Casting a liberal religious light in Diablo Valley

Volume 58, No. 14 March 22, 2010

SUNDAY SERVICES Mission Workshop - 9 : 0 0 A . M . Meditation VESPERS: What Comes Next.... 9 : 1 5 A . M . a n d 1 1 : 3 0 A . M . Worship and Children’s Now that the days are Thanks to those who attended our Mission P r o g r a m s getting a little longer, think Workshop on March 19! Here are the next of adding a quiet space to steps in the process. yours. Join us for Vespers, a Sunday, March 27 The Board is appointing a working quiet service of music, group to take what was developed that Obedience to the readings and connections. Unenforceable. Come experience the peace morning and turn it into a new draft mission Are we bound to a larger ethic of community. Services statement. than our own individual self- begin at 6:30 P.M., Following the development of a draft, interest? What is it that calls immediately after the Com- the Working Group and Board will host a us to act for something larger? munity Dinner. congregational conversation for those Revs. David and Leslie March 24 Kindness interested in discussing the draft (in April). Takahashi Morris will exam- March 31 Acceptance Comments from this meeting will be ine these questions – AND we April 7 Paying Attention incorporated into a second draft which will will honor the volunteers who also be offered for comment. make our congregation larger Community Dinners The hope is that we can adopt our than the sum of its parts. Looking for a little revised mission statement at our annual community in your week? meeting in June. Sunday, April 3 Join us for a simple meal and a chance to connect False Idols, False Unity. Canvass Update - with other members and The world’s religions have friends of the Keep the Pledges Coming! many teachings in common congregation. A message from your Canvass and many efforts have been Dinners are from 5:15-6:30 Committee made to distill them into a P.M. on Thursdays (late e would like to thank the 125 single doctrine or belief. How arrivals are fine if you let households who, as of March 15, might this search for W us know so we can save brought us to the halfway point of our commonality reduce the you food.) Pledge Drive goal of $595,000. Even more power of religious pluralism Suggested donation is $8 significant is that about half of these and what does this conun- for adults and kids under drum suggest about how we households found a way to increase their 12 eat free. should live? Rev. Leslie pledges over last year. Vegan and gluten-free Takahashi Morris will reflect Unfortunately, when we look at past options available with on contemporary musings on pledging trends, history shows that we have advanced notice. these complex issues. failed to sustain initial increased-giving March 24 Baked Potato Bar levels thoughout our Canvass campaigns. Sunday, April 10 March 31 NO DINNER– Now is the time to prove history wrong! WINTER NIGHTS Here’s how, with a little household Intern Minster Laura Bogle budget stretching, we can do it. If yours is a April 7 NO DINNER– WINTER NIGHTS (Continued page 2)

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 1 (Pledge drive continued) From Laura Bogle, Intern single-member household, increase your pledge from Minister last year by $150 ($12.50 per month). If yours is a two- he bright green hills and member household, increase your pledge by $300 or Tflowering trees announce to $25 per month. me that spring is arriving! And For the 20% of our member households who yet there are cold and rainy days didn’t pledge last year we ask you to reflect on how that still feel wintry. We are in the Church has enriched your lives and, if you are that time of transition, on the able, offer a meaningful pledge - even if just a small threshold between seasons. amount - in appreciation. The last few years I have found the Christian Last year 20% of our member households made rituals of Ash Wednesday and Lent to be a fair share (3% to 5% or more of annual income) pledge meaningful way to move through this transition, commitments. To fund truly responsible Church across this threshold. The practice of being marked budgets we need to increase our core number of fair by ashes somberly reminds me of my mortality, share pledging households. Is this the year your and at the same time calls me to wake up to the household can reach that level of commitment or good in life that is present all around me, right move significantly in that direction? now. The practice of Lent is simultaneously about Giving financial support to our Church is a giving up old ways and trying on new ways. It can primary member responsibility. All members are be a time period for paying extra close attention to stakeholders in our Church community and we ask all life, both the sorrowful and the joyful. member households to make their best-effort financial Quaker author and educator Parker Palmer commitments no matter how large or small the dollar writes, “Spring is the season of surprise when we amounts. realize once again that despite our perennial Questions or comments are welcomed. Contact doubts, winter’s darkness yields to light and Paul Damrow winter’s deaths give rise to new life. So one metaphor for spring is ‘the flowering of paradox.’ MDUUC PASSOVER SEDER – As spring’s wonders arise from winter’s hardships, Thursday, APRIL 21 – 5:45 P.M. we are invited to reflect on the many ‘both-ands’ Our annual, inter-generational Seder we must hold to live life fully and well—and to Community Dinner is fast become more confident that as creatures embedded approaching. Join our uniquely UU in nature, we know in our bones how to hold them. celebration of Passover, honoring The deeper our faith, the more doubt we must one of the most significant Jewish endure; the deeper our hope, the more prone we holidays. Moses leading the people are to despair; the deeper our love, the more pain from bondage in Egypt has become a its loss will bring: these are a few of the paradoxes metaphor for the celebration of freedom and justice. we must hold as human beings.” We provide a Seder plate for everyone, matzo As we pay attention to extraordinary events ball soup, wine and juice, and individually crafted unfolding across the globe—in Egypt, in Libya, in Seder desserts for the regular Community Dinner Wisconsin, in Japan—we see life arising out of donation of $8/adult. (Kids come free.)Please bring a man-made and natural devastations. dairy-less meat, vegetable, or salad contribution to our As winter turns into spring, may we remember meal. that we can hold both the hope and the despair, the Together, we’ll read from our very own MDUUC love and the loss. As winter turns to spring, may Haggadah (story of Passover). Come celebrate, eat, we remember to look for the new life arising within sing, and dance! Bring family and friends! Sign up at and around us. the neon pink sign in Bortin Hall.

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 2 Co-gitations whatever gifts and resources we can share. There is another kind of disaster preparedness, Like everyone, Leslie and I have which has been extraordinarily displayed by the watched heartbroken as last Japanese people in the midst of their terrible week’s enormous earthquake and circumstances. So many people have shown tsunami have spread tremendous dignity, and a willingness to rush to the unimaginable destruction across aid of others in an atmosphere of collaboration and part of Japan. Our thoughts and purposefulness. This spirit, called gaman, is moving prayers are with all in Japan, most and powerful to witness. particularly those close to the What prepares us to face adversity with dignity, towns and cities most devastated, and with families in a spirit of courageous service and cooperation? For everywhere who are desperate for news of their loved me, such preparation is a crucial aspect of what we do ones’ well-being. in our church community. Here, I find deep spiritual Of course, we want to know how to help. The resources and a faith—in possibility, in service, and in Unitarian Universalist Association and the U.U. community—that grows as I allow myself to be more Service Committee have created a joint fund; and more deeply affected by and committed to the contributions can be made by visiting the UUA faith community. I depend on the faith nurtured here website, www.uua.org. Many other organizations are to see me through the most challenging circumstances also offering practical assistance for the huge tasks of of my life and the life of our world. rebuilding. This is canvass season, friends, and Leslie and I The rising number of deaths and the number of ask ourselves: What can we give to make our faith those still missing is staggering. Yet it might have been community possible? What financial resources can we much worse: Japan has long lived with the reality of bring to bear on a community that equips us to be our earthquakes; preparations there are extensive and best selves, no matter what life brings our way? How appropriate response to the possibility of a tsunami is much are we willing to offer to ensure that our church ingrained. continues to be a place which offers both spiritual and Watching this, we’ve had conversations about our practical gifts and assistance to its members, friends, church’s emergency preparedness, and whether we families, and our greater community? What’s it worth have appropriate plans and necessary materials in the to us to be part of the energy that brings hope to the event of such a huge earthquake—a likelihood in our world? own area one day. Do we know what we should do? The world is in a state of emergency. May we all Will we have what we need, not just to be as safe as do everything we can to become “first responders” possible, but to be helpful? It’s our hope that MDUUC who will turn crisis into healing, into hope. will also seriously consider partnering with the Red In faith, David Cross or other disaster-response organization, so that in an emergency we can give our larger community

Path to Membership Class Our next Path to Membership Class will be on childcare and lunch will be provided. Saturday, April 16, 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in Bortin Newcomers, people who have recently joined, Fellowship Hall. people considering membership, and long-term Led by our Ministers, Leslie and David Takahashi members who want to deepen their understanding of Morris, this class includes a brief presentation of our the church are all welcome. If you would like to attend Unitarian and Universalist roots, principles and this fun and informative class, please sign up in Bortin theology. It also includes information about MDUUC's Hall at the newcomers table under the colored programs and structure, and the rights and umbrella and let us know if you will need childcare. If responsibilities of membership. At the conclusion of you have questions, contact Judy Heckman. the class if they are ready to become members, participants have the opportunity to sign the membership book. There is no fee for the class and Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 3 New Adult Classes Are Starting This Week or Soon—Sign Up Today: See the Universal Sign Up Book after services on Sunday, sign up on line www.mduuc.org and click on UNIVERSAL SIGN UP or call the office to register for these and other upcoming classes. # Interested in Learning More About What Unitarian Universalists Believe? Sign up for HOUSE OF HOPE with Rev. Leslie Takahashi Morris. # Ready to Tap Your Creative Side, try EXPLORING OUR VALUES THROUGH POETRY with Nancy Jasa and Kimberly King.· # W ant to ARTICULATE YOUR UU FAITH? Join Intern Minister Laura Bogle. #Interested in TIBETAN SOUND HEALING, join Phil Rohrer.

Winter Nights at MDUUC March 28 - April 11 Our church will host our second annual Winter Nights Thanks to Winter Nights Donations Coordinator program in Bortin Hall March 28 to April 11. An Barbara (Halperin) Jacobs, the following firms are orientation session for those new to volunteering at donating entrées for dinners while our guests are here: Winter Nights will be Thursday, March 24 7:30 P.M .- 8:30 PF Chang’s, Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria, Kinder’s Meats P.M . & Deli, Trader Joe’s, and Ravioli’s Italian Market Place. MDUUC will be in partnership with the Roman Please thank these businesses by giving them your Catholic parish of St. Bonaventure Church in Concord. support. This comes about because St. Bonaventure has a large construction project underway, making it impossible this The Children of MDUUC are assembling time to host the program on its premises this time as it toiletries and craft bags for the homeless that will be has in the past. Carol Sue Cain, of our church, is working staying here during the Winter Nights Program. We are with the St. Bonaventure coordinator to handle the major looking to collect items from the congregation. Please volunteer effort. bring them in by March 27. We will have a collection box Families who are finding a challenge in obtaining in the Children’s Chapel and Bortin Hall located by the the basics of food and lodging in these difficult economic entrance doors. times will be our guests. The majority are children. The items needed are Gwen Watson, executive director of the program Bars of soap, toothbrushes, mini tooth paste, mini since it was initiated seven years ago by the Interfaith shampoo, conditioner, combs, wash cloths, or craft Council of Contra Costa County, said that 89 persons, materials like fabric, googlie eyes, yarn, popsickle sticks, members of 30 families, have thus far participated in this stickers, mini notebooks, pens, markers, or anything else year’s Winter Nights program. In spite of the slight creative. upturn in the economy nationally, that compares with 71 Thanks for your support - Nancy family members who participated in last year’s program.

From Your Personnel Committee: Sharing a Discovery by Dan Barnard n response to the Board’s request that the Personnel are aware our Co-Ministers work far beyond their paid ICommittee prepare a five-year staffing plan to achieve hours. These numbers support our need to increase the our Vision in Action Goals, we have conducted paid hours of our Co-Ministers. preliminary research into staffing levels here at MDUUC The same is true of our Administrative Staff: and at other Bay Area UU churches of similar size. We feel Oakland-17.5 minutes/member, Berkeley-12 minutes and this preliminary information is worth sharing now rather MDUUC-8.5 minutes; and Music Staff: Oakland-6 than waiting until the Committee’s plan is submitted to the minutes/member, Berkeley-6 and MDUUC-3. Again, our Board because it has brought to light an eye-opening paid staff time in these areas is roughly half that of the reality. Oakland and Berkeley churches. We surveyed First UU Church of Oakland (320 We hope you will consider this information when members) and UU Church of Berkeley (470 members) and you make your pledge for next year’s canvass. We are compared the ratio of their Ministerial Staff time to grateful for all that our Staff does for the church. Until we membership with our own. Their weekly Ministerial Staff are in a financial position to increase paid Staff hours, time works out to 11 minutes/member while ours is 6 please respect our Staff’s time. minutes/member. Our Ministerial Staff time is about half The Personnel Committee will make the details of our the other churches. It was eye-opening for us to realize survey available soon. how comparatively understaffed we are. Most members – Personnel Committee

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 4 UU’s Join in Japan HATs OFF . . .HATs OFF - Honors, Accolades, Thanks! Send Relief: “short and sweet” admissions to: [email protected] or leave in the Firestarters mail Following the Friday, March 11 slot in the office. We encourage gratitude and appreciation throughout MDUUC. devastating earthquake and # To all who help make our 60th Anniversary Fellowship Dinner, with over resulting tsunamis, the Unitarian 220 in attendance, such a great success: Universalist Association (UUA) and #To Beverly Bortin, Beverly Scaff, Sue Polgar, Jean Nickell, Arliss and Art Unitarian Universalist Service Ungar who helped conceive the event. Art made badges for the 14 Past Committee (UUSC) have established Presidents who attended. the UUA/UUSC Japan Relief Fund. #To Nancy Rivara, Marcia Newey, Sue Polgar, Harry Miller, and Sue Wittenau Congregations around the as well as LouAnn and Elba from our office staff and our intern Laura Bogle country have chosen to take special who helped make the ideas reality. collections for this Fund and we are # grateful for the generous response To Scott Schrader, Sonja Christopher, Mark and Darla Tuning and Leslie and David TM for the music and to Heather Hsieh for the children's activities and that we have received already. care.

UUA/UUSC Japan Relief Fund #To Kristen Taylor and the MUUGGs (Middle School students) for the The UUA has been in contact with interviews of our elders. Big cheers to Kristen who spent hours directing and our religious partners in Japan to editing the videos. And to Troy Yochelson for technical assistance. express our concern and our willingness to partner with them in #To Tracy Jones and all her amazing volunteers - for the lovely decorations, recovery efforts. Our partners, the food service and cleanup! Many of those listed above, plus: Cynthia Davis, including Rissho Kosei-kai, Tsubaki Alan and Rowena McGregor, Vicki Horn, Pat Iverson, Joan Armstrong, Jo Grand Shrine, the Konko Church of Gelinas. Jean and Jan Geyer, Jane North, Julie and Givonne Galanti, Kathryn Izuo, the Tokyo Dojin Church, and Wellington, Patti Purvis-Thielman. Scott Baxter, Don Anger and Noel Anger the Japan Chapter of the and Dennis Iverson. International Association for #To the 20 people picture below who completed the 6-month-long "Building Religious Freedom are all in the World We Dream About" course, exploring race, racism, privilege, agreement about the specific efforts multiculturalism, and building Beloved Community: Mary Fenelon, Erik Smith, they will be taking to support Sue Wittenau, Bob Lane, Alan and Rowena McGregor, Vicki Horn, Jo Gelinas, Art recovery work. The UUA and UUSC Sturgess, Joanne Scott, Bob Hansen, Joan Redding, Sharon Feldt, Lynn Baskett, Nancy will work with them in the Jasa, Ruth Hirano, Jean Nickell, Kevin Hsieh, George Edgerton and Joanne Genet. directions that are ultimately chosen (Not Pictured: Bob Lane, Sue Wittenau, Bob Hanson.) and will make all appropriate decisions about the distribution of the funds. Please join with Unitarian Universalists throughout the United States by contributing to the UUA/UUSC Japan Relief Fund by making a gift during a congregational collection, online at www.uua.kintera.org/japan, or over the phone by calling UUA Stewardship and Development staff at (888) 792-5885. Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations - Reverend Terry Sweetser Vice President for Stewardship and Development

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 5 UUSC - Unitarian Universalist Service MDUUC YRUU Youth Group is SO COOL Committee Our youth group here at MDUUC is way super awesome. So awesome, in fact, that we had to write this What it is, what it does, why support it! article to let you know just how fabulous we are! For Once a month we take a collection to support a cause other starters, we have an average attendance of seventeen than ourselves. This month’s cause is the Unitarian youth. That’s very large compared to other UU churches Universalist Service Committee and the collection will be in the Pacific Central District. Of the twenty-four that taken on March 27. wander through our group, we sent sixteen youth to the UUSC is a nonsectarian organization that advances last Pacific Central District YRUU conference. That’s human rights and social justice in the United States and more than any other church! around the world. Here is what they say about themselves: The last youth conference was ElectionsCon, where “We envision a world free from oppression and Council (the governing body of PCD YRUU) is elected. injustice, where all can realize their full human Of the thirteen available positions, MDUUC youth now rights. Through a combination of advocacy, hold six positions! These youth and their positions are as education, and partnerships with grassroots follows: Alexa Stefanko, Conference Co-Coordinator; organizations, UUSC promotes economic rights, Dylan Grinder, GRUUST Editor; Abbie Tuning, Energy advances environmental justice, defends civil Chair; Michael Weintraub, Social Action Coordinator; liberties, and preserves the rights of people in Kim King, RE Outreach; Bryant Rochon, PCD Board times of humanitarian crisis. We also engage Liaison. local communities through two experiential- We’re really excited about how active our youth learning programs, JustWorks and JustJourneys, group has become, and how willing we’ve been to take which introduce participants to the work of our on leadership roles. YRUU has created some amazing domestic and overseas partners — who are often opportunities for many of us to learn and grow, and it’s on the front lines of addressing social-justice wonderful to see that evidenced in our new Council issues. Our work is built on the conviction that members. For more information on MDUUC YRUU visit all people are entitled to basic human rights, mduuc.org and look under the Education and Programs which transcend divisions of class, race, tab, or contact Nancy Jasa, our lead youth advisor, at nationality, sexual orientation, ethnicity, [email protected] religion, and gender.” For more information on PCD YRUU visit pcdyruu.org At this time when so many humanitarian crises loom, we invite you to be generous. WELCOME, NEW MEMBER Christina Fidler, Concord Christina, her All Women Invited - Bring a Friend husband Andy, The Open Women's Group will meet Thursday, April 7 and their one year in the Gilmartin Building at MDUUC at 10:30 A.M. All old daughter, women, especially newcomers are invited to the meeting Lucie, live in and potluck luncheon. Come and bring a friend. Concord on the The program is a presentation by Judy Heckman, Clayton border. who will demonstrate how to use "good body mechanics" They moved here to safely perform every day tasks. Come hear how mom almost two years was right again, "sit up straight and don't slouch." A pot- ago from San luck luncheon follows her talk. Francisco. They Please be aware that we cannot use the kitchen and have also lived in Seattle and lived in Arcata for many Bortin Hall because of the Winter Night's group. Bring years. your pot luck dish in the appropriate container to keep it Christina is new to MDUUC and to the Unitarian hot or cold. Potluck dishes to serve eight to ten are Universalist faith. She became interested in the church encouraged. Beverage and table service will be provided. after hearing about it from her in-laws. The hostess is Judy Heckman. Christina works at the California Academy of Co-chairs: Sciences Library and Archives where she enjoys Terese McGregor, Jane North, Dolores Olson processing archival materials. In her rare free time, she likes to knit, read, and continuing to learn to play the piano.

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 6 How Winter Nights Works GREEN GROUP NEWS by Dee Simmons - by Bud Lembke April 22, 2011 is EARTH DAY Tents in Bortin Hall? Yes, indeed, and a Let's celebrate Earth Day to honor our wonderful Planet. Fortunately, warm home for temporary guests. there are many great ways to do this. The program is called Winter Nights #April 5, 12, and 19 Tuesdays, 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., MDUUC Fireside Rotating Family Shelter, a long name for Room --Forming a Personal, Spiritual Response to Global Environmental something that also takes long hours of Concerns Join the MDUUC Green Group in this 3- part workshop. volunteer hours in its preparation and Materials and strategies will be provided to help us create an action plan for reducing our impact on the Earth. We will discover connections follow through. between environmental problems and sustainability, and review “The program’s goal is to provide teachings of the world's religions about our relationship to the Earth. protection from the elements for some of #April 16, 8:30 A.M. to1:00 P.M. Cleanup at Mt. Diablo State Park the county’s most vulnerable homeless Volunteers of all ages are needed at Mt. Diablo State Park on Saturday, individuals, namely children, their April 16 for the California State Parks Foundation's 14th Annual Earth parents and elders,” explained Carol Sue Day Restoration and Cleanup presented by PG&E. Projects planned at Cain, the volunteer coordinator for the the summit include: trail maintenance, installing fencing, rehabilitation of second year in a row of our church’s two- campgrounds and clearing roads of vegetation. Please go to Calparks.org week stint as Winter Nights host. and click on the Earth Day button to register or call 1-888-98-PARKS. Registration is required. In this seventh year, Winter Nights #April 17, 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Oakland Zoo Explore more than fifty has grown to participation by 30 Contra earth stations and demonstrations, all offering hands-on fun and County churches in an impressive educational adventures. Visit with dozens of local environmental non- logistical operation. It begins at our profit organizations, get your face painted, observe beautiful animals, and church with the mid-afternoon arrival enjoy a wild earth day adventure at the Oakland Zoo. Be astounded by March 28 of a truck. It will have brought Earthcapades: Environmental Vaudville! -- www.earthcapades.com supplies, including 33 air mattresses, the Be inspired by Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Fund Projects. Reduce waste tents bed linens and belongings of our and recycle a cell phone for a free train ride. Play with the gigantic earth ball! Explore the Arroyo Viejo Creek!. Oakland Zoo,9777 Golf Links Road, guests from the previous church where Oakland, CA 94605 they stayed. Guests numbering about 25 #April 23, 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Lakeside Park in Oakland The Junior adults and children, will arrive at about Center of Art and Science offers a fun-filled day of science and art 5:30 P.M. activities designed to share information about how to live more A paid staffer from the sponsoring harmoniously with nature. Lakeside Park • 558 Bellevue Avenue • Interfaith Council of Contra Costa Oakland • CA • 94610 $3 per person (pre-registration) or $5 per person County will be on the premises at all (day of the event) All children must be accompanied by an adult. times during the two-week stay of our www.juniorcenter.org/downloads/2011/EarthDayFLyer2011.pdf guests. Breakfast and dinner will be served by our volunteer crews, along F r o m t h e O f f i c e with those from St. Bonaventure Catholic When you borrow keys from the office to enter any of the Church of Concord. buildings, please close doors tightly and make sure they are What motivated Carol Sue to plunge locked when you exit. Returning keys to the office when you a second year in a row of riding this are done are appreciated by the Staff to ensure that our buildings remain secure. whirlwind of activity that directing this volunteer activity requires? Answering Lost and Found that question must be prefaced by A set of keys were found in the Gilmartin building a few weeks ago explaining that when she and her and are being held in the office. One of the keys is a distinctive large husband, James Botts, joined our church blue key with a picture of Tinkerbell on it. requires explaining that it was a double find when they joined our church two Correction to Notice in Last Beacon: There is free Wi-Fi available at church in the Bortin Hall and Gilmartin years ago after attending services for a Buildings. There has been a security upgrade and the new Wi-Fi year before that. network names are ‘the-password-is ‘MDUUC-public’ for the Gilmartin Carol Sue is a computer whiz and also building and ‘the password is MDUUC-Public’ for Bortin Hall. TIE/Community Circle Facilitator two years. (Thank you, Carol Sue!)

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 7 UUA Pacific Central District News The Caring Column by Marge Chapel The Pacific Central District of the UUA is joining with nWhen writing in the Joys and Concerns book, please other western US Districts (Pacific Northwest, Pacific be sure to circle either Yes or No, so we can know if Southwest and Mountain Desert) to present WEBINARS we may reprint your message in the Beacon. To register, go to: nWould you like to be part of the Caring Committee? http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PWRUUAWebinars We meet the fourth Saturday of every month from 9:30 •Tuesday, March 29, 7-8 PM, Youth Ministry: Where Are to 11:00 A.M. We’d love to have you! We Now? Where Are We Going?, Presenter: Tandi Rogers New pictures have been posted on our Members & •Tuesday, April 26, 7-8 PM, Transforming Nominating Friends site. Take a look: Committees, Presenter: Rev. Nancy Bowen http://www.mduuc.org/members •Thursday, April 14, 7-8 PM, Governance: Considerations (no password required) for the Mid-size Church, Presenter: Rev. Ken Brown Beacon Deadlines 1st and 3 rd Wednesdays •Tuesday, April 19, 7-8 PM, Capital Campaigns: What To 10:00 A.M. Consider? Presenter: Barry Finkelstein NEXT DEADLINE IS •Wednesday, April 27, 7-8 PM, Campus Ministry Start Up APRIL 6 Strategies for Congregations, Presenter: Kayla Parke Editor: Beverly Bortin Associate Ed. David Wilcox •Wednesday, May 11, 5-6 pm, Change and Small Group Mailing: Betty Allen, Mary Smits, Ministry, Presenter Rev. Deborah Holder Rosemary Kadoch HOW TO REACH US •Tuesday, May 17, 7-8 PM, Policy Governance: What's • Office Hours Basic, What's Flex? Presenter Rev. Margaret Keip Mon.- Fri. 9:00 A.M .- 3:00 P.M. • FAX. 925 934-3136 • Phone:925 934-3135 Office •[email protected] PCD Assembly • Worship Assoc.. [email protected] Registration is now open for The Pacific Central District •Webmaster.. [email protected] • Public Web .. www.MDUUC.org Assembly, May 13 -14, at the Newark Fremont Hilton Hotel (www.pcd-uua.org/events/DA-2011/index.htm). • Web...... www.mduuc.org/member • E mail. . [email protected] The same website offers information about volunteering, • Mail. .55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek CA 94596 programs for children, workshop schedules, meals and accommodations. With a theme of "The Transient and the Ministers Revs. David and Leslie Takahashi Morris Permanent," DA celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Ministerial Intern Laura Bogle Ministe r Emeritus Dr. David Sammons UUA. Director of Lifespan Religious Education Heather Sawyers Highlights will include the Banner Parade and RE Assistant Heather Hsieh Opening Ceremonies on Friday. Saturday will feature a Administrator LouAnn Silveria keynote breakfast with the Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, Office assistant Elba Morataya author of "Black Pioneers in a White Denomination." Music Director Mark Tuning Featured speaker at the banquet dinner will be the Rev. Custodian German Rivera Youth Advisor Nancy Jasa Dr. William F. Shulz, President of the UU Service BOARD OF TRUSTEES Committee and past President of the UUA. President Nancy Rivara Vice-President Jeff Galanti And Sunday's worship service will be led by the Secretary Joanne Scott Treasurer Jo Gelinas Revs. Leslie and David Takahashi Morris! Register before Pat Iverson, Marcia Newey, Bob Olson, Joan Redding, April 12 (Early Bird) for $75; regular registration (to April Avu Sankaralingam, Kristen Taylor 30) is $95 and late registration (deadline May 9) is $105. The deadline for Children and Youth is April 30.

Greeters are Needed for Both Services Greeters are needed with an ongoing commitment and to serve at regular intervals. We would ask you to greet five or six times a year. Join our team and get acquainted with new and old members. Make new friends. Add your special touch to making our visitors feel at home and welcome. Contact: [email protected]

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 8 Members of the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church witnessing in Walnut Creek, for Valentine's Day

Photo by Rev. Leslie Takahashi Morris

A Mark Morrison Reed Book Reading Starr King School for the Ministry cordially invites you and your friends to our Spring Transylvanian Tea “PROPHETIC VOICES” a fund-raiser for the Balázs Scholars Program. The Balázs Scholars Program each year brings a Transylvania Unitarian minister to study at Starr King School for the Ministry May 17, 2011 7:00 P.M. and the Graduate Theological Union Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church Saturday, April 2, 3:30 P.M. What is it like to grow up an African-American UU? $25 donation Why does UU’ism find becoming more diverse such a featuring struggle? Hear Mark Morrison-Reed read excerpts from Rev. Levente Lázár his book: 2010-2011 Balázs Scholar In Between: Memoir of an Integration Baby Minister in Szovata and Csokfalva, Get a sneak preview of his new Skinner House published Transylvania book, out this Spring! and Darkening the Doorways: Black Trailblazers and Missed Rev. Dr. Dorsey Blake Opportunities in Unitarian Universalism Dean of the Faculty and Visiting Professor of Spirituality and Prophetic Justice at Starr King School, and Pastor of the San Francisco The MDUUC Book Group’s Schedule : Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples April 5 "Shantaram" - Gregory David Roberts - Meeting at Bruce Starr King School for the Ministry and Carol Thom’s in Rossmoor. 2441 Le Conte Avenue, Berkeley RSVP to Arliss Ungar May 3 "Pompeii" - Robert Harris (NOTE THE CHANGE of [email protected] or 925-283-3288 BOOK ) The Book Group is an open group which meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Locations will be announced. For further information call: Bill or Joy Hicks (925)939-3316

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 9 Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek CA 94596

Musings from the Board President Nancy Rivara Valley! 7. We need to support our hard working and all-giving We are in the midst of our annual Canvass and we hope to receive professional staff by BETTER supporting the personnel pledges from all members and friends budget. by the end of this month. Please 6. Our ministers take VERY good care of us on a 24/7 basis consider giving what you can because it so let’s take good care of them through our collective is through your generous pledging that generosity! enables our church community to 5. As stated in the Longevity Project (look it up, it’s true!), sustain and grow its infrastructure, you will have a longer life if you belong to a caring especially in the area of ministers and community and are compassionate, grateful, and staff salaries; to serve the needs of all congregants; and to generous. (Especially remember the generous part....) reach out beyond our doors to those disenfranchised people who need our life-affirming support to lead a more 4. Since our pledges support this living, vibrant, and ever- fulfilling life. growing church, we want to continue to “celebrate” the I would like to reiterate the Board’s top ten reasons to reasonable “challenges” of our church community: pledge this year; many of you heard this at our celebratory crowded parking; “dynamic” congregational meetings; 60th Anniversary dinner on March 5. I don’t think we can lots of “energetic” children; and not enough meeting emphasize enough what our church means to all of us. I rooms. Let’s be happy that we have these kinds of want to thank all of you in advance for giving to our “problems!” church, in whatever amount you can, so we can continue to 3. We fight for marriage equality, immigration and racial support and grow this vital church community. As a justice, and have compassion for all because we Stand on Board we are privileged to serve all of you and our the Side of Love. We also need to stand on the side of incredible ministers, David and Leslie Takahashi Morris. fiscal responsibility so we can share our message far and wide. The Top Ten Reasons to Pledge in 2011 2. It feels good to support our core UU values by pledging 10. We’ll feel good on Tax Day: Less to the IRS and More to as generously as we can to MDUUC. Think about it. MDUUC! Are you with us?

9. We all take in the “GOOD” on Sundays: You get And the Number One reason we all need to pledge in 2011: something here you won’t find anywhere else the other Because we are ALL stakeholders in our Beloved six and half days of the week. (And, that’s the truth!) Community! 8. Imagine what we can accomplish in the NEXT 60 years as the liberal Beacon of Light shining in the Diablo

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church “ THE MDUUC BEACON” March 22, 2011 10