First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco

December 7, 2014 11:00 AM

The Meaning of Life

U P CO M I N G E V E N T SBlessed Are ThoseBlessed are those who yearn fordeepening more than escape; whoare not afraid to grow in spirit.

Blessed are those who take seriouslyThe bonds of community; who regularlyjoin in celebration and learning; who come as much to minister as to be ministered unto.

Blessed are those who bring their children;who invite their friends to come along, tojoin in fellowship, service, learning, and growth.

Blessed are those who support the churchand its work by their regular, sustained, andgenerous giving; and who give of themselvesno less than their money.

Blessed are those who know that the churchis often imperfect, yet rather than harbor feelingsof anger or disappointment, bring their concernsand needs to the attention of the church leaders.

Blessed are those who when asked to serve, do itGladly; who realize that a change is brought aboutThrough human meeting, who do the work of committees,And stay till the end.

Blessed are those who speak their minds in meetings,Who can take and give criticism; who keep alivetheir sense of humor.

Blessed are those who know that the work of theChurch is the transformation of society; who havea vision of Beloved Community transcending the present,and who do not shrink from controversy, sacrifice,or change.

All: Blessed are they indeed.

Holiday Faire 12:30 PM, King Rooms (TODAY!)

Vendors with GREAT HOLIDAY GOODIES & A Lunch.

This year we will be teaming with our neighbors at St. Mark's Lutheran Church across the street. This Fund Raiser will celebrate the holidays with our two congregations. A catered luncheon will be served in the King Rooms complete with seasonal entertainment. In addition there will be vendors offering holiday gifts for sale.

By John Buehrens

The Nature Principle (Humanists/Non-Thiests Group) 6PM, Fireside Room (TODAY!)

Natalie Shuttleworth will highlight and lead a discussion about concepts from Richard Louv’s book, The Nature Principle - Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age Natalie met the author and obtained an autographed copy of his book at the annual San Francisco Botanical Garden fund-raiser luncheon. Our Potluck starts at 6PM. Bring something to share if you are able. The discussion starts at 6:30 PM. We’ll be in the Fireside Room. Everyone is welcome. Humanists & Non-Theists Committee Planning Meeting begins at 5PM. If you have suggestions for future topics, you are invited to attend our planning meeting.

Light for Lima Vigil 5:30 PM, Steps of our Sanctuary (TODAY!)

Time is running out for our leaders to reach an agreement to save us from devastating climate change. In solidarity with other faith groups around the world http://ourvoices.net/lima, the Insight Meditation Buddhist group is co-sponsoring with our church an interfaith evening called “Light for Lima” with a solar lamp vigil on the steps of the church to bring awareness and prayer to the Lima, Peru, Climate Summit (COP20) taking place December 1 - 12. All church members are invited to attend and please bring a friend!

Big Music Sunday and Partner Church LuncheonBig Music Sunday and Partner Church Luncheon! Next Sunday, December 14 at 11AM in our Sanctuary is our annual musical offering followed by the luncheon at 12:30 PM in the TSK Room.

Our church choir will be joined by singers from the East Bay and professional orchestra players from all over gathered to share this most wonderful music. "Rejoice in the Lamb" is a favorite masterwork composed by Benjamin Britten who was celebrated throughout the choral world last year on his 100th birthyear. The unique and thought-provoking text is by Christopher Smart. Morten Lauridsen's music is now considered a world-wide treat and "Lux Aeterna" is his latest large-scale masterwork.

At 12:30 PM the Partner Church Committee presents its annual fundraiser lunch following church services. The menu includes delicious traditional Hungarian food, prepared under the direction of lead chef Maria Solis, plenty of good wine and an opportunity to try a popular Hungarian liquor called Palinka. Each year, the Partner Church Committee raises funds to support our partner church in Kolozsvar, a city in the Transylvanian region of Romania. These funds augment the Kolozsvar minister's state salary and provide funds for the holiday baskets which the church prepares for poor families in the community. Plan to join us and support the partner church and break bread with your friends! The suggested donation is $20.00.

About Today's Guest Preacher

Marilyn Sewell is the Minister Emerita of First Unitarian Church of Portland, OR. Under her leadership it became one of the largest UU churches in the country, often drawing 1000 people each Sunday. She is the author of several books, including her memoir, Raw Faith: Following the

Thread, which will be for sale today at our Holiday Faire. She trained for the ministry with John Buehrens. He, too, will be selling and signing books at the same table.

1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 415-776-4580 ; FAX 415-776-4400

www.uusf.org/ info@uusf.org

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“Blessed are those who, beyond asking the meaning of life, simply give their lives to meaning.” ~John Buehrens

Prelude Sleepers Wake! A Voice Is Calling, BWV 645 Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship #436 and Chalice Lighting Cindy Pincus

Introit O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Veni Emmanuel

The Advent Wreath John Buehrens

*Hymn 226 People, Look East Besançon

*Reciting Our Congregational Covenant

Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its prayer. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in freedom, and to help one another.

*Doxology Tallis' Canon

Reflection Ben Bear, Worship Associate

Anthem When the Song of the Angels is Stilled Elizabeth Alexander (words of Howard Thurman)

Pastoral Prayer John Buehrens

Moments of Silent Meditation

* Please rise if you are able.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, December 9, 7PM, Chapel"Living by Heart - A Spiritual Practice"Led by Eleanor Priez

Thursday, December 11, 9:30 AM Chapel"An Evening with Tom Ammiano"UUs for Peace and Justice

Friday, December 12, 6:30 PM MLK Room"Chinatown"Sensible Cinema

Sunday, December 14, 9:15 AM, MLK Room"The Grateful Life: The Secret to Happiness and the Science of Contentment" with Nina LesowitzForum

Sunday, December 14, 9:30 AM, Fireside Room"Frustration: Job and the Wisdom Literature"Minister's Seminar with John Buehrens

Sunday, December 14, 11AM, SanctuaryBIG MUSIC SUNDAYDr. Mark Sumner and the UUSF Choir and Orchestra

Check it out!

Rev. John Buehrens has a new posting called the Minister's Blog. There is a new post released every Wednesday. To read a copy go to our website at www.uusf.org and type "minister's blog" in the search bar.

Meet with John!

Rev. Buehrens is available to meet with you Monday through Thursday. Contact John to schedule an appointment.

WelcomeIf you are visiting today, please take a moment to fill out the yellow Newcomer Card located in the pew rack. It will allow you to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, The Flame. Please stop by our Welcome Table in the gallery after the service or speak with a minister to learn more about our liberal religious home.

Service Animals & Scent Free ZoneIn our Sanctuary we have dedicated two areas. The left pews as you face the chancel are for people with animals such as assistance dogs. The right pews as you face the chancel are for people who are sensitive to fragrances such as cologne and/or perfumes. If you have any questions please see one of our Sunday Worship Ushers located in the Narthex (entry way of Sanctuary).

Sermon Talk-Back, Kincaid RoomEach Sunday you are welcome to join members and friends of this church for an after worship discussion of the sermon session led by Donald Matusen at 12:15 PM.

This mornings flower are dedicated in loving memory of Lou Goebel, father of Teresa and grandfather of Charlie.

Welcome and Announcements Kathleen Quenneville, Trustee

Greeting One Another

Responsive Reading 728 Cindy Pincus (see words on backpage)

New Member Recognition George Cavage, Membership Chair

Words of Welcome (Minister): This is a day of celebration for all of us, as we honor your commitment to become members of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco. We know that you did not come to this decision lightly. I ask the members of this congregation: Will you now welcome these new members, enlarging the circle of community, embracing the gifts they bring?

Congregation: We do. We not only welcome you, but also promise to nurture your new beginnings with our friendship and support. With eagerness and expectation, we look forward to working alongside you and building our beloved community together with you. We promise to care for you through courtesy, acceptance, respect and engagement.

New Members: We accept your welcome. Eagerly, and with enthusiasm, we bring our gifts and talents at this time and to this place. We look forward to being co-creators of this community.

Reading Here, There Are Blueberries Mary Szybist

Sermon The Meaning of Life The Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell

Offertory There's a Song in the Air Wilbur Held

*Hymn 128 For All That Is Our Life Sherman Island

*Benediction

Postlude "Gigue" Fugue in G Major, BWV 577 J. S. Bach

Simmy CoverAndrew DesruisseauChandra Egan Sara FerreeMerle FurlongAlessandro GagliardiTeresa GoebelLaurel GrayKirsten HoveRebecca LyonMelange MatthewsLaura PerlinNick Picciani

Tim PoriElaine PrattAlan ReynoldsLinda RobertshawBirgit Russo-KluekerSusan Russo-KleukerPaul SloanJeff SpragueDouglas StetsonAlexander StrehlSandra TorrentePaloma VelazquezKara Whiston Reynolds

Welcome New Members!