Author: George Yenoki

Married to Reverend Maggie Yenoki. Joined Pomona Valley Unitarian Society in 1985. Current member of Throop UU Church (aka, The First Universalist Parish of Pasadena) Docent/Naturalist at Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Volunteer TCE Tax preparer for AARP Bookworm for LA Times Festival of Books Retired medical software developer.

Inland Valley Hope Partners Walk for the Hungry, a Retrospective

Posted on by George Yenoki
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This October marks the 42nd year for the annual Walk for the Hungry. It’s easy for me to remember that year because I walked the first one (then a ten mile walk) a month after I got married. I’ve walked this Walk many times; alone, with friends, as part of the Unitarian Society of the Pomona Valley (now MVUUC) with my husband, pushing strollers. I’ve sponsored others, and co-chaired our MVUUC participation with Ruth Pedvin (one of our church founders) and Catherine Rowlee.

Now called Inland Valley Hope Partners, this non-profit group sponsors the Walk for the Hungry. The Walk originally was called the CROP Walk, which benefitted Church World Service efforts to help needy people world wide. Now the proceeds go to IVHP. This local non-profit provides shelter and operates four food pantries in our area, among other noble work. To learn more, see: http://www.inlandvalleyhopepartners.org.

This year the 5K walk will be throughout the beautiful Claremont College campuses. Kathy Mason is our liaison and coordinator for the Walk. In past years we’ve had many walkers and sponsors from our congregation. Let’s make this a banner year, joining in community with others to support those in our own backyard less fortunate than ourselves. I am committed to this event, how about you? See Kathy for more info.

Margaret Davis

Beyond Binaries – Rev. Ann Schranz

Posted on by George Yenoki

revannFor nearly 20 years of my adult life, I had a “project” of sorts going on in the background. My project did not get in the way of holding down a job, making friends, having relationships, seeing a bit of the world, paying bills, making mistakes, learning, growing, and generally “functioning” in the world. In fact, my project added luster and complexity and depth to all those activities. I am referring to the project of sorting out my sexual orientation.

As many of you know, I identified as heterosexual through college. From my mid 20’s to my mid 30’s, I identified as lesbian. From my mid 30’s on, I have identified as bisexual. It took the better part of a decade to settle into identifying as bisexual. So I am one of the tongue-in-cheek “lucky” ones who has come out twice. 😉 It was far easier coming out as lesbian than it was coming out as bisexual. I wrote about my experience in an essay titled “From Orientation to Orienteering.” It was published 15 years ago in the book Blessed Bi Spirit: Bisexuals of Faith, edited by Debra Kolodny. My remarks this morning are a hybrid between homily and religious education.

If I had identified as heterosexual my entire life, I would probably find it mystifying that sorting out two shifts in sexual orientation could take 20 years and merit the label “project.” What’s the fuss? What’s to sort out? For one thing, sexual orientation turns out to be more complicated that was generally thought even a few decades ago. There is a complex interplay between affectional feelings, erotic feelings, and romantic feelings. It is helpful to think of each of them as a separate orientation.

Wayne Pawlowski has created the AER (affectional orientation / erotic orientation / and romantic orientation) model to do just that. To distinguish among the three orientations, he asks open-ended questions:

A. Affectional orientation: “With whom do you prefer to socialize? With which sex(es) do you feel most comfortable and relaxed?”

B. Erotic orientation: “Which sex(es) turn(s) your on erotically? To whom are you attracted as real, potential, or fantasy sexual partners?”

C. Romantic orientation: “With whom do you fall in love? With whom do you fall in love most easily?”

The AER (Affectional/erotic/romantic) model allows for the possibility that a person may answer “no one” to the questions, and it allows for gender diversity in a way that previous models did not. In that sense, bisexuality is beyond a binary view of gender. Wayne Pawlowski suggests that of the three orientations, affectional is the most influenced by environment/upbringing/life experience. Erotic orientation and romantic orientation tend to be far less influenced by environment. My interpretation is that the “born that way” stance regarding sexual orientation is an exaggeration and oversimplification of the scientific research. It is likely that for two of the three orientations, we are born with a strong propensity. The third orientation is more malleable, especially for women.

Three sexual orientations for everyone, not just one, accounts for some of the reason why sorting out one’s orientations can take a while. And then there is society’s attitude. Not falling in line with society’s most prevalent way of relating to others can bring the risk of suffering. Not falling into the expected line takes courage and merits support from religious liberals.

Not falling in line also brings the risk of joyful relating and the deep pleasure of authenticity! It is quite frankly too easy for joy to get lost in the shuffle when talking about bisexuality because the suffering caused by prejudice and discrimination against bisexuals can be intense. For example, there is a section called “Healing the Suffering” in this excellent new publication on bisexuality by the Religious Institute of Westport, CT. Alas, there I no section called “Reveling in the Joy.” For the joy, you will have to look elsewhere. We might seek out and get to know bisexuals. The odds are they would love to talk about their joy, not only their suffering.

Yes, there is both suffering and joy in bisexuality. As a general philosophy, if we start feeling overwhelmed by suffering, it is time to search for some joy. If we start feeling overwhelmed by joy, it is time to search for the suffering of others. Why? So that we can be in touch with as much of reality as possible and be positioned to respond wisely and compassionately.

MVUUC Social Justice Newsletter

Posted on by George Yenoki

July 2015

Coming Soon

July 11 9:30 MVUUC

The Inland Valley Citizens’ Climate Lobby will have their monthly meeting and conference call. All are welcome.

July 11 Stop Oil Trains Day of Action

SoCal 350 Climate Action, along with other environmental/community organizations, will be holding an event at Los Angeles’ iconic Union Station to call attention to the dangers of oil trains exploding across North America. Participants will call for the LA City Council to protect our communities and the LA River by opposing the Phillips 66 Santa Maria Refinery crude by rail expansion that will increase oil train traffic through our neighborhoods, threatening public safety. The event, starting at 12 PM, will include a rally, songs, dance, speakers, press conference and closing ceremony. Come say No to BombTrains and Yes to CleanEnergy. Co-sponsored by Progressive Christians Uniting, Food and Water Watch, Center for Biological Diversity, Tar Sands Action, and many others. For more information: http://www.wilderutopia.com/politics/los-angeles-stop-oil-trains-day-ofaction-july-11/

July 15 7:30 MVUUC

Roy Zimmerman returns to MVUUC! Don’t miss his great musicianship and political commentary. Roy has high acclaim around the country and we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to host him. Tickets $18.00.

July 15 7:00

Conscientious Project film series presents: “Which Way Home”, showing the personal side of immigration through the eyes of children who face harrowing dangers. Free, at the Old Packing House, 586 W. First Street in Claremont.

July 19 MVUUC

after church Come to the monthly letter writing table and join the power of the pen. All materials provided, including ideas (or bring your own) for letters.

July 19 7:00 p.m.

Claremont United Methodist Church A benefit concert for the Claremont Homeless Advocacy Program will be performed on Sunday July 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Claremont United Methodist Church, 211 W. Foothill Blvd. The featured performer is John York (singer, composer, instrumentalist). He is best known for his work as a member of The Byrds, the famous folk rock/country rock group from the 1960’s and regularly performs with Barry McGuire. John is a local gem, and this is a concert not to be missed! For tickets ($15.00) go to chapclaremont.org or call 909/450-6185.

July 26 MVUUC

Share the Plate offering will support the Pomona Economic Opportunity Program. http://pomonadaylabor.org/mission-history/

Book Review

“Loving LA the Low Carbon Way” is a new book by two Pilgrim Place residents, Grace Moreman and Jacqueline Chase. The book guides readers on 24 adventures in the City of Angels, each starting at Union Station and accessible via public transportation.

LA is glorious, but complex. It is simultaneously blessed with space, good weather, diversity, history, high culture, and a wonderful wackiness where innovation reigns. There will always be a need for new ways to explore and rediscover this kaleidoscopic city.

” The freeways, often clogged with traffic, and the vast distances between places can be intimidating. How else can you get to a place you want to see if you don’t want to drive, or don’t want to add to the traffic or air pollution? That’s where this book comes in. So, who needs it? The authors are emboldened to say, “Everybody!” By using Metrolink, buses, the subway, light rail, and your own two feet, it is possible to explore and enjoy many places in Los Angeles without a car. For more about this book: http://
www.lovingla.com

3rd Sunday Letter Writing

Seize the opportunity to join in letter writing on the patio after church every third Sunday. All materials including information are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own ideas and issues to write about. Previously written letters are getting great responses from legislators. Hand written letters carry a lot of weight so let’s keep this up! Thanks to Teresia Santee for coordinating this important opportunity.

Share the Plate (Monthly Social Justice Offering)

The June Share the Plate collection yielded $305.48 for No More Deaths, the advocacy group that seeks to end migrant deaths, based in Tucson and Phoenix. The July collection will be for the Pomona Economic Opportunity Program. PEOC’s goal is to find
safe work and fair wages for day laborers in the Pomona Valley. Please make checks out to Pomona Economic Opportunity Program.

Traveling?

Don’t forget to save those hotel toiletries for CHAP and IVHP. Collection box on the fireplace.

Afterthoughts and More

Join a lively discussion after church on 2nd and 4th Sundays after church. Topics include homily response, current events, etc. Look for the Afterthoughts sign on the patio.

MVUUC Liaisons

Catherine Rowlee is our connection with Equal Exchange and Fair Trade.
Jeanine Little is our liaison to the UU United Nations Office.
Teresia Santee and Doris Warren link us to the Hope Partners Beta Program.
Colleen Bennett connects us to Progressive Christians Uniting and Death Penalty Focus.
Rev. Ann is our liaison to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pomona Valley
Anne Thorward is our UUSC and UUJMoC liaison.
Margaret Davis is the link to the Citizens’ Climate Lobby

UU Social Justice Links

UU Justice Ministry of California!

http://uujmca.org/http://uujmca.org/ The Unitarian
Universalist Justice Ministry of California advances justice in our state by cultivating and connecting leaders and communities, and by empowering the public voice of those who share UU values and principles. They seek to develop the skills of civic engagement that we may educate, organize, and advocate for public policies.

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee!

http://www.uusc.org/ The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is a human rights organization powered by
grassroots collaboration. In 15 countries throughout the world, UUSC fosters social justice and works toward a world free from oppression. UUSCʼs innovative approaches and measurable impact are grounded in the moral belief that all people have inherent power, dignity, and rights.

Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office

From involvement in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to leading the faith caucus to establish the
International Criminal Court, to overcoming UN apathy about sexual orientation & gender identity issues, the UU-UNO has a long history of providing strong leadership in all aspects of human rights at a policy level through UN consultative status.

Contributions to the Newsletter

If you have calendar events or community justice actions pertaining to any MVUUC social justice areas of focus, please send them to socialjustice@montevistauu.org The Social Justice group email list is an open forum. If you have events or references that would be appropriate for others to hear about, particularly in regard to our five focus areas, the best way to relay the information is to make your own group mail list with the addresses in this newsletter or simply “reply all” to the newsletter.

MVUUC Social Justice Areas of Focus for the Congregational Year 2014/15

1. Global Warming (including impacts on water and food)
2. Economic Inequality
3. Immigration and refugees

Note: With each new congregational year, these areas of focus will be re-evaluated.

Imagination and Empathy – By the Rev. Ann Schranz

Posted on by George Yenoki

Is it a plus or a minus to have a vivid imagination? On the plus side, a vivid imagination can turn a cardboard box, a jump rope, and an old sock into a castle, a moat, and a drawbridge. Children with vivid imaginations do not need expensive toys or electronic devices to entertain themselves. Adults with vivid imaginations can feel good about repetitive tasks if they see how their work supports something important. Prisoners with vivid imaginations can inhabit a world much larger than their cells.

Mark Twain spoke of the minus side when he observed, “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” A vivid imagination coupled with excessive worry can be counterproductive. In addition, employers do not necessarily want to pay staff members for creativity, though smart employers do just that. In terms of spiritual development, I believe that imagination is a plus. For example, empathy makes use of imagination. Having empathy for another person is a way to care about a stranger or to care about someone who is different from us, stranger or not.

If spiritual development is a path, the path is not paved and well marked, offering lavish rest stops at regular intervals. The path of spiritual development is more likely to be rocky or muddy and feature switchbacks. Imagining the way ahead can give us the energy to keep moving. Religious imagination is also valuable because it allows us to interpret sacred texts in metaphorical terms instead of interpreting them literally.

It is not overstating the case to say that lives are in danger when some religious texts are interpreted literally. The nominal cause of some violence committed by religious extremists may be a literal interpretation of sacred texts. What should be the response of religious liberals? Religious liberals often interpret sacred texts metaphorically, and we must not abandon religion. That will likely make matters worse.

The de-escalation of violence fueled by sacred text literalists will come not because secular people convince them to change. It is more likely to come because of imaginative religious liberals within the religious tradition in question. They may or may not identify with the “religious liberal” term. We will recognize each other by our use of imagination, empathy, and persuasive language to convey our message with depth and richness.

We must not give up talking to those who differ from us regarding religious belief. We can always learn more about others and their values. If we are able to develop a relationship of trust, we may even have occasion to point out internal inconsistencies in the worldview of others. After all, no one likes “cognitive dissonance.” By exploring internal inconsistencies in worldviews, the view may change.

Our collective hope lies in the human capacity for imagination, empathy, and persuasive language. May religious values guide our development. May we seek and strengthen relationships of trust with those who differ from us. May spiritual growth be ours – and theirs. May it be so.