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July 5, 11:00 am – “UUCM History in Song and Story” From its inception in the Tuttles’ living room in January of 1994 down to the present community of 106 members, UUCM has gone through many changes. Long-standing members talk about how UUCM began as an offshoot of Sierra Foothills UU, moved to five different homes as it grew, and finally came to here and now. Worship Associate: Anita Wald-Tuttle July 12, 11:00 am – “Rescuing Jesus from the Bible” Ken Schei Dr. Carl Sagan referred to the New Testament as: "An amalgam of two seemingly immiscible parts, the religion of Jesus and the religion of Paul." Wise men have attempted to isolate the pure teachings of Jesus from the corruptions of Paul and his followers. These attempts have been scorned by conservative Christians as merely being examples of 'liberal revisionism.' Ken Schei, the founder of "Atheists for Jesus," has researched the origins of the Bible for 20 years. Worship Associate: Gail Johnson-Vaughn July 19, 11:00 am – "Lugalbanda: An Ancient Tale of War and Peace" Jeffrey Melcher Older than Genesis and Gilgamesh, Lugalbanda is the oldest written story known to humankind. How can we use the wisdom of this ancient story to inform our world today? What can we do with inspired, defining moments that ask us to shift our trajectory as individuals, a denomination, or a nation? Come hear this delightful story and open to the possibilities. Jeffrey Melcher graduated from the Pacific School of Religion in May 2008, with a Masters of Divinity. Worship Associate: Matt Wilson-Daley. July 26, 11:00 am – "GA Inspirations" Anita Wald-Tuttle Our very own Anita Wald-Tuttle attended General Assembly in Salt Lake City in June, where members elected a new UUA president and voted on revisions to the Principles and Purposes, and UU Music Leadership credentials were awarded for the first time to seven candidates. On this day she will share with the congregation the insights and inspirations she received during this annual event. Worship Associate: Sharon Moorey July 2009 page 1 Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains Grass Valley, Calif. IN THIS ISSUE Meghan's Musings.............. 2 Friendly Visitor Program..... 2 UUSC Coffee Project.......... 2 Notes From the President...3 Library Borrowers' Manual..3 Volunteers of the Month...... 4 Annual Budget Drive........... 5 New Treasurer ....................5 Interfaith Food Ministry....... 5 Women's Study Circle......... 5 Spiritual Cinema Circle........ 6 Time For Summer!............... 6 Science & Nature Classes..6 Pulpit Photo Essay.............. 7 Global Compassion............. 7 Green Tip of the Month....... 8 Caring Notes....................... 8 Annual Camping Trip........... 8 Walking the Talk..................9 Music, Music, Music......... 10 Voices for Health Care..... 10 Moonlight in Vermont......... 10 Singing for Peace.............. 11 July 2009 We are a GLBT-Welcoming Congregation Please remember to bring non-perishable food contributions for the Interfaith Food Ministry on the first Sunday of the month. Singing for Peace Friday July 10 5:30 pm see p. 11

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Page 1: Singing for Peaceuugrassvalley.org/PDFfiles/July2009PublicNewsletter.pdfJuly 2009 page 2 Rev. Meghan's Musings (On vacation in July and August) Dear Ones, I will be taking some time

July 5, 11:00 am – “UUCM History in Song and Story” From its inception in the Tuttles’ living room in January of 1994 down to the present community of 106 members, UUCM has gone through many changes. Long-standing members talk about how UUCM began as an offshoot of Sierra Foothills UU, moved to five different homes as it grew, and finally came to here and now. Worship Associate: Anita Wald-Tuttle  

July 12, 11:00 am – “Rescuing Jesus from the Bible” Ken Schei Dr. Carl Sagan referred to the New Testament as: "An amalgam of two seemingly immiscible parts, the religion of Jesus and the religion of Paul."  Wise men have attempted to isolate the pure teachings of Jesus from the corruptions of Paul and his followers.  These attempts have been scorned by conservative Christians as merely being examples of 'liberal revisionism.'  Ken Schei, the founder of "Atheists for Jesus," has researched the origins of the Bible for 20 years. Worship Associate: Gail Johnson-Vaughn

July 19, 11:00 am – "Lugalbanda: An Ancient Tale of War and Peace" Jeffrey Melcher Older than Genesis and Gilgamesh, Lugalbanda is the oldest written story known to humankind. How can we use the wisdom of this ancient story to inform our world today? What can we do with inspired, defining moments that ask us to shift our trajectory as individuals, a denomination, or a nation? Come hear this delightful story and open to the possibilities. Jeffrey Melcher graduated  from the Pacific School of Religion in May 2008, with a Masters of Divinity. Worship Associate: Matt Wilson-Daley.

July 26, 11:00 am – "GA Inspirations" Anita Wald-Tuttle Our very own Anita Wald-Tuttle attended General Assembly in Salt Lake City in June, where members elected a new UUA president and voted on revisions to the Principles and Purposes, and UU Music Leadership credentials were awarded for the first time to seven candidates. On this day she will share with the congregation the insights and inspirations she received during this annual event. Worship Associate: Sharon Moorey

July 2009 page 1

Newsletter of theUnitarian Universalist

Community of the MountainsGrass Valley, Calif.

IN THIS ISSUEMeghan's Musings..............2

Friendly Visitor Program..... 2

UUSC Coffee Project..........2

Notes From the President...3

Library Borrowers' Manual..3

Volunteers of the Month......4

Annual Budget Drive........... 5

New Treasurer....................5

Interfaith Food Ministry....... 5

Women's Study Circle.........5

Spiritual Cinema Circle........ 6

Time For Summer!...............6

Science & Nature Classes..6

Pulpit Photo Essay..............7

Global Compassion.............7

Green Tip of the Month.......8

Caring Notes.......................8

Annual Camping Trip...........8

Walking the Talk..................9

Music, Music, Music......... 10

Voices for Health Care..... 10

Moonlight in Vermont.........10

Singing for Peace..............11

July 2009 We are a GLBT-Welcoming Congregation

Please remember to bring non-perishable food contributions for the Interfaith Food Ministry on the first Sunday of the month.

Singingfor Peace

FridayJuly 105:30 pm

see p. 11

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July 2009 page 2

Rev. Meghan's Musings(On vacation in July and August)

Dear Ones,

I will be taking some time away during the month of July and the first week of August, as is the custom for ministers in our denomination. It will be for me a time of rest and relaxation with friends and family, as well as time to read and study and prepare for our next year together. May you all have a peaceful month. I'll be holding you each in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to seeing you again in August.

Love,Rev. Meghan

Friendly Visitor ProgramThe Friendly Visitor Program was developed to serve a large and growing population of isolated people in Nevada County. The program recruits home visitors and matches them with a senior or person with a disability for companionship and mutual enrichment. The overall goal of the program is to provide a connection between the larger communities and people that otherwise would continue to live in isolation.

Do you have 1-2 flexible hours per week to make a difference in an isolated person’s life? Do you enjoy visiting with people and learning about their life stories and experiences? You need no special skills or experience, only the desire to listen and provide companionship. For more info, call Marsha Lanier at FREED, 265-4444, or email Marsha at [email protected] . She is available to talk to your school, business, faith-based, or civic group.

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UUSC Coffee ProjectBy Ann Cullinan

UUCM members can enjoy Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate while supporting small-scale farmers in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the US. Through the UUSC Coffee Project, farmers earn a fair price for their product, have access to credit and have a long-term trading partner with Equal Exchange.

UUCM members enjoy a wholesale price for delicious organic products. We also contribute to UUSC programs that support human rights and social justice work in coffee-growing regions.

How it works: 1. Order coffee, tea, or chocolate on the first Sunday of the month.2. Pick up your order on the first Sunday of the next month. 3. Pay at time of ordering.4. Order by contacting Ann Cullinan by phone, 274-7028, or e-mail [email protected] .

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July 2009 page 3

Notes From the Presidentby Kia Hatch

We thank Bob Bateman, our outgoing Vice President. Bob has been serving since 2004, as an At Large Trustee, as Vice-President, as President and then again as Vice-President, while also serving us all on the Stewardship Committee.

We thank Shelley Beebee. Shelley served two years as Vice President and a year as an At-Large Trustee, and she did this all while providing us with our Trustee-in-Training, Eloen!

We thank Ernie Jackson, who stepped in to fill an opening mid-year as an At Large Trustee. Ernie has served in many roles over the years, including as President and as a member on the Committee on Ministry. We appreciate his knowledge and experience very much.

We thank Barbara Barr, who so earnestly filled the Treasurer role this year. We appreciate her willingness to take on this role for a year.

We thank Dawn Bateman, who has served so diligently on the Committee on Ministry, on the Stewardship Committee, and as our in-house compensation consultant and our Denominational Representative.

We thank Bob and Sammie Grib, who after several years of service finally decided to retire. Bob’s three years as our bookkeeper have been invaluable to us and we will miss his expertise. Sammie’s work as our list manager, as well as keeping Congregation Builder in shape, has also provided important support.

The list of people who give of themselves represents the true wealth of our community, and is actually much longer than this. These precious folks represent the true wealth, the “treasure,” of UUCM.

Photo: David Hatch

UUCM Library Borrowers' Manualby Custis Haynes, Library Committee Chair

Some people have asked for brief operating instructions. Here they are:

Top left shelf holds new books. Shelf under those holds binder with check-out forms and also list of all books and videos. Shelves to right hold fiction (yellow tape on spine), non-fiction (blue), spiritual (green ), UU (white), and ecology (green stars), generally arranged by author.

Find book. Proceed to check out-form. Fill in what it asks for. Date due is three (3) weeks from check-out date. (Consult handy calendar under check-out binder.)

When you return book, fill in date returned column, just leave book on shelf marked RETURNED. (If book is overdue, expect threatening phone call and possible anathema.) Otherwise, revel in the pleasures of a superbly stocked library!

Looking Ahead and Looking BackIn stewardship circles, we speak of the generosity of “time, talent and treasure” that make communities like UUCM possible. As I start to write my first president’s column for The Mountain Chalice, I am again moved by the generosity of “time and talent” that we see in those who are now leaving leadership positions.

We thank Anita Wald-Tuttle, who agreed to be our president this year, after many years of service: as president, as a Nominating Committee member, as an At-Large Trustee. Her commitment and dedication have inspired many of us.

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July 2009 page 4

Volunteers of the Month: Stefan Hermannsson and Virginia Foster

by Connie WrightTomatoes, garlic, cabbage, onions, five or six types of peppers, four kinds of strawberries, eggplant, rhubarb, kiwi, corn, and more.

Is this about UUCM? You’ll see if you come to the back of the building, where two dedicated friends of the congregation, Stefan Hermannsson and Virginia Foster, have been nurturing an expanding garden.

Virginia and Stefan, University of Vermont graduates, came to know UUCM through APPLE (Alliance of Post Petroleum Local Economy), a group that encourages communities to become more self-sufficient. They met Anita Wald-Tuttle, who encouraged them to share their gardening skills, and soon they drew up on the computer a plan for the church’s back yard. Next, they had to deal with broken-up concrete and other rubble created from the building’s remodel, plus invasive vinca (periwinkle) plants and trash thrown over the fence.

From a local community movement in Vermont, Virginia and Stefan became interested in helping communities to eat as locally as possible. The group advocated a “100-mile diet,” encouraging people to

obtain food within a 100-mile radius. “The movement needed a name,” Stefan explained. Thus they adopted the name “localvore” (locally grown food), a name coined by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon, authors of the book 100-mile Diet. The couple’s ultimate goal for the UUCM garden is to intersperse perennial and annual species with designated vegetable beds, eventually making the garden a “sanctuary.” They also plan to plant a fruit tree in the middle.

The garden ties in closely with the congregation’s goal to become a Green Sanctuary. Several rain barrels, for example, conserve water from building run-off, and vegetables such as cabbage have been used for church dinners.

Take a look for yourself at the garden and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to run into Virginia and Stefan, a delightful couple who truly believe in sustainable communities. But tread lightly. One of their goals is to make it easier for folks to wander through paths in the garden without trampling on delicate plants.

(The Volunteer column will resume in the fall.)

Photo: Connie Wright

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July 2009 page 5

Annual Budget Driveby Keith Johnson and Kia Hatch

We are all stewards of UUCM.  We give of our time, talent and treasure to help our community thrive. The 2009/2010 Annual Budget Drive has ended and you have given generously of your treasure.

Our goal was to raise $115,000 in pledges. This would have given us a budget with a deficit of almost $4000..

Our result – we have received $118,899 to date with a few pledges not yet turned in. This means that we have a balanced budget for the coming year! 

We are humbled by your commitment and generosity. Thank you!

New Treasurer Our Board Treasurer, Barbara Barr, is resigning effective June 30 the end of the 2008/2009 fiscal year. Barbara loves to travel, and is eager to do more. The Board of Trustees is grateful to Barbara for her service this year, and very appreciative of all she has done. Good luck Barbara, we’ll miss you!

The Board has appointed Beth Freedman to fill the 2nd year of Barbara’s term, beginning 7/1/09. We are very fortunate to have her in this position. Beth has very special skills in finance, analysis and change management, and her willingness to serve the community as Treasurer for the 2009/2010 fiscal year is a gift to us all. Beth is leading a task force with members of the Finance Committee, our bookkeeper Bob Grib, and Barbara, to ensure a smooth transition and assist in the selection of a new bookkeeper, since Bob has resigned as bookkeeper as of June 30. 

So the next time you see them, please be sure to thank Barbara and Bob for their dedicated service to the community and to thank Beth for her willingness to step in and serve.

The 2009-2010 Board of Trustees is:President: Kia HatchVice President: Keith JohnsonSecretary: Bev LyonTreasurer: Beth FreedmanMembers at Large:  Jerry Jacoby, Carol Ann Jones, Daniel Lossner and Randy McKean

The 2009-2010 Nominating Committee is:Paul Bonani, Lindsay Dunckel, Anita Wald-Tuttle and Bonnie Bennett as alternate.

Interfaith Food MinistryIFM continues to rise to the challenge of feeding those in need during this period of financial stress. Fortunately, monetary donations have not declined (many thanks to all our donors!) and remain adequate to the task, but providing enough fresh produce has been problematic. Want to help?

•Do you have fruit trees, or friends and neighbors with fruit trees that could be picked and shared with IFM?•Plant a garden, either at the church or in your yard. Would you be willing to share your produce? Is there a CSA (community sponsored agriculture) farm nearby that needs an outlet for their overflow?•Bill Broock is looking for someone with a pickup truck that could go to the farmer’s market at 1:00PM to pick up any unpurchased fruits/vegetables to be brought to IFM for distribution. Bill’s phone number is 477-1432. •Drivers are needed to go to Roseville on Tuesday, 6:15-8:00AM. At least two are needed.•More diapers are needed. Call Kathy (432-1974) for pickup. Sizes 4-5 are especially needed. Want to organize a diaper drive? 

There’s no better way to feel better about the community we live in than to become part of the solution to our problems.

Women's Study CircleWomen's study circle is open to all women. We meet every third Thursday of month. We will meet on July 16th at UUCM. We will begin at 5:30 pm with a potluck dinner. Then at 6:30 pm, Clarita Nolan will give tips on how to take better vacation photos. The first thing is to know how to operate your camera, so bring it along with the manual and we will do our best to figure it out. This is hands-on, so be ready to practice taking photos. Contact May Lawrence at 478-9438 to RSVP.

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July 2009 page 6

Time for Summer!By Rochelle Davisson

The RE Summer Program is in full swing. Various members of our community have volunteered to introduce the children to their own favorite interests. Bill Nolan started the program off by showing the children his fantastic collection of fossils and a discussion about dinosaurs. The Therapy Dog, Maggie, will be visiting with the children next. More special activities are planned for the summer, including scrapbooking. A special Thank You to all who've offered to share their own interests with the youth.

The RE Committee conducted a noteworthy all-day retreat on June 7th to organize, define, and sculpt the Religious Education program.The commitment, enthusiasm, and heartfelt energy being put forth by the RE Committee members toward this next generation is both amazing and inspiring. We have some great volunteers here, and some pretty terrific kids!

Science & Nature ClassesA new series of hands-on science and nature classes began in June, and is meeting for 1½ - 2 hours one evening a week. The focus is on many of today’s hot scientific issues: energy, health, climate change, disease pandemics, genetic engineering, electromagnetic fields (cell phones, etc), radiation, endangered species, space exploration, and “spooky” physics (to use Einstein’s term).

The class is not a lot of doom and gloom. A lot of the basic principles are relevant to enjoying the world – flowers, weather, the geology around us (where did all that gold come from?) - fun stuff! As just one example, some of the foundations of climate change relate to events we see on the calendar – summer solstice and Earth aphelion (our farthest point from the sun, July 3) – which relates to things we can see, with the naked eye, in the sky. 

The cost is $10 per class. For dates and times, location, and other information, call Alan Stahler at 432.8248, or email him at [email protected] .

Spiritual Cinema Circle Friday, July 24, 7-9 pmCost: donationContact: Terri Harmon, 432-7818For more info, visit spiritualcinemacircle.com . 

New BoobsWhen a young woman finds herself attracted to her gorgeous downstairs neighbor, her insecurities are brought to light. This comedic and sometimes slapstick short reminds us that some shortcomings are just meant to be. Why do we feel inadequate when we desire something? See how humor and just the right amount of silliness can change the way we look at ourselves. Director: Matthew Bonifacio. Run time: 9 minutes

EraIn 1920s London, Jonathan and Jane, two silent film characters, are having tea. Just as Jonathan is declaring his affection for Jane, his rival — the notorious magician Antony Crow — arrives uninvited. Challenged by Jonathan to prove his powers, Antony transports Jonathan and Jane through time to a higher dimension, where they are forced to come to terms with their limitations. Combining psychology and physics with a touch of mysticism, this short film encourages us to move past our self-constructed realities. Director: Jonathan Whittle-Utter. Run time: 11 minutes

Canvas Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden and Emmy Award winner Joe Pantoliano star in this powerful, semi-autobiographical film about mental illness transformed by the love of family. John and Mary shared a beautiful life together, until she began to sink into schizophrenia. Now, they face a challenging situation: father and son grow apart while all the focus is on Mary. As healing comes to those who can be healed, an inspiring story of love and commitment emerges, bringing hope to a tough situation. Director: Joseph Greco. Run time: 101 minutes

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July 2009 page 7

Global Compassionate Candle

by Donald M. Foster, PhDThe Swedish Peace Research Institute reports that national global expenditures for armed forces last year totaled $1.46 trillion, up 45% during the last decade. Our USA was first at 607 billion., followed distantly by China at 85 billion. Many of us know that the real expenditures are significantly higher, under obscure budget line items such as “Research and Development,” “Foreign Assistance,” “Middle East Studies,” and off-budget congressional approvals for wars, international actions and sanctions.

Those of us who have experienced the tragic results to people from armaments, sanitized by the phrase “collateral damage,” rather than “innocent men, women and children,” lament that peace initiatives are limited to a small cohort of the dedicated. May we bless and support them.

Please light your July UU Global Compassionate Candle for all those billions of our fellow humans suffering from war, cruel and despotic regimes and religious leaders, ethnic hatred and violence, and poverty.

UU AmblersUU Amblers is for everyone. We have two walking speeds--leisu

Our Covenant of Right RelationsRecognizing that conflict is normal in human relations, and wishing to relate to others as harmoniously as possible, I sincerely intend to:

Treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect.

Communicate with patience, flexibility, and a willingness to negotiate in the spirit of meeting as many needs as possible.

Be aware of my own thoughts, feelings, and needs, and share them directly and honestly with others, without judgment or blame.

Invite and listen to all points of view, respecting others’ feelings and needs, and encouraging minority opinions.

Take responsibility for my own mental, emotional, and spiritual balance, asking for support when I need it.

Be mindful of the needs of the group as a whole, mourning together when individual needs cannot be met.

From the artist's conception...

...through the building process...

...to it's first use in our chapel...

Our New Pulpitis a real joy!Thank you,Jerry Halland the

“Pulpiteers!”

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July 2009 page 8

Caring Notes by Robin Hart

July starts off with a bang: parades, picnics, and fireworks displays on the 4th of July. Then it progresses into the lazy days of summer. Time for family outings, camping, hikes, and hanging out at your favorite lake or river to cool off. Long days and dreamy nights sitting on the porch and watching the starry summer sky. Look at all those stellar lights and think of them as candles of joy and concern lit every night for the world.

Please light a candle of concern for those in our community who need special healing thoughts and good wishes at this time.

Sherry Everett is gravely ill and would like everyone to send her healing energy and prayers. Keith and Alice Johnson need support over Elizabeth's declining health. Donna Foddrell is now the proud grandmother of little Evie, who was born a month premature and is still in the hospital.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Lloyd and Leal Portis and Dawn Bateman over the loss of dear family members.

Also light a candle of concern and keep a special place in your hearts for all those others in our UUCM community who are not named but who need prayer and healing energy at this time.

Please light a candle of joy for graduates Nick Elias and Eric Robbins, who have successfully matriculated from high school and will be attending college away from home and our community this fall. We wish them good luck on their next great adventure in life.

If you need to bring something to the attention of the Caring Committee, please contact one of our members: Rev. Meghan, May Lawrence, Robin Hart, Corrie Silva, Leal Portis, Gwen Eymann, Ann Cullinan, or Ernie Jackson, or email us at [email protected]

Green Tip of the Month

Less is MoreHow many catalogs do you get each year? Do you really want them all? If not, go to www.catalogchoice.org. 

Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to decide what gets put in your mailbox. Their mission is to reduce the number of unwanted catalog mailings and promote the adoption of good industry practices. They service both consumers and businesses. Consumers can indicate their mail preference for specific catalogs, and businesses can receive the list in a secure manner so that they can efficiently honor the requests. Use this service to reduce your mailbox clutter while helping save natural resources.  

Annual Camping Trip Our camping trip to Sierra Buttes/Lakes Basin is coming up from August 28 -30. All are welcome to come camp, or you can stay in one of the local cabin areas (see websites below). There are beautiful lakes to swim, kayak, and fish in and trails to hike on. And best of all, we have a wonderful time just being together, having barbeques, and singing and telling amazing stories around campfires. 

We are still working on selecting our campground. We have traditionally stayed at Chapman Creek Campground, and folks have stayed at cabins at Bassetts. Please email or call with any suggestions you have about a new campground site in the Lakes Basin area by July 10th so we can firm up our plans for August. Call Shannon or Andy at 346-6995, or email sdooley-miller @ got sky.com

WebsitesLakes Basin area www.totalescape.com/destin/california-towns.php?tid=171

Gold Lake Campingwww.reserveamerica.com/campsiteDetails.do

US Forest Service: Chapman Creek Campgroundwww.forestcamping.com/dow/pacficsw/tahcmp.htm

This space is intentionally left blank to protect the privacy of our members.

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July 2009 page 9

Unitarians are motivated to live their philosophy. They walk the talk. That makes them activists in a number of causes for the betterment of society. Here at the Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains we have lots of ongoing worthy activities to get involved in. If you are not already active and feel so inclined, here are some of the things we are doing and whom to contact if you feel moved to help. You could even start a project.  There are three categories of projects: Green Sanctuary, Local, and Global.

Green Sanctuary CommitteeThis committee represents a big, multi-project endeavor, to make a positive impact on the environment and to earn our congregation certification as a Green Sanctuary by the UU Ministry for Earth. To help, contact Bill Nolan 639-2663 Some of the projects have included:"Greening" the church by changing our light bulbs, cleaning products, and paper products,  by eliminating disposables, and by changing our landscaping to include organic vegetables and native plants.Educating the congregation about environmental issues and positive changes each of us can make with Green Tips at Sunday Services, newsletter articles, and bulletin board suggestions.Religious Education programs on environmental themes for youth and children in our congregation.Community Events with other environmental organizations such as Earth Day celebrations.Fair Trade. UUCM is purchasing organic coffee and chocolate in bulk directly from producers to assure that the workers receive a fair wage. To help or to buy some for yourself, contact Ann Cullinan 274-7028

Local ProjectsHospitality House. Through the winters, we provide monthly dinners for about 35 homeless people, who then stay the night at various churches. To help, contact Leal Portis 265-3887

Interfaith Food Ministry. IFM collects, bags, and distributes food to needy families. To help, contact Chris Hansen 273-4359Habitat for Humanity. UUCM members provide lunches one day a month for the volunteers and prospective homeowners helping to build homes for needy families. To help, contact Keith Johnson 265-0277 Animal Rights. A new group is now forming to promote animal rights. Contact Carol Hyndemann 477-1003 or Sheila Myers 432-8404 UU Legislative Ministry California. UULM California is a statewide justice ministry that serves to empower the voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public arena. (www.uulmca.org/main.html). There are currently four main focus areas:Marriage Equality. Health Care Reform. Contact: Carol Kuczora 273-7771Climate and Water Justice. Contact: Sheila Myers 432-8404Clean Money for Fair Elections.

Global Task ForceUnitarian Universalist Service Committee. UUSC (www.uusc.org) is a national Unitarian Universalist organization that supports human rights and justice work in the U.S. and internationally. Contact: Carol Ann Jones 277-2894UU United Nations Office/United Nations Association. Supports the international work of the United Nations. Works with the local chapter of the UN Association. Contact: Don Foster 477-7566Peacemaking. Work with the Peace Center of Nevada County and other local, national and international groups to promote personal, community and world peace. Contact: Carol Ann Jones 277-2894KIVA is a micro-credit organization that makes small loans to enable poor people in foreign countries to start businesses to become self-supporting. Members of our congregation contribute to a loan fund at a Kiva Party and may re-invest when the loan is paid back. Contact Keith Johnson 265-0277

Walking the Talkby Carol Kuczora

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July 2009 page 10

Music, Music, Music by Annie Haymaker

Music Credentialing ProgramSeven UU musicians received the first-ever Music Leadership Credentials at this year’s GA in June during the Service of the Living Tradition, where new ministers and RE Leaders receive recognition. I have been part of this Music Leadership program for the last year, starting with a wonderful UU Musician’s Network Conference last August in Boston, and got to know all seven of them, not just at the conference, but through the trials and tribulations of all the assignments we completed in our congregations this year. They are a great group of folks, and have inspired me in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I started the program.

The assignments really stretched me this year. Our great music on MLKJ Day was part of my work for a class on rehearsing a choir. The songleading I’ve done at many services grew out of a class I took from Joyce Poley (Hymn #168, “One More Step”). The work I did on the Convenant of Right Relations was a natural extension of my class on UU ethics. Some of the new hymns we sang this year are those I discovered in Mark Belletini’s (chair of the Singing the Living Tradiditon hymnal commission) UU history class. And the Jim Scott (#347, “Gather the Spirit”) concert in February resulted from an assignment to write biographies of well-known UU musicians.

I really enjoyed getting involved in all these things, and am looking forward to my second year in the program – including this year’s conference in Portland at the end of July, where my classes will include advanced songleading and multicultural practices. If all goes well, I will get my credential with the third graduating class at GA in 2011.

Choir NewsSummer choir rehearsals will be on the first and second Monday evenings only, so put July 6 and 13 on your personal calendar. You don't have to be a professional songster. If you just like to sing a variety of music, come and join the group. All are welcome! For information call Annie, 477-0701.

Drum Circle is on hiatus for the summer, and will resume in September.

UU Voices forHealth Care

Join us for a 6-session health care study/action series beginning in July. Contact Carol Ann Jones (277-2894) or sign up at UUCM.

UU Voices for Health Care is a program of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry-California, based on these guiding principles:

As Unitarian Universalists who believe in Justice, equity and compassion for all people, Respect for the inherent dignity of the individual and the interdependence of all life, The free and responsible search for truth and meaning, The essential role of transparent democratic processes in reaching just and responsible decisions, and The interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part,

we affirm the following Guiding Principles:Health care is a fundamental human right including:

care for mind and body, including dental, vision and mental health health promotion and disease prevention a strong safety net of community and public health clinics and hospitals culturally sensitive care, in one’s own language

High quality universal health care is possible: other countries do it, and so can we.

Moonlight in VermontThe Fifteenth Annual B&B Weekend is offered from Oct. 9-11, 2009 by the UU Church of Rutland, VT.  Enjoy the beauty of Vermont, UU hospitality, and a choice of guided activities: hiking, nature walk, kayaking, bicycling, antiques/arts, cider-making historic tour, soaring tour, touring historic sites and quaint towns, and much more. Registration by August 15, $275 (single) and $475 (double). After August 15, $325 and $525. For more information contact [email protected] or 802-353-7969, or look at their Fall Weekend website, http://fallweekend.wordpress.com/

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July 2009Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Note: Calendar is subject to change. Verify on website:uugrassvalley.org

1 Building Comm7 Drum Circle7 Threshold Choir

18:30 am Men'sGet-together

26 pm DBSA-NC

3 4

511 Sunday Service

67 Local Task Force7 pm Choir Practice

71 pm Building Com 7 pm Music Comm 7 pm Threshold Choir

88:30 am Men's G-T5:30 pm Global TF6 pm Caring Com7 pm Soc Action Coordinating

97 pm UUCM Board Meeting

1010 am Writer's Group5:30 pm Singing for Peace

11

1211 Sunday Service12:30 pm Quarterly Comm Chairs meeting

137 pm Choir Practice

147 pm MembershipCommittee

158:30 am Men's G-T

Newsletter Deadline

165:30 pm Women's Study Circle6 pm DBSA-NC

17 18

1911 Sunday Service

20 217 pm Threshold Choir

228:30 am Men's G-T7 pm NC Citizens for Choice

237 pm Green Sanctuary7:30 Stewardship Committee

2410 am Writer's Group7 pm Spiritual Cinema Circle

25

2611 Sunday Service12:30 pm RE

277 pm Band Practice

286 pm PFLAG7 pm Worship

298:30 am Men's G-T

30 31

July 2009 page 11

Singing for Peace Sing-along with

The Guitar Circle(including Andy Dooley-Miller)

Friday, July 105:30 to 8:00 pm

$10 suggested donation (sliding scale)   All are invited

Includes an organic dinner, sing-along, Peace Center info and activities—an evening of peace and unity.Sponsored by the Peace Center of Nevada County and UUCM Social Action (Global Task Force). Funds go to PCNC.

Page 12: Singing for Peaceuugrassvalley.org/PDFfiles/July2009PublicNewsletter.pdfJuly 2009 page 2 Rev. Meghan's Musings (On vacation in July and August) Dear Ones, I will be taking some time

July 2009 page 12

Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains

246 So. Church StreetGrass Valley, CA 95945www.uugrassvalley.org

Return Service Requested

Office phone: (530) 274-1675E-mail: [email protected] Board of Trustees

President Kia Hatch [email protected]

Vice President Keith JohnsonTreasurer Beth FreedmanSecretary Bev LyonAt Large Jerry Jacoby, Carol Ann Jones,

Daniel Lossner, Randy McKean Minister: Rev. Meghan Cefalu Hours: Tues-Wed-Thurs, 11 am – 6 pm Please call ahead for an office appointment

[email protected], 274-1661

Mountain Chalice newsletter editors Clarita Nolan, Annie Haymaker, Eileen Hale This issue edited by AnnieWebmaster: Ron Wright, [email protected]

Committee ContactsReligious Education: Meg LuceMembership: Corrie Silva Social Action: Keith JohnsonGreen Sanctuary Task Force: Bill NolanWorship: Matt Wilson-DaleyFinance: Communications: Music: Leah LossnerStewardship: Bob BatemanBuilding: Ministry: Dorothy Hitchcock

Other Contacts:Chalice Circles: Writer's Group: Sammie GribWomen's Group: Clarita NolanSpirituality Group: Janet & David Lee

Room Scheduling: Anita Wald-Tuttle

Newsletter deadline is the 15th of each month. Send to: [email protected] change of address, phone number or email to: [email protected]

The purpose of our Community is to foster liberal religious living through worship , study, service and fellowship . We seek the enjoyment of religion founded upon devotion to individual freedom of belief. Relying upon reason as our guide, and upon freedom as our method, we seek to grow in understanding of ourselves and of our world, to p romote and serve the universal human family .

New to UU? Comprehensive information on our p rincip les, beliefs within our faith, history , worship practices, congregational life and more is available on the denominational website at www.uua.org. Click on “Visitors.”

Membership in UUCM is open to all who see this community as their religious home and the p rincip les for which it stands as their own. To join UUCM , one signs the membership book and supports the community through a financial contribution and regular participation.

Visitors are invited to attend an introduction and orientation to the UU denomination and this congregation, a four-part series offered three times a year. For more information about the orientation or membership , p lease talk with Rev. M eghan Cefalu or with someone from the M embership Committee.