service conducted by The Reverend Fred Rabidoux

"Pride" is a term that stirs different reactions and emotions for many people.

Is it a good attribute, something to be pursued; a worthy goal to set for one self; or is it self delusion?

The question becomes even more clouded when the focus of the term "pride" is directed toward sexual orientation.

And if one takes the issue to an even more difficult level -- the presence of sexuality among teens in our population -- this can become a very sticky issue indeed. So, let's go there... if adults can feel pride about their sexual orientation, is the same true for teenagers?

Musicians for this service will be Micheal Yokas and Matthias Erbe violinists; and Mark Johnson, piano.

from Natalie Freeburg, Acting Director of Religious Education

The Society's summer program for children begins Sunday and runs through September 2. The activities schedule can be downloaded here, or you may pick up a copy of it at the Greeters' table at the church.

Last Sunday, our children and youth wrapped up the regular church year by playing cooperative games taught by the 3rd-5th grade Upper Alternative class.

Musical chairs as a way of personal introduction, racing like crabs and rolling bodies as ocean waves (pictured), throwing paper snow balls and card games... all were wonderful ways to join all grades and say farewell as many launch their summer travels.

The Society's new banner -- and 37-some Members -- are in Portland this week for the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.

Our new banner is composed by Liz Breger who integrated her photo and Guy Burns' logo of chalice and bridge. Unlike previous banners, this is an all-weather one produced in vinyl.

We also have several excellent designs by Stefan Salinas which would be best done in traditional cloth and needlework. If any one would like to create these as a craft and quilting project, please contact Nancy Evans in the office next week.

We thank Liz, Guy, Stefan, and Richard Davis who put together the carrying post.

The campaign is funded 100% by local donations, and Rev. Gregory Stewart and lay leaders all ask that you donate to this unique capital campaign.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Make Your Gift This Week:

1. Time's Up! The planners are going to set the budget for the ads at the end of June based on the donations and pledges received.
2. Time's Up! There are no more reminders, Flame notices, or appeals planned. If you don't give now, you won't do it.
3. Time's Up! Wally Cleland wants to do different things in coffee hour instead of standing by the poster boards explaining the marketing effort.
4. You're a frustrated missionary. You don't feel comfortable knocking on door Saturday mornings, so you'll give money to spread the word in a non-pushy, non-threatening way.
5. You're a radical hospitality-ian and you are looking forward to practicing your fetish on as many people as possible in September.
6. You get tired of explaining what "Unitarian Universalists" are to your non Unitarian Universalist friends. You want broader awareness so that you don't have to keep explaining that you're not a follower of Rev. Moon.
7. Your face is locked in a permanent yet painful grin as you listen to another friend ask, "Aren't Unitarian Universalists the ones that believe in anything? ... don't believe in anything?" And, giving to the public awareness campaign is cheaper than the acupuncture treatments to unlock your frozen smile.
8. You know that the Cosmic Muffin will reward you in the afterlife for giving generously now.
9. You actually believe that Unitarian Universalism can help individuals and the community. You believe many people would join our community if they knew we existed. You want to help them find us.
10. Finally, #10: your own personal, heartfelt, considered reason: [enter text here].