The gods Before God
Sunday, October 22 at 11 am in the Sanctuary
service conducted by Rev. Gregory L. Stewart
The historical journey from polytheism to monotheism
reveals much about the current state of the religion
and its relevance (or lack thereof) to everyday life.
Moreover, the seemingly cyclical nature of the
pattern back to polytheism presents new challenges
for a rational religion like Unitarian Universalism.
Perhaps a look at the first part of the evolution of
God will provide us with a purposeful response.
Understanding the San Francisco Election
Forum Sunday at 9:30 in the Martin Luther King Room
from Henry Kroll
Tim Redmond, Executive Editor of the San Francisco Bay
Guardian, will speak on the issues in the
upcoming city election at the Forum Sunday before
the 11 am worship service.
Tim has been covering San Francisco City Hall and
local politics for over 20 years. The Bay
Guardian interviews and endorses
candidates and provides a critical look at all the
Ballot Issues.
Whether you agree or disagree, an hour with Tim
Redmond will make you and informed and engaged San
Francisco voter.
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
Samhain: A Time of Remembrance and Welcome
Community Altars in the Thomas Starr King Room this and next Sunday
from Carlowe Connelly
October 31st is the Pagan holiday of Samhain
(SAH-win), when we remember our Beloved Dead,
particularly those we have lost in the last year.
The Pagan Interest Circle will again this year set
up altars during the two weeks before Samhain, and
all members of the community are invited to contribute.
Because what is remembered lives, everyone is
invited to bring pictures, notes, or other mementos
of those you have lost to add to the Altar to the
Beloved Dead.
At
this time we also welcome the new lives that have
come to join ours over the past year. You are
encouraged to add to the Altar for the New Babies
pictures and other mementos of the
babies and other new lives that have come to enrich
your own .
This year the Pagan Interest Circle will not be
conducting a service on the afternoon of Sunday, October
29th. Anyone interested in attending a Samhain
Service can consider the Spiral Dance on Saturday,
October 28th. See Reclaiming for
more information.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday at 3:00 in the Chapel
from Dolores Perez Priem
Reverend Gregory Stewart will officiate at the
Blessing of the Animals Sunday at 3 in the Chapel.
The ceremony affirms respect for all creatures of
the earth and reminds us that we are a part of the
interdependent web of all existence.
Bring your animal companions (or a photograph of
them) to this service sponsored by Unitarian
Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
The people in attendance will sing the praises of
all of the furry, feathered, and scaly friends.
Participants will receive a complimentary photograph
as a memento.
David Jones will provide the music, and
speakers at the blessing will relate their rescue
efforts for abandoned animals. The Congregation
will honor the work of Pets Unlimited whose
volunteers shelter and care for domestic animals in
San Francisco.
Rev. Stewart Appears at "No on 85" Rally
Senior Minister Rev. Gregory L. Stewart
appeared a "No on 85" rally at City Hall last Friday.
Introduced to the crowd by Assemblyman Mark Leno,
Rev. Stewart expressed his opposition to the
proposed amendment to the state constitution which
would require parents to be notified before a minor
has an abortion.
Rev. Stewart called the proposition, "unsafe,
unnecessary, and unrealistic." He added, "It doesn’t
take a law; it will always take more love."
The First Unitarian Universalist Society of San
Francisco has not taken a position on Proposition 85.
However, its ministers, Members, and friends are
encouraged to participate in public debate and to
express their opinions.
Starr King Educational Campaign Gains Support
from Rev. Lindi Ramsden
Executive Director
Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry California
The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry
California has been working with state Senator
Debra Bowen's office on a strategy to persuade
Governor Schwarzenegger not to send a letter asking
that the statue of Rev. Thomas Starr King in
the United States Capitol be replaced by the one of
President Ronald Reagan. A message from the Governor
to Congress is required to change statues.
Unitarian Universalists throughout the state are
sending requests to the Governor and to the
Californians on the Congressional Joint Library
Committee which oversees the statues. Historians and
educators are adding their voice to this campaign to
educate the Governor and public about Rev. King. The
Legislative Ministry urges members and friends to
contact the Governor, the California
representatives, and the Joint Committee on the
Library of Congress.
The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor, State of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 445- 2841
Fax (916) 445-4633
Email on
website
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren
102 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone (202) 225-3072
Fax (2020)225- 3336
Email
on website
Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald
2445 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone (202) 225-7924
Fax (202) 225- 7926
Email
on website
Joint Committee on the Library of Congress
1309 LHOB
Washington, D.C. 20515- 6157
Phone (202) 225-8281
Email on website - Pick "Joint Committee on the
Library"
18-35ish Adults Connect for Dinner and Planning
Next Thursday (October 26) at 7 in the Thoreau Room
from Brendon O'Brine
Breakout discussions for young adults are
planned for the meeting of the Unitarian
Universalist Young Adults Network next Thursday
(October 26) at 7 in the church's Thoreau Room. The
group will focus on the shape of the organization
and activities for the year.
New members are invited to join in with other people
in the community who are 18-35-ish. Dinner will be
provided.
Please RSVP to Brendon or to
the group
so the organizers know how much food to bring. Feel
free to send questions and concerns to the same
addresses.
