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The weekly newsletter of Pacific Unitarian Church.
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CHURCH 101:
THE RECEIVING LINE

My colleague Rev. Sharon Wylie who serves our congregation in Escondido writes a wonderful blog she titles "Ministry in Steel Toe Shoes"  http://sharonwylie.com/  Her current series is on Church 101.  Its chock full of great ideas and reflections for those who have never been to a church before or who have always wondered about why we do what we do.

This one is largely adapted from Rev. Wylie's blog on "the receiving line".

"I came to church expecting a sermon and a worship service, and that’s what I got. I had no idea what to say about it. (What do you say to the minister if you are in that line?)

".... I treasure the brief interactions I have with people coming through the receiving line. This is sometimes the only concrete feedback I get on the service and the sermon. I spend weeks planning and preparing each service, all in the hopes of creating an experience that is meaningful and touches people’s lives in some way. And then I’m curious to know, was it meaningful? Did something in the service touch or move you?

"Please know, I don’t expect every person to come through the line. I know you want to get your coffee, or you need to get home, or find your children, or you might not want to stop to chat with the minister. But for those people who just have no idea what to say, I thought a tip sheet might be helpful to you.

"Some things people have said to me in the receiving line that I appreciate hearing:

        Thank you for the service
        Thank you for the sermon
        That service/sermon was just what I needed
        today

        I’m so glad to have found this congregation
        That was fun! (Some services are fun!)
        This service made me cry
        I’ve been struggling with this very issue; thank
        you for talking about it

        Thank you for having the courage to say…
        This service touched my life because…
         I’m challenged by the idea that…(something
        from the sermon)

"People also say–and I appreciate hearing–”I liked the service.” I didn’t include it above because “liking” the service isn’t the goal, and when someone says that, I assume they actually mean something like “this service was meaningful to me.” Worship is meant to be many different things at different times: challenging, comforting, celebratory. “Likable” isn’t something I strive for when I put together a service, but I understand that it’s a compliment when someone tells me they liked it.

"What not to say? No interaction with the minister in the receiving line should take longer than 30 seconds (AT MOST). It’s just not the place for a meaningful conversation. Perhaps if no one is behind you, you might linger for a few minutes, but keep in mind that the minister may have other people she needs to speak with or things she/he needs to do after services. And please, please don’t tell the minister anything you expect him to remember. He’s just spoken with dozens of other people and will likely not remember your request to call or visit or email the link to the thing."

Thanks Sharon. You said it.  And now the service begins!

                                         With Grace and Grit,
                           Rev. John

SEEKING COTTAGE
PARTY HOSTS

The Stewardship Committee is looking for hosts for 10 Cottage Parties as part of this year’s annual pledge drive.  These parties should take place sometime in late March or April, 2015.  We would like to have some parties in the evening, some in the daytime, some with a family focus, or with focus on a common interest.

 Each host provides this or her home along with appetizers and wine and soft drinks for 10-12 people.   Both a trustee and a minister will attend each party and deliver the message on the campaign.

 So if you are able to host one (or more) of these parties, please contact Gary Hart (garylhart@gmail.com) or Pam Harris (pamha@roadrunner.com), send an email to admin@pacificunitarian.org, or stop by the office and let the office volunteer know.

 We thank you in advance.

                               Pam Harris
                    Gary Hart
                    Stewardship Committee Chairs

THINKING MEMBERSHIP?

Journey to Membership Classes

Start the year off right!   Attend one of our upcoming Journey to Membership Classes!

Attend one Sunday session from 12:30 - 1:30 PM and join the following Sunday!

UPCOMING DATES FOR 2015: 

January 18 - joining ceremony January 25th
February 15 - joining ceremony February 22nd

WE BELIEVE
IN SOCIAL JUSTICE
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)

GUEST AT YOUR TABLE

Thank you to those who have already turned in checks!  We will continue collecting GUEST AT YOUR TABLE donations this coming Sunday.  With our contributions, UUSC helps raise awareness for human rights close to home and around the world.  Let's start the New Year creating positive change.

Please convert your cash and coins to a check made out to GUEST At YOUR TABLE.

                           Thank you for your support,

                             PUC's Sandra McNeil, UUSC Ministry

 
Harbor Interfaith Collects Food

It's the start of a new year and new projects.  Let's keep the San Pedro Harbor Interfaith Food Pantry in mind.  Consider using the grocery advertising specials that show up in your mailbox on Tuesdays.  When you plan your shopping for your family, think about buying for the pantry.  They need canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, including oatmeal (not instant), crackers, baking mixes, and condiments.  We also collect laundry and paper products.

There is a donation basket just inside the main sanctuary door.  If you need help ask an usher for assistance.

FUN AND FELLOWSHIP

Second Saturday Game Night
Saturday, January 10
6:00 p.m.
Classrooms 1 & 2

 
Join us for Second Saturday Game Night, a great night for families, though you don't have to bring kids to have a terrific time.  No unaccompanied children under 10, please, as we won't have dedicated supervision. Bring your favorite games to play and snacks to eat!  Or grab your chance to try out some new games.

WAYS WE GROW

Writing as a Spiritual Activity 
January 12 and 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!

Facilitator: Janet Steinberg

A BLOOMIN' GREAT YEAR

The 2015 Flower Calendar is posted on the door to the office.  If there are special dates that you would to bring flowers to celebrate a special occasion or in memory of a loved one, now is your chance because the entire year is currently available. 

 We have an immediate need because we have no one scheduled to bring flowers on the last two weeks of January or the entire month of February.

If you’re interested in bringing flowers you can sign up on the calendar which is posted on the door to the office or you can call the PUC office, (310) 378-9449,  and leave a message.

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 8, 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 11th


Marching with Dr. King

In this inter generational service, Rev. John and Acting DRE and Intern Minister Krista Weber will lead all of us, young and old, into a journey towards justice in remembrance of Dr. King. There will be marching!

Rev. John Morehouse,
Lead Minister

&

Krista Weber, Intern Minister and Acting
Director of Religious Education


Sermon
January 18th

 Back from Selma

Rev. John reflects on what we learned from our proclaimed authority as civil rights actors.  

Rev. John Morehouse,
Lead Minister

 
Next Month Our Theme Will Be

AUTHORITY
 

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.


HOSPITALITY

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


Greeter:
TBD

Welcoming Trustee:
TBD

Welcome Table:
Naresh Deo

Ushers:
TBD

Top Chef:
Margo Meikle

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:

January 11 & 18
 


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

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Contact Us:

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

admin@PacificUnitarian.org     www.pacificunitarian.org