JANUARY

January 1
“Looking Forward - Looking Back”: Lay Ministry Group
The Roman god Janus, for whom the month of January was named, is said to have been able to look both forward and backward at the same time. On the first Sunday of the new year, some of our Lay Ministers will present a service that encourages us to look at the accomplishments of the past and to make positive plans for the future. This interactive opportunity will allow us to look at our past and our future with intentionality and hope.

January 8
”Birthing Hope through Remembrance”: Rev. Kathy Kirkpatrick
Traditional grief experts have taught us to say goodbye to our loved ones; to accept the reality of the loss; and to reinvest in new relationships. In contrast, the work of thanatologist Lorraine Hedtke emphasizes bringing forward the memories of our loved ones so that they are still part of the fabric of our lives. Rev. Kirkpatrick will apply this research to her work as a hospice chaplain where she visits both patients and families/caregivers before a death and then provides bereavement care afterwards.

January 15
“Re-igniting the Dream”: Brett Wagner
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born 76 years ago today. He has now been gone almost as long as he was here. What has become of MLK’s dream? How can UUs help re-ignite the "Dream" in today’s America? The answer lies within our faith and values as a "liberal religious community". Our guest speaker serves as executive director for the Progressive Faith & Values Project, which has been endorsed by UUA President Bill Sinkford and by numerous other religious leaders from across the nation.

January 22
"How Goodness Happens Here": Beth Leehy
Beth Leehy can’t believe it’s been two years since she was Intern Minister at CVUUF. Currently she is in the midst of her quest to earn a Masters of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology (Rev. Dr. Betty’s alma mater). Inspired by the book "Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed: The Story of the Village of Le Chambon and How Goodness Happened There" by Philip Hallie, Beth’s sermon explores how we can incorporate the first and seventh UU principles into our daily lives by "living out radical hospitality." It is a topic we can anticipate to be interactive, thought provoking and perhaps even transformative as we begin the 2006 calendar year.

January 29
"Putting Up With An Uneven Score": Rev. Bets Wienecke
Reflecting on the most challenging tasks of growing a soul and becoming human religiously, the Rev. Bets Wienecke, concludes that putting forgiveness into practice is at the top of the heap. Rev. Wienecke is minister emerita of the Live Oak UU Congregation and currently serves as the Pacific Southwest District’s Ministerial Settlement Representative.

FEBRUARY

February 5
Singing the Journey: the Evolution of UU Music: Julie Crooks
In UU congregations across the United States, and at every plenary and worship service at General Assembly in 2005, "Singing the Journey," the newly introduced supplement to the UUA’s hymnal, has set a new mood for music in worship. A new generation of music for UUs has arrived. Join Julie, Frances and our talented volunteers as we discuss (and sing) about our musical evolution as UUs. (See related information about the supplement on Page 7)

February 12
Healing Creation One Congregation at a Time: Peter Kreitler
In his article "The Spiritual Implications of Global Warming" The Rev. Peter Kreitler wrote that "Healing the planet must begin with a new theology crafted for new times. A theology that says the earth is not ours to mess up, but that we are part of the whole called to a responsible new direction. The Garden of Eden is in need of gardeners. A simple concept — a gardener works with the inter-play of water, soil, sunlight in order to achieve balance and harmony. The best we can be are stewards, gardeners, caretakers and hopefully, some of us may choose to be master gardeners willing to teach others by example." Join us this Sunday for a dialogue with Rev. Kreitler about our congregation’s role in healing our earth.

February 19
Bobo Builds a Band:
Join us for this entertaining intergenerational service which focuses upon the spirituality in children’s music. Youth from the Middle and YRUU groups will be participating. Come see the talent and enjoy the story. Fun for children of all ages.

February 26
"It’s a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood”: Laura Ornstein
Come pay tribute to America’s favorite neighbor Mister Rogers. Much of our successes in our adult life are built on the foundations of our childhood.

Today we explore a man who had a large impact on many children and helped lay that foundation. Come learn with Laura Ornstein a little about one of the greatest neighbors as we take this Sunday to visit the life of Fred Rogers."

MARCH

March 5
Beyond Relativism: The Rise of Global Ethics: Nathan Tierney, Ph.D.
Ethical relativism (the doctrine that ethics is relative to cultures) has long been believed to be the bulwark of tolerance and intercultural understanding. Yet the doctrine is internally incoherent, and ultimately corrupting. In our globalizing century it is an intellectual piety that we can no longer afford. Please join us for a lively and participatory discussion of the future of ethics after relativism, learning how to appreciate diversity and believe in moral absolutes at the same time.

March 12
The Right and Call of Conscience: The Rev. Ellen Livingston
The Rev. Ellen Livingston returns to the CVUUF pulpit this Sunday to discussing what it means to follow our Conscience. This idea comes from one of our UU Principles; The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. Rev. Livingston’s message will also draw from literary, psychological, and personal references to this sometimes thoughtprovoking and puzzling topic. Our speaker is former Minister at the Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Montclair, CA; she retired from that position in July, 2005 after serving the congregation for 19 years.

March 19
Exploring the Vision of a Christian America: Richard Hughes
Richard Hughes, Distinguished Professor of Religion and Director of the Center for Faith and Learning at Pepperdine University, joins us to explore a prominent American myth, the common claim that America is a "Christian nation." Hughes will examine this claim in light of the biblical understanding of "the kingdom of God" and the way proponents of the Christian nation vision generally frame that understanding.

March 26
From Mecca to Moorpark: Ferial Masry
Ferial Masry, a public high school government and history teacher, a prominent lecturer, community leader, and volunteer will share with us her fascinating personal life journey and how much it has been affected by democracy. Ferial was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for 23 years. Married for 28 years, mother of three children educated in Conejo schools, her older son was deployed in Iraq. Ferial’s story has earned her national attention. For UUs, her perceptions of the right of conscience and use of the democratic process promises a thoughtful discussion.

APRIL

April 2
UUSC Justice Sunday: Theadora Davitt-Coryn
We each have the power to help stop injustice in our world. Our principles call upon us to do so, and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee enables us to join hands with UUs around the world in doing so. On this morning, our congregation will stand together with UUSC and UU congregations across the country in support of workers’ rights. To learn more, visit www.uusc.org or contact UUSC at 617-868-6600.

April 9
What I Want To Be When I Grow Up: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
Most of us probably remember times when, as children, we had dreams about what we would be when we grew up. Then, when we became adults, we may have settled for jobs that were simply ways to support ourselves but not fulfill ourselves. On this Sunday, we will talk about finding vocations that make our hearts sing and express who we really are. As your minister, I have found just such a vocation; and I’d like to share my insights with you.

April 14
What is ‘Good’ About Good Friday?: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
The name “Good Friday” seems like a misplaced appellation for the days when Jesus was crucified. But you are invited to join us the CVUUF office at 7:30 — 8:30 p.m. to discover and to share the importance of this day for our lives. Communion will be served.

April 16
Honoring the Earth on Easter: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
On this Sunday, we will share a dual celebration of Easter and Earth Day. We honor the day on the Christian calendar when Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated and the Sunday before Earth Day to underscore our connection to the Earth. Please bring flowers to share in our flower communion and come prepared to sing and rejoice.

April 23
The Tipping Point in Stewardship: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
In his book, The Tipping Point, author Malcolm Gladwell writes about the point at which certain trends catch on and becomes pandemic. He describes the rise of certain kinds of teen footwear, suicide, and smoking and the decline of crime, teen pregnancy, and certain diseases. On this Sunday, beginning of our annual canvass, we will be hearing about the tipping point as it relates to stewardship in our congregation. This is a case when the word “pandemic” has a positive connotation for all of us and for our congregation. Everybody wins!

April 30
Owlie Searches For The Truth: Intergenerational
Mary Hester-Join Owlie as the wise old Grandmother Owl directs her on the path to her own wisdom. As Owlie embarks on her personal search for truth, we learn a lot about the 4th principle of Unitarian Universalism. Rev. Betty and DRE Justine Fischer are attending the PSWD District Assembly this weekend in Las Vegas where they are presenting a workshop on intergenerational worship.

MAY

May 7
The Lessons of Ishmael: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford and the Chalice Players
Many in our congregation have probably read the book Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. This Sunday morning, we will see a dramatized version of some the main ideas from the book. This presentation will challenge us to think about the basic assumptions of our culture and the possible consequences that our actions may have for the future of our planet. There will be a facilitated discussion after the service.

May 14
Motherhood Is Not for Sissies: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
On Mother’s Day we usually focus on the soft and gentle attributes of mothers. But that is not the whole story. Mothers also have to be pretty tough to manage all the things that they are called on to do during the course of their lives. So on this Mother’s Day, we will be looking at the tough side of being a mother as well as the rewards for her many efforts. We will also be having a child dedication as a part of the service. Contact Rev. Betty for more information.

May 21
Coming of Age: The Class of 2006
Please join us as we celebrate the journey of nine young UUs. This service in its entirety is presented by the Coming of Age class of 2006.

May 28
Putting Our Faith Into Action: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
It is pretty easy to talk about all of the worthwhile things we would like to do to make our world a better place, but it is much more difficult to act on those ideas. What would it mean if our whole congregation focused on the ways in which we could live our beliefs as Unitarian Universalists? Becoming a social justice activist can be a satisfying pursuit, but it takes courage, dedication, and the ability to stand up to opposition. This service may afflict the comfortable. Are you up to the challenge?

JUNE

June 4
“Why I am a Unitarian Universalist”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford and other CVUUF members
On this Sunday morning, members of our congregation will share the reasons that they are Unitarian Universalists. There are many things that drew us to this tradition and many things that keep us here. Come to see how your own reasons for being a UU are the same or different from those of our presenters. We will also celebrate a Bridging Ceremony for our high school graduates and recognize the many contributions of our Religious Education teachers.

June 11
“ I Am Enough”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
In our society, and even in some of our families, it is easy to get the message that we don’t measure up to some unattainable standard of perfection. But our first Unitarian Universalist Principle encourages us to recognize and honor “the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” Turning this principle on its head, we may see that each of us deserves the same respect that we are asked to show to others and that we are worthy of that same dignity, even if we are not perfect.

June 18
“Father’s Day 2006”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
Being a Father is the 21st. Century is not as easy task. Many of the rules and expectations have changed from those followed and taught by our own fathers. The focus of this Sunday’s service is on the ways in which we can both honor the positive lessons from our fathers and recognize the ways in which those values may no longer fit the current times. Hopefully, both of these insights will give us a positive outlook for the future of our families and our world.

June 25
“Midsummer and the Livin’ is Easy”: Chris and Ross Blasman, Lay Ministers; Mike Talvola, Lay Ministry Candidate; and other participants
At this time of year, we’ve done our part of the cycle with planting and nurturing. Our prosperity is now in the hands of the Universe. So we honor the sources of our inspiration, ask for guidance, and prepare ourselves for the harvest to come. There will be special music and dance.

JULY

July 2
A Musical Tribute to the Declaration: Ross Blasman & Friends
In two days we celebrate the 230th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While most activities surrounding July 4th are focused on how grand our nation has become, today’s service is a tribute to the courageous drafters of the Declaration and the loyal and vocal minority. This very musical morning features the CVUUF Choir, Frances Pardee, Merlin and Debbie Snider, Meredith Saier, Darcey Lober, Tom Powers, Paul Chavez, Pamela Lopez, Tim & Laura McLean, and special guest Steve Brandick. We start singing at 10 a.m. sharp. Please join us.

July 9
Rewards of the Journey: Dr. Jonathan Young
There are personal treasures to be claimed in the adventure of a lifetime. The benefits of a long life include getting a better sense of our unique qualities as individuals and a clearer awareness of what we find fulfilling. This sermon will focus on the perspectives we gain over the years, as Dr. Young reflects on the delights of becoming authentic and finding a rich inner life. Jonathan Young, Ph.D. is a psychologist and storyteller, and former assistant to Joseph Campbell. Dr Young founded the Mythological Studies Department at the Pacifica Graduate Institute. This will be his second visit to CVUUF.

July 16
Will the Real Jesus Christ Please Stand Up: Merlin Snider
Rabbi. Apocalyptic Prophet. Healer. Messiah. Champion of social outcasts. Sage. Cynic Philosopher. Suffering and rising god-man of the Greco-Roman world? Is it possible to peel back the layers of tradition to find an historical Jesus from Northern Palestine? And would he now, like Jimmy Carter, quit the denominations that bear his name? In a time when forces of intolerance and privilege lay claim to the voice of love, what universal truths emerge from this powerful first century figure and enduring archetype?

July 23
Insights From a GA Junkie: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
On this Sunday our minister will share her passion about the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly, held this year from June 21 through 25 in St. Louis, Missouri. It is her hope that the enthusiasm she has will be contagious and that we will have a large contingent from CVUUF for next year’s GA in Portland, Oregon, as we have in previous years. A special collection will also be held for the CVUUF Minister’s Discretionary Fund.

July 30
Rev. Gifford Smith: Spirit and Intervention
Rev. Smith works both as a minister and as an intervention counselor, dealing with substance addiction. This morning, he’ll discuss both the practical and the spiritual concerns of dealing with substance abuse, for both addicts and those who love them.

AUGUST

August 6
The Great Turning: Rev. Audrey W. Vincent, D. Min.
Buddhist Joanna Macy offers that we live in a time of transition from the Industrial Growth Society (more and bigger are better) to a Life-Sustaining Society. While dire predictions abound, there is much we can do to help ensure the survival of our planet home. On this year’s commemoration of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki bombings, let us turn to “the great turning,” transforming despair into hope.

August 13
The U. U. Trinity: Rev. Dr. Kristen Harper
Today we welcome Reverend Harper, who is in town to perform the marriage ceremony for the daughter of our own Frances Pardee. We are pleased to experience Reverend Harper’s dynamic voice from the CVUUF pulpit.

August 20
Dracula Was Not a Unitarian: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
Even though our Unitarian roots can be traced back to Transylvania in the 16th. Century, there is no hard evidence that we have any connection to Transylvania’s most infamous citizen. But we will look at the historical background of Unitarianism in Transylvania and the modern-day Unitarians in that country. Rev. Betty will share insights and experiences from her recent trip to Romania, Transylvania, and Hungary. Our special Faith in Action Offering will go to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.

August 27
You Say You’re Not Worthy, I’d Have to Say I Agree: Darcey Lober
Why is it that for many of us, being in need makes us feel so ashamed? Why is it that a simple act of loving kindness towards us, can sometimes bring us to tears just thinking about it? With so much going for us, why do so many of us still feel so basically flawed, so unworthy of love? If we truly believe that we are all inherently worthy, why is our culture so preoccupied with proving (by our displays of wealth, or good works) that we are? We live in a culture that breeds separation and shame, and conscious of it or not, most of us have been saddled with fundamental feelings of unworthiness. Join us this Sunday as we explore the cultural stories we internalized as children that may very well be at the root of our pain and suffering today.

SEPTEMBER

September 3
“Finding Joy in Our Labor”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
On this Sunday before Labor Day, the theme of our service will be the ways in which our work can have positive effects on our lives. We often talk about “burnout” as the result of overwork, but are there other factors that can encourage us to have either a joyful or painful reaction to our labor? Hopefully, we will be able to find new ways to “accentuate the positive” in our jobs and those of others in our larger community.

September 10
“Ingathering — Earth”: Justine Fischer
Justine leads our intergenerational end of summer tradition. Bring a bit of earth from your summer adventures.

September 17
"Asleep at the Wheel": Rev. Nancy Holden
How do we get more out of life, contribute more to church and society, and extend greater influence into the world around us? Rev. Holden believes that individual spiritual growth and congregational growth are interdependent. The Rev. Dr. Nancy Holden returns to our pulpit, visiting from her home base in River Falls, Wisconsin. Rev. Holden is a retired United Methodist pastor who is currently in the process of certification as a UU Minister."

September 24
“Sin & Atonement in Unitarian Universalism”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
UUs often avoid talking about sin, perhaps because of some of the negative baggage that we have accumulated during our lives. But we can’t deny that people do some pretty terrible things to each other and themselves. During this season when Muslims and Jews are looking at the ways in which they have fallen short of their best selves, maybe it is time for us to look at ourselves and find a true sense of at-one-ment.

OCTOBER

October 1
The Art of Being: Guest singer/songwriter Jani Baldwin.
Intellect or intuition: which is your preferred life skill? Some believe direct experience - participating with all of our senses, not just our minds - is the path to enlightenment. This morning’s service will examine an extraordinary woman’s quest to be and the effect that quest has on her world. Expect great music and some guest musicians.

October 8
Peacemaking: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
This past summer at our annual UU General Assembly in St. Louis, the delegates voted to spend the next four years in our Association and congregations in study and action around the subject of peacemaking. On this Sunday, we will begin that journey through the exploration of ideas about both war and peace and the ways in which we can engage in the active pursuit of peace for our world and ourselves.

October 15
Is Everybody Happy?: Frances Pardee and the CVUUF Choir
Our Declaration of Independence states that we have an inalienable right [...] to pursue happiness. What does that mean? For that matter, what is happiness? We feel we know what it is, but the pursuit frequently goes awry. Ancient Greek philosophy, religious teachings, modern psychology...all have weighed in on the question of what happiness is and how to achieve it. We’ll explore some of these beliefs about happiness, intermingled, of course, with a lot of "happy" songs!

October 22
The Positive Effects of Smoking: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
Yes, you read the topic for this service correctly. This Sunday we will talk about at least one way to nurture healthy bodies and healthy minds in our community. The use of tax money from cigarettes for programs in our state can help many people and create a more healthful place for us all. But this is not just a political stance; it is a spiritual commitment to make the world a better place because we have been here. New Member Induction ceremony

October 29
Intergenerational Service: The Faith of a Pumpkin Seed
REMEMBERING LITTLE MIRACLES -This service incorporates many of the values we Unitarian Universalist share. Its tale weaves a story about each one of our seven principles. You have to see it to believe it, because something would be lost in translation! Children of all ages are welcome to wear costumes.

NOVEMBER

November 5
“Heaven and Hell”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
Most of us have discarded the more traditional notions of heaven and hell. But on this Sunday, we will look at some of the ways in which they still influence our lives and at the importance of examining these concepts once again. Through the work of the Reverends John Buehrens, Forrest Church, and others, we will engage with the ideas of heaven, hell, Satan, idolatry, eternity, and angels and their relevance for us today.

November 12
“Some of My Best Friends Are . . .”: Chalice Players
We Unitarian Universalists like to think of ourselves as being very supportive of people from a broad range of nationalities, races, sexual orientations, gender expressions, socio-economic groups, and theological perspectives. On this Sunday, we will look at some of the common prejudices in our society and just how accepting we are of those who are not like “us.” Join the Chalice Players in their presentation of dramatic scenes, music, and readings to expand our horizons.

November 19
“What in the World is a Unitarian Universalist?”: Lorella Thomas Hess
The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) is a worldwide network of Unitarian, Universalist and Unitarian Universalist organizations. Some ICUU groups go back hundreds of years and number thousands of worshippers; some are brand new, with membership in the single digits. What does Unitarian Universalism mean to a person in Indonesia, Germany, or Pakistan? What does our faith tradition look like in a congregation in India or Romania? We’ve enjoyed the ICUU’s monthly Global Chalice Lightings for more than 3 years now; let’s take a quick look at where they are coming from!

November 26
“Radical Hospitality”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
Growing up, we learned that we were not to talk with strangers and to be wary of those people whom we did not know. But we are adults now, and many of us are still holding on to those notions. Maybe it is time for us to look at the ways in which we can welcome strangers in our lives and in our country. We might just find that strangers are simply people whom we have yet to meet. Indeed, we could find a world of opportunities for growth and enlightenment.

DECEMBER

December 3
“Holidays and Holy Days”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
At this time of year, we often get caught up in the chaos of far too many activities. But on this Sunday, we will look at what makes Hanukkah, the Solstice, and Christmas important times for us to take a break from our regular routine to find the deeper significance of these, and other, special days in our lives. Perhaps if we can take time to center ourselves now, this holiday season can give us some very special gifts.

December 10
“Joy in the Face of Despair”: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
When others seem to be enjoying themselves, it is difficult for those who find little to celebrate in their lives not to feel even more discouraged than usual. And that is particularly true during the month of December when we are supposed to get in the “spirit.” So what can we do? It doesn’t help for people to tell us that we need to look on the bright side or that everything will be OK. Using some of the ideas from “Wholly Joy” by UU minister Tom Owen-Towle, this service will provide us with some positive alternatives to despair.

December 17
“Rumi: Perfume of the Desert”: B. Rosenthal
Who was Jalladin Rumi? The Middle Eastern poet and mystic Jalladin Rumi is as relavent and timeless today as he was nearly 800 years ago. On the night of his Uhrs (death/marriage) we explore how Rumi’s spiritual journey may offer us deeper insights into the heart and spirit When we stand in the crossroads of us and them we realize there is always a connection in the human condition.

December 24
In the morning: Nativity Service for Families.
Story by Ruth Gibson, DRE. Adapted. Join us for a family friendly service which commemorates all children. The service tells the story of the season. Our annual Silent Night Candle Lighting will be observed. Please bring a finger food to share at coffee hour.

December 24
In the evening: Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford 7:00 p.m. “The Meaning of Christmas”
This service will provide an opportunity for us to contemplate the importance of “Christmasing” in our hearts. We will share words, stories, and music of the season to inspire our understanding and appreciation of this special time.

December 31
“Looking to the Future”: Lay Ministers and Lay Ministry Candidates
As we move toward the beginning of a new year, this service will encourage us to find a vision for what our future can be as individuals, as a congregation, as members of the larger community, and as world citizens. This interactive service will ask each of us to envision the kind of future we want for ourselves and others and to imagine what we will contribute to the opportunity of promise for all.