Conard Rheiner (1902-87) was ordained to the Universalist ministry as a young man. After a few years in the parish ministry, he devoted the rest of his career to social service organizations. He was one of the developers of the Mission Neighborhood Centers. He was a charter member of the UU Church of San Mateo and was active in our congregation from 1961 until his death. For more about Conard Rheiner, read the tribute which our minister emeritus, Harry Scholefield, wrote shortly after Mr. Rheiner's death.

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

Youth Group Meeting this Sunday the 26th 12:30-2pm We will be settling into the cool new space the church is letting us use. Meet at the old Re library at 12:30pm. Any youth in JR or SR High is welcome. Contact Riley Mclaughlin or Joe Dellert for more info. Pizza will be provided.

In her credo on "A Faithful Existence," Lindasusan Ulrich talked about how faith shows up in our lives, from small day-to-day leaps of faith to the larger search for meaning. Read more

Kett Zegart is recuperating from open heart surgery and would enjoy cards and notes. (Possibly e/mail!) Call ahead if you want to visit. 415-499-1000. The location is just minutes off of 101:

 
        Margaret Zegart
        Smith Ranch Nursing Home, room 131
        1550 Silveria Parkway
        San Rafael, CA 94903

Have you missed seeing Barbara Nolan around church? She has been ill, and is not able to receive visitors or phone calls, but she is in good spirits and loves to receive emails and cards. Barbara's contact information is in the church directory, or you may call the church office.

UUs for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Committee invites you to get off the couch and join us in monthly nature walks to explore our unique Bay Area environment . We feel the earth, observe local animals, plants, birds and insects. Join us!

We will walk along the trails and sidewalks, to view highlights including: the National AIDS Memorial Grove, McLaren Rhododendron Dell, the Statue of Thomas Starr King, the exterior architecture of the new California Academy of Sciences Building, the Japanese Tea Garden, Strybing Arboretum, Stow Lake and the Great (Speedway) Meadow.
Bring water, a snack or light lunch as we will gather in a beautiful location of our choosing after the walk to socialize. Remember that rain cancels.

Info: Dolores Perez Priem or Joe Kelleher

Part of what makes the annual retreat so special is the chance to spend time with so many wonderful members of our UUSF community. This year's retreat will be at the YMCA Camp Loma Mar from June 12 through Sunday the 14th. To ensure that as many people as possible can attend, the Retreat offers many ways to make this weekend away from the city even more affordable:

Register Early to Save 5%. Early birds who register and pay by Monday, May 11th will get a 5% discount. To register, simply stop by the registration table after service or register online.

Help Out to Save 10%. If anyone in your party leads a workshop, group activity, or otherwise helps out, your entire group will get a 10% discount.

Come as a Family to Save 10%. Any party with at least one person under 18 will get a 10% discount.

Share a Ride. Help the environment and save on gas or car rental by carpooling to the retreat. When you register, note whether you need a ride or can offer a ride, and the Retreat committee will pair you up.

Ask for a Scholarship to Save Up to 50%. If you need additional assistance to attend, there are also a limited number of scholarships available. To request a scholarship, please fill out the registration form, pay at least half of the fee after discounts, and state your special needs. The last day to request a scholarship will be Monday, May 11.

Please stop by the registration table on Sunday after the service or contact Lee Most by email at UURetreat2009@mindspring.com or by phone at 706-6138 to learn more about ways to save or how to request a scholarship.

As part of its leadership development initiative, the Board of Trustees has been leading congregational conversations about what the church is doing right in inspiring our members. We've held numerous events over the past several months, and we would like to hear from even more of you!

If you have not had a chance to participate in one of these events, we've made it very easy to give us your input online.

We have a short 10 question survey that will help us collect your input. It should only take you a few minutes to complete the questions, and your input will help shape the future direction of our society.

Thanks!

Enhance your sense of belonging to "The Beloved Community" by participating in Small Group Ministry where profound sharing within a small group deepens one's sense of commitment to the entire Society.

The Small Group Ministry Bridging group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7 until 9 pm in the Murdock Room and is currently welcoming new participants.

Applications will be available Sunday during coffee hour.

Tragedy in the Military
Thank you for "The Dark Side of Recruiting," detailing the suicides of U.S. Army recruiters [April 13]. Is it the best training for men and women who choose a military career to feel, as one of your subjects says, "basically forced to do things outside of what would normally be considered to be moral or ethical"? Another probable cause of the suicides may be recruiters feel overwhelming guilt for being part of a system that sends recruits into a horrible, senseless war that they themselves experienced. I hope your story helps make some changes in this system.
-- Dolores Perez Priem, San FRANCISCO

(Third from the top of the letters to the editor page.)

Worshiping out in a beautiful park amongst our greater community can speak to our spirits in a different way than any indoor sanctuary. Come join intern Peter Olandt and others every Saturday in April in Dolores Park.

The community will gather for a picnic (bring your own) around 3 and begin worship at 4. You're invited to come find us at the corner of Dolores and 20th and join in.

If you would like to read, lead a song, play an instrument, light the chalice, or any other aspect, please contact Peter at 776-4580 or by email.

Peter highly recommends the use of public transportation as parking can be difficult. The J MUNI line rolls right next to the park, and the 16th and Mission BART station is a short walk away.

Brad Gaffney will be serving as the Editor of this newsletter for the next edition.

Please make sure that you send in your stories to the Flame@uusf.org email address. Check your email address books to make sure that The Flame has its own listing and that there are no "Ozdachs.com's" or "Ozdachs.biz's" involved in submitting stories!