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The Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis * * Sparks from the Flame * * Sabbatical: Rest and Renewal* * * * One Year* * Religious Exploration* * Looking at Out Principles and Purposes* * * * Green Sanctuary: Thoughts & Voluntary Simplicity* * * * Calendar Highlights & Announcements* * * * Calendar of Worship Services and Events * * RUMINATIONSSTEVE BURNS, BOARD PRESIDENT (Photo: Steve and his wife, Pat Moore-Pickett, in balloon hats) It is hard to believe that this is my last column as your President; time has flown by. This year brought many exciting developments, including the Phase 1 building process which is underway, our official recognition as a Green Sanctuary, and progress towards Policy-based Governance. The Green Sanctuary committee burst onto the scene and has flourished, but the other two seemed stuck for many years. It is great to have them finally moving along. Another area of growth is outreach. We endorsed Greg McGonigle as a Community Minister and have many new Interfaith connections including the Celebration of Abraham, Interfaith Associates, Davis Family Week, and support for our Baptist neighbors when a member of theirs came under attack for supporting marriage equality. We’ve seen many improvements on our campus as our operations have become more organized. Soon we’ll have our first outside financial review; new job descriptions have been completed to assist with staff development and assessment; our IT (information technology) system is updated; many new policies and procedures have been written. Look for the policies in the Library. Next year promises to be another exciting adventure with fine candidates for the Board and other committees. Beth will have her first sabbatical with us, and a capable committee is already planning for her absence. I want to thank all the Board members for their hard work and good humor during my tenure. It has been an honor to work with them, serving all of you. Particularly I would like to single out Diane Parro, who has been an indispensable partner and an outstanding Vice-President. I have no doubt that the Board will be in fine hands next year. ON THE JOURNEYKATE KENNEDY, INTERN & CAMPUS MINISTER What a gift you give. As a “teaching congregation” you open your doors and your hearts to a student minister. You allow yourselves to get close to this new person each time, to share in your milestones, your lives, your laughter, your tears, and precious parts of yourselves. And then the time inevitably comes when you have to say “good bye,” when we have to say good-bye. That is the hardest part - the deep spiritual practice part. I am in awe of the capacity you have to do this. I am in awe and so deeply thankful. You may not be able to know the gift you have given me. You will always be a part of my ministry. In this one year, these ten months, I have learned so much from you. I have witnessed a healthy congregation, a place that truly does co-ministry – where your minister guides, but you work with her, and us interns – to make this place the spiritual home you want it to be. I have witnessed our covenant in action. I have seen our faith and my own Unitarian Universalist identity deepen because of you. I’m not sure you could have given a more profound gift than that. But there is more. I have discovered more of what I love. I love pastoral ministry. I loved meeting with the students each week. I loved being part of the spiritual growth of the Coming of Age youth and working with the worship associates for all three services. And I discovered I love teaching and designing the entire worship service, not simply the sermons. All of this I will carry with me in my ministry. So, I thank you. I thank you as I move on to hospice chaplaincy in Sacramento. I thank you as I carry you with me in my heart. I thank you for your capacity to be an incredible, loving, congregation. I thank you for joining me on the journey. With Much Love and In Faith, Kate Kate Kennedy’s Goodbye Party, June 17, 10am! Join us at a party for Kate in the Church Library after the 9am service on June 17. She graduated from Starr King on May 17 and will be here until June 18. To contribute to Kate’s going-away gift, please make out checks to Deborah Brittan, memo “Kate Gift.” Mail checks to Deborah Brittan or bring them to the church office. Joyce Takahashi, Jeanette Robertson, Intern/Campus Ministry committee co-chair. SPARKS FROM THE FLAME
REV. BETH BANKSImagine having five months with the schedule of your professional obligations wiped clean from your calendar. Then imagine carefully placing activities that make your heart sing on that blank slate. And if you start to dream too energetically about tasks to be done, there is a committee that reminds you: your highest goal is to be renewed and rejuvenated. Welcome to planning a ministerial sabbatical.When I began my ministry at UUCD in August of 2000, the President of the Board (Norm Enfield) and I signed a Letter of Agreement that sealed my covenant (often referred to as a ‘call’) with the congregation. The sabbatical is a part of that covenant between us and it is to be taken between the fifth and seventh year of ministry. My sabbatical will be from January 1, 2008 – June 1, 2008, and the planning has already started. Elsewhere in the newsletter you will read more from the Sabbatical Committee, and you’ll see regular newsletter columns from them in the months ahead. Who is on the Sabbatical Committee? Robin Datel and Bryan Plude are co-chairing the committee, with Linda Magrum, Carol Corbett and Jerry Friis completing the group. They were selected from the congregation by the Committee on Ministry, and chosen because they have all served in positions that care for the whole congregation. Each one of them has a particular expertise in church life, from pastoral to worship, publicity and celebrations. What are my plans? Nothing is set in stone, but I have ideas for projects that will benefit the congregation. These projects will be explained as we get into the fall. Right now both Rick and I are dreaming of the ways that we could spend time together. We have tentatively scheduled returning to St. John in the Caribbean for an extended snorkeling vacation. We have also sketched out some travel in California so that we can continue get to know this state which is our home. I plan to study the hammer dulcimer, doing some traveling to study with instructors. The most important thing is that the calendar is open and free for months at a time. I wish to extend my thanks to Judy Moores and Robin Datel for submitting a sabbatical grant proposal to the Lilly Foundation on my behalf. Robin wrote on behalf of the Sabbatical Committee and Judy wrote it, edited it, and pulled everything together. Sabbatical: Rest and RenewalSabbatical has the same root as Sabbath, the Hebrew word Shabbath, meaning rest. The Sabbath was to be observed every 7th day and a sabbatical every 7th year. The word is applied to a practice in ancient Judea of letting the land rest every seventh year in order to let it restore itself so that it could yield more abundant harvests.The UU denomination is among the first to recognize and promote the sabbatical as a valuable practice for ministers and congregations. Approximately 75% of UU ministers have provision for a sabbatical in their congregational agreement. The Board approved a 6-month sabbatical for Rev. Beth Banks, starting in January, 2008 and concluding with a celebration of her return in June, 2008. It will provide Beth and our congregation an opportunity for renewal, reflection, for trying new things, discovering our strengths and nurturing our interests. This sabbatical will give Beth time for study, reflection, enrichment, and renewed perspective on the place of our church in the community and world. It will free her from the daily issues and allow her to focus on bigger picture needs. This sabbatical will give our congregation the opportunity for self-reflection, self-reliance and will strengthen our shared ministry. To guide that effort, the Committee on Ministry has formed a Sabbatical Planning Committee consisting of Robin Datel, Bryan Plude (co-chairs), Carol Corbett, Jerry Friis, and Linda Magrum. We will consider all the roles Beth fills in our church and provide a plan for her absence. Our church has grown so much in the last 15 years. Some growth is measurable in numbers and activities, but we have also grown in our service to others. This sabbatical gives Beth the chance to gain a renewed perspective on her commitment to take our church out into the community, through interfaith gatherings, intern minister mentoring, campus ministry, support for the hungry and homeless, and her work with ministerial students. We too can reflect on these issues and our role in shared ministry. May Beth restore herself through rest, and return with greater energy and abundance of spirit to share with us. May our congregation use its stored-up experience and expertise so that its spirit is fed adequately while Beth is away. May our Sabbatical Planning committee help these things come to pass. – Linda Magrum One YearSALLY M. BESSER, CPA, ADMINISTRATOR Sara Roberts, Bookkeeper; Mandy Dawn, Office Administrator; Sally Besser Sally is on vacation Wednesday, May 30 through Monday, June 11. A year ago I eagerly rode my bicycle to 27207 Patwin Road for my first day of work here at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis. I rode my bicycle today with that same eagerness, feeling happy and peaceful. The big change today from a year ago, is that now I wear my spiffy new blue helmet. A year ago I wrote in the UUniverse that I promised to bring with me ideals of my profession in order to serve the mission and vision of the church and of Rev. Beth’s ministry. Today, I continue to promise you those same virtues – but with one change – I know you now! Getting to know you this past year and claiming you as my friends is a hallmark in my life. A year ago, the summertime was rather quiet in this green little corner of town. I remember saying to Mandy Dawn, “Boy, it’s so quiet here – I bet you get a lot done!” I think that is changing, too. This year lots of activities will be happening – even through the lazy days of summer! I know I am not alone in my feeling of excitement and satisfaction. There are new members and a lot of people participating in the RE programs. As you continue yourplans for the campus renovation project, I feel a calm confidence knowing that you will do wonderful things. Together we will witness these changes! I invite you to feel with me – like a flower blooming in warm morning sunlight and fragrant in early evening dusk – one with all, in this marvelous garden, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis. Let us not therefore go hurrying about and collecting honey, bee-like, buzzing here and there impatiently from knowledge of what is to be arrived at. But let us open our leaves like a flower and be passive and receptive. – John Keats, 1796-1821, English Poet ADULT, CHILD & YOUTH RELIGIOUS EXPLORATIONKATE RAYMOND, DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION RE – CONNECTIONS As I come to the end of my first year as a DRE (Director of Religious Exploration), I’m struck by how often I’ve thought to myself – How lucky I am! I get to be with people I enjoy and want to have deeper relationships with. I get to learn about topics that are meaningful to me. I have the satisfaction of knowing that together we are trying to make the world a better place. One of my learning edges this year is to take the time to thank those who have contributed to my well-being. I have much to be grateful for and, in that spirit, I’d like to mention here just a few of our UUCD folk and the gifts they brought. • Mandy Dawn for her positive energy, whimsical nature and the ability to have a story to tell for every occasion • Joe King for his many kindnesses and the dedication he inspired as the chair of CYRE Council • Tom Jankowski for his easygoing yet skeptical nature and ever-ready guitar • Vera Fontaine for her generous piano playing during Spirited Worship • Judy Beachler for coming forward with ideas and generous support throughout this year of Coming of Age, and offering to help the next time around too! • Pat Moore-Pickett and Amy Moore for their beautiful book displays on the RE Table • Amy Wilson and the rest of the CYRE Council for being ready to help whenever RE needed an extra set of hands in the Bridgehouse and in so many other ways • Michael Meads for the calm, yet efficient way he organized the spring RE events – the Seder, Easter hunt and Secret Buddies • Corinne Cooke for welcoming our CoA youth and mentors at Community Meals • Sally Besser for her patience and loyalty to the ideals of our church • Liz Young for offering her class of physical, emotional and spiritual renewal, and then gifting all of the participants (including me) with CDs, handouts and other delights. • the Adult RE Council for their gracious and committed presence • this year’s RE teachers for their care of our children and youth. I visited as often as I could just to be part of the fun you all seemed to be having! • The newly-formed RE Associates for being willing to do what you could, even when you weren’t sure what we were about • Virginia Thigpen for being a true partner of Compassionate Communication • Kate Kennedy for laughter and the sharing with me the deep work of ministry • Leonie Pickett for unfailing good humor, optimism and some of the most efficient computer skills I’ve ever seen • and, as always, to Rev. Beth for her generous teaching and skilled leadership Of course, this list only scratches the surface of people who have contributed to the happiness I am feeling most all my days now. I look forward to thanking more of you in person. Blessed be! Nuggets of Wisdom from the Coming of Age Youths’ Credos: Stand by your Beliefs Live Life to the Fullest Jealousy is a Waste of Time Community is a Place to Share Earth is the Closest Thing We Have to God You Don't Have to Own What Your Friend Has Accept Death to Gain Wisdom Compassion Is the Key to a Happy Life RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES! To register, please contact the workshop leaders or RE Staff, Kate Raymond and Leonie Pickett at 753-2581 x104 OWL Our Whole Lives sexuality course will be offered next year, beginning in the fall for grades 7-9. Recently covered by NPR, our denomination, with the United Church of Christ, is in the forefront of providing comprehensive values-based sexuality education for every age group. If you are interested in finding out if this program would benefit your child or if you are interested in learning how you might be part of our OWL Team, please contact Kate Raymond. Details about UUCD History 101, All-Church Potluck, Summer RE Stars, Summer FUUN Youth Camp, and UU Summer Chalice Camp are in the calendar. Looking at Out Principles and Purposesby Judy MooresAll UU Churches have been invited by the UUA Commission on Appraisal (COM) to review our Principles this year and make recommendations for possible changes. The reviews are part of a two-year process, which will most likely result in a revised set being adopted at the 2009 General Assembly.In April, a group of us followed a three-session workshop curriculum from the COM, and came up with a number of suggestions. We wanted the principles to be more action oriented, reflect our concern for Earth, include the worldwide needs of people, and include joy and gratitude. Mary Wind led the workshops, and members included Judy Moores, Robin Datel, Kate Raymond, Carol Joyce, Suzanne Kimmel, and Millie Braunstein. Here is the version developed by our recent Principles workshop: We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to adopt the following statement of our principles and sources of inspiration and tradition. As Unitarian Universalists, we dedicate our lives to working together to: * Affirm the inherent worth and dignity of ourselves and every person; * Advance justice, equity, love and compassion in human relations; * Accept one another and encourage spiritual growth in our congregations; * Search freely and responsibly for truth and meaning; * Practice the right of conscience to reflect on the ethics and morality of our actions; * Use a democratic, participatory process so that each person has a voice and vote within our congregations and in society at large; * Build a sustainable world based on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace; and * Live with gratitude for the gift of life, reverence for the mystery of being, and a joyful celebration of our blessings. The living tradition, which we share, draws from many sources: * Direct experience of that transcending mystery, wonder, and love affirmed in all cultures moves us to a renewal of the spirit and openness to the forces that create and uphold life; * Words and deeds of prophetic women and men challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion and the transforming power of love; * Wisdom from the world's religions inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life; * Our Jewish and Christian roots call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves; * Humanist teachings counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit; * Spiritual teaching, including those of earth-centered traditions celebrate the sacred circle of life, and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature; and * The experience of beauty found in the natural world and the arts, music, and other artistic endeavors of humankind deepens our appreciation of all creation. * Grateful for the religious pluralism, which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support. GREEN SANCTUARYBehold! Our Mother Earth the growing fields! Behold! On Mother Earth the spreading trees! Behold the promise of her fruitfulness! Truly her power she gives us. Give thanks to Mother Earth who lies here.– Pawnee Hako Ceremony Summer will soon be upon us and already my garden produces chard, cherries, arugula, basil, and chives. Soon tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, apples, etc. will ripen, too. When people ask what time of year is my favorite, I think of plucking a plump plum or luscious fig as I go for the mail. I finish eating it before I even get to the mailbox, then stop for another couple on the way back. In the summer I have dessert before the rest of my lunch. How could summer not be my favorite? Summer is also a quieter. After the frantic leave-takings of June, the emotional highs and lows of finishing the projects of the past year, and the anticipation of new adventures, the heat of summer slows us and gives us time to heal, time to plan for the months ahead, time to give thanks. For the Green Sanctuary Committee and for our church, the past year has been full – finishing our projects, becoming certified as an official Green Sanctuary, and being honored by the City of Davis for our environmental work. Truly, Earth has given us her power! The great push is over – both a relief and a joy – but new projects and challenges lie before us we continue to work to make the world more green. This summer the GS Committee, which meets the second Thursday of each month, will be looking for a few new members. The work is rewarding as we strive to live our UU principles. If you are interested, please contact Judy Moores or Mary Wind. You can see the committee charge on the church website: www.uusofdavis.org in the Green Sanctuary section. Happy Summer! May you enjoy dessert first, too! – Judy Moores VOLUNTEERS FOR SIMPLICITYBy Nancy Kays We recently completed an Adult Religious Education class based on a curriculum on Voluntary Simplicity provided by the Northwest Environmental Institute. Not only were our weekly meetings interesting, supportive, and fun, but we have made commitments to change our lives. Here are a few:* Are my possessions possessing me; have they taken control? The class has challenged me to reflect on where I spend my time and energy, and my money, and whether it is worth it. – Sharon Hale * I joined the Davis Food Coop and signed up for a CSA program; I’m trying to eat locally, organically, and lower on the food chain. – Janet McDermott * Whenever possible, I have decided to ride my bike instead of using my car in Davis. We are committed to reducing our waste stream through composting, recycling, and using less packaging in the first place. – Steve Schuchman * It feels good to take care of the earth and cherish it, rather than speed through life using and discarding. – Nancy Kays * I intend to use Ellis Jones’ The Better World Shopping Guide when I make future purchases. And my incandescent light bulbs will have to go! – Linda Magrum * This year my goal is to make almost all of the Christmas presents I give to people. I will also be simplifying by identifying the holiday activities that are the most important and meaningful to my immediate family (simple, kid-friendly traditions and at least one service project) and omitting many others. – Carrie Ziser * The biggest change and choice my husband and I are making is to buy a hybrid car. I am bringing my cloth bags into all stores and using cloth napkins. – Monica Clark * This class was a good assist to significant lifestyle changes I hope to make later this year as I begin to substantially reduce my housing size and possessions. – Vince Schwendt * The opportunity to share deep personal feelings about topics like consumerism, wealth acquisition, balancing relational and financial securities, and many other important values was an especially powerful experience for me. – Steve Temple Please talk to one of us if you would like to know more about the class and our commitments to living more simply! Calendar Highlights & Announcements**Click here for the full Calendar of Worship Services and Events!**GA PREVIEW EVENING JUNE 14, 7 – 8:30PM About 30 UUCD youth and adults will be attending General Assembly (GA) this year. GA is just a day’s drive north to Portland, Oregon. If you are planning to attend, considering set aside June 14, 7 – 8:30pm to hear all about the things not to be missed. Long time GA groupies as well as first-timers are encouraged to come share questions or past experiences. Beth Banks will facilitate the session (Library). There’s so much to see and do at GA, but there are some things you don’t want to miss. We’ll review the GA schedule, talk about times to gather to tell our stories, and offer tips about known great presenters. If delegates haven’t received their delegate passes prior to June 14, this evening will be a perfect time to complete your paperwork. Come and catch the spirit! Good News! Eliza Galaher, our intern and campus minister for 2006-2007, will be ordained at the Third Unitarian Church in Chicago on Sunday, June 10. Our congregation would like to honor her with a gift(s) to acknowledge this rite of passage in her UU ministry. We have much to celebrate! Intern committee members will be in the Great Hall on Sun., May 20, May 27, and June 3 to collect financial contributions towards her gift and to gather signatures on a card for her. If you would like to contribute to her gift, please make your check out to: Susan Steinbach, with notation: “Eliza’s ordination gift.” You can also mail a check to the Church Office: P.O. Box 73710, Davis CA 95617. Rev. Beth Banks will deliver The Call to the Minister at Eliza’s ordination. Jerry Friis, Stephanie Klose, and Susan Steinbach, former co-chair of the Intern Committee, will also attend. Susan will take any personal cards or gifts you wish to send Eliza. Committee Chairs: Time to get in your committee annual reports. E-mail Sally for a report template. Come join our cash counting team! Sign up, for any and all Monday mornings of your choice from 10 to 11am. Call Sally Besser, 753-2521 x103, or email her at admin@uusofdavis.org Reimbursements for Committees and Volunteers: All reimbursement requests and invoices for items purchased or services performed on or before June 30, must be turned in to Sally Besser by July 15! Immigration in the News From the UUA Website: “The New Sanctuary Movement is a coalition of interfaith religious leaders and participating congregations, called by faith to respond actively and publicly to the suffering of immigrants residing in the United States. Congregations, churches, synagogues, and mosques representing fourteen faith traditions are currently participating. The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations is the first denomination to sign on to the movement at the national level.” Learn more at: www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/24058.shtml From UC Davis: “The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea, is the Davis 2007-2008 Campus Community Book Project. The Devil's Highway is about a 2001 incident on the Mexico-United States border along Arizona, when a group of 26 men risked their lives in an attempt to cross the border into the United States. Only 12 men survived the ordeal.” Learn more at: www.dateline.ucdavis.edu/dl_detail.lasso?id=9316 In This Quiet Light began as a simple idea, a pamphlet of writings by Worship Associates. It grew into a unique collection of inspirational prose and poetry with artistic, colorful photos and ink drawings (protected by copyright). Ann Halsted and Ray Coppock, photographers Amy Moore and Claudia Maupin, and coordinator Ruth Hall were just a few of the twenty members of our congregation who helped! Look for our display on the patio or in the Great Hall on June 3, 10 and 17. Buy your copy for $10! (Due to generous subsidies, the price is below printing cost.) June 17 through Sept. 2: Summer Worship and RE are at 9am ONLY Spirited Worship, 11am Adult Worship and Children’s and Youth RE will continue in the Fall. Be a Summer RE STAR (K-6)! Volunteer at 9am during one Sun., June 17 – Sept. 2. Provide an hour of crafts and fun on a topic of your choice: art, sports, music, science, nature, etc. Contact Leisa Huyck or Kate Raymond. Wanted: Your Friendly Smile! Volunteers to greet people summer Sunday mornings from 8:30am until twenty minutes after the service and you’ll be paid in smiles! Maybe you’ll want to stay on for the fall. Contact Marcy Shannon The Church Calendar – All groups and committees will keep their current meeting times and places this summer and through the 2007-2008 church year, unless they contact Mandy Dawn in the Church Office: office@uusofdavis.org Check your Weekly Bulletin for Event Updates & Additions! Also, **Click here for the Calendar of Worship Services and Events!**
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