Starr King was perhaps the most famous pastor of this church. He was a major figure in Civil War-era San Francisco.

Most of Starr King's writings are now out of print, but fortunately, the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley has archived many of his sermons, letters, and other writings. From these, we can put together a picture of Starr King the preacher, the political activist, the traveler, and the naturalist.

Today, we will invoke the memory of this great leader, as we consider his words on 19th century California, especially its natural wonders.

The Worship Associate will be Jeane Orjas, and guest musician will be Lisa Sangita Moskow.

Sunday will be Rev. Scott's last sermon as summer minister. He and his wife, Karen, will be at coffee hour for those wishing to say goodbye.

Sandy Tolan -- author, radio producer, and teacher -- speaks to the Forum Sunday. He has reported for more than 30 countries from the Middle East to Eastern Europe, the USA and Latin America.

His acclaimed book, The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew and The Heart of the Middle East, was ranked one of the best nonfiction books of 2006. His unique research and stories uncovered are central to understanding what "Radical Compassion" can be in this world of conflict, discord, and violence.

Me and Hank, published in 2000, chronicles the struggles of Hank Aaron, Sandy's boyhood sports hero, during the civil rights movement and fighting racism in professional sports. This week Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants may break Aaron's career home run record established in 1974! Sandy's presentation is for both baseball fans and justice seekers.

Don't miss this Breakfast Forum which wraps up a church year of thought-provoking programs. The Forum will be on recess in August and will resume its regular Sunday presentations on September 16.

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

Children and youth are invited to worship with their families in the pews this week. Childcare will be provided for children up to the age of 5.

The Religious Education Playshops have been canceled for the remainder of the summer.

At the July Board meeting, Natalie Freeburg announced her resignation as the Acting Director of Religious Education, effective July 31, 2007.

The Board wishes to thank Natalie for the enthusiasm, dedication, and energy she brought to our Religious Education program for the past two years. In addition to knowing her as the Acting Director of Religious Education, many of us know her as a valuable friend and amazing mom, and it is the hope of the Board that she will continue to share her gifts with all of us in this Congregation.

The Board and Rev. Gregory Stewart are committed to ensuring that the Society will continue to offer a high quality religious education program. We will share more information about next steps as we work together during this period of transition.

Building Manager Donald Johnson is away for another "working vacation" in New Orleans.

The report is scheduled sometime during the hour news program, and is likely to be broadcast close to midway through the time.

Money to improve safety along the avenue has been long allocated but not spent, according to John Donaldson whose daughter works for KTVU and was instrumental in developing the story. Police and other officials will be interviewed, and a photograph of Alice will be shown as an illustration of the cost of the governmental failure to act.

TV news schedules change frequently. If we learn of changes in the broadcast plans for this story, we will post the updates to the online copy of The Flame which is published at the bottom of the home page of the Society's website.

The Stone Soup Lunch and Forum presents a screening of the DVD Rashid Khalidi's recent keynote address at the Ware Lecture at General Assembly in Portland.

Rashid is the Edward Said Professor of Arab Studies at Columbia University, and the head of Columbia's Middle East Institute. Rashid has written dozens of scholarly articles on Middle East history and politics, as well as op-ed pieces in many U.S. newspapers, and has been a guest on numerous radio and TV shows.

Prior to the program a luncheon of vegetable soup will be available for $4.

The Society's website, www.uusf.org, was updated Monday to an modern urban look which includes more photographs and information for visitors to its pages.

Volunteer webmaster Guy Burns and Rob Packenham added Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) information and other tips focused on the people who stop by our site looking for a liberal spiritual community.

The Internet gurus have received inspiration and page content from Executive Director Nancy Evans, Reverend Gregory Stewart, Jonathan Silk, and other staff and volunteers. An active website is never completely "done", and Guy invites comments and suggestions on what to share with our Internet visitors -- send him your ideas.

Congratulations on the fresh website!

The beauty of Society's buildings is now featured online as a potential San Francisco wedding venue.

The listing is on "Here Comes the Guide", a resource for California wedding planning. The page for the San Francisco Unitarian Universalist church and center includes a 360-degree virtual tour and detailed information on our facilities.

When you check out the site, be sure to click on the "Go to 360-degree virtual tour" button.

And, go ahead and click on the "Tell a Friend" link to let friends and relatives know about our ceremonial space.