It's an interesting challenge to a minister: Distill your basic sermon, the message at the heart of all the sermons you preach in a year or a lifetime, into just five minutes. It's a radical challenge to seek a one sentence distillation, and really radical to aim for just one word. That's the challenge Rev. Dr. Gordon Gibson, our visiting minister for August, promises to meet this Sunday even though it is complicated by his including some thoughts about the tragic shooting last Sunday in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Gordon and his wife Judy were in the service last Sunday in the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church when a gunman entered the sanctuary and opened fire. Gordon provided ministerial support through Sunday afternoon, and Judy and Gordon are making their condo available to the Unitarian Universalists providing crisis response services to the congregations and individuals affected.

Following Sunday's service Gordon and Judy will be available to talk with people in the Thomas Starr King Room about what happened, how the congregation and community responded, and how the Gibsons are feeling. A light lunch will be available.

The shooter stated that he had targeted the church because of its liberal teachings and his belief that all liberals should be killed, according to court documents filed by prosecutors. The suspect said that because he could not get to the leaders of the liberal movement that he would then target those that had voted them in to office.

from the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA)

UUA President William G. Sinkford, went to Knoxville and spoke at a candlelight vigil Monday (July 28).

During the service Sinkford said, "We live in a society where there are differences of opinion, and Unitarian Universalism and our congregations here [in Knoxville] have a long history of standing on the side of love, of standing up for justice and saying everyone should be welcome...That's a deep religious calling for us, and the Tennessee Valley church and the Westside church and Unitarian Universalism are not going to change living our religion that way." (Complete text of Rev. Sinkford's remarks.)

Annette Marquis, District Executive of the Thomas Jefferson District of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, shared her impressions of Monday's events in a message which is republished on the Society's website. (Click for Annette's message.)

In addition, the UUA Trauma Resource Ministry went to Knoxville to assist the community. They also posted web resources:

• Trauma Response Resources for Families and Congregations
• "Making Meaning After Disaster," a resource by Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh

The UUA, in association with the UUA Thomas Jefferson District, has launched the Knoxville Relief Fund, to bring ministry, spiritual care, and practical financial assistance to those affected by the tragedy in Knoxville, Tennessee. Gifts to the fund will assist members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church and Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and their loved ones, and will show them that they are not alone during this time of shock and grief. More information and to donate.

We send our love and prayers to those injured: Joe Barnhart, 76; Jack Barnhart, 69; Betty Barnhart, 71; Linda Chavez, 41; John Worth Jr., 68; Tammy Sommers, 38; and Allison Lee, 42.

We hold in our thoughts the families, friends, and community members in Knoxville.

Don and Louise Heyneman are pictured and interviewed in the Summer, 2008 edition of the Live publication of the California Academy of Sciences.

From the perspective of Eastwood Associates of the Academy, the Heynemans tell what sparks their love of science.

And, they look fabulous!

You're invited to a Hat and Chat Saturday (August 2) from 1 to 4. Come tour the Faithful Fools' Hat Factory, take in the hat-fashion show, gasp at the unveiling of the newest donated fabrics, enjoy spontaneous poetry performance, and taste tea and treats at the Fools Court, 234 Hyde Street.

Where do you think those foolish hats come from, anyway? Come by the Fools, see the free show, and find out more about this creative Foolish ministry and how you can get involved!

Then on Monday (August 4) help raise money for the Faithful Fools by joining them at Andalu, a restaurant, bar, and gallery at 3198 16th Street. That night "The Entire Show," artwork by Tami Marcarian, opens. 10% of the day's profits (food, drink, and artwork) will go to support the Faithful Fools. Check out the restaurant and make reservations at www.andalusf.com.

The Congregation took to the stage last week and let their t-shirts do the talking.

Thanks to photographer Sonnie Willis for recording some of the day's highlights.