Unitarian Universalists are people of the Seventh Principle: we affirm and promote "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part" (emphasis added).

That's a wide-sweeping proclamation, but how do we apply this principle to our daily decision making?

As we prepare for our annual Blessing of the Animals service in the Chapel at 2, I'll offer you some practical ways to care for our planet, and I suspect our city's namesake, St. Francis, may have something for us as well.

The choir will minister in music. Joining me on the Chancel will be Ministerial Intern Peter Olandt, Worship Associate Anna Sylvester, and youth lector Whitman Donaldson.

Don't forget to bring the animal lovers in your life to church with you!

This is an "auction sermon," the topic of which was chosen by last year's winner, First Church Member Dolores Perez Priem.

from Betty Skwarek
Acting Director of Religious Education

Carolyn Jayne will lead a rousing musical Sing-Along experience in the Chapel Sunday at 10. Everyone is invited.

Then at 11, children and youth will focus on "It's Not Fair," in a look at the second Unitarian Universalist Principle of "justice, equity, and compassion in human relations." The topic will be explored in this alternative worship service in the Chapel through activities, music, and story.

Newcomers are invited to join in, and parents are encouraged to phone Betty at 776-4580 so that Betty and the Religious Education team can be prepared to welcome the new families on Sunday.

The photo by John Steele at the right shows some of the frolicking at the Religious Education excursion and All-Church Picnic at Crissy Field last week. See a slide show of the great day, or see an album of the same pictures.

Members and friends are invited to register for the "Building Your Own Theology" class with Rev. Greg Stewart which will begin next Thursday (October 9).

Unitarian Universalists ask questions: Do I believe in God? What is the meaning of life? What happens to me when I die? How do I find truth? Who am I? These are the types of questions class members tackle as they work together to explore issues of ultimacy.

The course runs for six successive Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m. The fee is $25, and registration closes Sunday after the service. Phone Betty at 776-4580 for additional information.

David Jones, a volunteer with the Marin County Bare Roots Project, will speak about his work in Afghanistan to build a stable infrastructure.

Bare Roots' work includes planting trees and developing livable villages. Among their projects was the kite flying hill featured in "The Kite Runner".

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

from Dolores Perez Priem

Bring your animal companions (or a photograph of them) to be blessed and remembered at this annual ceremony which recognizes the importance of all earth's creatures, sings their praises, and encourages participants to share stories about our role in protecting all life on earth.

Mark Bittner (pictured above in a Chronicle photograph by Lisa Atkins),will be the guest speaker. He is author of the book and award-winning documentary, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

Join Reverend Gregory Stewart and the Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in this joyous occasion which reminds us that we are a part of the interdependent web of all existence. This service honors the tradition of Francis of Assisi, who taught peace, love, and respect for all life.

Laurel is a former Ministerial Intern of the San Francisco Society, and she invites our members and friends to her celebration.

"You all are a significant part of my ministerial formation, and I remain grateful for your support and witness, " writes Laurel.

Want to know what the Society's Board of Trustees is cooking up?

Come visit the Board's spruced up web page! Learn about our goals for the Society, how we govern, and how you can make your voice heard --- all without having to memorize the Bylaws.

Read the Board's new covenant of right relations which is part of our commitment to grounding the Board's work in spiritual growth.

Visit the web page often, as the Board will update the page to make our goals, minutes, and governing and financial documents easily accessible to Members.

photo of 2007 Allyne Circle Celebration

from Mike McGirr and Joan Rost
Co-chairs of the Planned Giving Committee

Join members of the the Planned Giving team in the Kincaid Room after worship on Sunday to discuss answers to your questions about estate planning and legacy gifts.

Information will be available about the endowments and special purpose funds which provide important support for First Church. You're invited to stop by.

Whatever your financial means or stage of life, you deserve the good feeling of knowing a plan is in place to carry out your wishes. The Planned Giving Committee is available to help by researching answers to your questions, making professional referrals, and providing information about planned giving opportunities. We also will appreciate hearing your recommendations for legal and financial professionals we can add to our referrals.

And, ask us about the Allyne Circle, our special recognition for those who have included the Society in their estate plans. Join now and attend our annual invitation-only fun event planned for November.

from Sr. Carmen Barsody and
the Unitarian Universalists for Marriage Equality

What would you do if ...

• your beloved partner is desperately ill, and...
• you have no say in her medical care?

These dilemmas will be dramatized in a benefit performance of Immediate Family Friday (October 3) at 8 pm. This internationally acclaimed production, written and acted by Terry Joan Baum, will benefit the No On 8 Campaign.

Members and friends are invited to drop in at the Fools Court, 234 Hyde Street, for the play called "Moving... Remarkably honest," by the Chronicle. Enjoy the drama and raise funds for a meaningful cause with your free-will donation.

Proposition 8, the proposed state constitutional amendment that would take away the right of same-sex couples to marry, is opposed by this Unitarian Universalist religious community.

Last week the church hosted a No On 8 phone bank. According to coordinator Rob Packenham 12 volunteers including several young adults and straight allies dialed 586 numbers and spoke with 58 voters, of whom 51 said they would vote NO on 8.

The Society is also planning to celebrate the wedding of Senior Minister Rev. Greg Stewart and Stillman Stewart at the worship service November 2nd. At 8 pm that night we will begin a 48-hour Wedding Vigil where clergy will be available to marry all loving couples.

People interested in helping the Society's No on 8 efforts are invited to contact Rob for volunteer opportunities. Rob is available by email or call him at (408) 425-1486.

Look for the sociable table with the holiday decor and join in the plans for the 2008 Holiday Faire which is set for December 7.

The first meeting of the Holiday Faire elves will be held Sunday at 12:15 during coffee hour.

Working on the faire is a great way to share your talents with the church community. Games, cooking, lighting, music, muscles, miracles -- there's a role for everyone.

When Rev. Greg Stewart sermonized about "Traveling Mercies" a couple weeks ago, Susan thought about fear.

"[The] fear of not having any control of circumstances and perhaps not being able to cope," she said. "It's a standing-at-the-precipice kind of fear that I know perfectly well can appear like Poe's raven even in the safest environment - right at home in the middle of the night for example. But it's more likely to edge in when you're out of your element, when any unexpected thing can happen."

Alison sent in this photo saying that it shows her waiting for a call.

She also sent in her credo "Call Waiting" which she delivered last Sunday.

The couple talks about their passions for family, science, art, and living in harmony with the earth.

A resident of Gwynedd, PA, John died September 23, 2008, 16 days short of his 92nd birthday.

He was a soloist and and Music Director here for 25 years.

We extend our sympathy to his family and friends.

Last week we asked which day of the week is best for you to receive The Flame. Keep it coming on Thursday? Or, should we Flame out on Friday or on another day?

Thank you to the readers who have already taken our one-question online survey. If you would like to express your opinion, click on the link!