We will explore our liberal religious belief in the basic goodness of people. Given the current state of the world and recent human history is this really wise?

Does our religious tradition have a realistic concept of human nature or do we need to adjust our view?

Brian's sermon is called "Doubts", and Nancy will give a reflection titled "The Practice of Kindness."

The music will be performed by students of Society member Jill Rachuy Brindel. They will be accompanied on piano by Jennifer Peringer.

The news-section story written by reporter Rob Akers quotes Rev. Stewart on spirituality, social justice, and family. The article also details the Stewart family's own journey to our Congregation.

from Liz Breger

Meet the artists of the Annual Unitarian Universalist Group Art Show after the service in the Kings Gallery.

Enjoy the refreshments while you see an amazing variety of visions, styles, and media from artists of all ages and levels of professionalism. The show runs through Sunday September 10th.

Mike McGirr, recently returned from a "singing pilgrimage" tour to Transylvania, will share his pictures and stories from the trip organized out of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley.

The Singing Pilgrims stayed in a rural Unitarian village, sang in a salt mine, and visited historic sites and beautiful cities in Romania and Hungary. Mike spent special time with our partner minister, family, and lay leaders from our partner church in Kolozvar.

Hear some stories and get a taste of Transylvania. Staff member Jay Roller will also talk about about his experiences living in Transylvania and his recent return visit. Mary Castilia and Mark Sumner are considering an San Francisco-organized tour next year.

Please phone Gerda's daughter Christine at 383-1751 or son-in-law John at 717-8808 for the address and to let them know you're ready to celebrate.

Rev. Dr. Kay Jorgensen will conduct the Memorial Service for Dr. Christian Gronbeck, father of Barbara Allen, Saturday (August 19) at 3 pm. A reception will follow in the Martin Luther King Room.

In the early 1990's I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship from the [Society for Community Work]. As a single mother struggling to make ends meet while going to the University of California, Santa Cruz, the $1,000 scholarship was a blessing.

Sixteen years later I was able to reach a major milestone in my life. On June 11, 2006 I graduated from Loma Linda University with a doctorate in Public Health with a major in Preventative Care.

Thank you for granting me the scholarship. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to reach my goals. Please continue to do the good work you do to assist individuals in their scholastic endeavors.

Congratulations, Dr. Jones! And, thank you to her mother Nancy Nielsen, for sharing this news with the community.

Members of the Social Justice community conducted last week's worship service. This picture by Sonnie Willis shows the participants gathering at the table on the Chancel.

Christine Patch Lindsay's reflection and an additional photograph are featured on the web page below.

However, it turns out UUFETA actually rescued 13 dogs rather than just six. A beautiful dog with the beguiling name "Baby-Cakes" was recently renamed "Laika" by her new guardian, Reed Trencher. After he and she became acquainted for about a month, he was very surprised when, one day she retired to give birth to SEVEN puppies! So UUFETA actually rescued 13 dogs.

Reed is thrilled with this development, and is the proud stepfather of Laika's puppies. He says, ..."I really hit the Jackpot when I got my Katrina dog, Laika, she is wonderful and a great mother..." and he adds, "I think Laika hit the Jackpot too!" Here is the beautiful Laika with her babies.

UUFETA with the help of Patty Meyers will continue to bring dogs to the Bay Area. If you are interested in a Katrina dog or in adopting one of Laika's puppies, please contact Reed at 383-0823 or Dolores Perez Priem at 387-2287.

Several Society committees have joined together in an exciting Katrina Dogs fundraising effort to be held in September called "Divas to the Rescue!"...stay tuned for further information, or go to www.uusfconcerts.org.

Thanks to photographer Sonnie Willis for this memory of the members of the Small Group Ministry who provided the worship service August 6th.

from Matt Fuller

After a powerful service on August 6, many Society members, friends, and attendees were inspired to sign-up for participation in small group ministry.

Sign-up remains open until August 31, but assignment to a group is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Available seats are quickly being filled by members eager to connect with the congregation in an intimate and wonderful way for two hours, twice a month.

Applications are available in the church office, or if you prefer, you can sign up online.

If you missed the August 6 celebration in the Sanctuary, listen to the entire service or the reflection and sermon online. If you have questions, you can contact Matt Fuller at matt@fullerbrantner.com or 203-1745 and/or Carol Ruley at cjruley@yahoo.com or 846-3986.