A Report on the Board of Trustees Meeting, February 17: A Sermon

by Rev. Finley C. Campbell (Unitarian Universalist Baptist Social Humanist)

"… And the word was made flesh and dwelt among men… and I add …and women," The Gospel According to St John, Chapter one.

Trust. Trustee. If the soul of our church is its various ministries … and some would argue that there is a "trustee ministry," and the heart of our church is its congregation, then the brain of our church is its Board of Trustees. And between heart, soul, and brain, a Trinitarian reality is born. Here is the place where material and spiritual reality commingle, sometimes uneasily as we seek to balance the wishes of our church with its needs, our desires with our financial situation.

I have been a member of the board longer than I ever thought I would be: spending one year as an alternate and now doing a two-year term as a regularly nominated and voted upon member. Those who know my political autobiography have often expressed amusement that the gadfly (me) seems now as tame as a housefly. But such is the nature of our times: things often turn out quite differently than I (and you) imagined since 1968.<top>

But enough subjectivity: what did we do at our last board meeting? Based on my notes, quite a bit was accomplished:

My good friend Betty Holcomb brought in a nominating petition for Diane Olson to put her on the ballot for Moderator of the Unitarian Universalist Association. This position had been held in the past by Sister Davidoff, but I assume her time is now up, and based on Sister Holcomb's report her nominee and Patsy Sherrill Madden are running for this position. Our vote signals our linkage to the thousands of other UU's who form our Unitarian Universalist Association. Supporting this name commits the church only to supporting her right to be on the ballot. The real vote will take place at the UUGA in 2001, the beginning of the REAL MILLENIUM.

On the recommendations of Brothers Jesse Williams, Richard Jenifer, and Sister Julie Neuman, we voted to set up a new committee--the Administrative Committee--to serve as the structural link between the Executive Committee and the staff that structures our church. Since we have literally a new group of people--new minister, new office administrator, new office manager--there needed to be a body of people (three) who would sort of make sure that things went smoothly, cultural quirks were respected, and the historical and existential knowledge of the church was made available. I forget how the representation went: one person would be from the Property Committee, one from the Finance Committee, and one from the BoT itself? <top>

Mammon is the master of this world, but not necessarily the master of each individual in this world. The struggle is always how to use his power without being entangled in his wiles: Y'shua Ben Joseph recognized that you could not serve two masters--God and Mammon; he solved the contradiction by mastering Mammon and making him a servant to his will. So we must do the same: hence the need for financial support for our church that it might do its will, represented in our mission statement: hence, the need for canvassing--the personal act of requesting pledges from our midsize congregation to maintain our full-size church.

Sister Ioanna Crawford reports she has gathered up 14 team leaders for this great effort, but she still needs a 15th (I would argue so that the number of leaders would be divisible by three--but then I am a secret Trinitarian).

Typical of my Baptist upbringing I am getting a little long-winded: to continue--we need money to sustain our budget, and this discussion took a major part of the time. (Now, let me note, I was a little late, as usual, and so I may have missed some preliminary information, like ministerial reports and the reading and approval of the minutes). We went through what I call the first round of discussing the budget, which is primarily going over the requests of the different committees in our church, like, for example, the Worship and Music Committee (of which I am also a member). <top>

First piece of information: while we have a big endowment, we only use 5 percent of it--as we should. I discovered that, thanks to the power of Mammon in the stock market, we have substantially increased the worth of our endowment. But that fund is for the ongoing life of the church, measured in decades and hopefully centuries, not for daily operations. Additionally, some committees, like mine, had asked for substantial increases, which meant we would have to pare them down, or at least review the rationale for said increases. So, subcommittees were set up to work with those church bodies that asked for those increases, like the one consisting of myself, Sister Neuman, and Brother Tom Huyck.

It was during this discussion that Sister Ioanna Crawford raised and I supported the need to increase the membership. I feel the need for a membership drive stirring in my soul. Which, I surmise, might be anathema to those who abhor evangelizing and proselytizing. Yet, the good news was this: given the size of our congregation, about 200 members (a surprising figure to me: I thought it was bigger), we are in fairly decent shape, but we would like to have a 20 percent increase in pledges to move our church and its program from, as Donald Campbell of the Indiana Chapter of the Black Panther Party used to say, a lower level to a higher one.

Thanks to the leadership and meeting skills of our President, Brother Norman Hines, our meeting came to and end, though not according to Robert's Rules of Order. The candle was blown out and with continuing discussions and tidying up of details, we drifted out into the cold winter's night, with warnings of a big snowstorm hanging over our heads.

" And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us: and the name of that word was Trust."<top>

Lifespan Religious Education

by Rev. Beth Williams, Interim Minister for Religious Education

It is no secret that the streets of Chicago can be violent. Youth violence, gang violence, family and partner violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and rape, and child abuse occur in Chicago with alarming frequency. You or someone you know has probably been touched in some way by this sort of violence. Recently I had the privilege of taking a small step to stand with those who oppose it. At the invitation of First Unitarian Church member Andrew Greenlee, I attended a meeting of the Religious Leadership Task Force of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention. There I became a signatory to the Covenant for Peace in Action: A Commitment to Ceasefire. This means that I commit to work this year with other religious leaders and partners from the community, city, and county to help develop strategic plans to reduce violence in Chicago. Later this month I will attend a workshop on ceasefire mediation planning. In April I will help plan and attend a citywide ceasefire march and vigil. The march is scheduled for April 29, the vigil for April 29&endash;30. The objective is to show ourselves as peace-loving people and to connect with all those we meet on the streets in order to move toward our objective of nonviolence. COME WITH ME. Come with me on this march and vigil. Let us show ourselves as Unitarian Universalist religious leaders in the service of peace for our city.

Children's Religious Education Highlights

Children's R.E. Spring Term: Sunday, March 12, is the beginning of the Spring term for children's religious education. The Voyagers (Grades 1&endash;2) continue with the "Around the Church, Around the Year" curriculum. Our teachers for the Voyagers class this term are Diane Broz and Cynthia Oakes. The Pathfinders (Grades 3&endash;4) continue with the "Beginning Unitarian Universalism" curriculum. Our teachers for the Pathfinders class are Mary Ann Hammond and John Porterfield. The Searchers class (Grades 5&endash;6) begins a new curriculum this term: "Up, Up and Away: The Story of Universalism," with teachers Allan Lindrup and Joan Pederson. Classes for our Discoverers (ages 3&endash;4) continue with "Chalice Children" and teachers Pat Curran, Colleen Grogan, and teaching assistant Stephen Stern, as do classes for our Adventurers (Kindergarten) with "Around the Church, Around the Year" and teachers Paulette Dodson and Ivan Lappin. The 7th & 8th Grade Coming of Age Group and Senior High Youth Group also continue.

Feeling Breezy: The R.E. Council is sponsoring two intergenerational events in March to get us ready for the coming spring weather. Kite Making will be held on Sundays, March 12 & March 19, at 11:30 am in the Hang Out Room. Kite Flying and a Kite Auction will be held on Sunday, March 26. We will gather at 11:30 in the Hang Out Room for a location to be announced. All ages and levels of expertise are welcome.

Save the Date: On Sunday, April 9, the nationally acclaimed children's folk singer, Lui Collins, will appear in concert from 3 to 4 pm at First Unitarian Church. Tickets go on sale this month. Advance ticket prices: $5 per child, $8 per adult. Call Rev. Beth Williams at the church office to make a reservation. This R.E. Council&endash;sponsored concert is a fundraiser for the First Unitarian Church R.E. program.

Youth Religious Education Highlights

Used Book Sale: All book lovers and curiosity seekers are invited to visit our Used Book Sale table during social hour in VOV Gallery Sunday, March 26. You never know what treasure you might find to purchase! This sale is a fundraiser for the Junior High Coming of Age group and their spring trip to Boston. Donations of used books to sell will be accepted in the office until Friday, March 24.

First Unitarian Church Has a Generous Sweet Tooth: Thank you to all who helped make our two Coming of Age Valentine's Day fundraisers a success. Our Junior High Coming of Age group raised $145 selling homemade individual-sized heart cakes. Our Senior High Coming of Age group raised $350 with their All Things Chocolate and More Auction. A very special thank you to all in our church community who donated items for the auction, and to Laura Keys-David, our intrepid auctioneer. Our Junior Highers report that $225 was raised from their President's Day Cherry Pie sale. All proceeds from these fundraisers will help pay for the Coming of Age groups' spring trips to Boston.

Adult Religious Education Highlights

Introduction to Personal Coaching: Humans yearn for meaningful, rich, and impactful lives. The goal of coaching is to help people become more skilled at choosing what they want, staying on track with their vision, and realizing fulfillment in their lives. In this 2-hour introductory session, facilitators Ioanna Crawford and Dr. Margaret Huyck will help you explore what a personal success coach can do for you as well as what it will take for you to become one.

The class will be held on Thursday, March 9, 7:30&endash;9:30 pm in Chris Moore Parlor. No registration required.

The Monotheistic Tradition Goes to the Movies: What is the Monotheistic Tradition? It is the collection of traditions, beliefs, theology, symbols, and history associated with the belief in one God as reflected in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This great tradition has been kept alive either positively or negatively, or both, by the movies. In this course, facilitated by Dr. Finley C. Campbell, we examine three films that deal with this revolutionary tradition: Ben-Hur, The Apostle, and Go Tell It on the Mountain. Please note that this class is beginning 1 month later than originally scheduled. Classes will be held on Saturdays, March 11, April 8, and May 13, 6:30&endash;8:30 pm in Chris Moore Parlor. Registration is required; complete and submit the form from the Adult R.E. brochure by Sunday, March 5. Registration cost, $5.00 for the series. At least 3 participants must register for the class in order for it to be held.

Problems in Technology & Ethics: A 7-session series of explorations of the relationships between ethics and some of the more controversial technologies. Why does technology appear to be causing us so many ethical problems? What criteria should we use to make ethical decisions in the use of technology? Are our traditional ethical systems adequate to deal with our newer technologies? Each session will be facilitated by Dr. Paul Ulbrich, and will deal with a different technological issue. Classes will be held on Sundays, March 19 & 26, April 2 - 30, and May 7, 2&endash;4 pm in Chris Moore Parlor (March 26 & April 30 in VOV Gallery). Registration is required; complete and submit the form from the Adult R.E. brochure by Sunday, March 12. The registration cost is a donation for the series, specified in writing. At least 2 participants must register for the class in order for it to be held.

March Calendar Events:

Wednesdays, March 1, 15, & 29: Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography (continuation), Adult R.E. workshop, 7&endash;9 pm, Discoverers Room (for pre-registrants only)

Friday, March 3: The Fullness of Silence: Noontime Silent Meditation, followed by an optional brown-bag lunch, 12:15&endash;1 pm, Rev. Nina Grey's office

Adult R.E. Pot Luck Planning Meeting, 6:30 pm, location to be announced

Sunday, March 5: Kids' Church: "Beyond Pink and Blue, Exploring Gender Roles," worship leaders: Rev. Beth Williams & Anthony David, 10:15 am, Woolman Hall

Senior High Coming of Age Group meeting, 11:30 am, MRE Office

Psychopharmacology and Society: Therapeutic Substances, Adult R.E. discussion, 3 pm, Chris Moore Parlor

Tuesday, March 7: Creating Your Personal Mission Statement (continuation), Adult R.E. workshop, 6:30&endash;8:30 pm, potluck, Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registrants only)

Thursday, March 9: Introduction to Personal Coaching, Adult R.E. class, 7:30&endash;9:30 pm, Chris Moore Parlor

Fridays, March 10 & 24: Friday Parlor Lunch, 12:15&endash;1 pm, Chris Moore Parlor

Saturday, March 11: The Monotheistic Tradition Goes to the Movies: Ben-Hur, Adult R.E. class, 6:30&endash;8:30 pm, Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registration by March 5 required)

Sunday, March 12: Children's R.E. Spring term begins for Voyagers, Pathfinders, & Searchers, 10:15, Pennington Center

Intergenerational Kite Making sponsored by R.E. Council, 11:30 am, Hang Out Room

Senior High Youth Advisors Luncheon Meeting, 11:30, Meet at MRE's Office

The Nature of Racism: Neo-Racism--1966 to the present, Adult R.E. class, 12:30 pm, VOV Gallery

Psychopharmacology and Society: Natural Substances, Adult R.E. discussion, 3 pm, Chris Moore Parlor

Friday, March 17: The Fullness of Silence: Noontime Silent Meditation, followed by an optional brown-bag lunch, 12:15&endash;1 pm, Chris Moore Parlor

Sunday, March 19: Senior High Coming of Age Group meeting, 11:30 am, MRE's Office

Intergenerational Kite Making sponsored by R.E. Council, 11:30 am, Hang Out Room

Problems in Technology & Ethics: Cloning, Adult R.E. class, 2&endash;4 pm, Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registration by March 12 required)

Thursday, March 23: R.E. Council Meeting, 7 pm, R.E. Classroom

Sunday, March 26: Used Book Sale Fundraiser for Junior High Coming of Age group, 11:15, Location to be announced

Intergenerational Kite Flying & Kite Auction sponsored by R.E. Council, 11:30 am, meet at Hang Out Room

Philosophy & Religion in the West, Adult R.E. class, 1&endash;4 pm, Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registrants only)

Problems in Technology & Ethics: Alternative Energy Sources, Adult R.E. class, 2&endash;4 pm, VOV Gallery (pre-registration by March 12 required)

Wednesday, March 29: Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography (continuation), Adult R.E. workshop, 7&endash;9 pm, Discoverers' Room (pre-registrants only)

Chicago Area UU Leadership Networking Day

The winter/spring CAUUC Leadership Networking Day will be held Saturday, March 11, at Unity Temple, Oak Park, 9 am&endash;2 pm. Those who work in public relations--newsletter publishing, web-spinning, working with the public media are urged to attend. For newsletter publishing, website construction, and public relations, we will look at successful strategies, trade tried-and-true ideas, examine UUA materials and recommendations, and assess what might work best for local communities. We will also explore how some church communities have been able to attract the attention of community or city newswriters. Homemade soup and sandwich lunch comes with the day

Margaret Shaklee, CAUUC LND coordinator (847/329-7954).<top>

Search for Minister of Religious Education (MRE)

by Margaret Huyck, Reporter

The Minister of Religious Education Search Committee has been meeting regularly to complete the quite comprehensive, thoughtful information now required as part of the Congregational Record posted on a secure internet site for ministerial candidates. This web-based information is now the way that individuals who are interested in a ministerial position will preview congregations searching for new staff.

Bringing a full-time MRE to our church is a major undertaking for a congregation of our size. We believe this will help our congregation grow in ways that will benefit us all. Realistically, we each need to increase our pledge to cover the added expense of this important position.

We have applied to the Central Midwest District for a Chalice Lighter grant, to help with expenses of our new MRE. (See "Chalice Lighters" story on page 6.) These small grants help churches that wish to grow by adding professional staff (our case) or by enhancing buildings or outreach efforts. Funds are provided by individuals who contribute for the collective good of the District. It's easy to become a Chalice Lighter--just sign up to donate at least $10 three times a year to the CMWD Chalice Lighters. We'll be around to help you sign up!

Costly Technology Upgrades Coming

The Interim Administrative Team is developing a plan to adding computer hardware and software and other office equipment to ensure adequate maintenance of records, efficient production of printed materials, and competent managament of finances. We know that this effort will be costly, but those of us who have been working to enhance the church's operation are beginning to conclude that we can only accomplish this task by utilizing capital funds. Watch for more news on this front.<top>

The Choir Sings Mozart in April

The Chancel Choir, plus friends, will be presenting a full performance of the Mozart Requiem on Sunday, April 2, at 3:00 P.M. The performance will be at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 55th & Kimbark. There will be a free-will offering, the proceeds of which will go to our Organ Rebuild Fund.

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 continue at First Unitarian Church from 1 to 4 pm on four dates: Sundays March 26, April 30, and May 28. Light refreshments are provided. A $2 contribution is suggested per session attended. Each session consists of 5 30-minute tapes with breaks and with time for discussion. For information call Allan Lindrup, 773/643-8061 (H) or 312/353-2973 (W).<top>

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 has applied for a Chalice Lighter grant, and it may help if our members support these efforts. Contributions are tax deductible.

If you are willing to be a Chalice Lighter, pick up a brochure and sign up to respond to calls for donations of $10 three times a year. You also can write a check 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 or Margaret Huyck at church.<top>

YRUU Youth in the News

You may have seen coverage on the high school students in Chicago who are protesting the excessive test taking now required of Illinois public school students. A leader of this movement is Whitney Young student Will Tanzman, a YRUU leader from Second Unitarian.

Newcomer Orientation Series Begins March 19

By Joan Bernstein,Chair, Membership Committee

The next series of Orientations will start in mid-March. A new-member ingathering is scheduled for April 16. Presented by Rev. Nina Grey and the Membership Committee, Orientation sessions prepare newcomers for church membership or, at the very least, help them decide whether Unitarian Universalism or this church is where they want to be.

I. March 19--Meet one another, the minister, and the Membership Committee; participants will describe their religious journeys and what they seek in the church.

II. March 26--Focus on Unitarian Universalist beliefs and history.

III. April 2--Our church's recent history and major activities presented by church leaders.

The sessions will be held after church in VOV Gallery from 11:45 to 1:00. Child care is available until 1 pm. We especially urge those who are new with us to attend; others wanting a refresher course are also welcome.

The Ingathering of New Members, to be held during the April 16 church service, is our church's ceremony for recognizing those persons who have signed the Membership Book since the last ingathering (Nov. 7, 1999). To become a member, one must sign the Membership Book in the presence of either minister, the president of the congregation, or the chair of the Membership Committee. However, our minister Rev. Nina Grey would like the opportunity of meeting with prospective members before they sign the book.

Since an informed choice is better than an ill-considered one, we urge anyone contemplating membership to attend as many Orientation programs as possible.<top>

Outings, Anyone?

Looking for First Churchers and friends to go for a walk in the prairie after church on March 26 (the first Sunday after the vernal equinox). All are welcome. Call Ellen LaRue for information and logistics.

Possible this could be the first of a number of outings to be varied, ad hoc, randomly occurring, informally organized, open to all or one. Ellen has some of ideas--walks, museums, zoo, festivals, picnics. What else? If you have ideas or suggestions or would like to be notified of future outing, please call Ellen. <top>

Social Justice Council

Bobbi Lammers Campbell, Chair

The Social Justice Council is working with others to enable families to visit relatives who are incarcerated in the maximum security prison in Southern Illinois. The TAMMS prison is viewed by many as a vile place. If by some miracle anyone committed there returns to society, he may be so dehumanized that he would be unable to live in ordinary society. It is reported that some low-IQ youths are being placed in TAMMS along with so-called hard-core criminals.

Criminal Justice Committee

By Evelyn Bomer, Chair

Moratorium on the Death Penalty

I began working with the Moratorium about three years ago and at the end of January with other Unitarians I spent several days in Springfield either lobbying or attending hearings before the Illinois House Judicial Committee.

Representative Coy Pugh brought speakers from all walks of life from around the U.S. who spoke elegantly for a moratorium and/or against the death penalty. We were surprised by the number of rural Illinois whites whose convictions were after many years overturned due to poor police work or incompetent legal counsel. Tapes of these hearings are available for review.

As you know, Governor Ryan has instituted a moratorium. We urge you to call the Governor's office to share your concern about appointments to the Governor's special committee to review the death penalty.

Murder of Reginald Cole

I attended a press conference on Feb. 8 at which Judge Eugene Pincham filed a motion and petition for the appointment of a special independent prosecutor to investigate the murder of Reginald Cole on Oct. 30, 1999, at the 21st District Police facility at 51st and Wentworth.

Mr. Cole was about to be released from an Illinois prison and was brought to Chicago. The police at 51st and Wentworth wanted to interrogate him about another crime. While he was there, he was killed. The police have several versions of how he came to die. His mother only learned of his death through the newspaper. For a copy of the motion and petition, see Evelyn Bomer.

Our country was established by the Founders as a government by and for the people. To make it work in the best way, the people must regularly let their representatives know their concerns and wishes so that the government does not by default fall into the hands of a narrow group.

City of Chicago Loitering Bill

Although the Chicago City Council overwhelmingly passed a new anti-loitering ordinance in mid-February, it did not occur without resistance in many quarters. As reported in the February First Unitarian News, members of the Social Justice Council met with Aldermen Hairston and Preckwinkle to express their concern. Evelyn reports that Boston has begun a program of involving youth in various activities to end gang involvement and that other cities are trying similar programs. She suggests that such programs should be tried before reinstituting the anti-loitering measure.<top>

Justice?

Evelyn also reports that an investigative report will soon be released implicating Harris Bank and others in drug money laundering in Chicago.

According to a report of the Justice Policy Institute, Washington, DC, by the end of February 2000, two million people in the U.S. will be in jail. The U.S. now has the world's largest incarcerated population. Many consider the level of incarceration of the Black population to be genocidal. The laws on drugs applied to crack cocaine, used more often by minority-group members, bring stiffer sentences than those for powder cocaine and other substances, more often used by whites. It appears that the so-called War on Drugs is only being waged vigorously in some communities.

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." For a full description, see the February First Unitarian News. Register at the conference on Thursday or Friday at the church.

"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. For a full description, see the February First Unitarian News.

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. $12 at the door). For information, leave a message at 773/643-8122, or call Allan Lindrup, 773/643-8061. <top>

Get in on the Action! Talent Auction 2000

by Cindy Pardo, Talent Auction Chair

Picture this: A group of people bid on a quilting class at 1st Unitarian's Talent Auction. They meet for four Saturday mornings, learn some basic quilting skills, and decide that they have learned enough to make a quilt for the next Talent Auction. They make many quilt blocks, their teacher puts them together, and WOW! A spectacular quilt for the auction, new friends, money raised for the church's budget, and for some, a new way of satisfying that creative urge.

Talent Auction activities create community in unique ways. But we need YOU to participate. Think of something you do better than most. Can you share your skill? Do you know a really good spot for a picnic? Could you support a local theater group by purchasing tickets for one of their performances and donating them to Auction 2000? Do you entertain at children's parties? Can you cook a gourmet meal, bread, ethnic cuisine? Consider combining forces with a friend--the more the merrier!

Or participate in the Silent Auction. Do you have a Christmas or birthday gift that just doesn't quite fit in your life? Do you make placemats or pillows that all your friends seem to want? We are looking for new or like-new items (this is not a flea market!). Among the items we already know about will be that spectacular quilt, "Hearts and Stars," which should be available for viewing by the end of March. We will have a Preview Party at coffee hour on Sunday, April 9, so you can start the bidding early.

And finally, the Kid's Auction needs small, gently used items for the children to bid on. We will be providing pizza and a lot of fun for the children, for only a $1.00 donation, but we would like to help our R.E. children understand the concept of stewardship better by letting them "bid" at their own auction. New and GENTLY used items (art materials, small toys, books, outgrown computer games) will help here.

The fund raising and the FUN raising are both important to our church life. Sunday, April 16, is the date. Hull Chapel is the place. Don't miss out! <top>

Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee

The Mission Statement and Program of Action presented below represents the culmination of more than three years of discussion about what the committee should be about, in terms of the work of our church community. We began in 1997 as an ad hoc committee of the Board, in response to the UUA's Journey Toward Wholeness/Creating a Jubilee World Initiative; later, we were thought of as part of the Social Justice Council. At its January meeting, the Board accepted our proposal to become part of the Program Council.

We (the committee) see ourselves as being a "committee of consciousness" regarding matters of race and diversity in the life of our church. We also see ourselves as a resource and a catalyst for programming in the church. We look forward to collaborating with other committees and carrying out programs and activities that will be effective and meaningful to all in our beloved community.

The Mission Statement and Action Program

The Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee is so named first to honor the memory of Charlotte Lackner, a long-time member of First Unitarian Church of Chicago, who never ceased in her work to gain justice for all people. It is also so named because of the existing societal context in which racism, regardless of its origins and ramifications, affects all Americans both privately and publicly and especially religious communities because of their sensitivity to ethical concerns. We believe First Church's diverse membership is uniquely positioned to model for the Unitarian Universalist denomination a variety of strategies for developing, across racial lines, relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. We pledge a willingness to address issues that are racially divisive so that we might remove the barriers that divide us and develop programs that celebrate First Church's multi-ethnic and multi-cultural diversity, such as:

-- The celebration of the experience of people of color, especially but not exclusively African-Americans;

-- The celebration of American heroes such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Bob Moses, Tecumseh, Sitting Bull, Cesar Chavez, and the Nisei (Japanese-American) 442nd Infantry Regiment (the most decorated U.S. infantry unit during World War II) in our worship, religious education, and social justice activities;

-- The presentation of a film series to stimulate discussion about racism and experiences of people of color;

-- The presentation of a video/lecture seminar based on the Africans in America series as the major focus of a "Nature of Racism" course taught by Dr. Finley Campbell;

-- The creation of a reading list of pertinent books;

-- A public lecture by Thandeka on her book Learning to Be White and a follow-up series of small group meetings in the homes of First Church members;

-- A public discussion aimed at establishing a shared working set of definitions for such terms as racism, classism, and racial shame;

-- Stimulation of awareness of anti-racist/multi-ethnic cultural and social activities in the wider Chicago area and arrangement of outings to these activities, acting as facilitators for these programs.

We wish to carry out activities in collaboration with the other committees of the church. We seek to collaborate in developing policies and programs in such areas a music and interiors. We anticipate that our activities will stimulate a growth in membership. <top>

Among Us

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Charles Beckett, who died January 29, 2000. Rev. Nina Grey conducted his Memorial Service in the Sanctuary and Committal Service in the Crypt on Saturday, February 12, 2000.

We continue to send our warm get well wishes: to Patti Stark, recovering from pneumonia . . . to Anne Holcomb, recovering from a fall and awaiting knee surgery. . . . to Vi Stark.

Congratulations to Rachel Cole, who has been accepted into a program in the Dominican Republic.

We are thinking of Michael Donner, who is living with constant pain. He welcomes your calls and cards.

It was good to see Judy Moore at church Feb. 13.

Townley ("T.J.") McGiffert, now on ministerial internship in Alabama and who served a field placement term at our church, reports with delight that he has received Preliminary Fellowship from the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee.

News from Our Man in Africa

David Mosby has been keeping his mother Evelyn Johnson up to date on his new work with the U.S. State Department in Burundi. Excerpts from recent emails follow:

Bujumbura isn't nearly as dilapidated as I expected. It's actually reasonably orderly, especially for one of the fifth poorest countries in the world that's embroiled in ethnic warfare. For example, I needed to buy some gym shoes because my Unaccompanied Air Baggage is not quite lost somewhere in Europe. I was able to go to a store near the embassy, and they had a couple of different choices, and different sizes. ...

Now, make no mistake. Bujumbura is the third world. There are many unpaved streets and the ones that are paved have plenty of potholes. There are plenty of destitute people everywhere. It's enough to break your heart.

It's really amazing though how much Burundi has been in the news. Have you followed any of it? Mandela is the new facilitator of the Peace Process and President Clinton himself, upon the request of Mandela, has committed himself to the peace process. ...

David reports that the climate of Burundi is definitely temperate. He writes:

The hottest it's been since I arrived is about 85 degrees. It's averaged about 75 and there isn't much humidity. ... One word comes to mind here: Green. It is such a verdant place. Bujumbura sits between a small mountain range on the east and Lake Tanganyika to the west. The city crawls up the side of les collines (the hills) and the houses have a breathtaking commanding view of the city and the lake. On the other side of the lake is the Kivu region of the Congo. You can just make out the mountains there, and at night you can see the lights from the other side.

The people are very friendly and so pleasant and easy going it's hard to believe that there is ethnic strife here. At the moment it's all the more hard to believe because the war is out in the interior of the country. After a series of attacks in the city toward the end of last year, the military pulled troops back around the capital to protect it. That, plus the government's policy of regroupments (concentration camps for Hutus) has afforded the capital a bit of a reprieve for the moment.

The camps are having a devastating effect on the peasants. All sorts of diseases are rampant in the camps. My cook just lost his sister and her children. You hear stories like that every day. Most of the American employees in the embassy have the families of their servants living on their property.

Working in the embassy has been great. I am a member of the country team, ... the grouping of the key officers in a diplomatic mission. ... I've had the opportunity to represent the embassy in a number of gatherings, such as the World Bank and international donor community meetings. ...

There is a certain optimism about the peace process now because Mandela is now the facilitator. Mandela has placed a great deal on the various parties to the negotiations that are taking place in Arusha, Tanzania. He has also publicly asked for, and received, the commitment of President Clinton and President Jacques Chirac of France to the peace process. ...

Today, I went to a luncheon that was being held at the house of a Burundian woman who works with United Nations and nongovernmental organizations to improve human rights and the justice system here. The food was great! Actually, it's amazingly similar to Soul food. Black folks are the same all over.

If you'd like to write to David, his email address is dgmosby@hotmail.com. To read a more complete version of his letters home, check the Blue Folder in the Newsletter slot in the Church Office. They are worth a read. <top>

Breakfast and Conversation with Jack Mendelsohn

The Rev. Jack Mendelssohn, former minister of our church in the 1970s, will be at church for breakfast and conversation on Sunday, March 5. Join him at 9:00 am (room to be announced). Please call the church to say you are coming so we will know how many to expect for breakfast.

Great Books Meets March 13

The gathering on Sunday, March 12, will discuss selections from the Bhagavad-Gita. Newcomers are welcome. Call Gloria Gnatz, 773/643-9436, for information.

The Dead Sea Scrolls

A Rare Exhibition of Ancient Documents and Artifacts >from Israel

For the first time in 50 years, the Dead Sea Scrolls will visit Chicago in a special exhibition at The Field Museum March 10&endash;June 11, 2000. Written on parchment and papyrus more than 2,000 years ago, the scrolls contain what are believed to be the oldest surviving copies of the books of the Old Testament.

"The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the greatest manuscript discoveries in the history of archaeology," said John McCarter, president of The Field Museum. "They are rarely exhibited outside of Israel. We have worked closely with the Israel Antiquities Authority on this exhibition, and are very excited to bring a unique collection of scrolls to Chicago. ... The Dead Sea Scrolls are the subject of an extensive and lively academic debate and they provide a meaningful connection for many to ancient times."

"The Dead Sea Scrolls" opens March 10 and continues through June 11, 2000. Admission to the exhibition is the general Museum admission plus $3 for adults; $2 for children ages 3&endash;11, seniors 65 and up, students with ID, teachers, and military personnel. Admission is free for members.

Central Midwest District Annual Assembly Coming Soon

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"). Our 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.

March Guest Speakers at Church

Preaching on March 12 is the Rev. Helen Lutton Cohen, a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, who grew up in First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati. She is on sabbatical during her 20th year as minister of First Parish in Lexington, Mass., and is Minister-in-Residence at Meadville/Lombard Theological School for the winter quarter. Her husband Don is a writer, and their daughter Rebecca graduated from Meadville/Lombard last spring.

Presenting a portrait of Antoinette Brown Blackwell to us on March 26 is Beth Marshall-Pritchard, a fourth-year student at Meadville/Lombard Theological School. Her interest in Rev. Blackwell began innocently with a UU History course, and blossomed when she learned that Blackwell had attended Oberlin College, where Beth was studying at the time. This worship service grew out of original papers Ms. Marshall-Pritchard found in Blackwell's alumna file.

OFFICE HOURS

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.

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