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In This Issue
Sunday Worship Service
Basket Share Jan. 13
Contemplative Service
A Turn of Events
Crab Feed and Raffle
Adult Education classes
House of Hope Discussion Group
UUCM Congregational Retreat
Women and Religion Retrea
Basket Share Ideas Needed!
Pastoral Care- Senior Help
Social Justice Luncheons
Book Group January 16
PCD January Leadership Workshop
Social Justice Items
Upcoming Dates

Jan 13, 20
Our American Roots

January 19
Wine, Cheese, and Juice Clean-the-Toys party

January 24
Kirtan Meditation

January 27
Congregational Meeting

February 3
Cong./Leadership Development Meeting

February 16
Crab Feed

   

 Monthly List of Church Meetings/Events   

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We cherish
diversity and
welcome among us
people of all races,
cultures, ages,
abilities, sexual
identities/
orientations, and
faith perspectives.

 
GUESTS are always welcome.
Sunday worship is a time for
inspiration, renewal, and connection.
 

   

CHILDREN AND YOUTH  join adults during the first part of the service, and then attend Religious Education classes. Nursery and toddler care is provided during the 10:30 service. 

 

REFRESHMENT HOUR  in the Courtyard or
Fireside Room follows the services.

 

 There are 4 "Sunday First Time Visitor" parking spots at the top of the parking lot.  

Come, join us! 

Staff Links
Rev. Chip Wright
415-479-4131
Jeffrey Melcher
[email protected] 
 

Intern
Irene Stefanko

 

Administrator: 

Janette Morrow
            

Choir director

Amanda Morando

[email protected]   

 

Pianist:

Milton Wong 
  [email protected]  
Pastoral Care:  

 Chair:

  Carol Littrell 883-9676
 Partial Resource List 

Minister's Schedule
Minister:
 Rev. Chip Wright

Office Hours:

Tues., Wed., Thurs.
10am to 3pm
 or
[email protected]
or
phone: 415-479-4131
or email
Rev. Chip: [email protected] 
DRE's Schedule
 Director of Religious Education:
Jeffrey Melcher

Office Hours:
Sunday 12:30-1:30pm
Wednesday 3:00-5:00pm
Friday Noon - 4:00pm

 [email protected]
Intern's Schedule
 Ministerial Intern
Irene Stefanko

Office Hours:
Tues., Wed., Thurs
9am-2pm

[email protected]
  January 10, 2013

Issue #197

Sunday Worship Service chalice

  'Our Roots' Month

Rev. Chip's services this month are a series in support of  'Our American Roots' classes he will be leading after services, 12:00 - 3:00 on Jan. 13th and 20th. RSVP to the office as soon as possible. Lunch will be provided.

Jan. 13, 10:30 am: William Ellery Channing

Rev. Chip with Worship Associate Bev Munyon, Basket Share
 
Ever wondered who our street was named for?  It's William Ellery Channing.  He was one of our early American Unitarians, the founder of the American Unitarian Association, and the man who would redefine the Unitarian Christian message to mainline protestant  America.

Past services    

               

View future service information online        

Basket Share Jan. 13
snake doveThis Sunday will be a Basket Share request for  donations to our Partner Church in Szovato, Transylvania. We have been helping this small Unitarian church in Romania for many years as they rebuild after years of  communist repression. Aside from our small quarterly donation, we have provided heating equipment for their new church, helped buy an automobile for the pastor and his wife as they both serviced 5 congregations.
We regularly give $420 a year for this support plus whatever we can raise from YOUR yearly gifts. Many thanks to you. Scott Merrick, Partner Church committee.
Contemplative Service

Our Lay led Contemplative Service is from 9:00-10:00 am on Sundays in the Fireside Room.        

The  Contemplative Service is a small circle gathering that includes short readings and time for discussion and sharing of joys and concerns.

All are welcome to join us.  

A Turn of Events
jef melcherJeffrey Melcher
Director of Religious Education
January, 2013

Dear UUCM Community,
 
We have had a minor transition happening. Moving from 2012  to 2013, and from MRE Dara to DRE Jeffrey. Most of you have heard that Dara moved on to follow a call to parish ministry. I was called, well, actually "Facebooked", by Mike Songster to see if I was available to come serve UUCM. I said, "I will make myself available."

After our multi-holiday extravaganza including Xmas decorating of tree and hall and a surprise visit from Santa at the Xmas eve family service, grades 1-6 started off the new year discussing homelessness and helped Homeward Bound of Marin via toiletries collection and packaging.

The toiletries project is a very small bit to a very large problem, but every bit helps and it is an easy introduction to this social issue for young children. I hope the Coming Of Age and YRUU will consider participating in the meal preparation program headed up by the Social Justice committee.

Here are some other organizations UUCM is partnered with on this issue: Ritter Center, Novato Human Needs, St. Vincent's, Marin Food Bank, and Adopt a Family.
Other local opportunities you can tap into with your family:
http://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=San+Rafael%2C+CA%2C+USA&k=Homeless

Heidi, Nursery Care Provider, wants to introduce a new-to-us system of washing toys that have been "mouthed". In preparation for this we are having a Wine, Cheese, and Juice Clean-the-Toys party January 19th, 4:30-5:30.

Happy New Year and may the joy of everyday blessings be known.
Crab Feed and Raffle  - February 16, 6 pm
Save the date for this fantastic event.
Our annual "All You Can Eat: San Francisco Dungeness Crab, Sher's Boston Clam Chowder, Caesar Salad, and Sourdough Bread dinner."

$35.00 (one of the lowest priced crab feeds in Marin)
$20 crab for children
No-host beer and wine
Vegetarian Pasta Alternative $15.

I will be coordinating this year's Crab Feed so if you have any suggestions based on your past experience as a guest or helper please notify Lisa Cohen as soon as possible.

Many more details in next week's newsletter.  Meanwhile print and pass on this flyer to friends and neighbors.

Lisa Cohen
Adult Education classes
flagchalice Sunday January 13, January 20
12:15 PM, Fireside Room


Adult Ed presents "Our American Roots" led by Rev. Chip and Ministerial Intern Irene Stefanko. Come and learn about Unitarian Universalism in the United States. Fascinating stories, video and lunch! As always with Rev. Chip's classes, there will be in depth information and time for sharing, dialogue, and questions.
Please sign up in advance by e-mailing Janette at [email protected]  or calling 415-479-4131.
Childcare provided if requested in advance.
House of Hope Discussion Group

I would like to invite you to join a discussion group that will start on February 10. In this discussion group we'll explore liberal theology and engage in Unitarian Universalism's "free and responsible search for truth and meaning" by engaging our own, and each other's, theological understandings.  We'll structure our discussions around the book a House for Hope, by John Buehrens and Rebecca Ann Parker.  This book uses the metaphor of a house to explore what grounds us, what expands us, what shelters us, and what gives us hope.  We'll consider questions such as "What is the end and essence of life? How can we come to terms with evil and what can protect life from harm? Is it reasonable to believe in God? What does it mean to be human, to be right with all that is? What saves us and what are we called to do? What is the nature and purpose of religious community?"

The length of the discussion group will depend on your
interest - perhaps we'll meet twice or maybe we'll wish to continue for many sessions.   The first two sessions will be held on February 10 and March 3 from noon to 1:30 pm.  If you would like to attend please email me at [email protected] or just come on by!  Look forward to seeing you then.

Irene Stefanko, Ministerial Intern 

UUCM Congregational Retreat
May 3-5, 2013

At the upcoming retreat, we will have two brand new workshops. Ali Jenkins has agreed to lead an "Improvisation Workshop." In Ali's words, this is like "play time" - allowing you to step out of your own "character" and inhabit another in a creative and spontaneous way. Come to the retreat and experience something brand new!

 

In addition, Thomas Lundbaek has agreed to lead a Candle Making Workshop. Come and learn three different ways of making candles. This will be a fun activity for all ages!   

 

What would YOU like to do at the retreat? What would YOU like to discuss?

 

We know that many of you have talents to share. Please think about what activity, craft, skill, or discussion topic that you can share in a small group setting for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. We need workshops geared toward adults, young adults, and kids, so there are many ways to contribute.  

 

Please let Thomas Ervin know! [email protected]  

 

The pricing/application sheet for the 2013 UUCM Congregational Retreat is linked below. Application and full payment is due on March 24, 2013.  

 

Pricing/application sheet

Release form for attendees under 18
Women and Religion Retreat - early bird registration January 12th
The Women and Religion retreat is happening on March 1-3, 2013, at the Enchanted Hills Camp in the foothills above Napa, open to all UU women and friends.  Our theme this year is "Courageous Women".   You can learn more about Women and Religion and the retreat itself, or download forms at our website. View event flyer and registration form.
 
The cost for the retreat (including two nights lodging, seven meals, and two days of fun and fellowship) is $250 per person, with an "early bird" discounted price of $230 if payment is received by Saturday, January 12th.  Retreat FIRST TIMERS can join us for $200.  You may register online and pay with PayPal, register online and mail a check (address follows), or print, complete and mail the form with your check to: W&R Registrar c/o UUFRC, 2124 Brewster Ave., Redwood City CA 94062.
Basket Share Ideas Needed!
basket share Put on your thinking caps: It's time to nominate great local nonprofits for our Basket Share program!  

Ideally, a nominee should be a Bay Area organization that a congregant is truly involved with (e.g. as a volunteer or client.)
By sharing our offering basket with a different local nonprofit for four Sundays this year, we live our UU principles while gaining valuable nonprofit partners that have similar goals. Our first Basket Share Sunday will be January 13. It will benefit our partner church.
 
We need three more nominations! Send suggestions to [email protected] 415-453-6221
Pastoral Care - Senior Help
There are some very good programs in Marin for families and seniors.  I will be adding as I receive more information.  There may be something you or friends & relatives would be interested in pursuing.
 
GRIEF COUNSELING & SUPPORT GROUPS
Find comfort & support after the loss of a loved one.  Groups:  Spousal/partner, parent.  Jan-March
call 526-5699 Sponsor: Hospice by the Bay.
 
ABC'S OF TRANSPORTATION:  Seminar on providers in Marin County i.e. bus services, paratransit, volunteer & medical transportation, taxi . Wednesday
Feb. 20, 1:00-4:00 pm Margaret Todd Senior Center,
Call to register 899-8290.
 
FREE LEGAL SERVICE (60+);  Local attorneys volunteer their time in cooperation with Legal Aid of Marin, Appt. required. Call Whistlestop:  459-6700. to schedule your 30 minute consultation.
 
FREE TAX ASSISTANCE:  Free Federal and State income tax assistance (basic & uncomplicated)  available to seniors 60+ at Margaret Todd or Whistlestop,  Appt. required.  Beginning Monday, January 28 call 456-9062 to schedule your appt. Feb. 11 through April 15, Mondays 1-5pm.
 
Carol Littrell, Pastoral Care Chair: 883-9676
Social Justice Luncheons
Luncheon and speaker, 12 noon. A $6 donation is suggested, no one turned away.

February 17 - Cohousing
Joani Blank (UU─Oakland) has visited over 70 cohousing communities─urban, suburban and rural. She has lived in two of these practical, socially rich alternatives to apartments and single-family houses. She also ran an innovative San Francisco retail business as a worker-owned co-op.
 
March 17 - Bridge of Understanding
Jes Richardson, creator of the ten foot tall Gandhi Puppet, is building a "bridge of hearts" between the people of the United States, Israel, and Iran.  The Dear Iran Project, established after his second trip to Iran in 2010, cuts through politics by creating direct people-to-people connections.  Find out how you can participate by joining Jes on March 17.
Book Group January 16
book pile
Our next meeting is January 16 at 7:30 in the Clara Barton Room.  The book we will discuss is The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt.

There are about 30 copies in the library, in heavy use, so do get in line (also available in paperback.)  This is a bestseller, while also being an excellent scholarly book focused on the rediscovery of a 5th century Roman text ten centuries later.  Lucretius' De Rerum Natura ("a beautiful poem of the most dangerous ideas.") thus reappeared just in time for the Renaissance, the printing press, and the consequent reimagining of the world and humankind in humanistic terms.  All members and visitors are welcome.  Contact: Nani Ranken (898-8558.)
PCD January Leadership Workshop
Registration is now open for the January 2013 Leadership Workshop, "The Power of Language to Create Reality."  
 
We will be gathering at the UU Church of Berkeley on Saturday, January 26, 2013 with workshop leaders Rev. Robert Latham and Rev. Jeanelyse Doran Adams.
 
For religions confronting a cultural revolution and the decline of the influence of organized religion, their future lies in the hands of those willing to use language as a tool of personal and social transformation.

Get More Information & Register Now! 
Social Justice Education/Action Activities
The Social Justice Committee continues its work with the
ever-growing number of homeless folks in Marin.
 
Last Sunday UUCM provided dinner to the Women's Winter Emergency Shelter and also the Mill St. center.
Volunteers included: Joan, Joy, Joyce, June, Katherine, Roddi & Ali, Michael and Nathaniel.
 
Anyone can join this effort. You can leave a pre-arranged contribution at church on Sunday morning.
Better yet, come to the shelter to dine with our guests. You will be glad you did.
Contact [email protected] 415-453-6221

Don't forget to buy new white socks for the homeless socks basket in the foyer.
 
And remember to bring nonperishable food for the Food Bank barrel.
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Mill Street shelter, a branch of New Beginnings, provides housing for about 60 people per night.
UUCM provides dinner on the first Sunday of each month. If you would like to be a once a month cook, please contact [email protected]. Food should be brought to church - it will be taken to Mill Street.
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If you care about an issue or cause that you want UUCM members to know about, please bring it to our attention at the Social Justice information table at refreshment time.  To reserve a date: [email protected]
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UUCM encourages anyone and everyone to reach out and advocate for social justice (economic, environmental, civil) in the wider community. Please invite others to join you, and send photos of your action to the Social Justice Committee.
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The UUCM Social Justice Committee strives to acknowledge significant efforts and achievements. In case we miss it, please let us know when you or another member or friend of the congregation does something to improve the well being of the world in which we live.
 
Example: Christopher Gilkerson worked hard and long toward the success of the recent Marin Superior Court ruling which invalidates the environmental impact report that paved the way for a major expansion of the Redwood Landfill in Novato.

I appreciate any feedback on this weekly.   [email protected]

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