The Flame Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Clarita Serving the Santa Clarita Valley, California October, 2014 October Theme: The UU Path: Past, Present & Future Sunday, October 5 at 10:30 am Sunday, October 19, at 10:30 am UUSCV Minister Peter Farriday UUSCV Minister Peter Farriday Courageous, perceptive, colorful characters people the history of Unitarian Universalism’s inception and development as a progressive faith tradition. As part of the “Past and Present” portion of our October theme, explore some inspiring accounts of who and what has made our UU tradition what it is today: a potent force for justice, compassion, and inclusive community. Unitarian Universalism draws from numerous wells of spiritual wisdom, with general consensus that the same sacred water feeds every religious spring. By and large it is therefore more open to evolutionary ideas and practices than most religious institutions. Thus UUs are far freer to question, interpret, disagree, take risks, evolve... and create. Lucky us! For it is invariably the power of creativity— coupled to the loving heart—that forges a more beautiful future. Forging the Future Really? I Never Knew That Third-Sunday Charity – Our collection this week will be for the Literacy Project Sunday, October 12 at 10:30 am It Could Be Worse Michael Eselun (Continue on Next Page) Our favorite oncology chaplain will explore the different dimensions and implications of a coping strategy that we all use--the notion that "it could be worse." What does it say about our own suffering and the suffering of others. Services are held at the SCV Senior Center, 22900 Market St. in Newhall (1/2 block from Newhall Ave.) All are welcome!!! 1 compassionate actions. (Whether they had the “intention” of making history is unclear... but they darn sure weren’t pushed around by it!) So as part of the “Past and Present” part of our theme, come and explore some crucial pieces of what makes our UU tradition what it is today. Sunday, October 26 at 10:30 am Jewels from Junk Erik Felker Hmmm... How do we do that? It sounds like alchemy! Yes, an alchemy that works today, even for Unitarian Universalists. The second reason concerns the “Future” of our UU path. For my part, I’ll be speaking more to that on October 19. For your part... well, there are countless things you could do (and are doing— thank you very much!). Poets-In-Person Poetry Reading Today But one new thing you could also try would be attending the Lay Preaching Mini-Retreat that myself and Lesley Yadon, outgoing chair of the Worship Team, are offering the morning of Saturday, October 18. Whether you have previously composed and delivered a sermon, never even dreamed of it before, or fall somewhere in between, if you have any curiosity at all about the prospects you are more than welcome. Minister’s Message Peter Farriday In my sermon of September 21, The Ethical Now, I cited a passage about the “prophethood of all believers” by the late James Luther Adams, who was perhaps the most influential Unitarian Universalist theologian and social ethicist of the twentieth century. Here’s a portion of it again: We will explore the process in a collaborative, supportive environment—and Lesley and I promise not to make you put your name on the upcoming speakers schedule as you depart. (Though deadlines can be wonderful motivators... trust your new minister on this.) Again the date and place is Saturday, October 18 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm in the Chalice Center. I hope you will join us. “The prophetic liberal church is not the church in which the prophetic function is assigned merely to the few. ...The prophetic liberal church is the church in which all members share in the common responsibility to attempt to foresee the consequences of human behavior both individual and institutional, with the intention of making history in place of merely being pushed around by it.” And whether it may be in this form or another that you exercise your prophetic muscles—that is, “attempt to foresee the consequences of human behavior both individual and institutional, with the intention of making history in place of merely being pushed around by it”—I am proud and privileged to be on this journey of forging the future with all of you. I reprise Adams’ important words here for a couple of reasons. First, because our October theme is “The UU Path: Past, Present, Future.” And my sermon on October 5th will relate stories of prophetic people who made history—both within and beyond UUism—by their brave and Beaucoup Blessings! Peter Farriday 2 This retreat will utilize a collaborative environment to give tips on the creation and delivery of sermons so come prepared to actively participate! Please RSVP to Lesley at [email protected] by October 16th. WORSHIP Refreshments This religious community is united by a commitment to the values reflected in our Seven Principles and we are enriched by diversity. No matter your background, your sex, age, ethnicity, social or economic status, no matter your religious or political perspectives, your sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, if those values speak to your heart and mind - you are home! The Membership Team We thank all those who will be bringing food on Sundays in September: October 5 - Bob Romer October 12 - Melinda Lynch October 19 - Beth Jenkins October 26 - Marilyn Logan • Want to use a listening assistance device? Speak to someone at the Welcome Table. • To hear and share audio recordings of past worship services, go to uuofscv.org and click on “Sermons”! October Birthdays The Membership Team Rick Lott ............................. 10/13 Dru Hiller ........................... 10/23 Barbara Wilson ................... 10/27 Dante Batong ...................... 10/27 Roselva Ungar .................... 10/31 "Lay Speaker Mini Retreat" Best wishes for a happy celebration on your special day and a great year to follow--plus many, many more! Saturday October 18th 9:30am to 12:30 pm at the Chalice Center 2014-15 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President, Rich Jaffke Vice President, Rick Lott Secretary, Judy Thomas Treasurer, Barbara McCoy Member at Large, Max Batong Member at Large, Diane Geary Member at Large, Kevin Ratliff Lesley Yadon and Peter Farriday extend an open invitation to any and all who feel inspired to share their truth in the form of a sermon to attend this special mini retreat designed to support lay speakers. To contact any of our officers, please use their contact information in the church directory. If you do not have a church directory please call the church at 661-2547866. Whether you have written and delivered a sermon before, or are interested in this experience for the first time, we welcome you. 3 UUSCV Membership Anniversaries the good news that this catastrophe can be stopped through several bills on carbon fees with dividends to households. Lynne Girdlestone passed out material on ways families can reduce their carbon footprint and learn more about the Citizens Climate Lobby with 200 chapters and growing daily. Many thanks to those who provided the delicious organic, vegetarian lunch which kept up our energy during the presentations. (Barbara Cogswell, Elyse Reyes, Marilyn Logan, Glenda Noakowski, Lynne Plambeck, Bob Romer, Dru Hiller, Beth Jenkins, Roselva Ungar.) Chris Hankla & Elyse Leon-Reyes Dottie Healy..................... 10/2/2005 Louisa Stephen ................ 10/13/2013 RECENT HIGHLIGHTS A climate march in New York on September 21st, another in Los Angeles on the 20th, and the United Nations Climate Summit on the 23rd of September will underscore the emergency and the agreement of 98% of the world’s scientists that this is real and can be mitigated to save our planet. Climate Reality and Ethical Eating Roselva Ungar The Social and Environmental Justice Team of this UU congregation has been informing ourselves through the viewing of several episodes of “Years of Living Dangerously” at our 3rd Friday evening potluck and documentary showing. Everyone is welcome to join in for that and the Team meeting on the 3rd Sunday after services, where we decide on either continuing with the climate issue or begin another. Over twenty five persons watched the slide presentation of Andrew Ellis from the Climate Reality Project showing the disastrous effects of excessive carbon in our atmosphere. We have all seen the unusual storms, floods, drought, and fires on the nightly news but what can we do about it? Mr. Ellis addressed the many questions and recommended the website www. Climate Reality Project.org. Cher Gilmore from the Citizens Climate Lobby spoke about the steps that are being taken and 4 SERVICES Brittany Batong led a Labor Day weekend circle service on the topic of Labor Day. Roselva Ungar, Barbara Wilson and Bob Thompson shared their thoughts and provided great insights about the history and meaning of the holiday. Many attended the memorial service for Evelyn Carpenter 5 Lesley Yadon presented “The Hero and the Fool” The sermon can be heard here. John Cooper presented “Changing Changes”, about how the kinds of changes that occur are themselves always changing, and how that might impact our spiritual lives. Be sure to hear Peter Farriday’s inspiring Sept 9th sermon, “Soul and Destiny” here. Our minister, Peter Farriday, presented “Ethics Now.” The sermon will soon be posted to hear on-line. Check www.UUofSCV.org and click on Sermons. 6 Beautiful Pulpit Arrangements for Services Teen Group The Teen Group display the woven bracelets they created. National On a national level, UUs continue to take action and make history. For more information, see the UUMFE Fall Newsletter for stories, reflections and helpful resources. 7 Annual UU of SCV Halloween Party! OCTOBER’S UU of SCV EVENTS Susan & John Cooper Weekly “Tapestry of Faith” Adult Religious Education (RE) Series The annual family Halloween Party is always fun. This year it will be on Saturday, October 25th. Costumes and children are encouraged, so be at the Coopers' at seven o'clock for snacks, games and a good time. Bring a finger food and watch out for ghosts and goblins. Stacey Williams Social & Envir. Justice Team Explores Food as a Justice Issue through Vegan Cooking Classes Saturday, October 4th: Workshop 3: The Collective Good Saturday, October 11th: Workshop 4: Cultivating a Virtuous Character Saturday, October 18 – No class this day Saturday, October 25th: Workshop 5: Natural, Legal, and Human Rights Roselva Ungar Did you know that around 25% of humancaused carbon emissions can be linked to our food choices? There are several factors that contribute to a food's climate impact, including the following: how low on the food chain it is, how much energy is used to produce it (and whether the food is grown organically or with chemical inputs), and how far it has to travel before it gets to the table. A diet low on the food chain (plant-based) filled with locally grown produce is the most significant step you can take to reduce your carbon emissions. Contacts for more info and to sign up are me at 661.210.6563, [email protected] , or Erik Felker at 818.845.0164, [email protected] . Join the Social & Environmental Justice Team on an exploration of eating plant-powered through a series of vegan cooking classes taught 8 by Dawn Schmaling. These classes will be held once a month where you will learn to cook delicious, vegan meals while becoming informed of the benefits of eating a plant-based diet. “New 2 UU” Orientation Chris Hankla When: October 17th at 5:30 Where: TBA Cost: $10 per class Contact: Please RSVP to Dawn Schmaling at [email protected] CROP Hunger Walk on Oct 19th Barbara Cogswell, Erik Felker, Roselva Ungar Sunday, October 19, 2014 12:00-1:15 P.M At the Chalice Center 22916 Lyons Avenue, Suite 2B Newhall, CA 91321 Our church and its Social and Environmental Justice Team has always supported CROP Hunger Walk, taking place on October 19th . It is a 2.5 miles walk, which will start at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 24901 Orchard Village Rd. Registration time is 2 pm and the walk will begin at 2:30. Come and explore with us the origins of Unitarian Universalism to understand how it is firmly rooted in the past, yet still dynamically changing to embrace the present. Learn more about the polity of our church and ways that you can become more involved. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, to get an overview of UU history and its evolving identity, and to talk about membership at UU of SCV. The CROP Hunger Walk funds local and international projects to fight hunger, from local food pantries to projects for wells and providing tools and "starter" livestock for farmers. The Walk is supported by the Interfaith Council of Santa Clarita. Participation is open to anyone: members, folks who are simply curious to learn more, as well as those individuals who may actually wish to join. Participants can ask friends and family members to sponsor them as they walk, or they can be self-sponsoring. Contributions by nonwalkers are also gratefully received. Attendance does fulfill a requirement for membership but it does not mean you have to join! Kindly RSVP by October 17, 2014 to Chris & Diane at 661-268-8433, [email protected]. For further information, to sign up, or to donate, see Erik Felker, our delegate to the Interfaith Council, ([email protected] or at church any Sunday before the walk). We hope you will plan to be there. Childcare can be arranged with advanced notice. 9 Drum Circle Friday Oct 17th at 7pm Book Club John & Susan Cooper Beth Jenkins The Book Club discovered that the book selected for October, Paint by Numbers by Mark Sublette, was only available via Kindle or hardcopy. The hardcopy cost $36. We have decided to read and discuss the next most voted on book, The Second Amendment, a Biography, by Michael Waldman. This book looks at the “…history of the most controversial, volatile, and misunderstood provision of the Bill of Rights. It is a story of America’s enduring debate over individual rights, race, and the role of government.” Relax and feel inspired as you are drawn in by the inviting rhythms of your fellow drummers. Instruments provided by our experienced Drum Circle leader. Absolutely no experience necessary! A small donation requested ($5). At The Chalice Center, 22916 Lyons Ave., Suite 2B, Newhall. LA/Valley Cluster Camp ─ The Book Club will meet at the Coopers’ home at six o’clock on Wednesday and Thursday, October 22nd and 23rd. Please let John or Susan know what day you would like to come so they can balance out the attendance. Then read the book and come and enjoy good food, good company and conversation about good books. OUR Congregation’s Camp Session ─ at deBenneville Pines Renee Foley Just-4-Flavor Dining John & Susan Cooper The dining destination for the Just For Flavor International Dining Group is the Bella Cucina restaurant on Seco Canyon. Bella Cucina is rated as one of the top five Italian restaurants in the LA area. The menu is extensive and the food delightful. We will meet at the restaurant at six o’clock on Tuesday, October 14. Please let John or Susan know if you plan to come so they can make the appropriate reservation. October 10-12, 2014 Sign Up Now! Spend an idyllic weekend in the San Bernardino Mountains with members of other L.A. area UU congregations. Enjoy quality time with old friends or make some new ones. There are workshops, hikes, canoeing, archery, volleyball and kid’s activities, or just relax by the fire in Homet Lodge, sit on the porch with a book, or soak in the hot tub. Perform in or just watch our The UU of SCV newsletter is sent monthly to members, friends and church visitors to keep everyone up to date on what’s happening at UU of SCV. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter or feel you have received this newsletter in error, please let us know to remove you from the address list at [email protected], 661254-7866. Thank you. 10 traditional Saturday night talent show. Cap off the weekend with an inspirational Sunday service under the pines and a gourmet Sunday brunch. 3663 Wilshire Boulevard LA 90010 RSVP to me (Stacey) by Sunday November 2nd. I am the contact person for anyone who needs or can offer a ride. The fee for the weekend includes accommodations in cozy heated cabins with bunk beds (a limited number of rooms with double beds are available) and fully appointed bathrooms, all meals, workshops and most activities. All this for only $145 for adults, $95 for kids ages 4-17, and kids under 4 are free! REGIONAL UU Legislative Ministry is Now “UU Justice Ministry of California” The registration form is attached and more will be available at services throughout September, or contact Renee Foley at [email protected] to request a form or for more information. Beverly Schmidkunz Boido Other Camp Sessions Thank you for being a covenanting congregation to UU Justice Ministry of California (previously UU Legislative Ministry). Your generous support sustains the work of making UU voices and values part of the public debate. Thank you for your recent congregational contribution Music in the Mountains November 7 - 9 PSWD Junior High Camp – “Camp MUUGLE” presents “MUUGS in Space” October 24 - 26 PSWD Senior High Winter Camp December 27 - January 1 Please make note of our current name and address: UU Justice Ministry of California 1731 Howe Ave., #579 Sacramento, CA 95825 PSWD Elementary/Family Winter Camp February 14 – 16 Gratefully yours, Beverly Schmidkunz Boido, Administrator UU Justice Ministry of California MARK YOUR CALENDAR Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Santa Clarita Valley Jewish Sacred Texts 101 www.UUofSCV.org, [email protected] P.O. Box 800028, Santa Clarita, CA 91380 (661) 254-7866, Stacey Williams Jewish Sacred Texts 101 (a Guibord Center event) Sunday, November 9th, 3:30 to 5:30 pm Wilshire Boulevard Temple Articles about matters involving the congregation are welcome and prioritized according to the UU of SCV newsletter policy. Submit proposed articles by the 20th of the prior month to [email protected]. 11 19 OCTOBER CALENDAR Sunday Service, “Forging the Future”, Minister Peter Farriday, 10:30 am, Senior Center. (Find the Most Recent Calendar Information on the www.UUofSCV.org website) Collection for Family Promise “New to UU” Orientation, 12 noon, Chalice Center 4 Tapestry of Faith Adult RE, 9 am, CROP Hunger Walk, 2 pm, St. Stephen’s, Contact Erik Felker Chalice Center Board Meeting, 9 am, Rich Jaffke’s house (Saturday meeting) 5 22 Sunday Service, “Really? I Never Knew That”, 22/23 Book Club, 6 pm, Coopers’ house Minister Peter Farriday Worship Team, 12:15 pm, Chalice Center Board of Trustees Meeting, 1:30 pm, Chalice Center 7 24 Game Night, 6:30 pm, Chalice Center 25 Tapestry of Faith – Adult RE, 9 am, Chalice Center Halloween Party, 7 pm, Coopers’ house, Membership Team, 4 pm, Chalice Center Costumes & children encouraged! 10-12 UUSCV Camping Session, Camp deBenneville Pines 11 26 Poetry Group, 9;45 am, Chalice Center Sunday Service, “It Could be Worse”, Michael Eselun, Tapestry of Faith Adult RE, 9 am, 10:30 am, Senior Center. Chalice Center 12 Program Council, 12:15 pm, Chalice Center NAMI Los Angeles Walk for Mental Illness Awareness – Contract Barbara Wilson for information Every Thursday: AIDS Walks, LA MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Sunday Service, “Jewels from Junk”, Erik Felker, Nov 9 Meditation, 7:30 pm, Chalice Center Jewish Sacred Texts, Guibord Center 10:30 am, Senior Center. Social & Environmental Justice Team, 12 noon, Senior Center Addresses: Outreach Team, 12:30 pm, Stacey’s office 14 Just-4-Flavor Dining, 6 pm 17 Vegan Cooking, 5:30 pm, location TBA, Services are held at the SCV Senior Center, 22900 Market St. in Newhall (½ block from Newhall Ave.) All are welcome! The UU of SCV Chalice Center is at 22916 Lyons Ave, Suite 2B, in Newhall $10, contact Dawn Schmaling Drum Circle, 7 pm, Chalice Center 18 Chalice Center Office Manager Hours – Tues & Thurs, 3 to 5 pm Lay-Preaching Retreat, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Chalice Center 12
© Copyright 2024