Throughout my time here at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, I have heard many comments to the effect of: I can't believe anyone could still believe in anything!

Well, I will explain why I believe a faith in some form of meaning -- whether based on science, your faith in the unknown, the moving of the seasons, or maybe even (gasp!) God -- is the most important decision you will ever make.

Joining me on the chancel will be the movement group Interplay lead by Dina Claussen. Rev. Meg Whitaker-Greene and Ian Slattery will conduct a ritual to honor the soldiers that have lost their lives in Iraq. Acting Director of Religious Education Betty Skwarek will lead our responsive reading, and Worship Associate Nicolette Toussaint will share a credo on change and her search for meaning. We will also have special music by Flutist Derrick Yih.

Come share my final Sunday as your Ministerial Intern. Bring a friend to this welcoming congregation for the liberal spirit!

Time to Say Farewell to Jeremy Nickel

Come and have a slice of cake at the farewell reception for the Society's 2007-08 Ministerial Intern after services and wish him well in his next endeavors -- including his upcoming marriage! ! Jeremy also encourages you to buy cookies and lemonade from Ben Brandeis, who will be raising funds for Unitarian Universalist congregations in the flooded Midwest.

David Dupree will expound on Roger Corless, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and several other notables.

He will discuss what they might mean for a Unitarian Universalist church, world peace, and San Francisco. Share your thoughts in an unusual program that hopefully will get you marching to a different drummer -- yours.

(Pictured is Dr. Roger Corless before his death in January, 2007)

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

Have a wonderful summer recess! Please join us September 14 for the next Forum.

An eight-Sunday summer program for people of all ages where you can exercise your creativity, learn from experienced artists, work with people of all ages from the church and the surrounding communities, is ready to start next week! Participants will create a large mandala while having a large amount of fun.

But you need to register! Application forms are available in the office, in Religious Education and on-line.

Childcare for ages 0 to 5 is available from 9:45 until 12:15 during the summer. Older children can play in the Religious Education library and the playground when adult supervision is available.

We are accepting volunteers to supervise those areas. Please contact Betty Skwarek at 776-4580 if you want to help.

Everyone who plans to spectate or participate in this exuberant celebration can meet up at the Greeter's table following Sunday's service for a friendly walk to Market street for the Pride Parade.

Snag a spiffy T shirt and take some same-sex wedding flyers to pass out. It's free, it's fun, it's SF!

The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry is encouraging everyone to both stop by the booth and to take a shift volunteering for Equality For All.

San Francisco Pride is going to be the biggest mobilizing opportunity in the campaign against the proposition banning gay marriage, and it is crucial that we take full advantage of this opportunity in order to insure a happy outcome in November.

Volunteer opportunities are available on both Saturday and Sunday at the Equality California booth. You can sign-up for a shift online at or call Hannah Johnson of Equality for All at 323.251.9254.

Please also let the Legislative Ministry know of your volunteer plans by email or via phone at 916.441.0018 ext. 203.

If anyone has such a chair to loan for for eight weeks, please call Nancy at the church office, 776-4580.

There are a couple shots of monthly Membership ceremony, too!

Pictured here with son Aaron and granddaughter Baby E, Alison told how seeing men with their children gave her hope that hands-on fatherhood will lead the world to peace and end patriarchy.