Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains Grass Valley, CA June 2013 We are a GLBT-Welcoming Congregation
Sundays in June
June 2, 11:00am – “Letting Go” Rev. Meghan Cefalu. Worship Associate: Lindsay Dunckel Bring your canned food
June 9, 11:00am – “Offerings” Rev. Meghan Cefalu. Worship Associate: Sophia McKean
June 16, 11:00am – “Messages of Salvation” Julie Brock, Worship Associate: Jerry Jacoby This student at Starr King will talk about creating and living out our own saving messages in the world, how those messages call us to interact with others, and what it means to be saved as a people in a theologically open faith.
June 23, 11:00am – “Down is the New Up” Bob Mackura Worship Associate: Matthew Wilson-Daley 2013 RE Sunday There is a growing awareness of how our world has become head-obsessed at the expense of our heart and body. Bob will share examples of this insidious trend and what we can do to reclaim our entire Being. He will reference a recent book that addresses this very issue entitled “New Self, New World” by Phil Shepherd.
June 30, 11:00am – “The Life and Times of Pete Seeger” – Rolland Carlson Worship Associate: Bev Lyon Our service will be at Condon Park. Live music with Taylor Carey’s band! Picnic to follow.
June 2013 page 1 precious life, they all proceed from love, the ground on which we walk together.
Truly we cannot prevent earthquakes, tornados or Musings floodsfrom upending everything in our lives. When Rev. someone we love dies we are devastated. But we can trust that our true strength comes not from solidity Meghan of forms, but from vital loving relationships with others. No matter what happens, no matter how great the loss or how upside down our lives have become, we can have faith in one another and in love. Love is our true nature, it is our strength and it will never fail us. Greetings, Dear Friends,
Love and blessings, While I write I am learning of the devastation and death in Moore, Oklahoma from the massive Rev. Meghan tornado that ripped through the area on May 20. Whenever disaster strikes, whether a natural disaster or a personal one, I am reminded of one of my favorite poems. I’ll share it with you.
Fault Line by Robert R. Walsh
Did you ever think there might be a fault line passing underneath your living room: a place in which your life is lived in meeting and in separating, unaware that just beneath you is the unseen seam of great plates that strain through time? And that your life, could be invaded, sent off in a new direction, turned aside by forces you were warned about but not prepared for? Shelves could be spilled out, the level floor set at an angle in some seconds’ shaking.
When the great plates slip and the earth shivers and the flaw is seen to lie in what you trusted most, look not to more solidity, to weighty slabs of concrete poured or strength of cantilevered beam to save the fractured order. Trust more the tensile strands of love that bend and stretch to hold you in the web of life that is often torn but always healing. There’s your strength. The shifting plates, the restive earth, your
June 2013 page 2 my vast Presidential powers remain intact I have appointed myself adult RE coordinator. I welcome Notes your suggestions about classes you would like to From the take or teach and any other thoughts you might have about establishing a viable adult RE program. President But for all other comments or questions, please ask Janet. Boy, that has a nice ring to it- “please ask Janet.” Keith In the immortal words of Porky Pig, th… th… th… that’s all folks. See you Sundays (and at the yard Johnson sale). Peace, The Congregational Meeting is over. The budget is adopted. While the church year is not yet over, it Keith is time to exhale, relax, and reflect on what we have accomplished. The new Board of Trustees is fantastic. I don’t think we have ever had such a talented group. Wally and I heartily agree with this assessment, but we strongly resent any suggestion that the quality of the new Board is in any way related to the fact that we no longer serve on it. The new Board is gender neutral- four men and four women. And the Board is age diverse, from old codger Sophia McKean to teeny bopper Joel Houtman. Bonnie has been a member of UUCM for over fifteen years, while Amy has been a member for less than sixty days. Most importantly, each and every member of the Save Saturday 2013/14 Board has a proven record of competence, The enthusiasm, and commitment to UUCM which will June 8 serve us all well. To Janet, Rob, Bonnie, Joel, Brett, date! Ron, Sophia, and Amy, I say welcome aboard. The annual UUCM Yard Sale at Next year’s budget is big, bold, and innovative. No need to rehash the particulars here, but two specific the home of the Johnsons items stand out: 1) the decision to cease renting the upstairs apartment and 2) the funding of an Don't toss that stuff- save it for Office Administrator. The apartment will give us the sale! Details will follow, more space for RE, including adult RE, and the long but if you have questions now, awaited OA will help us get organized and avoid volunteer burnout. We are moving forward. call Keith at 265-0277.
As for me, I am headed out to pasture. After six years on the Board I am taking a break from Board/ Committee work. But I am not going far. While
June 2013 page 3 WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS By Andy Dooley-Miller
On April 7, we were blessed to welcome in eight new members to our Community. These events are special times: making a pledge to participate in the life of UUCM, to join with other members as we grow, celebrate, discover, and serve together. As promised we contiune to highlight our newest members. Look in future editions of the Chalice for the biographies of CARING NOTES other new members: Sue Dunbar and Robert Ludgate. By Robin Hart
Walt O’Maley June is the month for Dads and Grads, no more school, I’m Walt O’Maley and would say first and foremost and BBQs. May you celebrate all the fathers in your life thanks UUCM for opening this wonderful community and matriculate into a wonderful Summer season. to me. Hope over time I am a positive influence for Please join with me in lighting candles of concern UUCM. and sending healing energy to those many in our I would describe my life mission is to pursue life to the community who need special prayers and wishes at this fullest. I think life is a wonderful journey that should time: be treated with care and so I try to make the most of it. I work for Silicon valley tech firm as software architect pursuing some of the latest in technology yet live in a cabin on 10 beautiful acres in Nevada City. The combination is just so sane for me. The woods just fills me spiritually. In my job I’m learning new things everyday. I also run for fun and will run a half marathon in April. There is no better joy for me than to run Willow Valley Rd in Nevada City. It is beautiful and 1000 feet to run up ... very cool. I’ve enjoyed my time with UUCM over last few months and hope to make more connections in this wonderful community Also light a candle of concern and keep a special place in your hearts for and all those others in our UUCM community who are not named but who need prayer and healing energy at this time. If you need to bring something to the attention of the Caring Committee, please contact one of our members: Robin Hart (Committee Chair), Reverend Meghan, Corrie Silva, Leal Portis, Gwen Eymann, Alice Johnson, Jerry Jacoby, and Carol Hyndman, or e-mail us at [email protected]
June 2013 page 4 COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY have a loving, responsive, creative, and compassionate CHANGES IN JULY Committee on Ministry. With gratitude and appreciation, By Susan Sanford Susan Sanford
Dear UUCM, As you may know, service on the Committee on PTSD IN DOGS Ministry is a three-year commitment with one new By Carol Hyndman person, appointed by our Board of Trustees, cycling on each year and one person cycling off. Some dogs returning from combat duty are showing Since last year was a special situation with Rev. symptoms similar to humans. There have been about Meghan’s Renewal Leave, David Ferrier stayed on an 50 or 5% of dogs showing signs such as nervous additional year to help maintain continuity. exhaustion, confusion, forgetfulness. More cases are So at the end of June, both David Ferrier and I will being seen. cycle off the committee, returning it to its standard Some dogs may be treated with medication, retraining number of three. Suzanne Ferroggiaro and Sharon to unlearn the PTSD behavior. After retraining these Moore will be joined by George Dunstan, and Suzanne dogs may be sent back to combat - I feel this as a cruel will be the new Chair. and unfair move. Some may be adopted out or retired It has been an honor and privilege to be of service to (a better move) or reassigned to non combat duties. UUCM as a member of the Committee on Ministry. Historically dogs have been used as sentry dogs and Thanks to all who have brought their thoughtful ideas guards. Now they are used to sniff out mines and and concerns to the committee, and thanks to all those explosives, track combatants, and clear buildings. They with whom I’ve served over the last three years. It is are exposed to explosives, gunfire and combat violence. wonderful to know the congregation will continue to Is it any wonder these loyal, loving animals are suffering as are our human soldiers? UUCM Family Camping Trip When a human soldier ends their tour of duty, the dog may stay behind and be reassigned to a new soldier, “giving up the leash.” Dogs are so loyal and caring, I SAVE feel this is a hardship on both human and dog alike. The health and deployment histories of dogs aren’t the tracked. Walter Berghardt, Chief of Behavioral Medicine and Military Working Dogs would like to change this. He says that the problems we are seeing Date now in dogs, as well as people, could last long after troops leave Afghanistan. In a somewhat related issue, there is a bill HR 138 called The Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act. These dogs would be taught to assist returning vets who need assistance emotionally or physically depending on need. These dogs would be rescued from shelters, where some August 23-25, 2013 would probably be euthanized. A much more positive Scott’s Flat Lake way to use dogs to help soldiers. Contact Beth Freedman 274-2234 Another issue is the move to delist the gray wolf from
June 2013 page 5 the Endangered Species List. These animals are still through fine sieve and discard seeds. endangered and should remain on the list. If you can, Bring sugar, ginger, chiles and 2 c water to a boil in call Sally Jewell, Secretary of Interior and ask that the saucepan. Reduce heat to low, simmer, stirring until wolf remain on the list. sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, let stand for 10 min, then strain and discard solids. Cool “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul Whisk strawberry and sugar mixture together in remains unawakened.” pitcher, serve over ice. Anatole France SOCIAL ACTION NOTES DRUM CIRCLE @ UUCM By Sheila Myers
It has been quite an experience chairing the UUCM Social Action Coordinating Committee for the last three years, but this will be my last month doing so. I am taking some time off from committees to free up time in order to focus on other things. I would like to thank Carol Hyndman and Carol Kucsora for stepping up to the plate, offering to become co-chairs of this committee. By David Ferrier Pass the Plate last month brought in $565.00 to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition. DVASC does a lot for our community, and I would like The Drum Circle at UUCM will gather on the first to thank our generous members, friends and visitors for and third Wednesdays of June (5th and 19th) in helping monetarily. the UUCM Chapel, 7:00 to 8:30pm. Some drums available. All levels welcome. Contact: David Ferrier This month, our recipient will be Partners in English 559-5902 [email protected]. Language Learning. PiELL is a nonprofit local organization that matches volunteer tutors with students needing to improve their English language BLOODY BERRY skills. You can find out more by going to their website, By Carol Hyndman www.piell.org. There will also be a representative here at UUCM on a Sunday this month, exact date to be determined. We will let you know via UUCM general A fruity variation of the Bloody Mary email. The Vegan Supper Club will meet for the monthly 4 c hulled chopped strawberries potluck Thursday, June 27 at 6:30 pm. Bring your favorite vegan dish (no animal product ingredients) and 1/4 c lime juice yourself (maybe even a friend) to join us. We always 1 c sugar have plenty if you are not sure what to bring, so if this 1/2 c peeled, coarsely chopped ginger is your first time, don’t worry about a contribution! The food and the company are always amazing! For those of 1-2 Thai-bird chilies, split you who are regulars, please bring your recipes, as we have had a few requests for them. Puree strawberries and lime juice until smooth. Strain
June 2013 page 6 all the colors of our thoughts and our visions to life through the beautiful murals we will be creating on our garden walls. 6. Insist On A Fair And Peaceful World – as we shape and mold the clay of the Earth to create our own classroom chalices – the symbols of our faith. 7. Value The Earth, Our Home– by constructing mason bee houses; learning about worms and composting; planting bushes and flowers that will attract birds, butterflies and bees; by spending the summer surrounded by nature in our own UUCM garden. bREaking news CHALICE LIGHTERS by Paige Anderson-Torgrimson, DRE By Anita Wald-Tuttle
Can you name ALL of the 7 principles? If your answer goes something like this “Respect everyone. Vote often. Three times a year a call goes out to the Chalice Love the Earth. And some other stuff…,” then our RE Lighters to send in their donation ($10 or $15) to Summer Program is for you. help a congregation in the Pacific Central District accomplish some improvement or addition that will Our Rainbow of Promises summer program provides help their congregation to grow or become more visible youth with opportunities to develop deeper connections in their community. with one another, deeper understandings of themselves as Unitarian Universalists, and deeper insights into our The desire is to have more people become Chalice 7 principles – our faith. Lighters to grow the fund to help more congregations achieve their goals. (I’ve heard that Chico has 100% With the help of our student assistant, Indra Waters, we participation in their congregation.) We at UUCM will be exploring what it means to: have a much lower rate of participation, and we’d like to improve our percentage. 1. Respect All People – as we share stories from all Let Keith Johnson know that you’d like to become a over the world about people and nature. part of this creative fundraising to help UUCM and 2. Offer Fair and Kind Treatment to Ourselves and other congregations achieve their dreams. Others – while side-by-side we dig in the dirt, plant vegetables, and sing songs about banana slugs. 3. Yearn To Learn About Ourselves, Each Other, And The Mystery – through the practice of yoga and meditation. 4. Grow By Searching For What Is True And Right In Life – as we walk the spiraling curves of the labyrinth that we will be designing and constructing. 5. Believe In Our Ideas, Share Them, And Listen As Others Share Their Ideas– while together we bring
June 2013 page 7 SECOND SUNDAY CINEMA HOSPITALITY HOUSE By Leal Portis Second Sunday Cinema is partnering with Americans for Safe Access to show the highly acclaimed film, Thank you to folks who helped out with Hospitality “What if Cannabis Cured Cancer” on June 9 at 7 pm. House dinners. We had some glitches on the 17th “What If Cannabis Cured Cancer” is a ground- which I hope we can avoid for future times. breaking film that explains in detail the remarkable Our June date is the 21st. I will be in charge that night research findings of recent years about the cancer- and my style is to do work by telephone 265-3887. If protective effects of novel compounds in marijuana anyone has a bright idea as to a menu I’d love to hear and brings to light a host of recent findings that have from them. Thanks. Leal potentially game-changing implications for the future of marijuana as a medicine. Narrated by Emmy- winning actor Peter Coyote. JULY WOMEN’S STUDY Following the 60 minute film, Martin Lee, co- CIRCLE OPEN TO founder of Project CBD, will present a discussion on the use of CBD to treat numerous diseases including EVERYONE! tumor reduction. CBD is a naturally occurring By Kathryn Young substance found in cannabis plants, but unlike its cousin, THC, does not provide the notorious high that Come one, come all! On Tuesday, July 2, the Women’s is associated with marijuana. Study Circle presents Aida Baker, a licensed Marriage/ Lee has written several best-selling books Family Therapist who spoke at one of our services last documenting the social-economic role that drugs have summer. She will be speaking on attachment theory, a played in our society. His latest tome, “Smoke Signals,” new science of love and bonding. is a panoramic, character-driven narrative that explains As early as 2005, Aida developed both a personal and why marijuana affects so many aspects of American professional passion for attachment theory and the life. Smoke Signals chronicles the development of a healing potential that it brings. She has witnessed grassroots movement that began in the 1960s and — both in her own life as well as her clients’ — the has grown into a widespread populist revolt against therapeutic nature of developing secure attachments. prohibition. Aida has completed numerous mind-body trainings Come see the film, Sunday June 9, 2013, 7 which bring a more integrated approach to pm. Suggested Donation $10 (no one turned away psychological well-being. for lack of funds). Facilitated discussion to follow. She has been married for twenty-six years, has two Refreshments will be available. All proceeds shared with grown daughters, and has lived in Nevada County since the local ASA chapter, Social Action Committee of the 1995. You can find out more about Aida at her website: Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains www.safehavenpsychotherapy.com. and the Peace Center of Nevada County whose mission of bringing programs and events to the public to raise Learning more about attachment theory can help you consciousness on both world events and local issues understand the foundation of your attachments to are addressed. Contact Information: 530-265-0200 or other people in your life, and, in practice, can help you website ncpeace.org heal broken bonds with others. Everyone has aspects of all the attachment styles, from secure to insecure, that were formed in childhood. Come find out more about this fascinating theory, and bring your partner! The meeting begins with a potluck dinner at 5:30 pm,
June 2013 page 8 followed by the program. We’ll set up the food in the The Five Gospels (S) translation and commentary by room by the kitchen, then the program will begin in Funk & Hoover the chapel around 6:30. RSVP to Kathryn Young at Life is a Gift (S) by Rusty Berkus 530.478.1329 or [email protected]. The Soul of Money (N) by Lynne Twist Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization (N) from GREEN SANCTUARY: The Green Library FOURTH SUNDAY FILM Spirit Sail: a Memoir of Spirituality & Sailing (S) by By Carol Kuczora Nelson Price No Small Courage: a History of Women in the U.S. (N) edited by Nancy Price, donated by Jim Lowe “Mother: Caring for 7 Billion” will be shown on Sunday, June 23, at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. The Green Sanctuary film, instead of being shown after DVDS: service on the first Sunday of each month, will become What Women Want (comedy) the Fourth Sunday Film. This will allow more notice and more people. The film “Mother” is an eye-opening De-Lovely (musical biography) film about the growing human population on Mother Greatest Classic Legends: Lucille Ball (movie Earth, a neglected but important environmental topic compendium) Greatest Classic Films: Romantic Comedies (movie compendium)
VIDEO: Peter Pan (classic film), donated by Anita Wald-Tuttle
In other news, I’ve been contacted by a member of our congregation who has been enjoying the Humanist and Skeptic newsletters that are regularly donated to our library. If the person who drops these off would NEW BOOKS, DVDS, AND like to meet another interested member, I would be SINCERELY SEEKING happy to act as a conduit for contact information to HUMANIST be exchanged. My email is: [email protected], and my phone number is 477-8701. By Kate Kernitzki
This month we have lots of newly donated books and DVDs to choose from:
BOOKS: Spiritual Housecleaning (S) by Kathryn L. Robyn I Ching/Book of Changes (N) translated by Frank J. MacHovec
June 2013 page 9 Save the date
WOMEN’S STUDY CIRCLE IN JUNE By May Lawrence
Lest you forget! We are having our annual SWAP UUCM party on Tuesday, June 4. All women are welcome! Do not bring your wallet. Everything is free. If your name is on the Group List, you should have received an e-mail form to be filled out, letting us know what items you will be bringing to swap. If you did not receive it, call Donna Foddrell at 274- 2309 or May Lawrence at 478-9438. Extremely popular are clothing, accessories, and household items. Items must be brought to the Church by Sunday, June 2. Sunday Remember: We gather at 6 pm for pot luck. The action starts promptly at 7. Service GREEN POWER POINTS
& Picnic June 30th By Anita Wald-Tuttle At (from my Green Calendar of 2009) George Orwell once said “The pleasures of spring are available to Condon everybody, and cost nothing.” Park That being said, two of the pleasures are sunny skies and warm winds. On sunny days, dry your laundry outdoors. Sunlight is a great natural disinfectant, and June 30th at the Barbecue Pavillion at 11am. Picnic to it’s especially good for brightening whites. (Dry darks follow with Live Music from the Banner Mt Boys. BBQ and bright colors in the shade.) If you don’t have a Grill Food.Provided by the Worship, Membership and clothesline or don’t want to look at one all the time, rig RE Committees up a temporary version. And it you’re a city-dweller Please bring: Salades: A-L and Desserts M-Z Ice Tea/ without a yard, place a collapsible drying rack on your Lemonade provided balcony or patio, or simply near an open window. While hanging outside you’ll also be getting your BYOBeverage necessary daily 15 minutes of Vitamin D! A Win/Win situation all the way around!
June 2013 page 10 Save the date
JUNE Calendar
UUCM Sa 6/1 9am, Racism Workshop Tu 6/18 9am, Morning Meditation 10am, Spirituality Book Group 10am, Susan B. Chalice Circle
1pm, Red Earth Writing Group 1pm, Grandmothers for Peace
Su 6/2 12:30pm, RE Committee Meeting 6pm, Pflag Meeting M 6/3 5:30pm, Stewardship Committee W 6/19 8:30am, Men’s Get-Together 7pm, Choir Practice 7pm, Drumming Circle
Tu 6/4 9am, Morning Meditation Th 6/20 8:30am, What’s Up Coffee 10am, Susan B. Chalice Circle 6:30pm, Sierra Nevada Accordion
5:30pm, Women’s Study Circle Group Sunday W 6/5 8:30am, Men’s Get-Together F 6/21 5:30pm, Hospitality House 10:30am, Humanism Discussion Group Su 6/23 7pm, Green Sanctuary Film Service M 6/24 7pm, Humanism Discussion Group 7pm, Drumming Circle Th 6/6 8:30am, What’s Up Coffee Tu 6/25 9am, Morning Meditation
Sa 6/8 8am, UUCM Yard Sale 10am, Henry D. Chalice Group Su 6/9 5:30pm, Gold Country Vegans 6pm, Pflag Meeting 7pm, Second Sunday Peace Center 7pm, Worship Meeting Movie W 6/26 8:30am, Men’s Get-Together & Picnic M 6/10 7pm, Choir Practice 4:30pm, Finance Committee Tu 6/11 9am, Morning Meditation 6:30pm, Membership Committee June 30th 10am, Henry D. Chalice Group Th 6/27 8:30am, What’s Up Coffee 5:30pm, Caring Committee 10am, Writer’s Group At W 6/12 8:30am, Men’s Get-Together 6:30pm, Vegan Supper Club Potluck Condon 7pm, Social Action Coordinating Council Park Th 6/13 8:30am, What’s Up Coffee 10am, Writer’s Group 7pm, UU Board Meeting Sa 6/15 9am, Building and Grounds Work Party 12:30pm, Building & Grounds Committee Meeting Su 6/16 12:30pm, Humanism Discussion Group 1pm, Committee Chairs Meeting M 6/17 7pm, Choir Practice
June 2013 page 11 Unitarian Universalist Return Service Requested Community of the Mountains 246 So. Church Street Grass Valley, CA 95945 www.uugrassvalley.org
The purpose of our Community is to foster liberal religious living through worship, study, service and fellowship. We seek the enjoyment of religion founded upon devotion to individual freedom as our method, we seek to grow in understanding of ourselves and of our world, to promote and serve the universal human family. New to UU? Comprehensive information on our principles, beliefs within our faith, history, worship practices, congregational life and more is available on the denominational website at www.uua.org. Click on “Visitors.” Membership in UUCM is open to all who see this community as their religious home and the principles for which it stands as their own. To join UUCM, one signs the membership book and supports the com- munity through a financial contribution and regular participation. Visitors are invited to attend a membership class to learn about the UU denomination and this congregation. This two-part series, a orientation brunch followed the next week by a retreat is offered every three months after Sunday services. For more information, about the orientation or mem- bership, please talk with Membership Committee Co-Chairs: Shannon or Andy Dooley-Miller
UUCM Board of Trustees Committee Contacts President — Keith Johnson Religious Education — Jo Waters [email protected] Membership — Shannon and Andy Dooley-Miller Vice President — Wally Holtan Social Action — Sheila Myers Treasurer —Joel Houtman Worship — Matt Wilson-Daley Secretary — Janet Dunstan Building and Grounds — Wally Holtan At Large — Brett Torgrimson, Rob Ferroggiaro, Ron Finance — Joel Houtman Drake and Sophia McKean Communications — Brett Torgrimson RE Director— Paige Anderson-Torgrimson Caring — Robin Hart Director of Music Ministry — Annie Haymaker Stewardship — Wally Holtan Mountain Chalice newsletter Green Sanctuary — Carol Kuczora Production Manager — Brett Torgrimson Ministry — Susan Sanford Webmaster: — [email protected] Endowment Fund – Bev Lyon Minister – Rev. Meghan Cefalu [email protected] Office phone: (530)274-1675 Hours: Tues-Wed-Thurs, 11 am - 6 pm Email: [email protected] please call ahead for an office appointment 274-1661
Newsletter deadline is the 15th of each month. Send to: [email protected] Send change of address, phone number or e-mail to: [email protected]
June 2013 page 12