This sermon is the first in a monthly series on the concept of hope, the theological bedrock of historical Unitarianism and Universalism.

This week we'll examine, with humor and candor, the risks of romantic love in the face of overwhelming odds that intimate relationships will likely fail.

If commitment is passé, what does anyone hope to achieve though the institution of marriage or the virtue of monogamy? One answer, based on a time-honored religious principle, suggests we must lose all hope in order to find it. Together, we'll explore just how audacious it is to have hope.

The Bell Choir will join the Choir in providing music. Ministerial Intern Jeremy Nickel and Worship Associate Nicolette Toussaint will assist Rev. Stewart on the Chancel.

Ernesto Cortes, National Field Director of the Industrial Areas Foundation, will lead the Forum discussion on understanding and supporting America's real family values. Ernesto believes that supporting these standards requires understanding the conflict between people power vs. money power.

The Industrial Areas Foundation is the national parent of faith- and community-based groups including San Francisco's Bay Area Organizing Committee.

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

from Betty Skwarek
Acting Director of Religious Education

Elementary age children will learn about monsters, victims, and heroes through puppetry in this Sunday's Religious Education classes. All during October the children will be learning about things that make us victims, and how heroic acts -- sometimes even very small heroic acts -- make a difference.

Preschool children will begin a series of classes based on the Frog and Toad stories. These two characters find themselves in many of the same dilemmas as small children. The children will hear the stories and do related activities that reinforce the stories' message.

The complete schedule of Religious Education activities is available online.

Adults are invited to become involved in by:

• Joining the Children's Religious Education Committee.
  
  This group is instrumental in setting the tone and agenda for the learning program. They meet the first Tuesday of the month and are planning a retreat soon to look at directions for the coming year.
  
  
• Providing Sunday morning snacks and maintaining bulletin boards.

For more information on any of these opportunities, please email Betty Skwarek.

New students are welcome throughout the year, and parents are invited to phone Acting Director of Religious Education Betty Skwarek at 776-4580 for more information.

Two perspectives...two artists...one couple...one free day.

"Monday Wanderings" is an joint exhibit of black-and-white photographs by Joe Dellert and watercolors by Nancy Buffum. In their weekly wanderings around San Francisco and beyond, the artist couple explored landscapes and landmarks with their chosen tools: Joe, a 4 x 5 camera and black and white film, and Nancy, a travel kit of watercolors.

Nancy and Joe are Members with two children and busy lives. "Monday Wanderings" is joyful proof that artistic vision, when combined with mutual support, a beautiful city, and a little free time, can fire the creative spirit.

For further information on show, please contact Joe and Nancy.

A memorial is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13 at 11:30 in the Sanctuary.

We extend sympathy to Nancy Rose on the death of her mother last week. Margaret Simon Rose was 92 at the time of her passing.

We're back in the swing of things at church -- let's celebrate and have cake together!

This Sunday please bring a tasty cake to share during coffee hour as a symbol of both the sweetness of community and the plain good fun of being hospitable to old friends and new friends alike.

Bring your confection to the kitchen prior to the 11 o'clock service, where it will be sliced and readied to serve. We hope to serve the mouth-watering creations of master bakers, the homespun, heartfelt offerings of those who bake with love -- even the pretty store-bought cake.

Of course, even if you are unable to bring a cake, by all means come and enjoy cake and your neighbors at the cake table! It is your company that is most preciously sought after.

from Dolores Perez Priem

Bring your pet companion, a picture of them, or a picture of your favorite creature, and help us sing their praises at the annual Blessing of the Animals Sunday at 3 pm.

Like Francis of Assisi who preached love, tolerance, and peace, Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (UFETA ) seeks to continue his message by raising awareness of the importance of the earth's furry, feathered, and scaly beings, and our responsibility toward them.

Rev. Gregory Stewart will officiate. David Jones, pianist, will lead the singing, the Folk Orchestra will play, and members of UFETA will assist in the blessing.

The event's special guest will be Nancy DeStafanis. Nancy has devoted her life to educating children and the public about the rare blue herons which grace the Bay Area.

Attention drama lovers! Members and friends are starting a new oral reading group called "Wonderful Words" that will have its first meeting on Wednesday (October 17) in the Kincaid room.

These wordsters will bring voice to poetry, plays, and short stories. The gathering is free and requires no advanced sign-up.

Further information is available from Carol at 391-9179. Or, simply show up at 7 pm with your voice (or just your ears) and expect to have some fun.

Are you new to Unitarian Universalism (UU)? Considering membership? Did you recently become a member but missed a previous New UU Journey class?

New UU: Sharing the Journey is a fun and interactive three-session course designed to welcome newcomers. Lead by Senior Minister Rev. Greg Stewart and Community Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, the sessions give an overview of Unitarian Universalist history and beliefs, the history of this congregation and this building, and describes the many activities available here. There is lots of time for group discussion and questions and answers, too!

The next New UU: Sharing the Journey course will be held in October and November after Sunday services from 12:30 to 3. The classes will be Sunday, October 21 and 28 and November 4. Light refreshments will be provided. The class will conclude with a pot luck dinner on a date set by the members.

Enroll by stopping by the church office today or calling the office at 776-4580 and telling the receptionist you want to enroll in the New UU Journey class. Or you can e-mail Claire with a message that you want to enroll. Pre-registration for the free class is required. Child care will be available upon request, but please let us know when you register if you require child care.

The Faithful Fools invite you to their monthly movie night on Saturday (October 13th) beginning at 7 pm at 234 Hyde Street.

The film, The Harp of Burma, is set in the final days of World War II and its aftermath. One harp-playing corporal becomes separated from his regiment and is inspired to don Buddhist monks' robes as he surveys the toll war has taken on the countryside.

This profoundly affecting paean to pacifism was filmed by director Kon Ichikawa on location in Burma, which at the time was still a democratic republic. The film won the top prize at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.