Chalice News and Notes September 3, 2021
Chalice Admin
We Nurture Spiritually Courageous People
Who Transform the World through Justice and Compassion.
Explore our website to learn more about everything we are doing.
Next Service
Sunday, September 5, 2021 - 10 AM
Family Chapel
Sunday mornings 9-9:30am
Check In opportunities with your friends in RE!
Enjoy music, stories, and checking in with friends. Ideal for younger children through third grade but all are welcome!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81860584057?pwd=SkppaGd1TlhraEh0b3BSemdrUGtidz09
Have ideas on what you want to see in RE?
Email your DRE Sam Dickerson d...@chaliceuu.org
Chalice Lighting
To start your day, a meeting, or before a meal
“In truth a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring, and love you show to one another, and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit.”
― Marge Kennedy
Revised Protocols for Small Groups meeting Indoors at Chalice
These guidelines have been revised on August 31, 2021 due to the Delta variant and the changing science regarding transmission. They may be revised again as the year progresses.
- We urge only vaccinated people attend indoor events at Chalice.
- Please remain masked during the meeting.
- Kindly maintain a six foot distance from each other.
- Small groups may only meet in the large Fellowship Hall until further notice.
- The doors in Fellowship Hall shall remain open during meetings, to facilitate ventilation.
- Attendance should be recorded either on the Small Group Attendance Form* or electronically via Breeze at each meeting. Please submit it to the Chalice Administrator within 48 hours of meeting in case any contact tracing needs to be done.
- If you feel symptoms associated with Covid please do not attend in person.
- If you feel symptoms in the week after the meeting contact the group leader and Chalice Administrator.
- Please read the new Covid Addendum to our Covenant of Good Relations** at each meeting of each small group.
- The group leader is responsible for the group’s adherence to these safety protocols.
- These protocols are to be used for all Chalice sponsored events on Chalice’s site, and are recommended for off site events as well. The attendance form should be used regardless of where the event takes place.
*Here is the link to the Small Group Attendance Form
**Covid Addendum to our Covenant of Good Relations
Chalice Reopening Plans
Dear Members and Friends of Chalice,
Many of us have been looking forward to gathering together in person again for worship on September 12 in our beautiful Sanctuary after such a long absence. However, with the growing Covid numbers from the Delta variant and after thoughtful consideration, the Board, the Reopening Task Force and Rev. Nica have decided to postpone Chalice’s Sanctuary reopening for the time being. There is simply no responsible way to have larger indoor gatherings right now. [Read More]
Please join us Friday, September 10th at 7:00 p.m. for our next community forum "Critical Race Theory - What It Is and What It Isn't" with Dr. Theresa Montaño and Guadalupe Carrasco Cardona. Topics will include critical race theory myths and truths, Social Studies in today's classroom, and teaching real history. Please register in advance here:
https://bit.ly/CriticalRaceTheoryForum
Join Us for Ingathering In-Person Outdoor Rituals on SEPTEMBER 12 AT 11:30 at Chalice!
On Sunday, September 12, we celebrate our annual Ingathering. Join us for a zoom/online service at 10, followed by an in-person Ingathering ritual on Chalice's grounds at 11:30. We will plant seeds for our future, burn our old mortgage, and say farewell to Jason Hall and family. We invite you to bring quarters and laundry pods for our local fieldworkers' collection. Please also bring a piece of wood for a congregational pandemic art work. The piece you bring should be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, made of wood, and something you do not need to have returned. Rev Nica will preside over our traditional water ceremony blessing and we will be returning the items you offered our Sanctuary last year, that made our space sacred in our absence. Please join us online at 10 and in person with your masks outside at 11:30 if you can. For those who can't come, we will be livestreaming our activities on Facebook."
Here is a link to a video message regarding Ingathering from our UUA President, Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSqmSeyhQ-Y
Join a Chalice Circle - Registration begins now
September brings us the start of our Chalice year, and the ninth season of Chalice Circles! Chalice Circles provide an opportunity for individuals to make deep and meaningful connections by sharing their own stories and deeply listening to the stories of others. In Unitarian Universalism, we recognize that each person has learned some share of truth and each has gained some hard-won wisdom. In small groups led by two trained facilitators, Chalice Circles offer safe settings in which to speak from our lives and experiences with the expectation that our words will be heard and respected--without criticism. Chalice Circles affirm and promote our third UU principle - acceptance of one another and encouragement toward spiritual growth. Chalice Circles meet once a month for nine months starting in October and ending in June. We have six circles to offer this year, including 3 daytime groups, 1 weekend group and 3 evening groups. All Chalice Circles will begin on Zoom until it is deemed safe to meet in person.
Simply click on this link to fill a simple registration form, and learn more:
http://bit.ly/ChaliceCircleRegForm21-22
Sign-ups will continue until Sunday, September 19th and Circles will begin in October.
If you have any questions or need help filling out the form, please reach out by email to chalice...@chaliceuu.org.
Chalice Circles are one of the best ways to deepen friendships within our Fellowship as well as build your own spiritual practice.
Join today!
Registration extended until September 14th!
So much has shifted in our wider world over the last couple of months. We know this has thrown off all kinds of plans and leaves many of us in a place of uncertainty. When we set our program deadlines, we had no idea what the state of the world, our lives, or our hearts would be.
In recognition that many of us need some extra time for discernment and planning. Please join us by registering and/or applying by September 14th for our Within program. See below for more details and head to our website to learn more! www.meadville.edu/beloved
Beloved Conversations is a program for Unitarian Universalists seeking to embody racial justice as a spiritual practice and help heal the impact of racism on our lives in order to get free together.
The Within phase focuses on the internal work that each of us needs to do as we engage in deeper personal understanding, explorations of race and racism, and work for racial justice. The goals include learning new skills for connection and exploring your own relationship to racial justice practices.
The Fall Within programming will begin online mid-September and run through mid-December. For more information, please visit the website Read about Beloved Conversations Virtual
You can also contact Randall at randall...@yahoo.comnidad
Come out to visit us at Sycamore Canyon!
Although our Campout is full, you are welcome to visit us for the day.
When: Thursday September 23rd through Sunday September 26th
If you would like to just pop out for the day, the cost is only $12 per car. No reservation needed! Join us when the mood suits you!
Where: Sycamore Canyon Campground, sites 18, 19, and 20 (park in Day Use lot)
Activities included are: Hikes, Rock Painting, Scavenger Hunt, Visits to the Beach, Games, Sing Alongs and a small Worship Service on Sunday morning and more!
If you are interested in leading one of these activities, please let us know.
Bring your camping chairs, hiking boots, swimsuits, and whatever else you need to enjoy the day.
The entire weekend for breakfast and dinner will be potluck style, so bring food to share and your own plates and utensils. For lunch, everyone will pretty much do their own thing. Dana will be making pancakes for everyone on Saturday morning. Bacon and marshmallows are always popular, but not necessarily together!
Chalice Campout is now waitlisted!!!
Cost: $40 per adult for the whole weekend! (no cost for children)
Campers may start arriving on Thursday at 2pm and checkout will be at noon on Sunday
Please bring at least two bundles of firewood per group so that we can have plenty of campfire fun.
To be added to the waitlist or if you have any questions, please email Dana at dana...@gmail.com.
Community Connection
A time to check-in with others in our community
Every Thursday at 5pm for 30 minutes join members of our Chalice community by Zoom to connect and check-in. Newcomers are welcome every week. We look forward to you joining us.
For more information email ad...@chaliceuu.org
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/401646659?pwd=VGhkVXc2MkxIbWQxSE81Wkw5QVZVZz09
Meeting ID: 401 646 659
Password: 2020
Taking Social Action Online
Consider joining the Chalice Social Justice Facebook group. To learn about latest events supporting Black Lives Matter and other concerns, click on:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1260868657268458/
Racial & Cultural Justice Team - Next meeting on Wed. September 8, 2021 at 5:30 pm
The Racial and Cultural Justice Team meets monthly to reflect on issues and develop action plans for education/service, advocacy/coalition and witness/protest. For more information contact Randall Edwards rcjco...@chaliceuu.org.
BIPOC UU Tri-County Collaborative
If you are a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person Of Color) Unitarian Universalist, we invite you to join Matt Chapa and Ayanna Gaines of Chalice Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for an evening of support and discussion.
Date and Time: September 9th from 6pm-7pm
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95532331455?pwd=TFI3b2MwUG96MmN0c1M5RHZiUXFsZz09
Please note that this meeting is for BIPOC folk only. Allies are encouraged to seek out other opportunities.
Racial Justice Team needs YOUR INPUT
We are considering initiatives to help deepen congregational engagement in building our beloved community. We would like your thoughts about these questions.
• Have you experienced the life changing impacts of Beloved Conversations? (Registration ends September 14th - Please let Randall Edwards know if you have questions or plan to register.)
• Can we pursue immigrant justice locally as part of Widening the Circle of Concern?
• Is our congregation ready to join with others in considering adoption of the 8th principle? Let us know if you’re interested in getting involved.
Join us by Zoom, September 8th, 5:30 to 7pm as we consider developing resources for these challenging times.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95038163842?pwd=Z08zK3piTDkrNVhvTFFBZWNncVhwZz09
One tap mobile
Meeting ID: 950 3816 3842
Passcode: 734802
The Citizen’s Climate Lobby meetings are open to anyone interested in saving our planet! The meetings will continue on the 2nd Saturday of the month indefinitely. Next meeting - Saturday, September 11 @ 9 am.
Here is the sign-on info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82274752266?pwd=YUR1enR2RXFQLzN1a0xTK0NiYXRqZz09
Or:
Meeting ID: 822 7475 2266
Passcode: 271577
Chalice Climate Action Team - Every 4th Sunday
Next meeting September 26, 2021 at 12:30pm
Meet with other people who share the same passion for making the world a better place and caring for our planet. For more information email CAT@ChaliceUU.org
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/873183426?pwd=K3FiL1VrYVJDM25zdjdTdHZXb0E4QT09
Meeting ID: 873 183 426
Password: 715302
Community Forum Planning Meetings
(Next meeting is September 27th at 5:00 p.m)
Do you enjoy our Community Forums? Ever considered joining the Community Forum Team? Check out our planning meetings now being held regularly on 4th Mondays of the month from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Our next meeting will be September 27th. Be part of sharing Chalice's values with the wider community!
Here's the zoom link for joining the community forum team meetings:
https://zoom.us/j/92215374457?pwd=Zi84N0wvT3N1R01YdjhoUE02OGp5Zz09
Or:
Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 922 1537 4457
Passcode: 306000
Ask our Members of Congress for a climate plan with carbon pricing!
Members of Congress heard about the new report from the IPCC that explains why we're at a tipping point to stop runaway global warming and climate chaos. By everyone writing and phoning, we inspire them to respond with a real climate plan in the reconciliation package that includes carbon pricing. Five good carbon tax bills have been introduced that have similar features for inclusion. Carbon pricing is the fallback that can achieve net zero by 2050, make the transition affordable for low-income people, and save hundreds of thousands of lives from cleaning up the air wherever fossil fuels are now burned. Carbon pricing is the part of the package with the greatest chance to get enough votes.
Use this super easy form to write your Member of Congress: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/ask-congress-for-carbon-pricing
Be The Change - It’s Quick and Easy
It takes a mere two minutes to use Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s (a CCC partner) tool to urge your U.S. House Representative to include a Price on Carbon in the Reconciliation Package: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/house/
You can also email/call California Senators Feinstein and Padilla at: https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact/ and https://www.contact-senators.com/california/alex-padilla
Want to do more and enjoy writing? Raise community awareness by penning Letters to the Editor of a local newspaper -- The Acorn, The Ventura Star
Want to do more and enjoy speaking? Share your concerns about climate impacts and your preferred solutions with city leaders at any or all of the upcoming public meetings:
Thousand Oaks City Council meetings, Tuesdays at 6:00 pm August 31, September 14 and 28
Thousand Oaks Planning Commission meetings, Mondays at 6:00 pm September 13
Let’s get more bike lanes!
Transportation accounts for our community's largest source of the climate-heating greenhouse gases driving drought, water scarcity and wildfire risk, contributing 62% of our total emissions. Let’s encourage more bicycling to reduce pollution in the Conejo Valley! Read on to find out how.
Next Spring and Summer, the City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department will be resurfacing the pavement on three separate roadways. After repaving, the City has an opportunity to upgrade the pavement striping to make the roadway more user-friendly to bicyclists and pedestrians. The City is inviting you to voice your opinion on striping modifications that will help address concerns over vehicle speeds, and bicyclist and pedestrian safety and crossings at uncontrolled intersections.
There are 3 ways for you to submit your feedback/opinions on the striping options:
Go to www.toaks.org/lanes and take a short survey to provide the City with your thoughts and preferences regarding potentially restriping each roadway.
Submit an email with your written comments by August 31, 2021 to Kathy Naoum, Transportation Planner, at kna...@toaks.org.
Call Kathy Naoum by phone at (805) 449-2416 to offer your ideas.
CHANGE at ADELANTE COMUNIDAD CONEJ0
Thank you to all who have supported Adelante Comunidad Conejo with donations this past year!
Adelante operations are changing. Their current information is below and also posted at the United Methodist Church kitchen:
The United Methodist Church at Janss Rd. will resume its (pre-Covid) Harvest Pantry on Tuesday from 9:30-11:00am, if you would like to drop items off with them. Adelante will be there on:
(1) the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month between 9:00-11:00; and
(2). The 4th Saturday of the month between 8:00-8:30.
There may be further changes during this time of transition. Hopefully, we will be able to participate in new ways going forward.
Their website is a good place to get up to date information. https://www.adelantecomunidadconejo.org/
Voice and/or Piano Lessons
Chalice’s Music Director, Anthony, is offering in-person voice and piano lessons again! There are many reasons to study music. Even if you don’t consider yourself a performer, music lessons do wonders for your cognitive ability. Music can be therapeutic, and there are studies that show numerous health benefits. As a member or friend of Chalice UU Fellowship, you are entitled to a 20% discount on your lessons. Please email Anthony to set up a free trial lesson today! musicd...@chaliceuu.org
BREEZE keeps members connected!
We invite you to do 3 things to update your profile page:
1. Upload a photo (family or a single photo) If family, please provide the same photo for all members.
2. Add your birthday. If shy about revealing your year, put 2020, we’d love to celebrate your day!
3. Provide ad...@chaliceuu.org with a family or neighbor’s phone number in case of emergency, or loss of contact. This number will only be visible and usable by leaders and only when absolutely necessary. Chavonne will enter it into your Breeze account for you. It’s Easy-Breezy.
Contact breeze...@chaliceuu.org for assistance.
THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO CHALICE
We are so grateful for all and any gifts to Chalice! Thank you for helping our beautiful Fellowship thrive!
What you might not be aware of is that some of your gifts are subject to fees that reduce the funds that we get. To view this information visit our website by clicking here.
Again, huge gratitude for any and all gifts.
We could not exist without your generosity.
AmazonSmile is a program that donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases on Amazon to a charity of your choice.
Give to Chalice while you shop!
All you need to do is start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. You can then choose to donate to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Conejo Valley at no extra cost to you. It's an easy way to support this congregation.
Thank you for your support!
Are you looking to Connect more deeply with Chalice activities and friends? Or are you currently actively involved in Chalice? There are ways to share this information using Breeze.
1. Take the Chalice Interest and Skills Survey: A way for newer members to find ways to get involved. How would you like to contribute, work with others, be in community and stay involved at Chalice? Click here: https://chaliceuu.breezechms.com/form/a0a810
2. Take the Chalice Involvement in Groups, Committees, Social Justice and more Survey: How you are engaging with Chalice at this time. Click here: https://chaliceuu.breezechms.com/form/d9b495
3. Visiting Chalice and wish to receive and share more about yourself? Take this survey: https://bit.ly/ChaliceConnection
Information from these forms will help both Community Life and the Leadership Cultivation Committee help YOU find ways to connect at Chalice. Thanks!
(Form 1 & 2 can also be found on your Profile page in Breeze)
Sunday, September 5
9:00am Family Chapel - PreK – 2nd / Lower Elementary (Zoom B)
10:00am Chalice Worship Service (Zoom 2)
5:00pm Newcomer AA Meeting
Tuesday, September 7
10:00am Gardenia Group (zoom)
6:30pm Chalice Circle Facilitator's Meeting (Zoom)
Wednesday, September 8
5:30pm Racial and Cultural Justice Ministry Team meeting
6:00pm Overeaters Anonymous
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal
7:30pm Meditation (zoomMH)
8:30pm Website meeting
Thursday, September 9
5:00pmCommunity Check-in Hour (zoom2)
6:00pm BIPOC UU Tri-County Collaborative (Black Indigenous People of Color) Zoom2
Friday, September 10
10:00am Orchids Group (zoom)
7:00pm Community Forum: Critical Race Theory-What it is and what it isn’t (zoom2)
Our Community Cares - Pastoral Concerns
It's so important to stay connected during these times. In News and Notes we will share joys and concerns within our Chalice community. Let us know if you’d like to share something here. Also, if you have special news to share with the congregation in Sunday services please write to ad...@chaliceuu.org or Rev Nica at mini...@chaliceuu.org.
May we hold each other up and support our Chalice community.
Staff Contact Information -
Chalice Office # (805) 498-9548 - Messages will be checked regularly.
Rev. Nica Eaton-Guinn, Minister, mini...@chaliceuu.org
URGENT Calls or Texts to Minister (805) 410-3860
Anthony Concepcion, Music Director musicd...@chaliceUU.org
Samantha Dickerson, Director of Religious Education d...@chaliceuu.org
Ana Krista Johnson, Office Administrator ad...@chaliceuu.org
Kelly Reeves, Marketing me...@chaliceuu.org
Tonya Kulpaca, Bookkeeper, bookk...@chaliceuu.org
Explore our website to learn more about everything we are doing.