Each week the attending members choose a few important issues for a lively discussion.
They discuss a wide range of topics including economics and politics. They strive to insure that each person has an opportunity to contribute his ideas and concerns. Come add your perspective.
Days: Every Tuesday
Time: 9:30—10:30 am
Location: Conference Room
Contact: Bill Peltola, (805) 486-1348, Al Dirrim, (805) 216-7672
Individual Men’s Groups
Most men’s support groups at UUCV have been practicing principles of spiritual growth since their inception for over a decade. These principals include incorporating ritual and structure into meetings – while remaining flexible, aligning discussion with the monthly theme, and striving for spiritual maturity. Individual men’s groups are autonomous. The affairs of one group do not affect others and there is no centralized management.
These small groups meet twice a month, usually on a mid-week evening from 7 – 9 pm.
Groups either meet at the church or in private homes.
Uncommitted Groups
In uncommitted groups men are free to attend as they see fit, a kind of open door drop-in policy. Uncommitted groups often serve as the gateway to join UUCV committed men’s groups.
Committed Groups
Other small groups meet as more committed groups, with some renewing one’s commitment every six months and making attendance at meetings a high priority. It can also define how new members are inducted and what is expected from each member.
Spiritual growth is a focus of the men’s groups, along with fellowship and support. Men are encouraged to share their personal experience and speak from the heart. To do this one must be dedicated, vulnerable, and patient. This requires a significant level of trust in the group—and in one’s self. The goal of UUCV men’s support groups is to make a safe space available in the congregation for men to feel a deeper connection to others.
It has been quite a year, start to finish. My overwhelming memories of 2017-2018 will be about the power of community. We talk about creating the Beloved Community, and we have lived it fully at UUCV this past year.
Truly, I can’t remember all that much before the Thomas Fire swept in, and I watched this congregation rise to the moment. We opened our doors, checked in with each other, supported our families, cared for each other, our children, and our four-legged companions. Since then, I’ve watched as we’ve grown in depth and in the ties that hold us together. Our tapestry of love is more beautiful and strong.
This is a congregation that shows up. Yes, lots of folks come to worship on Sundays. Yet there are so many places to show up – women’s and men’s groups, Open Mic Night, annual meetings, Cluster Camp at deBenneville Pines (this year Sept. 28-30), picnics, Sunday luncheons, city council meetings, covenant groups, committees and teams, Pub Theology with the minister, book groups, movie nights, late services on Christmas Eve, water-coloring, Women’s Marches, Park Outreach, and so much more. Including memorial services.
You all helped create a powerful moment at Cindy Camillucci’s memorial last month. Cindy was taken from us too soon and too quickly. Her death was particularly hard on her son, and this community showed up for him in so many ways. We organized the reception, created the program, rehearsed the music and so much more.
The minister’s main role at a memorial is “holding the space,” creating an open and safe place for grief, laughter, sorrow to arise as they will. It’s harder than it may look. In a particularly emotional moment for Cindy’s son and his father, I was holding that space as mightily as I could. Then, I looked up at you all and realized that you were holding the space with me, just as mightily. I got chills as I thought, “Yes, this is what we do.”
This is how we keep the feeling of a family even as we have grown to more than 300 souls among our members, friends, children and youth. That many people really counts as more than a family. We don’t (and can’t) all know each others’ names. Yet we can create a sense of home. This is a place where there is room at the table for all.
We show up. We pull up a chair, pull out an extra plate, show a newcomer where to wash it (because we try hard to be environmentally sustainable). We listen to stories. We reach out and reach back. We do our level best to create a Beloved Community.
Just wow.
With love, Rev. Dana
Last month one of the quotes in my column came directly from UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray who stated: “This is no time for a casual commitment to our faith.” That is a thought provoking statement worth discussing.
She was speaking about the many ways that Unitarian Universalists make a difference in the world. About how our efforts help change lives for the better, all while understanding we live in troubled times politically and economically. These are times when justice and compassion are hard to find for the disenfranchised, those who have somehow missed out or been cast aside as unworthy. For UUs who may feel discouraged about the current direction of our country, her words are a call to action.
There is a need for the prophetic voice of liberal religion that is Unitarian Universalism. It is a voice that speaks of inclusivity and building loving community. That message begins with affirming the inherent worth and dignity of everyone and concludes with the understanding that we are all connected.
When you look around you can see that there are big problems to be solved. You can also see you don’t have to do very much to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. As troubling and perplexing as the world is today, it is never time to give up or give in on what you believe and value.
It seems if you are going to do a thing, a job, raise a family, learn a skill, that you should try to do it well. That is even more true depending upon how important something is to you. How worthwhile is it?
I love that UUs are a justice seeking people and we are engaged with our neighbors. I love that UUs show up to witness and speak truth to power. I love that I am responsible for my own faith journey.
So, in my case I hear the words of our UUA President as a reminder that the practice of one’s faith is not to be taken lightly. I would like to know what you think. Please send me an email at bryanabuck@hotmail.com and let me know how the above quote speaks to you.
Living in Paradise,
Bryan Buck, UUCV Board President
by Lety Ball
During the month of May, Michael Akseven placed a basket at the back entrance of our church. Thanks to the generosity of our members, Michael collected 22 blankets, 13 sheets and 9 pillows. He then delivered them to the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) local farm workers’ meeting hall last week in Oxnard.
As we mentioned before, you can visit the CAUSE website (causenow.org) to learn more about what this organization is doing “to tackle the harsh labor conditions for workers in the fields of the Central Coast,” along with other campaigns.
Your donations are greatly appreciated.