OCTOBER 2012

Theme-Based Ministry Resource Flyer

UUofSCV Mission
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Clarita Valley enhances the lives of members through spiritual development and active service in the community. We offer a diverse, non-dogmatic spiritual home to all who share our values as dened by the Unitarian Universalist Association. We provide a liberal religious voice, a social justice presence in the Santa Clarita Valley, and a stimulating and supportive environment to help our members on their own spiritual journeys during all stages of their lives.

The word vocation is not used much these days, other than to describe the work of clergy or perhaps teachers or those in the medical eld. Often it is understood as relating to the kind of profession you set out to create for yourself - as a result of having a mystical experience in which you are told that thats what you should be doing! But not many of us fall into that category. And in this challenging economic environment it can seem pretty indulgent, unrealistic and wasteful to be concerned with anything other than just making sure you

Vocation
get a consistent paycheck. This months focus on Vocation afrms that reality, and invites an empowering perspective on what grappling with vocation might mean - especially at a time when so many of us feel weighted by responsibility and worry for the future. * Know that you dont have to have a mystical experience to discover your vocation. And you dont have to quit your job or compromise your nancial solvency. * According to Parker Palmer, you just have to be willing to listen to what your life tells you about the contexts in which

you experience joy. And, to try to match that with the worlds needs - however you can. For example, if your greatest joy is found in the company of animals, understanding that as your true vocation may lead you to spend more time with them or otherwise help protect animals (whether in your spare time or as part of your paid work). One of the signs that you are living out your vocation is that the time and energy you put into it feels deeply rewarding. This kind of work satises! It feeds your spirit and energizes your body. And couldnt we all do with some of that?!

What do/did you want to be when you grow up, and why?

(Try to doodle or draw them here)

Unitarian Universalists of Santa Clarita Valley

Website: http://uuofscv.org

Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. 22900 Market St., Newhall, CA

The Reverend Stefanie Etzbach-Dale

VOCATION IN MOVIES: The Social Network The Pursuit of Happyness The Matrix The Devil Wears Prada Kung Fu Panda Vision Luther VOCATION IN BOOKS FOR ADULTS: A Hidden Wholeness. Parker Palmer Let Your Life Speak. Parker Palmer Teaching Toward Freedom. William Ayers Who Moved My Cheese? Spencer Johnson Leading from Within. Intrator & Scribner Teaching with Fire. Intrator & Scribner VOCATION IN BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: The Giver. Lois Lowry Chicken Man. M. Edwards Work. Anne Morris My Fathers Boat. Garland & Rand The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. J. Kelley JOURNALING: 1. Describe in detail some experiences in your life when you felt deeply joyful and satised - as if you were in the right place with many of the pieces of your personality and experience tting together.

What did those experiences have in common, in terms of where they happened, and the values and people who were (or werent) part of the experience? Do you recognize a pattern? 2. On a separate piece of paper describe in detail those issues in the world (big or small) that concern you the most; that touch your heart. Lay those pieces of paper side by side and see if you can nd a relationship between any of them. Then draw a line to connect them and consider what type of related work opportunities you might explore! SAMPLE:
Accountant, actor, administrator, analyst, artist, athlete, barber, beautician, beekeeper, bird handler, bodyguard, brewer, carpenter, clothier, cook, dancer, diplomat, driver, doctor, farmer, sherman, reghter, fundraiser, glassmaker, guard, hairstylist, healer, herald, homemaker, hunter, jeweler, judge, leatherworker, locksmith lumberjack, mediator, merchant, messenger, miner, midwife, musician, nanny, painter, peacemaker, perfumer, pilot, potter, priest, politician, recycling, sculptor, seer, servant, singer, soldier, spouse, steward, storyteller, student, teacher, tracker, trainer, translator, weaver...

Quotes to consider:
You owe it all of us to get on with what youre good at. W.H. Auden Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. - Parker Palmer Everyone we meet in life is on a mission to teach us something new. Surprise! - Joan Chittister We are not called upon to do all the good that is possible, but only that which we can do. - Theodre Guerin Useless men are so because they neglect their own profession or calling. - R.W. Emerson. Good training is a continual friend and solace. - R. Mitchell Vocation is what you do with joy, as if you had re your heart and the devil in your body. - Josephine Baker Fulfill your own destiny. - Thomas Merton
Youve found your vocation when work feel like vacation!

Next months theme is

GRATITUDE

UUofSCVs Theme-Based Ministry is a religious education program offering a variety of opportunities for people of all ages to engage with timeless theological themes - encouraging spiritual literacy, relationships, and a stronger sense of responsible personal theology. The 2012-2013 (September-May) themes are: unity, vocation, gratitude, peace, grace, prayer, letting go, salvation, and truth. Contact Rev. Stefanie (RevStef@gmail.com) to speak with her about your ideas on this months theme, or if you have a book, poem, lm, story, practice, or service project recommendation relating to next months theme. You may also contact the contact the Committee on Shared Ministry: Rick Kamlet, Sara Brown, Gerri Brehm.