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First Unitarian Universalist
Society
of San Francisco
(415) 776-4580
Email
UUSF 
1187 Franklin Street at Geary
San Francisco, CA 94109
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it! 
Copyright 2005-2008.
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Website design by
Guy Burns. 
The Flame (homepage news) compiled and
edited by
Galen Workman. 
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San Francisco's Home for the Liberal Spirit Welcomes You! |
Worship Service at 11 am every Sunday
Religious Education for Children & Youth 11 am every Sunday
Our church is a place where individuals
are free to explore the ultimate questions in a community of other
seekers and find their own answers.
We are...
- Christians, Jews, Humanists, Agnostics, Pagans, Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus, Muslims, and many other faith traditions
- straight, gay, couples, singles, young, old, and racially diverse
- bound together not by dogma, but by shared values, social concerns, common interests, and friendship
Since 1850 Unitarian Universalists have been a prophetic, progressive, liberal voice in San Francisco.
Come and explore your individual path while sharing the journey of others. Experience our loving and supportive community for the liberal spirit at your own pace and on your own terms.
We invite you to learn about our beliefs and activities by
exploring this site, visiting us in person, and getting involved
in our community. We highly recommend the Small Group
Ministry program as a great way to sample our community, meeting some of our people and getting a feel for our values. In the meantime, our Visitors FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is also good place to start right now. |
From Our Community Scrapbook
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"God is Optional, but You Are Not ... "
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May begins with Beltane and just keeps getting better, as we throw off the long cold season and celebrate the pure joy of this most liberal of months. Please join us! Check out a sampling of events happening in May.
Also see our weekly electronic newsletter below for the most up-to-date happenings within our community. |
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published Thursday, May 8, 2008
Can God be Trusted?
Sunday, May 11 at 11 am in the Church Sanctuary
service conducted by the Rev. Gregory Stewart
As a Unitarian Universalist minister I find
it interesting that the questions most often
asked of me by parishioners have to do with
God, particularly about God's existence. As
a UU religious educator the class discussions
that provoke the most thoughtful discussion
are also about God.
To know about the nature of God, it is
imperative that we ask the right questions.
Today I'll tell you what I think they are and
I may even try to answer them.
Joining me on the Chancel are ministerial
intern Jeremy Nickel, acting director
of religious education Betty Skwarek,
worship associate Otto O'Connor, and
youth worship associate Samuel Brandeis.
Special music is provided by recording artist
Roy Zimmerman, entertainer extraordinaire at
last month's Pacific Central District
Assembly, and our own Madeleine
Gerlach. The men of our congregation are
invited to sing in our annual tribute to
mothers -- no rehearsal necessary!
Please
bring those who are special in your life to
church this Sunday.
Mother's Day Open Forum - Mothers & Motherhood
Forum Sunday at 9:30 in the Martin Luther King Room
from Karen Melander-Magoon and Barbara Allen
Open Forum encouraging oral history about our
mothers, children and families. Our panel of
speakers includes Sue Anthony,
Delores Priem, Millie Phillips
and others.
"I really learned it all
from mothers."
-- Dr. Benjamin Spock
Share your own stories about your children or
your moms and your own family histories.
"At work, you
think of the children you have
left at home. At home, you think of the work
you've left unfinished. Such a struggle is
unleashed within yourself. Your heart is
rent." -- Golda Meir
The free program will start at 9:45. Come at
9:30 for conversation, coffee, and (for a
slight charge) a light breakfast.
Children Prepare Worship Services in R.E. Classes
Religious Education Classes Sunday at 11 am
from Betty Skwarek, Acting Director of
Religious Education
In children's classes we will talk about
worship, what it is and why we do it.
Students will work on preparing worship services.
May's religious education topic is "Awe and
Wonder." What in our existence raises
questions? What in our existence inspires
"Awe."
New students are welcome throughout the year.
Parents are invited to phone Acting
Director of Religious Education Betty Skwarek
at 415-776-4580 for more information.
More information about our programs for
children and youth is available on our
UUSF-CRE Google Group message board / forum.
Anyone who would like to know more about our
programs may join. It is a moderated group
so you need to call or email Betty Skwarek,
bskwarek@uusf.org
or 415-776-4580 to be added
to the group.
Rites of Passage Students Interview Rev. Stewart
Why did he become a minister? What does being a UU mean?
from Kirk Robarge, R.E. parent and teacher
Children in the UU Rites of Passage program
interviewed Senior Minister Greg Stewart as
part of their preparation for the Rites of
Passage service upcoming on May 18.
Ashley, Tobias, Neil, Tiana, and Callie asked
Greg about his favorite color (yellow),
favorite ice cream flavor (peanut butter
chocolate chip), and what car he drives (a
two-seater convertible).
Challenging questions were
asked of Greg as well. What does he like best
about his
job? What does he not like about his job?
What's the most important thing he does as a
minister, and what does being Unitarian
Universalist mean to him?
Read all of the children's questions and
Greg's answers:
Rev. Stewart interview.
Be sure to attend our annual Rites of Passage
Sunday service, May 18, 11:00 a.m., where our
third grade UUs ask more tough questions of
our religious professionals.
Annual Seder Dinner - Story, Song and Matzah Soup!
Friday, May 16 at 6:30 pm in the MLK room.
from Maria Solis
Everyone is warmly invited to our annual
Unitarian
Universalist Seder, when we explore
Passover's universal themes with story, song,
children's activities, and a meal together.
Enjoy a modified potluck dinner headlined by
Maria Solis' delicious vegetarian Matzah Ball
Soup.
A donation at the door is requested to help
offset expenses.
Please RSVP to Maria Solis, at
415-221-2575.
Help make this Seder one of our most
successful celebrations with your
presence.
Membership Party for Newcomers - Signup Sunday
Special Dinner for New UUs and Newcomers, May 31st
from Anna Sylvester
New members, graduates of "New UU Sharing the
Journey" class, and all newcomers are invited
to a special dinner sponsored by the
Membership committee.
Please stop by the Membership Table after
Services for information and to signup up for
the "Membership
Potluck" dinner party. The date is Saturday,
May 31st, at 6:00 p.m. in the
MLK Room.
Come and meet all the other "new
people" at church and join in the fun.
For more information, please call Anna
Sylvester at (415) 359-0697.
Senior Friday Cancelled for May 9
The Senior Friday program, scheduled for May
9, is canceled this month due to the Rev.
Fred Rabidoux's illness. (See Good and
Welfare, below). The program will resume in
June.
Water Fair Planning Begins for June 1st Fair
Can You Help? Fair to examine world's growing water crisis.
from Linda Harris
Local activists with the Unitarian
Universalist Service Committee are busily
planning a Water Fair to be held at the
church Sunday June 1st from noon until 3 PM.
Do you work for or volunteer with a group
that is involved with water issues? If so,
please let us know. Would you like to share
your talents by helping to plan press
releases, make posters and fliers, or help
with the luncheon or the event itself?
The fair will feature exciting speakers, a
panel discussion by experts, and several Bay
Area organizations will host information
tables. We'll watch a film and enjoy a
delicious lunch together.
To get involved, please stop by our UUSC
Table after church, or call Linda Harris at
415-215-7292 or email linda.p.harris@gmail.com,
or come to one our next planning meetings at
the church scheduled for May 13th at 6
PM and May 17th at 1 PM.
Good and Welfare
We keep in our thoughts the Rev. Fred
Rabidoux, who has contracted a severe
bronchial infection and is recuperating at home.
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