mvuuc monte vista 9185 Monte Vista Avenue Unitarian Universalist Congregation Montclair, CA 91763 A Welcoming Congregation

(909) 626-0520 Reverend Susan Manker-Seale, Interim Minister Reverend Ellen Livingston, Minister Emerita

The Encounter September 2016

Summary of Sunday Services

Rev. Susan’s Message September 4: Living In The Middle/Muddle Pages 2 - 3 Speaker: Dick Olson In the late nineteenth century, the self-educated American philosopher, President’s Message/Board Elbert Hubbard, argued that, "Life is a paradox. Every truth has its Briefing counterpart which contradicts it; and every philosopher supplies the logic Pages 3 - 4 for his own undoing." Hubbard was right. I am told by B.F. Skinner and his fellow travelers that everything I think and do is determined by my biology and my environment; yet I am told by my Free Thinking friends that they RE-flections can and should be free to choose their own beliefs and commitments. Pages 5 - 6 Some tell me to use my head, while others say listen to your heart or your

gut. Some say persevere against the odds, while others say don't throw Camp de Benneville good money after bad. How do we live satisfactorily in a world filled with Page 6 massive contradictions?

UUPCC Pilgrimage to the September 11: Multi-Generational Water Communion: Sharing Sacred Philippines – 2017 Spaces Page 6 - 7 Speakers: Amy Randall and Rev. Susan Manker-Seale Bring water from your summer travels or favorite, precious places, and we Wheel of the Year will share briefly the importance of sacred spaces in our lives. Pages 7 - 8 Metaphorical water works, as well (as in from the kitchen sink). We will gather in multi-generational community for the entire service. Calendar Page 9 September 18: Dreams About Flying Speakers: Rita Salama, Laura Mulroy, Maribel Dana, and Rev. Susan General Information Manker-Seale Page 10 Who are we as Unitarian Universalists here in Montclair/Claremont? Who might we become? We’ll explore the importance of having both a mission and a vision to guide us with passion as we dream about flying. The service today will be followed by a congregational presentation by our Land Use Task Force, as well as a fun visioning exercise on dreaming up a slogan.

September 25: Reflections On Saving The World Speaker: Rev. Susan Manker-Seale This past week PBS aired a documentary on the Rev. Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and his wife who made a huge sacrifice and put their own lives in danger to save others during World War II (watch Defying the Nazis, Tuesday, September 20, 9 PM). What motivates human beings to go the extra mile (or thousands of miles) to help others? I’ll introduce the UUA’s action project #WeDefy, which asks us how we are defying hatred and discrimination today as we carry on the legacy of the Sharps. The Encounter Newsletter September 2016

Rev. Susan’s Message

Thank you for the amazing welcome potluck you gave me after the service on August 21. It was beautiful and fun, colorful and delicious, and so many of you were there with smiles and hopes for this interim in ministry that lies before us. I know many of you planned and worked hard to put it on for me and all of us, and please know that I/we really appreciate your efforts.

Last Sunday on the patio, people were continuing the fun. I was loving it to be in the midst of such good energy, when someone came and stood beside me. He commented on how great it was that there seemed to be twice as many people staying after church, and not only that, people were laughing. People hadn’t been laughing like that in a long time.

Stress can do that to a congregation. Ministers, presidents, parishioners, visitors can all be waylaid by conflict in a congregation. If you are under duress, if you think people don’t appreciate you, or are on the opposite side of an issue, it shows. It shows in how you handle yourself, how quick you are to greet someone, to smile at them, to relax with them. Conflict can drive a congregation into the ground pretty fast.

I have learned about quite a few nodes of conflict in this congregation that have taken place over the last numbers of years, and how difficult it has been for so many of you, including Rev. Ann, to bear up in the face of what can be very painful circumstances. Differences of opinion are fine, but when arguments get heated, or just transform from differences to argument, that undermines the sacred space that we are trying to create as a religious community.

Do you think you’re alone in experiencing this depth of conflict? Let me tell you that you’re not. I served as what we call “Good Officer” for the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association for many years, and that position can be akin to a “minister to the ministers.” I have heard a boatload of stories about conflict in congregations, as well as experienced my own. It’s quite common, and no fun.

So “Yay” to the happy conversations on the patio. “Yay” to the smiles and well-wishes I’ve witnessed among you, even between those of you I know are having a difficult time with one another. You might not be ready to forgive one another, but you can move on, be respectful, and one day, maybe sit down with one another and talk about your disagreements. Doesn’t mean (at all!) that you will come to some miraculous agreement, but you will smooth the emotions by practicing respectful listening.

Boy. I really didn’t think I was going to say that in this column, but it’s in my heart, and I hope you can hear it. One task of the interim period is to begin to help the congregation heal, and we can’t

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heal until we raise up the issues of conflict which have been swirling around, and bring them to the surface. We can’t solve them, at least not right off, but bringing them out in the open is the first step. I want to thank the many people who have come to me and shared their heart-felt concerns, and hurts, as well as their worries. Hope was there in every one of those conversations, too, and that will be the grounding for our work together.

As I said in the sermon on creativity, remember that “wise silence” of Emerson, and carve out of your busy lives some open, unscheduled, creative time to listen to your hearts, and maybe you will know what you care most about in faith and religious community. And, breathe in peace. And, breathe out love. Love, Susan

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Board Briefs and Updates — September 2016

Dear beloved, beUUtiful community,

This is an exciting time for us as we begin our shared ministry with Rev. Susan. Among many things, we will be exploring who we are as a congregation, what our resources are, and how the two relate in regards to our vision as a congregation.

To get us started the Land Use Study Group, (Maribel Dana, Bruce Mount, Vasu Dev, Megan Gallagher, Francine Younger) have been hard at work exploring the possible options for our property. On September 18, after the worship service, their report will be presented. Your feedback and questions are welcomed so that other possibilities can be explored and the information can be further refined. This is just a first step, one of many informational meetings in regards to this important resource that belongs to the congregation. We will not be voting at this meeting!

At the same meeting, we will work on our vision. Our vision and our decisions about our land are intertwined. We will never be able to decide what to do with our land if we don’t have a vision of where we are going. This part of the meeting will build on the work we did in the Visioning Workshop led by Kathy Rickey of the PSWD back in August of 2015. It’s going to be a lot of fun! In preparation for the meeting, ask yourself what brought you to MVUUC? What keeps you coming back? And finally, what are you longing for in your spiritual home?

I’m excited about the possibilities as we explore together!

“I put my hand in yours so that together we may do what I cannot do alone.”

In service, Rita Salama

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The next Board meeting is Wednesday, September 14, 6:30 p.m. in the Founders Room. They are open meetings and visitors are welcome to attend. If you wish to speak to an issue, please contact the Board President at least one week in advance to be placed on the agenda.

Highlights of August 2016 Board Meeting

 First Board Meeting with Rev. Susan Manker-Seale  Quinceaneras/Weddings are over budget.  Visioning Update and Land Use Study Group Report to be held September 18  Office Administrator's hours increased from 15 to 18 per week  Liaisons were assigned to committees and groups. New list is posted in the glass case.  Board moved that a person can chair only one standing committee at any given time in order to encourage and develop more participation and leadership. Note: This motion rescinds a previous motion that limited membership on committees. Standing Committees: Adult RE, Committee on Ministry, Communication, Facilities, Finance, Long Term Planning, Membership, Nominating, Personnel, Planned Giving, RE Council, Safe Congregation Pool, Social Justice, Worship and Music.  Council of Chairs meeting to be scheduled by Vice-President Laura Mulroy

Board of Trustees Gratitude

To Debbi Scurto for cleaning the refrigerator after it was left open and food inside spoiled. To Debbi Scurto and Terrie Maguire for providing lasagna for the welcoming potluck on August 21. To Abraham Peraza for working on technical problems in the office and for his support of speakers for the Sunday Worship services. To members of the Worship Committee, Abraham Peraza, Mary McMahon, Catherine Rowlee, Jeanne Coats, Dick Olson, Joanne Greene, Jill Raiguel, Rev. Susan, and Amy Randall, for help during a recent service. To the Land Use Study Group for their hard work: Maribel Dana, Bruce Mount, Vasu Dev, Megan Gallagher, Francine Younger.

Land Use Report and Vision Meeting September 18, after the worship service (BYOBB—please bring a brown bag lunch or snack to sustain you through the meeting)

You are invited to attend this informational meeting about options for use of our land—pros and cons. (We will not be voting!) The second part of the meeting will be exploring our vision for MVUUC’s future. Prepare to have a good time! *Please note that this will be the first of many meetings regarding our resources and our vision. Stay tuned for details about dates and times!

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RE flections

Although many kids have already started school in August (and we already started our new RE year), September was traditionally the start of the new school year. Some children are starting school this month, so I want to focus this column on education.

Did you know that there was a famous Unitarian who worked to make free, public, religiously-open schools available to everyone in the United States? His name was Horace Mann. When he was growing up (born 1796) education was available only to people who could afford it, generally white men.

Horace became a Unitarian because he agreed with its views that God is kind and loving, and that human nature makes us want to learn, grow and seek the good. These beliefs led him to think that one of the most important parts of a good government is providing everyone with an education.

Although he did not have much formal education growing up, he did go to the town library often. At the age of 20, he enrolled at Brown University and graduated in three years. After studying to become a lawyer, Horace served in the Massachusetts legislature, as the Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, and as a member of the U. S. House of Representatives. Although he often spoke out for the rights of women, and against slavery, he always emphasized education, because he felt that education for all was the best way to create a better society.

He started the Common School Movement in Massachusetts, which ensured that every child could receive a basic education funded by local taxes. His influence soon spread beyond the state as more states took up the idea of universal schooling. He has many places around the world that are named after him, including schools.

When we think about education, we often think of our fourth principle, “A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” But, our third principle, “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations” is about learning, too. Horace Mann understood that accepting and affirming people is the best starting place for education – and spiritual growth is one of the most important parts of learning.

Even though the third principle talks about acceptance and encouraging spiritual growth in our congregations, the start of school is a great time to remember and practice this principle, everywhere. Adults can practice it with new people/families that they meet and kids can practice acceptance with new students at school. Some folks we meet may do things differently than we do. But each of us (child and adult) can encourage spiritual growth in ourselves and others by showing what it looks like when someone treats people with care and respect.

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(Parts adapted from KidTalk, from Church of the Larger Fellowship, September 2011)

Faithfully Yours, Amy Randall Director of Religious Exploration, Credentialed Associate

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CAMP de BENNEVILLE WEEKEND FOR ALL AGES

The fall annual camp retreat at de Benneville Pines will be during the weekend of September 30 to October 2, 2016 from Friday at 3:00 PM to Sunday at 12:00 Noon. The retreat will include five congregations, Conejo Valley, Live Oak, Monte Vista, Santa Barbara and Ventura. This will be a wonderful chance to meet and make new friends. The retreat includes meals from Friday evening to Sunday morning, lodging in a heated cabin with indoor plumbing, use of the grounds and common rooms, use of the hot tub (possibly the pool), indoor and outdoor activities provided by fellow congregants and the camp staff, and Sunday Service under the towering Pines.

Camp de Benneville Pines is a UU retreat center, one hour away, nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. In a gorgeous setting among the pines, a camp weekend offers time for community gatherings, short and long hikes, playground, labyrinth, pool (in season) music, singing, arts and crafts and more. Spend an exhilarating, relaxing few days with other UUs in the community in a beautiful spiritual setting. All meals included. Camp de Benneville has hot showers and heated cabins with double or single bunk beds and some handicapped accessible cabins. Find out what to bring on www.uucamp.org. Registration now open.

Please feel free to speak with Stephen Shirley and Susan Siefried on Sundays or via email for more information. Susan Seifried [email protected]; Stephen Shirley [email protected]

*********************************************************************************** Philippine Partner Church

UUPCC Pilgrimage to the Philippines – 2017

Travel to Our Partner Church and See the Philippines. January 31, 2017 - February 13, 2017. Registration closes: October 1, 2016 – 11:30 PM Price: From $1,780/person.

The UUPCC Website (Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council), [email protected], now has information on the next pilgrimage to the Philippines. See Julie Steinbach, David Albay-Yenney or Maribel Dana for answers to questions.

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NOTE: If you have mobility issues, some of our partner countries may be challenging to visit. Learn more on the website.

This trip will be an in-depth introduction to the people, programs and progressive spirit of the UU Church of the Philippines. January 31 will be a travel day with accommodations arranged that evening in Manila. Beginning February 1, you will have an opportunity to learn about the vibrant culture and history of the Philippines and meet with the UUs in the Metro Manila area. Then you will fly to Negros Island where you will be warmly welcomed at the UU Church of the Philippines headquarters, located in the seaside university town of Dumaguete. Over the next several days, a road trip to visit UU congregations in small farming and fishing villages on Negros Island will give you an opportunity to meet people who treasure their UU faith and will open your eyes to our interconnectedness in ways that will challenge and engage you. Along the way you will be able to enjoy the tropical beauty of Negros Island and the friendliness of the Philippine people. You will also have opportunities to engage in projects that will have you working side by side with the Philippine UUs to improve their communities and their church. February 9, the final day of the road trip, will culminate in an afternoon closing ceremony in a northern village. At that point, you may choose to participate in an optional trip extension to be with your partners in northern Negros. Alternatively, you may head back to Dumaguete with the possibility of going home the next day, or choosing a different trip extension that will enable you to spend time with partners in the southern part of the island. A return flight to Manila on the afternoon of the 10th will mark the conclusion of the trip. A second closing gathering will occur in Dumaguete on the 13th for pilgrims who have extended their trips. This will be followed by a return flight to Manila.

Optional trip extensions will be coordinated through the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP). If you are interested in either extension, please contact the UUPCC office: [email protected], or, 314-918-2618.

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Wheel of the Year

A Pagan Perspective on the Seasons Mabon - The Pagan Thanksgiving

At Mabon, we celebrate the wine harvest, as well as giving thanks for the harvests we have gathered. Mabon is celebrated on the Autumnal Equinox, on or about September 21. Because I have discussed this Sabbat in several previous articles, I thought that I might discuss a facet of Pagan practice that especially fits this time of year - that of Kitchen Witchery.

The cauldron, the , herbs and spices, the hearth fire and oven, the ritual knife; all are based in the kitchen. Thus, magical cooking is a wonderful way to enhance and bless your family and others who partake of the foods you prepare.

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As a kitchen , I recognize that food is sacred and life-giving, and do not see cooking as a chore, or something to be done as quickly as possible to get out of the way.

"But why spend ages slaving over something that gets eaten in five minutes?" many might argue. Because we are what we eat. A meal that has been lovingly created, from the freshest ingredients, and made with intent, purpose and a pinch of kitchen witch , is going to be far more nourishing than throwing together a hodge podge of junk food, or even a well-intended but rushed 'healthy' meal.

Food is life, and part of the balance and cycle of nature. By nurturing our bodies, we honour the Earth, the life-giving Goddess, and by creating a sacred act of cooking, giving thanks for what we eat, we show our appreciation for what we have, and respect for the living land.

The kitchen witch will, if able, grow much of her own food herself, put her soul into the using of it, and either weave her ritual magic into the food, or use the act of cooking itself as a magical ritual.

The kitchen itself will be a sanctuary for nourishment and healing. There will be a kitchen altar, goddess imagery, and possibly even a comfy chair to sit and contemplate. The utensils will be blessed; possibly carved with sacred symbols, decorated with ribbons or sprinkled with a little magic or natural oil. There might even be a special witch's apron hanging on a hook, if you look hard enough!

However, all you really need is loving intent, an awareness that thoughts are things, and what you emotionally and spiritually infuse into your cooking will permeate your results.

THE MAGICAL KITCHEN

May your table Ne’er be empty But blessed by the horn of plenty

Quick Kitchen Witchery: To Do List

• Enter your kitchen with magical intent. • Bless all ingredients as you assemble them. • For positive results, always stir clockwise. • Know your herbs and spices and invoke their energies as you add them. • Thank ingredients from the animal and vegetable kingdoms for their sacrifice. • Offer what you have prepared with love. • Eat what you have prepared with mindfulness and gratitude.

Until next month, Blessed Be Jeanne Coats ***********************************************************************************

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MVUUC Calendar – September 2016

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Office Hours: Weekday mornings, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Telephone: 909-626-0520, Office email: [email protected]

Rev. Susan Manker-Seale (Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12 Noon) Bookkeeper: Judy Bixel (Tuesday, Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon) Facilities Assistant: Joyce Armenta (Monday, Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM; Tuesday 7:00 - 9:00 AM) Facilities Maintenance Worker: Fred Griffith (Monday, Friday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM) Office Administrator: Tricia French (Monday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Membership We encourage all inquiries about becoming part of this wonderful, warm and welcoming community. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Meehan at 949-290-2615

Send newsletter articles to [email protected] by the 23rd of the month.

Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation 9185 Monte Vista Ave. Montclair, CA 91763

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