We hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and well in the midst of the tragic wildfires impacting everyone in the community. While the holiday month did bring a season of lights, joy, and respite for many in our community following a brutal election season, we are now all worn thin after experiencing these terrifying and destructive wildfires at the beginning of the new year.
Everyone in our community was impacted by this trauma to some degree and we are still in the midst of it this week and expect to continue to be in coming weeks as fires continue to burn and the potential for others to ignite remains high given the severe winds and arid conditions in the region. We are mourning the losses of lives, homes, possessions, and our basic senses of predictability and safety. Our hearts are with all of those suffering the most direct and immediate impacts of these fires and with the firefighters and frontline emergency workers who are grappling with this unprecedented emergency in the place we all call home.
Our monthly theme is Living Love through the Practice of Story and it would seem we are living the story now rather than telling it and it is certainly one of profound grief, fear, and destruction, in addition to untold heroism, courage, and the power of beloved community. Let’s keep offering our prayers and aligning our actions to serve the wellbeing of those close to home and our larger Los Angeleno family.
Pastoral Care Congregational Update
Our Pastoral Care Team, Board, and Staff leaders reached out to most members of the congregation last week, prioritizing those who lived in or near the impacted areas. We additionally tracked social media posts of those who had marked themselves safe and developed a map of where everyone lives in the congregation to support our efforts. The Pastoral Care Team additionally generated a database of everyone who offered housing in case anyone is in need of housing shelter now or in the future.
We can report that the vast majority of members reported being safe and okay. Many members had to evacuate and most who did are safely back at their homes today. We are aware of two or three members who tragically lost their homes in the fires or whose homes are still at risk. All have been in contact with the congregation and we continue to track wellbeing as we learn more from folks. We know that everyone in the congregation knows someone who lost their home, and our hearts go out to everyone in this tragic time. Please contact pastoralcare@uusm.org if you are in need of pastoral care or shelter, or if you have shelter to offer.
Joys and Sorrows
If you would like to publicly share a joy, sorrow, or news updates with the community on a Sunday morning and in our weekly Thursday announcements, please email joysandsorrows@uusm.org or call the church office at (310) 829-5436.
Donations for UUSM Wildfire Relief
To support those directly impacted by the fires, we have started a UUSM Wildfire Relief Fund within the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. We will prioritize members of our congregation who request support and will use any unneeded funds to support other local Unitarian Universalist Congregations that have been impacted by the fires and/or the UUA Disaster Relief Fund.
DONATE to UUSM Wildfire Relief Fund
Camp de Benneville Pines
Camp de Benneville Pines has offered parking to members impacted by the wildfires who would like to temporarily park their motorhome or camper at our UU retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains. Please reach out to Director Janet James if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to take respite in another beloved sacred space of our community.
Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry Resources
General Resources
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network Fire and Wind Storm Resources: Listed by city and organization name, this resource is compiled by local activists and organizers. You can also view this in map form for each area. This is one of the most comprehensive networks working on the ground.
Fire-Related Mutual Aid Efforts to Support and Some Must-Reads by Kelly Hayes: Note that her first suggestion is our first suggestion. She also includes links to getting/staying prepared for a natural disaster, as well as books on building better community support. Her work is excellent overall and I would recommend her blog.
FEMA Assistance: Impacted Californians are encouraged to apply for immediate and long-term relief through FEMA. They can provide displacement assistance, and folks have until March to complete an application.
Watch Duty: This app has been immensely helpful with real-time updates and county alerts.
UU Specific Resources
BLUU Pastoral and Spiritual Care for Black UUs: Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism is a community resource for Black UUs. They offer pastoral and spiritual care, especially in tough times. Reach out to speak to a chaplain.
Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministry Chaplains: DRUUMM provides support for Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color (BIPOC) UUs. Their chaplains are available.
UU Trauma Network: Chaplains are on call to provide support to all UUs who are experiencing grief during this tough time. You can call their 24/7 hotline (888-760-3332) or visit their website.
UUA Disaster Relief Fund: The UUA will be mobilizing grant funding for impacted congregations and communities. This fund may be able to help if a church or its congregants’ properties are damaged. For those outside of Los Angeles, your donations make a difference, and resources for congregational special collections may be found at their website.
Santa Monica City Resources
Palisades Fire Updates, Resources & FAQ: Compiled by the City of Santa Monica with information about curfews, health, cleanup, transportation, school closures, recovery resources, how to volunteer and donate, and more.
Los Angeles County Resources
Los Angeles Times Wildfire Resource Guide: Comprehensive information on how to stay safe, how to help, and what steps to take if you are affected by the fires. Compiled by LA Times reporters, the article is free of charge.
— Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, M.Div., M.S.S.A.
Developmental Minister
