service conducted by The Reverend Gregory Stewart

My family is an ongoing ministry that my partner and I share. It was born of both justice and compassion; it is sustained by the work of the spirit. Two dads and five children of color make for a great "photo album" that records a journey of both heart and mind.

Shouldn't this be the perfect place to raise an alternative family (whatever that is)?

After a year of dwelling in the liberal Mecca San Francisco, the messages have been mixed when raw feelings break though the veneer of political correctness. Through the snapshots of everyday life from one family evolve religious principles with universal application.

The Rev. Fred Rabidoux, ministerial intern Jeremy Nickel, and worship associate Branduin Stroud will join Rev. Stewart on the chancel.

Richard Heasley, Executive Director of Conard House, will talk about ongoing work in San Francisco on behalf of the mentally fragile. The organization, inspired by Rev. Conard Rheiner, assists people recently released from San Francisco General and other facilities.

Conard House began in 1960 when Rev. Rheiner and others worked to organize a halfway house for patients discharged from state mental hospitals who had no family home to return to. The program offers counseling and assistance in job hunting and applications for public benefits. It began with a single location serving 25 former patients. It has expanded and now serves 525 clients in 22 locations throughout San Francisco.

Rev. Rheiner was ordained to the Universalist ministry in 1928, came to San Francisco in the 1950s, and was a member of this Society from 1961 until his death in 1987. The longevity and continued growth of the program he helped found is testimony to the value and the effectiveness of his efforts.

Come Sunday and learn what the San Francisco community is doing to help its citizens. Come learn about the legacy of Rev. Conard Rheiner.

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

The story of Moses, a Jewish and Christian hero, will be told this week in the elementary school classes as children continue their study of monsters, victims, and heroes. Moses' appearance follows that of Unitarian hero Dorthea Dix last week!

Senior youth will attend the 11 o'clock community worship service where one of their group will be speaking. If your junior youth is urging you to get to church a little early on Sundays, it may be that they want to join the social time for their group before class starts -- please let them come early if you can!

The complete schedule of Religious Education activities — including 10 am art, choir, and parent discussion groups — is available online.

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.

Committees, clubs, and interest groups of our Society will gather in the courtyard after the service to invite people to join in their activities.

Stop by and find out how you can get involved. Ask questions, and jump in!

Finger food will be provided, and childcare will be available.

Congratulations to Shin Zan Tai Sho (deep mountains tranquil pine) Marvin Mercer who will be ordained a Buddhist priest with a shukke tokudo ceremony November 17th at the Russian River Zendo.

What are you willing to do to say "yes" to a peaceful future? Would you wear a black ribbon? Hold a candle in silence? Say a prayer for change? Affirm an intention for a better world?

Jack Hirschman, Poet Laureate of San Francisco, will recite his most recent antiwar poetry at the 5 pm peaceful vigil in front of Senator Dianne Feinstein's office at Post and Market. The Unitarian Universalists for Peace, the Iraq Moratorium, the Watada Support Committee, and other peace makers invite you to come stand with them for peace.

Participants will also hear the latest news about the trial of Lt. Ehren Watada, the first United States Army Officer to refuse deployment to Iraq on the grounds that the war is illegal and immoral. For more info contact Dolores Perez Priem.

You are also invited to stop by the 16th Street BART station between 7 - 8 pm for an Interfaith Peace Vigil organized by the Unitarian Universalist Young Adult group. Bring a prayer, song, poem, or artistic expression. For further information contact BJ Scofield.

photos from Thomas Brown and Donald Johnson

Thomas' Aunt's house

Sexton Thomas Brown reports from New Orleans that the weather is good - very helpful for the construction and electrical work he is overseeing on his aunt and mother's homes. Thomas is on leave from his position at church in order to help his family with Katrina damage repair.

Thomas' Aunt's house after repairs. Donald and Thomas are in front.

Building Maintenance Manager Donald Johnson will also be "vacationing" in New Orleans from October 20 through November 4, doing punch-list work on a family home and also visiting family still living outside the city.

We send our thoughts and prayers to the families still struggling to recover from the devastation of the hurricanes.

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.

The classes will be Sunday, October 21 and 28 and November 4. Light refreshments will be provided.

Enroll by stopping by or calling the church 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 need it.

Volunteers are welcome to help with the planting of four small jade trees along Franklin, rake leaves, and trim hedges at Saturday's Building and Grounds work party.

The church will provide tools, guidance, and lunch. Members and friends are invited to show up (no reservation required!) and provide energy, muscle, and TLC. Folks should bring their own work gloves, if they have them.

The monthly work parties are a comfortable way to meet others in the community. Laboring against trash and weeds and planting greenery are constructive, fun, and satisfying actions which help the grounds look inviting to newcomers and members alike.

The photo by Sonnie Willis is from the September gardening.

An overflowing crowd of creature lovers and their loves attended the Annual Blessing of the Animals last Sunday in the Chapel.

Rev. Gregory Stewart officiated, and his family brought their dog, Lucky, to be blessed. Guest speaker Nancy DeStefanis of SF Nature described her work of love focused on blue herons.

This event is held each year around the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, in remembrance of his life and work.