In This Issue

A Call to Conscience: The Spiritual Act of Voting- Where is a Higher Power in the Process?

November 3rd

As UU we are called upon to address the climate of division and fear that surround elections. Voting and civic involvement are a spiritual practice that can nurture a sense of community, accountability and commitment to the common good.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Linda Lampson

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share the Basket: Our Own Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors

Sources of Our Faith Series: Harmony with the Earth: Lessons from Earth-Centered Traditions

November 10th

This Sunday, we invite you to join us in exploring the spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions that celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the earth. These traditions offer profound insights into our interconnectedness with all living beings and the natural world. Together, we will reflect on how these teachings can guide us in nurturing a deeper respect for the environment and a more sustainable way of life. Come and be inspired by the wisdom of Earth-centered spirituality as we seek to honor and protect the planet we call home.

Town Hall Meeting After the Service

Service Leaders: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Eric Fischer

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Louise Bettner

Share the Basket: Council on Aging

Letting go of our stories: Finding freedom beyond our narratives

November 17th

What stories do we tell ourselves about who we are, who others are, and how the world works? How do these stories shape, and sometimes limit, our lives. What stories do you need to let go of?

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Veronica Jordan

Music: John Ray

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: UUCSR General Fund

From Gratitude to Grateful Living

November 24th

Imagine being able to have gratitude that is unconditional and lasting. A Gratitude that does not depend on what happens, but comes from the inside out. "This is gratefulness - the 'great fullness' of life in all its moments of messiness and magnificence." (Kristi Nelson) Today we explore the work of Brother David Steindl-Rast and the transformative power of taking nothing for granted.

Service Leader: Judy Withee

Worship Associates: Mark Sowers

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: UUA Disaster Relief Fund

From the Minister's Desk

Reverend Dave Clements

Dear Members and Friends of UUCSR,          

This past month has brought with it a weight of sorrow, as illness, loss, and grief have touched many lives within our community. It’s a time when our hearts feel heavy, and we may struggle to find words of comfort. Yet, it is also in these times of deep sorrow that the true spirit of our shared faith can guide and uplift us.

We grieve because we have loved. The depth of our loss reflects the depth of our connection to one another. Our sadness speaks to the bonds that give our lives meaning. Though words may seem inadequate, the presence we offer to one another can be a source of healing. A shared moment of silence, a listening ear, or a gentle touch can convey the comfort that words sometimes cannot.

It has been a testament to me of the love and fellowship of this congregation in the way that many of you have responded and organized around the illnesses and the losses. I encourage all of you to reach out to those who are struggling. Offer a kind word, a prayer, or simply your presence. In this way, we remind each other that we do not walk this path alone. As a community, we share not only in joy but also in sorrow, helping to carry the burden together.

Many of you have expressed to me your fear and anxiety that you share regarding our coming elections. Handling fear and anxiety around the upcoming U.S. elections can be challenging, especially when emotions run high and uncertainty looms. In these next few weeks may I suggest some simple ways to manage your fears and anxiety: Stay grounded with mindfulness practices like meditation; take a few moments each day to take a walk outside; set healthy boundaries in conversations; and focus on the long view, no single election defines the future entirely.

The chances are high that on election night we might not know the winner. To provide some comfort and an opportunity to gather as a community our sanctuary will be open the day after the election, and we will be gathering informally at noon on that day and again that evening at 5pm. 

As we navigate this season together, may we find solace in knowing that love surrounds us and that the light, though it may seem faint, still shines. 

Sincerely,

Rev. Dave

President's Message

Board of Trustee President- David Reitzell

president@uusantarosa.org

When we have losses in a caring community such as we have, the feelings and sadness run deep. It has been a hard few weeks. As we grieve, let us also reach out to touch base with someone we have not talked to in a while, or a new face we may recognize, but don’t really know. It is amazing how a few words can convey a mountain of caring and love. Our resilience and strength is part of what makes us UU as we honor the worth and dignity of all, past and present.

This report will be brief due to focusing on the Town Hall after church on November 10th, the November 5th Board meeting, and multiple other wonderful things going on within and beyond our walls. If you haven’t been able to study the display from the Search committee yet, please do that. I think we have a clear vision of what we want in our next minister. I also hope that everyone who wishes to, has given input in a search party. I believe we will generate excitement among those ministers looking for a new home. 

We have task forces forming or formed to focus on Saturday Morning Breakfast, contracts for our future minister, and Glaser Center ideas. These are in addition to the work already being done by so many committees furthering the wellness of this community. Thank you all for staying engaged and caring so much for each other. 

Financial Report

SEPTEMBER 2024 FINANCIAL REPORT



 REVENUE

Pledges - $11,4427.93 ($8,177.95 more than what was budgeted)

Donations/Gifts - $9,796.70 ($5,340.76 less than what was budgeted)

Rental Income - $10,750.00 ($250.00 more than what was budgeted) 

TOTAL INCOME: $148,928.83 ($6,641.41 more than what was budgeted) (Not all categories are listed above, but they are included in the total)

EXPENSE

Employee Expenses - $110,704.51 ($3,064.38 more than what was budget primarily due to RE Summer Camp teacher wages. Income associated with this event was accounted for in a prior period)

Expenditures - $43,266.77 ($2,268.32 less than what was budgeted)

TOTAL EXPENSE: $154,571.28 ($407.29 more than what was budgeted)

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Saturday Breakfast – Negative balance of $7,308.41 

NET INCOME – NET INCOME – We had a loss of $542.45 which includes $1700.00 transferred from the Saturday Breakfast for janitorial and carpet cleaning. 

Message from Our Music Director

Gage Purdy

musicdirector@uusantarosa.org

As we embrace the theme of "Repair," we reflect on how music can play a vital role in healing our hearts and restoring our spirits. In this season of change, we are invited to explore songs that resonate with the theme of mending—whether it be relationships, our sense of self, or our connection to the world around us.

Music has a unique ability to speak to our experiences of loss and renewal, guiding us toward understanding and reconciliation. It offers a sanctuary where we can gather to reflect, share, and grow together as a community. Each note can serve as a reminder that, even in our brokenness, there is beauty and hope.

As the poet Rumi reminds us, "The wound is the place where the Light enters you." In this spirit, let us come together this month to honor our journeys of repair and embrace the light that music brings into our lives. 

Religious Education

Era Capone

Hello all,

With November

officially here, we are excited to begin our winter RE programs, which this year include our Holiday Pageant, 4th-6th Grade OWL, a Family SatAM Breakfast day, and much more! We are still looking for participants in all these holiday programs, along with our regular RE events, so make sure to let us know when and how your family plans to participate.

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

You are welcome to join us for the monthly Taize contemplative service on

Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

From CUUPs

By Chlele Gummer

November, a month for quiet reflection.

Here is a collection of Haiku that I have written. No specific topic, just thoughts of this and that. The haiku structure is 5,7 and 5 syllables. 

In the past I would seat myself at my art table in the early morning and busy myself with making collages. After finishing one I would write a haiku to match it. So I have months of Haiku. Here are a few of my favorites.

Soul Matters

Soul Matters theme for November is,

Living Love Through The Practice of: Repair

(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

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 in finished form (easiest option).
• See all of the changes, comparing the current bylaws with the proposed new bylaws (more thorough option).

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:

• Sun, Nov 17 12:00 – 1:00 pm Board Room
• Wed, Nov 20 5:30 – 6:30 pm Board Room (and on Zoom)
• 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

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.

Adult Education

How Do We Know What the Wild West Was Like?

Tuesday November 12, 4 PM

Founders Room

Ida Egli, writer, editor, and educator, will share with us a multi-media presentation based on her book No Rooms of Their Own: Women Writers of Early California. In their struggles to become writers, these women tell us in rich detail about the history of California.

In addition to this book, Egli is the author of Gold Rush Women and of Krisanthi’s War: In Hitler’s Greece. Former Chair of the Santa Rosa Junior College English Department, Egli has done numerous presentations on her work.

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, 12:30-3:30PM

Founders Room

Rev. Bev Spears

Week 1: The roots of Jesus’ political consciousness, where we will explore the historical, political, economic, and social factors that shaped his ministry

Week 2: Jesus’ political strategies and tactics

Week 3: The distortion and corruption of Jesus’ ministry throughout history, culminating in the White Christian Nationalist movement.

Week 4: Showing of the documentary film “Bad Faith” about Christian Nationalism. This session will be open to the entire congregation whether or not they attended the other class sessions. Discussion will follow the film.

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. This interactive session will delve into the basics of AI, its everyday applications, and the ethical challenges it presents. We'll explore how AI intersects with UU values, discussing its potential to support social justice, equity, and environmental action, while also addressing concerns about bias and privacy. Whether you're curious about the technology or passionate about its societal impact, this workshop offers a thoughtful space for learning and dialogue on the future of AI.

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

First Sunday Flowers Dedication

The Chancel flowers on November 3rd are dedicated by Stacy Sincheff in honor of her beloved nephew, Gregory Sincheff.

Gregory died on November 1, 2016.  

He was loved by his family and friends. 

His family remembers him with love and by his nickname Grog.

♥♥♥

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

Share The Basket Donations

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

CASA : $ 363.75

BLUU : $ 471.03

UUCSR General Fund : $ 356.00

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $ 278.50

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

Save the Date Women Together Holiday Potluck Party December 8th 2pm to 4pm

Our annual Women Together Holiday Potluck is right around the corner on December 8th 2pm to 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 friends, old and new. We hope to see you there!  

Watch upcoming Newsblasts for more details.

Climate Action

November 17th

"What’s Smart about the Smart Train?"

Sunday, November 17, 2024, after Coffee, in the Founders Room

Remember how much you enjoyed toy trains when you were a kid? Our speaker, Rick Luttmann, never got over his childhood love of trains—he is a big supporter of the Smart Train and now serves on the Citizens' Advisory Committee to the Sonoma County Transportation Authority. He will tell us about the Smart Train and ways trains can benefit us. Bring your curiosity and the Climate Action Team will serve you a light lunch.  

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. 

NBOP- Getting to know NBOP

Have you ever wondered what the North Bay Organizing Project does? 



We are continuing to answer your curiosity this month. UUCSR has hosted organizers and volunteers representing two of four NBOP task forces thus far, Deep Democracy and Immigrant Defense. These have been informative and well received. We look forward to hosting the remaining task forces, Police Accountability and Sonoma County Tenants Union, during the month of November.

These programs will take place in the Founders Room following services, noon to 1:30. Snacks will be provided and you are welcome to bring your lunch.

The task force programs with dates are as follows:

• Police Accountability          November 3
• SCTU (Sonoma County Tenants Union) November 24

You will come away with an understanding of the work that NBOP does and an invitation to try out volunteering with any of the projects that stir your spirit. I look forward to being your host for these programs and answering any questions you may have ahead of time. Jeanie Bates

From the Nominating Committee

Help Wanted: Are you someone who has an interest in the financial well-being of UUCSR? Are you someone who wants UUCSR to be a strong influence in the Sonoma County community for years to come? Do you believe in self-sufficiency and financial independence? And are you someone who believes in the future of not just our UU children but the children in our greater community; for they are the future for ALL of us? If you agree to any of the above then the Nominating Committee would like to invite you to support your UU community on a different level, on a level that values what our congregation means for future generations. We offer you the opportunity to serve as a member of our Endowment Committee. You would be working with members you may already know from Sunday service or social gatherings. The Endowment Committee (EC) works with a professional financial advisor to safe-guard and grow our UUCSR Endowment Fund. An important part of the EC’s role is to encourage our members to become a part of the Legacy Circle in order to grow our long term fund balance. You need not be a financial wizard; the EC is seeking friendly, outgoing people committed to growing the circle of members who have made the commitment to making the UUCSR Endowment Fund a beneficiary. The EC simply needs more people ready to ask our members to join them in this investment in our UU future. The Endowment Committee has an opening for you. Come be a part of our future! Email us at Nominating@uusantarosa.org for more information. 

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