Excerpts from the February, 2000
First Unitarian News
By Allan J. Lindrup, Trustee
This month's report touches on a mix of things considered by the Board of Trustees at its January meeting.
Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC) will meet in Chicago this year, and First Unitarian is the host facility. For more details, see the Social Justice Council report on page 5.
The Hyde Park School of Ballet, a tenant at our church for the past seven years, is adding office space to their space use package. Much like the Chicago Children's Choir, the School's constituency is vibrant, interesting, and geographically and racially diverse. Current enrollment exceeds 150 students. The organization is on solid financial footing and can provide about $12,000 in scholarship assistance to children who otherwise would not be able to participate. The school, whose board of directors meets one evening a month, has now reserved a spot on its board for a First Unitarian Church member. If you would be interested in serving on the board, please advise Norman Hines. The school would welcome the opportunity to become involved in more worship services. There may also be ways for the school to participate through the Religious Education program.
Financially, the Board of Trustees was pleased to hear that more members and friends are caught up on their pledges, so the pledge total received through December 31 was close to the budgeted amount. We were also pleased to hear that due to the strong stock market, the church's endowment is now valued at over $1 million. As 5% of the value each December 31 may be used to support the next church year budget, an extra $13,500 will be available for the church's budget for 2000&endash;2001. This will be particularly useful in light of the extra costs of hiring a permanent Minister for Religious Education.
Grace Williams presented the Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee Mission Statement and Action Plan. The committee asked that, organizationally, it be part of the Program Council. The Board approved all of this.
Goals developed at the Board of Trustees retreat in October are being distributed to the appropriate councils and committees and being considered by the Committee on Congregational Participation for programmatic response.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation asked that the First Unitarian Society be added to its annual "Churches by Bus" tour. Five or six busloads of people would tour our church during the course of this annual one-day event. The board gladly consented to this request.
A couple of web sites that may interest you, particularly
if you do not receive regular mailings from the respective
organization:
-- www.cmwd-uua.org
-- UUSocialConcerns.tripod.com
Budgets Budgets Budgets Budgets
Feb. 13 is the date for Council, Committee, and Task Force budget requests to reach the Finance Committee. To find out what your group has spent so far this year, get in touch with Treasurer Julie Neuman. The Finance Committee's chair is Winston Kennedy. <top>
Endowments Looking Really Good
Our church's endowment funds have indeed grown--from $878,923 at year end 1998 to $1,088,639 by December 31, 1999.
You can make the endowment funds even bigger. Consider making a contribution to the Permanent Endowment, either by giving appreciated stock, by writing a check, or including the church in your will.
Many Thanks
The holidays are now well behind us. I extend a huge hug and many thanks to all who helped with the many events held at the church during November and December. I thoroughly enjoyed giving my time and limited talent. I have always been received with overwhelming love and appreciation.
Madeiria Myrieckes<top>
Lifespan Religious
Education
by Rev. Beth Williams, Interim Minister for Religious
Education
At our church February is the month when we propose our financial budgets for the coming year. Deciding how much money we will need to run the programs of our church is the first step in the budgetary process. The second step is raising the money through pledges of the members and friends of our congregation. This year there are groups raising funds in other ways. Some of these groups are part of our Religious Education program. Here is a message from one such group, the Junior High youth of our congregation:
A Message from the Jr. High Coming of Age Group: Our Group is trying to raise money for our end-of-the-year trip to Boston. We are trying to raise $500, and we list here and in a flyer some of the fun events we are holding to reach our goal. We will very much appreciate your participation!
- Used Book Sale coming in March
- We are starting to collect early. Please drop off any old or unwanted books at the church office in care of the MRE.
- Heart Cakes
- In celebration of Valentine's Day, we will be selling heart-shaped cakes for $2.50 each. Buy a cake for yourself or your loved one!
- Buy Cherry Pies for President's Day
- Delicious cherry pies will be baked by our Youth Group for President's Day. Reserve your pie on the order form in the flyer and turn it into the office in care of the MRE; then pick up your scrumptious pie(s) at the church. Only $15.00 per pie. <top>
Meet Our R.E. Teachers:
Anne Morrill-Ploum: Anne is helping to teach our 1st and 2nd graders in their Voyagers class for the Winter Intersession term. She is originally from Montreal, Quebec, but moved to the Chicago suburbs with her family in 1978. Anne received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Northern Illinois University at De Kalb. She took her graduate degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she received her professional training as an art therapist. Anne was raised Roman Catholic but grew away from it. She became a Unitarian Universalist in 1992. She likes how Unitarian Universalism embraces different beliefs but grounds diversity in the Principles and Purposes, which provide "rules for living." She also appreciates how Unitarian Universalism allows questioning, not just learning by rote, which was her religious experience as a child. Anne is teaching in our Religious Education program because her children, Ethan (age 4) and Katie (age 2) are involved in it. She also enjoys teaching in our program because it keeps her grounded. As an art therapist she works with children regularly, but she likes the way the children here are so expressive and joyful--"This is what childhood is supposed to be like." Anne's goals for her time with the Voyagers is to encourage a lot of questioning and discussion.
Steve Ploum: Steve is one of the teachers for our Pathfinders class (grades 3 and 4) in the Winter Intersession term. He is originally from Rockford, IL, and moved to Chicago in 1989. Steve did his academic work at Northern Illinois University at DeKalb and the University of Illinois at Chicago. As is his wife Anne Morrill-Ploum, Steve is an art therapist. He believes he has always been a Unitarian Universalist in outlook but formally declared himself a UU in 1992. He and Anne have been members of our congregation ever since. They currently share a position on our Minister for Religious Education Search Committee. Their children are growing up in our R.E. program. Steve's hobbies are found-object art (often involving mirrors) and playing the guitar. Steve is teaching in our Religious Education program because he wants to "give back to a program which gives his family so much." He also appreciates the Unitarian Universalist approach to religious education, which acknowledges diversity and difference and also teaches kids to enjoy learning and to question and to wonder. "We are all learners." This winter, Steve hopes to facilitate exploration in our Pathfinders class.
Paul Ricker: Paul is helping to teach the 5th and 6th graders in our Searchers class for the Winter Intersession term. Paul is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. Since 1991 he and his wife Kathleen have lived in Chicago and been active members of First Unitarian, except for a brief sojourn in Charlottesville, VA. Paul is a lifelong UU. He received a B.S. in physics and astronomy from Penn State, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics from the University of Chicago. Paul is a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. He does "computational astrophysics," using large computers to simulate the evolution of clusters of galaxies, galaxy formation, supernova explosions, and other phenomena. He is also very much interested in X-ray astronomy. As hobbies, Paul includes his recent study of the violin, as well as reading, hiking, and amateur astronomy. When asked why he is teaching in our R.E. program, Paul writes, "Richard Feynman once said that if you couldn't explain what you were doing in simple terms to non-specialists, you probably didn't understand it very well yourself. I'm interested in learning more about how children see the world and what explanations make sense to them, and in sharing with them some of the exciting discoveries being made at this time in history. I would also like to do my part in helping to counteract the trend in our society toward uncritical acceptance of superstitious attitudes and pseudoscientific beliefs. I hope that in my class we can fan the flame of a lifelong interest in learning about the cosmos -- and a passion for the truth -- in a wonderful group of future adults."
Please make an effort to get to know Anne, Steve, and Paul, and thank them for being leaders in our religious education program.<top>
First Unitarian Church Rises to the Challenge of Guest at Your Table: Our recent ingathering of Guest at Your Table boxes was a rousing success. We collected $1,326.29. Thanks to all the children, youth, and adults of our community who made a difference by contributing to our Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's Guest at Your Table program and to the work of social justice around the world. In 1999, sixteen UU congregations received Special Recognition for contributing over $2,000 to the Guest at Your Table program. Let's join them next year!
A New R.E. Semester Begins: Sunday, Feb. 13, is the beginning of Semester II&emdash;Unitarian Universalist Identity for the youngest children in our Church School. The Discoverers (age 3&endash;preschool) will continue with their "Chalice Children" curriculum under the guidance of R.E. teacher Pat Curran and a rotating team of co-teachers including Jaime Moore, John Curran, and Blanche Roberts. The Adventurers (kindergarten) will continue with the "Around the Church, Around the Year" curriculum. Ivan Lappin, Paulette Dodson, and Elsbeth Dunn are the teachers for this class.
Adult Religious Education: We have an exciting term planned this winter in Adult Religious Education. Make sure you pick up a brochure of our offerings in our brochure rack in Pennington Center.<top>
Wednesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, & 23 (& continuing in
March):
Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography, Adult R.E. class, Rev. Nina
Grey, Facilitator, 7&endash;9 pm, Explorers Room.
Fridays, Feb. 4 & 16:
The Fullness of Silence:
Noontime Meditation, Rev. Nina Grey, Facilitator, 12:15&endash;1 pm,
Chris Moore Parlor.
Sunday, Feb. 6:
Kids' Church&emdash;"Confronting Racism with Courage: The Story of
Ruby Bridges,"
Worship leaders: Anthony David & Rev. Beth Williams, 10:15 am,
Woolman Hall
Psychopharmacology and Society: Cocaine, Adult R.E. class, Dr. Paul
Ulbrich, Facilitator, 3 pm, Hull Chapel.
Sundays, Feb.. 6 & 20:
Senior High Coming of Age Group meeting, 11:30 am, MRE Office.
Fridays, Feb. 11 & 25:
Friday Parlor Lunch with Rev. Nina Grey, 12:15&endash;1 pm, Chris
Moore Parlor.
Saturday, Feb. 12:
The Monotheistic Tradition at the Movies: Adult R.E. class,
Finley Campbell, Facilitator, 6:30&endash;8:30 pm, Chris Moore
Parlor. <top>
Sunday, Feb. 13:
Semester II begins for Discoverers & Adventurers, 10:15 am,
Pennington Center.
Senior High Youth Group Advisors Luncheon Meeting, 12 pm, meet at MRE
Office.
The Nature of Racism: Africans in America, Adult R.E. class, Finley
Campbell, Facilitator, 12:30&endash;1:30 pm, VOV Gallery.
Psychopharmacology and Society: Narcotics, Adult R.E. class, Dr. Paul
Ulbrich, Facilitator, 3 pm, Hull Chapel.
Saturday, Feb. 19:
The Basics of Starting Your Own Business, Adult R.E. class,
Ioanna Crawford, Facilitator, 1&endash;5 pm, Chris Moore Parlor.
Sunday, Feb. 20:
Psychopharmacology and Society: Tranquilizers, Adult R.E. class,
Dr. Paul Ulbrich, Facilitator, 3 pm, Hull Chapel.
Tuesdays, Feb. 22 & 29:
Creating Your Personal Mission Statement, Adult R.E. class,
Kennie James & Rev. Beth Williams, Facilitators, 6:30&endash;8:30
(potluck dinner), Chris Moore Parlor.
Thursday, Feb. 24:
R.E. Council Meeting, 7 pm, R.E. Classroom.
Saturday, Feb. 26:
Philosophy & Religion in the West&emdash;videos and discussion,
Adult R.E. class,
Allan Lindrup, Facilitator, 1&endash;4 pm, Chris Moore Parlor
Sunday, Feb. 27:
Spring Term Teacher Training for Voyagers, Pathfinders, and Searchers
R.E. Teachers, 11:45 pm, Voyagers Room
Psychopharmacology and Society: Hallucinogens, Adult R.E. class,
Dr. Paul Ulbrich, Facilitator, 3 pm, Hull Chapel.<top>
Senior High Needs Goodies
On Sunday February 13, 2000 First Unitarian's Senior High Coming of Age group will be holding a Valentine's Day Bake Sale to raise money for their trip to Boston. The Coming of Age group needs donations of chocolate cookies, cakes, and confections to be auctioned off. If you are interested in donating goodies, or would like more information on the coming of age program, please contact Beth Williams at the church: 773/324-4100.
Great Books Meets Feb. 13
The gathering on Sunday, Feb. 13, will discuss Gogol's "The Overcoat." We are beginning a new series called "Order and Chaos." Newcomers are welcome. Call Gloria Gnatz for information.<top>
by Bobbi Lammers Campbell, Chair
Members of the Criminal Justice Task Force visited alderpeople Hairston and Preckwinkle to communicate our opposition to the new anti-loitering bill. We brought copies of the cards (about 100) signed by opponents of the ordinance. Many were signed by members of First U, many from the Decatur march, and many others from Greater Harvest Baptist Church. Several young members of CANS (Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety) accompanied us.
Both alderpeople received us warmly and seemed sympathetic to our arguments. They had both recently voted against Mayor Daley's choice of fire chief and had been roundly criticized by him. They both spoke of the difficulty of opposing the mayor and suggested that if he wanted the ordinance, it would pass. Their comments made it clear to us that we had much more work to do.
The Social Justice Council meets February 10. All interested in Social Justice work are invited to attend.
The Criminal Justice Task Force is organizing a bus to take prisoners' families to Tamms prison. Chaplain Carl Miller has given us possible dates. We have 7 people lined up and will solicit more.
On February 6, Social Justice Sunday, Rev. Nina Grey will speak about the proposed statement of conscience on racism and inequality published in the January First Unitarian News. At the First Forum following the service, we will discuss our response to the statement. Please come with your comments.
We will help with the continental meeting of UUs for a Just Economic Community to be held at our church in March. UUJEC board members will join us for worship on Sunday before their board meeting. (See the next story.)
You can help, too. To provide inexpensive housing for out-of-town participants, while simultaneously doing some fundraising for our congregation, First Unitarian members and friends living within a couple of miles of the church are asked to volunteer to host one or more participants (housing plus a light breakfast). The guests are asked to pay $15 per person per night, payable to "First Unitarian Society of Chicago." If you can provide housing for one or more conference participants, and have not yet been contacted by Allan Lindrup, please call him to let him know how many you can house for this conference. <top>
Attend Conference on "Building Grassroots Democracy & Economic Justice"
Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community are holding a conference at our church March 2&endash;5. UUs from across the continent are expected to attend. Thandeka will lead off on Thursday night, speaking "On Economic Injustice, Poverty and Race." On Friday parish ministers will share their various paths to doing justice work. Mel Hoover, director of the UUA Department of Faith in Action, is serving as a process observer, providing comments on the role of Faith in Action. Kim Bobo, director of the National Interfaith Committee for worker Justice, will describe that committee's work in supporting low-wage workers.
Saturday sessions will focus on skills building and denominational issues. Saturday evening features Rev. Jack Mendelsohn on "Unitarian Universalism: Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement."
Conference registration forms may be found in the blue folder in the newsletter slot in the office.
"The Many Dimensions of Advocacy"
If you are interested in any aspect of public policy and would like to participate in shaping it, you may find that this forum provides you with information and tools to make you a more effective advocate.
Subjects to be addressed include assessing the effectiveness with policymakers of various forms of mass communication; how to be most effective when lobbying policymakers one on one or with a group; how your group can initiate legislation; and how to monitor administration of a law you are concerned about.
The forum, with a dinner preceding, will be on Sunday, March 5, from 6 to 9 pm, at Unity Temple, UU, 875 W. Lake St., Oak Park. The event is organized by Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. Register before March 1 for $10 ($12 thereafter/at the door). For information, call Allan Lindrup.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
John Porterfield is again proposing state legislation to require lenders to give homeowners information about energy-efficient mortgages (EEM). Although an EEM option was created by Executive Order of President Carter, less than 1% of U.S. mortgages use these terms. John reports that an EEM can provide as much as $5,000 to reduce utility costs. "Financing we make available for multinational companies for energy extraction is perceived to be available for us to reduce energy needs in our houses. Because utility cost is saved with an investment `bought margin' (e.g., 10% downpayment) the return on investment for added EEM costs can exceed 100%." EEMs can also create environmental jobs, economic development, and housing affordability, comfort, and quality improvement. A sponsor for the proposed legislation is being sought. Speak with John at church or call him.<top>
Philosophy and Religion in the West
What have the great Western philosophers said about religion? In a four-session course, you can become acquainted with what the ancient Greek philosophers and many of the great Western philosophers from the Enlightenment to the present have said on this topic. Sessions will be held at First Unitarian Church from 1 to 4 pm on four dates: Sat., Feb. 26, and Sundays March 26, April 30, and May 28. Light refreshments are provided. A $2 contribution is suggested per session attended. Each session consists of five 30-minute tapes with breaks and with time for discussion. For information, contact Allan Lindrup.
Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography
An 8-week Course with Rev. Nina Grey, Facilitator
Wednesday Evenings, 7&endash;9 pm, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Explore your spiritual growth through memory, drawing (you don't have to be an artist), and, mostly, writing. Using Dan Wakefield's book, The Story of Your Life, we will look at childhood, youth, and young and older adult experiences. We will recall important people in our lives and how they helped us grow and learn and change. We will share writings, with appreciative listening. Confidentiality is respected. Minimum: 5 participants. Cost: the price of the book, in paperback. Registration is required. Please fill out the form in the Adult R.E. brochure and turn it in to the church office, or call the church office (773/324-4100) or send e-mail to: firstu@enteract.com.
Rev. Nina Grey has taken this course with Dan Wakefield, in an intensive format. She has led the course several times in the past few years. <top>
Word from Out of Town
by Cindy Pardo, Talent Auction Chair
Mark your calendars now! Talent Auction 2000 is scheduled for April 16, and you don't want to miss it. This exciting event promises to top even last year's record-setting fundraiser, with new activities, the return of the popular Silent Auction, and (we hope) a professional auctioneer to add to the fun.
For those of you who may not know, the Talent Auction is our major fundraising event of the year. But it is much more. Members of our talented and interesting congregation offer a variety of parties, lessons, services, and food which are sold at the hotly contested auction after a delicious luncheon. At this writing we have no firm commitments from previous donors, but offerings in the past have included use of vacation homes, a day's consultation and work from a master renovator, ethnic dinners, math tutoring, quilting classes, trips to view migrating sandhill cranes, and tickets to concerts. Last year we also had a children's auction, and we are working with Rev. Williams and the R.E. Council to see what other activities we can come up with for that day.
Talent Auction activities offer a great opportunity to get to know one another better. We are particularly eager to have family-oriented activities&emdash;picnics, trips to child-friendly places, anything that can involve the whole family. How do you plan such an event? Think about something your own family enjoys. How could you include others? Can you supply snacks or a simple meal? Can you organize the day so that everyone brings a "little something" to contribute? Can you make balloons, paint faces, tell stories?
Sometimes the simplest items are the most appreciated. Food items are never left over! You needn't bring food items on the day of the Auction, but usually arrange to deliver your specialty at a mutually agreed time. Can you walk dogs, feed cats, baby sit, water plants, repair clothing, clean a house, arrange flowers, run errands? We have lots of other ideas. Last year the Young Adults offered their services for general clean-up labor. Believe me, it was a hotly contested item!
The Talent Auction Committee is beginning to make calls to those who offered items last year, and there will be a form for new items in next month's First Unitarian News. We will also let you know about the Silent Auction, which we hope will include a special Art Sale. Meanwhile, put the date (April 16) on your calendar, think about how you can participate (we always need buyers!), and be ready for the best Talent Auction of the century!<top>
Search for Minister of Religious Education (MRE)
by Margaret Huyck, Reporter
The Minister of Religious Education (MRE) Search Committee has been meeting regularly since September. After soliciting opinions about the R.E. programs from various groups and individuals, the Committee drew up a job description. The focus now is on getting information about the position and the congregation into the UUA web site established for ministerial candidates, and on completing the packet of information which will be sent to all interested prospects.
The Committee also held a team building dinner, with Gordon Medlock as facilitator, to get acquainted and discuss processes for making decisions about candidates. A most important principle agreed on is that of confidentiality&emdash;issues and persons discussed remain within the committee. We will report to the congregation in First Unitarian News.Direct questions to Margaret Huyck (MHHuyck@aol.com), the committee's official spokesperson.
It is clear from conversations with congregational members that a great deal of progress has been made in the R.E. programs under the leadership of Rev. Beth Williams, and that we are confident that we can build on the strengths she has contributed. We are all enthusiastic about the next phase in the development of the R.E. program, and about adding a second minister.
Members of the MRE Search Committee, elected by the congregation, include Margaret Huyck, Richard Jenifer, Anne Jonas, Ivan Lappin, Anne Morrill-Ploum and Steve Ploum (sharing one position), Cynthia Oakes, and Marge Saphir. They are working closely with Rev. Nina Grey and Rev. Beth Williams.<top>
Celebrate Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year begins on Feb. 5. Join with folks from our church immediately after the Sunday service on Feb. 6 in China Town for the annual parade (which begins at 12:30) and a Chinese meal at a local restaurant (at own expense). For more information on the church outing, call Mike Donner. For information on the celebration, call 312/326-5320.
Proud Parents Report
Viola & Robert Moore report that their daughter Rachel Moore has published Savage Theory: The Modern Cinema as Magic (Duke University Press). The volume is a study of how the film industry has treated aboriginal peoples from the earliest days of film to the present. Rachel grew up in our church, was a member of the Chicago Children's Choir, and served for a time as administrative assistant to Children Choir's founder Rev. Christopher Moore (not a relative). Rachel, who lives in New York City, holds a Ph.D. degree from New York University. Watch for a book talk and appearance at a local bookstore. Or call Viola Moore (773/955-2193) for information.<top>
News from Starr King School for the Ministry
Dear Friends at First Church:
Happy New Year! This past year was a very satisfying one for me. I began field work in a street ministry of presence offered by the Faithful Fools. Rev. Kay Jorgensen from the San Francisco Unitarian Universalist Church and Carmen Barsody work with people on the streets of the Tenderloin in San Francisco, and I have been spending time at the Welcome Center nearby. It's good to apply the classwork I've done. I also took Early Christian church history, where I was surprised by the continuous debates around orthodoxy and heresy. Unitarians and Universalists derive from a long stream of voices that have been raised against the dominant doctrine. My other classes were Religious Impasse, Pastoral Counseling, and Theologies of Terrorism. I did a fascinating study of Carry Nation, wrote prayers from a land of terror, and composed case studies for pastoral counseling.
All this and Bill and I still manage to sail occasionally and see some of the gorgeous California sights. We spent Christmas and New Year's back in North Carolina with Anne, who is enjoying the rites of passage class back at First Church.
Thanks for your continuing inspiration,
Karen Day<top>
Dear Friends:
Last semester I pondered the thoughts of St. John of the Cross in my Religious Impasse class and confronted the fear of freedom in the pulpit in my preaching class. I also took Pastoral Care in Bereavement and Loss in preparation for Clinical Pastoral Education, which I hope to have completed by the summer.
On New Year's Eve we had a party in the Fireside Room at Starr King. Just before midnight we walked the half block to the campus of the Pacific School of Religion, one of the nine seminaries on Berkeley's "Holy Hill," located on the periphery of the University of California at Berkeley. From there we were able to see the San Francisco fireworks. We shared champagne and sang "Auld Lang Syne" with those gathered there.
New Year's Eve is as much about looking back as it is about looking ahead. I reflected on the years I spent in the Midwest and my membership at First Unitarian Church. I am both honored and humbled by the support, both financial and emotional, that this congregation is giving me as I embark on a new career in the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Happy New Year to all of you and a heartfelt thank you.
Love and Peace,
Jan Johnson<top>
Property Committee Fix-It Day Big Success
by Richard Pardo, Property Chair
Nineteen people gathered at the Church on Saturday, Jan. 8, for a winter cleaning, repairing, and fixing extravaganza and general camaraderie. The results included polished brass candlesticks and door handles, clean and polished wood doors and paneled walls in Chris Moore Parlor and Aki's Place, and paint on the repaired walls in the VOV Gallery. You now sit on freshly vacuumed velour seats in the sanctuary under newly glowing lights bulbs in the sanctuary chandeliers. Choir members can relax knowing that the choir pews and modesty benches have been repaired and even the pulpit received a fresh coat of polish.
Thanks to Dotty and Bill Barron, Everett Bernstein, Ellie Hall, Holly and Ed Jamison, Margaret and Winston Kennedy, Allan Lindrup, Cathryn Mann, Polly McCoo, Cindy Pardo, Vi Stark, Dick Snow, and Carla Young. In addition, three Sea Scouts from the troop led by Dick Snow also participated. Don't despair. You, too, can join the fun. Keep on the lookout for the next Big Fix-It Day planned for the Spring.<top>
Our deepest sympathy to Polly McCoo following the death of her beloved friend, "sister," Margaret Fischer, who died on Jan. 19, 2000, after a long illness. Maggie Fischer was remembered at a service at Rayner's Funeral Home on January 25. Many of us have met Maggie and will miss her.
Our love and concern go to church webmaster Allan Stern, whose father Robert Stern died January 17th at the age of 91. Mr. Stern was a highly respected lawyer in Chicago for many years.
Our deepest sympathy also to Mike Green, following the death of his uncle Charles Clemmons on January 9, 2000. A memorial service was held at the Lillydayle Baptist Church on January 17.
We send our love and compassion to Betty Holcomb, whose sister Joanne Holcomb is seriously ill. Joanne Holcomb lives in Tennessee.
Warm get-well wishes to Rev. Robert Moore . . . Alice and Al Hayes . . . Wallace Rusterholtz . . . Robert Wissler . . . Alex Coutts.
Tiade Williams was recently offered a full scholarship to Florida A&M University. She is, of course, looking for additional offers. We'll keep you posted.
It was good to see Jody Koizumi at church in January. Jody was active in the youth group YRUU with David Mosby before they both headed off for college. She is now working in Chicago.
Mark Yim writes from Tokyo that he is quite busy and enjoying life..<top>
Arson Fire Damages First Unitarian Church in Los Angeles
Reports from Pacific Southwest District President Nancy Loughrey are that on Jan. 18, 2000, an arson fire substantially damaged parts of the Fellowship Hall of the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles. The Hall has been rented to a Montessori preschool. The congregation's minister, Sherri Puchalsky, is working with officials to assess the damage.
The small congregation seeks donations of money, supplies, and support. Checks payable to the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles (and marked "Rebuilding Fund") may be sent to the church at 2936 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90005. Supplies appropriate for the preschool may also be sent to that address. Letters of support would also be greatly appreciated. For further information contact loughreyn@aol.com.
Central Midwest District Annual Assembly Coming in the Spring
Mark your calendar for the Central Midwest Annual Assembly 2000 taking place in Appleton, WI from April 28&endash;30. Our theme is "Music: Our Unifying Spirit." Keynote speaker will be Carolyn McDade (composer of "Spirit of Life"). Guest artist is keyboard artist Trevor Stephenson, who specializes in 18th and 19th century keyboard music. Many workshops are built around the musical theme. Several workshops designed by and for the youth of the district will also be offered.
Registration brochures will be mailed in January. Registration deadline is March 31, 2000. Cost is $55 per adult and $75 for late registrations.
Be a Chalice Lighter
Join with other UUs in an exciting and growing program in Central Midwest District (CMWD) called Chalice Lighters. As a Chalice Lighter you become part of a larger UU community that demonstrates its commitment to our faith, values, and beliefs. Three times a year each Chalice Lighter donates $10 to support a specific growth program in a specific CMWD church. With the $7,700 donated last spring, the First Unitarian Fellowship of Carbondale hired its first minister this fall.
Our church might want to apply for a Chalice Lighter grant in the future, and it will help if our members support these efforts. Contributions are tax deductible.
If you are willing to be a Chalice Lighter, write out a $10 check payable to CMWD (memo "Chalice Lighter") and mail it to Central Midwest district, 1701 S. First Ave., Suite 310, Maywood, IL 60153. Bette Sikes has additional information. See her at church.<top>
Nina Grey: Tuesdays 2-6, Wednesdays and Fridays 10-2 and other times by appointment. Mondays off. E-mail NinaGrey@aol.com.
Beth Williams: Wednesday, Friday 11 am-3 pm, other times by arrangement. Mondays off. At church most Sundays from 8 am to noon. E-mail UUBETHNW@aol.com.