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Sunday, April 21, 2024

This Week’s Message

Join us for worship Sunday mornings at 11:15am
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7148717150

“The Beauty that Lies Beneath Us.” The Earth has provided us with life, from the air we breathe, to the vegetation we eat, to the shelter overhead. Yet, she is often abused and forgotten. On this day we honor Earth Day, and explore the wonders of the World, giving thanks and restoration to that which gives us life.

In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Let's Get Active family event - Apr 21

Joys and Sorrows

Among our Friends

Jubilate Deo (Choral Celebration) - Apr 21

Stewardship Dinner - Apr 27

Pledge Drive Update

Giving Made Easy

Teen Hang-Out, Apr 26

New Parenting Support Group
Social Action/Justice Work

- Book Drive - Apr 28/May 5

- Laundry Ministry - Apr 22

Grief & Caregivers Potluck - May 2

Online Social Hour Thanks!

Tasty Tuesday - Apr 30

Camp de Benneville Pines News

Nominating Committee Report

We Care About You!

Last Week’s Sermon

Ways to Support UUCF

Contacting UUCF Staff
Worshiping with UUCF from Home

Calendar of Events

SATURDAY, 4/20

10:00AM—ACTIVE UU - PILATES, led by Linda Duarte-Wolf.

12:00PM—SELF-CARE SUPPORT, on Zoom, led by Sam Hunt.


SUNDAY, 4/21

9:45AM—RE COMMITTEE, Room 120, led by Carter Rakovski.

10:00AM—ADULT RE CLASS in Room 122, with Ed Tschabrun.

11:15AM—LIVE & STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICE.

1:00PM—LET’S GET ACTIVE FAMILY DAY! Day of activities and fun on the plaza. Bring a sack lunch and the whole family. Led by Sam Hunt.

6:30PM—JUBILATE DEO, a celebration of church choral music, hosted by FCCF. (see article below).


MONDAY, 4/22

9:30AM—LAUNDRY MINISTRY, led by FCCF and Social Action Committee.


WEDNESDAY, 4/24

6:30PM—COMMUNITY CIRCLE, led by Steven Schuster.

7:30PM—CHOIR REHEARSAL, led by Eleanor Nunez.


THURSDAY, 4/25

1:15PM—WISDOM CIRCLE, led by Mary Rhodes.


FRIDAY, 4/26

PSW SERVICE AREA ASSEMBLY - in Ventura.

7:00PM—TEEN HANG OUT, led by Megan Watson.


SATURDAY, 4/27

10:00AM—ACTIVE UU - PILATES, led by Linda Duarte-Wolf.

6:00PM—STEWARDSHIP DINNER, in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a side or dessert.


SUNDAY, 4/28

10:00AM—ADULT RE CLASS in Room 122, with Ed Tschabrun.

11:15AM—LIVE & STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICE. Rev. Jason brings us the message. "A Secret Language" Our contemporary faith speaks of the importance of connection--but sometimes we all struggle with out to truly communicate with one another. How do we uncover what's actually at the heart of a conversation so that we can truly connect, especially in a world where so much communication takes place online, through social media, email, and texting?

Joys and Sorrows

Mahnaz Shahrestani

GLOBAL CONCERN: The Islamic regime of Iran started war with Israel. The Islamic regime poses an existential threat to both Iran and Israel that will continue as long as this regime remains in power.


Joy Ellis

SORROW: My grandmother passed away in the night. She was just about to turn 90. Our family will greatly miss her, but glad she is at peace.


Megan Watson

JOY: The Hunt Branch Library reopened yesterday, after being closed for over a decade. Please go visit.


Ramon Gallegos

JOY: We had a pleasant camping trip, with the Rebecca & Millie Ricketts, rain and all.


Christina Garner

JOY: Happy birthday to Gary Daniels. We appreciate his enthusiasm and artistry as leader of our a Capella group, Chordially Yours.

Among our Friends

Rose London is playing Queen Gertrude in a production of Hamlet, at the Long Beach Playhouse. It will run five weekends starting April 5 through May 4. Tickets can be purchased at the box office and through their website lbplayhouse.org. Grab a friend and make plans to go see her.


Rev. Jason will be playing Charles in Newport Theatre Arts Center's production of Noel Coward's classic supernatural comedy "Blithe Spirit" opening May 10. Charles is a twice married man with marital issues. . .from beyond the grave. Excellent cast. Matinee tickets in particular are selling out fast! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ntactickets.com/blithespirit

We invite everyone to the Stewardship Dinner at 6pm on Saturday, April 27. This year's dinner will be a Pot-luck affair with a Gratitude theme. Mark Umbriaco and his team will provide the protein, drinks, and some desserts. You are asked to bring a side or dessert. There will also be musical entertainment as we celebrate the close of our Pledge Drive season. Everyone is welcome.

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Pledge Drive Update

Let’s wrap up this Pledge Drive in record time and then celebrate at the April 27

Fellowship Dinner!


A big Thank You to everyone who has already submitted their pledge information electronically! Your pledge supports UUCF’s goals of greater inclusion and connection within our congregation and the larger community. We have already received over 40 pledges!


We ask those people who haven’t yet pledged to do so now by clicking the link to access our secure Google form: https://forms.gle/XGqp4ZXkz6ErKw529


Don’t hesitate to contact me directly with any questions.


Lesley Mahaffey, for the Pledge Team

714-686-4231 mobile

lesleymahaffey@gmail.com

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Giving Made Easy!

Did you know that when you use the Bill Pay feature offered by your bank or credit union your pledge check can automatically be mailed to the church each month, making fulfillment of your pledge a one-and-done task?


Logon or visit a teller at your financial institution and set up UUCF as the payee:

Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fullerton

PO Box 3847

Fullerton, CA 92834-3847

714-871-7150


Then you decide and enter:

  • The amount you wish to give each month

  • The date you wish for this amount to be drawn
    (e.g., the fifth day of each month).


The bank will generate a paper check and mail it to the PO Box for free! The funds are deducted from your checking account balance. No more finding your checkbook, or searching for a stamp. Take advantage of this feature to make giving easier.


Something New for Parents

Are you a parent seeking a compassionate community rooted in progressive values? Look no further! UUCF proudly presents our "Progressive Parenting" support group, a haven where open-minded parents gather to nurture, learn, and thrive together.

Meeting Details: Our inaugural meeting will be Wednesday, May 1, 7-8:30pm, at Dripp Coffee, 500-B N Harbor Blvd., in Fullerton. RSVPs are not required but definitely appreciated.

 

A Community of Inclusivity: At UUCF, we celebrate diversity in all its forms. Our progressive parenting group provides a safe space where every family is embraced, regardless of background, orientation, or belief. Come as you are, and let's grow together!

 

Connection and Support: Parenting can be both joyous and challenging. In our supportive circle, you'll find kindred spirits who understand the highs and lows of raising children in today's world. Share your triumphs, seek advice, and forge meaningful connections that last a lifetime.

 

Fostering Values-Based Parenting: As Unitarian Universalists, we're guided by principles of justice, compassion, and respect for all beings. In our group, we will explore how to instill these values in our children, empowering them to become compassionate global citizens.

 

Holistic Well-being: Parenting isn't just about raising children – it's about nurturing yourself, too. Our group prioritizes holistic well-being, offering mindfulness practices, self-care tips, and a supportive network to help you flourish as a parent and an individual.


Feel free to reach out to our Director of Family Ministry, Sarah Whittenberg, with questions (swhawe@gmail.com, 714-329-7521.) Invite a friend or two to join in!

Social Action/Justice Work

Book Drive

Join FCCF in celebrating National Children's Book Day with a book drive. We are encouraging everyone to donate new and good condition used children's books on April 28 and May 5. There will be a marked box in the narthex to collect these books. FCCF will be delivering these books to Fullerton elementary, middle, and high schools to distribute to students. Picture books, chapter books, and novels are all welcome.


We are also supporting dual language learners and are in need of foreign language books for high school students. We hope to encourage reading, improve reading skills, and give students more opportunities to read.

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Volunteers will meet at Sunshine Laundry (corner of Harbor and Valencia) on the 4th Monday of each month, 9:30-11:00am to hand out quarters to those in need. This ministry is led by First Christian Church of Fullerton.

Grief & Caregivers Group

Online Social Hour

One thing that helped UUCF stay connected as a community during the pandemic was the online social hour held after every Zoom service, hosted by Karen Anderson and Linda Lillibridge. While the majority of congregants worship with us in person every Sunday, some continue to stay connected virtually. We would like to thank them for their dedication to this ministry! 


Recently, the “need” for this has dwindled, so Karen and Linda will be focusing their dedication to other areas of service. But when they are available, you will still find Karen and Linda in the UUCF Zoom Room facilitating, chatting, and welcoming all participants. Stay a while and say hi!

This authentic French restaurant comes highly recommended. We will enjoy a Prix Fixe menu family style in an intimate setting.


COST is $55.00 (includes tax & tip; does NOT include drinks). This is pricier than our usual; however, this will be a spectacular "Foodie" experience you won't want to miss! Please plan ahead and RSVP early with your check made out to Linda Duarte-Wolf to hold your place, as she will be paying the restaurant. You can either mail the check to: 1036 Melody Lane, Fullerton, CA 92831 or give it to Linda on Sunday. 

Camp de Benneville Pines News

Attention Gamers!


In 2015, three UUs had the idea to gather folks at our beloved Camp de Benneville Pines for a weekend of gaming. From that seed of an idea PineCon was born! Now, nine years later, this is the seventh incarnation of PineCon.


Coming October 18-20 2024, we invite you to join a group of UUs and non-UUs for a weekend of tabletop games. We play role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, card and board games of all sorts, and we also offer archery. All of this comes with the usual delightful food and rustic lodging we expect from the friendly staff at de Benneville. Please head to pinecon.org for more information. Registration is open. We hope to see you there!

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Nominating Committee Report

Save the date!  SUNDAY, JUNE 9, ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING. This meeting, immediately following the service, is to elect new members of the Board, adopt the annual budget, elect the Nominating Committee, elect trustees necessary to fill any vacancies, and conduct other business as advertised. This will be a Hybrid In-Person/ Zoom meeting with the option to join by phone. The slate of candidates from the Nominating Committee, chaired by Mary Botts, is below.

Review the Slate of Officers

The Last Week’s Sermon

Ways to Support UUCF

You can make a donation, or pay your pledge by

Mailing a check to:
UUCF, PO Box 3847, Fullerton, CA 92834-3847

Venmo @UUC-Fullerton https://venmo.com/

PayPal Giving Fund, (no fees for UUCF!) https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4084199

Bill Pay through your bank
Instructions can be found on our website https://www.uufullerton.org/donate.

PURCHASING SCRIP—You can order Scrip online 24/7 and have it shipped directly to your home. Additional information can be found on our webpage uufullerton.org/scrip.

Donate Now with PayPal

Contacting UUCF Staff

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook, Minister: Rev.JasonCook@gmail.com
Rev. Jason uses Calendly to manage his appointments. If you would like to meet with him (a phone call, zoom, or in person) click here and make an appointment.

Please note: Monday and Friday (study day) are his normal days off each week.


Sam Hunt, Intern Minister: sam@uufullerton.org, 657-339-1684


Sarah Whittenberg, Director of Family Ministry: dfm@uufullerton.org


Eleanor Nunez, Music Director: musicdirector@uufullerton.org


Amy Styffe, Office Administrator: 714-871-7150 or administrator@uufullerton.org

Join Us for Worship from Home

ZOOM
Being in the Zoom room will allow you to share your joy or sorrow during the service,  as well as see some friendly faces of your UUCF family. Be sure to stay on the Zoom afterward for a virtual social hour. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7148717150

FACEBOOK LIVE
Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/uufullerton at 11:15am, and watch the Live feed.

PHONE IN
You can phone in to hear the service by calling 1-669-900-6833 five minutes before the service. No Zoom or Facebook account needed. Meeting ID is: 714 871 7150.

WATCH IT LATER
Go to facebook.com/uufullerton/videos to access all the service recordings.