This Week on the Peak

This Week on the Peak – Wednesday, October 16, 2019
This Week on the Peak
Mission Peak UU – Fremont, CA
The Home of Liberal Religion in the Tri-Cities and Beyond!
October 16, 2019

Greetings from the Transition Team.
 
I am Valerie Stewart, a charter member of MPUUC and a current member of the “Transition Team”.  
 
The Transition Team members are Annette Breingan, Alan Davis, Holly Ito and me.  In case you have missed our earlier articles, we are a committee that assists our Interim Minister Jo Green in all aspects of her Interim Ministry at MPUUC – from finding a place to live when she moved from Pennsylvania to Fremont last year, to completing evaluations for the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and working on projects that address issues relating to the ‘transition period’ we are in now.  An Interim Minister is a specific type of ministry within the UUA. Interim Ministers help a congregation understand its values and goals and determine how it wants “to be” among its members, within the UUA, and within its surrounding communities and the world.  
 
One of the projects that Rev. Jo began earlier this year is the “Appreciative Inquiry” process.  She offered a workshop that many members attended and we explored various questions about our congregation including how we see MPUUC now and what our hopes are for the future.  We are in the process of organizing the information from that workshop with the terrific assistance of Colleen Arnold (Thank YOU Colleen!!) and we look forward to Rev. Jo sharing the insights with the Congregation.  This information is also useful for the Search Committee because it provides settled minister candidates with information about MPUUC. 
 
We are off to a busy start of the new church year with many activities and many ways to explore about MPUUC’s place in the world and how we each can live our UU values in our daily lives.  With Rev. Jo’s leadership we can explore, study and celebrate together.  Our desire to expand the diversity of the congregation has benefited from Rev. Jo’s enthusiastic efforts to bring a wide range of speakers and guests to MPUUC. We are blessed to have her during this period of transition. 
 
In the Spring, Rev. Jo will start her own candidating process for her next ministerial position.  There may be times when she will travel as part of her own candidating activities and the Transition Team will assist her as necessary. Please feel free to talk to any member of the Transition Team if you have any questions about what the Transition Team does or if you think you would be interested in serving on the next Transition Team that will be formed when we select a new minister next spring.
 
See you at Sunday Services!
This Sunday’s Service:

Our Circles 
                       
Scientists say everything changes constantly. We may say, nothing is constant, only change. Many individuals and many communities think, or they would like to think that old patterns of their existence will work forever. But time and the realities of life challenge us all, and call us to revise our principles, our creeds, our laws, our way of being and thinking. Circles of our communities are in a constant movement, and depending on our decisions, we help our circles to grow or we narrow it. The circle is a magic shape. From the circles of Archimedes, the ancient scientist through the circles of love in which Jesus, the prophet tried to create the kingdom of God and the circle around which the knights of King Arthur believed in the possibility and the power of equality and mutual respect, we arrive to our communities and our circles. What kind of changes and challenges do we experience in Transylvanian Unitarian and in American Unitarian Universalist circles?
 
         
Rev. Előd Szabó will lead the service and assisting will be Worship Associate Kathy Wallcave. Peak Rocks will provide our music
 
Előd Szabó was born in Kolozsvár, Transylvania. He comes from a long line of ministers including his grandfather who was bishop of the Hungarian Unitarian Church from the 1970’s to 1990’s. Since 2007 he has been a minister in the village of Ürmös with his wife Kata, who is a nursery school teacher, and their two young sons.
 
He will be doing post-graduate work this year at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, focusing on homiletics and other fields of study which will help him better serve when he returns home.
 
 
 
 
 
Rev Jo Green will be on vacation out of town from Oct 19-23.  Please contact the below officers for any immediate needs.

To contact President Steve Wallcave,  president@mpuuc.org 
For membership contact Gayle Tupper,  gayletupper@comcast.net 
For Pastoral Care contact Rev. Barbara Meyers, bfkmeyers@gmail.com
 
Hello, Mission Peak UU members and friends!

The search team has scheduled several small discussion groups so we can hear your wishes for the future of Mission Peak UU and your hopes for our future.  We would like to schedule 1-2 more for people who have not yet signed up.

By 5 PM on Sunday, 10/20, please email DeAnna Alm ( deannaalm7@gmail.com) to let her know your general availability for a 2-hour discussion between 10/22 and 10/31.  (For example — Jane Smith, available evenings Monday and Wednesday, all day Saturday, after services on Sunday.)

Thanks, and we look forward to hearing from you!

DeAnna Alm
Search Committee Chair
Special Congregational Meeting October 27th
 
Because of positive response to recent educational events concerning how to support asylum seekers, the Board of Mission Peak UU Congregation is calling a special congregational meeting after the service on October 27 (11:30AM) in Cole Hall to consider taking collective action.  Specifically, the Board is bringing before the congregation a motion to “Adopt as a Congregational project the support of and intended hosting and/or accompaniment of one or more persons seeking asylum in the United States; budget $1,000 from the Growth Fund as an addition to the Congregational budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year; authorize receipt of additional donations from members, including at a designated share-the-plate Sunday, to the budget line; and authorize the Board to provide for the organization of this effort by assigning specific responsibilities to existing committees or by chartering a new committee.  The Board and committee(s) involved in this effort will report to the Congregation from time to time.”

We would like very much for as many members of the Congregation as  
possible to attend, express their views, and vote on this motion. The  
Board will also be supplying additional information, as the day  
approaches, to help inform you concerning the possibilities of this project.

For questions about the project please contact Paul K Davis, Allysson McDonald or Allie King (special project development team).
 
Steve Wallcave  

 
 
We need your help to keep our classrooms going!!! While we honored almost 24 children and youth religious education teachers last Sunday we still need your help!! There are 52 Sundays in a year and we would like to make sure everyone has an opportunity to worship. If you are interested in helping support the growth and development of our children and youth please fill out this form here or contact Shawn at dre@mpuuc.org . If you would like more information on our program and the role our teachers play please visit our resource page here or contact Shawn at dre@mpuuc.org
 
 
All the Best,
 
Shawn
Interim Director of Religious Education
510-397-8758
New to Unitarian Universalism Class – Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm

Are you new to Unitarian Universalism or to Mission Peak UU? Are you seeking and questioning and want to learn more of our past, present, and future? We will have a New to UU class on Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm. Reverend Jo Green, together with other congregation leaders, will lead this class. You will learn about the history of Unitarian Universalism, our Mission Peak Congregation, our congregational activities, and more. Everyone is welcome to attend. In particular, anyone who is considering becoming a member of Mission Peak typically takes the class.  
 
A signup sheet will be available at the Welcome Table on Sunday mornings or you can email membership@mpuuc.org to let us know you will be attending.  We will provide a light lunch. Childcare will be available if requested by October 23.
Request for Class Proposals – Adult Education – Winter 2020

The Adult Education Committee is seeking proposals for classes for the Winter quarter – January through March of 2020. This is an opportunity for you to share what you know with others.
 
Past topics have included Buddhist meditation, healthy eating, art and spirituality, the Enneagram, Poems, and celebration of the sacred feminine. Classes can vary from one-time events to meeting every week.
 
How can you submit a proposal? Contact Linda Messia at 510 792-1539 or email her lmessia@yahoo.com with your course information.
 
Please submit your proposal no later than November 3.
 
Thank you!
Sexuality Education for 7th-9th Grade Youth


Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Class for 7th-9th
Grade Youth is starting soon.
 
Mandatory parent’s orientations are on:
Oct. 20th, 2019 3PM-6PM in Fremont 
or
Nov. 17th, 2019 3PM-6PM in San José
Parents must come to one of the 2 orientations for their youth to participate. Youth classes are on 11 Sunday afternoons and 1 Saturday afternoon/evening, each covering multiple workshops, starting in January 2018.
 
For more information go to mpuuc.org/OWL or download brochure  
Questions – Contact Steve Wallcave 
Mission Peak Wish List
 

 
 
New Computer for the office
Color Printer for the office
Wardrobe Cabinet    
Video Camera 
 
Please contact Rev. Jo or Sandra if you can help with these items for the office.
 
Thank you. 

Black & White Gala – November 2, 2019 – Mark Your Calendar

Our annual Black & White Gala will be Saturday, November 2 from 6:00-10:00pm. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It’s a great opportunity for you to dress up (if you’d like) and support Mission Peak by participating in our service auction, buying unique and handmade items at our boutique, and testing your luck by participating in our basket raffle. All while enjoying yummy sweet and savory snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Please put the Black & White Gala on your calendar, invite friends, plan your outfit (our theme this year is Vintage Hollywood), and start thinking of items you can donate to the auction and make for the boutique. It will be a great event and a TON of fun, but we can’t do it without you!! Tickets are now on sale. Tickets are $25 each or you can reserve a table of eight for $200.
 
It’s also time to start figuring out what you can donate for the event. We need:
  • Auction Items: Services only – no physical items. If you want to donate something, but don’t know what…ask Jen King and she’ll help you brainstorm ideas. The best idea is to offer to share what you enjoy doing!If you drive, offer transportation. If you garden, offer to beautify someones garden. If you like to bake, bake goodies for auction day or for a future date. If you like to cook, offer to cook a meal, deliver a meal, or share a meal. If you like picnics, offer to gather all the fixings for a dream picnic for 2. If you are good with hammer and nails, offer to help build or repair something. If you like to do a craft, offer to teach it to someone else or create a unique personalized item for someone.If you love kids, offer to babysit and give parents a much needed night out. If you have an eye for organizing, offer to help organize closets. If you own a truck, offer to haul stuff. If you love animals, offer to pet sit. If you have a talent, offer to share it. If you have a skill, offer to teach it.
  • Items for the Boutique:- Homemade items – jewelry, knitted items, pottery, art, baked goods, bookmarks, stained glass, cross stitch, etc.
  • Themed Baskets: You can shop and put together a themed basket or donate $$ for someone else to put together a basket. We also need volunteers to sell raffle tickets the night of the event.
  • Sweet & Savory Snacks – We need both sweet and savory goodies donated for the buffet for the event. Items do not need to be homemade. Please sign-up to donate if you can.
  • Beverages – We need donations of beer, wine, champagne, Martinellis, soda, etc. to serve at the event.
  • Volunteers – We need lots and lots of volunteers for the day of the event.Sign-ups will be available every Sunday after services.
  • Bidders & Buyers – Please plan to attend this fun event which provides not only finances for our congregation, but fellowship opportunities for the whole year. Please invite friends and family who you’d like to introduce to Mission Peak UU or who you believe would support our mission of inclusiveness and social justice. The more the merrier. Tickets are $25 each (although no one is turned away if the price of a ticket is a hardship). We will be selling tickets every Sunday after services.
The Fellowship Committee Needs YOU!

Do you enjoy the social events we have at Mission Peak? Would you like to see more events? The Fellowship Committee needs more members. Many hands make light work, and we could use a few more hands. We meet around once a quarter and try to plan or support 2-3 events a quarter. Best of all we have a lot of fun together. If you’re interested in joining our ‘merry band’, please contact Jen King.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!

We NEED your help! Cole Hall does not magically transform into a special place for our services each Sunday. It requires a small army of volunteers. We’ve had a few ‘retirements’ lately and we have some spots to fill.  PLEASE let Jen King know if you can fill in for any of the following:
:

HELP!! We have NO ONE TO DO SETUP on the 2nd Sunday of each month and
NO ONE TO DO AESTHETICS for the 3rd Sunday of each month.

We also need people for the following:

Additional Set-up assistance for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sundays of each month

Additional Greeter for the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month

Powerpoint Clickers & AV Technicians for many Sundays (We will train you! We
promise!)

Additional Take-down assistance for the 2nd Sunday of each month.
 
You can sign up on an ongoing basis for the Sunday’s indicated above by contacting Jen King, or you can sign up on and ad hoc basis by following this link:

Sandwich Squad This Sunday at 11:30am  

You’re invited to to help make sandwiches this Sunday in the Cole Hall kitchen, after the service about 11:30. The sandwiches are donated to Second Chance addiction recovery and Safe Alternatives for Violent Environments. The Sandwich Squad is interactive, fun and rewarding! Don Ramie leads the group, and it usually takes place on the third Sunday of every month. Join us!
 
 
 
UU Justice Ministry of California presents
 
An all-day event connecting Unitarian Universalists, faith leaders, and climate justice activists in California. Programming will include faith-grounding, presentations/workshops from local organizations, regional strategy building, and opportunities for congregations/communities to share their efforts, struggles, and successes in community.  
 
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Hosted by the Mt. Diablo UU Church (Walnut Creek, CA)
 
For more information and to register click here:
 
 
 
Annual Dinner for East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (EBSC) October 19
  
This month, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant ( https://eastbaysanctuary.org/ ) is having its annual dinner, with appetizers, buffet, silent auction, and live music by Calle Ocho! Tickets are $50, but nobody will be turned away for lack of ability to pay:
 
Saturday, October 19, 4:30 – 8 PM
St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Berkeley
 
Please RSVP to Lisa Hoffman at lisa@eastbaysanctuary.org and pay at the door. If you are interested in carpooling, email Allie King ( allie.king@gmail.com ).  
 
Link to flyer here    

   
Turning Love Into Justice:
 
The Tri-City Interfaith Council (tcicouncil.weebly.com is a grass-roots organization bringing together people of diverse religious beliefs from Fremont, Newark, and Union City (California). Rev. Jo Green, Rev. Barbara Meyers and Paul K. Davis are members.  Join in!  
   
Join the Interfaith council as we stand together for the

                          
Call your Elected Officials!  
 
Calls can make a difference! Contact your representatives to alert them to your views!

Congressperson Eric Swalwell 510-247-1388 or go to house.gov 
Ro Khanna  (202) 225-2631 
Senator Kamala Harris   (202) 224 – 3553
Senator Diane Feinstein (202) 224-3841
 
 
Pacific Central District
Fall Youth Retreat – November 1-3, 2019

Registration Now Open!

Come join us for a fun & transformative weekend that will include games, workshops, a midnight worship & more!
  • When: Fri, Nov 1st @ 7pm- Sun, Nov 3rd @ 9am
  • Where: UU Church in Livermore 1893 N Vasco Rd, Livermore, CA 94551
  • Cost: $40/person (includes programming, 4 meals & church lodging)
Registration Deadline, Sunday. October 27, 2019
 
 
Scholarships Available
 
Apply Now
 
Questions? 
Email Retreat Coordinator: 
Marena McGregor at
 
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE 2020

THERE’S STILL TIME!!
This is a wonderful opportunity, please consider registering.
 
Leadership Experience…There’s space for you!

Leadership Experience is a Retreat/Online learning experience for both new and experienced leaders in UU congregations.If you lead or influence folks in your congregation as a board member, a program leader, a staff member, a finance or other admin volunteer, you’ll be inspired and equipped by this experience to better serve your people and your faith. More information here!

The work starts November 7, so you’ll have the best experience if your register by November 1.
Public Hearing on
Compassionate California: An Interfaith Dialogue

Dear Friends of the Tri-City Interfaith Council,
 
As Chair for the Select Committee on Hate Crimes, Assemblymember Kansen Chu will be presenting a Compassionate California Resolution which would declare California to be the first Compassionate State in the United States of America. It would be an honor if you all can attend our upcoming Public Hearing.
 
Please see attached flyer for additional information and to RSVP. 
 
The details are as follows:
 
WHAT: Assembly Select Committee on Hate Crimes
               Compassionate California Interfaith Dialogue
 
WHEN: Thursday, October 24, 2019
               6:00pm-8:00pm
 
WHERE: Milpitas Unified School District
                1331 East Calaveras Boulevard Milpitas, CA 95035
                Boardroom
 
 
Sincerely,
Simeone Chien
Field Representative
Office of Assemblymember Kansen Chu – 25th District
District Office: 408-262-2501|Capitol Office: 916-319-2025
First United Methodist Church Fall Craft Boutique – Saturday, October 26, 2019
10:00-2:00 p.m. Cole Hall

FUMC’s Craftinators invite you to their Fall Craft Boutique, with many handcrafted items suitable for fall/holiday entertaining and gifts. FREE Admission! 100% of the sales price will benefit MISSSEY.org, which is dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking in Alameda County. 
 
Please see attached flyer by clicking here.
STAY CONNECTED:
Mission Peak UU | 2950 Washington Blvd Fremont CA | 510.252.1477 | missionpeakuu.org