In This Issue

Our Unitarian Roots

September 1st

Join us this Sunday as we delve into the courageous story of how our Unitarian faith was forged in the fires of Reformation Europe. As we reconnect with our Transylvanian roots, we will reflect on the enduring legacy of these early Unitarians who championed the cause of spiritual liberty and progressive thought. Their unwavering commitment to dialogue and acceptance continues to inspire our faith community today.

Service Leader: Rev Dave and the travelers who went to see Unitarian historical sites

Worship Associates: Cathie Weise

Music: Sally Jones

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: Our Own Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors

Ingathering

September 8th

Welcome to our Annual Water Communion. This ceremony marks the beginning of our congregational year. As we pour our waters into a common vessel, we honor the contributions each of us brings to our community. May this ritual remind us of our shared responsibility to nurture our planet and each other. As the waters blend, so do our hopes, dreams, and intentions for the year ahead. 

Service Leaders: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Mark Sowers

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: South Park Futbol Academy

Celebrating 20 Years

September 15th

The 20th anniversary of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Rosa in its current building is a momentous occasion, filled with reflection, gratitude, and appreciation for all those who have contributed to its journey, including those who have passed away. 

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Linda Lampson

Music: Robert Howseman, Roger Corman

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: UUCSR General Fund

The Sacred Art of Invitation

September 22nd

In a world that often feels fragmented and divided, the practice of invitation holds transformative power. Join us this Sunday as we explore the sacred art of inviting – inviting others into our lives, our hearts, and our community. Rooted in the Unitarian Universalist principles of radical hospitality and inclusivity, we will delve into how intentional invitations can foster deeper connections, create welcoming spaces, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Come, be a part of this meaningful conversation and let's learn together how to invite more love, understanding, and unity into our world.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Eric Fischer

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: Ukraine TrustChain

Music as Worship

September 29th

Together we will explore the power of music as worship at UUCSR. We’ll dive into the ways music connects us to our deepest emotions, enhances our spiritual practice, and brings our community together. Whether through singing hymns, learning a piece of music together, or the quiet resonance of a shared moment, music has the unique ability to transcend words and touch the soul. Come celebrate the sacred role that music plays in our lives and discover how it can deepen our connection to the divine, to one another, and to ourselves. 

Service Leader: Rev Dave & Gage Purdy

Worship Associates: Jonathan Choe

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Louise Bettner

Share The Basket: Project Censored/Media Freedom Foundation

From the Minister's Desk

Reverend Dave Clements

Welcome Back from Rev. Dave

Greetings friends and members of UUCSR. The summer was good to me. I was able to travel to many places, perform a family wedding and spend time with family and friends. I am excited about what lies ahead in our journey together here at UUCSR. I am starting my third year as your Interim Minister, and I want to congratulate all of you for the job that you did this past year of beginning to prepare for a new chapter in the life of your congregation. There is an excitement in the air and a renewed hope for our future. You as members are becoming more engaged with our UU faith and with each other. This is a part of the process which needs to occur under an Interim Minister. 

On September 1 our service will be about our Unitarian roots. Five members of this congregation along with me had the opportunity this summer to tour our early Unitarian historical sites. These members will be sharing their experiences. I invite all of you to come and learn and see.

On Sunday September 8th for our Ingathering and Water Communion service we will first be gathering in the courtyard and will have the opportunity to walk our labyrinth (which will be set up in the Founders Room) being led by our youth. Please remember to bring your water for the part of the ritual for the water communion. The theme of this year’s water communion is that of looking forward. Reach out to someone you know who might not have been here for a while and invite them to join us.  Lunch will be provided.

The following Sunday, September 15th, will be a service of celebration. We will be celebrating 20 years of being in our building, but we will also be celebrating that we are entering into our 70th year as a congregation. Please plan to attend as we celebrate the past and look forward to our future. The theme of the service will be one of celebration and one of looking at 20 years and beyond. After the service we will gather for a potluck.

Welcome back and may this church year be one of fun, learning and spiritual growth as we all work towards being prepared to begin a new chapter with a new minister. Thank you for your support and all that you all do to make UUCSR work.

Cheers,

Rev. Dave 

President's Message

Board of Trustee President- David Reitzell

president@uusantarosa.org

As the school year starts, many of us forget how busy this time of year is for our families with children. Some going to new schools and even college now. It makes me hopeful as UU youth grow up with strong morals and social values.

Just a few hours ago your Board of Trustees completed a weekend retreat. It was held in member's homes which were comfortable and perfect for the work we did. Thank you Helga and Maria for opening your homes. I so appreciate our Board for their dedication and thoughtful nurturing of the work to be done. Rev Dave’s guidance was wonderful as well.

We came up with three goals to focus on this year which are:

Fundraising / Revenue Enhancement / Financial Stewardship

Engagement: Board of Trustees / Congregation / Larger Community  

Enhancing Communication Within and Beyond our Beloved Community

We also worked on specific objectives within these goals. Of course our search for a new minister seems to take front and center in everything we do. This includes updating Bylaws and discussing a three year financial plan. This work will keep us busy this year. If there are questions or concerns, we would like to hear from you. You can use the email above or come to the beginning of any Board meeting - to the Congregational communication section in the meeting and tell us what's on your mind. The next BOT meeting is Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:30.

 Peace and Love, David Reitzell

Message from Our Music Director

Gage Purdy

musicdirector@uusantarosa.org

As we step into September, we welcome the opportunity to come back together as a beloved community, reconnecting after the summer months. This is a time of renewal and reconnection, and what better way to celebrate our togetherness than through the gift of music?

Music has always been at the heart of our congregation, bringing us closer, and lifting our spirits. This month, we invite everyone to join in the joy of making music together. Whether you’re a seasoned choir member, a casual singer, an instrumentalist, or someone who loves to listen, there’s a special place for you here. Together, let us create a vibrant soundscape that reflects our shared values and the love we have for one another.

As we sing, play, and listen, we are reminded of the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite. It is through these melodies and rhythms that we find our collective voice, expressing our hopes, joys, and commitment to one another. Join us in making this September a month of joyful reunion through music. Let’s raise our voices, blend our hearts, and celebrate the beautiful harmony of our community coming together once again. We look forward to making music with you!

I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our music ministry over the summer. Your participation, whether through attending services, sharing your talents, or simply offering your encouragement, has been a source of strength and joy for all of us. I am deeply grateful for the time and energy you have given to keep the spirit of music alive in our congregation!

Message from the Treasurer

Treasurer, Rose StJohn

PLEDGES

Membership and Pledge Revenue peaked in the early months of the pandemic, before our last settled minister departed. From FY19/20 to now, the number of pledges has declined steadily from 293 to 176. Dollars pledged declined from $471,000 to $410,000.

Annual operating expenses are nearly $600,000 and the lion's share is paid by pledges. Pledge revenue is the steady and reliable income for payroll, utilities, and building maintenance each month.  Please consider increasing your pledge.

In June, each pledge from FY23/24 was rolled over as the pledge for FY24/25. Consequently, unless you have made a change, Realm shows your last year's pledge as this year's. For pledges paid automatically each month, the scheduled payment was not rolled over by UUCSR.  Only you can authorize your bank or credit card to transfer money (not the Pledge Secretary nor Administrator). So if your scheduled payment has an expiration date, please renew it. Thanks.

SATURDAY BREAKFAST

Because groceries cost more, and because, a few months ago, we contracted for extra bathroom cleaning after the breakfast, we find the Saturday Breakfast in need of some cash. Please donate directly to the breakfast, as well as to the congregation.  

Religious Education

Era Capone

Hello all,

We're kicking off the congregational year this month, and with it is the return of full RE curriculum! We have a lot in store for kids and families this year, including:

• Brand new RE lesson plans and curriculum
• Weekly music with Crystal McDougall-Purdy, Mac Freeman, and John Chenoweth
• December Holiday Pageant
• Youth Group
• Neighboring Faiths starting in October
• 4th-6th Grade OWL starting in January
• Dungeons & Dragons
• The Art of UU Parenting
• Family Game Nights
• and much more!

We're thrilled to be having so many opportunities for kids and families at UUCSR, and can't wait for you to be a part of it!

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 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

From Roger Corman, UUCSR Pianist

Since our fundraising concert last year, “You Can’t Play That in Church”, was such a success, I’m going to be doing another concert fundraiser on September 21st.

The theme this year is “Since You Asked…”. We would like you all to submit requests of a favorite song that you would like to hear us play. You can submit your request along with a sentence or few about why that song or jazz tune is meaningful to you. We’ll pick as many as we can to include in our set list for the concert, played either with the whole group or as a solo or duo performance. Send your requests to pianist@uusantarosa.org by September 1st. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!

I will be bringing my whole group, the Sack Lunch jazz quintet, which consists of professional musicians from Napa County, Solano and Sonoma counties. In addition our own UUCSR members (and Music Director) Gage Purdy and Crystal McDougall-Purdy will be singing some songs as our special guests.

I’m hoping for a big turnout, even better than last year’s, so please put this on your calendar and plan to join us Sept. 21!

-Roger

From Your Search Committee

Update on the Ministerial Search Process

The Ministerial Search Committee had its day-long retreat with our representative from UUA and is ready to start the search process. The team is excited and motivated to find our next settled minister and to represent UUCSR to the best of our ability. The first task at hand is building our Search Profile Packet, which is a bit like a dating profile. It will provide prospective ministers with insight into who we are as a congregation. An important component of this profile is a survey which will be brought to the congregation on September 8th so everyone will have the opportunity to share their insights. Please look for the survey and complete it by the deadline to be sure your voice is heard. More details to follow.

In October the committee will hold a number of Search Parties to get more feedback from you all. Dates are TBD. In addition, a history of the congregation will be assembled. These items and others will be made available to interested ministers in December. In January interested candidates will share their personal packets and the committee will begin evaluating ministers. The team will take 3 months to review, interview and meet with pre-candidates. If a ministerial match is found, the congregation will get to meet them in April. 

It is a long and careful process, but the committee is feeling good about the journey ahead. 

Taize at UUCSR

Please join us for Taize services on the first Thursday of every month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Upcoming dates for the fall are September 5th, October 3rd, November 7th, and December 5th.

One of the readings we have used for Taize services was written by Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh and is in our UU hymnal.

A Prayer for Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh

Let us be at peace with our bodies

and our minds.

Let us return to ourselves and become wholly ourselves.

Let us be aware of the source of being,

common to us all and to all living things.

Evoking the presence of the Great Compassion,

Let us fill our hearts with our own compassion – towards ourselves and towards all living beings.

Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of suffering to each other.

With humility, with awareness of the existence of life,

and of the sufferings that are going on around us,

Let us practice the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth.

From CUUPs

By Lucia Kasulis

Mabon as the beginning of the cycle...

I have always had a great affinity with the academic calendar since so much of my life revolved around the Sept to June months. Primary, then high school, college, my children’s school schedule, and a stint as a school employee were my normal daily schedule for most of my life. Until just a very few years ago, I continued to use the academic calendar for my daily planning. This yearly cycle of summer ending and fall beginning just seemed a natural start to me. 

There is something very homey and comforting about the fall season, the beginning of the academic year. To me it feels like when you are out working all day long and finally come into the warmth of home and hearth. A little like snuggling down into the bosom of your Mother Earth for the year. The plant world is approaching its fullness, its work for the year coming to a close, its progeny is ripening and making ready to winter over and begin the growing again in the spring or become the food for others so that they can winter over and produce their own progeny. 

When I was introduced to paganism with CUUPs, it had that same natural feel of how I fit into this suit of ‘life’ that I am wearing. I began to reflect on how I lived as a child and related to the natural world around me.... (Read more by clicking below)

CUUPs invites you to join us in the open courtyard on Sunday September 22nd after the regular service for a ritual to send energy for the highest good for the country in this turbulent time.

Soul Matters

Soul Matters theme for September is,

Living Love Through The Practice of: Invitation

(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

Share The Basket Donations



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

Planned Parenthood, Northern California : $247.15

Highlight the UUCSR Religious Education : $ 220.50

Peace & Justice Center : $243.50

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $243.15

Saturday Breakfast Direct Donation: $313.00

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

From The Lay Chaplains

Your Lay Chaplains have a request to the congregation for milestone entries. We try our best to read the entries but there are times when the entry is difficult to read and, unfortunately, sometimes mistakes are made.

Please do your best to write or print clearly and it might be helpful to read your entry back to yourself to be sure it is clear. And, finally, please remember to sign your name to your entry. If an entry seems unclear we can try to speak to the writer before the service for clarification. Thank you!

As always, anyone can use the email to send milestones at any time or to contact a Lay Chaplain for support.

Our Lay Chaplains are: Rob Carlisle, Judy Ervice, Bruce Hope, Barb Kezur, Sandy Brewer

From The Safety Stewards

Regarding Security:

By working together to provide a safe and welcoming space to all who enter our doors, we serve our principles and our highest value of Love. As a liberal and welcoming faith, we UUs are susceptible to disruption or threat. We develop safety procedures and protocols that address these concerns.

We Safety Stewards are honored that our work gives worshippers a reason to feel secure enough to attend our services -- both weekly and special services alike.  

Regarding Safety:

Health emergencies and natural disasters can occur for any of us, at any time. We want to be prepared for quick response to any medical emergencies, as well as natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes.  

Regarding Building Administration:

During most of the week, our building enjoys either the minister or our full-time administrator as a manager to address real-time concerns which arise. On Sundays, while the minister’s attention is rightfully focused on worship and our administrator is enjoying a deserved weekend off, we Safety Stewards willingly serve as the go-to manager for real-time concerns.

We hope our new name 'Safety Stewards' reminds us of our aims to serve our congregation in these ways, and we ask for your continued support in creating safe spaces and brave spaces to celebrate life, empower people, and build a better world.

On behalf of the Safety Stewards,

Mark Sowers

Adult Education:

Join The World Affairs Council of Sonoma County

September 5, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

At the Glaser Center. Open to all.

The 2024 Election Cycle

An Electoral Politics Briefing For The Most Important Election of Our Lifetime

The 2024 Elections will prove to be pivotal in American history. In what is shaping up to be the most important election since 1860, we will explore changes in the Democratic ticket, shifts in the electorate, conditions affecting the vote, and prospects for both major parties up and down the ballot. With Dr. David McCuan, Sonoma State University

$20. for WAC members and UUCSR members; $30. for non-members 

(wine and cheese reception included).

Pre-register at WACSC.org

For more information, e-mail Linda Lambert at linlambert@mcn.org

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.

Sunday Flowers

Dedicated to the One I Love

Would you like to dedicate a bouquet of flowers to someone you love, or in honor of a special occasion? Choose First Sunday Flowers! For a sliding scale donation, you can have flowers placed on the Chancel on the first Sunday service of the month in honor, memory, or celebration of your special person or event. The deadline to sign up is the 15th of the preceding month. We hope you’ll join in this expression of love and floral delight.                               

For more information on how you can dedicate First Sunday Flowers, contact flowercommittee@uusantarosa.org or use the button below.

UUCSR Women Together:

UUCSR Women's Retreat October 4-6, 2024!

Our Women's Retreat is scheduled for October 4-6 this year and will take place at beautiful Camp Newman in northeast Santa Rosa. Mostly rebuilt after being destroyed in the Tubbs Fire, Camp Newman is completely ADA compliant! Expect a lot of the same lively discussion and camaraderie that you've come to enjoy at our annual retreat. There is something for everyone!

Registration will be September 15 and 22 after the service and EARLY registration is on September 8 for those of us who just can't wait!  Registration cost this year is $315 (comparable to current St Dorothy's rates) and includes dinner on Friday through lunch on Sunday. Partial scholarships are available. Please bring your checkbook. ** We will only be able to accept checks and cash. **

Be sure to mark your calendars now for our registration dates, Sept 8, 15 and 22. You're not going to want to miss it!  

Swap

September 28th

10-2pm

GTKUU

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 class on Sunday, September 29. It will be held in the Boardroom directly after the service; lunch is provided.

This class is open to everyone and is required for UUCSR membership. The first half 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 half 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 membership@uusantarosa.org.

Older and Bolder Present

Noted death doula, Michelle Vesser, speaks to Older and Bolder Monday, September 30.

Have you ever wondered what a death doula is and what she does? You are invited by Older and Bolder to join us to hear Michelle Vesser, a noted doula in our area, talk to us about end-of-life choices and her role in supporting the dying through their final days. She will speak to us in the Board Room at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024. You don’t have to be 75 to come; all women are invited.

UU THE VOTE

UU the VOTE Postcard Writing Group!

Do you wish there was something to do about the upcoming election season that was more useful than retreating to reality TV and Sonoma County wine? This month, every Sunday after the Service, join the Post Card Writing Group! We will meet in the RE wing to write cards that will be sent to states that are experiencing voter suppression. The cards encourage people to check their registrations and polling places and to vote their values!

We will have postcards, pens, clear instructions and examples, as well as stamps. Write one or write many! Pick up a packet or two to do at home. Come to ask questions. Clear handwriting is necessary but no talent for clever wording or artful decoration is required. Extra materials will be available for children who want to participate with their postcard writing adult. The examples were developed by Reclaim Our Vote, a project of Center for Common Ground, with sensitivity for cultural preferences in the states we cover. Please come to UUtheVote, to honor our 8th Principle, and to enjoy the company of other UU’s.  

DWSC

Dismantling White Supremacy Culture within UUCSR Committee (DWSC)

Welcome back Racial Justice Allies of Sonoma County!!

The DWSC Committee is pleased to announce that Racial Justice Allies is returning to UUCSR for their first post-Covid, in-person RJA Dialogue!  

DWSC will host RJA on Thursday, September 26, from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, at UUCSR, in the Founder’s Room. 

FREE EVENT, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, and WHEECHAIR ACCESSIBLE.

The topic for the September 26 dialogue will be "calling in," a powerful way to hold people with harmful ideas accountable with love -- based on the work of Loretta Ross, African American academic, feminist, and activist, and author. tps://lorettajross.com/  

Her book, Calling in: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel, “….is at once a handbook, a manifesto, and a memoir. With stories from five remarkable decades in activism, .... READ MORE BY CLICKING BELOW   

In preparation for the workshop, please consider watching Loretta J. Ross’s TedTalk (14-min.): HERE

Invite your friends to join our dialogue. Please RSVP via email at racialjusticeallies@gmail.com.    

NBOP

GETTING TO KNOW NBOP

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

We will have an opportunity to answer your curiosity this fall. UUCSR will be hosting organizers and volunteers representing four NBOP task forces. We will host four programs following services during which we will learn in some detail about the work of NBOP. The task forces address a range of social justice issues. While we are not solid on the dates we wanted to let you know that this is coming so that you can look for confirmations and calendar these programs. The task force programs, with current dates, are as follows:

Deep Democracy (voter engagement) September 29

Police Accountability October 20

Immigrant Defense/Land Justice November 3

SCTU (Sonoma County Tenants Union) November10

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. See Jeanie Bates for questions.

2024 Sonoma County Renters Assembly 

Saturday, September 14th , 12 noon-5 PM

Glaser Center 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa

Free, all are invited

Registration Form:  tinyurl.com/SoCoRA24 

The Glaser Center is Happy to Host the Annual Sonoma County Renters Assembly

What is a Renters Assembly 

A renters' assembly is a gathering where renters come together to discuss, strategize, and vision solutions around issues related to housing, rental conditions, rights, and policies affecting them. These assemblies are often organized by tenant unions, housing groups, or community organizations with the focus of mobilizing renters to advocate for their rights, share information, and collectively organize around issues impacting them as they relate to housing. 

Why do we have an annual Renters Assembly?

1. Solidarity 

2. Building Collective Power

3. Education

4. Policy Change

5. Visioning and Dreaming

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MANY OF YOU, JEANIE BATES, SCTU, BHOTU 

A Community Conversation event

Sponsored by NBOP Deep Democracy Task Force &

NBOP Religious Leaders Caucus

NBOP’s Deep Democracy work engages the New American Majority—renters, people of color, young adults (under 35), low income folks, LGBTQ+folks , and people with disabilities—folks who have historically been left out of the conversation.

Elections are moments that catalyze movements and raise issues that affect people's lives beyond Election Day. Our work is ongoing throughout the year.

Deep Democracy work is all about relationships and the local issues that connect us: Housing, Immigration, and Police Accountability. 

Interested? 

Learn more about the NBOP Deep Democracy Task Force and how you can join in on this impactful work here is Sonoma County—link to Deep Democracy document 

Contact Diana Kingsbury

dkingsbury@northbayop.org

or text/leave a message at (707)324-9791

Deep Democracy Canvasing Description HERE

UUA

Read UUA's 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