Watch for Survey from Sundays, Etc.

Several members of the congregation learned about Sundays, Etc., at the Jan. 21 First Forum. Members expressed widely divergent preferences about the kinds of music they would like to be played and sung during worship and about the time when they would like worship to begin. We explored the origins of our present schedule, which evolved during the early 1990s from a plan for a full morning of worship and lifespan religious education.

Discussion was lively, but many voices were absent: youth, parents of young children, and active lay teachers in the RE program among them.

The rest of you will have more chances to join the conversation. This month you will receive a Sundays, Etc., survey seeking your views on our schedule of core church programming (worship and RE), on lifespan religious education classes of interest to you and your household, and on the character of worship. Please complete and return the questionnaire promptly to let your voice be heard. Sundays, Etc., will also visit with several groups in the church to hear from them, and will offer another First Forum on Feb. 25.

For more information, or to be sure that Sundays, Etc., hears from you or your group, email or call Joan Pederson, GeogJoan@aol.com, 773/624-5808.
 

New Member Ingathering

On Sunday, Feb. 4, we welcome and honor our newest members by formal recognition during the service. Please greet them warmly during the social hour. We hope you will all join us in this special occasion!
 

Important Dates

Feb. 1: Worship & Music Committee, 7:00 pm

Feb. 3: Adult RE: Build Your Own Theology, 3-5 pm. Fee course

Feb. 4: Worship Associates Gathering, 9 am

Service Beginning Black History Month, 10 am

First Forum: Alternatives to the War on Drugs, 11:45 am

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

Adult RE: Parents as Social Justice Educators, 11:45

Feb. 6: RE Council, 7 pm

Property Committee, 7:30 pm

Feb. 7: Communications Committee, 4 pm

Feb. 8: Social Justice Council, 7 pm

Feb. 9: Committee on Sundays, Etc., 6 pm

Feb. 10: Adult RE: Build Your Own Theology, 3-5 pm

Feb. 11: Adult RE: Nature of Racism, 9 am

Worship Service, 10 am

Great Books, 11:30 am

Sweetheart Raffle Drawing, 11:45 am

First Forum (to be announced), 11:45 am

Feb. 12: Finance Committee, 6 pm, Sikes/Pederson home

National Freedom to Marry Day Service at our church, 7 pm

Feb. 13: Membership Committee, 7 pm

Feb. 14: Executive Committee, 7:30 pm

Feb. 15: Special Social Justice Forum: "The Community Impact of Gang Busting: The Case of the Gangster Disciples," with Andrew Papachristos, 7 pm

Feb. 17: Adult RE: Build Your Own Theology, 3-5 pm

Feb. 18: First Forum: Interfaith Open Communities, with Joe Pettit, 11:45 am

Adult RE: Parents as Social Justice Educators, 11:45 am

Board of Trustees Meeting, 12:30 pm

Adult RE: Living with Dying, 2 pm. Fee course. Preregistration required

Feb. 20: Montgomery Place Vespers, 7:30 pm

Feb. 22: Board of Trustees Meeting on the Budget, 7 pm

Feb. 23: Committee on Sundays, Etc., 6 pm

Feb. 24: Adult RE: Build Your Own Theology, 3-5 pm

Feb. 25: Worship Service, topic to be announced, 10 am

First Forum: Hearing on Sundays, Etc., 11:45 am

Adult RE: Parents as Social Justice Educators, 11:45 am

Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee, 1 pm

Adult RE: Living with Dying, 2 pm. Fee course. Preregistration required

Feb. 26: Committee on Congregational Participation, 7:30 pm

Feb. 27: Adult RE: "It's Not What You Say..." 7:30 pm. Fee course

Feb. 28: Music Subcommittee, 3 pm

Executive Committee, 7:30 pm
 

Lifespan Religious Education

Rev. Marlene Walker, Associate Minister for Religious Education

During the month of January I have shared my home with a Meadville Lombard Modified Residency Student (MRP) student, Leslie Takahashi-Morris, her husband David (who is a newly fellowshipped UU minister), and 13-month-old son Liam. It has been a sheer delight to have them in my home. I have awakened most mornings to the cackles and chortles of Liam as he was having breakfast--much of which went into my dog Brigid's mouth as Liam very intently fed her his breakfast: an event that Liam apparently found profoundly amusing. Brigid had no objections either! There is a special quality to the sound of delight that a young child makes. It tickles on the inside and is guaranteed to chase away the gloom of a cold, midwinter January morning. It certainly helped me begin each day with a smile. Now that Liam and his family are gone, it is strangely silent in the mornings, and even Brigid keeps looking for Liam (he must be here somewhere!) It has also been a wonderful experience getting to know two new colleagues, as I have done with Leslie and David. I will miss them all. But Brigid and I now have three new friends, and I am more aware of the importance of finding and having moments of sheer delight.

The MRP students return each January and again for a week in the summer. I know that many of you share your homes with them, and if you haven't and can possibly do so I definitely recommend considering it as a great way to get to know some wonderful future UU ministers, make new friends, and perhaps even find sheer delight.

On a sadder note our RE Assistant, Meadville Lombard student Jen Crow, has resigned as RE Assistant because of an increased course load this term. Jen has been a wonderful addition to our RE Program and a huge help to me as I have begun my ministry with you. We will all miss her. The good news that she will continue to be one of our Youth Advisors with the senior high youth group. We are fortunate to have her presence.

Blessings,

Marlene

What's Up in RE

Winter Term began on Jan. 14, and classes are already busy. Here are reports from teachers about what's been going on.

Discoverers and Adventurers (PreK-K): We have created a dragon, paraded, and read about Chinese New Year. We've also talked about how we act when we get angry and how to act better and still feel okay. Pat Curran, Paulette Dodson, and Anne Morrill-Ploum.

Voyagers (Grades 1 & 2): We have been experiencing a growing sense of belonging and exploring how people affect each other's feelings both positively and negatively. We played a game and read a story about how it feels to be left out of a group. We then listened to each other's stories about feeling left out. Margie Gonwa, Ellen LaRue, with help from Norman Hines.

Pathfinders (Grades 3 & 4): We have been promoting peace, justice, and beauty by creating a class peace quilt and reminding ourselves that even our small contributions make big differences. We also planted seeds of beauty, peace and justice in our window garden and are watching for them to grow. Laura Keys-David and Beth Marshall.

Searchers (Grades 5 & 6): We have been discussing issues of peace and its interaction with justice. Our discussion of justice as fairness led to a lively and very productive discussion on war, peace, and justice. We also recounted incidents of unfairness we have experienced in our own lives. Hank Henriques and Paul Ricker.

Junior High (Grades 7 & 8): We have begun planning for the rest of the year, including the Sunday worship service we will be doing later in the spring. Amanda Helin, Betty Holcomb, with help from Paul Ulbrich.

Senior High (Grades 9-12): We had a great time with the visiting youth group from First Parish Church in Lexington, MA, including an evening get-together and going to lunch together after church. We are looking forward to getting together with youth groups from other local churches. Steve Morrill-Ploum, Jen Crow, Joan Pederson, with help from Enid Norman, who will be moving to England.
 

RE Positions Open

We need to fill two positions in the RE Program:

1. RE Assistant: This support position for our Associate Minister for Religious Education is an 8-hour-per-week position, compensated at $9/hr, through June, with 4-5 hours on Sunday and the remaining hours during the week. The work consists of arranging for needed classroom supplies and RE teacher snacks, being available to substitute in RE Sunday classes as needed, checking in on RE classes when Rev. Walker is preaching or out of town, and RE Office support as needed. If you are interested or know someone who is, please speak with Rev. Marlene Walker.

2. Nursery Care Provider: We need one more loving, dependable, and caring person to care for our youngest Uus in the nursery (infants - 2-year-olds). The hours are 9:30-12:00 on Sunday mornings with occasional extended hours. If you are interested, please speak with Rev. Marlene Walker.
 

Children's Choir and Music Program

This new program is off to a good start. Melodic sounds are issuing forth from the Choir Room as Choral Music Director Ron Wentzel has been meeting, on alternate Sundays (1st and 3rd), with a growing and exciting group of young people. There's room for more--so any children and youth second grade and up are urged to join the new Children's Choir.

Have you donated yet? We have received about $112 of the $400 needed. Make out your check to the church and memo it for Youth Choir. For information, contact Evelyn Johnson or Mary Lee Greenlee.
 

Adult RE Offerings in February

See Adult RE Prospectus for details

"The Nature of Racism: A Course in the History of an Ideology," Dr. Finley C. Campbell, instructor: Sunday, Feb. 11, 9:05-10 am, VOV Gallery.

"Highlights of American History," Wallace Rusterholtz, lecturer. Sunday, Feb. 4, 11:45 am to 12:45 pm.

"Parents as Social Justice Educators," Rev. Marlene Walker, facilitator. Sunday, Feb. 4, 18, 25, 11:45 am to 1:00 pm. Note date changes.

"Build Your Own Theology," Allan Lindrup, facilitator: Saturdays Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 (continues March 3, 17, 24; April 7, 14, 21), 3-5 pm, RE Resource Library. Fee: $20

"Living with Dying," Rev. Nina Grey, Madeiria Myrieckes, & Dr. Paul Ulbrich, facilitators. Sundays, 2-4 pm, Feb. 18 & 25 (continues March 4, 18, & 25 and Tuesday, April 3, 7-9 pm). Preregistration required. Fee: $15

"It's Not What You Say, But How You Say It," Ioanna Crawford and Margaret Huyck, facilitators. Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7:30-9:30 pm. Fee: $10
 

And coming in March!

Drum Building Workshop facilitated by Drum Builder Stan Secrest, Friday evening, March 30, and all day Saturday, March 31. Fee $145, includes materials. Limit of 25 participants. Registration fee of $25 is due by March 1.
 

Great Books Begins New Series

"Living with the Past" is the theme for Great Books for the next few months. The group will meet Sunday, Feb. 11, at 11:30 in the Choir Room to discuss Overture by Marcel Proust. For information call Gloria Gnatz, 773/643-9436 or Kennie James, 773/238-1833.
 

Kwanzaa News from Colorado

by Pauline McCoo

I have a wonderful story about how the Kwanzaa ceremony that we developed here at First Church has spread to Colorado. One Christmas several years ago, I was visiting my son Paul and his family during Christmas holidays, and I brought with me all the symbols of Kwanzaa to share with them. Each new night we celebrated a different principle and the children helped light the candles, laughed at their parents' baby pictures, made gifts for everyone, and got dressed up in special clothes for the final party night. It was wonderful!

This year Paul and his family shared the last night party with the twins' god-parents. After a delicious soul food dinner they all made pledges for the new year. The boys promised to help more and not fuss, Amanda promised not to whine, Mother Susan will exercise, and Daddy Paul will spend one special hour alone with each member of the family.

I hope that everyone who enjoyed the service on Dec. 31 has brought some of those special family values home.
 

Sweetheart Raffle

The Religious Education Council is holding a Sweetheart Raffle, offering as prizes dinner for two at the Quadrangle Club, at local restaurants, two Court Theatre tickets, and other prizes appropriate for lovers to enjoy together, with the raffle winners to be chosen at 11:45 am Sunday, Feb. 11. Tickets, on sale now and until 11:45 am on Feb 11, are $1 each or six for $5 dollars. Purchase tickets from RE Council members and other designated ticket sellers.
 

Thank You Thank You

by Madeiria Myrieckes, Activities Committee

A huge thank you to all who helped out and participated in our holiday festivities since Thanksgiving. The Neighbors' Eve celebration here at the "Dance Palace" bringing the old year to a close and beginning the new one was a grand way to welcome our neighbors and have fun too. About 60 persons of various ages visited our church for the festivities over four hours in a setting that offered food, entertainment, and an alcohol-, drug-, and smoke-free environment. Save the date for next December 31.
 

Social Justice Council

by Diana Gray, Criminal Justice Subcommittee

The Social Justice Council presented a First Forum, on Jan. 14, 2001, on the UUA 2000-2002 Study/Action Issue, An Alternative to the "War on Drugs." Allan Lindrup presented the study action statement, and Bobbi Campbell explained how study actions are dealt with by the General Assembly.

Diana Gray gave a brief overview of some impacts of the War on Drugs on criminal justice, legal and civil rights, local communities, international drug trade, and drug treatment. She posed some issues for further examination and opened the forum to discussion.

Among concerns expressed were:

Amelioration and treatment rather than trying to stop drug abuse

Police collusion in the drug trade

Need to eliminate prison time for first-time offenders and those possessing small amounts of illegal drugs

Need to clarify or verify the statements in the study action about the impact of international efforts in the war on drugs

The growth of the private prison industry

Corrections enterprises and use of low-cost prison labor

Confronting legalization issues and studying the lessons of prohibition

Confronting the enormous profit of illegal drug trade

Considering the impact of various drugs on life expectancy and functioning

Considering the side issues of criminalization, including the rampant incarceration of young black men, use of dirty needles, and the spread of HIV

Sources of market demand for drugs among youth: alienation and the breakdown of community

Need to involve our youth in study of this issue

Need to learn more about the history of the drug culture and drug abuse

The link between drug trade and terrorism

Need to learn the current state of public opinion about the war on drugs

Recognition that the War on Drugs is being conducted to oppress the people

Consensus resulting from the discussion included the need for further forums to present experts on various aspects of the drug problem and to gather hard information. Further we agreed on the desirability to engaging the youth of the church in discussing the problem and potential approaches to address it.
 

The Skokie Anti-Klan Demonstration

Finley C. Campbell, member, Social Justice Council

Herewith a narrative analysis of our anti-klan activity in the Skokie, IL, area. First, a little background: I had participated in scores of anti-klan/anti-nazi rallies: One thing I learned from these experiences was this: in each case, the police/law enforcement agents acted as honor guards for these racist terrorists. And in each case you had to decide in advance what the nature of your confrontation was going to be. We opted for a nonviolent but militant vocal opposition.

And so we arrived at the Court House. Snowflakes danced like bitter bits of ice. Thick snow lay everywhere. Despite this and the opposition of the Skokie elite, some 450 people showed up, including a large contingent from Skokie.

Police were there with dogs, on the rooftop, on horses, dressed in riot gear, about 150 in all, and with yellow barricades. There was an area where one could get right in front of the klan. But our group opted to remain in the blocked-off street, waiting for the kkk to show up. Tension filled the air, suddenly broken by the cry, "There they are!" And barely seen from where we stood were the klansmen, dressed in their pointed hoods, wearing white robes, holding both the U.S. flag and the kkkonfederate flag. We moved as close as we could to the barricades and begin chanting: "Racism yes, kkk no; racism/terrorism has got to go." And "Asian latin black red white, arab jew, we must unite," "Hey hey, ho ho; the ku klux klan has got to go," and "The kops and the klan go hand and hand."

Suddenly, some young kkk supporters showed up. This transformed some of the crowd into anti-fascist fighters who put the snow to positive use, hurling white missiles at those defenders of white power. This escalated into hand-to-hand struggle, with the police moving in, leading to anti-police opposition and struggle, ending in arrests of several people.

At our rally point, person or persons unknown started throwing snowballs at the police who were guarding us. Since this was a direct attack on the police rather than as a part of the struggle to get at the klan, I used my "calves horn" (a small amplifier) to attack this action as provocative, because a few so-called left groups actually work with the police and like to give them an excuse to break up militant, peaceful demonstrations. And sometimes an inexperienced person will make a wrong response leading to the same effect.

In a final incident, a group of junior klansmen came past our crowd looking for, in my opinion, a fight, and they got it. Then it was over: the cry of "They're leaving" rang out, and we moved to where the Cook County Sheriff's special motorcade was waiting.

And then, for us, it was over. At a later discussion in Hyde Park, all agreed that it was good that we had borne witness, but we disagreed over the use of violence as a legitimate form of protest against racist terrorist groups.

We heard that the kkk was planning a rally in Gary, IN. We sent a letter to the Mayor of Gary asking that he deny the klan a permit. The mayor has issued a temporary ban on demonstration. So, the struggle continues. As the new spiritual says: "Dark night will have its end. Pray God that that time comes soon."

Alert: Some young people who were arrested in their struggle against the klan will be on trial soon. We ask members of our church who support these actions to contribute $10 or more or less to their defense fund. Call 773-752-4019 for more information.
 

Sexual Orientation and the Armed Forces

A new novel, My Navy Too, by Beth F. Coye, tells the story of one woman's career in the U.S. Navy against the backdrop of the 1960s and 1970s--the Vietnam War, the women's movement, the cold war, and later the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy debate. To learn more, check out the flyer in the Blue Folder in the Newsletter slot in the Church Office.
 

Protest FOR Gay Marriage

Monday, Feb. 12, is National Freedom to Marry Day. At 7 pm at our church a service will be held at which same-sex couples may reaffirm their vows. Earlier that day, at noon, an interfaith program and news conference will be held at the John Marshall Law School.

The Chicago Anti-Bashing Network is holding a protest for Gay Marriage at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 14, in front of the City/County Building, 118 N. Clark Street. For more information call 777/878-3697 (CABNstopthehate@aol.com).
 

Conferences

UU Men in Chicago Area

"Building Community with Men" is the theme of a one-day gathering Feb. 17 at the Unitarian Church of Evanston. The conference will explore major men's issues and how they are being addressed in UU churches in the Chicago area.

Workshops will focus on "Men's Needs for Self-Esteem, Competency, Vulnerability," "Managing Life Changes--Career, Family, Aging," and "Organizing Men's Groups within and among Churches." The contact for further information is Richard M. Michaels, 2970 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60657; 773/755-4493; prmichaels@cs.com. Pick up a copy of the conference brochure from the Blue Folder in the Newsletter slot in the Church Office.
 

UU GLBT Convo 2001

The 2001 Convo, "A Personal, Political, and Spiritual Odyssey," will be held Feb. 22-25 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA.

Get there early on Friday to take part in a legislative briefing on Capitol Hill by top GLBT leaders on cutting-edge issues. Take part in storytelling, experience walking the rainbow labyrinth, and learn how struggles against all forms of oppression are intertwined. Workshops include such topics as financial planning, update on civil unions in Vermont, community access TV, and other personal, political, and spiritual issues.

For information, get a conference brochure from the Blue Folder in the Newsletter slot in the Church Office.
 

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice

"Lighting the Fires of Justice: Models for Regional Social Justice Work" is the theme of a one-day UUSJ conference Saturday, Feb. 24. The focus is on how UUs can work together for social justice. Through sharing what inspires our local congregations, panels sharing models of regional justice organizing, and brainstorming of bright ideas, we hope to identify ways that UUSJ members can better facilitate our working together.

The conference will be held in the Joshi Auditorium at the Hinsdale Unitarian Church, 17 W Maple, Hinsdale, from 10 am to 2 pm. $5 registration (covers lunch). At the conference you may apply to CAUUC for reimbursement of travel expenses. For information, call Allan Lindrup at 773/643-8061 (uusjajl@enteract.com) or Jean Darling at 708/383-4608.
 

UUs for a Just Economic Community

UUJEC is holding a Pre-Conference March 6-8 before the Urban Ministries Conference (see next item). The UUJEC sessions will be held at the Dominican Center, Chicago. The opening program focuses on "Moving toward a Just Society: A Day of Reflection and Facilitated Dialog toward the Creation of a UU Vision." This program is limited to 35 participants. Beginning at 5 pm on March 7 the focus turns to "From Corporate Power to Economic Democracy." It is expected that those attending will also attend the Urban Ministries Conference. For conference brochures and registration and CAUUC scholarship information, see Blue Folder in the Newsletter slot in the Church Office.
 

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.

The conference also offers an opportunity to engage in hands-on work at the Greater Chicago Food Depository preparing food for distribution.

A special feature of the conference is the Candidate Forum on Friday, March 9, at 5 pm. This forum, open to UUs not attending the conference, will feature brief presentations by candidates for the UUA Presidency and the Moderator.

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.

If you can volunteer a few hours during the conference, call Lara Tushla, 773/955-7141.
 

Central Midwest District Annual Assembly Coming in April

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

The 2001 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 Moderator presides over UUA Board Meetings and over the General Assembly. The election will take place at the UUA General Assembly in Cleveland in June. Registration brochures will be available by early March.
 

UUA General Assembly in Cleveland

The 2001 UUA General Assembly will be held in Cleveland June 21-25. The theme is "Fulfilling the Promise: Claiming Our Heritage." 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. Also this year delegates will elect a new UUA President, Moderator, and fill a number of other positions.

Now that's just the "business" side of a General Assembly. Those attending will also be offered an incredible array of worship services, lectures, workshops and practicums, music, etc. etc. etc. There is much to be learned about our movement and how we can work better in our churches. Youth programming always proves to be a highlight of GA; many youth attend as delegates from their churches.

The centerpiece for many of us who attend 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.

Our church is entitled to 4 lay delegates and 4 alternate delegates at the General Assembly. These delegates will be selected at a Special Congregational Meeting (to be scheduled). 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 President Allen Harden (check March First Unitarian News for deadline). The top 4 vote getters will be the official delegates; the next 4 can be alternate delegates.

Nominating petitions can be found in the Blue Folder in the Newsletter slot in the Church Office.That's where registration and housing forms will appear when they are available.
 

* * * Peanut Alert

Several of the children in our church family are allergic to peanuts, a couple of them severely so. Because of this it has become important that we make the church a peanut-free zone.

When you are bringing snacks for children or the social hour or for church potlucks, please do not bring anything that contains peanuts or peanut products, including peanut oil. This even applies to craft materials such as playdough, etc., that may contain peanut products, since one of our children has a severe reaction to even touching peanut products. If you have any questions about this please speak with Rev. Walker.
 

Among Us

W and Tina Saphir became the parents of Ian William Erik Saphir on December 19, 2000. His sister Zoe and his grandparents John and Marge Saphir are delighted! Ian adds one more to the fourth generation of Saphirs in our church community.

Our sympathy to Diana Gray on the recent death of her mother ... to Rev. Neil Gerdes on the recent death of his father ...

We are thinking about Robert Moore, who was ill at Montgomery Place but came home by mid-January and was able to attend the Unity Party on Jan. 26. Robert and Viola are in our minds and hearts.

We send our good thoughts to Florence Teegarden, recovering from surgery ... to Evelyn Goldsborough, recovering from a fall ... to Diana Gray, who fell on the ice and broke her left wrist (she may need surgery).

We rejoice that Polly McCoo is back in church after her surgery.

Alex Poinsett and Bette Sikes were invited participants in the Fourth Earl Morse Wilbur History Colloquium on "The Black Unitarian Universalist Caucus, the Black Affairs Council, and FullBAC, 1968-70" held at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA, Jan. 18-20. The Colloquium is the start of a process of adding material to the written history of the events of that period. Rev. Jack Mendelsohn, our Senior Minister during the 1970s, was one of the leaders of the Colloquium.
 

News from Our Members at Starr King

Jan Johnson is serving an internship this year at Mount Diablo UU Church, Walnut Creek, CA. On Jan. 14 she presented the Martin Luther King, Jr., service at that church, which by all reports was very well received.

Karen Day has chosen for her internship this year to combine community and parish ministry by working at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco and with the Faithful Fools a few blocks away. The Faithful Fools Street Ministry blends street theater and compassionate support, from warm clothing to social service advocacy, to homeless and other needy folks in the Tenderloin, one of San Francisco's poorest areas.

Karen says, "This work helps me break down my own walls and feel connected. It's a way to live by our Unitarian Universalist principles and affirm the worth and dignity of every person."
 

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.
 

Art for All at Smart

The Smart Museum of Art is holding a free Family Day on Sunday, Feb. 4. Take the whole family on a trip in time to explore the past, faraway places, and the changing nature of the world around us. Among the free activities offered are making a rubbing of a nature scene, creating your own ancient Egyptian-style landscape, participating in an Asian ink painting demonstration, listening to stories, touring Smart Museum exhibitions "Landscapes of Retrospection" and "The Theatrical Baroque," and enjoying live music.

The Smart Museum is located at 5550 S Greenwood. For information call Sara Skelly, 773/834-1066.
 

Help Us Recycle

Did you know that Sunday morning Order of Service covers are rescued from the pews and reused on the following Sunday? Did you know that we do regular recycling of paper left in the church after a service or other events?

We wish you to take any and all materials home with you that you think you will refer to again. However, we encourage you to leave behind the Order of Service covers at least. Also if you find old orders of service in the pews, please put them on the front altar or on the table at the back of the church.
 

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.