Nations rising against nation, an economy that is squeezing out the middle class, civil wars with religious roots, the rise of a Radical Right, sex scandals, and disease pandemics: where are we now?

It might surprise you to know that this scenario accurately describes the society and culture of Ezekiel, the great prophet of the Jewish Bible. Ezekiel knew then what community organizers know now: Power equals people organized. It is no surprise then that those who benefited most from the status quo in Ezekiel's time — about two percent of the population — aimed to keep the prophet tight lipped. Sound familiar?

The scenario may be, but Ezekiel's response is not. This Sunday we'll discover what we can learn from one ancient sage who traveled the road we find ourselves on today.

We will also commission Betty Skwarek as our permanent Director of Lifespan Faith Development (note her new title); she has served in an "acting" role for the past two years.

Joining me on the Chancel in addition to Betty will be pastoral Care Minister Rev. Fred Rabidoux, Community Minister Rev. Denis Paul, Ministerial Intern Joel Gilbertson-White, Trustee Stephen Schwichow, and worship associates Claire Weber and Antonia Porter. The choir will minister in music.

Let's worship together this Sunday, and be sure to bring someone with you to church this Sunday.

Religious Education participants and staff are thrilled that Betty will be serving our community on a permanent basis! Join them for a party in the Chapel immediately after services to celebrate. Everyone is welcome!

Rev. Dr. Amos Brown, Senior Minister of Third Baptist Church of San Francisco and President of the San Francisco branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), will address the Forum on the goals and future of the NAACP.

The NAACP is celebrating its 100th anniversary as it continues its mission to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

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

Sunday at 10 am parents of the youth in Our Whole Lives (OWL) will meet to learn about the program that their children are participating in.

If you have a child in eighth, ninth or tenth grade, this is the time for him/her to learn about issues of gender, respect and sexuality that are so important for them. OWL provides an education that can't be replicated in schools. It goes beyond anatomy to address questions about sexual orientation, self-awareness, and responsibility.

Parents are invited to come to Sunday's meeting. The parent discussion is essential as is the youth's commitment to attend class sessions. The strength of OWL is based on mutual trust - trust between youth and their teachers, and trust in the process by all involved including parents.

Parents with children not yet signed up are welcome to come to Sunday's program. Betty invites you to call her first at 776-4580 so that you can be welcomed as an expected participant, but reservations are not required.

The congregation really stepped up to this year's Beyond Sunday Challenge. Together, thanks to the leadership of our generous financial donors and the passion and support of many more members who made an additional pledge of financial support, we've raised just over $590,000 in pledges for this fiscal year!

What does this mean? It means we are moving forward with our ambitious growth budget, including hiring a new position that we've talked so much about - the Beyond Sunday Coordinator.

A hearty and profound "Thank You!" to everyone who helped make our dream a reality! To all of our financial donors who have trusted us with your hard earned money, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To our annual budget drive chairs, Bill Klingelhoffer and Ron Weber, for getting us so close to our goal, thank you. To Ron Weber an additional thanks for your steadfast support and hard work on the Beyond Sunday Challenge. And thanks also to my fellow Board members for your energy and hard work in support of this challenge.

Rev. Gregory Stewart, Stillman Stewart, and sons are featured in PBS's "In The Life" series which airs on KQED Sunday at 11:30 pm (rebroadcast at 5:30 Monday morning).

The program shows the opening minutes of the documentary, Preacher's Sons, the full-length documentary film that "In The Life" says tells about "five troubled boys - pulled from the train wreck of foster care, and the two men who are now their fathers."

This is the first time the Flame has recommended a television program. But, this episode of "In The Life" is so emotional with its affirmation of children and people and love, we say you'll want to view it and then save it for its medicinal value.

The interviews with filmmaker and Unitarian Universalist C Reed add focus on the importance of family. Her spoken perspective enhances the footage of the documentary.

We thought we knew the Stewarts. We appreciate them even more after seeing them on "In The Life".

You're invited to a free artists' reception 12:15 Sunday to honor painter Carol Salin John, whose retrospective work is showing in the Martin Luther King Room, and weaver Lisa Honig, whose tapestries and rugs are mounted in the Star King Room.

Pictured is a tapestry by Lisa that is part of the two-artist exhibition that is on display through November 28th.

Please join members of the California Pacific Medical Center (CMPC) Task Force at a city-wide community forum "CPMC -- The Next 12 Months: Achieving Healthcare Equity for San Francisco Neighborhoods" on Tuesday (November 10) at 7:00 pm in St. Mary's Cathedral, lower level conference room.

This forum has been organized by the Cathedral Hill Neighbors Association in collaboration with neighborhood groups from other parts of the city.

If you have questions about the status of California Pacific Medical Center's new Cathedral Hill Hospital, please contact task force members Ben Bear, Bill Wise, David Jones, Merle Easton, Nancy Evans, Paulett Taggart, Rachael Balyeat, Wally Cleland, or George Mayer.

from Jay Roller, Facility Rental Manager

The Unitarian Universalist Center and Sanctuary Open House is this Saturday!

The event is a great chance to enjoy the sanctuary and tour the building - ask questions and meet staff and members. Jay Roller will be available for inquiries about space rental, so if your office or social group is planning a holiday party (or any other event), encourage them to visit.

You can always view the space online, or contact Jay Roller at 776-4580 for more information.

Volunteers have come forward to keep the Flame lit, but they need your help. Please make sure to submit your photos and stories to Flame@uusf.org instead of emailing anyone personally.

Mail sent to the church email address will be distributed to the people doing the editing each week. The submission deadline remains noon on Wednesday.

And, thank you for your articles, photographs, and other submissions that keep the newsletter flaming!