Chalice News and Notes September 10, 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.
Please join us Tonight, 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
The Citizen’s Climate Lobby Meeting - Saturday, Sept 11 @ 9 am. Meetings are open to anyone interested in saving our planet! The meetings will continue on the 2nd Saturday of the month indefinitely.
Here is the sign-on info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82274752266?pwd=YUR1enR2RXFQLzN1a0xTK0NiYXRqZz09
Or:
Meeting ID: 822 7475 2266
Passcode: 271577
Next Service
Sunday, September 12, 2021 - 10 AM
Calling all Chalice Artists!
Would you like to collaborate in combining the wood pieces gathered during our in-person portion of Ingathering into a work of pandemic art? We'll be meeting and creating together at Chalice on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 2:00 p.m. Please sign up with Kendra Mellinger at (805) 391-6075 or kendram...@gmail.com
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
Building the Possible
May this flame cast its light
toward the coming days,
reminding us that “the future
is not simply a place we are going,
but a place we are creating.”
The path of new possibilities will not be found, but made.
A new world is waiting to be built.
May our time together light the way.
Rev. Scott Tayler, inspired by and with use of the words of John Schaar
Letter from the Board
Dear fellow Chalice Members,
The Board of Trustees met on Saturday August 28 in our annual retreat, to set goals for the upcoming year. We are in a state of flux. We have two new staff members - Kelly and Ana Krista - uncertainty about when we will be able to worship in person again, and (on a positive note) a new sense of financial stability with the retirement of our mortgage.
Read the complete letter on our website, link found below:
https://www.chaliceuu.org/letter-from-board/
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
Please join Darcey Lober and Fellow Priestesses for:
Fall Equinox Ritual Celebration
Sunday, September 19, 2021 7pm PDT
Expressing gratitude for our summer’s harvest, we come together in poetry, song and dance to explore balancing work and play, dark and light, exuberance and introspection.
Bring a candle to light, a morsel of food, and a sip of something to drink.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83380170409?pwd=VXhFbjdOZjEzTEtCVjVxZTdsS3lmQT09
One tap mobile+16699009128,,83380170409#,,,,*571766# US
Dial by your location +1 669 900 9128 US
Meeting ID: 833 8017 0409 Passcode: 571766
Join a Chalice Circle - Register NOW by September 19
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!
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
Starting Point Journey Circle
Begins Sunday, October 3rd, 1 - 3 pm
Do you want to explore Unitarian Universalism and your Spiritual Path more deeply?
Sign up for our next Starting Point Journey Circle
For newcomers to Chalice and existing members
Begins Sunday, October 3rd, 1 - 3 pm
We invite you to join our UU journey program called 'Starting Point'. Starting Point is a three session group, designed to deepen your spiritual understanding of Unitarian Universalism and to connect newcomers with members, creating a web of interconnection at Chalice. Additionally, newer people will experience Chalice’s small group culture, thereby deepening your spiritual engagement with our community.
All are welcome to this class by prior registration.
A commitment to all three sessions is requested.
Each session is from 1 - 3 pm on Zoom (link to be sent after registration):
Sunday, October 3 - Session 1 will explore our personal spiritual journeys.
Sunday, November 7 - Session 2 will examine UU and Chalice’s history.
Sunday, December 5 - Session 3 will look at our UU Theological journey.
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/
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
Racial Justice Team
meets the second Wednesday of Each Month
Join us by Zoom, October 13th, 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
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 September 14 and 28
Thousand Oaks Planning Commission meetings, Mondays at 6:00 pm
September 13
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, 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)
Saturday, September 11
9:00am Citizens Climate Lobby
3:00pm Mindful of Race Book Group 2nd & 4th Saturday (zoom2)
Sunday, September 12
10:00am Chalice Worship Service (Zoom 2)
11:30am Ingathering In-Person Outdoor Rituals
5:00pm Newcomer AA Meeting
Monday, September 13
7:00pm Women's Evening Group
7:30pm Book Club (zoom2)
Tuesday, September 14
10:00am Gardenia Group (zoom)
7:00pm COSM (Zoom2)
Wednesday, September 15
5:30pm Pastoral Care (zoom2)
6:00pm Overeaters Anonymous
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal
7:30pm Meditation (zoomMH)
Thursday, September 16
10:30am Jonquil Women's Group (zoom)
5:00pm Community Check-in Hour (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.