We've all read about America's battle with the bulge, the sugar-laden diets of children and teens, even that our troops are no longer prepared for the rigors of war. Simply put, we're out of shape.

I think this goes beyond an addiction to high-fructose corn syrup or the relaxation of entry requirements for would-be soldiers. Rather, we as a people now wholeheartedly embrace one of the most ancient deterrents to a fulfilled life: sloth.

For the sloth, what first starts as "I'll do it later," soon becomes, "Why bother?" or "Who cares?"

Slowing down is one thing; giving up altogether isolates us from ourselves, each other, and God.

This Sunday I'll share some antidotes to the new American past-time — sloth — and consider how to make our lives matter more with each passing day.

Joining me on the Chancel will be Community Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Ministerial Intern Joel Gilbertson-White, Acting Director of Religious Education Betty Skwarek, and Worship Associates Michelle Collins and Tobias Sunshine. The choir and soprano Maria Solis will minister in music.

We'll save you a seat; bring a friend to worship this Sunday.

Making clay tiles is the project for "Art for Everyone" which will meet in the Art Room at Sunday from 10 to 10:45. People of all ages are invited to drop in. Have fun together and create your individual masterpiece and exercise your imagination.

There is still a little time left to enroll in the "Our Whole Lives" class for youth in eighth through tenth grades. Participants have been working on community building, and before in-depth instruction begins, the teachers will meet with parents to discuss course content and expectations.

No new participants can be accepted after the curriculum instruction begins in November, so contact Betty Skwarek at 776-4580 or by email with your questions and information on how to join in.

from Karen Melander-Magoon

Chuck Haupt, Western Region Executive Director of MedShare, will talk with the Forum about the efficient recovery and redistribution of surplus of medical supplies and equipment to those most in need.

Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of medical supplies get dumped into landfills each year by hospitals simply because of an oversupply.

Come hear more about MedShare and its successful program that provides medical supplies to needy clinics throughout the world in over 79 countries, including Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Kenya, and Ecuador by gathering "surplus" to send abroad where the need is greatest.

The free program will start at 9:45. Come at 9:30 for conversation, coffee, and (for a slight charge) a light breakfast.

from Carrie Steere-Salazar and Jim Barnett

Celebrate global Unitarian Universalism by joining the Partner Church Committee at a fund-raising luncheon after the worship service.

You'll be offered a special Hungarian-themed lunch including chicken paprikash along with Balyeat wine and desert. During lunch the newly arrived Balasz Scholar at the Thomas Starr King School for the Ministry will be speaking about his home church in the Alabaster Village of Meszkő, Romania.

The lunch chef is our own Maria Solis, and many of you have enjoyed her Hungarian cooking in the past! The suggested donation for the lunch is $20.

The Society's partner church is located in the heart of Transylvania (which is now part of Romania). The church is in Kolozsvar — the Hungarian name for the town, which is also known as Cluj — the Romanian name. Over the years, members of the San Francisco Congregation have visited the town and met with the current minister, Tibor Fogarasi, while on pilgrimage or singing tours to the area. Reiko Lane played the very ancient organ in the First Church two years ago, and members of the choir, led by Dr. Mark Sumner, sang at a special concert held in the sanctuary.

Have you ever wondered why we have a sister church in Transylvania?

"The Emergence of Unitarian Universalism in Europe," a four-session course that begins Sunday at 1, will help you understand that and much more.

You'll hear many stories about such fascinating figures as Michael Servetus who was burned at the stake by John Calvin and about the deep roots planted by Servetus and many others that have grown into the liberal religion of today.

The course is facilitated by Jim Barnett and each class is taught by different instructors who are experts in the topic they are teaching. The fee is $15 or $5 per session.

For more information about this course or the many others available to you, check out the Adult Religious Education website, visit the Adult Religious Education table in the coffee area after church, or contact the Religious Education office by phone 415-776-4580 x 162, or by email.

New UU: Sharing the Journey is a fun and interactive three-session class designed to welcome newcomers. We'll answer questions and help you to navigate your way in this dynamic and loving community.

The first class is this Sunday from 12:30 to 3:00. There is no fee.

Join the Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals at the annual Blessing of the Animals Sunday 2 in the Chapel.

Bring your companion animal or a picture to share with us, while Senior Minister Rev. Gregory Stewart conducts this symbolic and joyous ritual to recognize and pay tribute to our fellow creatures of the earth!

Special guest Virginia Handley will speak about the PawPAC organization and how it protects animals in our state.

This free ceremony will include music by Jiun Chyi Yew and Maria Solis.

The Beyond Sunday program will allow us to better minister to each other and to the community at large. Now is your opportunity to participate in the final effort to achieve the budget goal to implement Beyond Sunday.

All members who have not yet pledged to the Beyond Sunday Challenge are receiving a mailing this week that provides an opportunity to participate in this important financial incentive. The mailing includes a Beyond Sunday pledge form and an explanatory brochure from Senior Minister Rev. Greg Stewart and Moderator Matt Fuller showing how this program can move us forward, even during this economic recession.

At the beginning of this Challenge, we needed to raise another $50,000 — a daunting goal. We are meeting the challenge and need only $10,000 in additional pledges.

The Challenge ends on October 31, so the next two weeks are crucial. Please read the mailing and make your commitment to step up to this challenge.

You can mail the form to the church or drop it in the offering plate on Sunday. You can pledge online now or at the church website. Or you can just call Budget Drive co-chair Ron Weber and tell him about your Beyond Sunday pledge.

Do it now. Please.

Up On Top invites you to attend a special San Francisco showing of, The Providence Effect, an incredibly inspiring documentary film about kids striving to do well in school. 100% of the profiled school's students go on to college.

After the screening, the founder and principal of the kindergarten through 12th grade school will talk and will answer questions.

Up On Top children, their families, and staff have been provided with free tickets to this event. General admission is $10.50, and there are discounts for seniors and children.

Take a leaf from Alison Rittger's walk through Strybing Arboretum to Unitarian Universalism at Tuesday's SCW meeting.

"Studying to be a docent eventually hurried me down the path toward the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco," Alison says. She will share the path plants helped her travel at the luncheon program.

You're invited to sign-up for Tuesday's catered lunch at the SCW table during coffee hour Sunday or call Christine Patch-Lindsay at 564-3108 to reserve.

Tuesday's SCW schedule includes:
Business Meeting at 11
Social Time at 11:30
Noon: Catered Lunch at 12 Noon ($7-12)
Allison Rittger at 1 p.m.

In the traditions of Samhain (Halloween) and the Day of the Dead, the Pagan Interest Circle will set up two altar/bulletin boards at the entry to the Starr King Room Sunday after service: one will commemorate the Beloved Dead, and one will welcome the Newly Born of the past year.

Congregation members are invited to bring photos or write messages to honor their loved ones. The altar boards will remain on display on Sundays through November 8.

For more information, please contact Nancy Buffum at 242-1608.

The Samhain illustration for this story is by all-i-oli.

Come meet up with the Unitarian Universalists for Peace Saturday, (October 17) at 11 in the church gallery. Activists will walk together under the Society's banner to join the antiwar march at United Nations Plaza.

The march will start at UN Plaza, two blocks east of City Hall, on Market Street between 7th and 8th. The march begins at 12 noon and participants will rally back at UN Plaza at 1.

San Francisco Unitarian Universalists for Peace are participating in a country-wide rally that urges that the nation spend its taxes on jobs, education, health care, and not on endless wars.