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Mission Peak UU – Fremont, CA
The Home of Liberal Religion in the Tri-Cities and Beyond!
January 1, 2020
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My name is Linda Messia and I am the Small Group Ministry Chair. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Now that we are beginning a new year, it’s time to start thinking about Small Group Ministry (SGM).
SGM consists of lay-led small groups that deepen and expand the ministry of a congregation
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Groups of 6-10 people meet twice per month to reflect on and discuss meaningful topics. The groups are intentionally small to allow members to have meaningful discussions on an intentional level and to be present with one another. Each group creates guidelines on how its members will interact and picks a set of topics for discussion. Each session is structured and facilitated by a leader, and all members have the opportunity to share their individual perspectives. SGMs are an excellent opportunity to get to know ourselves and one another much more deeply. Mission Peak SGM generally runs February thru November, so you will be hearing more about this later this month. If you would like more information, please contact me at lmessia@yahoo.com.
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That Feeling of Belonging
What does it feel like to belong? That feeling of belonging is central to human interaction and the development of self-confidence and self-esteem. When we don’t feel like we belong, that feeling can overcome us in a variety of ways, culminating in depression and a deep feeling of unworthiness. This Sunday let us explore our feeling of belonging and how we truly can help ourselves and others to feel that they really belong, that we can make a difference in this world, and that our efforts are valued and worthy. That we belong.
Rev. Jo Green will lead the service and assisting will be Worship Associate Kathy Wallcave. Peak Performers will provide our music.
Please note:
Rev. Jo will be on vacation Christmas through New Year’s day.
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Beloved Congregation
During the course of my Interim work here with the Mission Peak UU Congregation, there has been some fun work we’ve done and some challenging work we have done. I am asking for one more challenge that I would love to see every congregational member participate in.
The book White Fragility was highlighted at our last General Assembly and I even was privileged to speak with her and have her sign my copy of her book. I would like to have the congregation read this book and have a discussion on it on January 26, 2020 at 1 p.m. I can provide you the book if you cannot afford it, and also I can order them in bulk for those who would like me to. You can also order it on your own.
Please contact me if you would like me to order you a copy and we have over a month now to read it. I would appreciate your participation as I believe this is vital territory that we need to explore here in our congregation.
It takes courage to do this work. I believe you all are up to the task.
Thank you for your courage.
Blessings,
Rev Jo
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Upcoming Event
After the holidays we all need something to look forward to and the revival of Mission Peak’s Talent Showcase (a.k.a. Sunday Salon) is just the thing. The
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alent Showcase will be held in Cole Hall on Saturday, February 8 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Do you tell jokes? Recite poems? Sing? Act? Play an instrument? Perform magic? If so, we want you to sign up to share your talent with us. Kids are welcome and encouraged to participate. Sign-ups will start Sunday, December 1 after the service. Accompanists are available upon request and Knuti Van Hoven is available as a stage/voice coach (for a small donation to MPUUC). This is a great chance to share what you love with the rest of Mission Peak. We will even have space set aside to display physical artwork such as paintings, drawings, pottery, knitting, mosaics, etc. We hope that many of you will choose to participate.
Jen King
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Join us for Lunch and Launch!
Our UU values of interdependence, democracy, and the inherent worth and dignity of all people are direct antidotes to the fear, bigotry, and inequity that define our world. Our religious community must speak with moral courage and act with prophetic clarity and determination in the 2020 electoral cycle.
On January 12, our Congregation will host a “watch party” and participate in the online launch of “#UU the Vote.”
In this political moment, UUs are called to join forces with all people who want to organize our communities and our nation to #VoteLove and #DefeatHate. Let’s UU the Vote in 2020!
A light lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. with the watch party to start at 1:00 p.m. Please plan to attend! To register contact Valerie Stewart, Allysson McDonald, or Kathi Bayne.
In this online launch, hear about the organizing plan for UU the Vote across the country, some of the strategies we’ll be deploying, examples of on-the-ground work from congregations already engaging, and how you and your congregation can get involved. Together we will explore how we are called to wear the mantle of our shared legacies, principles, and values as we move boldly together, making our faith relevant and effective in bending the arc of the universe toward justice in this political moment.
A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE REGISTERING YOUNG PEOPLE TO VOTEI
Youth Voter Movement (YVM), with the participation of some MPUUC Members, registered over 3000 local high school students to vote in 2018/2019. Last year we shared our plate with them and helped the organization obtain a UU grant. They are again asking for our help and support. YVM registration efforts will start in Fremont and Tri-cities in late January and early February 2020. Please sign up with your name and email address, after Sunday services, if you are interested in volunteering for two hour HS registration shifts. Training is not mandatory. Last year’s experience was that participation was easy, fun, and very rewarding!
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Just Mercy
– and the Book that Inspired It!
On December 25 Warner Brothers releases
Just Mercy,
starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Fox. It tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who,with the help of young defense attorney Bryan Stevenson, appeals his murder conviction. The 2015- 16 UUA Common Read selection,
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
by Bryan Stevenson (2014, Spiegel & Grau, an imprint of Random House), is the book that inspired the movie! Let’s revisit the book after watching the story play out on the big screen and discuss it February 16 after the service. This will be a public event- see the movie with friends and family and invite them to the book discussion!
If you would like to see the movie at Pacific Commons on Saturday, January 11, at 11 a.m. for $11, contact Allysson for tickets.
Allysson McDonald
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Who are the Heroes in our Community?
Every day we hear news about oppression and violence. As Mr. Rogers so famously said, “look for the helpers.” We not only want to look for them, but to honor them! Mission Peak UU Congregation will present an award on February 16 to an individual or group in our area who has been courageously showing up to challenge oppression and violence. The award will be paired with our February Share the Plate, so will come with a monetary prize. Our nomination period is open now! Contact Allysson McDonald by January 5 with your suggestions and a few words about your nominee and why you are nominating them. Join us for a brief meeting after the Service on January 5 to consider the nominations. For more information, and some ideas for people or organizations you might consider nominating this year, click
here.
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Spiritual Practices for Courageous and Compassionate Living
First Unitarian Church of Oakland
January 21 through March 24, 2020
Co-Facilitated by Reverend Mary Foran, Affiliated Community Minister and Spiritual Director, together with Patricia St. Onge, Spiritual Director and Coach, Seven Generations Consulting and Assistant Adjunct Professor at Mills College, Department of Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
A Spiritual Direction Group for seekers who want more spiritually grounded lives. With liberation for all in mind, our aim is a diverse group of 10 to 12 participants, who are willing to experiment, reflect and support each other’s search for inner wisdom. Click here for more information.
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Mission Peak Wish List
Color Printer for the office
Video Camera
Printer Desk
Please contact Rev. Jo or Sandra if you can help with these items for the office.
Thank you.
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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
Senator Kamala Harris
(202) 224 – 3553
Senator Diane Feinstein (202) 224-3841
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Second Saturday Documentaries at Niles Discovery Church
Circles
: The January Second Saturday Documentary is the film Circles, an examination of restorative justice. Shot over two years, the film follows Butler’s impassioned efforts to nurture troubled youth and keep them in school, fighting racial discrimination by replacing snap suspensions and expulsions with gritty, intimate, and honest mentoring. See the film on Saturday, January 11, 1:30 p.m., at Niles Discovery Church. Admission is free; a discussion will follow the screening. Click here for flyer.
Bedlam
The February Second Saturday Documentary is the film Bedlam, an examination of a
national health crisis-our failure to deliver needed mental health care. Impossible to mask when untreated, severe mental illness symptoms shove people who live with them into the path of police officers, ER doctors and nurses, lawyers, and prison guards. See the film on Saturday, February 8, 1:30 p.m., at Niles Discovery Church. Admission is free; a discussion led by the Rev. Barbara Meyers will follow the screening. Click here for flyer.
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John McCutcheon
With Special Guest Red Tail Ring
Each year, St. James’ Episcopal Church hosts the John McCutcheon concert. John is a grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, a consummate entertainer, and a master musician. This year, we also welcome Red Tail Ring, a duo of vintage folk and root music. A portion of the proceeds is donated to Abode Services and their (our) fight against homelessness. The details of the concert are in the flyer. Please join us and/or pass it on.
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Mission Peak UU | 2950 Washington Blvd Fremont CA | 510.252.1477 | missionpeakuu.org
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