Notes from the President

by Allen Harden

The unexpected resignation of Tom Weisflog last fall has set off a chain of events within the Board and the church. At that time, I stated in a letter to the congregation that we would quickly initiate a search for a successor. Our understanding of the situation has since changed considerably, and we now are deferring the search. There are two main reasons.

First, we plan to use this situation as an opportunity to accomplish the much-needed repair of the organ console. This work requires the organ to be fully disabled for 3 to 6 months. We plan to start repairs in March in hope of having the organ fully restored by September.

Many of you will have received material describing the repairs, along with the letter calling a Special Congregational Meeting on Dec. 10. The meeting will consider the proposal that the Board be authorized to use up to $10,000 in endowment funds for organ repair. We hope that most of the cost will be raised through gifts and fundraising, and urge everyone to consider a special gift to organ repair.

Second, we have realized that this is also an opportune time to address fundamental questions about how we gather and what we do in our shared religious life. The Board has appointed a special-purpose group, the Committee on Sundays, Et Cetera, which is charged with examining the format and schedule of our shared activity--in worship and in other ways. We expect this committee to provide strong guidance into defining our future needs for the organ and an organist.

The Committee on Sundays, Etc. has been given a sweeping charge, and we shall be hearing much more about them (and from them) in the coming months.

Joan Pederson has graciously agreed to coordinate and convene the group, which was in formation at press time. It will include Shama Blaney, Cynthia Oakes, Joan Staples, Grace Williams, and four others to be named soon, and will work closely with our ministers. This group has been deliberately chosen to represent our diverse congregation in many ways--but particularly to include persons of all ages, length of involvement, and areas of church involvement.

In brief, this committee will help the congregation explore many topics of worship, schedule, program, and fellowship. There is no predetermined agenda--its task is to see if an agenda should be created. The committee will examine needs that are met and unmet by our current programs. It will be mindful of our interest in growth. It will consider our Sunday schedule, the format of worship services, the possibility of other times and formats for worship, and coordinating adult and child needs in the Religious Education program.

Between now and midwinter, this group will be gatherers, collecting as much information as it can about our desires, aspirations, and peeves regarding church life. As the ideas coalesce, the committee will work to formulate recommendations for action. Working openly, it will engage the congregation actively in building any new plans. The work should be completed by spring, and the responsibility to carry what they have learned into practice will be handed back to all of us.

Important December Dates

Dec. 1- 2: Directory Photo Shoot, 2 to 9 pm

Dec 3:  First Forum: "Unplug the Holiday Machine:"

            Adult RE: Everyday Spirituality, 7:15 pm

Dec. 5: RE Council, 7 pm

            Property Committee, 7:30 pm

Dec. 6: Music Subcommittee, 1 pm

            Administrative Committee, 7:30 pm

Dec. 9: Worship Associates Training, 8:30 am

Dec. 10: Congregational Meeting, 11:30 am

            Adult RE: Everyday Spirituality, 7:15 pm

Dec. 12: Membership Committee, 7:30 pm

Dec. 13: Board Executive Committee, 7:30 pm

Dec. 14: Social Justice Council, 7 pm

Dec. 17: Intergenerational Pageant--"Spirit of the Christmas Tree," 10 am

            Tree Decorating after the morning service

            First Forum: Social Justice Council, 11:45 am

            Adult RE: Everyday Spirituality 7:15 pm

Dec. 19: Montgomery Place Vespers, 7:30 pm

            Program Council, 7:30 pm

Dec. 20: Communications Committee, 4 pm

Dec 24: Intergenerational Worship, 10 am

Christmas Vespers, 6 pm! Note new time

Dec. 27: Board Executive Committee, 7:30 pm

Dec 31: Intergenerational Kwanzaa Service

Neighbor's Eve Dance Palace, 6:00-10:30 pm
 

Lifespan Religious Education

by Rev. Marlene Walker, Associate Minister for Religious Education

It has begun. The onward rush to the holidays. I love the holiday season, and it's very easy for me to get carried away with it all. Christmas decorations have been going up for a month now, and I always groan when I see the first ones. "It's too early," I say, "Thanksgiving hasn't even come yet." Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone--even if we don't know yet, at least as I write this, who our new President is. Now most every trip from home means getting bundled up in coats, gloves, and hats. I can't put it off any more; the season is here. But which season is it? Is Christmas here yet? Is it time to light the menorah once again? No, not quite--at least this year Christmas and Hanukkah fall quite close together, so it's a bit easier to hold off the full plunge into the season. I hold myself back because the season we have entered is the season of anticipation, of preparation, of waiting--excitedly for the feast yet to come. A time I more and more appreciate. I don't unpack all the holiday ornaments the day after Thanksgiving anymore. I savor the anticipation, and I've found I enjoy the holidays even more when they do arrive because of it.

In the traditional church calendar the season of Christmas doesn't begin until Christmas itself. Instead, beginning with the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the season of Advent begins a time of anticipation and preparation for what is ahead. I want to reclaim the season of Advent, of waiting, of anticipation, of preparation. It's hard to do these days because of the push of the commercial nature of the holidays. "Buy now! Decorate early! Spend more money on bigger and better decorations and gifts! Do it now so you don't miss out!" But I don't think that's what the holidays are about. The message in all of our seasonal holidays is about hope, joy and the importance of community and relationship.

I think this heavy push on an early start to the season is very hard on children, not to mention parents. By the time the big days arrive, children are worn out and parents are exhausted and nerves are frayed. The holiday, the feast, becomes more of a disappointment than a joy. So, I encourage all of you to hold back the headlong rush, rein in those commercial runaway horses. Enjoy the season of Advent, the season of anticipation and preparation, and see if the joy of the season finds its way to you.

Holiday Blessings!

Marlene
 

What's Happened Recently in RE

Discoverers (Preschool): The class celebrated Halloween by making masks and playing the Pumpkin game. This month they explored gender role stereotypes by dressing up and guessing who they each were and by using painting and collages they looked at the importance of caring for trees.

Adventurers (K-Grade 2): This month we learned about a wide range of topics from the life of Whitney Young to the celebration of All Saints Day, to handling fear and the importance of friendships. The class especially enjoyed making friendship chains and attending Kids' Church.

Pathfinders (Grades 3 & 4): This class is focusing on themes found in Bible stories and this month looked at the stories of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob and Esau in order to explore such themes as deception, change and trust, and punishment. They made masks and built a class altar. Their wonderful art projects were also on display during Social Hour and they hope everyone had a chance to see them.. If you missed them, be sure to visit the class upstairs next to Woolman Hall and ask if you can see them. They truly are marvelous.

Searchers (Grades 5 & 6): This class is also looking at some themes found in the Hebrew scriptures. They learned the story of Abraham and Isaac and discussed testing and the life-and-death challenges of the 20th century. They explored the themes of deception and forgiveness in the story of Jacob and Esau. Using the story of Joseph, they discussed overcoming difficulties, sibling rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.

Junior High (Grades 7 & 8): The class chose to attend the Sunday Worship service on Oct 29 to hear Rev. Walker's sermon on Harry Potter, which they all "liked a great deal." During the rest of the month they continued their exploration of the UU Principles and Purposes through music.

Senior High (Grades 9-12): The senior high schoolers are developing ritual and identity as they continue to explore UU themes in movies. They planned and held their first movie night and watched the movie Being John Malkovitch followed by a great discussion about how UU values connected to the movie. The popcorn and pizza were great too! They are planning more movie nights and will also be inviting youth from other UU churches to join them.
 

RE News

The Fall Term is soon ending. A huge thank you to all those who taught this term. You have been great!

The schedule for the remainder of the term is:

Dec 3: Regular RE Classes

Dec 10: Last Day of Fall Term--Rehearsal for RE Holiday Pageant during last part of class. Also bring your contributions for the Mitten Tree.

Dec 17: RE Intergenerational Holiday service and Pageant--"Spirit of the Christmas Tree"

Dec 24: 10:00 am Intergenerational Worship

            6:00 pm: Christmas Vespers

Dec 31: Intergenerational Kwanzaa Service

Jan 7: Intergenerational Service

Jan 14: Winter Term begins
 

Nursery Help Needed

We are looking for a couple of people who would love to spend a few Sunday mornings helping in the nursery with our wee ones. You get the joy of spending time with our youngest UUs and also hear the service on the speaker in the nursery. If you can help, please speak with Rev. Marlene or Jen Crow.
 

Carol, Load the First Mitten Tree, Decorate Our Tree

by Catherine Harth, Chair, RE Council

Plan to contribute to our Mitten Tree on Dec. 10 by bringing new mittens, gloves, and hats to be donated to children who have less than we do.

After the Dec. 17 Intergenerational Holiday Service and Pageant--"Spirit of the Christmas Tree"--join us in decorating the church's Christmas tree.

Anyone interested in caroling during the holiday season can join the RE Council, children, and youth around the piano after church for a little carol singing.
 

Our Own Children's Choir and Music Program Beginning in January

On January 7 our new Children's Choir program with Vocal Music Director Ron Wentzel will begin. All interested children and youth second grade and up will meet with Ron during First Forum time. More details in the January First Unitarian News.

If you would like to donate funds to help this new exciting program get underway, please speak with Evelyn Johnson or Mary Lee Greenlee.
 

Great Books

Great Books has no discussion for December 10. However, we may gather in the Choir Room after the Congregational Meeting to discuss plans, since the January selection is the last work in the current series.

On January 14, we will discuss the popular novel Things Fall Apart (Anchor Doubleday edition) by Chinua Achebe. For further information, call Gloria Gnatz, 773/643-9436.
 

Buy a Trash Book and Contribute to the New RE Music Effort

After the Sunday service on Sunday, Dec. 17, visit the pews in the North Aisle to look over a modest supply of relatively recent mysteries, fantasy, and science fiction. Bette Sikes is selling pre-read books to raise funds for the new First Unitarian Children's Choir.
 

Thanks for the Thanksgiving Seder

by Madeiria Myrieckes

On the evening of Nov. 18 our church sanctuary was filled with more than one hundred friends and family of our church for this year's Thanksgiving Seder service and dinner.

Thanks to all who worked on the Thanksgiving Seder. This beloved event in our church calendar takes weeks of planning, days of registering families, hours of shopping and cooking, and precious moments of sharing our common heritage.

If you were there this year, plan now to help next year. If you missed it this year, we will save a place for you next year.
 

Guest at Your Table 2000

If you have not already done so, pick up your Guest at Your Table 2000 box for the holiday campaign to raise funds for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. The UUSC programs are designed to help people around the world help themselves achieve a higher quality of life.
 

Worship Associate Training Scheduled for December

On Saturday, Dec. 9, a training program for Worship Associates will be held at the church from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. If you want to be considered for participation in this important ministry, please get in touch with Rev. Nina D. Grey or Rosemary Snow.
 

Social Justice: Criminal Justice Committee

by Diana Gray

The 2000 UUA General Assembly selected a study action issue, "An Alternative to the War on Drugs." The First Unitarian Social Justice Council recognizes that drug issues are intimately linked with juvenile crime. In pursuing this study issue, it recommends looking into what is happening in the juvenile justice realm to gain a better understanding of the multiple impacts of reactions to the War on Drugs. Although drug offenses comprise only about 10% of juvenile arrests, much serious and violent juvenile crime (both property and personal) is associated with gang activity driven by the economy of the drug trade (involving both criminals and at times law enforcement and correctional officials themselves), particularly in urban areas like Chicago.

When the first juvenile court was established in Cook County, IL, in 1899, it was done in recognition that children who violate the law lack full understanding of the legal system and its consequences and thus require special handling. During the past century, the role of the juvenile court system has evolved balancing rehabilitation and sanctions with the welfare of the child foremost. Many children handled through juvenile court proceedings are not offenders but are victims of neglect, abuse, and family dysfunction. In the second half of the 20th century, legal changes limited the court's discretion and gave greater attention to due process protections for juveniles, but did not fundamentally alter the role of the court with juveniles. Protections were enacted in federal law to ensure that detained juvenile populations were kept separate by sight and sound from adult offenders. Juveniles were not to be held in adult facilities. States' access to formula funding under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1994 was contingent on complying with these requirements.

Civil unrest in the late 1960s, rising juvenile crime rates following Reaganomics, the growth of juvenile gangs involved in drug trade for economic survival in disenfranchised communities, the deep recession of the 1970s, and press coverage of alarming incidents of juvenile violence spurred a plethora of political rhetoric to "get tough on crime." This led to legislative initiatives that altered the handling of juvenile offenders, moved toward a criminal court model, and blurred the distinction between the juvenile and adult systems in disturbing ways. The juvenile system itself hardened with a proliferation of juvenile boot camp and military-discipline style approaches to operating correctional facilities. Antiloitering and curfew ordinances threatening the constitutional right to assemble were passed, supposedly aimed at juvenile gangs but limiting the rights of all minority youth. The concept of "rehabilitation" of juvenile offenders, especially those needing treatment for mental health, substance abuse, or sexual offending problems, was lost in the execution of programs promoting discipline, physical exertion, and military drill. Most states did not adequately evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions compared with more traditional approaches. Those that did found these highly touted "answers" to juvenile crime led to higher costs with about the same outcomes. In most cases, outcomes were measured by arrests subsequent to release into the community after a specific intervention.

Between 1992 and 1997, 47 states and the District of Columbia moved in a more punitive direction, changing their juvenile laws to allow or require the transfer of juveniles charged with certain types of offenses to the adult system.

In most cases (31 states), once a juvenile is transferred to the adult system, the juvenile can never again be tried in juvenile court. Simply being charged with a specific crime results in some juveniles as young as 12 forfeiting all the protections of the juvenile court system. The youth can be held in an adult jail facility until adjudication. If convicted, the juvenile will go to an adult correctional institution. Those services required in the juvenile system for the appropriate education, medical care, caloric needs, recreation, and rehabilitation of youngsters do not apply to the transferred juveniles once they enter the adult criminal justice system.

These changes were being made by state legislatures even as serious juvenile crime plummeted in the late 1990s. Studies of who get transferred reveals that they are disproportionately low-income, minority juveniles who often have committed property offenses rather than violent crimes against the person. Some of these new statutes have mandatory sentence requirements, denying judges discretion in the face of mitigating circumstances, once the hallmark of the juvenile court system.

Dispersing youthful offenders into the adult offender population exposes them to sexual exploitation, physical brutality, and criminal socialization in ways that they never would have experienced within a juvenile population. As undesirable as it was for the juvenile correctional institutions to "raise a teenager," having the adult criminal system do so is even more alarming. When a youth's term of incarceration is completed, what community transition services will be available and what preparation will he or she have received? The juvenile superpredators that politicians alleged were endangering the community in the 1990s may now well be in the making in adult prison facilities as a result of this reactive legislation, legislation flowing from governmental responses to crime driven by the drug economy. It is changing the shape and direction of the juvenile justice system in ways the public does not recognize or directly link with the War on Drugs. In an attempt to address the serious crimes of a few, the due process rights and treatment opportunities for all juvenile offenders are jeopardized.

The Criminal Justice Committee and the Social Justice Council will address General Assembly Study Issue "Alternatives to the War on Drugs" and these related issues in First Forums throughout the coming months. Please join us and learn more about how these issues directly affect our community and us.
 

Among Us

Welcome into life Zachary Robert Moore, born Nov. 16, 2000 to Jaime and Rob Moore. Rob is a fourth-year student at Meadville Lombard Theological School, and Jaime has been teaching in our church school.

Our deep sympathy to Madeira Myrieckes, whose aunt Esther M. O'Neal died just before Thanksgiving.

Congratulations to Ioanna Crawford and Bob Chaney on their recent engagement to be married! They got engaged exactly three years from the day they first met. The wedding is scheduled for September 2001.

Welcome into membership the Rev. Dr. Marlene R. Walker, who signed the membership book on Nov. 14, 2000.

Best wishes to Karin Huyck (daughter of Tom and Margaret Huyck) and John Old who were married in our sanctuary Nov. 4, 2000. Rev. Nina Grey officiated, and Tom Weisflog was organist.

Rev. Nina Grey delivered the sermon at the Oct. 28 Installation of Rev. Beth Williams as Minister of Religious Education at the UU Church of Greater Lynn, in Swampscott, MA. Best wishes to Beth in her new ministry.
 

Neighbor's Eve Coming!

Every December 31, the Hyde Park & South Kenwood communities join together to hold a safe New Year's Eve celebration for people of all ages. Our church--the Dance Palace--will host dancing of many kinds. Volunteer are needed on New Year's Eve to staff the event at the church. Watch for more information at church closer to the end of the year.
 

A Note from Your Treasurer

by Julie Neuman

Many thanks to those of you who completed fiscal 2000 pledges over the summer! However, pledges for the current year are coming in somewhat more slowly than we would like.

Please make sure that you have paid at least half of your annual pledge by the end of December. The church depends on you!
 

Come to Our House on Christmas Day

A. Anne Holcomb and Allan J. Lindrup are hosting a potluck Christmas dinner for First Unitarian members, friends, visitors, and Meadville Lombard students. (Small families and singles are welcome.) The meal will begin around 2 pm on Monday, Dec. 25. Following the meal, the critically acclaimed film The Straight Story (rated G) will be shown on video.

The Holcomb/Lindrup couple can host up to 20 guests in their home. Allan will cook an entree and guests will be asked to provide other portions of the meal.

Please RSVP to Anne or Allan by Dec. 20 if you wish to attend. Thereafter, you will be contacted to choose among the dinner items needed for the feast and informed on how many people are expected to attend. Anne and Allan look forward to seeing you!
 

Kwanzaa Is Coming

by Grace Williams and Pauline McCoo

Our annual Kwanzaa service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 31. Kwanzaa is the celebration of African American culture. We celebrate to reinforce our Unitarian Universalist principles.

In this service we try to involve many families, so expect a call. We also need goodies for the Social Hour--your soul food recipe from your own cultural tradition will be enjoyed by all.
 

You Can Contribute to the Sunday Morning Service Dec. 24

If you have a holiday reading or music you would like to offer for use in the Sunday morning Christmas Eve service, call Rev. Grey a week before the service (by Dec. 15).
 

Unity Party

The second annual Unity Party is scheduled for Jan. 27 (snow date Feb. 3). If you are interested in helping plan the party, please contact Mary Ann Hammond, Grace Williams, or Bobbi Campbell. We need people to help with food, youth activities, music, decorations, and anything else you might like to do. Our theme this year will be "Home." The next planning meeting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 6
 

Heads Up, Architecture Buffs

Meadville Lombard Theological School announces a 10-week course, "Liberal Theology and the Development of an American Architecture from Thomas Jefferson to Frank Lloyd Wright." The informative course will be taught by the Rev. Bill Haney (UU Church of Columbia, MO) and his wife Loretta Willems. [Your Kindly Editor has learned much from Bill Haney about architecture and highly recommends this program.]

The course is offered on Wednesday evenings 6-9 pm at Meadville Lombard beginning Jan. 3, 2001. Cost for the 10-week course is $350 for those not seeking academic credit. For information call President Bill Murry, 773/256-3011, e-mail bmurry@meadville.edu. To register, contact Deborah Griffin, Registrar, 773/256-3000, ext. 234; e-mail dgriffin@meadville.edu.
 

Can You House Meadville Lombard Intensive Program Students?

Meadville Lombard Theological School runs an intensive graduate academic program during January every year. Students coming for a week or more need a reasonably priced place to stay during those few hours they are not immersed in their studies. A few students who are coming in January are still seeking bed (and can pay a modest price). If you can host a student, please call or write Deborah Griffin, Registrar (see address in above item).
 

Intensive English Institute Seeking Host Families

The Intensive English Institute at Illinois Institute of Technology is seeking host families for spring and summer 2001 for students from other countries who are engaged in the Institute's program. Being a host family can be a rewarding experience for all involved and provides an opportunity for cultural exchange. New students are always coming in, and their stays vary considerably. Host families are compensated $400 a month per student. To volunteer and to get more information, call Hannah Walsh, 312/328-0262.
 

UUs for Social Justice

UUSJ is holding its Annual Meeting this year on Sunday, Dec. 3, 3-6 pm. The program features a presentation on "Contemporary Issues in Reproductive Choice," set up by UUSJ's Gender Justice Task Force. The Annual Business Meeting will follow the presentation. The gathering will be held at North Shore Unitarian Church, 2100 Half Day Rd, Deerfield, IL (about 1/2 mile east of the Tri-State Tollroad's Half Day Road exit).

For information, contact Allan Lindrup or check out the website at http://www.uusforsocialjustice.tripod.com.
 

Holiday Cultural Events

Songs of the Season 2000

The annual Chicago Children's Choir Christmas concert season is expanded this year to include several locations in the Chicago area for the Concert Choir's performance and two locations for the neighborhood choirs.

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Choir performance's will be on Dec. 15 at St. Denis Catholic Church.

Concert Choir

Saturday, Dec. 2, 8:00 pm, St. Barnabus, 101st & Longwood Drive, Chicago (in the Beverly neighborhood)

Sunday, Dec. 3, 5:00 pm, Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake Street, Oak Park

Saturday, Dec. 9, 8:00 pm, Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 West Adams, Chicago (West Loop)

Neighborhood Choir

Friday, Dec. 15, 7:30 pm, St. Denis Catholic Church, 8301 South St. Louis, Chicago (Southwest Side)

Sunday, Dec. 17, 2:00 pm, St Scholastica Academy, 7416 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago (north)

Tickets are on sale right now: Concert Choir, adults $20, seniors $15, students w/ID $10. Neighborhood Choir, adults $10, student/seniors $5.

For tickets or more information on the 2000 Songs of the Season holiday concert series, call 312/849-8300 ext. 222.

As many of you know, Chicago Children's Choir also sings at our own Christmas Eve Vespers, which this year will begin at 6 pm.
 

Hyde Park School of Ballet

The Nutcracker will be performed at Kenwood Academy on Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17, both evenings at 7 pm. $10 adults; $5 children, students, seniors.
 

New First Unitarian News Editor Sought

Your Kindly Editor is looking for a replacement to edit the monthly newsletter by late winter. Applicants should be competent in word processing and have some experience with desktop publishing programs. (The church has MS Publisher.) In addition, patience and persistence are needed.

If you are interested, ask in the Church Office for a job description or call Bette Sikes.
 

Communications Committee Seeking Eager Volunteers

The Communications Committee oversees public relations and publicity efforts and arranges for space advertising in local newspapers. It also is always on the lookout for new ways to promote the church. Do you have experience or expertise in any of these areas? If so, consider giving an evening a month to work with the Committee on improving our outreach. If you are willing to explore possibilities in this area, contact Chuck or Joan Staples.
 

WomanSpirit 2001 in South Bend

The annual Women and Religion WomanSpirit conference is scheduled for January 26-28 in South Bend, IN. The theme is "As the River We Flow." In addition to the usual rich selection of workshops, the conference this year will include programming for young girls to complement the conference theme. Look in the Blue Folder in the Newsletter slot in the Church Office for more information.
 

Ministers' Hours

Rev. Nina D. Grey: At church Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 to 2 and by appointment. On Thursdays, I study and prepare sermons. Monday is my day off. Call me at church (773/324-4100) or at home. E-mail NinaGrey@aol.com. In an emergency, call me at home even on Mondays.

Rev. Marlene L. Walker: E-mail Revmar@aol.com. Tuesday and Thursday 10-3 pm and Wednesday 9 am-noon. Monday is my day off, and I work at home on Fridays. Contact me with questions or concerns at the church (773/324-4100) or by e-mail. If you are calling about an urgent concern or an emergency, call me at home even on my day off.