Dearest UUSM friends!!
Just got a call from Janet James (our beloved Director of our beloved Camp de Benneville Pines). We’re all invited, and de Benneville has stepped up to handle the registration for the annual UU district meeting, hosted this year by the Ventura UU congregation. Only one person from our church had registered so far, so I just had to write you about joining me there. It’s called the Pacific Southwest Service Area Assembly (PSWAA).
We need to be present and accounted for. The agenda is awesome: inspiring speakers plus small group discussions will help us meet and connect with our “extended family” of UU cousins, kids, and elders from across Southern California and Arizona. Here is the downloadable brochure.
- UU Pacific Western Region Lead, the Rev. Carlton Smith, will lead a discussion of Article II, the exciting change that UUs across the continent have been studying toward updating our UU Principles this June.
- Nationally known activists and thought leaders Hop Hopkins and Lucas Zucker are each presenting a session.
- Our nonprofit Camp de Benneville Pines, Inc. will also convene its Annual Meeting, so let’s get the latest news on this important sanctuary and resource up in the San Bernardino National Forest.
- The weekend’s musical guests are amazing: Emma’s Revolution. They’ve sung for us at UUSM a couple of times, and I heard this duo perform to a standing ovation in Philadelphia at the UUA General Assembly last year.
- Then on Sunday morning, choir voices from San Luis Obispo to San Diego to Tucson to Flagstaff will rehearse together and offer music during the worship service.
- In conjunction with this Assembly, there is also a Youth Con! ✿ All young people in 7th to 12th grades are invited to come to connect, bond, play, and grow as we UUs begin to nurture our connections in person once again.
Programming begins at noon Friday, April 26, and carries us through until noon Sunday, April 28. The cost for the weekend is $85 … which includes meals … And the Ventura UU Church is offering home hospitality … This is a “no brainer” … I’m going … hopefully, you will also!!
Last year at the District UU meeting in San Luis Obispo, Elders of the Chumash Tribe presented their project which now is becoming a reality!! It’s a huge marine sanctuary off the coast of California, the Chumash Heritage Marine Sanctuary. I know I’ve talked about this monumental accomplishment!! Sooo important!!!
These are precious and perilous times we live in. OUR UUA is a force for good. Opportunities for networking with UUs from Camp and from other congregations is not to be missed. Register now and see the exciting program details here. … We will drive to Ventura and attend this weekend retreat — for the good of ALL THAT IS!!
So I’m printing the brochure on my printer right now. If possible, each of you print a dozen copies to distribute to our church members. What is more important than: Promoting Justice/Amplifying Voices: At the intersections of Race, Class and The Environment.
See you at church today — and in Ventura, April 26-28!!
Much Love!!
Ellé (Eleanor Long)
April 7, 2024
