School Year Sunday Schedule

8:30 a.m. second Sunday of the month
Forum in Fellowship Hall
10:00 a.m.
Service in Folgelson Hall (child care available)
11:30 a.m.
Service in Folgelson Hall
Religious Education in Fellowship Hall

Summer Sunday Schedule
(First Sunday in June to First Sunday after Labor Day)

10:00 a.m.
Service in Folgelson Hall (child care available)
Service in Folgelson Hall
Children and Youth Summer Program, World Religions and Cultures, in Fellowship Hall

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe » Congregational Care

UUCSF Administrative Changes

Owing to the growing needs of a changing congregation, the Board of Trustees asked the Personnel Committee to review and make recommendations regarding changes to the administrative structure of the congregation and to write job descriptions that describe the needed tasks.

Based on this request, the Personnel Committee determined that the financial and administrative requirements are too demanding and diverse to be adequately performed by only one full-time position. Therefore, we made the following recommendations to the Board of Trustees:

  1. Based on the changing and growing needs of the congregation, we recommend the creation of two positions, “Business Manager,” (3/4 time) and “Secretary,” (1/2 time).
  2. We also recommend that applications be requested and interviews be conducted for each position.

The BOT accepted these recommendations, with the full support of our minister.

We plan to advertise these new positions as soon as possible.

Bev Brunson,
Chair Personnel Committee

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Pastoral Care News

It has been gratifying to see the many ways people have stepped up to help out during this sabbatical time. One thing becomes clear: community is created by gestures of caring, both small and large, gestures of reaching out, lending a hand, paying attention. We’re good at it, and we could be a whole lot better.

With Berta Hanna and Millie Dew’s retirement as co-chairs of the Caring Committee, we thank them both for the fine work they have done in responding to the needs of our members. Soon we hope to have a newly organized Caring Committee and explore ways for Neighborhood Connections and the Covenant Groups to take up some of these functions.

The Pastoral Care Associates have chosen a new name for themselves. It is “Bridges.” They will also use “Pastoral Care Team” to identify themselves, but they’re hoping primarily to use the more poetic name “Bridges,” which reflects the way they see themselves — bridging between individuals and the congregation and bridging between people’s needs and resources.

One need keeps presenting itself: transportation. Several members have already volunteered to provide rides. If you can help with transportation, please let the staff know.

For the time being, if you know of a need for care, please call the office and let one of the staff know. They will pass on the information to someone who can help. I am available to respond to pastoral needs. If an urgent need arises and neither I nor the office can be reached, after a reasonable wait, call Judith Newman, representative of the Pastoral Care Associates.

All this information about caring is part of a larger truth: to become the kind of responsive community we envision, every one of us must be a caring member. You needn’t belong to a committee or have a designated title to bring a dish, make a call, or to check in with someone who might need attention. Let’s make it happen!

In faith,
Rev. Linda Whittenberg

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Building Coordinators Asking for Your Scheduling Needs

Christina Barbachano and Bev Brunson are currently sharing the position of Building Coordinator. Either of us will be happy to help with any building scheduling that you need. If we are not available at 982-9674, ext. 14, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

We’re also trying to get as many yearly events as possible on the calendar to avoid booking congregational events at the same time. This also includes off-site events, e.g., UUWF Women’s Retreat and Men’s Odyssey.

We would like to schedule:

So please let us know as soon as you can about your scheduling needs.

Christina Barbachano and Bev Brunson

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First Sunday Giving - July 6, 2008

For this July, First Sunday Giving is donating to “Creativity for Peace.” This organization brings young women from Palestinian and Israeli communities to Santa Fe, where they will meet local girls and share experiences for two weeks.

When they return to their own countries they will have a better understanding of the different nations and cultures, which will lead to more peaceful relations as they spread their knowledge and friendships.

Dottie Indyke heads this nonprofit organization. She will use our donations for airfares and other expenses.

We gave generously last year. Let’s do so again! Please make your checks out to Creativity for Peace for the collection plate or put your money in the box for giving in the foyer. Many thanks!

Evelyn Cole
First Sunday Giving Coordinator

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Seeking Transportation to Summer Services

We are seeking one or more volunteers who would be willing to give Inga Thompson a ride to and from UUCSF for summer services. Inga lives on Camino Lejo, about a mile and a half from UUCSF. If you can help out with this request, please call me.

Phyllis Arlow
Member of Bridges, the Pastoral Care Team

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Children’s Library Created to Honor Cynthia Josephs

The Cynthia Josephs Children’s Library has been created at UUCSF to honor Cynthia. Gene and Joan Farnum have donated the first children’s book, The Pink Refrigerator, for its shelves. Cynthia’s daughter Katy Vernacchio has sent three books and left memorial book markers for us.

Thanks to the following people for their generous donations to the children’s library fund. The list is current as of June 16.

Monetary gifts or children’s books are always welcome for Cynthia’s library.

There is a table of books for sale in the library and proceeds will go to the children’s library as well. If you have a good book for the sale, please leave it on the bottom shelf of the library cart. There is no need to mark a price on it—hardbacks are $2.00 and paperbacks $1.00.

Thanks for your continued support.

Lee Purcell
for the Library Committee

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Nominating Committee Seeks Expressions of Interest in Elected Posts

The Nominating Committee is charged with preparing a slate of officers and trustees for the UUCSF Board of Trustees and nominees to fill the following elected committees that serve the congregation: Audit, Nominating, Permanent Endowment, Personnel, and Religious Education. Nominees for all vacancies will be on the ballot at the semi-annual congregational meeting in November 2008, and posts will be filled by decision of voting members present at the congregational meeting.

A sheet describing Board of Trustee positions and the elected committees, including length of terms, is available in the office. The Nominating Committee encourages any member interested in serving the congregation in such a post to pick up a sheet and then to call or e-mail a member of the Nominating Committee for further information and to indicate your interest. Members are:

Helen Snoke
Chair, Nominating Committee

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Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Steering Committee News

Our retreat at Ghost Ranch was a huge success. Pat Simon and Linda Whittenberg led an inspiring and fun-filled program. Based on feedback from participants, we are exploring moving the date of the 2008 retreat to October to avoid the no-see-ums, crowds, and heat.

The Steering Committee had its final meeting on June 17. We distributed some of the remaining year-end funds to local charities. Each of the following groups received $200: Santa Fe Planned Parenthood, Youth Shelters and Family Services, Santa Fe Women’s Health Committee, and Girls Inc. At Christmas UUWF members contributed $256 in cash as well as tangibles to Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families. Early in 2008 we donated $300 (with the help of Pat Jonietz) toward National UUWF Grants. We are exploring the possibility of writing a grant that would give us matching funds from National UUWF for a local project to benefit women, and we have reserved $500 for this purpose.

Phyllis Arlow and Evelyn Cole are our new Program Committee co-chairs. Please give them your ideas for luncheon programs. In September we will kick off the year with a cookout on the back patio hosted by the Steering Committee. We will gather at 11:30 on Saturday, September 20. As we cook and assemble a variety of burgers, you can renew friendships and make new ones while enjoying beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

We are exploring the possibility of providing childcare beginning in September. If this would make a difference in your ability to attend, please let us know. Our luncheons are always on the third Saturday of the month. UUWF is the easiest and best way to get to know the women of the congregation. If you are member who has never attended, we welcome you with a free first luncheon. We hope to see you in September!

Joan Farnum
President, UUWF

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We Light a Candle in Our Hearts for…

Sorrows

Concerns

Joys

A Note about Joys & Sorrows

The spoken Joys and Sorrows at our Sunday services are an important way for members and friends to stay in touch with one another. Please also remember that you may write in the Care Book available near the front of the sanctuary each Sunday. The written notes in this book serve a valuable purpose in letting the minister and other caregivers know of important happenings within the congregation.

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Meet Our UUCSF Minister Associated, the Reverend Doctor Leona Stucky-Abbott

Many of you have probably noticed Leona Stucky-Abbott’s name on the El Centinela masthead or on the outside signboard or know Leona from her participation in UUCSF. You may not know that her association with UUCSF is to provide a Pastoral Counseling Community Ministry; i.e., counseling services provided by a person who has dual training in the behavioral sciences and in theological studies.

Leona’s particular training includes a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy (summa cum laude) from Boston College; an M.A. from Eden Theological Seminary; and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling (with honors) from Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology.

In addition to being a New Mexico Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Leona has been an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ for 27 years and is in Preliminary Fellowship with the UUA. She has presented graduate and postgraduate courses and this past year she has served on the board of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. These are impressive credentials, indeed. The Committee on Ministry has a relationship with Leona providing feedback and support.

We probably know her from her articles in El Centinela, her forum presentation, from a sermon, or from social justice involvement. Her confidential counseling practice, which consumes the lion’s share of her time, happens in her office away from UUCSF.

Ann Hume
Chair, Committee on Ministry

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From Your Community Minister: Open House Invitation

To: UUCSF congregation
From: Rev. Dr. Leona Stucky-Abbott
Date: Sunday, July 20, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Open House/Office: Rev. Dr. Leona Stucky-Abbott’s Associated Community Ministry

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a ministry that doesn’t take place within the confines of a church building. We have such a ministry. It takes place in my home office. Please join me for an open house/office. Come and see the place of our pastoral counseling ministry. Enjoy refreshments and conversation.

Where: 140 Mesa Vista. Take St. Francis to Alameda St. Turn west on Alameda and go 8/10ths of a mile, and turn north (right) on Mesa Vista, a small dead-end street. Drive all the way to the top of the hill, and turn into the second to the last driveway on the left. The house and gate have blue trim. The office is the door on the left. You can park in the street if you pull up on the curb. Don’t park directly across from anyone else. (If on Alameda you come to a traffic light at Camino Alire, you have gone two streets too far.)

Welcome!

Leona

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From Your Community Minister: Listening

Listen. Pay attention. Listen to the words and to the meaning behind the words. Listen to the story, not just to catch what happens next, but to hear the quiet twists of the narrator’s approach and to understand each character’s motivations. Listen with your whole heart. You’ll receive more from the experience if you listen well.

We all have the ability to refine our listening skills and therefore to experience a greater sense of connection with others and with ourselves.

Pastoral counselors listen for a living. We listen for the repetition of a single simple line, for the small smooth vowel held a bit longer, for fast-growing secrets, for the groaning of a moment in time. We listen for a slight gurgle before laughter, for breathless fear, for heavy tones woven between staccato notes, for impatient or mellowing sighs, for torrents behind fried words, for softness hidden in curt evasions.

We listen for the timing of smiles, for wistful sounds of deeper desire, for characteristic bubbles in hope, for unspoken thoughts, and for journeys not taken. We listen for boredom leaking out of sleepy eyes, for busyness that exceeds energy, for misshapen routines, for natural humor, for enduring pride, engaging curiosity, and courage that speaks for itself. We listen for souls yearning to reach beyond themselves, for wisdom undergirding simple statements, for spirited sparks that brighten a disposition, and for values that give directions to the lost.

We listen and therefore we speak. If our words are not attuned to what we heard, they usually fall away. We hear those words bouncing on the floor and rolling to the corner, hiding under our chairs, or catching the sun’s glare shamefully so we can’t take our eyes off them. When we hear with an attuned ear, we can speak intentionally, to summarize, to point to another meaning, to underline the important part, to inform, to connect with more than mere words.

Both trained and untrained ears hold the secrets of genuine connection. Without making us better or worse than we are, listeners let us be with ourselves. Listeners, as feminist theologian Nelle Morton said, hear us into speech. In communities, listening is often the glue that keeps us together, the tool by which we work through differences, the elixir that invites us to drink from the same well. On a larger scale, it is a first and vital part of mediation and movement toward peace. Listening is a gift we give each other. Consider the sheer joy of listening with our whole hearts. It awakens us to others and at the same time gives us a truer experience of ourselves.

Leona Stucky-Abbott
Associated Community Minister

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DRE Dialogue: Lifespan Religious Education Update

At a recent meeting it was decided that for the time being, the two teams that comprise the umbrella Lifespan RE Committee will be designated Adult RE and Children/Youth RE. As we continue to transition and develop our visions for this combined effort, we will keep the congregation posted about our work. The primary mission of the combined RE teams is to offer classes and activities throughout the year that will support and foster spiritual growth for all ages and stages of life and faith development. By offering classes and activities appropriate for children, youth, and adults separately and also across the generations, we hope to provide opportunities for deepening our congregational ties, broadening our commitment to local and global issues, and gaining tools and support for our personal life journeys.

Our UUCSF Lifespan RE vision is ever evolving. Active participation, trial and error, opinion and discussion—all are needed to create a program that can successfully minister to a congregation like ours. On June 29 (and subsequent Sundays), please look for a display in the foyer asking for your preferences about prospective course offerings, preferred days of the week, and times of day for classes and workshops. There will also be a large poster asking for ideas for classes and recommended facilitators. Please look for this display and make your suggestions and opinions known. As always, I am also available to discuss ideas for classes and other RE topics. Contact me at the office, 982-9674, ext. 11, or via email.

Alice Springer

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RE Youth Nights Continue Through Summer

On Sunday evening, June 22, eight members of the junior and senior youth groups met for another night of tacos and outdoor games. A brief business meeting was held and dates for future summer meetings were decided. Youth Night activities begin at 5:30 and end at 8:30 and will meet every other Sunday on the following dates: July 6 and 20, August 3, 17, and 31, and September 14.

Other decisions made include: each youth may bring one friend to a Youth Night event but all youth in attendance will be asked to sign the UUCSF Youth Group Covenant, which has been developed collaboratively by the youth and their adult leaders. Some Youth Nights will have specified activities or perhaps a theme. “Off-campus” events like bowling or skating might also be planned. Parents of youth will share duties for these Sunday night events—two per week—and it is hoped that other members of the congregation might be interested to join parents as youth supporters.

Thanks to Pete Vogel, who has staffed the last two Youth Nights (and provided the taco ingredients) and to Mark Murdock and Judith Newman, who assisted. Each scheduled Youth Night will have two youth coordinators. If you would like to find out about the July 6 plans, please call Kira Flynn or Cameron Murdock. If you would like to be a supporting adult, please call me at 982-9674, ext. 11.

Alice Springer and the Youth Group

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From RE: An Invitation to Teach in 2008-09

Curriculum has been chosen, teacher orientation dates set, and supplies ordered. Now all we need are teachers for our Sunday morning program for Children and Youth! Our fall program begins on September 14 and ends on the last Sunday of May 2009. With several holidays and Teacher Days Off, we have fewer than 30 teaching Sundays in the upcoming year.

This year we will have a Sunday morning group for infants and toddlers and one preschool class for ages 3 and 4. As in the past, elementary age classes will combine ages: kindergarten/1st grade, 2nd/3rd grade, 4th/5th grade, and this year a 6th grade only class is being planned. For the fall, our 7th and 8th grade junior youth will focus on Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) sexuality education. This program has trained facilitators, so additional junior youth leaders are needed in the winter and spring only. High school youth also meet on Sunday mornings and are looking for both male and female adult leaders.

Two-person teams lead weekly classes. Ideally we will have four teachers per class who can rotate Sunday responsibilities. In addition, there are many other ways to participate on Sunday mornings. For example, adopt a class and be a special friend or adopted grandparent of Roadrunners, Cats, or one of the other classes, visiting once or twice a month; be a substitute on standby, ready to jump in when a teacher has a last-minute emergency; assist a teacher in a specific class on a regular basis; assist in the nursery by holding babies or building blocks with toddlers.

Teacher Orientation and Training is set for Saturday, August 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A follow-up session is set for the afternoon of Saturday, September 6. If you would like to review this year’s curriculum or have questions about any aspect of Sunday morning RE, please contact me at the office, 982-9674, ext. 11.

Alice Springer, DRE

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UUCSF Environmental Task Force News

EERC Volunteer Presenters Training

As part of our support program, along with Interfaith Power & Light, of the Environment Education Resource Center at our SF Southside Branch Library, we will start training volunteer presenters of outreach programs in mid-July. The programs will be based on the center’s expanding collection of climate-change-related materials and will be available to schools, congregations, and other ecology-minded groups and organizations.

If you would like to be involved in this exciting new environment-oriented program and be notified of the first July training/orientation date, please sign up in the UUCSF foyer or email me with your name and e-mail address. The EERC program promises to be eco-rewarding for both you and our climate-threatened environment.

Increased Focus on SF County Gas/Oil Drilling

With the imminent end of the State’s moratorium on gas/oil drilling in New Mexico, pending additional scientific research, our UUCSF Environmental Task Force is additionally focusing on what we can do to further educate congregation members on the environment-threatening possibility of gas and oil drilling in Santa Fe County. Our primary concerns are drilling’s possible impact on our diminishing water supplies, fire dangers, tourism, health effects, noise, air quality, and especially upon our area’s property values. In cooperation with other concerned organizations, our Task Force is: a) actively helping to survey citizens as to their feelings and opinions about the situation, b) expanding public information programs, c) providing information regarding the determination of who controls the mineral rights under your property, and d) bringing appropriate pressure on state and county governments to tightly control any drilling’s possible negative effects on public safety and well-being.

Our latest information indicates that oil company interest and leasing involvement in our area extends far beyond just the Galisteo Basin, extending to an inclusive area from Socorro to Española. Additional information, from the government’s Energy & Information Administration, indicates that drilling in the U.S., whether it be offshore or land-based, would have little or no effect on high gasoline and natural gas prices for a number of years. Given that information, the Task Force feels it is very important for us to take an active role in the gas & oil drilling situation.

We will be holding an information and orientation meeting in early July, after the Fourth. All interested congregation members may get on the notification lists by emailing me with their name and e-mail address or signing up in the UUCSF foyer.

Doug Stewart
Chair, UUCSF Environmental Task Force

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Sunday Services: Update

Religious Education classes end on May 25 with an all-ages art Sunday. At 11:30, our Memorial Day Weekend “Art Sunday” features a variety of arts and crafts activities for preschool through grade 6. Reminder: on May 25, nursery care is available only at 11:30.

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RE “Summer Sundays” Begin June 1

On June 1, Summer Sundays activities will begin and will offer nursery care, a weekly Worship Circle, UU-related arts and crafts, and outdoor games running concurrently with the 10:00 a.m. adult service.

Each week either RE Assistant Christina Barbachano or DRE Alice Springer, one adult volunteer, and one paid teen assistant will staff the morning’s activities. We will need volunteers to sign up to help out, so please call at the office, 982-9674, ext. 11, if you are interested. The summer program ends on September 7 and the 2008-2009 RE year begins on September 14. Come have fun with us and get to know the UUCSF kids.

Children and Youth RE Committee

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Pastoral Care News

As I hope you’ve heard, during Stephen’s sabbatical I have agreed to look after the pastoral care needs of the congregation. Stephen’s sabbatical has given us the impetus to accomplish something he and I have discussed for a long time: the creation of a Pastoral Care Associates program to assist with the care of our members.

We are off to an excellent start. The skilled volunteers of our Pastoral Care Associates: Bill Mitchell, Don Roberts, Judith Newman, Lisa Kolberg, Mary Mitchell, Max August, Phyllis Arlow, Susan Smith, and Tess Amy Gaudet represent a treasure of experience and knowledge.

The members of this group are here to lend a listening ear, check in with members, help problem-solve, help find resources, and, generally, to be a caring presence. You may be contacted by one of them. Or, if you feel the need for a call or visit, please let me know and I will ask a Pastoral Care Associate to respond. With practice we will discover how to make this new system work best for our congregation.

Usually I can be reached by phone; however, Judith Newman has agreed to be the Pastoral Care Associates contact person in case I’m not available. If an urgent need arises, first call either me (home at 471-2123, or cell at 699-1752) or the office (982-9674). If neither responds after a reasonable wait, call Judith at 577-0194.

Meanwhile, the Caring Committee, with co-chairs Berta Hanna and Millie Dew, will continue to arrange meals, send cards, and tend to the many practical care needs that arise. Both Berta and Millie have expressed a desire to be replaced after having served more than three years on this committee. If you are interested, please talk to me, Berta, or Millie. (And please read the article in the next column.) Thank you, Berta and Millie, for your dedication and fine work.

The past weeks have been a time of sadness for all of us following the sudden death of Cynthia Josephs. It has made me feel proud to witness the depth of caring and support displayed by our members. In days ahead, let us continue to remember how much we mean to one another.

Sabbaticals are good for ministers, and they are also good for congregations. There is much to learn, and already it has begun.

Faithfully yours,
Rev. Linda Whittenberg

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Stewardship Canvass: May 9 Numbers

This may not be our final, final wrap-up, because new pledges may still come in, but as of May 9, 2008, here are some numbers for your consideration.

Our total to date is $314,590, from 263 pledge units. That’s an average of $1196 per unit, compared with last year’s average pledge of $1,065.

In addition, 35 new pledge units this year pledged $15,942, or an average of $455.

Nineteen pledge units declined to pledge in 08-09. They had pledged $10,358 in 07-08. We could amass a tidy sum if these people decide that they do want to pledge, after all.

There’s still time for you to see your name at the top of the stack of helping hands in the foyer. Why not join in?

Trish Steindler

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