The Flame
published Thursday, March 26, 2009


Is Your Spiritual Practice Working?
Sunday at 11 in the Church Sanctuary
spiritual practice service conducted by The Rev. Fred Rabidoux

A lot Unitarian Universalists are uncertain about this question, and may ask "what spiritual practice?" Others may reply, "it's working very well, thank you, it's something I do every day."

This Sunday we will look at what makes something a spiritual practice and why to bother with it.

Also on the chancel with Rev. Rabidoux will be Worship Associates Claire Bohman and Millie Phillips. Mike McGirr will offer a welcome on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Both the Youth Choir, under the direction of Carolyn Jayne, and our regular choir, under the direction of Dr. Mark Sumner, will be singing and Reiko Lane will be performing at the organ.

Come join us with open heart and open mind.


This week's service will feature the third in a series of special commentaries by members which are part of our Annual Budget Drive. The drive will culminate on Celebration Sunday, April 5.

Sunday Millie Phillips will share her story about what this congregation has meant to her.

Come and Make Art!
Sunday School Activities Start at 10
RE Child from Betty Skwarek
Acting Director of Religious Education

Barbara Sizelove will be leading a two-hour program on printmaking as the Funday Sunday school celebrates the rare 5th Sunday of the month.

It's fun. It's easy, and the results are wonderful.

Children are invited to come at any time after 10 am to the Religious Education art room for the free class.


Happening in Adult Religious Education:

  • Biology for Religion and Ethics begins Thursday, April 2nd. Course leader Peter Olandt has that rare combination of knowledge about both religion and biology. What does the science of biology really say about our religious and ethical decision? Students will look at two areas of importance, abortion and cloning. You may register in the church office or download a form from the church website.
  • The remaining class sessions for Build Your Own Theology have been rescheduled for the end of April. The meetings were postponed due to Rev. Greg Stewart's illness, and students who previously enrolled will be invited to complete the course next month.

Newcomers are always welcome at the Religious Education Program
Activities for children and youth start Sundays at 9:45. For more information about programs for all ages, please go to the Religious Education section of our website and select either the Children's Religious Education Brochure or the Adult Religious Education Catalog link. (Or click the links here!)

Environmentalism in the Age of Obama
Forum Sunday at 9:30 in the Martin Luther King Room
Teryn Norris
from Karen Melander-Magoon

Teryn Norris, a project director at the Breakthrough Institute and co-author of Fast, Clean, & Cheap: Cutting Global Warming's Gordian Knot, will address the Forum on the subject, "What will it take to overcome ecological crisis and remake the world in this new progressive era?"

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

Oscard Comes for His Feast
Faithful Fools Funraiser Saturday (March 28) at 6 pm at the Church
Osgard from Sr. Carmen Barsody

Oscard, Rev. Kay Jorgensen's clown, wants you to know that Oscard's Feast is this Saturday (March 28) at 6 pm. at the church. It is the annual Fundraiser for Faithful Fools Street Ministry.

If you plan on coming and haven't sent in your reservation, please call Faithful Fools today at 474-0508 so they make enough food to feast upon.

Tickets are $50 or whatever you can give. If you are unable to come, Oscard invites you to make a donation toward a ticket for someone who is unable to pay.

Rev. Laurel Liefert's band, Half Dozen of the Other, will be there to get feet dancing.

You can come dressed for a garden party, or find special attire to adorn yourself at the Feast. Whatever you wear, you'll have a good time!

Come Home, America
Tuesday (March 31) at 7 pm in the Thomas Starr King Room
William
Greider

William Greider, National Affairs Correspondent for The Nation, and author of Come Home, America, will appear to speak about the rise and fall (and redeeming promise) of our country in an evening co-sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Peace.

"Instead of trying to run the world, let us tend our wounded society and let go of inflated claims to global dominance...," says Greider.

A donation $15-20 is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Members and friends are invited to show up at the door or contact Dolores Perez Priem for more information.

This presentation is one of a series produced by Progressive Perspectives and co-sponsored by our Society's Unitarian Universalists for Peace. Previous evenings have sold out, so come early for the best seats.

Planning Begins for All-Church Retreat
No Monsters at the All-Church Retreat article and photo of past retreat from Lee Most

The Congregation's annual getaway from the city will be at YMCA Camp Loma Mar from June 12 through Sunday the 14th when our Society takes over a whole summer camp with swimming pools, playing fields, climbing wall, zip line, an outdoor chapel, and enough ways to relax, be active, be creative, and be entertained to satisfy anyone's wishes.

If you want to help, come to the registration table after the service, or contact Lee Most by email or phone him at 706-6138.

The early bird deadline (and also the last day to request a scholarship) will be May 9th.

Photo-Mania
April 2 and April 11 Added to Photo Shoot Schedule
Photographer on duty! from Nancy Evans, Executive Director

Two "make-up days" have been added to the photo directory schedule, for those who had to reschedule or who tried to book but could not find an open time. Now you can go to online and chose a time on Thursday, April 2 or on Saturday, April 11.

These are the last and final dates, so don't miss out.

Over 200 members have already been photographed, but it won't be complete without you! There is no charge to members, and you will also receive one free 8 by 10 photograph.

Congregation Ordains Denis Paul
Ceremony Sunday at 4 pm in the Sanctuary
Denis Paul The First Unitarian Universalist Society will ordain Denis Paul a Unitarian Universalist minister in a public ceremony to be celebrated in the Sanctuary Sunday at 4 pm.

Denis is a Community Minister affiliated with this Congregation, a Member of the Society, and the Outreach Minister of the Faithful Fools.

In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, ministers are ordained only by the vote of the Membership of a congregation. The Society voted last June to ordain Denis, and after Sunday's afternoon service Denis will be recognized in the denomination and the wider community as The Reverend Denis Paul.

Sunday's ordination will include religious leaders, friends, family, and Foolish fun. You are invited to join in the pews at 4 and at the reception afterward.

Deadlines this Week for General Assembly
Applications for Scholarships Due Tuesday (March 31)
General Assembly in Salt Lake City from Stephen Schwichow for the
Denominational Affairs Committee

Are you thinking about attending this year's Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in Salt Lake City? The most affordable housing books first, and volunteer and scholarship applications must be submitted by Tuesday (March 31).

Whether you attend as a seasoned delegate or a curious visitor, a convention of Unitarian Universalists is a transforming experience!

And for those who would like a closer venue, the regional Pacific Central District annual assembly in Fremont, May 1 - 3, provides a wide range of programs.

Future Photo-Mania!
Courtyard photography from Peter Olandt, Ministerial Intern

Ministerial Intern Peter Olandt is putting together some photographs of the year's highlights and activities to be a small part of the Celebration Sunday events on April 5th.

If you have photos of the church or church events from this year that you wish to share, please email them to Peter. He can only accept digital submissions and asks that you choose your few (1-5) best.

On Senior Residential Communities
Discussion Sunday at 12:30 in the Murdoch Room
Senior at home
from the Planned Giving Committee

Gayle Reynolds, a senior housing professional, will share her expertise on senior residential communities and the requirements, costs and benefits of such programs.

This free presentation will be held in the Murdoch room on Sunday 12:30 pm. There will be time for questions and discussion.

This event is sponsored by the Planned Giving Committee, and a light lunch will be available for a small donation.

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What This Community Means to Us
Julia ThoronAlison RittgerJulia Thoron and Alison Rittger have told the Congregation what the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco has given them.

They've spoken at the worship service about their feelings and appreciation. They've told us about the importance of their spiritual home.

They've given their personal testimonial as part of the Annual Budget Drive. Find out what we mean to them.

Unhappy Anniversary: The Iraq War Turns 6
Anti-war Demonstrators from the Unitarian Universalists for Peace

Last Thursday Unitarian Universalists joined other peace activists at Market and Montgomery to call for the end to the war in Iraq and a reduction of military spending. The protests coincided with the 6th anniversary of the war in Iraq.

Wally Cleland is pictured at left in one of the day's acts of conscience.

Meeting Up at the Meatout
Meeting at the Meatout
On March 14, the Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the San Francisco Vegetarian Society held the 4th Annual Meatout luncheon featuring famous vegan John Robbins as the keynote speaker.

Over 150 attendees savored the vegetarian lasagna, friendship, and discussion.

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phone: 415 776-4580

The Flame is published by volunteers under the authority of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco.

To submit information, photographs, or essays -- or to ask a question -- please e-mail the editors. Deadline for articles is noon each Tuesday. Our publication guidelines are available on the Internet.

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