This Week at UUP: January 10-16, 2008

The Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma

An Oasis for Heart and Mind Every Sunday in Downtown Petaluma

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

This Sunday is a Share-the-Plate Sunday: the Petaluma Educational Foundation
In keeping with UUP's commitment to supporting our community, we will share our non-pledge offering this month with the Petaluma Educational Foundation. PEF is a broadly based community foundation that secures and distributes contributions from the private sector (local businesses, parents, individuals, service clubs and private foundations) to benefit the educational program in Petaluma area schools. PEF provides grants to teachers, offers scholarships to graduating seniors and manages designated funds for school programs and activities. Founded in 1982, PEF serves ten school districts incorporating 31 public and non-profit private schools in our community.

Community Celebration Potluck "Happy Worth Day" Saturday, January 19
All members, friends and guests of UUP are invited to a potluck from 6-8 pm, Saturday, January 19, at the Petaluma Woman's Club. Enjoy good food, songs, games and stories about "worth", with Rev Ben and our Potluck Task Force members: Janette Morrow, Diana Spaulding and Ellen Beeler. Three of our youth- Amy, Bailey and Lizzie- will provide childcare, fun and games for the kids. Please your own beverage, a cup to drink from, plus a potluck dish. If your last name begins with A through G bring a salad or side dish, H through P bring an entree, and Q though Z bring a dessert.
Questions? Contact any task force member, Rev. Ben or Marlene Abel.

UUSC/Guest At Your Table
Many thanks to those who brought their Guest at Your Table Boxes, envelopes and checks to church last Sunday to participate in our community's offering to UUSC during the worship service. Your generous donations enable the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to put our UU values into action around the world. There will be a second donation opportunity this Sunday, January 13, for those who were unable to attend last week. Donation envelopes will be available for anyone who needs one. Checks should be made out to UUSC. Questions? Please contact Jan Crosby.

Religious Education Teacher needed for 3- to 6-year-old Sunday morning class
This teacher would work cooperatively with the Director of Religious Education Marlene Abel, the Religious Education committee, and volunteers from the congregation to enrich our program and engage our curious UUP kids. This individual would also help plan and staff special events. Applicant should have experience in working with young children and references. This is a paid staff position. 10 am- noon Sunday mornings. UU curriculum and supplies are provided. For more information, contact Marlene.

UPCOMING SUNDAY SERVICES
(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. )

This Sunday, January 13, 2008: Secrets of the Kingdom
Guest Minister, Timothy Locke, PhDWorship Associate: Elisabeth Hathaway
Greeters: George Beeler, Dennis Zerbo, Michael Pool and Earl Cruser
Join us with returning Guest Minister Timothy Locke as he facilitates an imaginative exploration into meanings that the " Kingdom of Heaven" might hold for us as Unitarians. Inquiring into three parables of Jesus, we will consider together what these images evoke, and what they may tell us about a reality that Jesus taught was "at hand," or "within reach".

Sunday, January 20, 2008: Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Worship leaders: The Rev. Ben Kocs-Meyers and Stacey Meinzen
Music by David Dodd.
This day we celebrate the life and impact of one who was great among us. A man who led this country to reexamine what it means to be American and what it means to live out the idea that all people should be free, and treated equally under the law. The service will include an opportunity for the congregation to share what his life and legacy means to them.

Sunday, January 27, 2008: This I Believe
Speakers: Bruce Eriksen and Joyce Tischler
In quarterly "This I Believe" services at UUP, members of our community trace their religious and spiritual awakening and personal narrative through the events and practices of their lives, highlighting their religious histories, beliefs and catalytic experiences. Through these services we get to know one another better and see the range and variety of ways to think and act in the process of seeking to pursue and fulfill what we might call a spiritually informed and enriched life.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERINGS
The Women's Group meets Monday 1/21 at 7:30 pm at the home of Jean Conrad. The topic for this month is "The Best Thing I Did in 2007".