Committee Meetings This Month

Communications Committee - To Be Arranged

Executive Comm. - Wed. June 13 and Wed. June 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Membership Comm. - Tues. June 12 at 7:00 p.m.

Music Sub-Committee - To Be Arranged

Property Committee - Tues. June 5 at 7:30 p.m.

RE Council - Tues. June 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Social Justice - Thurs. June 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Trustees - Thurs. June 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Worship & Music - Thurs. June 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council Annual Meeting and Dinner

The Annual Meeting of the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council (773/752-1911) will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2001, at Congregation Rodfei Zedek, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the business meeting and program begins at 7:30 p.m. Dinner tickets are $10 if purchased in advance from Allan Lindrup (773/643-8061) or from the council at 5745 S. Blackstone Ave.

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. Contributions are tax deductible. With the $6,000 donated last spring,

Ministers' Hours

Rev. Nina D. Grey: At church Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10-2 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: At church Tuesday and Thursday 10-3pm and Wednesday 9am-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 (Revmar@aol.com). If you are calling about an urgent concern or an emergency, call me at home even on my day off (773/955-1607).

Lifespan Religious Education

Rev. Marlene Walker, Associate Minister for Religious Education

In many ways May is one of the busiest months in RE and it comes at a time when energy is beginning to slow and summer is just over the horizon. The current Church Classes are coming to an end, end of year celebrations are being planned, teachers are being thanked and honored. It is in many ways an ending time in the life of our church. But not completely. At the same time that one year is reaching a close a new one has already begun. Curricula have already been chosen for next year and need to be revised, lesson plans need to be prepared and most importantly teachers for next year's Church School Classes need to be recruited - at a time when people are tired and ready for a break!

In RE in May we live in two years at the same time, the current and the one to come. It is an experience of the biblical sense of the kingdom of God being here but not yet here - both at the same time. Either way it is a ripe and busy time.

I want to talk about the importance of teaching in our Church School Classes. Yes, it is true, without volunteers to teach there would not be any Church School. Yes, our children and youth need adults, dedicated adults who are willing to give up their own time in our worship services, for a bit, to help them learn about themselves, our church, our UU faith, and how all of that and themselves fit into the world and the lives they will live in it. These are all important reasons for volunteering to teach in RE. But I don't think they are the most important ones. I think the most important reason for teaching in Church School classes is that it is about our own religious education. Teaching in RE is Adult Religious Education. Your religious education. Teaching in our Church School classes is also about worship. Granted, a different kind of worship then experienced in our Sunday morning services in the sanctuary, but worship nonetheless. Ask any of our teachers who have taught for a while about what they have learned in the process about themselves and about being a UU and what that means to them. Ask them about the experiences of worship they have had in our Church Classes. I think you may be surprised and awed.

I encourage you to think about teaching in our Church School next year. It's important for our young people but it's also important for you. We have some exciting curricula for next year's classes. Our theme is World Religions and all our classes from our youngest on up will be exploring this theme. Teaching teams will consist of teams of three so that at least every three weeks teachers will be able to attend the Sunday Service. Special teacher training will be offered for both experienced and new teachers in August and September. Come learn with us! Come worship with us!

Blessings,

Marlene

This Month in Adult RE

The Evensong class continued through May and was very successful. The group has decided to continue to meet again and will do so on June 10th at 7pm in the Chris Moore Parlor.

Nursery Baby Shower

On May 6th, the RE Council gave a baby shower for our Nursery in the Polly Schaad Room. Thank you to all who contributed.

Teacher Appreciation

On May 20th, the RE council hosted a Teacher Appreciation Potluck for all our RE Teachers. Thank you to all who brought food and came to celebrate the dedication of our many wonderful teachers who have taught this year.

Upcoming RE Events

June 10th: Youth Worship Service and Church Picnic in Parakeet Park
August 5th: RE Mid-Summer Beach Picnic -place to be announced
August 25th: First Church Day at Magic Waters in Rockford. Sign up on the RE bulletin Board.

THIS PAST MONTH IN RE

This has been a full month in our Church School. We began with a Kid's Church focused on Earth Day, had a multigenerational service on May 13th (Mother's Day), we ended the Spring Term and honored our teachers on May 20th, and on May 27th we had an End of Year Celebration. Hero's what some of the classes have been up to.

PreK-K Class: This class has been busy making leis for Hawaiian Lei Day and learning a hula dance and song and seeing pictures of Hawaii. They also ate pineapple and drank pineapple juice which many said was the best part. They also have been talking about their interaction with the earth and the importance of caring for and beautifying the earth with plants and keeping our planet clean by picking up trash. They went for a litter walk around the church and painted flower pots and planted flowers in them. Teachers are Pat Curran, Paulette Dodson, and Anne Morrill-Ploum.

1st and 2nd Grade: The Voyagers had a special birthday celebration by focusing on how each of the members of the class is special and important. They made birthday cards for themselves, a star for someone special and decorated and ate birthday cupcakes. For their last class this term they said good-byes, reviewed the lessons they had covered this term, and remembered their "special times" together. They also made a poster and T-shirts of their UU Affirmation and all their lessons. Teachers have been Veronica Franklin and Kelley Skalicky.

3rd and 4th Grade: The Pathfinders received a letter from President George Bush in response to the letter they sent him asking him to work for peace. He even sent a picture of himself. They looked at the ideas of health, healing and faith by learning about and acting out the stories of miracles that Jesus may have performed. Teachers have been Mary Ann Hammond and John Porterfield.

5th and 6th Grade: This class learned about and discussed a wide variety of ideas from the story of Jesus and his ministry, from the inherent worth and dignity of every person, to mercy, justice, humility and kindness, to helping the marginalized as a way to carry out Jesus' ministry ourselves. Teachers have been Andrew Greenlee and Allan Lindrup.

Junior and Senior High: These two classes combined to plan for their upcoming Youth Worship Service on June 10th. Many of them also attended a performance of "Rent" along with youth and adults from other UU churches in Chicago, and some of them attended the District Spring Con in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Advisors have been Jen Crow, Amanda Helin, Betty Holcomb, Joan Pederson and Steve Ploum.

Summer RE Program

The Summer RE Program begins on June 10th. We will again be using the same format as in past years. There will be two age groups, one for younger children and one for older children. Youth in 6th grade on up are invited to attend worship or help in the younger classes.

Children in preschool and kindergarten will be using the God's Paintbrush and Hide and Seek with God curricula and will meet in the preschool room.

Children in grades 1-5 will be using the God Images curriculum and will meet in the Hang Out Room.

RE Announcements

We still need teachers for the summer program. If you would like to teach or help in one of our two summer classes please call or speak with Rev. Marlene.

We also need a substitute in the nursery for the months of July and August. Nursery provider Inga Mittendoff will be away for the summer but will be returning to the nursery in the Fall.

Among Us

Continuing warm get-well wishes to Tom Huyck.

We are also sending healing thoughts to Jim Stevens.

Our warmest healing wishes also to Georgia Pierre.

Our warmest wishes also to Linnea Anderson.

Our continuing get-well wishes to Alex Coutts.

Congratulations to Karen Day who got a "1" from the Fellowship Committee! Way to go, Karen!

Our warmest get-well wishes to Joanne Kent.

Our warmest get-well wishes to Davina Wong.

Our continuing condolences to the family of our former minister Jack Kent. Messages of condolence can be sent care of:

Mr. Jay Kent
754 E. 8th Street
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2A2
Canada

Kay Mann was one of 12 senior artists who created a "Seasons of Life" mural as part of the City of Chicago's intergenerational "Evolving Spirits" program. The mural will be on display in the lobby of City Hall, May 1-25. It will then travel to Senior Centers around the city, ending back at the Cultural Center in December for a combined reception with a group of young artists.

Margaret Huyck authored a thoughtful Mother's Day article which appeared on page one of the Tribune's "Perspective" section on May 13. Huyck, who is president of Older Women League (OWL) Illinois, discussed the "Mothers Day Report" of OWL concerning the problems of caregivers to the elderly.

Dr. Beverly Bennett was named the recipient of the "Outstanding Leadership 2001 Awards" sponsored by the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association and La Salle Bank. Dr. Bennett is the Principal of the Simpson Alternative High School. A team of evaluators who visited the Simpson school were "tremendously impressed by the excellence of the Principal, the staff and the resulting quality of educational achievement." On Friday, June 1, 2001, pictures of the recipients receiving the "Outstanding Leadership 2001 Awards" will appear in the Chicago Tribune. There will also be a dinner and the presentation of awards at the Fairmont Hotel on June 1st.

Too Much Mail???

This is a problem for most of us, but the pledge letter you should have received around the middle of May is one you really should read! This letter lets you know the status (as of April 30) of your pledge for the current year. Please take it seriously - our bank account balance is low! We count on the pledges you made a year ago to meet our commitments to staff and others. We need your checks now.

Julie Neuman
Church Treasurer

Talent Auction 2001

Missed the auction? You can still bid on a few items from the Talent Auction. Contact Joan Pederson to purchase items or with any questions (GeogJoan@aol.com).

Penthouse Picnic!
Come join Rev. Nina Grey and church members and friends at a fail penthouse picnic for all ages. September 30 at 1:30. Nina will provide the food and drinks -- you bring yourself, games, and family members.
$5.00 unlimited

Tap Your Toes!
Folk, bluegrass, world music enthusiasts, Joan and Ev Bernstein will introduce you to Old Town School of Chicago Folk Center. They will provide tickets and transportation. Dinner is optional.
$25.00 4 places

Boat Excursion!
Boat Excursion in Chris-Craft 31-ft cabin cruiser with Skipper Dick Snow and Sea Scouts crew. Leaving Jackson Park Harbor and cruising down the coast to view Chicago skyline and sights. Also see the cribs and bell buoys. Drinks, cheese and crackers provided. Sunday, July 1, 2001 from noon to 2:00 p.m. If weather is bad we will go Sunday, July 8th.
$20.00 2 places

The World of the Wizard of Oz!
Carrie Hedges is an avid collector and fan of Dorothy and her companions. Enjoy dinner with Carrie and Vi Stark and discuss the Wizard of Oz.
$15.00 15 places

An Evening with Whitney Young!
Amita Young Boswell and Betty Holcomb will host an evening of good food, conversation and reflective thought on the life and times of Whitney Young, a Unitarian Universalist and United States delegate to the United Nation. Whitney was a member of First Unitarian and Arnita is a namesake of the Whitney Young Grants. October 20, 2001.
$20.00 3 places

Child's Birthday Party!
Marlene Walker will put on a child's birthday party complete with cake and balloons. A minimum of five children or as many guests as the child is old to age eighteen (18).
$25.00 1 place

Tennis Lessons!
Yes, Norma Poinsett still plays tennis along with Dr. Burroughs. Norma will give three tennis lessons in the park. Arrangements will be made with you after the weather stays about 70 degrees.
$40.00 2 places

Stories of a Cruise in the Caribbean!
Join Joan Pederson and Betty Sikes in revisiting the days spent cruising on the Caribbean Sea, and touring exotic locations such as Caracus (Ven), Trinidad, Martinique and the U.S. Virgin Island National Park. View scenes from these locales with tropical dishes and beverages. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2001, 6:30 p.m.
$20.00 5 places

Jamaican Dinner!
The always popular and fine dining experience with Grace Williams and her mother. You will enjoy authentic Jamaican food, and the company of some of your best friends. First week in December.
$20.00 8 places

Old and New Favorites!
Join Patricia Stark and friends in singing some of your favorite old and new hymns. Tea will also be served.
$12.00 12 places

Fun in Bridgeman, Michigan!
This is Beverly Bennett's first time out, so let's help her have a good time. Beverly and Madeira Myrieckes will host. We'll have meat and other basics, you bring yourself, salads and desserts to share. Beverly is only a mile from the beach and many of us know the charming Bridgeman area. Saturday, August 4, Noon.
$15.00 7 places

Brunch in the Country!
Carrie Hedges and Marge Saphir will co-host this day. Visit antique shops and dinner out (at your expense) at a local restaurant. Or you can just hang out, talk, read, play tennis or pool, and enjoy a walk on the beach. All of this happens in New Buffalo, Michigan. October 6, 2001, 11:00 a.m.
$25.00 8 places

Mind Mapping!
No date set.
$20.00 unlimited

Church History!
Mid September.
$20.00 8 places

Play With Your Food!
NOT September 22 (change in date--to be rescheduled for a later date).
$5.00 12 places

More First U News!

First Unitarian Church Picnic

Sunday, June 10
Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Parakeet Park, 53rd St. and Hyde Park Blvd.
Bring something to grill and some food or drink to share. Bring outdoor games. In case of rain -- there will be a somewhat more subdued picnic in Hull Chapel, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

UUs for Social Justice News

On Saturday, June 9, from 9:30-I0:30 a.m. at Evanston Unitarian Church, there will be a workshop called "Citizenship 101 for FUN," presented by the Making Democracy Work Task Force of the UUs for Social Justice (UUSJ). It is an hourlong, practical "hands-on" guide to citizen involvement in elections and government affairs. Immediately following from 10:30-12:30 will be the UUSJ Board of Trustees meeting. Both the workshop and the meeting are open to all. The Evanston Unitarian Church is located at 1330 Ridge Road, Evanston, IL. If you have questions, please contact Allan Lindrup.

Caregivers' Initiative

The planning committee of the Caregivers' Initiative Project is in the process of soliciting churches of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Interfaith Council to get on board the Caregiver's Initiative. Once the Initiative is supported by at least two churches the Initiative will apply for a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant, which would supply seed money to begin offering respite care to caregivers who are caring for elderly family members.

News from the Art Committee

The Art Committee proposes to re-hang the portraits of all our ministers in VOV Gallery. This will be one of the committee's major projects for this church year.

We plan to create a visual backdrop of congregational life that provided the context for the ministers and their ministries by incorporating informal photographs of church activities and events during their tenure. Therefore, we invite all members of First Church to contribute photographs that might enhance this visual display. The final decision about the display will be made by the Art Committee, and all unused photographs will be returned.

Please submit your contributions to committee chair Veronica Jenifer in the Art Committee box in the church office, at coffee hour, orby mail to the church office.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held in the main sanctuary on Friday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. Election of officers and trustees will be held, a budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 will be approved, and reports of the various activities of the church will be presented.