First Unitarian Church of Chicago
Excerpts from the September,
2000
First Unitarian News
August 2000 Board Meeting
by Bette Sikes, Secretary Pro Tem
Rev. Marlene Walker reported on progress since she arrived on (1) the continuing search for teachers, (2) preparations for campus ministry, (3) possibilities for a children's music program. A room in Pennington Center formerly leased to the Blue Gargoyle is being turned into an RE resource room and library and a classroom. . . . Treasurer Julie Neuman presented a report in a new format made possible by an accounting software switch from Quicken to QuickBooks. . . .The Board approved a housing allowance for the Minister for Religious Education, officially endorsed the membership of the Membership Committee, and appointed Norman Hines to the Administrative Committee. . . . Some time was spent on plans for the Board Retreat Sept. 22 - 23.
There will be a Special Congregational Meeting for Sunday, Sept. 17, at which the congregation will vote on bylaw revisions needed because of the new position of Minister for Religious Education. Please plan to attend this meeting after church that Sunday.
Chalice Lighter Grant Received
Our church received a Chalice Lighters grant from the Central Midwest District of $6,000. Because the response to the Chalice Lighters call was generous, the church has received about $1,000 more than it asked for. Thanks to each of you who responded to the call to join Chalice Lighters. Expect a new call in October 2000.
Are Your Pledge Payments Up To Date?
Important Dates
Aug. 27: Ice Cream Social after church
Sept. 10: 10:00 am--Multi-Generational Water Ceremony and Regathering
11:30 am--Great Books
11:30 am--First Forum
Sept. 17: 10:15 am--Church school classes begin
11:30 am--Congregational meeting for bylaw revisions: see text after p. 6
5:00 pm--"Let's Grow the Church" Potluck
Sept. 20: 6:30 - 9:00--Reception for new Central Midwest District Congregational Services Director Angela Merkert, Unity Temple, Oak Park
Sept. 22 - 23: Board of Trustees Annual Retreat
Sept. 23: Intergenerational Apple Picking (tentative)
Sept. 26: 6:30 - 9:00--Reception for new Central Midwest District Congregational Services Director Angela Merkert, Unity Temple, Oak Park
Oct. 1: 1 pm Harvest Fest 2000, UU Urban Coalition of Chicago, at our church.
Oct. 3: 7:30--"Taming Your Gremlins," Adult RE Program
Oct. 7: Social Justice Action Retreat
8:30 am--Philosofest, "Cosmic Consciousness," North Shore Unitarian Church, Deerfield
Oct 16 - 21: Church Photo Directory; save time for having your picture taken
Oct. 21: District Interweave Conference, Unitarian Church of Evanston
Oct. 28: Ministerial Startup Gathering (all leadership should attend)
Nov. 3 - 5: UU Women's Federation Fall Retreat, Lake Geneva, WI. See announcement after p. 6
Nov. 18: Annual Thanksgiving Seder service and feast
Ministers' Hours
Rev. Nina Grey: My fall schedule will include hours at church Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 to 2 and by appointment. Other times, Tuesday to Sunday, I visit folks, workat home and in the community. On Thursdays, I usually study and prepare sermons. Monday is my day off. Please call with any interests, needs or concerns, at church (773/324-4100) or at home. E-mail NinaGrey@aol.com. If your need is an emergency, call me at home even on Mondays. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Rev. Marlene Walker: E-mail address Revmar@aol.com. During August and September my office hour schedule is Tuesday and Thursday 12 - 5 pm and Wednesday 9 am - 2 pm, and other times by appointment. Please stop by and say hello! I work from home on Mondays and take Fridays as my day off.
Last month I wrote from Massachusetts, saying that with every box that was packed and every good-bye said I felt myself moving closer to Chicago and our new ministry together. More than one thousand miles later, with many boxes now unpacked (but not all by any means)! and many hellos and welcomes said, I have arrived and we have begun. What a warm welcome I have received. I'm already beginning to learn my way around my new neighborhood and city! Thank you to the many of you who have helped make my settling in so easy.
Lifespan Religious Education
Our ministry together has begun as well. I'm settling in to the office routine, finding out where things are, attending meetings and church, have even officiated at my first wedding and am getting ready for the beginning of the new RE year on Sept. 17. The curricula are ready, a teacher orientation has been scheduled for Sept. 9, supplies are being ordered and classrooms are being prepared. All is set for us to begin. Except for one very important item-we do need a few more teachers for the Fall and the rest of the year!
For Fall we need one more teacher each for the Discoverers (Preschool) and Searchers (grades 5 & 6) as well as for the Junior Highers. For Winter we need one teacher for the Voyagers (grades 1 & 2) and two teachers for the Pathfinders (grades 3 & 4). For Spring we need one teacher for both the Discoverers (Preschool) and the Searchers (grades 5 & 6) and two teachers for both the Voyagers (grades 1 & 2) and the Junior Highers. We also need at least an occasional volunteer as a backup in the nursery. So, as you can see, there are many opportunities in the upcoming RE program for both fun and challenge. If you are not already teaching and are interested in doing so, please call me at the church.
Teacher Orientation Sept. 9, 9 am - 12:30 pm
All RE teachers, past, present and future are invited--especially those who will be teaching this year. We'll get reacquainted with the Sunday RE schedule and the nuts and bolts about RE, review curricula for this year and get newly acquainted with our new MRE, Rev. Marlene Walker. The session promises to be fun; we'll end with a light lunch. Child care can be available if needed--just let Rev. Marlene know in advance.
A program our younger people have been doing this summer is based on the stories of Dr. Seuss and it has been lots of fun. I'm including a poem, gleaned and adapted from the Elkhart, IN, church. It's a Dr. Seuss-esque type of poem and it does have an important message about teaching in RE!
The Yewyews and The Ahrees
There once was a land, south of Chicagoo,
Where a group of odd birds appeared out of the blue.
They called themselves the Yewyews, though no one knows why,
And these Yewyews were found over land, sea and sky.
Each week, they all came to a Yewyewish caucus
Where, once in a while, things became rather raucous.
They came in a wide range of sizes and shapes.
(Although most of them claimed they descended from apes!)
Yes, they all were quite different. So different, in fact,
That each Yewyew had some skill the other ones lacked.
They were plumbers and doctors and students and teachers,
And writers, musicians, and a few would be preachers.
There were mothers and fathers and whole Yewyew clans
With the range of relationships every group spans.
Besides this, each Yewyew displayed in succession,
Unique ways of thinking and modes of expression.
In matters of taste, each was one of a kind.
( I've been told that some Yewyews wrote poems that rhymed!)
Now these Yewyews had youngsters, just like the birds and bees,
Whom they called by the nickname, "The Little Ahrees."
By and by, to the Yewyews this question was brought:
Should the Little Ahrees come to caucus, or not?
Oh, these Little Ahrees were cute. They were smart. They were quick.
But the caucus itself didn't quite do the trick.
For the little Ahrees needed more room to grow
And to move, and to do artwork, and sings songs that they know.
So the Yewyews decided they'd better get busy
And they chose who should teach. Now each Yewyew got dizzy
With thinking up reasons why somebody else
Would be better at teaching than him or herself.
But the best way, they found, for the Ahrees to learn
Was if each of the Yewyews took his or her turn.
Now not every Yewyew could teach class, that's true.
And each one could contribute a talent or two.
But the Yewyews who taught classes learned this I am told:
That whatever they gave, they got back--many fold!
There's a moral to this story as I'm sure you can guess:
When Rev. Marlene asks for volunteers . . . just say YES!
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It is good to be here! See you in church.
Blessings,
Marlene
Adult Religious Education
Looking for Ideas
First Forum and the Adult Religious Education Committee are looking for new members and new ideas. What kind of programs would you like to have? Give us some ideas of what you would like to have. Lend us your considerable talents for programs of your own.
What interesting presentations have you always wanted to do or think someone should do. Need some friendly feedback before you expose your ideas to the hard, cruel world? We know you have some hints and contacts that could provide us with some meaningful discussion and ideas. Share your talents with us. Join our group and have some fun with Phiefer Brown, Finley Campbell, and Paul Ulbrich. Or call Paul (email PaulUlbrich@hotmail.com).
Taming Your Gremlin
Based on the book Taming Your Gremlin by Richard D. Carson, this course is a practical and creative approach to dealing with life's problems and internal resistance to change. Through the metaphor of "the gremlin," you will explore ways to deal with the self-defeating aspects of your personality. Meet at the church with co-leaders Ioanna Crawford and Margaret Huyck on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7:30 - 9:30 pm.
Great Books
The September book for discussion is The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, Vintage International Edition (first printing 1996). We meet at 11:45 in the Choir Room on Sept. 10. For information, call Gloria Gnatz.
Art Donations Needed
by Ellie Hall, Art Committee
Are you downsizing your home, or just moving? Or maybe you have more art work than you want and need to make space? An art sale will be held at the church in October and we need donations. All profits will go to the church.
What is needed? All forms of art: paintings, photography, sculpture, fabric hangings, posters, etc. All art should be in good condition. If you have art to donate, phone Ellie Hall.
Keeping Track of the Past
The dynamic heritage that First Unitarian Society enjoys was built by its members. Those of us who have been around a long time have real memories that help us appreciate their contributions. But there are few written records of those individuals. A committee is organizing the collection of the life stories of these "pillars." If you also share our concern, have a name you think should be included, or just want information, please call Polly McCoo.
Pretty as a Picture!
Beginning on Sunday, Sept. 16, we will be making appointments for our church family photo album. We hope to have every member pictured in this valuable book. Pictures will be taken during the week of October 16 - 21, and appointments will be possible during daytime and evening hours.
Please plan to participate. It will be helpful to all of us to have this photographic reference. It will cost the church and individual members nothing, although you will have the opportunity to purchase portraits if you like.
If you have an afternoon or evening which you can devote to helping with this project your help will be welcome. Please contact Cindy Pardo to volunteer or with questions.
Among Us
Get-well wishes to Linnea Anderson, who is recovering from a fall . . . Our thoughts are with Y. C. Wong and his family as he enters hospice care.
Irene Krull has been working with youth in her school for a number of years to develop gardens at and near the school. On Friday, Aug. 11, Whittier School in Pilsen held a grand opening for the three gardens now in place: the Xochiqueztal Peace Garden for vegetables and flowers, the Chief Seattle Garden for butterflies and people, and the Whittier Prairie Garden. Cindy Pardo, Joanne Kent, and Bette Sikes attended the grand opening. The gardens are splendid.
Richard Snow has been nominated to the Honor Roll for Engineering Accomplishments by the Chicago Section of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. The citation includes: "Richard Snow is a pioneer in the use of computers to model chemical processes." The text includes more detail about Dick's contributions in chmical engineering
Harvey Thomas has been appointed a Visiting Professor in the Department of Manufacturing, Engineering Technologies and Supervision at Purdue University (northern Indiana branch). Harvey, a Napoleon Hill Scholar, teaches courses in occupational health and safety and in human relations. He is also an active consultant in health safety in litigation cases.
Ivan Lappin's eldest son Scott, who grew up in our church, is publisher (along with Juliana Del Flore) of a new local magazine, Avenue, which focuses on things to do and places to be in Del Ray Beach, FL.
An account of the life of Ivan Lappin's father can be read in the Blue Newsletter Folder in the Church Office. This text is well worth your time.
Evelyn Johnson's son David Mosby, who grew up in our church, has sent another account of his life in Burundi. Look for his text in the Blue Newsletter Folder in the Church Office.
Social Justice Action Retreat
This is a tentative list of suggested Social Justice projects which we will consider at a Social Justice Council Retreat scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000 at church. Margaret Huyck will facilitate the Retreat, which runs from 9:30 am to 4 pm. We look forward to great congregational participation at this retreat. The deadline for submitting proposals for consideration is Sept. 10, for inclusion in the October church newsletter. Get proposals to Joanne Kent or Bobbi Lammers Campbell. We hope to identify a project that will engage many members of the congregation at many levels of participation in both service and advocacy!
Registration begins at 9:30 am with coffee and bagels. We will have brief presentations on several different projects, and after lunch, we will break into smaller groups to discuss the pros and cons of each project, finally selecting one that we agree on.
1) Abraham Lincoln Centre: a social service agency that offers a wide variety of support for the neighborhoods in which it is located. Rev. Nina and Doug Anderson are on the board of directors.
2) Southwest Women Working Together: a wom-en's center located in the Beverly area which provides, in addition to many other services for women, a shelter for battered women and children. Margie Gonwa is its board.
3) Chicago Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues: a network of people of faith dedicated to worker justice. Kristi Sanford, who gave a First Forum on "Day Workers" at church last winter, will present her proposal.
4) Treatment and Rehabilitation, rather than incarceration, of drug users. A proposal from Joanne Kent. See article in the May 18 Chicago Defender by Quentin Young, M.D., who has been actively involved in this area.
5) Stolen Lives Project: victims of police brutality and their families, whose lives were "stolen" by the criminal justice system. Marcie Wilcox will make a presentation.
For more information, see members of the Social Justice Council. We need your full participation.
Environmental Task Force
by Paul Ulbrich, co-chair
You are invited to join the Environmental Task Force. The group plans to get together in late September for discussions. Meetings are tentatively planned for every Thursday evening at or near the church at 5:30. Check with Paul Ulbrich about when the gatherings begin (email PaulUlbrich@hotmail.com) .
The Task Force is exploring what the real environmental issues are and what reasonable persons can do. It has access to a large pool of talents and ideas. Information also available from Ruth Jacquot (email ruthjacquot@hotmail.com).
Volunteer Now
Help at the Neighborhood Food Pantry
by Kennie James
The Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council runs a Food Pantry at the Shiloh Baptist Church every Saturday giving out bags of food to the hungry.
First Unitarian is responsible for providing security and bagging food for all five Saturdays in September at Shiloh Baptist, 4850 S. Dorchester, 10 am to 1 pm. At least two volunteers are needed for each Saturday. To volunteer, contact Ms Kennie James.
Let There Be Food for All
The Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council's food program raises roughly $2,000 of its annual program funds through the 5 percent rebate that Co-op members receive on their purchases at the Co-op on Thursdays in October. You can choose to contribute the rebate to a worthy cause. The Interfaith Council, through its Peace and Justice Committee and member congregations, hands out flyers at the Co-op store, at 55th and Lake Park from 9 am to 9 pm on those Thursdays, advising shoppers of their 5 percent rebate and asking that they designate it go to the HP-K Food Program when they check out.
First Unitarian has taken responsibility for Thursday, Oct. 19. Volunteers are needed for 9 to 11 am especially and as a backup until 9 pm. Kennie James is handling the 11 am - 1 pm time slot, with Allan Lindrup handling 1 - 9 pm. If you could be our primary volunteer for 9 am to 11 am, or be our second volunteer for any of the hours from 9 am to 9 pm, please contact Allan Lindrup.
Harvest Fest 2000
The third annual city-wide Unitarian Universalist Harvest Festival will be held at First Unitarian Church, 5650 S. Woodlawn Avenue, on Sunday October 1 from 2 to 5 pm. The $5 individual, $15 family, ticket fee includes lunch and your raffle entry for a chance at great (and not so great) prizes. Games, entertainment, booths of information on upcoming events and important projects being sponsored by groups in the various city churches, and a brief worship service are highlights of the festivities.
Harvest Fest is a great way to start the Fall UU activities calendar, by learning about other UU congregations in the city, meeting fellow UUs and just generally enjoying the wonderful fall weather. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend!
For further information you may contact Richard Pardo.
"Grow the Church" Potluck, Sunday, September 17
What an exciting time at First Unitarian Society! We are excited about the arrival of Rev. Marlene Walker, the "Redeem the Dream" Rally in Washington, our upcoming photo directory, the beginning of RE classes, catching up on our summer activities, meeting newcomers to our church, and thinking about what we want our year ahead to be--for us as individuals and as a church community.
The Membership Committee is sponsoring a "Grow the Church" Potluck Dinner on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 5:00 in Chris Moore Parlor to get us off to a wonderful start. We'll have an opportunity to learn more about participation in a variety of church activities. If you have been a visitor or are a newcomer you are most welcome!
So bring a dish to share with 6-8 people; bring your kids; and bring your thoughts on how you would like to "Grow the Church." To volunteer to help with the event or for more information, call Holly Jamison.
Membership News
It has been said that nobody joins a church to be on a committee! However, it is also true that people do join a church to feel a sense of connectedness to a community, And, it is also true that contributing to the community can be (especially for Unitarian-Universalists!) part of the religious/spiritual experience.
SO!!! Why not join the Membership Committee? We are concerned with many aspects of church growth, and there are many opportunities to help "grow the church." Some of our activities include being a greeter before church, helping with coffee, being at the Welcome Table after church, helping with UU orientation, newcomer parties, fellowship dinners, etc. We would love to have you join us! If you are interested, please call Holly Jamison.
The Wider UU Scene
New Leader at Central Midwest District
Angela Merkert is the new Congregational Services Director of the Central Midwest District. Leaders in our church will get to meet her at the Board Retreat in September and the Ministerial Startup session in October. YOU can meet her, too, and see a historic Frank Lloyd Wright building at the same time by attending one of two receptions for Angela at Unity Temple, 875 Lake Street, Oak Park, on Wednesday, Sept, 20, and Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 6:30 to 9 pm.
Angela is taking the position formerly held by Helen Bishop.
Philosofest 2000
The annual Philosofest conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the North Shore Unitarian Church, Deerfield, IL. The theme of the day-long gathering this year is "Cosmic Consciousness." Two UU ministers (Revs. Karen Stoyanoff and Jay Deacon) and two scientists (Grace Wolf-Chase and Joshua Frieman) will present papers. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions. Registration (includes lunch and copies of the papers) is $30 ($15 for full-time students); late registration after Sept. 29 is $35. Look for the registration form in the Blue Newsletter Folder; copy the registration form if you wish to attend.
Urban Ministries Conference Scheduled for March 2001
"Building Our Faith, Building Our Cities" is the theme for the Urban Ministries Conference, to be held in Chicago March 8 - 11, 2001, at the Congress Hotel.
Conference plenaries will provide time for focusing on issues of theology, class and race. The conference will include some 30 workshops, with opportunities for participants to experience some Chicago area ministries.
Brochures and detailed information will soon be available. Contact Robin Nikora-Dorson, rnikorad@uua.org, or the Rev. Tracey Robinson Harrison, trobinson@uua.org.
Alex Coutts Sings Again
The sixth Annual Alex Coutts Recital will be held on Saturday, Sept, 23, at 3 pm in Curtis Hall of the fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan.
The program will include spirituals and songs of freedom sung solo, in duets, and in quartets.
Joining Alex in the recital are Joan Staples, mezzo soprano; Carrie Hedges, soprano; and the First Unitarian Quartet: Richard Snow, Richard Blough, tenors; Richard Pardo, baritone; and Alex Coutts, bass. All are welcome. No tickets required.
News of Old timers
Our sympathy to the family and friends of Edo (Edith) Barry Hoke, who died recently. Edo was the wife of Joel Hoke, a long-time member of our church from some years ago. Edo Hoke will be remembered at a service at Montgomery Place, Sept. 16, 3:00 pm.
Louis Bullard and family dropped by Sunday, Aug. 13. Louis grew up in the church and was a member of the Chicago Children's Choir. His mother Ann Boldenweck and her husband Tom Boldenweck (once active in our church) live in Indiana. Louis brought his wife and 8-month-old baby daughter to visit his youthful haunts. They live and teach in Arizona.