“A Sandwich for Supper”
Guest Minister: Rev. Denis Letourneau Paul
Worship Leader: Jodi Boyle

Many Unitarian Universalists are calling for our congregations, our association, and even our members to reach out to the wider community and share our message of strength through diversity and inclusion. Some congregations are engaging in social justice to embrace a prophetic role, while others are just fooling around, hanging out, and sharing meals. Is this a picnic, or what?

Rev. Denis Letourneau Paul is an Outreach Minister with the Faithful Fools Street Ministry. The First UU Society of San Francisco is his affiliating congregation.

Religious Education Update
October 18, 2009

UUP Kids on the Big Screen in New York’s Times’ Square?

It’s possible that our very own children and youth will soon appear on a thirty foot wide screen in the heart of New York City, holding their sculpture with the slogan, “Only One Shot, 350”.  A group that is advocating for climate change, 350.org, has received permission to display 350 pictures of people from around the world who are showing support for reversing greenhouse warming.  The photos from the big day will all have the number 350 depicted in them somehow, and will act as a huge visual petition that will be sent to world leaders. Stacey Meinzen will take a picture this morning of our efforts in RE, and send in our photo. Thank you, Stacey.

So, you may be wondering, what’s the significance of the number, “350” ?   According to leading scientists who study climate change, the people of the earth must reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million in order to sustain our planet’s ability to support life. Currently, our atmosphere contains 387 parts per million of carbon dioxide.

We are now seeing the effects of too much carbon dioxide and the resulting global warming. The icecaps and glaciers are melting and the weather is becoming more extreme.  The ocean is also becoming more acidic, as it acts as an enormous carbon sink. But, there is time to save the planet, by taking action to reduce our use of fossil fuels and to increase the mass of plant life on earth, which pulls carbon dioxide out of the air through photosynthesis.

Several of us from UUP will take part in a community action at Petaluma’s City Hall on October 24, to replace lawns with community gardens.  These new gardens will absorb more of that excess carbon dioxide and also feed hungry families.  Please bring your families and join us!
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education