July 18, 2013

July 21, 2013: 'The Uses of Anger'
Lindasusan Ulrich, Pulpit Guest with Rodney Gothelf, Worship Associate

For some people, anger spurs them to work towards justice. For others, it's a slow-drip poison in their veins. This service will explore how that energy can transform lives, whether for good or ill. Led by Lindasusan Ulrich, a Candidate for Unitarian Universalist ministry and a student at Starr King School for the Ministry.

July 28, 2013: 'Shards of Empire'
Caitlin S. Cotter, Pulpit Guest with Bev Munyon, Worship Associate

What do the objects in our lives say about the larger stories of which we are a part?  Our stuff is part of who we are.  Caitlin S. Cotter, candidate for Ministry and Starr King School for the Ministry student, calls us to rethink what it means to be materialistic.

Rev. Chip Wright
July 2013

As mid July hits, Lisa and I have almost completed our kitchen remodel and I continue with a weight loss program.  I find I am using my cane less (the result of arthritis in my knees).  With every pound I loose now there is less pain in the knees and I get closer to being able to get them fixed.  I still enjoy getting out and diving for abalone, kayaking and fishing.  In a couple of weeks we will be heading up to Alaska for a visit with Dad and Donna, and will be finishing up a little remodel of our little place in Mendocino.  This activity keeps me aware of just how much we use our legs, and keeps me focused on getting the weight off.

The knee's issue has been frustrating for me because other than that I am in very good health.  Doctors are alway commenting on how good my health is with such low cholesterol and solid blood chemistry.  I always tell them that is what happens when you practice Yoga for over forty years. I imagine I also am blessed with good genetics judging by my families' history.  

In addition to this physical activity, I am engaged in planning for this next church year.  I have already been collecting information and gathering your suggestions on different approaches to the religious and spiritual which we will focus on during this next year.  Many in our Unitarian Universalist landscape are particularly interested in the "NONES," folks with no institutional religious affiliation who self-define as "spiritual but not religious."  So if you have any suggestions towards this next year's theme please let me know.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in the fall.

Chip

Milton Wong, our wonderful pianist, and his talented friends have graciously offered to host another classical music concert here at UUCM! To make this happen, we need someone to help plan and coordinate the event, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, September 14.  This is a great opportunity to gain some event planning experience and/or help out your church. To volunteer or ask questions, email Janette at office@uumarin.org.

The Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy invites us to the 16th annual memorial procession to honor those who have died on the streets of Marin County.

Following a short service in the park we will process up "A" St. to the courtyard at St. Raphael's Church where we will read the names of those who have died.

On Tuesday, July 9th the Homeless in

San Rafael put on a Wellness Dinner

that was a WOW!  Chaplain Paul Gaffney

and his homeless group are now making

dinner for a large group of street folks.  Great

food was being cooked when we arrived.

with them and break bread together.
 
It was all prepared, served, and cleaned up by their own people.  Cheers for Chaplain Paul!  He states that every Tuesday a different group bring salads, generally it has been youth and/or families contributing.

Thanks to Marje Hollinger, Jim Gronvold, Joyce

Rhodes, Mary Bicknell & Walt Littrell for their

salad contributions. Not a morsel was left!

Members with elderly parents, friends of elders, executors of family members, future family caregivers and elders, save these dates: November 3 & 17!

Rev. Chip & the Pastoral Care Committee will present a two-part series around the Issues of Aging. There will be professionals discussing topics such as: The role of Caregiving, Transportation, Planned Giving, Medical & Estate Directives and what every family needs to know as parents age. If you feel there is a topic you would like included please contact Carol Littrell 883-9676 or cjwlittrell@aol.com or

We would love to hear your suggestions. If you have recently experienced these issues, come & share your experiences with us.

Featuring honored teacher Joanna Macy and environmental and racial justice scholars and activists . Read more

Because the Winter shelter is closed until mid-November, there will be an even more pressing need (if that's possible) at the Mill St. Shelter and for the Street Chaplain's Tuesday night dinners.