Rev. Barbara says "There is a lot of misinformation and stigma associated with mental health problems. With as many as 20% of the populace living with a mental health problem at any one time, there is a lot of needless suffering that could be alleviated with more information and understanding. Television and the internet are wonderful vehicles to publicly explore these issues and generate understanding and help in recovery. I see the show's chief objective to be giving hope and realistic alternatives to people who are living with mental health problems and their families."

The interview format focuses each show on a single mental health issue with guests who are living with the issue, as well as a family member, or other service provider. The show's first episode will focus on suicide, and the second on schizophrenia. Its guests will tell what it is really like to live with a particular mental health problem, what the challenges are, and what helps them. The mental health TV show is unique for Bay Area audiences and should bring hope and understanding to many who are themselves suffering and to their family members.

The UU Sankofa Project Archives was established in 2005 as a means of preserving, documenting, and celebrating the contributions and experiences of Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists of color, starting in the nineteenth century and continuing on into the present. The project consists of a physical archive located at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago as well as an online archive featuring photos, biographical material, sermons, and other writings by Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists of color, including African Americans, Arabs, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, Latino/Latinas, and Native Americans. It is so well done--I hope you will check it out.

These donations were arranged by the Reverend Dr. Mark Morrison-Reed, author of Black Pioneers in a White Denomination (Skinner House, 1991). "The archives are a rich resource for both casual and serious researchers," Morrison-Reed said. "The online piece gives RE teachers, ministers giving sermons, and students writing papers ready accessibility to material. If you're a scholar doing research, then the physical archives becomes an important tool. The project shines a needed light on the role that people of color have played in Unitarian Universalism. Given the movement's commitment to becoming more diverse, it's important that this resource is available. African Americans and other people of color didn't show up yesterday."

And while you're thinking about GA, don't forget about UU University, June 24 and 25, just before the start of GA. UU University offers some of the very finest leadership development available within our movement. This year's keynote speaker is Nick Carter, President of Andover Newton Theological School. See the UU University brochure for more information.

Women & Religion invite all UU women to celebrate Global Sisterhood, Spring Renewal, a weekend of Retreat, Relaxation and Rejuvenation. March 7 - 9, Enchanted Hills, Napa. The retreat begins 3:00 on Friday and runs through lunch on Sunday. Join with 50 or more other UU women from throughout the District for conversation, singing, laughing, crying, learning. Contact Clair Trujillo to receive a registration form - space is limited and registrations accepted on a first come, first served basis. The cost for the weekend is $225 by Feb. 4 or $250 after that date. Delicious meals and lodging included.

Columnist (and previous DA keynoter) Jon Carroll, known for his Unitarian Jihad essay, now introduces the Church of Cosmic Stuff. "We're all part of the universe and thus we are united with the universe, and therefore my new church will be called Universal Unitarianism. No, wait, that's taken. How about the Church of Cosmic Stuff, motto: 'We're All Stars.'"

The Reverend Ken Collier, who served our Palo Alto congregation from 1991 to 2001, has endowed the Truth and Reconciliation Fund at the Starr King School for the Ministry. The purpose of the Fund is to support theological education that leads toward reconciliation for the legacies of racial injustice in American society. The fund is also established in memory of Mary Jones, who was once enslaved by Rev. Ken's ancestors. The endowed fund may support scholarships for students of African descent and programs and faculty that educate to counter oppressions and create just communities. This generous gift of $100,000 will establish the fund. Others are encouraged to contribute toward this fund, and may do so by contacting Reverend Kelly Flood, Vice President of Advancement.

Beacon Press is compiling a list of UU congregations that have speakers' forums, lecture series, films and similar ongoing programming. The Jamaica Plain Forum in Boston is helping to map these congregations and share information. If your congregation has programs of this nature, please contact Tom Hallock at Beacon Press with a brief description.

Join our Marin congregation and enjoy an all you can eat Crab Feed on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Childcare available by request. For reservations call (415) 479-4131, or e-mail office@uumarin.org.