First Unitarian Church of Oakland

Transcription

1 First Unitarian Church of Oakland Volume 72, Issue 7 October 2010 THE SOWER Halloween Mini-Carnival, Oct. 31, 12:30-2:00 PM It seems like wasting an opportunity to pass up Halloween on a Sunday! Join us for apple bobbing, Tarot reading, a haunted house and whatever you can scare up. If you d like to help out, contact Laila Ibrahim, director of Children and Family Ministries, laila@uuoakland.org or x 307. Band Without Boarders Performs Oct. 31 This is the church s rock, blues, folk and more band, open to anyone who wants to make music together. We play in worship on Oct. 31 and rehearse Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. If you can make all rehearsals, contact Stefan Schneider, or guitardad2001@yahoo.com. I N S I D E T H I S ISSUE 1 Worship Notes and Schedule Sunday Worship Schedule Worship and Learning Focus : Beyond Our Walls: Love in Action October Worship and Learning Theme: Attention Contemplative Worship at 9:25; Worship Arts Celebration at 11:25 Children s Chapel at 9:25 and 11:25 Sunday, October 3 The Power of Attention and the Dis-ease of the World Rev. Kathy Huff, preaching; Suzanne Van Houten, worship associate Sunday, October 10 Beauty, Awe, Amin Rev. Jacqueline Duhart, preaching; Claire Eustace, worship associate Sunday, October 19 Thank God I Hear Voices! Paul Arensmeyer, preaching; Kristen Montan, worship associate Sunday, October 24 Moving Forward, Keeping Still Rev. Kathy Huff, preaching; Zach Hodges, worship associate This is also our fourth Sunday, when children and youth worship with their families for the first 20 minutes before going to their Sunday programs. Nursery and toddler care still available for our youngest. Sunday, October 31 Day of the Dead: Worship for All Ages All are encouraged to attend our 9:25 or 11:25 services today, which celebrate the cycle of life and death. Children and inspired adults are invited to come in their Halloween costumes and participate in the parade of all souls. Be sure to bring photos and mementos for our memorial altar. 2 Spiritual Exploration; October Theme: Attention 3 Musings from Rev. Kathy; Rev. Jacqueline Duhart 4 Our Ministry for Children and Families 5 Adult Faith Development 6 Our Shared Ministry: Executive Team Update 7 3 rd Floor Office 8 Upcoming Retreats 9 General Assembly 2010 Report 10 Our Ends Statements, Campaign 80 11,12 Community Life Joining the Church If you d like to make this church your spiritual home and make a commitment to membership, our book is open for signing today and throughout October. Please see Rev. Jacqueline or Rev. Kathy to learn about expectations of membership and sign the book if you are ready. All who sign on or before Oct. 24 will be recognized in a ceremony held during worship on Oct Diversity of Ministry Campaign Thank You s 14 Publications Information; Church Contact Information 1

2 SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION Spiritual Exploration Worship and Learning Focus Beyond Our Walls: Love in Action is our program year worship and learning focus for spiritual exploration and practice. Our monthly religious themes invite us to find ways to put our faith into action beyond our walls. Together and individually we consider the many ways we can reach out and work together to build a more just, loving and sustainable world. October Theme: Attention Attention is also known as mindfulness, awareness, concentration and being in the now. When practiced as a spiritual discipline it alerts us to an experience of living that might otherwise be overlooked. Paying attention to what is opens us to the possibilities of grace, gratitude and deeper connection with others and our earthly home. Spirit moves in the midst of these moments of mindfulness. The beauty is that attention can be practiced anywhere, at any time. Quotations To be awake is to be alive. -- Henry David Thoreau Waiting is a window opening on many landscapes. -- Howard Thurman Mindfulness is a kind of light that shines upon all your thoughts. -- Thich Nhat Hanh To see the preciousness of all things, we must bring our full attention to life. -- Jack Kornfield The quality of one's life depends on the quality of attention. -- Deepak Chopra Just being awake, alert, attentive is no easy matter. I think it is the greatest spiritual challenge that we face. -- Diana L. Eck from Encountering God There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story. -- Linda Hogan from Listening to the Land An Apache-trained acquaintance of mine used to throw his head back, laugh into the sky and say, what will you buy with your attention today? -- Scout Cloud Lee For lack of attention a thousand forms of loveliness elude us every day. -- Evelyn Underhill Just remember that those things that get attention flourish. -- Victoria Moran. Permit me to say without reservation that if all people were attentive, if they would undertake to be attentive every moment of their lives, they would discover the world anew. They would suddenly see that the world is entirely different from what they had believed it to be. -- Jacques Lusseyran in Against the Pollution of the I Reflection Questions: When have you felt you were fully alive to the moment? Do you believe that the quality of your life depends on the quality of attention? Is there is such a thing as being wholly attentive? What gets in the way of being attentive? Is there such a thing as mindful multitasking? How does mindfulness support action for social change? What conditions do you need to be wholly attentive? Spiritual Practices: Close your eyes and breathe. Breathing in, say to yourself, Be here now. Repeat the phrase on exhale. Does this for one minute or as long as you can. Light a candle or chalice, sit comfortably and focus your attention on the flame: when the mind wanders bring it back to the flame, observe your mind at thought, keep bringing your attention back. Do this for ten minutes or more. Eat your lunch slowly, chew carefully. Eat one or two lunches per week in silence. Go on a street retreat with the Faithful Fools, a dynamic street ministry in San Francisco. Books for Adults (A) and Children (C) and Youth (Y): Meditations of Henry David Thoreau, and Meditations of John Muir, both edited by Chris Highland; One Hand Clapping: Zen Stories for All Ages by Rafe Martin and Junko Morimoto; Everyday Sacred by Sue Bender; Boundless Healing by Tulku Thondup Movies: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (PG-13); The Scent of Green Papaya (NR); Jerry Maguire (R ); Lakota Medicine Walk: Hearing One Voice (NR). 2

3 Musings From Rev. Kathy Life is so startling it leaves little time for anything else! -- Emily Dickinson I saw my first fall leaf this week. It was one of these warm weather days and yet there it was, all red and gold, just preparing itself to let go come a great wind to take it up and away. A changing leaf is a talisman of time, of change and transition, loss and renewal. Every leaf has a purpose, so similar in nature yet once it is gone it is cannot be replaced. Ever notice that leaves just seem to know when it is their time to let go? Down they fall, becoming compost for new life or a child s plaything on a crisp autumn day. Or on this day a reminder of an absence yet to be, anticipation of a bare tree that will remain with one of its beautiful leaves gone. A bare tree is but a temporary form to be sure, for come spring it will return to its former glory, but of course it is not the same tree. The same leaves will not grow from its branches. Every leaf begins in much the same way but grows into its fullness uniquely. No two are exactly the same, just as no tree is the same after the fall has taken her leaves. Looking at that fall leaf I burst into tears. Not just for the beauty of it, which can inspire such emotion in me every now and then; but because my heart is intent on other matters. In that moment, the whole bailiwick of change and loss just hit me with full velocity. Life is change, says the Buddha. While impermanence may be the way of things, and all things have their season, as I anticipate the departure of Charla Weiss as our church manager, I know our congregational life and I along with it will feel the absence of her presence deeply. My heart is full up with gratitude for her seven years of service to this church and to the faith we both love and hold dear. I am blessed to have had someone so very splendid to work with all these years. I hope that many of us will take the time to express appreciations and offer Charla many blessings on her way. We only have a bit of time, just about a month and then she will be on her way to Cincinnati. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend the special farewell recognition on Saturday, October 23. Watch for details yet to come. Until then, may the Spirit of Life and Love surround us, be in us and between us, every day and in every way. Love, Rev. Kathy Welcome, New Assistant Minister for Community Engagement, Rev. Jacqueline Duhart! What an honor, to share my new position as Assistant Minister for Community Engagement! Thanks to all who paved the way. I am deeply grateful that you intentionally sought a minister of color. Heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended and contributed to our Social Justice Empowerment Workshop. October s worship and learning focus is Attention. I bring these issues to your attention as pathways to spiritual growth and avenues to build a more just, loving and sustainable world. The ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is speaking out on behalf of religious pluralism and tolerance. The UUSC sent letters to New York City s Mayor Michael Bloomberg expressing support for the Cordoba Center and Islamic mosque. I encourage all of us to add our personal letters to our collective Unitarian Universalist (UU) voices. Read how the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville responded to Rev. Terry Jones framing Sept. 11 as International Burn a Qur an Day at November is the kick-off for the UUSC s, Guest at Your Table campaign. This campaign calls us to make real our UU values in our 3 beautiful and broken world. This year, we hope to have 25% participation, which would make us a Creating Justice Banner Society. For information contact Evelyn Sheridan, evelynsheridan@sbcglobal.net Nov. 5, in Los Angeles, Johannes Mehserle, the former BART police officer who shot and killed Oscar Grant, is to be sentenced. No plans have been made for our church community response. Please send suggestions to me, community@uuoakland.org Shalom & Ashay, Rev. Jacqueline

4 Our Ministry with Children and Families One of my favorite stories is There is No Such Thing as a Dragon by Jack Kent. It is the charming tale of Billy Bixbee, who awakens to find a dragon "about the size of a kitten" sitting on his bed. When Billy tells his mother about the dragon, she emphatically asserts that there is no such thing as a dragon! so, he ignores the little creature. The dragon grows by leaps and bounds, causing all sorts of trouble until Billy dares to pet the attentionseeking creature and it shrinks back down into an adoring little lap dragon. This story reminds me to pay attention to what is rather than what I expect to be. While I don t bump into things as surprising as a dragon, I find that working with children calls me to constantly pay attention and make adjustment to my plans. I have to be prepared for the unexpected. By paying close attention, by knowing the children I am working with and noticing their needs in a particular moment, I can respond more effectively. And so often, just the act of noticing and naming out loud what is going on shifts the energy so that, almost like magic, a giant dragon of a problem turns into a little lap dragon. May your giving attention to your children bring moments of magical transformation. DONATIONS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES The children s ministry program would love any of the following items if you have them to donate: ipods and ipod players for music in each of the programs Bean bags for the YRUU room Snacks Quality elementary-age games such as Apples to Apples, Pictionary, Cranium Brio trains As a multigenerational religious community we have a vibrant and meaningful ministry for our children and teens. Our youngest children are welcomed into a safe and friendly environment in Chalice Children. Elementary-aged children start at a Children's Chapel in the Starr King Room at 9:30 and 11:30, then may choose from a variety of activities that focus on our monthly spiritual theme. Club UU offers 5th and 6th graders have their own time from 10:30 to 11:30. Middle schoolers are in the midst of their Coming of Age year, where they learn more fully what it means to be an adult member of a religious community from 10:30 to 11:30. Our high schoolers enjoy time together from 11:00-1:00 building friendships, worshiping and participating in service projects. All ages are welcome at the family music time from 10:45-11:15. You can get a registration form at church or at Contact Laila Ibrahim, director of Children and Family Ministries, laila@uuoakland.org or x 307. All families are expected to volunteer a minimum of four hours per year to the program. There will be numerous ways to fulfill that obligation. Look for more information when you register your child. All children must be registered to attend the program. Please do so ahead of time or give yourself enough time on Sunday morning. Materials for registration are available at church and online at our website. This is an 18 hours per week position. I will be in the office on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. In faith, Laila Ibrahim 4

5 ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT Building the World We Dream About Principled Commitment Course of Couples As we move toward our goal of becoming a congregation with a warm multicultural welcome and meaningful connections with the community, we will need to develop our knowledge and skills in addressing issues related to race, ethnicity and culture, both individually and institutionally. "Building the World We Dream About" is a UUA- developed curriculum about how our social world shapes our thinking, our relationships and our beloved community. This series of interactive seminars will stretch your mind and your heart in large and small group activities. We will use spiritual reflection, discussion, journaling, visual arts, poetry, music, theater and a field trip to explore topics that increase our understanding of the impact of race and ethnicity on our lives and our church. Join us for 24 sessions on alternate Wednesday nights, from 6-8:30 PM, beginning Oct. 13 and ending June 15. There is no fee, but a high level of participation is expected. For more information, or to pre-register, contact the facilitators, Jill Miller sunonmyshoulder@yahoo.com or Heather MacLeod, macleodphd@gmail.com, Love is usually credited as the basis for a healthy relationship, but other qualities are needed as well: generosity, collaboration and play, to name a few. These elements will be explored in Principled Commitment, a series of adult workshops for couples designed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and offered through the Adult Faith Development program. The series, led by Joe Cristofalo and Emily Stoper, will be given on three Saturday mornings: Oct. 9 and 23 and Nov. 13 from 9 AM to 1 PM. It is open to married or partnered couples of all gender combinations seeking to enhance good relationships. It is not designed to fix broken relationships. It will explore the concepts of humility, trust, dignity, generosity, connection, play, collaboration, commitment, love and celebration. The workshops will be held at church. There will be a fee of $25-50, with a sliding scale. No one turned away for lack of funds. Childcare is available upon request. The workshop is limited to ten couples, and advance registration is required; contact Joe Cristofalo, jcrist@sbcglobal.net, , or Emily Stoper, estoper1@yahoo.com, Please let us know in advance if you have accessibility needs so we can accommodate you. 5

6 Executive Team Update Our Shared Ministry The Executive Team has hired people for four distinct positions: Laila Ibrahim has joined us as our new Director of Children and Family Ministries. Clifton Massey, who many of you have heard belting beautiful sounds from the chancel, is now the Music Director for All Ages. Jeannine Etter is our new Assistant to the Senior Minister/Administrative Assistant. Finally, Rev. Jacqueline Duhart is now our part-time Assistant Minister for Community Engagement. On Aug. 30, the ET hosted a freshman staff dinner to orient the staff in the ways of the church and covenant with them their future relationship here. Credit is due to Stefan Schneider, our Facilities Manager, who is keeping us clean. Stefan found mold in the basement. After evaluating three separate bids, we chose Environmental Services, Inc., who came in and cleared out all hazardous materials. Stefan fixed an electronic problem with the sump pump (which may have been responsible for the mold). In keeping with our commitment to the greening of the church (thank you, Earth Justice Associates!), we have upgraded the lights on the front plaza to LED globes with energy-saving bulbs. The ET adopted a Disruptive Behavior Policy with the help of the Committee on Ministry, a Music Charter with the Music Committee and a published new personnel manual. Phew! Lastly, the ET is processing the reorganization necessary that comes from losing our irreplaceable Church Manager, Charla Weiss. There will be ongoing separate communication as we move forward on this. Find Out Who s Who and What s What! Not sure who s who or who s in charge of what? Want to get connected, provide feedback, or volunteer for an area of ministry but don t know who to talk to? Be sure to check out our website and explore the colorful six pillars of congregational life on the Get Involved page. Our Clergy, Staff and Leadership Roster is also a good source of information. Another good place to visit is the bulletin board outside the Starr King Room which lists upcoming events, pictures and our staff and leadership. Look for the many ways our congregation embodies our Every Member Ministry. You are always welcome to call or the church office for specific contact information or to receive guidance for who to talk to about what s what and who s who; , office@uuoakland.org. 6

7 From the 3 rd Floor Office Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. --- Kevin Arnold I remember when there was no carpet in the Starr King Room and carpet in the second floor program room. The reverse is true now. I remember when the only way members and friends could financially support the church was through cash and checks in the collection plate. There was no automatic checking account or credit card debit program. That s changed with lots of members and friends sharing their monetary gifts electronically. For many years, when passing through the door into our sanctuary I gave cursory notice to the sign reading You are now entering an unfortified masonry structure that is deemed unsafe in the case of an earthquake. Now we worship in Hamilton Hall knowing we invested over $1.2 million dollars to make it a refreshed looking sanctuary for worship and physically safe for those who enter. I smile when I think about the day the new moveable chairs were placed in the sanctuary, giving the worship team increased flexibility for worship and celebrations. Do you have memories of when we had only one Sunday morning worship service year-round? I do. I recall the inaugural Utunes coffee house concert and how full the room was with over 150 community members and friends. I hold fond memories of working with Rev. Cinnamon Daniels, Rev. Michelle Favreault, intern Rev. Chris Long and intern Cat Ishida. I remember a time when I was the only salaried staff who was a person of color and now read a staff roster with six persons of color in various roles, including our newly hired Assistant Minister for Community Engagement, Rev. Jacqueline Duhart. These memories are just the tip of what I ve experienced over the almost seven years as the First Unitarian Church of Oakland church manager. These are the memories I will carry with me when I depart at the end of this month. As you ve probably already read in my letter sent to you this week, I have resigned my position to join my partner in Cincinnati, Ohio. My memories of the staff, the building, the programs, and incredible ministry of engagement within, among and beyond our physical building will serve as a way for me to hold on to the things I love about our faith community, the things you are and the things I will never lose. Until we meet again, Charla Weiss, church manager of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland Thanks for the Joy Stewardship Dinner and Celebration of Charla and Scott Weiss, Oct. 23 Please mark your calendar for the "Thanks for the Joy" Stewardship Dinner in Wendte Hall at 6:30 PM. Hosted by the Stewardship Committee, it will be an evening of fellowship and community to express our gratitude for all that the church brings to our lives and to the wider world, and to express our appreciation to Charla and Scott Weiss. Look for more details by mail and . 7

8 RETREATS Enabling Our Dreams: Leadership Exploration and Development Weekend, Nov. 5 7 Established and aspiring church leaders are invited to this fall s Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Weekend, formerly known as the Leadership Retreat. During the LEAD weekend, we will participate in an established leadership and organizational development process called Appreciative Inquiry to help us become more effective leaders. Potential LEAD attendees are strongly encouraged to learn about this process, and implement its first step here at church, Sunday, Oct. 24 from 1 4 PM. This will serve as a building block for the LEAD weekend. ALL church members and friends are eagerly and warmly welcome as well! Input from as many people as possible will make the Appreciative Inquiry rich and inclusive. Diana Verhalen, a church member experienced in leading an Appreciative Inquiry, and an enthusiastic proponent of its potential, will facilitate this meeting and the LEAD Weekend. Once again, we ll be gathering at Mountain Home Ranch near Calistoga, which has been newly insulated and heated for extra coziness. The weekend begins with social time Friday evening, Nov. 5, continues all day on Saturday and ends on Sunday morning before lunch. Registration began on Sunday, Sept. 26. The Leadership Development Team is organizing the weekend. Please contact Lauren Poole, lpoole@sbcglobal.net, for more information. The LEAD Weekend will build on the energy and vision created during the recent Social Justice Empowerment Workshop held at church Sept All church leaders and members are warmly invited and encouraged to attend this weekend gathering as well, as an important step toward Vision Annual Pacific Central District Men's Retreat: Friday-Sunday, Oct How long has it been since you last got together with a group of men and talked about what's really important to you? Not the latest baseball game, not the cool summer weather we've been having, not the price of gas. I mean instead what's really close to your heart. For many years now, UU men of the Pacific Central District have gathered on the third weekend in October and have played, explored, meditated, sung, made new friends and learned from one another. This year s retreat, the weekend of Oct , will focus on three issues: Making friendships, deepening friendships Coping with retirement and semi-retirement Men s perspective on taking charge of our personal health Come join UU men for a weekend of fun, kinship, workshops and more! Location: Westminster Retreat Center, Alamo (near Walnut Creek) Cost: $225 (accommodation, meals, materials): limited scholarships are available How to register: Contact: Gordon Smith, pcdmensretreat@gmail.com or call

9 General Assembly 2010 Reports We gathered in the Minneapolis convention center June 23 for the opening celebration of General Assembly with singing, worship and a banner parade. For four more days over 3000 UU s attended, gave, worshipped, shopped and did the business of the association in plenary sessions. This year, over 300 workshops were scheduled by themes from Advocacy to Organizing to Worship Resources for Congregations. Plenary sessions did not overlap with workshops, improving attendance at both. In addition to governance issues, a highlight of the plenaries was the vote on a Statement of Conscience on peace building, -making, and -keeping. After discussion, amendments and having been referred to committee in 2009, it passed strongly. Delegates supported three of the proposed Actions of Immediate Witness: to oppose anti-immigrant measures at the state level, to clean up the clean-energy bill and Gulf Coast environmental and economic justice in A surprise to delegates, Senator Al Franken dropped by for ten minutes and changing his topic, said, Your church is so cool that I decided to talk about religion and about God. Even more unexpected, a delegate used the procedural microphone to propose marriage. Running through GA was the issue of whether to hold the 2012 convention in Phoenix; strong, thoughtful and emotional arguments were made on both sides, culminating in compromise and consensus and the end of another GA. Judith Hunt The process for deciding to hold General Assembly 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona was, I believe, a high-water mark in modern UU history. Months before in Arizona resistance began to the passage and signing of its racist State Senate Bill 1070 that, among other heinous actions, promoted racial profiling. This prompted concerns and then intensive debate among the UUA Trustees and in the professional ministry community about whether the UUA should hold its assembly in Phoenix as planned, and intensive debate grew in turbulent waves. From the beginning groups on the ground were split about whether UUs should boycott or show up in full force. DRUUMM (Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries), the largest UU group representing people of color, and LUUNA (Latino UU Networking Association), at first honored the requests to boycott. Allies for Racial Equality, the UU group for white allies which holds itself accountable to DRUUMM, had many members listening to the groups in Arizona asking for the Association s presence. Attendees put their hearts on the line engaging in powerful negotiations, some nights into the early dawn hours. The floor vote of the Assembly was swift, courageous and highly creative. General Assembly 2012 will be held in Phoenix. It will be a social-justice focused assembly. While the assembly s business meeting, required by its bylaws, will be held, the major work of the assembly will be creatively engaged otherwise. Actual program details will be worked out in the next two years by the UUA Board, the GA Planning Committee, and thousands of other UUs willing to create a venue that will likely engage in activities to counter, resist and educate against the state s racist laws and practices. Many activities of the assembly won t be held in an air-conditioned convention center, but on the streets and in the halls of government. Judging by the powerful presence of over 200 UU s protesting SB 1070 in July on the streets of Phoenix, similar actions will be part of our gathering in Hope to see you in Phoenix in 2012! Rev. Kurt A. Kuhwald 9

10 Our Ends Statements The First Unitarian Church of Oakland embodies beloved community as an intentionally multigenerational, multiracial, multicultural, anti-oppressive Unitarian Universalist religious community. We work for spiritual and social transformation within, among and beyond ourselves in support of our vision, mission and ends. Transformation Within Church members and friends discover and articulate personal spiritual growth. We lead lives of integrity and meaning that reflect our spiritual identity and values. Transformation Among People of all ages who are part of our church community experience caring relationships which connect us to an ever wider circle of life. We use our collective gifts and learning to nurture and expand beloved community. We overcome barriers that divide the human family. Transformation Beyond Our neighborhood, the city of Oakland, and the world community are more just and compassionate because of our prophetic role and ministries. We generously share our human and financial resources beyond the walls of our church. Please be a Campaign 80 contributor! Every year all congregations within the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) are asked to contribute funds to support our national and district offices. The UUA suggests churches pay $56 per adult member to support our participation in the UUA, and $24 to our local office, the Pacific Central District (PCD). The money provides financial support for the national and district Unitarian Universalist movement. Congregational contributions to these offices fund Association programs, services and resources that directly benefit and strengthen congregations as well as the Unitarian Universalism as a whole. Specifically our monies will support: Ministry and professional leadership development and credentialing New Tapestry of Faith curriculum for all ages Ministries with youth and young adults Growth resources Web-based resources and electronic communication Direct service and support of congregations, leaders, and programs Standing on the Side of Love campaign Staff compensation and stewardship consultation Our church s financial situation for the past few years has not allowed us to forward our fair share of the total suggested dues. This year in September our goal is to raise at least $9000, more if we can. We hope to move closer to meeting our full fair share, which would be $26,240 if we were able to contribute the entire $80 per member expected. Everyone s contribution is needed toward our goal. Please take a moment to write a check for $80 or more and send it to the church signaling your support of our national and local UUA offices. Together we can move closer to making our fair share a reality and play our part in supporting our religious movement. Thank you all in advance for your contributions in support of this most important denominational relationship. Your generosity is very much appreciated. 10

11 Community Life Young Women s Self-Defense Class Learn ways to keep your mind, body and spirit safe and strong! This is a class for young women from 8th grade to age 25. It will be held on the 2nd and 3 rd floors of this church on Saturday Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 1 4 PM and will be taught by Gogi Hodder and a guest instructor. Participants will learn a range of self-defense options, including: physical techniques that can disable assailants of any size, assertiveness techniques that can help prevent sexual harassment and provide useful negotiating skills for everyday life and deter potential attackers and awareness of ways in which our society is violent to women. Gogi has been teaching self defense to women and girls since 1990 with the Women Defending Ourselves collective. Cost is a sliding scale of $75-100, with no one turned away for lack of funds. To register contact Laila Ibrahim, laila@uuoakland.org, ext Please call Gogi with any questions or concerns, or gogi@mosaicproject.org Elders and Others The October meeting is scheduled for October 27 at Emily Stoper's home. Please call her at to RSVP. We will have a brown bag lunch together at noon. A dessert and beverage is provided. Our speaker is Reverend Jacqueline who will talk to us about her new community ministry. If you are interested in being reminded by and you are not on our list, please send your address to mmwoodside@earthlink.net. Utunes Coffee House Kicks Off Third Season! Utunes Coffee House offers its third season of monthly concerts in Wendte Hall with great bands, yummy baked goods and coffee. Call Sharon Dolan for more info at or visit: All shows are at 8 PM, doors open at 7. Volunteer or bring home-baked goods to get in free. Friday, Oct. 12, 8 PM SoVoSo SoVoSo is an a capella ensemble whose members sing a unique rhythmic mix of jazz, gospel, world and R & B music, all rendered in their trademark improvisational style. Friday, Nov. 12, 8 PM The ACES Alan Senauke, Chad Manning, and Eric and Suzy Thompson join forces to perform a dazzling array of string band music: old-time, blues, bluegrass, and hokum. Each player is a respected musician locally and nationally. Together they offer a night of fun, great singing and exciting picking. The Healing Magic of Empathy, Oct. 5, 7 PM An 8 week class teaching the basics of Nonviolent Communication as developed by Marshall Rosenberg, PhD, can support us in connecting with ourselves and others. NVC gives us the possibility of hearing one another in the midst of conflict. This class will be led by Marlena Willis. Cost is $50 - $75 sliding scale. Contact Marlena, arcoirismarlena@yahoo.com or A welcoming congregation LGBTIQQ, Interweave Our church was officially named a Welcoming Congregation by the UUA two years ago. This means that our church embraces LGBTIQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Questioning) members and applies its principles in order to continue to affect the church and community by becoming strong allies to the LGBTIQQ community. So all who worked on the process decided the next step was to formalize the group. Last year we officially joined Interweave, a continental UUA organization, and started a local group. Meetings are held third Sundays in the Starr King Room at 1 PM. They are potlucks and we encourage everyone to bring something to share. ReeAnn Dixon facilitates discussion groups on LGBTIQQ issues Second Sundays in the Club UU room at 1:30PM. Both meetings are open to all. Contact Emily Montan, teladria2662@att.net. Lafayette School Mentoring Project Needs Volunteers The Lafayette School Mentoring Project (LSMP) needs volunteers for one-onone tutoring. Hours are: 1.5 hours a week, afternoon or evening. The LSMP staff provides training and support. See website: or info@lsmptutor.org for an application. 11

12 Covenant Groups Build Community This month is a great time to join a covenant group! These small group ministries foster individual spiritual growth and strengthen the fabric of our church community. Covenant groups at First Unitarian include six to twelve people who meet regularly (usually in members homes) to give each other meaningful opportunities to connect in the context of Unitarian Universalism. Group members offer support to one another and explore individual stories and spiritual topics of interest. Groups also covenant to do at least one act of service for the church or in the wider community. Each group develops its own style, but in general follows a format that begins with an uplifting reading and chalice lighting, followed by a personal check-in time. The heart of the meeting is the sharing that comes when participants share stories and questions of meaning from the wellsprings of their own lives. Groups can initiate spiritual themes of their own Community Life (cont d) choice and cover a wide range of topic such as loss, wonder, yearnings, God, living simply, money and spirituality, community, love, death, friendship, etc. This discussion is followed by a time for feedback and a closing reading. All groups are facilitated by convenors who are trained by and meet regularly with the senior minister. Groups are open to all First Unitarian Church of Oakland members and church going friends. Enroll now by contacting the church office to find the group time best for you. While you may join at any time, the very best time to begin with a group is this month when new groups are forming and existing groups are opening up to add new members. To learn more or to sign up, contact Jeannine Etter in the office at office@uuoakland.org or ext Please Wear a Name Tag Wearing your name tag is one way of participating in the church s mission of hospitality, so please wear your name tag each and every Sunday. To get a new name tag, please check the name tag box on the yellow membership card found in the back of the sanctuary chairs or in the hymnals and drop it in the collection plate or sign the nametag clipboard found in the sanctuary narthex (an usher can help you). You can also your request to office@uuoakland.org. Men s Fellowship Breakfast Welcomes New Men- Sat., Oct. 23, 9-11AM Members of the First UU Men's Fellowship invite new men to a pancake breakfast. Gather at 9 AM at First Unitarian Church of Oakland in Wendte Hall, for pancakes, coffee or juice and fruit, and meet your brothers. Program will include introductions and a short workshop on men's issues will be the program. Organization of men's support groups will also be on the agenda. Please RSVP to Bill, bill_blakey@comcast.net or Ron, ronwei@yahoo.com. Social Justice Activities Coming Up: 1. 10/10/10 is a 350.org Day of Action to promote political action on climate change. We recommend the "Get Down and Dirty Oakland" Event sponsored by Ella Baker Center happening at Laney College 12-5PM. 2. Help defeat Prop 23, the Dirty Energy Proposition: First Unitarian will be partnering with Ella Baker Center and UU Legislative Ministry. More soon, check uuoakgreen@yahoogroups.com or contact Bret Andrews at bret.d.andrews@kp.org. 3. Join us in supporting the Ella Baker Center Awards. 6-9PM October 14th at the Scottish Rite Center. Purchase Tickets at Book Club Our book club meets every fourth Thursday, 7:30 PM at Emily Stoper s home. For location or accessibility questions, contact Emily, estoper1@yahoo.com. Our next meeting is Oct. 28, 7:30-9:30PM. The book is The Future of Life by Edward O. Wilson. 12

13 Diversity of Ministry Campaign Bonnie Abrams, Liam Aleguire & Giselle Ampuero, Brett Andrews & Nancy Ragle, B & Marcie Avalon, Julie Baeder, Dick Bailey & Greg Hunt, Hillary Baker & Will Benham, Rinda Bartley & Laila Ibrahim, Lucille Beatty, David Beittel & Rev. Kathy Huff, Judy Belcher, Anne Blackstone, Bill Blakely, Joani Blank, Emma Bonacich, Suzanne Boutilier, Sarra Bradford & James Graham, Leslie Brandt & Roxie Kellam, Tom Bretthauer & Grace Ferguson, Debbie Brown, Eva Bunce, Carol Byrne & Bruce Williams, Cathy Cade, Ariana Candell & Mitch Dale, Bill Chorneau & Helen Duffy, Annabelle Conlin & Rebecca Ramirez, Chris Crass, Joe Cristofalo, Bob Crowe, Joyce Cutler, Lynne Cutler, Gil Dacumos, Ellen Daly & Elizabeth Russell, Noemi de Guzman & Scott Gamble, Carolyn Devol, Charlotte Dickson & Jack Macy, ReeAnn Dixon, Cynthia Dodge & Jacqueline Duhart, Sarah Durkee, Micky Duxbury & Steve Thomasberger, Johanna Eigen & Ulrich Nettesheim, Laurel Engenberger, Claire Eustace, Mary Foran, Katrinca Ford, Donna Fujioka & George Guillermo, Lisa & Jim Gardner, Dan Goss, Ann Parsons Greer, Jon Greer & Chris Sutherland, Nori Grossman & Ben Thompson, Kimi Fujioka Guillermo, Tom & Mary Ann Haw, Rick Hecht & Anne Lown, Molly Hermes, Ulysses Hilliard, Kathleen Hirooka & Paul Rohrdanz, Gogi Hodder & Sheri Prud homme, Linda & Dan Hodges, Rachel Holmen, Judith Hunt, Kalin Ibrahim-Bartley, Laura Ingram, Wilma Jaffe, Brian & Rachael Jeffries, Ella Jeffries, Darin Jensen & Dan Kane, Lynn Jones, Kelly & Tony Jonick, Judith Kahn, Scott Knutson, Kurt Kuhwald, Liza Kuney, Christina Lahey & Catherine Teare, Kate Lenhardt, Kathleen Leslie, Laurel & Francey Liefert, Chase Lockwood, Heather MacLeod, Bob Mader, Jodie Mathies, Charles Masten & Lauren Poole, Theresa McCluskey & Charles Williams, Kevin McGown, Gerre McKenna, Jill Miller, Ingrid Mittermaier, Sarah & Jay Moldenhauer-Salazar, Kristen & Emily Montan, Julianna Montgomery, Jill Montgomery, Claudia Morgan, Regina Odom, Donna Olson, Virginia Papania, Rebecca Parker, Karen Pernet, Diane & Paul Pitman, Kimberly Porter, Joan & Howard Poulter, Jeanne Brondino Rana, Emily Ransom, Cathy Rion, Bettina Roth, Dennis Rowcliffe, Lucia & Mark Savage, Betty Seiden, Evelyn Sheridan, Corless Smith, Bev Smhra, Rachel Stearns, Lisa Stockwell, Emily & Arnie Stoper, Gregory Stoper, Paul Tlogas & Debbie Underwood, Diana Verhalen, Jane & Joe Voytek, Shelley & George Wagner, William Walker, Sarah Watts, Ron Weisberg, Scott & Charla Weiss, Karin Werner, MJ Westbrook, Lindsey Wheeler, Annette & Steve Williams, Dorothy Williams, Margaret Woodside, Dan Wright, Randall Wright and several anonymous members and friends for contributing more than $51,804 toward our $50,000 goal for the financial support of the new Assistant Minister for Community Engagement position. Everyone s participation matters to signal that we, the church, are committed to the goal of increasing the diversity of our ministerial staff and strengthening our community engagement within and outside our walls. You can still make a gift TODAY by talking to a member of the fundraising team in Wendte Hall after worship! We want to thank each and every person who contributed. If you do not see your name listed, please contact Mary Foran at mpforan@earthlink.net, Rev. Dan Kane at revdankane@gmail.com, or Brian Jefferies at brian@jefferies.nu. Electronic Giving for Convenience and Consistency First Unitarian Church encourages all members of our congregation to create an automated, electronic giving schedule. It s a convenient way of giving that will bring order and consistency to the way you make your regular offering. You simply designate the amount, the frequency and the payment method. We also invite you to consider using electronic giving for one-time gifts including seasonal giving, year-end giving and donations to our special funds. Getting started is easy. Authorization forms and additional information are available from the church office or contacting Charla Weiss, church manager. 13

14 Publications Information: The Sower Newsletter Sower submissions are restricted to a 250-word limit. Keep in mind that long news items may be serialized over several months. Featured contributors (i.e. ministers) and Sower first-page lead articles (large fundraising events, special church events, etc.) are not bound to this word limitation. Sower: Deadline Sower deadline is 4 PM on the 10 th of each month for the forthcoming month s issue. Submissions should be ed to office@uuoakland.org. The Chalice Chatter Bi-Weekly E-Newsletter Word limitation per submission is words (3-4 typed lines). Submissions should be ed to office@uuoakland.org. Chalice Chatter: Deadline The Chalice Chatter announcements are posted biweekly from September through December. Chalice Chatter announcements are due Tuesday at 9 AM of the week it is to appear. There is no Chalice Chatter during the last week in December. To reach the clergy or staff, dial the church office, and the appropriate extension number, listed below: Clergy and Staff Senior Minister: Rev. Kathy Huff, ext. 304, revkhuff@uuoakland.org Assistant Minister for Community Engagement: Rev. Jacqueline Duhart ext. 305, community@uuoakland.org Church Manager: Charla Weiss, ext. 303, charla@uuoakland.org Church Administrative Assistant: Jeannine Etter, ext. 301 office@uuoakland.org Facilities and Rental Manager: Stefan Schneider, ext. 302 rentals@uuoakland.org Facilities Staff: Frank Tobor Bookkeeper: Mary Margaret Scribner Director of Music for All Ages: Clifton Massey ext. 316, music@uuoakland.org Accompanist & Ass t. to Music Director: Renee Witon Director of Children and Family Ministries: Laila Ibrahim, ext. 307 laila@uuoakland.org Children and Family Ministries Assistant: Liza Kuney Chalice Children: Dorothy Paul Spirit Games Leader: Lee St. Pierre Board of Trustees Noemi de Guzman, president; Rinda Bartley, vice-president; Dan Goss, secretary; Jon Greer, treasurer; Giselle Ampuero, Bob Crowe, ReeAnn Dixon, Bev Smrha, Charles Williams, Executive Team Rev. Kathy Huff; Charla Weiss, church manager; Julie Baeder, lay member Leadership Development Julie Baeder, Susanne Boutilier, Bob Crowe, Lauren Poole. Committee on Ministry Chris Sutherland, chair; Liam Aleguire, Charlotte Dixon, Rick Hecht, Randall Wright Journey Toward Wholeness Cile Beatty and Jill Miller, co-chairs Pastoral Care Team Chaplains: Rev. Laurel Liefert, Rev. Dan Kane Pastoral Associates: Anne Lown, coordinator; Dick Bailey, Gil Dacumos, Carolyn Devol, Ronny Gaal, Judith Hunt, Roxie Kellam, Katrina Kellogg, Claudia Morgan, Bonnie Richman Justice Council Convenor Rev. Jacqueline Duhart Worship Arts Team Leader Kristen Montan 14

15 Hospitality invites to prayer before it checks credentials, welcomes to the table before administering the entrance exam. -Patrick Henry October Worship and Learning Theme: Attention Just being awake, alert, attentive is no easy matter. I think it is the greatest spiritual challenge that we face. Diana L. Eck, Encountering God First Unitarian Church of Oakland th Street Oakland, CA PLACE STAMP HERE To: 15