In 1998 a box office smash featuring Ben Stiller and Markie Post hit the silver screen. It was called "There's Something About Mary," and its frames provided a contemporary take on an ageless theme: unrequited love

That is also the theme that is woven through the life of another Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Forget everything you may have learned about Mary in Sunday school. Far from being "chosen" by God, this remarkable woman made her own choices, and her decisions changed the course of history.

This Sunday we'll get to know her better as we begin the first of a two-part sermon series honoring Women's History Month.

Joining me on the Chancel will be Ministerial Intern Peter Olandt, Worship Associates Christine Patch Lindsay and Antonia Porter, and Board of Trustees member Bill Wise.

The acclaimed classical guitarist Eric Hamilton will minister in music.

This is another great Sunday to invite a friend or family member to join you in worship at Franklin Street and Geary Boulevard.

Did you ever wonder why our children and youth will be in the Sanctuary this week for the beginning of the service? Why they attend every second and third Sunday of the month?

Why? Our worship services are wonderful! They are one of the Society's most important spiritual adventures.

Some of our youth choose to attend the worship rather than meet with their peers, but most would prefer to go to their classrooms where they can be more interactive.

Learning to worship is part of religious education. Our children have opportunities to learn this lesson in many ways. One of those is to go to the service in the Sanctuary, sometimes for a short time and occasionally for the entire service.

from Karen Melander-Magoon

David Chiu, newly elected President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, will discuss his vision for San Francisco at Sunday's Forum.

Supervisor Chiu was elected in November 2008 to represent San Francisco's District 3. District 3 is home to many diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, including North Beach, Chinatown, Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, Polk Street, Nob Hill, Union Square, Financial District, Barbary Coast and Fisherman's Wharf.

In January 2009, Chiu was elected President of the Board of Supervisors. The selection of a freshman supervisor as the Board's president was very unusual and showcased the strength of the progressive majority on the Board.

Before joining the Board, David was a founder and Chief Operating Officer of Grassroots Enterprise, an online communications technology company. Prior to Grassroots, he worked as a criminal prosecutor at the San Francisco District Attorney's Office and as a civil rights attorney at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights.

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

Hot off the Great Green Auction Green Press are two Great Green Auction Catalogs!

The "Multiple Bidders" catalog is filled with fixed-priced items with a restricted number of bidders. Bid and win these great lunches, dinners, and events. Bid quickly on Sunday because spaces will sell out!

The "Individual Bidders" listings are the traditional silent service auction items.

Got it? So, now download your catalog! (Printed catalogs will be available on Sunday.)

• The Multiple Bidders Catalog
• The Individual Bidders Catalog

How about a cabin stay on Lake Michigan?
How about a luxury condo stay in Puerto Vallarta?
Closer to home? How about cabin stay above Muir Woods Valley?

Bring your calendar, your blackberry, your checkbook. Text your friends and bid together on fabulous items. Lunch will be available.

Bidding will continue on Sunday, March 15.

Check out what Carol had to say on "A New Birth of Eloquence: What We Can Learn About Powerful Speaking from the Gettysburg Address" by downloading the MP3 file or get it by subscribing to the Commonwealth Club's podcasts by visiting this page.

We enjoyed hearing Mark Calvey serve as the financial expert guest on Tuesday's Gil Gross show on KGO radio. Mark was professional, informative, and sounded great!

Kudos to the Faithful Fools on the article published in the National Catholic Reporter. In the paper edition there are more photos to brighten the pages, but the basic story is available online.

The BBQ will fire up at 5 Saturday, March 14 to kick-off the community BBQ and potluck in the courtyard. All members and friends in church family welcome! There will be hot dogs, sausages, veggie burgers, salad, drinks, plus whatever you bring to share.

Bring friends... Extended family members... Experience the In-gathering ... Play games... Listen to stories... Climb the Tower... Sleep practically anywhere! Watch the sunrise...

Bring your own sleeping bag and pad. All youth and children must bring a responsible adult. There will be supervised, parent-free room for Jr. Youth and Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (YRUU) youth.

A youth/teen planning meeting with pizza will convene at 8 pm. Adults and youth interested in this meet-up are invited to contact Joe Dellert at 242-1608.

Families with children and volunteers are all welcome provided they RSVP by Sunday. Sign up after church or contact Nancy Buffum at by phone at 242-1608 or by email. The suggested donation for the overnight is $10 per family.

March right in and tell us -- with your committee or program budget worksheet in hand.

Between now and March 17, the church office wants your information for consideration in the upcoming 2010 budget. Both income and expense predictions are requested.

Please send the completed worksheet to Nancy Evans, box 11 in the church office, call her 776-4580 or email to schedule an appointment.

You're invited to a Spring Ritual which will prepare us for the beauty of spring!

All ages are welcome and kids get to participate in the ritual.

You are also invited to the potluck following the service.

For more information, email Nancy Buffum or phone her at 242-1608.

from Claire Weber
Secretary of the Board of Trustees

The Congregation voted last Sunday to reduce the number of Trustees from 12 to 9 over the next two years. During the discussion of the amendment, Members marked their ballots for the Society's representatives to denominational assemblies.

Elected to a two-year term as a delegate to the Pacific Central District meetings were: Melissa Fafarman, Laura Gilmore, Marie C. Kazan-Komarek, Dr. Karen Melander-Magoon, and Alison Rittger.

Elected as Society's delegates to the 2009 Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Salt Lake City were: Alison Rittger, Stephen Schwichow, Dick Castile, Dr. Amy S. Kelly, Julia P. Wald, Millie Phillips, Mary Castiglia, Brendan O'Brine, Laura Gilmore, and Tori Wieldt. Alternates elected were: Michaela Romano-Meade, Dr. Karen Melander-Magoon, Marie C. Kazan-Komarek, Merle Easton, and Nancy Hardies.

Thank you to these Members for their willingness to serve the Society. Congratulations on your election!

photos by Sonnie Willis

It's hard to tell what this attendee of last week's 11 am worship service liked best.

But, here are some photos from Sonnie showing more of the service so you can remember your personal favorite moments.