Shop our stress free Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair. Your purchases. The 12th annual Homeless Person s Memorial

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1 December 2017 Number 12 Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura 5654 Ralston Street Ventura, CA 85/ December 3 Fear Not; an Advent Service of Hope. Rev. Dana Worsnop and Worship Associate Joe Hutchins December 10 The Work of Christmas, Music Sunday Music Director Carolyn Bjerke, Rev. Dana and Worship Associate Chuck Samonsky The choir and other UUCV musicians will help ring in the meaning of the holidays with a service filled with music. December 17 Light One Candle Rev. Dana Worsnop and Worship Associate Celia Ortenberg. Come celebrate Hannukah and the legend of the light that burned in the darkness for eight days. Sunday Services Music: 9:45am Service: 10am The Holiday Season at UUCV December 24 3 services 10AM The Reason for the Season Rev. Dana Worsnop 5:30PM Lessons and Carols Rev. Dana, DRE Emily Carroll and Worship Associate Maura Raffensperger. Bring the whole family to hear readings, stories, and music from the Youth and Adult Choirs, and, of course, sing lots of carols as we await Christmas Day with anticipation, candlelight, mystery and delight. 8:30PM Amazing Peace Rev. Dana, Worship Associates Maura Raffensperger and Tanner Linden We will be seeking what Maya Angelou calls Amazing Peace at a quieter and more contemplative service. ** Rev. Dana will have a prize to any and all who make it to all three services on Christmas Eve! December 31 The Fire of Hope Worship Associates Andy Edgar-Beltran, Celia Ortenberg and Sue Brinkmeyer The Worship Associates will lead the congregation in sending out our hopes for the new year with a fire ceremony. Annual Fine Arts And Crafts Fair Saturday Dec 2 9am-2pm Sunday Dec 3 11am-1pm Shop our stress free Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair. Your purchases support the wonderful programs at UUCV. 20% of all sales are donated to our church. See you at the Fair!!! Contact: Pam Waldron pimandjam@ roadrunner.com. Annual Homeless Person s Memorial Service by Sue Brinkmeyer The 12th annual Homeless Person s Memorial Service is Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the gazebo in Ventura s Plaza Park. We know the names of at least 57 people who died homeless during the past year in Ventura County, and will be holding an interfaith service to remember them. As we do every year, we will hold a silent march through downtown Ventura to call attention to the increasing numbers who are dying homeless in our county each year. Please bring donated items to church or the memorial service us to distribute. Blankets, sleeping bags, winter jackets, gently used shoes, (especially for men), tarps, and even tents are greatly appreciated for those who cannot use the warming shelter. To help pick up and deliver breakfast items to the shelter once or twice a month Dec 15 - March 31, contact Kathy Powell Kathypurpleprincess@gmail.com. Thanks to Silvia Hutchins and the volunteers who knitted over 150 scarves and woolen hats to be distributed at Family to Family on December 4. Thanks to all for what you do. Looking forward to seeing you at the memorial service. Inside Ministry News... 2 Notes from President's Desk... 3 Social Action... 4 Religious Education News... 5 UU Things to Do Committee News... 8 December Calendar... 9 Focus on the Davis's...10 Like the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura on Facebook. It s one more way to stay connected. We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, united by our liberal religious tradition, seek truths, and meaning, and commit to right action. We will nurture our congregation and carry our principles forth to better ourselves, our community, and our planet. To these purposes, we pledge our hearts and hands, our minds and means.

2 Minister s Column With one big holiday behind us, we turn to the rest of the winter holidays with a combination of trepidation and delight. There is such a combination of wonder and mystery and overwhelm and overdoing in this season, it s hard not to have some mixed feelings. Our theme for December is Hope, which is fitting both for the season and for the times we are living through. My favorite time from the Christian calendar is Advent, the time that we sit in the darkness for something new to be born. I love the metaphors that abound in it all. The journey to Bethlehem, awaiting the birth of the Son and the return of the Sun at the Solstice. I love sitting quietly in the dark with only candles or twinkling Christmas lights to illuminate the world. With all our frenzy about this time, it can be especially useful to take time out to rest and reflect. Daylight grows shorter and nights grow longer. Seeds lie dormant, awaiting the return of light and warmth. What is dormant in you, waiting a new birth? Yet in the dark, it can also be easier to lose hope, to see no way ahead. Even in these unsettled and anxious times, we must not lose hope. It is all that keeps us going sometimes. The hope I speak of is more than a simple optimism. Our hope now must be robust, even fierce. And we must put our faith in something beyond our individual human capacity to resist and renew. Yes, each of us has such capacity within, though it s not sustainable over the long-term if it does not reach beyond the individual. We can be waylaid by despair and hopelessness. That which is larger may be the strength and hope you gain from community, from others hands to hold. It can be a faith in the collective goodness of humanity. It can be faith in a larger love that creates and holds us, and sometimes carries us. So this holiday season, nurture your hope. May the darkness give you rest and respite. May the twinkling lights bring you delight. May gatherings with friends and family be jolly. May your favorite holiday traditions eggnog, stockings hung by the chimney with care, fruitcake, bouche de Noel whatever they are, offer comfort and peace. And may the candles we light in the darkness give you hope. Merry Christmes, Happy Hannukah, Blessed Solstice Happy and Hopeful Holidays with love, Rev. Dana Welcome to UUCV s Newest Members! What a delight to have each of you taking this step of commitment. This congregation will never be the same because you are here and letting the ripple of your life join with the other s, creating quite a stir in this congregation, the wider community and the larger world! (See Gudrun s article on page 8 for detailed information and visit the New Member bulletin board in Berg Hall to view their pictures and biographies!) Do You Want to Know More About This Church and Unitarian Universalism? Check out these upcoming opportunities! *Registration information below Newcomer Chat Sunday December 10, 11:15AM - 12:30PM, West Alcove We want to help you feel at home here. Come and learn more about the worship service, programs offered and get a tour of the church. Getting to Know UU Workshop Sunday, January 7, 11:30AM-1PM Topics include Heritage Highlights of Unitarian Universalism and UUCV, UUCV Mission and Programs and more! This class is a pre-requisite to Membership at UUCV. Journey to Belonging Workshop Saturday, January 20, 10AM to 2PM For those contemplating Membership at UUCV. Topics include: Expectations and Benefits of Membership, What are Your Hopes? Funding the Mission, Steps to Membership and more! Includes a light lunch. This class is a pre-requisite to UUCV Membership. *Register for any of these workshops at the Adult Programs Table in Berg Hall or Beverly@ uuventura.org. Childcare provided with pre-registration Programs are facilitated by Beverly Jordan, Community Life Coordinator, Dana Worsnop, Senior Minister and the Membership Committee. Women s Support s Openings If you are interested in participating in an ongoing Women s Support please contact coordinator Xenia Young: xeniabyoung@yahoo.com 801/ s meet once or twice a month and offer fellowship, connection and an opportunity for deeper spiritual friendships. There are a few openings in groups that meet after church or during a weekday. December On Common Ground UU Church of Ventura

3 Newsletter Submittals We value your contributions and very much appreciate submittals. Send submissions to On Common Ground to Next Newsletter Deadline December 17 at Noon Next issue is January 2018 On Common Ground is a monthly publication of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston Street, Ventura, CA Minister - Rev. Dana Worsnop Office Hours: by Appointment 503/ rev.dana.worsnop@uuventura.org Affiliate Minister - Rev. Carolyn Price uurevclprice@gmail.com Community Life Coordinator- Beverly Jordan 805/ , ext beverly@uuventura.org Director of Religious Education - Emily Carroll 805/ , ext emily@uuventura.org Office Administrator - Jennifer Seale Monday - Thusday: 9am - 3pm, Friday 9am - 12pm Phone: 805/ , ext 100 administrator@uuventura.org Call first to ensure Jennifer is onsite. Church Office Phone: 805/ FAX: 805/ administrator@uuventura.org Music Director - Carolyn Bjerke carolyn@@uuventura.org On Common Ground Editors: Shelah Wilgus / preblest@pacbell.net Tessa Weeks...805/ tessaweeks@mac.com Notes from the President s Desk Results from a Conversation Last month on November 5, members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura (UUCV) were invited to an event known as a Congregational Conversation. It was put on by the Board of Trustees. Approximately 75 people participated in providing answers and comments to an open question that the Board is concerned with as part of its work discerning the Vision and Mission of our church. An open question is one that cannot be answered with a simple Yes or No. The question posed: What are the ways we want to grow? After the instructions were clarified, the conversation began, and very quickly the energy in the room grew. We were taking turns talking with each other and listening. The process involved two activities. First, everyone paired with a partner and then later teamed up in larger groups of 4 or 5. In both cases we spent time talking with each other about the question, and then writing on Post-It Notes the individual ideas and thoughts that arose. Each of the larger groups, there were eleven, shared with all who had participated some of the thoughts that were raised. Out of this exercise 232 individual ideas/comments were generated. For an exercise lasting just over an hour the resulting information gathered is incredible and informative. At our November Board meeting your Trustees examined the information that was gathered and distilled it down to 9 areas. They are: Facility Aesthetics-interior/exterior; Publicity-Visibility; Growth in Numbers; Being a Community of Many Diversities; Social Action; Many Generations; Worship; Relationship Building and Spiritual Depth; and Governance. Within each area there are many ideas and comments to be considered. Two examples involve our Sanctuary, and our identity in the local community. The Post-It Note exercise revealed strong congregational energy around ideas having to do with the Sanctuary aesthetics and wanting it to have a more spiritual feeling. And there was a strong expression about doing more to spread the good news that is Unitarian Universalism. What will we do next with all of these ideas? First, there will be more Congregational Conversations. Our next one will be in January. Second, the Board intends to engage the resources of our Pacific Western Region team and share with them what we have gathered. With their help we will continue to move forward toward articulating just exactly what our Vision and Mission are at this time in our history as a prophetic voice of liberal religion. Third, we intend to find ways to implement as many of the ideas that were expressed as possible. Fourth, there are seeds of boldness in some of the ideas that require deeper thought and long-term planning to be successful. We will be looking to explore these more deeply with everyone. Living in Paradise, Bryan Buck, President December On Common Ground UU Church of Ventura

4 Social Action Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. Seneca Christmas Dinner For Riverhaven Let s make Christmas dinner special for the residents of Riverhaven! Since UUCV will be providing dinner on December 25, we are asking our church family to provide a few extra dishes. Please sign up at the social action table. Since the church is closed on Monday, Dec 25, bring your dish on Sunday or to the Christmas Eve service. Label it Riverhaven and leave it in the refrigerator or on the counter if sealed and not needing refrigeration. OR meet us Christmas day at the church promptly at 3PM. Gifts for Riverhaven Residents: We want to have a few gifts for each of the residents (20 max.). In addition to the scarves and hats, we would like to give each resident a package of socks. Bring Your Sock Donations by Sunday, December 17 to the UUCV Bookstore. If you have any questions, contact Pam or Jim Waldron, , pimandjam@roadrunner.com Lift Up Your Voice (LUYV) to End Homelessness by Kappy Paulson The Winter Warming Shelter at the Ventura Armory on 1270 Arundel Dr. will open on December 15. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer you must: (1) register for and attend one of the three 4-hour training classes, (2) be vetted by the provider, and (3) have a current negative TB test. Trainings: December 2 10AM -2PM, River Church, 859 E Santa Clara St, Ventura December 7 4-8PM, Mission Church 2875 Elba, Ventura or December 9 10AM - 2PM, Oxnard Library, 251 A Street, Oxnard Register at ATTI@roadrunner.com December Inreach/Outreach Recipients Dec. 3: UUSC: Guest at Your Table Funds raised through this organization are used to support human rights work in the USA and around the world. Through a combination of advocacy, education, and partnership with grassroots organizations, UUSC promotes economic rights, advances environmental justice, defends civil liberties, and preserves the rights of people in times of humanitarian crisis. Dec. 10: LUYV: Park Outreach Team Donations make it possible for the volunteer team to continue outreach in the homeless community in Ventura s parks. Dec. 17: UUJMC (Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California) Funds support leadership development and education; organizing and advocacy for environmental justice; immigration justice; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, and expanded healthcare coverage. Dec. 24: Turning Point Foundation Donations go to support the renovation of Turning Point s emergency homeless drop-in shelter in Ventura. Always open, it is the only such shelter in Ventura County. Serving clients annually, Turning Point Foundation provides 13 separate programs serving the homeless and those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Thanks for your donations, Anne Escobedo Inreach/Outreach News For it is in giving that we receive. Francis of Assisi Your generosity toward those who ask for our help continues to be amazing. The congregation donated $3,706 during late October and early November to support: a new organization s preschool and therapeutic services, Ventura County s indigenous immigrant community, homelessness prevention in Ventura, Oxnard s meals for the hungry, a national nonprofit legal advocacy organization, and folks needing help in our local community. Step-Up Ventura received $762 to help expand their outreach, and preschool and therapeutic services for homeless children. We collected $623 for MICOP (Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project) to help maintain a full-time trilingual (Mixteco, Spanish, English) caseworker in their office. They have an unprecedented increased need for caseworkers due to the challenges and threats of living under this administration. You donated $781 to Ventura Homeless Prevention Fund (VHPF) to stop families and individuals living in Ventura from becoming homeless due to a one-time event such as accident or illness. Funds pay the rent so a temporary loss of income or unexpected expense does not result in eviction. The UUCV Inreach/Outreach Fund received $726. The fund provides assistance to those in our local and church community who may be in need of help. The congregation collected $814 for the Southern Poverty Law Center to aid in their fight against hate and bigotry in our country and in seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. December On Common Ground UU Church of Ventura

5 Religious Education December 2017 December 3 December 10 December 17 December 24 December 31 Babies & Toddlers Loving, engaging and safe childcare with projects from our professional nursery caregivers! Pre-K- 2nd Free to Believe Grades 3-5 Harry and UU Social Action Grades 6-12 We accept each other We learn and grow together We search for what is true Hanukkah and Christmas Transfiguration Ancient Runes Charms Fighting the poverty horcrux This group offers its members a safe place to share their lives and find support and friendship among open minded and loving peers. The group engages in discussions about issues relevant to youth s lives and communities. Children and Youth Chapel! Mini worship service and festivities celebrated with all classes together in Berg Hall! NEWS from Religious Education Emily Carroll, DRE Dear UUCV Community, Hope has an inherent looking to the future, yet I hear so often about the magic of living in the present moment. Part of the reason children are so delightful is because they dwell so deeply in the here and now. I think it s important to become aware of all of the reasons to be happy in everyday moments. No matter if you re in jail or watching a beautiful sunset, you can discover a million reasons to be happy, from your heartbeat, fresh air, beholding the beautiful face of a loved one, a cold glass of water... According to Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, this is it. And yet I have a world vision of love, equality of resources, a healthy planet, and justice so unlike what goes on in the world. Marianne Williamson shares that those who hate have had more conviction than those of us who love. Part of what draws me to the Unitarian Universalist faith is the community that works to build the world we dream about all the time. May we have an active hope that sustains our moral conviction that there is a light within every being and that we are all interconnected. Look at all the active verbs in these lines from Emily Dickinson: Hope is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all -" May your winter season be as beautiful and soothing to you and your families! Also, if you re interested, Chalica is a weeklong UU holiday, starting on the first Monday in December, with each day focused on one of the seven UU Principles. It s an invitation to spend a day with each of the Principles, reflecting on their meaning and doing a good deed focused on each one. See Emily or RE committee chairs for a Chalica packet. Happy Holidays, Emily Carroll emily@uuventura.org December Birthdays Dec 4 - Atticus & Damian, Dec 10 - Fynn, Dec 31 - Amber December Events Friday, Dec 1 5:30PM Coming of Age Orientation and Opening Ceremony Sunday, Dec 3 Chalica begins Friday, Dec 8 5PM All Church Holiday Party Hosted by Religious Education Committee Tuesday, Dec 12 Hanukkah begins Sunday, Dec 17 3PM Annual Homeless Memorial Service Friday Dec 21 First day of Winter Sunday, Dec 24 5PM Christmas Eve Service for Children & Youth December On Common Ground UU Church of Ventura

6 UU Things To Do Adult Programs Adult Programs is bursting with opportunities for connection, reflection and growth. Check the newsletter and Adult Programs Board for info about additional classes. For information on ongoing programs, pick up an Adult Programs brochure at the AP Bulletin Board in Berg Hall. Programs are open to all unless otherwise indicated. Meditation and Buddhist Practice with Friendship Sangha of the Heart Monday 7pm Church Sanctuary Evening of Mindfulness Every Monday, 7pm. In the church sanctuary includes sitting and walking meditation, a dharma reading and dharma sharing. All are welcome. meditation Intro to Meditation Monday, Nov 13 6:30pm in Sanctuary. Information: FriendshipSangha@gmail.com All are welcome. org/meditation/intro Contact: Neal Ortenberg 85/ or FriendshipSangha@gmail.com. Website FriendshipSangha.org Sponsored by the Friendship Sangha of the Heart, a UUCV Adult Program UU Thursday Bookgroup Thursday 10-11:15am Green Room We read non-fiction and meet weekly. Books with wide-ranging topics are recommended by members and are chosen by consensus. Discussions are similarly wide-ranging and tend to be lively... never boring, never contentious. Both congregation members and non-members are invited. Check us out. You will be warmly welcomed. Contact: Marcy Burns, mburns4430@roadrunner.com. T ai Chi Chih classes Monday 5:30-6:30PM Sanctuary gentle, moving meditation A practice that promotes balance, physical fitness, and inner calm. The 19 movements and one pose are easy to learn and fun to practice. Beginners are welcome. The 1st & 5th Monday are silent, group practice (no instruction). Donation: $10 per class (cash or check made out to UUCV) More info at the Adult Programs table in Berg Hall or contact: Lisa Otero 85/ Charlas Comtemporaneas Dec 3 & 17 11:45am Alcove Durante la hora y media de la junta tendremos bastante tiempo para explorar varias ideas y temas contemporaneas. Aunque los temas serán interesantes, el propósito de la junta es siempre él de hablar en español. Para informacion, vea a Janette Daniel- Whitney janettedw@charter.net y Silvia Garcia Hutchins silviahutchins190@ gmail.com Men s Discussion Tuesday 9:30AM Conference room. We discusses political and social issues and current events. All men welcome. Contact Bill Peltola 85/ or 85/ Fun Book Club December 17 Sunday 11:30am Conference Room We have a new meeting place, in the Board Room, behind the chancel. This way we can chat while presentations are going on in the Sanctuary after the service. We are getting to be a busy congregation! This fiction book group meets for minutes after services. All are welcome. December: The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso; Jan: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee; Feb: Coyote Blue by Christopher Moore and March: 1984 by George Orwell. Contact: Kappy Paulson 85/ kmp160@sbcglobal.net. UUniques 50+ Thursday Dec 21 6:30pm Berg Hall We are planning a festive pre-christmas lunch for December 21. Details will be provided soon. Contact Merle or Pat at or at 1637wpso@gmail. com or 3723emlo@gmail.com. Like the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura on Facebook. It s one more way to stay connected. Men s Breakfast Bunch Saturday December 2 9am Marie Callenders in Ventura Join us for food and conversation.we are better together. All men welcome. Contact: Ray Escobedo, 85/ ray. escobedo@sbcglobal.net. Women's Voices: Discussion and Support A1st & 3rd Tues 11-1pm Green Room drop-in women s group explores women s roles and issues. Open to all women. Contacts: Suzanne Olsen, 85/71-124, suzth2@ charter.net or Anne Escobedo, 85/ , anne.escobedo@sbcglobal.net. The Watercolor Wednesday 12:30-2:30pm C Berg Hall ome and play with us. Good conversation, inspiration, camaraderie, and occasional instruction. Bring your own supplies. Beginners are welcome. Contact Veronica Bear 85/ or veronicabear2000@yahoo.com. Bridge Wednesday 1-3pm West Alcove The UU Bridge plays friendly games of contract bridge, and tries to accommodate different experience levels. Currently we meet each Wednesday but will consider schedule change to meet players needs. If there is sufficient interest, we may again provide lessons for beginners utilizing teaching materials from Audrey Grant. Join us for fun and stretch your mind. Contact Ray Escobedo, 85/ ray.escobedo@sbcglobal.net. December On Common Ground UU Church of Ventura

7 UU Things To Do Adult Programs Day of Mindfulness with Kusala Mark you calendar for our next special full day of mindfulness practice on January 13, 2018, 10AM - 4PM. Register at W e just received a shipment of wonderful books both for adults and for children as well as UUCV baseball caps in many colors. We also have UU necklaces and stocking stuffers. All purchases can be wrapped, free, in paper decorated by our own UU children. Stop by this Sunday to check us out and to shop! UU Hikers December 2 (1st Sat) 8am December s hike will be a return to the Matilija Wilderness on a different trail. The trailhead is at the end of Matilija Road off Route 33. We will hike up the main canyon past many lovely cascades and pools. The trail becomes more difficult and the canyon more beautiful as we climb. We will turn around at approximately 3.5 miles and return the way we came. Parts of the trail are rocky and there are stream crossings. Elevation gain is about 600 feet. We leave the church parking lot 8am sharp. Contact: Mike Sixbey, 805/ Ask Mike to add you to his list. More details are always provided before the hike 12th Annual Homeless Persons Memorial Service Sunday 3pm Plaza Park We gather, once again to remember our homeless neighbors and friends who have died in the previous year. 3PM in the gazebo at Ventura s Plaza Park (details on page 1.) The Guest at Your Table boxes were gleefully tossed out to folks at our Thanksgiving service. You can still participate by making a donation to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), either by collecting change in a box (maybe the cost of your meal) or simply writing a check. If you missed the service, Kappy Paulson still has boxes and donation envelopes. They will be available in Berg Hall on the Social Action table. Everyone is invited to pick up the Stories of Hope pamphlet and a book mark. We will collect the boxes and envelopes starting at the Christmas Eve services and through the first 3 Sundays in January. Either bring in your box with the change, or write a check. You can mail your check directly (address is on the box bottom & envelope) or you can donate online at GAYT Donations. Donations of $125 or more are matched by Shelter Rock UU Church. Be sure to note you are from UU Church of Ventura. Guest at Your Table is an annual UUSC drive to bring our UU values of inclusion and justice to relief and development efforts throughout the world. FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT 7pm Enter at back door December 1 The Help, 2011, PG-13. This drama, with a surprising amount of humor, is about the lives of black maids in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s civil rights movement. When a white journalist (Emma Stone) attempts to write about the lives of black maids, they are too frightened, with good reason, to talk to her. Initially, she gets cooperation from Viola Davis character, and following further mistreatment by their employers, other maids begin to talk too. Co-starring Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney, Cicely Tyson, and Sissy Spacek. Director Tate Taylor. Closed captioned. December 8 Vägen Ut, 1999, Not Rated. Swedish with English subtitles. In this Swedish comedy-drama, an unemployed actor, hired as a prison recreation director, organizes an inmate theatrical production. The inmates are uncooperative until they learn the play will be performed outside the prison walls. Stars the great Swedish actor, Michael Nyqvist, who died in July at age 56. We are celebrating his memory by viewing one film a month by him. Director Daniel Lind Lagerlöf. Not available in North American DVD format, so you can only see it here. December 15 The Midwife, 2017, Not Rated. French with English subtitles. Catherine Deneuve co-stars in this French drama which explores two types of midwifery. One character is indeed a midwife, who loves her job bringing new life into the world. Under unlikely circumstances, she encounters two different people who breathe life and meaning into her otherwise uninteresting and colorless existence. Director Martin Provost. December 22 The Christmas Wife, 1988, Not Rated. Jason Robards plays a recently widowed man who is facing his first Christmas alone. Things look bleak until he spots a dating service offering social introductions. Co-stars Julie Harris. Director David Hugh Jones. No captions. December 29 Coco Before Chanel, 2009, PG-13. French with English subtitles. Legendary designer Gabrielle Coco Chanel (Audrey Tautou) ascended from a difficult life as an orphan to the top of the Paris fashion design world with her modern clothing that brought new freedom into women s lives. Director Anne Fontaine. Contact: Julie Moore, werfamilyvideos@aol.com December On Common Ground UU Church of Ventura

8 I Buildings and Grounds by Linda Pietrzak Committee News am sure many of you have noticed the improvement to the front of the church. Sherry Anderson, Joyce Sattler, and others have been working on pulling weeds. After the windstorm in October we decided to spread pine needles out front to suppress the weeds. If you who have been at church at night you have noticed the bright new lights along the entry side of the church. You can thank John Puccetti for getting that project done. This month we had a whole army attacking the pine needles. Ruth and George Owens, Bryan Buck, Rob March, Mike Sixbey, Joyce Sattler, Merle Oberg, and Krista and her son Garrick were the enthusiastic rakers. Almost everyone seemed to find time to do more than rake. Mike hung a white board for RE and consulted on another project. Merle checked irrigation out front and changed a broken sprinkler head. Bryan replaced a light in RE restroom. Kitty Merrill and Ruth trimmed plants in and near the raised beds. Ruth also broke down cardboard boxes for the trash. George swept the front of the church and along the front of the building he removed spider webs. He and Joyce picked up trash. Joyce also replaced the sign and a stepping stone in the Covenant Garden. Linda threw away old flowers and old décor on the flower-arranging shelf. How wonderful to have so many enthusiastic workers. The camaraderie this group shares is inspiring. Come experience it for yourself on December 16. It's called a work party because we always schedule time to socialize and always have snacks. In November we had a yummy Concord Grape pie made by Erin Merrill and donated by Joyce Sattler. Membership Committee Gudrun Eastham, Chair Eighteen... ten and eight that s how many new members our church gained from the most recent Journey to Belonging Workshops!! This is likely the largest group joining us ever So, here are the 18 in alphabetical order: Craig Brainard, Wil Devine, Ellen Fanucchi, Kerrie Lou Fanucchi, Susan Franzblau, Mary Jo Kusiak, Rob Levy, Joyce Lombard, Ted Lombard, Elizabeth Nevers, Joe Osborne, Jane Osborne, Ruth Owens, George Owens, Haibiba Peterson, Ginger Plum, Jeanne Skinner, and Cassie Tondro. I wish to thank everyone who helped launch this group of new members: Staff, Greeters, Membership Committee, Carolyn Briggs, Emily Carroll, Maura Raffensperger and many working behind the scenes; the circle has widened. Finance Facts from the Finance Committee December 2017 Our budget is created in March and April, but our budget years start July 1 and end June 30 of the following year. Our primary source of revenue is from annual pledges that also start July 1. This current budget year, 2017/2018, members and friends annual and bridge pledge donations are expected to be 92% of total income. Some of the factors affecting our pledge donations are economic depressions, inheritances, illness, disability, unemployment, moves out of the area, membership terminations, new members, and deaths. As far as we know, none of our members or friends ever won the lottery. You can change your future pledge amount at any time by notifying Jennifer Luce, UUCV Office Administrator, at 805/ , ext. 100 or administrator@uuventura. org. You can make one time donations or set up automatic pledge payments at by clicking on Give on the right side of the masthead area, click on the picture of the mouse and follow the instructions; or contact David Smith at 805/ or davidpaseo@verizon.net. From the Stewardship Team Did UU Know? There are two reasons UU Churches have an annual pledge campaign each year. The first is obvious. We need to know what our members will pledge to donate for the next church year so we can have good, current information to construct a useful budget. Second, and not so obvious, we need to connect with each other about why we value our church involvement so much that we agree to make ongoing donations. For next year our annual pledge campaign will be a one-on-one canvass. Guided by our minister, our stewardship team will talk face-to-face with every member about their reasons for being members and for renewing their pledge for another year. This type of campaign is considered valuable for many reasons and one of the most difficult to implement for one reason. We are all so busy we don t want to add another meeting to our schedule. We hope you remember this article when another member contacts you in March to set a time to meet. It s about you and our shared lives. Please say yes or return our call. Additionally, it will take many volunteers to reach our entire community during this campaign and we need all the help we can get. Contact Maura Raffensperger, stewardship team leader at to discuss how you can help. December On Common Ground UU Church of Ventura

9 December 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 5:30pm - Coming of Age 7pm - Movie Night 2 8am - UU Hikers 9am - Annual Arts & Crafts Fair 3 10am - Worship Service 11am - Annual Arts & Crafts Fair 11:30am - 7 Peat Mtg 11:30am - Youth Choir Rehearsal 11:45am - 7PEAT Women s Charlas Contemporaneas 10 Chalica Starts 10am - Worship Service 11:15am - Newcomer Chat 11:30am - Humanism Seminar Catching The Spirit Of The Holidays Youth Choir Rehearsal MAGIC Intro. Session 17 10am - Worship Service 11:30am - Youth Choir Rehearsal Fun Book Club 11:45am - Charlas Contemporaneas Women s NOON NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 3pm - Homeless Memorial 24 10am - Worship Service 4 1pm - Women s 5:30pm - T ai Chi Chih 7pm - Meditation 11 5:30pm - T ai Chi Chih 6:30pm - Intro to Meditation 7pm - Meditation 18 1pm - Women s 5:30pm - T ai Chi Chih 7pm - Meditation 11:30am - Humanism Sem Office Closed 11:30am - Youth Choir 5:30pm - Worship Service 8:30pm - Worship Service 31 10am - Worship Service 25 Christmas Day 5 9:30am - Men s Discussion 11am - Staff Mtg. 11am - Women s Voices 6:30pm - Women s 6:30pm - Mens II 12 Hanukkah Starts 9:30am - Men s Discussion 11am - Staff Mtg. 4pm - Women s Grps 6pm - Covenant 6:30pm - Finance Comm. Mtg. VC Climate Hub 19 9:30am - Men s Discussion 10am - Staff Mtg. 11am - Women s Voices 6:30pm - Leadership Committee Men s V Men s II 26 Kwanzaa Office Closed 9:30am - Men s Discussion 4pm - Women s s 6pm - Covenant Grp. 6:15pm - RE Comm. 6 12:30pm - Watercolor 1pm - UU Bridge 6:30pm - Pastoral Associates 7:30pm - Choir Rehearsal 13 12:30pm - Watercolor 1pm - UU Bridge 7 10am - Book Club 2pm - Covenant 4pm - Tai Chi Chih Holiday Party 4pm - Bev & Co. 5pm - Worship Associates 7pm - Men s III 3:30pm - Women s 4pm - Caregiver Support 6pm - Leadership Comm. 6pm - LUYV Mtg 6:30pm - B&G Mtg. 7:30pm - Choir Rehearsal 20 12:30pm - Watercolor 3:30pm - Coffee House Office Hours 6pmWomen s 7:30pm - Choir Rehearsal 27 11am - Newsletter Folding 12:30pm - Watercolor 3:30pm - Women s 7:30pm - Choir 14 10am - Book Club 2:30pm - Craft 21 Winter Solstice 10am - Book Club 2pm - Covenant Mtg. 6pm - Board of Trustees 6:30pm - UUniques+50 Potluck Membership Committee 7pm - Men s III 28 10am - Book Club 2:30pm - Handicraft 6:15pm - Cov. Grp. Training 8 2pm - Scrapbooking 6:30pm - Game Night 7pm - Movie Night 15 7pm - Movie Night 22 7pm - Movie Night 29 7pm - Movie Night 9am - Men s Breakfast Bunch am - All Church B&G Work Party December On Common Ground UU Church of Ventura

10 Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura 5654 Ralston Street, Ventura, CA Board of Trustees President Bryan Buck Vice President Janice Frank Secretary Vel Linden-Akseven Treasure Jim Waldron Trustees at Large Ron Dallas Mark Gale Katherine (Kassy) Erickson Leadership Committee News Focus on David and Cary by Kathy Swift David and Cary Davis have been members of the UUCV community for 10 years. Cary loves the fact that people are thinkers and care about truth, values, and the planet. Cary, is a core part of RE. She feels the children are the foundation of the future of our church and the planet. RE gives her the chance to make sure they have all the guidance and support they need to become tomorrow s leaders. David loves the interaction with like-minded people who share the same consciousness. He is also a behind the scenes member of the Kitchen Cabinet setting up coffee and bagels early every Sunday morning. It is something he knows is appreciated and easy for him to do. Thank you, David and Cary, for your love and commitment to our community. 7PEAT Holidays Waste Reduction Reminder By Mark Mendelsohn Thanks to you all for bringing in your soft plastics and putting them in the gray bin in the kitchen. Because we take them to Blanchard Community Library, our recycling partner in Santa Paula, we re together diverting a lot of waste from the landfills! And we have an update: in addition to clear plastic bags, film, wrappers, and bubble/shrink wrap, we just learned foil-lined pouches commonly used for snacks like popcorn or chip bags, protein or granola bars can also be recycled with the soft plastics. Think GREEN this holiday season. How can you reduce, reuse and recycle, instead of buying new, consuming, and throwing out? For example, gift experiences rather than things, creatively reuse paper/bags for wrapping, recycle/compost your tree, and have fun with low/zero-waste parties with a vegan emphasis. Let us honor those people less fortunate, as well as our native flora and fauna, and thank each other for living out the 7th Principle!