Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Eric Fischer

Music: Sally Jones & Robert Howseman

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: Our Own Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors

Courageous Compassion: Embracing Justice for the Marginalized

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associate: Clare Whitfield & Linda Lampson

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: Young Religious UUs of the Pacific (YRUUP)

Rev. Clovice Lewis is a cellist, composer, entrepreneur, computer technologist, and inventor who lives in Northern California. Clovice was ordained as a UU minister in 2022. His ministry emphasizes the dismantling of racial, class, and ethnic barriers, using music to counter oppression. Read more at his website: https://www.clovicelewis.com

Worship Leader/Guest: Rev. Clovice Lewis

Worship Associate: Susan Thollaug

Music: Gage Purdy & Rev Clovice Lewis

Pianist: Gage Purdy

The Basket is highlighting : Our Own Religious Education

Harmony In Diversity: Building a foundation of Equity in our Liberal Community

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associate: Joe Gabaeff

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4C's)

Greetings Members and Friends of UUCSR,

The first month of 2024 is behind us and an exciting year lies ahead of us. Over the next few months, I invite each of you to join me on a journey of preparing for the future. We plan on holding small group gatherings in various homes as well as here at the church. The purpose of these meetings will be to listen to your thoughts, capture your vision and assist you in defining your goals as they pertain to UUCSR. This approach involves a thorough examination of the current organizational framework, ensuring it is adaptive and aligned with the evolving needs of this community.

Another purpose of these meetings will be to help you decide on clear and achievable goals that will serve as a roadmap for guiding the Board, the Interim Minister, and the Congregation towards shared aspirations. It is important amid this process to celebrate the rich history that has shaped this congregation, taking time to acknowledge milestones and the journey that have defined UUCSR. I invite each of you to write on our UUCSR Timeline, which is on the wall outside of the sanctuary, the date when you joined UUCSR and other events that you remember.

I have been serving with you for over 18 months and still have until August of 2025 to be with you. You have accomplished a lot in these past few months. Here are just some of the highlights:

These are just a few of the things that you have accomplished as a congregation since August of 2022 when I arrived. Thank you for being willing to adapt, change and improve and over all to learn how to communicate with each other and how to make UUCSR a welcoming place. It is a pleasure to serve you as your minister.

Cheers,

Rev. Dave

A few days ago, I was reading a column in the New York Times written by Nicholas Kristof about a childhood friend who “was a good man” who committed a terrible crime. Kristof stayed in touch with his friend through the years, and he was with him as he lay on his deathbed. Kristof was a person I never used to read because he was on the very opposite side of the political spectrum from me. However, these days, since the far right has gone even further to the right, Kristof comes off as almost a liberal in a lot of respects. It provoked my thinking about how everything is relative to everything else and how our perceptions change, and maybe even how Kristof’s perceptions have changed over the years. It was an interesting article, but not necessarily just about his friend, the “good” man. It was more how I define another person based on superficial or incomplete information.

My point here is that we humans have a habit of interpreting events in purely binary ways, and that is hurting us. People are either good or bad. The economy is either good or bad. This movie is either good or bad. Kristof has shoved my mind open. There is no absolute truth. The entire truth is something we cannot see.

When I hear opinions in our UUCSR community about what needs to change or what shouldn’t change, I’m much more aware of absolute thinking than I used to be. But for those of us who do engage in this larger discussion with one another, I would like to suggest that we examine our absolute thinking. I suggest that we consider not just the ends of the spectrum, but the middle as well. I certainly have my own absolute thinking issues and when I am tired or especially stressed or not taking care of myself, my defensive wall goes up and binary thinking prevails, especially in the middle of the night.

In every dialog situation, there needs to be someone who asks, “what can we do so that we get both this and that?” or “is there a compromise position that might be better?” or “what is the intent of your position on this issue and can we address that?” This is our opportunity to reinvent ourselves. When we engage with one another with curiosity and humility, without assumptions, with compassion and understanding of our history and the experiences of our people, the outcome can be powerful. That’s the spiritual community I want to be a part of. Can we do that? I think and hope that we will try.

~Leslie

Message from the Treasurer

Financial Report for July through December 2023

Pledge Income was $225K, higher than the budget by $7,700. December is usually a time when lump-sum pledgers fulfill their annual pledges. This means that pledge payments may be lower for the following months. Regrettably a few large pledgers have reduced the amount of their pledges. Recorded pledges are now $7K less than budgeted.

Unrestricted donations were over budget, on track to end the fiscal year by more than 50% or $10K+. Memorial Gifts are well above budget, due to a loss of beloveds we have suffered this year.

Fundraising revenue is lower than expected but the following events are planned for the rest of the year: Chili Cookoff 2/24, 20th Building Anniversary TBD, and Service Auction 6/1. These are times when you can help and enjoy yourself at the same time. Contact any board member if you would like to volunteer.

Total Revenue was $304K, $28K above budget. GREAT!

Expenses – for Employees totaled $193K and were $16K under budget. This was due to some hourly employees working less than were budgeted. Additionally, there is less employee expense in Glaser Center because of fewer rentals than anticipated in the budget. However, GC rental income was $5,200 over even with fewer rentals. It is expected that rentals will increase in the Spring.

Expenditures as expected were also under budget by $17K. Some of this was caused by timing differences in when expenditures generally occur i.e. utilities.

Total Expenses were $260K, under budget by $32K.

Net Income was $44K, with $51K after transfers from other funds.

It is hoped that we can keep this going and finish the year at or below budget.

Jan Hess, Treasurer

Message from Our Music Director

"Justice is sweet and musical; but injustice is harsh and discordant."

-Henry David Thoreau

As we dive into this month's discussions of "Justice and Equity", we will find ourselves exploring the many avenues through which these principles resonate in our lives. Accompanying our exploration will be a universal language that speaks to the depths of our souls and amplifies the call for justice - music.

Music has long been a steadfast companion on the journey towards a more just and equitable world. It serves as a conduit to express the collective yearnings of humanity and has the ability to inspire action and solidarity. In our congregation, the melodies that fill our sacred space become anthems of hope, resilience, and a shared commitment to creating a world where justice and equity thrive. Throughout this month, our worship services will be adorned with melodies that echo the voices of those who have fought for justice throughout history. We will weave together harmonies that celebrate the diversity of our community and honor the struggles and triumphs of marginalized voices. Let us come together, not only as listeners but as active participants in the symphony of justice, working towards a society where all are heard and valued.

Hello all,

February is here, and with it comes registration for this year's summer camp: Summer Camp-aign! Scroll down to learn more and see what's happening for families in RE this month.

For those of you looking to get 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 [email protected]. There's a little something for everyone in RE, and we can't wait for you to join us!

In love and gratitude,

Era

This summer, enter into a world of adventure with Summer Camp-aign! This week-long day camp teaches children in 3rd-8th grade how to play Dungeons & Dragons, and grow their D&D skills if they are already familiar with the game. Campers will cover everything from basic rules, character creation, roleplay and improv skills, and teamwork! Kids of all experience levels will learn new new skills every morning, and spend their afternoons playing in a full 5-day campaign led by our experienced Dungeon Master Counselors.

This camp is open to UU and non-UU kids, so invite your friends and spread the word! Families that are members of UUCSR can receive a $75 discount by contacting camp director Era Capone at [email protected].

Monday, July 29th - Friday, August 2nd

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa CA

This Sunday, the kids of RE are celebrating the holiday of Imbolc. Finding themselves among the faerie, our heroes will learn all about the Goddess Brigid and how she is honored during the days of Imbolc as they help the fae with their Imbolc festivities.

This Sunday, the kids of RE are learning all about the many different ways the Lunar New Year is celebrated! With 2024 being the year of the dragon, they'll be in for quite an adventure as they discover the many traditions and stories that surround this holiday.

This Sunday, the kids of RE are exploring our 5th principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. Using the democratic process, they'll have to overcome puzzles, monsters, and other challenges as they learn what it means to embody the 5th principle.

This Sunday, the kids of RE are learning about Buddhism through stories. They'll encounter characters who will teach our players Buddhist values through tales that have been told for hundreds of years.

Thursday, February 1st, 6:00-7:30 pm

Thursday, February 15th, 6:00-7:30 pm

Thursday, February 29th, 6:00-7:30 pm

Thursday, February 8th, 7:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, February 22nd, 7:00-8:30 pm

February 27th, 5:45-8:00 pm

Friday, February 23rd, 5:00-8:00 pm

Sunday, February 4th, 12:00-3:00 pm

Sunday, February 18th, 12:00-3:00 pm

Sunday, February 11th, 12:15-1:45 pm

Sunday, February 25th, 12:15-1:45 pm

ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM?

Would you like to know more about the roots of Unitarian Universalism and its philosophy? Maybe you’re considering becoming a member of UUCSR?

If so, you are welcome to attend the next Getting to Know UU (GTKUU) class on Sunday, March 3. It will be held in the Founders Room directly after the service; lunch is provided.

This class is open to everyone and is required for UUCSR membership. The first part of the class is focused on letting participants reflect on their personal beliefs and also presents information on the history of the denomination. The second part focuses on our local congregation--its history and how we see our role in the community.

Sign up at the Visitor/Welcome table before the class date or email [email protected]

What Do Lay Chaplains Do?

If you attend services, you are aware that there is a Lay Chaplain each Sunday who reads the entries in the Milestones book and is available after the service if someone needs a listening ear.

Additionally, our ministry involves assisting our minister by being in contact with people who are ill, unable to come to church or who have experienced a recent loss. We meet twice monthly to identify the needs in the congregation. We are also available to connect with any congregant who requests it. Please contact one of us directly or all of us at l[email protected] if you or someone you know needs support.

If you are unable to write your entry in the Milestone’s Book, please send what you would like to say to [email protected] by Friday before the Sunday you want it entered and the Lay Chaplain of the day will enter it for you.

Our Lay Chaplains are: Rob Carlisle, Judy Ervice, Bruce Hope, Barb Kezur, Gretchen Vap

Come One, Come All, to the UUCSR Wheel of Fortune!

The Endowment Committee invites you to join us for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and good food. We welcome all members and pledging friends, as well as Legacy Circle participants.

Spin the Wheel of Fortune – win prizes, test your knowledge, and learn more about our Endowment Fund and Legacy Circle: what they are, how they have shaped the fortune of UUCSR past and present, and how you can be involved.

3:00 – 5:00 pm

UUCSR Social Hall

Sweet and savory finger food compliments of Sarmentine, Artisan Boulanger in Santa Rosa.

Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

As we enter a year of renewal and possibility, let’s gather to discover how we can contribute to the well-being of our UU community today and long into the future.

Your questions are welcome [email protected]. Please RSVP to Mary Louise Jaffray at [email protected]

The next Taize service is on February 1st from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. It is free of charge and open to everyone in Sonoma County. It takes place on the first Thursday of every month.

It is called a Taize service because it is based on the chanting and meditation service created by the small Taize monastic community in Burgundy, France over 80 years go. This group of monks has long focused on bringing together people from all faith traditions. Our UUCSR service is also open to all faith traditions, as well as those who self-identify as spiritual but not religious.

Taize at UUCSR is held in an intimate candlelit setting and includes short poetry readings, the chanting of meditative songs from the UU tradition, periods of silent meditation, and the lighting of candles. The intention of this contemplative service is to create a place of tranquility, respite, and connection in our all too busy lives and hurting world.

If you have questions, please contact Judy Withee at [email protected].

The Chancel flowers on February 4th:

Are dedicated to the memory of Nancy Keefe, by her daughter, Mary Keefe. Mary remembers her mother whose “….gift of love and commitment to justice inspires me every day.” Nancy would have celebrated her 93rd birthday on February 16th. We join Mary in honoring and remembering Nancy.

For more information on how you can dedicate First Sunday Flowers, contact[email protected].

-by Loretta Smith

In case you haven’t noticed, the best parts of holidays often have origins in pagan traditions. Christmas trees and Santa, Easter eggs and bunnies trace back to pagan and pre-Christian times. Groundhog Day does too.

When Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants came to North America they brought with them the tradition that has evolved into crowds of people in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2nd watching the activity of a sleepy groundhog. But the tradition of observing an animal to see if it sees its shadow goes back much further.

It comes from a Christian festival called Candlemas or Saint Brigid’s Day which came from a pagan holiday called Imbolc that the Christians borrowed from the Celts.

Imbolc falls halfway between the winter solstice (or Yule) and the spring equinox (or Ostara). It was celebrated as a festival of lights reflecting the lengthening days and the first signs of spring. It honors Brigid, Celtic goddess of light and fire. The goddess Brigid was absorbed into Christianity by being renamed Saint Brigid.  On Saint Brigid’s Day people would light candles (hence Candlemas), and take part in weather prediction. This was a time when predicting the weather could be a matter of survival.

On Candlemas, ancient Germanic people observed a badger’s behavior to predict the weather. When in the 1800’s Germans came to America, they brought their Candlemas traditions. Because they couldn’t find badgers in Pennsylvania, German immigrants used a different hibernating creature: the groundhog.

An even older legend associated with Imbolc had to do with a Celtic goddess named Cailleach*. She was the goddess of winter, possessing power to change the weather. She took the form of a hag or crone in the winter months. It was said that at Imbolc, February 2, she would emerge to gather enough firewood for the rest of the winter. If she wanted winter to last longer she made the day’s weather bright and sunny so it was easier to gather plenty of firewood. If she overslept that day, the weather would be stormy and gray. If the badger came out of its winter den and did not see its shadow, it meant the day was gray and Cailleach was sleeping. People were relieved if February 2 showed the badger no shadow, as it meant the Cailleach would soon run out of firewood and therefore winter was almost over.

The American tradition in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania began on February 2, 1877 as a bit of a publicity stunt for the town. But the origin of foretelling the weather by watching a badger began long before.

So on February 2nd light a candle in honor of Imbolc….. or Saint Brigid….. or Candlemas, to welcome the awakening spring. And if February 2 brings sun, expect 6 more weeks of winter. In that case, why not cuddle up and watch Bill Murray’s classic movie.

Happy Imbolc.

Blessed be,

Loretta Smith

*FYI I’ve found at least two pronunciations of Cailleach, (kah-lee-ack) or (kah-lee-huh)

From Adult Education

The Adult Education Committee offers a wide variety of courses and programs in such areas as film, science, current social and political issues, skill development, personal growth, and forms of religious understanding. We always welcome suggestions from anyone who would like to present or participate in a program. Our members are Steve Sweaney (chair), Nadene Carroll, Carol Daeley, Linda Lambert, and Clare Whitfield.

Uchida Yasuo, The Togakushi Legend Murders (Shinto)

Tony Hillerman, Sacred Clowns (Navajo, Hopi)

Craig Johnson, Hell Is Empty (Cheyenne, Crow, Dante)

P.D James, Death in Holy Orders (Anglicanism)

Carol Daeley is a Congregation member and a retired professor of literature, though professors of literature never actually retire. If you would like to be on the course mailing list for the spring, email Carol at [email protected]

For several weeks in December 2023 Bruce and Paula visited the country of Georgia in the Southern Caucasus, where Eastern Europe meets Central Asia. They will share some of their photos and experiences in this fascinating country, along with observations about the very beautiful, historic, and accessible city of Tbilisi, renowned Georgian hospitality, a world class food scene, traditional wine making, history in the post-Soviet era, and independent travel in the region.

Bruce and Paula are long-time Congregation members, active in many ways, and are also intrepid travelers.

This talk is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Sonoma County. All are invited ($10 donation encouraged). A wine and cheese reception will follow the talk from 5-6 PM in the Social Hall. For more information, email Linda Lambert at [email protected]

Arzon Tarapore is a research scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University

If you've ever puzzled over whether to discard something in the gray, blue, or green bin, this is your chance to get some answers. Recology Waste Zero supervisor Emily Harris will demystify what to do with your trash and what happens to it after it's hauled away. Her presentation will cover garbage, recycling, and compost plus she will answer your questions. So save those puzzling items to show her for expert advice on how to minimize your environmental impact.

It seems everything has to have a Golden Age, whether or not it was truly golden. For television, it was the 1950s. Some great plays made their way to American screens during that period. And these plays featured some hungry unknown actors like Paul Newman, Andy Griffith, Jack Palance, Rod Steiger, and James Dean. All these plays were performed LIVE. No edits, no second takes. The class will showcase 6-8 of the best examples of TV drama from that era. After each performance, we'll engage in a free-form discussion.

Alan Bell is a long-time Congregation member with 20 years of experience in television, mostly as a public TV producer, and 15 years as a professor of communications.

Each year, our UUCSR Advocates for Social Justice awards the Adrienne Swenson scholarship to an outstanding Sonoma County high school senior who has evidenced significant accomplishments in the field of social justice. In 2023, the winner was Alice Pham from Roseland Collegiate High School. Linda Lambert was her sponsor and Elaine Wellin attended the honor assembly at which she was recognized. Alice wrote this delightful thank you to our committee:

In this month's newsletter:

In this month's newsletter:

UUCSR men, please mark your calendar for the Men’s Retreat on Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Black Mountain Retreat Center, in Cazadero.

All men who are members, pledging friends, or guests of UUCSR are welcome. One does not need to be in a men’s group to attend the retreat.

Renew friendships and make new friends. Enjoy personal sharing in small groups, singing, hiking, laughing and a variety show. Fun and good for you!

Reserve your place by signing up at the Men’s Retreat table outside the sanctuary after Sunday services in April, or download a registration form at:

Women Together Movie Night Friday February 9th at 6PM !!

Women Together is very happy to invite you to our Movie Night on Friday February 9th.  We'll visit together a little bit, then watch the delightfully funny movie, Calendar Girls (starring Helen Mirren), and enjoy some snacks. Come join us in the Founders Room!  Bring snacks to share if you would like and a beverage. Please plan to arrive around 6PM.  The movie will begin at 6:30. We look forward to seeing you there!

West County Women’s Breakfast…Shall We?

As we know our years of COVID closures interrupted much of our lives. One activity that was put on hold was the West County Women’s Breakfast. This was a monthly gathering for all West Co. women to breakfast together in local restaurants. It was a really sweet social event. One of our members recently asked me if we might revive this activity. This article is the first step in that revival. If you are interested please let me know. I’ll take it from there. Jeanie Bates, [email protected]

UUCSR CIRCLE DINNERS ARE FORMED!

Please check for an email from Sandy and Cathie with the groups listed. If your name is in BOLD at the top of the list, you are the first organizer for your group. Please contact your group members and, together, decide on a date and time to gather. Also the group can decide who will bring which dish to share. If there are any questions, give Sandy or Cathie a call and we will do our best to work them out.

Also….we will be making a new list for those of you who didn’t sign up to be in a dinner group this time around, but would like to be on a “Substitute List” to fill in for a dinner member who can’t make it one time.  Watch for a sign up sheet in the Social Hall after service.

Reverend Dave , myself and Soul Matters Facilitators will be Starting a “Taste of Soul” again on the first Sunday in February.

What to expect?

As a Unitarian Universalist for decades, I believe in Soul Matters as a deeper spiritual practice and have a fervent interest in sharing the practice. Soul Matters is a Unitarian Universalist national program that is formulated by Reverend Scott Tayler and UU ministers throughout the country to help us enrich our lives.

Feel free to contact me for information and I hope you join us on February 4th right after the service.

Katie Trieller: [email protected] 707-329-5083. [email protected]

To make a suggestion for a non-profit for our Share the Basket, please contact Mary Louise Jaffray; email [email protected] or 707 695-9348.

It's time to get together!

Registration is open for our Pacific Western Regional Assembly this April 19th and 20th!

People can attend either in person, at First Universalist in Denver, or remotely. We are planning a family friendly event and children are welcome. This is a great chance to connect with our larger faith and connect with new and old friends.

Stay up to date on all the PWR RA Plans HERE

Health Advisory Team released a recommendation. Please click link below.