It can be difficult to navigate through life each day with all its pitfalls and unanticipated turns. The task is made more challenging for those of us who do life without religious dogma to set the route for the journey.

Join us this Sunday as we explore ways to make the journey more meaningful for you, and together we will stir up some possibilities for you to believe in.

Joining Rev. Rabidoux in the chancel will be Ministerial Intern Jeremy Nickel, Acting Director of Religious Education Betty Skwarek, Whitman Donaldson, and Worship Associate Branduin Stroud.

Donna Faure, Development and Communications Manager of the Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center, will shine the spotlight on that organization's history of outreach to immigrants and families at Sunday's pre-service Forum.

Founded in 1890, the center provides opportunities for individuals and families in neighborhoods to enrich their quality of life. Focusing on low- to moderate-income children, youth, families and seniors, they work to create and strengthen community bonds, provide health and wellness programs, and broaden education and cultural experiences.

The free 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

Religious Education classes continue their January focus on responsibility with this week's chapel story about Dr. Albert Schweitzer.

Schweitzer was awarded the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his reverence for life, exemplified most famously in the founding of the Lambaréné Hospital in Gabon. In his personal life, he was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Larger Fellowship. That service provides ministry to religious liberals who are not able to attend a local congregation.

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

Members and friends of all ages are invited to join the monthly Moon Circle celebration Saturday at 7 pm in the Chapel.

The service will be presented by members of the Pagan Interest Circle who explore the beauty of Pagan, Goddess, and Earth-centered spiritualities woven together with Unitarian Universalism.

You are invited to come to the service without advance reservation. If you wish, bring food to share for the community time after the ritual.

If you have any questions please contact Nancy Buffum.

Rev. Meyers is affiliated with the Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fremont and has a community ministry focusing on mental health issues.

She sends thanks for the support our Congregation has given her in the formative stages in her ministry.

Local activists with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), the Unitarian Universalist faith-in-action organization, invite you to join them this Sunday at 12:30.

Participants will brainstorm activities to keep the Congregation involved with domestic and international human rights and disaster relief efforts.

Whether you have ideas to share or are just curious, you are welcome. A light lunch will be served.

To find out more about the UUSC's current programs call Linda Harris at 215-7292 or click below.

The Great Green Auction will be held on two consecutive Sundays, March 2 and March 9. Starting this Sunday we are asking for you to give of yourself - your talents, your services - not stuff.

Our first donation is an awesome get-away to a penthouse in Puerto Vallarta from Mark and Barbara Allen. If you can offer a B&B, cabin, condo, or timeshare, please talk to Nan Parks or Joan Rost at the auction table in the Thomas Starr King Room after this Sunday's services.

The Society needs everyone to donate and participate in this fundraiser - cooking, hikes, lessons, parties - use your imagination! The Great Green Auction is a great way for friends, new members, and long-time members of the community to join together for the community.

from Carol Ruley

The Small Group Ministry program has opened its existing groups to new participants this month. The groups, which meet twice a month for two hours to explore a wide range of topics, are a wonderful way to meet new people, form lasting friendships, strengthen our community, and deepen our spiritual lives.

To join a group, apply online or fill out a paper application in the church office by January 31. Please feel free to contact Carol Ruley, Chair Small Group Ministry, at 846-3986 or by email with any questions or assistance you need with this process.

Susan told a Sunday service last month how another Worship Associate broke the rule of acceptable speech and affected Susan's life. That other Worship Associate directed the Congregation do something specific, to smile at babies.

Smiling at babies got Susan started on a practice that helps her, even in the dark.