Welcome – June, 2018

by Admin | Jun 11, 2018 | Justice Actions

With gratitude we introduce our newest members: Linda Hillman, Trish Ann Isom, Sam Jefferson, Xina Kingshill, John Moore, Gary Noreen, Alison Oatman, Claire Rithner, Henry Urick and Jane Van Note.
We look forward to getting to know these folks through church related programs and service in the wider com­munity. We are so glad you have chosen UUCV as your spiritual home!
The next series of Membership classes will be offered in October. Email me if you’d like to be added to the list of interested folks. (Beverly@uuventura.org)
Seth Fisher in the book Upcycle Your Congregation (edited by Sarah Lammert) writes: “We need to take a step back and distinguish between “church” and church. “Church” is candles and piano music and vestments and readings. Church is community where people grow together and help each other create lives of meaning. “Church” is great if you are into that sort of thing. We’re not in the business of getting people to sing hymns and listen to sermons. We’re in the business of transforming lives. And this is something that is in demand.”
If we view UUCV as a container for transformation, how might that change the approach we take to program development, membership, leadership and welcome? How might UUCV attract people who are not interested in “church?” Fisher suggests coffee hour could become a social event with live music, an art display, social action volunteers hosting a booth with resources for community involvement. And advertise coffee hour on Social Media and as a community Meet Up. I envision the Connecting Committee in full swing, listening to people’s stories and connecting them with UUCV programming. Seth shares her experience: “What we ended up with didn’t look a whole lot different from our usual coffee hour. It was just a new and improved version – a little more vibrant, a little more deliberately connected with our larger mission, and consequently a little more like the Beloved Community that we strive for.”
What ways do you see UUCV continuing the transforma­tional aspects of church and how can we strengthen that?
– Beverly Jordan, Community Life Coordinator

Notes from the President’s Desk – June, 2018

by Admin | Jun 11, 2018 | Justice Actions

Catching Up

On May 5 a discussion of the proposed UUCV draft budget for 2018-19 took place with 20 members attending. The two-hour presentation was given by David Frank who has for many years kept the process of budgeting understandable for all of us. Questions were answered and more importantly a deeper understanding of our financial condition was obtained. In short, we will have a deficit of about $17,000 for the 2018-19 year that will be covered by excess reserves. This budget values our children, our staff, and the vision for growth that began six years ago with the hiring of an assistant minister. The specific details of our budget will be emailed/mailed to everyone prior to the June 17 Annual Meeting.
Deficits bring challenges. In 2019-20 the deficit may rise upwards of $90,000 largely due to the “Bridge Pledges” and other funding coming to an end. Although significant, this deficit can be resolved with some of our excess reserves, plus money from the “Wake Now our Vision” program, the Assistant Ministers Fund, and your help. A plan is on the table to extend the use of those funds for several years as we continue to grow. When we include over the next several years, anticipated increases in pledging and growth from new members, the deficit can be envisioned as manageable. In September we will hold a Congregational Conversation to discuss more deeply the funding of our vision and mission.
The Pacific Western Regional Assembly took place in Portland, Oregon April 27-29. Approximately 600 people, representing over 150 congregations, attended from all over the western states. Experiencing so many UU’s together in one place was simply fantastic! I strongly recommend attending such gatherings when you can. At this event UUA President Susan Fredrick-Gray spoke on the future of the UUA and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal gave an inspiring Keynote Address. Our own Tanner Linden gave the Homily at the intergenera­tional service and Jim Merrill gaveled out as President of the Pacific Southwest District after many years of service. Here is some food for thought I heard while in Portland:
“Ours is not a casual faith.”
“Strength emerges in times of crisis.”
“There is a Sense of Calling beyond ourselves.”
“What you pay attention to, what you love, grows.”
“This is no time for a casual commitment to our faith.”
“If you want to make a difference in this faith, it will be through your generosity to your congregation.”
“Where we put staff, we thrive.”
Finally, as this church year comes to an end, there are thank yous to be given. We are an amazing congregation. Everyone is doing something to create the church community we all enjoy and cherish. The Board of Trustees offers our sincere appreciation for the level of volunteerism and generosity of time and resources given by everyone. We are blessed with a fantastic staff and guided by our minister, the remarkable and spirited Rev. Dana Worsnop. Thank you everyone for all you have done to make 2017-18 a great year for the UUCV!
Living in Paradise,
Bryan Buck, President

Social Action and More – June, 2018

by Admin | Jun 11, 2018 | Justice Actions

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” Seneca
Riverhaven Update
If you are new to UUCV you may not be aware our congregation provides dinner to the residents of Riverhaven on the fourth Monday of every month. Members of the congregation sign up to provide a dish (main dish, salad, dessert or “other”), bring it to the church by 3pm on the 4th Monday or on the Sunday before. Be sure to label it “Riverhaven.“ Dates for the next few months are June 25, July 23, and August 27.
If you want to support this important project please sign up at the Social Action Table.
Questions? Call Pam or Jim Waldron at 647-5650.
Thank you for supporting our friends at Riverhaven!

Lift Up Your Voice (LUYV)
by Kathy Powell
As our city reeled from the horrible killing and the backlash that fol­lowed, we at Lift Up Your Voice had to take a collective breath and figure out how to go forward.
Many of us were at the horrible city council meeting with the Angry People ready to attack every homeless person in sight and they were especially frustrated with any person who they thought helped the homeless in town.
The day after the meeting was our regular Park Outreach day and we had to weigh our safety going out. We decided to go and my son said we were the true anime definition of courage.
We went and we listened. We heard the voices of the homeless who were being vilified for something they didn’t do by a man they didn’t know. The city was turning against them and we were there, personifying the princi­pals put forth in our faith of the inherent dignity of all.
Sometimes socks and baby wipes take on a whole new meaning. Thank you for supporting us as we do our work.

NEWS from Religious Education • June, 2018

by Admin | Jun 11, 2018 | Justice Actions

Dear UUCV Community,
Being a people of blessing too often overlaps with being a people of privi­lege. Since UU young adult camp last year, these issues have particularly been on our minds in terms of how to hold that we are a predominantly white congregation who so eagerly strives for inclusion. I wonder if we want to look different but not be different, feel better but not do better.
Nonetheless there is so very much to be grateful for and appreciating all of the small and big ways that our life is supported and that abundance is acknowledged is a powerful practice.
How do we come from a place of gratitude and work so that all beings are blessed?
A similar seemingly paradox came up at the parenting group last month when parents shared that as much as they want their children to have empathy and be kind, they also want them to stand up for themselves and speak up when they don’t like something. How do we teach children to come from a place of kindness and while listening to their inner voice to stand up for themselves?
These are some of the guiding questions at the core of our program, along with so many more! Let’s talk more about this at the many events this month! We are so excited to enjoy a picnic/BBQ with all of you after the service on June 10!
“Give hope to those you encounter, that they may know safety from inner and outer harm, be happy and at peace, healthy and strong, caring and joyful. Be the blessing you already are. That is enough. Blessed Be; Amen.” Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh