July 2009 Calendar for printingThis is the calendar for July 2009, as of June 26. When you click on this link, it can take a minute or two to load up. Really - that much time! For a more up-to-date calendar, please click on “Calendar” “Main Calendar” found in the ribbon on the Chalice website home page.
This calendar shows the Chalice activities as of May 29. Please view the on-line calendar available from the opening page of the website under the tab labeled “Calendar” for the most up-to-date information.
Rev. Margo McKenna-Brower
May 17, 2009
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So, what can we do to continue to improve the condition and treatment of children around the world, as well as those within our own country?
We can choose to financially support an organization fighting for the rights of children, we can speak out, we can vote, we can become and remain aware. There are so many organizations that are working to change the world into a more just and safe place for children, and we have the opportunity to become involved in any one of these.
Two influential organizations are UNICEF, the world’s largest and most influential group, and Global Action for Children (GAC). There are also many other organizations, both local and global. We have placed on the Chalice web site a list of organizations that are working to improve the condition of children around the world. At that same page you’ll also find more information regarding UNICEF and GAC.
Changes are already occurring as a result of the efforts of organizations that are committed to keeping us from asking, “Where Have All the Children Gone?”
may09.pdfThis calendar shows the Chalice activities as of April 29th. Please view the on-line calendar available from the opening page of the website under the tab labeled “Calendar” for the most up-to-date information.
[Editor’s note: the following article is from the February Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation PrevUUs newsletter]
February is a wonderful month to “show someone some love.” The holidays are behind us and the year has started in earnest. President Obama’s historic inauguration has been celebrated and now, promise and hope must translate into action and change to help rebuild our nation and the world. Here at Chalice, February affords several opportunities to both make a difference and open our hearts with love for others. Our Winter Shelter participation begins on February 21st. Thanks to all who have signed up to help with the many tasks needed to make this a success. Be sure to attend the orientation meeting for all volunteers on Saturday, February 7th!
February 7th is also the first of 4 Saturday nights to welcome new members into the homes of volunteer hosts. Maude Ann Petzoldt is coordinating the invitations to make sure every new member has at least one opportunity to meet and talk with members over informal dinners. We are always looking for more “hosts” – please see Maude Ann. Let’s all make February the month we try to get to know a new member. I never cease to be amazed by the fascinating and diverse life stories, experiences and interests that our members, friends and visitors bring to Chalice. Our connections with each other enrich our congregation and our lives.
I also wanted to add a note encouraging everyone to attend the Congregational meeting on Sunday, February 8th, right after second service. The meeting, called to approve our new 5-year goals, shouldn’t last more than an hour. You all should have received the meeting announcement and agenda. A quick note on the terms “pastoral” and “program” church. These characterize churches in different stages of growth. As we grow and evolve, we need to ensure that our organization and governance processes are suited to the challenges and concerns we face. Our mission and covenant will remain the same, but we will need to make changes to accommodate the growth that occurs as we accomplish our mission.
Finally, be sure to wish someone a Happy Valentine’s day. I know some may think it’s a “Hallmark Holiday,” but to me, it’s a special day. (It’s my birthday!)
With love to all, Jim
On September 21 Chalice Congregation voted and passed its first resolution ever. We look forward to ways in which Chalice Congregation can join with others to support the ending of this conflict. The resolution is as follows:
Iraq War Resolution
Whereas the invasion of Iraq by the armed forces of the United States of America continues to cause extensive human suffering of both the Iraqi and American people;
Whereas the rationale for invasion was faulty;
Whereas the United States acted without United Nation sanction;
Whereas there continues to be no coherent exit strategy;
Whereas much of the infrastructure of Iraq has been destroyed;
Whereas there has been extensive financial devastation to both countries;
Whereas invaluable historical artifacts of humankind’s ancient civilizations have been lost forever;
Therefore be it resolved that the Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation is in opposition to continuing this conflict and supports the withdrawal of the United States armed forces and mercenaries from Iraq.
The Chalice campus is safe and sound. There is some minor damage from the wind to the tents that we set up for Cabaret night.
Likewise with Chalice members. So far as we have heard, none of our members lost their houses. Tom Brower’s ex-wife & their kids lost their house in Rancho Bernardo but his mom’s house is fine.
But lots of people are still evacuated including myself.
I stopped by Qualcomm yesterday and got a lot of good information. I spoke with the SD police, SDG&E and FEMA representatives. They have tons of supplies, clothes, bedding, sheets, food, miscellaneous stuff at Qualcomm as well as representatives from just about every group that you might be interested in talking with including the insurance companies. It is not crowded and it is easy to pick up a few things if you need them.
SD police said that they expect that most of the houses will have electricity because they go in very quickly behind the firemen to deal with the powerlines. Water & gas maybe.
SDG&E said that if your gas is turned off, CALL SDG&E to turn it on. They advise people not to turn the gas on yourself.
Register with FEMA - go online to http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register. It doesn’t mean you’ll get or need assistance but they were very responsive about our needs.
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Dear UU Community of San Diego,
I’m sorry I have not been able to be in touch - I have not had reliable email access. I know that many of you have been concerned about Chalice members and how we are doing. Thank you for your outpouring of support. At this point, I am not sure what all we need. Due to evacuations, many members of Chalice are spread throughout Southern California.
If you are a Chalice member, and have not contacted me already, please contact me on my cell phone. 858.472.3162. I would like to know where you are and how you are doing.
A brief update: Tom and I fled at 5 am Monday morning. We were awakened to a wall of fire coming down Battle Mountain behind our condo complex. We left with minimal items. We were forced evacuated north on Highway 15.
After two attempted settlings and realizing we would be evacuated again, we settled in Temecula in the home of John and Lynn Welniak - founding members of the Temecula Valley UU Community. We do know that our condo did not burn, but we are uncertain of the smoke damage.
The status of the Chalice UU building remains unknown. We’ve received conflicting reports that the building was fine and also that there were buildings burning around it. We hope to know in the next couple of days whether our church is still standing. What we do know is that ours is a resilient and loving congregation and we will pull together as the strong community we are.
We are deeply grateful to the Unitarian Universalist Association Relief Team and the Pacific Southwest District Executive, Rev. Dr. Ken Brown, who are working to raise funds for any San Diego UUs who might need assistance. Our gratitude also to First UU Church as well as Palomar Fellowship for their offers of homes, food, and whatever else might be needed as we recover. Our concern also goes out to those members of San Dieguito who may be suffering losses at this time.
I know that our San Diego Cluster is connected, compassionate, and we are so fortunate at this time to have such a loving community.
My thanks to Rev. Beth Johnson and David Miller for their support during time.
Blessings on the journey,
Rev. Margo McKenna-Brower
Chalice UU Congregation
About 80% of the congregation has been evacuated / displaced by the fires in the San Diego area. Everyone is safe and have been housed somewhere. If anyone knows of anyone in any trouble or needs, toiletries, clothes, money, please contact David Miller (650-224-0827). David has been serving as an ad-hoc coordinator for putting together people with housing.
Carol McIntyre reports: Cricket and I left early yesterday morning and went to my friends in Mira Mesa. The smoke was too intense and I live 3 blocks from Pomerado Rd. I’m home for a few hours so I can water and check everything. We hope to come home in the morning.
Rose has been in Vista since sunday evening, after leaving the church. We had clear sky until this morning around 4am of smoke.
Janet, Ed, Miriam were evacuated early Monday morning from our RB home. Because the 15 was not open Northbound, they went South to friends of ours from First Church.
As far as we know right now, our home is still standing. We have been calling the house periodicly and the answering machine is still picking up, and the Fax machine is still working. The Apartment complex which was all over the TV, is just around the corner from our house.
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:29:56 -0700
I am thrilled to report that Alec Bergamini just drove from Temecula to Chalice (he’s trying to get to work) and the building and grounds are all fine. Lots of leaves and debris flew around — the tents/dressing rooms are flipped and twisted — but no broken windows or any burn damage at all.
Margo and Tom are staying up in Temecula with John Welniak. It’s not clear whether they have to evacuate again.
The O’Gwynn’s are staying with Tom Carlstrom. Dea and Mark Stutzman are out in Chula Vista with Mark’s brother. Jan & Dean (858-442-0859) have been staying with David Miller.
Phyllis Allison say: I’m back from the Red Cross Shelter of Escondido High School where I was able to volunteer knowing Andi and Bill Stout were here and could drive Geoff and Oedi(puss) should the winds again turn. They are now North in cleaner air as it looks like they can’t return home anytime soon. Their pets are with them.
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 9:15 PM
Kathy Zapata
>
> Just now thought to check my e-mail although I have talked to many of you throughout this horrific day. Alec, Lucy, Maya, Camila, and I (and Alec’s dog Gracie and our hamster Nutley) all evacuated to my mom’s house in Temecula around 5:00 am.
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:54:07 -0700 (PDT)
Just a quick update on the Schulz’s and Coon/Dulany’s.
Jess and I spent most of the day at Paul and Deb’s house with Liam and Deb’s mom. When they extended the evacuation area south to Sorrento Valley Blvd. we both decided to make tracks. Jess and I accepted an offer from Gary and Victoria (their back yard works great for the dogs).
Deb and Paul headed their family up to Laguna where they have the keys to a relatives beach house (sounds great, except for the drive up there).
Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:32:42 -0700
Patty Carlisle
I haven’t seen or heard about fires getting close to Felicita. I hope no news is good news.
An update on Tom, the O’Gwynn’s, and me: David, Cheryl, Sabrina, and Meredith will stay at Tom’s again tonight.
Jim Idell
Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:03:47 -0700 (PDT)
With Scripps Ranch being evacuated, Debi and I packed up and are now down with our friends Debby and Pat Callahan in Coronado.
Michael Perry
I’ve just arrived at Al and Sali Weiss’ place. I was told they evacuated Scripps Ranch north of Scripps Poway Pkwy, but I’m only 2 miles south of it so I decided to go before I had to.
Take care everyone,
Michael Perry
On 10/22/07, Dianne Decker-Houser
Dianne
Ed Myers reports that he & his family are with friends.
Chuck Anderson is staying with friends in Mission Bay.