In This Issue

From Seed to Blossom: Cultivating Personal Growth in Our Unitarian Faith

March 3rd

Just as a gardener tends to the soil and planting, we too engage in practices that enrich our spiritual soil. Through reflection, meditation and our UU Principles we can create a fertile ground for personal transformation. Each individual is a unique seed, and our faith serves as the catalyst for growth

*Multi-Gen Service

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Linda Lampson & Bruce Hope

Music: Alan Bell & Crystal McDougall Purdy

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: Our Own Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors

Beyond Boundaries: Exploring Radical Transformation In our UU Faith

March 10th

Unitarian Universalism is a faith that celebrates diversity, encourages questioning, and embraces the journey of self-discovery. In our upcoming gathering, we will explore the concept of radical transformation within the context of our UU principles.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements 

Worship Associates: Jonathan Choe

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: Miracle League North Bay, dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in an organized baseball league that celebrates their spirit in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Becoming Whole: Navigating the Path of Spiritual Transformation

March 17th

Whether you're just starting on your spiritual journey or have been walking the path for years, this service aims to inspire and guide you on your quest for spiritual wholeness. We will discuss the importance of self-reflection, mindfulness and embracing the transformative power of faith.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Cathie Wiese

Music: Sally Jones, Robert Howseman

Pianist: Louise Bettner

The Basket: Our Own Religious Education Program

Songs Of The (Yet!) Living Earth

March 24th

Let's take a cue from the wild and tenacious beauty of the natural world, and reconnect this morning with our own journeys in life. How can the resiliency of the living earth inspire us and refresh our perspectives on what is yet possible in our lives? Have you heard of compost theology? Let's explore how we "compost" ideas, ways of being, and practices that do not serve us and reformulate lives of meaning, joy, connection and authenticity. Rev. Dara is delighted to return to UUCSR as a guest minister today!

Service Leader: Rev Dara Olandt

Worship Associates: Eric Fischer

Music: Alan Bell & Crystal McDougall Purdy 

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy (LECS)

Resurrection of Hope: A Liberal Unitarian Celebration on Easter Sunday

March 31st

Resurrection of Hope. In a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and ever-changing landscapes, Easter holds a unique resonance in our UU community. Join us as we embrace the spirit of Easter. Together, let us affirm the resurrection of hope, the face of adversity, and the power to cultivate a brighter future for ourselves and our interconnected world.

*Multi-Generational Service

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Mark Sowers

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: Boys and Girls Club. Vision is to end poverty and serve our community’s most deserving residents-our youth!

From the Minister's Desk

Reverend Dave Clements

Dear Members and Friends of UUCSR,

I am reaching out to you today with a message of hope, resilience, and transformation. As we navigate through challenging times, it's imperative that we recognize the power within us to adapt, evolve, and move forward. Moving forward requires courage and determination. It means leaving behind the hurts of the past and stepping boldly into the future. I believe that it is important that we come to understand just what transformation means. Our theme for the month of March is Transformation. We begin our Sunday services by looking at seeds and how they transform, and we end the month with our Easter Service which will be filled with music and the concept of the resurrection of hope.

It is important to understand that transformation is not merely a process of change; it's a journey of growth and renewal. It requires us to embrace new perspectives, innovate, and reevaluate our approaches. As part of our transformation as a congregation, I invite all of you to sign up to attend a cottage meeting, which are being held in various member's homes during the month of March. You may sign up by clicking the link below, or sign up in person at the Board table which will be set up during coffee hour after the service. These meetings are being designed to give you an opportunity to share, to learn and to visualize what you would like UUCSR to be.

I urge each one of you to join hands in this endeavor, to support one another, and to be catalysts for positive change. And to take advantage of these cottage meetings. Let us embrace this moment as an opportunity for growth, let us harness our collective strength, and let us embark on this journey of transformation together.

With hope and optimism,

Rev. Dave 

P.S:

• I invite you all to come to our Chili Cook off on March 2, which is a fundraiser.
• Also plan to attend the “Wheel of Fortune Event on March 23, which is sponsored by our Endowment Committee.

President's Message

Leslie Norinsky

Not much to report this month. The board does need to figure out when to have a Special Congregational Meeting to move forward into Search Process for a new Settled Minister. Our bylaws require that we vote to do this. Seems simple enough! But nothing is ever so simple, right? The complicating factor is that the Bylaws Committee is also involved in updating the Bylaws. And that process requires the members of this Congregation to understand the Bylaws, the governing document that guides all policies. And therefore it is important for our members to have input into changes to the Bylaws, and to vote on them. It has become apparent that updating Bylaws is a complex process. Democracy is a complex process. We don’t want to create meeting fatigue. So, leadership will need to strategize around all this.  

I try hard to keep myself optimistic about the world and (surprisingly) this congregation. We’ve had our troubles. But when my negativity sets in about this, my sacred community, I start listing all of us who keep this community going and all the work and commitment that so many people have demonstrated in so many ways. In my first draft of this communication, I wrote all my appreciations to as many committees and individuals that came to mind and I sent it off to Aphrodite to insert into this newsletter. Realizing that I cannot remember it all and not wanting to leave anyone out, I decided to rewrite this message. Our committees provide the opportunity to give back, but they are also places where we find connection and friendship. And individuals work in the back room, doing the grunt work no one really sees. And there are even people who want to do the work that many of us find mind-numbing. It is quite amazing, actually. These acts of generosity on the part of our member volunteers remind me that there is reason to be hopeful about our future together. Being a part of this community, working together, playing together, respecting and caring about one another, and working in the greater community for social justice together, that IS our spiritual practice.

We have a Chili Cookoff coming up and we have a Service Auction coming up, and we may have a Concert or two coming up. So we WILL have fun together. Thank you each and every one of you.

Okay, I lied. There was a lot to report.

Message from the Treasurer

Jan Hess

Pledges are usually lower after December payments but are higher this year at $2100 above budget. This is good news, hopefully it will continue for the rest of the year.

Donations are also up for January at $12,600 above budget. Sunday baskets are just $700 above budget. More good news. 

Sales Revenue which includes the Bookstore Library is lower than we would like to see. Just a reminder that this is one of the sources for the library staffers to purchase new books for you to enjoy from our collection.

Glaser Center, our other major source of income, is still above budget $3,500. Regrettably, Lisa, our rental coordinator is leaving but we have had some good responses to our ad and feel a good choice was made. I will let Aphrodite make the announcement of who was selected as she worked diligently to find an individual that would help to get our rentals back up to prior to the Pandemic years. (Others involved in the selection process include Linda Balabanian GC Chair, Helga Lemke, and me). 

Total Revenue is $340,400 less $10,000 pledge income received in 2023 for 2024/25.

Available cash – Liquid assets continue to increase for YTD and if this continues, we will move close to our budget guidelines. We have sufficient cash to cover our bills.

Expenses are lower as employee and other expenses are $26,000 below budget. This is due to our bookkeeper reducing hours that are not needed and our Rental Coordinator leaving soon. Other Expenditures total $86,100, under budget $14,100 under budget. Some expenditures have not kicked in yet, such as increased winter utility costs. Total for all expenses and expenditures is $309,600 which is $38,500 under budget.

Net Income is $30,800 and with transfer from Sat Brkft for their expenses of $8,750 give us a total of $39,600 for Jul-Jan 2024.

The Finance Committee (& Board) are optimistic that we will complete the FY at or below projected budget numbers. 

The Finance Committee has lost two members as they are heavily involved in large projects. If there are any willing members out there that would like to learn about the working of UUCSR’s financial projects, etc. Please contact Rose St. John as she is working on this. Thanks.

Questions can be sent to Jan Hess, Treasurer.

Message from Our Music Director

Gage Purdy

“Music can change the world.”

-Ludwig van Beethoven

Just as music has echoed the calls for justice and equity in our congregation and greater community, it now beckons us towards deeper introspection and evolution. Through its melodies and lyrics, music serves as a mirror reflecting our aspirations, fears, and dreams -- it whispers stories of resilience, reminds us of our capacity for change, and invites us to embrace the transformative potential within ourselves and our community.

In the wake of our exploration of justice and equity, let us continue to harness the power of music as a catalyst for transformation. Whether through the uplifting chords of a hymn or the haunting strains of a protest song, may music stir our souls, challenge our perspectives, and propel us towards meaningful action. Throughout this month, our worship services will resonate with melodies that invite us to embrace the beauty of transformation. Join us as we explore the ways in which music has shaped and continues to shape our individual and collective journeys towards becoming our best selves.

This month marks a significant step in our journey of transformation as we transition our music program into a music ministry. This evolution signifies our commitment to deepening the role of music in our congregation, recognizing its power to heal, inspire, and unite us in our shared purpose.

This Spring we invite you to participate in music-centered workshops and discussions that will be taking place in March and April, where we will delve deeper into the role of music as a transformative force in our community and our lives. Together, let us open our hearts and minds to the possibilities of growth and renewal, guided by the timeless rhythms of change.

Religious Education

Era Capone

Hello all,

Spring is in the air! With its arrival comes lots of exciting programming for RE. And while it might not feel like it, summer is just around the corner. In addition to this year's summer camp, we are also looking for volunteer teachers to lead special RE classes during the summer. If you have a special skill, an art project, or fun activity you'd like to share with the kids of our congregation, we'd love to have you join us in our summer months!

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

[email protected]

From Membership- GTKUU

ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM?

UPDATED DATE: 3/17/24 AFTER SERVICE

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 17. 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]

Endowment Committee:

Come One, Come All 

to the UUCSR Wheel of Fortune!

Saturday, March 23, 2024

3:00 – 5:00 pm

UUCSR Social Hall

Presented by your Endowment Committee

Join us for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and good food! All members and pledging friends, including Legacy Circle participants are invited.

Socialize over sweet and savory finger food compliments of Sarmentine, Artisan Boulanger in Santa Rosa. Yum!!! Enjoy a glass of wine or sparkling non-alcoholic beverage with friends.

Spin the Wheel of Fortune – Win Prizes! Join Rev. Dave and test your knowledge. How much do you know about our Endowment Fund and Legacy Circle and how they have shaped the fortunes of UUCSR past and present? Discover how we can act today to impact the well-being of our UU community long into the future.

Please RSVP to Mary Louise Jaffray at [email protected]/ with “RSVP to Wheel of Fortune” in the subject line. Your questions are welcome at [email protected]. 

Taize at UUCSR

The next Taize service is on March 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. It takes place on the first Thursday of every month.

Taize at UUCSR is held in an intimate candlelit setting and includes short poetry readings, the chanting of meditative songs from the UU tradition with Gage, 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 the midst of our all too busy lives and hurting world.  

It is called a Taize (pronounced tie zay) 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. It is free of charge and open to everyone in the community.

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

From CUUPs

By Cris Frick

Ostara, The Spring Equinox

This year our Vernal Equinox comes on March 19, at 8:06 pm here in Santa Rosa. This day is when light and darkness are most equal, when the Sun crosses the equator from south to north and the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the Sun’s rays. This is true for where we live, but other parts of the world have a different experience of the equinox, depending on where they are located. 

This is our astronomical Spring, although our meteorological Spring starts on March 1. Many cultures around the world celebrate this time of year, in various ways. Each have their own celebrations, with their own traditions.

Pagan sources tell us that in the Germanic tradition, Ostara, or Easter, referred to the Goddess of Spring, or Dawn. In the Teutonic Mythology of Jakob Grimm, he says that, “Ostara, or Eastre was goddess of the growing light of spring.”

We can see the linking of Ostara with the emergence of new life, chickens laying eggs again, after the dark of the winter, and the hares and rabbits emerging, having young. 

The American Folk Life Center at The Library of Congress has interesting information on the origin of Ostara and the Easter Bunny. The researcher there agrees that Ostara, the ancient Germanic goddess of spring, is thought to have transformed a bird into a hare that laid eggs, keeping it’s egg laying ability once a year, for her festival in the spring. 

It’s not an entirely ancient belief, apparently, but has been around for many hundreds of years in the Germanic cultures, and gives an answer, of a sort, of why a hare and eggs are associated with spring, and the rebirth of life after winter.

Which brings us back to the light increasing, the equinox, the day when our light increases more, and our night is less and less, until we reach solstice. We can notice in our own little part of the world, how new life is emerging, in sprouts and buds, young birds, lizards, bulbs blooming that were planted last fall.

Ostara is the goddess of this life re-emerging, and we can color our eggs and enjoy our hares (or chocolate bunnies) while we appreciate the changing season and renewal of life around us. 

First Sunday Flowers

The Chancel flowers on March 3 are in honor and celebration of Women’s History Month, which grew from the seed planted here in Sonoma County in 1978, by the Women’s History Project. Thank you to our own Paula Hammett for being part of that!  And to all the women of the past, and those who continue to advance the cause of women’s rights, dignity, equality, and freedom.  

In the words of Beyoncé “ Power is not given to you. You have to take it.”

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

DWSC Congregational Questionnaire

Dismantling White Supremacy Culture at UUCSR  

The work of the Dismantling White Supremacy Culture at UUCSR Committee (DWSCC) is to live into our 8th Principle by inviting and engaging the UUSCR community in the spiritual journey of dismantling white supremacy culture within ourselves, and at UUCSR. 

As the DWSC committee continues its work, it’s important and necessary that we understand what you think and how you feel about white supremacy culture at UUCSR. Please help us by completing an anonymous and confidential Questionnaire. The Questionnaire is available beginning March 1st. A hard copy will be handed out at Sunday services in March, and you may also fill out the Questionnaire electronically by clicking on the link below.

Help us truly be a beloved community.

Soul Matters

Soul Matter's March theme is: The Gift of Transformation

(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.

here.

Contact Katie for information

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

Share Basket Donations

& A Note from Share the Offering Committee:

We manage our Share the Offering, arranging for all the wonderful nonprofits you hear about each Sunday all year. And we need your suggestions for worthy recipient community organizations. 

Each month we support our own Saturday Breakfast and RE, and then two or three community organizations that work to make the world a better place. We rely on suggestions from you, our congregational community members, to fulfill this mission. In doing so, our myriad recipients reflect the values of our congregation.

Please bring forward any nonprofit organization that does good work and could use our help. An organization must have 501c3 tax status in order to receive our donation.

Send your suggestions to Mary Louise Jaffray; email [email protected] or 707 695-9348. We’ll take it from there.

Oh, and please consider joining the Share committee. You do learn what’s going right in our community, and sharing it with the congregation. 

Your Share the Offering Project members,

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

~ ~ ~

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

The Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration: $354.38

UUCSR Religious Education: $327.63

Social Advocates for Youth (SAY): $398.00

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $242.25

Saturday Breakfast Direct Donation: $636.00

From The Lay Chaplains

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

UUA News:

• 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 PWRA Plans HERE Register Now
• UUA NEWSLETTER: UUA Condemns Violence READ HERE

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.

Detective Fiction and Religion

Carol Daeley

Wednesdays Feb 28, March 27, April 24, May 15

2-4 PM, Board Room

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)

If you would like to be on the course mailing list for the spring, email Carol at [email protected]. 

Carol Daeley is a Congregation member and a retired professor of literature, though professors of literature never actually retire. 

The Other Georgia: Visiting the Silk Road in the Southern Caucasus

Bruce Hope and Paula Hammett

Sunday March 10

12 Noon, Founders Room

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.

1001 Opening Nights

Alan Bell

Six-Eight Spring Sessions

Tuesdays April 16--May 21

3-4:30 PM. Board Room

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: Marty, Requiem for a Heavyweight, No Time for Sergeants 12 Angry Men. And these plays featured some hungry unknown actors like Paul Newman, Andy Griffith, Jack Palance, Rod Steiger, and James Dean. There was a theatrical opening night nearly every night of the week. 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. Each session will start with background information and then the play will be shown in its entirety. Most are under an hour. 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.  

For more information, contact Linda Lambert at [email protected]

NBOP:

• JOIN UUCSR's CORE TEAM: This team will be a liaison for UUCSR and NBOP. As a member organization, UUCSR is building a NBOP CORE TEAM to join the work of NBOP and build collective power in making an impact on local social justice issues in Sonoma County! CLICK TO READ MORE HERE

The Aesthetics Committee

The aesthetics committee of UUCSR is delighted to announce our next featured Artist, Lisa Palmer.

 Lisa is a local Artist, Singer and Poet who resides in Duncans Mills where she teaches Soul Restoration classes in her gorgeous Art Barn. Please check out her website HERE. Her beautiful art will grace our walls beginning March 1st. 

• Lisa’s Art reception is scheduled for March 30th at 1-3pm. All are invited.

If you are an artist who is interested in displaying your work at UUCSR please contact Crystal of The Aesthetics Committee at [email protected]

Men's Retreat

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:

• https://www.uusantarosa.org/groups-activities/mens-retreat

West County Women's Breakfast

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]