In This Issue

Ingathering Sunday:

Living Like a River Flows

September 7th

In the first service led by our new ministers, we will celebrate this community that, like a river, has a steady presence and remains itself as time passes, and yet is always new, always changing. 

Like most Unitarian Universalist congregations around the world, we will mark our ingathering with a water communion, in which we each bring waters and combine them. Please bring a little water (a pill bottle's worth is plenty)--from your kitchen sink, garden hose, a nearby puddle, anywhere. If you realize upon arriving that you didn't bring water, don't worry--there will be water on hand for you to share. We will gather in the courtyard prior to the service and process into the sanctuary together. Those attending online: please have water on hand when the service begins. If you would like us to pour your water into the communal bowl, please bring it to the church office before Sunday. 

***Reception to follow***

Service Leader: Rev Amy & Rev Tovis

Worship Associate: Jonathan Choe

Music: Gage Purdy and the Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: UUCSR General Fund

Reflecting on General Assembly

September 14th

Come join us and bring your curiosity as we explore some exciting new things happening with Unitarian Universalists nationally. We will be hearing members of UUCSR reflect on their experiences attending General Assembly this year, and share ideas and inspiration they brought back to stimulate our congregational imagination.  

Service Leaders: Beth Craven, Hilary Sowers, Carol Kraemer

Worship Associate: Eric Fischer

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay (AAPIC) celebrates culture, empowers the community, and promotes positive change for the Asian and Pacific Islander community in the North Bay.

Beginning

September 21st

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few." -Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. We often equate wisdom with the accumulation of knowledge and experience, but some traditions teach that true wisdom arises from cultivating an orientation of not knowing, by approaching life as a beginner. As we build our new shared ministry at UUCSR, what lessons can we glean from the experience of beginning?

Service Leader: Rev Tovis Page

Worship Associates: Joe Gabaeff

Music: Sally Jones

Pianist: To be determined

Share The Basket:  Sebastopol Living Peace Wall. A monument and project honoring selected individuals for their commitment towards peace. 

Make Yourself at Home

September 28th

Almost everyone wants to have a place to call home, a place we belong. What is home when so many people are refugees, immigrants, or unhoused? What does it mean to be at home when the place we live doesn't feel comfortable at all, or even safe? With the uncertainty that runs through our homeland, we need a broader, deeper sense of what it means to belong. The Hindu goddess Durga will guide us, because as we see in her puja this week, even a goddess has to return home.

Service Leader: Rev Amy Zucker Morgantern

Worship Associates:  Veronica Jordan

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Gage Purdy

The Basket: UUCSR General Fund

Co-Minister Rev Tovis

Hello UUCSR Community!

As Rev. Amy and I begin our new co-ministry with you, I’m having a lot of fun writing and saying that. Hello UUCSR community! At some point it may feel ordinary to greet you, but right now it feels very new and exciting, and I hope–in some ways, at least–it always will. Because even when we know each other well, we’ll still surprise each other, and ourselves. 

Starting a new relationship–or anything new for that matter–is a great time to remind ourselves of a core tenet of liberal religion: truth continues to be revealed. In this ever-expanding and ever-evolving universe, we are always encountering the new–inside, between and all around us. Our challenge is to remember this, to practice curiosity and wonder, even when things feel predictable, stuck or hopeless. So this month, as we begin a new program year, with new ministers and a new Director of Religious Education, I invite us to pay attention to the experience of beginning: the freshness of it. The possibility. The questions. The uncertainty. The anxiety. The wonder. 

This commuting co-ministry is brand new for all of us. It’s exciting! It’s different. It’s a little complicated, especially at the start, but it’s also creative, adaptive and full of possibilities! If you haven’t already read our letter to the congregation explaining how Amy and I will be sharing the work, you can find it HERE, and if you missed our video introduction, you can view it HERE. Please reach out to us with questions or concerns, or just to get to know us! If you want to talk about anything pertaining to administration, operations, stewardship, membership, groups or social justice, that’s me! I’m at rev.tovis@uusantarosa.org.

This morning when I sat down to meditate, the app I use as a timer presented me with this quotation by Ivan Turgenev: “If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin.” Here we are on the cusp of a new congregational year, a new school year, and a new shared ministry at an increasingly uncertain time in our country and world. Are we ready? Ready enough! Let’s begin!

Co-Minister Rev Amy

Dear Santa Rosa UUs,

What a joy it is to be here! I’m really looking forward to getting to know you. By way of introduction, here’s a getting-to-know-you question. These are hard times, even if things are fine in our personal lives. What do you do to sustain yourself? What helps you stay in the struggle while not becoming overwhelmed and shut down?

I'll go first and share a few of mine.

Nature: I do a lot better when I remember to spend some time outside. As a homebody who loves indoor activities like reading and cooking, I can spend the whole day under a roof if I’m not attentive to the need. But as soon as I spend even a few minutes under the sky, for example by taking my breakfast out into my garden, I feel all sorts of things settle into place that I wasn’t even aware were jumbled. Being among the growing things literally grounds me.

Body: A strenuous swim or a walk through the city are also grounding. Exercise is the first thing to go when I’m busy or stressed, but when I make the time, taking care of my physical self repays me in relaxation and clarity.

Breath: I have a little sign that says “Breathe” in calligraphy, and my wife laughed the first time she saw it. “Do you need a reminder?” she teased me. Yes, yes I do! Of course my lungs carry on bringing in oxygen and sending out carbon dioxide without my conscious attention (fortunately), but once I do turn my attention to my breath, it’s startling to discover how often I am breathing shallowly and even holding my breath before each exhalation. Now, when I notice that I am feeling tense, afraid, or overwhelmed, I have been doing deliberately slow, “box” breathing: in on a count of four, hold for four, out on a count of four, hold for four, and so on. It helps.

Action: Doing something to make the world better may be a drop in the bucket, but it’s remarkably healing. For me lately, this healing action takes the form of writing postcards to voters, training to accompany people to immigration hearings, going to pro-democracy demonstrations, and donating blood.

Delight: I am glad that so many activists, such as Heather Cox Richardson and adrienne maree brown, remind us that embracing the simple joys of life is nothing to feel guilty about, but is in fact essential. My cat’s soft fur, an engrossing book, the buttery texture of a perfectly ripe mango, the leaves of a succulent captured in pencil in my sketchbook, a joke shared in the family group chat—these are not only good medicine, antidotes to despair, but they are what life is about. They’re what I seize when I hear “seize the day.”

Nature, body, breath, action, delight: those are helping me survive and dare I hope, even thrive as the woes of the world press in. What is helping you?

Take care, Amy

rev.amy@uusantarosa.org

President of the Board of Trustees

David Rietzell

president@uusantarosa.org

Greetings wonderful community. I feel like we are embarking on a new time for us. There is always a little melancholy when we have a new beginning because it also means some endings. While we are thrilled to have Annika, we will also miss Era dearly. Many of us will miss Rev Dave's leadership and the direction he consistently pointed us toward. We are absolutely excited to have Rev. Tovis and Rev. Amy finally starting to frequent our building and our community.

I had the pleasure of meeting with them today for about 75 minutes. We met at Brew and had a great interaction. We did talk about many specific things regarding our future, some exciting like visions for outreach and building community and some, maybe not as exciting like Board retreat agenda's and stewardship. Hmm, on second thought, all of it was exciting! Trying to find key words to describe my impression, words come to my mind like insightful, funny, experienced, enthusiastic. I truly believe we are going to have fun and experience inclusive and meaningful worship. I am impressed by their openness to ideas and in honoring our traditions and history.  

There is nothing like trying to describe our community to someone new that makes one realize how active we are and how incredibly diverse our interests are. This is a testament to the people who have chosen to be involved, to put heart and soul into making our church something special. I am grateful for this and continue to be honored to be your president.

Please let me know what you think, and whether you perceive it as critique or blessing, I look at all comments as avenues for growth.

Peace, David Reitzell

president@uusantarosa.org

Music Director

Gage Purdy

As we celebrate the new congregational year, we enter into the theme of Building & Belonging. I find this theme is especially meaningful as we welcome our new ministers, Rev. Amy and Rev. Tovis, and I look forward to the vibrant ministry we will create together. Just as a strong foundation is built stone by stone, our sense of belonging is built moment by moment, through worship, music, community, and care.

Music will continue to play a central role in this work of building and belonging. Whether you are singing in the choir, helping shape music for worship services, or joining the upcoming instrumental group, there are many ways to bring your voice and gifts into our shared community. Each note, each harmony, each contribution strengthens the bonds between us.

We are excited for the year ahead, filled with opportunities to create music that deepens our connections, lifts our spirits, and reflects our shared values. If you feel called to get involved—through singing, playing, or helping to plan worship music—please connect with me after service or during my office hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Together, may we continue to build a community where all belong and where music continues to be a joyful thread that weaves all of us together.



Financial Report

July 2025 Financial Report

REVENUE

Pledges -$32,406.42 ($4,676.92 less than what was budgeted)

Donations/Gifts - $2,839.53 ($2,327.13 less than what was budgeted)

Rental Income -   $950.00 ($2,550.00 less than what was budgeted)

Long Term Rental Income - $4,000.00 (This was first and last months rent, paid in advance)

TOTAL INCOME: $42,104.50 ($7,487.16 less than what was budgeted) 

EXPENSE

Employee Expenses & Contracted Services - $31,839.55 ($7,543.06 less than what was budgeted)

Expenditures - $9,217.34 ($1,760.20 less than what was budgeted)

TOTAL EXPENSE: $41,056.89 ($9,303.26 less than what was budgeted)

NET INCOME – We had a positive net income of $1,047.61

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Saturday Breakfast – Balance is $29,989.09 

(Jul income $1,184.50, Jun expenses $3,992.41)

Minister’s Discretionary Fund –Balance is $6,947.36

Summary: Although all income for July was less than what we had budgeted, expenses for the month were also less, resulting in a positive net income of $1,047.61. 

Religious Education

Annika Lawson, DRE

Dear UUCSR community,

I'm so glad to begin the journey of Director of Religious Education. In my six years of working here at UUCSR, I've come to know the children very well. I've watched them grow and become such wonderful beings. I'm excited to be a part of the next steps of their spiritual journeys. As the new DRE and a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, I look forward to cultivating a relationship with the church congregation as well, one that is centered in love, understanding and our shared beliefs as Unitarian Universalists.

We've got a lot coming up in the RE wing this year. I’m getting settled into my new role, and looking forward to leading Sunday mornings through new eyes. This past Sunday, I asked the kids what they wanted more of in RE, and they said cooking and art. I’m excited to incorporate more of those aspects into our curriculum, like making squash fritters, and honey & apple treats for our September 21st Autumn Equinox & Rosh Hashanah RE lesson.

This year we’re doing Coming of Age from October to May. As someone who participated in COA, I’m excited to help facilitate this wonderful program. Our youth will be assigned a mentor to help them write their statement of religious identity. The goal of the Coming of Age program is to help young people sort out their ethical and religious identity, so that they may make rational decisions about the kind of person they want to become.

If you're interested in being a Coming of Age Mentor or in volunteering for our Sunday RE lessons, please reach out!

In love and gratitude,

Annika Lawson

dre@uusantarosa.org

Taize at UUCSR

Mark your calendars for our fall Taize services on

September 4th, October 2nd, November 6th, and December 4th,

the first Thursdays of each month

from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the sanctuary.

Soul Matters

The Soul Matter's theme for September is: Building Belonging.

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 UUCSR or Facilitators' homes, during the day, evenings or on weekends. We will have a first time LGBTQ group!

Here are the upcoming Soul Matters Group meeting times:

2nd Sundays, 12:30 at the congregation 

4th Sundays, 12:30 at the congregation 

2nd Thursdays, 7:30 on Zoom

3rd Wednesdays, 4:00 on Zoom

3rd Mondays, 2:00 in Oakmont 

soul.matters@uusantarosa.org

CUUPs

September: A Time of Balance and Turning Inward

By Nathan Henry

September marks a sacred shift in the Wheel of the Year. The air cools, the light softens, and the Earth prepares for rest. For many pagans, this is a time of reflection, gratitude, and transition — a moment to begin turning inward after the fullness of summer.

At the heart of September is Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, observed this year on September 22nd. On this day, light and dark are in perfect balance. It is the second harvest festival, a time to give thanks for the abundance we've received — not just in crops or work, but in personal growth and spiritual insight.

We celebrate Mabon by decorating altars with apples, acorns, and autumn leaves, sharing food with loved ones, and offering gratitude to the Earth. It’s also a time for letting go — releasing what no longer serves us as we make space for stillness and reflection.

Beyond Mabon, September carries a calm, grounding energy. It’s ideal for protection rituals, ancestral connection, and preparing for the introspective months ahead. The veil between worlds begins to thin, inviting us to listen more closely to the land and our inner voice.

For pagans, this month is a sacred pause — a time of balance, where magic is quiet but deep. It roots us, steadies us, and guides us gently toward shadow — not as a place of fear, but of necessary rest and renewal.

Adult Education

Safety Awareness: Don’t be a Target!

Sunday, September 14, 1:00-2:30,

Board Room

Presenters: Valerie Borg is a retired hospice worker, a therapist, legal Secretary, and German high school teacher. She is a new member of UUCSR. John Mutz is a former police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department and a national consultant who has been active in many social justice issues including defense of our immigrant neighbors.  

Members of the UUCSR have drawn the attention of the AE committee to the need for talk about personal safety. While the best defense is awareness of our environment, knowledge and tools may prove helpful. Valerie and John will share their experiences about practical physical security. Both presenters will share stories and the pros and cons of different approaches.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

September 23, 3-4 pm

Board Room

September 23, 3-4 pm, Board Room

Presenter: Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, 2018 recipient of the “Influencers in Aging” designation by PBS’ Next Avenue, is an author and professional speaker on retirement and aging.

ALZHEIMER’S IS NOT NORMAL AGING. It’s a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.

Dr. Geber is the author of Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Childless Adults (Mango Press, 2018) which was selected that year as a “best book on aging well” by the Wall Street Journal. Sara is a regular contributor to Forbes.com . She lives in Sonoma County. 

See more in link below

Women’s Ways of Leading

Saturday, October 11, 10-12,

Presenter: Linda Lambert Ed.D

See more in link below

Watt the Heck? Understanding Utilities, the Grid, and Climate Change

September 7, NEW DATE: October 19, 12:15 After Service

Presenter: Joe Como

See more in link below

Exploring Poetry Together

Wednesday mornings: Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, and Nov 12. 10:30-12:00

Presenter: Mark Meierding

See more in link below

For more information: adulted@sonic.net.

Women Together

UUCSR Women's Retreat October 3-5, 2025!

Our Women's Retreat is scheduled for October 3-5 this year and will take place at beautiful Camp Newman in northeast Santa Rosa. We have some exciting and fun new workshops planned that we think you'll love. At Camp Newman, our group will be lodged together in one set of cabins. Each cabin room has its own 2 stall bathroom and a shower and 4 well-spaced beds. There is plenty of room to move around and best of all, Camp Newman is completely ADA compliant!

Our theme this year is Finding Joy, which seems pretty appropriate on several levels! Some new workshops this year will be Watercolor Painting and Flower Arranging, along with some of your old favorites. We'll have outdoor games available throughout the weekend on our lawn area as well as our usual jigsaw puzzles and board games inside. We will be having our traditional silent auction that funds our scholarships so please look for treasures to donate. There are some lovely outdoor areas for chatting as well as walking trails within the camp. We are planning for an outdoor service on Sunday in one of several beautiful gathering areas. You can expect alot 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 7 and 14 after the service, and potentially the 21st.  Registration cost this year is $335 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. **

We will be sending out more details in the coming weeks but be sure to mark your calendars now so you don't miss our registration dates, Sept 7 and 14. You're not going to want to miss it! If you absolutely can't make those registration dates, please contact Linda Balabanian.

Social Justice:

See Event Below hosted by UUCSR and the Justice Council. Please come!

The Offering Basket Donations

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

Redwood Empire Food Bank : $337.66

Boys and Girls Club : $320.50

UUCSR General Fund : $384.30

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $209.50

Saturday Breakfast Direct Donation July: $965.00

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- Ingathering: HERE
• A Facebook message from UUA as we begin this year: HERE
• The Power of Solidarity: September Update from Side With Love: 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