Committee Meetings this Month
Canvass Luncheon
The Annual Canvass Luncheon will be held on Sunday, April 7, after the service. Please come and hear about the plans for the coming fiscal year.
Time Change
Please remember that Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, April 7.
Annual Meeting
This year's annual meeting will be held after church on the third Sunday in May -- May 19. All members and friends are encouraged to attend. To vote on a matter before the congregation, a member must have signed the membership book at least 90 days before the meeting and made a minimum $50 contribution of record within the previous year.
Lifespan Religious Education
Rev. Marlene Walker, Minister for Religious Education
I've never thought about it quite this way before, but Spring is a season for giving in ways that the December holiday season isn't. As I have been scurrying around these past weeks getting ready for preparing my tax return, gathering all the necessary paperwork to bring to my accountant, I began to think about April and Spring in this new way. Of course, paying taxes is not a voluntary giving. It's just a reality of living in this culture, and as much as anybody else I try to make that gift be as small as I possibly can, so that the IRS "take" is less painful.
Events here at church recently have reminded me in other ways about this season being a time for giving. Rather than an involuntary giving, like IRS, these have been about giving as a choice. Our talent auction was hugely successful this year, as was the Religious Education Council Sweetheart raffle in February and the Empty Bowls Project to help feed the hungry in our community. Come to think about it, throughout the whole year there have been many wonderful ways for all of us to give to this learning, loving community. As I begin to plan for next year's church school program and adult education offerings I am struck by how many of you give of yourselves over and over again throughout the year, in time and talent, as well as money - that stuff that IRS wants from us. This giving, we choose to do for our church, and for each other, is a gift from the heart. It is what sustains us. It's value far exceeds any dollar amount we could possibly give to it.
Then comes Canvass time. The time when we -- staff, volunteers, ministers, committees -- have been scurrying around to gather all the numbers and information to put together a budget that will sustain our church for the coming year. It can begin to feel a bit more like that other kind of giving that happens on April 15 each year. It's not really at all the same though. At Canvass time we put our hearts together to discern what we, as a Learning, Loving community, need to do to Build the future, to Change the world. We can continue to grow, to strengthen our presence in our own lives, in our community and in the world. We can continue to build a Lifespan RE Program that will nurture, sustain, and expand the lives of children and adults. We can continue our relentless work for social justice and peace. We can maintain our building - the home and cradle of our Beloved community and resource for the wider neighborhood. We can support a strong ministry of witness and presence, care and compassion. We can continue to touch the lives of people. This is the giving we choose to do. It comes from the heart. It will sustain us, and our future. It may have a number in dollars and cents but its value far exceeds that amount and unlike the IRS "gift" I try to make it as large as I possibly can. This is a gift of hope, larger than imagined, that can bring us to tomorrow.
The other sign of the season is also a sign of giving, one that lifts my heart each time. I have been seeing more and more of them each day. The crocuses and other bulbs are blooming everywhere! Have you seen them? Happy spring! Happy giving!
Blessings,
Marlene
Calling all Young Adults and Campus Ministry folks!!!
On Friday April 12th there will be special Campus Ministry/Young Adult Worship Service in Hull Chapel at 7pm, followed by a potluck. This service is being planned by members of the UC Campus Ministry group.
Church School News
Preschool/Kindergarten - Celebrating Me and My World: This class has had a busy and varied month. They have made flags to dance with, fish and animals out of playdough, learned about the animals in their world, and even had a very wet morning learning about the elements of water, air, light and darkness. Teachers are Kitari Coleman-Daniels, Ivan Lappin, Anne Morrill Ploum with Zarinah Ali and Stephanie Stern as Uniteen classroom assistants.
1st and 2nd Grade - Haunting House: Learned about where babies come from, what babies need after they are born, and even experienced being born themselves. Which of course they celebrated with a birthday party and cake! They also helped make a tree for the garden that Polly McCoo and the third/fourth grade class are growing on the wall in the Pennington Center hallway. Check it out! Teachers are Colleen Grogan, Ellen LaRue, Stephen Stern and Holly Reid as Uniteen assistant.
3rd and 4th Grade - Holidays and Holy Days: Began the month completing the unit on Chinese New Year by creating a Chinese Dragon and lighting incense, and helped make tissue paper flowers for the church auction (which are now growing in their hallway garden). They learned about Susan B. Anthony and the importance of fairness and have just begun a unit on Native American Culture. Teachers are Alec Lappin, Polly McCoo, and Tinessa Moss.
5th and 6th Grade - Neighboring Faiths: This class has also been learning about Native American spirituality. Marissa Zagone, our church bookkeeper, visited with them to share her native American religious traditions. They learned about the medicine wheel and the Sundance and made prayer ties. They missed their trip to the Hindu temple because of snow. It hopefully will be rescheduled at a later time. They did learn about Hinduism and other Eastern faiths and have now begun an exploration of Buddhism. Teachers are Andrew Greenlee, Allan Lindrup, and Anita Orlikoff
7th - 12th Grades: Uniteens and OWL - The Sunday morning Coming of Age group continues this term learning about the church through service projects with the congregation, either through assisting in church school classes, the nursery, or participating in worship. At the end of the term we will meet to reflect on what we have learned through our participation. This is one part of a two year Coming of Age Program that will culminate next Spring with a pilgrimage to Boston, the writing of personal Credo statements, a special Coming of Age service, and the possibility of becoming official members of the congregation. Coming of Age advisors are Rev. Walker, Betty Holcomb and Beccie Bruckner The OWL program continues to meet on Sunday afternoons, currently meeting at Second Unitarian Church. Owl Facilitators from First Church are Jen Crow, Amanda Helin, Kathleen and Paul Ricker and Laura Steinman.
YAC and YRUU: "YAC" stands for Youth Advisory Committee and is our newly formed youth and adult sub committee of RE Council which plans and coordinates all youth programming. Youth members of YAC are Anne Jonas, Barrett Doss, Ryan Greenlee and Zarinah Ali and adult members are Tinessa Moss, RE Council Liaison, Beccie Bruckner, Betty Holcumb, Jen Crow, Amanda Helin and Rev Walker as ex-officio. "YRUU" stands for Young Unitarian Universalists and is our youth group for 9-12 graders connected to the Continental YRUU - which is the youth program of the UUA. Events this month included a Junior High Con(ference) at Second Unitarian Church. Planning is underway for the Spring Youth Con in Urbana and the upcoming (in May) Youth and Young Adult of Color Conference hosted by Third Unitarian Church and the concurrent UU Youth and Young Adult Anti-Racists White Allies Conference hosted by this congregation. Brochures and Registration forms for all are available from the RE office.
Go Fly a Kite!
Sunday, April 21, on the Midway. Leaving from near the Church Office at noon. Family fun all are welcome. Sponsored by the Religious Education Council.
From the Board
By Joan Pederson
Congregation President
Mark your calendars for 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 8. That is the day when First Unitarian Society of Chicago will ordain Janet Johnson to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. For Jan this will be an important rite of passage and for the congregation it will be a deep honor and high responsibility.
Within Unitarian Universalism, only congregations can ordain. As vitally important as a solid theological education is in preparation for professional ministry, our ministers must also have formed relationships with congregations, and those congregations must have found the prospective ordinands suited to the professional ministry, before ordination can take place. By this act we proclaim to our fellow UU congregations that Jan is an ordained minister: that she is someone well worth considering for a call to serve them as their minister.
The February 24 vote of the congregation to ordain Jan was unanimous. I hope all of you will be able to attend her ordination itself. As many of you know, it is customary for a guest to deliver the sermon at the service of ordination. It will be a pleasure to welcome our long-time friend, our past Associate Minister and later Interim Minister the Rev. Michelle Bentley, to our pulpit that afternoon. If you would like to work on plans for the ordination and the reception that will follow, please let me know.
Two other major events in the life of the church lie ahead as I write this. One is the congregational meeting on March 24 to consider (1) bylaws changes that would permit withdrawal from the Unrestricted Donated Fund (derived principally from the bequest of Morton Denison Hull more than 60 years ago and from the sale of the parsonage just over 30 years ago), (2) the erection of scaffolding around the steeple, and (3) the removal of the steeple. Whatever the outcome, I hope we will have taken no action except with the overwhelming support of the congregation. The other pending activity still lies ahead of us all: our annual Canvass to determine the level of financial support that the congregation can pledge for the coming church year, beginning in July. As part of paying the expenses of internal program and outreach, the church promises to meet payrolls and to pay into pension plans. These promises, in turn, are based on the promises of all of us who pledge; real people can be hurt if we do not keep these promises. Please be as generous as possible, but we ask that your pledge--your promise--not exceed the amount you can give, month in and month out. We factor in an allowance for the unexpected reversals or departures that could affect anyone, but have no means of telling how much won't arrive in the offering plate or the mailbox because of pledges that were unrealistically high from the start. That said, your realistic generosity will make a significant difference in the life of the congregation and the lives of all who are touched by it. The Board met twice in March. Before church on Sunday, March 3, at a specially called meeting, the Board called the special congregational meeting of March 24 and established its agenda: the three points concerning the endowment and the steeple enumerated above.
At the regular meeting on March 21, the Board
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
Although we had optimistically hoped to include a slate of officers for the 2002-2003 church year in this newsletter, that is not to be. Putting together a balanced slate is a complicated task, and, we will need most of the time we have to do that job properly. We can say that the candidates who have already agreed to be nominated, and to serve if elected, form the nucleus of an outstanding team.
This newsletter should be in your hands around the 1st of April, and we will probably still be working on nominations. I urge you to give serious consideration to any calls which might come from the Nominating Committee. We know this church will not run without your financial contributions, but it also cannot exist without volunteer service. We are all busy, have families, work overtime, do other service work. But service in the administration of 1st Unitarian can be some of the most fulfilling work you can do. I think you take away more than you give when you serve in this fashion. Please consider it, if you are asked.
Nominating Committee,
Cindy Pardo, Chair
Evelyn Johnson, Finley Campbell, Pat Curran, Norman Hines
UU News
Gay Pride Brunch at Second Unitarian
This year's Gay Pride Parade is on Sunday, June 30. That day, Second Unitarian Church, 656 West Barry, will host the third annual Gay Pride Brunch on behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Coalition of Chicago. You are invited to attend the service at 10:30 a.m., have brunch, and march in the parade as part of the UU contingent. Please respond to Lara Tushla at (773) 955-7141 or ltushla@rush.edu. If you would like to help build a UU float for the parade, contact Robin Toewe at (773) 767-8211 or robintoewe@yahoo.com.
Steeple to Come Down
At a special meeting on Sunday, March 24, the congregation voted to remove the steeple above the bell tower in view of its condition. The congregation also voted to amend the bylaws to permit a withdrawal from the Unrestricted Endowment Fund by a three-fourths vote "in the event of severe damage to the building and/or exposure to extreme liability related to the building." The congregation voted to pay for the steeple removal from the Unrestricted Endowment Fund pursuant to this amended bylaw.
A Letter from Jan Johnson
Dear Friends at First Church,
I was thrilled and delighted when I got the news from Joan Pederson that the congregation had voted to ordain me. I can hardly wait for the festivities.
As you know I am in my final semester at Starr King. Last semester I was totally consumed with preparing myself for my interview with our denomination's credentialing body, the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. This is probably the biggest hurdle that anyone wishing to enter the Unitarian Universalist ministry has to get over. I did receive a category 1, and I felt both relieved and affirmed after this important meeting. I feel privileged to be among those who are granted fellowship in the UUA. This semester my classes include: General Living Systems Theory, Comparative Ethics and Narrative, and Education for Liberation. I'll be doing a lot of reading and writing for these classes. My extracurricular activities are also keeping me busy. I am on the Pastoral Care Board at John Muir Hospital. This is the hospital where I did my chaplain internship. I am also on the Clergy for Choice committee of the Shasta Diablo region Planned Parenthood.
While I am looking forward to graduation, I know I will miss being part of the Starr King community. The faculty and students are a terrific bunch of people. The students support one another and encourage each other to take risks and grow personally and spiritually. The faculty members are committed to our education, and help us discover what we need to learn and experience in order to begin our careers with a sense of confidence.
Love & Peace, Jan Johnson
Forums, lectures, adult education in April
The Nature of Racism
Sunday, April 14 at 9:00 a.m. in VOV. Facilitator: Finley C. Campbell. Now that I am slowly but surely recovering from my recent surgery, I am now ready to recommence the course. Our last session in February dealt with the role of film, specifically the movie THE BIRTH OF A NATION, in the transformation of the ideology of racism into emotion. The April session will focus on Racism and AudioVideo Expression. All are invited to attend.
UU Study Action Issues
First Forum: Sunday, April 14 at 11:45 a.m. There are seven new Study Action Issues up for potential consideration at this year's General Assembly. The UUA Commission on Social Witness wants to narrow that number to five or six before GA, through input from a Parish Poll, which must be received at the UUA by April 15. The First Forum on April 14 will give you an opportunity to hear about these Study Action Issues briefly, allow some time for discussion, and then allow time for a vote on which 3 to 5 we would like to recommend to the Commission on Social Witness.We will have some printed copies of the proposals available for pick up at the Social Justice Council table for one or two weeks before April 14. You can also read and print out the the proposals by going on the web, to www.uua.org/csw/SAIproposals2002.htm
Meadville Lombard's building plans
First Forum: Sunday, April 28 at 11:45 a.m. Presenter: William R. Murry, President and Academic Dean, Meadville/Lombard Theological School. Because Meadville Lombard desperately needs more space -- residential space, library space, office and classroom space-- the School is planning to replace the two houses behind the main building on Woodlawn with a four or five story building that will double our current space. Some people oppose this because it means losing two houses they feel have aesthetic and historic significance. President Bill Murry will explain the School's plans and respond to questions and comments from participants.
Importance of Judicial Selection
First Forum: Sunday, April 21 at 11:45 a.m. Facilitator: Bob Davidow. Judges inevitably find facts and make law. They are thus more like juries than legislators. Judicial selection should involve a search for quality and representativeness. I have published several widely ignored articles discussing how this might be done.
Great Books Spring Break.
The Great Books Discussion Group will be on Spring break for the month of April. Our next scheduled discussion will begin on Sunday, May 19, 2002. The group will meet in the choir room beginning at 11:30 a.m.
We will begin a new Great Books series, entitled: "Identity and Self-Respect. "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin, is the first selection in the new series. "The Fire Next Time", is considered one of the most influential books on race relations published during the 1960s. Divided into two sections, the book urges the politicization of both African Americans and European Americans on the issue of racism.
All are invited to attend Great Books discussions. If you would like more information about the Great Books Discussion Group or about the new book series, please contact Gloria Gnatz (773)643-9436 or Kennie James (773)238-1833.
Among Us
Our warmest get well wishes to Michael Donner, recovering from surgery as of this writing, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Our warmest get well wishes, also, to Win Kennedy, who fell and broke some bones in his arm and wrist.
We continue to send our warmest wishes to Arnita Boswell for her recovery.
On March 24 at our Ingathering Ceremony, we were pleased to welcome into Membership the following people:
Cynthia Redd
John Holden
Don Scott
Joseph Harrington
Elvira Donner
Patrick John
Linn Orear
Guiseppe Latino
Raffaella Pretini
Jane Kiser
Our warmest get well wishes to Finley Campbell who is recovering from surgery.
We are thinking of Polly McCoo, whose son has been ill.
We continue to think of Harold Moody and his family, as Harold's daughter receives treatment for her illness.
Our thoughts are continually with Devon and Tinessa Moss as Devon serves in the armed forces of our nation.
Our Ministers' Personal Advisory Committees
Rev. Nina Grey and Rev. Marlene Walker both have expanded their Personal Advisory Committees. The goal of the Personal Advisory Committees is to strengthen the ministry of our Ministers and enhance the relations between the Ministers and the Congregation.
A Personal Advisory Committee is a sounding board, listens to the Minister and offers advice and counsel, should the Minister have some concerns, both personal and professional. It also can bring issues to the attention of the Minister, to help the Minister become more aware of the concerns of the congregation.
Shama Blaney, Evelyn Johnson, Winston Kennedy and John Saphir are currently on Rev. Nina's Personal Advisory Committee. John became a member in March. Vivian Burns, Margaret Huyck, Ivan Lappin, Cynthia Oakes, and Alex Poinsett are on Rev. Marlene's Personal Advisory Committee. Vivian will be taking Cynthia's place when Cynthia becomes President of the Congregation after the Annual Meeting.
We encourage you to talk directly with a minister if you have a particular concern you would like to communicate. If you have any concerns that you are uncomfortable talking directly to a minister about, you may speak to a member of that minister's Personal Advisory Committee. Personal Advisory Committee meetings are always confidential.
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 is asked to donate $10 to support a specific growth program in a specific CMWD church. Our church received a $6,000 Chalice Lighter grant in 2000 to help with the cost of our Minister for Religious Education. To become a Chalice Lighter, call the Central Midwest District Office at 708/236-0831 or find an application at www.cmwd.uua.org. Also look for a brochure in the rack outside the Church Office.
Our Annual Canvass: Support the Programs That Embody Our Purpose
By Margaret Huyck, for the Canvass Committee
THIS LEARNING, LOVING CONGREGATION: Build Our Future! Change the World!
We contribute our time, our talents - and our money - to support the wonderful programs that help us learn and love together. The annual Canvass is about visions and about money to support them. Every year we reflect on our accomplishments and our visions. We ask:
You have each received a Canvass Brochure summarizing the crucial kinds of programs we have developed to serve our needs. These include our worship life, lifespan religious education, pastoral care, social justice and community outreach, fellowship, and participating in our UUA denomination. Our pledges determine how well we can afford to actualize the programs envisioned by our volunteers who plan them. We are pledging our support to each other - saying, in effect, "count on my contribution to our shared enterprise." A pledge is a promise, so we need to think carefully what we can promise each other.
Our programs are possible because we have the support of professional and support staff, and the facilities and supplies of our building. These make it possible for us to be effective volunteers. This year the budget is presented in terms of how these basic expenses are allocated among the six different major program areas. We recognize that these figures are approximate, since the ministers, office staff, and custodians do not keep hourly records of which "program area" they are supporting when they do a particular task, and the heat flows all around us.
This process suggests that we allocate our expenses among the program areas as follows:
| Lifespan Religious Education | 24% |
| Social Justice & Community Outreach | 23% |
| Our Worship Life | 22% |
| Pastoral Care | 11% |
| Building Community/ Fellowship | 11% |
| UUA | 9% |
The income to support all our programs comes from many sources:
| Pledges | 46% |
| Property | 36% |
| Endowment | 8% |
| Fundraising | 4% |
| Other | 4% |
| Collection Plate | 2% |
This year the Pledge Goal is $228,400. The total Budget is $468,907.
This year the Canvass Committee has included a new Guideline for Suggested Share giving levels, adapted from Fundraising With a Vision by Edward B. Landreth, and circulated by the UUA. This guide provides three levels of giving. Helping is for those who have limited involvement in the church and/or unusual expenses; Supporting is for those who are involved regularly in church programs, and Sustaining contributors are those who are committed to ensuring the well-being of the congregation.
The suggested contributions within each level are determined by taking one's adjusted gross income (from Line 31 of the IRS form 1040) and adding other tax-free income, deducting non-reimbursed medical expenses, care of parent(s), costs of higher education, and costs of child care. The net is used for determining the income level to determine your Suggested Share. We are hoping that everyone in the congregation will agree to become a Suggested Share pledger. (Worksheets are available in the office if you want to see how to calculate your share.)
We urge you to examine the programs, the budget, and the suggested giving levels. Think about what the church means to you -- and what more it could mean with your greater support. We are pledging to ourselves and to each other. We must be as generous as we can be.WE CAN ONLY DO IT TOGETHER!
9-11 Study Group
By Elvira Donner
The 9-11 study group of the Social Justice Council met on Sunday, March 10th at the home of Elvira Donner. This group was formed in response to concerns about issues arising from the events of September 11th. The group meets on Sunday evenings once a month. In the discussion at the first meeting in February an agenda of topics was compiled, and includes civil liberties, the economy, the international situation and our response to these issues.
Seven people attended the March meeting, and the discussion centered on our first topic, the issues relating to civil liberties that have developed as a result of the events of September 11th. The group first viewed a portion of a video of a C-SPAN program entitled "American Perspectives", a panel discussion among journalists such as Molly Ivins, author Arthur Schlessinger, and political figures such as Hussein Ibin of the Arab Anti-defamation League, the President of the ACLU and the legal director of the NAACP. Their discussion focused on the role of the press and of Congress in the preservation of civil liberties, the propaganda being disseminated by the Bush administration, and possible threats to the Constitution.
The group then went on to discuss the video and to explore their own concerns about the limiting of civil liberties to certain individuals under the current administration, and the possible implications for all of us. Some of the issues discussed were: new legislation limiting civil liberties, the pressure put on members of Congress to vote in favor of war, and the increasing perception that the questioning of government policy is viewed as disloyal. The group is exploring ways in which it can disseminate its concerns, assert its opinions, and affect policymaking for the future, perhaps by joining other activist groups or other UU congregations.
"Hug-a-Book" Benefit
Benefit concert tickets are available from Julie Neuman and Mary Lee Greenlee, board members of the literacy program, "Hug-a-Book." The concert will be held Sunday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4244 N. Lincoln. It features the Michael J. Miles Ensemble performing "America 1941: Songs, Literature, Politics." This is a musical cultural profile of America in 1941 before World War II, featuring the words and music of Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Robert Frost, John Steinbeck, Paul Robeson, FDR, Langston Hughes, Woody Guthrie, e.e. cummings, Eleanor Roosevelt, and others. Tickets are $32, and benefit this innovative program.
Volunteers Needed
By Allan J. Lindrup, Chair
Task Force Against Homelessness of the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ)
Chicago area U.U.s, through coordination by the UUSJ Task Force Against Homelessness, have helped VietNow deliver food, clothing, toiletries, and sometimes other items, to roughly 1,000 homeless individuals in the Chicago downtown area on Sundays (from roughly 3:15 to 9:15 p.m.) when the high schools or colleges are not in session. (Volunteers meet the VietNow truck on State St. just north of the Pacific Garden Mission, which is at 646 S. State St.) I phoned on March 16 to find out their needs for help from March 24 through the end of June. They needed help by one person on Easter, one on April 21, and one every Sunday in May and June, except needing two on June 30. From past practice they will also need someone to help each Sunday during the summer. In the following 15 minutes I lined up the following individuals to fill the first three of those Sundays:
I invite you to put the word out about this volunteer opportunity, extending from May 12 through early September. Volunteers should be in at least fair physical shape. Those who would like to help should PHONE Allan Lindrup at 312-353-5856x3014(W) or 773-643-8061 (H).
Report on a First Forum: Ethnic/Religious Discrimination since September 11, 2001
By Allan J. Lindrup
The First Forum on March 17, 2002, featured Rouhy J. Shalabi, President of the Arab-American Bar Association of Illinois, who is also a member of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, who addressed discriminatory actions against people who are perceived of as being of Arab heritage or of the Muslim faith, plus what we might do to help defend the rule of law. Anna Mustafa, an American citizen who was ethnically profiled and arrested while attempting to fly to Jordan to attend her father's wake, spoke briefly on the ridiculous charges filed against her, but she could not speak in depth since her case is still pending in court.
Mr. Shalabi reported that there have been five felony hate crimes in Illinois, against people perceived as Arab/South Asian or Muslim, since September 11, 2001. He stated that a listing of such crimes across the nation, along with suggestions for fighting back against such actions, can be found at www.arabbar.org . A major concern among Arab Americans and other immigrant groups is that resident aliens and others who are not American citizens are not treated under the same rules of law. For example, 1) non-citizens can be held and judged based on secret evidence, and 2) the Immigration and Naturalization Service is not limited by habeas corpus. Because of these provisions, several hundred Arab/South Asian and other Muslim men have held for months either without any charge or based on minor visa charges unrelated to terrorism. Of the 5,000 plus Arab-American men, mainly immigrants and individuals here on student visas, who have been called in for interviews by federal law enforcement officials since September 11, 2001, none has been charged with a crime.
What can we and other American citizens do? Court challenges have been filed against elements of the USA Patriot Act that violate basic American civil liberties. We can learn more about any individuals seen as "the other," including Muslims and Arabs. Stand up for basic civil rights, and oppose elements of the USA Patriot Act that violate those basic civil rights. Call on political figures to not pass further restrictions on political freedoms. Create political pressure to allow the USA Patriot Act to sunset after its limited term, rather than be extended. Communicate to our Congressmen and Senators that extremism in the search for security is contrary to our basic American values.
Racial Justice Task Force
By Finley C. Campbell, Chair
We met on March 17 following a very informative discussion of anti-Arab racism. (See the article by A. Lindrup.) We had three major items of business: first, we established membership criteria: anyone who is a member or friend of the church can participate in our meetings and activities, but only those who are members can vote on specific proposals. Secondly, we agreed that our method of making decision would involve modified consensus; that is, if a person did not feel that he/she could support a decision, but did not feel that they should prevent the group from doing so, they* could then voluntarily withdraw from the circle of consensus, to allow the proposal or decision to go forward. Finally, we discussed a proposal that we make our next project the issue of anti-Arab racism. A lively discussion ensued on how to create a proposal which could be discussed in the most fruitful way possible. It was decided we would do it in the form of a resolution, rather than in the form of the complex analysis which I had presented. A committee was set up to develop such a resolution. Our next meeting will be April 21st, at 1 PM, after the First Forum, in Chris Moore Parlor.
Note: A tape copy of the forum on anti-Arab racism, which was sponsored by the Racial Justice Task force, is available. Contact Finley C. Campbell, 773-752-4019 on how to get a copy.
Organ Console Returns in Grand Style
By Richard and Cindy Pardo
The long wait for the return of our organ console has finally ended with the return of the completely rebuilt console on Wednesday, March 13. The console left the church April 30, 2001 to begin a complete restoration that included all new functional parts and electronics. In addition to completely new working components for the console, the oak console housing was completely stripped of its 1960's blonde stain and refinished with a medium stain bringing out the rich oak wood grain. We think it is already a visually aesthetic success, but we will need to wait one or two more weeks before the organ will be fully functional again.
The 'new' console is now mounted on a new oak movable dolly. The present plan is to locate the console in one of the corners of the chancel area. A long umbilical cable containing a fiber optic link to control the organ and electrical power cables for the console allows the console to be moved to other locations around the chancel or even down onto the sanctuary main floor. Over the next few weeks, we will try out a few different locations for the console to see what location seems to be best. The old platform on which the console had previously been mounted has been disassembled. It can be reinstalled if it is decided that the original location is still the best for the overall needs of the congregation.
For the console to stay on the chancel level, the choir seating arrangements will need to be changed. Seating arrangements using sanctuary chairs will be tested and when we agree on an overall configuration the need for new chairs instead of the old pews which had been in use will be considered.
As we try out these various configurations, please participate by telling us, the Ministers, or the music staff which ones you prefer, or suggest arrangements we haven't tried yet.
We all look forward to the first notes of the organ made from the new console (hopefully by the time you read this report).
Meadville Lombard Building Plans
By Bill Murry, President and Academic Dean
Meadville Lombard Theological School
Many of you are aware by now that Meadville Lombard is planning to expand our campus by removing the two old houses behind us on Woodlawn and building a larger facility where they now stand. For several years now we have been badly in need of more classroom, office and residential space. In addition our library, which has possibly the most valuable collection of Unitarian and Universalist documents in the world as well as the archives of some of our most prominent ministers, desperately needs more space. We have valuable documents stored in the basements of our three old houses where they are not being properly preserved.
So, our Board has approved a large addition. At this point we are in the early stages of raising the money needed for this project, and we anticipate that the earliest we can break ground would be the summer of 2004 and possibly later. This is a big undertaking for a small school, but it is one to which we are fully committed.
Some Hyde Parkers deeply committed to preservation are not happy with the fact that we plan to take down the two houses . If we had any other choice we would prefer not to do that. Contrary to what the Herald has said, we can find no evidence that either house has been given historic or landmark status.Because the relationship of First Unitarian and Meadville Lombard has been very close since 1926 when Meadville Theological School moved here from Meadville, PA, I wanted to share this information with you. Nina, Marlene and I are committed to keeping and strengthening that relationship. I look forward to talking with you about our plans at an upcoming First Forum scheduled on April 28. I hope you can come.
The good news is that Meadville Lombard is growing and that means that a number of students are coming here rather than attend a non-UU school where they will not have immersion in a UU culture and courses about liberal religion. I firmly believe that the future of our UU movement depends to a large extent on the quality of our ministry, and we at Meadville Lombard are committed to preparing outstanding ministers. We are very grateful for your support over the years and trust that you will continue to support the School and the plans we have for our future.