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