by Admin | Apr 2, 2018 | Justice Actions
There are Seven Principles the members of the Unitarian Universalist Association “covenant to affirm and promote.” Yet I contend that all of them are essentially covered by the first and the seventh.
First, “the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Seventh, “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”
In between we affirm justice, equity and compassion; encouragement of spiritual growth; a free and responsible search; the right of conscience and the democratic process; and the goal of peace, liberty and justice for all. Yet if we truly value every person and understand the depth of our interconnectedness to each other and the earth, then the rest will fall into place.
For me, these are profoundly spiritual principles. Because of them, I am inspired to love more deeply, live more fully, and reach out beyond myself with care and compassion.
So, I sometimes find it surprising when people say that justice work is the central mission of the church and Unitarian Universalism.
While the justice work we do is important, it is not the center of our faith. The work of creating a just and fair society is the outgrowth of a spiritual connection to one another, to the earth, and to the source of love and goodness (that I name God).
If we have that depth of connection, then we will be called to love and live for more than ourselves. And our sense of calling may not show up as working directly with marginalized or oppressed people. It could be to create beauty – in word or image. Or cultivating generosity. Or in serving the church – as a Worship or Pastoral Associate, on the Stewardship Team, the Board, teaching our children and youth, coming to Building and Grounds Work Parties, and so much more.
For many, our professional lives are all about caring for others in need – as teachers, nurses and doctors, lawyers, social workers. What they may well need from church is inspiration and sustenance. A place to refill their souls and gather love and strength from community.
There are others who work to end homelessness, for immigration rights, or for environmental justice. What they may well need from church is inspiration and sustenance. A place to refill their souls and gather love and strength from community.
That would make the mission of the church providing the inspiration, strength, and sustenance, the connection to love, to Source, to community. With such connection we can live more fully in a too often broken and hurting world. Our work in the larger world is an outgrowth, not the center of our faith.
My first aim on Sunday mornings is for the “spirit to move” in the Sanctuary in your hearts and among us all collectively. My hope is that you are inspired (enspirited) in the ways you need most. A little comforting here, a little prodding there. Room to breathe, to grieve, be uplifted in joy. I figure if we’re doing all that on Sunday and through the week, the rest will fall into place.
May the spirt move in your hearts.
with love, Rev. Dana
by Admin | Apr 2, 2018 | Justice Actions
by Beverly Jordan
I value each person who is part of the UUCV congregation.
As humans, we have an inherent need to be seen and to be heard. We offer that validation to each other don’t we? And we are not alone in this need. Seekers are coming each Sunday, hoping for hope, and searching for a loving, inclusive community (which you are!).
To that end we have been working for several months to effectively welcome and accommodate the newcomers and offer opportunities for connection between seasoned members and newer members. One change that is being put into place is the Membership Committee has been transformed into three separate working groups.
The Welcome Team; led by Gudrun Eastham (Chair) and Kathy Swift, is responsible for the welcoming ministry of UUCV. This includes the staffing and training of Welcome Table Volunteers and Greeters.
The Journey Team provides logistic support for the Newcomer Chat, Getting to Know UU workshop and The Journey to Belonging workshop. Volunteers are Jeanne Skinner and Shelley Sussman.
The Connecting Committee (Cassie Tondro, Celia Ortenberg, Peggy Anders & Tony Porter) provides an essential link between the Worship Service to Berg Hall on Sunday mornings at the Connecting Center. The Center offers resources regarding UUCV programming and connections with others; both new and seasoned congregants. Come on by!
Always feel free to contact me with any questions at beverly@uuventura.org
by Admin | Apr 2, 2018 | Notes from President's Desk
Amending the Bylaws Two Percent Rule
At the upcoming UUCV Annual Meeting on June 17 (which also happens to be Father’s Day), there will be a proposal to amend Article VIII, Section 2 of the Bylaws. Our Bylaws can only be amended by a vote of the congregation. The information below is a brief summary of the issue and intended to raise the awareness of the congregation on an important topic. Article VIII, Section 2 contains a spending restriction known as the Two Percent Rule. The proposed amendment is to change the rule from two (2) percent, to four (4) percent.
This Bylaw currently reads:
“Article VIII Duties of the Board of Trustees, Section 2. The Board shall be charged with approving policy to govern the conduct of the business of the church during the intervals between Annual or special meetings. The Board may authorize the expenditure of up to a cumulative fiscal year total of two percent above the total annual operating budget approved by the membership at a congregational meeting. Expenditure of more than a cumulative fiscal year total of two percent of the total annual operating budget requires a vote at a special congregational meeting.”
Our Operating Budget for 2017-18 was $451,301.00 of which 2% equals $9,021.00. At 4% that would be $18,042.00. That is not a small amount of money, yet this request reflects the changed reality of our times from when the Bylaws were adopted over 50 years ago.
What are some of the reasons for approving the change?
Timeliness: There are times during the church year when unforseen needs arise. For several years the Board has found itself at or near the maximum 2% when something unexpected would arise. Options: the Board could either wait until the following year’s Budget or hold a congregational meeting. Congregational meetings take time to plan and arrange. For a church that is growing, these options slow down our ability to be responsive and timely.
Flexibility: The cost of goods and services have increased significantly. There have been times when the 2% rule has been too restrictive for our needs. At 4% the Board would have the necessary financial room to meet congregational needs that arise while still maintaining restraint in unanticipated spending.
What are some of the reasons for not approving the change?
1. The 2% rule reminds the Board to be fiscally conservative with church money.
2. Calling a congregational meeting or even multiple meetings to consider unforeseen but needed expenditures may be inconvenient but if the need is great, we can do this.
There will be more information available at our Annual meeting and the opportunity for discussion. When the time comes to vote please consider this amendment as necessary for the Board to be able to act timely on behalf of UUCV in response to circumstances that affect our church. In the meantime if you have questions or comments feel free to contact me.
Living in Paradise,
Bryan Buck, President
by Admin | Apr 2, 2018 | Justice Actions
Lift Up Your Voice (LUYV)
by Kathy Powell
Lift Up Your Voice members have been very busy these past months. Many of us have been volunteering at the Winter Warming Shelter, some on-site and others on a crew that shops at Food Share weekly for the breakfast food. We worked with Reverend Dana asking if our congregation could get involved in fundraising to help keep the shelter open until the end of March.
The entire congregation working with Turning Point became involved in purchasing a much needed new “Tiny House Shed” (as Rev Dana has named them) for Riverhaven. (See the wonderful congregation Inreach/Outreach contribution amount below.) Riverhaven was in desperate need of new dwellings but after the recent tragic fire the need was much more urgent.
We have members on so many committees including the Oxnard Homeless Commission, Ventura Social Service Task Force, Homeless Prevention, Family Promise and housing opportunities. Our people are volunteering at One Stop every week.
Today we were blessed by this church’s commitment to our homeless neighbors as we did our park outreach. At this writing a huge storm is rolling in and helicopters are alerting folks in the riverbottom floods are coming. We brought bus passes and information the Red Cross was opening a shelter at the college and we urged people to make their way there. We let them know it is a huge storm and gave them the means to be transported to the other side of town. This church and it’s members keep the people who need us in this community as a huge part of our outreach. It is amazing to behold.
Riverhaven Update
On the fourth Monday of the month UUCV provides dinner for the folks living at Riverhaven. Please sign up to provide a dish at the Social Action Table in Berg Hall. The next couple dinner dates are April 23 and May 28. You can bring your dish to church on the Sunday before. Put it in the refrigerator and label it “Riverhaven.” You can also drop it off at the church on Monday before 3pm. If you have any questions, contact Pam or Jim Waldron at 647-5650.
Thank you for supporting our friends at Riverhaven!
by Admin | Apr 2, 2018 | Inreach/Outreach News
April Inreach/Outreach Recipients
- April 1: LUYV: Safe Sleep. People who are homeless are often forced to let their car registration, driver’s license and car insurance lapse for lack of funds. Donations will help people in the Safe Sleep program get insurance, license and/or registration as needed. Two thirds of our Safe Sleep guests have moved on to some form of housing through participating in the program.
- April 8: Thomas Fire Fund proceeds go directly to residents of the homes and apartment buildings destroyed by the fire and flood. All funds are dedicated to supporting long-term recovery and re-building efforts for low-income families affected by the fire and flood.
- April 15: Humane Society of Ventura County, a private non-profit founded in 1932, not affiliated with any national animal welfare organizations. They provide animals with loving care, feeding and veterinary treatment 24/7/365. Funds are needed to care for animals displaced by The Thomas Fire.
- April 22: Ventura Homeless Prevention proceeds go directly to residents of the homes and apartment buildings destroyed by the fire and flood. All funds are dedicated to supporting long-term recovery and re-building efforts for low-income families affected by the fire and flood.
- April 29: SMART Recovery Your donation will go toward ensuring the group can meet weekly for a full year. Those attending the group learn to use essential self-empowerment and self-reliance tools that enable them to recover from addictive behaviors that are harmful to their health or life balance.
Your ongoing generosity toward those who ask for our help continues to be amazing.
- February 18: Winter Warming Shelter – $848.17
- February 25: Winter Warming Shelter – $1,017.33
- March 4: Riverhaven Tuff Sheds – $2,052.01
- March 11: Riverhaven Tuff Sheds – $1,250.35
Thanks so much for all your generous donations!
