Where are we headed as a congregation? Given our polity that's mostly up to you. Yet we are already on the way somewhere and the journey is determined partially, at least, by some "drivers" that may not be readily apparent. The same can be said of our personal lives as well.

This Sunday we'll uncover some of the forces that drive this community and help or distract us from getting from here to there.

Rev. Stewart will be joined on the chancel by The Rev. Fred Rabidoux and Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) member Joe Chapot.

Every day brings grim reports of on-going violence in the Middle East from Iraq, Afghanistan to Israel, Palestine and Lebanon.

Protecting the rights of the innocent caught in the cross-fire of armies, militias, insurgents and other forces has been a focus of Amnesty International.

George Davis and others from Amnesty International's San Francisco Chapter - which regularly meets in our Unitarian Universalist Center - will brief us on the findings of Amnesty International about their work in advancing human rights for all the residents of the conflict-ridden areas of the Middle East.

The program will begin in the Martin Luther King Room at 9:45. Come at 9:30 for conversation, coffee, and (for a slight charge) a light breakfast.

The free talk begins at 12:45 and questions will follow until about 2. An optional lunch (for $3) will be served at 12:15 pm and those wishing to bring their own lunches may do so.

McGovern's appearance is part of the Stone Soup Forums sponsored by World Community Advocates on the last Sunday of each month. This month the War and Law League (WALL) is a cosponsor.

McGovern, once an Army intelligence officer, served the Central Intelligence Agency from Kennedy's administration to that of the first President Bush. Among his tasks, he prepared the President's Daily Brief and chaired National Intelligence Estimates. Given an Intelligence Commendation Medal, he returned it following torture revelations.

It's fun to bring something to share, but inexpensive food and beverages also will be available.

There will be rides from the church after the service. Share games, friendship, and the lingering summer sunshine.

The Society's Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network will be hosting a reception for 18-35-ish members, attendees, and visitors to meet each other Sunday in the Fireside Room after the service.

Coffee and other refreshments will be available. Email Brendan or phone him at 794-0502 for more information.

A majority of the American people want to end the war in Iraq; 90% of Iraqis want the occupation to end; 72% of soldiers on duty in Iraq want the war to end and come home; and, most of the countries of the world want the American occupation in Iraq to end.

Over 300 peace and justice groups all over the country have joined the Declaration of Peace campaign, including the Unitarian Universalist Association, which voted to endorse this peace effort at our General Assembly in June. They invite and urge you to join in to build a popular movement strong enough to bring this war and occupation to an end.

Ways to become involved in this campaign and notable local events are:

• The Evening Candlelight Vigil in front of City Hall, Polk Street (bring a flashlight) tonight (September 21) 6 to 8:30 pm.
• Non-violence training by the American Friends Service Committee in the Chapel Saturday (September 23) 1 to 5 pm. Contact Sandra Schwartz or at 565-0201 x 24 if you'd like to attend or have questions.

For more details on the People to Declare Peace actions, contact Dolores Perez Priem at 387-2287.

We host many activities that are not church related and therefore not broadcast in our regular communications. However, they speak worlds about the communities that feel an affiliation with us! Here's a sample of recent and upcoming events.

The Rhythm Society held its Harvest Festival Celebration here last Friday - an all night affair that lasts thru to breakfast on Saturday morning. This group is a spiritual, sober "rave", and member Riley McLaughlin knows friends in it from YRUU days. We love their Cirque du Soleil set-ups and commitment to safety, security, and clean-up.

This weekend 300 members of Congregation Or Shalom will fill the Center from Friday thru Monday (except for our Sunday worship time), as they come together for Rosh Hashanah. They will have religious services, meals, children's activities, and generally make this place their home for three days.

Next Thursday comes a free lecture by the Institute of Noetic Sciences, an organization dedicated to exploring phenomena and human potential beyond conventional scientific models.

Next month will bring performances by the Bach Choir, The San Francisco Poetry Center, and the Early Childhood Education Leadership Conference. Great people! Great Programs.