First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco

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First Unitarian Universalist
Society of San Francisco

(415) 776-4580

1187 Franklin Street at Geary
San Francisco, CA 94109
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Groups and Activities

From a BBQ celebrating the end of summer. Photo by Sonnie Willis The First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, like most Unitarian Universalist congregations, is a very diverse community, and our activities and groups clearly reflect that. Below is an alphabetical listing of many of our special interest groups and activities.

Adult Religious Education (ARE): The ARE committee is a part of our Religious Education program. ARE interprets its mission broadly by offering courses to the members of this church and the San Francisco community that serve as a point of entry into the congregation and an opportunity for forming community within the congregation.
Archival Committee: This committee is composed of members chosen for their special skills and experience. Please contact a minister if you have ability in this area and would like to be a part of this committee.
Anti-Death Penalty (a Social Justice committee)
Art Committee and King's Gallery: The Art Committee serves our Society by arranging a broad and diverse range of art exhibits in the Kings' Gallery and encouraging participation in the arts by members of the congregation. The King's Gallery is an alternative show-space which has been serving the art community of the Bay Area for many years. It represents a "win-win" situation, providing artists with two large rooms to show their work while also enhancing the environment of the First Unitarian Universalist Church's environments.The committee also serves as an outreach to the community at large and brings in income to the church in the form of donations made to the church in the form of a percentage of the sales of art work.
Bay Area Organizing Committee (a Social Justice committee)
Bell Choir (a Music committee): Organist Reiko Lane conducts the three-octave Bell Choir, a recent addition to the music program. The Bell Choir rehearses each Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:00PM and performs at selected services each church year. It is open to new members at any time. For more information, contact Reiko Lane at 415-776-4580, extension 282.
Bookwagon: Unitarian Universalists like to read. On Sunday mornings during the coffee hour a book wagon is available offering liberal religion publications.
Bridge Club: The Club is a participating organization of the Society providing an opportunity to play supervised duplicate bridge on Wednesday evenings. The table fee is $6 per person.
Buildings & Grounds: This committee is composed of members chosen for their special skills and experience. Please contact a minister if you have ability in this area and would like to be a part of this committee.
Caring Committee: This is a dedicated group of Society members who provide compassionate listening, phone calls, visits and rides to members who have a short term disability.
Children's Religious Education Committee (CREC): This committee oversees the Sunday program for children and youth and organizes several non-Sunday events for the congregational community and Religious Education families. It also determines curriculum and is involved in long-range planning for the program. The CREC meets monthly. For more information contact contact our Acting Director of Religious Education, Betty Skwarek by email or phone, (415) 776-4580 ext 16.
Choir (Adult) (a Music committee): Under the direction of Mark Sumner, the adult choir performs from a large repertoire of classical, liturgical, and modern music approximately three Sundays each month with summers off. The annual schedule includes special holiday music, a spring concert of a major work with orchestra, and performances with the combined choirs of other Bay Area UU congregations. Rehearsals convene each Thursday evening from 7:15 to 9:30PM. The choir welcomes new members at any time during the church year. To find out more about joining the choir, call Mark Sumner at 415-776-4580, extension 252, or stop by on a Thursday evening and see for yourself how wonderful it is to lift your voice in song!
Clara House Tutoring Program (a Social Justice committee)
CommUUnity Dinners: Members and friends get acquainted in small groups over a shared meal. Most events are potluck dinners in member's homes.
Denominational Affairs: The Denominational Affairs committee is the link between our church and our denomination. It informs church members about important issues that face our congregation in relation to the Pacific Central District and the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Faithful Fools Street Ministry (a Social Justice committee): The Faithful Fools is a charitable and educational organization created in 1998 to be present with and to address the existence of poverty in the midst of material wealth. Aware of our judgments, we seek to meet people where they are through the arts, education, advocacy, and accompaniment. We are called to a ministry of presence that acknowledges each human's incredible worth.
Flower Committee: If you would like to remember a loved one or celebrate a special event or anniversary, consider giving the Chancel flowers for a Sunday service. Sign up on the list posted on the bulletin board in the Gallery (next to the garage stairs). The charge is $35, payable to the church by check with "flower dedication" in the subject line. For more information you can contact Judy Payne by email .
Folk Ensemble (a Music committee): The Folk Ensemble began in 2002 and performs two to three times each church year, providing non-traditional musical offerings. The Ensemble accepts musicians of all levels and any instrument and rehearses Sunday morning before church. For more information about how to join, contact Phil Benezra, the Ensemble leader.
Greeters: Greeters welcome visitors on Sunday morning before and after the worship service. Greeting is a great way to practice 'radical hospitality', meet new people, and form fellowship with other greeters. Greeters work in teams of three and agree to greet one Sunday per month.
Green Sanctuary Committee (a Social Justice committee)
Interfaith Winter Shelter (a Social Justice committee): In conjunction with the San Francisco Interfaith Council and the Mayor's Task Force, food, shelter, and social interaction are provided to 90 men in our church for six weeks during February and March each year. Dinners are provided by the various member churchs of the San Francisco Interfaith Council. Our church provides and serves breakfast. Approximately 150 members of our congregation are involved in this effort annually.
Investment Committee: This committee is composed of members chosen for their special skills and experience. Please contact a minister if you have ability in this area and would like to be a part of this committee. The goal of the Finance and Investment Committee is to seek the highest level of return on the Church's investments, in keeping with sound fiscal policies, and within guidelines for investing that are appropriate to the stated policies of a liberal religious body (i.e., avoidance of investments in companies that produce arms, tobacco, and/or liquor; that exploit or otherwise misuse their employees; or that engage in environmental abuse). In striving to attain this goal, the committee, like all other church committees, is guided by policies emanating from the Church's Board of Trustees.
LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transexual) Bulletin Board : This is an informal bulletin board for the sharing of information and occasional organization of events relating to LGBT issues within our community and the larger Bay Area.
SF Insight Buddhist Sangha: Dedicated to offering the teachings of the Buddha as they develop in the West, meets every Sunday evening from 7-9pm in the Starr King Room. SF Insight also offers classes, meditation retreats and other events as a community (sangha) devoted to the embodiment of awakening in our lives.
Membership Committee: The Membership Committee seeks to share our liberal religious vision with others and invite them into our spiritual community. We assist visitors and new members in becoming more actively involved in the work and worship of this church. We have an obligation to those who have not yet found Unitarian Universalism.
Men's Saturday Breakfast: The Men's Breakfast fellowship is an informal group open to all men. Society membership is not required. They meet at the Church on the first Saturday of each month, 9:00 to 11:00AM. A light breakfast is available ($2 donation suggested) followed by a lively discussion on a variety of topics. Call Ed Sheffield at home at 415-752-8489 for more details. ...or just show up!
Ministerial Intern Committee: The Intern Committee is charged with overseeing the teaching functions of this church as related to ministerial interns, individuals who are training for the UU ministry. An intern experience is a requirement for being in fellowship (credentialing). While the parish ministers are the supervisors and mentors for the interns, it is the interaction in a ministerial role with the congregation that is the backbone of the intern experience. Thus, the lay committee works in partnership with the ministers to maximize this experience. We are a Special Committee of the Congregation. Our members are appointed by the Board of Trustees for specified terms, and are nominated by the ministers, the existing Intern Committee, or by current interns.
Music Committee: Music has been an indispensable part of UUSF’s spiritual life from the very beginning, and today the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco supports a strong and vibrant music program. Music abounds here! See the separate listings for our Choir, Children's Choir, Bell Choir, and Folk Ensemble for more information.
Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee is an elected committee of seven people. It's an independent committee provided for in the by-laws . Every late spring, the congregation elects the new Nominating Committee, which coincides with the church year, July 1 to June 30. Usually people invited to run for the Nominating Committee are church members who have been active for at least 2-3 years.
Pagan Interest Circle: The Pagan Interest Circle is a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) , and a Participating Organization with the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco. Its purpose is to provide a place for non-Unitarian Universalist Pagans to learn about Unitarian Universalism, a place for non-Pagan Unitarian Universalists to learn about Paganism, and a place for Unitarian Universalist Pagans to practice our spirituality in community. The Pagan Interest Circle offers monthly services in the Chapel at 7PM, usually on the Saturday closest the full moon. The Circle also sponsors celebrations of two of the eight Solar Holidays: Yule at the winter solstice and Beltane at May Day. The Circle welcomes everyone at all their services.
Planned Giving - Allyne Circle: The Allyne Circle is composed of members and friends who have stated their intention to remember the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco in their estate.
Partner Church Committee: The Partner Church Committee maintains a warm relationship with Unitarians in Transylvania (Romania) through visits, letters, gifts, and other actions of support and encouragement.
Rheiner Award Committee: The Rheiner Award, named in honor of Rev. Conard Rheiner, an activist member of this congregation from 1961 until 1987, recognizes and celebrates outstanding community service performed by church members. By presenting the award in a Sunday service, we seek to increase the congregation's awareness of members who carry their UU values outside the church into the larger community, either through their employment or their volunteer work.
San Francisco Food Bank (a Social Justice committee)
School of Americas Watch West (SOAWW) (a Social Justice committee): SOAWW is part of the national movement to close the US Army School of the Americas in Ft. Benning, GA (now called Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation) which trains military personnel from Latin America. For decades the SOA has been known as a terrorist training school. SOA graduates have committed documented atrocities against civilians who object to the exploitation of the poor in our hemisphere, in order to maintain the economic status quo to benefit wealthy elite and multinational companies. The goal of SOA Watch is to close the US Army School of the Americas facility by peaceful demonstrations and educational and legislative efforts.
SF Primetimers: The San Francisco Prime Timers are an Affiliated group of the church. They are a chapter of Prime Timers World Wide, an interntional organization for mature gay and bisexual men with chapters in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Austrailia. They sponsor social, cultural, and recreational events and meet at the Church on the first and third Sundays of each month, from 2:00PM. to 4:00PM. All are welcome to attend the meetings and to share in the activities. A speaker is usually featured at the metings, refreshments are served and 'the hat' is passed to offset costs. For further information contact President Warren van Eck, 415-648-8678.
Singles Forum
Singletarians: The Singletarians is a social club for mature adults, ages 40 and above. The majority of our members are between 50 and 80 years of age, but they are young at heart. The Singletarians have a pot luck social the 2nd Sunday of each month. Meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Other events are dine-outs, house parties, concerts, cultural events, and picnics. The Singletarians also have holiday parties, sponsor tables at rummage sales and Christmas faires, participate in feeding the homeless by cooking for the Forum and Stone Soup Sunday.
Small Group Ministry : Our Small Group Ministries program provides members, friends, and visitors with a way to deepen our connections to each other, grow spiritually, and strengthen our San Francisco Unitarian Universalist community as a whole. Each Small Group consists of 8-10 people, who meet regularly at the church or in homes to engage in spiritual seeking, community building, ministry, intellectual exploration, and living UU values. Please visit the Small Group Ministries website to learn more, or apply online .
Social Justice Committee: The Social Justice Committee invites you to explore the many ways the Social Justice Ministries of the First Unitarian Univeresalist Society of San Francisco are actively working in the larger community and within the congregation. The committee members are a lively and committed people, enjoying each other as they work together to create change in themselves and others through witness, education, advocacy, service, community organizing, and reflection.
Society for Community Work: The Society for Community Work (SCW) meets on the third Tuesday of each month for a short business meeting, luncheon, and speaker. Visitors and giuests are invited (reservations are encouraged). SCW is proud to continue its program of college scholarships and grants to support the work of community organizations as well as a pledge to the annual budget of the Society and projects such as the UULegislative Ministry.
Sunday Morning Greeters: Our greeters, serving in a 3-person team once a month, staff the information table located in the hall outside the Sanctuary. They welcome folks, respond to any questions, and make available literature about the Church which is kept on the table. This is a fun activity and very rewarding.
Sunday Forum (a Social Justice committee)
Up On Top After School and Summer Program : Up On Top After School and Summer Program provides a safe, educational and fun afterschool and summer care for children from low-income families living primarily in the Tenderloin and Western Addition neighborhoods. Six staff offer 60 kids individual attention, tutoring and instruction in a nurturing, supportive environment that includes the whole family.
Ushers Committee: Ushering is a way to attend a Sunday service and assist the church at the same time. It's a joy to warmly welcome people into the sanctuary and to help facilitate our wonderful Sunday services. Volunteers are always needed; sign up for one Sunday a month or as an alternate.
Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (UFETA) (a Social Justice committee): UUFETA aims to raise awareness of the welfare of all creatures of our world. This consciousness raising includes respect for our animal companions and educating the public regarding public policy issues which affect endangered species and threaten wild habitats and our natural environment. UUFETA sponsors an annual blessing of the animals around the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who was the ultimate "Friend of the Animals" and for whom our city is named.
UUs for Marriage Equality (a Social Justice committee)
UUs for Peace (a Social Justice committee): UUs for Peace are committed to educating and organizing to achieve peace and justice in this country and throughout the world. UUs for Peace lead the congregations in major peace-movement demonstrations, host special guest lecturers, and conduct classes and study groups on non-violence as a spiritual path. Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
UUs for Jewish Awareness
UU Service Committee (UUSC) (a Social Justice committee)
UU-UNO : The Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office promotes the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all, as reflected in the United Nations Charter. Through targeted education, advocacy and outreach, we engage Unitarian Universalists in support of international cooperation and the work of the United Nations.
UUYAN (Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network): UUYAN invites people 18 to 35 years of age to join their Thursday talking circles.
Website Committee: The launch of this newly redesigned website was step one of a much larger process. Step two will be the creation of a committee to oversee future updates to content as well as functionality. We have great plans to take advantage of the website as a powerful communication and organizational tool within our community, but in order to do this we need help. If you wish to be a part of this exciting new committee within the church and have skills in content creation/strategy, information architecture, web design/publishing, or web programming (especially with dynamic server pages and database connectivity), please contact the uusf webmaster .
Welcoming Committee: Responsible for staffing the Greeter's Table in the Gallery adjacent to the Sanctuary, Welcoming Committee members are available to answer questions and give directions before and after the 11AM Sunday Service.
World Community Advocates (a Social Justice committee): The World Community Advocates bring you monthly speakers on worldwide topics that effect our community, keeping us informed on peace, education, environment, and justice issues. Program planning is the second Sunday of the month at 9:45AM in the Stebbins library. Members also often participate in helping Stonesoup to prepare and serve a hearty vegetable soup with breads for those in need beginning at 9:30AM on the last Sunday of the month.
Youth Choir (a Music committee): The Youth Choir, for ages 7 and up, meets each Sunday as part of the Sunday school program. Under the direction of Carolyn Jayne, participants learn basic singing skills and perform during services several times each year. For more information about the Youth Choir, contact the Director of Religious Education's Office at 415-776-4580.
YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists): YRUU is a part of our Religious Education program for young people in grades 9 to 12, but it is listed here as well because the group plans and participates in many activities outside of Sunday meeting times. Members are encouraged to take an active role in deciding and planning group activities. Even the meeting time and location for 2003-2004 was determined by a vote of the general membership.

Have a Correction or Want To Be Listed Here?

If your group is not listed here and should be or if you are a member of one of these groups and wish to submit create or update your description, please email the uusf webmaster . Also, as time and ability allows, you may request a one-screen webpage of your own to be hosted and linked at this location.