The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica |
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From Our Minister |
News & AnnouncementsApril, 2008Dining for Dollars Again a SuccessThe Dining for Dollars silent auction is over but the fun is just beginning. We hope that the successful bidders will enjoy themselves and take pride in having contributed $24,000 to the Church’s general fund when the collections are completed. Many thanks to all those who offered events from which we could choose and plaudits to their creativity which seems to rise annually. Thanks also to the 150- plus bidders who made this endeavor a financial success. Finally, none of this would have materialized without the hundreds of hours spent by our committee members in pulling this together. Sue Moore, Natalie Kahn, and Nels Hanson comprised our computer division, and Gerrie Lambson stepped up to the plate whenever needed. Our cup runneth over with gratitude. — Helen Burns, Dining for Dollars Committee Chair
Malibu Family Campout
Thank You...To the volunteers who provided the reception the memorial service for Wally Giffen: Thank you to Nancy Howell, Patrick Burrows, Nancy Shinno, Amy Lacombe, and Gerrie Lambson, for making it possible for us to offer the hospitality of our church to Wally’s out-of-town family and friends, and to all the people who came to be together on that day.
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Mark Your Calendar for All-Church Retreat Weekend
Singles, couples, and
families enjoy clean mountain air, lots of activities,
great food and fellowship. Heated cabins are clean and
comfortable, with indoor
plumbing and hot showers.
Registration fees will
be announced shortly via
a flier in Sunday services.
Sign ups will be taken in
Forbes Hall April 20 and
27. Please contact Margot
Page, de Benneville Weekend
Registrar, (310) 821-5169, with any questions. 
Do you have a skill
or talent to share? We
are looking for people
to lead activities and
workshops during the
weekend. We would
like to provide a va riety
of workshops for
all ages and tastes, so
please get in touch
with us if you plan to
attend the weekend and
would be willing to lead an activity.
Want to sample the camp
experience by DVD? We
have a number of copies of
a film that captures the
essence of our beloved
camp. Contact Jacki Weber,
Weekend Program Dean or
Amy Lacombe, Program
Vice-Dean.
More information on de
Benneville is at 
Ocean breezes. Good conversation. S’mores
and chillin’ and good things grillin’. Hikes,
folksinging, and comaraderie with fellow Santa
Monica UUs — yes folks, it’s the Malibu Family
Campout.
Ray Goodman Honored| Service | Adults | Kids | Teachers |
| 9 a.m. | 69 | 31 | 11 |
| 11 a.m. | 139 | 21 | 7 |
Total church membership: 450 (June 12, 2007)
Be a Good Neighbor -- Use the UCLA Parking Garage
We encourage all our members and friends to park at the UCLA Garage at 1311 16th Street. Also, you can now print out your own parking passes for the garage. Thanks for helping us be good neighbors.
Judith is on Vacation
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The Rev. Judith Meyer is out of the pulpit during the month of July, but she'll return with new stories for young and old. Also, please note: the church office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4. |
The Great Moving Day is Postponed
The Great Moving Day of August 18 has been overtaken by events. The current schedule for occupancy of the Blue Cottage is October 1. The Fall RE program will therefore commence in Forbes Hall as in previous years. Moving to the Blue Cottage will not driven by the time pressure of the RE schedule and will take place according to other Phase 2 milestones, such as the modification to Forbes Hall.
As the process moves forward, and necessary city approvals are granted, you will be informed of the new dates. In the meantime, there will be a lot of work to do to prepare for vacating Forbes Hall. The Transition Committee will keep the congregation abreast of these matters as plans are firmed up. Watch the newsletter and the weekly announcements for more information.
June, 2007
Warren Mathews Honored
A resolution was passed at the May 20 annual congregational meeting to honor Warren Mathews by naming the conference room in the Blue Cottage the “Warren Mathews Conference Room” in honor of his four decades of invaluable management guidance.
An Intrepid Crew Repaired and Painted...
...the walls in our sanctuary during the month of May: S.J. Guidotti, Karl Lisovsky, Ren Renshaw, Bill Dimpfl, and Sherry Handa (not pictured).
Thank You...
. . . to volunteers from the Board, Stewardship Committee, and Membership & Leadership Committee, who hosted a welcoming dinner for our new members. Thanks to Melanie Sharp, Marsha Smith and Laurel Bleak, who cochaired the event, and to Audrey Lyness, CaroljeanTeuffel, Linda Van Ligten and Greg Wood, Melinda Ewen and S.J. Guidotti, Catherine Farmer, Rob Briner, Phil Bonacich, Sanjeev and Susan Jain, Marv Pulliam and Nedra Bickel, Dayla McDonald, Bronwen Jones and Tom Hamilton, Peter van den Beemt, and Kathy Cook for their contribution to the dinner and to all our new members for joining us
. . . . to the members of Lyn Armondo’s covenant group for providing the reception for the memorial service for Lyn’s husband George
. . . . to our choir for the fabulous concert on May 5, “I Get a Kick Out of UU.” With a program of 22 show tunes, the choir treated us to an evening to remember.
FUUsion works at Camp de Benneville Pines
FUUsion, the group for youthful UUs, spent
Mother’s Day weekend at de Benneville’s spring
work camp. Six of us went in two cars and spent
the weekend helping out at camp — doing construction,
moving hay and wood, painting, and
raking. In exchange for our hard work we got
new friends, delicious meals, a free stay in
Craig’s Cabin, and a relaxing soak in the hot
tub. Read more and see more photos at http://fuusion.blogspot.com 
The Great Moving Day - Saturday, August 18
We need to move everything from the 17th Street facility and everything from Forbes and from the second floor RE rooms. Will you help? Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
December, 2006
Holiday Cookie Bake
All are invited to the Holiday Cookie Bake on Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Forbes Hall. Bring a brunch dish to share and an uncooked batch of cookies and we’ll bake and decorate cookies together — and sample a few. Then we’ll pack up our cookies to be sent to the Santa Monica Head Start Christmas party. Bring cookie cutters, cookie sheets, rolling pins, aprons, and your batch of cookie dough. Bring the whole family. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Catherine Farmer.
Toy Drive
On Sundays, December 3 and 10, we’ll be collecting toys for the Santa Monica Head Start program’s holiday party. This year we need approximately 35 unisex gifts that are new, unopened, and unwrapped for three-tofive- year-olds. Drop them off in the “Head Start” box at the foot of the Arizona entrance stairs. This year we’re taking signups so we know how many gifts to expect. Please sign up on November 26 or December 3 at the Head Start table in Forbes Hall during coffee hour, or contact Catherine Farmer.
Small Group Ministry
All three fall Covenant Groups are full. One meets
Monday evenings, two on Sunday afternoons. Be aware,
however, an empty chair is always part of each circle.
During a group’s six-month meeting span, there will be
opportunities for new members to occupy this empty
chair. Your name will be drawn from the waiting list.
The Rev. Judith Meyer is responsible for identifying and training facilitators. Set up a time to speak with her if you are moved to explore being a facilitator in the future.
Are you interested in using your good judgment on the Covenant Group Implementation Team (CGIT)? We meet monthly to plan, take on tasks, share information, and lend support to group facilitators and one another. Contact one of us in the blue booklet “Connections,” or at the coffee hour CGIT table.
— Carol-jean Teuffel
November, 2006
Arlington West Memorial Service 4 p.m., Sunday, November 12
Universalists and the Los Angeles chapter of Veterans for Peace to hold the first regional Unitarian Universalist Memorial Service at Arlington West in Santa Monica. The memorial’s primary purpose is to honor those U.S. military personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The service will be led by the Rev. Judith Meyer and by the Rev. Anne Felton Hines of the Emerson UU Church in Canoga Park. Music will be provided by the combined choirs of both churches. The service is open to all.
UUs are welcome to arrive early to help set up the memorial crosses (beginning around 7:30 a.m.), support the memorial during the afternoon, or stay after the service to assist in removing the memorial for storage.
Limited seating will be available. However, it is suggested that people bring their own portable seating if possible.
For details about the memorial, visit arlingtonwestsantamonica.org. For more information on plans for the service, please contact Rev. Judith Meyer.
— Greg Foisie
Pledge to Share the Ride in November
There are many ways you can be a good neighbor. One of them is to carpool on Sundays and to meetings at the church. Sharing the ride is a great way to save time, money, gasoline, and get to church feeling good! We can help you find a rider or a driver. Please visit the new carpool bulletin board in the foyer outside Forbes Hall. You can sign up as a driver or rider by completing a pledge form at the bulletin board. Robin Lowney Lankton can also help you find a rideshare match.
Celebrate Samhain - Pagan Halloween - on November 4
Join us for a child-friendly Samhain celebration on Saturday, November 4, 3 p.m. For many Pagans, Samhain is the start of the Wheel of the Year. Traditionally, the Pagan “Halloween” is the time of year when the veil separating the space between worlds is at its thinnest point. We will be communing with both our ancestors and recently departed loved ones. We will celebrate death as a part of the Circle of Life — a force of powerful, positive transformation.
We can comfortably accommodate 15 people in our home. Please e-mail or call us to reserve your space. This ritual will last about an hour, and should be appropriate for all ages. Please bring a snack for everyone to share after the ritual — anything not junk food is fine. We will provide plenty of water and milk for everyone.
— Heather Hoffman and Jim Gooding and Eowyn
Pilgrims Feast
The annual Pilgrims Feast and Thanksgiving Service will be held on Saturday night, November 18. Lyn and George Armando will be taking reservations in Forbes Hall after both services. Participants will bring food for the potluck and will also have a job to do. When you sign up, you will be given instructions about food and an opportunity to choose your volunteer activity. Space is limited. When all spaces are reserved, we will start a waiting list. Lyn will confirm reservations and contact people on the wait list when a space opens. If you have reserved a spot and your plans have changed, please let Lyn Armando or the church office know as soon as possible. Thank you.
— Kathy Cook
Dining for Dollars
Want to meet new people? Love to entertain and cook? Eager to earn money for the church? Dining for Dollars might be right up your alley. The D4$ Committee is now in session, accepting offers of dinners, brunches and other innovative activities to be bid on at our Silent Auction on February 18 and 25. We’ll graciously accept your contributions or provide information where needed.
Would you participate in this fundraiser if you could team up with another person? You might have space but lack cooking skills, or vice versa. If you let Dining for Dollars people know, we might help you find your teammate. This auction generated $26,500 for the church coffers last year.
Contact Helen Burns or Sue Moore.
Tax-Free IRA Distributions for Charitable Purposes
Jerry Moore, who is a vice-president of Wedbush Morgan, has advised the church of recent legislation regarding IRA distributions, effective immediately for tax years 2006 and 2007. He notes that this change could be a real benefit for IRA participants over age 70-1/2 subject to Required Minimum Distributions. To obtain a more detailed description of these changes, contact Melinda Ewen in the church office.
Summer Sermon by Michael Eselun Available on CD
A live recording of the Sunday, July 23, sermon given by church member Michael Eselun, “My Trip to the Holy Land,” is available for purchase on compact disc (rather than cassette) at $2. Michael told the story of traveling with his dear friend Jackie to Jerusalem after she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain aneurysm. Together, they embarked on a trip to the birthplace of Christianity.
What was Michael’s reaction, as a lapsed Catholic, to religious theory versus reality? What advance arrangements did Jackie make, and did she survive the trip? What did they both think of their local guide, Moishe? Was an unexpected mitzvah fulfilled? What is the future of Jerusalem? How precious is life, and did Moishe ever stop reading from his script to engage in real dialogue? For answers to all of these questions and more, see Rob Briner to purchase the CD or borrow a copy if one is available.
October, 2006
Mobile Bookstore is Now Open
After taking the summer off, the Book Cart has been reorganized into the “Mobile Bookstore.” The emphasis is on books for and about Unitarian Universalists, published by the UUA. We also ordered six new titles for young people.
This month we would like to highlight “Being Liberal in an Illiberal World” by Jack Mendelsohn. This book explores the roots of Unitarian Universalism and how it came into being. At a time when the religious right is the dominant voice in America, this book provides powerful testimony to the ideals and tradition of liberal religion.
Stop by and browse the bookstore during coffee hour after each service.
New Covenant Groups
New covenant groups will be formed in mid- October based on our facilitators’ choice of times and days of the week. Judith will train several new facilitators, along with some of the previous ones. Watch church bulletins for calls to join.
We encourage visitors, new members and long-time members to become involved in both the planning group and the covenant groups themselves.
— Carol-Jean Teuffel
Camp de Benneville Pines Work Weekend
This is a great opportunity to improve various work skills, socialize with other Unitarians, and get free lodging and food while enjoying the mountain air.
The work weekend will be Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29. Please call Jerry Moore to RSVP and arrange car pools.
Dining For Dollars Gearing Up
Want to meet new people? Love to entertain and cook? Eager to earn money for the Church? Dining for Dollars might be right up your alley. The D4$ Committee is now in session, accepting offers of dinners, brunches and other innovative activities to be bid on at our Silent Auction on Feb. 19th and 26th. We’ll graciously accept your contributions or provide information where needed.
Would you participate in this fund-raiser if you could team up with another person? You might have space but lack cooking skills, or visa versa. If you let Dining for Dollars people know, we might help you find your teammate.
This auction generated $26,500 for the church coffers last year. Contact Helen Burns or Sue Moore for more information, or to offer to host a Dining for Dollars event.
Getting Involved Sunday, October 15
On Sunday, October 15, the following groups or committees will be represented at Getting Involved Sunday after both services Plan on who you would like to talk with that day: Books R’ Us (Fiction reading); Book Store (bookcart); Building and Grounds; Capital Campaign and Planned Giving; Caregivers Support; Coffee Hour; Committee on Religious Symbolism (Sanctuary banners); Covenant Groups; CUUPS (Covenant of UU Pagans); deBenneville Pines Weekend (Annual); Dining for Dollars (fundraising dinners); Faith in Action; FUUSION (18-35 year olds); Greeters; Interweave (BLGT); Lending Library; Lifespan Religious Exploration (adult RE education); Membership & Leadership; Men’s Group; Music; New Building; New Member Dinner (Annual); Newsletter; Office Volunteers; Peace & Civil Liberties; Pipes Lecture Series; Poetry; Pulpit; Religious Exploration (Children and Youth); Science Non-Fiction Book Discussion; Stewardship (annual pledging); Sustainable (Green) Living; TAG (The Adventure Group); Ushers; Website; Women’s Alliance; Zen Discussion & Meditation.
Appreciation
We thank the volunteers who led our summer Sundays: our pulpit hosts. Their preparation, skill, and sense of worship contributed to the life of our church. Thanks to Sue Bickford, Ernie Pipes, Dan Nannini, Carol Agate, Didi Rea, Rob Briner, Kathy Cook, Charles Haskell, and Vilma Ortiz for their good work.
Be a Good Neighbor - Use the UCLA Parking Garage
We wanted to let you know that we now have a new Management Company to provide parking lot attendants at the UCLA Parking Garage. To those of you who have had problems in the past, we apologize. This new Company is very responsible. We have had no problems since they started. We encourage all our members and friends to park at the UCLA Garage at 1311 16th Street. Also, you can now print out your own parking passes for the garage. Thanks for helping us be good neighbors.
Getting Involved Sunday
On Sunday, October 15, the following groups or committees will have representatives available to talk with you at Getting Involved Sunday after both services: Books R’ Us (fiction reading), Bookstore (book cart), Building and Grounds, Capital Campaign and Planned Giving, Caregivers Support, Coffee Hour, Committee on Religious Symbolism (sanctuary banners), Covenant Groups, CUUPS (Covenant of UU Pagans), de Benneville Pines Weekend (annual June tradition), Dining for Dollars (fundraising events), Faith in Action, FUUSION (18- to 35-year- olds), Greeters, Interweave (BLGT), Lending Library, Lifespan Religious Exploration (adult RE education), Membership & Leadership, Men’s Group, Music, New Building, New Member Dinner (annual), Newsletter, Office Volunteers, Peace and Civil Liberties, Pipes Lecture Series, Poetry, Pulpit, Religious Exploration (children and youth), Science Non-Fiction Book Discussion, Stewardship (annual pledging), Sustainable (green) Living, TAG (The Adventure Group), Ushers, Website, Women’s Alliance, and Zen Discussion and Meditation.
Pilgrims Feast
Mark your calendars for the church Pilgrims Feast. It will be held on Saturday night, November 18. Lyn and George Armando will be assisting with registration starting in mid-October. Participants will bring food for the potluck and will also have a job to do such as setup, cleanup or a speaking part in the service. When you sign up, you will be given further instructions about food to bring and given an opportunity to choose your volunteer activity. Space is limited, so don’t procrastinate when you see the registration table.
— Kathy Cook
September, 2006
Interweave Supports Common Ground
The Sixth Annual All-Church Interweave Picnic
was held August 13 to raise funds for Common
Ground, the Westside’s Homeless Youth Program. Photo shows Danny Getzoff
(Deputy Director of Common
Ground), Judy Federick, and Hugo Farias (Director
of Common Ground Westside).
Shop 'til You Drop
Attention all grocery shoppers. If you have a card for Ralphs, Vons, Pavilions, or Albertsons, you can help raise money for the church with every purchase. To sign up, bring your card to church and sign up in Forbes Hall or contact Gerrie Lambson or Marge Zifferblatt. The grocery stores pay a percentage on each purchase. This is an easy way to earn money for the church.
Green Living Group to Form
Attending the Sustainability Class here at church has raised the participants' awareness of the many things each person can do to lessen the impact of our daily existence. We want to share the ways we have reduced our consumption and use of energy. The group is open to all interested. We meet on Saturday, once a month in Forbes Hall. For date and time of meeting, please contact Sandra Trutt.
Living Green
Here are some tips from Sustainable Works on transportation. If we change our behavior in these five ways, we can positively affect the environment.
1. Rideshare, bike, walk or take the bus whenever possible.
2. Keep your car well tuned.
3. Buy locally made or locally grown products.
4. Trip Link - consolidae daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving.
5. Shut off the engine of your car when waiting.
For more information or to join the Green Living group, contact Sandra Trutt.
August, 2006
Socks and T-Shirts Sought by Interweave
Interweave is again collecting donations of clothing for the teens in “Common Ground,” the homeless youth program on the west side. The two items of clothing they always request — both men and women — are socks and Tshirts. We’ll be collecting now through August 13th. Please bring your donations to church or contact Judy Federick.
Peace Corps Experiences are Wanted
Did you serve in the Peace Corps? Did the experience inform your worldview, your commitment to volunteer service, your career choice? These are some interesting themes to address in a Sunday service. If would like to participate (or contribute your Peace Corps experience in any way), please speak to Judith Meyer.
July, 2006
Appreciation
- Tracy and Philip Scruggs, Karen Lang, Vilma Ortiz, Amy and Bruno Lacombe, Michele Prichard and Rod Lane, Linda van Ligten and Greg Wood, and their children, for participating in our special service celebrating adoption May 14.
- To Carol Agate and Dayla McDonald and all the newsletter team for accomplishing a smooth transition to Dayla as editor-in-chief.
Vacation Notice
The Rev. Judith Meyer is on vacation during the month of July.
Choir to Perform at UCLA Dalai Lama exhibit July 30
The UUCCSM Choir will perform “Songs of Peace” at UCLA on Sunday, July 30, at 4 p.m., as part of the university’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 p.m.
Admission is free to both the Fowler Museum exhibit and to the outdoor concert next to the museum. Parking is available for $8 in campus lot 4.
Living Green
Our church is sponsoring a six-week Sustainable Works workshop on Living Green. The first session, on water, was so informative and inspirational that I was moved to write something for the newsletter. I received a big shock when workshop leader Ferris Kawar told us that using our garbage disposals caused more harm than good from a “green” point of view. It seems that the water filtration system was designed to take care of wash water and sewage. The ground-up food clogs the works and is causing many problems. We were cautioned about putting large amounts of food down the disposal. Ferris suggested we scrape our plates into the kitchen garbage. Raw vegetables can be added to the green bin or to the compost pile.
If you would like to join the class or get more information, please contact Sandra Trutt or Ferris Kawar.
-- Sandra Trutt
June, 2006
Come Hear Judith Preach Via the Internet on Thursday, June 22
The Rev. Judith Meyer has been honored by being invited to give the sermon at the “Service of the Living Tradition” in June. That solemn ceremony, a highlight of the UUA General Assembly (GA), is beautiful, with banners, robes, and fine music, and it pays homage to ministerial leadership. This year’s GA is in St. Louis.
On Thursday evening, June 22, we will gather in Forbes Hall to watch and listen, via the Internet, to Judith’s sermon and be ever so proud of her. Bring a potluck dish, or just your own dinner, to Forbes Hall starting at 5:30 p.m., so we can settle in around a big screen for the 6 to 7:30 service. We’ll even join in singing the hymns. Everyone is welcome. Please bring some board games, books, and toys for kids to enjoy by the sofas.
I am grateful for the technical expertise of Greg Wood, Catherine Farmer, Liz Fuller, Dan Kegel, and Melinda Ewen, plus Website Manager Julie Albanese at the UUA. You can catch a variety of GA events live online at uua.org, where there will also be posted reports and photos of many activities at the annual gathering of several thousand UUs. Another prominent event available online is the Ware Lecture by poet Mary Oliver, on Saturday at 7p.m. Streaming video is best viewed with high speed Internet, and you will need a RealVideo® player and your computer’s speakers to enjoy this coverage. To download this free player visit http://www.real.com/player, click on the RealPlayer- Free button and choose the correct player for your system. Or join us in Forbes Hall on June 22.
— Joyce Holmen
Covenant Groups Celebrate Another Successful Year
Covenant Groups had their final meetings in May. However, this is not an ending; we are only taking a vacation. New groups will be forming in September. This has been another rewarding year for participants.
To celebrate, there will be another joyful potluck on Saturday, June 3, at 7 p.m. The potluck is open to all who have participated in groups these last two years or anyone who is interested in Covenant Groups. Family members, significant others, and guests are also welcome.
Sharing is a big part of our groups. As always, the success of meetings depends on you; please come and share. Do you have a meaningful reading used in your group? Would you like to report on your group’s project? Bring your camera and share your pictures with group members. Your suggestions for groups in the fall are welcome.
As always, help with clean-up will be appreciated. And note: if you arrive early please be aware that there will be a piano recital taking place in the sanctuary.
Parking will be available at the UCLA garage on 16th Street.
Camp de Benneville Pines Weekend Camp Needs Workshop Leaders
Are you signed up for our church’s annual retreat weekend, June 16–18? Do you have a skill or talent to share? I am still looking for people to lead activities and workshops during the weekend. Some possible ideas include:
• arts and crafts for children and/or adults. (I will do tie-dye, but I could use some helpers, and we can also have other arts and crafts workshops, if anyone wants to lead something else.)
• discussion groups or writing workshops for adults.
• nature activities or hikes.
• bridge, poker, chess.
• Tai chi, yoga, dance or exercise.
• sing-alongs.
• or your favorite activity!
I would like to provide a variety of workshops for all ages and tastes, so please get in touch with me if you plan to attend the weekend and would be willing to lead an activity. If you are willing to lead a workshop, but aren’t sure what to do, contact me anyway. I can give you some ideas.
-- Sharon Voigt Damerell
Appreciations
To the Berke family for their tradition of community outreach and generosity. To Sylvia Berke for her leadership in the work of social justice, including several outreach projects that have actively involved our youth, and to Sylvia’s son, Robert Berke, and daughter-in-law, Sharon. Sharon Berke serves on the Board of OPCC, a network of shelters and services to help the most vulnerable members of our community. With Sharon’s encouragement, our board and Faith in Action Commission agreed to raise $5,000 for the OPCC building program — the major project under construction on Cloverfield Boulevard. We are already nearly half way towards our goal.
To Sandra Trutt, who took the lead in arranging for us to offer a series of workshops by Sustainable Works, a nonprofit organization housed on the Santa Monica College campus. Thanks to Sandra’s efforts, we will be offering a series of six evenings with Sustainable Works in June and July.
To Liza Cranis, one of our advisors to YRUU, our high school youth group. Liza recently accompanied two of our young people, Adam Leene and John-Michael Lisovsky, to the UUUnited Nations workshop in New York. And to the Faith in Action Commission, Sylvia Berke, and Eleanor Eagan for funding the trip.
To the Faith in Action Commission: Lyn Armondo, Eleanor Eagan, Judy Federick, Jesse Figueroa, Phyllis Gabriel, Janet Goodwin, Christine Haskell, Pat McGuire,Marguerite Spears,Marge Zifferblatt; to Charles Haskell, who is stepping down as chair; and to Cathie Gentile, who has agreed to become the new chair.
UU Lending Library
Twenty-seven books were added to our Lending Library recently. Many Unitarian books were also donated and included. Please stop by and take a look. Thank you for returning your borrowed books on time. Happy reading!
— Sandra Trutt
May, 2006
Annual Mother's Day Picnic is May 14 After Second Service
Whether you are a mom or just play one occasionally to your friends and loved ones, you are invited to celebrate the nurturer in each of us and sample delicious victuals made by your friends in the pews. Please join us for the second annual Mother’s Day potluck picnic in the blue bungalow yard on Sunday, May 14, after the second service.
We’ll have a picnic — with balls, bubbles, and more for the little ones — and nice conversation with tables and chairs for the over 10 set. Everyone’s invited. No need to RSVP. Just show up and bring something to share (or I’m sure we’ll have plenty in case you forget). We’ll have plates, silverware and drinks for all.
If you would you like to help make this a memorable afternoon, please contact Jacki Weber to volunteer to be a photographer, help with setup or clean up, bring juice boxes, waters or sodas, or be on the welcoming committee. Happy Mother’s Day!
Appreciations
Shirlee Frank is moving to Atlanta after 40 years of membership in our community. We say goodbye reluctantly, but with great appreciation for all that Shirlee has done. From 1966, when Shirlee was the program chair for Singletarians and arranged popular weekly speakers drawing more than 100 people, to providing workshops at de Benneville Pines, Shirlee has always found a way to make a contribution. She dedicated herself to draft counseling during the Vietnam War. She coordinated the exhibits on the Art Wall with the church office, wrote out hundreds of invitations and envelopes in her inimitable artistic handwriting, and was a founding member of the Poetry Group. Shirlee has also been active with various fundraisers over the years, most recently with Dining for Dollars, for which she was, according to Helen Burns, “the best solicitor we ever had.”
Frank Dorrel, veteran, activist, and member of our congregation, has made a full-time commitment to working for peace. As publisher of the book “Addicted to War,” Frank has poured his heart and soul into the task of educating and exhorting the public to the cause of peace.
Camp de Benneville Pines Offers Free Food and Lodging
Come join other UUs for a work party May 12 to 14 at Camp de Benneville Pines. There will be free lodging, food, and spa for participants. Please call Jerry Moore to confirm your attendance and plan car pools.
Join in Honoring Ernie & Maggie at the June 11 Gay Pride Parade
On Sunday, June 11, Interweave will again march in the annual Gay Pride Parade in West Hollywood. We invite our friends and allies to join us.
As a special recognition to Rev. Ernie Pipes and Maggie Pipes, they will be our unit’s Honored Supporters of Marriage Equality. They will ride in an open convertible. We will march before, beside, and behind them wearing our distinctive UUCCSM T-shirts. Join us so that our contingent honoring the first minister in the area to perform gay marriages will impress the masses of parade and television viewers.
Contact the church office,Judy Federick or Ron Crane for more information.
Thanks for Buying Cookies
During four Sundays in February and March our congregation purchased 212 boxes of Girl Scout cookies from four of our congregation’s Girl Scouts. Angelica Jue, Rachel Moore, Rachael Dodd, and Rosy DePaul appreciate your support. Your orders resulted in 21 boxes being donated to our church coffee hour supply. We all thank you for that.
Westside Food Bank received 17 boxes, Step Up on Second got 12. We hope your family and friends enjoyed the rest. Your purchases from the tables set up by the girls allowed them to sell cooperatively, rather than competitively. The interactions between sellers and buyers nurtured an important bond of community between the girls who are growing up in our church with the adults and families who bought the cookies.
Thank you for being supportive of Girl Scouting, these young people and that “ol’ sugar jones” that kicks in on Sunday mornings right after each service. We’ll see you next year.
— Beth Rendeiro
Help Restart the Christian Fellowship
The UU Christian Fellowship in Santa Monica is no longer meeting. If you would like to help them get started again, call Iris Jue.
April, 2006
Camp de Benneville Pines -- Register Now for June Weekend
Come with us to the beautiful de Benneville Pines Camp, and enjoy clean mountain air, lots of activities, great food, fellowship, and relaxation. Rustic heated cabins are clean and comfortable, with indoor plumbing and hot showers, for “roughing it, gently.”
Our church’s annual retreat weekend is June 16 to 18. Registration will be after church (both services) on April 16 and 23. Space can go quickly, so mark your calendar and plan to register early. Rides can be arranged for those with difficultly getting to the camp, and a limited amount of scholarship money is available for those in need. Please contact Marv Pulliam, de Benneville weekend registrar, if you have any questions or if you can offer a ride to another camper.
Do you have a skill or talent to share? We are looking for people to lead activities and provide a variety of workshops for all ages and tastes. If you are willing to lead an activity, please get in touch with Sharon Voigt Damerell, de Benneville Weekend Program Dean
Appreciation
Thanks are extended to:
- Dan Kegel and Liz Fuller who have volunteered many hours to our computers and website, responding quickly and capably to the questions and crises we generate.
- Kathy Cook, Laurel Bleak, Marsha Smith, Marv Pulliam, and Carol Agate, who attended the UUA Conference for Mid-size Congregations in Phoenix last month.
- All those who helped make our celebration of 50 years of ministry with Ernie Pipes so special: to our historian and archivist, Rob Briner; to the generous donors who underwrote our brunch; to the choir, musicians, and all those who helped Steve Wight prepare the music for the service; and of course to Ernie.
Save the Date of June 11
Join Interweave at the Gay Pride Parade Ernie and Maggie Pipes will ride with us to support marriage equality.
Church Office Adds Pickup Spot
Have you ever wanted to leave something at the church for someone who doesn’t have a mailbox? The office has created the “pickup spot” especially for that purpose. It is a shelf catty-corner from the mailboxes, over the safe. Look for the sign “pickup spot.”
Be sure if you leave something there for someone to pick up, you notify the person it’s there. And don’t leave lost-andfound items. The pickup spot will work only if things get picked up.
—Carol Agate
Another Dining for $$$ Record?
We are still, partially, a work in progress. But thanks to the generosity of the donors and bidders we anticipate income of approximately $25,000. This would beat last year’s record of $24,554. Plaudits are due to the Herculean efforts of the committee and to Pat Gomez who engineered the transition to computerization of many aspects of the program. Thank you all.
—Dining for $$$ Committee: Helen Burns, Shirlee Frank, Sue Moore, Sandra Trutt
March, 2006
Nominees are Wanted for Board of Directors
The nominating committee is developing the Board of Directors slate that will be presented at the annual meeting. Several positions must be filled this year. At a minimum, these will be president, treasurer and member(s) at large. If you have thoughts or suggestions about people or characteristics that you think should be considered, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Kathy Cook, John Fels, S.J. Guidotti, Audrey Lyness, Victor Paddock, or Linda Van Lighten.
Interweave Appreciates Your Help
Interweave thanks members of the congregation who so generously donated clothes — including sweatshirts, socks, and jeans — and travel-size hygiene supplies — shampoo, conditioners, soaps, lotions, deodorant, razors, and feminine hygiene products — along with money to Common Ground’s Westside Homeless Youth Peer Education Program. Your response was overwhelming.
We’ll continue to collect items on an intermittent basis, so if you have more to donate please drop it off at church or contact Judy Federick. Thank you again.
Dining for Dollars -- the A-Team
We want to say a special thank you to our crack volunteers who year after year succeed in putting together our favorite fundraiser for this church. This year Pat Gomez joined the small four-member committee, and wrote the program to create a database to make the committee’s work easier. Pat has put in hours of time to get everything to work properly. Thank you, Pat, for your efforts.
Helen Burns is the committee chair. She uses her expertise in all areas so we function like a well-oiled machine. Her extensive knowledge of our members and their families prevents errors in issuing tickets. A big job she also handles is all the telephone calls and changes. Thank you, Helen, for your leadership.
Sue Moore types all auction information for the newsletter and order of service insert, and performs sundry other tasks. Thank you, Sue, for your support.
Shirlee Frank is the master solicitor, signing up many of our hosts. She also lends her hand organizing the paperwork, writing the “Thank you” letters, and doing many hand-lettering jobs. Thank you, Shirlee, for your selflessness.
Charles Haskell made new posters for the choir concert and pancake breakfast events.
Sandra Trutt is in charge of typing the tickets and is the team’s utility player. Thank you, Sandra.
The success of our Dining for Dollars fundraising and the camaraderie of small, intimate dinners that cement our community are due in large part to this committee’s efforts. Thanks also go to the office staff for support and to the bidders who make Dining for Dollars a success.
Thank you, Dining for Dollars A-team!
Undy Sunday was a Great Success...
Thanks to all of you who provided underwear for the homeless. You are indeed a generous community. The final tally:
• For men: 1 swim trunk, 12 boxers, 26 briefs, 40 pairs of socks, 1 pair of
long johns, 1 cap, 2 knit hats, and 8 belts
• For women: 118 briefs, 2 camisoles, 4 bras, 34 pair socks, 1 drawstring bag
• For children: 3 infant suits, 4 T-shirts, 43 pairs of socks, 44 girls underpants,
20 boys briefs, 5 knit caps
Since there is a broad mix for ages and sexes, they go to Ocean Park Community Center for distribution where they are most needed.
— Gerrie Lambson
...and So was the Poncho Project
Dagmar Shnauss is chair of Daybreak, the agency that services homeless women by providing a day center where women can rest, shower, wash clothes, feel safe, experience community, and have a hot meal. Dagmar received $120 from a friend, and purchased 40 ponchos for Daybreak.
Marge Zifferblatt, Lyn Armondo, and Cathy Gentile have been alternating at the Faith in Action table on Sundays, and have collected $296 for ponchos. They purchased 102 ponchos and delivered them to Ocean Park Community Center for distribution to homeless people.
An additional $96 has also been received and is being used to purchase 32 ponchos for Step Up On Second.
Thanks to all who have contributed to this project.
— Sylvia Berke-Forster
Thanks for the Art
Thanks to all those who donated or purchased art at the January sale. Thanks also to Julie Gilliam and Carol Ring for their invaluable help in placing and pricing the art, as well as their donations, and to Julie for her work on the sales every Sunday. The sale brought in $1,760 for the church general fund, and benefited those who had more art than wall space, as well as those whose walls had room for more art.
— Carol Agate
Appreciation
To Amy Giles, for driving our high school youth to Long Beach for a memorial service for their friend; to Charles Haskell, for contributing to our Faith in Action program since its inception and for chairing the FIA Commission; to Pat Gomez, for helping to found our Small Group Ministry program and for her service as a member of the implementation team and as a facilitator, and for computerizing Dining for Dollars data.
Save the Date: Family Weekend at Camp de Bennevill Pines
Don’t miss our church’s annual retreat weekend, June 16 to 18. Come with us to the beautiful Camp de Benneville Pines, and enjoy clean mountain air, walks in the woods, crafts, campfires, singing, discussion groups, children’s activities, swimming at Jenks Lake or in the pool, the hot tub, great food, fellowship, and relaxation. Rustic heated cabins are clean and comfortable, with indoor plumbing and hot showers, for “roughing it, gently.” Mark your calendar and watch this space for registration information, coming soon.
Do you have a skill or talent to share? We are looking for people to lead activities and workshops during the weekend:
• discussion groups for adults
• arts and crafts for children and/or adults
• nature activities • bridge, poker, or bingo
• dance lessons (folk dancing, salsa, swing?)
• massage workshop
• sing-alongs
•or your favorite activity!
We would like to have a variety of workshops for all ages and tastes, so please contact me if you plan to attend and would be willing to lead an activity.
— Sharon Voigt Damerell
There Was a Full House for Governor Dukakis
Following
a spirited talk by Governor Michael Dukakis in our packed sanctuary for the
January 28 Pipes Lecture, Charles Haskell took this photo of, left to right:
Leonard Adler, chair of the Pipes Lecture Committee; Michael Dukakis, Pipes
Lecturer; Ernie Pipes, Minister Emeritus; Ray Goodman, founding chair of the
Pipes Lecture Committee.
Camp de Benneville Pines Snow Retreat
Eight families from our church
attended a 'snow' retreat weekend this past January, staying in Craig's Cabin
at Camp deBenneville Pines, our district camp in the San Bernadino Mountains.
Though the snow proved to be scarce,the fun was plentiful, and a good time was
had by all!
Feburary, 2006
Secret Pals Program Will Resume This Year
The Secret Pals program is a month-long event bringing together new friends from different generations through the exchange of letters and “clues.” Once you sign up to be a secret pal, you will be assigned a secret pal to leave messages for, and someone else will be assigned to leave secret pal clues for you. The matching is done so that every adult is leaving clues for a child, and each child is leaving clues for an adult. And we need lots of adults — not just parents — to sign up to be the secret pals.
Signups will take place through February 5, and the program will kick off on February 12 after each service, when you’ll be given the name of your Pal, and will have an opportunity to decorate your goodie bag. Then from February 19 to March 12, make sure to leave clues, or letters, or photo hints (Baby photo? Extreme close-up of your eye? Be creative!), etc. in your Pal’s bag each week.
Mark your calendars now for March 18, 7 to 9 p.m. for our secret pals party, when all will be revealed. So, whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get to know more about someone new at UUCCSM — or maybe someone you already know. Be on the lookout for signup tables in Forbes Hall. For more information, contact Catherine Farmer at the church office.
Thank You
John-Michael and Karl Lisovsky, who took down the Christmas decorations on New Year’s Eve; to Arvid Knudsen, head greeter for the 11 a.m. service, who has organized a cadre of church people to welcome everyone as they come to church Sunday morning; to Carolyn Berry, for providing home hospitality to Jim and Betty Grant while they were with us during Judith’s sabbatical; to Jacki Weber and the Stewardship Committee, for the best pledge drive ever.
Your Services are Needed to Help Us Raise Money
Please join us in helping to balance the church budget. During February and early March we are asking you to donate personal services that can be auctioned to our congregants and friends in the spring. Please come by the gallery wall in Forbes Hall after church and talk with one of our volunteers about these donations.
Questions about this fund-raising effort can also be addressed to Leslie Reuter or (818) 451-9175, or Kathy Cook. This is a great way to help our church and to honor the part of our church covenant that states “service is our prayer.”
Nominating Committee Seeking Recommendations for Candidates
The Nominating Committee is starting work on the slate for the Board of Directors and for the Nominating Committee to present at the annual meeting. Each year several positions must be filled: all officers, three members at large, and two nominating committee positions. This year new people must be elected to serve as president and treasurer because the incumbents have each served three years. If you have thoughts or suggestions about people or characteristics that you think should be considered, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Kathy Cook, John Fels, SJ Guidotti, Audrey Lyness, Victor Paddock, or Linda Van Lighten.
Music Committee Provides Opportunity for New Talent to Perform on Sunday
February 5 will be our second Church Talent Sunday. These are the music program’s effort to showcase the talent in our congregation, to give the less experienced a chance to perform, to generate involvement of church members in the services, and to enrich our community coming together in this way.
We’ve just begun, and we’re looking for more members who would like to take part. You don’t have to be the next Elvis or Sinatra to do it (though if you are, we’d be thrilled to give you your start), but if you sing or play an instrument, then please sign up.
If you’d like to have Louis accompany you, all you need is a chart of the piece you want to perform. If you’d like to team up with different instruments or other vocalists, let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll do our best to match you up.
For more information or to sign up contact Peter van den Beemt. Come join us and contribute to our church in a whole new way.
January, 2006
February Will Be Bidding Time on Dining for Dollars Events
Dining for Dollars bidders alert: Be in Forbes Hall on Sunday, February 19 and 26, to bid on more than 70 wonderful events. More information? Contact Helen Burns.
Give the Church Your Services and Your Unwanted Christmas Gifts
$So Much to Do, $So Little Time Committee is working to raise money to help balance the church budget. This month we are asking you to donate personal services and to bring unwanted gifts to the church on Sunday, January 8, for re-giving Sunday.
Please come by the gallery wall in Forbes Hall after church and talk with one of our volunteers about these donations. Questions about this fund raising effort may be addressed to Leslie Reuter or Kathy Cook.
Church Member is Lecturing at Getty
UCLA Professor Joanna Woods- Marsden will give a lecture, “Titian’s portrait of Alfonso d’Avalos in its Political and Artistic Contexts,” in the J. Paul Getty Museum lecture hall, Sunday, January 8, 4 p.m., in Brentwood. You are invited to attend.
Our Next Food Sort is January 24
Will you help the church help the Westside Food Bank? We’re needed to sort the cans, packages, and jars of food donated to the Food Bank to feed the hungry. The boxes we fill are delivered to nearby social service agencies and food pantries. Please give two hours of your time on Tuesday night, January 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and join our food sort at the Food Bank, 1710 22nd St., Santa Monica. For additional details, contact PaulaBernstein. All are welcome, including families with children. Please participate in this important activity. It’s fun and it’s rewarding.
Celebrate Ernie's 50th Anniversary
On Sunday, March 12, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of calling Rev. Ernest D. Pipes, Jr. to serve as our minister. Now emeritus, Ernie will give the sermon at both services on that date, and Ernie and Maggie will be honored in Forbes Hall following both services.
Tell Your Friends About Our Opening for Adminstrator
The following ad has been posted to our website, to Craig’s list, the PSWD e-mail list, and other locations. Please consider the qualifications below and refer friends and acquaintances who you think would fit and would enjoy the job.
“We seek a Congregational Administrator for the liberal, 75-year-old Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica. This team leader will assure the church’s administrative, financial, facility, and communication needs are met with the assistance of paid staff and member volunteers. The Congregational Administrator reports directly to the minister. The applicant should have experience with management of a small enterprise and staff supervision. The Administrator must be well organized, skilled in office applications for computers, well versed in office practices and financial reporting, a clear communicator, and possess strong interpersonal skills. Consideration of applicants will begin on January 8. To express interest in this position, please mail a cover letter and resume to the Chair, Administrator Search Committee, Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 1260 Eighteenth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 or by e-mail to: volun@uusm.org.”
UUCF Prayer Meetings Suspended
The Santa Monica UU Christian Fellowship Prayer Group is no longer meeting on the first Sunday of each month at our church. If you wish to help them begin again, please contact Iris Jue or Achim Jung.
December, 2005
Appreciation
For collating the Sunday Order of Service we thank: Irene Holland and Gist Lavoie, who have retired after many years on the job; Peggy Butler, Michael Young, and Anne MacQueen, who continue; and our new volunteers, Ellen Boag, Helen Brown, and Serena Shames. We are also fortunate to have Anne serving as coordinator of office volunteers.
Christmas Notices
- Christmas eve, December 24, UCLA parking will be available from 5 to 10 p.m.
- There will be only one service on December 25, at 10 a.m.
- The church office will be closed for the holidays on Monday, December 26 and January 2.
Holiday Children's Events
Toy Drive
On Sundays, December 4 and 11, we’ll be collecting toys for the Santa Monica Head Start program’s holiday party. This year, we need a total of 30 unisex gifts for three-to-five-year-olds that are new, unopened, and unwrapped. Drop them off in the “Head Start” box at the foot of the Arizona entrance stairs. This year, we’re taking signups so we know how many gifts to expect. Please sign up on November 27 or December 4 at the RE table in Forbes Hall during coffee hour, or contact Catherine Farmer.
Holiday Cookie Bake
All are invited to the Holiday Cookie Bake on Saturday, December 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Forbes Hall. Bring an uncooked batch of cookies and we’ll bake and decorate cookies together—and sample afew. Then we’ll pack up our cookies to be sent to the Santa Monica Head Start Christmas party. Bring cookie cutters, cookie sheets, rolling pins, aprons, and your batch of cookie dough. Bring the whole family. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Catherine Farmer.
Pay Your Pledge the Easy Way
Would you like your pledge payments to be taken directly from your bank account? Contact Warren Mathews or Carol Agate to get the forms you can fill out authorizing the deductions.
There's Still Time to Offer a Meal for the Dining for Dollars Auction
Tantalizing, tasty, toothsome treats to tempt your taste buds have been tendered by generous members and friends of the church for the Dining for Dollars Silent Auction slated for February 19 and 26. There are 67 contributors to date.
Offers are still being accepted for this auction, which generates income for the church general fund and fosters community among church members and friends.
To donate, or for more information, call Helen Burns, Shirlee Frank, Sue Moore or Sandra Trutt.
It's Winter and Time Again to Bring Undies to Church
The first two Sundays in January are “Undy Sundays,” when we collect new underwear for the homeless and abused people in Santa Monica. These contributions are appreciated by those agencies that provide cleanliness and shelter to those in need. If you come across a great sale during your holiday shopping, buy something for this part of our community service. We collect underwear for both genders and all ages and sizes.
Ponchos for the Homeless
Cold, wet weather is coming soon and many homeless people are going to be very wet unless we act to help them in their time of need. Stop by the Faith in Action table and donate $3 or more for the purchase of one or more ponchos for the homeless. The ponchos will be given to local social service agencies for distribution. For further information contact Charles Haskell or Sylvia Berke.
November, 2005
Celebrate Your Commitment November 13
Commitment Sunday is November 13. Celebrate your commitment to the church with brunch after either service. We’ll have champagne and sparkling ciders, chocolates, delectable food, delightful surprises, and fun for kids and adults. Bring your pledge card (or fill one out onsite) and exchange it for an “I Pledged My Commitment” sticker in the courtyard before the service or in Forbes Hall after the service. That’s your admission ticket for brunch.
—Jacki Weber, Stewardship Committee
Won't You Offer to Sponsor a Dining for Dollars Event?
It’s that time of the year again. The Dining for Dollars Committee is soliciting offers of dinners, brunches, weekend retreats, or whatever, for bidding by members and friends at a silent auction on February 19 and 26.
This is the principal fundraising project of the church and it generated over $24,500 last year, in addition to fostering community among the participants. The events take place from March through November. We welcome your contributions. For information call Helen Burns, Sue Moore, Shirlee Frank, or Sandra Trutt.
Camp de Benneville Pines Needs Brush Clearers
The UUCCSM Friends of Camp de Benneville Pines ask you to consider a work week-end Friday, December 9, through Sunday, December 11. You’ll get great food, a hot tub, and a warm bed in exchange for work on fire fuel reduction – removing, piling, and chipping brush. Please RSVP to Jerry Moore to plan carpooling.
Kitchen Alert: No More Room
Please, please don’t donate things to the kitchen without checking with Ellen Boag or Marie Kashmer- Stiebing. The counters and cupboards are overflowing with objects we don’t need and have no room to store. We appreciate your generosity, but space is at a premium and in the future, anything not marked will be disposed of.
One more concern: The dish racks need to be emptied and the dishes put away. There is no one else to do this. Thank you for cooperating.
— Ellen Boag
We're Looking for Scrabble Players
Know more obscure two-letter words than any human should ever have use for? Long for the elusive thrill of a seven-letter “Bingo” — played on a triple-word-scoring space? Then you’re a Scrabble player and we’d love to meet you. Would you like to get together once a month to play? We plan to start in January. Contact Carol Agate.
Covenant Groups Invite You to Join Them
October’s end marked the one-year anniversary of our successful UU Covenant Group program.
An empty chair in each of our current five groups is reserved for you. We join together in behavioral covenant and service projects. After meeting with the group for three weeks, a new member may then make a commitment to membership, which is at least six months.
If you take part in this, our second year, through summer or fall, you will have:
- Explored yourself and your spirituality.
- Served your community and church along with your group in two projects.
- Involved yourself with at least eight people more deeply.
- Helped build and strengthen UUCCSM.
- Practiced listening more deeply.
- Honored others.
- Learned or reinforced leadership skills.
How widely are the covenant group relationships felt? Think of a pond. Imagine throwing a stone into it. Watch the widening circles — immeasurable.
We welcome all who visit here to explore the opportunity to be a part of covenant group, to sign up for facilitator training, and/or work with the Small Group Ministry Implementation Team.
— Carol-jean Teuffel
Got Talent? Show it Off!
October 30 will be our first Church Talent Sunday. Church Talent Sundays are the music program’s effort to showcase the talent in our congregation, to give the less experienced a chance to perform, to generate involvement of church members in the services, and thereby enrich our community.
We’ve just begun, and we’re looking for more members who’d like to take part. You don’t have to be the next Elvis or Sinatra to do it (though if you are, we’d be thrilled to give you your start), but if you sing or play, then come sign up.
If you’d like to have Louis Durra accompany you, all you need is a chart of the piece you want to perform. If you’d like to team up with a different instrument or other vocalists, let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll do our best to match you up.
If you’d like to sign up, come to the music table in Forbes Hall after the 11 a.m. service on the 3rd, 4th (or if there is one, 5th) Sunday of the month, and fill out a Church Talent Form.
For more information, contact Peter van den Beemt.
October, 2005
We'll Help Camp De Benneville Pines with Work Parties, Money
UUCCSM wants to show support for Camp de Benneville Pines and its Conference Center and plans to assist with time and/or financial support. There are two work weekends during the year — one in the spring and one in the fall. Free food and lodging are provided in exchange for participating in the clean-up, fix-up work parties.
Annual financial support is through "Share the Vision" and endowment funds are accepted by "Campfire Lighters" with pledges of $100 per year for eight years. Help keep de Benneville strong. To join supporters Leslie Reuter, Sue and Jerry Moore, Greg Coleman, Linda and Dan Marten, Marv Pulliam, Kathryn and Craig Lee, Carol Agate, Greg Wood and Linda Van Ligten, or to get more information, please contact Jerry Moore.
Where to Send Newsletter Subissions (Hint: It's Not Carol's "Baby" Any More)
Many people think of this newsletter as Carol Agate’s “baby.” But over the years that Carol has been working on it, an editorial team has developed. Today, the newsletter is put together by a lot of people, and Carol is only one member of this team. But old ideas die hard, and stories keep getting sent to Carol, even when she’s not involved in the issue’s production. And when Carol does work on an issue, her job is not the first step. If you send an article to her, she might not get it in time to forward it to the appropriate person.
All submissions should go to newsletter@uusm.org, an address that will automatically forward your message to everyone involved with putting the issue together. You don't have to remember the address; just remember to check our masthead — usually on page 10 — where the address and rules of submission appear every month.
— Thanks from the editorial team
September, 2005
Chalice Lighters Needed
Anyone interested in lighting the chalice, please contact Vilma Ortiz.
Appreciations
Linda van Ligten, a nurse, and Nancy Shinno, a physician, have each provided a necessary medical presence during our church weekends at Camp de Benneville Pines, tending to the minor injuries and special needs of our members. Fortunately we haven’t kept them too busy, so they have been able to enjoy their time in the mountains as well. But we thank them for taking on the responsibility for our care—and for giving freely of their skills.
Five people have played an important role in maintaining and promoting our church's support of the work of the Westside Shelter and Hunger Coalition. Marge Zifferblatt has been our church's liaison to the coalition for many years and she has been a tireless advocate of its programs. In the early years of Faith in Action, Cathie Gentile led our hunger task force and helped us establish a liaison with Turning Point and Step Up on Second. More recently, Lyn Armondo has coordinated monthly dinners at Step Up on Second. Assisted by her husband, George Armondo, and a small band of dedicated volunteers, this program has flourished under Lyn's direction. Janet Goodwin has served a similar coordinating function for periodic meals at Turning Point, and Paula Bernstein has coordinated our twice-yearly food sorts at the Westside Food Bank.
— Kris Langabeer
Homeless Women’s Shelter Needs Gifts of Frozen Food
Our church needs help to provide food on the first Sunday of every month to a Santa Monica day shelter for homeless mentally ill women. This population is very vulnerable. Many of these women are frightened, confused, hungry, thirsty, forced to sleep outdoors, robbed or raped. So please help if you possibly can.
Food items must be fully cooked and then frozen. This is a great project for anyone who loves to cook. If you are over-scheduled but want to help, it is fine to buy prepared food and just freeze it. Can’t do either? Donation checks are always welcome.
A Reminder to Everyone About Garage Parking
Although the Planning Commission unanimously approved our building plans, that approval has been appealed by a neighbor. The reason? Parking.
No one who spoke against our plans had anything negative to say about our church or us. What they did say was that parking remains a significant concern.
Happily we have a solution: the UCLA hospital parking garage—only two short blocks west. Although many of us use the garage, more of us could. If you need to drop off passengers at the church, do so. But then proceed to the structure to park.
As part of our church project, the Wednesday Night Covenant Group is asking for your help. Let’s ease the discomfort of our neighbors, who have always been friends. Let’s use the parking garage (or Wilshire Blvd. and Santa Monica Blvd. metered spots) on Sunday and enjoy the two-block walk to our special place. We can do this.
We are part of a wonderful church. We are so fortunate to be able to gather and share our lives, beliefs, and dreams together, right here.
— Paulette Katz
August, 2005
Choir Records CD of Dining for Dollars Performance
Steve
Wight, our music director, on July 10 volunteered his time and his house/recording
studio to re-record professionally the choir’s Dining for Dollars event. Louis
Durra, our pianist/organist volunteered his time and his 10 talented fingers.
Members of the choir who were available to record volunteered their time and
their voices. The result was a great recording of many of the songs at the Dining
for Dollars event. The CD will be available in the fall at the music table in
Forbes Hall for $5.
Leslie Reuter is Honored
Leslie Reuter has received an award from Camp de Benneville Pines. The Patron Award was given to her “in recognition of outstanding financial contribution to the George de Benneville Endowment Fund.” The citation adds, “Thank you for being a caretaker of our camp.”
Ordination Collection Benefits School
President Carol Kerr, The Revs. Ernie Pipes, Stefanie Etzbach- Dale, and Judith Meyer at Stefanie Etzbach-Dale’s ordination on June 19 at our church. A collection at the ordination ceremony yielded a donation of just over $800 to Stefanie’s alma mater, Meadville Lombard Theological School.
July, 2005
Your Clutter is Our Treasure
Contact Ed Field or Phil Bonacich to donate items to the UU Mens' Group September garage sale.
Mother's Day Picnic was a Huge Success
Moms,
children, fathers, in-laws — it was everybody’s Mother’s Day potluck party in
our own Anderson Courtyard. (There were two people with no food, and we fed
them, too.) A wonderful automatic bubble machine, thanks to Jacki Weber who
brought it, triggered gales of laughter as children leapt about trying to catch
the bubbles. Thanks to the unofficial volunteers who set up tables and chairs.
The picnic was a gratifyingly good time for all.
— Serena Shames
Extended Family Picnic will be Held on July 10
We had so much fun at the Mother’s Day picnic we’ve decided to do it again. So mark your datebook and get out your cooler. Sunday, July 10, in the 17th Street lot after service, we’ll have a picnic, along with balls, bubbles and more for the young ‘uns and nice conversation for the over 10 set. Everyone’s invited. We hope to mix up the generations and share our lunches. No need to RSVP. Just show up and bring your own lunch. For more information, contact Jacki Weber.
Board Members Have a New Role in the Sunday Morning Services
Starting in July, each Sunday a member of the church board will play a role by carrying out the welcoming part of the service. This will increase the members’ awareness of who is serving on their board.
Another Successful Food Sort
UUCCSM
volunteers (here with Bruce Rankin, director of the Westside Food Bank, second
from right) completed another successful food sort at the Food Bank in Santa
Monica on June 16, filling boxes of canned goods, packages of groceries, and
jars of baby food collected by letter carriers in their May food drive. The
boxes are distributed by agencies sponsoring food pantries for hungry people
(mostly the working poor) on the Westside. Our church participates in these
food sorts in June and December
Our Ordinations
On Sunday, June 12, our former Faith in action intern, Susan Conrad, was ordained by the First Parish in Cambridge, MA. The Rev. Judith Meyer preached the sermon. Susan will be moving back to the West Coast to spend a year as a chaplain intern at Alta Bates hospital in Berkeley. The Rev. Jory Agate, Minister of Religious Education at the First Parish in Cambridge, also participated in the service. (Jory is Carol’s daughter.) Church members Pat and Ned Wright, as well as David Denton, were present for the ordination ceremony.
On Sunday, June 19, in our sanctuary, our former ministerial intern, Stefanie Etzbach-Dale (right) was ordained by the congregation.
Living Green Group Launches
The Seventh Principle of the UUA is “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” So we have started an e-mail conversation about “Living Green,” discussing ways to leave a lighter footprint on the earth. To join in, go to http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/livinggreen
Here are two tips from our group that we would like to share with you:
1. Buy paper towels, tissue, and toilet paper made from 100% recycled paper. (Sold at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.)
2. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save energy.
Contact Sandra Trutt for more information.
June, 2005
Save Items for Men's Group Rummage Sale on Sept. 23
The UUCCSM Men's Group has scheduled a rummage sale to raise money for the church. It will be held in Forbes Hall on Friday evening, September 23, for church members only, and opened to the general public on Saturday, September 24, at 9 a.m. Meanwhile, it's not too early to start sorting and saving salable items you no longer need. Contact Ed Field if you wish to donate items for sale, or if you would like to help out. We could use extra hands, a dolly, and a truck.
Our Capital Campaign Need You
The Capital Campaign is in full bloom. Have you completed your pledge sheet? Members of the Capital Campaign committee are in Anderson Courtyard each Sunday before and after services. Walk right up and complete your pledge sheet. Now is the chance to build our church and our community. Your participation is what makes it work. Contactl Ron Crane. Build now.
Volunteers are Needed for Stefanie's Reception
If you can donate finger foods (appetizers, small sandwiches, cookies, etc.) for the reception following Stefanie Etzbach-Dale's ordination, please contact Kit Shaw. And don't forget you are all invited to the ordination and celebration on Sunday, June 19, at 7 p.m. There will be enough time for those who go to Camp de Benneville Pines to also attend the ordination.
Your Unclaimed Raffle Prizes May Be Picked Up on June 5
Many of the prizes in the shopping bag raffle remain unclaimed. The unidentified tickets are the following:
Trader Joe tote bag—2883
Japanese vase—2878
Museum stationery—2926
TV turntable—2813
Cassette player—3082
Hair brush—2900
Book light—2817
Cassette player with radio—2734
Combo drive—2733
Storage cabinet—2780
Lenox sugar and creamer—2736
Prizes may be picked up after both services on June 5. Check the order of service announcements. Prizes that remain unclaimed after a few weeks will be added to the September rummage sale.
The total proceeds from the raffle were $280, which will go into the church's general fund to make a tiny dent in this fiscal year's deficit. The raffle had a mix of costly and inexpensive items and showed that we do much better on costly items. A future raffle may be held for items worth at least $100. Please contact Carol Agate if you have something to contribute.
Learn How to Use the Web; Teach How to Use the Web
People who subscribe to the newsletter online receive it about a week earlier than others and see it in color. Some people in our congregation don't subscribe because they don't understand computers or cannot afford them.
Computers are available at the public library, and we may have members who would like to receive their newsletters there. If you would like to give people a lesson in accessing the internet at the public library, please contact Carol Agate to volunteer. You don't have to be a techie. All you need do is show people how to open a free e-mail account on Yahoo, or one of the other services, how to get their e-mail after they have their account, and how to access the internet.
If you are one of the people who would like to see the newsletter in color, or have any other reason for wanting to learn how to use the library computers, also contact Carol.
Jobs, Anyone?
Our church youth are looking for summer employment and internships. If you or your company can employ intelligent, hard working, principled and eager young people, contact Ron Crane. UU Youth are available for interviews.
May, 2005
You're Invited...
The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica requests the honor of your presence to affirm the ordination of Stefanie Etzbach-Dale Sunday, June 19, at 7 p.m. Please join us for a garden reception following the ceremony.
Hold Book Donations 'til Summer is Over
We have recently added about 50 “new” books to our library in Forbes Hall. Thank you for your generosity. I am glad to see by the sign-out list that our members are reading and enjoying our selections.
Since I will be away over the summer, please hold additional donations of books until September. Books may be checked out for 30 days. Cross out your entry on the checkout list when you return your book. Thank you and good reading.
— Sandra Trutt
We Need Your Ideas for Our Work Parties
In the Merry Month of May, we will meet on May 21 for our monthly church work party. Whether you enjoy gardening, woodworking, cleaning, organizing, sewing, painting, cooking, or any number of other things that need to be done in or around a home or in the garden or yard, there is something you can do and enjoy doing with other members of our church home.
If you haven’t been able to participate in a monthly church work party and want to, let me know what would make it easier for you to participate. Would a work party after the second service on Sunday be better for you? In July and August when we have one service each Sunday, would you want a work party? If you are a parent would you be able to participate if childcare were available? What can we do to make it possible for you to make a contribution of time and energy that benefits the UUCCSM, that you enjoy, and that, at the end of the day, leaves you with a sense of satisfaction?
Please contact me to RSVP or give me your suggestions.
— Marie Kashmer-Stiebing, Church Administrator
Discuss the Guilt of Jewish UUs
Adult Religious Growth and Learning (ARGL) will present a one-session program on “The Guilt of a Jewish UU” in June. The discussion will be held in Room 4 on Saturday, June 4, 10 to 11:30 a.m., with UUCCSM member Carol Agate, leader. It is common for Jews to feel guilt about becoming UUs. They often remain “friends” of a congregation for years but can’t bring themselves to join. This workshop provides an opportunity for participants to discuss whether they still consider themselves Jews, whether and why they feel guilty about joining a church, and whether and how they have experienced anti-Semitism in Unitarian Universalism. Non-Jews are also welcome to learn more about this conflict and add the insights of their different perspectives.
April, 2005
Stefanie's Ordination Needs Volunteer Help
Would you like to be involved in the ordination of Stefanie Etzbach-Dale the evening of Sunday, June 19? There are many ways that you may contribute to this significant church event. We need people to serve on a committee to plan and organize the event (one or two meetings). In early April, we need people to address invitations for ministers in the Pacific Southwest District (PSWD) and others who live outside the local area. (Food will be provided for this addressing “party.”) On the day of the service, we will need ushers and people who will bring light food or drink for the reception. If you would like to be involved, please contact the church office, Kathy Cook, Pat Gomez, or the Rev. Judith Meyer.
Thanks from the UUCCSM Scouts
Many thanks to those of you who ordered 232 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies from a group of three Junior and two Cadette Girl Scouts. The girls worked cooperatively to take cookie orders at both services and invited people to donate these popular cookies to coffee hour and two of our service projects.
In all, 25 boxes of cookies were ordered for the Westside Food Bank, 22 boxes were ordered for delivery to Step Up on Second and 48 boxes are going to our very own coffee hour.We also appreciate the personal orders so many of you placed. Girl Scout cookie sales are the main way troops earn money to pay for camping or field trips and other activities. Cookie sales also help fund the regional and national Girl Scout organizations that support local troops.
A wonderful side benefit is that girls in our congregation learned who else enjoys this activity, helping to forge another connection among them. If there were any Girl Scouts we missed contacting, we apologize. Please contact Beth Rendeiro if you want to order more cookies or if you have a Girl Scout who would still like to get involved.
Covenant Group Sign-Up Sundays on April 3 and 10
The training
of eight new facilitators in March has enabled our church to establish new covenant
groups this month.
Are you a longtime member, a visitor, new member, or friend of the church? Do you want to explore your own spirituality? Are you interested in others and what they think about life’s important questions? You may enjoy being a part of this fulfilling spiritual program.
Signup Sundays are set for April 3 and April 10, during coffee hour at the Covenant Group information table. If you have previously signed the interest list, a member of the Covenant Group Implementation Team will contact you to be sure you are aware of our sign-up Sundays. Your next step is to officially sign up for the groups now forming. We hope to be able to form enough groups with meeting times that will accommodate all who are interested. If the interest is greater than the number that can be accommodated, selection will be done by lottery. The remainder will be placed on a wait list for the first available openings. More new groups will be added in the fall to meet the continued demands.
Registration forms are also available in the print version of this month's newsletter. If you are unable to sign up in person at church, fill one out and be sure to indicate all times that you could be available, so that you have the best chance of success. Drop it off at the office before April 10 and you will be included in the formation process. As Josephine La Rosa, a newcomer and choir member says, “I wouldn’t be involved in the church now if it weren’t for the feeling of belonging that I got from my covenant group.”
—Covenant Group Implementation Team
Appreciations to:
All the members of the congregation who worked and voted to make our church a “dedicated peace site” in 1986...
...to Beth Rendeiro and Girl Scouts Rosie DePaul, Rachel Dodd, Arbor Pruett, Angelica Jue, and Rachel Moore for selling Girl Scout cookies as a group and giving us the option of donating our cookies to the Westside Food Bank, Step Up on Second, or our own coffee hour
...to Interweave, our church group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Unitarian Universalists, for showing courage in their own lives, coming out and living the truth; for showing hospitality to our entire community, with picnics, educational forums, and a monthly lunch date, to promote fellowship and understanding; and for showing patience, as they wait for such civil rights as marriage, often enduring risks and making personal sacrifices in the meantime.
Dining for Dollars Copmmittee Acknowledges Donors, Bidders
The Dining for Dollars Committee
thanks the donors of the 70-plus events for this year’s auction held on February
20 and 27. We also acknowledge the extreme generosity of the many bidders who
enabled us to contribute over $23,000 to the church coffers. We are so fortunate
and grateful and hope the attendees enjoy the events and appreciate the sense
of community that they foster.
— Helen Burns, Shirlee Frank, Sue Moore, and Sandra Trutt
What is Kabbalah -- Really?
How did this difficult system of Jewish mysticism suddenly become a status symbol with entertainment celebrities? And more importantly, what is Kabbalah — really? This presentation will look beyond the hype and examine the arcane and centuries-old tradition of Kabbalah, its origins and history, its methods, and its meaning to Jews and to Unitarian Universalists alike.
This Adult Religious Growth & Learning class will be led by UUCCSM member Alan Cranis. It meets one Saturday, April 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. in room 4. Alan has offered workshops on the world’s religions and similar topics for the past several years. To register, call or e-mail the church office.
March, 2005
March Work Party is Cancelled
The March work party has been canceled to accommodate the Focus Group meeting on March 19. Please see the announcement elsewhere in the newsletter. And, mark your calendar to attend the April 16 church work party. Call Marie at at the church office to RSVP.
Appreciations
Paula Bernstein, for writing feature articles about our members for this newsletter; Jim Cadwell, Bob Dietz, and Karen Patch, for serving as chaperones for our Coming of Age and YRUU groups’ field trip to Rockreation; Gerrie Lambson for organizing another successful “Undie Sunday” this year; Diana Spears, for creating the holiday arts sale, which benefited the church and showcased many of our artist members.
— Judith Meyer
Betty McDonald Appreciation
On Sunday, January 23, Betty MacDonald was honored for her work with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). UUSC President Charlie Clements is pictured here (on the right) with Betty and her family.
At March 6 Congregational Meeting We'll Vote on Stefanie's Ordination
The church’s board of directors has called a congregational meeting for Sunday,March 6, at 10:30 a.m. for the purpose of voting on an ordination of Stefanie Etzbach-Dale in June. Please make every effort to attend the meeting, no matter which service you attend. Here is a message from Stefanie:
In the nine months following September 2003, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Monica, under the leadership of the Rev. Judith Meyer, embraced me as minister intern. During that time I was challenged to explore various aspects of congregational life and church leadership in response to my own call to ministry. Since leaving, I have taken more classes, met with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee, and set myself on the path of completing requirements for preliminary fellowship and for graduation from Meadville Lombard Theological School this June. It has been a remarkable process, every step of the way, for which I feel incredibly grateful and indebted to so many wonderful people.
What strikes me most from this vantage point of nearing the end of my formal education and the entrance to active ministry is that my relationship with this congregation feels as vibrant as it ever did. Even as I have abided by the requirement to keep a professional distance, in my heart I continue to be ‘in conversation’ with this congregation. The relationship that began two years ago continues to inform my growth in ministry, as I imagine it always will.
It is for this reason that I hope the members of this congregation will consider attending the special congregational meeting called on my behalf for March 6. During that meeting UUCCSM will have an opportunity to enter into the 350-year-old Unitarian tradition of having individual congregations ordain ministers for liberal religious ministry. It is my hope that you will attend and participate, enhancing faith and service through the power of this convenanted community.
— In gratitude and with best wishes, Stefanie Etzbach-Dale
February, 2005
Directory is Now Available
Stop by the church office to pick up your 2005 church directory listing members, contributing supporters, other pledgers, registered RE families and paid staff. Call Marie at (310) 829-5436, ext. 100 if you have any questions.
Board Members’ E-mail Posts Open to All Church Members
The church board has set up an e-mail list for communication between meetings. In keeping with our policy that all board meetings be open to church members, all discussions on the list are also open. If you would like to subscribe to the list, go to http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/uusmboard. Fill in the form with your name, e-mail address, and a password of your choice. (Be sure to write it down.) Then click “Subscribe.” This list is designed for discussions among board members and professional staff. Subscribers who are not board members are invited to read the messages. They can respond to any posting by sending a personal e-mail to the board member who posted the message, or to any other board member.
Thank You
Thank you to the adults who agreed to be Coming of Age mentors this year: Mary Cross, Jim Cadwell, Gerald Saldo,David Goetz, Jennifer Westbay, Bonnie Olsen, Peggy Kharraz, Julie Nyquist, Liz Losh, Cynthia Cottam, and Jana Poirier. Thank you to Beth Rendeiro for her leadership in institutionalizing all five levels of OWL (Our Whole Lives), our sexuality education curriculum for children, youth, and adults, into our church program. Beth and 19 trained OWL facilitators in our congregation have made this accomplishment possible. Thank you to Diana Spears, who organized the holiday arts and crafts sale. Not only did the sale raise money for the Westside Shelter and Hunger Coalition and for the church garden, but it also showcased 16 artists from the congregation. We hope they’ll do it again next year.
Undie Sunday Was a Success
Thank you for your generosity on Undie Sunday. Here are the final totals of your contributions: Men: Three undershirts and 24 pairs of briefs Women: 96 pairs of briefs, 12 pairs of socks, and one bra Boys: 30 pairs of briefs and six pairs of socks Girls: 78 pairs of briefs and 11 pairs of socks Thanks to you on behalf of those who are in periods of great stress in their lives. Since we received a disproportionately large number of items for women and children, the underwear will be given to Sojourn, a shelter for abused women and children.
—Gerrie Lambson
Any Ideas for the Board?
In February, the Nominating Committee will begin deliberations regarding membership on the Board of Directors for the coming year. If you have any input about the board or suggestions for membership on the board or the Nominating Committee, please contact any one of these members of the Nominating Committee: Kathy Cook, S.J.Guidotti, Shawn Kerr, Andrey Lyness, John Fels or Linda Van Lighten.
Check Out Our New Books
Thank you to the many members who donated books to our lending library. We are sorting and stamping them into our collection. Please stop by the shelves in Forbes Hall to take a look at the new material.
—Sandra Trutt
Please Take Your Vase
Vases are crowding out the cupboard used for the tablecloths. We will put all of the containers on a table in Forbes, so if one is yours, please take it. The rest are for anyone who wants them. Enough will be saved for our use. Please don’t leave in our small kitchen stuff that we don’t use and for which we have no storage space. Thank you for your cooperation.
Lunch with Interweave Members
Everyone is welcome to have lunch and socialize with Interweave, our church’s group for bisexuals, gays, lesbians, and transgenders (and their friends and allies) on the last Sunday of each month at Back on Broadway, 2024 Broadway, around 12:45 p.m. For more information, contact Judy Federick.
Church Work Party
Invite your friends to the third-Saturday Church Work Party on February 19. Do you have something special you would like to do for the church? Is there something that isn't being done that you would like to have done? Call Marie at (310) 829-5436, ext. 100, to discuss how to fill the need you have in mind or to find out what is on the Work Party to-do list. A continental breakfast and a light lunch are served, so please let us know that you're coming.
January, 2005
Please join our Saturday work parties
Have you been asking yourself what you can do at a monthly church work party? We can help you find the answer. Just call me at (310) 829-5436, extension 100, and let’s talk. Whether you enjoy gardening, woodworking, cleaning, organizing, sewing, painting, cooking, or any number of other things that need to be done in or around a building or in the garden/yard, a job is available for you.
So, please, look over the schedule below and pick a Saturday and come to the party. The title of the Rev. Judith Meyer’s December 12 sermon, “The More the Merrier,” applies to work parties as well. The more people who participate, the lighter the work, the merrier the mood, and the better we’ll all feel about the place we call our church home. Perhaps you’ll even make a new friend or renew an old friendship.
Why not put all these dates on your calendar? Surely, as you make your way through this New Year, you’ll be able to help out around the church on January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, or November 19.
—Marie Kashmer-Stiebing, Church Administrator
Appreciations
Appreciation to Amy Thiel and Patrick Meighan, for their splendid work on the Sunday service about Universalism November 14 . . . to Melinda Ewen for leading and organizing the Pilgrim’s Feast . . . to Saturday work party volunteers Ren Renshaw, Karl Lisovsky,Marv Pulliam, and Anne MacQueen . . . to new Head Usher Ned Wright, for stepping in after longtime Head Usher Pat McGuire stepped down . . . thanks also to Pat for his years in that job . . . and to all the children in our Religious Exploration program who made cards for the Marines serving in Iraq. First Lieutenant Glen Baylif, the son of church member Marsha Smith, sent them this personal thank you note from Falloujah:
"Dear kids of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica, I want to thank you for the wonderful cards. I, as well as many of the Marines I work with, have thoroughly enjoyed your efforts and have set aside a wall in our work area in which to place them on display. From what I can see you are all very creative and talented artists.We received cards ranging from beautiful drawings, paper airplanes (a personal favorite), to even a few letters that were creatively folded into interesting shapes! Maybe when I get back I will have the opportunity to come draw and make some more cards with all of you. I want to wish all of you a happy holiday season and good New Year. Once again, and most of all, thank you for thinking of all of us over here in Iraq."
Art & Craft Sale Proceeds Go to Artists, Westside Coalition and Church Garden
The art and craft benefit sale was a big success. Many church people who came to the event saw our newly purchased house for the first time. It was nice to see it alive with a bustle of activity. Sixteen artists — Marti Bercaw, Bob Dietz, Shirlee Frank, David Friedman, June Jamison, Fran Kessler, Ilse Kleinman, Arvid Knudsen, David Knudsen, Ellen Levy, Debbie Menzies, Jacki Paddock, Carol Ring, Louise Rothman, Judy Schonebaum, and Diana Spears — contributed their time and talents. The commission of 30 percent came to $622.40, which will be divided equally between the Westside Hunger and Shelter Coalition and the church for refurbishing the garden. Thanks to all.
—Diana Spears
Any Suggestions for the Board?
In January the Nominating Committee will begin preparing for deliberations regarding membership on the Board of Directors for the coming year. If you have any input about the board or suggestions for board membership, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee: Kathy Cook, S.J. Guidotti, Shawn Kerr, Audrey Lyness, John Fels or Linda Van Ligten.
Dining for Dollars Update:
Bidding Will Be Feb. 20, 27
The following fellow church folks have felicitously favored us with fascinating, formidable offers for the next Dining for Dollars. Bidding will be on February 20 and 27: Gomez, Hanson, Higginbotham/Murray, Machnik, MacQueen, March/Clark, Mill, Nardoni, Parkerton, Patman, Pulliam, Scott/Spoto, Scruggs, Steinicke, Wright, Bamford, Beckett, Berry, Bleak/Smith, Bonacich, Boothe, Cadwell, Harper, Fels/Crane, Crawford, De Benedittis /Pinkham, Curtis, Voegtlen/Dietz, Eckstrand/Rothman, Trutt, Gilliam, Teuffel, Van den Beemt, Elahi, Lim, Shinno/Burrows, Ewen/Guidotti, McDonald, Jain, Loran, Goodwin/Lisovsky, Kerr, Alison, Van Ligten, Arnold /Prichard-Lane, Kernochan, Murphy, Snyder/Nakajima, Bjornlie, Brae, Chapgier, Chipman, Goetz, Rendeiro /DePaul, Elson/Olson, Kegel/Fuller, Hamilton, Kahn, Kory, David Olson, Jacki & Victor Paddock, Patch, Hasse- Pinto, Stange, Bickford, Straw, Canady, Weber/Fouts, Nyquist/Gates, Horan/Losh, Johnston/Van Ooyen/Poirier, Schonebaum, Cindy Kelly, Hallinan, Church Choir, Camp de Benneville Pines. Complete details will appear in the February newsletter.
If you would like to join these generous church members and friends in our biggest fund-raiser of the year, please call one of the committee members now.
—Gratefully yours, Dining for Dollars Committee
Our Lending Library Needs Your Used Books
Read a good book lately? How about donating it to our church’s lending library? Both fiction and non-fiction books are needed to update our collection. We are especially looking for the UU Book Clubs' selections. Please put donations in the labeled box in Forbes Hall. Donations of one to five books are welcome. Call Sandra Trutt or Marie Kashmer- Stiebing in the church office for larger gifts.
December, 2004
Have You Responded Yet to the Pledge Drive Letter?
Thank you to all of the members of our community who have responded to the call to make this congregation stronger during this fall's pledge drive: to the more than half of the respondents who have increased their pledges of support for 2005 and to the dozens of canvassers meeting with newer church members to see how we're doing.
If you're not among this group, won't you please join them? Commit to a contribution that will not just sustain this church community, but make it thrive. If you haven't received a pledge letter and packet, please contact me. I'll send you one today.
If you want to meet and talk about the work this church is doing, and your part in it, let me or any other member of the Stewardship Committee know. If your pledge card is sitting in a pile of papers at home, please take a moment to reflect on your 2005 pledge, then fill out the card and send it in.
Our capacity to heal and nourish our community and the world at large is limited only by our individual contributions to the church—our commitments of time and money. Thank you for your generosity and good works.
—Jacki K. Weber, Stewardship Committee Chair
Rehearsal Schedule for Friendly Beasts Pageant
The Friendly Beasts, our preschoolers through fifth graders, will continue their rehearsals of “The Friendly Beasts Song” for the holiday pageant, which occurs December 19 at both services.
This is the rehearsal schedule:
Dec. 5 — Preschoolers 10 minutes during class; K-5 at the start of RE Social Justice service
Dec. 12 — All children in group rehearsal in mural room at the start of RE
Dec. 18 — Dress rehearsal in the sanctuary (9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.)
Dec. 19 — Pageant (both services—please arrive at 8:15 a.m.)
We realize that the pageant day will be a long one for the children, so please contact me if you can help by:
• supervising the children (especially between services and during the second service, when they’ll be in the mural room until they sing),
• bringing food for them to eat between the services (sandwiches, bagels, cream cheese, muffins, crackers, cheese, cut vegetables, fruit, juice, etc.), or
• compiling paper activities (we have packets from previous years that you could build on) and bagged crayon sets for during the first service.
Ideally, we would like all children to sing at both services on pageant Sunday, but if your child can sing at only one service, please let me know.
Here’s to another great pageant!
—Kris Langabeer
Appreciations
We offer our appreciation to Eleanor Eagan, who has served our church as our envoy to the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office for more than 30 years...to Jacki Weber, for her expert contribution to our Stewardship Committee...to Carol Kerr, for her work on the sale of our 17th Street property...and for all the members of our community who devoted themselves to working on the election this year.
The Reverend Bill Sinkford, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, wrote, “We [Unitarian Universalists] are an essential part of this body politic. And we will continue our vigilance and our advocacy for the values we hold dear.”
—Judith Meyer
Coming Soon: Dining for Dollars
Work is beginning for the next Dining for Dollars. We welcome volunteers to offer dinners, brunches, or other activities to attract other members’ bids. Bidding will be February 20 and 27, 2005. Dining for Dollars is our largest annual fundraiser, and we hope to top the record $23,000 generated by this event in 2004. We thank Peggy Kharraz for her many years of superb service and welcome Sharon Damerell as a new Dining for Dollars Committee member. Please call Helen Burns with your donations or for information.
Dates for Cookies and Toys
Don’t forget—this year’s Cookie Bake will be on Saturday, December 4, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. We’re also accepting gift donations. Sunday, December 12, is the last day to drop off your unisex toy to give to children at this year’s Head Start holiday party. Remember, we need a total of 38 gifts that are new, unopened, and unwrapped. Drop them off in the Head Start box at the foot of the Arizona entrance stairs.
Board Meets Monthly; Members are Welcome
Our church’s Board of Directors meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 in Forbes Hall. The next meeting will be on December 14. Members are invited to attend. A tentative agenda is posted online one week before the meeting, and on the door of the office.
November, 2004
Work Party is November 20
The November 20 work party will focus on RE needs. Join us to clean the children’s play yard, scour cookie sheets (Cookie Bake will be here soon.), put a lock on the RE closet and paint the door, clean the toys used in the nursery, or take a look around to identify a job