FirstNews

First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco

May 2013

Monthly

Newsletter

From the Interim Senior Minister

With the arrival of May

my tenure here at this church is beginning to draw to a close; I will begin focusing on sharing what I’ve learned about this extraordinary congregation and from the many gurus I have encountered here among you. Titles suggesting that I’ll be talking on Small Group Ministry (SGM) only (on May 5th), or on rearing kids only (on the 12th) are misleading and congregants will miss what I’ve learned about all of you and about this amazing church. Same goes for the meaning of memory (on the 26th). I will be leading only six more worship services here. What have I discovered? Humm…well: I guess you’ll have to come and listen.

Some things, however, can be shared ahead of time:

• The Five Developmental Tasks of Interim Ministry make sense. Interim Ministers pay attention to these particular concerns because doing so offers us the best opportunity to make wholesome, much-needed changes happen. But it’s never easy to change--not all that easy for people and very hard for institutions. This is because institutions, like people, get stuck. And while people who get stuck can always go into therapy, take up a spiritual practice, etc.—activities enabling psycho-emotional movement by inviting new ways to think and act—institutional change requires everyone, or almost everyone, dipping their oars in the water at the same time. This is not something Unitarian Universalists are all that familiar with; not something we do at all naturally.

• Despite sometimes getting stuck, congregations sometimes get unstuck, too; and when they do, watch out: great things happen! Lives are changed! Communities are transformed! The key to unsticking any group is reminding members what attracted them to begin with. When did you fall in love with your church? Enough energy resides right there (with the question, actually, more than the answer) to unstick everything.

• UUSF’s membership is strong. Almost all of this congregation’s members are wonderful, dedicated, good people.

• The largest problems I’ve encountered here have had to do with internal organizational structures or their lack: committees that rarely or never meet, one person committees, and other church groups that, from lack of new blood, have become inbred or stodgified. The result: difficulty getting enough traction for healthy changes to happen. An example: personnel matters have been a problem here for several years and yet, despite wide-spread recognition of the problem no Personnel Committee meeting was even convened to evaluate the issue for five years until shortly before my arrival.

• Just to begin fixing things required—first—gathering and convening a committee. Only then could the long, detailed effort of drawing up job descriptions, evaluation forms, and so on—all necessary for healthy staff and office functioning—even begin. 

Leading Unitarian Universalists is often compared with herding cats, but I’ve never found the metaphor particularly convincing: all shepherding requires getting individual beings to move collectively—and UUs can move collectively when it’s truly asked of them. We were able to speak and move as one when Proposition 8 needed to be challenged and acted against. We’ve opened up our beautiful UU Center to the homeless shelter every February and we all pull together to make it happen. We are probably all support of a woman’s right to be in control of health care decisions affecting her body. We can speak with one voice and, on occasion, we have.  We will again, too.

In the end, all ministries, even 35-year ministry of Horatio Stebbins and the 36-year ministry of Caleb Dutton, are interim. The congregation goes on. I have been honored to serve here. If more briefly than some, it has still been a privilege, as will be the next two months as I prepare good-byes and make my leave.

Yours in faith,
 Steve Furrer

Info: The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, 415-776-4580 x122 minister@uusf.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Helping the congregation get in touch with its history (1) and current identity (2). Facilitate, where appropriate, new leadership (3); strengthen denominational and other lateral ties (4); and bring the membership to a place where its poised and ready to creatively join with their coming minister to be part of a new vision going forward (5).

11AM Worship in May

Sunday: May 5
"Small Group Ministry at UUSF:

On Covenants & Covenant Groups"
The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, Interim Senior Minister

Sunday: May 12
"Parenting in the Modern & Post-Modern World"
The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, Interim Senior Minister

Sunday: May 19
"Truth Is Biography"
The Rev. Joel Scholefield

Sunday: May 26
"Emblazoned on My Memory"
The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, Interim Senior Minister

Religious Education in May

The month of May brings a close to our Sunday School program for the year. We have much to cheer about: strong attendance, engaged and happy students, enthusiastic volunteers, innovative programs, fun collaborations with members and new families joining our church community.   We’ll celebrate our Teaching Teams and students during the service on Sunday, May 12th.  A reception will follow the service and all are welcome. 

Along with May 12th, mark your calendars for Sunday, June 2nd when our third grade Rites of Passage scholars pose their “Big Theological Questions” to the ministers and present their special gift to the church. There will be a parade of kites and we’ll welcome each student with the special Rites of Passage song.  Join us as we recognize and honor this year’s celebrants into our community.

Speaking of big questions, are you eager to brush up your biblical knowledge and have fun doing it? You can by joining one of our amazing teaching teams next year.  Our theme is “Jewish and Christian Heritage:  A Biblical Investigation”.  Previous teaching experience and being a whiz-bang biblical scholar is not required.  What we do ask is that you bring your love of learning, a sense of humor, your thoughtful questions and your curiosity to the classroom.  We ask you to make a ten month commitment to the program with an expectation of teaching once a month (classes meet 1st and 2nd Sundays from 11-12:15). Teacher training and support will be offered.  Interested or have questions, be in touch, religious.education@uusf.org.

Now grab your pom poms and let’s root for religious education!

Cheerfully,
Alyson

April Religious Education Slide Show!

Religious Education Home Page

Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

Violence, War and Peacemaking Perspectives from the Judaic, Islamic and Christian Religions

Sunday, May 5, 1:30 PM, 

MLK Room

Join us for an opportunity to learn how religions, politics, and cultures have impacted the current struggles in the Middle East. The speakers will include representatives from the three major religions of the area - Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions. A Q&A session will follow.

The speakers are:

• Rev. Dr. David Sammons, Consulting Minister to the Unitarian Universalist Society of SF. He has served as an acting President at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley and has participated in Bay Area interfaith activities.
• Dr. Amer S. Araim, Imam of the Dar-Ul- Islam Mosque in Walnut Creek; Member of the Board of Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, and former UN Secretary of the Special Committee against Apartheid and on Decolonization.
• Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, an Advisory Board member from the Jewish Voice for Peace, will speak on the JVP’s position as to how to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine. She is the Coordinator of FOR Interfaith Peace walks, and co-founder of Shomer Shalom Network for Jewish Non-Violence.
• Rabbi Moshe Levin of the Congregation Ner Tamid in San Francisco will present a second Jewish view as to how to achieve peace in the region. He recently returned from a six week visit to the Middle East where he met with leaders from Israel and Palestine.
• Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, Interim Senior Minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco, will be the moderator for this Panel discussion.

Free Admission ~ Wheelchair Accessible ~ Light Lunch at 12:30 pm.

Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist-United Nations Office & Unitarian Universalists for Peace-SF - committees of the UU Society of San Francisco.

Info: Liz Cormier, UU-UNO Chair, 415-221-3092, elizabethcormier@att.net

Town Hall Meetings: Presentation of Proposed 2013-14 Budget

Saturday, May 5, 12PM TSK Room & May 19, 12PM MLK Room

Every spring, after we're finished our canvass, a budget for the coming church year is prepared and members of the congregation are given a chance to learn about our plans and make comments. It's a way of finding what our priorities ought to be. 

Info: Stephen Schwichow, Moderator, 415-680-0848, board@uusf.org

BoardNotes

The traditional two Board meetings in April begins our

“end of the church year” process.

On April 16th the board’s entire meeting was devoted to the budget, which is to be presented to the congregation for approval at our Congregational Budget Voting Meeting, to be held after the service on June 2nd. In anticipation of the June 2nd voting meeting, the Board will be sponsoring two Town Hall meetings, May 5th and 19th, specifically to discuss the budget with interested members of the congregation.

At our regular monthly Board meeting, held the following Tuesday, April 23rd, the Board voted on the final budget to be presented for approval.

Prior to our April 23rd Board meeting, as part of the Board’s commitment to the future, all staff and Board members went through a 2-hour workplace harassment prevention training, conducted by a local professional.

At the Board meeting Amy Moses-Lagos, who was an active member of this congregation for many years before moving to the East Bay to attend Starr King School for the Ministry, requested that she be ordained in the Spring of 2014 here in San Francisco by us, her home congregation.  The Board unanimously approved her request and Amy will begin the process of putting together an Ordination Committee.

The Board has scheduled a mini-retreat for May 4th in order to discuss the issues of future ministry with our current interim Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Furrer, and our future interim Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Sammons, both present for the discussion.

In preparation for this mini-retreat, three Board members have volunteered to make phone calls to other UU churches and fellowships, in order to gather information from Board leaders and ministers regarding their ministries, successes and reasons for choosing their current type of senior ministry.

And finally, on June 9th the board will convene its Annual Meeting of the Congregation, at which we will be able to elect members to both the Board of Trustees and to the Nominating Committee.

This is our democracy in action and I encourage everyone to participate.

In faith,

Stephen

Board of Trustees Web Page

Info: Stephen Schwichow, Moderator, 415-680-0848, board@uusf.org

The Society for Community Work would like to invite everyone to our monthly luncheon and program!

Sunday, May 19, 12PM,

TSK Room

Instead of the usual third Tuesday of the month, we are having our event on Sunday, May 19 following the 11AM Worship Service. Please join us for lunch and a fabulous musical program presented by our own Bill Klingelhoffer.

Bill Klingelhoffer, one of two Co-Principal Horns in San Francisco’s Opera Orchestra, studied in Chicago with Stu Liechti, Nancy Fako, Frank Brouk, and Dale Clevenger. He began playing professionally with the Chicago Lyric Opera at the age of 19.

In the 40 + years since he has played Principal Horn for the Opera Companies of Chicago, Houston, and Santa Fe, played extra and toured with the Chicago and San Francisco Symphonies, played for films, radio/TV commercials, and musical shows, toured and recorded with the Summit Brass Ensemble, appeared as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the San Francisco Bay Area,  given aster classes at International Brassfests held at Indiana University and Long Beach, California; University of Victoria, Canada; and Sacramento State University. Bill was a Guest Artist at the International Horn Society Symposium in 2009.  The San Francisco Opera Horn section played excerpts from Wagner's Ring for the opening concert of the 2011 IHS Symposium at San Francisco State University.

More Info on Bill Here!

Info: Valerie Heine, 415-387-6485, valheine@earthlink.net

Please sign up at the SCW website or contact Valerie Heine on or before Thursday, May 16.

Gender and Ethics with Patrick Gallagher

Sunday, May 5, 6PM Fireside Room

Humanists and Non-Theists Group welcome Patrick Gallagher. Patrick will lead a discussion based on the studies of Carol Gilligan, a feminist, ethicist, and psychologist, on gender differences in responses to ethical dilemmas, and his own revelatory experience in a graduate ethics class in which the men and women met separately to discuss the works of several value theorists. There will be handouts showing the sources of the writings referred to in the talk.

The potluck starts at 6PM and the discussion at 6:30 PM.  If you want to suggest or lead future discussions come to our planning meeting at 5PM. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge.

Info: Bob Burchfield, Humanists and Non-Theists Group Chair, 415-683-6574, bcb94103@yahoo.com

_{(Photo is Carol Gilligan)}

Candidates for the Board of Trustees and for the Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is pleased to recommend to the Congregation as candidates for the Board of Trustees and for the Nominating Committee the members whose biographies, personal statements and photos are published below. The election will be held at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 9 at 12:30 PM in TSK Room.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We nominate for the Board of Trustees:

Stephanie Gowin*, Peter Gross, Stanley Hartzell*, Kathleen Quenneville*, Margaret Pearce*, Galen Workman. The Board has open five two-years positions and one one-year position. Biographies below.

* = incumbent

Stephanie Gowin, 415-350-2584, Stephanie.gowin@gmail.com Joined: 2000

Church activities, committees or group involvement: Religious Education Teacher from 2000 – 2005, Rites of Passage Teacher 2001-2002, Ministerial Relations Committee, Religious Education Committee (now called Family Faith Committee), Workshop Organizer for the All-Church Retreat every year since 2003, Nominating Committee, Winter Fair Volunteer, Parent Discussion Group Facilitator, Board of Trustees since 2011 (Vice Moderator since 2012), Delegate General Assembly 2012, Margaret Fuller Grants Panel (National Level – UUA)

Profession/career: I’m an Instructional Designer, Technical Writer and eLearning Consultant who has worked with a variety of client companies including macys.com, Cisco Systems, The Gap, Stanford University, and Apple Computer. Prior experience was as an Editorial Manager at Adobe Systems.
  
Other community, volunteer or professional activities: Elected site council representative, Metropolitan Arts and Technology High School, Elected Co-Chair of the Parent Association, Metropolitan Arts and Technology High School Director of Fundraising, Sunset Youth Orchestra Member, eLearning Guild Volunteer and Rocket Dog Rescue.

Why would you like to serve on the Board of Trustees, and how will it benefit our church community? I look forward to focusing on congregational priorities, our governance model, and our road map to implement our goals. One goal is to map the next phase of interim ministry while determining our options for our next search.  Another goal is to support our committees to ensure vitality. I hope to leverage my experience in management, budgeting, training, and communications, to work with you all on the best approach toward getting us where we need to be.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Peter Gross, 415-661-8316,

pwgross@sbcglobal.net

Joined: 1995

With others, I was instrumental in the inception of the Church’s Small Group Ministry Program, Sunday Morning Greeters, and the Men’s Fellowship Breakfast.  I’ve participated in, and led, a variety of adult religious education programs.  At prior churches I had a leadership role in LRY (Liberal Religious Youth).
 
Retired.  Law teacher, specializing in legal writing, reasoning, and appellate advocacy. Prior to that: Assistant General Counsel, United States Commission on Civil Rights.
 
For eight years I was sole day care (ten hours a day, five days a week) for three grandchildren.
 
For me, leadership is chiefly about listening and about helping make community work. I would hope to bring corresponding skills, interests, and values to serving the community that is the Board and the community that is this Church.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Stanley Hartzell, 415-563-4952,

sjh94encanto@gmail.com

Joined: 2006

Small Group Ministry co-facilitator and member of the Steering Committee; Second Sunday Usher; Saturday Breakfast Crew Lead for the Winter Shelter; member of the Personnel Committee; Board of Trustees—Secretary.

Last May I retired following 35 years in production management serving two international consulting firms for my total employment history of 49 years. 

Prior to joining UUSF I was an “Ellipse” volunteer a San Mateo Aids Hospice group during the 1980s. 

This last year has been most challenging for us all and I’ve personally experienced on occasions our capacity to passionately express and defend our opinions.  The one commonality I’m delighted to say I noticed during some of the most difficult periods was our shared love for the Church.  I believe I have the talents to assume an open mind, to sincerely listen to another viewpoint, to disagree without becoming disagreeable, and to work joyfully in a collaborative environment with others. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Margaret Pearce, 415-567-4750,

Pearcesf@comcast.net Joined: 1978 

Currently:  Board of Trustees, Green Committee (past chair for Green Sanctuary Certification), SCW (past President and past Sponsorship Chair), Food Bank
Previously:  Board of Trustees two separate terms (Treasurer two times), Membership Committee (Chair), Team for the Nineties, Library Committee (Chair), Search Committee (for Victor Carpenter), Adult RE Committee, Personnel Committee.

PCD (previously):  Delegate from UUSF, Women and Religion Task Force (Co-chair).

Accountant Conservation Committee at St. Frances Square Co-operative Apartments, Inc. Previously: Up On Top Board, NOW SF Board, State Board of NOW, SF CASA, Children’s Multi-Cultural Museum Board.

I am willing to continue on the Board of Trustees because continuity will smooth our transition. I also have a long association with the church. I’ve watched us select a new minister several times and I will contribute a sense of history and stability as we move forward.  I bring my vision of what a UU Church can be, accompanied by ability to be flexible and work with others to achieve our common goals.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Kathleen Quenneville, 510-917-5112,

kquen@pacbell.net Joined:1995

Member, bell choir, Past Board member for 5 years, including serving as Treasurer and Vice Moderator, Member, Ministerial Model Task Force following the resignation of Rev. Campbell Gross and Rev. Marsh, assisted the church with negotiating the rental agreement with our major tenant, the Montessori School, and drafted Rev. Stewart’s contract, member of UUs for Marriage Equality. 

Work for University of California as Principal Counsel, Governance. Formerly was General Counsel for Mechanics Bank, a Bay Area family-controlled regional bank. 

Member, Piedmont League of Women Voters Task Force on Civic Governance.     

Although I am running as an incumbent, I joined the Board recently.  I was willing to serve, and am running for a regular term because I believe this is a pivotal time for the church.  I would like to use my talents and experience to help us move toward greater stability, and improve communications between the Board and the Society’s members and friends. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Galen Workman, 415-647-8829,

galen@ozdachs.com Joined: 1982

Editor of The Flame, Co-chair of the refugee Guardian Group, member of the Ministerial Relations Committee.  In the past: Moderator, Assistant Moderator, and Treasurer of the Board, chair of the Nominating Committee, member of the Ministerial Search, Social Justice, Canvass, Bylaw Revision, Publicity and other committees.

Internet marketing and web design consultant.

Vice President of the Hinckley Fund and chair of its Grants Committee. Participates in local square dancing and dog show activities.

I believe the Board should help frame the choices facing the community and support the membership in making the actual decisions. I don’t take policy disagreements personally and try to focus on substantive questions. I believe my communications background will help the Board empower the congregation to understand the issues and options.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We nominate for the Nominating Committee:

Kathi Malone, Nan Parks McCarthy, Stephen Schwichow. The Nominating Committee has open two two-year positions and one one-year position. Biographies below.

* = incumbent

Kathi Malone, 415-447-5461,

mwkathi@gmail.com

Joined: 2008

Church activities, committees or group involvement: Building and Grounds, Green, Hospitality (usher), UU for Peace, and UUUNO. Member of SCW.  Volunteer for Up on Top and Office staff.

Profession/career: Retired social worker.

Other community, volunteer or professional activities: None.

Why would you like to serve on the Nominating Committee and how will it benefit our church community? I am running for a position on the Nominating Committee to help in recruiting the best possible candidates to help this church to move forward.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nan Parks McCarthy, 415-846-4776, nanaparks@yahoo.com Joined: 1990

Former member of the Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee, Up On Top – one of the founders and executive director, Recipient of the Rheiner Award, former chair and member of the Social Justice Committee, former delegate to GA and PCD.

Professional fundraiser and nonprofit organizer.

For three years SCW board member, chair of the Membership Committee, founder and volunteer at Habitat for Humanity San Francisco.

To serve on the Nominating Committee is an important way to make a difference in the life of the church. As a church member for 22 years I believe I have a keen understanding of the church and its activities. Since I have participated on the board, nominating committee, GA and PCD, I would be able to explain fully the responsibilities and personal rewards that one would receive serving in any of these positions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stephen Schwichow, 415-680-0848,

schwichs@gmail.com

Joined: 1997

Administers the LGBT Bulletin Board Yahoo!Group, co-facilitated for four years in our Small Group Ministry program, co-instructed Esperanto in our Adult R.E. program, have been involved with the sale of Kopanang goods during our Holiday Faires,  was a Worship Associate for two years, a member of the International Association for Religious Freedom, is currently in his third term on our Board of Trustees and served as a delegate at the 2009 General Assembly in Salt Lake City, UT and the 2011 General Assembly in Charlotte, NC.

Human Resources Administrator, State Bar of California, Retired 10/2012.

Worked with the LGBT Advisory Committee of the S.F. Human Rights Commission, member of the Planning Council of the Gay Buddhist Sangha, Secretary of the San Francisco Regional Esperanto Organization (SFERO).

The committee’s task is finding the most qualified candidates for the Board of Trustees, delegates to UU assemblies, and other requested tasks. This requires both discernment and a wider vision which goes beyond identifying particular skills sets to finding individuals who will work together as a whole for the sake of the greater mission before us, rather than narrow interest groups. I believe my experience will help the committee fulfill those responsibilities to our congregation.

Sprucing up Franklin Street

Many of our boxwood shrubs on Franklin Street are dead and have left holes in the frontage planter beds.  This planting area presents a number of challenges:  it is quite narrow so that fast growing bushy shrubs will not work; there is little sun; and there is heavy foot and vehicle traffic. We need hearty, shade tolerant shrubs that can stand a little abuse. We’d like to use California native plants if possible.  The Green Committee and Buildings and Grounds Committee are working with Sam Hartman, Program Coordinator of Ecology Center of San Francisco and our Building Manager, Donald Johnson, to determine what might thrive along Franklin Street. We will plant several as a trial to see if they can survive.  This will not be a fast process but we hope to have several mature size shrubs planted this summer.

Info: Marc Theobald, Green Committee Chair, 650-359-2610, calicoastmarc@aol.com

The Merry Motley Month of May

Sunday Worship Music in May

Resembling more the offerings of Cal or San Francisco Performances, our May church services promise more diversity than in any other month of the year!

Where else can you hear a Russian Men's A Cappella ensemble, trumpeter Tom Dambly, divas Laurel Sprigg and Maria Solis, Irish folk musicians, and our own choir presenting a rarely heard choral masterwork, Halsey Stevens "Magnificat". In observance of Mother's Day, we will be resurrecting a tradition from years past: the impromptu singing by the men and youth of our church gathering as our Mother's Day Chorus! Do plan to come hear the wonderful music in store for you. The services also feature the honoring of our Religious Education volunteer teachers as well as hearing a sermon from The Reverend Harry Scholefield's son, The Reverend Joel Scholefield.

Info: Dr. Mark Sumner, Choir Director, 415-776-4580x252, sngwtme@gmail.com

Soprano Laurel Sprigg in Concert

Saturday, May 11, 7:30 PM,

Chapel

Experience an evening of gorgeous music and a stirring story told through the Romantic poetry of songs by Brahms, Schubert, Schumann and Mendelssohn.

Listen to a performance

by Soprano Soloist Laurel Sprigg and Pianist David Jones recorded in our Sanctuary on April 18.

Download .mp3

See the Flier here!

Sunday Forum

Sunday's at 9:30 AM,

MLK Room

May 5
"From I to We: People and the Plants and Animals that Accompany Us on Earth."  What matters more: our human communities or the natural world?  This question, or a variant of it, drives environmental debates, and also drives a wedge between progressive movements. Brent Plater will describe what his organization is doing to get past this dilemma and build a healthy and sustainable community for people, plants and animals.You will discover dozens of endangered species found in the Bay Area, find out how you can help them recover, all while helping build a stronger environmental and social justice movement for all. Plater is a Lecturer within the San Francisco State University Environmental Studies program and Executive Director of the Wild Equity Institute, a non-profit organization uniting the grassroots conservation and environmental justice movements. Brent has received numerous honors for his work, including the Environmental Education Conservation Award from the John Muir Association; the Unsung Hero Award from San Francisco Tomorrow; and a 2009 SF Weekly "Best of San Francisco" designation.

May 12
“Fracking and the Rise of Natural Gas” with Jennifer Krill, Executive Director of EARTHWORKS, an organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the impacts of irresponsible mineral and energy development. EARTHWORKS was founded in 1988 and focuses on reforming the US Mining Law of 1872, the innovative No Dirty Gold Campaign to build support in the marketplace for reforming the policies and practices of the mining industry, and working with tribal, urban and rural communities to protect their homes and the environment from the devastating impacts of oil and gas drilling and development. A lifelong activist, Jennifer has previously directed campaigns at Rainforest Action Network (RAN).

May 19
"Vegetarian Spirituality and Awareness of Factory Farming," with Josephine Bellaccomo, author of MOVE THE MESSAGE (Lantern Books 2004) and Pitch Consultant & Communications Coach at Move the Message, a training organization providing communication skills workshops for activists, community organizers and green businesses. Also featured is Julie Guillen, RN. This interactive and entertaining presentation exposes the impact of factory farming on public health, social justice, the environment and animal cruelty, and explores the power we have to make a difference.

May 26
“San Francisco Poetry for Social Justice”, with members of the Revolutionary Poets Brigade, formed in San Francisco in 2009, supported by poets whose purpose is to raise awareness of social, environmental and spiritual injustice by vocalizing publicly through performance and poetry. Past SF Poet Laureate Jack Hirschman and fellow Brigadisti Dee Allen, Mahnaz Badihian and Bobby Coleman will be among the speakers. 

Info: Dr. Karen Melander-Magoon, Sunday Forum Chair, 415-441-6287, karenmmagoon@gmail.com

Sign Up for the All Church Retreat!

Saturday, May 25 to

Monday, May 27

The annual All Church Retreat will again be held at the CYO Retreat Center in Occidental on Memorial Day weekend, May 25 to 27. 

This all church gathering is a great opportunity to make connections with others in our church community and enjoy a relaxing weekend in the country.  There will be workshops and planned activities, but you are free to do whatever you want, even take a nap, and someone else will prepare your meals.  It is a great time for families to have fun together, but the retreat is for everyone to have fun - swimming, talking, hiking, reading, relaxing, and performing in the talent show. 

Please plan to join us – it will be a great weekend at a very reasonable cost. A copy of the registration form and information about the retreat center, directions, etc. can be accessed at the church office or go here.

More Info Here

Info: Linda Enger, 650-678-3800, LEnger@packard.org

Sensible Cinema

Thursday, May 9, 6:30 PM,

Murdock Room

Sponsored by the UU-United Nations Office and Green Committees. We will be featuring the movie “Inside Job”, a 2010 documentary film about the late-2000s financial crisis directed by Charles H. Ferguson.

As usual, popcorn and other snacks available.

Info: Info: Larry Danos, 510-583-1757, ldanos@sbcglobal.net

Mindfulness Meditation Classes

May 9 to June 6, Chapel

Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation: A Five-Week Introductory Class (May 9-June 6) with Paul Irving & Marlena deCarion.This class will explore the basic teachings of the Buddha in both meditation practice and daily life. We will introduce and deepen the practice of Mindfulness, with the aim of integrating Mindfulness into all aspects of our lives. Each session will include guided meditation instruction, talks on fundamental Buddhist teachings, and time for questions and discussion. This class is appropriate for those new to meditation as well as those wishing to refine their existing practice. People of all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome. 

• When:Five Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm: May 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6. The class also includes a daylong retreat on Saturday, June 1 from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• To Register: Pre-register online here or send check payable to UUSF for $50 to: First Unitarian Universalist Church, Attention: ARE, 1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. Please include a phone number or email address on your check so we can contact you if there are last-minute changes. Pre-registration is encouraged, but it is also possible to register at the first class, space permitting.
• Teacher Dana: The teachers are supported solely by your donations for their time and teachings (they do not receive any portion of the $50 registration fee). Suggested donations are $25 to $100 for the five-week evening class series (or $5 to $20 per class) and $20 to $50 for the daylong. This amount can be offered to the teacher by cash or check (payable to SF Insight) at the first class or at each individual class.
• For Information: Call Jonathan at 415-994-5951.
• What to Bring: Please bring your lunch to the daylong retreat.

About the Teachers:

Paul Irving has practiced meditation and contemplation in Eastern and Western traditions since 1973. In 2012 he completed Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader Program. He is the co-founder of a successful optometry clinic, has been a consultant in project management and non-profit funding development, and is currently the Practice Manager of a large health practice at UCSF.

Marlena deCarion has been practicing meditation since 1995. She is a graduate of Spirit Rock’s Dedicated Practitioners Program and is a Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader. Although she has primarily studied in the Theravada Buddhism, she is influenced by Tibetan and non-dual practices. Marlena is a Certified Professional Coach, is trained in Somatic Experiencing, and is a student of the Diamond Approach.

More Info Here

Michael Pollan/Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation

Monday, May 6, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary

In Cooked, Michael Pollan explores the previously uncharted territory of his own kitchen. Here, he discovers the enduring power of the four classical elements -- fire, water, air, and earth -- to transform the stuff of nature into delicious things to eat and drink. Apprenticing himself to a succession of culinary masters, Pollan learns how to grill with fire, cook with liquid, bake bread, and ferment everything from cheese to beer. In the course of his journey, he discovers that the cook occupies a special place in the world, standing squarely between nature and culture. Both realms are transformed by cooking, and so, in the process, is the cook.

Michael Pollan is the author of six previous books: Second Nature, A Place of My Own, The Botany of Desire, Food Rules, and the national bestsellers, The Omnivore's Dilemma, and In Defense of Food.A longtime contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine, Pollan is also the Knight Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley. His writing on food and agriculture has won numerous awards, including the Reuters/World Conservation Union Global Award in Environmental Journalism, the James Beard Award, and the Genesis Award from the American Humane Association.

Tickets available online at Brown Paper Tickets

or 800-838-3006.

Seat and one copy of "Cooked" $35

Two seats and one copy of "Cooked" $40

Award-winning American poet
Nikky Finney

Saturday, May 18, 7PM, TSK Room

Renowned for her rousing, inspiring acceptance speech for the 2011 National Book Award, Nikky Finney gives a poetry reading sponsored by The Poetry Center at SF State. Finney is the Guy Davenport Endowed Professor at the University of Kentucky. Her electrifying acceptance speech recalled African American slaves who were not allowed to learn to read or write. The actor John Lithgow, MC for the National Book Awards, said, “That’s the best acceptance for anything I’ve ever heard in my life.”

More Info Here

Tangents Guitar Series Presents: Guitarist James Moore

Saturday, May 24, 7PM,

Macondray Hall

James Moore is a versatile guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. He is a founding member of the electric guitar quartet Dither, and performs internationally as a soloist and ensemble player. A native of the Bay Area, James studied classical guitar at UC Santa Cruz and the Yale School of Music, and has since immersed himself in New York's creative music communities, earning the title of "local electric guitar hero" by Time Out NY and "model new music citizen" by the NY Times. James has worked with Bang on a Can, Alarm Will Sound, Clogs, and members of the National. Recently he has been touring with the production of Richard Maxwell's Neutral Hero, a critically acclaimed theater piece for which he is an on-stage musician and actor. Upcoming projects include performances and recording of John Zorn's Book of Heads for solo guitar, and a new collaborative piece for the Brooklyn Academy of Music with composer David Lang and choreographer Susan Marshall.

More Info Here

Church Calendars 

Sunday Calendar for May 2013

Weekday Calendar for May 2013

(Dates and events subject to change)

Information

1187 Franklin Street 

San Francisco, CA.  94109

415-776-4580

Fax: 415-776-4400 

Firstnews@uusf.org 

www.uusf.org

Our Mission

The Mission of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco is to be a sanctuary for individual religious growth and learning, to celebrate life and worship in diverse fellowship, to bear witness to suffering and joy, and to work for peace and justice in our world.

First Unitarian Universalist Society

 Sunday Church Calendar

Sunday, May 5, 2013

11AM WORSHIP, Sanctuary
“Small Group Ministry at UUSF: On Covenants & Covenant Groups”
 by The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, 415-776-4580 x122 minister@uusf.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
9AM Religious Education: UU Pre-K/Childcare, Montessori Room A Upstairs
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

9:30 AM Sunday Forum: Brent Plater, MLK Room
Info: Dr. Karen Melander-Magoon, 415-441-6287, karenmmagoon@gmail.com

10AM Religious Education: FUUNS (games for children and adults), Fireside
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

10AM Religious Education: Parent Meeting, Chapel
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

10AM Religious Education: Sunday School Classes, Various Classrooms
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

12PM Board of Trusstees: Town Hall Meeting, TSK Room
Info: Stephen Schwichow, 415-680-0848, board@uusf.org

12:15 PM Discuss the Sermon, Stebbins Room
Info: Donald Matusen, 415-515-8863, dmatusen@aol.com

12:30 PM Membership Committee: Newcomers Orientation, Murdock Room
Info: Membership Chair, George Cavage, gcavage@gmail.com

1PM Pagan Interest Circle: Beltane Ritual, Courtyard
Info: Carlowe Connelly, 415-731-1691, cconnell@fm.ucsf.edu

1:30 PM UUs for Peace & UU-UNO: 3 Religious Perspectives, MLK Room
Info: Liz Cormier, 415-221-3092, elizabethcormier@att.net

5PM Humanists/Non-Theists: Patrick Gallagher, Fireside Room
Info: Bob Burchfield, 415-683-6574, bcb94103@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 12, 2013

11AM WORSHIP, Sanctuary
“Parenting in the Modern & Post-Modern World”
 by The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, 415-776-4580 x122 minister@uusf.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
9AM Religious Education: UU Pre-K/Childcare, Montessori Room A Upstairs
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

9:30 AM Sunday Forum: Jennifer Krill, MLK Room
Info: Dr. Karen Melander-Magoon, 415-441-6287, karenmmagoon@gmail.com

10AM Religious Education: FUUNS (games for children and adults), Fireside
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

10AM Religious Education: Parent Meeting, Chapel
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

10/11AM Religious Education: Sunday School Classes, Varied Classrooms
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

12PM Religious Education: Teacher Appreciation, Chapel
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

12:15 PM Discuss the Sermon, Stebbins Room
Info: Donald Matusen, 415-515-8863, dmatusen@aol.com

12:30 PM Singletarians Meeting/Potluck, MLK Room
Info: Karen Grech 415-821-7865 grechkaren@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 19, 2013

11AM WORSHIP, Sanctuary
 “Truth Is Biography”
 by The Rev. Joel Scholefield
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
9AM Religious Education: UU Pre-K/Childcare, Montessori Room A Upstairs
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

9:30 AM Sunday Forum: Josephine Bellaccomo, MLK Room
Info: Dr. Karen Melander-Magoon, 415-441-6287, karenmmagoon@gmail.com

12PM Board of Trusstees: Town Hall Meeting, MLK Room
Info: Stephen Schwichow, 415-680-0848, board@uusf.org

12PM Society for Community Work: Luncheon, TSK Room
Info: Valerie Heine, 415-387-6485, valheine@earthlink.net

12:15 PM Discuss the Sermon, Stebbins Room
Info: Donald Matusen, 415-515-8863, dmatusen@aol.com

12:30 PM Membership: Invitation to Membership, Dutton Study
Info: The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, 415-776-4580 x122 minister@uusf.org

12PM Society for Community Work: Scholarship Interviews, Stebbins Room
Info: Kathleen Moran, 415-742-4728, kanwis43@gmail.com

2:30 PM Elmer Owens Memorial Service, MLK Room
Info: Kerry Parker, 415-776-4580 x202, reservations@uusf.org

Sunday, May 26, 2013   (ALL CHURCH RETREAT DAY 2)

11AM WORSHIP, Sanctuary
“Emblazoned on My Memory”
 by The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Furrer, 415-776-4580 x122 minister@uusf.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
9AM Religious Education: UU Pre-K/Childcare, Montessori Room A Upstairs
Info: The Rev. Alyson Jacks, religious.education@uusf.org, 415-776-4580 x232

9:30 AM Sunday Forum: Revolutionary Poets Brigade, MLK Room
Info: Dr. Karen Melander-Magoon, 415-441-6287, karenmmagoon@gmail.com

12:15 PM Discuss the Sermon, Stebbins Room
Info: Donald Matusen, 415-515-8863, dmatusen@aol.com

Dates and events subject to change.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CALENDAR?

First Unitarian Universalist Society 

Weekday Church Calendar

Wednesday, May 1
12:30 PM Organ Practice, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane
1PM Needleworkers Committee: Arts & Crafts, Kincaid, c/o Katy Colpetzer
7PM Green Committee: 350 Bay Area, TSK Room, c/o Margaret Pearce
7:30 PM Ministerial Relations Committee, Dutton Study, c/o David Jones

Thursday, May 2
5:30 PM ARE - Adult Musicianship, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner
6PM Bell Choir + Reiko Organ Rehearsal, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane
7:15PM Choir: Rehearsal, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner

Friday, May 3
12PM SCW: Scholarship Interviews, Stebbins Room, c/o Kathleen Moran

Saturday, May 4
9AM Men’s Breakfast, Stebbins Room, c/o Ed Sheffield

Monday, May 6
7PM Nominating Committee, Stebbins Room, c/o John Klopacz

Tuesday, May 7
5PM Green Committee Meeting, Fireside, c/o Marc Theobald
5PM Guardian Group Meeting, Stebbins Room, c/o Galen Workman
5:30 PM UU’s for Peace: 99% Coalition, MLK Room, c/o Dolores Priem
6:30 PM Board of Trustees: Agenda Setting, Dutton Study, c/o Stephen Schwichow
7:15 PM Art Committee Meeting, Stebbins Room, c/o Paul Kensinger

Wednesday, May 8
12:30 PM Organ Practice, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane
7PM SCW: Program & Membership, Stebbins Room, c/o Nan Parks McCarthy

Thursday, May 9
5:30 PM ARE - Adult Musicianship, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner
6PM Bell Choir + Reiko Organ Rehearsal, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane
6PM Green Committee: Sensible Cinema, Murdock Room, c/o Larry Danos
7PM Insight Meditation Community, Chapel - Registration at 6:30 PM
7:15PM Choir: Rehearsal, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner

Friday, May 10
2PM SCW: Scholarship Interviews, Stebbins Room, c/o Kathleen Moran
6PM UUSC Major Donor Dinner, MLK & TSK Rooms, c/o Linda Harris

Tuesday, May 14
9:30AM SCW: Board Meeting, Stebbins Room, c/o Leslie Bader
7:30 PM Finance Committee Meeting, Fireside Room, c/o Thad Smith

Wednesday, May 15
12PM Organ Practice, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane

Thursday, May 16
5:30 PM ARE - Adult Musicianship, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner
6PM Bell Choir + Reiko Organ Rehearsal, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane
7PM Insight Meditation Community, Chapel
7:15PM Choir: Rehearsal, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner

Saturday, May 18
8:30 AM Faithful Fools: St. Retreat Orientation, Kincaid Room, c/o Carmen Barsody
10AM SCW: Scholarship Interviews, Stebbins Room, c/o Kathleen Moran

Monday, May 20
5PM Sunday Forum: Planning Meeting, Dutton Study, c/o Karen Melander-Magoon
6PM Membership Committee Meeting, Stebbins Room, c/o George Cavage
7PM Nominating Committee, Stebbins Room, c/o John Klopacz

Tuesday, May 21
11AM SCW: Business Meeting, Stebbins Room, c/o Leslie Bader
5:30 PM UU’s for Peace: 99% Coalition, MLK Room, c/o Dolores Priem
7PM Board of Trustees Budget Meeting, Fireside Room, c/o Stephen Schwichow

Wednesday, May 22
12:30 PM Organ Practice, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane

Thursday, May 23
5:30 PM ARE - Adult Musicianship, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner
6PM Bell Choir + Reiko Organ Rehearsal, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane
7PM UU’s for Peace: PDA, MLK Room, c/o Dolores Priem
7PM Insight Meditation Community, Chapel
7:15PM Choir: Rehearsal, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner

Saturday, May 25
7PM Pagan Interest Circle: Full Moon Service, Chapel, c/o Carlowe Connelly

(ALL CHURCH RETREAT DAY 1)

Monday, May 27
Holiday Closure - Memorial Day

(ALL CHURCH RETREAT DAY 3)

Wednesday, May 29
12:30 PM Organ Practice, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane

Thursday, May 30
5:30 PM ARE - Adult Musicianship, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner
6PM Bell Choir + Reiko Organ Rehearsal, Sanctuary, c/o Reiko Oda Lane
7PM Insight Meditation Community, Chapel
7:15PM Choir: Rehearsal, Macondray, c/o Dr. Mark Sumner

Saturday, June 1
9AM Men’s Breakfast, Stebbins Room, c/o Ed Sheffield
9:30 AM Insight Meditation Community, Chapel
10AM Insight Meditation Community, Courtyard

Dates and events subject to change.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CALENDAR?