Copy
The weekly newsletter of Pacific Unitarian Church.
Please send View submissions to                                         
newsletter@pacificunitarian.org
by noon on Wednesday.                     
View this email in your browser
Newsletter Banner

 

Congratulations PUC!

We Achieved our Spirit Level Grant Goal

In the last two weeks, we collectively made our final sprint and achieved our goal of doubling our capital improvement contributions by taking full advantage of Spirit Level Grant matching funds.  We are now preparing the necessary paperwork to receive our $23,500 in matched funds! 

 Over the next few months, you will see the impact of your generosity as we improve our classrooms, grounds and make other capital improvements. 

 Thanks so much to so many of you for seizing the opportunity to double your contributions and help PUC achieve its mission & vision.  

Mardi Gras Luncheon

Join us for this second year of the Botsko Bechtol family hosting a Mardi Gras themed brunch after Sunday's service.  On the menu: vegan gumbo made by Naresh; boudin; white rice; red beans; bignets; king cake; praline bread pudding; and very likely more.  Yes, crawfish casserole and chicken/sausage gumbo will definitely be on the menu.  Mardi Gras attire is optional, but always appropriate.   Hint: Mardi Gras colors are Purple, Green and Yellow.

Reports Trish Botsko:  “We have already received our shipment of crawfish and fixin’s from Louisiana."

Coming of Age 2015 
Information Session 
Sunday, February 22
12:30 p.m.
PUC Library


It's been a few years, and we are very excited to offer the Coming of Age program in 2015.  The program starts on March 6 and ends with the Pride Parade on May 17.  Classes are held on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.  We are looking for youth in 8th, 9th & 10th grades to participate.

Come to the information session or contact Claire Moss at cmoss84@gmail.com or 424-634-9843. 
Have You Got a Sermon in You?

Worship Associate Training
Sundays, February 15 & 22
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Classroom 1

Have you ever thought you might like to be a part of worship on Sunday?  Have you got a sermon in you that you might want to share? Join Rev. John and explore being a part of our worship associate ministry. Rev. John will explore the theory of worship and preaching, as well as take sign ups to help out with worship services this Spring. Each session will also explore the art of preaching and invite you to work on a sermon throughout the Spring that might be delivered this Summer.

Where Do I Fit In at PUC?

A Terrific Place to Start
Volunteering is a great way to get to know people.  Consider volunteering to be a Sunday morning Greeter!   Spend 30 minutes once a month greeting the lovely people who pour into our church from the parking lot.  It doesn’t matter if you don’t know a soul (you soon will).  Just bring your friendly smile.  

Jean Tordella,
Greeter Coordinator

jftordella@verizon.net

Attention all Committees

Budget Deadline
February 10th is the deadline for submitting your budget requests for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.  The two forms you will need are available in the Finance Committee mailbox or from Judy Shaffer. Don’t miss your opportunity to have a say in your budget!

One form, the Budget Planning Form, will look familiar to those of you who have submitted budget requests in the past; the other is a list of the budget line items organized by committee showing this year’s figures. For an historical perspective, you can find the information comparing last fiscal year’s budget with the current budget on the PUC website in the members’ section.  Contact the office if you need the password.

Thank you!  The Finance Committee

Photosynthesis Rocks

Garden Angels’ Green Sanctuary Meeting
Sunday, February 8
Following church service
PUC Library 

Who are PUC’s Garden Angels?  We are self-identified.  Many Garden Angels supported the building of the garden in 2012, join in the ongoing workshops and trainings, share an earth-centered focus on sustainability and permaculture, assume shared care for PUC’s raised beds and orchard, help take the produce to Harbor Interfaith, and often are current organic gardeners - some with very knowledgeable kids.  Many also enjoy field trips.  Not everyone comes to meetings…some Angels just want to hang-out in the garden Bryan Masterson, Master Gardener.  Do join us.

Carolyn Waters

Earn $$$ for PUC,
But You Must Sign Up

eScrip Program & the Ralphs Community Contribution Program

There are two different programs and many ways to contribute to PUC.

eScrip:  Click on this eScrip link to find out more.  This link is also available on the PUC Members Section of the PUC website.

The eScrip site includes grocery stores (Vons, Vons Pavilion, Bristol Farms, Fresh & Easy, etc.) as well as online shopping, and a list of participating restaurants.  Check it out!

 Ralphs Community Contribution Program:  Go to  www.ralphs.com and register choosing Pacific Unitarian Church as your non-profit community organization.

 Both of the above programs have an annual registration starting September 1st, so if you haven't registered since then, you are not currently earning $$$ for PUC when you shop.

 See Judy Shaffer and Pam Harris on the patio after church this Sunday for more information.

Fellowship

UU Singles Lunch
Saturday February 28th

1:00 p.m.
Elephant Bar & Grill, Torrance

On the fourth Saturday of the month, those of "a certain age" meet for lunch at a local restaurant.   No agenda or special projects.  Just get to know other PUC people and talk about whatever is interests us.  Bring a friend…or not.  This month’s gathering, at Elephant Bar & Grill, is in restaurant row, at the intersection of Hawthorne Blvd & Torrance Blvd.  

For information about future UU Singles Lunches send Betty Saunders your e-mail address.   

Betty Saunders
betty90502@earthlink.net

WAYS WE GROW

The Seniors Pow Wow
Next Meeting February 19
3rd Thursdays
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
PUC Library

The Seniors Pow Wow is a support group for dealing with life's challenges, changes and meanings.  It usually begins with a "check in", that's where each person can share how he or she is doing and and how the week has been.  Sometimes there is a presentation, for instance a video on changing roles of men and women, or Death with Dignity, followed by a discussion. Other times it could be an article or topic is shared and discussed.  An example of this would be "What gives your life meaning?" or a variety of topics pertinent to the lives of seniors.  PUC member Ben Cowan, M.D. comes on a regular basis and helps with a discussion on medical and health concerns.  Anyone can suggest a topic or concern.  It's a valuable, interesting and wonderful group.  You are invited to come to the next meeting in the church library, 

Beverly Fridley

Come to a Poetry Tea 
Friday, February 13th
1:00 p.m. 

PUC Poetry Lovers!  Bring poems you are writing or poems you are reading. We will share and reflect over a cup of tea. Space is limited.  RSVP ASAP to Robin Arehart at 310-371-2494 or ararehart@yahoo.com for location and directions. 

Robin Arehart 

The Women's Reading and Responding Book Club 
Next Meeting February 16
3rd Mondays
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 
Next Meeting February 19
2nd & 4th Mondays
6:30 pm. to 8:00 p.m.
PUC Library

Drop in and 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 a pen!

Janet Steinberg

Please share with our PUC youth.

The UU College of Social Justice’s summer youth programs are enrolling now. Here’s what some of our past participants have to say:

“[Activate] is one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. . . . I truly cannot express how good this program was for me. I’ve turned from someone who was sort of interested in social justice to a true activist, and I would never have been able to do that alone.” —Amethyst M.

“I learned that no matter where a group of people is from, the sense of community and connection can be almost instant, and within a week, a group of strangers can become a group of lifelong friends!” —Sarah P.

This summer, we have expanded our teen programs. Please share the information below with young people who are committed to social justice and eager to grow in community.

Activate General Assembly: A One-Day Sampler, June 24
Join us in Portland, Ore., to dig into climate justice and plan how to be part of change. Perfect for passionate environmentalists as well as youth new to climate issues.

Activate New Orleans, July 18–26
Ten years after Hurricane Katrina, there’s still work to be done. Help rebuild a thriving New Orleans in this program run in partnership with the Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal.

Activate Boston, July 18–August 1
Gain a broad foundation of justice skills through mini-internships and work with groups like Boston Mobilization. You’ll explore ways to advocate for change, all in a city rich with UU history.

NEW! Activate Southwest Border, August 1–9
This program, based in Tucson with our partner BorderLinks, will give you profound insight into immigration and human rights. Find your place in immigration justice today.

Group opportunities
UUCSJ offers service-learning trips customized for your youth group. Our experienced staff will work with your group to schedule a trip full of enriching service opportunities.

Learn more and register today at uucsj.org/youth!

The Problem of Evil
Two Sundays, February 15 & 22
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Classroom 1

How do we reconcile evil in our lives? Join us to explore the various philosophical understandings of evil and the solutions to this deep problem. Reverend John T. Morehouse lecturing.

Journey to Membership Class
Start the year off right! Attend one of our upcoming Journey to Membership Classes!  Attend 1 Sunday session from 12:30 - 1:30 PM and join the following Sunday.  NEXT DATE FOR 2015:  FEBRUARY 15 - joining ceremony February 22nd.

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

Share
Tweet
Forward

February 5, 2015



Our Theme This Month Is

GOOD & EVIL
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
February 8


 "In Thy Name"

On the evils society condones and how we change the narrative.

Krista Weber,
Intern Minister and Acting Director of Religious Education


Sermon
February 15

"Once Upon a Time...
Through the Lens of Love"


Rev. John T. Morehouse & Krista Weber, Intern Minister and Acting Director of Religious Education
Next Month
Our Theme Will Be


FORGIVENESS
 

JOYS & CONCERNS

ELIZABETH READ is at Little Company of Mary Hospital in San Pedro, due to
shortness of breath. 


§

CRAIG BLOCK continues his fight with cancer and appreciates all the love and help.

§

"Dear fellow members of PUC,
 It has been over eight months since I lost my beloved wife Mary Jean after 65 years of marriage.  Surviving her death has been a huge emotional challenge for me.  Thanks to our Ministry and to the wonderful, caring and compassionate support of my fellow members, I will survive and prevail.  My blessing to all.  Duwayne Higgins"
 
DUWAYNE HIGGINS
310-831-2156
bduwayne@yahoo.com
 

§

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.

§

If you have a pastoral concern or know of someone in need please contact Rev. John or email pastoralcare@ pacificunitarian.org.


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:
Jean Tordella &
Petty Tigerman


Welcoming Trustee:

Janet Kissner

Welcome Table:
William Koelsch &
Betty Saunders


Ushers:
Kevin Gallagher &
Alana, Olga & Sylvia Garrigues


Top Chef:

Bechtol Botsko Family
MARDI GRAS!

Office Volunteer:
Brad Shreve
Pull up a bowl 
and have some gumbo!

This Sunday's Flowers 
are brought to you by 

Kris & Lily Damji

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:

March 1 & 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

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

NEXT UP
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

UU Santa Monica Presents: The Art of Robert Soffian

UU Santa Monica is proud to welcome artist Robert Soffian. Soffian was born into a family that encouraged self-expression and personal artistic journeys.   Robert Soffian has a rich and varied artistic background. He taught for 30 years at Shasta College in Redding, CA as a professor of theater, he has worked as a director and lighting director for countless plays and productions. He has curated dozens of exhibitions and is credited with discovering the Violent Femmes. Soffian also worked as a government supported artist in Amsterdam in the 1970’s. Within the last ten years, Soffian ventured from the public world of the theater to the private world of painting. 

The show will run through Sunday, February 22nd and is open to the public Sundays 9am – 1pm and on weekdays by appointment.

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