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The weekly newsletter of Pacific Unitarian Church.
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A BRIGHT FUTURE

My, how quickly the days pass. It’s hard for me to believe that we are already halfway through the church year. Furthermore, this year we are celebrating 50 years in our beautiful Montemalaga church. So this evening, as President Obama delivers the State of the Union address, I find myself pondering the state of our church. Just as with our nation, we have come through some difficult times, and perhaps some of us still feel a bit shaky and uncertain as we look to the future. And while we will undoubtedly have some more difficult times ahead, I’m confident that things are perking up and the future of PUC is bright.

One spot that seems particularly bright is reflected in the fine work being done by our Preschool Task Force. Hopefully most of you know that we are working hard this year to figure out whether, how and when to replace the preschool that that met in PUC for many years. For a lot of reasons, and after careful consideration of alternatives, your Trustees have chosen to investigate developing our own, PUC-affiliated preschool rather than simply renting out our space. To this end, we have chartered a task force to explore this issue this year. That team has been doing terrific work and have moved from a simple spreadsheet Godfrey created in August, to a robust plan on how we might support a Fall 2015 opening of Pacific Sage Preschool. To this end, they have recently created a lovely Facebook page and sent out the first of three mailings to judge the market; seeking input from interested parents in the surrounding area. If you know of anyone in our area, with children between three and five, please point them our way! Your Trustees and the members of the Preschool Task Force will be working together throughout the remainder of January and into February to decide whether to commit to this exciting and important new undertaking.

So as I reflect on the state of our church, I realize that I’m proud to be your President in this important year here at PUC, and I’m humbled by the talent, commitment and generosity I see all around me in this our beloved congregation.

                Sincerely,

                Clay Bosler
                President, PUC Board of Trustees
                310-779-7540

Remembering Shirley Mokren

Long time member Shirley Mokren died on January 14th, 2015 after a long illness. She was born on March 26, 1919. She and her husband were very active in the church and instrumental in its early years of formation.  Shirley will be remembered for her love of literature and her many friends.  There will be a graveside service Monday January 26th at 2:00 p.m. at Green Hills Cemetery in San Pedro.  Everyone is welcome. A "Circle of Remembrance" will follow in the near future.  We are in need of six pall bearers. If you are able to help please contact Rev. John.

Every Bit Helps

Shop, Dine Out, and Earn $$$ for PUC

 Click on this eScrip link to find out more     http://www.escrip.com/howitworks/index.jsp.     The information and link are also available on the PUC Members Section of the PUC website.  If you need the password for the Member section, call the PUC office at (310) 378-9449 on Tuesday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

 The eScrip site includes grocery stores (Vons, Vons Pavilion, Bristol Farms, etc.) as well as online shopping, and a list of participating restaurants!  Just register on-line with your grocery Club Cards, choosing PUC as your non-profit organization, then register your debit/credit (for grocery stores), and any credit cards you use when shopping and/or dining out.

 When you click on the above link, or the eScrip logo in the Members Section of our PUC website, you can find participating stores.  Online shopping includes Amazon.com!  So remember to go through the eScrip site when accessing Amazon, and PUC automatically receives a % based on your spending.

 See Pam Harris or Judy Shaffer on the patio this Sunday for more information.

Join The Sprint To Achieve Our Goal!

Time Sensitive:
Double Your Gift By Giving To Our Matching Grant This Weekend 
 
Thanks so much to so many of you, who have seized the opportunity to contribute generously to the Spirit Level Matching Grant!  
 
The Grant doubles our donations toward much needed classroom, grounds and other capital improvements. We’re only $3000 away from the $24K that will be matched dollar for dollar.  If you can, please consider participating or giving even more by dropping off a check in the office this weekend (Jan 24 - 25). We need to hit our goal by Wednesday, January 28th.  If you donate by check, please note “Spirit Grant” on the check.
 
Thanks for helping PUC take advantage of this special opportunity to be twice as fruitful! 
Meetings?  
We've got Meetings!
Ministry Council
Tuesday, January 27th
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Classroom 1


Reminding PUC Ministry Committee Chairs, Covenant Group Leaders and Representatives:  Our second every-other-monthly MINISTRY COUNCIL meeting is next Tuesday.  Rev John is presiding.  

                                   Carolyn Waters,
                                 Coordinator  Ministry Council 
                                 310/863-0712

 
WAYS WE GROW

The Women's Reading and Responding
Book Club

3rd Monday of each month
11:00 a.m.
PUC Library

             Feb: Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley
             March: Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
             April: Water is Wide by Pat Conroy

Please read and join us!

Robin Arehart

Writing as a Spiritual Activity 
January 26
6:30 p
m. to 8:00 p.m.-ish
PUC Library

Drop in any 2nd or 4th Monday evening at PUC to share writing time.   We write for 30 minutes on whatever is on our mind or in our hearts, followed by the opportunity to share our writing and allow others to respond.  Some food for thought will be available to get our pens moving.   Drop-in.   $2 donations accepted.

 Bring paper or journal and pen!

Janet Steinberg

WE BELIEVE
IN SOCIAL JUSTICE

Resurrection of a Much Needed Program

At one time PUC was accepting recyclables like batteries and printer cartridges, as well as serving as a collection point for prescription medications that require proper disposal.  Social Justice is working to reinstate this program and is looking for volunteers to help.  If this is a mission that speaks to you, please contact Naresh Deo at ndeo@earthlink.net.

Gentle Yoga Class for All
Wednesdays
11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
Henrickson Hall

A Class designed for all levels, shapes, and ages.  We will focus on a gentle practice through movement:

To help unblock your flow of energy Increase your mental and physical flexibility while releasing stress and enhancing body awareness

Poses and exercises to build strength, relieve pain and stress, and improve balance

Suggested Donation: $15/class.  Taught by Debi Robinson

Questions: Debi@omhappy.com

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January 22, 2015



Our Theme This Month Is

AUTHORITY
 
Sunday Service
10:30 a.m.

Child care is available starting at 10:00 a.m.

Join us for some radical hospitality after the service!

 

Sermon
January 25th


 "Back from Selma"

When the call for clergy leaders to come to the march on Selma came from Dr. King, dozens of Unitarian Universalists responded. Rev. John reflects on what we learned from our proclaimed authority as civil rights actors. What would we do if called upon today?

Rev. John T. Morehouse,
Lead Minister


Sermon
February 1st

 "The Communion of the Saints"
 
As we look to the future of Unitarian Universalism we have something to learn from our past.  We will explore how to understand our rich tradition in new ways for moving further into the 21st Century.
 
Rev. Dr. Ken Brown

Ken is in his 16th year as staff for the Pacific Southwest District.  He has been a UU minister for 41 years.  He and his wife Tommie O'Sullivan live in Santa Clarita only a couple miles from their daughter and grand children all active UUs.
Next Month Our Theme Will Be

EVIL
 

JOYS & CONCERNS
 

Come join friends in the PUC Library on Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 and join the Joys and Sorrows Circle.  The Circle gives a compassionate space for sharing and listening.  Organized by Sandy McNeil.

§

To have your Joy or Concern appear here you may complete one of the Joys and Concerns slips in the back of the Hall and place it in the box, or send it directly to
newsletter@pacificunitarian.com.


CALENDAR
 
PUC's calendar of events can be found here.
HOSPITALITY

It takes many hands to make a Sunday.  Special thanks to all of our volunteers!


Greeter:
TBD

Welcoming Trustee:

Judy Shaffer

Welcome Table:
Linda Jenson

Ushers:
YRUUs

Top Chef:

Naresh Deo

Office Volunteer:
Brad Shreve

This Sunday's Flowers 
are brought to you by 

no one volunteered, yet

Flowers in our sanctuary

  • can bring joy,
  • can be a way to share your celebration or memorial,
  • can be a focal point of meditation,
  • can be a point of relief from a long week. 
Please sign up for your turn to bring Sunday's Flowers on the Flower Calendar inside the door of the PUC Office.

Next Open Dates:

February 8 & 15


TOWN HALLS &
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS


Both Town Hall and Congregational Meetings are held in Henrickson Hall about half an hour after the end of the Sunday morning worship service.  Members are encouraged to attend.  Friends of the congregation as well as visitors are welcome to attend.

COMPLETED
Sunday, October 5, 2014 
Town Hall Meeting
Improving our Covenantal Democratic Process at PUC

POSTPONED
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Meet the Staff Event

COMPLETED
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Town Hall Meeting

Making PUC Work for You - PUC’s Organizational Structure and Governance  

COMPLETED
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Congregational Meeting
Report to the membership of where we stand financially

COMPLETED
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Town Hall Meeting:
PUC's Purpose and Vision

NEXT UP
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Town Hall Meeting:
Member Roles, Rights and Responsibilities

Sunday, March 15, 2015
Congregational Meeting
Spring Stewardship Campaign 

Sunday, April 5, 2015
Town Hall Meeting
Topic to be determined; your thoughts?

Sunday, May 3, 2015
Town Hall Meeting:
Budget preview and discussion

Sunday, June 7, 2015 
Annual Congregational Meeting & Elections

The Seven Principles

 

This is what binds us together

  1. The inherent worth & dignity of every person
  2. Justice, equity & compassion in human relations
  3. Acceptance of one another & encouragement  to spiritual growth in our congregation
  4. A free and responsible search for truth & meaning
  5. The right of conscience & the use of the democratic process within our congregation & in society at large
  6. The goal of world community  with peace, liberty, & justice for all
  7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

 
 
 

Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

For Sunday morning announcements contact Clay Bosler at claytonbosler@mac.com.


5621 Montemalaga Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275


Office Hours

                Sunday            9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
                                        The office is closed during the service from 10:30-11:30.

                Monday           Closed

                Tuesday         10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.           

                Wednesday    10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

                Thursday        10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

                Friday             10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

               Saturday         Closed

Click here for Directions

Contact Us:

Office: (310) 378-9449    Fax: (310) 378-1508

admin@PacificUnitarian.org     www.pacificunitarian.org