upcoming events welcome to the first...
TRANSCRIPT
First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco
May 17, 2015 11:00 AM
Claiming the Right to Joy
U P CO M I N G E V E N T S
Senior Minister Rev. John Buehrens 132 [email protected] Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks 232 [email protected] Minister Rev. JD Benson 162 [email protected] Minister Cindy Pincus 302 [email protected] Finance & Administration Emily Wilson 152 ewilson @uusf.orgCenter Facilities Director Kerry E. Parker 202 [email protected] Manager Donald Johnson 272 [email protected] Manager Jonathan Silk 192 [email protected] & Young Adult Coordinator Molly Johnson [email protected] Director Dr. Mark Sumner 252 [email protected] Organist Reiko Oda Lane 282 [email protected]
UUSF STAFFTitle Name Ext. Email
1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 415-776-4580 ; FAX 415-776-4400
www.uusf.org/ [email protected]
WELCOME TO THE FIRST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF SAN FRANCISCO
Since its founding in 1850 this congregation has been a beacon of religious liberalism in this city. During the Civil War, the Rev. Thomas Starr King was credited with keeping
California in the Union. He also challenged racism, raised millions for humanitarian relief and inspired new efforts in education.
Unitarianism and Universalism in America both arose in New England during the American Revolution. Because the roots of both traditions are in the Judeo-Christian tradition, you will see on the walls of our sanctuary two inscriptions:
"What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (from the Hebrew prophet Micah) and “The Kingdom of God is within you.” (from the Gospels)
Our religious forebears were far more interested in the religion of Jesus than in beliefs about Jesus. Today we agree more about how we strive to treat others than we do about beliefs. Our backgrounds and spiritual orientations are diverse. Among us are people who consider themselves atheists, agnostics, humanists, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, and people guided by other forms of spirituality and belief.
Belief is many things, and so is disbelief. But we are interested in what happens to us when we open our minds to wider truth, our hearts to compassion, and our souls to the call to work for justice and peace.
If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to a Newcomers Orientation usually held on the first Sunday of each month following the service. At the Welcome Table you will find pamphlets and other information. For more about our congregation, please visit our website at www.uusf.org.
Town Hall Meeting 12:30 PM, TSK Room (TODAY!)
Can you believe it's budget time already? Come hear about the Board’s proposed operating budget for 2015-2016! Listen, voice, and get updated on your Society’s finances. Your budget voting meeting won’t be until June 7, but you’ll want to be “in the know” before the vote!
Humanism for the Twenty-First Century 1:30 PM, Chapel (TODAY!)
An increasing number of Americans are becoming non-believers. After deciding what we don’t believe, what can we believe? John Figdor will join us to discuss his book, "Atheist Mind, Humanist Heart; Rewriting the Ten Commandment For the Twenty-first Century". John will discuss the philosophical basis of humanism, its moral implications and future as a way to live a happy and meaningful life in a secular 21st century. John Figdor is the Humanist Chaplain at Stanford University where he organizes events and programs for both students and community members from the San Francisco Bay Area. He received his B.A. with honors in Philosophy from Vassar College and holds a master’s degree (MDiv) in Humanism and Interfaith Dialogue from Harvard Divinity School. John was an Organizing Fellow of the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard and former Assistant Humanist Chaplain at Harvard. Everyone is welcome. Sandwiches will be available for purchase.
Sing and Be Merry Sunday, May 31, 4PM, Sanctuary
The Young Women’s Choral Projects of San Francisco Spring Showcase Concert features all three ensembles of the Young Women’s Choral Projects: Prelude Chorus, Allegro Chorus and the Young Women’s Chorus. The concert includes each ensemble singing its own solo selections, as well as several combined pieces by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams from Folk Songs of the Four Seasons. Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1429355.
Society for Community Work Luncheon Tuesday, May 19, 11:15 AM, TSK Room
The Society for Community Work celebrates at our Membership Lunch Meeting on Tuesday, May 19. Soprano Laurel Sprigg (Choir Member and SCW Supporter) will present a concert with Accompanist David Jones (Choir Member and SCW President). Our business meeting begins at 11:15 AM. The mixer at 11:30 AM, then our lunch at 12PM. The program featuring Laurel and David begins at 1PM. Please reserve your seat by tonight at 7PM at [email protected] or call Leslie Bader at 415-821-1307. Stop by our table after today's Service for more information. There is a $12 to $15 sliding scale and no one is ever turned away due to lack of funds. We hope you can join us.
Farewell Reception for Intern Minister Cindy Pincus 12PM to 12:30 PM, MLK Room (TODAY!)
Intern Minister Cindy Pincus graduates from PSR (Pacific School of Religion) next weekend, and then begins her CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) in June at UCSF. We will miss her. This is our chance to say Sayonara. Join us for a reception in her honor after church, preceding the budget town hall. Let's send her off in style!
A Gilead Sabbath for LGBTQ rights around the world“Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?
Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?”Jeremiah 8:22, NRSV
We are a caring, compassionate community!
Do you need a listening ear, a helping hand? Do you know of a church member who may be in need? Call or email Assistant Minister Rev. JD Benson, x162, [email protected].
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, May 19, 11:15 AM, TSK RoomSoprano Laurel Sprigg will present a concert with Accompanist David JonesSociety for Community Work Luncheon
Sunday Forum, May 24, 9:30 AM MLK Room“Supercivilization” with Dr. John Moser9:15 am Sunday mornings (light breakfast offered for slight fee)
Sunday, May 24, 12:30 PM, Meet in the GalleryMonthly 20s & 30s Lunch
If you won't be at the All Church Retreat, all folks in their 20s and 30s with an interest in Unitarian Universalism are welcome to join our hosts for lunch. We gather at Coffee Hour at 12:30 pm and decide as a group where to get lunch together within walking distance from the church. If the weather is nice, we like to swing by Whole Foods and have a picnic at Lafayette Park.
Sunday, May 31!!!2nd Annual Bike to Worship Ride Questions? Contact Rev. Alyson Jacks at [email protected] or 415-776-4580 x232.
Meet with John!
Rev. Buehrens is eager to meet with church members and friends individually. Contact John to schedule an appointment.
About Today's Guest Musician
Natalie Raney fell in love with the cello when she was nine years old after her coolest, childhood role model began playing it in the house next door. Her journey has led her across the country and landed her in San Francisco in pursuit of her ultimate love, chamber music. She has had the opportunity to perform with such musicians as Kim Kashkashian, Menahem Pressler, Norman Fischer, Geoff Nuttall, Bonnie Hampton, Roberto Diaz, Ian Swensen, Paul Hersh, and the Arianna String Quartet. While in her graduate studies, her quartet was invited by the Muir String Quartet to participate in the Emerging Quartets and Composers Program, where she worked closely with composer Joan Tower. After moving to San Fran-cisco, her quartet was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center on the Millennium Stage, and later that year was a finalist for the Coleman Chamber Music Competition. She has studied chamber music under members of the Tokyo, Pacifica, Brentano, Vermeer, Muir, Arianna, and Alexander String Quartets. Natalie recently graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory receiving an Artist Certificate in Chamber Music studying under Jean-Michel Fonteneau. She received her Master of Music degree at Boston University under Marc Johnson, former cellist of the Vermeer Quartet and received a Bachelor of Music under Kurt Baldwin and the Arianna Quartet at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
* Please rise if you are able.
*Benediction
Postlude Courante from Suite #1 for solo cello J. S. Bach
*Hymn 95 There Is More Love Somewhere African American trad.
Sermon Claiming The Right To Joy Rev. John Buehrens
Offertory Sentence
Offertory Allemande from Suite #1 for solo cello J. S. Bach
Sermon Talk-Back, Kincaid RoomEach Sunday you are welcome to join members and friends of this church for an after-worship discussion of the sermon session led by Donald Matusen at 12:15 PM.
WelcomeIf you are visiting today, please take a moment to fill out the yellow Newcomer Card located in the pew rack. It will allow you to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, The Flame. Please stop by our Welcome Table in the gallery after the service or speak with a minister to learn more about our liberal religious home.
Service Animals & Scent Free ZoneIn our Sanctuary we have dedicated two areas. The left pews as you face the chancel are for people with animals such as assistance dogs. The right pews as you face the chancel are for people who are sensitive to fragrances such as cologne and/or perfumes. If you have any questions please see one of our Sunday Worship Ushers located in the Narthex (entry way of Sanctuary).
Join us for coffee at Cindy Pincus Farewell in MLK Room.
Building Tour, SanctuaryIf you are new to the church, or just visiting, and would like a tour of the church building, please meet your tour guide at the front of the Sanctuary immediately after the service. Tour will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Building Tour Guides coordinated by George Mayer.
Upcoming Service
Sunday, May 24, 11AM, SanctuaryTHE JOY THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING
The Rev. Margot Campbell Gross, Minister Emerita, preaching
*Hymn 170 We Are a Gentle, Angry People Holly Near
Registration for the Annual All Church Retreat is open!
May 23-25 (Memorial Day Weekend)
We retreat at the wonderful CYO camp in Occidental. The ALL CHURCH RETREAT is open to all ages. We'll have workshops, worship, a talent show, games, hikes and time to relax
and connect with friends. To register (uusf.eventbrite.com). Questions? Gino Fortunato at [email protected]
Today's flowers are dedicated to the memory of Walley Cleland on his 88th Birthday from Lucy Smith, Thad
Smith, George Mayer and Dolores Perez Priem.
on Sexual Morality, Justice and Healing
Resp. Reading #612 Fearful Joy Rabindrinath Tagore
Music Sarabande from Suite #1 for solo cello J. S. Bach
DeFrom
allto
thatdos
-dwellba
bejo
-lowel
- thegran
skies;sol;
letsur
-songsja,_es
ofpe
-hoperan
-andza
-
5
faithfé,
aa
rise;mor;
--
Letver
peace,dad,
-goody_be
llewill
--
onza
-earthcan
betan
-sungdo,
- dethrough
8
evca
eryda
--
land,tie
byrra,
-evca
eryda
--
tongue.voz.
A
men.
-
DeFrom
allto
thatdos
-dwellba
bejo
-lowel
- thegran
skies;sol;
letsur
-songsja,_es
ofpe
-hoperan
-andza
-
5
faithfé,
aa
rise;mor;
--
Letver
peace,dad,
-goody_be
llewill
--
onza
-earthcan
betan
-sungdo,
- dethrough
8
evca
eryda
--
land,tie
byrra,
-evca
eryda
--
tongue.voz.
A
men.
-
Call To Worship #440 From the Fragmented World words of Phillip Hewett
*Covenant Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its prayer. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in freedom, and to help one another.
*Doxology Tallis' Canon
Welcome and Announcements Bill Klingelhoffer, Trustee
Greeting One Another
Prayer and Meditation
*Hymn 18 What Wondrous Love American folk hymn
Reading The Religious Declaration Rev. John Buehrens
Interlude There Is a Balm in Gilead African American trad.
Prelude Prelude from Suite #1 for solo cello J. S. BachNatalie Raney, cello
David Jones, piano
Alison Rittger, Worship Associate Chair
Music The Swan Camille Saint-Saens