WE HAVE LOTS OF INFORMATION TO SHARE!
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WHAT'S NUU!!!

We have updated our ZOOM schedule.
To access the most recent Zoom programs




Special Guest Musicians:
Eva Scow




and
Tom Scott





Please join us for our next Sunday Service
on June 6 at 10:30 a.m.

A Bridge to Tomorrow
High School Senior Bridging Service

Re-Opening our Alluvial Avenue Church Campus
Continuing our Virtual Church Campus
Livestreaming from the Sanctuary to FB and YT
Service led by:
Rev. Tim, Lorenzo, Ida Jones, and Lisa Lindsay
Note: Due to livestreaming from the sanctuary,
we can no longer join together in Zoom.

Join us this Sunday on our Virtual Church Campus
on Facebook and Youtube

Note: We are in the process of installing a
professional camera system and high-definition
wi-fi for livestreaming our services on Facebook and YouTube. This will hopefully be up and running in August, so your patience is appreciated with our current more rudimentary iPad camera/sound set-up.

CLICK HERE to join our service on Facebook live
Or watch on our YouTube channel at:
Church Campus Covid-19 Protocols
 
Our Church Campus has Re-Opened for in-person meetings and Sunday Services. Our first multi-platform service (live in the sanctuary and online) will be this Sunday, May 30th at 10:30 am. We want to welcome everyone to the campus in the safest way possible. Our “in-person” Covid-19 protocols prioritize and protect the most vulnerable among us: unvaccinated children and immunocompromised adults. They will remain in place until Fresno County declares we have reached herd immunity, or Fresno County declares we will not reach that threshold and we have reached the highest percentage of vaccinated people we can expect.

Summary

1.     Everyone*, no matter vaccination status, will be masked at all times both inside and outside.
2.     When outside, everyone, no matter vaccination status, will practice social distancing of 6 feet. Inside the sanctuary, those who prefer social distancing are invited to sit in our socially distanced section or in our outside seating area.
3.     We hope that all children 4 and up will participate in our outside masked and socially distanced Children’s Programming led by staff. We do not recommend it, but if adults wish their unvaccinated children to be in the sanctuary, we will honor that desire, but, for their safety, they must be masked, sit in the socially distanced section, and stay with their adults at all times.
4.     We welcome unvaccinated adults and ask that they in our socially distanced section in the sanctuary or our outside seating area for their own protection.
5.     For everyone’s safety, adults* attending meetings or classes, no matter vaccination status, will be masked at all times and practice social distancing of 6 feet.
6.     Before we offer a hug or handshake in the non-socially distanced section in the sanctuary, please ask the other person if it is ok. Not everyone is comfortable with close physical contact.
 
*People who are medically unable to mask are exempt but will practice social distancing of 6 ft.

Sunday, August 8th is our Annual ALL AGES Water Communion Service, including the Blessing of the Backpacks. Be sure to save a little water from your summer or your sink for this beloved ritual of return and renewal. Kiddos are invited to bring their school backpacks for Rev. Tim to bless.

Note Cards and Greeting Cards of All Kinds are Needed for Holiday Gift Bags for Incarcerated Women. Donations may be left at church on Sunday morning. Contact Joanne Michelson at Joannejoan44@gmail.com for more information.

Education for Refugee Generations Presents a Refugee Narratives BOOK CLUB! We will focus primarily on the Middle East, reading historical fiction novels from the region. Learn about refugee resilience from people who have experienced displacement. Our first novel will be Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa. If interested please email maraikaks@gmail.com.
We’re Excited to Announce
the Newest Book from Skinner House: The Darkness Divine: A Loving Challenge to My Faith

Minister and poet Kristen L. Harper confronts and unpacks the language, imagery, buzzwords, and cultural touchstones that demean and dehumanize Black people but are so commonplace they can easily escape notice.
 
More importantly, in a brilliant arrangement of essays and poems Harper lifts up the strength, beauty, and resilience of Black people and outlines a path forward. While directed at her own Unitarian Universalist tradition, The Darkness Divine is a powerful and loving challenge to all those committed to the work of dismantling white supremacy.
 
Rev. Dr. Kristen L. Harper is the minister of the Unitarian Church of Barnstable, Massachusetts, where she has served for 18 years. She received her D.Min from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1999, and was only the second Black woman to be called to a Unitarian Universalist Congregation as sole minister.  

CRASH COURSE in Unitarian Universalism, SATURDAY, June 12 at 10 am on Zoom. Join Rev. Tim and Patty Bennett for an engaging and informative introduction to Unitarian Universalist history and beliefs. This workshop is designed for newcomers but it is equally valuable to anyone who wants a refresher about our roots, stretching back more than 2000 years. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95329292826. Registration requested. Patty Bennett, Coordinator of Congregational Life, msc@uufresno.org.

Faith and Film Series with Rev. Tim, Sunday, June 13 at 6 pm - “Deep in Vogue” (A Film for Pride Month). This newly released documentary celebrates the colorful, queer, emotional, and political stories of Northern Vogue in Manchester, UK, and the black, gay ballrooms of 1980s New York City. It explores the universal themes and the unique styles from both sides of the Atlantic including the disenfranchisement of black youth, LGBT issues, the dearth of art spaces and modes of expression, and the lack of safe spaces for the truly different.  Join us for an electric, informative, and entertaining celebration of people coming to love and accept themselves, finding a new family through Vogue. Mature audiences only due to the sexualized nature of some images. Registration is requested tkutzmark@uufresno.org Or, just come into the Zoom Room https://zoom.us/j/94447551735.

Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (fondly referred to as “GA”) is a Wonderful Opportunity to Connect with Unitarian Universalists from Across the Country - This annual gathering, entirely virtual this year between June 23rd and 27th, features worship, workshops, and lectures on all things UU. If you’re curious, feel free to contact Patty Bennett (msc@uufresno.org) or Chloe Emily (cc@uufresno.org). For more information and registration, https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/update-ga-2021. If you would like a scholarship to cover the registration, contact Patty B.

Yoga Classes Continue! 
Hatha Yoga - Monday Nights 6-7:30 pm
Chair Yoga - Wednesday from 12-1 pm and Friday
1-2 pm. Zoom link is the same for all classes: VIDEO: https://zoom.us/j/97768989369, Meeting ID: 977-6898-9369. PHONE: 669-900-6833 (then enter Meeting ID: 977-6898-9369, followed by #, When prompted for User ID, just hit # again) All are welcome. For questions or concerns refer to Jenny Rohan 559-281-7972 or sarayuyoga@gmail.com.

Join in the Food Collection!!! The Items Needed List has been Updated - The food bin will be in front of the Church Office daily, between the hours of 9:30 am - 3pm. We are partnering with Wesley United Methodist Church and Valley Children's Hospital in their food distribution to people in need and families who stay in the rooms with their children. Items needed are: cereal, cereal, and more cereal, canned vegetables Ramen Noodles, non-refrigerated single-serve meals of any sort including soups, vegetables, fruits, beans, etc., preferably with "flip-top" type cans. If the item is a canned item, nothing perishable, and nothing that has expired. Instant meals such as oatmeal or other meals that can be put into a microwave are best. Please stick to items that are on the list. If you have questions regarding acceptable food items contact Steve Sacks at johnsonsacks@comcast.net
GEORGE FLOYD:
THE FATHER OF THE REIMAGINED AMERICA (on-demand video May 25- June 25, 2021, free): Center Theatre Group in LA remembers George Floyd with an exploration of his legacy and impact on America through a unique performance piece and discussion of his murder’s influence on the American Theatre and the larger society. https://www.centertheatregroup.org/digitalstage/videos/george-floyd-the-father-of-the-reimagined-america?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=atDigStgnewsmembers20210521&utm_content=version_A

FROM BEACON PRESS, our Unitarian Universalist Publishing House: May 25 marked the first-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. It’s very telling and damning when you come across a line like this in James Baldwin’s 1964 essay, Nothing Personal: “If a society permits one portion of its citizenry to be menaced or destroyed, then, very soon, no one in that society is safe.” He could’ve written that now without changing much. You have to wonder when Baldwin’s social critique will become history rather than remain a prescient reflection of the way things have been since he penned it. Nothing Personal is one of our new releases. With a foreword by Imani Perry and an afterword by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., this stand-alone edition of his essay brings his prophetic thoughts on social isolation, race, and police brutality to a new generation of readers. 

The 2nd Sunday Social Justice Collection for the Month of June is for the Insight Garden Program - This program helps transform the lives of people in prison through connection to nature, maintaining this important connection through the pandemic and continues after prison with a supportive re-entry program. Donations will support the work at Avenal State Prison and Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. Here is the link for more information or to make a donation https://insightgardenprogram.org/.
The Unitarian Universalist Church Office Will be Closed Friday, June 18th in Observance of Juneteenth. Our voicemail system will be active and any messages left will be returned during regular business hours on Monday, June 21st

Church Campus Covid-19 Protocol and Scheduling In-Person Gathering Information are now available on the homepage of our website www.uufresno.org. If you have any questions regarding our protocol or in-person gathering, please contact Jodi Baker, Administration & Facilities Manager office@uufresno.org.

The Pastoral Care Team is available to serve congregants with short-term needs. For more information regarding the services we offer, visit the UUCF website. To contact the officer on duty call 559-322-6146 ext 16.

Reminder, Your 2021-2022 Pledge Becomes Active as of
July 1, 2021. For those preferring automatic payments for your Pledge commitment, please visit our website at https://uufresno.org/giving/. If you need assistance setting-up your scheduled automatic payments for your 2021-2022 Pledge, please contact Cindie Gonzales at aa@uufresno.org.

ON SALE NOW! UUCF Masks ($4) and Yellow baseball hats ($14) are ON SALE and available for purchase on our website https://uufresno.square.site/ and after church. Purchases can be picked up at the UUCF office with prior arrangements with Cindie Gonzales, Admin. Asst. Our office remains closed to visitors as a precautionary matter, but Cindie will contact you to arrange contactless pick-up upon receipt of your order. Every purchase made includes a donation that directly supports our Social Justice activities. If you prefer to purchase merchandise utilizing a different payment method than our online shop, please indicate a note regarding the purchase and contact Cindie so she can verify the purchase and make pick-up arrangements. “Pop-Up” in-person sales of logo items will be available at future in-person gatherings…stay tuned for more information!  

Amazon Shoppers - Activate the AmazonSmile App to Make a Difference While You Shop (At No Extra Cost to You) - UUCF Recently Earned a Donation of $62.66! Simply follow the instructions below to select "Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us. How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone.
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs & Features.
3. Select "Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno" as your charity.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app.
 You can also access online at https://org.amazon.com/

UUCF Board of Trustee meeting minutes and monthly financial reports are available for those who would be interested in reviewing them. In an effort to minimize unwanted email communication, if you are a church member and would like to automatically receive board meeting minutes and/or financial reports upon acceptance and approval, please contact Cindie Gonzales, Administrative Assistant aa@uufresno.org. Additionally, a digital archive of UUCF board minutes and monthly financial reports are maintained with the church administration and are available to members upon request.

Just a Reminder - Please Do Not Leave Unattended Packages On Church Property. If you have a package you need to drop off outside of regular office hours kindly make arrangements by contacting Admin. Assistant Cindie Gonzales at 559-322-6146 ext. 10 or by email at aa@uufresno.org.
Our regular office hours are listed below:
Monday - Thursday, 9am - 3pm
Friday, 9am – 12pm
In gratitude to those who made special donations of
$50 and above (beyond pledge contributions)
during the month of April.

Special thanks to:

Non-Pledge Donations:
Devin & Claire Carroll * Korine Minyard & Ben Mooneyham *
Marcella Pratt * John Livesey

We Care Fund:
Lydia Flores * Sally Carroll & Paul Hanff * Mary-Allen Macneil *
Mary Ann & Rafael Villegas

Plate Donations:
George Burman & Patricia Looney-Burman * Paula Siegel *
Dominic Papagni & Cleo Bauer * Bette Prange * Robert Mitchell * Christopher & Martha Lucey

Minister’s Discretionary:
Sydney Story * Colby Morrow & Evan Shipp * Margaret Fuller *

Second Sunday:
Stephen Sacks & Valerie Johnson * Ken & Redena Mah

In Appreciation for Yoga Class:
Mary Ann Goff

In Honor of and In Memoriam:

Building Fund:
Ken & Betty Cornelisen * Shelley Valett

Minister's Discretionary:
Julia Aegerter

*******************
Contribution Funds: Areas of Giving

Pledge: A “Pledge” contribution is for those who have made a financial “Pledge of Record” for a given July-June fiscal year. The majority of our annual operating budget is determined by the pledges that are received during our Annual Pledge Drive.

Non-Pledge Donation: A donation without restrictions that supplements the yearly operating budget.

Sunday Offering (Plate) via Cash App, PayPal, Credit Card or Check: Sunday offerings or plate donations are an act of generosity for our Sunday Services and support our annual operating budget. They are an important additional source of income each week.

We Care Fund: “We Care Fund” is a discretionary fund that Rev. Tim utilizes to provide needed financial support to members and friends, especially needed in this time of Pandemic. Examples include gas cards, gift cards for clothes or other needed items, assistance with bills, emergency rent assistance, and other expenses that arise, especially during the Pandemic when more people are financially vulnerable.

Pastoral Care Team Food Fund: This fund allows the Pastoral Care Team to provide purchased and delivered meals to members and friends who are in need of support during illness, family death, or other life events. It can also assist with basic grocery purchases, especially during this time of Pandemic.

Minister’s Discretionary Fund: The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is utilized by the Minister for a multitude of purposes and can fund unexpected church expenses (emergencies arise) and church purchases (for instance, broadcasting equipment for virtual services, needed equipment for our fire alarm system, etc.). It can also be used to assist those in financial need.

In Honor of and In Memoriam: You can make a special donation in honor of something (for instance, appreciating Monday yoga class) or to honor a person who is living. You can also make a financial contribution to honor a church member or other person who has died.
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We are listed as: Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno
For additional information about our church, services or activities, please contact us at (559) 322-6146 or visit our website at www.uufresno.org. If you are interested in reading or listening to past sermons, look under menu item "Worship" and you will find both audio and written sermons to choose from.