UUP Performer has new CD!

David Gans, the guitarist who accompanied the service I did with Mary Goodenough in June, about the spirituality of the Grateful Dead, has a new CD out. It's called "The Ones That Look the Weirdest Taste The Best," and it contains, among a slew of tunes, the one he did at UUP called "Save Us From the Saved."

You can buy a copy through his blog--just click on the title link above or go to his blog post. Help support local musicians--David performed for free at UUP in June.

No on Prop 8 Showing Sunday: 3 pm

We were talking at choir on Wed. about wanting to support the No on 8
campaign in these final days before the election. We thought that we
would gather our yard signs and/or make some signs and join the effort
this Sunday afternoon at 3:00. There has been a small group of people
the last few days on Washington across from the Golden Eagle shopping
center. We thought to either join them or stand at the corner of
Washington and Petaluma Blvd. I personally would like to join the
other group and make a bigger showing if they are there Sunday
afternoon. We missed the UUP email this week but we will announce it
at church this Sunday morning. Pass it on!
--Jodi Boyle

This Week at UUP: Day of the Dead service

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


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Association Sunday Contributions Still Welcome
If you weren't able to attend last Sunday's celebration of our connections to the wider Unitarian Universalist community, please consider taking the opportunity this Sunday to contribute to the fundraising effort. There will be special envelopes available for mailing your donation, or you can give a check for the "UUA" to Diana Spaulding, worship associate. Donations will be used to strengthen our denomination's education of lay leaders (hey, that's us!) and to provide support for UU ministers, especially ministers of color.

UUP Inspiration! Community Music Jam, Intention Circle and Potluck on Saturday, November 1st

Jam 2:00-4:30; Intention Circle 4:30-5:30; potluck 5:30-7. Come for all or any of these parts!
Please join us for this community event to christen the Dodd-Spaulding bungalow for small group worship! Join us for an afternoon and evening of gathering, music, meditation and connection. Bring your voice and/or a musical instrument for the 2 pm jam session and musical sharing time. We will sing and play and generally share joy. Then a meditation and Intention Circle from 4:30 to 5:30: There is much to hope, dream and pray for--whether it be our loved ones, those whose jobs or homes are uncertain, the country on this eve of election, or the earth as it struggles to breathe and replenish--all of which requires our heartfelt individual and community intentions. From 5:30 on let's eat and talk! Childcare provided 2-5:30 (please RSVP!). For question about the Intention Circle, call T Hathaway (762-5432); Questions about music, childcare and the potluck, call David Dodd and Diana Spaulding.

UU Revival Service at the Santa Rosa UU Church, November 9, 11 am
Four ministers who serve North Bay congregations are planning a Revival Service on November 9, and members of UUP are invited. The four ministers will offer a music filled service with four short homilies: Rev. Lisa Presley of the Marin UU church will speak on the need for UU'ism in our world; Rev, Bonnie Dlott of the Napa UU's will speak about how her life was saved by UU'ism; the Rev. Ben Kocs-Meyers, who helps the Lake County group, will speak on why we teach UU values to our children; and the Rev. Chris Bell of the Santa Rosa church will speak on UU's saving message. Religious education and childcare will be provided. Afterwards, everyone is welcome to stay for a catered lunch. The purpose for this revival is to build connections between the North Bay congregations, in order to create future collaboration. UUP will be represented by our President, Jean Conrad. Contact Jean at conradpet at gmail dot com for possible carpooling or for more information.

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 November 2, 2008: "Day of the Dead"
On Sunday, Nov. 2, we will have a Day of the Dead service to remember and celebrate our interconnections that stretch across time. Please bring photographs or mementos of those beings who remain precious to you, though no longer alive. These photographs could be of relatives, friends or beloved pets. It will be a time of sharing happy and sad feelings, while honoring our place in the continuum of time.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERING

UUP Worship Associates will meet Sunday, Nov. 2nd at 12:30 pm at T's office.

Larking About, the UUP choir, will meet this Wednesday, November 5, at the UU Congregation of Santa Rosa at 7:30 pm, for a joint choirs rehearsal. Carpools can be arranged--contact David Dodd.

www.uupetaluma.org

Religious Education Update: October 26, 2008

El Dia de los Muertos

Long ago in Mexico, before the Spanish conquest, people believed that end of life was a transition into another world. Where one traveled in the afterlife depended more on the cause of one’s death, than on the merits of one’s life. There were special places near the edges of the earth, for people who died special deaths, such as women who died in childbirth, warriors, or those who had been sacrificed for the gods. The souls of most people traveled through the underworld, until they reached Mictlan, the final resting place. Out of this ancient mythology, grew the observance of El Dia de los Muertos, a happy time when the spirits of the dead would return to the surface to be reunited with their families.

The Spanish conquerors attempted to convert the Mexican people to what the Spanish considered the true faith: the Catholicism that they brought from Europe. However, the holiday of El Dia de los Muertos, continued to be celebrated in Mexican villages, and the Catholic Church eventually realized it wouldn’t go away. Hundreds of years later, the holiday continues. This year in Petaluma, our neighboring church of St. Vincent’s, participates in El Dia de los Muertos celebrations with its parishioners.

Today the children will go on an Altar Walk in downtown Petaluma to see many artistic celebrations of the holiday. They’ll learn that the Day of the Dead is a time to remember family and friends who are dearly missed. It is also a time to honor ancient beliefs that continue to live in the hearts and minds of people. Perhaps the children will learn to appreciate the enormous power of certain traditions to speak to people’s deepest yearnings to be connected through time to those who lived before us.

Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education

This Week at UUP: October 23-30, w008

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



ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Day of the Dead Activities in Petaluma
From UUP Director of Religious Education Marlene Abel
Our children and youth have been studying different religions and cultures this year in RE. Upcoming activities in Petaluma directly relate to their RE Curriculum and would be great family fun. I hope our families will consider trying these events. (The Day of the Dead activities are a blend of ancient Aztec beliefs with the Catholicism of the conquering Spanish.). Upcoming activities include:
* Family Workshop, Saturday, October 25, at St. Vincent's Church Hall, Western and Howard Streets, Noon- 2 pm
* Making traditional sugar skulls.
* Traditional Candlelit procession, Saturday, November 1, 6 pm, featuring Aztec dancers, Mariachi bands, and giant puppets. Starting from the Water Street Bistro, 100 Petaluma Blvd North, ending up at the Petaluma Art Center.
These activities and more are sponsored by the Petaluma Art Council. For more information, check out their website at www.PetalumaArtsCouncil.org.

Altar Walk this Sunday for RE Classes
The elementary age and middle school groups of RE children and youth (ages 7 up through 4th grade, and the 5th - 8th graders) will be taking an Altar Walk this Sunday during religious education. The children, accompanied by RE teachers (including me) will walk to Kentucky Street (2 blocks from our UUP space), then down Kentucky towards Washington. The total walk will cover about 5 blocks, one way, and will be over by approximately 11:30. We will stop at the shops, beginning with Rex Hardware, and study the many Day of the Dead altars set up by downtown businesses. At the Altar near Heebe Jeebee, we should have an opportunity to write personal notes about people that we want to honor and remember. The altars honor many Petalumans and are colorful, filled with art, and are all very different. Along the way, I will share some of the history and meaning of the holiday with our children and youth. Parents are very welcome to walk with us, I will have permission slips to fill out at UUP. Rain cancels. Please contact me with questions or concerns. -- Marlene Abel, Director of Religious Education

UUP Welcomes New Members this Sunday
Have you been considering joining UUP as a member? Now is a good time to do so, as we will welcome new members during the service on Sunday. If you'd like to join at that time or if you have questions about membership, please contact David Dodd, UUP Membership Committee member.

Annual UUP Halloween Potluck and Costume Party
Everyone in the congregation is invited to this fun event. Wear your costumes! Rain cancels.
Sunday, October 26th, 4-7 pm
KC and Matt Greaney's home.

UUP Inspiration! Community Music Jam, Intention Circle and Potluck on Saturday, November 1st

Jam 2:00-4:30; Intention Circle 4:30-5:30; potluck 5:30-7. Come for all or any of these parts!
Please join us for this community event to christen the Dodd-Spaulding bungalow for small group worship! Join us for an afternoon and evening of gathering, music, meditation and connection. Bring your voice and/or a musical instrument for the 2 pm jam session and musical sharing time. We will sing and play and generally share joy. Then a meditation and Intention Circle from 4:30 to 5:30: There is much to hope, dream and pray for--whether it be our loved ones, those whose jobs or homes are uncertain, the country on this eve of election, or the earth as it struggles to breathe and replenish--all of which requires our heartfelt individual and community intentions. From 5:30 on let's eat and talk! Childcare provided 2-5:30 (please RSVP!).

UU Revival Service at the Santa Rosa UU Church, November 9, 11 am
Four ministers who serve North Bay congregations are planning a Revival Service on November 9, and members of UUP are invited. The four ministers will offer a music filled service with four short homilies: Rev. Lisa Presley of the Marin UU church will speak on the need for UU'ism in our world; Rev, Bonnie Diott of the Napa UU's will speak about how her life was saved by UU'ism; the Rev. Ben Kocs-Meyers, who helps the Lake County group, will speak on why we teach UU values to our children; and the Rev. Chris Bell of the Santa Rosa church will speak on UU's saving message. Religious education and childcare will be provided. Afterwards, everyone is welcome to stay for a catered lunch. The purpose for this revival is to build connections between the North Bay congregations, in order to create future collaboration. UUP will be represented by our President, Jean Conrad. Contact Jean for possible carpooling or for more information.

Message from Tristy Taylor, Interfaith Minister and Guest Speaker at the Dreamwork service on September 21, 2008
The film made of my service to UUP has been posted online. If you missed it or would like to view it again... take a look!
* Part One
* Part Two
Also, Petaluma Community Access has a copy and plans to put it into their regular rotation.
Thanks again for a wonderful day. I had such a great time with you all! -- Tristy

Dream Group Begins
Four UUP members would like to start a Dream Group which would meet the second & fourth Mondays of each month, beginning at 7 pm. We may alternate homes or have only a single meeting place--that's still to be decided. We need two more participants. The first meeting will likely be on October 27th. If you are interested, please contact Camille Jordan.

The 'This Week at UUP' eNewsletter is now being broadcast on Wednesday evenings. The weekly deadline for submissions is TUESDAY evening.

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, October 26, 2008: "Celebrating Connections to our Faith: Association Sunday and UUP Covenanting Anniversary"
Worship Leaders: Elisabeth Hathaway and Diana Spaulding
Six years ago UUP celebrated our Covenanting Sunday where our fledgling fellowship was brought into formal being, blessed by neighboring congregations and recognized by our denomination. Today we gather to celebrate this anniversary and to explore our place in the constellation of UU congregations. What does it mean to be one of a thousand congregations in North America? How can these ties deepen our faith and support our mission, and what are the blessings and duties of this relationship? On this anniversary of the first members joining, we will joyfully again welcome new members.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERING
Larking About, the UUP choir, meets Wednesdays at 8 pm at David Dodd and Diana Spaulding's house.

Religious Education Update: October 19, 2008

Democracy in Action

Today in Religious Education, the children will be talking about the upcoming election and the democratic process. They’ll hear about some of the issues on the ballot, and discuss their opinions on various measures. They will make posters expressing their individual ideas about the measures that matter to them.

Democracy is a type of governance that is dear to the Unitarian Universalist heart. We believe in the right of each individual to make his or her own decisions according to personal beliefs. While we may take a stand as a congregation or as a denomination, which we did this year on Proposition Eight, no individual is prohibited by the group from expressing their own views.

Our embrace of democracy extends to our individual congregations. While the UU’s of Petaluma are part of the national association, the Unitarian Universalist Association, and also part of the PCD, the Pacific Central District, UUP retains the right to make our own decisions. We elect our Board and adopt our own policies. At some future time, when we call a minister, that will be our choice alone. When we ordained the Rev. Leland Bond Upson this past summer, we acted as a congregation. Our power is in the covenant between our members.

Democracy is not a perfect form of government, of course, At this week’s debate, the Presidential candidates made accusations and strayed from discussing the huge financial and social challenges facing our nation. The mud slinging and personal stories can seem more compelling than positions at times. But, democracy still seems better than the alternatives, particularly to us fiercely individualistic UU’s .I hope that you will talk to our children about why you vote, and why the democratic process is so deeply valued by our faith.

Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education

Religious Education Update: October 12, 2008

Exploring Our World

My world seems to be shrinking daily, as I read in my newspapers of our nation’s financial troubles spreading to other lands like a highly aggressive virus. In listening to political debates, I’m reminded that our nation’s habit of using huge amounts of fossil fuel is directly causing global warming. What we do in Petaluma, whether in our personal finances or our energy consumption choices, has impact on people thousands of miles away.

Intellectually, I know that we all inhabit one small planet in our vast universe, and that we are part of an interdependent web of life. Recently, I've noticed that this lesson is being hammered home to my consciousness, day after day.

It seems quite fitting that our children are learning about world religions this year. As our kids learn about other people and other cultures, they will be better equipped to live on our shrinking planet. My hope is that they will be ready to lead the way in helping all of us make better choices.

Our youngest children have heard stories from several major faiths; a Hindu story about a flood, the story of Noah and the Ark, and the story of Abraham and Sarah. These last two Bible stories are part of the scriptures of Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The elementary age kids have talked about Judaism and Christianity in their classroom. Today, the middle school group will learn about the ancient Aztec religion and how Aztec beliefs are part of modern Day of the Dead festivities.

Many of the stories our children are learning, are stories that have been told all over the globe, through countless generations. They are direct connections, across time and space, to the rest of the planet. For me, the fact that our children are hearing what children in Iraq or Indonesia or Ireland are hearing, is one more sign that we live on a very small world.

Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education

This Week at UUP: Blessing for the Animals

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


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

Blessing for the Animals this weekend
Bring your favorite animals to a celebration of critters and creation!
Sunday, October 12th, 3:00 pm
Lucchesi Park Picnic Area (behind the Lucchesi Community Center).
Co-sponsored by UUP and Elim Lutheran Church

Women's Fall Retreat! October 17-19, 2008
Join the UUP Women for our 8th Annual Women's Retreat at our Bodega Bay (rented) house on the beach! We share a weekend together in community, have talking circles, shared meals, a creative project, and walks on the beach, along with hot tubs and wonderful conversation and company. We have room for a few more women; cost is $139.97/person plus planning one meal with another. Contact T Hathaway to sign up!

UUP Welcomes New Members on October 26th
Have you been considering joining UUP as a member? Now is a good time to do so, as we will welcome new members during the service on Sunday, October 26th. If you'd like to join at that time, or if you have questions about membership, please contact David Dodd, UUP Membership Committee member. You may also talk with any member of the Board of Trustees (they wear name tags with that designation), or with Hope Stewart or Karen Rutherford, co-chairs of the Membership, Outreach, and Hospitality Committee, who will be happy to answer questions about UUP and what membership in our congregation entails.

Annual UUP Halloween Potluck and Costume Party
Everyone in the congregation is invited to this fun event. Wear your costumes! Rain cancels. Sunday, October 26th, 4-7 pm, KC and Matt Greaney's home, 8 Nob Hill Terrace.

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, October 12, 2008: "Visions & Values: Our First Unitarian Universalist Principle"

Worship Leader: Diana Spaulding
This service is the first in our series 'Values and Visions' intended to explore the core values of Unitarian Universalism, and how we make them real in our lives, not only as professed beliefs, but actively, continually, and not just on Sundays. The First Principle says that we UU's covenant to "affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people." What does the Principle mean to you? How does this Principle shape your spiritual life? Could it be a guiding tenet in your moral universe, whether or not you had ever heard of it before today?

October 19, 2008: "Stopping to Ask for Directions"
Guest speaker: David Dodd

October 26, 2008: "Covenanting Sunday / Association Sunday"
Worship Leaders: Elisabeth Hathaway and Diana Spaulding

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERINGS
The UUP Board of Trustees will meet Monday, October 13th at 7:30 pm at Jean Conrad's house.
Larking About, the UUP choir, meets Wednesdays at 8 pm at David Dodd and Diana Spaulding's house, 716 Bassett St.

Religious Education Update: October 5, 2008

The High Holy Days

Last Tuesday, I attended my first Rosh Hashanah dinner. Six of us sat around a delicious feast of roasted chicken and vegetables and toasted each other with wishes for a sweet new year. Later, we had Honey Cake, made from the recipe my host’s grandmother had used for many years.

The Jewish High Holy Days occur during the harvest season in California, and I felt filled with gratitude for the gifts of the earth as I ate. My personal contribution to the feast was several varieties of apples from Florence Strange’s orchard. I had picked the apples, but Florence had raised them with her loving hands. I felt gratitude for her generosity and her green thumb.

The feast had a family feeling, as a mother and her daughter spoke of past Rosh Hashanah meals. We also felt the strong bonds of friendships, as we promised mutual support for the challenges of the coming year.

I wasn’t raised in a Jewish family, so my knowledge of the Jewish holidays has been mostly academic. In sharing a dinner with my friends, I gained an appreciation for the family traditions, as well as for the bonds of support and caring that can be part of observance. On previous occasions, Mike Iritz, Ellen Beeler and Karen Mitchell have shared the meanings that Jewish holidays have brought to their lives with all of us at UUP. These personal heartfelt sharings are very special gifts to all of us: children, youth and adults.

L’shanah tovah!

Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education