During worship the new short film about our congregation called "Faith In Action -- It Happens Here!", produced by our ministerial intern, Jeremy Nickel, will premiere.

We'll experience the powerful preaching of my colleague the Rev. Dr. Dorsey Blake, pastor of the Church for the Fellowship of All People, San Francisco, and Dean of the Faculty at Starr King School for the Ministry. The Rev. Dr. Blake will guide us in "Translating Vision Into Reality," the title of his sermon.

Also leading worship this Sunday are Pastoral Care Minister the Rev. Fred Rabidoux, Acting Religious Education Director Betty Skwarek, Worship Associate Ben Bear, and Youth Worship Associate Maeve Dellert .

Our choir, the bell choir, and the San Francisco State University Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Allen Biggs will also help create Sunday's celebration.

See you in church!

Aaron Peskin, President of San Francisco Board of Supervisors, will talk to the Forum on issues of citywide and national importance.

Peskin, admired for his passionate work for the city, will draw on his experience as a neighborhood activist to focus on preservation, planning issues, and housing.

The free program will start at 9:45. Come at 9:30 for conversation, coffee, and (for a slight charge) a light breakfast.

from Betty Skwarek
Acting Director of Religious Education

The Overnights for youth and families with children start Saturday (April 19) at 5 pm with a BBQ. There will be burgers, sausages, veggie burgers, salad, drinks, plus whatever you bring to share. Please contact Nancy Buffum to make reservations for the Families with Children Overnight and Riley McLaughlin for reservations for the Youth Overnight. Do it today so there will be the right amount of food Saturday!

New students are welcome throughout the year, and parents are invited to phone Acting Director of Religious Education Betty Skwarek at 776-4580 for more information.

Faith in Action happens Sunday when we gather for a delicious, complementary banquet after making our annual pledge for the work of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco. Family-style service (no lines) makes it easy for all. Celebration Sunday is one of the happiest days of the church year. Don't miss it!

If you haven't yet told us you're coming, please call the church office at 776-4580 so we can plan the food. But, even if you haven't RSVP'ed, please join us on Sunday. There will be a special table for those considering membership to meet and socialize - the next joining ceremony will be May 18.

Why do I give to this church?

First, the wonderful things we enjoy here - great music, an outstanding minister, a beautiful center, dedicated staff, excellent education programs - all cost money. Someone has to give it. I am grateful I can afford to give a reasonable amount. Many cannot give as much, so those of us who can need to be generous to ensure that these benefits are here for all of us.

Second, I give as a spiritual and material practice of living abundantly. Many years ago, I started tithing at least 10% of my income. Not all of this goes to UU - I support other organizations and causes dear to me, too - but a significant amount of it does. I have a stand that everyone in the world should have the material and spiritual resources necessary to live fulfilled lives and the power to choose lives they love. Giving to our shared ministry is one way I can live consistent with this stand. Spiritually, it enriches me and allows others to be enriched likewise. Materially, to know that what I get is shared with others has allowed me to increase my income and enjoy what I have without guilt.

Lastly, I give because I am profoundly grateful to all of you. In a time of great and unexpected need, you came through for my family and me. If you were not already generous financially and otherwise, this community would not have been here for us. Thanks to you, I know what it means to be supported by a loving community. Knowing the value of that support, how could I not give abundantly?

Over $2400 has been contributed so far to the Fire Fund by generous Members, and checks have been presented to sextons Kelvin Jones and Thomas Brown for assistance with clothing, furnishings, and other necessities. They are very grateful to the church and to the Society for Community Work for the assistance they have received.

You're invited to the spring outdoor work party Saturday (April 19) at 9:30. Meet in front of the church office to join in clearing underbrush around the Church and Center, weeding the courtyard area, and removing grass that has grown in our sidewalks.

Members and friends are invited to show up (no reservation required!) and provide energy, muscle, and TLC. Folks should bring their own work gloves, if they have them.

Help with the planting of four small jade trees along Franklin, rake leaves, and trim hedges!

The monthly work parties are a comfortable way to meet others in the community. Laboring against trash and weeds and planting greenery are constructive, fun, and satisfying actions which help the grounds look inviting to newcomers and members alike.

The church will provide tools, guidance, and lunch. Simply show up Saturday morning, or call the church office at 776-4580 for more information.

Rob Packenham will be stepping in as the editor of The Flame for the next four editions. Thank you, Rob!

Please make sure that all stories and comments are emailed to Flame@uusf.org... and not to anyone's personal email account. This way Rob will get your information.

The deadline for submissions will remain Tuesday at noon, but please feel free to send messages in earlier.

This week there are 1060 subscribers to The Flame. Thank you for reading, contributing, and participating!