Keeping in Touch

Established 1886 January 6, 2012

www.fulc.com

First United is a "Reconciling in Christ" (RIC) congregation that has declared that all persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities are equally welcome to join fully in the worship and life of this Christ–centered community.

First United Lutheran Church is committed to accessibility to the extent that it is within our control. Please let us know if we can be of assistance in accommodating your accessibility needs.

‘Tis the Epiphany Season Although January 6 is the official day we remember the coming of the Magi to find the infant Jesus, we’ll celebrate on Sunday the 8th. The season of Epiphany will then continue all the way up until Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. This is a season of revelation: a star in the sky guides Magi from the East, foreigners from another country and an-other religion, to honor Jesus. These strangers are never considered to be outsiders; God’s revelation is to all people; all are welcome in God’s realm of shalom. This Epiphany season will include two special interfaith emphases. The first is on January 29, when two of the Faiths Act fellows from the Tony Blair Foundation, will be our guests. The Faiths Act Fellows are 34 young leaders of faith spearheading multi-faith action in the UK, USA, Canada, India and Sierra Leone. They have been given the task of building understanding between different religious communities by mobilizing them around the common cause of eradicating deaths from malaria, which this year alone caused more than 750,000 unnecessary deaths. Nina Pine and Rachel Finn were assigned to the San Francisco Interfaith Council last September. Nina is a Buddhist from Nepal and grew up internationally in a Sherpa Buddhist and Jewish household. She graduated with a BA in Critical theory and social Justice from Occidental College near Los Angeles. Rachel, who is from Massachusetts, grew up with a strong Jewish family and a connection to the local synagogue. She studied International Relations with a concentration in International Security and Religion and graduated from Tufts University in 2011. You can read more about them at http://www.faithsact.org/ . The second emphasis, called Radical Hospitality, will take place in the first three weeks of February. In order to get to know each other better and to explore possible collaborative projects, the four groups who have worship/meditation space at First UU will invite our members to attend one or more of the other's groups services during this time. Then in March we will have another of our Joint Interfaith events. The four groups are: First Unitarian Universalist Society, Sunday Afternoon Fellowship, Insight Meditation, and First United. Epiphany Blessings, Pastor Susan

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK . . . the “Revelation of the Magi” apparently believes that an experience of Christ's presence is much more

important than being a Christian.

—Brent Landau (Revelation of the Magi: The Lost Tale of the Wise Men’s Journey to Bethlehem)

Epiphany

PPPPPPPPASTORASTORASTORASTORASTORASTORASTORASTOR’’’’’’’’SSSSSSSS M M M M M M M MESSAGEESSAGEESSAGEESSAGEESSAGEESSAGEESSAGEESSAGE Pastor Susan Strouse

This Week on PS (Pastor Susan’s Blog)— Epiphany—Mystical and Magi-cal

https://progressivechurch.wordpress.com

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Prayers for Epiphany

Jesus,

may we not hoard,

but freely give the gold of our hearts,

the myrrh of our grief,

the frankincense of our dreams,

to You.

Carol Dixon, Hay & Stardust, Wild Goose Publications, Iona Community, Fourth Floor, Savoy House; 140 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3DH, UK

� for the Peace of God to be made manifest in our world:

� for leaders and people of Syria, Somalia, and Israel: for an end to violence everywhere � for the Tony Blair Faiths Act fellows and their work of peacemaking in the world � for all efforts at interfaith dialogue and cooperation

� for the Wisdom of Christ to be made manifest in our communities: � for the Winter Shelter and all shelters, and for the people who come for food and a safe place

to sleep � for Welcome, SF 1ight Ministry, Welcome, Lutheran Social Services, and SAGE

� for San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, to be inaugurated on Sunday, and for all our local elected officials

� for the Power of the Spirit to be made manifest in our congregation and beyond:

� for Roger Creet and Alan Pearson � for Barbara Vignola, Daryl Hackbart, Bishop Mark Holmerud and all in need of healing � for an Epiphany season of wonder and revelation � If you would like to add someone or something to the prayer list, please contact Orion or Pastor Susan. �

PRAYERS I ACTIO

We are collecting cards, notes, pictures, etc. for our homebound members. There will be an en-velope for each at every service. You can put your items into the envelopes, which will be sent or delivered at the end of each month. This is an ongoing project of love and support for those who are unable to physically be part of our community, but are members of it nevertheless.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS � In response to a request from the Friendship Banquet, we will make a contribution of

$100 for the first quarter of the year. � Plans for February 12 Campus Outreach service project at the Free Farm are under-

way. � February will be ‘Radical Hospitality Month’ among the four groups that meet at 1187

Franklin. � Website is under construction. � Outdoor sign is on hold pending negotiations with First UU and other two groups. � Constitution draft will be posted on our website by the end of January.

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MMMMULTIFAITHULTIFAITHULTIFAITHULTIFAITH R R R RELIGIOUSELIGIOUSELIGIOUSELIGIOUS & C & C & C & CULTURALULTURALULTURALULTURAL O O O OBSERVANCESBSERVANCESBSERVANCESBSERVANCES

January 2012January 2012January 2012January 2012 6 Epiphany - ChristianChristianChristianChristian Feast of the Theophany - Orthodox ChristianOrthodox ChristianOrthodox ChristianOrthodox Christian Dia de los Reyes - Hispanic ChristiansHispanic ChristiansHispanic ChristiansHispanic Christians Nativity of Christ - Armenian OrthodoxArmenian OrthodoxArmenian OrthodoxArmenian Orthodox 7 Feast of the Nativity ** - Orthodox ChristianOrthodox ChristianOrthodox ChristianOrthodox Christian 8 Baptism of Jesus - ChristianChristianChristianChristian 9-12 Mahayana New Year ** - BuddhistBuddhistBuddhistBuddhist 13 Maghi - SikhSikhSikhSikh 15 World Religion Day * - Baha'iBaha'iBaha'iBaha'i 17 Blessing of the Animals - Hispanic Catholic ChristianHispanic Catholic ChristianHispanic Catholic ChristianHispanic Catholic Christian 18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - ChristianChristianChristianChristian 20 Timkat - Ethiopian Orthodox ChristianEthiopian Orthodox ChristianEthiopian Orthodox ChristianEthiopian Orthodox Christian 23 Chinese New Year - Confucian, Daoist, BuddhistConfucian, Daoist, BuddhistConfucian, Daoist, BuddhistConfucian, Daoist, Buddhist 25 Conversion of Saint Paul - ChristianChristianChristianChristian 28 Vasant Panchami ** - HinduHinduHinduHindu

Note: 1. * Holy days usually begin at sundown the day before this date. 2. ** Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date. Bold Bold Bold Bold titles are primary holy days of a tradition.

IIIIIIIINTERFAITHNTERFAITHNTERFAITHNTERFAITHNTERFAITHNTERFAITHNTERFAITHNTERFAITH N N N N N N N NEWSEWSEWSEWSEWSEWSEWSEWS

The wise see in every form the divine form; in every heart they see the divine light shining.

—Hazrat Inayat Khan (Sufi)

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHT

Discovery Group January 22, 3:00–4:30 Everyone is invited to hear about First United’s commitment to issues of social justice. Jacob Johnson will lead the presentation and discussion. response to a request from the Friendship Banquet, we will make a contribution of $100 for the first quarter of the year.

Take note: Winter is here. We will continue to collect non-perishable food, white socks, and hoodies for Welcome.

INTERFAITH AMIGOSINTERFAITH AMIGOSINTERFAITH AMIGOSINTERFAITH AMIGOS: WWWWHEREHEREHEREHERE O O O OURURURUR R R R RELIGIONSELIGIONSELIGIONSELIGIONS G G G GOOOO A A A ASTRAYSTRAYSTRAYSTRAY

WHEN: Sunday, February 5, 2012, 4:00 pm WHERE: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley Known for their unique blend of spiritual wisdom and humor, Imam Jamal Rahman, Pastor Don Mackenzie and Rabbi Ted Falcon openly address the usual taboos of interfaith dia-logue—the “awkward” parts of each tradition—in order to create a more authentic conversa-tion. Info: http://interfaithamigos.com

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The following article is reprinted from The Lutheran, December 2011 issue. © 2011 Augsburg Fortress publications

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Readings for Epiphany

A RA RA RA READINGEADINGEADINGEADING FROMFROMFROMFROM I I I ISAIAHSAIAHSAIAHSAIAH————60:160:160:160:1----6666

Clearly Isaiah imagines salvation as social and national as well as individual. The healing of persons is inter-connected with the healing of nations. In the wake of the last few years’ economic, budget, and debt crises, this

ought to be patently obvious. There is no rugged individualism here—no privilege for the 'job creators' or the

'1%'—but the emergence, albeit still a dream, of justice rolling down like waters and righteousness like an ever-

flowing stream.

It is written . . .

I will joyfully exult in YHWH, who is the joy of my soul! My God clothed me with a robe of deliverance and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, the way a bridegroom puts on a turban, and a bride bedecks herself with jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and a garden brings its seed to blossom, so Exalted YHWH makes justice sprout, and praise spring up before all nations.

For Zion's sake I will not be silent, nor for the sake of Jerusalem, I will not rest— not until her integrity shines like the dawn, her deliverance like a flaming torch. The nations will see your vindication, and the rulers your splendor; you will have a new name that YHWH’s mouth will bestow. You will be a garland of beauty in YHWH’s hands, a solemn crown worn by your God.

PPPPSALMSALMSALMSALM 72:1 72:1 72:1 72:1----7, 107, 107, 107, 10----14141414

1 Oh Dios, otorga tu justicia al rey, tu rectitud al príncipe heredero. 2 Así juzgará con rectitud a tu pueblo y hará justicia a tus pobres. 3 Brindarán los montes bienestar al pueblo, y fruto de justicia las colinas. 4 El rey hará justicia a los pobres del pueblo y salvará a los necesitados; ¡él aplastará a los opresores!

5 Que viva el rey por mil generaciones, lo mismo que el sol y que la luna. 6 Que sea como la lluvia sobre un campo sem-brado, como las lluvias que empapan la tierra. 7 Que en sus días florezca la justicia,

y que haya gran prosperidad, hasta que la luna deje de existir.

10 Que le paguen tributo los reyes de Tarsis y de las costas remotas; que los reyes de Sabá y de Seba le traigan presentes. 11 Que ante él se inclinen todos los reyes; ¡que le sirvan todas las naciones!

12 Él librará al indigente que pide auxilio, y al pobre que no tiene quien lo ayude. 13 Se compadecerá del desvalido y del necesitado, y a los menesterosos les salvará la vida. 14 Los librará de la opresión y la violencia, porque considera valiosa su vida.

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A RA RA RA READINGEADINGEADINGEADING FROMFROMFROMFROM T T T THEHEHEHE R R R REVELATIONEVELATIONEVELATIONEVELATION OFOFOFOF THETHETHETHE M M M MAGIAGIAGIAGI

In the first English translation of an ancient manuscript, probably written in the late 2nd or early 3rd century, the ‘Revelation of the Magi’ claims to be the personal testimony of the Magi themselves of the events of Christ’s coming.

One thing of note is that the ‘Revelation of the Magi’ stands alone among early Christian writings in its positive ap-

praisal of non-Christian religions.

It is written . . .

Then, when the time and fulfillment of what was written in the books happened, concerning the revelation of the light of the hidden star, we were indeed thought worthy for it to come in our days and to receive it with joy, as we were com-manded by our fathers and as we ourselves read in the books. And each of us saw wondrous and diverse visions that were never before seen by us, but their mysteries were in these books that we were reading. And each one came from his dwelling place according to our ancient custom to ascend the Mountain of Victories (text missing) to wash in the Spring of Purification, as we were accustomed. And we saw (text missing) in the form of an ineffable pillar of light descending, and it came to rest above the water. And we were afraid and shook when we saw it. And we cannot speak about the bril-liance of the star of light, since its radiance was many times greater than the sun, and the sun could not stand out before the light of its rays. And just like the moon looks in the daytime in the days of Nisan, when the sun rises and it is ab-sorbed in its light, so also did the sun seem to us when the star rose over us. And the light of the star, which surpassed the sun, appeared to us ourselves and the sons of our mysteries, but it did not appear to anyone else, because they were removed from its mysteries and its coming. And we rejoiced and glorified, and gave unmeasured thanks to the Father of heavenly majesty that it appeared in our days and we were thought worthy to see it.

A RA RA RA READINGEADINGEADINGEADING FROMFROMFROMFROM L L L LUKEUKEUKEUKE————2:222:222:222:22----40404040

Matthew’s much-loved story of the visit of the magi bringing gifts to the infant Jesus may well be an interpretative story, or midrash, based on Isaiah 60. This in no way denies its importance for the early Christians for whom it was written or

for us who hear or read it twenty centuries later.

It is written . . .

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn ruler of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay homage." When Herod heard this, he became greatly disturbed, as did all of Jerusalem. Summoning all the chief priests and reli-gious scholars of the people, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. "In Bethlehem of Judea,” they informed him, “for so it was written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah, for from you will come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the exact time of the star’s appearance. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, after instructing them, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word so that I may go and offer homage too." When they had heard the king, they set out. And there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child lay. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy, and upon entering the house, they found the child with Mary, his mother. They knelt down and paid homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented the child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

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In partnership with the San Francisco Interfaith Council, interfaith activities include the 2nd annual inter-faith tribute to the Selma-to-Montgomery march and the symbolic crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The tribute will take place during the annual march/parade as it crosses San Francisco's Lefty O'Doul Bridge and briefly stops at Willie Mays Plaza at AT&T Park. Also, the 2nd interfaith commemoration cere-mony at the Esplanade stage at Yerba Buena Gardens will conclude the march/parade, with spiritual lead-ers from a host of faith backgrounds providing reflection on the vision of Dr. King. Last, recognition of San Francisco's first African American school principal, Ms. Leola M. Havard, will take place as part of the celebration programs. Free and discounted commemorative transit passes on BART, Golden Gate Transit and Ferries and SFMTA are available on a first-come-first-served basis by registering on the Contact page at norcalmlk.com. Day-long activities feature the Health, Preparedness and Sustainability Festival, led by the American Red Cross, Bay Area Chapter, SFEnvironment and the San Francisco Hospital Council, with free services and activities for all ages, including the annual MLK/Red Cross blood drive; the 2012 Inaugural Civil Rights Film Festival, in partnership with California Newsreels; the 2nd annual Children's Reading Festival in part-nership with Marcus Books, the nation's oldest African American book store. Log-on to the Events page at norcalmlk.com for a full list of activities and downloadable activity maps, and subscribe to us on Twitter at norcalmlk for the latest updates on activities and the day's events.

ACTIVITY LIST (scheduled and subject to modification) 2012 MLK March/Parade Begins at 11:00am (arrive early) Begins at 4th St. & Townsend Ave. (Caltrain Depot) MLK Dream Address and Special Presentations 12:15pm - 4:00pm, Limited Seatlng, doors open at 11:50am. Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (scheduled) San Francisco Interfaith Commemoration 11:45am - 12:15pm Esplanade Stage at Yerba Buena Gardens Health Preparedness and Sustainability Festival 11:00am - 4:30pm The Forum at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts 2012 Civil Rights Film Festival 11:00am - 4:30pm Various screening rooms (see the Events page at norcalmlk.com for details) Children's Reading Festival 11:00am - 4:30pm Children's Creativity Museum/Yerba Buena Center for the Arts & Gardens Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of the African Diaspora & Children's Creativity Museum 10:00am - 5:00pm

The 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebrations to be held on Monday, January 16, at San Fran-cisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and Yerba Buena Gardens.

San Francisco, California—December 25, 2011: The 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration enti-tled, Renewing the Dream, will be held on January 16, 2012, at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and Yerba Buena Gardens. A host of activities and programs mark the day, including our annual March/Parade; MLK Dream Address and Program; San Francisco Interfaith Council Interfaith Commemoration; the 2012 Children's Reading Festival; the new Civil Rights Film Festival; the 2012 MLK Conversation Series; Health Preparedness and Sustainability Festival; special music; free museum admission to the area museums and a host of other inspirational activities. All are free to the public.

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Sunday Worship 5:00 p.m. at

First Unitarian Universalist Chapel 1187 Franklin St.

Office Hours & Mailing Address 1537 Franklin St., Suite 201 San Francisco, CA 94109

M- F 7:30-11:30 a.m. (415) 359-1025 (V) (415) 359-1267 (F)

For information visit our website: www.fulc.com

email: info@fulc.com

Pastor Susan Strouse Office Hours:

Tuesday & Thursday (510) 528-4354(H) (510) 579-7061 (C)

email: PastorSusan@fulc.com

Orion Pitts Music Director & Office Administator

orion@fulc.com

2010-2011 Council: Jacob Johnson President@fulc.com Steve Johnson Treasurer@fulc.com Terri Bogaards Secretary@fulc.com Tamara Alliston Dana McDonald

Pamela Hargraves

NOTE:

Deadline for submission of all information or items in

Keeping in Touch is

Wednesday at 12 noon

of the week of publication. Items sub-mitted after this time may not be in-

cluded in that week’s edition.

For details on all First United events, go to www.fulc.com

& click on “Calendar”.

Coming Events:

Jan. 10: David Rohrer Jan. 15: Kati Pessner Jan. 21: Pamela Hargraves Jan. 23: Jacob Johnson

� FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY (OBSERVED) Sunday, January 8, 5:00 pm F irst Unitar ian Universal ist Chapel

� BAPTISM OF JESUS (OBSERVED) Sunday, January 15, 5:00 pm F irst Unitar ian Universal ist Chapel

� D ISCOVERY GROUP—SOCIAL JUSTICE

JACOB JOHNSON—PRESENTER Sunday, January 22, 3:00 pm F irst Unitar ian Universal ist Mur-

dock Room

Policy for Charitable Donations

First United’s policy is to help people by finding services when possible.

All requests for help must go to Pas-tor Susan. Please do not ask mem-bers for money, rides, phone use, or

food—ask only Pastor Susan.

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Presider Pr. Susan Strouse Cantor Daniel Eickmann Worship Assistant(s) Barrow family Refreshments/Bread Barrow family Council Rep Alliston/Johnson unit

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Presider Pr. Susan Strouse Cantor Steve Johnson Worship Assistant(s) Margie & Steve Refreshments/Bread Margie & Steve Council Rep Steve Johnson

To sign up as a Greeter or other worship assis-tant, send an email to info@fulc.com.