Eighty-two thousand children are in the foster care system awaiting homes in the state of California. While some are fortunate to join "forever families" through reunification with their families of origin or adoption, many grow up in group homes or institutionalized settings that can render them incapable of realizing their full potential. At Advent, religious liberals often like to remind us that "each night a child is born is a holy night" (Sophia Lyons Fahs), but the truth is that there is little sacred about the warehousing of children.

Out of this context, the Stewart/White family came into being. Our Unitarian Universalist faith motivated us to adopt five children, four of whom were considered "hard to place" (read: not adoptable).

With their permission I will share our boys' journeys, sometimes pain-filled, other times joyous, but always filled with a hope that mirrors the myths and meanings of the season.

Who knows, you may find a bit of your own path in the footprints of little feet.

Sunday will be the kick-off of the major annual fund raising drive for Up On Top. This completely free program provides safe care, tutoring, and enrichment for Tenderloin and Western Addition school children. It was initiated by the Congregation six years ago, is housed at our Center, and is a credible and delightful way to make a positive difference.

As the calendar again turns towards Christmas, Americans are expected to spend more billions on gifts and other indulgences that keep our retail and service industries humming.

How can we engage and enjoy this Holiday season guided by our Unitarian Universalist values? The Forum will explore how we can mindfully be consumers at this time of year by shopping selectively and responsibly.

Buying a present at our Society's Holiday Faire today is more in line with our values than a purchase from a big box store. A Fair Trade gift is not only a gift to the receiver but also to struggling workers everywhere.

How else do we as members of a spiritual community respond to the overwhelming seasonal pressures and keep Christmas and other holy days sacred?

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

Be prepared to find fun, food, and meaningful gifts at the Holiday Faire. Choose from recycled gifts or beautiful items handmade by our own members and friends, including the wonderful craftswomen from Kopanang.

Some special holiday items whose proceeds directly benefit our Society include:

• Fresh evergreen wreaths especially designed by Unitarian Universalist elves!
• Fair Trade gift baskets of chocolate, coffee and tea are a great way to bring a socially responsible message - and delectable treats - to your officemates and neighbors.
• A special CD gift card by the “Nightshades” will be sold at the Giftable table, courtesy of the Cowan family
• Wine lovers! Three cases of Rachel Balyeat's finest wine will be available through silent auction.

Sit down with friends for a delicious lunch (turkey and trimmings for only $5), or tea, coffee and desserts at the Victorian Tea Room. Enjoy live music, decorate an ornament, and fall in love with the Faire again!

For further details, or to become a part of the crew, contact Faire co-chairs Marbeth Munn (673-3244) or Cheryl Deaner (876-7006).

The Thirteenth Annual World Aids Day Observance will be held at the National Aids Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park tomorrow (December 1) at noon. Rev. Greg Stewart invites you to join him at this commemoration.

The program is "AIDS at 25: A Retrospect," by Hank Plante, CBS 5 Political Editor. This year's theme allows us to reflect on 25 years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the National AIDS Memorial.

The AIDS Memorial Grove is located in the eastern end of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park at the intersection of Bowling Green and Middle Drive East - across from the tennis courts.

This Sunday the classes will focus on "Light"! The classes will have activities for Advent, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and others.

Kindergarteners through High School will meet in the chapel at 10. Infants and toddlers will stay in their regular classes the entire time, and preschoolers will report to their class at 10 and join the one-room classroom at 11:30.

If you haven't attended our program before, please call Natalie Freeburg in advance so we can be sure to welcome you.

Children's activities at the Holiday Fair will take place from 12:30 to 2:30. There will be activities for all ages! Please contact Natalie if you would like to staff an activity booth for the children and youth.

Stillman had keys in hand last Wednesday, and Greg reports they have views of the Bay, Mt. Diablo, and the City skyline.

The Stewart/White home is financed in part by the Castile Ministerial Housing Fund. Thank you to Dick Castile and other contributors to this endowment which allows our minister's family to own their home in our high-priced community.

Men in our community will meet at the church Saturday (and on the first Saturday of each month) from 9 - 11 for a light breakfast and a lively discussion.

Members, friends, and visitors are invited to call Ed Sheffield at 752-8489 for more details... or just show up!

Jewelry and embroideries made by the Kopanang Project will be available for sale Sunday at the Holiday Faire. Last week $1,576.74 was collected in donations for Kopanang, and another $1,492.50 was raised from the sale of their art. Congratulations... and thank you!

Celebrate a joy or a special memory by donating $20 to be a "poinsettia patron". The gorgeous holiday plants will be on display on our chancel beginning December 17, and your name or dedication will be listed in our order of service on Christmas Eve. Please send your check for $20 to the office by December 14, and please let us know how you want your dedication to appear.

Does the office know where you live? Probably so, but keeping up with cell phones and e/addresses is a little harder. A new issue of the Society membership directory will be printed in January, so please check your listing and email or call the church office (776-4580) with any changes.

Our rich worship last week included music from Young Performers International (pictured above in a photo by Sonnie Willis) and a "Credo" by Stephen Schwichow.

Rev. Greg Stewart also provided the greetings at the Thanksgiving interfaith service at Grace Cathedral. Thank you to Stephen and Rev. Stewart for allowing us to reprint their words.