mvuuc monte vista February 2017 Unitarian Universalist Congregation A Welcoming Congregation (909) The Encounter February 2017

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1 mvuuc 9185 Monte Vista Avenue Montclair, CA (909) monte vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation A Welcoming Congregation Reverend Susan Manker, Interim Minister Reverend Ellen Livingston, Minister Emerita The Encounter February 2017 Rev. Susan s Message Pages 2-3 President s Message/Board Briefing Pages 4-7 Nominating Committee Pages 7-8 RE-flections Pages 8-9 Calapayan Partner Church Pages 9-11 Women s March Pages Wheel of the Year Pages Social Justice Coordinating Committee News Pages Calendar Page 16 General Information Page 17 February 2017 February 5: Evolution Sunday: The Young Woman Who Discovered Dinosaurs Rev. Susan Manker Worship Associate: Catherine Rowlee As a teenager, Mary Anning was the first to discover dinosaur fossils in Great Britain. She was not credited with these finds for most of her life, being poor and a woman and a Dissenter (pre-unitarian), but she changed the world for Darwin and all of us. She is the she in the tongue-twister, She sells sea shells by the seashore. I ve been a member of the Clergy Letter Project for many years, preaching for evolution, and I m grateful to its founder, Michael Zimmerman, for sending me free, the book, The Fossil Hunter, by Shelley Emling. The mid-year Budget Review for the current fiscal year will be held after the service. February 12: All You Need Is Love: Valentine's Day Guest Speaker: Dee Masters Worship Associate: Abraham Peraza A short history of Valentine's Day. What you can do on that very perplexing day. Defining "love." This is an interactive sermon. February 19: Stewardship Sunday: Better Together Part II Rev. Susan Manker Worship Associate: Dick Olson Stewardship sermons are jokingly called the sermons on the amount. We do need to talk about money openly. But, money follows the heart, and I want to share my reflections on what it is that I, as your interim minister, see you loving about this congregation and Unitarian Universalism. We started this conversation three weeks ago. What can we do to ensure the continued health of Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation? How can each of us become conscientious stewards of our faith and religious community?

2 February 2017 Summary of Sunday Services (Continued) February 26: Migrant and Borderlands Justice Rev. Susan Manker Worship Associate: April Fissel I ve taken the title from this year s District Assembly (DA) of Unitarian Universalists, which will be held a month earlier than we re used to. We are meeting in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico, March 31 through April 2, and you are invited to witness and participate in border activities near Nogales, Green Valley, Sierra Vista, and Tucson. I ll share my experiences in the borderlands and tell you what to expect in this very different, hands-on district assembly. Visit the website at Early registration discount ends February 15 and registration stays open through March 15. There will be a new member recognition in the service. Rev. Susan s Message There is a saying that terrible experiences can often bring out the best in people. This new administration is threatening many of the rights we have fought so hard to bring to fruition, and the anger and frustration that we feel is being mirrored around the world. Who could have guessed? It is powerful to see the people rally for rights and justice, to join those rallies and be transformed, even if that is just in our hearts. Despair is transformed into hope to see so many rise up in protest. People will be seeking religious community in these times ahead, if only to find their hope restored. Faith, hope and love are the big three in our Judeo-Christian heritage, and are ancient teachings to be upheld. Don t despair (have faith), look ahead (have hope), and care for each other and the earth (love one another). Our Buddhist teachings remind us to be mindful (that might be compared to counting our blessings), and work to alleviate suffering. Islam teaches that, To worship God is nothing other than to serve the people. It does not need rosaries, prayer carpets or robes. All peoples are members of the same body, created from one essence. If fate brings suffering to one member the others cannot stay at rest. So wrote the Page 2

3 great Sufi teacher, Saadi, in the thirteenth century (see our hymnal, Singing the Living Tradition, number 609). It s good to remind people, and ourselves, that not only do people in our country have the right to worship in peace without threat of violence or oppression, but what we find spread on the airwaves and on social media can be so ignorant and wrong. Islam is a target now, and many in our general public have been brainwashed to think that that religion is somehow evil. So we need to find the good words, like Saadi s, to speak aloud into the public spaces and living rooms alike. After the awesome Women s rallies around the globe (which, of course, included men and children), people are protesting at the airports to protect the rights of Muslims who are traveling. In this milieu of fearing the immigrant, the stranger (which has been going on in our country forever, it seems), our Pacific Southwest District of Unitarian Universalists decided that, rather than the usual meetings once a year, why don t we give each other a chance to experience what we talk about? Why not meet in the borderlands of Arizona and see for ourselves what s really happening? Migrant workers are being targeted, as they have also been for a long time, and the humanitarian arguments and needs butt heads with the legal arguments and needs. Meanwhile, thousands die in deserts, and it would help if we learned more. The best way to learn, as they say, is to do. I ll preach the end of this month about what to expect at this year s District Assembly, which begins March 31, but if you already know you want to go, visit the website to register (and get the $25 discount if it s before February 15). There s home hospitality if you sign up early enough, and the youth will gather at the UU Congregation of Green Valley in Amado, Arizona. This is an opportunity to not stay at rest. We are also coming up on our pledge drive which begins March 11, but the work of raising consciousness about what it means to engage in stewardship of our faith and community is an allyear process. We need you to seriously consider the importance of giving generously to MVUUC, and to take up the challenge to up our game in relation to the other UU congregations around us, and liberal faith traditions in general. Making our religious community a priority is a challenge that constantly lies before us and asks that we not stay at rest. Let s be active and heartfelt in the days ahead. Love, Susan Love, Susan ******************************************************************************** Page 3

4 President s Message Board Briefs and Updates February 2017 Dear Beloved, BeUUtiful Community, What a relief the rain has been to our parched earth here in the Inland Empire, however, it seems there is always a yin and yang to everything -- some of that deluge ended up inside our buildings. Thanks to Bruce Mount, our Facilities Committee Chair, and Fred Griffith, our staff member who cares for our facilities, repairs were made and the leaks were stopped. Since my last column, we have had a Preparing for the Ministerial Search workshop, led by Nancy Edmundson, our Regional Transition Coach. This workshop focused on how to choose the Search Committee. The Board and the Nominating Committee are now on the path to making this a reality. In the next couple of months, you can expect a contact from a Board member or a member of the Nominating Committee asking some questions; your assistance is needed because finding the right people for the Search Committee is crucial for a successful search and the committee will be representing you. Recently it has been in the announcements that a company that owns much of the mall is developing plans for the property directly behind us, as well as other property in the surrounding area. Our campus may be of significant value to the company. The Land Use Task Force is taking an accelerated look at our property options, including having conversations with the developer, and exploring what the changes in the area could mean for MVUUC. The Task Force is also consulting with experts from the PSWD as well as other churches who have been in similar situations. And, last but not least, we have a new slogan! Many Beliefs, One Community Let us fully embrace what this means and use it to inform our decisions and inspire our actions with one another at MVUUC and in the wider community. Remember the Board invites you to ask questions, make suggestions, or express concerns. We are in this together Many Beliefs, One Community. I put my hand in yours so that together we may do what I cannot do alone. In service, Rita Salama Important dates! February 5, after the service Mid-Year Meeting to review the budget. Childcare will be available. January 31 Deadline for Committees to submit their budget requests. Page 4

5 January 31 Council of Chairs Meeting March 11 Stewardship Dinner and Auction March 31- April 2 Justice DA (District Assembly) 2017, Sonoran Arizona and Mexico April 9 Congregational Vote on the Search Committee May 21 Congregational Annual Meeting June General Assembly 2017, New Orleans Highlights of January 2017 Board Meeting The Board continues to work on our agenda items of vision, land use, interim ministry, and the ministerial search. In process of clearing clutter to be more welcoming and improve communication Library is being organized by Delores Burris and Kay Pearlman Additional teal hymnals purchased by members The rainbow flag is flying finally on Sunday mornings MVUUC is now a Fair Trade congregation Plans for communication about new developments about land use The next Board meeting is Wednesday, February 8, 6:30 p.m. in the Founders Room. They are open meetings and visitors are welcome to attend. If you wish to speak to an issue, please contact the Board President at least one week in advance to be placed on the agenda. Board of Trustees Gratitude to Fred Griffith, who in the pouring rain, put up new lights on the patio for Christmas Holiday service participants: Rev. Susan Manker, Abraham Peraza, Lily Popova, Rev. Ellen Livingston, Amy Randall, Steve Shirley, April Chokshi, Maggie Worsley, and for the decorations, Catherine Rowlee and Terrie Maguire The Board appreciates all those who share their time and talents at MVUUC. If you know of someone who deserves special recognition for their service to our community please contact the Board President, Rita Salama. FACILITIES REPORT Bruce Mount, Chair 1. Completed Items a. Wi Fi Improvements: Tom Thorward completed installation and checkout of new Internet DSL wiring, b. Sound System Improvements: Steve Shirley completed installation and checkout of a new 18-channel mixer, and other new equipment, that now enables remote control of all microphone levels, as well as trimming of the audio spectrum response (to eliminate "ringing," etc.). c. Sanctuary Exterior Window Trim: Fred finished prepping and painting all eight of the large sanctuary window frames; Page 5

6 d. Sanctuary Floor Lamps Corey Boss fabricated and installed stabilizing bases e. Room 5 Door - worn out lock was replaced 2. Energy Management Considering a control system for AC that could result in considerable savings in our electricity bills. 3. Church Mutual Action Items plans to resolve safety concerns J U S T I C E D A M a r c h A p r i l 2, S o n o r a n A r i z o n a & M e x i c o Justice DA = Education + Connection + Transformation The Unitarian Universalist congregations in Southern Arizona, the Baja Four, invite you to join us for a different kind of district assembly. This assembly begins now, right where you are with Education about migrant and borderland justice in Southern Arizona. Join us next spring in the Sonoran Desert as thirty partner organizations offer interactive immersion experiences designed to Connect you to the social, environmental and spiritual facets of immigration justice. Then, gather with over 300 Unitarian Universalists for worship at the border wall as the Transformative capstone of our gathering. But it doesn t end there. Yes, we will return to our homes, spreading out across our District once again but we will continue what has begun. We will continue to expand our education. We will continue to deepen our connections. And we will continue to open ourselves to transformation, living out the justice we proclaim throughout the Pacific Southwest District and beyond. We invite you to join us as we learn, connect, and transform our hearts, minds, and spirits together. November 1 - Educational resources begin. December 1 - Educational resources updated January 1 - "Early Bird" registration opens. February 1 - "Early Bird" registration ends G E N E R A L A S S E M B L Y , J u n e , N e w O r l e a n s, L A Page 6

7 General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. New Orleans is also known as a place of re-birth following the devastation of Katrina in Many Unitarian Universalists have contributed time and funds in the effort to rebuild both the city and the congregations in the area. By going to New Orleans, we can both celebrate our successes and recommit to the relationships that have been forged with this community. ******************************************************************************** Greetings from the MVUUC Nominating Committee As members of the Nominating Committee, we are charged with the responsibility of creating the slate of candidates for the Ministerial Search Committee that will be voted upon at an upcoming congregational meeting. It is critical for us to have input from every member in the congregation. The members of the Nominating Committee intend to place a call to each member s household and ask you to consider the following questions about who among us would be the most effective members to join the Ministerial Search Committee: Who can represent the whole congregation well (which would include looking out for the needs of children) and not just a piece or faction of the church? Who would have no axe to grind and who can serve the entire congregation? Who in the congregation works well with others? Who knows the history and culture of the church, whether old or newer to the congregation, and is grounded in our faith tradition? Who can speak to a potential minister about our congregation on its best and worst days, about its strengths and weaknesses? After thinking of these questions, who in the congregation would have your trust in working on our common behalf on our Search Committee? Remember this is a poll, it is not a vote or a nomination. We will be seeking seven members to join this committee, so up to three suggestions are welcome. Feel free to suggest yourself. All those interested will be asked to fill out an application form that will be made available shortly. Page 7

8 Once the candidate applications have been assembled, reviewed and vetted by the Nominating Committee, a slate of seven people will be chosen by the Nominating Committee, and then the slate will be voted on at a congregational meeting in April. So, expect a call from us soon! Thanks, Catherine Rowlee, Cynthia Humes, Debbi Scurto, Martha Esparza MVUUC Nominating Committee ******************************************************************************** RE flections February begins a new semester for our classes. We just finished discovering much about our UU faith, and now will be exploring our Jewish and Christian heritages, including Bible stories. We think the Bible is important to know for multiple reasons: There are good lessons and inspiring words in it. The Bible is an important part of our Unitarian Universalist heritage and history as religious liberals. It is one of our six sources. Knowing more about the Bible from an historical perspective enables our children to explain their own beliefs better to others who are biblically oriented. It is part of our Western culture and no one can claim to be culturally literate without an understanding of the Bible, since it has influenced, directly or indirectly, nearly all of Western literature and art. (former UUA president, John Buehrens). A person who is not familiar with biblical stories and traditions would be constantly lost upon hearing all of the references that abound in our slang, our literature, movies, art, and music. Of course, our curriculum is always age appropriate, so here is a more detailed account of the classes for this semester. Chalice Children (pre-school) Continuing to learn about our church and the world around them. Page 8

9 Explorers (Lower Elementary) They will continue to discuss our seven promises (principles) during their Spirit Play classes. However, we will be adding stories about our Christian and Jewish Heritages, including spring holidays and the life of Jesus. These stories will be connected to our promises. Navigators (Upper Elementary) Timeless Themes introduces the rich biblical literature central to our UU heritage. The Bible story lessons are augmented with creative games and activities. Some of the stories the class will be exploring include: Joseph & His Brothers, Joseph & His Dreams, Wise King Solomon, John the Baptist, Teachings of Jesus, and The Good Samaritan Searchers (Junior High) Bibleodeon introduces Hebrew and Christian scriptures by presenting the best-known stories as interactive challenges. The class will explore connections between biblical events and Unitarian Universalist principles, and between biblical ideas and their own lives. They will cover the stories of Cain and Abel, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and of course some lessons on Jesus. Always feel free to contact me, if you have any questions about our program. In Faith, Amy Randall Director of Religious Exploration, Credentialed Associate ******************************************************************************** CALAPAYAN, OUR UU PARTNER CHURCH KNITTING CONNECTIONS TO OUR UU PARTNER CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES In October, the Monte Vista Knitting Together group worked on reknitting our connection to Calapayan, our UU Partner Church on Negros Island in the southern Philippines. Here is the story in pictures and a thank you note from Doni Boy Gino who documented their safe arrival and journey up the hillside to the congregation. Thank you from Doni Boy: Last December 30, 2016, the three boxes arrived at the UUCP Dumaguete City. It was where the Youth Conference was held. I was there because I am one of the facilitators of the said event together with Margie Diacosa and the 5 delegates from Calapayan. We have brought together the three boxes from UUCP in Dumaguete to UUCP Calapayan. The three boxes are now in the chapel. We are all excited to open the boxes. Page 9

10 Rev. Samuel Gino and our new Elder Renato, scheduled the distribution of the gift this coming January 8, 2017 (Sunday), and the members agree to pay equally the expenses spent during the transport of the boxes from Dumaguete to Calapayan. We thank you so much for your kindness! We love you all. Happy New Year. Packing the boxes (Jo-Ann Youngner, Maribel Dana, Terrie Maguire, Maria Wortham, Jani Monk) Loading the VW bus (Julie Steinbach and Maribel Dana, and all helping) Mailing (David Albay-Yenney) Page 10

11 The journey up the hill to Calapayan. The last mile is on foot up a very steep and rocky dirt road. Maribel Dana slonirish@gmail.com Woman s March in Los Angeles- January 21, 2016 Page 11

12 UU s from Monte Vista and Neighborhood Congregations took the gold line train early Saturday morning. The first photo shows our fellow travelers. As we pulled away, sardine conditions didn t permit others to board, but the waiting hundreds at stations waved signs and cheered us. An announcer told people to calm down and wait for the next train as ours was full after just after 2 more stops. He yelled, Wait for the next train! After all, you re not going to a business meeting. Good grief. Union Station was packed, so we walked to the assembly point at Pershing Square intending to meet more of our UU friends. However, streets were clogged. Word was passed for marchers to stop and wait for the woman s motorcycle brigade to go first and then follow behind to the assembly area. As we walked, I saw a Trump piñata being clobbered and a woman holding her child up to hit it. The camaraderie and joy, on trains and in the streets, were contagious. Men, children, babes in strollers, and dogs came, too. Signs were creative, mostly handmade. Two of my signs borrowed from a recent by Rev. Peter Morales, along with the UUA Declaration of Conscience We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil. As people of conscience, we declare our commitment to translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us. Yes, those were too long, but I like them! Another sign read Donald Ducks the Facts! Weaving through the crowd was challenging; we often held hands or grabbed hoods and backpacks. We lost some people, but all persevered and made it safely home. LA planners had no idea so many would come and the destination point was, of course, too small. Speakers, invisible to us, advised us to stay only a few minutes and then move on to allow the thousands behind us to make their way in. We walked back through Little Tokyo and found a gold line station. At that point our group split up with some going for lunch and others like me catching Page 12

13 the train for home. No one directed us to use our TAP cards at any location. I think Metro Rail gave up, overwhelmed. Upon return, we had a late lunch in Glendora where a waitress asked about the rainbow stamps on our faces, and we explained where we had been. She said, Thanks for marching for me. I wanted to go so badly. As we spoke, I heard a man behind me grumping away, Those women marching are just a bunch of poor losers. Oh yeah? These women and their many supporters, according to an article by Kaveh Waddell in The Atlantic on 1/23/17, The Exhausting Work of Tallying America s Largest Protest, have most likely pulled off the largest march in U. S. history. The estimate two days ago was 3.3 to 4.6 million. Now the work really begins again. Maribel Dana slonirish@gmail.com ******************************************************************************** Wheel of the Year A Pagan Perspective on the Seasons Imbolc 2017 As the year's light begins to grow, we arrive at February 1st for the first festival of Spring, which celebrates the return of the Goddess to the land. She was known to Celtic people as Brighid, Brig. Brigit, Brighid or Bride, and was associated with sacred fire, Sacred wells, the fertile earth, poetry, healing and the art of smithing. Her influence on their hearts and minds was so strong, that in later times, she became revered as a Christian saint. In early Ireland, this festival was known as Imbolc or Olmec, two names which refer to the milk of the ewes that had given birth to the first lambs of the year. In later times, the Catholic Church replaced this festival with Candlemas Day on February 2nd, which was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and featured candlelight processions through the churches. The powerful figure of Brighid the Light-Bringer shines over both pagan and Christian celebrations. Perhaps one of the most complex and contradictory Goddesses of the Celtic pantheon, Brigid can be seen as the most powerful religious figure in all of Irish history. Many layers of separate traditions have intertwined, making Her story and impact complicated but allowing Her to move effortlessly down through the centuries. She has succeeded in traveling intact through generations, fulfilling different roles in divergent times. Page 13

14 To fully grasp the significance of Imbolc it is necessary to understand the life-and-death struggle represented by winter in an early agrarian society. In a world lit only by fire, the snow, cold and ice of this season literally held one in its grip, only relaxed with the arrival of spring. Although the Equinox does not arrive until later and spring is celebrated with the sabbats of Ostara and Beltane, Imbolc is the harbinger and the indication that better times are coming. The signs of new life now gradually start to appear: lambs are born and the earth begins to green again. It was said, "From Brighid's feast day onwards the day gets longer and the night shorter. Actually, the days start getting longer from the time of the Winter Solstice, but by Imbolc it becomes more noticeable. To the Celts, it clearly felt as if the Lady of the early Spring had brought back the growing light. Here, now, the winter is not as harsh, but this year we are in the midst of more rain and snow than we have seen for several years. When the skies have cleared, we will experience a most exuberant Springtime. but for now, it is cold and damp. Try to imagine how it would be if all you had for warmth was a wood fire and all the clothing you could bundle up in, the only the food that which you had in store from the fall harvest, (and no supermarket from which to re-supply your larder.) Every year, there were those who perished. For modern Pagans, Imbolc is not so much a celebration of surviving the Winter, as it is of celebrating the growing light, and the special place Brighid holds in our hearts. She of the magic green mantle, the Lady of song, poetry, healing and the forge; Lady of sacred wells and streams. Therefore, we light candles in her honor, welcome her with poems and singing, and thank her with joy, and welcome her on her special day. Until next time, Blessed Be! Jeanne Coats Lovely Brighid, keeper of the flame, blazing in the darkness of winter. O goddess, we honor you, bringer of light, healer, beloved one. Bless us now, hearth mother, that we may be as fruitful as the soil itself, and our lives abundant and fertile. ******************************************************************************** Social Justice Coordinating Committee News The MVUUC Social Justice Coordinating Committee has been busy! In December the group hosted a very successful Tasting Party to increase awareness of Fair Trade in our world and in our Page 14

15 congregation. MVUUC recently became an official Fair Trade Congregation, registered with Fair Trade Campaigns. The SJCC (Social Justice Coordinating Committee) sponsored an after church talk in January given by Jan and Lauren Roselle. They spoke about Pantsuit Uprising, a well organized local group dedicated to direct action in the face of a changing national administration. To learn how you can participate, contact the Roselles or ask any member of the committee. Our congregation has a long history of participation with Inland Valley Hope Partners. This is a group that supplies emergency food assistance, sponsors the Pomona Farmers Market, and works with homeless people in our valley. MVUUC regularly donates food and cash, participates in the winter Adopt a Family program, and joins in on the annual Walk for the Hungry. Several of our members volunteer with IVHP each week. The SJCC has decided to establish an even closer working relationship with this group and is currently investigating possibilities. On most third Sundays of the month the committee sponsors an after church letter writing opportunity. Materials, ideas, and postage are provided. In these uncertain political times it is especially important to add your voice. Look for Teresia Santee on the patio after church on third Sundays to participate. Many MVUUC members volunteer with social justice groups in our valley. The SJCC is collecting a data base of these groups, so please add a group that you think is especially important and tell how others might get involved. See Teresia Santee to share this information. The MVUUC Social Justice Coordinating Committee is a small but mighty group. We usually meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Founders Room. If you would like to help make a positive difference working with others at MVUUC, please join us! See committee chair Jeanine Little, or speak with any committee member for further information. Finally, Valentine s Day approaches...shop Fair Trade chocolate for those you love! ******************************************************************************* Page 15

16 MVUUC Calendar February 2017 Page 16

17 GENERAL INFORMATION Office Hours: Weekday mornings, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Telephone: , Office Rev. Susan Manker-Seale (Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12 Noon) Bookkeeper: Judy Bixel (Tuesday, Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon) Facilities Assistant: Joyce Armenta (Monday, Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM; Tuesday 7:00-9:00 AM) Facilities Maintenance Worker: Fred Griffith (Monday, Friday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM) Office Administrator: Tricia French (Monday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Membership We encourage all inquiries about becoming part of this wonderful, warm and welcoming community. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Meehan at Send newsletter articles to officeadmin@montevistauu.org by the 23 rd of the month. Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation 9185 Monte Vista Ave. Montclair, CA Page 17