November 6 "The Positive Core of Unitarian Universalism" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
After laboring many moons in our vineyards, I’ve finally come to what I consider the heart of our responsibly free faith.

November 13 "Let It Be a Dance!" Rev. Ric Masten
Ric Masten is a Unitarian Universalist minister who is one of the few poet performers who carries on the oral tradition in America. I will select my favorite Masten poems which he will then share. First-timers: you’re in for a treat! Potluck to follow.

November 20 "Lucky to Be Here In the First Place!" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
Thanksgiving is perhaps the greatest of all our American holidays because it celebrates no battle, no great person, no political or military prowess. Thanksgiving celebrates the simple blessings of our common life. It reminds us that true religion is born and bred in a state of thankfulness.

November 27 " The Blessings of Darkness" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
We’re fast approaching the holiday season, when light shines triumphantly during the celebrations of Solstice, Hanukkah, and Christmas. But there’s more to our liberal religious gospel. We choose to become seekers of enlightenment as well as experience the blessings of endarkenment.

December 4, "Light My Fire" Led by Congregational Members
On our journey of life, there is often a special "Someone" who has lit the fire within us and has made a lasting impact on our view of the world and ourselves. Three Summitarians will share their personal stories of such a person in their lives. Music will be provided by the band, Close Enough, with a solo from Stacey Scott.

Ministerial Musings Rev. Tom Owen-Towle

The great 19th century liberal minister from Boston, Phillips Brooks, was about to embark for Europe. A friend jokingly suggested that possibly he would bring a new religion back with him. But Brooks should be careful, for it might be difficult to get a new religion through the US Customs House. "I doubt it," Brooks replied; "in all likelihood any religion popular enough to import to America would have no duties attached to it."

On the contrary, Unitarian Universalism has duties, loads of them: both societally demanded and spiritually generated. Ours is a free faith to be sure, but free doesn’t mean without obligation or cost. And there are no exemptions. No one has more power or less responsibility than anyone else in our religious democracy. Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is not governed either by whim or charismatic clergy, by a distant diocese or even a heavenly mandate. We are a faith for the people, by the people, and of the people (words, by the way, first spoken by Unitarian reformer, Theodore Parker, and later quoted by Abraham Lincoln who came upon one of Parker’s sermons).

Therefore, I challenge you, as a card-carrying Summitarian, to move from the periphery, if you’ve been hovering there, and migrate toward the center of your beloved community. Make SUUF your chosen faith, not just in word but in deed, not just in attendance but in contribution. There’s a task waiting here at Summit just for you. I don’t know what it is, but you’ll find it. Perhaps it’s assisting with our children in religious exploration, or performing maintenance chores, or singing in our choir, or helping with our upcoming Auction (November 5th) or Fine Arts Festival (December 11th), or ushering and greeting, or launching a social action project.

Summit needs what you and you and you have to offer. So, as you’re willing and able, join up and join in. Choose to become a giraffe, one of our most unsung species. With its long neck, the giraffe dares to stick out, espying all options. Moreover, giraffes possess the biggest heart of any land mammal. And, by the way, they’re also able to digest thorns. Clearly, we’re going to need our share of giraffe-like folks around Summit in the days ahead.

Who of us really wants to come to the end of our journey, having realized that we’ve been little more than spectators on the sidelines, takers rather than givers, toe-testers, yes-butters, partially committed to people and places that are safe and saving for us and all whom we touch?

I’d rather be a giraffe.

Lunch Bunch Locations

If you hunger for food and thirst for fellowship after church service on Sundays, why not join the lunch bunch for a noon meal? On November 6 we will be at the Family Chef, 6155 Lake Murray Boulevard (a short walk and across two streets from our office), phone 466-6676. On the 13th we will be having the Summit Potluck. The 20th will find us at Lotus Pond, 8260 Parkway Drive, phone 462-4071 (a round table there makes general conversation easier); and on November 27, if you are tired of leftover turkey, join us at Antonio’s Hacienda, 770 North Johnson in El Cajon, phone 442-9827.

Freethinkers
Tuesday 7:00 PM, November 15, Summit office.
Intrigued by the interface between evolutionary science and Christianity as Matthew Dowd presented it when he spoke at Summit last spring? Come be present then as the Freethinkers watch and discuss Dowd’s DVD Evolutionary Christianity. This is fascinating stuff - excellent science and modern religious thought. We’ll meet in the office so we can use the large screen TV Ned gave Summit as a gift from the Minister’s Discretionary Fund before he left. (Thanks, Ned)

Within the Congregation
? Thinking of members of our larger community: Ginny Bedell and Gloria Gelineau both had surgery this last of October. Gloria's husband, Fred, feels good about the outcome of the surgery and prognosis. ? We are saddened to learn of the death of Trish Hernandez, daughter of Des and Betty Pengelley. Trish had been Betty's caregiver these last years. ? The Rawlinses bring greetings from Cindy Wead, and Karen, Merle, Kevin and Shelby Hagberg, whom they were delighted to visit on a recent visit to Prescott, AZ. Karen was Summit's DRE until their recent move.

WHAT WE’RE UP TO IN CHILDREN’S R.E.:
We’re halfway through our four week exploration of Hinduism. We’ll veer then from World Religions to prepare for the annual children’s holiday program which will be on December 11.

AND SERVICE BE OUR PRAYER:
Pennies from Heaven: Penny teams are in place at all six congregations in the Cluster. We are all asked to collect pennies, nickels, dimes and other coins to benefit the family adopted by Palomar UU Fellowship following Hurricane Katrina as well as a partner church in Louisiana. Collect the pennies, put them in your own special penny jar and bring the jars to church on Sunday, November 20, when we'll dump them into one BIG penny jar. Talk to Leslie Robard or Mallory Orr with any questions.

Afghan squares: Our stack is slowly growing (special thanks to Fran Spevak and Lee Makever!) as we gradually knit or crochet 7" by 9" rectangles for Warm Up America, a project that makes afghans for people who really need them. If you’d like to participate, we have yarn and instructions. You can join us in the lobby on Sundays from coffee time and beyond, and/or you can work on the rectangles at home (or during circle discussion…).

Auction servers: Thanks to Mallory Orr, Gabe Tuttle, Mallory’s friend Samantha, and Marissa Henry for their able service at Summit’s New Beginnings Auction.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Collect those coins! Invite young friends and relatives to Summit. Consider working with our kids one Sunday, either as a leader (lesson plan provided ahead of time) or assistant.

THANKS VERY MUCH to our recent R.E. volunteers: Joe Braunwarth, Juli Graham, Elly Dotseth, Barbara Gates, Sandy Bernstein, Teresa Palombo, Judi Bonilla, Debbie Wingard, Pierre Vaughn, Jacquie Dowdy, Leslie Robard, Lamar Rogers, Mark Bryning, Ed Henry, and Mary Braunwarth.

Please contact me with any questions, concerns or ideas.

From the New Home Committee...
Dearest Summit Community,
Regretfully I have to report that the New Harvest Assembly of God Church has declined our offer on the church site. They gave two reasons,( 1) they do not have a place to go yet and do not want to rent, thereby having to move twice, and the church they thought they could merge with did not turn out, (2) they have since been told by an adviser that they are offering the church below market value and need to reconsider their options. Although I know this news comes with a certain amount of pain, maybe even frustration, I really believe we mustn’t look at this as a loss. Instead, I hope you can join me and other committee members on this new home project to see this as a time to remain hopeful while we allow ourselves to feel our disappointment.
We are as energetic as when we started. We are optimistic so we hope you will be optimistic with us. Let’s keep our eyes focused on a new home and we will be sweeping the porch before we know it.

Warmly,
Pilar Placone-Willey
Chair, New Home Committee and Board Member

Sunday Morning Meditation Offered at 8:00 a.m.
The Rev. Frank Placone-Willey continues to lead a meditation session from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. each Sunday morning at the Masonic Lodge before the service begins. The group focuses on mindfulness practices and receives training on topics related to these practices. Those who choose to may also assist in setting up for our 10 a.m. worship.

Social Action Corner
Bus Tokens for Katrina Victims
Summitarians contributed $468 to purchase bus passes/tokens for Katrina victims needing transportation as they search for employment and/or housing. A check for this amount will be delivered to an employee of the San Diego Mass Transit who is working closely with the Red Cross to identify individuals in the greatest need. Thank you for your contributions.

Guest at Your Table
This year, the Wednesday Evening Covenant Group, facilitated by Harriet Nissenbaum, will sponsor the UU Service Committee’s Guest at Your Table Program, kicking off Sunday, November 20. Our donations will be used to protect human rights worldwide. Be sure to pick up your collection box!

Thank You
The Social Action Committee would like to thank you for all your support over the past year. You have given generously to support many projects. Through Crisis House, Summitarians have provided hygiene packs for the homeless, baby goods, food goods, and vacuum cleaners for women in transitional housing. You have prepared meals to feed guests striving to rebuild their lives through the Interfaith Shelter Network. You have financially supported and participated in the AIDS Walk. You have paid the Esperanza tuition to provide an education to a child whose misfortune was to be born poor. You have supported Katrina victims in their hour of need. And this Christmas, we will end the year by sharing our blessings when we Adopt-a-Family. Thank you, from all of us.

Welcome
The Social Action Committee is pleased to welcome Deena Tuttle and Rene Schad as they join us in the work of our ministry.

Join Us at Our Next Meeting
We would love to see you at our next Social Action Committee meeting. The more the merrier! Our next meeting is on Sunday, November 20, 8:30am, in the office. Our current committee consists of Dorothy Greene, Liz McHugh, Laurel Bernstein, Kathy Radinovsky, Rene Schad, Lynn Slaughter, Pat Bryning, Deena Tuttle, Gwen and Gary Baldwin.

Women’s Hiking Group
Come hike to the SUMMIT of Cowles Mountain each Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. with the Summit Women’s Weekly Hiking Group. First hike October 19. For info, contact Toni Rogers.

Welcome to
The Bulletin Board!
The Entertainment Book—
It’s Just Not Restaurants!
To Benefit Camp de Benneville Pines
Even if you don’t eat out much, you can save the purchase price of the Entertainment Book many times over.
Enjoy museums, movies, valet, sports, "Stars On Ice" and more!
Save on hotels, care rental, tourist attractions and other travel expenses!
Save at Ralph’s, Longs, Anna’s Linens, Foot Locker, and other retail stores on things you buy every day.
Order clothing, flowers, wine and more on line at a discount!
Auto service, car washes, video rental, the list goes on!
Books are available until early December (unless we sell out sooner!). Buy yours at church.
Proceeds benefit our church camp, de Benneville Pines.

As approved at the Congregational Meeting, Oct. 16
Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is a growing, caring, intergenerational congregation of diverse backgrounds, embracing the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We are committed to promoting spiritual and personal growth, social justice, environmental awareness and participation in the greater community.

Service Auction 2005
"New Beginnings"

Saturday, November 5 6:30 p.m.
Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is holding its first ever Fine Arts Festival
and would like Summit members and friends, in addition to our cluster members to participate. All original hand-made items such as ceramics, pottery, paintings, jewelry, handcrafts will be offered for sale.

The Festival takes place on Sunday, December 11, from 1 – 5 PM at the Masonic Lodge, 7849 Tommy Drive, San Diego.
A $10 fee will be charged to participants to reserve a space including an 8’ long table as there are only a limited number of spaces available. Twenty Five per cent of all net sales will benefit Summit Fellowship. An application form and further information can be obtained from Alix Hart or Joan Chan.

We welcome your participation!– Alix Hart and Joan Chan

Transitional Steering Team—We’re here to serve you!
This Team consists of the members of the transitional minister search committee that chose Tom as our interim minister, and a Board representative. The members of this Team are: Judi Bonilla, Pat Bryning, Katy Orr, Pilar Placone-Willey, Richard Wilke, as well as Tom Owen-Towle.
The primary purpose of this Team is to serve as a liaison between the congregation and the interim minister and to serve as a support and sounding board for him.
From Temporary Shepherds, "Effective lines of communication between the transitional steering team and the congregation are crucial… the congregation is in what might be called ‘open space’ – a time between what was and what will come – and the team is responsible for charting a course that will move the people of the faith community into the future."
Please contact any one of us if you have concerns that you feel should be addressed, problems that need to be discussed/solved, or questions answered. We wish to serve you during this interim period, so don’t hesitate to call on us.
Yours in Service,

Pat Bryning, Transitional Steering Team Coordinator

Beginning November 6, ALL Sunday announcements should be sent to Linda Peck, Summit office assistant, so she can place them in the order of service. Linda MUST receive your announcement by Wednesday. Last minute items can be given to Rev. Tom prior to service or can be written on the white board located outside the sanctuary entry doors. This change is being made to assist with the flow of our worship service.
Thank you for your cooperation.
The Program Committee

Birthdays, Anyone?
November is a lean month for Summitarian birthdays: we have quality instead of quantity. Anyhow, Lee Simpson was born on the third; Kevin Hagberg on the tenth [We miss you, Lee and Kevin]. Frank Placone-Willey’s birthday is November 17, followed by Gary Baldwin’s on the 19th. Patti Quint arrived on the 25th, Fran Spevak on the 26th, and Merle Hagberg on the 27th. Barbara Orth and Jack Gates barely made it before the end of the month by being born on the 30th. Many happy returns, folks!

Special Musical Offering
On November 6, during the quiet time prior to the beginning of our worship service, Carol Staubinger will play a portion of a sonata, the Largo movement of Beethoven’s Opus 10. She will be playing the Baldwin Studio piano just donated by Leslie Robard.

Covenant Groups Welcome New Members
There are currently six groups. If you are interested in joining (and we encourage you to do so), please contact Pat Bryning.

Ecumenical Communion
These services are held monthly at First Church in San Diego. For information regarding UU Christian Fellowship activities please contact First Unitarian Church.

Coffeehouse Music
Summit teens Marissa Henry and Julia Shu will perform at Don Stouder's Somewhere Else Coffeehouse & Bookstore on Friday, Nov. 11th, from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M.. They will play a variety of tunes, including "The Guitar Man", "A Hazy Shade of Winter" and "Happy Together" (cello, guitar, and vocals). Come and join other Summitarians for a relaxed evening of drinks, books and live music. Somewhere Else is located at 330 North Magnolia in downtown El Cajon.

Church of the Larger Fellowship

Announces its newly designed website:

www.clfuu.org

Click on Resources to find worship and religious education materials. Check it out!

Ned Wight Fund Contributions
To date the Unitarian Universalist Association has received contributions in honor of Ned Wight from the following Summitarians, totaling $2229.
Kit & Trixie Stowell Kathy Radinovsky Pat & Mark Bryning Debbie Wingard & Pierre Vaughn Fran Spevak
The NED WIGHT FUND is now part of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s permanent endowment. At Ned’s request, earnings from the fund will be used to support the general mission of the UUA in perpetuity.
If you would like to make a contribution to the NED WIGHT FUND, please send a check payable to UUA-GIF marked for the NED WIGHT FUND to the Summit Offices. Address the envelope to the attention of Frank Placone-Willey or Linda Peck. Your donation is tax deductible.
Join us in making your contribution in tribute to Ned. – Frank Placone-Willey

"All Fellowship" Potlucks...
… have been scheduled for November 13th and December 18th. Foods can be kept warm in the ovens at the lodge or cool in the refrigerators. Janet Dixon would appreciate volunteers fro set up and clean up. You can call her at 619-465-1160.

Christmas Sing-a-long
The 3rd annual Christmas Sing-a-long will be at 7:00 p.m. on December 9th, at Janet Dixon’s house. Mulled wine and apple cider will be served along with coffee and juice. Snack contributions will be appreciated. Bring your voices and musical instruments!

From the UU Service Committee . . .
Your help is crucial! The situation is desperate in the Himalayan regions of Pakistan and India, following the major earthquake on October. UUSC with the UUA have created a joint fund to respond to the disaster, UUSC-UUA South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund. Donations can be made online at:
www.uusc.org

UU Holiday Christmas Cards
The UUSC offers Christmas cards created by Unitarian Universslists. The UUSC announces its Card Contest early each year and the winners’ artwork is used to create these unique Christmas cards. The flyer can be seen at the Summit office or online at:www.uusc.org/holidaycards
Watch for the announcement of the Holiday Card Contest in early 2006!

New Member Ceremony
Summit Membership will holding a New Member Ceremony on November 20th, along with our regular service.

A Call for Unitarian Universalist
Fine Arts and Crafts Persons

Requiem for Playreaders
Gini Schmitz and Bob Moore have regretfully decided to discontinue the monthly playreaders’ sessions. There has been great fun, but not enough interest: it’s hard to find good plays with parts for less than half a dozen readers. Sorry to disappoint the faithful handful, but now you have an extra evening for other worthwhile activities. Bob Moore