July 2007

Sunday Services - 10:00 a.m.

July 1: Farewell Sunday! Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
On Reverend Tom’s last Sunday, we will enjoy a festive brunch as well as share mutual messages of affection and gratitude. Our Summit Brass Trio will be present to blow their horns!
July 8: A Sermon by Rev. Beth Johnson Service Leader: Toni Rogers
Rev. Beth is the minister at Palomar UU Fellowship and gave one of the blessings at Summit’s Dedication Day on January 13, 2007. It will be a treat to have her with us again.
July 15: Tibetan Philosophy Neal Biggart Service Leader: Barbara Sorensen
Neal will present a travelog of her 6-week trip to the remote areas of Tibet to visit ancient and new monasteries, shaman festivals, and the nomad horse festivals. The emphasis will be on the Tibetan culture
July 22: GA Report Connie and Ed Henry, Debbie Wingard
UU General Assembly, which happens once a year, is attended by UU’s from around the U.S. and Canada. There are workshops on a variety of subjects and meetings attending to the business of the UUA, all in the spirit of the larger UU community. This will be an exciting report from Summit’s attendees!
July 29: Our Catholic Faith Rev. Frank Placone-Willey
Unitarian Universalism is catholic? Come prepared to reflect with Summit member Rev. Frank, on how you can better understand and share your UU faith with others.
Aug. 5: Meditation Service Leader: Carol Rawlins
Members from the two meditation groups will speak on meditation and lead the congregation in several meditation experiences.

Chilren & Youth RE

FOND FAREWELL: Thirty-eight Summit children and parents gathered on Friday, June 1, for a pizza and sing-along gathering in honor of Rev.Tom. Chris Steussy presented Tom with a gift from the families: an olive tree which he chose for its low water needs, hardiness and symbolism. Tom named the tree Ollie. Ollie will soon be planted on our grounds along with a plaque commemorating Tom’s time with us.
SUMMIT’S GRADUATES: We marked the crossings of Tom Schad and Lee Simpson from high school to young adulthood with our first Santee bridging ceremony on June 10. Both boys had belonged to Summit years ago, then returned last summer. (Tom actually graduated last June, but had not yet begun attending again.) Tom will continue his media arts studies at Platt College in San Diego, and Lee will attend Humboldt State University, the furthest north of the state universities, in Arcata, CA. Michael Palombo graduated from Santana High, but couldn’t attend the bridging ceremony due to his work schedule.
TRANSMITTING THE PASSWORDS: Fifty-four people were recognized at the June 17 service for their generous work with Summit’s children over this past school year, and we celebrated their contributions with an ice cream social at refreshment time.
SEVENTH PRINCIPLE SUMMER: Beginning July 8, we will have nine Sundays focused on taking good care of our planet. The lessons will be varied, active, meaningful and fun. Please consider lending a hand one Sunday! You can talk with me about the different activities and which might best suit you and your schedule.
AND SERVICE BE OUR PRAYER:
Thanks to the third through fifth grade class for assembling two dozen hygiene packets for Crisis House.
Please continue to bring your recyclable cans and plastic bottles and stash them in or beside the green marked container in the R.E. activity area.
Many thanks to our June teaching volunteers: Don Jania-Smith, Barbara Jania-Smith, Michelle Beauchamp, Jack Shu, Mark Wheeler, Teresa Palombo, Pat Gille, Lulu Lacono, Pilar Placone-Willey, Doris Wascher, Stacey Scott, Mary Braunwarth, Joe Braunwarth, Barbara Sorensen, Mary Ellen Shu, Russ Chapman, Misha Chapman, Shelley Lekven, Jack Slagle, Diane Slagle and Chris Steussy.
Connie Henry, D.R.E.
conniehenry@cox.net
(619) 460-4794

Social Action Corner Service Is Our Prayer

Survivors of Torture – At the June 17 service, $506.58 was collected to support Survivors of Torture, International, an independent nonprofit organization committed to caring for survivors of politically motivated torture and their families who live in San Diego County. Thanks to our guest speaker, Maren Dougherty, from this organization, and to Viraj Ward for organizing her visit. Kudos, too, to all who donated to this worthy cause.

Hygiene Packs – Our hygiene packs have finally been assembled by Summit’s children and delivered to Crisis House where they will be distributed to the homeless. Thanks to Laurel Bernstein for seeing this project through and to Claudette Wear for purchasing the missing pack components.
How can you help Summit’s efforts in social action?
Items Needed: Please bring baby items such as diapers, wipes and formula for Crisis House on July 15. Of all the items Crisis House provides to families in need, these items are the most difficult to keep in stock. Your donations will be greatly appreciated.

People Power – Pride Parade: Join other UUers at the Pride Parade on Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m. The parade route is on University Ave. between Normal St. and 6th down to Ivy Lane. For more information go to http://sandiegopride.org/6/Parade.htm or contact Gwen Baldwin.
Amnesty International – Save the Date! Amnesty International will be meeting on Tuesday, July 31, 7:00 p.m. at Summit. Come and find out what you can do to stop human rights abuse around the globe. Please note that starting in September our regular meeting date will switch to the last Monday of month instead of the last Tuesday. Same time: 7 p.m.. Questions? Contact Viraj Ward: birdnlady@yahoo.com.

Social Action Committee Meeting – Our next general meeting will be Sunday, July 8 at 8:30 am in the conference room. Newcomers are always more than welcome!

Our 2007-2008 goal-setting meeting will be on Wednesday, July 11, 6:30 pm, at the home of Rene Schad.

Editor’s Corner
The Scene at Summit’s
August 2007 edition deadline will be:
July 23 Deadline/
July 26 Mailing
Linda Peck, editor

Dear Summitarians,
Reflections
~ Rev. Kathleen Green
     As you might imagine, I’ve got journeying on my mind these days! Of course, first and foremost are the literal journeys – to Portland for GA, and across the country to my new home in East County. Then, there is the idea of the journey I am embarking on with you – the journey of UU ministry in our little corner of the world. It’s not as if we haven’t each journeyed before my arrival at Summit, but we will walk the path together now. I’ve been thinking about that lately with both great excitement and a bit of anxiety. How will we handle those notorious potholes in the road? Will we be prepared for the hairpin turns? Is Map Quest an option? Perhaps you too are feeling a little excited and anxious.
While packing, I came across a covenant that my classmates and I wrote during our very first week of seminary, four years ago. As I read it once again, I thought it somehow appropriate for the new beginning you and I are facing.
In gratitude for the others who have journeyed before us, and those who are here to help us along the way;
     In celebration of the risks we have each taken to be here on the journey
together;
In honor of the authentic selves we each bring to the journey;
     And in anticipation of the transformations that have already begun in our beloved community;
     We covenant to begin this journey together.
     Enjoy your summer journeys, wherever they may take you. We will soon be together. We will soon minister with each other and to each other. Let’s celebrate as we begin the journey together!
     Yours for the good cause,
     Rev. Kathleen

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Chris Klich and Laura Preble would appreciate your thoughts and prayers to help them through the death of Chris’s father. Manny Klich died June 13, just days before Father’s Day.

Harriet Wright is recovering from congestive heart failure but is still in the hospital. Cards are welcome, but please, no visitors. Once she gets home calls would be welcomed, too.

Sally Gross is looking for a new car. If anyone knows of something available, please call Sally or Rod Orth.

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July 1: Farewell Sunday! Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
On Reverend Tom’s last Sunday, we will enjoy a festive brunch as well as share mutual messages of affection and gratitude. Our Summit Brass Trio will be present to blow their horns!
Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
8778 Cottonwood Ave.
Santee, CA 92071

There won’t be any Freethinkers meetings in July. We will begin again the second week in August.
When we do have Freethinkers, we meet the 1st Tuesday of each month in the Children’s R.E. area at 7:00 PM. For information on Freethinkers activities, please call Wendell or Carol Rawlins, 619 644-1963.

Lunch Bunch
All Summitarians and their friends who would like more fellowship and food after Sunday’s service and Circle Discussion, are invited to meet with the Lunch Bunch at the following places: July 1, potluck at the Fellowship, celebrating farewell to Tom Owen-Towle. July 8, we’ll eat at Coco’s, 1025 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon. July 15, join us at Panda Country, 9621 Mission Gorge Road, Santee. July 22 will find us at Applebee’s, 107 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon. And on July 29, we’ll celebrate at Jimmy’s, 9635 Mission Gorge Road, Santee.
If you intend to join us, please print your name on the hanging sign-up sheet during the coffee hour so we can phone ahead for reservations. See you there!

July 8: A Sermon by Rev. Beth Johnson
Service Leader: Toni Rogers
Rev. Beth is the minister at Palomar UU Fellowship and gave one of the blessings at Summit’s Dedication Day on January 13, 2007. It will be a treat to have her with us again.
Please contact me with any questions, concerns, ideas or to talk about teaching opportunities.
summitunitarian@sbcglobal.net

From Our Secretary...
At the Board meeting on June 14, 2007, we continued to examine and review this year’s successes and consider future areas of improvements. Reports were given from:
Connie Henry on the growth of the Children’s RE program. She shared her plans to encourage separate seating of the children in the sanctuary during service in an effort to free more seating for the adult attendees. Plans are in the works to provide food in the RE area during Coffee/Tea Time.
Joan Chan shared the impressive success of the Lifetouch Pictorial Directory and the notable membership growth, from 76 in 2004 to 138 in 2007. She proposed that a membership booth be set up at the Lake Murray Street Fair.
Motion passes to spend up to $1600 to acquire 20 - 6 ft. tables for Summit’s functions such as the Service Auction and Pledge Breakfast.
Adopted and interim Security Policy presented by Jack Shu. Adopted a Planned Giving Design to establish the necessary coordination, operating agreement and responsible Endowment Committee between the Board, Finance and Fundraising Committees.
The Salon renovations bid was approved for $33,000; 50% coming from the Spirit Level Grant (recently approved) and Capital Campaign Funds. Will can start in approximately three (3) weeks.
Moved to accept an “Electronic Privacy Policy” presented by Gary Baldwin. In essence—no members’ names, addresses or phone numbers will be release to any group outside of Summit.
Lastly, Rex Graham seriously urged the Board to consider a plan to utilize solar energy in the near future at Summit.
Respectfully submitted by - Ellen Gifford, Secretary

Meditation
We will have a meditation/prayer session from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. each Sunday morning before the service begins. And Wednesday Mornings At 8:30

Preidential Ponderings Debbie Wingard
As I leave for the GA meetings in Portland, I am filled with excitement. This is to be my first GA meeting; I am representing an incredible fellowship that in two short years has purchased their first home, called a new minister, increased attendance, increased Children’s RE, and admitted an incredible group of teens as members; I will be accompanied by Reverend Tom Owen-Towle, Connie, Ed and Marissa Henry and Jennifer White and meeting up with Reverend Kathleen Green. How could it be any better! Thank you again for placing your trust in me to lead the Board this coming year. We have an exciting year before us. We have accomplished so much, but the possibilities now look even greater. Please let me know your ideas and suggestions. Your help and advice are critical as we move forward. We are an incredible group and I feel very blessed to be a member of this wonderful community.

Salon Update
After discussions with many groups, the Salon Committee has recommended and the Finance Committee and the Board have agreed that the Salon be remodeled as a multipurpose space. Uses might include social time after Sunday services, RE overflow space, Summit and community activities. The committee also recommended using part of the Spirit Level grant for phase 1 of this project, while continuing discussions on possible uses. Phase 1 would include removing interior walls, relocating the bathroom to the corner, repairing the ceiling and floor, repainting, and starting the installation of a galley kitchen along one wall. The teen group, with Chris Steussy, are researching green alternatives that are within our budget for this remodel.
Additional suggestions welcome! Please contact any member of the committee.
Debbie Wingard, LaMar Rogers, Mark Bryning, John McQuaide, Suzanne McQuaide, Connie Henry

Lost and Found
Lost coats have been taken to Linda’s office: fleece hoody with gray stripes on arms, blue wind-breaker, gray hoody, zippered sweat shirt jacket, a black women’s dress jacket, and a long-sleeved yellow t-shirt. And a blue water container. We also have a basket in the hall in the office of other lost items.

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 or friends.
For more info, contact the Summit office at 619-562-0833. The Summit Caring Committee oversees the distribution of these funds where they might be needed.

Leadership Training School
First UU Church Leadership Training School is coming! Save the dates of September 27-30 if you are interested in attending an LTS hosted by First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego at the Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside. The school will cover a wide range of topics, including running effective meetings, managing conflict, working in teams, creating worship services, awareness of the UUA's Journey Toward Wholeness initiative, and living our Unitarian Universalist heritage and values. Check in your church office for brochures, and look for details and the registration form at ng.html. Open registration commences August 1, 2007 at a price of $390 per person ($420 after September 8). Questions? Contact Susan Weaver at 619-579-0803 or skweaver@cox.net.

Schoolpop
Schoolpop Visa Card holders must register their cards with Schoolpop for Summit to receive contributions. This also applies to replacement cards with new numbers. Call Schoolpop at 1-888-200-2088 or visit www.schoolpop.com.

San Diego Cluster Corner
Thanks to a generous grant from the Spirit Level Foundation, Cluster UUs will be sponsoring “Car Talk,” the popular radio program on KPBS, this fall and we need your help. Just complete the following in 25 words or less: “Support for Car Talk comes from your annual membership and from the Unitarian Universalists of San Diego County,...” Winning entries will be heard on KPBS for weeks, and winners will receive a $26.00 gift certificate from Car Talk’s Shameless Commerce Department. Len Pellettieri will take entries and questions until July 31st at lenp@cox.net. Car Talk (89.5 FM) may be heard on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalists from around the county will be marching together in the Pride Parade in Hillcrest on Saturday morning, July 21. For more information, contact Ellen Brenner at etbrenner@gmail.com or 858-414-1966.
The Cluster newsletter is emailed every Wednesday and is filled with information about UU people and events in San Diego County. Join the growing list of subscribers by going to info@uusandiego.org and signing up!

Membership News
The Membership Committee wishes to express their deep appreciation for the cooperation of our members and friends who took part in our first Pictorial Directory. Ninety-three (93) family units were photographed by Lifetouch, while 20 additional photographs/units were submitted for inclusion in the directory. My special thanks go to Andre Wozny, our creative designer, and Hal Summers who photographed 99% of our activity pages and additional portraits. Gwen Curry and Deena Tuttle assisted with their editorial skills, while Linda Peck and Elaine Harper ensured that the new directory would include all the correct information of our members and friends. Shortly, we will receive the final proofs from Lifetouch. If there are any changes required: please let Joan know at JMCPC@cox.net by July 9. Our pictorial directory will be ready for distribution at the end of August.
On Thursday, June 14, Joan presented a report to the Board of Directors that our membership has increased approximately 60% over the past two years. We now stand at 136 active members with three Emeriti members. Attendance of Sunday services has also increased from averaging 81 in 2005, to 95 in 2006, to 118 for the first five months of 2007.
On behalf of Membership we wish to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to Tom for his constant guidance, support and devotion to us during the past two years. The fruition of his enthusiasm and participation is seen by our increasing membership and attendance at Sunday Services. He has started us on a steady path toward accomplishing our vision for Summit as a strong Unitarian Universalist presence in East County. Carolyn and Tom will be missed, but our best wishes go out to them as Tom goes on to his next endeavor.
Joan Chan and Elaine Harper, Co-chairpersons

Presidential Ponderings                                                         Debbie Wingard
Money Matters
     We are delighted that the congregation unanimously passed our budget for fiscal year 2007-08. It represents a lot of work by the Finance Committee and the Board an should be very workable.
     Please remember that we close our books June 30th, the end of the current fiscal year. If you have not completed this year’s pledge we hope you can do so by that date. It appears we will finish this year with a deficit due to our many extraordinary expenses but we do have enough in our reserve to cover it. We will have final figures next month.
     The concert with Alex and Karen earned $240.00 for Summit. Thanks to those attending and to our volunteers who made it possible. A special thank you to Alex and Karen.
     Our latest Social Action collection netted $516.00 for Survivors of Torture International. It’s a delight to see our children scurrying about with their colorful buckets. Thank you all.

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Summit’s Caring Committee is responsible for providing transportation for those members who are unable to drive and need help getting to our Sunday service, meetings or medical appointments. If you are willing and able to help occasionally, please let us know. We’ll try very hard to make it convenient for you. Please contact Rod Orth at 619-583-3405.

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Summit Children's Choir
We will not be singing as a Choir during the summer. Watch for the August Scene at Summit for the autumn start up date. Enjoy the summer! Thanks for your support.
~ Neal Biggart and Connie Henry

Flowers for Sunday Services
The flowers at our Sunday services always add a soft spirit to the room. If you would be interested in commemorating a personal special occasion or honoring a loved one by providing a flower arrangement for a particular Sunday, contact Barbara Jania-Smith at 619-461-7039. You and your occasion will be mentioned in that Sunday’s order of service. Thank you!

Sangria Summertime Splash
Auction Poolside Party
     Saturday, July 14 at 5pm, Frank and Pilar Placone-Willey will be throwing their Sangria Summertime Splash Auction Poolside Party. This auction item sold all 16 slots for $20.00 each,   and 100% went to Summit.
     To raise additional money for Summit, Pilar and Frank are inviting anyone to join in on the fun for $20.00 a person. 50% of this money will go to Summit. The rest will help cover the cost for all you can eat and drink. It is going to be a great time to meet up with old friends and make new ones.
Please note, because Frank and Pilar have two very large dogs and a swimming pool, this party is for adults and teens only.
If you would like to join us please e-mail Pilar at pilipw@aol.com.      Thank you!

Directory Band Aid
Please update your directory with the following information. This will cut down on calls to the office. Thank you.
Rev. Kathleen & Mitchell Green
1121 Victor St., El Cajon, CA 92021
619-312-2116/ summitrev@cox.net
Brian Scherrer
1008 Cordova Ct., Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-985-1695 (same email)
Andrea Newall
6150 Decanture Ct., San Diego, CA 92120
619-583-7380/ ellipsister@gmail.com

Summit’s office has had a new e-mail address:
summitunitarian @sbcglobal.net
And web site address:
www.summitarian.org

July 29: Our Catholic Faith
Rev. Frank Placone-Willey
Unitarian Universalism is catholic? Come prepared to reflect with Summit member Rev. Frank, on how you can better understand and share your UU faith with others.

From the Librarian. . .
Due to recent generous donations, we are running out of shelf space in our John Carey Library. To help solve the problem, we are eliminating the mystery fiction section. These books will be on sale at $.50 each, for several up-coming Sundays.

Circle Dinners
The next Circle Dinners will be in late August ‘07.

Women’s Retreat
With so much going on, it has been decided to postpone the retreat penciled in for October. To participate in First Church’s retreat contact Diane Lowrie at 619-231-4883 or lowriel@cox.net.
For Use! Summit Has a Trailer

Brothers John and Alan McQuaide have donated a trailer to Summit since we have needed one now that we have our own building. They have also said it can be used by Summit’s members and friends. Call the office for more details: 619-562-0833

About the Cluster…
Summit volunteers and staff have had the opportunity this year to network with other S.D. County UU Cluster members by meeting with their counterparts. Connie Henry met recently with other DRE’s, and Andrea Newell met with fellow music leaders, resulting in First Church choir members singing at a recent Summit Service. Summit choir members will return the favor this Fall traveling to First Church.
Linda Peck shared administrative concerns and solutions with her counterparts and both Tom Owen-Towle and Rex Graham have met with the Cluster ministers and presidents. Joan Chan led a contingent of the Summit Membership Committee to a meeting of fellow Membership Committee representatives in San Dieguito last year.
The point of all of this – lots of valuable sharing, pooling of resources, finding solutions to common problems. Additionally, most Summit members receive the electronic Cluster Newsletter. If you’re interested in receiving the newsletter, or wish to contribute an article contact Martin Kruming (CIAO administrator) at mkruming@aol.com.

About Chalice Lighters . . .
Summit is currently the latest recipient of the Chalice Lighters grant, which will allow us to extend DRE Connie Henry’s hours. Many of us didn’t know about this philanthropic UU program prior to this.
Chalice Lighters is a program of the Pacific Southwest District created to help fund the growth of the member congregations of this District. The program is designed to provide grants for: facility improvements, such as buying land, building, rebuilding, furnishing or enlarging facilities; one-time development expenses, such as the costs of hiring a Minister or Religious Educator. These are improvements that would significantly strengthen the scope of a congregation’s ministry.
The funds for these grants come from UUs like you-subscribers who pledge to pay $20 or more, three times per year.
Sign up to be a Chalice Lighter today!
Forms are available in the Greeting Room and the office.