by Kitty Merrill | Jul 3, 2018 | Justice Actions
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 Admin | Jul 3, 2018 | Justice Actions
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.
by Admin | Jul 3, 2018 | Justice Actions
Dear UUCV Community,
Happy summer to you! It’s been a phenomenal first year with you all, and I am so excited for many more to come.
This year we have completed a Coming of Age program for our 12-14 year olds, enjoyed a monthly parenting support group, held Children’s Chapels for all the children and youth together, and so much more.
Our mission is family ministry that develops wisdom and resilience with UU values and action, builds relationships across the ages, and builds connections to serve and learn within our congregation and beyond!
We hope each child, parent, guardian, teacher, and grandparent feels loved, connected, inspired, and valued by UUCV, and we are so grateful for your presence among us!
Armfuls of Love
Emily Carroll, Director of Religious Education
emily@uuventura.org
by Admin | Jun 11, 2018 | Justice Actions
Spring seems such an apt time for the theme of Blessing, especially here on the Central Coast of California. Long before serving this congregation in Ventura was even a gleam in my eye, I always said that this coast had the best climate in the world. Especially in spring when the abundance and blessing of living here is so evident.
Yes, fires, mudslides, not to mention earthquakes, are among the hazards of living in the Golden State. The climate is changing in unpredictable ways. And June Gloom may yet descend upon us.
And still we are blessed. For we have community to rely upon, to lean into for support and sustenance. We know that other people need us and we need them. We find here comfort and inspiration.
Yes, the world seems fraught and uncertain. The truth seems to have become a moving target. Our neighbors are too often afraid and turning inward.
And still we are blessed. For ours is a free faith, seeking ever to learn, uncovering new truth. We are guided by principles, which hold us to account and carry us through the rough terrain. We seek to know our place in creation and live lightly on the earth.
Yes, there are too many people without homes or too close to it. We live in a culture of income inequality, greed or indifference in the face of poverty We are a land built on the strength in diversity, yet we build walls against the next immigrants.
And still we are blessed. For we are a covenantal community, living by our values, knowing that we need not think alike to love alike. Together there is so much we can accomplish. The world is a kinder, more just and loving place because we are here.
I continue to feel so blessed to have been called to live and serve among you. This is just our second year together, and I imagine so much more good and many blessings ahead.
With love, Rev. Dana
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
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
