When the light goes on, when the page is turned, when our eyes are truly opened, is it possible to still believe?

It is an old question, one asked by humanity's mythic "first family," Adam and Eve, and it remains relevant for us today.

My own mentor in the query is Charles Darwin, who was unable to believe in God, yet unable to admit to atheism. Where did that leave him at the end of his life, and where does it leave us today? This homily celebrates the 200th birthday of Darwin and is an "auction sermon" won by long-time church member Nancy Evans, who also serves this congregation as its Executive Director.

Special music will be provided by Alan Tower, whose guitar compositions and unique instruments — didgeridu, huaca, conundrums — commemorate Darwin's world travels.

Please invite a friend to celebrate the contributions made by this remarkable naturalist and be sure to stay for a piece of birthday cake following the service.

Twenty-five youth from Neighborhood Church in Pasadena will join the Religious Education social justice program this Sunday in the Chapel. The activities will include writing and drawing, making collages, and acting. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the common thread between these various activities, and learners will be answering questions including: "What is the difference between Social Justice and Social Action?" " Why is what we do important?" "What is Social Justice anyway?"

At 12:30 Sunday, Religious Education will show a movie on the relationship between Darwin's ideas and his religious beliefs. Charles Darwin and his ideas have revolutionized the field of biology and forced humans to reconsider their place in the web of life, so drop in on the movie!

Following the film we'll give away three books by or about Darwin and celebrate with a birthday cake (Will it be a Darwin fish cake)? Come join us for provocative presentation followed by some good old-fashioned fun.

It's time to register for Unitarian Universalist Roots led by Dr. Amy Kelly which begins Wednesday (February 25) and for Biology for Religion and Ethics led by Ministerial Intern Peter Olandt that begins March 5. Stop by the church office and tell us you're coming.

Allan Solomonow, Director of the Middle East Peace Program at the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in San Francisco, will tell the Forum about the AFSC in action. The photograph at the left shows the AFSC presenting Iranian President Admadinejad with Edward Hicks' painting "The Peaceable Kingdom".

Allan also teaches for the Peace and Conflict Studies Program at UC Berkeley and was the first national Program Director for the Jewish Peace Fellowship. He also worked for the War Resisters League and the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

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

Still looking for ideas for donations to Great Green Auction?

What are you good at?

• Computer training, swimming, baking, cleaning up, organizing, baking, sewing, gardening, photography, creating videos.

What do you like to do?

• Walk on the beach, take high tea, go hiking, visit museums, bird watching, having fun in general.

Donate a neighborhood walk, a hike, a visit to a museum, a high tea -- get to know your fellow Unitarian Universalists!

Download the Donor Form, fill it out, and drop it by the office, scan it and email it, or mail it.

Early bidding is on Sunday, March 8th, after services. Final bidding is on Sunday, March 15, after services. Lunch will be served on both days.

Donate now and earn our Great Green Gratitude!

Over one hundred members have already registered for their free photo for the new church directory. There are still lots of spaces on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, and two new days have been added: March 24 and 25.

Register on line now!

If you are having trouble finding an appointment time that works for you, talk with Cathy Lyon or Betsy Darr after the Sunday service. Or, call the church office at 776-4580, and we will help.

The Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network invites you to bring games to the Chapel and get ready for fun with members of all ages!

Bring $2 if you'd like to have pizza!

Throughout the month of February Society Members and friends are volunteering to cook dinners and breakfast for 90 men who are sleeping in the Thomas Starr King Room.

Last week photographer Sonnie Willis captured the behind-the-scenes work of members of Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network as they prepared supper.

If you have a college-bound senior in your family, or know of a student seeking financial aid, please remind them that to qualify for a Society for Community Work scholarship, they must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That deadline is March 2, 2009.

After filing FAFSA, students can complete a Society for Community Work scholarship application and provide supporting documents. The applications are due to the SCW April 10.

Awards are based on financial need, community activities, and academic achievement. For information, call Carrie Steere-Salazar at 502-8296 or Janet Hewins at 239-6735.

United States Senator Bernie Sanders (Independent - Vermont) rallied a packed Sanctuary Tuesday in an event co-sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Peace.

The crowd of progressives was welcomed by Rev. Gregory Stewart, and Senator Sanders was introduced by the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, David Chiu.