Look for “Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura” and like the page to get inspiration and info during the week.
Another page, “Unitarian Universalist Facebook of Ventura,” is a community group page with no formal affiliation to UUCV, Look there to share items of interest and to for general conversation and comment. To join the group, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/49167728120/ and ask to join.
Our church was designated several years ago as an outstanding welcoming congregation and we have been so very true to this compliment especially during the last two or three months of 2016.
During this time that we had an unusually high number of first-time as well as returning visitors at our Sunday Worship Services. So, if you find that you are sitting next to a newcomer, please invite them to an activity at our church, offer to escort them into Berg Hall where they may speak to a church member at the Visitors Information Table and where they may view our newly organized bulletin boards replete with descriptions of the many activities we have to offer.
As the new year begins, please wear your nametag, display your “Co-exist” bumper magnet, if you have one, and continue to be as welcoming as you have always been.
by Gudrun Eastham
If you haven’t been out on the Ralston side of the church, step out after the service and take a look. The vegetation removal has improved the appearance of the area and it can look better still.
There’s still plenty of work to do: Roots to be removed; irrigation system to be redesigned; and we need to think about how best to use the area. When all that is done we can finally begin the design plans. Think about how you can help in the process. Come out on the third Saturday of the month to help the process go faster.
The December Work Party was attended by: Sharon Kufeldt, Bill Peltola, Mike Duffy, Mike Sixbey, Cindy Camalucci, Joyce Sattler, and Linda Pietrzak.
The big project was pruning the Australian willows in the back parking lot to improve lighting from the light standards. Earlier in the month some of the burned-out light bulbs were replaced in the soffit lights. This will improve nighttime lighting around the church.
We also did some routine maintenance by replacing fluorescent tubes, sweeping the east entrance to the church, testing emergency exit lights, working in the raised beds, and checking the remaining soffit lighting. Securing the wooden screens on the stage was also discussed. M
First meeting Sunday, January 29 • 11:15pm,
Religious Education Room 4.
Info: Vanessa Frank, Jamie King, or Kappy Paulson
A new group dedicated to helping our children understand the value of service to others is now forming! We invite all interested families to be a part of our effort. Our goal is to foster empathy, compassion, and understanding through volunteering in a variety of settings in our community. Our hope is to instill a passion for service that will continue throughout our children’s lives. Volunteer coordinators will select and create volunteer opportunities for the entire family, approximately once per month. Joining the group does not mean you’re obligated to attend! Come when you are able or inspired! Some projects may include: • Food Forward gleaning for fresh fruit/veg for Food Share pantry. • Making organic household cleaner to sell to raise money for gift cards for families in need at the holidays. • Volunteer Day at Senior Nutrition Garden.
Erica Duffy, Chair, Vel Akseven, Rena Pezzuto and our heartfelt welcome to our three new members: Mina Nichols, Gina Norstedt, Doug Tate. We are grateful to our Committee members for giving their time and talent to support our children and helping our program grow. If you want to learn more about our Religious Education program talk with one of our passionate and knowledgeable committee members. Our committee meets the last Tuesday of the month from 6 – 8pm.
Visit the Volunteer bulletin board in Berg Hall. It takes many helping hands to keep this church beautiful and to make worship services and programs possible. We need your help. Are you aware of other Volunteer opportunities within the church? Let Beverly know. And THANK YOU for your service!