Dear Members and Friends,

I have two invitations for you to join other UUSS folks this weekend—one to demonstrate our values in public and the other to celebrate UUSS with food and a concert. 

On Saturday, April 5, Rev. Lucy and I will be attending one of 1,000 Hands Off! rallies around the country. There’s one at the State Capitol, and others in Roseville, Auburn, and Woodland. These simultaneous demonstrations will raise the alarm about the destructive and unconstitutional actions of the presidential administration: mass firings of civil servants, defunding of public health and scientific research, attacking health care for poor people, violating environmental and consumer protections, and abducting immigrants and deporting them without due process. It starts tomorrow at 11:00 am and ends by 2:30. To learn more, click this link: Hands Off! To strengthen their commitment to nonviolence and safety, organizers have provided some resources for de-escalation and calming techniques. Click to read.

On Sunday, April 6, after church we will enjoy a special box lunch catered by our member Tiki Harlow and a concert by the Treble Ensemble, the chorus of lovely higher voices directed by our member Christiana Quick-Cleveland. This event is hosted by our Stewardship Committee to celebrate our annual Pledge Drive for the 2025-26 budget. You don’t need to be a member (or to have made a financial commitment yet) to UUSS in order to attend. 

Coffee and tea will be served after the service as usual; the box lunch will be served in the sanctuary at 12:00 noon with time for conversation. After a welcome by a Stewardship leader, we’ll settle in for the music. You don’t need to RSVP. But it would be wonderful if we could announce that our pledge drive is mostly complete by Sunday noon. You may read or watch testimonials, see helpful charts, admire my picture, and then find a pledge form to complete securely at this link: uuss.org/pledge. 

In these times of disruption and cruelty, I find it reassuring to be among all of you. It gives me hope to have action to take. It helps me to know that people of commitment and love are beside me in person as well as with me in spirit. Let us affirm that fear is outworked by hope and hatred is no match for the power of love.

Keep the faith and keep in touch!

Love,

Rev. Roger

P.S.—In addition to these events, there are several important activities coming up with UUSS, including our Youth Groups this Sunday and an Artist Reception next Thursday at 6:00. And did I mention the pledge drive? Find out more below in this Weekly Message!

Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices

Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS

1st Sunday - Facilitated labyrinth walk in the meadow, (April 6)

2nd Sunday - Sermon Reflections with Peter and Lue, Fahs Room, 9:30-10:15,April 13, discussing Rev. Lucy's sermon "Considering God (Again). This will be the last session of Sermon Reflections until the fall.

3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi - Fahs Room. (April 20)

4th Sunday - Embodied Practices for Stressful Times - Fahs Room

Feeling anxious and stressed about the state of the world? On the fourth Sunday before church Rev. Lucy will offer some gentle movement and practices to help us process anxiety in these stressful times. All bodies are welcome. (April 27)

Exploring UU moves to 4th Sunday after the service!

The Exploring UUism classes are a way for newcomers and long-timers to learn about Unitarian Universalism. There are four rotating topics: Social Justice, Values and Beliefs, History & Theology, and Faith. Each class includes a presentation and group discussion. Join Rev Roger April 27 at noon.

Sunday, April 6 10:30am: Considering God (Again)

Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Courtney O Neil, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva 

The latest surveys indicated that belief in God continues to decline, down to 81% in 2022. But while a majority believe in God, only 56% believe in the divine being described in the Bible and roughly a quarter say they believe in a "higher power or spiritual force" instead of the biblical God. We will consider the idea of God in historical context as well as meaning for our lives today. 



• Labyrinth Walk in the Meadow at 9:30.
• Joys & Sorrows candles & prayer cards in the sanctuary before the service.
• After the service, meet staff from NorCal Resist, our Community Partner for April.
• After the service, stop by the Stewardship Table to make your financial commitment for the 2025-26 budget year. If all of us pledge soon, this drive will end on April 13.
• Stay for the box lunch and choral concert at 12 noon in the Sanctuary, sponsored by the Stewardship Committee.

Sunday, April 13 10:30am: Sacred Solidarity:

Accompaniment as an Expression of Our Faith

Guest preacher Heather Vickery with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associates Dawn Huebner and Jenni Gouine, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.

Accompaniment is the radical act of being with someone even when it is hard, and you don’t know how things will turn out. With the increase in fascism, our society often tells us to isolate, take care of our own first, and fear the other. However, our faith calls us to hold love at the center, to recognize everyone as family even if we’ve never met, and to support and follow the lead of those most impacted by systems of oppression. Join us to learn of the ways UUs are accompanying trans and gender-expansive individuals and families, asylum seekers, and others on the frontlines of building the beloved community.  

Guest Heather Vickery (she/her) is the Coordinator for Congregational Activism at the UU Service Committee (UUSC). She supports congregations that want to do their justice work more effectively and faithfully. In her organizing work, she works for trans and migrant liberation through the Pink Haven Coalition and the an Asylum Seekers Community Accompaniment Program. Heather is a student at Starr King School for the Ministry. When she is not working, you can find her and her rescue pup Nova hiking, gardening, and cooking with loved ones.

• Sermon reflection with Lue & Peter at 9:30 a.m., Fahs Room, topic: Considering God (Again).

• Newcomers Orientation and tour of campus at 11:50 a.m. (Welcome Table)

Our Soul Matters Theme for April is

Joy

Here's the link to the Soul Matters materials

To request your joy, sorrow, prayer, or milestone to be spoken by a minister on Sunday let us know at this link. 

We extend our condolences to the family of Isabelle (Izzy) Robertson, who died last month at age 95. She and her late husband James raised five children; he died in 2006. She was a painter and a gardener with a zest for life; her watercolors had been exhibited at UUSS. Izzy attended the weekly "Ted's Web" discussions at UUSS with her partner of 18 years, Fred Hansen. They and their late spouses all had been friends and been active in the United Nations Association in Sacramento.

We extend our condolences to the family of Patricia Barr Halliday, a member for 73 years. She turned 100 on Jan. 29 and passed away Feb. 20. A Sacramento native, Pat attended Sac City College and UC Berkeley to study math, but studies were interrupted by the war. With her first husband (Hal McKellips), Pat had three sons. She earned her BS and an MS in counseling at Sac State and worked for the State as a disability analyst. She married Richard Halliday in 1975. Pat was a jazz enthusiast and involved in genealogical organization; by her research, she brought together several branches of her family for the first time. She leaves behind three siblings and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donations in her honor are invited to the Crocker Museum.

We send healing wishes to our member Cindy Giesing following her successful open-heart surgery, and thanks to her wife, Linda Osborne, for the good care she is providing. They have been UUs for many decades and recently moved here and joined UUSS.

The memorial service for our member Aggie Vawter will take place Friday morning, May 2, 10:30 am, at UUSS. The memorial service for our member Jon Peterson will take place Saturday morning, May 10, 10:30 am, at UUSS. Help with refreshments is welcome at both; write Molly at memorial@uuss.org. Memorial donations may be made to the

Heritage Fund at UUSS.

Childcare--The Nursery welcomes infants (6 months +) through age 5. Staff supervise child-led play in a fun, friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance. Don't forget to sign in when you get to Room 11. Please contact Crystal with questions.

Soul Kids (grades K-5) meets this Sunday, April 6 during service. Come light the chalice and check-in with friends, share a story and creative time. This Sunday we begin our adventure into the Practice of Joy! Please start in service!

Junior and Senior High Youth Groups will meet again this Sunday, April 6

during service. Join us to light the chalice and form a circle of conversation and connection. Please start in service!

Click the newsletter email link above to find out more about what we're looking forward to!

Religious Education is looking for Sunday morning volunteers!

Will you serve as a:

• Nursery Helper (experience with young children preferred)
• RE Classroom Helper (elementary or youth group)
• OWL Teacher for 2025-26 (not scheduled during service - includes training)

Must be at least 18 years old, willing to complete a background check and known to the UUSS congregation for a year or more. Please contact RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain for more info!

We invite you to join is for a Stewardship-sponsored

lunch and concert

This Sunday, April 6, at 12 noon

After coffee, please return to the Sanctuary/main hall for a light lunch

and brief information about this year's stewardship campaign.

Then, sit back and revel in the beautiful vocal music of the Treble Ensemble.

Our Pledge Drive for 2025-26 concludes next Sunday--if everybody makes a pledge by then! As of today

UUSS has received 101 pledges for the coming year. That means we are 1/3 of the way there!

Thank you to everyone who turned in a pledge of support.

You can read our Ministers' pledge message, watch testimonial videos, examine charts, read the FAQ

and make your pledge at our website. Thanks for embracing community!

uuss.org/pledge

Saturday Stitchers & Crafters meet Saturday April 5 10am in the Welcome Hall . 10 - 1. Bring your favorite handicraft and join in the rousing conversations as you enjoy your favorite hobby. Coffee, tea, water and light snacks provided. No RSVP required. Come and celebrate SPRING with us! Contact: stitchers@uuss.org

Wartime Origins of the Serenity Prayer--

at the Second Tuesday Forum with Rev. Roger, 7:00 pm, April 8, in the Library and uuss.org/online. Reinhold Niebuhr wrote a simple prayer for a summer church service in 1943 amid rising threats of fascism and conflict. Soon the 12 Step movement made it famous as a source of spiritual grounding. Come learn its history and hear how it continues to resonate for those among us, and join the conversation. No charge; freewill donations to Adult Enrichment are welcome. 

Mindfulness Meditation -

Wednesday, April 9 - 6:00 pm in the Library & on Zoom

We support one another by sitting for 20-25 minutes to practice awareness of the present moment. Show up to the Library/Bookstore or log in at uuss.org/online Contact Rev. Roger with questions. This happens on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays of each month. To read about this kind of meditation or watch videos, check out the Insight Meditation Center's website.

Artist Reception - Thursday, April 10 at 6:00 in the Main Hall The art exhibit committee presents Cherie Hacker. Reception starting at 6:00. Correction: it is at 6:00, not later. Questions or purchases contact art@uuss.org. Read more about the art at our website here.

Race & Identity: What’s Your Story? An Online Workshop, Saturday, May 3, 10:00 am – 1:15 pm Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration) Register by April 28. Space is limited. Bring A Friend! We will discover how to use engaged mindfulness practices using short-form writing and sharing to meet the challenges of facing our own beliefs around race with an open heart in a stress-free, judgement-free environment. Hope Sandler, racialjustice@uuss.org 

Is the UUA General Assembly for You?

June 18-22 ~ in Baltimore or online 

Our denomination's annual conference includes powerful worship, workshops, voting, and community-building experiences. Join us in person or online to be part of this experience, where our shared vision grows stronger. GA registration rates went up on March 31; the UUSS Board will cover your delegate fee up to $410. Contact Rev. Roger or Board Member Sally Wilkins soon! Read more: uua.org/ga 

UU the Vote!

Sundays on the patio after the Service and Tuesday, April 8, on the covered patio, 1:30 - 3 pm.

We write to Black voters in Virginia who did not vote in 2023, to encourage them to vote in their June primary. Put your rage/fear/intentions to good use! We will write until all 2,400 names are gone or until May 30.

Two options:

1) pick up postcards and a script on Sunday on the patio and write at home;

2) write postcards together on two Tuesdays a month from 1:30 to 3 pm on the patio.

Please donate to cover postcard and label costs. Please buy your own postcard stamps.

For more information contact UUtheVote@uuss.org

How can you make a difference?

UUA Action Center offers tangible ideas to counter injustice

The Unitarian Universalist Association Side with Love Campaign is working hard to provide resources to deal with the political challenges we are facing. Weekly updates on critical issues and offer specific actions you can take to counter the injustice.

Check out the action center - updated every Tuesday.

PLEASE NOTE! If you click unsubscribe below,

you will stop receiving ALL UUSS email.