3/8/15 Geri Randall

 3/15/15 Jim Gronvold

 3/22/15 Doug Kerr 

 3/29/15 Jim Gronvold

 4/5/15 June Fesler

 4/12/15 Wisdom/Humor Potluck

March at UUCM is our time to gather the financial support for our coming program year. 

Every penny you commit to the life of this institution is used wisely and in the work of sustaining this liberal spiritual religious home. As a full-service institution with ministry and religious education for adults and children, as well as music, administration, and all the rest, there is a cost. It is up to us, the members and friends of this unique spiritual garden, to gather together and share this cost. 

We are by no means a poor congregation. We have significant funds in several endowment lines and we sit on a priceless property. Still, we continue to draw on our endowment reserves, a pattern we have developed over the last ten years or so, to pay for the congregational life we enjoy. It would be wonderful if we could fund our operations without this drawdown. That means that we need to step up our financial giving. Along with the Board members, I have increased my pledge by 10% (Lisa and I are considering more) to try and help shift this culture of reliance on the endowment for operating funds. 

Can you imagine using our endowment funds to broaden our outreach into the larger community? We serve a larger truth in addition to caring for our own personal needs.  Every time I am up on our gorgeous and tranquil UUCM hillside, I look out over the valley below and my born-and-bred Unitarian Universalist gut knows that the world out there is stressed, and could use the hope, caring hearts, and connections that our congregation offers. So I'm asking you to please step up and stretch at least 10%, if not more, to help shift our financial picture so that we can use these wonderful endowment funds we hold for wider and more powerful programming. 

Thanks.
Rev. Chip

UUCM Parent Group - This amorphous group is made up of whomever shows up on a given day. Nine parents met on 2/22 and are some are asking for a monthly instead of bimonthly meetings. These dates are currently scheduled: 4/19 & 6/21 These might be added in: 3/29 & 5/17. Members and friends welcome.

The 4th - 8th grade group is going on a ROPES course 3/15, advance registration required. Contact Monique Webster. Then to work at the Food Bank on 3/22.

The children have chosen this year's Giving Basket recipient to be St. Vincent De Paul in San Rafael. Please send coin or paper donations with your children each Sunday. Teaching the value of shared giving; an experience of making a difference in the world.

May the energy of Spring bear love and healing to you and all whom you love.

Jeffrey Melcher, M.Div.

(415) 479-4131 ext. 104,   DRE@uuMarin.org

New info: Our Gratitude and Commitment Campaign began with the First Chance Saloon featuring the Spiritual Buckeroo (Rev. Chip), the Mayor of Hopeful Springs (Jason Stearns), the Bar Maid (Grace Dearborn), the Town Preacher (Dick Park) and yours truly, me, aka Lefty.  Thank you, Pardners!  And you won't want to miss the next installment of the Lives of the Cowboys at the "Second Chance Saloon" this coming Sunday.  We are going to hear a cowboy song that the first minister of UUCM wrote and still sings to this day. 

So far we have collected close to a quarter of all committed households with many increasing their commitment over last year.  We thank you for your quick and generous return.  If you haven't yet made your commitment, the "Donate" button is waiting for you on the UUCM website.  Or if you want to donate in the old fashioned way, return your form to Wrangler Janette in the lobby which is your "Second Chance" Sunday.

Meanwhile, I have heard from many who are deciding on their pies for the pie-baking contest during the Round-up BBQ (on Saturday, April 11th, 12-3pm).  Let's top off the pies with some homemade ice cream.  Do you have an ice cream maker that you can bring, or ice cream already made to scoop on top of our community's delectable treats?  If so, let me know on Sunday.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin (uumarin.org) is now accepting proposals for a UU Young Adult organizer at UUCM. We are looking to hire someone for about five hrs per week to do a startup for us. Knowledge of UUYAN required. 

Please contact Jef Melcher, Director of Religious Education: DRE@uuMarin.org

Come understand the Exodus story in a contemporary light.

Our ongoing series of conversations with Reverend Robert (Bob) Drake, Reverend Chip Wright and Rev. Lisa Wiggins continues on March 22.  

March 22: The Exodus, with Rev. Lisa Wiggins
April 12: Genesis 1 and 2 (What? Two Creation Accounts?!) with Rev. Robert Drake

April 26: Adam and Eve and the Garden, with Rev. Robert Drake
May 24: Babel: What Tower? with Rev. Robert Drake

You may come to just one or all sessions; no prior commitment required. 

Bring your own bag lunch or loaves and fishes (if no other lunch is being offered by any UUCM group that Sunday). Beverages will be provided.  Sessions will be in the Clara Barton Room from "after the service" (approx. 12 noon) until 1:30 pm.

Really fun childcare provided, RSVP for childcare to Ilana Trumbull ilanala@comcast.net 510-501-3813 

More info

Shelter volunteers this week were Karen Auroy who prepared a dish.

Kristin Jensen and Walter Littrell volunteered and dined with the women.

Rev. Lisa Wiggins and Sally Schroeder contributed money toward the food we purchased.

The March 8 dinner will be prepared and served by the 4th through 8th grade Religious Education students.

The homeless ladies are SO appreciative!

You can be part of this rewarding community service by contacting figleafjoan@comcast.net 

415-506-4166. Cell: 415-595-6221)

Experience a wonderful long weekend at a beautiful mountain camp where all ages are welcome, where delicious meals are cooked for you, where there are no committee meetings, no chores, and no instructions except to have fun.

UUCPA web site