by Admin | Dec 4, 2017 | Minister
With one big holiday behind us, we turn to the rest of the winter holidays with a combination of trepidation and delight. There is such a combination of wonder and mystery and overwhelm and overdoing in this season, it’s hard not to have some mixed feelings.
Our theme for December is Hope, which is fitting both for the season and for the times we are living through. My favorite time from the Christian calendar is Advent, the time that we sit in the darkness for something new to be born. I love the metaphors that abound in it all. The journey to Bethlehem, awaiting the birth of the Son and the return of the Sun at the Solstice. I love sitting quietly in the dark with only candles or twinkling Christmas lights to illuminate the world.
With all our frenzy about this time, it can be especially useful to take time out to rest and reflect. Daylight grows shorter and nights grow longer. Seeds lie dormant, awaiting the return of light and warmth. What is dormant in you, waiting a new birth? Yet in the dark, it can also be easier to lose hope, to see no way ahead. Even in these unsettled and anxious times, we must not lose hope. It is all that keeps us going sometimes. The hope I speak of is more than a simple optimism. Our hope now must be robust, even fierce. And we must put our faith in something beyond our individual human capacity to resist and renew. Yes, each of us has such capacity within, though it’s not sustainable over the long-term if it does not reach beyond the individual. We can be waylaid by despair and hopelessness.
That which is larger may be the strength and hope you gain from community, from others’ hands to hold. It can be a faith in the collective goodness of humanity. It can be faith in a larger love that creates and holds us, and sometimes carries us. So this holiday season, nurture your hope. May the darkness give you rest and respite. May the twinkling lights bring you delight. May gatherings with friends and family be jolly. May your favorite holiday traditions – eggnog, stockings hung by the chimney with care, fruitcake, bouche de Noel – whatever they are, offer comfort and peace.
And may the candles we light in the darkness give you hope.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Blessed Solstice
Happy and Hopeful Holidays
with love, Rev. Dana
by Admin | Sep 13, 2017 | Religious Ed News
Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Grades 10-12 helps high school youth gain the knowledge, life principles and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. It puts sexuality into the context of values and personal responsibility, helping them manage social pressure and advocate for equality. It provides an opportunity to bring values and integrity to the real-life issues
Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Grades 10-12
Language
Examining Values
Body Image and Feelings
Anatomy & Physiology
Sexual Response Cycle and Sexual Functioning Reproductive and Sexual Health Care
AIDS and Other STDs
Contraception
Condoms and Negotiating for Safer Sex
Sexy Safe Fantasy
Gender Roles
Identity, Roles, and Orientation
Sexual Orientation
Conception, Pregnancy and Birth
Parenting License
Parenting Alternatives
Sexuality Timeline
Sexuality and People with Disabilities
Sexual Expressions and Relationships
Verbal and Non‐verbal Communication
What Makes a Good Relationship?
Questions of the Other Gender
Defining Intimacy
Masturbation Myths and Facts
Sexual Behavior
Images of Love and Sex in Music and Video
Power and Responsibility
Power in Relationships
Breaking UP and Moving On
Abortion
New Reproductive Choices
Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Harassment and Erotica Date Rape
Between Consenting Adults
Gay Pride Parade
Gender Equity
Sexuality and Social Issues
Our Whole Lives (OWL) values: •Self Worth
•Sexual Health
•Responsibility
OWL models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. It helps high school‐age youth address their attitudes and values, their feelings about themselves and their sexuality, and their attitudes toward others’ sexuality. Participants in grades 10‐12 are guided by trained facilitators through an engaging curriculum that addresses topics typically excluded from sexuality education and health classes. This highly adaptable program includes fourteen sessions that include 41 workshops ranging from 25‐60 minutes for flexible scheduling.
OWL is a secular curriculum, appropriate in a variety of settings. Sexuality and Our Faith for Grades 10‐12 is a religious supplement for use in Unitarian Universalist and United Church of Christ congregations.
by Admin | Dec 1, 2016 | Adult Programs
“One of the things that so impressed me with this church was the many small groups offered. From men’s and women’s groups, book clubs, adult religious education, exercise and even hobby groups. So how do Covenant Groups differ from all the other small groups? Covenant Groups are led by trained co-facilitators. Working from a monthly theme and within a structured format, they will bring in related readings and offer thought provoking questions. By allowing space for contemplation, participants are able to articulate their thoughts as well as listen clearly to others. Being deeply heard is something that rarely happens, but is beautiful when it does.” Gina Norstedt
If you are interested in articulating your thoughts, being heard, deeply listening to others and engaging in quality conversation, consider signing up for a Covenant Group. New groups start in October 2018 and conclude in May 2019. Register by attending the Orientation Registration September 23, 2018 from 11:30 – 12:30. For more information contact: Pam Waldron @pimandjamwaldron@roadrunner.com, (805) 256-0756. Groups are open to Members, Pledging Friends and those currently attending UUCV.
Click here to view the 2018/2019 Covenant Group brochure:
UUCV Cov Grp Brochure
by Admin | Dec 14, 2015 | Support Group News
This open women’s group explores women’s roles and issues using audio/video presentations with discussion. All women are welcome.
Participants choose topics and ideas for discussion such as women’s issues, political and current events, including breaking news. Participating members will have an opportunity to contribute their ideas and concerns and to enjoy each other’s company.
Women’s Voices Discussion Group: First & Third Tuesdays Time: 11:00 am Location: Green Room
Contact: Suzanne Olsen
by Admin | Nov 24, 2015 | Children's Curriculum
Willow Room – Classroom 5 2018-19 Curriculum: Spirit of Adventure
Designed for more active kids, this curriculum uses challenge and adventure to teach character-building, values, and the UU sources, and principles.
