This Week at UUP: December 21

For complete up-to-date info on the Unitarian Universalists of
Petaluma, see our website.
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(Social time with refreshments begins at 10:00, at the Petaluma Woman's Club, 518 B Street. Worship service at 10:30)


Holiday Services


Christmas Eve Service

The Santa Rosa Congregation and UUP are celebrating a joint Christmas Eve service held in their new building (547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa). Rev. Fran Dew, worship associates Lara Abel (UUP), and Cathie Wiese (UUCSR) will lead a service of holiday candlelight and music. Plan ahead to attend this very special 6:00pm worship. Visit the Santa Rosa church's website for more information and directions.



There will be no service on Sunday, December 25 at UUP



New Year's Day Brunch--A Service, A Communion, A Toast

The happy coincidence of New Year's Day and a Sunday will give our community a way to worship, nourish ourselves, and celebrate in a combined brunch and service. We shall experience a different kind of sacred time together in the enjoyment of sharing a meal together. Do plan to come with your wisdom and wishes to toast in the new year!
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Call For Volunteers for Our New Year's Day Brunch

One cook's assistant, one server, and 2 dishwashers (youth encouraged) are all we need to make a glorious morning--and you'll even be listed in the special program! ~ See Celeste Durrum (cdurrum at pacbell dot net) or Marlene Abel (marlenea at sonic dot net) to volunteer.
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The Worship Committee Invites You to Take Part in a Worship Service

Do you have a favorite poem or reading you want included in a worship service, and you think you want to read it?! Do you want to participate in a service by reading an element, or working on a part of the delivery? Come try it out and see how it feels to be a part of creating a worshipful experience.Contact Elisabeth Hathaway for more information ( elisabethhathaway at sbcglobal dot net).
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Become a Chalice Lighter!
Spread the word on Unitarian Universalism! Would it be great to hear about Unitarian Universalism on local public radio? The Chalice Lighters program was established to "Promote and Strengthen Unitarian Universalism" by facilitating congregational growth.

Individuals participate in Chalice Lighters by making contributions to the Chalice Lighters fund three times a year ($10 basic level). The donated money goes to fund growth projects planned and implemented by congregations in the Pacific Central District.

Right now, they have a call out for contributions towards an innovative media campaign throughout the Bay Area, with radio spots and other publicity that would be of great benefit to our congregation. UUP was started with the assistance of a generous Chalice Lighter grant that enabled us to secure our initial lease on the Woman's Club and to begin to pay guest speakers. We hope to apply for another grant, soon, in order to further our local ministry.

Preference for these grants is given to congregations with a higher proportion of members who participate as Chalice Lighters.

Brochures are available on the table in back at UUP services, or you can visit http://www.pcd-uua.org/chalice-lighters/lighters.htm for further information. Please consider joining NOW, and helping this vital work!
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Regularly Scheduled Gatherings

-From the Choir: "There will be no practice for the next two weeks. We will resume our Thursday night practimeetings in January".
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If you have changed your email address or would like to be added to or removed from the UUP list please email Christian Boatsman at christian at biosearchtech dot com

UUA Opposes Alito Appointment

This message arrived in my email today:

The Unitarian Universalist Association today announced its opposition to the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. The UUA's opposition is based on concerns over civil liberties, including religious liberty, the right to privacy, and due process.

The UUA has never before opposed the confirmation of a nominee to the Supreme Court. In a statement issued to over 1000 congregations that make up the Association, the UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy Director Rob Keithan said:

"The decision to take a position on a judicial nominee is not one the UUA takes up lightly. The nomination of Judge Samuel Alito Jr. is significantly different from that of Chief Justice John Roberts or Harriet Miers, in that he has an extensive judicial record that clearly reveals his judicial philosophy on a wide range of issues. After extensive research, Unitarian Universalist Association staff agreed that Judge Alito's rulings revealed a pattern of views that were outside the mainstream and hostile to established precedent favoring civil liberties." (For a copy of Mr. Keithan's statement, see http://www.uua.org/news/2005/051212_alito/memo.html)

The Unitarian Universalist Association believes that the nation's judiciary should protect the rights of all people, regardless of gender, religion, class, sexual orientation, immigration status, or other factors. The Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the UUA said, "Unitarian Universalists have always honored our commitment to uphold civil liberties. Protecting the freedoms that are at the heart of our democracy is for us a religious, as well as a civic, duty."

The UUA joins other religious and civil rights groups including the Union for Reform Judaism in opposing the nomination of Judge Alito. In a previous statement, Mr. Keithan said, "The Unitarian Universalist Association and our allies will continue to challenge conservative religious fundamentalists and others who claim to speak for all people of faith. There is no single religious perspective on this or any other issue. We hope that all parties involved in the nominations process, including advocacy groups and elected officials, will refrain from using religion as a political weapon. There should be no religious litmus test for judicial nominees, nor tactics that mislabel appropriate questions and concerns as 'attacking' a nominee's faith."

For full information on this story, please visit http://www.uua.org/news/2005/051212_alito/index.html.

As many of your congregations are active around civil liberties, we wanted to make sure you were aware of our very serious concerns about Judge Alito, and of the ways in which you can take action. In particular, we encourage interested groups to join a state coalition: over 20 states have Coalitions for a Fair Judiciary. Becoming a member of a state coalition is a great way to participate in actions and other community events opposing Alito. You can email grassroots@civilrights.org or call 202-296-4672 for information on coalition activity in your state.

Thanks again for your work. If you have any questions or want to know more about being involved, please let me know.

Peace,

Elizabeth Bukey
Legislative Assistant for Civil Rights and Religious Liberty
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
1320 18th St. NW, Suite 300B
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-4672 x22

This Week at UUP: December 15

For complete up-to-date info on the Unitarian Universalists of
Petaluma, see our website.

If you have changed your email address or would like to be added to or removed from the UUP list please email Christian Boatsman at christian at biosearchtech dot com
************************************************************
(Social time with refreshments begins at 10:00, at the Petaluma Woman's Club, 518 B Street. Worship service at 10:30)

December 18:
Solstice Drum Circle and St. Lucia's Day Celebration
Tony Blake, worship associate & lead drummer.

Join the fabulous Mr. Blake as he once again leads us in a circle of drumming in honor of the Winter Solstice, and the celebration of the returning light. Please bring some greenery to adorn the center piece of our service and to symbolize the circle of life and the Yule Season.

The children and youth will celebrate St. Lucia's Day this Sunday as part of the the worship service. This tradition of sharing and light will include costumes, food, and a procession. All youth and children may participate if they wish. Costumes and props will be provided, but children should wear a plain white shirt if possible.
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Other Upcoming Holiday Services*

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Christmas Eve Service
The Santa Rosa Congregation and UUP are celebrating a joint Christmas Eve service held in their new building (547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa). Rev. Fran Dew, worship associates Lara Abel (UUP), and Cathie Wiese (UUCSR) will lead a service of holiday candlelight and music. Plan ahead to attend this very special 6:00pm worship. Visit the Santa Rosa church's website for more information and directions.


*There will be no service on Sunday, December 25 at UUP

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New Year's Day Brunch--A Service, A Communion, A Toast

The happy coincidence of New Year's Day and a Sunday will give our community a way to worship, nourish ourselves, and celebrate in a combined brunch and service. We shall experience a different kind of sacred time together in the enjoyment of sharing a meal together. Do plan to come with your wisdom and wishes to toast in the new year! We may even ask for reservations . . .
************************************************************
Social Justice Meeting this Sunday

There will be a meeting of the Social Justice Committee after church on the 18th of December. Please contact Stacey at stacey at graphicsingreen dot com for more information. All are welcome to attend and this committee is looking for new members.
**************************************************************
The Worship Committee Invites You to Take Part in a Worship Service

Do you have a favorite poem or reading you want included in a worship service, and you think you want to read it?! Do you want to participate in a service by reading an element, or working on a part of the delivery? Come try it out and see how it feels to be a part of creating a worshipful experience. Contact Elisabeth for more information ( elisabethhathaway at sbcglobal dot net).

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'Tis The Season

In past years a group of us led by choir leader and musician David Dodd has strolled through downtown Petaluma singing holiday songs and traditional Christmas carols. Shall we go out again this year? Please let Celeste (cdurrum at pacbell dot net) or Adee (uupetaluma at gmail dot com) know if you're interested in participating.
**************************************************************
Become a Chalice Lighter!

Spread the word on Unitarian Universalism! Would it be great to hear about Unitarian Universalism on local public radio? The Chalice Lighters program was established to "Promote and Strengthen Unitarian Universalism" by facilitating congregational growth.

Individuals participate in Chalice Lighters by making contributions to the Chalice Lighters fund three times a year ($10 basic level). The donated money goes to fund growth projects planned and implemented by congregations in the Pacific Central District.

Right now, they have a call out for contributions towards an innovative media campaign throughout the Bay Area, with radio spots and other publicity that would be of great benefit to our congregation. UUP was started with the assistance of a generous Chalice Lighter grant that enabled us to secure our initial lease on the Woman's Club and to begin to pay guest speakers. We hope to apply for another grant, soon, in order to further our local ministry.

Preference for these grants is given to congregations with a higher proportion of members who participate as Chalice Lighters.

Brochures are available on the table in back at UUP services, or you can visit ther website for further information. Please consider joining NOW, and helping this vital work!
************************************************************
Regularly Scheduled Gatherings

-Larking About (the UUP choir) meets every Thursday from 8:00 to 9:30 pm at Nancy's. Contact David Dodd for more info.

-The Social Justice Committee will be meeting after church this Sunday. Please see announcement above.

-The Women's Group will meet on Monday, December 19 from
7:30-9:15pm at KC's.
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UU World Magazine Now Online

Our Unitarian Universalist Association magazine, the UU World, is now online at uuworld.org. The current issue features an article on U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, who is a UU, and many other articles. It also includes a web-only feature (not to be found in the print version) on Family Resources for the Season, including ideas for celebrating Hanukkah, Advent, and the Winter Solstice.

This Week at UUP: December 8

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Sunday services coming up (social time with refreshments begins at 10:00, at the Petaluma Woman's Club, 518 B Street. Worship service at 10:30):

December 11: "A Lifetime of Dreaming"
Rev. Jeremy Taylor, Guest Minister

"When I was a child I spake as a child," did I dream as a child? "When I got old I spoke of meaningful things," what about my dreams? Is there a progression? How do our dreams change as we age?"

Join us in welcoming Rev. Jeremy Taylor on his second visit to UUP. Rev. Taylor is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister who has worked with dreams for over thirty years. For more on his work visit his website.


December 18:
Solstice Drum Circle and St. Lucia's Day Celebration
Tony Blake, worship associate & lead drummer.

Join the fabulous Mr. Blake as he once again leads us in a circle of drumming in honor of the Winter Solstice, and the celebration of the returning light.
**************************************************************
St. Lucia's Day Celebration Dec.18

The children and youth will celebrate St. Lucia's Day on December 18 as part of the the worship service. This tradition of sharing and light will include costumes, food, and a procession. All youth and children may participate if they wish. Costumes and props will be provided, but it would help if children would wear a white shirt that day- buttoned shirt, polo, or turtleneck without writing or colored designs, if possible.
*********************************************************
Other Upcoming Holiday Services

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Christmas Eve Service


The Santa Rosa Congregation and UUP are celebrating a joint Christmas Eve service held in their new building (547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa). Rev. Fran Dew, worship associates Lara Abel (UUP), and Cathie Wiese (UUCSR) will lead a service of holiday candlelight and music. Plan ahead to attend this very special early evening worship and visit the Santa Rosa church's website for more information and directions.

*There will be no service on Sunday, December 25 at UUP


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
New Year's Day Brunch--A Service, A Communion, A Toast


The happy coincidence of New Year's Day and a Sunday will give our community a way to worship, nourish ourselves, and celebrate in a combined brunch and service. We shall experience a different kind of sacred time together in the enjoyment of sharing a meal together. Do plan to come with your wisdom and wishes to toast in the new year! We may even ask for reservations . . .
************************************************************
Congregational Meeting Update

UUP's Board of Trustees' three vacancies were filled at our meeting last Sunday.The newly-minted Board Members are Jean Conrad, Phil Boyle, and Gene Ellsworth. Leaving the Board are KC Greaney, Greg Davis, and Terilynn Bench. Our thanks go out to all of you for serving UUP in this capacity.

Other items on the agenda included an update on the Religious Education program from Marlene Abel, Interim Director of Religious Education, and an extensive report and new budget proposal presented by UUP Treasurer Karen Elliott. If you are a member who missed the meeting and would like more information contact Board President David Hathaway at Hathaway1776 at sbcglobal dot net. For questions regarding the budget changes voted on by the members in attendance you may contact Karen Elliott at sonomaco94952 at comcast dot net.
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Social Justice Meeting

There will be a meeting of the Social Justice Committee after church on the 18th of December. Please contact Stacey Minezen at stacey at graphicsingreen dot com for more information. All are welcome to attend and this committee is looking for new members.
*************************************************************
News From the Worship Committee

Diana Spaulding, after many years of devoted and diligent service, has retired as Chair of the WA Committee, to be succeeded in January by Co-Chairs Tony Blake and Elisabeth Hathaway.

Elisabeth Hathaway will now serve as contact person for questions and arrangements regarding services and worship(elisabethhathaway at sbcglobal dot net). Thank you Diana for all your energy and creativity and care!!

The Worship Committee Would Love to Hear from YOU

UUP Worship services are planned with the congregation's wishes and needs in mind. The Worship Committee strives to be responsive to our members' comments, suggestions, constructive criticism, and praise. The worship suggestion box will be on the UU table in the back after the service for you to pass your comments along to the worship committee. Please take a moment to do so.
*************************************************************
'Tis The Season

In past years a group of us led by choir leader and musician David Dodd has strolled through downtown Petaluma singing holiday songs and traditional Christmas carols. Shall we go out again this year? Please let Celeste Durrum (cdurrum at pacbell dot net) or Adee Swanson (uupetaluma at gmail dot com) know if you're interested in participating.
**************************************************************
Become a Chalice Lighter!

Spread the word on Unitarian Universalism! Would it be great to hear about Unitarian Universalism on local public radio? The Chalice Lighters program was established to "Promote and Strengthen Unitarian Universalism" by facilitating congregational growth.

Individuals participate in Chalice Lighters by making contributions to the Chalice Lighters fund three times a year ($10 basic level). The donated money goes to fund growth projects planned and implemented by congregations in the Pacific Central District.

Right now, they have a call out for contributions towards an innovative media campaign throughout the Bay Area, with radio spots and other publicity that would be of great benefit to our congregation. UUP was started with the assistance of a generous Chalice Lighter grant that enabled us to secure our initial lease on the Woman's Club and to begin to pay guest speakers. We hope to apply for another grant, soon, in order to further our local ministry.

Preference for these grants is given to congregations with a higher proportion of members who participate as Chalice Lighters.

Brochures are available on the table in back at UUP services, or you can visit their website for further information. Please consider joining NOW, and helping this vital work!
************************************************************
Regularly Scheduled Gatherings

-Larking About (the UUP choir) meets every Thursday from 8:00 to 9:30 pm at Nancy's. Contact David Dodd for more info.

-The UUP Board of Trustees meets on the second Monday of each month from 7:30 to 10 pm. Contact David Hathaway for more info.

-The Social Justice Committee will be meeting after church on the 18th of December. Please see announcement above.
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If you have changed your email address or would like to be added to or removed from the UUP list please email Christian Boatsman at christian at biosearchtech dot com

Unitarian Universalists of the Bay Area

A regional project to create a web portal for UU's throughout the Bay Area, especially for those who are seeking a congregation, is the UU Bay Area website.

It also has a nifty link to the Belief-O-Matic quiz, to find out, by filling in a 20-question web survey, if you might be a UU and not know it!

Worship resource: Interfaith calendar on the web

Found this neat website today: www.interfaithcalendar.org, which would be an excellent resource for Unitarian Universalist worship planners who wish to incorporate world religions into our worship.