The Jewish celebration of Purim begins Saturday (March 3) at sun down. In the biblical book of Esther we learn that Purim is a time for parties, costumes, cross-dressing, noisemakers, altered states of mind, reading the megilliah, acting silly, shouting, winning prizes, giving shelah manot, and intentionally losing control in an otherwise ordered world.

So why haven't religious liberals embraced this heretical holy day? Come and find out if Purim speaks to our present condition.

Joining Rev. Stewart on the Chancel will be Amy Moses, Worship Associate, and Matt Fuller, Celebration Sunday leader and Board of Trustees member.

To honor this year's Women's International Day for Peace, Karen Melander-Magoon will feature highlights of her acclaimed opera on the life of one our Universalist heroines, Clara Barton, one of the founders of the American Red Cross.

Karen has composed and performed her one-woman operas on stage both in Europe and across the United States. Music, history, and tribute to our Unitarian Universalist heritage and values will be live at the Forum Sunday thanks to Karen's talents.

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

from Natalie Freeburg, Acting Director of Religious Education

Religious Education learners this week will be brainstorming how to participate in Celebration Sunday on March 18. Those in the Rite of Passage program will also focus on preparation for their worship service March 11.

All children and youth (infants through high school) will meet in their regular Sunday School classrooms, beginning at 10. Visitors are always invited to attend, and advance notice is appreciated so we can fully welcome you! Please contact Natalie Freeburg at (415) 776-4580 extension 162 for more information.

Adult religious education learners may register for these program by calling the church office at 776-4580 or by calling Natalie Freeburg at 776-4580 extension 162:

• UU History 101 Wednesdays, March 21, 28, April 4, 11; 7-9 pm; $60. This series will explore the North American and European roots of our Unitarian Universalist faith, and will give class members an understanding of those individuals who have helped develop the faith. Dr. Amy Kelly will lead this class.
• Clues: Mystery Book Club - meets Wednesday (March 7) from 7:15-8:45 pm. This month's theme to discuss will be spy thrillers. $5 drop-in.
• UU Book Group - meets Thursday (March 8) from 2-4 pm. This month's discussion will be about "The Pillowman", which was attended by the group last Saturday at Berkeley Rep. $5 drop-in. You are welcome to attend even if you have not seen the play or read the script
• Needle Crafts and Arts - meets every Thursday from 1-4 pm. Bring your individual craft project. No charge.

"Your Own Theology" class has been rescheduled for October 2007. The Rev. Greg Stewart will facilitate this six-week, hands-on experiential journey.

Congratulations, Nancy!

Senior Minister Rev. Greg Stewart recommended to the Board of Trustees that the Society hire Nancy Evans as its Executive Director. The Board enthusiastically approved that action Tuesday night.

After Nancy's excellent service as Interim Executive Director, we are pleased to welcome Nancy as our Executive Director.

Please join us in congratulating Nancy on her new position.

Steven Vincent passed away from cancer on January 31st. Rev. Dr. Kay Jorgensen will preside at his memorial service at the church at 3 pm Saturday (March 3).

Many of you may remember Steven when he was homeless and stood on the corner by the church with a sign that said, “Please Help Old Man”.

After 40 years on the streets Steven lived his last 6 1/2 years in an apartment. He was befriended by many people through the Faithful Fools, and reconnected with his family.

He is pictured here seated in a Volvo. His car and his cat, Velvet, together with all of Steven’s family and friends will miss him. Come join us for the memorial and share your stories.

This is the last week to sign up for this summer's Transylvania Tour (July 11-23), led by Rev. Dr. Judit (Zizi) Gellerd.

The tour begins on July 11 in Budapest, Hungary, where participants tour the city and the choir performs in the famous Matthias Church.

The group will then proceed to Kolozsvar, Romania to visit our partner church whose minister, Rev. Tibor Rusz, recently visited San Francisco. The choir will sing in the historic First Unitarian Church. Next stops will be Torda where the Edict of Toleration was proclaimed in 1568; Sibiu, the lovely Saxon city; Marosvasarhely where a new-style Unitarian church was recently built; and into the Unitarian homelands of the Homorod Valley to experience village life. Finally, the group visits Brasov on its way to Bucharest, capital of Romania, where the tour ends.

The ground portion, including accommodations, meals, translators, stipends, and transportation is $2,000 (this does not include airfare). Contact Mary Castiglia at 242-0471 or Dr. Mark Sumner by Sunday.

The Nominating Committee is currently seeking candidates for the Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee in preparation for the election that will take place at the Annual Meeting of the Society in June.

Committee members Bob Bacon, Bernice Biggs, Shirley Gibson, Stephanie Gowin, Faith Jansen, and Dolores Priem welcome your suggestions for their consideration.

Members interested in the offices or in recommending others are invited to review the attached job descriptions for these positions