Chalice has been abuzz with energetic sharing about people’s experiences at General Assembly (GA) and trying to figure out what to do with all these new ideas and passion. If you want to learn more about what happened at GA this year talk to Dean Goddette, David Miller, Michael Perry, Andi Stout, Al and Sali Weiss or Colleen Wells. They all attended and have lots to share. And check out www.uua.org to view the abundance of videos and reports on workshops and events with many of the articles written by our very own Dean Goddette.

Those who attended GA have shared that this is a life-altering experience. Although I have not attended a GA I have attended many District Assemblies. The Pacific Southwest District Assembly (DA) is on a much smaller scale but it is also a wonderful growth experience. AND it is going to be in San Diego next year.

DA happens on the last weekend of April which is April 25-27, 2008. It will be hosted by the five San Diego cluster UU congregations at the Del Mar Marriott. Because we are hosting DA we need members of the cluster congregations to make up the planning committee. The first meeting of this committee will be held on Saturday, August 18 at 9 am. I will let you know when the location is selected. If you are interested, I encourage you to consider serving on this committee and be a part of creating DA 2008.

Lastly, the PSWD Assembly Planning Committee is always looking for new ideas for workshops and presentations. If there is something you would like to learn more about or have something you would like to present, pass it along to the PSWD staff, the PSWD planning committee, or to me.
Oh yeah, did I mention that the Weaving the Tapestry of Inclusiveness group had their first meeting? After service on July 22 about 30 of us met, developed a vision statement, and tossed around lots of ideas on how to proceed with this program. Check it out on our Chalice web site, www.chaliceuu.org.

Yours in the Faith We Share,
Debbie

Dear Friends,

Because Chalice follows the fiscal year, our new year begins on July 1st. One way we transition into this New Year is with new leadership on the Board. These new leaders bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to our already energized congregation. As we welcome our new board members we need to say good-bye and thank you to those whose service on the Board is ending. It is not really a “good-bye” since we know they already serve in other areas of church leadership. Thank you John Schulz past president, Andi Stout treasurer, Deb Coon Board member, for your ideas, time and energy. We will miss you. And welcome to Jim Idell vice president and president elect, Jo Lindstrom treasurer, and our new trustees, Callie Leef and Anne McKeirnan.

The continuing board members are me, Deb Hall, president, Al Weiss past president, Patty Carlisle secretary, and trustees Gary Cagle, Rob Molek, Michele Nelson and Ralph Peters. All of us, together, will oversee the business of Chalice for the upcoming year.

Now you might think that the Board is the most important group in the church. After all, it is “the Board.” And while, yes, it is important, it is no more or less important than any of the committees or groups that exist within Chalice. It is our collective energy and ideas that fuel Chalice. We really and truly would not be who we are or where we are without each and every one of us.

This past year has been phenomenal. Our committees have matured from being totally inward looking to being just as concerned about outreach as inreach. With our transition from a pastoral to a program size congregation, we have chosen to become a teaching congregation with the addition of David Miller, our ministerial intern turned summer minister. His energy and gifts have brought added spice to Chalice along with a supportive ministerial presence. And because of Edith Gordon’s, vision we now have a Pastoral Care Team to aid and support our ministers and provide pastoral care to those among us who need it. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who made 2006-07 such a successful year.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see how this upcoming year unfolds!

Yours in the Faith We Share,

Debbie

If you go to the Internet you will find many religious sites trying to answer the question, “If God is good, why is there evil in the world?” I think a more interesting question is, “Why is there good in the world?” If people acted only in their own self-interest, why don’t they just lie, cheat, and steal to get what they want at the expense of others? Some people have proposed that we don’t because we realize that, if we did, others would do the same, and we don’t want them to do that to us. I call this virtue through fear. Alexis de Tocqueville (if you’re not familiar with him, you should read his Democracy in America) held the notion that Americans voluntarily joined together in associations to further the interests of the group. He called this “Enlightened Self-interest.”
   However, I’ve got another idea. It’s just that there is something within us all that knows “the right thing to do.” Call this conscience, call it goodness, call it spirituality… Somewhere within us all is an innate knowledge of good and evil. And, most of us choose to do what is good. But even that’s not enough… It is not a choice. We do not say to ourselves, “Shall I do this or that?” We just act. And, almost always, that act is the one of kindness, generosity, and love. An amazing thing, the human mind. Then again, some say it’s hard wired into our DNA. Whatever it is, let us be thankful that it exists.
   Of course, there is always H.L. Mencken’s definition of conscience: Conscience is the still small voice that warns us that someone may be looking.
   Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their counsel and support during this past year. It has been an honor and a privilege to have been allowed to serve as your President. I could not be prouder of representing such a warm and caring family.In Peace & Love,
Al