Excerpts from the April, 2000
First Unitarian News
by President Norman Hines
This section of the newsletter is set aside to keep the congregation abreast of the very mundane actions and activities of your elected board members. We gather information and take requests from various chuch committees, councils and individuals and try to make sense of it all to keep the wheels turning.
This meeting was different. We received a letter of resignation from our beloved Minister for Religious Education, Beth Williams, effective June 15, 2000. We all knew she had to leave at the end of this church year, but it is difficult for me to imagine the R.E. Program without Beth. She has taken an area of church life that was struggling and with hard work, love, planning, and determination made it live and thrive. Please keep her in your heart and wish her well.
We are now faced with finding a replacement, and the MRE Search Committee is doing its job. We have possible prospects, but keep in mind that Rev. Beth sacrified not only time but money to be with us; her compensation as our Interim Minister for Religious Education is less than is expected in such positions. If you have not pledged, please do so. If you have pledged, can you do even more? We are now facing a budget shortfall for next year, and we need all to give as much as they can to get us over the top.
Love you, Beth,
Norman
by Rev. Beth Williams, Interim Minister for Religious Education
Unitarian Universalist religious educator Betsy Hill Williams writes, "As human beings we are born spiritual beings. Our spirituality is subject to the same kind of growth and development as our cognitive minds and physical bodies. The mission of Unitarian Universalist religious education is not to shape or mold our children's spiritual development according to some pre-set plan, but to nurture the unfolding of their unique spirituality and to cultivate strong moral character. Most parents who join a Unitarian Universalist congregation are seeking to guide the spiritual development of their children in ways which will bring about its fullest expression and greatest understanding. They want their children to value the ongoing search for truth and meaning in life, to uplift the moral values and beliefs which promote personal integrity and social justice, to learn about other religions and develop tolerance and respect for the many different ways people express their spirituality."
Equipping a child for the journey of spiritual growth and development is a significant endeavor. No one person or institution can ever solely fulfill this responsibility. Parents, friends, extended family, a congregation&emdash;all are needed to assume the role of spiritual nurturer. In the Unitarian Universalist tradition a rite of passage is conducted in which all of a child's spiritual nurturers express their intention to provide accompaniment and guidance on the child's spiritual journey. We call this rite of passage a Child Dedication. On Mother's Day Sunday, May 14, Rev. Nina Grey and I will conduct a Child Dedication during the beginning portion of the worship service for the children of our congregation. If you would like your child to be dedicated on this day, please contact me by Sunday, May 7, at the church office, 773/324-4100.
Over the past few years I have had the privilege of nurturing, at least in some small way, the bright and abundant spirits of the children of our congregation. I have been grateful for this privilege. It is with sadness that I write that I will be leaving this congregation on June 15, 2000, in order to complete my interim ministry here and continue my own spiritual journey. My hope is that I will be the spiritual nurturer for the children of another Unitarian Universalist congregation as their Minister for Religious Education and that soon you will have someone wonderful to be the new spiritual guide to the children of this congregation. Please let me know how we can make the next few months gracious and gratifying in our leave taking of one another.
Children's Religious Education Highlights
Meet Our R.E. Teachers:
Cynthia Oakes: Cynthia is a Spring-term teacher for our Voyagers group (1st & 2nd Grades). She is originally from Provo, Utah but has lived in Illinois for the past 20 years. Cynthia now lives in Calumet City with her husband, David Puszkiewicz, and her 14-year-old daughter Adriana. Daughter Elise is a senior at college in St. Louis. In addition to teaching in our R.E. program, Cynthia is a member of the MRE Search Committee. Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Art degree from Brigham Young University, a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of Illinois, and a Master of Library Information Science from Dominican University. She is currently a Middle School Librarian for the University of Chicago Lab School. Cynthia's hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling, and crossword puzzles. She has been involved with our congregation for the past 12 years. Cynthia has agreed to be a teacher for our Voyagers because she loves to be with younger children. Her goal for the class this term is for our 1st and 2nd graders to respect each other and to have a good time in church.
Please make an effort to get to know Cynthia, and thank her for being a leader in our religious education program.
Kids' Auction: Don't miss out on the fun while your parents are at the Talent Auction on Sunday, April 16. Come to our second annual Kids' Auction and Pizza Party at 11:30 am. in the Discoverers and Searchers rooms. No, we are not auctioning off kids! This is an auction for kids, with lots of stuff that kids will want to bid for and buy with First Unitarian Church play money. Our $1 admission charge is a fund-raiser for our church. Donations of new or used Kids' Auction items will be gratefully accepted. Call Cindy Pardo at 773/667-5324 to donate a Kids' Auction item.
Celebrate Easter with Us: On Easter Sunday, April 23, the children of our congregation will celebrate Easter by participating in the first half of our intergenerational worship service. Don't forget to bring a flower for our unique "Flowering the Chalice" ceremony, a celebration of spring's return. Our children are then invited to attend an Easter party in the Garden Room, where they will eat Easter goodies, play Easter games, and decorate Easter baskets in preparation for our traditional Easter Egg Hunt after the worship service.<top>
Adult Religious Education Highlights&emdash;New Classes for Spring
How Can I Help? Using the book How Can I Help? Stories and Reflections on Service by Ram Dass and Paul Gorman, this class will draw on the personal stories of participants for exploring how human beings help one another. It will encourage us to be aware of the spiritual dimension of caring. The class will also help participants look at helping situations through a wider lens, to break down the separation of helper and helped, and to experience the unity of all people. This course offers ways to nurture yourself as you care for others. It includes six sessions which will be held on Sundays, April 9, 16 & 30, May 14 & 21, and June 4, 7&endash;9 pm, in the Chris Moore Parlor. The facilitator is Rev. Nina Grey. Registration is required&emdash;complete and submit form from the Adult R.E. brochure by April 7. The registration cost is $10.00 plus the cost of the book. At least 5 participants must register for the class.
Learn How to Crochet: Want to indulge in an old fashioned activity? Learn to crochet. A blanket, a sweater can be made in an afternoon after we learn the easy craft of crocheting. One needle, one string of thread and voila!&emdash;an item made. This one session workshop will be held on Saturday, April 15, 1&endash;4 pm, in the Chris Moore Parlor. Registration is required; complete and submit form from the Adult R.E. brochure by April 9. A donation is requested.
The Basics of Starting Your Own Business: This 4-hour introductory course will cover the basic logistics of starting and running a small business. The class will be held on Saturday, April 29, 1&endash;5 pm, in the Chris Moore Parlor. The facilitator is successful former small business owner Ioanna Crawford. Registration is required; complete and submit form from the Adult R.E. brochure by Sunday, April 23. The registration cost is $15.00 to cover printed materials. Registration is required. At least 5 participants must register for the class if it is to be held.<top>
Sunday, April 2: Senior High Coming of Age Talent
Show/Luncheon Fundraiser, 12 pm, Hull Chapel
-- Continuation of Problems in Technology and Ethics, Adult R.E.
class, 2&endash;4 pm, Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registration
required)
Wednesdays, April 5 & 19: continuation of Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography, Adult R.E. Workshop, 7&endash;9 pm, Discoverers Room (pre-registration required)
Fridays, April 7 & 21: Friday Parlor Lunch, 12:15&endash;1 pm, Chris Moore Parlor
Saturday, April 8: continuation of The Monotheistic Tradition Goes to the Movies: The Apostle, Adult R.E. video and discussion, 6:30&endash;8:30 pm, Chris Moore Parlor
Sunday, April 9: The Nature of Racism: The Defeat of Racism
(1776-1830), Adult R.E. class, 12:30, VOV Gallery
-- Mid-South Hunger Walk, Registration 1 pm, Step-off 2 pm, Start at
Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, 930 E. 50th St.
-- Continuation of Problems in Technology and Ethics, Adult R.E.
class, 2&endash;4 pm, Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registration
required)
-- Lui Collins Concert for Children, their Friends & Family, 3
pm, Sanctuary
-- How Can I Help? Adult R.E. class, 7&endash;9 pm, Chris Moore
Parlor (pre-registration by April 7 required)
Fridays, April 14 & 28: The Fullness of Silence: Noontime Silent Meditation, followed by an optional brown-bag lunch, 12:15&endash;1 pm, Chris Moore Parlor
Saturday, April 15: Learn How to Crochet, Adult R.E. workshop, 1&endash;4 pm., Chris Moore Parlor, pre-registration by April 9 required
Sunday, April 16: Kids' Auction, 11:30, Hang Out Room
-- Continuation of Problems in Technology and Ethics, Adult R.E.
class, 2&endash;4 pm, Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registration
required)
-- Continuation of How Can I Help? Adult R.E. class, 7&endash;9 pm,
Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registration by April 7 required)
Sunday, April 23: Easter Intergenerational Worship &
Easter Party, 10 am, Sanctuary
-- Kids' Easter Party, 10:30 am, Garden Room
-- Easter Egg Hunt, 11:30 am, various locations around church
property
Thursday, April 27: R.E. Council Meeting, 7 pm, R.E. Classroom
Saturday, April 29: The Basics of Starting Your Own Business, Adult R.E. class, 1&endash;5 pm, Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registration by April 23 required)
Sunday, April 30: continuation of Philosophy & Religion
in the West, Adult R.E. class, 1&endash;4 pm, Chris Moore Parlor
-- Continuation of Problems in Technology and Ethics, Adult R.E.
class, 2&endash;4 pm, VOV Gallery (pre-registration required)
-- Continuation of How Can I Help? Adult R.E. class, 7&endash;9 pm,
Chris Moore Parlor (pre-registration by April 2 required)<top>
Children and Family Concert, Sunday, April 9, 2000
The Religious Education Council of First Unitarian Church is sponsoring a lively and entertaining concert of music, performed by nationally acclaimed folk singer Lui Collins.
Ticket prices are only $3.00 for children and $7.00 for adults. Tickets may be purchased prior to April 9 (at Sunday Social Hour or in the Church Office) or at the door. Doors will open at 2:30 pm, and the concert will begin promptly at 3:00.
Tell your neighbors, friends, grandchildren and classmates about the concert. Bring someone special and spend a delightful afternoon of musical entertainment with Lui Collins. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to the Religious Education Program at First Unitarian Church. <top>
At our last annual meeting a new structure for enhancing the ministry of the church was established. A major part of this new structure is the Committee on Ministry, which considers the entire ministry of the church, both the ministry of the ordained clergy and the ministry of the lay congregation. Its task is to help such a shared ministry of clergy and laity formulate and attain their mutual goals. There are, in addition, Personal Advisory Committees for each professional minister, which do some of the same work as the old Ministerial Relations Committees. The Committee on Ministry members are Hank Henriques, chair, Grace Williams, Rachel Cole, David Puszkiewicz, and Neil Gerdes from the congregation and Nina Grey and Beth Williams as our ministerial staff. Already the Committee has met with Helen Bishop, the UUA District Executive, to help articulate its role. You will hear more about the COM's continuing development in succeeding newsletters.
Help Our Ministers Grow
From the Ministers' Personal Advisory Committees
Your comments, ideas and suggestions are welcome concerning things our ministers are doing and can do even better, and things you would like to see happen. We invite you to speak directly with our ministers, or you may also communicate with their Personal Advisory Committees. You may address your ideas and concerns for Rev. Nina Grey to Rachel Cole, Winston Kennedy, or Evelyn Johnson. You may address your ideas and concerns for Rev. Beth Williams to Hank Henriques, Vivian Burns, or Diane Ryan Broz.
Continental Unitarian Universalists Gather in June
The annual General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association will be held June 22&endash;26, 2000, in Nashville, TN. The theme is "Fulfilling the Promise: Our Common Call." The gathering will include plenary sessions at which participants learn about the work of the denomination, act on business items and statements of conscience, and consider action on resolutions of immediate witness.
Now that's just the "business" side of a General Assembly. Those attending will also be offered an incredible array of worship services, workshops and practicums, music, etc. etc. etc. The Ware Lecture will be given by Morris Dees, founder and now chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center. There is much to be learned about our movement and how we can work better in our churches.
The centerpiece for many of us who have attended is the Service of the Living Tradition, at which new ministers are recognized, ministerial retirements are acknowledged, and the roll of those who have died in the past year is read. The sermon in 2000 is being given by the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell, Senior Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Portland, Oregon. Dr. Sewell is widely recognized for her preaching and writing.
Our church is entitled to 3 lay delegates and 3 alternate delegates at the General Assembly. These delegates will be selected at a Special Congregational Meeting on April 16 (just before the Talent Auction) (see next story). If you would like to be a delegate, pick up a nominating petition in the Church Office, get 15 voting members to sign their names, and return the form to Norman Hines by 11:15 on April 16. The top 3 vote getters will be the official delegates; the next three can be alternate delegates.
Registration and housing forms plus the nominating petitions are located in the Blue Folder in the Newsletter slot.<top>
Special Congregational Meeting April 16
A Congregational Meeting will be held immediately before the Talent Auction on April 16. At that meeting voting members will select delegates from our congregation to represent us at the UUA General Assembly in Nashville, TN. (See preceding article.)
by Joan Bernstein, Chair, Membership Committee
On Sunday, April 16, we will honor and greet our most recent new members. The Ingathering Ceremony is our congregation's way of formally recognizing these new members. We will all then be able to personally welcome them during the Talent Auction luncheon in Hull Chapel that follows the service. (Each new member will be wearing a carnation.)
Joining our church requires the signing of our Membership Book in the presence of a witness: church officer, membership chair, or minister. If you are considering membership, please speak with Rev. Nina Grey or me.<top>
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>
Save May 13 for the Chicago Area UU Council's Annual Meeting
Our local UU Area Council will meet on Saturday, May 13, at the Unitarian Church of Evanston. In addition to the annual business meeting and election of new board members, the agenda includes the annual Unsung UU nominees and the awarding the Social Mission grant.
Central Midwest District Annual Assembly This Month
The Central Midwest Annual Assembly 2000 takes place in Appleton, WI, April 28&endash;30. Keynote speaker will be Carolyn McDade (composer of "Spirit of Life"). 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 are available in the Church Office. Registration deadline is March 31, 2000. Cost is $55 per adult and $75 for late registrations. If you are interested in being a delegate to this conference, see Bette Sikes at church.
Bobbi Lammers Campbell, Chair
Some members of the Social Justice Council attended Operation PUSH on March 4 in hopes of hearing Amadou Diallo's mother speak. We had been very angry when we heard that the New York City police who shot Mr. Diallo 41 times (hitting him 17 times) were set free by a New York court. Unfortunately, Mrs. Diallo had the flu and was not able to come. However, we heard plans for marches and rallies in Washington and Chicago on April 4, the anniversary of Martin Luther King's assassination, protesting police brutality everywhere. We invite members of the church to join the members of the Council who will be taking off work to participate in this significant event on this very significant date.
Individually we have become involved in various aspects of electoral politics. Evelyn Bomer believes that we will be electing some very important judges and would be happy to discuss them with you. The Council will be considering various potential projects to replace our work at Grove Parc. Let us know if you would like to participate in that discussion.
Please come to our First Forum April 2 when we will discuss the UUA study/action issue: "Responsible Consumption as a Moral Imperative." This topic will have another year of discussion before it is voted on as a Statement of Conscience.
Mid-South Hunger Walk April 9
Sign up to take part in the Seventh Annual Mid-South Hunger Walk on Sunday, April 9. The focus of this year's walk (and fundraising) is on North Kenwood and Oakland. The Walk begins with registration at 1 pm at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition at 930 E. 50th St. For information and pledge forms, call Rev. Beth at the church.
Energy Millions Available
John Porterfield has proposed that $125 million of unallocated funds given to the City of Chicago by Commonwealth Edison be used to seed (as 10% downpayment) $1 billion for energy improvements. Persons interested in community energy advocacy or changing their building's energy performance can contact John at Renacer Westside Community Network, 312/226-6007.
ShareCarGo!
The Center for Neighborhood Technology and its project partners will soon launch the first car-sharing program in a major American metro area. Car sharing has begun in Europe and in some U.S and Canadian cities. Under the plan, persons enrolled may reserve a car for use for a few hours, pick it up at a location within walking distance, and pay a bill at the end of the month for the hoursof use. The Center is looking for people to participate in focus groups in various neighborhoods. For information, see the ShareCarGo! flyer in the blue newsletter folder in the Church Office. Or call the Center at 773/278-4800, ext. 115.
Chicago Matters
During April and May of every year, WBEZ.FM, WTTW, the Chicago Public Library, and the Chicago Reporter collaborate in a multimedia program called "Chicago Matters." The theme for 2000 is "Seeking Justice: Exploring, Informing, Educating." For a schedule of events on the World Wide Web, check www.chicagomatters.org, wbez.org, and chipublib.org.
Proud Parents & Friends Report
Rachel Moore will give a talk about her book Savage Theory: The Modern Cinema as Magic (Duke Univ. Press) on May 5 at 57th Street Books. Rachel was a member of the Chicago Children's Choir. Her proud parents are Viola and Robert Moore.<top>
Get in on the Action! Talent Auction 2000
by Cindy Pardo, Talent Auction Chair
Talent Show and Lunch
On Sunday, April 2, the First Unitarian Senior High Coming of Age Group will hold a talent show and potluck lunch to raise money for their trip to Boston. Between 12:00 and 1:00 you will have the opportunity to see some of your fellow church members' hidden talents. To make this talent show a success, we need volunteers to share their talents with us all.
The food will feature the specialties of many members of the congregation, a great bunch of cooks! If you get this newsletter before March 29, you can RSVP by that day. Listed below are the numbers that you should contact for more information:
If you can bring a dish to share, please contact Lauren Shevell. If you are interested in sharing your talent with the church community, please contact Lee Shevell. To RSVP for this event, contact Beth Williams in the church office at 773/324-4100. For any other information, please contact Jordan Greenlee. <top>
Great Books for April
The work for discussion at the April Great Books session, April 9, is Gregor von Reccoria's "Troth," from his Memoirs of an Anti-Semite. Great Books meets in the Choir Room after church at 11:30.
by Patti Stark, Canvass Chair
I am very happy to announce that as of March 19, First Church has received $150,000 in pledges at the luncheons on March 5 and 12 and at Montgomery Place on March 7. Wow! We are off to a great start, and the range of pledges is impressive.
|
Amount Received |
|
|
Over $6,000 |
|
|
$5,000-5,999 |
|
|
$4,000-4,999 |
|
|
$3,000-3,999 |
|
|
$2,000-2,999 |
|
|
$1,000-1,999 |
|
|
Under $1,000 |
|
Ioanna Crawford, Allan Lindrup, Norman Hines, and Julie Neuman are responsible for the initial planning and strategy. Polly McCoo, Madeiria Myrieckes, and Cindy Pardo organized the luncheon. Madeiria and the Junior High Coming of Age Group did a magnificent job of setting up for the luncheon. Allan Lindrup did the second lunch himself. In addition to Ioanna and Allan, Allan Harden, Ton Huyck, Kennie James, Holly Jamison, Evelyn Johnson, Winston Kennedy, Cindy Pardo, Joan Pederson, John Saphir, Patti Stark, and Allen Stern were responsible for inviting people to the luncheon. The office staff&emdash;Jesse Williams and Kimetta Smith&emdash;and all the office volunteers contributed greatly by designing and mailing the invitations, creating the brochure, and assembling the other paper work. Our senior minister was available when we needed backup help.
Not everyone has been contacted to pledge yet. We hope that those remaining to be pledged will be generous so we can reach our goal of $184,105 in pledges for the coming fiscal year beginning July 2000. Since we need an average increase of 15% in pledges, we hope you will all be as generous as you can so the work of the church can continue.
Volunteers will contact those who have not pledged. Please help them by returning their phone calls. If we do not reach you by phone and need to mail your pledge card to you, please return it promptly. It is impossible to do a budget for the coming fiscal year until we know how much money we can expect to receive from our various sources including pledges. And thank you to everyone. Helping with the pledge drive is always a very rewarding experience.<top>
Our deep sympathy:
...to Catherine Harth Stern and family on the death of Catherine's father, Daniel Harth. Mr. Harth was a resident of Chicago. Visiting hours took place on Tuesday, March 21, at Cage's, 7651 Jeffery. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Margaret of Scotland on March 22.
...to John Porterfield, his son Allen Porterfield, and their family on the death of Allen's grandfather, Henry McGee, on March 18, 2000. A memorial service will be held in April. Mr. McGee was the first African American Postmaster in Chicago.Mr. McGee memorial service will be held at First Unitarian on Saturday, April 15, at 3:30 pm..
...to Richard Blough on the death of his father.
...Our thoughts are with Florence Teegarden.
...Continuing healing wishes to Patti Stark, recovering from pneumonia, and to Anne Holcomb.
...We are thinking of Betty Holcomb and family. Betty's sister is very ill.
...Best wishes to Hannah Meara, who is moving to California in April.
...It was a pleasure to see Mark Yim at church a few weeks ago. Mark has returned from a year in Japan to live in San Francisco.
...Eighth-grader Alexis Poinsett, grandson of Norma and Alex Poinsett, recently advanced to the Soul of Black Folks Oratory Contest, which is sponsored by the Sixth Ward and the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council.
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.