MINISTERIAL TRANSITION UPDATE – JUNE 1, 2016

On Sunday May 29, the members of Monte Vista UU Congregation had a chance to meet with our new Interim Minister, Rev. Susan Manker-Seale.  Jack Little, a member of the Transition Team, introduced Susan.  The congregation gave her a warm welcome on this Religious Exploration Sunday.  She was able to visit with many members and their children, and she enjoyed the celebration picnic.  Later in the afternoon, the Board of Trustees gathered for their welcome to Susan and an informal check-in.  Truly, this was a memorable and enjoyable Sunday.

Rev. Susan will be on our payroll as of July 1st. Her first paid month will be paid vacation, as interim ministers are entitled to 8 weeks of vacation a year. She will spend July transitioning to the area, to include moving from Arizona, setting up her new household and church office and related activities. She will officially start her interim ministry duties August 1, meeting with committees and staff and getting to know our church community. Her first Sunday in the pulpit will be August 21st.

The Board wishes to express its gratitude to the Interim Team for finding an interim minister with Rev. Susan’s experience and accomplishments.  We are all looking forward to working with her over the next two years to make MVUUC an even better spiritual home for all.

Maribel Dana, Board President

OUR NEW MINISTER: SUSAN MANKER-SEALE

Welcome to CA, Rev. Susan Manker-Seale.

Rev. Susan Manker-SealeRev. Susan was born in Riverside, then spent most of her life in AZ.  Her biography is impressive.  A graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, Susan sings, she writes books, poems and music, is a social justice advocate, speaks Spanish, is a published author and much more.

Susan has served as parish minister in a few different congregations for nearly twenty-five years.  We welcome her as our Interim minister for the next two years; preparing MVUUC for the process of finding a settled minister at the end of her two-year interim.

Susan has a lot of extra special experience as she learned about Unitarian Universalism from birth. Susan’s dad is now a retired UU minister.

Again, please welcome Susan when you see her at church.

A First WELCOMING LUNCH at MVUUC

“Thank you to all who came out to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Sunday to welcome the Wawieh and Kanjou families. They felt the warmth of your embrace and support and are excited about the many new connections made. Thank you to all who have offered to tutor them in English and those working with them now. If anyone is in need of a talented custom furniture maker and carpenter, Mr. Kanjou is your man. Until the next gathering… wrote Dr. Tayyarah

Pam, Rev Ann & AnneOUR WELCOMING LUNCH held on JUSTICE SUNDAY (March 6, 2016) was quite a success.  The patio was packed.   Pam Sparr from UU Service Committee delivered a dramatic sermon about the Syrian refugee crisis entitled The Knock at the Door”.   Jeanine and Halah read poems full of emotion. There were only a few dry eyes in the room.  Over lunch, many special guests and several visiting students shared their anticipated volunteer support for upcoming justice work.

Thanks to everyone who brought food to share. Many people arrived early and stayed late to set up, serve, and clean up. Special thanks to our tireless Kitchen Crew: Kathy, Danita, Jesus, Marissa, Tim, and Jason. Thanks to Worship Committee for providing the families fruit gift baskets and to Eleanor for the now much-loved stuffed animals. They were a hit!

Tom's Peace ShirtSo many thanks to Dr. Aswad, who brokered the negotiations with three Syrian refugee families, making them comfortable to attend a different place of worship. Their smaller children became restless until they found our playground where true international play happened. Another WELCOMING event is probably now essential when the third family can join us too.

Mr. Tarifi wrote: “Good morning Anne, I just want to thank you for the lovely luncheon on Sunday, we all enjoyed it specially Tom’s kebab. Please let your congregation know how much the Syrian families appreciate the Love and support they received. I look forward to host your congregation at the Islamic center (Claremont) in the month of Ramadan, so we may share more beautiful time together.”

This WELCOMING LUNCH was the beginning of a wonderful community friendship. Salaam.