Organ Console Repair to Proceed

by Cindy Pardo

At a congregational meeting held after services on Dec. 10, there was unanimous approval of authorizing expenditures of up to $10,000 from the Unrestricted Endowment so that much needed repairs of our organ console can proceed.

The total bid for this project is $22,000-$23,000 and with the nearly $8,000 already in the organ console repair fund, we still need to do some fund-raising to fully pay for this work.

In a display of what many have come to expect from our members, Richard and Rosemary Snow suggested that we begin the fund-raising before we voted, and offered to contribute a generous amount to begin the process. Within five minutes we had raised $5,500 in pledges from other members, which more than covers the remaining amount needed to guarantee payment for all the repairs. It is intended that we continue to raise funds for this project, so that we can withdraw as little as possible from Endowment funds, but we are now able to proceed with this work.

The repair will be done by David Skinner, who has been working with Tom Weisflog for many years to maintain our organ. Tom has generously volunteered to supervise the rebuilding work at no charge to us, work that could normally cost us many thousands of dollars.

We will not see any obvious signs of work for several months because the parts, many of which are custom-made, must be ordered. The console will be removed shortly after the March 11 Installation Service for Rev. Walker, and should be returned in about four months. The work will result in a refinished console with new electronics, new keyboard contacts, and new features to make our organ the instrument it should be.

Thanks to the generosity and foresight of our congregation and to the kindness and persistence of Tom Weisflog, we can expect to have our organ restored to its full potential next fall. To contribute to this effort, please send your pledge (or your check) to the church, marked for the Organ Fund. Take your questions to either of the Pardos.
 

Unity Party! Unity Party! Unity Party!

The second annual intergenerational Unity Party will be January 27 from 6 to 11 pm. Please come! and bring family and friends. The theme this year will be "Home: Our Church Home, Our Home in the World." We will have food, a DJ, dancing, and activities for children.

Help with the party: We need people to help with food, youth activities, music, decorations, and much more. Come to the planning meeting at church on Saturday, Jan.6, at 12:30 (note new time). Please come with your ideas. For more information call Bobbi Campbell, Grace Williams, or Mary Ann Hammond.
 

Important Dates

Jan. 2: RE Council, 7 pm

Jan. 4: Worship & Music Committee, 7:00 pm

Jan. 7: First Forum-Emancipation Proclamation--An Epilogue, 11:45 am

Adult RE: Highlights of American History, 11:45 am

Adult RE: Everyday Spirituality, 7:15 pm

Jan. 9: Membership Committee, 7:30 pm

Jan. 10: Board Executive Committee, 7:30 pm

Jan. 11: Social Justice Council, 7 pm

Jan. 14: Adult RE: Nature of Racism, 9 am

Winter RE Term Begins, 10:15 am

First Forum: Social Justice Council--An Alternative to the War on Drugs, 11;45 am

Adult RE: Highlights of American History, 11:45 am

Adult RE: Everyday Spirituality, 7:15 pm

Jan. 16: Communications Committee, 4:00 pm

Montgomery Place Vespers, 7:30 pm

Jan. 17: Music Subcommittee, 1 pm

Jan. 18: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 pm

Jan. 21: First Forum: Committee on Sundays, Etc. "Where Have We Been? Where Might We Go?" 11;45 am

Parents as Social Justice Educators, 11:45 am

Adult RE: Highlights of American History, 11:45 am

Jan. 24: Board Executive Committee, 7:30 pm

Jan. 27: Unity Party (Intergenerational), 6:00 pm

Jan. 28: First Forum: To Be Announced

Parents as Social Justice Educators, 11:45 am

Adult RE: Highlights of American History, 11:45 am

Lifespance Religious Education

by Rev. Marlene Walker, Associate Minsite for Religious Education

It seems a bit redundant to me to be writing about the New Year, since just about everything about this year is "new" for me. Nonetheless, as I write, the New Year is fast approaching, and you may be reading this after it has already begun. It is indeed a time of endings and beginnings-a time to reflect on the past year, catch my breath, and move into the Year ahead. I like the practice of keeping Watch Night on New Year's Eve, of celebrating the moment of being between the old and the new, of watching for the arrival of the New Year.

This is my first New Year in Chicago, and as I prepare for it I find myself reflecting on New Years past. What will this New Year hold for me? If it's anything like the past year I will no doubt be surprised by what's ahead; and though there won't be as much change as came with moving to a new city and a new congregation, I'm sure that exciting new events and people lie ahead.

And what from this past year will I take with me into the one unfolding? My growing love for my new home in this neighborhood and city, the wonderfulness of getting to know all of you in this amazing congregation, and the pleasure of working with my colleagues Nina and David and the rest of church staff are gifts that this past year has brought to me that I know I will carry into the one to come. Still there will be changes, new faces, new opportunities, new challenges, new dreams. I wouldn't have it any other way.

As I think about the endings and the beginnings of this time of year I cannot help but be reminded of some lines from my favorite poem by T. S. Eliot. I offer them to you to reflect on as this year begins to unfold for all of us.

What we call the beginning is often the end

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

The end is where we start from.

We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.

In this time of the turning of the year, of endings and beginnings I wish for all of us a bright and shining New Year!

Blessings,

Marlene
 

What's Up in RE

December saw RE classes busy finishing up the Fall Term and participating in the exciting Holiday Intergenerational worship services. Thanks to the following teachers who so faithfully taught during the fall:

Discoverers (preschool): Adrienne King, Jaime Moore, and Anne Morrill-Ploum

Adventurers & Voyagers (K-Grade 2): Norman Hines, Ivan Lappin, and Elsbeth Dunn

Pathfinders (Grades 3 & 4): Diane Broz and Cynthia Echols

Searchers (Grades 5 & 6): Andrew Greenlee and Allan Lindrup

Junior High (Grades 7 & 8): Amanda Helin and Betty Holcomb

Senior High (Grades 9-12) Steve Ploum and Enid Norman

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

The Winter Term begins Jan. 14. Our overall theme for this term is "Peace and Justice," and we will primarily be using the "In Our Hands" Curricula. The following people are our Winter Term teachers.

Discovers & Adventurers (PreK-K): Pat Curran, Anne Morrill-Ploum, and Paulette Dodson

Voyagers (Grades 1 & 2): Margie Gonwa and Ellen LaRue

Pathfinders (Grades 3 & 4): Laura Keys-David and Beth Marshall

Searchers (Grades 5 & 6): Hank Henriques and Joan Pederson

Junior High: Amanda Helin, Betty Holcomb, Paul Ulbrich

Senior High (Grades 9-12) Steve Ploum and Enid Norman
 

Teacher Training Jan. 6

There will be a special Teacher Training and coffee on Saturday, Jan. 6, from 9 to 11 am with time following for teacher teams to review curricula and ask questions. All teachers past, present and future are encouraged to attend.
 

New Nursery Help

There is a new face in the Nursery on Sundays! Inga Mittendorf has joined us as a nursery care provider. Inga is a student at the Lab school and attended RE at the UU Church in Milton, MA, before coming to Chicago. She will be assisting Carolyn Sanders in providing loving care to our youngest UU's.
 

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

On Jan. 7 our new Children's Choir program with Vocal Music Director Ron Wentzel will begin. All interested children and youth Grade 2 and up will meet with Ron during First Forum time. Some funds have been raised for this exciting new program. To give more, please speak with Evelyn Johnson or Mary Lee Greenlee.
 

Guest at Your Table 2000

On Jan. 21, please return your Guest at Your Table 2000 box full of money for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. UUSC programs are designed to help people around the world help themselves achieve a higher quality of life.
 

Great Books

Great Books meets Jan. 14 in the Choir Room at 11:30 for a discussion of the novel Things Fall Apart (Anchor Doubleday edition) by Chinua Achebe. Beginning in February the Great Books group will start a new series on "Living with the Past." If you are interested in joining the group, call Gloria Gnatz or come Jan. 14, when you can order the book.
 

January Is Budget Planning Month!

by Julie Neuman, Treasurer

All Church Councils, Committees, and Task Forces should incorporate budget planning for the fiscal year 2002 (7/1/01-6/30/02) into their January agendas. The deadline for submitting budget requests is Feb. 11. After Jan. 9 our bookkeeper can provide reports on expenditures during the first 6 months of this fiscal year to help with planning for next year. If you need information sooner, please leave a message in my mailbox. I am also available for consultation, if needed.
 

Communications Committee Seeking Eager Volunteers

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

Sundays, Etc.

The Committee on Sundays, Etc., has begun its work with an exploration of our recent past: the origins of our present schedule of religious education and worship, the enduring hopes expressed in successive long-range plans, opinions on worship and music, major initiatives (some successful, others not).

As we absorb this history and its lessons and prepare to turn to the future, we invite you to join in the conversation. Tell us of your experience, share the lessons you learned, unleash your hopes for ways your connection with this church and its people can be enriched by the ways and times we come together.

Your first opportunity will be the First Forum on Sunday, Jan. 21 (see Month of Sundays). A questionnaire will soon follow, as will other chances to share your views. For further information, get in touch with Joan Pederson, GeogJoan@aol.com.
 

Meet Our Newest Members

Katherine Szoke and Geza Gyuk: Kathy teaches English as a second language at Middleton Elementary School in Skokie. Geza is a research astronomer with a join appointment at the University of Chicago and Adler Planetarium. A lifelong Unitarian Universalist, Kathy introduced Geza to Unitarianism. They became acquainted with First Church in 1994-95, took a sojourn in San Diego and Italy, and happily returned to Chicago and the church. They both enjoy cooking and Geza does astronomy as both hobby and profession. Kathy sings in the Choir, and both provide refreshment for the hospitality table every fifth Sunday.

Diana Gray: Diana is a student affairs administrator at the University of Chicago, providing support for 200 students in the Master of Arts program in the social sciences. She moved to Chicago in July after retiring from the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. She is the mother of two grown daughters and a 5 1/2-year-old granddaughter. Diana has been a Unitarian Universalist for 10 years and belonged to a 20-member fellowship in Petersburg, VA. She says, "Belonging to such a small fellowship really developed my leadership skills." She now serves as First Church's secretary of the congregation and has a strong interest in the church's social justice work.
 

Thanks for Holiday Decorations

For the holiday season, John Berquist and Richard Pardo constructed a very large wreath for the sanctuary using cuttings from the church's grounds. Madeiria Myrieckes provided decorations.
 

Social Justice Council

by Bobbi Lammers Campbell

On Saturday, Dec. 16, 15 members and friends of First Unitarian protested at the ku klux klan rally in Skokie. We carried signed reading "Fight Racism-Condemn the Klan-with Multiracial Unity," "Resist Hate-Practice Love," and "Asian, Latin, Black, Red, White-Gentile and Jew Must Unite," all signed by the Social Justice Council of First Unitarian Society. We gave leaflets to the people who stopped to talk with us, all of whom were friendly and thanked us for being there. On behalf of the Social Justice Council, I thank everyone who came and all who gave moral support, even though they couldn't attend the protest.

I include below reactions of some who were with us that day. More discussion in the February newsletter.

From Beccie Bruckner:

A poignant event when all types of people came together in solidarity to protest hate, bigotry, and intolerance. I was angered when the Klan rode away in a yellow school bus: a symbol of innocence and hope for a better tomorrow. They should have ridden away in the weinermobile.

From Alan J. Lindrup:

A strong, vocal, fight-if-necessary presence is needed at Klan rallies to recruit new members to their terrorist organization. By our nonviolent witness we can help keep the Klan from returning to its earlier strength and terror potential.

From Nina Grey

I chose to join our Social Justice Council in its witness at the Anti-Klan Rally in Skokie. I had some ambivalence about going, for I'd heard from some radical friends that there is sometimes violence at these events. And I also knew that many of the people and congregations of Skokie were not reacting to the presence of the Klan on the day itself by participating in this Anti Rally. Instead they were planning to be part of a Unity Rally the next day. I thought I would like to be part of that Unity Rally.

But three considerations led to my decision to go on Dec. 16. First, I had never seen any Klan presence. and I thought this should be part of my anti-racism education. Second, I wanted to support our Social Justice Council in its presence. Finally, a long time ago I decided never to respond to bigotry with silence. I am sure I have not always succeeded in this commitment. But here was an opportunity to join the voices against the hate and violence that the Klan both is and represents.

The experience was both moving and disturbing. Yes, it was distressing actually to see members of the KKK. And it was also troubling to hear some of the violent rhetoric and angry mob behavior of some protesters. I see police officers through various lenses, and was bothered to see antagonism directed against them as much as against the Klan.

Thankfully, our own guides, Finley and Bobbi Campbell, helped us to discern the various dimensions of the protest. Those of us interviewed by the press gave our own personal reasons for being there. I was there to express our faith in the dignity and worth of every person, and justice, equity and compassion in human relations. I believe deeply that love is the spirit of our church, and I want to stand against the hatred and oppression of the Klan. I found the later TV accounts were both accurate and misleading. While there were incidents of violence on both sides, it is also true that most people, most of the time, were protesting peacefully if powerfully. In the end, I am very glad I was part of this witness by 15 people from our church.

From Finley C. Campbell:

Some folks oppose violence and instead urge nonviolence in dealing with the ku klux klan, as if nonviolence is an inherent good. For example, a few nazi-klan supporters (members of the aryan nation, no doubt) tried twice to walk through our protests in Skokie. And twice the righteous indignation of some anti-klan demonstrators was expressed in violent attacks on the kkk youth. And I cannot forget that kkk-inspired racist terrorists have often waited after rallies to attack stragglers, especially minorities, like they did on Saturday.
 

Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee

by Grace Williams, Chair

In its past three meetings, CLARC has been developing a program agenda for the rest of the church year. Its first major effort is be cosponsoring the Unity Party on Jan. 27 (rain/snow date Feb. 3) with the Social Justice Council and the Religious Education Council.

In early February, CLARC will be working with the Art Committee and the Worship and Music Worship Committee to combine a formal presentation of two framed prints by Dr. Margaret Burroughs, founder of the DuSable Museum of African-American History, with a reception in her honor at church. A field trip to DuSable, conducted by members of CLARC, is also planned for February.

Other ideas being developed are a monthly film series, arranged as a "moveable feast"-a weekend per month would be designated for interested individuals to go together to a movie or attend a video screening at church, followed by guided discussion.

CLARC has also discussed starting a library, possibly in collaboration with other committees or councils of the church. We would want such a library to contain books/videos/other material on anti-racism and multiculturalism; an annotated bibliography would also be developed. A formal proposal will be presented to the Program Council.

In addition, CLARC plans to sponsor a series of First Forums at which various approaches to anti-racism thinking and work will be explored, starting with CLARC's own analysis and mission statement. The monthly "Nature of Racism" course, conducted by Finley Campbell, cosponsored with the RE Council, continues.

CLARC meets the fourth Sunday of each month at 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Meetings are open to visitors and potential new members of the committee.
 

The Nature of Racism: A Historical Analysis, 1692-1792

by Finley C. Campbell

On Jan. 14, what I call Civil Rights Memorial Sunday, the "Nature of Racism" course meets at 9 am. We will look at the fact that racism as an ideology grew out of the slave labor economic system, especially in its shift from a multiracial slave force to a "black-identified" slave workers force. But before 1750, there was no ideological justification for this decision.

The shift grew strictly out of economic needs with only a vaguely religious justification. (Blacks were "heathens.") When Thomas Jefferson, the first well-known racist in world history, wrote his Notes to Virginia in 1750, he laid the basis for the rise of the ideology we today call racism. For him, racism was based not on prejudice but on power; based not on prejudice but on an anthropological need to justify the existence of slavery at a time when a movement was emerging called the Rights of Man Movement which had as one of its goals the abolition of slavery from capitalism.

Come out and take part in the class, especially since this is the last year of an open enrollment policy. For more information, contact Finley C. Campbell, course leader. To see the future subjects of the course, read the Adult RE brochure, which is included with the newsletter.
 

An Affirmation

For several years, our caring and dedicated Dr. Finley C. Campbell has offered a course on "The Nature of Racism." Those who have attended these seminars appreciate Brother Finley's encyclopedic knowledge and his incredible enthusiasm.

As one who has been there and done that, I can testify to the value of exposing myself to new facts and new ideas. Sure, the good Dr. C is opinionated. But I find this trait helpful as I continue a lifelong struggle to be increasingly aware of racial and cultural diversity and social justice concerns. His strong opinions and convictions force me to think rigorously and clearly and to question my assumptions.

I always know where Finley stands on the issues. Even when we disagree, I am always learning from him-not a little but a lot. If you are a lifelong learner who cares about social justice in general or who wants to understand the concerns of your congregation better, I heartily recommend that you attend at least one session on "The Nature of Racism." Whether you have never thought about or discussed the issues of racism or have dedicated yourself to its eradication, I guarantee that you will learn, you will broaden your perspective, and you will be intrigued.

Barbara Thomas, Ph.D., member, Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee
 

8th Annual Emancipation Proclamation Pageant

by Finley C. Campbell

On Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001, the first Sunday of the real 21st Century, we will hold our annual Emancipation Proclamation Day service. This grand event is co-sponsored by the Worship and Music Committee, the Social Justice Council, and the Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee for the First Unitarian Church of Chicago.

Traditionally, Emancipation Day, the day which celebrates Abraham Lincoln's freeing of the black slave workers in the Confederate States, is celebrated on January 1. However, in recognition of the fact that attendance would be low on the first day of the new year, we have traditionally opted to have our celebration on the first Sunday.

The past two pageants have been built around Martin Luther King Jr's birthday. This year's pageant will be based on intergenerationality. Many sections of the pageant will feature youth participation.

The pageant consists of a dramatization of some of the key passages in the Proclamation. There will be narration, music, dance. Many members of the church, including Rev. Nina Grey, Rev. Marlene Walker, and Worship Associate Dr. Roberta Lammers Campbell will be participating as narrators, for example.

Music will be supplied by the First Unitarian Choir, under the baton of Ron Wentzel, and three key soloists: Cindy Pardo, Kathleen Ricker, and Beverly Bennett. The scenario is an imagined church meeting in 1863 where a congregation is waiting to see if Lincoln will actually sign and promulgate a proclamation of Emancipation. Lincoln will be played by longtime First U member, Dick Snow.

The purpose of the pageant is to defend the Proclamation from those who argue that it really had no real effect on the emancipation of the black slave workers from bondage. The theme is the role that multiracial unity played in abolishing the slave-labor capitalist system in this country. Finally, the pageant will be structured as a part of our general worship service this time around. So, come on out to take part in this annual event. As usual, there will be many moments of audience participation.
 

News from Greta Godbey

Dear Friends,

It has been a year since John died, and it feels as if it was only yesterday. Much in my life has changed since last November and I wanted to let you know where and how I am now.

John bequeathed his extensive library on the reformation to Meadville Theological School, so if you are a Reformation scholar, that is now the place to go.

John and I had lived since 1955 in Chicago and mostly in Hyde Park, so every stone practically had memories of him and me. This made me just too sad, and thus I decided to leave for the Philadelphia area, where my daughter Margaret and her family live. I found an ideal place in the first house I looked at. Small house, huge yard, both in front and back. I moved in late August and have been busy getting settled. I found a Unitarian home in the Mainline church of Devon and a singing home in "Trinitas," a Medieval and Renaissance music ensemble, both voice and instruments.

The yard has already seen various improvements of my making, and I look forward to the spring when all my bulbs will come up and be glorious. My own studies are picked up again. I find a fruitful ground for medieval studies here in the area's many colleges and universities. I am doing well and enjoy babysitting for my grandchildren Caitlin and Michael and visiting with Margaret a lot. In church I am active in the Sister Church program and will sing in the choir in January. Also I am looking forward to be a volunteer in the Anti-Cruelty Society here in Ardmore in the coming year.

My life is full and although I miss John every day, I think I can honor his memory the most by living as full a life as he lived during his time.

May peace be with you now and always.

Greta Godbey

146 Sutton Road, Ardmore, PA 19003-3117, gretagodbey@juno.com.
 

Among Us

News from Leslie Davis and Greg White: Their son Chad Joseph White arrived in the world on Nov. 19. The baby's name was NOT connected to the late, lamented election.

Our deep sympathy to Cynthia Oakes and David Puszkiewicz and Adriana, and their family and friends on the death of Cynthia's father.

Our deep sympathy to Margaret Kennedy, her family and friends, on the death of Margaret's father.

Our get-well wishes to Jim Stevens ... and to Florence Teegarden, recovering from surgery.

We were glad to welcome home Jordan Greenlee, Kedda Williams, and Tiade Williams over the holidays!
 

Urban Ministries Conference March 8-11, 2001

"Building Our Faith, Building Our Cities" is the theme for the UU Continental Conference on Urban Ministries, to be held in Chicago March 8-11, 2001, at the Congress Plaza Hotel.

Two plenary dialogue sessions will focus on theology, class, and race. The conference will include some 20 workshops, with opportunities for participants to hear about successful programs around the continent, to explore particular social justice concerns, and seek ways to benefit from diversity-of racial and ethnic folk, sexual orientation, other affinity group, and life stage.

Pick up a brochure from the rack across from the office in Pennington Center. Registration for commuters is $75 for theological students and $180 for everybody else. Please register by Feb. 5.

Volunteers are needed to help with the conference. If you can give a few hours during the conference, call Lara Tushla, 773/955-7141.
 

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 (773/288-0348). E-mail NinaGrey@aol.com. In an emergency, call me at home even on Mondays.

Rev. Marlene L. Walker: Phone number 773/955-1607; 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.
 

Central Midwest District Annual Assembly Coming in April

Mark your calendar for the Central Midwest Annual Assembly 2001 in Springfield, IL, April 27-29.

This year, however, the focus is on religious education. The keynote speaker is Cynthia Breen, the UUA's Director of Religious Education. She will speak on "Sharing the Search," with a focus on how religious education in the third millennium can reflect a new, liberating, empowering experience.

The Annual Assembly always offers a number of practical, sometimes even inspiring workshops, rich worship services, and opportunities to meet other Unitarian Universalists.

Also featured this year are candidates for the two major posts in the UUA-the presidency and the moderator. The 3 candidates for UUA President are Revs. Diane Miller, Bill Sinkford, and Larry Peers. Two persons are vying for the position of Moderator: Patsy Madden and Diane Olson, both of whom have wide experience of work within the UUA. The election will take place at the UUA General Assembly in Cleveland in June.Registration brochures will be available by early March.
 

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. The funds donated last spring helped us with the costs of our new Associate Minister for Religious Education.

If you are willing to be a Chalice Lighter, speak with Bette Sikes, who has forms, etc. See her at church.
 

New First Unitarian News Editor Sought

Your Kindly Editor (YKE) 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.

It will be interesting to see what happens if no one volunteers and YKE is not available to do the April issue.
 

Spiritual Tools for Mid-Life

The Institute for Spiritual Leadership is holding "Skills of the Interior," a 10-week, noncredit course that will help participants with some skills essential to the spiritual journey in mid-life and later life. The course is appropriate for beginners or those who want to renew or deepen their skill in approaching the interior places of the soul.

Two sessions of the course are scheduled: Tuesdays, 2:45-3:30 pm, beginning Jan. 9, and Thursdays, 11:00 am-12:45 pm, beginning Jan. 11. Sign up for either session. Enrollment is limited; minimum of 8 and maximum of 12. Registration deadline: Jan. 5, 2001. Tuition is $350. A required $50 deposit counts toward tuition.

Course participants will discuss the reality of the mud-life journey as articulated in selected writings and experienced in their own lives. Along with this discussion, the class will be introduced to concrete skills for approaching the interior. These skills include focusing, journaling, and skills for accessing the wisdom of the imagination. Individuals will be encouraged to develop a contemplative attitude to help in attending to the symbols and images that life is presenting at this moment.

The Institute is at 5498 S. Kimbark Ave., adjacent to St. Thomas the Apostle Church. For information and to register, phone Jane at 773/752-5962, ext. 17.
 

Things You Never Hear in Church

(courtesy Unifire, newsletter of the Joliet Universalist Unitarian Church; some local adaptations)

Hey! It's my turn to sit in the front row.

I was so enthralled. I never noticed your sermon went 25 minutes over time.

Personally, I find church much more enjoyable than tennis ... on-line trading ... golf ... chat rooms.

I've decided to give our church the $60 a month I've been spending on cable TV.

Forget the denominational minimum salary-let's pay our ministers so they can live like we do.

I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before.

Finance Committee Chair to Minister: "We'd like to send you to this interesting leadership program at The Mountain ... in Jamaica ... in Monterey."

Nothing inspires me like our annual canvass!