Sunday Services - 10:00 a.m.
Dec. 2: No Creed Required Rev. Kathleen A. Green
Today we welcome new members into our congregation and take a look at what it means to make such a commitment. Why is membership so important in a religious community without creed or dogma?
Dec. 9: Bathrobes, Tinsel, and Tinfoil Wings Rev. Kathleen A. Green
Our holiday pageant this year will focus on the Christmas story from the Christian tradition. The children of Summit will be performing this musical pageant under the direction of MC Patton, with accompaniment by Karen Folligstad. Please show your support of our children and their families by attending this special service.
Dec. 16: The Spiraling Nature of Our Faith Tom Grogan
Tom Grogan is the Intern Minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, a candidate for UU ministry and a student at Bangor Theological Seminary in Bangor, Maine. As our guest minister, Tom asks, “Are our Principles a way to a deeper faith or just pretty words to say? Join me as we consider the relationship between our shared
Dec. 23: A Time of Darkness Rev. Kathleen A. Green
Let’s celebrate the Winter Solstice together. In the earth-centered traditions, nature plays a large part in spirituality as each season offers its own challenges, beauty, and inspiration to those who would be willing to open themselves to the possibilities. Today’s service will include drumming.
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Service at 5pm Rev. Kathleen A. Green
Rev. Kathleen will lead our traditional Christmas Eve service, complete with carols and candles. The Summit Singers and Summit Brass will perform. The offering at this service will go to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund to be used to help community members who are in crisis or need. If you will not be at this service but would like to contribute to this fund, please call the office or Rev. Kathleen.
Dec. 30: Descansos Service Leader: Carol Rawlins
Summit’s Office Information
Minister: Rev. Kathleen A. Green: 619-562-0833, ex. 203 / summitrev@cox.net
Office Schedule: Monday - Day off
Tues. - 10:00 to 4:30, call for appointments
Wed./ Thurs. - 1:00 to 4:30, call for appointments
Fri. - Minister’s Study day
DRE: Connie Henry: 619-562-0833, ex. 204 / conniehenry@cox.net
Office Admin./Editor: Linda Peck: 619-562-0833, ex. 202 / summitunitarian@sbcglobal.net
President: Debbie Wingard: dwingard@ucsd.edu
The Scene at Summit’s January 2008 edition deadline will be Monday, December 17 & the Mailing Party will be Thursday, December 20.
Be On the Look Out - For news of a Summit Knitting Ministry starting up in January!
Outdoor Heaters Needed -
The afternoon of January 20th will be Rev. Kathleen's installation ceremony followed by a celebration. We are in need of outdoor heaters for the celebration. If you have a heater we could borrow, please contact Gwen Baldwin at 619-697-3485 or gwenbaldwin @gmail.com.
Lois Santalo Book Signing Nov. 30, 2007
Book fans and women's history buffs are invited to a wine and cheese reception Friday, Nov. 30, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Summit to celebrate the publication of Lois Santalo's new novel, I'll Meet You in Syracuse. The author will read briefly from her work and sign copies, and is donating all proceeds to Summit. She is a lifelong UU, former college instructor and DRE, and served for seven years as Night Director of San Diego's Big Sister Home for women in crisis. This is the third in her four-book series, The Stormland Quartet: The Saga of a UU Family. For questions, contact Lois at (619) 588-2806 or loiswellssantalo@hotmail.com.
Rev. Kathleen A. Green From the Minister’s Mailbox
Dear Ones,
It has been three months since my official start at Summit, and while the church year seems to be flying by far too quickly, I feel as though I’ve been here a long time. I feel as though I’m at home. Elsewhere in this newsletter issue you will find an invitation to my installation service and I hope that you will make every effort to be there. It is, after all, a service that formalizes your call to me to be your settled minister. We will honor that tradition of congregational polity and we will celebrate the exciting journey that you and I are embarking on together.
There may be some questions you’ve had over the past few months, regarding a variety of ‘things’ you see me do, or see happening at Summit, and you haven’t had an opportunity to ask me. I’m dedicating the remainder of this column to “The Questions I’ve Been Wanting to Ask But Just Haven’t Gotten To”!
1. “Why does Rev. Kathleen wear a robe and stole on Sundays?”
I choose to wear a robe and stole for two reasons. The first is practical: By wearing a robe and stole it is clear to visitors that I am the minister and it makes it easier for me to be identified on a Sunday morning. The second is about tradition: I wear a robe and stole as my way of honoring all of the clergy who have come before me. Unitarian Universalism has a rich history filled with amazing women and men who worked with congregations and communities through times of great difficulty and triumph. This is my way of honoring and respecting those women and men and the role of clergy in our tradition.
2. “Why do the children come into the service each week and sit on the ramp?”
The children sit on the ramp simply because of space issues. It is not ideal and we hope to change that in the near future. But having the children come into the service each week is a way to reinforce the multi-generational aspect of Summit, as well as teach the children that worship is for everyone. When the children see, even if only for 15 minutes, Summit worshipping as a whole community, as well as seeing how the adults worship, it teaches them something that their religious education class alone cannot do. The intergenerational services are not a children's worship service, but rather a worship service for all ages. It is important for our older members & friends to see the children of the community, and it is important for the children at Summit to see and learn how we worship together. Children sit with their families at these times in order to experience a full Sunday service with their family.
3. “Why has there been a request for everyone to refrain from conducting fellowship business until after the social time (or before the service)?”
While Sunday morning is the time when we all are gathered, and it seems the most likely time to conduct meetings and business, our social time is the time we have to greet our visitors, new members, and those in our membership we may not know well. Most first-time visitors make the decision to return for a second visit within the first ten minutes AFTER the service! This is the time when our hospitality is needed most. If we can focus our efforts during social time on greeting, welcoming, and inviting, we will not only have more return visitors but will be more engaged with each other in the process.
I wish all of you a peaceful and beautiful holiday season and look forward to seeing you at the many holiday services and events planned for this month.
Yours for the good cause, Rev. Kathleen
P.S. If you’ve wondered why I sign my column each month with “Yours for the good cause”, it comes from the Rev. Olympia Brown, first woman nationally ordained as a Universalist minister in 1863 (just 100 years before I was born!).
From the Fundraising Event Committee
What a Success! How else can one describe an evening like the 2007 Auction? If success can be measured by the numbers of volunteers ready and willing to do anything to help, even if it meant long hours and sweeping sticky floors, then this year’s auction was a success. If success can be measured by laughter and fun, then this year’s auction was a success. If success can be measured by people saying “I am so full but I can’t stop eating!”, then this year’s auction was a success.
But, let’s get to the bottom-line. The auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We were a success in this area, too! Once again we surpassed the previous year’s record amount of money made. How did we do this? You! You supported and showed up, you helped out. And you gave. Here is what you did:
Live Auction $12, 480.00
Silent Auction $2,139.00
Bar $200.00 (Thanks for the tips!)
50/50 Raffle $380.00 (Thank you Lisa Garvey for giving your winnings to SUUF!)
Palm Springs Raffle $825.00 (Thank you Joe and Mary Braunwarth!)
Boutique $1285.50
Advertisement sales $630.00 (approx.)
Total Gross $17, 939.50
Expenses -$820.00
Net: $17, 119.50 (approx.)
The Fundraising Committee is busy planning more fundraising events for this fiscal year. We are just shy of reaching our committed goal of $20,000. We of course are aiming higher. If you have suggestions for fundraisers you can leave them in the treasure chest suggestion box in the office. Keep your eyes and ears open for other events!
Our best, Pilar Placone-Willey, Chair, Deena Banks,
Mary Braunwarth, Lisa Garvey
A Great Big Thanks! To all who brought appetizers! You brought such a generous and great variety of taste treats for the auction. We had plenty for coffee hour on Sunday as well. Nothing was wasted! Many folks commented on how wonderful it was. Thanks so much for your willingness and generosity. It contributed to the event’s success and festivity!.
Ed Davis, Food Organizer
? Ferne Gaarder’s son lost his home in the fires. They have been able to find temporary housing and friends and family have helped with their needs.
? Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the fires. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers.
? We wish to celebrate Summit’s first wedding, the marriage of Cathy (Long) and Chuck Young on Nov. 3, 2007. Congratulations and blessings!
Board of Directors Meeting – November 15, 2007
The Board accepted with regret the resignation of Andrea Newell, Choir Director effective January 1, 2007.
1.) On November 29, 2007, a Dessert and Coffee reception with be shared by the Board Members and the New Members of the Congregation. This will take place starting at 7:30 PM in the Religious Exploration Room.
2.) Either Toni Rogers or Ellen Gifford will represent the Board for the “Volunteer Recognition” Coffee and Tea reception.
3.)The Treasurer, John McQuaide, reported that the $12,000.00 Renovation Grant will be spent installing the Salon Kitchen with Cabinets, Counter Tops and appliances.
4.)Linda Peck, Administrator, will be sending out the Auction Bills ASAP. A newer copier for the church will arrive early in December.
5.) New signs will be installed identifying the various church function areas and LaMar Rogers will be marking “Visitor Parking” spots with new signs also.
6.) Board voted to spend up to $2,500.00 for the Installation of our new minister, Kathleen Green on Sunday January 20, 2008.
7.) Debbie Wingard announced that the church needs to have two (2) Managers (a Grounds and Facilities Manager). LaMar Rogers has been doing both position and needs a replacement. – Who will Volunteer?
~ Ellen E. Gifford, Secretary
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!
Debbie Wingard From the President’s Desktop
I can’t believe it is time for another newsletter. I can’t believe it is almost the end of another year! And what a year it has been. We have a wonderful new minister and are settling into our own building. Hard to believe we have come so far so quickly. Well, maybe not so hard to believe. Summit is an incredible community! So many generous souls continue stepping forward and sharing their talents in so many ways. Thanks to each and every one of you.
November included one of the best examples of Summit’s generosity: our annual Auction. From Pilar, Mary and their team who organized the event, to so many who offered their “services” to one another, to those who generously donated to Summit to receive those meals and parties. What a fun way to support our community throughout the year! (I know Pierre and I are looking forward to many delicious meals over the coming months.)
November also included lots of generosity behind the scenes, as volunteers continued to work on all the committees that keep Summit going. Look for a few of them in this month’s Board thank you list. We are also blessed with an incredible staff. I would especially like to thank Reverend Kathleen for her gentle leadership, especially appreciated during the recent fires. We are blessed to have her with us.
I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving Day. Debbie
Holiday Sing-a-Long Dec. 15, 7:00 pm, Janet Dixon will host this annual event. Bring finger foods/snacks if you would like to. Mulled wine, cider, and coffee will be served. Adults only. Call Janet for more info: 619-465-1160.
Make sure you read in all the nooks and crannies! There are tid-bits everywhere! Merry Christmas,
The Editor
Summit Needs a
Gardening Committee!
The weather has cooled so let’s revive the monthly Saturday morning gardening on the Summit grounds! The weeds are taking over and the bushes are in mutiny! We will start:
Sat., Dec. 8, 8:00 to 11:00 am
Any amount of time you have that day would be greatly appreciated. If you have equipment, please bring it as we have limited tools at the Fellowship.
For info contact LaMar Rogers at 619-713-2730 or Al Mork at 619-659-8386.
Holiday Open House at the Minister’s Abode!
Please join Rev. Kathleen, Mitchell, Adam, and Lucy (the Maltese puppy) for a cup of holiday cheer on Sat., Dec. 8, between 1pm and 5pm, at their home 1121 Victor St. in El Cajon.
Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PROGRAM: “Bathrobes, Tinsel, and Tinfoil Wings” will be presented on Sunday, December 9, at 10:00 a.m. Children, youth and Director MC Patton have been hard at work preparing this pageant. With spoken word and song, the Christmas story will be retold. Our holiday programs are wonderfully well attended, so you might want to arrive a few minutes early for good seat selection.
EMPTY BOWLS: Summit’s Social Action Committee will sponsor Empty Bowls in late January. On that Sunday, participants will have the chance to buy handmade pottery bowls, have them filled with homemade soup, eat the soup, take the bowl home, and the proceeds will benefit a hunger organization. Neal and Tom Biggart put together a magnificently detailed plan for creating the bowls. A dozen or so adult volunteers gathered at their home in late October to learn the process, then on Sunday, November 4, 42 kids and 24 adults worked side by side in and around the salon, absorbed in the business of bowl-building. Neal and Tom took the bowls home to fire and will bring them back on December 16 for glazing. Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 28, and be a part of Empty Bowls Day.
MANY THANKS to our November R.E. teaching and pottery volunteers: Alan McQuaide, Teresa Palombo, Ann Olson, Pat Gille, Lulu Lacono, Michelle Beauchamp, Mary Braunwarth, Jack Slagle, Diane Slagle, Tyra Myles, Chris Steussy, Mark Wheeler, Neal Biggart, Tom Biggart, John McQuaide, Suzanne McQuaide, Mark Bryning, Gwen Baldwin, Gary Baldwin, Shelley Lekven, Alix Hart, Glenn Sasaki, Stacey Sasaki, Pierre Vaughn, Gwen Curry, Rhonda Anderson, Mary Ellen Shu, Ryn Corbeil, Bryan Decelles, Patti Robison-Heyer, Pat Summers, Mahrya Hafner, Doris Wascher, Norma Pizarro, and Hal Summers.
We always have opportunities for involvement in our program. Please contact me if you might like to:
help with special projects.
help at Activity Time (games, music, arts, crafts…) while adults are in the Circle Discussion. Bring your own ideas or join in with what’s already available.
join one of the teaching teams (pre-school & kindergarten, 1st - 2nd grade, 3rd 5th grade, or 6th grade) and meet with that group once every 4 to 6 weeks. Plans and supplies are provided in advance.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, ideas or to talk about ways you can become involved.
Connie Henry, D.R.E. conniehenry@cox.net
(619) 460-4794
Social Action Corner
Service Is Our Prayer
Helping Others In East County
October Special Collection. Over $380 was collected during our October Domestic Violence Awareness Month special collection for the Crisis House Transitional Housing Program. Contributions from Summitarians have been used to purchase items requested by Crisis House staff for confidential location apartments used by victims of domestic violence: a variety of kitchen items, sheets and blankets, lamps, and cleaning items. Many thanks!
How Can You Help In Summit Social Action Efforts?
Items Needed:
Adopt-A-Family - We will be partnering with Crisis House again this year and adopting an East County family for the holidays. We do not have the information yet on what family we will have, but you can still mark the dates for this wonderful opportunity. The tree with "ornaments" listing different gifts will be up on December 2nd. Pick your ornament on Dec. 2 or 9, and then bring back the wrapped gift with the ornament taped to it on December 16th. We will be buying clothing, toys, and food for this family.
Financial:
Save the Date! Jan. 27, 2008 – Empty Bowls Day
“Empty Bowls” is coming to Summit on January 27 (the last Sunday in January), immediately after the service. This event is sponsored by our Social Action Committee and is part of a nationwide hunger-relief project. Here is what you get for your donation:
· A wonderful custom-made pottery bowl (including some made by Summit members and Summit children!)
· A serving of scrumptious homemade soup in your new bowl.
Eat the soup, enjoy good company and giving to a worthy cause, then take the bowl home! Questions? Contact René Schad, 448-8131, rschad2@cox.net.
UUSC Guest at Your Table boxes were distributed in November for cash and check contributions to the Unitarian Univeresalist Service Committee. Collection of GAYT boxes will occur the third Sunday in January. This year, you can become a supporting member of the UUSC by including a check in your GAYT box (made out to the “UUSC”): please see your GAYT box for membership options. UUSC information will be available after services in December and January and complete information on UUSC programs is available at http://www.uusc.org. Questions? Contact Vic White.
Fair Trade Coffee and two kinds of dark chocolate bars will be on sale after service, December 9. The table will be located in the hallway directly across from the table where you pick up your coffee or tea. This is the last chance to stock up for the Christmas Holiday time. Questions? Contact Lynne Slaughter.
People Power:
Please join us for the next Social Action Committee meeting in Conference Room #1 at 8:30 am on Sunday, December 9th. Newcomers welcome! Questions? Contact Gary Baldwin at g.baldwin@juno.com.
Meet the Minister on the 2nd Sunday of the month.
Visitors and new members are welcome to join Rev. Kathleen after the worship service on the 2nd Sunday of the month, starting Dec. 9, from 11:30-noon. We will meet in the reception area of the office for informal discussion in order to get to know one another and give you an opportunity to ask the minister questions regarding Unitarian Universalism and the Summit community.
SUNDAY SOCIAL TIME
The Board would like to encourage everyone to get to know our visitors and new members during the Sunday social time, as well as catch up with each other. For many of us this is a time to connect with our Summit Family and really find out how one another are doing. This is also our chance to reach out and show the larger community who we are at Summit.
Please schedule any meetings either before services or after 11:30 so we have plenty of time to visit with one another.
FACILITIES UPDATE
Many committees and individuals are working diligently to investigate ways to improve our facilities. You may have noticed little things, like the extra lights in the parking lot at night (thanks LaMar) and you will soon see a new outside kiosk displaying notices about activities at Summit and in our community (thanks to Jeff Sarr), and by early January we should have several new signs around the facilities (thanks to Alix). With the help of several groups, we hope to start the Salon kitchen sometime in December and complete it by early January. Norm Dessel has facilitated plans for a possible solar energy system for Summit (see separate article).
Please let us know if you have any facilities suggestions or talents you would like to share! For example, we have a gardener, but could really use some help with organizing volunteers to help him (see LaMar Rogers). We would also like to develop a long-term plan for landscaping (see Joe Braunwarth).
Your facilities team: Debbie Wingard, John McQuaide, Mark Bryning, Connie Henry, Suzanne McQuaide, Joe Braunwarth, Chris Steussy.
MONEY MATTERS
We are now caught up with our pledge payments! Woo-hoo! Thanks to all who made this possible.
The income figure does not include the proceeds from our Service Auction. Next month our income will show a dramatic increase when the Auction is included.
Budgeted (Expected) July thru Oct. Actual July 1 through Oct. 31
Pledges $60,333 $61,021
Total Income $76,167(includes Pledges) $70,904 (includes Pledges)
Expenses $72,753 $73,180
Trish Luna-deAlva has opened Neighborhood Yoga at Summit!
Neighborhood Yoga at Summit offers Hatha Yoga classes appropriate for students of all fitness and experience levels. However, classes are cancelled for Dec. 6 –12.
For class schedule please go to http://www.neighborhoodyogastore.com. Classes are located in the Salon building of Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Freethinkers
We will return to a twice a month schedule; one meeting will continue to be held at 7 PM on the first Tuesday of each month, and the second meeting will be during the daytime, both in the Greeting Room/lobby.
Dec 4 – Carol Rawlins will present a program on Getting the "A" words straight. The "A" words are Apocalypse and Armageddon. There have been numerous apocalypses written in the ancient world. We’ll watch a 30 minute DVD on the apocalyptic world view, and see how The End Time supporters are misinterpreting Revelations. The lecturer is a renowned Biblical scholar, Prof. Bart D. Ehrman, UNC.
Morning Freethinkers Wednesday December 12th - 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children’s RE area. Virginia Natwick. Her topic will be -----The Economy 1. A short history of Economics 2. The New Deal 3. The Change in our country in Economics 4. A review of Greenspan’s book as the main recent architect of our economy 5. The current mess we are in and how it might affect us. Join us and share what you think about all this.
Jan. 8 - Neal Biggart - Environmental issues (Neal is teaching now in an Orthodox Jewish school and the kids are seeing how important climate and earth care are.)
Lunch Bunch
All Summitarians who would like more fellowship and food after Sunday services are welcome to meet with the lunch bunch.
After all the turkey and ham, on Dec. 2 let’s meet at Panda Country, 9621 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee. On the 9th you will find us at Mimi’s, 9812 Mission Gorge Rd. We will dine at Skootz, 9535 Mission Gorge Rd., on the 16th and last stop for this year will be Olive Garden, 9800 Mission Gorge Rd. All in little ol’ Santee!
If you intend to join us, please print your name on the hanging sign-up sheet in the lobby during the coffee time so we can phone ahead at 11:30 for reservations. See you there!
Solar Electrical System
Norm Dessel has donated his time and expertise to design and contract for a solar energy system. There remains a short time to qualify for state rebates. Although we are hopeful that we can raise the $30,000 needed, we can cancel the contract should we fall short. Several members have approached me wishing to, in addition to their pledges, donate funds toward the solar energy system. Each wanted to take advantage of the income tax free transfer to a charity such as Summit. This is only available to those over 70 ½ prior to December 31, 2007. This is the final year for this program. If you qualify, it is a very beneficial way to fund your pledges or other gifts you may wish to make such as funding the solar energy system. We are happy to answer any questions. John McQuaide, Treasurer.
Pacific Southwest District Assembly
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Do you like meeting people? Do you like playing host/hostess? Do you want to show off our wonderful San Diego Cluster? Then you would be perfect as part of the Registration/Hopitality Team at the PSWD Assembly in April 25-27. We will gather once the week before the event to put together the registration packets, then man the tables on Friday afternoon as UUs from around the District arrive at the Marriot Hotel in Del Mar.
Volunteers are needed to man the tables throughout the weekend, as well as to direct visitors to various workshops, meals and other events. Be a part of this year’s Assembly, and show off our great Cluster! If interested, please contact Joan Kanter, jkanter@ucsd.edu.
Church of the Larger Fellowship:
Looking to explore your own spirituality? The Church of the Larger Fellowship offers online classes and email discussions. Go to www.clfuu.org (click on Resources), or call 617-948-6166.
CLF brings Unitarian Universalism to religious liberals throughout the world!
Cluster Corner
Martin Luther King, Jr. The San Diego Cluster will be seated together at the All People’s Breakfast on Monday, January 21, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Golden Hall in the San Diego Community Concourse. Congregations/members interested in attending should contact Jackie Statman of First Church at jackiestat@earthlink.net or (619) 298-4610, who's coordinating reservations.
District Assembly 2008: A San Diego Cluster Committee is helping coordinate District Assembly which will be held on April 25-27 in San Diego County. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact chair Rev. Jim Grant at jimgrant@att.net.
“Car Talk:” UU “spots” on “Car Talk” will continue through December 31 thanks to a generous grant from the Spirit Level Foundation. However, you only have until November 30 to enter the Cluster contest for unique prizes. Just listen to “Car Talk” on KPBS 89.5 FM either Saturday at 10 a.m. or Sunday at 1 p.m., and then e-mail your feedback to info@uusandiego.org or mkruming@aol.com.
For more information, please contact mkruming@aol.com or (619) 233-5114.
Travel and Meet UUs
Stay inexpensively with fellow UUs and make new friends! We list more than 200 UU hosts all over North America who invite you to be a guest in their home. For a copy of the 2008 UU're Home and a year's access to the website listings, please click on "become a member" to pay by credit card on our secure site or mail us a check for $25 and your email address.
Paula Robbins and Jean Reese, PublishersUU're Home
43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806828.281.3253
www.uurehome.com info@uurehome.com
