Santa Clarita’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation May, 2018

MAY THEME “PROSPERITY”

“Live Long and Prosper” was Spock’s Vulcan “blessing” in the original Star Trek. Since he was hyper-bright, he didn’t just mean prosper materially, though that’s important. His wish was that we thrive physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. This blooming month of May, we look at what it means to prosper, and to be a prosperous society.

Sunday Services:

Sunday, May 6 −10:30 am

“But You Do Believe in God … Don’t You?”

Rev. Kenneth Collier We UU ministers get asked this question all the time. Answering it without being misunderstood requires a short course in theology. How about a flash course instead? Rev. Collier is Minister Emeritus at the Santa Barbara congregation. Before retiring from Santa Barbara, he served the Palo Alto congregation and several East Coast congregations. He and his wife, Anne Anderson, live in Santa Barbara. He is also the author of several books, the most recent of which is The Great Wound: Confession of a Slaveholding Family. He holds a PhD in philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh and an MDiv from Starr King School for the Ministry.

Sunday, May 13 − 10:30 am

Nourishing Flourishing Rev. Peter Farriday

Mothers obviously have great influence on their children’s lives. (Of course dads and others do too.) And women who aren’t moms also often shape young lives: as grandmothers, aunts, cousins; as neighbors and friends; as mentors and role models through their work and/or other community contributions. No matter who we are, this Mother’s Day we’ll look at some ways to help younger folks flourish by nourishing their hungry spirits.

www.UUofSCV.org 661-254-7866

UU of SCV

2

Sunday, May 20 − 10:30 am

True Prosperity: Reviving America’s

Moral Heart Rev. Peter Farriday

The Unitarian Universalist Association and the UU Ministers Association are both official endorsers of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Coming 50 years after Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. launched this venture to end systemic poverty, racism, and militarism in America, today’s recharged Campaign doesn’t seek to commemorate King’s vision—it seeks to achieve it. Come explore ways to revive our nation’s moral heart and create a truly prosperous society. Two out of every three 3rd Sundays of the month, UU of SCV donates our collection to a local charity. This month’s collection will go to Single Mother’s Outreach, which provides hope and support for families facing sudden housing instability, income loss, emotional trauma and social deterioration as the result of divorce, abandonment, or widowhood.

Sunday, May 27 − 10:30 am

Step by Step Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

Passing legislation and adopting incremental reforms is slow and boring. But when real people are really suffering, demanding ideological purity instead of negotiating achievable compromises is cruel. Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels was the minister of our UU of SCV congregation from 2001 through 2010. He returns this week as our guest speaker! Rev. Rick shepherded us through our formative years, and has since served as the minister at First Unitarian Church of LA. He is currently Interim Minister at UU Church of Long Beach and is President of the UU Ministers Association Pacific Southwest Chapter.

SERVICES ARE HELD AT: SCV Senior Center Bldg.,

22900 Market St. Newhall, CA

(½ block from Newhall Ave.)

3

The Poor People’s Campaign Rev. Peter Farriday

The Poor People’s Campaign

On April 17 I participated in a UU conference call about the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. (Abbreviated as PPC.) Both the Unitarian Universalist Association and the UU Ministers Association are official endorsers of this movement for systemic social justice. One of the PPC’s co-chairs is the Rev. Dr. William Barber. You may recall I shared aspects of his potent work in two 2017 sermons: “Messages from Moral Mondays” on Jan. 15, and after hearing him speak in L.A. two weeks later, “Moral Vision: Wm Barber at Occidental” on March 5. For an overview I encourage you to listen again (or the first time) though this web page: http://www.uuofscv.org/sermons-2017. But specific to the PPC, here’s some background from a December 2017 PPC report, “The Souls of Poor Folk: Auditing America”: (Full report at www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/index.php/audit/)

“On December 4, 1967, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. announced plans for a Poor People’s Campaign to organize towards transformative actions to end poverty, racism, and militarism in America. …[Y]et even after Dr. King’s assassination in April 1968, this multi-racial mobilization of the poor went forward, mobilizing caravans that converged in Washington, D.C. to erect a shanty town on the National Mall that came to be known as “Resurrection City.” The Poor People’s Campaign culminated in a Solidarity Day Rally… involving more than 50,000 people on June 19, 1968. “Over the past 50 years, social movements have continued the struggle against poverty and the interrelated issues of the war economy and militarism, racism, and ecological devastation. They have won some gains, but even the handful of select indicators in this report make clear that we are still living in a system that serves a tiny minority at the expense of the rest of us. And while the poor, women, and people of color are hardest hit, these problems afflict our entire nation. Most poor and low-income Americans are white, and our middle class is rapidly shrinking as more and more of our country’s abundant wealth flows to the top 1%. It is in all of our interest to recapture what Dr. King called the “revolutionary spirit” needed to solve these systemic problems.” Rev. Barber makes clear that the Poor People’s Campaign is not about commemorating Dr. King’s work; it’s about completing it. And it’s already begun, with preparations for weekly mass actions that will happen May 14 through June 21 in Washington, DC and 38 state capitals, including Sacramento. These climax with a massive rally on June 23 in DC, after which the Campaign will continue until its “Declaration of Fundamental Rights and Poor People’s Moral Agenda” is realized. I’ll speak about this agenda at our May 20 service. Meanwhile I encourage you to learn more about the PPC at www.poorpeoplescampaign.org, and about trainings and actions in California at www.facebook.com/californiappc. I’m looking into going to Sacramento in May or June, and DC for June 23. Let me know if you're interested!

4

I’m told that besides direct action there are other ways for UUs to lend a hand, and I’ll share those as I learn more. Meanwhile I’ll reiterate that the UUA has endorsed the Poor People’s Campaign as a next giant step in our long history of championing our radically inclusive and forward-thinking Principles. I urge you again to explore ways that you might support this crucial revival of the moral heart of America. Beaucoup Blessings, Rev. Peter Farriday

This Month’s Activities

Conversation, Dinner and a Movie

The Social & Environmental Justice (SEJ) Team

Be sure to join us on Friday, May 11th for another fabulous evening of Confabulation, Celebration, and Cinema as we once again gather to enjoy the company of fellow UUs, and others, share food and conversation, view a provocative film about a Social and/or Environmental Justice issue, and strengthen our loving community! The title of our May film will be shared in our weekly announcements, but it will surely be something that will pique your interest.

We will meet at 6 pm at 26242 Park View Road, Valencia 91355. Call 661-269-9407 for further information. All are warmly welcomed!

Just-4-Flavor Dining Susan & John Cooper

As usual, the Just for Flavor International Dining group had not selected the dining destination for May at press time. Check with John or Susan after the first of the month to find out what ethnic restaurant will be the destination. Wherever it is, we will meet there on Tuesday, May 15th at six o’clock. If you plan to attend, let John know so he can make an accurate reservation. For more information, contact John Cooper cooper91355@gmail.com, 661-259-5486.

Drum Circle Beth Jenkins

On Friday, May 18th at 7 pm, come join the peaceful flow found when blending your very own rhythm with those of the group. No experience or drums necessary! Home of Beth Jenkins, newbethj@yahoo.com.

Book Club John & Susan Cooper

The selection for May by the Book Club is The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel. This National Geographic Book of the Year is the non-fiction account of Christopher Knight, who in 1986 drove to Maine, left his car and walked into the woods. He would not speak to another person for 27 years. He secreted himself in a small clearing sheltered by a plastic tarp and survived without ever building a fire. This incredible story not only tells the story of a modern

5

day hermit but compels us to question our assumptions about what makes a good life. The Book Club will meet Wednesday and Thursday, May 23rd and 24th at the Coopers’ at six o’clock. Read the book, let John know what evening you prefer to attend and then come and enjoy good food, good company and conversation about good books. For more information, contact John Cooper cooper91355@gmail.com, 661-259-5486.

Game Night

Beth Jenkins

Game Night will be on Friday, May 25th at 6:45 pm. Join us for real conversation, yummy snack pot luck, wine, and lots of laughter. At the home of Beth Jenkins, newbethj@yahoo.com.

Bend the Arc Discussion Group

Social & Environmental Justice Team We’ll explore the question- Are Human Rights Enough? Martin Luther King launched the “Poor People’s Campaign” in 1968. Was it that which had to be stopped by the bullet that ended his life? Is it time to pick up that fight again? Our May discussion will take place Wednesday May 23rd at 6:30 pm at Roselva Ungar’s home -- 20349 Jay Carroll Dr., Santa Clarita, Phone 661-263-2049.

Pledge Drive

That’s How We Make a Livin’, with your Generous Givin’…

“…Won’t you step up and show that you care?” The headline and opening phrase of this article are from Trish Lester’s original Pledge Drive song, which she shared in services on Sunday, April 8. (If you missed Trish’s upbeat and witty performance at the “kickoff” of the 2018/19 Pledge Drive that day, the audio is posted here: http://bit.ly/MakeAPledgeUU.) These lyrics capture the gist of congregational finances here at UU of SCV. Yes, “your generous givin’” comprises the predominant part of our annual $100,000+ budget – at least 70 percent, at last calculation. So we hope you pledged thoughtfully. During the month of April, we were treated to heartfelt testimonials at Sunday services from Gloria Burr, Erik Felker, Carmela Camp and Rich Jaffke. And a cute skit performed by Bob Maitino and Karla Edwards. We are grateful to all our creative and dedicated folks for their willingness to share their thoughts and talents, demonstrating how much this congregation means to them.

6

Although April 29th was the last official date of the Pledge Drive, if you haven’t yet turned in your paperwork, the “box” will still be around on Sunday, May 6th. And of course, there’s always the Postal Service. But please don’t delay. We depend on your timeliness and courtesy to facilitate planning by our Finance Committee and Board of Trustees. Next year’s budget must be calculated and completed before June 10, to be ready for congregational review and vote at our Annual Meeting. We all count on each other. Let us count on you. E Pluribus UU!

Common Interests

Affinity Groups are created and sustained by UU of SCV members in order to foster fellowship and share common interests. This is the second in a series of articles initiated by the Membership Team to further the larger UU of SCV community’s understanding of and participation in these groups.

All About Game Night Glenda Nowakowski

“Come as you are.” Game Night originated in the days of the Chalice Center, our former office space. When it was time to move on, Beth Jenkins took up the challenge of hosting the evening. On the fourth Friday of every month, she provides a welcoming and caring environment for connection and cleansing the stress of the week. “What a great way to end the week,” says one participant. The evening starts with tasty potluck snacks and drinks from ice water to “two and a half buck Chuck.” The conversation is lively and spirited, as we all catch up on events of the previous month. When eating and conversing have wound down, the group chooses a game to play. A favorite is “Catch Phrase,” a word game that is both easy to learn and challenging. We learn new words and pick up trivia that we didn't know before. Game Night creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere where you can get to know your fellow UUs, learn from each other, and honor our unique talents and contributions. Many of us are very busy at services,

Is your “E Pluribus UU” sticker on the Pledge Drive poster yet? Each “completed” circle represents a

pledge turned in. Look for the big poster at the back of the room

7

whether in the choir or setting up and packing up, so this is a welcome opportunity to get together. Skill at game-playing is not needed, in fact, sometimes we don't even keep score. Game Night meets the fourth Friday of every month at 6:45 pm at the home of Beth Jenkins. Join us for a satisfying way to start the weekend! Newbethj@yahoo.com for more information.

Pastoral Care

We All Need Somebody Sometime

A friendly phone call, a ride to the doctor’s office or a meal brought to your home is just what we may need sometimes. The Pastoral Care Team members and friends offer just that, help when you need it. Sign-up to be a back-up volunteer. Occasionally, the Pastoral Team itself needs assistance fulfilling requests. Check “yes” on the updated Lend-a-Hand sigh-up sheet that will be circulated this month. Sally Thompson chairs the group. She is the contact person for requests for aid or for news of UU of SCV community members who are reluctant to ask for help themselves. Sally can be reached at (661) 476-5870. The team organized a prayer support circle for anyone who would like to request prayers and intentioned meditations. Contact Sally if you would like to request prayers or if you want to join the circle. If you think you would like to be part the Pastoral Team, come to a meeting and see if it’s for you. Helping others helps ourselves. Give tangible support and you will receive intangible rewards.

Pastoral care is available to those experiencing illness, injury, unemployment, grief, loneliness,

or unexpected emergency in strict confidentiality.

Religious Exploration

Religious Exploration in

Review Chris Hankla

The theme for April in Religious Exploration at UU of SCV was Stewardship of our Earth: Taking Care of Her People through Animal Husbandry. Heifer Project International was the social action emphasis. The kids sold granola bars and popcorn on April 22 to raise money to support the project.

Social Justice

The Social and Environmental Justice (SEJ) Team Invites You

to THIS Month’s Activities! The SEJ Team is the focal point for participation in activities that advance the causes of social and environmental justice. Our role is to learn while exploring the issues, and then, to share what we have learned with the congregation. We would love to have you join us, and take part in this experience, as we grow through our examination of the issues. Our regular monthly meeting is held on the 2nd Sunday at 11:45 am, following services. This month the meeting will be held on May 13th at the Senior Center. As always, each and every member and visitor is welcome to join us and participate in the variety of activities we engage in. You may contact Sally White at sallywhite24@sbcglobal.net for additional information.

8

The Team has engaging activities on an on-going basis. Events taking place in May include:

• Conversation, Dinner and a Movie - on Friday, May 11th

• Bend the Arc, a political Discussion Group, meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd. Details for these activities are provided elsewhere in this newsletter.

Third-Sunday Collection for Single Mothers Outreach

Barbara Cogswell

Single Mothers Outreach will be the recipient of our Third Sunday Special Collection on May 20, 2018. This organization is housed with the Domestic Violence Center and A Light of Hope at the Savia Community Partnership.

The SMO mission is to provide hope and support to families facing sudden housing instability, income loss, emotional trauma and social deterioration as the result of divorce, abandonment or widowhood. They empower single parents and their children by providing hope, support, and resources so that families can become self-sustaining and thrive. They are a member of Guide Star Exchange, which verifies their non-profit status.

Da Anne Smith will come and tell us about the program.

Regional & National

UUA General Assembly (GA)

June 20 – 24, 2018 in Kansas City

General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend. The City of Fountains is practically overflowing with adventure. Whether it’s the scent of smoldering BBQ luring you to a plate of ribs, the sweet echo of jazz welcoming an evening of entertainment or the spray of fountains inviting you to kick off your shoes and make a splash, you’ll sense inspiration in the air – and find it along every boulevard. Mark your calendar. Let UU of SCV know if you’re planning to attend and would like to be a delegate from our congregation.

9

Congregation Biz

News from UU of SCV’s

Board of Trustees

• June's Third Sunday Collection will be used to buy some new sound equipment for use in the services.

• The proposed budget for FY 2018-2019 will go out to the congregation members on or about May 29.

• The redesigned UU of SCV website will be going live soon!

Board of Trustees

• President - Rick Lott

• Vice President - Bob Maitino

• Treasurer - Linda Lott

• Secretary - Glenda Nowakowski,

• Members at Large - Susan Cooper, Eric Klatt, Ingrid Van Dorn

Camp

Find a Camp Session That’s

Perfect for You! Louise Klatt

Are you in need of a tranquil mountain retreat? Searching for a place where you can commune with nature and find the solitude of a mountain glen? Or do you long for the warmth of a welcoming community of peers?

Camp de Benneville Pines welcomes a community of seekers every week of the year for three to seven day sessions. These include Youth Camps, Theme Camps for Adults; as well as Family Camps including church retreats sponsored by our affiliated Unitarian Universalist Congregations in the Pacific Southwest District and others, including groups such as “Camp Bravo“, a theater arts camp for junior high and high school youth. If you want to register for a camp, visit “Camp Calendar” for more info go to the website http://www.uucamp.org/

10

Work at Camp This Summer! Kitchen positions are available June through Labor Day. Do you know of a college student or recent high school grad who needs to earn some money this summer? Have them email Janet James ASAP! On average, a summer worker who saves their paychecks leaves camp with $4,000+ at the end of the season. Some details:

• On the job training

• Candidate must possess a desire to work

• Room and board and minimum wage

• Perfect job for any person wanting to live at camp for the summer and save up some money for college, vacation, down payment for a car…or…?

• Work 30 – 36 hours per week

For more information, email Janet James at director@uucamp.org or call (909) 435-6298.

You can also check the uucamp.org website for more information.

Birthdays & Membership Anniversaries

Chris Hankla Membership Anniversaries

for This Month

Lucy Bates 5/22/2005 Pam Jaffke 5/03/2009 Glenda Nowakowski 5/03/2009 Roselva Ungar 5/03/2009 Bruce Glad 5/01/2011 Romi Glad 5/01/2011 Barbara McCoy 5/06/2012 Beth Jenkins 5/20/2012 Bob Maitino 5/31/2015 Eric Klatt 5/22/2016 Louise Klatt 5/22/2016

Birthdays

Romi Glad 5/02 Deana Perozzi 5/09 Kevin Nielsen 5/13 Harvey Nielsen 5/17 Elinor McGrew 5/22 Erik Felker 5/24 Barbara McCoy 5/30 The Pastoral Care Team and volunteers from the congregation are here to help you in times of crisis or need. We can provide meals, rides, do errands, and/or offer one-to-one support. Please contact Sally Thompson at (661) 476-5870.

11

CCAALLEENNDDAARR (See Most Recent Calendar Updates at

www.UUofSCV.org)

MONTHLY THEME: “PROSPERITY”

Sunday Services

6 Sunday Service, 10:30 am “But You Believe in God … Don’t

You?” Rev. Kenneth Collier

11 SEJ Team Presents: Conversation,

Dinner & Movie, 6 pm (see article)

Sunday Services

13 Sunday Service, 10:30 am Nourishing Flourishing

Rev. Peter Farriday Social & Environmental Justice Team, 11:45

am, Senior Center after the service (see article)

15 Just-4-Flavor Dinner, 6 pm (see article) 18 Drum Circle, 7 pm, Beth Jenkins’ home

(see article) Sunday Services

20 Sunday Service, 10:30 am True Prosperity: Reviving America’s

Moral Heart Rev. Peter Farriday

Board Meeting, 1 pm, the Lott’s home

23 & 24 Book Club, 6 pm, Cooper’s home

(see article) 23 Bend the Arc Discussion Group,

6:30 pm, (see article) 25 Game Night, 6:45 pm, Beth Jenkins’ home

(see article)

Sunday Services

27 Sunday Service, 10:30 am

Step by Step Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

Membership Team, 1:15, at Lois Linnert’s home

The Religious Exploration Team will not meet this month. The Worship Team will not meeting this month. The next meeting will be held June 10th, 1 pm (after the Annual Business Meeting), at Rich Jaffke’s home. MARK YOUR CALENDAR June 10 – Annual Business Meeting, Members Vote on Budget (after the service) June 20 - 24 – UUA’s National General Assembly, Kansas City

Services are held at the SCV Senior Center’s Main Building,

22900 Market St. in Newhall (½ block from Newhall Ave.)

12

SSNNAAPPSSHHOOTTSS

Taco Dinner

(April 7th)

Welcome to Our Newest Members

Recognized at the April 15th service

Please welcome our newest members

(from left to right): Becky, Brooke, and Brian Huckeba, and Kevin Corcoran,

greeted by Membership Team leaders, Diane Tamburello and Chris Hankla. Kevin and Kristi Neilsen and their three children were unable to be at this service, so they

will be officially recognized at a future ceremony.

13

Easter: Forgiveness as Resurrection

Rev. Peter Farriday (April 1)

Guest Singer: Natalie Mendoza Guest Musician: Declan Farriday

Band: Scott Roewe, Monica Bowser, Steve Tannehill, Kevin Nielsen

Seven Principles Commemorator: Ava Farriday

14

At the Heart of Our Faith Rev. Maggie Yenoki

(April 8) Worship Host: Gloria Burr

15

Our Fair Share

Rev. Peter Farriday (April 15)

Guest Presenters: John Cooper, Erik Felker, Brian Huckeba Song Leader: Beth Jenkins

16

Keepers of the Earth / Faith

Rev. Peter Farriday (April 22)

Testimonial: Carmella Camp Citizen’s Climate Lobby: Cher Gilmore

Fundraisers for Heifer International: Children’s Religious Exploration Class

17