June 2023 MDUUC Beacon

Volume 70,

SUNDAY SERVICES - 10:15 a.m. PT - HYBRID 9:00 A.M. MEDITATION - ON ZOOM

We are worshipping on campus and virtually. ALL SERVICES ARE LIVESTREAMED!

Three ways to view: Live or Recorded on our website: https://mduuc.org/service-stream Facebook Live: https://facebook.com/mduuc/

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

Annual Congregational Meeting (no service): In order to get the necessary quorum to have the vote on our by-laws we will. hold our Annual Congregational Meeting at 10:15 am. A special sing along will be held afterwards. Please plan to attend in-person or virtually and participate in this essential democratic process! While we are foregoing our Sunday worship this Sunday for our Annual Meeting, we will start and end with a song and afterwards we will have a special reception to show appreciation for our volunteers!

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Flower Communion: Bring a bloom and take a bloom during this meaningful service of gathering which revolves around a uniquely Unitarian ritual.  We will also send best wishes to our bridging youth and honor a scout. . Don’t miss this service—and extra flowers are always welcomed.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

Music As Spiritual Practice: Plato said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” In this special service honoring Mark Tuning, our director of music and worship technology, come hear Mark’s thought on the role of music in our shared life.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Ever Willing: Becoming the People Our World Needs - General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association: Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti. The pandemic has wrought change and created uncertainty for institutions, like our Unitarian Universalist congregations, and our wider world. Who and what are we becoming, individually and collectively? Our GA Sunday service explores these themes as we gather in community to celebrate the best of who we UUs are. Please join Rev. Rodney as we Livestream the General Assembly worship from our sanctuary and online! We will offer a time after service to reflect on the worship experience together and what the future holds for our faith tradition and our MDUUC community!

The recent Coming of Age service exemplified so much that is UU, MDUUC in particular. Our youth shared the beliefs they brought into this process, the evolution of their beliefs over time as part of this process and what they carry with them. Each expressed very different interests, mental and psychological anchors, spiritual beliefs. What resonated the most, palpable in the sanctuary, was the appreciation of the very different voices, expressed in very personal credos, shared publicly. As the rest of us were witness, from the shyest among them to the most bold, they shared their beliefs. That willingness to express themselves is the essence of our democratic process, the foundation that makes Unitarian Universalism a faith movement.

And how do we live into that message? How do we play it forward? How do we participate in a process, sharing ideas and beliefs, the reasons we came and why we stay? The experience, and growth, of our community is dependent on how we, as members and friends, engage. On the national level, at this year’s General Assembly, we have the vote on the changes to Article II. There have been multiple conversations in UU churches across the faith about what those changes look like, what they mean to us and how they reflect how we see ourselves. Through this discourse, we have learned that there are some who feel the changes represent a departure from long-held traditions, while others feel the changes represent a very nuanced description of the ultimate aim of all of our principles, centering the core value of love. The Coming of Age service is a wonderful reminder that our blended voices are what makes us a vibrant, inclusive community. The core idea is to show up and to say what you need to say. That is how we learn from each other and that is how we become a part of the process that reflects who we are.

Continued on page 6

Leslie’s Logos

In reality. I often say that the congregation is like a wave, the shape familiar and repetitive--AND the individual drops of water forming it often different. Though each shape is a wave, new drops of water make up each shape. When we have changes in our community, we feel that sense of loss of particular precious drops and yet also hold onto the shape of the wave.

In 2023, perhaps nobody needs or wants reminders about the benefits of resilience in the face of change and yet resilience is built into the DNA of our community of memory and hope.  As we prepare for changes in our staffing, and also in our leadership, let’s acknowledge the both/and: we are both sad to lose the gift of those who are such a fiber of our community and eager to gain the gifts of others.

For those who are departing among us and that includes our members and friends who will move away this summer, because that has become a new trend with the cost of living in our area, we want to say goodbye, and thank you for all the gifts that you have given us. Please take the time to send in a message to joysandsorrows@mduuc.org--we want to note your leave taking!

For those who will who have been to have served as religious professionals, we are grateful for your service, especially the 20 year service of Mark Tuning. At the end of the summer, we will be sorry to lose the gifts of intern Michael Macias as well. And for the outgoing leaders of our board, we want to make special note. Many of them have served throughout the second half of the pandemic, Linda Russell, who served as our president following the amazing Steve Hirsch, along with vide-president Ron Ahnen. Chris Carter has been a treasurer who has put in so many quiet hours that no one has seen. We owe these folks a debt of gratitude—and we celebrate our in-coming Board members.

And we are indebted to all the people who volunteer with us which is why we’re having a special volunteer celebration this year after the Annual Meeting. Nobody wants any platitudes about change. With all that has changed in our world in the last 10 years and all that continues to change. We understand the persistence of change and yet we do also understand that coping with it has become an important part of allowing us to perservere . So let’s make space for the hellos and good-byes we need to make. And let us be grateful for the chances to work with such amazing people.

In faith and perseverance, Leslie

Rev. Leslie Takahashi serves as the Lead Minister of the congregation. You can reach her by email at leslie@mduuc.org.

DRE, Marena McGregor

It is with great joy and gratitude that I reflect on my first year as the Director of Religious Education here at MDUUC. This past year has been filled with exciting accomplishments and meaningful experiences, and I am thrilled to share them with you. One of our major achievements this year was the development of our nursery space, providing a safe and nurturing environment for our youngest members. Additionally, we successfully implemented the Spirit Play Montessori curriculum for our preschool through first graders, fostering their spiritual growth through hands-on exploration and storytelling.

For our older children, we introduced the engaging Soul Matters curriculum for 2nd-5th graders, sparking thoughtprovoking discussions and deepening their understanding of Unitarian Universalist principles. We also offered the OWL (Our Whole Lives) program for K-1st graders and 4-6th graders, empowering our children with comprehensive and ageappropriate sexuality education.

Our middle school and high school youth groups experienced a revitalization this year, with engaging activities, meaningful discussions, and even fundraising during coffee hours. We guided 12 high schoolers through the transformative Coming of Age program, where they explored their beliefs, values, and identities.

In addition to our regular programming, we hosted various young adult and family events, creating opportunities for connection, celebration, and shared experiences. It has been a pleasure to witness our community grow and thrive.

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for the summer. Our preschool-5th grade classes will embark on epic wizardry adventures, sparking imagination and curiosity. Our middle school and high school youth groups will focus on the spirituality of team building through a range of engaging activities both on and off-site.

I want to express my deep appreciation to all who have contributed to the success of our Religious Education program this year. Your support, dedication, and generosity have made a significant impact on our community. As we move forward, I invite you to consider volunteering in our RE program.

Whether you have teaching skills, can provide a meal, help with grocery shopping, or assist in activity planning, there is a place for you.Please feel free to reach out to me at Marena@mduuc. org for more information about our RE program and volunteer opportunities.

Thank you all for a wonderful year, and I am excited about the future of our Religious Education program.

Sincerely,

Marena McGregor, DRE

Celebration of Mark Tuning: 20 Years As MDUUC Music Director

In May, Mark Tuning announced that as he concludes his 20th year as MDUUC’s Music Director, he is retiring. As we hold our sadness at this pending parting, we also want to celebrate the many gifts Mark has shared, as our music director, choir leader, band leader and, in more recent years, worship tech director. Here are some ways to participate:

• Mark your calendars for a special service and reception to follow the service June 21. (Bring something sweet or savory!)

• Make a contribution towards a cash gift to be shared with Mark by sending a check or donating through the pulldownmenu on our website.

• Send a card to c/o MDUUC which we will share at the celebration.

Music Director Search

A search for MDUUC’s next Music Director is underway. If you have ideas or want to obtain a copy of the job description to share with a musician you know, please email musicsearch@ mduuc.org or speak to Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Mora Mattingly, Dan Barnard or Juan Contreras.

Connections 101 - You, UU, and MDUUC

Saturday, June 3, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Please join lead minister Rev. Leslie as she hosts a time to share with you some Unitarian Universalist history, and some interesting history of MDUUC itself! This is a great way to get to know Unitarian Universalism, MDUUC and other interested visitor and friends! Register via the calendar.

Last Vespers Service Until September!

Wednesday, June 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary and on Zoom

Vespers is a simple circle service of music, meditation and connection led by intern Reverend Michael Macias and Rev. Leslie Takahashi, and featuring the music of Jo Gelinas, Andrea Quigley, Mark Tuning and other musical guests. Please join us for June’s theme of “Joy”

In Memoriam

• Celebration of Life for Maureen Elizabeth Hearns to be held on July 3 from 11 am to 2 pm in Bortin Hall and via Livestream.

The Fertile Soil: A Reflection

Starr King School for the Ministry is an institution designed to provide seminarians with an opportunity to explore their call to religious leadership with curiosity. Although Starr King is unique in its approach to religious education, preparation for religious leadership, is more than a “checked box” next to the graduation requirements. Seminary is the fertile soil in which seminarians can root themselves and grow their spiritual formation into a blossoming bouquet of spiritual gifts and knowledge necessary to engage with issues critical to contemporary religious communities working to create just and sustainable communities. Across the spectrum of my time as a seminarian, I have actively served as an intern minister, here at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church for the past two church years and developed a comprehensible understanding of what it means to serve a community of faith. Each of these opportunities have afforded me the space to shape my call to ministerial leadership, while expanding my understanding of who I am as a ministerial leader, what I bring into shared spaces, and I have re-defined what “community” means to me. With the commencement ceremony in the rear-view mirror, I am reflecting on the journey that has brought me to this moment. I opened myself up to share from my heart and made space to receive the wisdom of both those who shared academic space with me, and from each of you here at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church.

Choosing Starr King School for the Ministry and Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church was like choosing to come home. In both spaces, I found the rich, fertile soil of a spiritual home in which my progressive values could grow and flourish.

In the name of love and justice,

Michael Macias

Last Ministers’ Class: Together We Rise

Wednesday, June 7, from 7:30 - 8:30 pm in the Children’s Chapel and on Zoom

Please join Revs. Leslie Takahashi and Rodney Lemery as we discuss the environment in which our congregation exists today. In this changing world, how can we best continue to provide a forum for Unitarian Universalist values, ethical exploration for people of all ages, a voice for those most affected by the bewildering and overwhelming changes in our world today? Join us in the sanctuary or on-line from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. June 7.

Widening the Circle

Widening the Circle of Concern: Covenant and Commitment, Not Comfort

The first recommendation in the Widening the Circle of Concern Report related to Congregations and Communities is: Covenant and commitment, not comfort, should be the binding fabrics of UU congregations and other communities. We have a Covenant of Right Relations and many very committed members and friends at MDUUC. So, this month I am pondering the word “comfort” as it relates to our collective work to dismantle systemic racism and other oppressive systems.

For the purposes of this article, I am using the word “comfort” to mean emotional comfort. The white supremacy culture we live in creates many opportunities for emotional discomfort when we talk about systemic racism and anti-oppression work.

I found the Non-Violent Communication (NVC) framework helpful. The premise of NVC is that everything we do is to meet an unmet need. The most basic needs are fairly universal:

• Autonomy

• Connection

• Meaning

• Peace

• Physical Well-Being

• Play

I found the need for “connection” most relevant for our discussion of emotional comfort. Which of these descriptors of Connection resonate for you:

• Acceptance

• Authenticity

• Belonging

• Compassion

• Empathy

• Inclusion

• Mutuality

• Respect

• Support

• Security

• Being seen and heard

Principle 7: Honoring the interdependent web of life calls us to practice, not to be perfect but to practice, so we improve our skills to:

• Hold both our needs and those of others as valid, even when it makes us emotionally uncomfortable,

• Create conditions that support everyone meeting their most significant needs,

• Center historically marginalized voices and those most impacted by systemic racism and other systems of

• oppression because it conveys: “You matter, it is safe to speak,” and

• Make group decisions where we are stewards of our needs and those of each other.

With sufficient emotional comfort we will be better resourced to step away from debate that may harden positions and lean into exploring ways to meet the full range of congregational needs to feel valued, seen and heard.

We each determine our own needs for emotional comfort within the container of the MDUUC Covenant of Right Relations. As we focus on our Together We Rise values and hopes for MDUUC, I hope you will pick a question or two to ponder over the summer:

What are your descriptors for feeling Connection and emotional Comfort?

What conditions create Connection and Comfort for you?

What UU values and Principles increase your Connection and Comfort?

I would appreciate your thoughts sent to wcc@mduuc.org. Who knows what future articles might grow from your comments?

Appointed by MDUUC Board of Trustees to lead the strategic goal to implement the recommendations of the Widening the Circle of Concern report throughout the church, Lynn Baskett writes this monthly update on the process and progress.

Widening the Circle of Concern Report: For written and audio version of the Report: https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening

General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association

On , June 21-25 2023,, participants will have the option of attending GA in person in Pittsburgh, PA, or by virtual participation online. All General Assembly (GA) registrants will have access to the GA event app, which combines multiple modes of participant engagement. Registrants are able to watch and ask questions in live sessions including workshops and business sessions (mini-assemblies, hearings, etc).

To register, please visit: https://www.uua.org/ga/registration.

MDUUC will be represented by 10 delegates. Congregations and groups are encouraged to conduct watch parties for GA events that are streamed to UUA.org and the UUA’s YouTube channel. MDUUC will stream the Sunday Seervice from General Assembly on-campus and on our Livestream and Rev Rodney Lemery will organize small group conversations following the service. Video of some events from General Assembly (GA) 2023 will be live-streamed, June 21-25—no registration required!

The below services are free and open to the public via Livestream by visiting UUA.org or the UUA’s YouTube channel.

Service of the Living Tradition

Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. PST. Led by the

The Ministries and Faith Development Staff Group, this service honors fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders; remembering those who have died, recognizing those who have completed active service, and welcoming those who have received fellowship or credentialed status in the past year.

The Synergy Bridging Service

Our annual worship at the UUA’s General Assembly to honor those transitioning from youth to young adulthood—is happening this year on Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Synergy is free, open to the public and online!

Sunday Morning Worship

Join us for the largest annual gathering of UUs joining in worship. This powerful, communal worship experience will stream on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 11:00 am ET / 10:00 am CT / 9:00 am MT / 8:00 am PT. Members of the public are welcome to view the service!

After our Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 4, which is being held in place of a congregational service because of an important bylaws matter that needs to be addressed, we will hold a celebration for our volunteers. We will honor our outgoing elected leaders, including members of our nominating committee, board, and legacy committee, as well as those who have served at the council and committee level. Anyone who has volunteered within the last year will be encouraged to identify themselves so that we may pay homage to their big hearts and good works. We will be serving macaroni and cheese and we invite you to bring a topping for that or a side salad or a dessert. Please participate and express your gratitude for those who have served our sacred shared community.

Summer Beacon Deadline

Please note that the Beacon deadline for the July-August issue is June 15. Because the Board has authorized the ministers and staff to have a hiatus week ending in the first Sunday of August, we will be putting out a joint issue a double issue for July and August at the Beacon. Please submit articles by the

Continued from page 1

Our congregational forums are an opportunity for us to be a part of the process. We have our own Bylaws changes to examine. To show up, to say what we believe, engage in discourse, is not always comfortable. But our democratic process, at its strongest, invites the best from us - to openly express our concerns and then hear the concerns of others as well. When we come together to express our thoughts, including those opinions onto which we hold dearly, we always run the risk of disagreement or not being understood. But if we open ourselves to a process in which we share our ideas, and recognize that not everyone will agree, we provide a climate of honesty and integrity and the potential of shared understanding. If we choose to participate, sometimes “yes” from others means, “I agree.” Sometimes it means “I understand.” But at the very least, it means, “I hear you.”

Thomas Merton on Trust: “The beginning of love is the will to let loose, let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them, we do not love what they are but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them, we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”

If we can only listen to those with whom we agree, we don’t evolve. The ultimate sustainability for MDUUC is us, the congregation, working with the spiritual and lay leadership, the programming and the staffing, to truly be the church we want to be, a reflection of all of us.

Please attend the Congregational Meeting on June 4 and be a part of our democratic process.

Thank you,

Linda Russell President, Board of Trustees

Devil Mountain Coffee House: Susie Glaze New Folk Ensemble

Saturday, June 17, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in Bortin Hall

Award-winning vocalist Susie Glaze, mandolinist Steve Rankin, fiddler Mark Indictor, and bassist Fred Sanders are The Susie Glaze New Folk Ensemble, the newest version of the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Americana group, a lush new Americana “folk fusion” ensemble presenting gorgeous eclectic blends of mountain folk and exciting new grassy and Celtic-inspired originals, all with the remarkable voice of Susie Glaze. The group has been likened to the classic British bands Pentangle and Fairport Convention in that they blend classic folk music with rough-edged stories of tragedy and fate, all with orchestral arrangements sounding like chamber music gone folk! Tickets for the in-person show are $20 in advance or sliding scale at the door, and $10 to watch via Livestream. For band info, visit http://www.susieglaze.com.

To reserve tickets, visit tinyurl.com/ dmchsusieglazenewfolkensemble

Save the Date: Tapas Worship Moving Towards Collective Liberation

Sunday, July 9, from 1:00 - 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Join us for a multi-generational, multi-voice tapas worship featuring members from our BIPOC caucus, our LGBTQIA+ community, and our young adults, as we explore the spirituality of collective liberation and our call to lean into the work to move us closer to the idea of beloved community. All our welcome to join us and experience this reimagined worship space through the lens of these communities.

HATs OFF! Honors, Accolades, Thanks!

We encourage gratitude and appreciation throughout MDUUC. Send “short and sweet” admissions to thanks@mduuc.org.

Our Director of Religious Education, Marena McGregor offers Hats Off his month to the generous and committed volunteers who energize our RE programs:

• To Lynn Gunney for her work updating the Coming of Age curriculum pre-covid which allowed us to have some framework for the program this year.

• To the Coming of Age Advisors: Mark Chase, Mark Watanabe, Davina Smith, and Neysa Matt.

• To these middle school youth group advisors: Kevin Hsieh, Kate Newkirk, and Alison Ray.

• To OWL teachers: Jean Evans, Mary Beth Spencer, Kate Lenhardt, Julia McLeod, Lynn Gunney and Alison Ray.

• And to these great volunteers for filling in as so staff could have a Sunday off: Elsie Mills, Heather Hsieh, Diamera Bach, Jana Contreras, and Jaynese Davis.

• Finally, to all these Sunday morning helpers: Julianne Galanti, Ronan Braun, Sage Hagerstrand, Jamieson Requejo, Kiona Newkirk, Payton Barbe Yolchelson, Ananda Jallepali, Ella Borland, Keeley Sugrue, Amalia Contreras, Thomas Cryderman, Magnolia Nelson,

Need A Garden Space?

The MDUUC Peace Garden is getting reactivated! Contact michael@mduuc.org to participate in this fun summer project.

Summer Community Circles

Summer is fast-approaching and MDUUC has opportunities for you to continue expanding your spiritual understanding, while staying connected to our community.

Our revamped Community Circles now offer multiple sessions, delivered in different formats, to meet the growing needs of our congregation and community. Comprised of 4-8 friends and members of the congregation, plus two co-facilitators, Community Circles utilize a discussion format designed to promote mindful listening and speaking from the heart without interruption. Through sharing thoughts and experiences on the topics, participants, get to know each other on a deeper level and create long-lasting friendships.

Upcoming Summer Sessions:

• Sundays, in-person, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at MDUUC

• Tuesdays, in-person, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm atMDUUC

• Thursdays, in-person, from 10:00am to 12:00pm in Rossmoor

To register for any of the above offerings, please visit https://mduuc.org/connect/community-circle/

Work for Justice

Party for the Planet

Saturday, June 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in Bortin Hall

In collaboration with Sustainable Walnut Creek, 350 Contra Costa and UU Ministry for the Earth, Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church (MDUUC) will host a climate justice extravaganza at the MDUUC Event Center Saturday, June 10th at 7:30pm.

As part of its ‘Fossil Fools Tour’, the renowned Jim Ocean Band will treat the audience to a live performance of their new album, “FrankenClime” -- a humor-infused rock ‘n’ roll monster mash spotlighting the environmental challenges of the times. In addition to the music, this lively action-packed event will include:

• A “trashy fashion” show and contest. Wear your best homemade outfit sourced from recycled or thrifted materials and make a crown at our event booth!

• An ‘Upcycle Booth:’ Bring something for the sustainabilityin-action ‘Bring an item, take an item’ upcycle booth – a fun way to find a new home for a like-new, no-longer-needed household item or unwanted gift you’ve been holding onto.

• Sustainability booths, staffed by vendors with unique “sustainability products” for sale, and

• Inspiring messages from a variety of speakers on the front lines of the environmental & sustainability movement.

• Snacks and drinks: premium beer and wine will be available for sale, along with a sampling of yummy snacks and desserts for free.

June 10th is an opportunity to come together, contribute meaningfully to the existential challenge of our times and connect enjoyably with like-minded people.

Reserve seats at tinyurl.com/partyfortheplanet23

This is a family-friendly event and admission is FREE for kids ages 18 and under. $15 tickets online or $20 suggested donation at the door.

About Jim Ocean

Over the decades, singer-songwriter Jim Ocean has written an impressive collection of thought-provoking, genre-bending songs that explore the nuances and quirks of the human animal. With his new band, he has turned his eye toward the environmental challenges of the day. With soulful harmonies and a tight, driving rhythm section, the Jim Ocean Band has come out swinging with its debut album, “FrankenClime”. Featuring concerned, smart lyrics, the in-your-face energy and contagious hooks have audiences dancing, laughing, and thinking all at the same time. As much about the mission as the music, the Jim Ocean Band welcomes collaborations and is available to produce benefit concerts for social justice and environmental organizations. Band information at https://jimoceanmusic.com.

Volunteer for the Planet

You help make this party for the planet an eco-celebration to remember! Are you able to donate baked goods for the audience to enjoy? Or help sell tickets or drinks during the event? Please consider how you can contribute to our larger justice efforts and sign up for the volunteer spot of your choosing!

Sign up to volunteer for the planet at tinyurl.com/volunteerfortheplanet

Community Shower Program

Wednesday, May 17 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm in the Gilmartin Building

Thank you to everyone who has helped us launch our small but mighty shower program over the past few months. I’m happy to announce that this on-campus program is now directly serving community members on a WEEKLY basis!

Below are the event details and link to our Just-In-Time signup sheets for you to volunteer to be a host, treat-provider, or launderer (towels only)! We hope you continue to help us make this important program a success! Showers are offered from 5:00-7:00 PM in 15-minute bathroom increments with no longer than a 5-10 minute shower (8 slots).

Please sign-up for the shift of your choice- this is a great opportunity to live out our UU values! Volunteer or partake in a shower yourself by signing up here: tinyurl.com/ mduucshowerprogram

You Can Help Combat Opioid Deaths

MDUUC has become a Narcan certified site! Our nation is facing 100,000-200,000 opioid related deaths per year, and now we have this important antidote to opioid death available on our campus. You can help!

If you are interested in learning how to respond to a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency, signup to take an interactive, 45-minute online course offered by the Red Cross which will provide you with the knowledge and confidence needed to respond to a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency. You can register for Red Cross training at https://www.redcross.org/take-aclass/opioidoverdose.

Email Michael at michael@mduuc.org if you are interested in an MDUUC sponsored certification.

Ongoing Programming

Remember the best way to connect to virtual events is to go to our calendar at https://mduuc.org/mduuc-calendar/ where you can find locations and links for on-going events and registration for those events which require it.

Elder Journey

Elder Journey is a spirited conversation about life issues and the perspectives of older folks. Please join Rev. Leslie and the Elder Journey Community. Elder Journey meets on Wednesdays at 10:30 am. Elder Journey meets virtually on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, is hybrid (in person or virtual) on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

Vespers

Vespers is a mid-week recharge for the spirit and a chance to connect to community - 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 pm. You can join via Zoom tor our Livestream or in Person on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month. (register via the calendar for in-person). This is a great place to check in with your spirit and some friendly community members.

Yoga

Mondays at 7:00 pm. (currently virtual). The session begins with gentle integrated yoga asanas and stretches, breath work exercises, relaxation techniques and opportunities to set neural pathways for happiness that include laughter yoga. A 20-minute guided relaxation meditation follows.

YRUU, High School Youth Group

YRUU, High School Youth Group Sundays, from 12:00-1:30 pm. Please check the Children & Youth pages at https:// mduuc.org/children-and-youth/ for the calendar of events. Can also email Marena@mduuc.org for more information.

Climate Justice Ministry Team Gathering

4th Thursday of the Month from 6:30-7:30 PM via Zoom

Are you driven by a deep passion for addressing the pressing climate crisis? If so, we invite you to join a gathering of kindred spirits who share your concerns and values. This group meeting is an invaluable opportunity to stay informed about the current initiatives our community is actively involved in, all aimed at promoting justice in the face of this ever-evolving environmental challenge. Come and explore how you can contribute and make a meaningful impact. Your presence at this event is eagerly anticipated, as we look forward to connecting and working together towards a sustainable future.

Middle School Youth Group

MSYG, Middle Schol Youth Group, meets on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Please check the Children & Youth pages at https://mduuc.org/children-and-youth/ for the calendar of events. Can also email Marena@mduuc.org for more information.

WomenTalk

2nd Wednesdays at 6:30 pm (hybrid). WomenTalk is a space for women interested in exploring their identity as femaleidentified people. This is a supportive space in which we deal with matters of the spirit and heart and create a place to ask deep questions of one another.

12 Step for UUs

Tuesdays at 5:30 pm. see the calendar for the Zoom link. Join us as we share our experience, strength, and hope with one another at MDUUC. No matter what addiction you have, you are welcome to join us as we engage in recovery as Unitarian Universalists.

Grief Group

1st Friday of the month at 12:00 pm. Monthly grief group in a drop-in format available in-person and virtual. This is a way that those who have suffered a loss can continue to gather support.

Transitions and Loss Group

3rd Saturday of the month at 11:00 am on Zoom (virtual). This is a group for those who are either grieving the loss of a loved one or experiencing a major unsettling life transition. .

Loving Ourselves as We Dismantle Our Biases

4th Wednesdays at 7:30 pm on Zoom (virtual). Members and Friends of MDUUC who identify as white* are invited to this gathering to create a sacred space where we can engage in what decentering whiteness means especially in a culture whiteness is almost always the center. This year we take inspiration from the newly published workbook “Do the Work “ by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz. We will use this workbook and a variety of social media content to explore what it means to know our own biases and how we might love ourselves more so that we better embrace and celebrate the diversity of others.

* This space is specifically for people who identify as white.

QiGong

Would you like to experience increased vitality, less stress, and to explore meditation through movement?Join facilitator Elaine Bush on the patio each Saturday at 10:30 am. Drops ins are welcome!

Black, Indigenous and People of Color Caucus*

3rd Saturdays at 4:00 pm in the Oak Room and on Zoom (hybrid)

Members and friends of MDUUC who identify as People of Color are invited to join this gathering where we will create a sacred space of sharing and power. Each month, we will come together to reflect on our experiences as people of color in Unitarian Universalism and in our larger world. Using our stories, our wisdom and our truths as our guide, we will collaborate on a vision of what it means to be “exuberantly multicultural”within and beyond MDUUC’s walls. This gathering will be facilitated by Rev. Leslie Takahashi. We meet monthly with alternating times- please email michael@mduuc. org to be apprised of our scheduled meeting times. Get in touch and learn more!

**This space is specifically for people who identify as People of Color.

Emerging Adults

MDUUC’s Emerging Adults gather to learn new life skills, make new connections, enjoy good company, nurture their spirits and have fun! They range in age from 18-24. This group supports each other as they navigate life transitions from post high school into adulthood. Stay in touch with MDUUC’s Emerging Adult Events through our Emerging Adult email list, contact Marena@mduuc.org to be added. Whether it’s a new skill, game night, or a delicious meal, the emerging adult group is the place to be!

MDUUC Bike Group

The MDUUC Bike Group holds a ride on the third Saturday of each month, unless other plans are communicated. All levels of ability are welcome. We meet at the church at 10:00 am. and carpool or ride to our starting location. We have an email list and communicate our plans before each ride. If you would like to be on that list, please email Jim Hughell at jhughell@hotmail.com

Tuesday and Thursday Lunch Groups

Thursdays at 12:00 on Zoom A friendly drop in virtual group.

Open Women’s Group (on Summer hiatus)

1st Thursdays at 10:30 am on Zoom (virtual). This monthly group gathers to hear topics and presenters and to share in community. Please see the calendar at mduuc.org or email admin@mduuc.org to be added to our mailing list.

Monthly Caregiver Support Group

1st Saturdays at 11:00 am on Zoom (virtual). Caregiving for a loved one can be challenging. Our drop-in support group meets the first Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. monthly on Zoom.Men’s Breakfast

Men’s Breakfast

2nd Saturdays at 9:00 am in the Owl Room or on Zoom (hybrid). This is a group for those who are male-identified to gather for conversation and to share life experiences. To find out about the next meeting, please see the calendar.

Joyfully Ourselves**

3rd Thursdays at 6:30 pm on Zoom (virtual). Rev. Rodney, LGBTQ+ identified congregants and friends collectively explore some of the internalized great traits and some often problematic ones. We use social media, movies and games to spend time together in solidarity and compassion with ourselves and others.

**This is a space for LGBTQIA+ identified individuals

Did you know? MDUUC now has a space for scattering the cremains of beloved companion animals in the Robert deVight Legacy Garden.

July-August Beacon Deadline: Beacon deadline is June 15 at 10:00 am

Board of Trustees

Linda Russell, President

Ron Ahnen, Vice President

Neysa Matt, Co-Secretary

Young Adult Group

The Young Adult Group at MDUUC is for adults age 24 to 35. This group provides an opportunity for people to gather, meet and do fun things together. To find out about planned gatherings and to be added to the mailing lists, contact marena@mduuc.org.

Davina Smith, Co-Secretary

Chris Carter, Treasurer

TRUSTEES

Jaynese Davis, Steve Dietsch, Jana Contreras, Andrew Oswald, Mark David Watanabe

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist

Church

55 Eckley Lane

Walnut Creek CA 94596

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

MDUUC Ministers and Staff

Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Lead Minister leslie@mduuc.org

Rev. Rodney Lemery, Justice and Membership Engagement Minister rodney@mduuc.org

Rev. Ranwa Hammamy, Affiliated Minister

Rev. Meg Richardson, Affiliated Minister

Michael Macias, Intern Minister michael@mduuc.org

Marena McGregor, Director of Religious Eduction marena@mduuc.org

Mark Tuning, Director of Music and Technology musicdir@mduuc.org

Brett Carson, Accompanist brettcarson@mduuc.org

Jen Marsh Prink, Congregational Administrator jenm@mduuc.org

Brynne Fay, Communications Coordinator brynne@mduuc.org

Eric Chapot, Facilities Manager eric@mduuc.org

Rev. Dr. David Sammons, Minister Emeritus Worship Associates - worship@mduuc.org

Board of Trustees - board@mduuc.org

Main Office Phone: (925) 934-3135