August News and Invitation from Your Board of Trustees
“Church in the time of Covid-19 is challenging, demanding change, adaptation and focus on what is essential.” The board of trustees continues to adapt in this pandemic. Please read their latest newsletter to find out what they are accomplishing on your behalf.
All members and friends are welcome to attend Board meetings. Our August meeting is this Sunday, August 23, at 12:00 PM! Send an email to secretary@uuoakland.org, and the Board Secretary will send you an invitation to the meeting and a web link to the agenda. Details will instruct you how to connect either through a web browser or phone.
Join Earth Justice Associates in Responding to the Climate Emergency
Your Earth Justice Associates (EJA) will be reviewing the Climate Equity Act as it relates to West Oakland. EJA has discussed movement forward and want to share some of the conversation with the congregation. EJA will be listening to and hope to collaborate with organizations that intend to break down systemic racism and other barriers harming Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); these include Ella Baker Center, Oakland Climate Action Coalition (OCAC), neighborhood churches and other local nonprofits. This is an important effort with boots on the ground (or rather, fingers on our keyboards). Watch for brief monthly progress reports and action items. EJA has about six active members and call for other congregants to join this “emergency effort.” Please contact Tom Haw or Tom Smith if you want to help.
Looking Ahead to Water Communion
Leonardo daVinci is known for art and inventions, but he also said that “[w]ater is the driving force of all nature.” The water communion celebration of returning for First Unitarian Church of Oakland will take place on September 12-13.
NEW TIME September 12, 10:00 to 11:00 am – Water sharing on the congregational campus patio – For folks interested in embodying the sharing of water and mutual blessing, there will be a collection of water on the patio in front of the church. Water will not be redistributed. This part of the ritual will be video recorded so that the patio ritual can be shared with people who are unable to attend. We invite everyone to wear blue like water for water sharing on the patio.
September 13, 10:30 am Zoom service – Water sharing during the live service – For folks interested in sharing water during the Zoom service. You will need the following:
- Please email Pastor Theresa with your interest in water sharing during the Zoom service.
- The day of the service, you will need a glass or cup with a couple of inches of water in it.
- A bowl into which you can pour the water.
- Prepare an answer to this question: What gift do you bring to the congregation this year? Or What burden are you carrying during this time?
- We invite everyone to wear blue like water for that service.