In This Issue

Go with your Gut!

Go with your Heart!

July 6th

Reason, logic, data - all valuable tools of the mind to make decisions. But what about the other decision-making centers of our body that inform and expand our process? Join us as we share wisdom born from listening to our gut, our heart, and our souls. 

Service Leader: Joe Gabaeff

Worship Associates:  Maura Ryan-Donahue

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: Saturday Breakfast with Our Neighbors

Phish: Jam Band Concert as Spiritual Experience

July 13th

For many of us, music can induce a spiritual experience. For worship associate Mark, psychedelic rock concerts do this best. Especially the improvisational ‘jams’. …And guest musicians from a talented Phish tribute band will help us find that groove on July 13th. Come listen, dance, or sing along. Bring friends. (And consider joining several UUs the night before to see the full band in Sebastopol.)

Service Leader: Mark Sowers

Music: Gage Purdy & Crystal M

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: Redwood Empire Food Bank

Soul Matters: Bringing the Soul into Unitarian Universalism

July 20th

We want to get to know you. We want to better know ourselves. Soul Matters is the path we've chosen to go deep both spiritually and consciously in a small group, that used to be called TIE groups or Together In Exploration. Our team of Facilitators will share their experience with you and group signups will follow after services.

Service Leader: Kate Trieller

Worship Associates:  Jonathan Choe

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Louise Bettner

The Basket: UUCSR General Fund

The Fire Within:

Lessons from the Proton-Proton Chain

July 27th

Deep in the heart of the Sun an extraordinary process is unfolding every second. The proton-proton chain; a fusion reaction that powers the stars and sustains life on Earth. But beyond its scientific wonder, this cosmic phenomenon offers spiritual insight. What can the fusion of atoms teach us about connection, transformation, and the power of persistence?

Service Leader: Gage Purdy

Worship Associates:  Cathie Wiesse

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket:

Boys and Girls Clubs inspire and enable all young people, especially those in need, to realize their full potential as caring, productive, and responsible adults.

President of the Board of Trustees

David Rietzell

president@uusantarosa.org

I just got home from a concert of Benja "BenjaSoul" Mertz and Melanie DeMore and the songs of liberation, here at the Glaser Center/UUCSR. Wow, I am inspired! It is amazing how music and incredible people can lift a person, okay lift me, from feelings of being down and discouraged. My wish is that everyone has something going on in their life that can lift them up, create energy, and inspire us forward.

Speaking of being inspired forward, the Board wants to give deep gratitude to the Search Committee for giving us two wonderful people to come join our community in the role of ministers. This will be different having two ministers, instead of one. They also will not live close to the church. We will have to be more mindful as a congregation in planning our interactions as they will not be able to drop everything and run in to the office for things. We are a strong group, and we continue to develop as a congregation. It will be interesting to see how this all works out. I have great confidence. I hope others do as well.

We are getting closer to having the Lost Church moving into our building. I realize there will be adjustments. Besides the rental income, this is an opportunity to be associated with a dynamic organization which will bring new groups of people into our space. I hope to work with them to partner on some projects and to have a close relationship. I hope this year brings more outreach and invitations for diverse interactions with our greater community.

Peace, David

president@uusantarosa.org

Music Director

Gage Purdy

musicdirectoar@uusantarosa.org

Beloved Community,

While the choir takes a well-earned summer break during July, the work of music ministry continues quietly behind the scenes. Planning, rehearsing, organizing, and dreaming are all underway as we prepare for our incoming ministerial team.

Summer services offer a wonderful opportunity for members of our community to share their musical gifts—vocal or instrumental, solo or ensemble, classical, folk, or something in between. If you’re interested in contributing music to a summer service, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to musicdirector@uusantarosa.org to explore possibilities. Let’s keep the music flowing all summer long!

We're also excited to share that our Sanctuary now features a brand-new soundboard, thanks to the generosity and support of some anonymous donors. This significant update will not only enhance sound quality for our in-person and online Sunday services, but will also support future building and event rentals—making UUCSR a more versatile and welcoming space for community gatherings, concerts, and more.

If you’re interested in learning how to run the soundboard, manage Zoom, or operate the livestream cameras during services, we’d love to expand our tech team! Training is available and your help makes a big difference in bringing worship to our community. Please reach out if you'd like to volunteer.



Financial Report

May 2025 Financial Report

REVENUE

Pledges -$393,421.14 ($3,837.81 more than what was budgeted)

Donations/Gifts - $56,512.40 ($1,008.24 more than what was budgeted)

Rental Income -  $49,826.00 ($11,326.00 more than what was budgeted) 

TOTAL INCOME: $569,452.58 ($47,731.76 more than what was budgeted) 

(Not all categories are listed above, but they are included in the total)

EXPENSE

Employee Expenses & Contracted Services - $393,052.37 ($5,253.82 less than what was budgeted)

Expenditures - $135,633.33 ($3,361.68 less than what was budgeted)

Transfers to other funds - $2,213.97 was transferred to the Saturday Breakfast as a percentage of revenue from a fundraiser for the Saturday Breakfast in Nov 2024.

TOTAL EXPENSE: $528,685.70 ($8,615.50 less than what was budgeted)

NET INCOME – We had a positive net income of $38,552.91

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Saturday Breakfast – Balance is $34,918.64 

(May income $2,383.01, May expenses $4,456.46)

Minister’s Discretionary Fund –Balance is $10,775.16

Summary: As of May 31, 2025, over all income has exceeded what we had budgeted and over all expenses have been less than what we had budgeted, leaving us with a positive net income of $38,552.91.  

Religious Education

Era Capone

Summer is here, and RE is back in full swing this month with some fun, summertime lesson plans. In addition, we're looking forward to Summer Camp-Aign, our D&D summer camp that will be taking place from July 28th-August 1st. Spaces are still available, but folks need to sign up soon! If you have a young person in your life who enjoys D&D, would like to learn how to play, or simply enjoys collaborative creativity, then encourage them to check out Summer Camp-Aign at the link below!

In addition to camp, I will also be preparing our RE program to transition to new leadership with our incoming interim DRE. During this transitory period, volunteers are exceptionally helpful as our new director will have a lot of new things to learn, skills to practice, and programs to juggle. If you are interested in volunteering in RE, or want to support our many programs, please contact me at dre@uusantarosa.org. We can't wait to have you join us!

In love and gratitude,

Era Capone

dre@uusantarosa.org

Taize at UUCSR

Summer Taize services will be held on

Thursdays, July 3rd and August 7th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the sanctuary.

Soul Matters

Soul Matters training for Facilitators is on Saturday, July 12 at 10:30 in the UU Boardroom. I send out a training video beforehand, but not necessary.

We will be having a Soul Matters Service on Sunday July 20th. Following the Service, signups for Soul Matters groups will take place in the courtyard and continue through August until the groups are full. Groups are on zoom, in person at the UU or Facilitators homes, during the day, evenings or on weekends. We will have a first time LGBTQ group!

Contact Katie Trieller for information:

soul.matters@uusantarosa.org

From The Search Committee

Thank you Search Team for all your hard work!

See the email sent from the President of the Board of Trustees for UUCSR HERE

Adult Education

Join Our Adult Education Committee—Your Knowledge Can Inspire Others!

Are you passionate about lifelong learning and spiritual growth?

Do you have ideas for engaging classes, discussions, or workshops?

We are looking for dedicated volunteers to join our Adult Education Committee!

The committee plays a vital role in shaping the educational programs of our church, helping adults explore new perspectives, deepen their faith, and build meaningful connections. Whether you have experience in teaching, organizing events, or simply a heart for learning, we would love to have you on board.

If you’re interested in making a difference, please reach out to Steve Sweaney at adulted@sonic.net. Your time and talents can help enrich our community!

Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity!

adulted@sonic.net.

Women Together

Women Together Summer Potluck - August 16, 12-2 PM 

Please join us for our End-of-Summer Party on Saturday August 16th, from noon to 2 PM. As we prepare for another exciting new UU year, let's celebrate the ending summer together! Please join us in Linda Balabanian's backyard for our annual party. There is plenty of shade, vineyard views and some areas to wander. It is flat and there are no steps between the driveway and backyard (but beware some uneven flagstone). Please bring a potluck item to share and your own plate, utensils & cup. Carpooling is strongly suggested so grab your friends and take a drive out to Linda's place. Come for the food, come for the friendship, come for the fun, but make sure you come!!!  

Address: 3980 W. Olivet Road. From Santa Rosa and points east or south, take Guerneville Rd west and turn right on Olivet Rd. Continue past Piner Road intersection and turn left on W Olivet (There's a big black sign for Pelligrini Winery on the corner.) Alternatively, you can take Piner Road west to Olivet Rd and turn right, then turn on W Olivet. From north or west, you can take River Road, turn onto Olivet Road and turn right at W. Olivet

Save the Date - The Annual Women's Retreat is scheduled for October 3-5, 2025 at Camp Newman in NE Santa Rosa. More info will be forthcoming but mark your calendars now for this wonderful weekend!

The Offering Basket Donations

Share the Basket offerings from Sundays and direct Donations for the month of May 2025

North Bay Rapid Response: $422.55

Emergency Prep Help for Seniors: $339.75

UUCSR General Fund : $269.50

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $330.01

Saturday Breakfast Direct Donation May: $2,053.00

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

UUA/Affiliate Groups

• UUA Newsletter: HERE
• Pacific Western Region Newsletter: HERE

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!

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