Sunday Services - 10:00 a.m
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April 2:
"The Theology of Play" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
This will be a celebration of being playful creatures in all realms of human existence… no foolin’!
April 9: "Empowering Leadership" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
Several of you have called for this sermon, and I support its cruciality. I will share proven counsel on how to cultivate and become servant leaders of our Summit Fellowship.
April 16: "I Owe God a Death" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
On Easter Sunday, I will focus upon welcoming death as the entrance to a fuller life, here and beyond.
April 23: "Flowers in the Static"
Spring is a time of restoration, rebirth, and renewal. Realistically, however, our busy lives often prevent us from truly experiencing this joyous time. Join Laura Preble and Stacey Scott as they lead us in the celebration of music that can penetrate the static of these times, regenerating and reconnecting our very souls.
April 30: "The Precious Ring" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
On Commitment Sunday, I will tell about a precious family heirloom, similar in value and meaning to the power of Summit Fellowship in our lives.
May 7: "Moving into the Unknown" Rev. Fred Hammond, Intern Minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church.
Ministerial Musings
Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
The Flying Wallendas, that famous family high wire act, have always fascinated me. A number of years ago, while the family was performing the human pyramid on the high wire to a circus audience, they fell. Two family members were killed and two others were injured for life. Within a few days, the Wallendas were back on the wire, performing again. After the performance, reporters asked the Wallendas how they could resume their act so soon after the fall. The family’s senior member is said to have replied: "To be on the wire is life. All else is waiting."
Now, we can assume from this story that (a) the Wallendas are crazy; (b) they have less affection for their family members than we might; or c) "to be on the wire is life; all else is waiting."
Clearly, the Wallendas have to both be brave and foolhardy to do what they do. But in the overall sweep of life: C is the correct answer. The Wallendas are right: "to be on the wire is life; all else is waiting." And such wisdom dwells at the very heart of our religion!
For we belong to a faith that calls us to engage an endless number of high adventures, such as negotiating our current move to our very first home with all its attendant risks. We belong to a religion that embraces the fullness of this single, precious life rather than waiting around for what? A perfect plan, a fixed dogma, a Messiah, or another go around? Instead, we’ve chosen to walk the high wires of this world with as much courage, poise, and dignity as we can muster, knowing, that despite life’s fierce pain and loss, we must get back on the wire again. "To be on the wire is life; all else is waiting."
During April, we’re launching our annual and capital Stewardship season climaxing with a splendiferous week-end of fellowship (April 29-30). I can’t imagine a higher and holier time than right now. Why? Because it gives every one of us a chance to assume our own place on the high wire of Summit’s bold and adventurous religious life.
My Summit partisans, while walking the wire, I invite you to consider this set of questions: What are my fundamental priorities in life and is my money going there? What human communities bring me bread rather than stones and is my money going there? What places in my life nourish my soul, stretch my mind, comfort my heart, and activate my conscience and is my money going there?
It’s no secret that our check stubs reveal our loyalties, our very character.
For when all is said and done, we are truly the sum not of our trophies or acquisitions but the sum of our gifts. We possess nothing except what we have shared or given away to whom and what we truly love.
WHAT WE’RE UP TO IN CHILDREN’S R.E.:
Our year-long exploration of world religions continues with Islam. So far, we’ve learned about the Five Pillars, the life of Muhammad, and the Seven Positions of the Rakah.
AND SERVICE BE OUR PRAYER:
Hygiene packets: All of our groups will help assemble hygiene packets for Crisis House in conjunction with the Social Action Committee.
Setup assistance:
Thanks to our high schoolers for lending a hand with setup on February 26 and April 2.
Summit kids CAN:
Jordan Graham reports that recyclable cans (aluminum and steel) and plastic containers with the little recycle triangle on the bottom are being accepted every Sunday. He anticipates another monetary donation soon to our capital campaign.
OUT AND ABOUT:
Live drama: On March 12, seventeen Summitarians (kids from our middle group plus some parents and friends) wound their way to the La Jolla Village Playhouse production of "West of the 5," a play aimed at middle elementary aged children about the meaning of home and the idea that no matter where you go, there you are. The performance was in an intimate setting and was followed by an informal question and answer session that added to the good time.
Erin go brach:
Summit R.E. families gathered for a St. Patrick’s Day dessert, treasure hunt and sing-a-long party with a special honoring of Lucy, Ernesto, Diane and Jack Slagle on the very happy occasion of their adoption finalizing.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Invite young friends and relatives to Summit!
Consider working with one of our classes one Sunday
(lesson plan provided ahead of time).
THANKS VERY MUCH to our recent R.E. volunteers: Gwen Curry, John McQuaide, Mary Ellen Shu, Diane Slagle, Stacey Scott, Barbara Sorensen, Juli Graham, Leslie Robard and Teresa Palombo.
Connie Henry
, Acting D.R.E.
(619) 460-4794 /
conniehenry@cox.net
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. If you have questions about this new group, please contact Frank at work at (619) 889-0312.
Everyone Is Invited to April 1 Workshop
All Summitarians are invited to attend an illuminating and engaging workshop led by our UUA Fundraising Consultant, Larry Wheeler, on Saturday, April 1, 2006. The training takes place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center. This is a Visiting Steward Orientation workshop for all the folks who have signed up so far for the Combined Annual and Capital Campaign team, but everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The more the merrier – we need you! If you have questions or are thinking of attending, please contact Campaign Chair Debbie Wingard at dwingard@ucsd.edu or 287-6960.
Automatic Contribution Option NOW Available
In case you haven’t heard, now there is an easy, convenient and painless option for making your Summit pledge payments. Auto Contributions allow your payments to be deducted automatically on a schedule of your choice: monthly, quarterly, etc.Our Treasurer John McQuaide has the new "Auto" Contribution forms together with a cover letter explaining this program. The forms are also available for pickup at the Summit office. Or you can call Linda Peck, 463-4676, and request that a form be sent to you which you can fill out and then mail back to the office.
Facilities Committee Update
Never let it be said we let the grass grow under our feet! Preparations are busily under way for the move to our new church home.
The Facilities Committee (Harriet Wright and Laurel Bernstein) oversee the subcommittees responsible for the move to Santee, which are the Move-In, Space Allocation, Sanctuary Design & Decor, Aesthetics and Maintenance, Housekeeping and Grounds subcommittees.
Good progress is being made by all five subcommittees, but a few highlights are:
1. A floor plan for the sanctuary and foyer area (also now called the "greeting room") has been approved by the Board. Minor revisions to the plans for the remaining areas are being finalized.
2. The Sanctuary Design & Decor and Aesthetics subcommittees are working together to get the sanctuary ready for Summit's first service on June 11. They voted to engage Dan Duty, an architect/designer with Wilson/Duty Associates, to provide suggestions and recommendations. Dan will focus on the floors, the walls and the lighting.
3. The Move-in subcommittee (John McQuaide) is hard at work on details of the purchase itself and our move from the current office and lodge sites to our new home.
On behalf of Harriet and myself (get well soon, Harriet!), I want to thank everyone who is enthusiastically getting involved in the move to our new home. It's no small task, but it's worth it!
Laurel Bernstein
Social Action Corner
Service Is Our Prayer
Heartfelt thank you’s to the twenty-one Summitarians who stepped up to team with St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in feeding the homeless as part of the Interfaith Shelter Network.
Committee News
Our newest committee member, Vic White, has started the research into possible organizations and churches that Summit can team up with once we are settled in our new home.
How can you help Summit’s efforts in social action?
Financial – Don’t forget to put an extra dollar in the plate on April 2 to support our Esperanza student. Let's pin our $$$$s to the tree on the piano to support Esperanza’s ongoing construction of sidewalks, retaining walls and drainage systems for their new high school.
Goods –
The Social Action Committee will be collecting canned and dried goods for Crisis House in May. Watch for details in a future newsletter.
Please join us at out next meeting on Sunday, April 23, at 8:30 am at the office.
As we march forward toward our prize, Summit’s first home of its own, I realize more things that will be affected by all the packing and preparation for the move. The newsletter is one of them. The May edition will need to cover as much of June as is possible since I will need to be actively involved with details surrounding the office’s move.
Committee Chairs, keep this in mind as you think about and prepare articles for the May edition. Obviously, there will be more discussion on this subject.
The Scene at Summit’s May edition deadline will be:
Apr. 17 Deadline/ Mailing Apr. 20
Thank you all for your support,
Linda Peck
Summit Notices
The Greeters at our Sunday Services are requesting Members to wear their name tags to church so they can tell you from the visitors.
Chalice Lighters is an organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging growth of Unitarian Universalism in the Pacific Southwest District by providing resources to congregations through the distribution of grants. Congregations with 15% of their members participating in Chalice Lighters can be eligible to receive such grants. If you are interested in joining in the support of UUism, applications to Chalice Lighters are available at the church and the office. For those unable to get to either destination please contact Linda Peck at 619-463-4676 and she can mail or email an application to you. Keep yoUUr fires burning!
The Honoring/Memorial Fund
This Fund has been established to accept contributions to celebrate moments in our lives such as weddings and to commemorate deaths of loved ones.
UUMF Men's Spring Renewal:
April 21-23
Sponsored by the San Diego UU Men's Fellowship, this year's Spring Renewal weekend will again be at Camp deBenneville Pines and this year's theme is: "Our Quest for Meaning - The Journey to Wholeness". Men from all San Diego Cluster congregations are invited. Together we'll explore the feeling of what it is that touches and enflames our souls and gives meaning to our lives. The weekend will include workshops, art, deep sharing, music and drumming, silence, ritual sweat lodge, song and laughter. Small groups and large circles will assist us in discovering and developing that which makes us whole. For registration or further information, contact Mike Dorfi at mdorfi@cox.net or (619) 466-5952.
No man will be turned away because of finances.
Within the Congregation
? We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Kathy Radinovsky, at the passing of her mother in March. Remember Kathy and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
? Long time member and friend of Summit, Tony Averett, had the pleasure of 24 years with his beloved cat, Mr. Grey. All of us with our pet-companions understand his loss. Our thoughts are with you, Tony.
? Congratulations to Rex Graham, on the birth of his first grandchild, Miya Renee`. Miya was born on March 16 in Denver, CO. ? Harriet Wright had a great 80th birthday with her kids at Grand Canyon but now is at home recuperating from pneumonia, after spending several days at Kaiser Zion Hospital. Prayers please. ? At press time, Bob Moore is in Grossmont Hospital anticipating pace-maker surgery. Please remember both Bob and Dolores, at this time as they will need rides to medical appointments, etc. ? And, congratulations to Joan and Phillip Chan, reporting they are back from the east coast and everything went well with their daughter, Melinda’s wedding: but they did not enjoy the below freezing temperatures! ? News from Chris Klich - he is on the cover of Troubadour magazine this month! Congrats Chris! ? Just to let you know, Pat Bryning’s knee is still a problem and she will be having surgery the first week in April. We wish you a speedy recovery. Proud papa Mark Bryning sent in an email announcing his daughter, Jennifer’s permanent placement on the Subcommittee on Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness staff. Congratulations Pat and Mark!
? Dale Ann Gega, a Summit friend who attended our services from time to time and was a member of Bob Moore's Writers Group died March 13 from a heart attack. She had been in poor health for some time and is survived by her daughter Suzanne who continues to live in their apartment.
New Summit Directories
Are Available
The long awaited and long promised Summit Directory is available at the office at 6062 Lake Murray Blvd., #110, or can be picked up at Sunday services. Members and Friends get the first one free. After that they cost $2.00 each.
From Our Membership Committee
We will hold a New Member Ceremony on Sunday, April 2nd. For those planning to join Summit, please contact Joan Chan at (619) 466-4760, before that date. Following the ceremony and the Sunday Service, a potluck will be held in the social hall for Summit members to greet and welcome our newest members.
- Joan Chan and Elaine Harper
Freethinkers
Freethinkers group meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7 PM at Summit's office. The point of gathering together is to read papers, view videos, and discuss everything from politics, economics, religion, ethics, immigration to whatever. Members choose the topics. We're open to most subject matters, except that Dolores is getting tired of economics. Come join us.
Tuesday, April 4, we will read together and discuss After Neoconservatism, an article by Francis Fukuyama from the NY Times Magazine. Neoconservatism, whatever its complex roots, has become indelibly associated with concepts like coercive regime change, unilateralism and American hegemony. What is needed now are new ideas...
On April 18th we will read together and discuss Rebuild_ Energy_ Systems_ Not_ NewOrleans, an article from PureEnergySystems.com: The river is moving away from the city. The city is sinking because of its weight, because no upbuilding by new muck for many decades, because of being cut off from the fresh water, because it is sliding off a cliff (the Continental Shelf), and because the Oil and Gas Industry is extracting oil out from under it. It is a city that for all intents and purposes is now Sea domain. Spend the money on developing alternative energy solutions instead.
Lunch Bunch
Summitarian Lunch Bunch is an elastic group composed of members, guests, newcomers, and anyone else who would like to join us in a restaurant lunch after the Sunday service for food and conversation. We won’t be meeting on April 2; there will be a potluck at the Lodge instead. However on April 9 we will gather at the Lotus Pond (Chinese) 8260 Parkway Drive, La Mesa, phone 462-4071. April 16 will find us at Chili’s (Mexican) 8285 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa, phone 589-9890. On the 23rd we will convene at Coco’s (American) 1025 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon, phone 442-9271; and on the 30th at Jimmy’s (American) 6935 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, phone 448-8994.
If you plan to come, please contact Carol or Wendell Rawlins during the coffee hour, so they can phone ahead for reservations. If you miss them, come anyhow—those tables can be stretched.
April Birthdays
We have no recorded birthdays on April 1 (We Summitarians are no fools). However, Daniel Bernstein was born on the 7th, Josh Burns on the 8th, GwendaCurry on the 9th. Chris Klick came along on the 15th, and after mid-month they come thick and fast.
Mark Buckles celebrates on the 16th, Juana Page on the 18th, Katy Orr on the 20th , LaMar Rogers on the 22nd. Then come Harriet Nissenbaum on the 24th, and Teddy Shu on the 25th.
Now hold onto your hats! April 27th brought us Sarah Burns, Andrew Cleland, and Lil Swarner; then on the very next day, April 28th, along came Tiffany Duffy, Jack Shu, and Lucas Weed. Welcome to you, every one!
If your name should be on this list but isn’t, please call Bob Moore (phone 465-0501) or e-mail robeveret @aol.com, so he can update the records.
Get ready for an
Evening of
Celebration!
A gala event to kick off our capital campaign
will occur on the last Saturday in April at
First Church’s Bard Hall.
The evening will be a chance for all of us to celebrate our Beloved Community, and will be filled with good food, music, entertainment and dancing!
No commitment of funds will be solicited that evening. It is a time for celebration with family and friends.
Get ready to Party!
Summary of Board Meeting
February 23, 2006
Our New Home Committee has transitioned into the Facilities Committee with Co-Chairs Laurel Bernstein and Harriet Wright. More information will be presented on the work of the subcommittees and the Capital Campaign in this newsletter. Most of the discussion during the board meeting is focused on these two areas. However, we continue to plan for the search of a settled minister.
Martin Kruming, Administrator of CIAO (Cluster Inreach and Outreach) presented an update of CIAO’s activities: 2005 – "I Believe" Campaign on television radio, websites and newsletters; 2006 – "Imagine a Religion" Campaign via direct mail, newsletters, radio and luncheons with outside partners. Inreach activities brought together chairs of social justice and publicity as well as President’s Roundtable.
Board meetings are open to members.
Respectfully submitted, Patricia Summers, secretary
Widening Our Circle
Widening Our Circle
News from Summit UU Fellowship’s
Combined Campaign Committee
Fellowship Celebration - Saturday Night, April 29
Get ready for an Evening of Celebration! A gala event to kick off our Capital Campaign will occur on the last Saturday in April at Bard Hall at First Church, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The evening will be a chance for all of us to celebrate our Beloved Community, and will be filled with good food, music, entertainment and dancing!
No commitment funds will be solicited that evening. It is a time for celebration with family and friends, so - Get ready to Party!
We have planned for the children and youth of Summit a special Children’s Celebration - featuring a Pasta Bar Dinner - scheduled for the same time, in rooms close to Bard Hall.
RSVPs for the Fellowship Celebration should be sent to Suzanne McQuaide, 4758 Jean Dr., San Diego, CA 92115. RSVPs for the Children’s Celebration should be sent to conniehenry@cox.net or by calling Connie at 619-460-4794.
First UU Church of San Diego is located at 4190 Front Street, across from UCSD Medical Center in the Hillcrest area.
Save These Important Dates
Saturday, Apr. 1, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m
. - Visiting Stewardship Orientation Workshop (at Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center)
Friday, April 28, Escrow closes on our new home at 8778 Cottonwood Ave., Santee.
Saturday, Apr. 29, 5:00 p.m. - Fellowship Celebration at Bard Hall, First UU Church of San Diego
Sunday, Apr. 30, 10:00 a.m. - Commitment Sunday - Combined Campaign Kickoff at Masonic Lodge.
Sunday, Jun. 11, 10:00 a.m. - Celebration Sunday at our New Home
Potlucks!
April 2, and May 14
All Fellowship Potlucks will be held right after the service on the above Sundays.
Hot food can be kept warm in the ovens and cold in the refrigerators. Coffee, tea and juice will be available. Janet Dixon is looking for volunteers to help with set up and clean up. Please let her know if you are willing to help.
Cluster Kicks Off
"Imagine a Religion"
The San Diego Cluster is kicking off an eye-catching campaign called "Imagine a Religion" that features local UUs and is designed to attract visitors to our five congregations for Easter services.
The "Imagine a Religion" campaign grows out of the "I Believe" campaign of 2005 which also featured several local UUs. The postcards being mailed are part of a series of six different designs created by Lyon & Associates of Encinitas, which has been working with CIAO (Cluster Inreach & Outreach) for the past two years.
To view a sample postcard, please click on www.uusandiego.org. A million thanks for using the postcards to spread the word about UUism. -Martin Kruming for CIAO
Summit’s Giving Tree
SOCIAL ACTION BEYOND OUR BORDERS
The following message was received from Esperanza, the school in Tijuana where Summit sponsors a student: The rains have come and we are falling off the mountain and bailing water out of the classrooms. We urgently need to build drainage systems with retaining walls and sidewalks and install windows and doors on the three new classrooms, including High School and fourth grade. Shown are the first classrooms of the High School in this border canyon area where 180,000 people live. Click on this link to see the situation: http://chritine.americasfoudation.net/save_from _mud/ . Any little bit of help would be greatly appreciated.
Summit's Giving Tree can help. Let's pin our $$$$s to the tree on the piano in Summit's office. Let's fill it up and help get those kids out of the mud.
Thanks. The Gardener
"Flowers in
the Static"
Spring is a time of restoration, rebirth, and renewal. Realistically, however, our busy lives often prevent us from truly experiencing this joyous time. Join Laura Preble and Stacey Scott as they lead us in the celebration of music that can penetrate the static of these times, regenerating and reconnecting our very souls.
April 23:
As some of you may have noticed, there are a few errors in the new directory. And, no sooner than it was printed, Summitarians started moving and changing email addresses, etc. So here is our first installments of bandaides for our brand new directory.
Forgotten under "Standing Committees" was: Library– Gini Schmitz
Joan & Phillip Chan: 619-466-4760
Jacquie & James Dowdy
8601 Echo Dr., La Mesa, CA 91941
619-460-2924, lhjj4@webtv.net
Jacquie: M95
Cathy & Jimmy Long
301 W. Vermont Ave., #728
Escondido, CA 92025, (c 619-548-2822
Barbara Konstantin
2763 Walker Dr., San Diego, CA 92123
858-560-0803; M97
Margo Mariana
5360 Marengo Ave., #49, La Mesa, CA 91942 (same phone number)
Alice May
965 E 9th Ave. Spokane, WA 99202
(same email?)
Stacey Scott - c) 619-850-7553
gadfly1958@yahoo.com
Glenn Sasaki - c) 858-337-3336
robodrop@yahoo.com
Debbie Wingard
dwingard@ucsd.edu
Viraj Ward - (hm) 619-447-6228
Directory Bandaide
—ATTENTION—
Editor’s Corner
How many UUs does it take to screw in a light bulb? Twenty. Seven to form a committee to discuss the ecological implications of compact fluorescent vs. incandescent bulbs, six to form a committee to discuss labor practices, six on the aesthetics committee to discuss the exact tint and wattage, and one who goes ahead and does it without consulting anyone else.
-submitted by Pat Bryning
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. For info, contact Toni Rogers at tonir@cox.net.
