Many in this country feel under threat. This is a time for us, as Unitarian Universalists, to act according to the values we share. In the words of Steve Eckstrand, who is co-convener of the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ) Immigration Team, “We must affirm that all people are sacred beings with inherent dignity and worthiness and work to be a diverse, multicultural, beloved community where all thrive.” He further states, “Therefore, we Unitarian Universalists need to join with other faith-based groups in a long-term effort to change the overall narrative about immigrants. We must stay focused on our long-range goal of a comprehensive update of our immigration system that reflects our values.” You can read his full statement here.

On February 16th, at our next Gathering of Inspirations, we explore further the February congregational theme of Shadow, and consider more deeply Rev. Russ Menk's sermon. We gather at 11 am in the Odd Fellows Hall, 526 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, in the kitchen/ reception area.

You're invited to bring your own shadow stories, drawn from either your personal or a shared, that is, collective experience. And speaking of shadows, someone lurking in the shadows of this congregation is reportedly inspired to conjure up an entity called a shadow cake, one which somehow manifests three kinds of chocolate.

If you haven't yet had a chance to watch the recording of Rev. Russ Menk's sermon on the Shadow, you can do so here. Rev. Russ examined how our collective shadow may be behind much of the invective in US society today—with tips on how to lessen its impact.

The Monthly Theme for March is Equanimity. On March 2nd, 11am, Bill Heavlin returns to the UUCC pulpit with a sermon entitled "A Rejoinder to Chaos." Bill explores some ways to counter the chaos in our current political situation. Inspired by Benjamin Franklin, the 19th-century Lithuanian Rabbi Israel Salanter developed a system of character refinement called Mussar. On March 2nd, Bill Heavlin describes the Mussar system, sketches its 20-odd virtues (middot), and interweaves some Buddhist thinking. He then highlights three middot—equanimity, loving-kindness, and curiosity—that speak to the present—um, chaotic—moment.

Two years ago, Bill Heavlin retired after a four-decades-long career in Silicon Valley. He has one son, now living in Minneapolis. With his wife Noreen, Bill is one of the principal lay leaders of the Unitarian Universalist Coastside Community.

Diedrik Edholm and Vera Vanderschalk will provide us with beautiful instrumentals, and Tom Devine will lead us in inspirational hymns.

UUCC's first and third Sunday services are held at Odd Fellows Hall, 526 Main Street, in Half Moon Bay, with a Zoom option link below.

UUCC's first Music Director, Shauna Pickett-Gordon, took an unfortunate fall last Wednesday, and broke her right upper arm while in San Francisco. The break is a clean, aligned break but she may need surgery very soon. She's received terrific support from her neighbors and her partner, Drew; and is requesting positive thoughts be directed towards a successful upper right humerus repair and a quick recovery. Any amount of healing energy is appreciated, in the form of good wishes, healing prayers, spells, and energy. UUCC has much to be indebted to Shauna for her many years as our Music Director and Planning Committee member.

UUCC's "Some Kind of Modern Men's Group" (SKOMMG) continues to (yes!) manifest. We meet on second Wednesdays of each month, so the next meeting is this Wednesday, February 12th, 5:30pm, at It's Italia, located at 401 Main Street in Half Moon Bay. Feel free to invite others. For further information, email Bill Heavlin.

Our next Deeper Conversations group meets at the Half Moon Bay Coffee Company, 20 Stone Pine Rd., on Saturday, February 22nd, 1:30-3:00 pm. On this date, we will keep to the first deck of the Actually Curious card series. We had very good conversations with this deck at our last gathering the end of January. Sample questions: "Is there anything too serious to joke about? "What's something that triggers fear in you and how does your body respond to fear?" and "How do you stay informed and why do you choose those sources?". Join us as we set aside the small talk and braid some deeper bonds within our UU Coastside beloved community.

Now that we are meeting in person on First and Third Sundays, we need help in different ways. Can you commit to helping out in any of the following ways?

• Photograph our March 2nd Services
• Bring a potluck item for coffee hour after the service
• Bring flowers!
• Greet people as they come in
• Set up chairs before, and/or put them away after, the Service
• Pass out the orders of service and distribute hymnals
• Clean up of the hall before closing

To tell us how you can help our Beloved Community come together again, please contact us at uucoastside@gmail.com. And thanks to all who have or continue to volunteer!

Bill Heavlin, UUCC Planning Committee

Dave Rokosky, UUCC Planning Committee

Noreen Cooper Heavlin, UUCC Planning Committee

Bruce Rafnel, UUCC Technical Director

Tom Devine, Hymn Leader

Nancy Palmer, UUCC Treasurer