keep you posted on the work of the Task Force. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, contact Lee Lipinski (707-758-2886) or Reverend Dave at the UUCSR office (revdave@uusantarosa.org)

From The Search Committee

The Search Committee has hit a number of milestones in the last few weeks:

• A successful town hall was held
• 42 people attended the Break Barriers, Build Beliefs (B4) workshop 
• Our Congregational Record was submitted to the UUA
• Our Document Packet was also submitted to the UUA

The team is currently prepping to begin reviewing candidate resumés and crafting interview questions for the next phase of the search, which begins in January. You can track the process by viewing the timeline now hanging in the narthex with the other search committee posters.

How you can help:

Continue your preparation for calling a new minister. The Search team will be reading the book recommended by Rev. Amanda Schuber, "Seeds of a New Way: Nurturing Authentic and Diverse Religious Leadership". We invite you to join us. It is a short book, just 168 pages. We are not planning any book groups but encourage you to read it and share the ideas with one another. 

For questions, please contact Robert Howseman or Judy Withee.

Warmly, Your UUCSR Search Committee

From The Bylaws Team

The new bylaws are here!

They will be voted on at the congregational meeting January 19th.

Give us your input now – so we can discuss any 

proposed changes before the meeting!

STEP 1. Read our Summary of the Major Changes

STEP 2. Click on one of the following:

• Read the new bylaws
• See all of the changes, between the current and new bylaws

STEP 3. Give us your feedback. Questions, concerns? – we want to hear them! Email the team co-chairs, John Mason or Richard Senghas at: bylaws@uusantarosa.org, or talk to any one of us (other team members are Caroline Hobbs, Ethan Foote, and Ellen Skagerberg).

STEP 4. Plan now to attend one of our Q&A/discussion workshops:

• Sat, Dec 7 11:15 am – 12:30 pm Board Room (and on Zoom)
• Wed, Jan 8 5:30 – 6:30 pm Zoom only
• Sun, Jan 12 12:00 – 1:00 pm Board Room

Here is the Zoom Link for the Zoom accessible meetings:

ZOOM HERE

This is a collaborative process and we value your input. Your feedback will help us ensure that the final version of the bylaws we submit for a vote will reflect, as far as possible, the needs, concerns, and shared vision of the congregation. Thank you for participating.

From The Nominating Committee

Dear fellow UU’ers,

As we move towards this new year and the many upcoming activities happening at UUCSR and beyond, one way to get involved is at the national level by attending General Assembly (GA). You can meet other UUs from around the country and attend different workshops. If you decide to be a delegate you have a chance to vote on national issues. Here is the link to get more information: www.uua.org/ga.

Questions. Email me or the Nominating Committee at nominating@uusantarosa.org

Sincerely, Mary Wolfe 

Adult Education

Exploring Artificial Intelligence: Ethics, Possibilities, and Implications

Sunday December 8, 12 PM

Founders Room

Rev. Dave Clements

Join us for an exciting upcoming workshop, "Exploring Artificial Intelligence: Ethics, Possibilities, and Implications," designed specifically for the Unitarian Universalist community. (Read More Below)

The Politics of Jesus

Three Sessions on Saturday January 11, 18, and 25, 10 AM-12:30 PM

Board Room 

One session Saturday February 1, 12:30-3:30 PM

Founders Room

Rev. Bev Spears

Join Rev. Bev Spears for an in-depth exploration of Jesus’ teachings. We will investigate the historical, political, economic, and social factors that shaped Jesus ministry; the tactics and strategies he employed in the political arena;... (Read More Below)

The Republic of Georgia at the Crossroads: Between Soviet Legacy & Western Dreams

Sunday January 19, 12-1 PM

Founders Room

Robert Hope

Join the documentary filmmaker Robert Hope for a screening and discussion of his most recent film, which explores the complex history and uncertain future of the Republic of Georgia... (Read More Below)

The Adult Education Committee Our members are Steve Sweaney (chair), Nadene Carroll, Carol Daeley, Linda Lambert, Leslie Norinsky, and Clare Whitfield.

First Sunday Flowers Dedication

For more information on how you can dedicate First Sunday Flowers, contact flowercommittee@uusantarosa.org.

The Offering Basket Donations

Share the Basket offerings from Sundays and direct Donations for the month of September 2024

South Park Futbol Academy: $761.87

Project Censored: $269.08

UUCSR General Fund : $ 1,016.83 (2 baskets)

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $ 291.18

Saturday Breakfast Direct Donation: $ 661.00

Please note that Share the Basket Donation checks need to be made out to UUCSR in order for us to process them and send the intended donor their share. We are not able to process checks made out to the individual organizations. Thank you.

~ ~ ~

Please consider joining the Share committee. It is a very rewarding position.

Your Share the Offering Project members,

Elaine Wellin, Mary Louise Jaffray, Jan Prater, Judy Wismer

Women Together

Holiday Potluck Party December 8th

Our annual Women Together Holiday Potluck is right around the corner on Sunday December 8th, 2pm - 4pm. Let's get festive, bring our favorite winter dishes to share (yum!), and spend quality time just being together. We are so fortunate to have each other - let's celebrate that! This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet new folks and reconnect with old friends. We hope to see you there!  

There will be very limited paper products and utensils available, so please bring your own place setting if possible so we can minimize our waste. 

Once again this year, Lee Lipinski has generously offered us the spacious Clubhouse at Valley Village Mobile Home Park in Rohnert Park for our gathering. Thanks, Lee! This is such a lovely venue for our gathering.

Address: 6401 Country Club Drive, Rohnert Park. Directions: From 101, take the Rohnert Park Expressway exit. Drive east on the Expressway to Country Club Drive and turn right. Make an immediate right into Valley Village and go straight to the Clubhouse. Parking: There is parking in front of the clubhouse and along the fence to the right onto Walnut Circle, the road in front of the clubhouse. Please carpool!

A4SJ-Council Speaker

Sunday, December 1st in the Sanctuary following Sunday Service at 12:00

Come Hear Adam’s Story:

A first-hand account of Living under an Apartheid System in the West Bank

Please join the Advocates for Social Justice Council in welcoming a young Palestinian man whose family has lived on their own land in the Israeli occupied West Bank for hundreds of years in a village called Wadi Foquin. In August 2023, Adam (last name withheld for the safety of his family) left his country for the first time in his life to come to the United States as part of a faith-based partnership called Friends of Wadi Foquin. Adam came to the US to speak with diverse faith communities and share the story of how increasingly difficult and dangerous life is for his family and other Palestinians in the West Bank. Since the events of October 7, 2023, Adam has been unable to return home, but he is still able to be in contact with his family. Adam’s story is not political, it is simply the story of his family's lived experience. 

Glaser Center

If you have a non-profit group or a religious event (memorials, weddings, etc) and need a space to rent, please remember the Glaser Center!

• Occidental Community Choir at the Glaser Center: December 15, 3pm. (Inclusive Mini Concert at 2pm). See Newsblast for flyer.

Please contact the rental coordinator, Leslie at: leslie.jacobson@uusantarosa.org