First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco

June 21, 2015 11:00 AM

Before Selma and Beyond

U P CO M I N G E V E N T S

Membership Matters - Invitation to Membership 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, Fireside Room (TODAY!)

If you've found your spiritual home at UUSF and wish to become a member of our beloved community, please join Associate Minister Alyson Jacks and members of this community in Fireside Room for an Invitation to Membership.

Senior Minister Rev. John Buehrens 132 jbuehrens@uusf.orgAssociate Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks 232 ajacks@uusf.orgAssistant Minister Rev. JD Benson 162 jdbenson@uusf.orgDirector Finance & Administration Emily Wilson 152 ewilson @uusf.orgCenter Facilities Director Kerry E. Parker 202 reservations@uusf.orgBuilding Manager Donald Johnson 272 djohnson@uusf.orgCommunications Manager Jonathan Silk 192 jsilk@uusf.orgYoung Adult Coordinator Joseph Chapot youngadults@uusf.orgMusic Director Dr. Mark Sumner 252 sngwtme@gmail.com Organist Reiko Oda Lane 282 reikolane@gmail.com

UUSF STAFFTitle Name Ext. Email

1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 415-776-4580 ; FAX 415-776-4400

www.uusf.org/ info@uusf.org/ #UUSF

WELCOME TO THE FIRST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF SAN FRANCISCO

Since its founding in 1850 this congregation has been a beacon of religious liberalism in this city. During the Civil War, the Rev. Thomas Starr King was credited with keeping

California in the Union. He also challenged racism, raised millions for humanitarian relief and inspired new efforts in education.

Unitarianism and Universalism in America both arose in New England during the American Revolution. Because the roots of both traditions are in the Judeo-Christian tradition, you will see on the walls of our sanctuary two inscriptions:

"What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (from the Hebrew prophet Micah) and “The Kingdom of God is within you.” (from the Gospels)

Our religious forebears were far more interested in the religion of Jesus than in beliefs about Jesus. Today we agree more about how we strive to treat others than we do about beliefs. Our backgrounds and spiritual orientations are diverse. Among us are people who consider themselves atheists, agnostics, humanists, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, and people guided by other forms of spirituality and belief.

Belief is many things, and so is disbelief. But we are interested in what happens to us when we open our minds to wider truth, our hearts to compassion, and our souls to the call to work for justice and peace.

If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to a Newcomers Orientation usually held on the first Sunday of each month following the service. At the Welcome Table you will find pamphlets and other information. For more about our congregation, please visit our website at www.uusf.org.

King's Gallery - Artist Reception 12:30 PM, King Rooms (TODAY!)

King's Gallery featured artist for the month of June is San Francisco's Donald Williams, artist and musician. Donald's intention was to engage the viewer in a way as to provoke a realization, or elicit a memory, or suggest a different viewpoint. Sometimes he see things one way and paint them another. Even though he draws from reality, Donald's trying for something very different than realism. Please join Donald and the Art Committee for a very special artists reception after the Worship Service. There will be snacks and refreshments.

The Secular Coalition - Humanist and Non-Theists 1PM, Chapel (TODAY!)

The Secular Coalition for America is an advocacy organization whose purpose is to lobby the U.S. Congress and state legislatures on issues of special concern for the growing number of humanist, atheist, agnostic, and other non-theist Americans. The Coalition enthusiastically welcomes the participation of religious individuals who share the view that freedom of conscience must extend to people of all faiths and of none. Accordingly, coalition staff works in cooperation with a variety of other organizations and coalitions where common ground exists on specific issues. The Secular Coalition represents more than 200 organizations nation-wide (including the UU Humanists) and advocates at the federal level to protect and strengthen the secular character of the government. The Coalition’s 50 state chapters advocate at state level by Coalition-trained citizen lobbyists. Tom Manger is the state director of the California chapter, the Secular Coalition for California. Tom will update us on the issues that the Coalition is working on at the Federal and State levels.

Everyone is welcome. Sandwiches will be available for purchase.

Come to Oscard's Garden Party!!! 12:30 PM, Demonstration Gardens, 333 Golden Gate (TODAY!)

Oscard (Rev. Kay Jorgensen’s clown) is hosting a Garden Party, a grand, inter-generational fun time. It is a wonderful social opportunity for people of all ages to dance, eat and do art together. Come join Oscard and the family of Faithful Fools from 12:30 to 4PM at the Demonstration Gardens, 333 Golden Gate. What a wonderful way to celebrate Father’s Day & the Summer Solstice. Inspired by this marvelous time of year we are placing a special focus on invit-ing families, fathers and father-like figures who live in the Tenderloin, to be our guests at the Garden Party. $10.

“An unlived faith is not worth voicing.”Rev. Gordon Gibson

Make a Sunday flower dedication today. Only $35! Email Jonathan Silk at jsilk@uusf.org or 415-776-4580 x192. Please make your check out to the church and in the memo line write "flower dedication". Your dedication must be received by noon on the Wednesday before the Sunday Service.

About Today's Guest MinisterRev. Gordon Gibson was part of the Selma Civil Rights campaign, served as the only Unitarian Universalist minister in Mississippi 1969-84, and has recently written "Southern Witness: Unitarians and Universalists in the Civil Rights Era". Gordon is retired after serving congregations in Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Indiana, and now living in Knoxville, Tennessee. At UUSF he is best known as Shirley Gibson's father. Reverend Gibson's new book can be purchased at http://www.uuabookstore.org/Southern-Witness-P17570.aspx

WelcomeIf you are visiting today, please take a moment to fill out the yellow Newcomer Card located in the pewrack. It will allow you to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, The Flame. Please stop by our Welcome Tablein the gallery after the service or speak with a minister to learn more about our liberal religious home. Ifyou would like to share your experience here on Instagram or other social media, be sure to include #UUSF.

Sermon Talk-Back, Kincaid RoomEach Sunday you are welcome to join members and friends of this church for an after-worship discussion of the sermon session led by Donald Matusen at 12:15 PM.

Service Animals & Scent Free ZoneIn our Sanctuary we have dedicated two areas. The left pews as you face the chancel are for people with animals such as assistance dogs. The right pews as you face the chancel are for people who are sensitive to fragrances such as cologne and/or perfumes. If you have any questions please see one of our Sunday Worship Ushers located in the Narthex (entry way of Sanctuary).

Join us for coffee hour in the Courtyard or Gallery following the service.

Building Tour, SanctuaryIf you are new to the church, or just visiting, and would like a tour of the church building, please meet your tour guide at the front of the Sanctuary immediately after the service. Tour will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Building Tour Guides coordinated by George Mayer.

We are a caring, compassionate community!Do you need a listening ear, a helping hand? Do you know of a church member who may be in need? Call or email Assistant Minister Rev. JD Benson, x162, jdbenson@uusf.org.

Upcoming Service

Sunday, June 28, 11AM, SanctuaryREFUGE ON THE JOURNEY

Dawn Neal, guest preacher

Upcoming Event

Sunday Forum, June 28, 9:30 AM MLK Room

"What Police Should Be Doing When They Investigate Domestic Violence” with Eric Nelson, Ph.D., criminologist and former police officer. His best practices DV investigation method, which triples rates of prosecution and doubles rates of conviction, was published by the US Department of Justice Bulletin in December 2013.

9:15 am Sunday mornings (light breakfast offered for slight fee)

Meet with John!

Rev. Buehrens is eager to meet with church members and friends individually. Contact John to schedule an appointment at 415-776-4580 x132

* Please rise if you are able.

*Benediction

Postlude The Promised Land arr. Joyce Jones

*Hymn 169 We Shall Overcome MARTIN

Offertory Omaggio de Debussy M. De Falla

Sermon Before Selma and Beyond Rev. Gordon Gibson

Offertory Sentence

*Hymn 315 This Old World RESTORATION

Closing Words

Pastoral Prayer and Meditation Rev. John Buehrens

DeFrom

allto

thatdos

-dwellba

bejo

-lowel

- thegran

skies;sol;

letsur

-songsja,_es

ofpe

-hoperan

-andza

-

5

faithfé,

aa

rise;mor;

--

Letver

peace,dad,

-goody_be

llewill

--

onza

-earthcan

betan

-sungdo,

- dethrough

8

evca

eryda

--

land,tie

byrra,

-evca

eryda

--

tongue.voz.

A

men.

-

DeFrom

allto

thatdos

-dwellba

bejo

-lowel

- thegran

skies;sol;

letsur

-songsja,_es

ofpe

-hoperan

-andza

-

5

faithfé,

aa

rise;mor;

--

Letver

peace,dad,

-goody_be

llewill

--

onza

-earthcan

betan

-sungdo,

- dethrough

8

evca

eryda

--

land,tie

byrra,

-evca

eryda

--

tongue.voz.

A

men.

-

*Covenant Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its prayer. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in freedom, and to help one another.

*Doxology Tallis' Canon

*Hymn 300 With Heart and Mind MACH’S MIT MIR, GOTT

Welcome and Announcements Marc Theobald, UUSF Treasurer

Greeting One Another

Music for Meditation Come Heavy Sleep Eric Hamilton, guitar

Prelude Wondrous Love arr. Wood/Young

Opening Words words of William F. Schulz Rev. John Buehrens

At times our own light goes outand is rekindled by a spark from another person.Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude

of those who have lighted the flame within us.

from The Southern Harmony, 1835

Chalice Lighting words of Dr. Albert Schweitzer Rev. Gordon Gibson

(John Dowland)

First Reading The Problem of Evil Albert Camus, 1948

Music Japanese Water Garden Stephen Goss

Second Reading The Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37 (from The Cotton Patch Version, by Clarence Jordan)

Traditional American Melody

About Today's Guest MusicianClassical guitarist Eric Hamilton has been touring North America since the 1970s. He enjoys a multifaceted career as soloist and ensemble performer, recording artist, arranger, teacher, and industry-recognized instrument technician. Since 1994, Eric has collaborated extensively with composer and guitarist Mason Williams, composer of the triple-Grammy winner, Classical Gas. Together they have produced four commercial CD releases. Eric has attended master classes with some of the finest classical guitarists in the world, including Christopher Parkening at Montana State University and Roland Dyens, professor of guitar at Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse, Paris. Eric teaches guitar programs at the Cathedral School for Boys, Grace Cathedral, Katherine Delmar Burke School for Girls, the French American International School, San Francisco and the Conservatory of Vocal and Instrumental Arts (COVA), Golden Gate Academy, Oakland.

BEYOND MOURNING

The coordinator of our UU Forum, Karen Melander-Magoon penned this poem, called “Nine”:

Nine on a Wednesday nightNine lives

Shot at nine o’clockIn Charleston

Nine black livesNine loving lives

Nine praying for peaceIn Mother Emmanuel Church

In CharlestonChasing dreams

Chasing hopeChasing after

A worldWhere

A slender youngWhite man

Will not wantTo kill

His black brothersAnd disappear

In a blackSedanArmedWith

One weaponOf mass destructionArmed with a gun

NamedHate

Relatives of those killed spoke at the arraignment of the accused assailant. “I forgive you . . . Use this opportunity to repent . . . We have no room for hate.” I listened in tears.

And I was reminded of what happened when an armed gunman invaded the sanctuary of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, TN, seven years ago next month. The gunman wanted to “kill as many liberals as I can.” In Knoxville, he came to the right place. That’s the congregation that ordained me, 42 years ago this fall. Two good people were killed; six more, wounded. When asked if the church would support the death penalty, the minister said, “This church has been standing on the side of love since it was founded. We won’t stop now.”

This Sunday our preacher is Rev. Gordon Gibson. It’s Father’s Day, and he is the father of our past Moderator, Shirley Gibson. During the Civil Rights era, Gordon was the only UU minister in the state of Mississippi. He was at Selma, 50 years ago, with Dr. King. He is the author of a new book called Southern Witness: Unitarians and Universalists in the Civil Rights Era. He’s now a member of the Knoxville church. How fortuitous that he is here to minister to us!

But what are we to do beyond mourning? Gordon can’t tell us. He doesn’t live here. Dr. King said that overcoming racism would be a “continuous struggle.”

Rev. Alyson Jacks and I talked about this. We both feel that we need to reach across racial lines; that UUSF is currently unconscionably cut off from congregations and communities of color.

While the rest of the country, the Bay Area, and California are all becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, San Francisco is not. It is becoming more white and affluent. Congregations of color in our city are smaller in size than they once were. Once robust inter-racial, interfaith connections have been increasingly neglected.

There is one justice-oriented, activist network that crosses lines of race, class, and confession. Last month Alyson and I met with Jennifer Martinez, Lead Organizer for a congregationally-based community organizing project that bears the unwieldy name “SFOP-PIA,” standing for “San Francisco Organizing Project – Peninsula Interfaith Action.”

It involves African American Protestant congregations, Hispanic Catholic congregations, Jewish congregations, Buddhist organizations, and UU congregations in Palo Alto, Redwood City, and San Mateo. They are working on many issues that we also care about: economic displacement and the need for affordable housing; ending mass incarceration; ending the division of immigrant families through detention and deportation; environmental justice as it impacts the vulnerable.

In the wake of the Charleston shootings, Alyson and I sat together at UUSF asking ourselves, “What are WE, as the spiritual leaders of this community, called to do now– beyond mourning?”

We’ve promised ourselves that we will lead the way in establishing more interracial partnerships – starting by attending the clergy meetings of SFOP-PIA, and inviting our social justice leaders and other members to consider doing likewise.

While one part of standing on the side of love is to mourn with those who mourn (and to rejoice with those who rejoice), another part involves standing in partnership and solidarity with those who work for what Jewish tradition calls tikkun olam, the repair of the world.

We have more partners than we know. In this time of mourning, it’s time to re-forge those links.

Yours in shared ministry,

John BuehrensSenior Minister