Sunday Services - 10:00 a.m.
February 5: "The Unitarian Universalist Way in Religion" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
This is a great Sunday to bring a friend to Summit and introduce them to the heart of our liberal religious Faith.
February 12: "The Religion of Abraham Lincoln" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
More has been written about "honest Abe" than any figure in American history, but precious little has been penned about his open-minded spirituality. That’s the goal on his birthday.
February 19: "The State of Partnership" Mark Weedman
Summit member, Mark Weedman, offers some experiential meditations on marriage.
February 26: MUSIC SUNDAY -"How Can We Keep from Singing?"
Our Summit Singers, under the direction of choir director, Andrea Newall, will lead us in selections from our new hymnal supplement, "Singing the Journey." Rev. Tom Owen-Towle will offer a homily.
March 5: "Words Heal, Words Hurt" Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
The month of March will be devoted to worship services focusing upon the religious motif of healing: fostering healthier relationships with other humans, animals, and the natural world. We start with what the Buddhists call "right speech
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Ministerial Musings
Rev. Tom Owen-Towle
I dwell in Possibility-
A fairer House than Prose-
More numerous of Windows-
Superior - for Doors…
-Emily Dickinson
May I be so bold as to enumerate 10 reminders before our upcoming Congregational meeting on February 12th. I humbly offer them not as commandments but as suggestions.
(1) As a Summit stakeholder, I remind you to avail yourself of the last scheduled tour to visit our new potential congregational home on the corner of Cottonwood and Buena Vista in Santee. Surely, we’ve entrusted the leadership of Summit to make some of the intermediate decisions, but the ultimate vote rests in the hands and hearts of you, the Summit ownership.
(2) As you stroll the property, I remind you to heed the savvy of the New Home Committee, asking yourself probing questions such as: "Can I see this property as a ‘first home,’ that is, property that will be part of Summit’s 10-year plan with the purpose that we use this home to build equity toward a permanent home down the road?" and "Without making structural changes (which we could do if we like), can you see different ways we can use this building to meet our various needs: business, CRE and ARE, Social Action, music and social gatherings?"
(3) I remind you to ponder what our own sacred home might mean for you personally in your spiritual journey? For your family? For the children and youth of Summit? For all those yet to arrive in our worshipping midst? For the larger community of East County that could benefit from our life-affirming, this-worldly, hopeful faith?
(4) I remind you that ours is a religion not based in beliefs but in vows, not in creeds but in commitments. As active Summit members and friends, we pledge our troth (truthfulness and trust) to one another, through fair and foul weather. We promise, as we negotiate difficult choices, that we will remain at the table, that we will abide by majority decisions, that we will companion one another into tomorrows beyond our knowing.
(5) I remind you to keep things in perspective. Any home, even one we might eventually construct from scratch on a glorious site of our own choosing, remains an imperfect entity. We, like Moses, Martin Luther King, Jr., and countless other wisdomkeepers of human history, must accept our noble yet limited roles as pioneers and pointers. Paradise on earth simply isn’t in the cards. Furthermore, as religious pilgrims we’re always in motion; incurable wanderers, grounded yet never fully settled. After all, Unitarian Universalism is a movement.
(6) I remind you to offer abundant prayers of gratitude before any contract is inked or building claimed. A prayer for the land itself–ground which belongs to no human being but is a hunk of Creation’s abundance. A prayer for the realtors, contractors, and builders who initially created this set of material structures. A prayer for all previous tenants in the 10+ history who occupied these spaces with grace and passion–especially for the previous church leasers (Calvary Church), who despite our major differences in religious philosophy, have arduously labored to make this professional building site–"holy ground". They served the Spirit and the Community in their own singular way: may we be as bold to do likewise.
(7) I remind you that other Unitarian Universalists (near and far) are enthusiastic about and supportive of this passage in Summit’s history. Even those of blessed memory are somehow cheering us on. Countless San Diego Cluster sisters and brothers realize the importance of spreading our shared gospel in East County. They applaud our current efforts, even as we’ve supported theirs throughout the years.
(8) I remind you that if this particular sacred site doesn’t materialize, there will be another one waiting for us, somewhere and sometime soon…and our hearts must be ready to venture forth. For you and I belong to a buoyant, indomitable faith that traffics neither in fears nor fantasies but remains ever hopeful, ever passionate for the possible.
(9) I remind you to be generous in every way possible as our turning point nears. May we prove ourselves to be truly liberal folks: giving lavishly of our time, thoughts, and financial resources so that our first home might become a beloved community with a civic circumference.
(10) Summit partisans, the tenth suggestion is yours to make; craft it with prayerful feeling, then daringly live it into reality.
Tom
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Children's RE
Taking care of what matters to us: January has been "stewardship month" and each group has been working on its own Summit service project (described in the next section). Action and kids go well together, and more service projects, enthusiastically suggested by the kids themselves, will follow.
Special opportunity: On Sunday, February 5, Summit member Ed Davis, along with his alter ego Sylvia, will tell the children’s story during the service. Ed (and Sylvia) will then lead the children in a puppetry workshop, which promises to be educational, inspiring and FUN.
Returning to world religions: Our next exploration will be of Buddhism. Along with getting a glimpse of Buddhist history, art and meditation, we’ll be looking for pearls of wisdom in the Jataka tales, the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path.
AND SERVICE BE OUR PRAYER:
Summit kids CAN: The younger class is collecting recyclable cans and will donate the proceeds to the new home project.
How does our garden grow? The middle class is working hard to revive the lodge garden patch. They’ve dug up and amended the soil, will visit Summer’s Past nursery for inspiration and guidance, and will put in and maintain low maintenance (but lovely) plants.
The coffee ballet: The high schoolers will undertake coffee and refreshments on January 29.
Afghan rectangles: We’re still knitting and crocheting (intergenerationally!), and soon we’ll have enough rectangles ready to assemble an afghan for Warm Up America, an organization that provides afghans for people who really need them. Please join us at and after coffee time in the lobby where instructions, yarn and good company are available.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Invite young friends and relatives to Summit!
Consider working with one of our classes one Sunday (lesson plan provided ahead of time).
Connie Henry
, Acting D.R.E.
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If you have any burning ideas for Covenant Group service projects, please send them to Harriet Nissenbaum: phone 463-9437 or email HTBaum@cox.net.
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Sunday Morning Meditation
The Rev. Frank Placone-Willey continues to lead a meditation session from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. each Sunday morning at the Masonic Lodge before the service begins. The group focuses on mindfulness practices and receives training on topics related to these practices. Those who choose to may also assist in setting up for our 10 a.m. worship. If you have questions about this new group, please contact Frank at work at (619) 889-0312.
Widening Our Circle
News from Summit UU Fellowship’s Combined Campaign Committee … a pebble does not enter a pond without a ripple moving out and in time touching every single shore we are all, everyone of us, in this thing together. - Ric Masten
Highlights of Financial Feasibility Study Report On January 18 Larry Wheeler, our UUA Fundraising Consultant, submitted his Financial Feasibility Study report to Summit's Board of Directors, and this report was distributed to congregational members and friends on January 22 and 23. The Financial Feasibility Study had been conducted January 12-14 as a series of confidential interviews between Larry and a statistically representative cross-section of Summit members (25 Summit members/families). The purpose of the study was to determine the level of interest in and financial support for our proposed Capital Campaign to buy or build our own church home -- in this case, we are currently considering an existing facility on the southwest corner of Cottonwood and Buena Vista in Santee for $1.3 million.
Good news! Larry's report is highly encouraging. Based on his professional analysis, a very strong level of support exists in the congregation, and he recommends that we move forward with confidence on a Capital Campaign that will result in a new home. By now, all Summit members should have received their own copy of the 16-page report. (If not, please contact the office at 463-4676, and we will make sure you get one!) Here are some highlights, presented in Q&A format for brevity:
Q: What is the level of awareness in the congregation about the plan to buy the facility in Santee for their first church home?A: Of the participants in the survey, 96% indicated they were quite familiar with the proposed plan and believe they have been well informed of its progress! The remaining 4% felt somewhat informed.
Q: Should buying the Santee facility be a high priority for the congregation today?
A: 89% believe right now that this should be a high priority for the congregation, with another 7% answering that question in more of a "yes - but" with some hesitation/ambivalence, while 4% indicate that this proposal is not their priority. The 89% total in and of itself represents a strong vote towards moving forward. When combined with the second category, which had no strong negatives, the total reaches 96%.
Q: What is a feasible financial goal to be raised over a three-year period to support such an effort?A: On the basis of the responses to this survey instrument, the consultant believes it is feasible for Summit to raise between $500,000 and $625,000 (which, combined with funds on hand, UUA grants and a loan, reaches what we will need for the proposed property in Santee). These figures take into account that all interviewees were told that their projected capital gift should take into account that annual giving in support of the operating budget will need to increase over the next several years, particularly if the congregation has its own building. We cannot afford to have a successful capital campaign only to fall short on the annual giving.
As of press time, Summit’s Board of Directors is scheduled to have a conference call with Larry Wheeler on January 26 to discuss the report and prepare recommendations to make to the congregation. Again, Summitarians are encouraged to read their Financial Feasibility Study reports in detail. On Sunday, January 29, immediately following the service, there will be a Town Meeting to discuss the report, answer questions, and present the Board's recommendations. Additional Town Meetings will take place in the coming weeks as well (see "Save These Important Dates"). Then, on Sunday, February 12, the congregational vote will focus on approval of: (1) purchase of the Santee property; (2) initiation of a capital campaign; and (3) adoption of a new 10-year comprehensive plan.
Summit Children Provide StewardshipLooking toward the capital campaign, the children of Summit have been learning about stewardship. Stewardship is taking care of what we value and helping it grow. The goal is for all of us to be caretakers of that which matters to us (self, family, community, congregation, UU faith…) and to have a vision for the future. We have adapted a UUA curriculum called "Stewardship: The Joy of Giving" which was given to us by our capital campaign consultant, Larry Wheeler. The lessons are constructive, interesting, and geared to each age group.
The best part of this unit is that each of our classes has chosen and is completing a service-to-Summit project and is enthusiastic about continued active involvement in Summit's forward motion. For example, our younger group has chosen a project inspired by the idea of Jordan Graham, 6: they will collect aluminum cans to be recycled, then donate the money earned to Summit's New Home fund. So, please bring recyclable cans to services on Sunday, beginning January 29. A child from the younger group will meet you in the lobby to collect them. As for the middle group, they began work to revive the garden that has shriveled since Merle Hagberg moved away. This past Sunday they spent the service digging and amending the soil. The high school group's service project will be to provide and serve coffee and refreshments on Sunday, January 29, after the service.
In future issues we will hear directly from the children about these service projects, the activities and lessons they've experienced these past four weeks, and their thoughts and feelings on stewardship. A hearty thanks to our dedicated DRE Connie Henry, the RE volunteers and parents, and most of all, the children!
Update from the New Home CommitteeOn January 12, 2006, the SUUF Board of Directors voted to endorse the recommendation made by the New Home Committee (NHC) that would allow the congregation an opportunity of an up or down vote on the purchase of the property at 8778 Cottonwood Avenue in Santee. The Board came to a unanimous decision, after the NHC presented its case, in favor of continuing its research on the property, which included a professional inspection.
After service on Sunday, January 22, The New Home Committee gave a full report at a Town Meeting outlining their findings on the possible new home site:
The property provides flexible space for RE classes, offices, library and meditation room.
The property has 7 restrooms and is ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant.
The Conditional Use Permit is in place for most of the property, and a few added details on tax exempt status are being researched.
The Inspection Report states the property is in very good condition.
A Market Value Comparison shows that the property is a very good value with a strong potential for value growth in the next five years.
The Report of our in-house architect suggests ways to use available building space to create a kitchen/social hall and available outdoor space to create a children’s play area.
The presentation provided vital information regarding the property and brought forward questions and concerns from members of our congregation. These questions will be addressed at our town meetings after services on Sunday, January 29 and Sunday, February 5, and an evening meeting at the Jacobsons’ home at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE: Effective February 12th, at the conclusion of the congregational meeting where we will vote about whether or not to proceed with the purchase of the Cottonwood property, I am resigning my positions as chair and member of the New Home Committee. I’ve enjoyed serving the congregation on the NHC, but now feel it is time for me to attend to better care of myself and my family. I wanted to announce this now so that no one misconstrues my resignation from the committee as somehow related to the outcome of the property vote.
Respectfully, Pilar Placone-Willey
Welcome to The Bulletin Board!
Ecumenical Communion These services are held monthly at First Church in San Diego. For information regarding UU Christian Fellowship activities please contact Michelle McCarter at 619-275-2844.
Women’s Hiking Group Come hike to the SUMMIT of Cowles Mountain each Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. with the Summit Women’s Weekly Hiking Group. For info, contact Toni Rogers at tonir@cox.net.
Social Action CornerGuest at Your TableThank you to the Wednesday Evening Covenant Group and Children’s RE, led by Connie Henry in the successful completion of this years UU Service Committee’s Guest at Your Table Program. So far, we have contributed $686.88. It’s great to see Summit groups join together in service to the greater community.
Martin Luther King BreakfastSandy Bernstein, Kathy Radinovsky, Gwen & Gary Baldwin were part of a thirty person Cluster contingent that represented UU’s at the January 16 celebration of Martin Luther King’s life and work held at the San Diego Convention Center.How can you help Summit’s efforts in social action?Financial – Don’t forget to put an extra dollar in the plate on February 5 to support our Esperanza student. We have been assigned a new student, Lina Marleth Martinez Jimenez, a fourth grader who is very involved in the ballet program at Esperanza. Lina is pictured below in her classroom and performing the role of a snowflake in a ballet.
Goods – The Social Action Committee will again put together hygiene packs for the homeless. Watch for our Gift Tree on Sunday, February 12! Take a valentine ornament or two then purchase the items listed. Bring the purchased items on Sunday, February 26. The items will be collected at a specified time during the service. The packs will be assembled by the children and distributed by Crisis House. Thank you.
People Power – Summit will again be helping St. Dunstan’s in sheltering and feeding the homeless as part of the Interfaith Shelter Network on March 2nd and 9th. Contact Kathy Radinovsky if you are willing to chaperone or make a dish.
Join Us at Our Next MeetingWe would love to see you at our next Social Action Committee meeting. The more the merrier! Our next meeting is on Sunday, Feb. 19, 8:30am, in the office. Our current committee consists of Dorothy Greene, Liz McHugh, Laurel Bernstein, Kathy Radinovsky, Rene Schad, Lynn Slaughter, Pat Bryning, Deena Tuttle, Gwen and Gary Baldwin.
Bob Dryden
Bob Dryden, another of our new Summitarians, was born in Lewistown, Montana, but when he was six, his mother left his father and took Bob with her to North Dakota, where he met a schoolmate named Mary in the town of Brinsmade. After graduating from high school, Bob enlisted for a four year tour in the Air Force, where he served as a radar repairman at a small installation in the German Alps. During his service he and Mary were married, and she joined him in Germany.
His background in radar helped him get a job with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, a division of AT&T, where he started as a "combination man" who worked in the office, climbed poles to work on wire lines, and even installed telephones. During his first ten years, he had to move thirteen times.
Bob was brought up a Lutheran, but after their marriage he joined Mary in the Christian Missionary Alliance. He was also briefly a Baptist, undergoing baptism by immersion. He and Mary have two sons, one of whom was gay. When they learned the attitude of the conventional churches on the subject of homosexuality, the family withdrew and went unchurched for several years. Then they heard somewhere about UU’s, and decided to explore. Summit was the nearest congregation, so they tried it first. And when they discovered that Ned Wight not only preached a good sermon, but was gay himself, they were hooked and ready to find other friends in Summit.
Before Bob retired, the Drydens owned a fishing resort in Minnesota, and he has always enjoyed fishing, as well as golf and, most of all, gardening. Although he enjoys visiting with people one-on-one, he has always been ill at ease standing up before a crowd to make a presentation, something he had to do more and more as he became expert in various fields of the telephone company.
He is also bugged by a nicotine addict neighbor who always stops on his morning walks to stub out a cigarette and leave the butt in front of the Dryden home.
Summit needs you, Bob. We hope you will continue to need Summit.
—ATTENTION—Editor’s Corner
The March The Scene at Summit’s deadline will be: Feb. 20 Deadline/ Mailing Feb. 23
Save These Important Dates
Saturday, Jan. 28, 11:00 am- Tour of Santee Site - 8778 Cottonwood Avenue
Sunday, Jan. 29, 11:30 a.m. (after service) - Town Meeting on Financial Feasibility Study
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7:00 p.m. - Town Meeting on Santee Site & Financial Feasibility Study (at Charles and Vivienne Jacobson's home)
Sunday, Feb. 5, 11:30 a.m. (after service) - Town Meeting on 10-Year Comprehensive Plan
Sunday, Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m. (after service) - Congregational Meeting to Vote on Santee Site, Capital Campaign, and Comprehensive Plan
Saturday, Apr. 1, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Stewardship Orientation Workshop (at Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center)
Saturday, Apr. 29, evening - Campaign Kickoff
Sunday, Apr. 30, 10:00 a.m. - Commitment Sunday
Sunday, Jun. 11, 10:00 a.m. - Celebration Sunday
Feb. 5- "Bring a Friend Sunday" Calling all members of Summit! The challenge is to engage the entire congregation as team members for building our beloved community. All of us know someone, be it a close friend, neighbor, or co-worker, who has a more liberal mind or heart than most. So we are asking that every one at Summit reach out and invite and bring a new visitor on Feb. 5. (It might feel a little evangelical but… hey, try something new yourselves!) Old visitors are welcome, too. If you are interested in finding out more about the Unitarian Universalist faith, we invite you to attend our "Learning About Summit" classes. The next class will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21, form 7 -9 p.m. in the office at 6062 Lake Murray Blvd., #110, La Mesa, CA 91942. The Greeters request that the members of Summit try to wear their name tags every Sunday. That way they can be distinguished as members by the Greeters and visitors. If you need one or have lost yours please contact Bob Moore and he will order a new name tag for $5.00.
ABSENTEE BALLOT Absentee ballots for the congregational meeting on February 12, 2006 will be available on Sunday, February 5th, for those who will not be able to attend the meeting. Ballots will then be available at the office from Monday, February 6th until noon Saturday, February 11th. Patricia Summers, Secretary
Within the Congregation
Ì We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mike Evans, who passed away Saturday, January 21, 2006. Mike, a retired professor from Grossmont College and Summitarian since 2001, had coped for several years with Altzheimer’s syndrome. While still active he had worked hard at setting up chairs and other furnishings for Sunday service. His family has requested no funeral or memorial service.
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Pat Bryning's knee continues to give her problems, so remember her and check to see if she or Mark needs a hand.
Ì Kay Anderson is currently trying to sell her house in New Jersey. Contact her if you know someone already there who needs a home.
Ì Gloria Gelineau continues to recover from her surgery. Cards and calls would be appreciated. She and Fred are still trying to sell their big home in New England, so again, if you know someone already there who needs a home, contact them. Ì Remember the Duffy's as John deals with chemotherapy.
And from our extended family who have moved There, we have messages:
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Cindy Wead, now living in Prescott Valley, AZ, says she is well and her daughter Jessamyn arrived safely and is settling in with her Host family in Brazil.
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The Hagbergs, now living in Prescott, AZ, along with Cindy W. and the Wilsons', celebrated a double new house-blessing ceremony. New friends from the UU community there attended as did special guest, Rev. Ned Wight. During the blessing the entire group moves from room to room (as well as outside) where words of blessing are shared.
We wish them all well.
Mary Dryden
New Summitarian Mary Dryden lived most of her life in Minnesota and North Dakota, but often visited Southern California, where there were relatives. She and her husband, Bob, gradually changed from visitors to snowbirds; in 2000 they moved to their present home in Lakeside.
Her family’s church was the Christian Missionary Alliance. Later she took her own children to the Methodist church; then for about twenty years stopped going altogether because one of her two sons is gay, so was not fully accepted in most mainline churches, although he is a fine young man and a source of pride to his parents.
Somewhere they heard about Unitarian Universalists and went on line to find the nearest UU congregation. They located our office (after considerable searching) and the volunteer on duty stumbled though an explanation of where UU’s are coming from; then suggested that they visit a few Sunday services and see for themselves. They did, and were agreeably surprised, especially after they learned that we actually had a gay minister, Ned Wight.
Mary studied to be an RN and worked in the field of public health, including a nursing job with the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, where Bob also was employed. Both of them retired in 1987. Meanwhile she also mothered two sons, and now is proud of a fifteen-year-old granddaughter.
She enjoys outdoor activities: walking, gardening, and until arthritis made her give it up, golf. She still likes traveling and camping out, belonging to a group called Escapees and another named Lazy Days, sponsored by a company which makes motor homes. When not on the road, she enjoys theater.
Although Mary is generally a good housekeeper at home or in a motor home, she hates vacuuming and asks Bob to do it whenever she can. Her pet peeve is people who are arrogant about having money but selfish about spending it.
Welcome to Summit, Mary!
Susan Goodrich
Susan Goodrich, recently became a Summitarian, was born in Oklahoma but moved to Fresno, CA, at the age of twelve. There she attended school until getting a BA in Spanish at Fresno State. After graduation she came to San Diego to work in the Probation Department. Finding the work unrewarding (for her, at least), she went to SDSU to get a teaching credential.
She taught Spanish for ten years at Mountain Empire High School in Campo and another five in Poway. Then she got her Master’s degree in counseling, which she now practices in the Sweetwater School District. [Now she has worked in East, North, and South San Diego County! About all that’s left is the Pacific Ocean]
Susan’s family belonged to the Church of Christ, an extremely fundamentalist sect which forbade alcohol, tobacco, and church music, but the family eventually dropped out of organized religion. Susan herself rediscovered religion while in college, and joined First Unitarian Church of San Diego in the 1980's. However, after moving to Alpine, she found the commute too long, particularly because she was taking care of her widowed mother. Her mother died in September, 2005, and one of Susan’s brothers a short time before. Her remaining brother is a wanderer who is rarely in touch. Now Susan has joined Summit, which is not only closer to home, but has fewer people, so she can feel comfortable with us.
In her spare time, Susan enjoys swimming, hiking, and even kayaking. She also likes the companionship of her cats. And perhaps her favorite activity is reading, especially books by and about women, in the fields of both fiction and biography.
She does not like crowded social events, preferring one-on-one contacts—she even finds Summit’s after-service coffee period not completely comfortable—and she resents irresponsible people who make commitments but fail to meet them.
So do we, Susan. And we’re delighted that you aren’t one of them, but are one of us.
Lunch Bunch Do Sunday services leave you hungry? Join us for lunch and conversation on February 5 at the ChickenNest, 7200 Parkway Drive, La Mesa, phone 589-0088; on the 12th at Olive Garden in Grossmont Center, phone 460-7221; and the 19th at Antonio’s Hacienda, 770 North Johnson, El Cajon, phone 442-9827. Then on February 26, we’ll join the rest of the Summitarians for an after-service potluck at the Lodge. See you there!
ATTENTION PLEASE!
If you are able to help set up chairs and tables for Sunday Services on the 3rd or 4th Sunday of the month, please contact Teresa Palombo at 619-596-8105 or tsppalombo92071@yahoo.com. Some of our devoted helpers are moving and so ending their duties. Many thanks to Judi Bonilla and Alice May for their recent help. We wish them well!
Freethinkers February 7 - Freethinkers will meet in the office at 7 p.m. to discuss a paper written by Paul Craig Roberts who was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury in the Regan administration. The title is "Bush Crosses the Rubicon" but it is critical of the concentration of power in the presidency in recent history and under both parties, more than of just Bush.
February 21 - BOOK REVIEW: "The Sorrows of Empire" by Chalmers Johnson. The author compares the U.S. decline with the fall of the Roman empire. The difference: Rome's sorrows mounted over hundreds of years, the U.S. comes with the speed of FedEx. He uncovers the roots of militarism deep in our past and maps America's expanding empire of military bases and the vast web of services that support them. This meeting will be held at 7 pm in the meeting room at the Rawlins’ apt. complex, La Mesa Villa, 5757 Lake Murray Blvd.
We have Birthdays!February being the shortest month, you’d expect fewer birthdays—and you’d be right. However, quality always trumps quantity, and we have a sterling group to celebrate. Fred Gelineau was born on the sixth, Joe Braunwarth and Gabe Tuttle on the 11th, and Sandy Isenhower on the 13th (at least it’s not on a Friday this year). Vivienne Jacobson came on the 14th, Lynn Nelson on the 16th. Then in the twenties, here come Lee Bourdeau on February 22, Mark Weedman on February23, and Al Mork and Linda Peck on February 25. Happy birthday, all of you. And don’t get overcome by the heat from the candles!
Auto(matic) Contribution Option NOW Available Now there is an easy, convenient and painless option for making your Summit pledge payments. Auto Contributions allow your payments to be deducted automatically on a schedule of your choice -- monthly, quarterly, etc. Our Treasurer John McQuaide has the new Auto Contribution forms together with a cover letter explaining this program. The forms will also be available for pickup at the Summit office. Or you can call Linda Peck, 463-4676, and request that a form be sent to you which you can fill out and then mail back to the office.
Show Your Caring with Your Cooking SUUF will again join 130 congregations with the Interfaith Shelter Network that work together to provide shelter for homeless individuals and families. With St. Dunstan's, our job is to provide chaperones and meals for two Thursdays, March 2nd and 9th. If you can help provide casseroles, salads, or desserts, please contact Kathy Radinovsky: email kradinovsky@aol.com or phone 619-426-6538. WATCH for the Sign-Up clip board with a bright bow at Sunday services by the refreshment table. Kathy will be out of town some so she will make this available for needed volunteers. - Kathy Radinovsky
Rebate Fundraising Do you shop at Albertsons, Keil’s, Ralphs, or Vons? Are your grocery purchases earning contributions for Summit? If not, Ask Fran Spevak (619-469-9836) about Summit’s Rebate Fundraising Program or look for a flyer on the information table at church.
Covenant Groups New Covenant Groups for 2006 will be starting in March, so there will be sign up sheets available after church on February 19 and 26. Groups meet at different days and times in private homes. It would be great to have even more Summitarians become part of a Covenant Group and share their thoughts and feelings and fellowship with others. Pat Bryning, Coordinator, Covenant Group Facilitators
Leadership Training School The San Diego UU Cluster invites anyone interested in learning skills and new information at their 2006 leadership training school scheduled for March 30 to April 2 at Mission San Luis Rey. UULTS will start Thursday evening at 7:00 pm and run through Sunday at 5:00 pm. Tuition is $420 if paid by Feb. 1, 2006. After that it increases to $450. Tuition includes three night’s accommodations (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday) and 8 meals (3 meals the first day, 3 for the second day, and 2 on the last day). Materials are also included. Evening meals are not covered for Thursday or Sunday. Some scholarships are available. Each participating congregation pays a $225 church fee for any number of attendees.For more information contact Bob Northcutt at 858-592-0217 or email at BobNorthcutt@yahoo.com.
PFLAG Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays continue to meet at the Summit office on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Ellen Arcadi is pleased to have increasing numbers of attendees each month but hopes to grow more. Let others know this group is there for them and looks forward to meeting them.
Potlucks! All Fellowship Potlucks will be held right after the service on the following Sundays.February 26, April 2, and May 14 Hot food can be kept warm in the ovens and cold in the refrigerators. Coffee, tea and juice will be available. Janet Dixon is looking for volunteers to help with set up and clean up. Please let her know if you are willing to help.
MUSIC SUNDAY February 26
How Can We Keep from Singing? Our Summit Singers, under the direction of choir director, Andrea Newall, will lead us in selections from our new hymnal supplement, "Singing the Journey." Rev. Tom Owen-Towle will offer a homily.
Including YoUU!
New Summit Directories Coming February 5, 2006 The long awaited and long promised Summit Directory will at last be ready to be pick up at the Sunday service on Feb. 5. Members and Friends get the first one free. After that they cost $2.00 each.
