This Week at UUP: Agusut 1-6, 2008

The Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma
Nurture Your Spirit. Help Heal Our World.


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

The Tragedy at the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville and UUP Children
As many of you know, two people were killed and six others wounded last Sunday by a non-member of the Tennessee Valley UU Church during a children's musical performance. This incident has been very disturbing for UU adults nationwide, and many are struggling to comprehend such violence in what should be a safe place. Information about this incident will NOT be shared with the children at UUP this Sunday, as many are too young to process the news. However, if an older child or youth wishes to talk, or to send a card of support to the TVUU Church, I will be happy to work with that young person or persons.
I expect that many UUP adults will need to share their thoughts about the incident during the social hour. I ask that you be sensitive to the presence of the very young within hearing distance of your discussions. Of course, I welcome thoughts and comments from our youth and adults about the tragedy, as I continue to process the incident for myself.
--Marlene Abel, Director of Religious Education

Called to Gather in Sympathy and Strength: Response to the Shootings at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Knoxville, Tennessee
It was with tremendous sadness that we learned this week of the shootings last Sunday at our sister congregation in Knoxville, Tennessee, in which a gunman angry at "liberals and gays" entered a worship service in progress and opened fire on the congregation. Two were killed and six were critically injured before a brave group of UUs tackled the shooter. Unitarian Universalists nationwide are called upon to attend their local services this week in solidarity with the Knoxville congregation. Please take a moment to read our UUA Moderator Gini Courter's letter, "Called to Gather in Sympathy and Strength."
* For a perspective from our UUA President, Rev. William Sinkford.
* To make a donation online to the Knoxville Relief Fund.
* And, lastly, for a summary of news and the UUA response to this tragedy.

Religious Education Garage & Bake Sale, Saturday August 23rd
Save the date and save your stuff! Help support religious education programming by donating items and baked goods for our annual sale on August 23rd, 9-2pm, 8 Nob Hill Terrace. Drop offs welcome starting Monday, August 11th at the Greaney or Harrison-Lee households. For more information contact Leslie Harrison.

Gather Ye Water and Stones
When you're out and about on travels, journeys and adventures this summer, remember to gather water and stones to share at our annual Water and Stones participation worship service tentatively scheduled for September 7th.

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, August 3, 2008: "Liberal or Literal? Digging Beneath the Language of Religion and Belief"
Speaker: Andrew Hidas
Most UUs take a mythical or symbolic view of supernatural phenomena in sacred scriptures. Our deep roots in Humanism and critical thinking means we often can't help but roll our eyes at "true believers" in such esoterica as burning bushes, forbidden apples, and entire books transmitted via angels or on golden tablets from a father figure named God. So, is true dialogue (and even—perhaps—shared worship?) possible with literalists of different religious persuasions? Come along as we tour various modes of religious expression, explore an approach that encourages generosity toward other's beliefs, and contend with the challenge to that generosity raised by literalists who may act on their beliefs by attempting to deny our own rights.
Presenter Andrew Hidas is a communications consultant, writer and editor (www.bridgecandc.com), and vice president of the UUCSR Board of Trustees. His (literal) definition of heaven includes the three years he spent in graduate school studying the psychology of religion and theology.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERINGS
The UUP Men's Group will meet next Friday, August 8st at 7pm at Dick Allen's house.
UUP Worship Associates meet this Sunday, August 3rd at 12:30 pm at T's office.

www.uupetaluma.org