The proof that religious communities are alive and thriving are often summarized and simplified by the observation, "Oh First Church? They are really growing." This usually refers to numbers of one sort or another, and while numbers count, they tell only part of the story.

Come and hear about what constitutes good growth, and the correlation between healthy members and healthy churches.

Ben Bear serves as a worship associates. The Folk Orchestra and singer-songwriter Chris Waltz minister in music.

Over a dozen years ago California lifted its moratorium on capital punishment and dusted off the gas chamber in San Quentin Prison where a number of prisoners have be executed in recent years by lethal injection.

Activists and religious leaders from all faiths including Pope Benedict IX have joined in condemning this barbaric practice conveniently called "capital punishment".

Stefanie Faucher and Death Penalty Focus have been leading the struggle for a new moratorium and eventual end of the death penalty in the Golden State. Stefanie will bring to The Forum urgent developments that are going on in the courts, in the legislature, and around the state to finally end the death penalty in the Golden State.

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 will be deciding in their how to participate in next Sunday's press conference as the Peace Ribbon is hung. Students will also discuss how to participate in the Sanctuary service.

After the 10-o'clock class session, learners will join the main service at 11, and then leave for art, youth choir, or upper alternative class. Classes end at 12:15 pm.

New students are invited to drop-in at 10. To receive an individual welcome and to have questions answered, please phone Natalie Freeburg at 776-4580.

Every year the Board of Trustees schedules an informational meeting to review the proposed budget for the next fiscal year and give the Congregation an opportunity to ask questions. This year's meeting will be a "cliff hanger" since Moderator Linda Enger and Treasurer Mike McGirr will be singing with the Berkeley and Oakland choirs at the worship service in Oakland.

Recognizing that the freeway has literally melted, getting to the church on time may be a challenge. We are confident Executive Director Nancy Evans will be able to open the meeting and begin the budget review should Linda and Mike run into difficulties on their trip across the bay. Come to the meeting to see if they make it!

Learn about the Society's budget for the next fiscal year. The elevator construction project will have a significant impact on the finances next year, so Thad Smith will be at the meeting to give everyone an update on that project. By coming to the informational meeting, Members have the opportunity to evaluate the budget and decide whether there are amendments they would like to submit. Amendments must be in the Board secretary's mailbox by Sunday, May 13.

Sunday after the service the Young Adult group will be hosting a coffee hour in the Fireside room. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, please join for beverages and conversation.

Newcomers are especially welcome!

Afterward the coffee, the group will have a lunch meeting at a local restaurant to plan a worship service scheduled for June 3. If you are interested in participating and/ or helping to plan this service, please join in!

photo by Sonnie Willis
article from Nancy Evans, Executive Director

When you say "hello" to Executive Director Nancy Evans, you'll notice not-too-subtle pink highlights in her hair.

"Why?" you might ask?

She's making a gentle effort to remind 100 members and friends of the Society that their (pink) pledge cards are missing.

So, when you see Nancy, don't think pink hair - think, did I send in my pledge card? (Note, gifts and contributions are always welcome, but we build our budget on pledges.)

Both new and experienced students are welcome at this series which will offer basic Buddhist meditation instructions as well as Buddhist teachings. The series is led by Eugene Cash (founder of Insight Meditation Community and teacher at Spirit Rock) and Pamela Weiss (teacher-in-training with Jack Kornfield).

The course will focus on developing the fundamentals of meditation practice and learning practical ways to apply these teachings to our daily lives.

Additional classes will be May 16, 23, 30, June 6 from 7-9 pm, and Saturday, June 2 from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

The registration fee is $50 and your pre-payment reserves your place. Make checks payable to First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco. Please call Natalie Freeburg for further info 776-4580 ext 162.

The First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco extends a warm invitation to Members, friends, and everyone in the wider San Francisco community to join us in a plea for peace in a time of war. The press conference will begin at 9:30 am and the Sunday Service and Worship for Peace will begin at 11.

On Mother's Day, May 13, our entire Church and Center will be wrapped in ribbon covered with hand-written declarations of peace by our members and friends.

Our public witness includes a press conference with featured speakers from Iraq Veterans Against the War and Gold Star Families Speak Out. This theme will be continued in the 11 am worship service.

Why Mother's Day? Julia Ward Howe, a Unitarian, founded Mother's Peace Day (now Mother's Day) as a plea for peace in her time of war that resonated with mothers and their children all over America. We rekindle the original spirit of the day by standing for peace before sitting in pews. Too many mothers and their families have experienced the loss and lies of the war in Iraq. We won't wait any longer.

Your presence is what is most important as we restore and renew the powerful message of Mother's Peace Day. I hope you'll join us.

What's growing on around here? Who are all these people walking around with green name tags?

They are not late-departing St. Patrick's Day partiers.

Wearers of the green are visitors to our church. The greeters provide every visitor who completes the "Blue Card" with a green name tag.

Why are we doing this? To make visitors feel welcome and valued! And so you can spot them and welcome them.

So if you see someone with a green name tag, please introduce yourself and engage in "intentional hospitality".

Unitarian Universalists throughout the Pacific Central District met at "Rise Up, O Flame!", the annual District Assembly last weekend. Pictures of the key speakers and of San Francisco participants are available in the links below.

The choir of First Unitarian Society of San Francisco joins the choirs from Berkeley and Oakland Unitarian Universalist churches with a West Coat Premiere of acclaimed composer, John Tavener's Lament for Jerusalem Saturday (May 12) at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale from choir members and after the church service Sunday (May 6th) as well as at the door on the 12th.

The performance features Nancy Cooke-Munn singing soprano, Ari Neih singing counter tenor, the combined choirs of the San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland churches and an orchestra.

The choirs rarely perform outside of a worship service setting. Come to this unique musical experience! Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 65 and over, and, for children 12 and under.