Members and friends will have an opportunity to meet our candidate for settled minister, Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, and to hear her preach during candidating week.
Rev. Bijur, her husband Jonathon Bijur, and their daughter Miriam Bijur, age 11 months, will be in Santa Monica from May 1 to May 9, 2010. Candidating week will conclude with a special Congregational Meeting after the 11 a.m. service on May 9, 2010, where we will vote on whether to call Rev. Bijjur as our Settled Minister. Rev. Bijur will preach at the 9 and 11 o'clock services on May 2 and May 9. Rev. Bijur prefers to write sermons which are addressed to the congregation to which she is preaching, and we are no exception. The titles of her sermons will be announced in next month's newsletter, upcoming weekly announcements, and on uusm.org. During Candidating week, Rev. Bijur will be meeting with church members and staff. The schedule will be posted on UUSM.org, included in upcoming weekly announcements, and mailed to members and friends. The Bijur family will also be spending time familiarizing themselves with the Santa Monica area and meeting with other UU clergy.
Please save the date of May 9, 2010, for our Special Congregational Meeting. There, the congregation wil vote on whether to call Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur as our Settled Minister. The meeting will be held shortly after the 11 o'clock service. Our bylaws call for a quorum of one-sixth of our membership to be present in person at this meeting. With our current membership at 370, a quorum is 62. Full details will be provided in the May newsletter and by mail to church members.
Our UUCCSM choir presents a delightful evening of American and international folk music. The repertoire includes pieces from Korea, Africa, Canada and Russia as well as music from different American religious traditions, some of your old favorites and a few surprises! Plan to attend this wonderful annual fundraising concert. Tickets are $15 advance purchase or $17 at the door. Contact Melanie Sharp to purchase tickets. Reception will follow the concert.
The band “Signals” was formed in the fall of 2009 by pianist Bryan McAllister, inspired by contemporary jazz pioneers such as The Bad Plus, E.S.T, and Kneebody. This young LA-based jazz quartet explores new territory through deeply meditative compositions and a wide use of textures and sounds. Signals will be presenting an interactive, thought-provoking show for all ages and musical tastes. You can hear them at http://www.myspace.com/signalsjazz. Suggested donation is $15 at the door.
Let us entertain you! Come hear a variety of music performed by church members, followed by homemade Indian food and wine out on the courtyard as we reflect upon all we love about our blessed community! Free admission, and childcare is available for babies and toddlers. Contact Patrick Meighan for more information.
This will be the trio’s final concert of the season. Come to the Second Sunday supper at 6:00 pm and make it an evening! $10 suggested donation, reception following the concert. Also some corrections for the site: the music table happens on the second and fourth Sundays, and no longer on the fifth Sunday of each month. the music committee now meets on the fourth Sunday of the month.
Featuring noted actor and activist George Takei. Free admission. Free parking at 1311 16th St. See our printable flyer for more details.
Tim Fain, virtuoso violinist, will perform a very special solo concert at UUCCSM on Tuesday, March 30, at 7:30 PM,, donating his extraordinary talent and time to our music program. Included in the program will be music by JS Bach, Philip Glass, Kevin Puts, and others. A reception and CD signing will follow immediately after the concert. Suggested donation is $20. Free parking will be available at the UCLA Santa Monica Hospital parking structure at 1311 16th St. (between Arizona and Santa Monica Blvd). For more information, contact Peter Van Den Beemdt.
Selections from Handel’s Messiah will be performed by Michelle McWilliams, Danielle Marcelle Bond, Steve Grabe and Eric Carampatan, accompanied by a chamber ensemble. Suggested donation is $15, or $10 with a non perishable food donation for the Westside Food Bank. Reception following the performance. Some parking will be available at the Seventh Day Adventist parking lot on 19th street between Arizona and Wilshire. Reservations for the concert can be made at messiah.at.uusm@hotmail.com
Roy Zimmerman, singer, songwriter and satirist Come hear satirical genius Roy Zimmerman present his comic and insightful slant on current events. Roy has been writing songs for 20 years in the tradition of Tom Lehrer and Phil Ochs and has performed across the nation. Suggested donation $15
UUA-trained facilitators will challenge us to look outside our automatic preconceptions of what we would consider "the ideal minister."
This workshop is another opportunity for everyone in our congregation to be a part of the ministerial selection process. It will provide guidance for the Search Committee in its work. Light lunch available by donation.
Let us entertain you! Come hear a variety of music performed by church members, followed by an update from the Settled Minister Search Committee, a video tribute to UUCCSM, and a gourmet chili feast provided by the Stewardship Committee. Free admission, childcare provided for babies and toddlers. Contact Patrick Meighan for more information.
Louis Durra and his trio will dazzle and enchant us in their first show of the year in the Sanctuary. And why not make a whole UUSM night of it? Consider coming along to the Second Sunday Supper Potluck in Forbes at 6pm, soak up an hour of jazz at 7:30pm, and then wrap it all up by joining us at the post-Louis-Durra-Trio champagne reception. $10 suggested donation.
Our second musical mixer will take place in the cottage from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. This time we are reading through some classical repertoire. No rehearsal is essential! This gathering will be informal and fun. Just let Victor Wylie know that you plan to come and what instrument you will be bringing along with you.
Please join Beverly Alison,
Charles Haskell and the
Faith in Action Committee
in celebrating Blase Bonpane’s
80th birthday. Blase is a lecturer, author,
commentator, and true voice of the liberal community.
Celebrate in Forbes Hall and on the
patio. There will
be music, dancing, entertainment, and a loud
hurrah for Blase on his 80th.
We cordially invite you, a valued guest and friend in our community, to an evening of good company, music, wine and food delights. Please RSVP by January 2 to Marsha Smith. Please let us know if you need childcare in the RSVP. Parking will be available. Hosted by the Membership & Leadership Committee.
The invasion and occupation of Iraq is going on six
years in 2009. President-elect Barak Obama has to
decide on a strategy for Afghanistan. How do we as
UUs feel about pacifism versus a “just" war? How do
we practice “just" peacemaking?
Attend the FIA Town Hall meeting on January 11 to
contribute your thoughts and vote on the following
statement of conscience:
Do we, the UUCCSM, covenant to take up peacemaking
as part of our mission through worship, religious
education, and social action?
Potluk in Forbes Hall; monthly on second Sundays.. Entree and drinks provided. (Jan. 10 - Turkey. Feb. 10 - Turkey chili. March 8 - Soup.)
Bring a dish of vegetables, bread, your speciality dessert...or just yourself for conversation, entertainment, laughter and food.
Times are hard and the UUs are a'eating. Join us each month.
The Louis Durra Trio forsakes its recent genre-hopping
explorations to play a concert of straight-ahead
jazz. Find out and hear what that sounds like. It’s
always awesome. Champagne reception follows. $10 suggested donation.
UU 101 is a new class for people who are interested
in membership or who want to get to know the church
and its people, culture, values and programs a bit better.
When you register you are signing up for both A
and B sessions. Each session is an hour and a half, with
a total commitment of three hours.
Mark your calendars for a very special concert and singalong of holiday music performed by
The Celestial Opera Company Singers. Tickets: $15 or $10 with a non-perishable food donation at the door.
Call our ticket hotline (626) 628-3305 for more information,
or to purchase tickets online, visit our website at www.celestialoperacompany.org
Come celebrate twelve different winter
holidays from religious traditions
around the world with our own
“Friendly Beasts.”
Come and enjoy your fellow UUs as they sing, act, read poetry, and try out their stand up routines. It's a lot of fun, and we always wrap up the evening with a reception in Forbes Hall. Admission is free.
Don¹t miss the Louis Durra Trio's first show for the year! Veteran jazz pianist Louis Durra performs with his longtime bandmates bassist Larry Steen and drummer Jerry Kalaf. This will be a thematic concert, as they present their highly personal take on the music of the Beatles. If you haven¹t been before, or it has been a while, come and remind yourself how wonderful it is to have Louis in our music program. Tickets $10, reception following the concert.
The Faith in Action Multi-Cultural
Holiday Bazaar will be held on
Sunday, November 23, from
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Forbes Hall.
This holiday season, relieve the strain on your pocketbook
and help others at the same time. You’ll find
great deals that support great causes like social and
economic justice, programs on hunger, homelessness,
civil liberties, peace, the environment, fair elections,
and health care. Most toys and gifts are under $15, and
many are much less. Please help us spread the word:
notify all your friends, neighbors, and colleagues by email
or telephone.
Donations of holiday gifts, baked goods, and treats
are welcomed. Please bring them to Forbes Hall after 9
a.m. on Sunday, November 23. Helpers get first pick, so
please volunteer to help.
A c lass series led by Kerry Thorne,
Certified Nonviolent Parent Educator and MFT Intern
Sundays 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 4
10 sessions from November 23 to March 1 (no class 11/30, 12/28, 1/4, 2/8 or 2/15)
Take a moment and imagine your child as an
adult.This class invites you to navigate this
unique journey by learning a philosophy based on:
• Exploring ourselves and our children through a
lens of empathy and understanding,
• Teaching emotional intelligence by learning a language
of feelings and needs,
• Setting respectful, clear boundaries,
• Exploring strategies and tools that will help you
successfully create the parenting relationship you
want with your child.
Childcare will be provided; please indicate need
when signing up for the class. Course limited to 12
participants. Sign up at the Adult RE table during
coffee hour starting November 9 or right away by contacting
Catherine Farmer Loya. For more information about
the content of the course, contact Kerry Thorne.
The answer is that herding musicians is like herding Unitarians. How do you organize all those voices and make them one? There will be some fun stories that you can tell at your next dinner party. Admission is free, reception following in Forbes Hall.
Tea, sherry, sandwiches and scones will be served, along with a little entertainment, and information about our music program. Please join us, perhaps we can even tempt you into getting involved.
Come share a meal and get better acquainted. A continental breakfast will be served follwoing the 9:00 a.m. service and Julie Nyquist will cook up Tacos on the Terrace following the 11:00 service. Everyone is welcome.
"Instruments for Kids,"a benefit festival
produced by church member Jeff Greenman, will
raise funds to help bring music, creativity and selfexpression
to the lives of young women attending
the New Village Charter High School, a program
for at-risk teens and teen mothers.
$10 per person suggested donation at the
sanctuary door.
All are invited to a courtyard picnic after church
to benefit Common Ground’s Homeless Youth Program, immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service. Fun - food - FREE! All are welcome.
Dining for Dollars Choir Concert - "Greatest Hits"
Saturday, May 10, 7:00 PM
It's the UUSM annual spring choir concert, where you¹ll hear your favorite
songs from the last few Dining for Dollars extravaganzas, including "Age of
Aquarius/ Let the Sunshine In," "All My Trials," "Bali Hai," "Embraceable You,"
"59th St. Bridge Song," "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Moon River," "No One Mourns the
Wicked," "Some Enchanted Evening," "The Sound of Silence," "Summertime," you get
the picture. It'll be a blast!
Tickets available in advance for $13 or $15 at the door
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, May 18,
12:30 p.m.
Including a vote to approve the revised Building Master Plan.
Stevening II: "Gravicembalo col Piano e Forte" (or "If I Had a Hammer")
Saturday, May 31, 7:00 PM
Music Director Steve Wight will give a talk with musical examples, this time
about the development of the piano and what it has meant to musical history.
Composers in all ages have sought new forms of musical expression suited to
the spirit of their age. For composers at the turn of the 18th century,
this meant leaving behind the complexities of Baroque counterpoint in favor
of a texture of melody and accompaniment, often with dramatic dynamic
shifts. The demand for an instrument suited to this new style led a gifted
instrument maker to perhaps the most brilliant and influential invention in
musical history. This is the story of his visionary idea, without which the
concertos of Mozart, the sonatas of Beethoven, the Preludes of Chopin, the
rags of Scott Joplin, and the improvisations of Thelonious Monk could not
exist.
Admission is free, reception following.
April, 2008
Call Off Your Old Tired Ezz-Thetics (COYOTE)
Louis Durra Trio Jazz Concert
Sunday, April 27, 7:00 pm
Louis Durra, Larry Steen and Jerry Kalaf experiment this time with versions of Bjork, the White Stripes and other musical surprises rarely heard in jazz clubs! Champagne reception will follow. $10 suggested donation.
March, 2008
Meetings to Decide Building Program Future
Sunday, March 9
10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
These two meetings, to explain options to be considered at the special Congretational Meeting on March 30, will be held
in the Mathews Library of the Cottage to
explain options to be considered at the
special Congregational meeting on
March 30. Pat Parkerton, Congregational Concerns chair of the New Building Program will be there with Rod Lane to answer questions.
Saturday Spotlight
Saturday, March 22, 7:00 p.m.
It’s time to warm up your fingers, vocal chords,
sense of humor, and joie de vivre. Come to
entertain or to be entertained. Poetry, songs, comedy,
short stories, instrumental solos and groups —
all talents and genres are welcome and will be
accommodated. If you would like to perform, contact
Bronwen Jones.
Special Congregational Meeting on the Building Program
Sunday, March 30, 12:30 p.m.
Come and voice your opinions and vote on the future of our building program.
February, 2008
17th Annual Ernest D. Pipes Distinguished Lecture
Mike Farrell -"Where Do We Go From Here? Thoughts of an Actor/Activist"
Saturday, February 2, 8:00 p.m.
Free admission. Reception following. Parking at 311 16th Street (Two blocks
away, between Arizona & Santa Monica Blvd. Special event attendant on duty at
entrance. No cost; exit at any time.)
Faith in Action Town Hall Meeting
Sunday, February 3, 12:30 p.m.
A light lunch will be served. More details in the Order of Service.
"Sicko" Screening
Friday, February 8, 7:00 p.m.
Faith In Action presents the DVD "Sicko," Michael Moore's documentary about the U. S. health care crisis. There will be an informal discussion after the movie.
Special Business Meeting to Discuss the Building Project
Sunday, February 10, 12:30 p.m.
This Special Business Meeting will give Church Members
a chance to discuss and vote on the following:
Agenda Item #1:
To authorize the Board of Directors to proceed with detailed
construction design and obtain city approval for a revised plan
for construction and remodeling of church buildings, primarily
Forbes Hall and Religious Education classrooms.
Should you have questions you know in advance that you would like addressed, please e-mail them to the Congregational Concerns Sub-Committee of the Building Committee
c/o (Chair) Pat Parkerton
Lunch available in Forbes Hall prior to the meeting. For more information, see our Building News page.
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, February 24, 7:00 p.m.
Once again, the incomparable Louis Durra Trio will play their magical jazz in the graceful ambience of our sanctuary. It is a treat not to be missed. Please join us and hear Louis Durra on the ivories, Jerry Kalaf on the drums, and Larry Steen on bass. A champagne reception will follow. For more information contact Bronwen Jones.
Jaunary, 2008
Town Hall Meeting: Should We Change Our Name?
Sunday, January 20
During recent months the question of
changing the name of the church has been
widely discussed, including numerous letters
printed in the monthly newsletter. The issue of
whether we want to retain the name, “Unitarian
Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica,”
or change it to one of several proposed alternatives
will be discussed at a meeting to be held —
Sunday, January 20
from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m.
A $3 lunch will be available,
along with childcare.
Stevening I: The Great 20th Century Music Robbery
Saturday, January 19, 7:00 p.m.
Many of the composers of contemporary classical music had an intimate knowledge and love of the music of their predecessors. In fact, there are a large number of 20th century classics by composers such as Stravinsky, Bartok, Webern, Strauss, Copland, and others, which are stolen directly - sometimes note-for-note - from older music. Come discover how short the distance is from Bach to Webern, from cowboy songs to Copland, or from Pergolesi and Tchaikovsky to Stravinsky. Admission is free.
Faith In Action and The Peace & Civil Liberties Committe Present
Father Roy Bourgeois
"The Struggle to Close the School of the Americas"
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
With Special Guests
Theresa & Blase Bonpane and
Frank Dorrel.
Music by
Jose-Luis Orozco.
$10 Suggested Donation. School of the Americas Watch is an independent organization that seeks to close the US Army School the Americas, under whatever name it is called, through vigils & fasts, demonstrations & nonviolent protest, as well as media and legislative work.
On November 16, 1989, six Jesuit priests, their co-worker and her teenage daughter were massacred in El Salvador.
A U.S. Congressional Task Force reported that those responsible were trained at the U.S. Army School of the Americas (SOA) at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
In 1990 SOA Watch began in a tiny apartment outside the main gate of Ft. Benning. While starting with a small group, SOA Watch quickly drew upon the knowledge and experience of many in the U.S. who had worked with the people of Latin America in the 1970's and 80's.
Today, the SOA Watch movement is a large, diverse, grassroots movement rooted in solidarity with the people of Latin America. The goal of SOA Watch is to close the SOA and to change U.S. foreign policy in Latin America by educating the public, lobbying Congress and participating in creative, nonviolent resistance. The Pentagon has responded to the growing movement and Congress' near closure of the SOA with a PR campaign to give the SOA a new image. In an attempt to disassociate the school with its horrific past, the SOA was renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation in January of 2001.
October, 2007
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.
Come hear our own Louis Durra, bassist Larry Steen and drummer Jerry Kalaf play selections from their newly released CD, "What We Have". There will be a reception after the concert. Suggested donation $10.
UU "Green" Songfest
Friday, October 26th, 7:00 p.m.
Jim Scott, a UU artist and activist, will lead us in a Sing-a-long in celebration of earth and peace, sponsored by the Music Committee and the Green Sanctuary Committee.
Drawing on his own music and other songs of diversity, community, ecology and peace, Jim will turn the audience into a choir.
Join the the joyful music or just listen. No experience necessary.
($10 or donation requested)
June, 2007
Stevening II - Vox Humana
Saturday, June 2, 7:00 p.m.
Music director Steve Wight will talk about the range and expression of the human voice. Listen and learn about the panoply of vocal sound and how it expresses the depth of human emotions throughout all the world's cultures. Free admission.
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Friday, June 8, 7:00 p.m.
The final jaxx concert of the season by the incomparable Louis Durra Trio. Come hear Louis, drummer Jerry Kalaf, and bassist Larry Steen sizzle, and coll down with some champagne after the concert. Suggested donation $10.
May, 2007
Peace & Civil Liberties Committee Event: Glen Howell
Friday, May 11, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Church member Glen Howell will speak about his long experience in our space program. After the talk he will have an exhibit of some of the rockets and other material in Forbes Hall where refreshments will also be served.
Dining for Dollars Choir Concert - “I Get A Kick Out of U.U.!”
Saturday, May 5, 7:00 p.m.
The UUCCSM choir presents their annual spring concert in the sanctuary on
Saturday, May 5, at 7 p.m. This year the theme is Broadway showtunes. Tickets
are available in advance for $13 and at the door for $16.
April, 2007
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.
Our own Louis Durra and the incomparable Louis Durra Trio will put on their
third jazz concert of the season in the sanctuary on Sunday, April 15, at 7
p.m. Take a break from your taxes! Come hear Louis, drummer Jerry Kalaf, and
bassist Larry Steen work their magic on jazz standards and original music.
If you’ve heard them before, you know. If you haven’t, you’ve
missed some of the best jazz in LA. Suggested donation $10.
Hansel and Gretel
Saturday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.
Bring the whole family to this concert version of the classic opera by Englebert
Humperdinck. It will feature fabulous local singers including UUSM’s
resident soprano soloist, Michelle McWilliams. The performance, in English,
is presented by The Celestial Opera Company and sponsored by the UUSM Music
Committee. It lasts just over an hour, making it a great way to introduce your
children to opera. Suggested donation $10-$15 Reception in Forbes Hall after
the concert.
March, 2007
Spotlight Saturday
Saturday, March 24, 7:00 p.m.
Our second Spotlight Saturday will entertain you with a wealth of songs and
stories presented by church members and friends. Come join us for an evening
of fun! Admission is free.
February, 2007
Peace & Civil Liberties Committee Speakers
Scott Ritter & Jeff Cohen
Wednesday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.
The Peace and Civil Liberties Committee and U.S.
Tour of Duty present authors Scott Ritter and Jeff
Cohen,
leading a discussion of the corporate media’s coverage of
the war on terror. Scott Ritter, author of “Target Iran” and “Iraq Confidential,”
was a senior weapons inspector in Iraq between
1991 and 1998, after having served for eight years as an
intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Jeff Cohen, author of “Cable News Confidential,”
worked for MSNBC as an on-air commentator and
senior producer of “Donahue” until the show was terminated
on the eve of the Iraq war. He founded Fairness
and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), co-hosted
CNN’s “Crossfire,” and was a weekly panelist on Fox
News Channel’s “Newswatch.”
U.S. Tour of Duty is a non-profit project that supports
and promotes the anti-war advocacy of Iraq veterans,
military families, performers, and policy analysts.
More info at http://www.ustourofduty.org.
Parking available at UCLA/SM Hospital parking
structure.
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, February 18, 7:00 p.m.
Our own Louis Durra and the incomparable Louis Durra Trio will put on their
second jazz concert of the season in the sanctuary on Sunday, February 18,
at 7 p.m. Come hear Louis, drummer Jerry Kalaf, and bassist Domenic Genova
work their magic on jazz standards and original music. If you’ve heard
them before, you know. If you haven’t, you’ve missed some of the
best jazz in LA. Suggested donation $10. For more information contact Peter
van den Beemt.
Committee on Multiracial Development
Film Screening and Potluck
Sunday, February 11, 6:00 p.m.
The newly formed committee on race has decided to call
itself the Committee on Multiracial Development.
Join us at our first event, a potluck and viewing of the
video “Race: The Power of an Illusion,” followed by a discussion,
on Sunday, February 11, at 6 p.m. at the
Bonacich residence.
Please RSVP to Edna Bonacich by February 5 —
we need to have a good count of expected attendance.
January, 2007
Stevening I
The Colorists
Saturday, January 20, 7:00 PM
Everyone knows that music has attributes like melody, harmony,
and rhythm. Another quality of music is what musicians
call color, and it is in this area that some of the most
striking innovations of the last 250 years of western classical music have
been made. What is color in music, and who are music's
great colorists? Come find out! Free admission.
December, 2006
Faith in Action Speaker Series: Shakeel Syed
Friday, December 1, 7:00 p.m.
The Faith in Action speaker series invites you to hear Shakeel
Syed, Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council
of Southern California, speak on Islam in America and the
Middle East on Friday, December 1, at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary.
Congregational Conversation on Youth Ministry
Sunday, December 10, 1:00 p.m.
Ministry with youth is listening, empowerment,
and spiritual guidance. It is instrumental to the
vitality and growth of our UU movement.
Join in a cCongregation-wide, intergenerational
conversation on youth ministry, facilitated by Jordan Paddock
and Karen Patch.
November, 2006
Spotlight Saturday
Saturday, November 11, 7:00 p.m.
Last year's Church Talent Sunday has morphed
into Spotlight Saturday, an evening of entertainment provided by church members
and friends. Come hear just how good we are!
Commitment Sunday
November 5, Immediately After Both Services
Join fellow UUs in celebrating your annual commitment
to the church with brunch in the courtyard
after each service. We’ll have champagne and
sparkling ciders, chocolates, delectable food, and
delightful surprises. Fun for kids and adults.
Don’t forget to bring your pledge form (or fill one
out on site) and exchange it for an “I Pledged My
Commitment” sticker before or after service. That’s
your admission ticket for brunch. See you there.
An Inconvenient Truth
Wednesday, November 1, 7:00 p.m.
Faith in Action and Green Living Group are sponsoring
Al Gore's timely film about Global Warming
and what we can do about it.
Please come and bring a friend.
Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
October, 2006
The Viola, in Concert
Sunday, October 29, 7:00 p.m.
Come hear this classical viola concert put on by members of the Southern
California Viola Society, headed by Jennie Henson. Donation $15
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, October 8, 7:00 p.m.
Our own Louis Durra and the incomparable Louis Durra Trio will put on a jazz
concert in the sanctuary on Sunday, October 8, at 7:00 PM. Come hear Louis
and the band work their magic on jazz standards and original compositions.
If you’ve heard them before, you know. If you haven’t, you’ve
missed some of the best jazz in LA. Suggested donation is $10.
Getting Involved Sunday
Sunday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Do you have a hidden talent? An under-used skill? An untapped area of expertise?
Maybe an altruistic desire to be of service?
UUCCSM needs you. Representatives of our nearly 50 special-interest groups
and committees will be available to talk with you after services on octiber
15 about volunteer opportunities.
Get involved. Give something back. Make a difference in your community and
in your own life.
August, 2006
Newcomer Orientation
Tuesday, August 22, 7:00 p.m. and
Sunday, September 17, 12:30 p.m.
New and prospective members are encouraged to attend this informal get-together
to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and our Church. The Reverend
Judith Meyer will lead the discussion. She will present a short history
of our tradition and values. There will also be time for questions about
our Church and information about how to become a member. Dessert will be served
at the evening session.
Please let us know that you are coming and whether you need childcare. Contact
the church office at 310/829-5436 or office@uusm.org.
July, 2006
Young Adult Picnic (ages 21-35)
Sunday, July 9, 12:30 p.m.
Clover Park
UUCCSM young
adults, ages 21 to
35, will gather at
Clover Park for a picnic on
Sunday, July 9, at 12:30
p.m. Please join us, and
bring your whole family.
Clover Park is located at
2600 Ocean Park Blvd.; the
entrance to the parking lot is on the south side of Ocean Park
just to the east of 25th Street. Look for us in the picnic area
near the parking lot. Please bring a (cold) dish to share; drinks
and utensils will be provided. Contact Robin Lowney Lankton for more information.
UUCCSM Choir at UCLA
Sunday, July 30, 4:00 p.m.
Our choir will perform "Songs of Peace" as part of UCLA's Summer
Sunset Series. This summer's concerts are presented in conjunction with the
UCLA Fowler Museum's premier of the traveling art exhibition, "The Missing
Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama." The museum is open from noon
to 5:00 p.m.. Admission is free to both the Fowler Museum exhibit and to the
outdoor concert, which will be held next to the museum. Parking is available
for $8 in Campus Lot 4.
June, 2006
Potluck and Viewing of Judith's GA Sermon
Thursday, June 22, 5:30 p.m.
Let's gather around the big screen in Forbes Hall to watch Judith deliver
the sermon at the "Service of the Living Tradition" at the UUA's General Assembly.
Bring a potluck dish or your own dinner. Join in the GA hymns. Bring the kids!
The YBC Trio
Saturday, June 24, 3:00 p.m.
Paula Yoo, violin: performs on a regular freelance
basis for both classical ensembles and rock and jazz bands. She also writes
for TV, including NBC's "The West Wing." Niklas Bertani,
cello, performs regularly with the Caltech-Occidental College Orchestra and
the Santa Monica Symphony. Gloria Cangahuala, piano:
has played with the Santa Monica Symphony and currently with the Claremont
Symphony Orchestra.
Program:
Dvorak "Romance" for Violin and Piano
Boccherini Sonata #6 in A Major - Adagio - Allegro brillante for Cello and
Piano
Mendelssohn Trio No. 1 in d minor for violin, cello, and piano
Reception to follow. Admission is free.
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, June 4, 8:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: This event has been CANCELLED.
May, 2006
Choir Concert
"Let There Be Peace on Earth" - Songs of Social Conscience
Saturday, May 6, 7:00 p.m.
The UUCCSM Choir, under the direction of Steve Wight, will present a concert
of songs of activism and protest from different eras of the 20th century. All
proceeds go to the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica.
Suggested donation of $15 at the door.
FIA Speakers: Sunni and Shiite Views
Shakeel Syed and Jihad Turk, speakers
Friday, May 12, 7:00 p.m.
On Friday evening, May 12, at 7 p.m., the Faith in Action speaker series has
recruited Shakeel Syed, Director of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
(including 17 mosques) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Interfaith
Communities United for Justice and Peace, to speak from the Sunni point of view
and Jihad Turk, Director of Religious Affairs of the Islamic Center of Southern
California, to speak from the Shiite view.
Their focus will be more on the religion of Islam than on the current war,
but of course the questionand- answer period may bring in politics as well.
Some questions they will address:
• What are the distinctions between the Shiite and Sunni practices?
• Does absolute belief in Mohammed and the Koran transcend freedom of speech,
thereby forbidding followers to question, to critique, or to jest about their
religious authorities or their governments?
• Are all other faiths, whether dedicated to God or to humanism, infidel in
their nature?
• What does “jihad” really mean?
• Are the insurgents and al Qaeda in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine engaged
in a jihad, or are they revolutionaries operating beyond the Muslim faith?
• We know that Islam is a fast-growing faith in the United States. Is the
Muslim religion comfortable in our diverse and plural society, one in which
all religions are free to practice their religions in an environment of toleration
and respect?
Each speaker will address these topics for about 20 minutes, followed by a
30-minute Q&A period. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion, giving
our speakers an opportunity to meet members of the audience.
All Church Potluck
Saturday, May 20, 6:00 p.m.
Join the Membership and Leadership Committee for an evening of good food, drink,
conversation, and music for every generation. What better way for new and old
members to meet, children to play and families to sit down together for our
own home-cooked meal. Please look for further announcements and details about
the event in the Sunday service announcements.
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, May 21, 12:30 p.m.
Candidates presented for election by the nominating committee include: Charles
Haskell, president; Ron Crane, first vice-president; Peter van den Beemt, second
vice-president; Dayla McDonald, secretary; Warren Mathews, treasurer; Rebecca
Crawford, Bronwen Jones, and Pat Parkerton, members-at-large; Phyllis Kory,
member-at-large for a one-year term (completing Peter's term); Edna Bonacich
and Anne Gustafson, nominating committee. Carol Kerr will automatically fill
the position of immediate past president, and Patricia Wright and Marv Pulliam
will remain on the board serving the second year of their terms as members-at-large.
Remaining members of the nominating committee are John Fels, S.J. Guidotti,
Linda van Ligten, and Victor Paddock.
Film Screening & Discussion: "Barbara & Tibby: A Love Story
in the Face of Hate"
Sunday, May 28, 2006, 12:30 p.m.
In 2004, over the protests of the governor of Virginia, the state legislature
went further than any other in the country by prohibiting contracts with "purport
to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage" between two individuals
of the same gender. This poerful documentary looks at the impact of the law
through the lives of one couple, forced to leave the state when the discriminatory
and arguably unconstitutiona legislation went into effect. Special guest: Tibby
Middleton. Sponsored by Interweave. Free admission. All are welcome.
April, 2006
Stevening IV
The Golden Age of Music
Saturday, April 8, 7:00 PM
In every field of human endeavor there arises from time to time a Golden Age,
when, for reasons no one has ever quantified, achievement within the field is
on a much higher level than usual. There is such an age in music, and the works
of the period are not among the best known to most music lovers. Free admission.
Young Adult Social
Sunday, April 2, 5:00 p.m.
For all young adults ages 21-35. Members and non-members are welcome. Come
meet Judith Meyer, Catherine Farmer and each other over wine, soft drinks and
snacks.
March, 2006
$o Much to Do, $o Little Time Silent Auction
Sunday, March 26, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Buy great stuff.
To the highest bidders will go gift baskets and personal services.
At fixed prices: baked goods, UU gift items (e.g. bumper stickers), Fair Trade
coffee, tea and cocoa from Equal Exchange, UU Principles and Purposes poster
(can be ordered).
Donations of personal services will be accepted through early March and your
questions about the silent auction may be answered by one of our volunteers
in forbes Hall after Sunday services. Or contact Leslie Reuter
or Kathy Cook.
This is a great way to help our church and to honor the part of our covenant
that states "service is our prayer."
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, March 12, 7:00 p.m.
Oour own Louis Durra and the incomparable Louis Durra Trio will present a jazz
concert in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. come hear Louis with
drummer and bassist work their magic on jazz standards and original music. If
you've heard them before, you know. If you haven't, you've missed some of the
best jazz in LA. Suggested donation is $10.
February, 2006
Stevening III:
The "Three B"s of American Music -
Barber, Bernstein, and Copland
Saturday, February 11 at 7:00 PM
Somewhere in the dim past, some wise soul decreed that classical music had
three essential Bs: Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. In our cultural consciousness,
this placed Brahms in a higher echelon of the musical pantheon than, for example,
Mozart. In the interest of musical accuracy at the expense of a foolish consistency
of spelling, this evening will be an examination of the lives, works, and influence
of three giants of American music, almost all of whose names begin with B.
January, 2006
15th Annual Ernest D. Pipes, Jr. Lecture
"The Health Care Crisis: 45 Million Uninsured and Counting"
Michael Dukakis, Speaker
Saturday, January 28, 8:00 p.m.
In his academic career since losing the national election to George H.W. Bush,
Michael Dukakis, former Governor of Massachusetts (1974-78; 1982-1988) and the
1988 Democratic nominee for U.S. President, has become an expert on a topic
of increasing concern:“The Health Care Crisis: 45 Million Uninsured And Counting.”
Gov. Dukakis will be the 15th Distinguished Speaker of the Ernest D. Pipes,
Jr. Lecture Series, which began in 1991 upon Rev. Pipes’ retirement after 35
years at UUCCSM. Gov. Dukakis is a visiting professor during the winter quarter
at the UCLA Department of Public Policy, where he’s teaching a course on “Bureaucracy
and Public Management.” He was born in Brookline, MA, where he began his political
career in local politics after graduating from Harvard Law School. His parents
emigrated from Greece to the U.S. Now 72 years old, Gov. Dukakis he eschews
traditional retirement in order to inspire college students to work in government
and promote democratic values and competency in public policy. This will be
a rare opportunity to hear a senior statesman whose entire career has been one
of substance over image.
Faith in Action Speaker Series
"The Single-Payer Universal Health Care Bill"
Irma Stranz, speaker
Sunday, January 22, 12:30 p.m.
Faith in Action is sponsoring a presentation of the singlepayer universal health
care bill (Senator Sheila Kuehl, SB 840) on Sunday, January 22, from 12:30 to
2 p.m. in the sanctuary. Guest speaker Irma Stranz, from the Health
Care for All California organization, will address the legislative schedule
of this bill and the importance of participating in the upcoming HCA campaign
to pass the bill. Please join us in learning about this critical issue for 2006.
Lunch will be available for a nominal fee.
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, January 22, 7:00 p.m.
Our own Louis Durra and the incomparable Louis Durra Trio will present a jazz
concert in the sanctuary on Sunday, January 22, at 7:00 PM. Come hear Louis,
drummer Jerry Kalaf and bassist Larry Steen work their magic on jazz standards
and original music. If you've heard them before, you know. If you haven't, you've
missed some of the best jazz in LA. Suggested donation is $10.
December, 2005
"Stevening II
"The Music and Recordings of the Beatles, II"
Saturday, December 3, 7:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand! The evening in October was so successful, and Steve
had so much left that he hadn't said, that the overwhelming response from the
audience was, "Do another one!" - so we are. (See October events for
details.)
Search Committee Town Hall Meeting
Sunday, December 4, 12:30 p.m.
The search committee charged with replacing Marie Kashmer-Stiebing as our congregational
administrator will hold a town meeting to obtain congregational input on conducting
a search to fill this position. Questions to be addressed include:
- Should this be a country-wide search with payment for relocation or a search
limited to our geographic region?
- What will the salary range be for the position?
- Should church members be eligible to be candidates...and, if not, should
a future administrator be allowed to join the church?
- Should Sunday be a required workday for the new administrator, or should
westrive to cover the church office on Sundays with volunteers?
The full description for this job is available here.
November, 2005
Faith in Action Speaker Series
"Campaign Finance Reform"
Susan Lerner, speaker
Sunday, November 13, 12:30 p.m.
Susan Lerner, an articulate
and compelling speaker, is an activist lawyer who has been involved in progressive,
feminist, and pro-choice issues for more than 25 years. She last spoke at our
church in December, 2003 on the importance of an independent and open-minded
federal judiciary. She is currently involved in efforts to help reform lawa
related to campaign finance.
Louis Durra Trio in Concert
Sunday, November 6, 7:00 p.m.
Our own Louis Durra and the incomparable Louis Durra Trio will put on a jazz
concert in the sanctuary on Sunday, November 6, at 7:00 PM. Come hear Louis,
drummer Jerry Kalaf and bassist Dan Lutz work their magic on jazz standards
and original music. If you've heard them before, you know. If you haven't, you've
missed some of the best jazz in LA. Admission is $10.
"Taking the Bible Seriously, but Not Literally"
Bible Study for Religious Liberals
Saturdays, November 5 and 12, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Our Sabbatical minister, the Rev. Jim Grant, will offer a two-part introduction
to how the Bible can be meaningful to persons of our liberal religious understandings.
This will be a four-hour version of a seminar he's done before in about 16 hours,
so it will be "a bit more of the 'lecture' approach than our "Chosen Faith"
study." For more information, please contact Jim.
October, 2005
"The Music and Recordings of the Beatles"
(First "Stevening" of the New Season)
Saturday, October 15, 7:00 p.m.
Among rock fans, the Beatles are generally regarded as the greatest band ever.
Among people who practice the art of recording professionally, the Beatles are
held in even higher regard.On Saturday,October 15, at 7 p.m,Music Director Steve
Wight will present the first in the 2005-06 “Stevenings” series and “The Music
and Recordings of the Beatles” in our church sanctuary. Admission is free. This
will not be a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane or a discussion of goofy haircuts.
If you don’t know what the first violin plays in the last verse of “Scrambled
Eggs,” what the role of the Fairchild 660 and 770 compressors played in the
sound of Beatles records, how tonic major/minor key changes are used in such
songs as “Penny Lane” and “Fool On the Hill,” or what a Clavioline is, you may
get a fresh look at music you’ve known for 40 years.
September, 2005
"U.S.-Sponsored Torture Must End"
Peace & Civil Liberties Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 7, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Each year at General Assembly, UUs from around the country discuss and choose
social justice issues for additional study and action or for immediate adoption
as “Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW).” This year, in Fort Worth, Texas, the
delegates approved AIW 1 entitled “United States-Sponsored Torture Must End.”
This meeting of the Peace and Civil Liberties Committee will review AIW 1 and
make tentative plans for acting on this important issue. The meeting is open
to members and friends of our church. For additional information, contact one
of the co-chairs of the committee, Charles or Christine
Haskell.
Men's Group Rummage Sale
Friday, September 23, 7:00 p.m. (church members only)
Saturday, September 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (general public)
All proceeds will be donated to the church. To donate or volunteer, contact
Phil Bonacich or Ed Field.
Fifth Annual Faith in Action Issues Election
Sunday, September 25, 12:30 p.m.
Review and vote on current FIA programs, and choose one or more new programs
for the coming year. Lunch and child care will be provided.
August, 2005
"Building Our Future:
Once in a Lifetime"
Interweave Picnic
Sunday, August 21, 11:00 a.m.
This special celebration of the 2005 Capital Campaign will be held in the back
yard of the 18th St. property. The Women's Alliance and Interweave welcome you
to picnic, socialize and celebrate the final stages of teh 2005 Capital Campaign.
Come pleadge if you have not yet done so.
Bring children, parents, guitars, games and hats. Food and drinks provided.
There is no charge for this event, but donations are gratefully accepted for
the 2005 Capital Campaign.
June, 2005
The Louis Durra Trio
Sunday, June 12, 7:00 p.m.
Concert of jazz standards and original music. Admission $10.
UUSM Weekend at Camp de Benneville Pines
Friday-Sunday, June 17-19
Our annual retreat at 6,800 feet in the clean mountain air. Enjoy hiking, swimming,
hot tubbing, bridge jigsaw puzzles, a talent show, relaxing, tie-dying, board
games, bird watching, coversing, and much, much more. Contact Marv Pulliam
for reservations and more information.
Ordination of Stefanie Etzbach-Dale
Sunday, June 19, 7:00 p.m.
Please join us for a garden reception following the ceremony.
May, 2005
UU Christian Fellowship Pacific Southwest Chapter
May 1, 3:30 p.m.
Our discussion, "Spiritual Practices: Which Ones Nourish You as a UU Christian?"
will be moderated by Achim Jung.
Faith in Action Peace Group
Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 p.m.
Filmmakers Gerard Ungerman and Audry Brohy will show 30 minutes of their documentary
film, "The Oil Factor: Behind the War on Terror." They will then lead
a discussion of the issues raised by the film. For more information, contact
Charles or Christine Haskell.
14th Annual Ernest D. Pipes, Jr. Distinguished Lecture
"America & China - Odd Couple or Fatal Attraction?"
Saturday, May 28, 8:00 p.m.
Featuring Tom Plate, School of Public Policy, UCLA, former editor of the editorial
pages of The Los Angeles Times and internationally syndicated columnist.
Free admission. Reception following the lecture.
April, 2005
FIA Peace Committee Meeting &
"Arlington West" Screening
Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 p.m.
The April meeting of the Peace Committee will feature the video "Arlington
West," followed by a discussion about the significance of civilian and
military casualties in the Iraq war. Contact Charles or Christine
Haskell for further information.
Spring Cleaning Work Party
Saturday, April 16, 8:00 a.m.
Warm, sunny days are back again and outside jobs beckon. This month, we'll
wash windows and blinds, clear debris from the back yard at the house next door,
spruce up the children’s play yard, and do other yard work.
If you prefer to work indoors, you may select a classroom and clean it thoroughly,
or dust pews, clean tables, do other general cleaning, or help set up food and
beverages for breakfast and lunch. This is a great way to meet people and renew
friendships while contributing to the church community. And don’t forget, we
need to know you are coming so that we have enough breakfast and lunch for everyone.
To RSVP, call Marie at the church office.
March, 2005
Freedom Riders 2004: Personal Stories from the Marriage Equality Caravan
Sunday, March 13, 12:30 p.m.
Gguest speakers Roberta Conroy and Terri Fabris were among the 46 riders who
traveled in a cross-country tour last October to promote marriage equality.
The Revs. Helen Carroll and John Millspaugh, UU clergy, joined same-sex couples
with voided marriage licenses, parents who want their children to have the right
to marry, a woman who lost her home to taxes after her partner died, and a member
of the Armed Forces who was willing to forfeit her pension by coming out. Together
they brought to America the stories of same-sex couples and their struggle for
civil rights. California Assembly Bill 19, “The Religious Freedom and Civil
Marriage Protection Act,” which would remove the ban on same-sex couples' access
to civil marriage licenses, will also be discussed. A low-cost lunch will be
provided in Forbes Hall following the second service. For information, contact
Judy Federick.
"Our Programs in a Time of Financial Peril"
Facilitated Prioritizing, Visualizing and Budgeting Workshop
Saturday, March 19, 9:00 a.m.
We'll have a budget deficit of $25,000 this year. What do we really need in
2005-06? How will we pay for it? Please attend a this special workshop to help
plan for our church's financial future. Coffee and refreshments starting at
8:30 p.m. All members are urged to attend. Please RSVP to Carol Kerr. Child
care available by calling the church office in advance.
FIA Speaker Series:
"Latin America Brings Hope to the United States"
Blase Bonpane, speaker
Sunday, March 20, 12:30 p.m.
Blase Bonpane, Ph.D., is director of the Office of the Americas. His lecture
is sponsored by our church's Faith i Action Speaker Series. Lunch will be availabe
at nominal cost, and childcare is available. $5 donation suggested.
The Louis Durra Trio
Sunday, March 20, 7:00 p.m.
You know how good one third of them is. Imagine Louis times three...in a concert
of jazz standards and original music. Suggested donation $10.
February, 2005
National Health & Wellness Bureau Update
Wednesday, February 2, 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Bryant Koh will present information on stress reduction, disease prevention,
exercise facts and fiction, nutritio9n, cancer and heart disease, health lifestyle
choices, anti-aging myths and methods, and thelatest advances in teh doctor's
area of specialty, chiropractic. Program is free; question and answer session
to follow. Contact Maris Kashmer-Stiebing for more information; sign up in the
church office or on a sheet on the Forbes Hall bulletin board.
Stevenings III:
E Unibus Plurim: Monotheism in Music
Saturday, February 26, 7:00 p.m.
The Music Committee presents the third in the “Stevenings” series, discussion
by Music Director Steve Wight. Recommended reading before the event: Harper
Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Yes, we’re serious. We’ll explain why at the
event.
January, 2005
"Is Separation of Church and State in Peril?"
Faith in Action Speaker Series
Harry Schwartzbart
Sunday, January 16, 12:45 p.m.
Harryy Schwartzbart is President Emeritus of the San Fernando Valley Chapter,
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and has supported the
group almost since its inception in 1947. He is a metallurgist by profession,
a musician and Shakespeare scholar by avocation, and since 1994 an avid activist
in the area of church-state relations. Mr. Schwartzbart is the Founding President
of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church
and State, now the largest chapter in the United States, and is a member of
its National Advisory Council and Nominating Committee. Among his current concerns
is the proposed financial support of California missions by the State of California.
Stated as a question: Is it appropriate for the State of California to pay for
improvements on property owned by the Catholic Church? Question and answer period
will follow.
Reception to Honor Betty MacDonald
Sunday, January 23, 12:30 p.m.
Join us to honor church member Betty MacDonald for her many years of service
and leadership to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. A light lunch
will be served with the short program.
November, 2004
Latin American Encuentro
Saturday, November 13, 9:30 a.m.
The theme of the 20th Annual Latin American Encuentro (“gathering”) is “U.S./
Corporate Empire in Our Hemisphere: The People’s Response.” The event is sponsored
by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Southern California Unit (UUSC),
and the Committee in Solidarity with El Salvador (CISPES).
The Encuentro is for anyone interested in social justice issues, events in
Latin America and actions of the U.S. government and military. There are excellent
speakers, panels, and workshops along with a delicious free lunch for those
who register by November 8.
The keynote speaker is Jennifer Harbury, attorney and staff member of UUSC,
Cambridge, MA. She will speak on “U.S. Involvement in Torture: Legal, Historical,
and Security Issues.” Other speakers include UCLA Professor Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda,
who will speak on the corporate agenda; Pierre Labossiere on Haiti; Ricardo
Moreno on Venezuela; and Adrian Garcia and Delvis Fernandez Levy on Cuba.
Action workshops on the topics such as writing letters and visiting senators
and members of the House of Representatives will be presented by staff and volunteers
of California Peace Action.
Pre-registration, which includes lunch, is $20 by November 8. Admission is
$25 at the door. Scholarships are available. An Encuentro information and registration
flyer is available at www.he.net/~uusca
/unit.htm. Parking is available in the UCLA Hospital lot at 16th Street
and Arizona.
Pilgrims' Feast
Saturday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.
This year, our church’s annual Pilgrims Feast will be incorporate a harvest
celebration service based on the Jewish celebration of Passover.
The original draft of this service was written by Rev. John F. Hayward with
the help of his family, and first used publicly on November 18, 1965, at a community
meal at First Unitarian Church of Chicago. Since then, it has undergone extensive
revision in Chicago by the Rev. Jack Mendelsohn; in Albuquerque by Elaine Lehmann
and Sherry Lincoln; and in Muncie, IN, by the Rev. Drew Kennedy (1980), the
Rev. Bruce Lakin and Mary Johnson Robey (1992), the Rev. Angie Theisen (1998)
and the Rev. Thomas Perchlik (2000).
Like Passover, which celebrates the escape from slavery and the building of
a new life and culture in a promised land, our American Thanksgiving celebrates
“exodus” from tyranny in which pilgrims accepted the risks of the sea and all
the dangers of an unfamiliar continent.
Our Unitarian Universalist Harvest Feast celebrates the various and diverse
experiences of escape from bondage and emergence into new hope. Voices of adults
and children will bring us the prepared text. Make reservations for this pot-luck
event right away by contacting Lyn Armondo or on Sunday morning during coffee
hour. Hurry, this event sells out early! Donations are welcome, and a portion
of funds go to Step
Up on Second.
October, 2004
Honoring Dean Voegtlen
Friday, October 29, 7:30 p.m. (reception to follow)
Come and hear our good friend and longtime member Dean Voegtlen discuss his
life stories and share his wisdom with you. Childcare will be available.
September, 2004
Yard Sale to Benefit the Building Program
Saturday, September 18, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Now that we have a house and a yard adjacent to our church, let's have a yard
sale! High-end items for sale - no junk! - including: large N-scale train set
(trains, tracks, landscaping elements, buildings, table, etc.), Leica binoculars,
telescope, furniture (home and office), Kenmore window air conditioner, jewelry
(inc. jade ring, pearl earrings), lamps, small appliances, cat tree, signed
"Baby Blues" comic drawing, Harry Potter book on tape, WWII video
series and much, much more. Sale will be held in the yard of the house at 1248
18th St. Contact Carol Agate for more information or to donate
quality items for the sale.
Congregational Meeting & Vote on 17th & 18th St. Properties
Sunday, September 19, 12:30 p.m.
What should we do with the house next door? Should we sell the 17th Street
lot? These and other questions will be discussed and voted on at a congregational
meeting on Sunday, September 19. The purpose of the meeting is to (1) approve
preliminary building plans/direction for the new 18th Street property based
on a recommendation from the Building Committee, and (2) vote on whether or
not to sell the 17th Street property to help finance the approved building plans.
(See full agenda and, if you're still undecided,
arguments for and against
the sale.) Lunch will be available before the meeting. At least 79 members must
be present for a quorum.
FUUsion Barbecue
Sunday, September 26, 4:00 p.m.
Calling all young adults, ages 21-35 -- Please join us for a September barbecue
to kick off the new church year. There are so many young adults in our congregation.
(Bet you didn't know that.) You need to meet each other. Bring a friend if you
wish. We'll provide food and drink. This social gathering is sponsored by fUUsion,
our yougn adult group, and the Rev. Judith Meyer, our minister. Call David Knudsen
for more information...or just show up. You don't want to miss this one!
August, 2004
Cowboy Cookout
A Courtyard Connection
Sunday, August 15, 11:15 a.m.
Join Bienvenidos at our second summer Courtyard Connection -- a Cowboy Cookout
after church. Our chef Julie Nyquist is cooking up her final
summer treat to encourage all members, new and old, to come and sit a spell.
The focus is on getting to know each other, with food as the bonus. The food
will include barbeque beef, corn on the cob, cheesy potatoes, corn bread, salad,
watermelon and dessert.
The cost is $5 for adults, $2 for children under 10. No sign up required. Just
mosey on over! Limit 40.
4th Annual Interweave Picnic:
"Standing on the Side of Love"
Sunday, August 22, 11:00 a.m.
A UU celebration of the weddings of same-sex couples in San Francisco, Massachusetts,
Oregon, New York and New Mexico. The Women's Alliance and Interweave
(the UU Group for bisexuals, gays, lesbians and transgenders and their friends
and allies) welcomes you to picnic, socialize and celebrate this past year's
historic events, which ahve brought the world closer to recognizing the human
dignity and rights of us all. Food and drinks provided. No charge. Donations
gratefully accepted for Interweave's work in support of civil marriage rights
for same-sex couples. For more information, contact Judy Federick.
July, 2004
Civil Liberties & the War on Terrorism
Saturday, July 17, 9:00 p.m.
The 12th annual Ernest Pipes Distinguished Lecture will present Erwin Chemerinsky,
Professor of Law at the University of Southern California, speaking about Civil
Liberties and the War on Terrorism. Friends and family welcome; admission is
free.
June, 2004
Let's Discuss Our Building Options...
...at two meetings on June 2 and June 19. Two town hall planning meetings will
be held this month to discuss the church’s building program options. The first
will be on Wednesday, June 2, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, and the second on
Saturday, June 19, at 1 p.m. at de Benneville Pines. Building Committee members
will present renovation and new construction options, possible phasing of construction,
and financing. Come and provide your feedback as we plan improvements to our
church facilities. In the meantime, see some of the architect's preliminary
ideas in the Forbes Hall alcove – and post your comments on the bulletin board.
In Our Own Voice
Sunday, June 13, 12:30 p.m.
The Welcoming Congregation Committee and the National
Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) present a program and video about living
with mental illness, with moderator Andrew Stewart, Ph.D. A mimimal cost lunch
from Step Up on Second will be provided in Forbes Hall following the second
service.
May, 2004
Faith in Action Speaker Series:
Arianna Huffington
"Fanatics & Fools -- The Game Plan for Winning Back America"
Saturday, May, 29, 7:30 p.m.
Arianna Huffington will talk about her new book. The talk will be followed
by a book signing opportunity in Forbes Hall.
April, 2004
Faith in Action Speaker Series:
USC Professor Steven Lamy, Ph.D.
"Pass, Fail or Honors: Grading the Bush Administration's Foreign Policy"
Sunday, April 25, 12:30 p.m.
This lecture and Q&A session is sponsored by the Faith in Action Peace
and Civil Liberties Committee.
Courtyard Connections:
French Toast on the Terrace
Sunday, April 25, 10:15 a.m.
Join Bienvenidos for our second Spring Courtyard Connection of 2004. French
Toast on the Terrace is an opportunity for those who attend the 9:O0 service
to linger for fellowship. We encourage all members, new and old to amble into
the courtyard to mix and mingle. The focus is on getting to know each other,
with food as the bonus. The food will include French toast, eggs, bacon, “pigs”
in blankets, cinnamon apple fritters, potatoes, cereal and fresh fruit. If you
are a new member be sure to bring your complimentary ticket. The cost is $5
for adults $2 for children under 10 No sign-up required.
Nevenka Concert
Saturday, April 17, 8:00 p.m.
The UUCCSM Music Committee and Folkworks will present a concert by Nevenka,
a
Los Angeles-based women’s chorus performing music
of Eastern Europe. Nevenka’s repertoire includes music
from Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Greece, and Russia.
Also on the program will be Baksheesh Boys, known for
their playing of traditional Balkan Gajda (bagpipe),
Kaval (flute), Tambura (lute), and Darabuka (drum)
alongside the more modern violin, bass, and guitar.
March, 2004
Emergency Board Meeting About Available Property Next
Door
Monday, March 1, 7:00 p.m.
There is a for sale sign on the property next door to the Church - a property
that the Church has long wanted to acquire. The timing on making an offer, like
all real estate in Santa Monica, is very tight and the Board must move quickly.
This is a special Board Meeting to discuss the possibility of making an offer
on the property. As acquiring this property will certainly require dedication
of substantial financial resources, we are encouraging our members to attend
the Board Meeting and offer their perspectives.
City Hall Planning Commission Meeting About Our Building Program
Wednesday, March 3, 7:00 p.m.
Our building permit application will be reviewed by the Planning Commission.
The hearing will be held in the city council chambers at Santa Monica City Hall,
and it would be great to have a big turnout of church supporters there. Ours
is the first of the evening's public hearings, following a few shorter agenda
items. Please come and support our application with your presence. Call Barbara
Kernochan at home if you have questions.
The agenda is available online
(click on "Staff Report" under item 8A).
Covenant Groups Workshop
Wednesdays, March 3-24, 7:00 p.m.
This workshop is an opportunity to explore and experience the way Covenant
Groups are grounded in Unitarian Universalist history and theology, and how
they actually work. Join us in taking this important step toward creating a
sustainable Small Group Ministry at UUCCSM.
Registration is limited to 12, and a commitment to attendance for each of the
four meetings is required. To register by the deadline, February 22, leave a
note in the office for Intern Minister the Rev. Stefanie Etzbach-Dale,
including your name and phone number.
"Evening of Classics"
Sunday, March 7, 7:00 p.m.
The Russian String Quartet, including members of the Los Angeles
Philharmonic, will perform chamber works by Bach, Haydn, and Brahms on Sunday,
March 7, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Dean Voegtlen, a longtime member and past president of our
church, will join the quartet for the Brahms Clarinet Quintet. This “Evening
of Classics” is sponsored by the Music Committee and the Faith
in Action Commission. The concert is a benefit for
Step Up on Second, which serves local adults with serious mental illnesses.
The suggested donation is $7 for seniors and youth, and $10 for others. All
donations are tax exempt. After the concert, the audience is invited to a reception
to meet the artists.
Betwen Iraq and a Hard Place
FIA Speaker Program with Saul Landau
Sunday, March 28, 12:30 p.m.
Participate in a lively discussion on foreign policy issues. Watch Saul Landau's
new video, "Between Iraq and a Hard Place," with a question and answer
period following the presentation. Saul Landau is a fellow at the Washington,
D.C. Institute for Policy Studies and directs the Digital Media Program at Cal
Poly Pomona University's College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. This
program is part of our Faith in Action Speaker Series, sponsored by the Peace
& Civil Liberties Committee.
February, 2004
Integration or Segregation?
Marriage or Civil Union?
Why it Matters: The Politics of Same-Sex Marriage
Sunday, February 15, 12:30 p.m.
Just a secular issue? A religious matter also? How do we as a liberal religious
community respond? Please join us for a forum on the issues, sponsored by Interweave,
our church's group for biseuals, gays, lesbians and transgenders, and their
friends and allies. Lunch will be served in Forbes Hall after the second service.
Learn About Religious Education
Sunday, February 22, 12:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what Religious Education is all about? All newcomers
to our church community, as well as interested members, are invited to attend
an introduction to Religious Education in the sanctuary anteroom.We’ll
explore RE philosophy and its embodiment of UU principles, as well as provide
an overview of the programs and classes offered for our children and youth.
Whether you’re a parent considering becoming a member of UUCCSM, a member
interested in learning about being an RE volunteer, or are just interested in
learning about what goes on upstairs on Sunday mornings, this is the place to
find answers to your questions. RSVP to Catherine Farmer.
Workshop:
"Updating My Relationship with God" with Tom Owen-Towle
Saturday, February 28
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (with a 45-minute lunch break)
Forbes Hall
"Don't miss this opportunity for spiritual growth and learning
with one of the leading ministers in our Unitarian Universalist community."
- Rev. Judith Meyer
A day-long retreat-workshop
for atheists, agnostics, theists and all others interested in furthering spiritual
growth and understanding. Take a day for yourself to contemplate, discuss, and
refresh your relationship with the holy. In this interactive workshop, your
faith and doubts will be welcomed.
Tom Owen-Towle is the minister emeritus from the First
UU Church of San Diego, and a prominent UU writer and workshop leader. Tom
has wrestled with God throughout his 36-year career as a Unitarian Universalist
minister. He has published 16 books on issues of faith, men's issues, relationships,
spiritual practice, and ministry. Copies of his book, Wrestling with God
(and its study guide) will be available for purchase. Look for his books in
the book cart in Forbes Hall.
Register for the workshop at church - Sunday, January 25th and February 1st
in Forbes Hall, after either service, at the Adult Religious Growth and Learning
(ARGL) table. Or call the church office at (310) 829-5436, or e-mail office@uusm.org.
Suggested donation: $15
January, 2004
Town Hall Information Meeting for the Building Project
Sunday, January 25, 12:30 p.m.
See the latest renderings! Learn what happens next with the City of Santa
Monica! Ask questions! Lunch will be available.
“SuperBowl-A-Thon VIII”
Friday, January 30 (afternoon)
When did you last go bowling? How would you like to support the Westside Shelter
and Hunger Coalition, our major partner in helping homeless adults, children,
and families in our community, and have fun as well? Join our church’s
team at the AMF Bay Shore Lanes (234 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica).
Faith in Action has endorsed forming
one or more five-person teams for the event. The three available times for groups
of five bowlers are: 1 to 2 p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m. or 4 to 5 p.m. There is a
registration fee of $100 per team of five bowlers (so the cost to individual
bowlers is $20 each). Please contact Charles Haskell for more
information or to sign up.
December, 2003
The Threat to Our Courts
Friday, December 12, 7:00 p.m.
Susan Lerner, Founder and Chair of the Committee, for Judicial Independence
will present a lecture with Q& A, sponsored by the Faith
in Action Peace and Civil Liberties Committee. $5 donation suggested
Friendly Beasts Holiday Pageant
Sunday, December 14, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Join our children for the annual holiday pageant, presented at both services!
November, 2003
Practical Peacekeeping in a Troubled World
Friday, November 7, 7:00 p.m.
The Faith in Action speaker series presents
a lecture and Q&A session with Barbara J. Nelson, Ph.D.,
Professor and Dean of the UCLA School of Public Policy and Social Research.
Light refreshments served. $5 donation suggested.
Sponsored by the Peace & Civil Liberties Committee.
Backyard Brunch
Sunday, November 9, 10:15 a.m.
Join Bienvenidos for our second Fall Courtyard Connection of 2003. Our Backyard
Brunch is an opportunity for those who attend the 9 a.m. service to linger for
fellowship. We encourage all members, new and old, to amble into the courtyard
to mix and mingle. The focus is on getting to know each other, with food as
the bonus. The food will include French toast, eggs, bacon, “pigs”
in blankets, potatoes, cereal and fresh fruit. Helpers are needed. Contact Julie
Nyquist for more information.(Note: All new members are invited to
attend one Courtyard Connection at no charge — courtesy of members of
the Bienvenidos Council.)
Tea Honoring Peggy Butler
Friday, November 14, 4:00 p.m.
Please join the celebration tea honoring Peggy Butler. RSVP
to Anne MacQueen, Ellen Boag or Helene
Morrison.
Pilgrim's Feast
Saturday, November 22, 6:00 p.m.
Reserve your space now for our annual potluck sharing of the Thanksgiving
holiday for everyone in our congregation. Stop at the sign-up table in Forbes
Hall during coffee hours or call to reserve your place. Reservation deadline
is November 17. Contact Helen Burns or Jean Rutowski
for more information. A potluck dish will be assigned when you make
your reservation. See you there for all the fun, food, and festivities!
October, 2003
Dialogue with the Minister
Wednesday, October 1, 7:00 p.m.
You are invited to a dialogue with Judith Meyer to discuss the issues raised
in the sermon “On Being a Person of Faith,”
delivered Sunday, September 28. If you missed church that Sunday, you can pick
up a copy of the sermon at the church office or read it online. All are welcome.
Potatoes on the Patio
Sunday, October 12, 12:00 p.m.
Join chef Julie Nyquist for one of our occasional Courtyard Connections lunch
events. No pre-registration necessary! (Note: All new members are invited to
attend one Courtyard Connection at no charge — courtesy of members of
the Bienvenidos Council.)
Women of Power, Women at Play
Saturday, October 25, 9:00 a.m.
“Women of Power, Women at Play” is the theme for the Autumn 2003
event sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation of the
Pacific Southwest District, on Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at
the church. The group will be hosted by our church’s Women’s
Alliance. The morning celebration and program feature guest speaker Kierstin
Homblette, the new UUWF Clara Barton Intern at the UUA Faith in Action
Office in Washington, DC. Afternoon workshops include: “Our Voice in Washington”
with Kierstin Homblette, “Decorative Box Making” with Lee
Wright, and “Moving the Body and Spirit” with Faye
Cloud Kennedy.
Registration and coffee begin at 9 a.m.; the program begins at 9:30. Registration
is $10.
Please bring your own lunch; beverages and snacks will be provided. Pre-registration
is encouraged but not necessary. However, if you’d like child care, please
request it by October 15 and plan to bring your child’s lunch as well
as your own. Questions? Call Barbara or email Joyce Holmen.
September, 2003
Amnesty International Evening
Sunday, September 14, 7:00 p.m.
Please join us on Sunday, September 14, when our Faith
in Action program and Amnesty International USA present an evening of music,
poetry and inspiration. Guests include Dr. William F. Schulz,
executive director of Amnesty International USA; singer Christine Mourad;
and actors, artists and musicians for Amnesty. Greg Germann
will emcee. Come at 7 p.m. for refreshments, followed by the program at 7:30.
From August 1 to 15, church friends and members can buy advance tickets by
calling (310) 815-0450, ext. 107. After August 15 tickets will
be available to Amnesty members and the public. Tickets are $25
each and will benefit Amnesty International’s “Imagine” campaign.
Inspired by John Lennon’s classic song of hope, “Imagine,”
Amnesty is launching a public education and media campaign for human rights.
Yoko Ono said that Amnesty International has embodied the spirit of her husband’s
anthem for more than 40 years.
Dr. Schulz, a former president of the UUA, will also be preaching at our church
on Sunday, September 14, at both the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services.
Judith Meyer's 10th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, September 21, After Each Service
Our minister, Judith Meyer, has served our congregation with distinction, and
has put up with our vagaries, for ten years. We are planning a celebration in
her honor. During each service we will have a brief apppreciation message, and
after each service a reception in the courtyard. We will all have a chance to
say thank you to Judith.
Children and young adults are invited. Light refreshments will be served.
Note: People who normally attend at 11:00 are urged to come to the early service
to have more breathing space, more refreshments, and a better chance to talk
with Judith. Contact Dean Voegtlen for more information.
Concert Series
Upcoming concerts in our sancturary:
Sunday, September 21
Louis Durra Concert
Sunday, November 23
Louis Durra Concert
Singalong Picnic
Sunday, September 28, 12:30 p.m.
At our church retreat at Camp de Benneville Pines, we do a lot of folksinging
and each year’s Saturday campfire is a highlight of the weekend. But why
wait until next June to sing those good songs? There is a rich and warm legacy
to keep alive for ourselves and to share with the next generations.
Folks of all ages are encouraged to come for a singalong picnic. We’ll
start by eating, and tuning our guitars, banjos, fiddles, harmonicas, and random
other instruments at 12:30 p.m., and then sing until about 2 p.m. Bring your
picnic lunch and armfuls of kids and others.
We’ll have some of the good song books we’ve created in the past
few years; feel free to bring copies to share of what you’ve been humming
lately. Questions? RSVP? Please contact Joyce Holmen.
