The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica

You Are Invited

April, 2009

UUCCSM Men’s Group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. Our April 2 topic is: “Would you enjoy spending a month of solitude in a beautiful natural setting? Food and shelter would be provided but you would not see another person.” Our April 16 topic will be: “After a medical examination, your doctor calls and gravely says you have a rare lymphatic cancer and only a few months to live. Five days later, she informs you that the lab tests were mislabeled; you are perfectly healthy. Forced for a moment to look death in the face, you have been allowed to turn and go on. During those difficult days you would certainly have gained some insights about yourself. Do you think they would be worth the pain?” We especially welcome new members.

Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, April 21, to discuss “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman (Adventures of a Curious Character)” by Richard Feynman. The irrepressible physicist tells of some of his most enduring adventures. We will meet at the home of Gaye Deal at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’ Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Wednesday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Revolutionary Road,” by Richard Yates at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

Blase Bonpane Birthday Party 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 on Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m. There will be music, dancing, entertainment, and a loud hurrah for Blase on his 80th.

March, 2009

UUCCSM Men’s Group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. The March 5 topic: “You and a person you love deeply are placed in separate rooms with a button next to each of you. You know that you will both be killed unless one of you presses your button before 60 minutes pass; furthermore, the first to press the button will save the other person, but will immediately be killed. What do you think you would do?” Our March 19 topic: “When you tell a story, do you often exaggerate or embellish it? If so, why?” New members are especially welcomed to the group.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, March 17, to discuss “The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism” by Andrew Bacevich. This critique of the growing American penchant for empire and entitlement examines the citizenry’s complicity in the current economic and military crisis — it is ultimately a call for us to wise up and put our house in order. We will meet at the home of Gaye Deal at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome. Call Rebecca Crawford for details.

Books ’R’ Us, a fiction reading group, will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, to discuss “Go Tell It on the Mountain” by James Baldwin, The meeting will be held at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

February, 2009

UUCCSM Men’s Group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. Our February 5 topic is: Would you be willing to commit perjury for a close friend? For example, might you testify that he was driving carefully when he hit a pedestrian even though he had been joking around and not paying attention? Our February 19 topic will be: You are given a chance to return to any previous point in your life and change a decision you made, but you will lose everything that has happened to you since then. Is there a time you would return to? If so, would you like to retain the memory of the life you are giving up even though you could never recapture it? We especially welcome new members.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, February 17, to discuss “The Quantum World: Quantum Physics for Everyone” by Kenneth W. Ford. An approachable book with a bit of quantum history, and explanations of such concepts as to why quarks are said to have flavors and what is detected by those multi-million dollar instruments. We will meet at the home of Gaye Deal at 7:00 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Wednesday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Kafka on the Shore,” by Haruki Murakami at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

January, 2009

The Green Sanctuary Committee meets Saturday, January 3, at 11 a.m. in Room 4. Looking for a way to get involved in church activities? This committee may be for you if you care about the environment and want to help our church become a Green Sanctuary. Agenda includes solar cookers for Africa and CFLs (compact fluorescent lightbulbs) for our community. For more information, call Sandra Trutt.

UCCUSM Men’s Group ordinarily meets the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage, but this month because of NewYears Day we will meet on the second and fourth Thursdays. Our January 8 topic is:While on a trip to another city, your spouse (or lover) meets and spends a night with an exciting stranger. Given that they will never meet again, and that you will not otherwise learn of the incident, would you want your partner to tell you about it? If roles were reversed, would you reveal what you had done? Follow up: How serious would an affair need to be before you would want and expect to be told about it?What makes hearing such a confession so threatening that most people would rather be deceived? Is this kind of honesty more likely to be destructive or to lead to great intimacy and trust? How much do you trust your lover? How much can you be trusted? Our January 22 topic will be: Someone very close to you is in pain, paralyzed, and will die within a month. He begs you to give him poison so that he can die.Would you? What if he were your father? Follow up: Should it be illegal to help a terminally ill person to die? If someone is not dying but has chronic pain, should the person be allowed to commit suicide?What if the person is in emotional rather than physical pain?We especially welcome new members.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss “My Name isWill” by JessWinnfield, at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

Zen Discussion and Meditation will resume on Sunday, January 11, at the regular time of 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. in Room 7. The class has been concentrating on a wonderful book by Byron Katie called “A Thousand Names for Joy.’ I will read parts of a chapter of the book, which is only two to three pages, and then discuss it with class participation. The book is one of the most insightful, inspirational and spiritual books I have ever read. Each class is separate and anyone can join us at any time. After the discussion there is a 15-minute meditation.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, January 20, to discuss “President Lincoln: Duty of a Statesman” byWilliam Lee Miller. Through a close reading of the president’s papers Miller presents a subtle portrait of Abe’s moral and intellectual life in his earlyWhite House years.We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawfordat 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

December, 2008

The UUCCSM Men’s Group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. Our December 4 topic is “Do you think that the world will be a better or a worse place 100 years from now?” Our December 18 topic will be “Would you rather have had an extremely successful professional life and a tolerable yet unexciting private life, or an extremely happy private life and only a tolerable and uninspiring professional life?” Since so many place great emphasis on a happy private life, why do people often wind up putting more energy into their professional lives? If you feel your private life is or was more important to you, do your priorities support this? Are you simply unwilling to admit that work is more important? Did you use work as a substitute? Did you hope professional success would somehow magically lead to personal happiness? We especially welcome new members.

The Green Sanctuary Committee is a good way for new members to get involved in church activities. It provides an opportunity to meet other members in a small group setting, and to participate in interesting projects. The next monthly meeting is Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 4. We will discuss our revised action plan and two new environmental justice projects. Why not give it a try? Contact Sandra Trutt or Leslie Reuter, Co-Chairs.

The Poetry Group is reaching for the holiday spirit in its Tuesday, December 9, meeting. We ask that you bring at least three poems that reflect the season and its larger spiritual meaning or even just its festive nature. We meet at 7:30 p.m. at Carolyn Berry’s. Bring refreshments to share with 10 to 12 people. Contact Diana Spears for details.

Books ’R’ Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Divisadero,” by Michael Ondaatje, in the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come. In January we will resume our usual fourth Wednesday of the month schedule.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, December 16, to discuss “The Secret House: The Extraordinary Science of an Ordinary Day” by David Bodanis. We learn of the static between radio stations and the symbiotic mites that inhabit our every surface. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

November, 2008

The Green Sanctuary Committee is meeting Saturday, November 1, at 11 a.m. in Room 4. The committee will look into environmental justice projects to add to their action plan. All are welcome.

The UCCUSM Men’s Group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. On November 6 we will discuss the question, “For a person you loved deeply, would you be willing to move to a distant country knowing there would be little chance of seeing your friends or family again?” On November 20 we will ask, “If a new medicine were developed that would cure arthritis but cause a fatal reaction in 1 percent of those who took it, would you want it to be released to the public and would you recommend it to someone whom you were close to?” We especially welcome new members.

The Poetry Group will be meeting on Tuesday, November 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Carolyn Berry’s. Contact Diana Spears for details.

“A Caregiver’s Bill of Rights” that we’ve appreciated (courtesy of the Parkinson’s Resource Organization) starts out: “I have the right to take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capacity to take better care of my relative.” Other rights it states are the right to get angry, to be depressed, to receive consideration, to take pride in what I am accomplishing and applaud the courage it has sometimes taken to meet the needs of my relative. If you are taking care of someone on a daily basis or long-distance, join us for the Caregivers’ Support Group on Tuesday, November 18, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in Forbes Hall. For information, call Helen Brown, or Joyce Holmen.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, November 18, to discuss “What We Believe but Cannot Prove: Today’s Leading Thinkers on Science in the Age of Certainty” edited by John Brockman. Numerous notable scientists and scholars answer the question, “What do you believe even though you cannot prove it?” The responses range widely.We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will not meet in November.We will meet on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:30, to discuss “Divisadero,” by Michael Ondaatje, at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

It seems like it’s been a long election season. Assuming that we have the results on at least most of what brought voters into the November 4th democratic process, what do we face now? Let’s light a chalice and consider some questions together. What we can celebrate, what do we mourn, and what challenges are in store for Unitarian Universalists? The Women’s Alliance meets Sunday, November 9. You can bring your ideas and sack lunch to the Cottage at 12:30 pm. For information, contact Joyce Holmen.

October, 2008

Zen Discussion and Meditation Class: We meet every Sunday in Room 7 above Forbes Hall from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. This month we will be discussing insights from a remarkable woman, Byron Katie, and her book “A Thousand Names for Joy.” It is one of the best spiritual books I have come across in many years. After our discussion we have a short period of meditation. No prior experience is needed, and our class is informal and most of the time fun. Everyone is welcome. Each class is separate so come when you can. For more information contact Bernie Silvers.

UUCCSM Men’s Group: We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. This month we meet on October 2 and 16. We especially welcome new members.

The Green Sanctuary Committee is not meeting in October. Instead we are hosting a “Green” Tea for members of the board and the Coffee Committee on Saturday, October 4, at 3 p.m. in the cottage.

Caregivers’ Support Group — Special Meeting: Our interim minister, the Rev. Roberta Haskin, has agreed to visit our support group at the next meeting. Roberta, a certified chaplain who has worked in several settings, has offered to share some of her experiences and discuss any of our questions. If you care for someone who is ill or has dementia, please join us for this special opportunity. The meeting is on Tuesday, October 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., in Forbes Hall. Contact Joyce Holmen or Helen Brown.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, October 21, to discuss “The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives,” by Leonard Mlodinow. This is a very readable guide to how the mathematical laws of randomness affect our lives. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford, at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’ Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Tuesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “John Henry Days” by Colson Whitehead at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich.. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

September, 2008

UUCCSM Men’s Group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. This month we meet on September 4 and 18. We especially welcome new members. For more information, please call Phil or Ed.

Green Committee meets Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 4. On the agenda is revising our action plan according to UU Ministry for Earth requests and completing our baseline for inclusion to our green sanctuary application. Anyone interested is welcome.

There are others just like you! Here’s a little rhyme: “Grandparent, husband, sister, child — someone depends on you. That makes you a caregiver, and there are others just like you.” Please don’t let your responsibilities isolate you from peers and friends. If you’re providing daily or long-distance care to someone with chronic illness or dementia, bring your questions, worries, and tips to the Caregivers’ Support Group, which meets next on Tuesday, September 16, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Forbes Hall. Contact Joyce Holmen or Helen Brown.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, September 16, to discuss “The Emergence of Everything: How the World Became Complex” by Harold Morowitz. When the whole is greater than the sum of the parts — indeed, so great that the sum transcends the parts and is utterly new and different, that is emergence. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Black Swan Green: A Novel” by David Mitchell at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

Peace and Civil Liberties Film Nite is on Saturday, September 27, at 7 to 9 p.m. in Forbes Hall. The Peace and Civil Liberities Committee presents “Sisters of Selma: Bearing Witness for Change.” Director Jayasri Hart will speak with us after the showing about the making of this compelling film depicting the activism of the Catholic Sisters during the March on Selma. The film received a regional Emmy nomination for music provided by our own Bronwen Jones.

August, 2008

The Green Sanctuary Committee meets Saturday, August 2, at 11 a.m. in Room 4. Everyone is welcome.

The UUCCSM Men’s Group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. This month we meet August 7 and 21. We especially welcome new members.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, August 19, to discuss “The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe without Design” by Richard Dawkins. One of Dawkins’ earlier works, it is a bit of a classic.We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Many people with dementia get to talking infrequently, or stop completely, but that doesn’t mean they’ve lost interest in communication. It doesn’t mean they don’t want to hear familiar or kind voices, but conversations can be a challenge that you might find yourself avoiding. Impaired eyesight doesn’t mean someone would reject a chance to go over family photos, old and new, and discuss what is happening in them. So consider reading aloud (books, poetry, letters, e-mail, magazines, jokes) or sharing photos with seniors you care about. It could make your day as well as theirs. Plus, it’s a gift that a child, teen, or adult can offer. If you’re providing daily or long-distance care to someone with chronic illness or dementia, bring your tips, questions, and worries to the Caregivers’ Support Group, which meets next on Tuesday, August 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Forbes Hall. Contact Joyce Holmen or Helen Brown.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Wednesday, August 27, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss “Romeo and Juliet” byWilliam Shakespeare at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

July, 2008

UUCCSM Men’s Group: We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage. This month we meet on July 3 and 17. We especially welcome new members.

The Green Sanctuary Group is meeting on Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. in Room 3. The agenda includes environmental justice issues and new classes to offer. Everyone is welcome.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, July 15, to discuss “The Seven Daughters of Eve” by Bryan Sykes. Using sequences in mitochondrial DNA allows us to trace human origins. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’ Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Wednesday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Tortilla Flat” by John Steinbeck at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

June, 2008

UUCCSM Men’s Group:We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the NE room of the cottage. This month we meet on June 5 and 19. We especially welcome new members. For details, please call Phil or Ed.

The Green Sanctuary Committee is meeting Saturday, June 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the Cottage, after the Pancake Breakfast in Forbes Hall. We have invited a speaker, sameerah Siddiqui, from Clean and Safe Ports to tell us about their work on greening the Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports. Join us to find out what you can do to help. Ms. Saddiqui will speak from 11:30 to 11:45 a.m. Please join us. Contact: Sandra Trutt (310) 479-7482.

Zen Discussion and Meditation will meet the regular time at 9:30 a.m. and then beginning June 15 at 9 a.m. each Sunday in Room 7 above Forbes Hall. We have recently been concentrating on the many ways there are to meditate. In the next months we will be discussing enlightenment from a Zen viewpoint — the substance of thoughts and their influence, how to mitigate anger, stress management, sex and sin, and other topics. Each class is separate and anyone can join us at any time. No experience is necessary and we generally have a fun time with lots of participation. For more information contact Bernie Silvers.

“A little notebook to the rescue.” Family caregivers have to keep track of a myriad of specifics, some of which can be lifesaving for their loved ones. They need phone numbers and alternates, appointment details and driving directions, medical and financial notes, lists of things that need follow-up, where to shop for particular items, plus a place to gather up the fragments. Much as you might depend on a Palm Pilot, including a calendar and updated lists of doctors and medications, you’d be lost without the pages of a small notebook and a good pen, and without the support of kind people. If you’re providing daily or long-distance care to someone with chronic illness or dementia, bring your tips, questions, and worries to the Caregivers’ Support Group, which meets next on Tuesday, June 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Forbes Hall. Contact Joyce Holmen or Helen Brown.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, June 17, to discuss “Your Inner Fish: A Journey into the 3.5-Billion-year History of the Human Body” by Neil Shubin. Starting with appendages, the book — written by a paleontologist who found himself teaching anatomy at a Chicago medical school — explores the origins and development of parts of our anatomy.We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction-reading group, will meet on Wednesday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Crossing to Safety” byWallace Stegner at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. Call for directions. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come

May, 2008

Men’s Group: We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the cottage next to the church. This month we will meet on May 1 and 15. We especially welcome new members.

The Green Sanctuary Committee will meet on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. in Room 3. We will talk about making positive changes at church. Won’t you join us? Call Sandra Trutt.

The Poetry Group will meet on Tuesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. Diana Spears will host the meeting. Bring a bit of food to share and prepare for a good evening. Contact Diana for more information.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Thursday, May 15, to discuss “Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker’s War, 1941 to 45” by Leo Marks. A well-paced war diary, the memoir traces the creation of vital secure codes for allied agents — serious business, but there are some humorous situations. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome. Please note day change — for this month only.

“Caring for Your Parents” is an excellent video portrait of the complicated lives of people whose elderly mothers and fathers need help managing things day-to-day. If you missed this two-hour PBS program in April and would like to see it together one day at church, or if you saw it and want to talk about it, will you let us know? For more information visit: http://tinyurl.com/6o4txh. The Caregivers’ Support Group meets next on Tuesday, May 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Forbes Hall. Contact Joyce Holmen or Helen Brown.

Books ‘R’ Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Wednesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Inheritance of Loss” by Kirin Desai at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

NEW! Feminist Reading Group. Our first meeting will be June 1, 7 to 9 p.m., when we will discuss “Grassroots: A Field Guide For Feminist Activism” by Jennifer Baumgardner. Interested feminists should contact Katrina Thompson to RSVP and learn the location.

April, 2008

UUCCSM Men’s Group:We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m., now in the cottage. This month we meet on April 3 and 17. We especially welcome new members. For details, please call Phil Bonacich.

The Green Sanctuary Committee will meet on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m. in Room 3. We are reviewing “green” brochures for church use. Newcomers welcome.

Meeting to be rescheduled: The Women’s Alliance will not meet April 6 due to the congregational meeting planned for that day. For further information, e-mail Joyce Holmen.

The Peace & Civil Liberties Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in Forbes Hall. The meeting will focus on developing a Sunday service around the congregational Study Action Issue on “Peacemaking,” with a mind to beginning a churchwide dialog on how we as a congregation can clarify and articulate “our covenant to affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.”

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, April 15, to discuss “Beyond Oil: The View from Hubbert’s Peak,” by Kenneth Deffeyes. Although oil is still being found, that is only at a lower rate than we use it. This book suggests some alternatives as we compete with China for scarce resources.We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Tuesday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Road,” by Cormac McCarthy, at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

The Poetry Group will be meeting at a later date in April to accommodate some of our regular members who will be out of town earlier. The date is Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. at the home of Julie Gilliam. Julie will be presenting the Dada poet Kurt Schwitters, who also has the distinction of being the inventor of the collage technique. Please bring some item of food or a beverage to share with 8 to 10 people, and come prepared for a stimulating evening. If you have questions contact Diana Spears.

March, 2008

UUCCSM Men’s Group:We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Room 7, above Forbes Hall. This month we meet on March 6 to discuss the topic: “What is masculinity? What is the most important thing about it? What is the most negative thing about it?” On March 20, the topic will be: “In light of the possibility of the nation’s first “Madam President,” what is, or what would be the difference in having a woman rather than a man in the office?” We especially welcome new members. For details, please call Phil or Ed.

The Green Sanctuary Committee will meet on Saturday, March 8, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 3. Find a green activity you would like to join. Contact Sandra Trutt.

The Poetry Group in March will have Arvid Knudsen presenting the poet Langston Hughes. The meeting will be Tuesday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. Carolyn Berry will again host . Contact Diana Spears.

Fred Small’s “Talking Wheelchair Blues” comments wryly, “Some of us are called disabled, and the rest — well, the rest of you are just temporarily able-bodied.” People’s needs change over time, sometimes because of issues concerning health or ability, and one of AARP’s resources is a free online guide designed to help you and your other family members discuss and create a caregiving plan for yourself or an aging parent: http://www.aarp.org/families. Members of our Caregivers’ Support Group listen, offer tips, and encourage each other to mind our own health and well being while providing needed care for a chronically ill family member or friend. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in Forbes Hall. For information, contact Joyce Holmen or Helen Brown.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, March 18, to discuss “The Supremes’ Greatest Hits: The 34 Supreme Court Cases that Most Directly Affect Your Life” by Michael Trachtman. This book is especially revealing in how long it took us to get some of the rights we consider most basic. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Tuesday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Sirian Experiments,” by Doris Lessing, at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

February, 2008

The Green Sanctuary Committee will meet on Saturday, February 2, at 11 a.m. in Room 3. Get involved with “greening” our church. Contact Sandra Trutt, co-chair.

The Faith-in-Action Commission will meet on Sunday, February 3 at 12:15 in the sanctuary. This will be right before the annual faith In action town hall meeting. Committee members are urged to stay for that meeting and to weigh in on other issues, such as immigration.

Who are your mentors? How did you find each other, and what difference did it make? Tell us in our follow-up discussion of Lu Ann Darling’s new book, “Discover Your Mentoring Mosaic, A Guide to Enhanced Mentoring.” The Women’s Alliance meets on Sunday, February 3. Please bring your sack lunch in the Cottage at 12:30 p.m. If you’d like childcare or a ride, please let us know. Newcomers to the church and long-timers are most welcome. Contact Joyce Holmen or Sue Moore .

UUCCSM Men’s Group: We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Room 7, above Forbes Hall. This month we meet on February 7 and 21 and for a Super Bowl party on February 3. We especially welcome new members. If you are interested, please call Phil or Ed .

What greater inspiration for poets through the ages than the theme of love and relationships. For the February 12 meeting of the Poetry Group each participant will bring a poem or 2 or 3 on the theme of love or relationship, poetry by a favorite poet or one they’ve written themselves, to read aloud. We should bring about 12 copies of our poem to share with everyone. In addition, each should create a valentine for a random exchange at the end. While we are not all artists, the making of a valentine gives our right brain a little exercise. Bring some tidbit to eat or drink to share with the group. Everyone is welcome on Tuesday, February 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the residence of Carolyn Berry. Contact Carolyn or Diana Spears for more information.

Remember “Pollyanna”? How about giving a valentine’s card or call to a friend or family member whom you miss seeing? Chronic illness may keep someone housebound, and your reaching out can brighten a day. Members of our Caregivers’ Support Group listen, offer tips, and encourage each other to mind our own health and well being while providing needed care for a chronically ill family member or friend. Our next meeting is Tuesday, February 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in Forbes Hall. For information, contact Joyce Holmen or Helen Brown.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, February 19, to discuss “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” by Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin. The book won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for biography. Rich in historical detail and personal narratives, the book paints a picture of Oppenheimer as both a controlling force and a victim of the mechanisms of power. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Tuesday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss “The Uncommon Reader,” by Alan Bennett, at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

January, 2008

UUCCSM Men’s Group: UU men celebrating what makes them men and what makes them special. We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Room 7, above Forbes Hall. This month we meet on January 3 and 17. We especially welcome new members.

The Green Sanctuary Committee will meet on Saturday, January 5, at 11 a.m. in Room 3 to talk about issues concerning our church. Contact Sandra Trutt, Co-Chair G. S. Committee.

The Peace & Civil Liberties Committee will be hosting two exciting speaking events in the sanctuary:

- Tuesday, January 8, at 7 p.m. Father Roy Bourgeois will speak on “The Struggle to Close the School of the Americas.” Additional participants will be Theresa and Blase Bonpane, and our own Frank Dorrel, with music by Jose-Luis Orozco. $10 donation.

- Friday, January 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tad Daley will speak on “Solving the Iran Crisis Without War and Envisioning The Road to Abolish War.” Donation appreciated. Free parking for both events in the UCLA garage on 16th Street. Contact Diana Spears.

“Caregiver work the livelong day / Worry half the night. / Endless list of things to do / Tryin’ to do them right. / Dementia is a cruel thing / Tears a brain to bits. / Caring for the one you love / Takes all of your wits. Growing old is natural / Losin’ your brains is not.” So goes the beginning of a song I’m writing, to the old tune of “Shady Grove.” Members of our Caregivers’ Support Group listen, offer tips, and encourage each other to mind our own health and well-being while providing needed care for a chronically ill family member or friend. Won’t you join us? The next meeting is Tuesday, January 15, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in Forbes Hall. For information, contact Joyce Holmen or Helen Brown.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, January 15, to discuss “The World without Us” by Alan Weisman. The book evolved out of a thought experiment for “Discover” magazine based on the concept of what would happen if humans disappeared overnight. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford (503 Ninth St., Santa Monica) at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome. Contact: (310) 395-7787.

The Poetry Group will meet this month on Tuesday, January 15, at 7 p.m. at the home of Pat Shinaberger, 428 18th St., Santa Monica. Bring three or four poems about starting new (as in New Year) and some food to share. Contact: Diana Spears.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Tuesday, January 22, at 7:30 to discuss “The Maytrees,” by Annie Dillard, at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

New! Friday Lunch Gathering might be described as the revival of the "Over 50 Group" of yore.We'll meet in the Cottage at noon, Friday, January 25, and probably monthly thereafter. Bring your lunch and enjoy the company of friends, old and new. Everyone welcome.

The UUCCSM tennis A-team players play every Friday at 8:30 a.m. at Penmar tennis courts. If you are interested in playing tennis call Greg Wood.

December, 2007

The Green Sanctuary Committee will meet on Saturday, December 1, at 11 a.m. in Room 3 to talk about issues concerning our church. Some of us will bring our lunches and stay to help with the holiday decorations activity using recycled materials in the cottage at 1 p.m. Contact: Sandra Trutt.

With all the construction, the Zen Discussion and Meditation had to move to Culver City. We are continuing to have the class every Sunday morning from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., which gives everyone an opportunity to go to the 11 a.m. service. For the next period of time, Bernie Silvers is talking about our conditioned state of mind and how it prevents us from seeing our connection to all of creation. Every week we discuss a separate aspect so that anyone coming to the class does not have to know what was previously discussed. Our classes are open to beginners. In our class we generally have lots of participation, so come and join the conversation. For questions about location and anything else contact Bernie.

Books ’R’Us, a fiction reading group, will meet on Tuesday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Special Topics in Calamity Physics,” by Marisha Pessl, at the home of Phillip and Edna Bonacich. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.

UUCCSM Men’s Group: UU men meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Room 7, above Forbes Hall. This month we meet on December 6 and 20. We especially welcome new members. If you are interested, please call Phil or Ed for more information.

The Poetry Group will meet on December 11 at 7:30 p.m. for some holiday cheer and festive works evoking the season. Poetry lovers come read three of your own or others’ works at this cozy gathering at Carolyn Berry’s. Contact Diana Spears.

Celebrate family caregivers. Can you take a few moments to check in with your friends and family members who are taking care of homebound or chronically ill loved ones? November was National Family Caregivers Month, but you can still celebrate caregivers. Thank, support, educate, and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country currently providing an estimated $306 billion in “free” caregiving services. We can advocate for stronger public policy addressing family caregiving and raise awareness about community programs supporting family caregivers. For details, visit http://www.nfcacares.org /national%5Ffamily% 5Fcaregiver%5Fmonth/. Our church’s Caregivers’ Support Group will meet on Tuesday, December 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in Forbes Hall. For information, contact Helen Brown, or Joyce Holmen.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, December 18, to discuss “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson. This is the classic that launched the environmental movement. There is a new edition out, with comments by E.O. Wilson and biographer Linda Lear. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

The Peace and Civil Liberties Committee will meet to discuss enlivening our group and to enjoy some holiday cheer on Wednesday, December 5, at 7 p.m. in Forbes Hall. On January 11 at 7:30 p.m., Tad Daley will speak on how to avoid war in Iran. Plans for this and future events will be discussed. We welcome newcomers to this work. Contact Diana Spears.

June, 2007

Zen Discussion and Meditation is held every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. until June 17, when it changes to 9 to 10 a.m. It meets in Room A across from Forbes Hall. This month Bernie will be discussing a book written by a former punk rocker who is now a Zen Master. The discussion will deal with issues such as anger, stress management, sex and sin, the pursuit of happiness, death, and God. Each week we will take up one of these topics. Generally most people in the class participate in the discussions, which are lively and fun. No prior experience in Zen or meditation is necessary. Contact Bernie Silvers for more information.

The Peace and Civil Liberties Committee will meet on Sunday, June 3, at 12:15 p.m. in Room 6. This will be our wrap-up meeting for the church year. We’ve had an exciting year with many informative programs. Come with your input for our focus in September and beyond. Contact Diana Spears

UUSM Men’s Group: We meet the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Room 6, above Forbes Hall. This month we meet on June 7 and 21. We especially welcome new members.

The Poetry Group will be meeting Tuesday, June 12, at 7:30 at the home of Pat Shinaberger. Group member Robert Venegas will be presenting a poem. Come and bring food or drink to share along with the rhyme of the evening. Contact Diana Spears

It’s not “Home on the Range” but it can be as lonely as the life of western pioneers. Do you provide care and steady support to someone with a chronic illness? Do you handle the arrangements, transportation, medical visits, bills, and such? Or do you help with decisions or crises instead of day-to-day care? Then our Caregivers’ Support Group is here for you. We meet next on Tuesday, June 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in Forbes Hall. To hear “an encouraging word,” please contact Helen Brown or Joyce Holmen.

The Science Non-Fiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, June 19, to discuss “Chasing Spring: An American Journey through a Changing Season,” by Bill Stutz, former editor-in-chief of Natural History. His cross-country journey reveals how and why spring has changed in the last 50 years. We will meet at the home of Rebecca Crawford at 7 p.m. for dessert, with the discussion to begin at 7:30. All are welcome.

Books ’R’ Us, a fiction reading group, will discuss “Hard Times,” by Charles Dickens, at 7:30 on Wednesday, June 27, at the home of Mary Fonseca. All are welcome. Please read the book before you come.