Religion, for many, presents one dualism after another: it's right or it's wrong, black or white, "gay" marriage or "traditional marriage," Jesus or Buddha, big bang or Adam and Eve.

Yet a dualist's world view no longer squares with the world itself. In fact, to live among nature's unity while interpreting and experiencing it dually creates a life out of balance. At least that is what the Oglala Sioux say, and they should know: America's dualistic fervor changed their life of freedom into one of servitude.

What the Oglala Sioux have learned about Nature's Way can inform and inspire our own responses to the dualist mold we are often pressed into by others. It will also challenge our own Unitarian and Universalist notions of Oneness, a historical imperative for both groups.

What is it like not to be torn in multiple directions at once? What happens when life starts to make sense? The answers are not as black-and-white as one might think.

Joining me on the Chancel will be Pastoral Care Minister Rev. Fred Rabidoux, Community Minister Rev. Kay Jorgensen, Ministerial Intern Joel Gilbertson-White, Trustee Bill Wise, and Worship Associates Brendan O'Brine and Phoebe Masterson-Eckhart. Our choir will minister in music.

If you have friends who are seeking more balance in their lives, why not bring them to church with you this Sunday.

Children learn that the second principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations says that all people should be treated fairly. As the children mature, they learn the fuller meaning of the words "justice, equity, and compassion" that the term "fair" replaces.

Chapel this Sunday will focus on these concepts, beginning with a time together followed by work on the topic in groups of the same age. Michelle Collins, a ministerial candidate and student at Starr King School for the Ministry, will be leading the program.

At 10 am, Carolyn Jayne will lead the monthly Sing-Along in the Chapel in a wide variety of Unitarian Universalist songs, from camp songs to songs sung in our services in the sanctuary.

All ages are invited to participate. You don't have to be good, you just have to be willing to try.

Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb will talk to the Forum about Iran and civilian diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy as well as its relationship to Israel, Gaza and Iran.

The program will probe the idea of Jewish nonviolence in relationship to Israel and Palestine.

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

On Saturday (October 31) come from 11am - 3pm to a phone bank in support marriage equality in Maine. The critical election in that state is neck-and-neck and our calls can make a difference.

"It would be fun and awesome", says Otto O'Connor, " if we got a group of Unitarian Universalists to show up and do this together. So let me know if you are planning on joining us". Let Otto know you're coming by sending her email. The phone bank will be held at Equality California office at 2370 Market St. (at Castro). Please bring your cell phone.

You are also invited to attend a Bay Area Interfaith Worship Service and Rally for Marriage Equality on Monday (November 2nd) at 7pm at St. Mark's Lutheran, 1111 O'Farrell St.

At the one year anniversary of the passage of Proposition 8, people of faith throughout the state of California will stand with our friends in Maine and Washington State as they face discriminatory ballot measures.

Through interfaith prayer, song, and reflection, participants will be "Keeping the Faith" for equality for all people. For more information contact Rev. Roland Stringfellow at 510.849.8934 or by email. The service is co-sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry, California.

Would you like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and this congregation? Reverend Alyson Jacks will be available to answer any questions you have at the Newcomer Orientation after Church on Sunday at 12:30.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea in the Starr King Room and join us in the Murdock Room. Rev. Jacks will invite you to share what you are looking for in a spiritual community.

A short film about the diversity and history of the Unitarian Universalist Church will also be shown.

No commitments are required, just your comments and questions.

The Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals invite you to their monthly social hike Saturday (October 31) at 10. Meet at the USS San Francisco Memorial in the large parking off of El Camino Del Mar (off of Point Lobos Ave at 48th Avenue). This area is close to the western terminus of Land's End.

The group will explore Lands End which is San Francisco's wildest and rockiest coast, a place strewn with shipwrecks and rife with landslides. Its trails offer a cliff-top walk through shadowy cypress with scenic overlooks, 30-mile views of the coast, and the sounds of foghorns and barking seals in the distance!

The mid-point of the walk is at the Seacliff side of Lincoln Park with its spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. A small portion of the trail near Sutro Baths is ADA accessible.

Bring a beverage and snack.

Remember that it is Halloween and you'll be hiking. Dress for both! For additional information, call Dolores Priem (387-0873) or Joe Kelleher (642-7828).

Adult Religious Education invites you to drop-in on a class you were considering earlier this Fall but just couldn't fit into your schedule.

Dropping-in gives you a chance to meet the instructors and get a real feel for what is being offered. If you like what you experience, you can find out when the class will be offered again and get yourself signed up.

Check the Adult Religious Education calendar to see which classes are available this week. Descriptions of the courses are available in the catalog. All programs except Intermediate Meditation welcome drop-ins.

from Nan Parks McCarthy

Join us to celebrate nine years of growing success at the Up On Top After School and Summer Program Sunday. The congregation will join in honoring Elmer Owens, one of the founders and first president of Up On Top. He's pictured above surrounded by some of the children in Up On Top.

A lunch will be served for a suggested donation of $5 -- no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

This year's budget calls for an expansion of paid rentals of our church and center. Our staff is responsible for the marketing of our space for meetings, parties and weddings, and would welcome some professional review, feedback, and expertise.

If you have expertise in marketing and sales, we'd love it if you could share your time and talents with a short-term marketing task force. This group will review marketing and outreach the church is now doing and suggest changes in strategy to make our marketing efforts more effective.

If you have a little time to share your experience, training, expertise or interest in marketing and sales, (being a fan of the Mad Men tv show probably doesn't count as experience), please consider joining the Marketing Task Force. Contact Board Moderator Matt Fuller by email or by phone at 203.1745 for additional information about the group or to let him know of your interest.

Do you know the perfect person to represent the Congregation at the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly (June 23-27, 2010, in Minneapolis, Minnesota)? Or, a great representative for the Society at the Pacific Central District Assembly (Newark, CA April 30 - May 2)?

Would you like to be considered for a delegate spot yourself?

The Nominating Committee is preparing its recommended slate of candidates to represent the Society at these national and regional gatherings of Unitarian Universalists. The committee is asking for your help in identifying top candidates for the positions.

Please contact a member of the Nominating Committee as soon as possible with your suggestions so that your wisdom can be included in the candidate list presented to the Congregation early next year.

Members of the committee are:
Galen Workman 647-8829; Bob Bacon 510-834-6219, Dolores Priem 387-0873, David Jones , phone 819-3686, Lucy Smith 510-528-8540, Otto O'Connor 235-1505, and Carrie Steere-Salazar 566-4285.

The television program focuses on Preacher's Sons, the documentary feature about the Stewarts by Pasadena Unitarian Universalists C Reed and Mark Nealey .

In addition to showing the opening minutes of the film, the In The Life episode interviews Reed and records her perspective on the Stewart family and their importance in society's discussion about children and equality.

In The Life airs on different dates and times, depending upon the local station's schedule. KQED in San Francisco will show the program Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 11:30 pm and Monday, November 9 at 5:30 am.

from Jay Roller, Facility Rental Manger

Share our space with your friends and colleagues! Between now and December 30, we are extending a special "member's discount" of 15% to all friends who book a space for a special event or private party at the Unitarian Universalist Center.

If your work or social organization is planning a holiday party, please suggest that they view our space online or in person, and contact Jay Roller for more information.

You can also bring friends to visit during our Open House on November 7, from 12 to 3:00. The Unitarian Universalist Center has beautiful rooms for groups from 20 to 250, and the rental income helps support our many community services.

This event was listed in the monthly Firstnews newsletter with a different date. Please note the new schedule, November 15.

Be sure and visit the Kings' Gallery and view the tapestries in the Starr King Room by weaver Lisa Honig and the paintings and work by Carol Salin John in the Martin Luther King Room. The illustration for this article is "Wild Mustard & Walnut Orchard" by Carol.

A Reception for both artists will be held Sunday, November 8, after the worship service.