December 10, 2022, is the 74th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The document is associated with Eleanor Roosevelt because she championed it, though it was drafted by a Canadian, John Humphrey. In this Sunday service, philosopher Cliff DuRand will discuss the record of the United States as an upholder of economic and political rights declared in that historic document.

In the United States its provisions on political rights are often celebrated.  And our institutions and leaders have a good record in upholding them. But its provisions for economic rights are widely ignored because the United States does not observe them.  For example, it declares that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.” 

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Thinking about gifting for the holidays ahead? Be sure to visit the UUFSMA first-ever online auction. You’ll be surprised to see its variety of excellent gifts.

Reach the site with a click Auctria.events/UUFSMA.

Click the Register Button first and enter your name, email address, and, either then or when paying later for a winning bid, a credit card. Then click the Auction Button, and the catalog opens to invite you to scroll through items on the page in front of you. Click on those that interest you, consider your bid, and enter it.

You will choose among many works of art, casual as well as elegant apparel, household items, jewelry, social occasions, cultural events, useful hardware, whimsical décor, and other items that will please either you or someone else.

You can also Donate at the site to celebrate the success of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende in growing into its mission for 35 years. Press the Donation Button on the main auction page and consider giving back for some of what the Fellowship has given and will continue to give to you in the years ahead.

Bidding will close on December 18, and you will be notified of winning bids by December 20.

December 6:

Judith Jenya's Book Reading and Signing

Come Hear Judith Jenya Read from Her New Book for the First Time!

You’re invited to join Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Judith Jenya December 6, 2022, for a special live event: the first reading and signing of her new memoir, Memories Do Not Burn.

A fierce visionary, Judith’s writing recounts her work with children facing war and violence in Bosnia, Croatia, and Northern Ireland, and arranging adoptions of Russian children with American families. She also narrates her many acts of kindness for children in Albania, Jordan, and Los Angeles. 

You’ll learn about the adversity she faced creating and running summer camps for children during wartime – camps that were havens of peace, healing, and hope while conflicts raged around the youngest victims. This inspiring, adventure-filled work also delivers captivating insights into the children's and volunteer counselors' lives, even as it reveals Judith’s motivations and feelings about being a peace activist. 

The event will be held from 4 – 5 p.m. at Café Murmullo, Ancha de San Antonio 25, in the Instituto Allende. It is free, but capacity is limited to 40 people. Those signing up through UUFSMA’s auction will receive a discount on food and/or beverage purchases. A portion of book sale proceeds will benefit UUFSMA.

Sign up via the sign-up sheets at Sunday services at Hotel Aldea between 10 a.m. and Noon, or contact Diana Amaya at info.uufsma@gmail.com.

A Reminder to Committee Chairs…

UUFSMA December Board Meeting

December 5: The President's Hour

Two book authors, both UUFSMA members, will be interviewed next week on The President’s Hour zoom meeting.

Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Judith Jenya and multi-book author Cynthia Claus will talk about why they write, what they write, and their travels throughout their lifetime. 

Judith will have a special reading and signing of her latest book " Memories Do Not Burn" from 4-5 p.m. on December 6 at Cafe Murmullo.

Cynthia, has written four books, two about her life in San Miguel. Her latest is titled “Is This My  Life?” and was released just a few months ago.

Come ask them questions, hear their tales of adventure and challenges, and learn why they are such an important part of our Fellowship. And you may find one of their books will make perfect Christmas gifts for your family and friends.

More artists, writers, painters, entertainers, and those with special gifts and creative skills will be interviewed each month so you can meet the talented folks who share UUFSMA.

The President’s Hour is on Zoom every Monday at 11 a.m. If you would like a reminder email with the link, please contact Diana Amaya at info.uufsma@gmail.com.

Welcome Back to New Member: Judy McKay