Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma

The purpose of this congregation is to provide a haven where members can share in a spiritually, culturally, and socially diverse local religious community. We envision a congregation that will be welcoming to all, that values the contributions of each member in shared ministry, and that actively promotes and models individual development of an ethical way of living. We are intentionally intergenerational, and covenant to provide religious education and spiritual growth for children and adults.

Friday, October 19, 2007

This Week at UUP: Oct. 19-24


The Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma
An Oasis for Heart and Mind Every Sunday in Downtown Petaluma


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Notes from Prez Jean
As Board President, I am very happy to give you the news that the Rev. Ben Kocs-Meyers has agreed to be our Weekend Minister. Ben comes to us with a wealth of skills, talents, experience and knowledge and is highly recommended by Cilla Raughly, the PCD Executive. The board met with him last Saturday, and we are all very excited about working together during the next year. His first Sunday will be Nov. 11th...mark your calendar...come meet him and welcome him to our UUP community!
PCD Leadership Development Day is November 10th at the UU Church of Palo Alto.....we would like to put together a team together to take advantage of this wonderful learning opportunity. There are workshops and great music…snacks and lunch included. So far we have David Dodd, Diana Spaulding, Marlene Abel and me. Early registration closes Monday, Oct. 22....it's $35. Go to the PCD website for more info.

Book Study Group wraps up "The Left Hand of God" Discussion: All welcome!
The last discussion of Michael Lerner's "The Left Hand of God" will be held in the Upper Room on Sunday after the service. Everyone and anyone interested in hearing a summary and discussing the conclusion to this important book is invited to attend, even if you have not read the book.

Considering Becoming a Member of UUP? Orientation for Visitors and Friends on Sunday!
Following the service on Sunday, we will hold our regular monthly orientation for those interested in learning more about UUP and about UUism generally. We'll gather in a circle of chairs in the fireside room area for an informal conversation. A representative of the Board and of the Membership Committee will be present. Hope to see you there!

UUP Halloween Party on Saturday, October 27th!
Adults and children are encouraged to come in costume to this potluck for all at UUP. Bring a dish to share. We'll have Halloween crafts, good company and good food. The party will be in the Greaney's beautiful backyard, 8 Nob Hill Terrace, 4 pm. Rain cancels.

UUP Directory
The 2008 UUP Directory will be available soon. Please check your 2007 edition and confirm that your information is correct. Have you moved? Changed your email address? If you are a new member and would like to be in the directory, please let us know! Please forward all updates and additions to Jennifer Newman, UUP Admin Assistant, at uupetaluma at gmail dot com.

Share your garden
Our October 21st service will be a brunch and sermon about Ethical Eating as a Unitarian Universalist. If you are growing food in your yard and would consider sharing it with UUP for this brunch, please email Stacey Meinzen at stacey at graphicsingreen dot com . Sharing food is a great way to build community and to be sure that your surplus does not go to waste. No food donation is too small.

THIS SUNDAY'S SERVICE

(Social time with refreshments begins at 10:00 am , at the Petaluma Woman's Club, 518 B Street. Worship service begins at 10:30 am. )

"Ethical Eating and the Seventh Principle"
Guest Speaker: Grayson James
Worship Associate: Stacey Meinzen
Greeters: Lara Abel, Leslie Balestreri and Beatrice Pool
The food we eat may seem like a quotidian matter that does not merit theological debate. However, how we fill our bowls and our stomachs is a vital ingredient in our spiritual soup. Come hear Grayson James of Petaluma Bounty discuss our local food system, how he feeds the hungry, and how we can move from a culture of culinary profligacy to one of reverence and alimentary abundance for all.
A Local Food Brunch will be a part of the service, so bring your appetite!

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERINGS
UUP Women's Group meets this Monday, Oct. 22, 7:30 pm at Jean Conrad's house.
UUP Membership Committee meets Monday at 7:30 pm at Elaine and Gene Ellsworth's house

For complete up-to-date info on the Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma, visit www.uupetaluma.org.

If you have changed your email address or would like to be added to or removed from the UUP list, please email us at uupetaluma at gmail dot com .

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Petaluma "Going Green Expo" a Success

UUP Board Member Phil Boyle, who works for the City of Petaluma in the planning department, is extremely active and committed in his work on the City's "Green Team," and he headed up a very well-attended and successful "Going Green Expo" event last weekend at Lucchesi Park.

The Argus-Courier ran an article in advance of the event.

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UU Legislative Ministry Updates



The wonderful UU Legislative Ministry, doing great work on behalf of UU values in Sacramento, sends out a regular newsletter updating people on current issues. The most recent one speaks about our ongoing efforts on behalf of the Freedom to Marry movement, along with work in the areas of Water Justice, Healthcare Reform, and energy issues.

Join UULM to receive these newsletters, or visit the UULM site to read them.

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Friday, October 12, 2007

This Week at UUP: October 11-17, 2007


The Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma
An Oasis for Heart and Mind Every Sunday in Downtown Petaluma


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

A Share-the-Plate Sunday
In keeping with UUP's commitment to supporting community efforts, this Sunday, we will split the non-pledge offerings with the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance. The Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, a committee of Madrone Audubon, is dedicated to the creation, restoration and stewardship of publicly accessible wetlands and wildlife habitats. They support Shollenberger Park, Alman Marsh, the new wastewater treatment property, and future wetland sites in the watershed. The Petaluma Wetlands Alliance works with local governments, environmental organizations and other groups to educate the public about the ecology and value of wetlands.

Film Showing and Discussion start this Sunday
On Sunday, October 14, we are inaugurating a series of adult religious education film/video discussions to be held in the Fireside Room following the Service. The topics will cover a broad range of interests from politics, to the environment, to world religions, to biography of leaders in various fields of interest, to, well, you name it and you choose and you select or bring the video or topic. The theme is Free Speech and no endorsement of any point of view is intended or implied. Our first video for viewing and discussion is entitled: "The Bush Crime Commission." We plan to meet monthly. Please join us, and let Earl Cruser ( ebcruser at neteze dot com) know of your interest and suggestions for future meetings.

Book Study Group wraps up "The Left Hand of God" Discussion: All welcome!
The last discussion of Michael Lerner's "The Left Hand of God" will be held in the Upper Room on Sunday, October 21 after the service. Everyone and anyone interested in hearing a summary and discussing the conclusion to this important book is invited to attend, even if you have not read the book.

First Potluck Social Dinner Night on October 20th, 6pm: Hosts needed!
What a response to our invitation to the UUP potluck! A new UUP tradition, these dinners give us a chance to share a meal at various members' houses. Thanks to everyone who expressed interest in being a guest. Now we need a few hosts! Sign up today or contact Nancy Blake with questions. We look forward to enjoying a meal together soon!

Considering Becoming a Member of UUP? Orientation for Visitors and Friends next Sunday!
Following the service next Sunday, October 21, we will hold our regular monthly orientation for those interested in learning more about UUP and about UUism generally. We'll gather in a circle of chairs in the fireside room area for an informal conversation. A representative of the Board and of the Membership Committee will be present. Hope to see you there!

UUP Halloween Party on Saturday, October 27th!
Adults and children are encouraged to come in costume to this potluck for all at UUP. Bring a dish to share. We'll have Halloween crafts, good company and good food. The party will be in the Greaney's beautiful backyard, 8 Nob Hill Terrace, 4 pm. Rain cancels.

UUP Directory
The 2008 UUP Directory will be available soon. Please check your 2007 edition and confirm that your information is correct. Have you moved? Changed your email address? If you are a new member and would like to be in the directory, please let us know! Please forward all updates and additions to Jennifer Newman, UUP Admin Assistant, at uupetaluma at gmail dot com.

Share your garden
Our October 21st service will be a brunch and sermon about Ethical Eating as a Unitarian Universalist. If you are growing food in your yard and would consider sharing it with UUP for this brunch, please email Stacey Meinzen at stacey at graphicsingreen dot com . Sharing food is a great way to build community and to be sure that your surplus does not go to waste. No food donation is too small.

THIS SUNDAY'S SERVICE

(Social time with refreshments begins at 10:00 am , at the Petaluma Woman's Club, 518 B Street. Worship service begins at 10:30 am. )

October 14: "Don't Shoot, I'm The Guitar Man"
Guest Speaker: Buzzy Martin
Worship Associate: Tony Blake
Come hear local troubadour and author Buzzy Martin speak about his life's work on bringing music to the inmates of San Quentin and juvenile offenders. Buzzy's work and pasion is a living example of how to honor the inherent worth and dignity of every person and to bring justice, equity and compassion in human relations. You'll be both moved and entertained by this service.
This is a share-the-plate Sunday (see note above).

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERINGS
UUP Board of Trustees: meets this coming Sunday at 8:30 am at the Petaluma Woman's Club.
UUP Women's Group: meets Monday 7:30p at Jean Conrad's house.

Have an announcement to include in the UUP "This Week at UUP" email? Send notice of any and all UUP-related activities, announcements and events to Jennifer Newman, UUP Administrative Assistant, at uupetaluma at gmail dot com by Tuesday for inclusion in that week's "This Week at UUP" email.

For complete up-to-date info on the Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma, visit www.uupetaluma.org.

If you have changed your email address or would like to be removed from the UUP list, please email us at uupetaluma at gmail dot com.

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Friday, October 05, 2007

This Week at UUP: October 4-10, 2007


The Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma
An Oasis for Heart and Mind Every Sunday in Downtown Petaluma


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

A Note from Prez Jean
Many, many thanks to Earl Cruser for his leadership in setting up and arranging for staffing the UUP table at the Progressive Festival last Sunday. Folks who came by were interested in our handouts and several people mentioned the ads they had seen on TV and heard on the radio. Which reminds me, we may have a large number of visitors this Sunday....I received my post card from UU Bay Area in the mail this week inviting people to come visit. So...lets get ready!

Considering Becoming a Member of UUP? Welcoming Ceremony scheduled for this Sunday!
We will hold a welcoming ceremony for new members during the Sunday service on October 7th. If you have questions about membership, please contact David Dodd.

This Sunday's Religious Education
In our Religious Education program this week, the children ages three to 10 will be learning about Judaism from UUP members who were raised in the Jewish faith. What are some lessons from this faith tradition that are helpful to us as UUs?

Join a UUP Outdoor Adventure
Come watch the Blue Angels fly by the top of Angel Island, Saturday, Oct. 6. The highest point of Angel Island, Mt. Livermore, is an excellent spot to watch the Blue's Angels' performance during Fleet Week, as the airplanes swoop by directly overhead. Carpool from in front of the Petaluma Women's Club, 9:45 am, to catch the Tiburon Ferry at 11 am. There will be a roundtrip hike of about 5 miles, with some climbing. Bring water, lunch, hiking shoes and fare for the ferry: Adults- $13.50, Children 6-12, $11.50, Children 3-5 $3.50, age 2 and under are free. Contact Marlene Abel for more information. Rain cancels.

October 20th: Save the date!
Join us for this first evening of a delightful, new UUP tradition: the UUP potluck/social evening! Members will be hosting potluck dinners in their homes for 8 or so UUP friends, some with children, some without. Interested in being a guest or host? These dinners will meet at various members' houses, maybe yours if you offer to host! Sign up at church, or contact Nancy Blake. Please indicate if you wish to host or be a guest. Guests will be contacted by hosts with ideas on what to bring, as these are potluck events. We hope to be enjoying a meal together soon!

Share your garden
Our October 21st service will be a brunch and sermon about Ethical Eating as a Unitarian Universalist. If you are growing food in your yard and would consider sharing it with UUP for this brunch, please email Stacey Meinzen at stacey@graphicsingreen.com . Sharing food is a great way to build community and to be sure that your surplus does not go to waste. No food donation is too small.

Save the date! UUP Halloween Party set for Saturday, October 27th!
Adults and children are encouraged to come in costume to this potluck for all at UUP. Bring a dish to share. We'll have Halloween crafts, good company and good food. The party will be in the Greaney's beautiful backyard, 8 Nob Hill Terrace, 4 pm. Rain cancels.

THIS SUNDAY'S SERVICE
(Social time with refreshments begins at 10:00 am , at the Petaluma Woman's Club, 518 B Street. Worship service begins at 10:30 am. )

October 7: "The Cycle of Simchat Torah"
Worship Associate: Michael Iritz
Greeters: Stacey Meinzen, Richard Stark, David Dodd, Elaine Ellsworth
Many outside of the Jewish faith know about some of the more popular Jewish holidays, but how many have heard of Simchat Torah? This holiday is known among observant Jews as the most celebratory - but the reasons for the "party" atmosphere apply to a number of UU Principles as well. Join us at UU Petaluma to celebrate and learn more about this lesser known Jewish holiday.
A new member ceremony will be incorporated into this Sunday's service.

Have an announcement to include in the UUP "This Week" email? Send notice of any and all UUP-related activities, announcements and events to Jennifer Newman, UUP Administrative Assistant, at uupetaluma at gmail dot com by Tuesday for inclusion in that week's "This Week" email.

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

If you have changed your email address or would like to be added to or removed from the UUP list, please email us at uupetaluma at gmail dot com.

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