This Week on the Peak



This Week on the Peak – Wednesday, October 25, 2017




This Week on the Peak
Mission Peak UU – Fremont, CA
The Home of Liberal Religion in the Tri-Cities and Beyond!
October 25, 2017

  
 

 

Hello Mission Peakers!  
 
I’m Summer Lander and I’ve been coming to MPUUC since 2014 when I moved to the tri-cities.  However I been a UU since I was 5 years old which is part of the reason why I took on the job as youth advisor. When I was asked if I would like to help lead our youth group, I thought about how much my own meant to me. I couldn’t deny these youth a chance to have that as well.  We start with just 2 youth and now have a strong youth group.

The youth this year are exploring principled music.  We are listening to songs through different social justice themes and how music can reflect our UU values.  So far we have explored the themes of racism and civil rights.  Our next opus is bullying, so please pass along any songs you think would fit in our theme.

This year I have taken on being the chair of the CaYRE committee and have been excited to see new opportunities.  Our children continue to delve into our Harry Potter curriculum which focuses on social justice.  Thank you for helping our children battle the Illiteracy Horcrux through our book drive.  There will be several more Horcruxes to beat this year so keep a look out for more ways to help.

We are also getting ready to kick off OWL (Our Whole Lives) this January for our 7th to 9th graders.  OWL provides accurate, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive sexuality education.  OWL is secular but it includes our UU values.  As an OWL educator, I value how it tackles power dynamics and consent, both of which our youth will have to navigate.

If you’re interested in knowing more or are interested in volunteering with our youth and children, please do not hesitate to contact me.

In Peace,
 
Summer

This Sunday’s Service:
In Remembrance of the Departed       
            
Ilze Duarte will describe some traditions from around the world for commemorating the deceased. Then, we will remember our own loved ones who have departed. Please bring, if you will, a picture or other mementos to share during the service.
 
Leading the service will be Ilze Duarte and Worship Associate Drew Wilson.  Music will be provided by Jay Steele.

A few words from your Interim Minister

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T,  find what that word means in church…. oooo, just a little respect… oh oh oh… a little respect…”. Aretha Franklin, apologies for the lyric change but I know you know what I mean….

Our services begin at
10 a.m. yet people are trickling in at 10 after, even 20 after the hour. The culture of “late” isn’t meant to be a culture of disrespect, but it is. Intention does not mitigate impact. Worship planners and those who lead or assist in worship put a great deal into it.

Members should…come to worship every week unless they’re sick, caring for someone who is sick or in need, they work Sunday mornings, they’re out of town. Members should…be in their seats ready for the service to begin at 10.

And a few more…

Members should…be kind to one another and to staff, engage in positive conversation, present critique with respect and care in the right time and place.

Members should… give of their energy and their financial support at levels appropriate to their resources in light of appropriate guidelines for pledging. Not either/or. And to offer both with joy!

A congregation in our UU world doesn’t get financial support from some higher authority. It’s not dues. (Don’t know how to decide? Talk with me.) It’s not like gym membership. It’s supporting your own community, it’s Mission.

Our meeting room isn’t turned into a beautiful sanctuary by magic. Orders of Service aren’t handed out by a machine (thank Goddess!), committees aren’t committees without members (neither too few nor too many).  It’s supporting your own community, it’s Mission.

Yes, the shoulds. I’m here to assist you, as a friend of mine used to say to “straighten up and fly right or don’t fly”. Well, that was harsh! And straighten out? (They weren’t talking sexual/emotional identity, btw). Who’s or which line are we to straighten out?  Well, much is about democratic process. Not everything.

I hope this helps.  Good people, there’s so many things to be done, and done with joy!

Hope is not idle.

Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

The 56th Annual Tri-City Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Monday, November 20, 7:30 p.m., at St Joseph Catholic Church, 43148 Mission Blvd, Fremont. The program is sponsored by the Tri-City Interfaith Council. This year’s theme, “We Are One: Building Community,” focuses on how celebrating diversity can help us build unity.
 
Please click here for flyer
What’s Up with the UUA, our denominational association?

Good work, striving to live out our values within–not just beyond–our denominational walls. Check out the Commission on Institutional Change,  
https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/commission-institutional-change

Are You Ready to Build?

Our second
Sunday collection in September went to help Habitat for Humanity with their Fremont build. On
November 18 we actually have an opportunity to do some physical labor at the site. We have space for only 10 volunteers, so sign up soon! Everyone who wants to help must register and fill out a waiver. The registration page for our  build day on
November 18 is ready to go!  Please personally sign up online to complete your registration at

Downsizing or Upgrading?

If you, or someone you know, is letting go of furniture please contact Allysson asap if you could donate it to abode services for a family they are helping in Oakland. They were able to rehouse them (a couple with 2 elementary aged children), but other than beds provided by the program they have no furniture or kitchen items.
Allyssonmcdonald@gmail.com

Request for Class Proposals – Adult Education – Winter 2018

The Adult Education Committee is seeking proposals for classes for the Winter quarter – Jan through March of 2018. This is an opportunity for you to share what you know with others.
 
Past topics have included Buddhist Dharma and 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. They can be held at Mission Peak or at your home.
 
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 Nov 5th.

 
Thank you!
Introduction to the Enneagram

Linda Messia will be offering another Introduction to the Enneagram class for those who were unable to attend the Monday class. It
will be held on Saturday November 4th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in the Ockerman classroom 7/8. Sign up by email lmessia@yahoo.com or text 510 552-9838.

Interfaith choir to sing at Thanksgiving Service

The Tri-City Interfaith Council is organizing an interfaith choir to sing at the Tri-City Interfaith Council’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Rehearsals will be on Thursdays, November 9 and 16, 7:30-8:30, at Niles Discovery Church,
36600 Niles Blvd, Fremont
. The interfaith choir will sing two anthems at the service on Monday, November 20. You do not need to register to join the Interfaith Choir; just show up for the first rehearsal.

Mission Peak UU | 2950 Washington Blvd Fremont CA | 510.252.1477 | missionpeakuu.org
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