the Catalyst 1 May 2017 Vol. I

In This Issue

May’s Theme: Forgiveness

May 7: Sonora Service

Change in lunch place

May 7: White Privilege

Discussion

Moving Meditation

May 12: Skyline Forgiveness

Discussion – 3:30

May 12: Movie Night

Board Notes

May 14: Douglas Flat

Service

Member Highlight

Rev. Sonya’s schedule

Pledge Drive Update

Green bags

UUFTC Gallery

“Pardon Me”

Sunday Service May 7, 10:00 at Sonora Library

What do you need to be

pardoned from? Is there a

relationship between

forgiveness and pardon?

How does guilt block our

pathways to forgiveness? I

ask you, where does

vengeance come from?

Please join Pastor

Jacqueline Duhart, Parish

Minister at First Unitarian

Church of Oakland as we

reverently sit with some of

the complicated elements of

forgiveness. Pastor

Jacqueline will lead us

through a short ritual that

may support us in

letting go of our old

feelings of guilt and

freeing our divine spirit

for the holy work of

growing more love and

justice for all beings.

Please join us for

worship, all are

welcome and all are

worthy.

Rev. Jacqueline Duhart

is a colleague and friend

of Rev. Sonya from

seminary. She is

another "pulpit

exchange" minister brought

to us by virtue of Rev.

Sonya's generosity.

During her service to the

Unity Church, Unitarian, in

St. Paul, MN, her primary

responsibilities were

working with the

neighborhood block

nursing program called

Summit University Living

at Home. Rev. Jacqueline

the Catalyst 2 May 2017 Vol. I

has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Baylor University and the

University of Texas. She spent more than 20 years as a social worker for the U.S. Air Force,

where she spent time on the ground as a chaplain in Iraq during the first Gulf War. Rev.

Jacqueline has spent many years serving a justice ministry outside of traditional faith. Among her

extensive justice work, she was a health educator and community trainer with Standing Together

Against Rape in Anchorage, a member of Anchorage Domestic Violence Task Force, and a board

member of Planned Parenthood of Alaska where she was instrumental in the 30% increase of

funds over a three-year period.

After Service Lunch Location changed for month of May – It has been requested by several

members that we visit another restaurant for our two remaining after-service gatherings before

we start meeting at the Fellowship House again in June. The My Garden Café at 14270 Mono

Way was selected and is located on Highway 108 on the left just after Hess Ave.

White Privilege – Rev. Sonya Sukalski

We have had some great gatherings as we try to get our minds, hearts, and

spirits around what the next four years will mean. Learning spiritual tools

is one part. Framing conversations and values we want to reinforce is

another part, and talking about white privilege is still another part. White

privilege is not exactly a term most of us use every day, let alone white

supremacy. Yet there are many aspects to community life that are

influenced by both. “White Supremacy Culture” from Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social

Change Groups, by Kenneth Jones and Tema Okun, ChangeWork, 20011 outlines several

characteristics I have suffered from at different times in my life. A big one is perfectionism.

Perfectionism can cut off all the air in my lungs when I think of all the small and large ways I am

imperfect, don’t measure up, or just plain make glaring mistakes. We live in a culture where

being an expert seems to be the aim for every child as they decide what they will be in life. I got

this lesson deeply when I memorized 5 songs for a piano recital when I was 8 or 9. I got mixed

up in the middle of the recital and have never recovered – my hands shake if I try to play in front

of people. Another aspect is a sense of urgency – I certainly suffer in this way too – feeling like I

should be as efficient and quick as possible to fit more in, even though it might not be clear what

good “more” would bring. If I can fit fifteen tasks on my to do list into one day, that doesn’t

necessarily mean I will be spared setbacks the next day, or that I have things on my to-do list that

the Catalyst 3 May 2017 Vol. I

even matter to me or anyone else. For me a sense of urgency makes me anxious, abrupt, and

likely to miss what is really important. There are many more aspects to unpack – fear of conflict,

defensiveness, quantity over quality. I hope you will look up the article and ponder where and

when these qualities have touched your life. There is a lot of food for thought there. I don’t know

what exactly the discussion on white privilege with the First Congregational Church in Murphy’s

will deliver May 7th at 5 pm, and whether some of these topics will come up, but I’m curious

about a couple of things. What will a substantive conversation about white privilege look like

with people of faith who are not far different than we are theologically? If I enter into this

conversation, might it make talking to my dad’s deeply conservative family seem easier, or more

interesting, or more doable, or more worthwhile? I’m also excited to connect with potential

interfaith partners to see what kinds of things might surface that we can roll up our sleeves and

work shoulder to shoulder on that makes a difference in the Motherlode. 1 http://www.cwsworkshop.org/PARC_site_B/dr-culture.html

I hope you will mark your calendar and make the drive over to Murphy’s Sunday May 7 - 5 p.m. potluck

and discussion at the UCC Congregational Church on Algiers.

It’s Back -Moving Meditation

Tuesdays, 9:00- 10:00 a.m. Fellowship House Marilyn Waggoner and Hoyt Cory lead the Moving Meditation, or Hei Gung (a Cantonese form of Qi

Gong) class. It consists of very gentle quiet movements done standing mostly in one place. No

special equipment required, wear comfortable clothing and shoes. All ages are welcome. No

experience is necessary. No fee required.

UUFTC Board of Directors Meeting Notes

UUFTC’s board of directors meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the

Fellowship House. The following are some highlights from the April 15 meeting.

With regret, the board accepted the resignation of Mike Strange. No one will be appointed to

fill out his term since the annual meeting is in two months.

The nominating committee offered the following nominees for open positions (to be voted on

at the annual meeting June 4.): Linda DuTemple, board member; Janet Telford, secretary;

Chel Oldham, treasurer; Nominating Committee for 2017-18 - Laurie Bailie, Craig Mineweaser

and the third member to be appointed from the board in June 2017.

Movie Night – Friday, May 12, Fellowship House, 5:30 Potluck, 6:00 Movie

the Catalyst 4 May 2017 Vol. I

Some board members are planning to attend the District Assembly in Walnut Creek, May 5-6.

The board expressed appreciation to Linda DuTemple for the newsletter and the UUFTC

email blasts. After discussion, the board agreed that Linda will send out reminders or news

emails when requested, using her discretion. If an event has not already been scheduled or if

she has questions, Linda will consult with Rev. Sonya, Janet Telford, and/or Dusty Taylor to

determine appropriateness.

The board approved the recommendation to change the bylaws to have up to 6 board

members. The bylaws currently call for 7 board members. The change will be voted on June

4, 2017, at the annual meeting.

I refuse to accept the view that we are so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and

war that the bright daybreak of peace and unity can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed

truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As Mothers, Sunday, May 14, 10:30, Douglas Flat Schoolhouse, 1358 Main St

A recent petition on Climate change asked me to nurture life and fiercely protect the ones I

love as a mother. Many of us – regardless of gender, our roles in life, or reproduction

capability – do exactly this on a regular basis – nurture life and protect those we love.

Henrietta (Etta) Robins Mack Eliot was one of those mother figures who raised a generation

of Western Unitarians as the wife of Rev. Thomas Lamb Eliot who served the Portland

Unitarian Church in the late 1800s. In this exploration of motherhood, we aim to nurture

your UU roots through Etta Eliot's life and letters. Rev. Sonya Sukalski

* Claire Mills * Eileen Wright * Maggie White * Renee Kramer * Ann Leonard *

* Amy Ada Haratani * Dodie Harte *

the Catalyst 5 May 2017 Vol. I

We will be highlighting UUFTC Members in upcoming newsletters

to better get to know each other. In this issue we meet a new

member Pat Bozzo (pronounced Bot so). Pat and her husband Fred

were married 56 years. He was an Architect & a pilot. Pat tells us

“We both donated a good deal of our lives doing many kinds of

volunteer work. We gained much strength and support as members

of the Community of Agape. It was such a blessing when we

retired and moved from Turlock to Coulterville.

I have lived on the same property as son, daughter in love and 2

grandchildren for 19 years. We were blessed with 2 perfect sons, 2

wonderful grandchildren & 2 daughters in love.

I retired after 30+ years in the trenches as an Animal Shelter Pet Rescue volunteer.

The past 10 years I've been 24/7 caregiver for Fred as he had Early Onset Alzheimer's Dementia.

He passed away in September of 2016.

I love reading and I've collected many books. I love nature and the mountains.

I hope to go to our primitive but comfy cabin near Relief Reservoir in the Immigrant Wilderness

Area this summer, if the snow melts. At present I'm taking one step at a time, while saying

goodbye to Fred and contemplating what I want to be when I grow up.”

Welcome Pat

“What day is it?" asked Winnie the Pooh

"It's today," squeaked Piglet

"My favorite day," said Pooh

- A.A. Milne

Rev. Sonya’s Summer Schedule

May 13-14- Sonora/Douglas Flat - Forgiveness

June 2-4 – Annual Meeting - Honesty

June 30-July 2 - Resistance

July 10-August - 20 Sacred Door Trail Pilgrimage (Rev. Sonya away)

August 26 – Saturday 11:00 Installation (Covenant)

the Catalyst 6 May 2017 Vol. I

Giving in Gratitude - Growing in Spirit

Pledge Drive Update

Green Baggers,

On the last delivery date Mother Lode Food Project volunteers

delivered 4000 lbs. (2 tons) of nonperishable food to the ATCAA

Food Bank for distribution to local food pantries. This brings our

total to date to 140,368 lbs. (70 tons) or the equivalent of 107,975

meals. Wow!

Five years ago, April 2012, the first MLFP delivery to ATCAA was 1420.5 lbs. The growth over

the years is an impressive reflection of your efforts and the difference MLFP is making in the

lives of our neighbors. Good work, Congratulations, and Sincere thanks.

Next green bag collection: Sunday Service June 4th

In gratitude to each of you,

Ellen Beck

Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of

my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the

little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.

- Henri Nouwen

We are nearing the end of our pledge

campaign and have received $34,344

in pledge commitments.

We have a significant way to go

before May 7 to reach our goal of

$55.500. Please send your pledge in

now so we can draft our budget for

approval at the June 4 Annual

Meeting.

the Catalyst 7 May 2017 Vol. I

Looking for a way to declare your commitment to justice and join in

community with other Unitarian Universalists at upcoming

Marches and Events? Check out our SSL clothing

options, rally signs, buttons, and more online. We

hope these resources support and inspire all that

you do. Bulk discounts do apply and expedited

shipping is available. For assistance please call 1-

800-215-9076 or email us at bookstore@uua.org.

UUFTC Members at March for Science in Sonora

donning their ‘Standing on the Side of Love’ t-shirts

Donna, Lane, Laurie L., Janet, Terri and Laurie B.

UUFTC: 19518 Hess Ave Sonora, CA 95370 / (209) 533-8883

Quick links: UU Fellowship of Tuolumne County/ www.uuftc.org ; Pacific Central District/ www.pcd-uua.org

UU World Magazine/ www.uuworld.org ; UUFTC Calendar/ www.uuftc.org/calendar

UU Service Committee/ www.uusc.org UU Association of Congregations/ www.uua.org

the Catalyst appears on our website twice a month. When each new issue is posted, notification of its availability is sent to all

subscribers via email. We do not share our list of addresses.

Linda DuTemple, Editor 209/928-4364 lindaldu@comcast.net

Laurie Livingston, Web Design

______________________________________

Rev. Sonya Sukalski, Minister / Rev. Craig Scott, Minister Emeritus

Board Members: Dusty Taylor, President; Laurie Bailie, Vice-President; Chel Oldham, Treasurer;

Janet Telford, Secretary; Pam Taylor

209/533-8883 Church Office

the Catalyst 8 May 2017 Vol. I

UUFTC GALLERY

Chocolate Seder

hosted by Laurie

Bailie at Fellowship

House 4-14-17

Interfaith Service 4-23-17 included UUFTC minister, singer Ami, Regional Jewish Community

Rabbi, Imam from Modesto Mosque, Bahai community, Unity Church minister, members of

Shambhala Buddhist group.

the Catalyst 9 May 2017 Vol. I

Craig and Janet all dressed up and ready

to sing at the Columbia College Choir’s

Spring Concert 4-22-17

the Catalyst 1 May 2017 Vol.2

In This Issue

May’s Theme: Forgiveness

May 18: Ladies’ Lunch

Bunch

May 21: Sonora Service

with Rev. Craig Scott

May 23: No Guilt Book

Club

Minister’s Column

May 25: MMLK, Jr.

Committee fundraiser

May 26: TGIP

June 4: Annual Meeting

Islam and Forgiveness

June 4: White Privilege

discussion group

Forgiving, But Not Forgetting

Sunday Service May 21, 10:00, Sonora Library

With Rev. Craig Scott, UUFTC Minister Emeritus

Revisiting Vietnam years after serving there can teach a

veteran a great deal about the power of forgiveness. At

the same time, being reminded of things that took place

there, one can also see the importance of remembering

the hard lessons of that war. As UUs, we are called to

speak out about the folly of believing that military power

alone can resolve problems between nations and peoples.

If we want there to be peace in the world, then we have to take

responsibility when our own hearts and minds harden and close.

We have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid, to find the

soft spot and stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage

and take that kind of responsibility. That’s true spiritual warriorship. That’s the true practice of peace.

- Pema Chodron

Ladies’ Lunch Bunch May 18, 11:30

CiBO Famiglia - 23036 Joaquin Gully Road, Twain Harte

Let's try a new restaurant in Twain Harte! CiBO Famiglia is in the

old Villa d'Oro space in Twain Harte. Don't miss it! Please call Peg

Sheldon by Tuesday the 16th to reserve your spot - 586-9182.

C

the Catalyst 2 May 2017 Vol.2

The No Guilt Book Club

Tuesday, May 23, 7:00 p.m. at the Fellowship

This month’s selection is Breakfast With Buddha by Roland Merullo

When his sister tricks him into taking her guru on a trip to their

childhood home, Otto Ringling, a confirmed skeptic, is not amused. Six

days on the road with an enigmatic holy man who answers every

question with a riddle is not what he'd planned. But in an effort to

westernize his passenger--and amuse himself--he decides to show the

monk some "American fun" along the way. From a chocolate factory in

Hershey to a bowling alley in South Bend, from a Cubs game at Wrigley field to his family farm

near Bismarck, Otto is given the remarkable opportunity to see his world - and more important,

his life - through someone else's eyes. Gradually, skepticism yields to amazement as he realizes

that his companion might just be the real thing.

Minister’s Column – Rev. Sonya Sukalski

I write on the eve of our District Assembly where our own Dusty Taylor

will be elected to the board of our district. Part of the festivities tonight

will be watching 13th, a film by award winning director of Selma, Ava

DuVernay, and available on Netflix.

I’m looking forward to being with the Douglas Flat group on Mother’s

Day, and then heading out to New Mexico to see my parents and brother

for a quick trip after.

By the time you get this column, over 600 UU congregations will have participated in a White

Supremacy Teach In – an unprecedented occurrence. I hope it will help us begin to recognize and

name patterns that oppress all of us, and keep us from living into the promise of our faith: where

no one’s humanity is questioned, where everyone matters, where there is space to feel any

emotion that comes to you, where each of us can be ourselves. White Supremacy puts White

ways of knowing, White experience, and White culture as the best, or most common sense way to

do things. It is at odds with the UU principles of valuing everyone, working for equity and

compassion in human relationships, and honoring each person’s search for truth and meaning.

If we honor everyone, then there should be no “one right way” to create congregational practices.

If we are working toward equity and compassion, balancing alternatives will be a regular part of

decision making that takes many different perspectives into account. If we honor each person’s

the Catalyst 3 May 2017 Vol.2

search for truth, then that journey is never finished, and there is always something new to discuss

and weigh. I think we do a pretty good job of this at UUFTC. I know that by making this

explicitly part of our collective consciousness we can be even more intentional, even more

welcoming, and even more honest about how we are negotiating the ever-changing landscape of

new perspectives.

As we explore honesty next month, I look forward to your thoughts on how we accommodate

honest differences of opinion, experience, and community!

I refuse to accept the view that we are so tragically bound to the starless

midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and unity can

never become a reality... . I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love

will have the final word. - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

TGIP Patio Party – May 26, 5:30

Fellowship House, 19518 Hess Ave, Sonora

Join us for post-work week fun and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Bring a favorite dish

and/or beverage to share. No RSVP needed, just show up. For more information contact Dave

Ingram at 770-6364 or dave4dessert@gmail.com

Stage 3 Preview Night Fundraiser for the

Mother Lode Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee

Stage 3 Presents Educating Rita – Thursday, May 25, 7:30

At the Dogwood Forum, Columbia College - temporary home of Stage 3 during construction of

their new theater. Reception at 6:30

In this bittersweet comedy Rita is a working class woman seeking the path to self-discovery.

Bored with her life as a hairdresser, and under pressure from her husband to start a family, she

enrolls in literature tutorials at a British University to better herself. Frank Bryant, a

disillusioned English professor, is assigned to teach her. While Frank watches Rita embark on a

radical transformation his own life takes on a different kind of transformation as he finds

himself falling in love with Rita while sinking into the depths of his alcoholism.

Tickets are $25 and are available from Laurie Bailie 533-2584 or Teri Olsson 586-5017.

the Catalyst 4 May 2017 Vol.2

Islam and Forgiveness

Islam teaches that Allah (i.e., God in Arabic) is “the most forgiving” and the original source of all

forgiveness. Of the 99 names of God, Allah is Al-Ghaffār, the Ever Forgiving, and AlGhafūr, the

All Forgiving. For offenses against God, one is expected to seek forgiveness from Allah. For

offenses against other people, the offender is expected to admit the offense, promise not to repeat

it, make amends and ask for forgiveness from the person or persons harmed, and from God.

White Privilege discussion group - Sunday, June 4 at 5 p.m.

UCC Church in Murphys

Potluck dinner and discussion follows - Study materials are available online, request info

from Rev. Sonya sonya.sukalski@comcast.net

More information about this in June 1st issue

UUFTC: 19518 Hess Ave Sonora, CA 95370 / (209) 533-8883

Quick links: UU Fellowship of Tuolumne County/ www.uuftc.org ; Pacific Central District/ www.pcd-uua.org

UU World Magazine/ www.uuworld.org ; UUFTC Calendar/ www.uuftc.org/calendar

UU Service Committee/ www.uusc.org UU Association of Congregations/ www.uua.org

the Catalyst appears on our website twice a month. When each new issue is posted, notification of its availability is sent to all

subscribers via email. We do not share our list of addresses.

Linda DuTemple, Editor 209/928-4364 lindaldu@comcast.net

Laurie Livingston, Web Design

______________________________________

Rev. Sonya Sukalski, Minister / Rev. Craig Scott, Minister Emeritus

Board Members: Dusty Taylor, President; Laurie Bailie, Vice-President; Chel Oldham, Treasurer;

Janet Telford, Secretary; Pam Taylor 209/533-8883 Church Office

June 4th Sunday Service and Annual Meeting

Back at the Fellowship House Patio

We will review and accept the budget for the coming year, elect board members, officers,

nominating committee members, and decide on a by-law change.

the Catalyst 5 May 2017 Vol.2

UUFTC GALLERY

Sunday Service May 7th

Becky sitting in at the keyboard

Treasurer Chel giving Pledge Drive

update

Rev. Jacqueline Duhart, Parish Minister at First Unitarian Church of Oakland