Excerpts from the December, 2002
Rev. Grey's column, "Both Sides," is available
here.
Lifespan Religious Education
By Rev. Marlene Walker
Should I make my child come to church? I often hear this question asked
in many different ways. It was one I wrestled with myself when my own children
were young. Family lives are so busy today -- work, school, sports, music lessons,
extended families, homework, friends, sleepovers -- it goes on and on. It's
sometimes a struggle to get every one up and out of the house on a Sunday morning.
It's hard enough during the week. It is tempting to answer the plea "Do
we hafta go to church today?" with "OK, let's stay home, just this
one time." I know. I've done it.
I read the following newsletter column from one of my ministerial colleagues
this month and want to share it with all of you. It is the clearest and best
response to the question I have ever seen. I wish I had heard it when my own
sons were younger. Who knows, perhaps they would be more active as UU's today
if I had.
I know that it is not possible for all our children to be in church school each
week. We all do have busy lives. But I agree with Katie that church is different.
It's important in ways that are unique and unlike any of the other institutions
we are part of. That's true for our children, too. I do know that the children
who attend more consistently do get to know each other and become part of our
community in ways that those who attend sporadically do not. They have a deeper
sense of belonging. They know that this is their spiritual home.
So consider Katie's newsletter column and the next time you are tempted to respond
to the early Sunday morning plea "do we hafta" - take a deep breath
and consider coming home.
Blessings, Rev. Marlene
A Minister Mother Muses About Sunday School
By Rev. Katie Kandarian Willis
Starr King UU Church, Hayward
I always wonder about the appropriateness of bugging my own children to come to church on Sunday morning. After all, I'm the minister there and I suppose it looks good to have my own children attending if I expect others to do the same. Then again, I suppose that's self-serving -- it shouldn't be about my job, should it?
Well, beside being a parish minister with the concerns of my professional persona, I am also a mother. I am a mother who cares deeply for her children, as I know do most UU parents of UU children. In that role, I take seriously my children's religious and spiritual development, just as seriously, in fact, as I take their academic and social development.
My kids seem to be the typical American kids, teens at this point. I have a boy who is a senior this year, another who is a freshman, and a daughter in middle-school. They are all happy and active. Many times on Sunday mornings they wake up and as I struggle to get us dressed appropriately and all out the door, they complain and tell me they don't want to go. "I'm too tired mom; I was out late last night," or, "I'll just stay here today and clean up the kitchen and do my homework," or, "church is dumb, those boys drive me crazy." Sympathetic mother that I am, I nod understandingly (and hopefully, when I imagine coming home to a clean kitchen) and remember that I had liberal UU parents who listened to me when I said I didn't want to go to church that morning. What ended up happening in my youth is that the whole family stopped going to church altogether.
I missed the experience of being a UU youth, of 15 years of Unitarian Universalism, since I didn't really go back until I had my own children. My mother went back too.
Wouldn't it be a shame if I were that open-minded about my children's attendance in public school or participation at the dinner table or household responsibilities? Yes, I said above I believe in their academic, social and athletic development, and their spiritual and religious development. I am their parent -- I make them come to church. When they are 18, they can decide for themselves what they want to do about school, about religion. I hope they choose to continue in both, but if I give them a good start, there's a good chance that they will.
Committee Meetings this Month
Caring Comm. - Tues. Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Executive Comm. - Wed. Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Interweave - Tues. Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Membership - Thurs. Dec. 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Program Council - Tues. Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Racial Justice - Thurs. Dec. 26 at 7:15 p.m.
RE Council - Tues. Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Social Justice - Thurs. Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Trustees - Thurs. Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Worship & Music - Thurs. Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m.
A GIFT FOR ALL FAMILIES - OF ALL KINDS
From Rev. Marlene
FRIDAY DECEMBER 20TH
All families (with or without children, singles or couples, gay or straight,
young or not so young -- families of all kinds) are invited to a special evening
of "Holiday Cocoa, Candles and Cookies" from 6:30 - 9pm in Chris Moore
Parlor hosted by Rev Marlene.
There will be stories, worship and yummies to eat -- and perhaps a special visitor
-- who knows!
If you would like to bring your favorite holiday cookies to share, that would
be great, too!
HOLIDAY PAGEANT
Yes, we are doing it again!!!!
The RE Holiday Pageant "How Come Christmas" will be on Sunday, December
15th.
This new and original holiday pageant created by our own Lia McCoo is fantastic.
There are parts for everyone, children and adults and lots of wonderful Holiday
music and songs. The children have already begun learning the songs and we will
have two rehearsals following church on Dec 1st and 8th. So plan on staying
late during social hour on those days so we can practice and make this the best
Holiday pageant ever!
Great Books
Great Books will be meeting on the second Sunday, December 8, at 11:30 a.m.
in the Choir Room. We will be discussing selections from "A Room of One's
Own," by Virginia Woolf. The group is open to anyone wishing to participate.
For further information, call Kennie James or Gloria Gnatz.
Guest At Your Table
Once again we have joined with Unitarian Universalists throughout our nation in support of the UUSC Guest At Your Table program. Guest At Your Table supports both domestic and international programs of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Members and friends were invited to take a Guest At Your Table box home on November 24 or soon thereafter and place it in their dining areas. Whenever they have a meal, they are encouraged to also place a contribution in the box for the "Guest At Your Table". We will gather up the contributions in the middle of January and send them on to the Service Committee.
From the Board
By Cynthia Oakes
Congregation President
As we gathered together for our annual Seder Thanksgiving (the biggest and, some might say, the best yet) I couldn't help but reflect on the first Seder our family attended. My daughter Elise participated, asking, "Why salt water?" or maybe it was "Why bitter herbs?" Also participating on that night were Grace Williams' and Marilyn Ratliff's daughters, Julie Neuman's children, and a very young Alec Lappin. Those adorable young children are now grown. They are attending college, gaining advanced degrees, holding down jobs, or, as in Alec's case, soon to be graduating from High School. How quickly time passes. I often hear about children who were raised in this Church...the children of John and Marge Saphir, George Reed, Dick and Rosemary Snow and many, many more. I think of Anne Jonas and my daughter Adriana and see how their involvement here continues to shape their lives as they prepare to leave home and enter the world. At this month's Seder we heard yet another young and equally adorable generation ask, "Why the turkey?" or "Why charoses?" This coming together of the generations throughout the generations is a living testimony to the hard work, contributions of money through difficult times, and ongoing love and support of the members of this Church, one for another. And now, back to business...
At a special meeting of the Board and the Property Committee on Saturday, November 16, the Board decided to accept the bid of Marion, Inc., to undertake the demolition of our stone spire, at a total cost of $309,900. This amount includes the undamaged removal of the weathervane for our future use. Construction Management will be provided by Richard A. Baumann of Kelly Construction Company at a cost of $13,500. This will include plan and detail processing, scheduling, and supervision of the work of Marion, Inc. We anticipate that the signing of the contracts with both companies will take place by the beginning of December and that the necessary city permits will be obtained so that work may begin shortly afterwards. You will remember that at a special Congregational Meeting held on February 24, 2002, the congregation voted to finance this project through the Endowment Fund. At a special hearing on Sunday, November 24, the Board will be soliciting ideas from the congregation on how we can find creative ways to replenish our Endowment. We are all grateful to the Property Committee for their commitment to this Church and the outstanding work they have done on this project.
At the regularly scheduled Board meeting, reports were heard from Finley Campbell, representing the Social Justice Council and Evelyn Johnson, representing the Committee on Ministry. Joan Pederson was appointed Chair of the Canvass Committee. Following a report from Julie Neuman of the Finance Committee, the Board agreed to hold a special meeting in January to discuss financial and budgetary concerns and to formulate both short-term and long-term financial plans. In additional business, the Organ Console Placement Task Force presented its findings. After carefully reviewing the survey results, the Board voted to retain the organ in its current position, on the Northwest main floor, where the overwhelming number of survey participants felt it should be located. Survey results can be obtained in the Church office. Thank you to the Task Force for an exceptional report and a job well done.
Among Us
Warmest get well wishes to our vocal music director, Ron Wentzel, recovering at home.
We are delighted to see Bette Sikes doing so well after her surgery!
Congratulations to Revs. Tom and Carolyn Owen-Towle on the birth of their new grandson, Owen.
We continue to hold Devon and Tinessa Moss and their family in our hearts as Devon serves in the armed forces.
We are pleased to report that Tom Weisflog is doing very well after
his surgery.
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER AND A MOVIE
Singles, couples, and single parents with children from Chicago area Unitarian
Universalist churches and seminaries (and other invited persons of our acquaintance)
are invited to a planned potluck dinner and a movie on Christmas Day, beginning
at 2 p.m.
The hosts are Allan Lindrup and A. Anne Holcomb. The place is their home:
5502 S. Hyde Park Blvd., #2. We can host up to 20 people. Some transportation
assistance may be possible. If you would like to attend please call Allan or
Anne no later than December 20. After Dec. 20 the hosts will discuss with those
coming what dishes are needed and how many to cook/provide for.
Is the U.S. Above Human Rights?
UU's For Social Justice are presenting "Is the U.S. Above Human Rights,"
a conference for advocates of human rights called in recognition of Human Rights
Day. It will be held on Saturday, December 7 at Agape House, 1046 W. Polk St.,
on the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. There will be panel workshops
in the afternoon featuring prominent human rights personalities in the Chicago
Area. There will be a dinner at 6:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m. a keynote speech
by Doug Cassell, director of the International Center for Human Rights. For
information and to register, contact Allan Lindrup uusjajl@enteract.com or www.uusforsocialjustice.org.
OUR PLEDGES - An Important Reminder from your Treasurer
As you probably know, First Church depends heavily on pledges from members and friends to pay operating expenses. A pledge to support the church testifies to a sense of commitment. As the year progresses, we must all live out that commitment by making our payments regularly. [Keep in mind that our staff and other expenses must be paid every month]
This year, pledge income is more important than ever, because the decline in the stock market has meant less available income from our endowment. To help with cash flow, the Finance Committee has decided to institute regular reminders in the Order of Service each Sunday. A small section of the Order of Service will inform the congregation on where we are to date in relation to our total Pledge Budget for the year. [For example, by the end of October, we had received only about $40,000 of the $52,000 budgeted for the first four months of the fiscal year.]
By the end of December, we should all have paid at least half of our pledges. Please check your records and make sure that you have done so: it's part of being a responsible member of our church community.
Julie Neuman
Committee on Ministry
One of the responsibilities of the Committee on Ministry is to work with the committees and councils of the church to translate the church's mission and long-term goals into program. The committee is now laying definitive plans to contact committee and council chairs to discuss each respective group's mission and goals, how they fit with those of the church overall and how the Committee on Ministry can subsequently facilitate "mission accomplishment" for all. This process will begin over the holidays with increased activity in the new calendar year. For more information, contact any committee member: Evelyn Johnson, Margie Gonwa, Pat MacClarence, Neil Gerdes, Grace Williams or Ivan Lappin.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR, BAKE SALE & CAFE
Start your holiday shopping off right with a stop at our Holiday Craft Fair, Bake Sale and Café, Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8! You' ll find beautiful handcrafted gifts, delicious baked goods, and a place to have lunch as well. Among the items for sale will be: jewelry, ceramics, soft dolls, stuffed animals,stained glass, table linens, pillows, adorable children's hats, ornaments, holiday cards, table decorations, original water colors, and yummy baked goods. And you won't drop when you shop because there will be a mouthwatering soup lunch offered as well!
We do need some help with the baking and folks to staff the sale tables. You
can bake it and freeze it, so starting now isn't too soon. If you can bake or
offer a few hours on either fair day, please contact Cindy Pardo or Kay Mann.
Initiative to End Homelessness
Would you like to end homelessness for one Chicago family? A group of concerned clergy and laity in Hyde Park is working toward that goal by planning to launch a transitional housing initiative in the neighborhood. Transitional housing is the stage between a homeless shelter and independent living during which the client works to achieve self-sufficiency. It is designed to bring stability into the life of homeless families and facilitate the transition to permanent housing. Our project will provide housing and mentoring to a client family for up to two years with the goal of enabling the family to become independent. We propose to start small, by sponsoring one family. After the potential of this approach has been demonstrated with one family, we hope to expand the program by encouraging congregations and other groups to sponsor more families. Sponsoring would include financial support and mentoring.
The project is being developed by the Hyde Park Cluster of Interfaith Open Communities (IOC), a joint effort of Protestants for the Common Good, the Catholic Archdiocese, the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs and the Council of Islamic Organizations. Seven Hyde Park congregations are active in our local cluster. The Social Justice Committee of the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council has endorsed the endeavor and the Council's Executive Committee is making a significant contribution to its reserve fund. We are modeling the project after Bridge Communities, a highly successful DuPage County program in which 32 congregations currently sponsor 50 families. At present there is no program comparable to Bridge Communities operating on the South Side of Chicago.
We will use a social service agency to help locate our first family. We aim to make a meaningful and lasting change in this family's life. They will actively participate in formulating personal and family goals, with the assistance of two mentors and a case manager. These goals will then be embodied in a formal contract between the program and the family.
We need to engage volunteer mentors to work with the family in formulating and making progress toward goals. Typical goals may include debt reduction, establishment of good credit, education or job training, and job enhancement. Mentors, who will receive appropriate training, will typically meet with the family for two or three hours per week. They will provide support in budgeting and in dealing with employers, creditors, schools, and government agencies.
Of course we also need financial contributions. We anticipate expenses of $1000
- $1200 per month to cover the cost of rent and utilities for our first family.
An individual pledge of $10 per month would cover 1% of this cost, and 100-120
such individual contributions could support the program.
We are working to compile a roster of individuals who are willing to provide
services to the family as needed. These may include vocational testing and training,
job counseling, tutoring, legal services, and social and psychological services.
We could also use people knowledgeable about the rental real estate market and
the job market who could find a suitable apartment for the client family and
prospective employers for those clients needing jobs.
Finally, we will need people to do various tasks, like helping with moving, often on a one time basis. If you would like to volunteer or help financially, or if you have questions, please contact Mark Granfors at: mark@abfn.org) or Allan Lindrup at uusjajl@enteract.com).
U.U.s For Social Justice
The annual meeting of UU's for Social Justice will be held Sunday Dec. 8, 2002 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Unity Temple, 875 W. Lake St., Oak Park. At 4:30 there is a panel On "Analysis, Critic and Additions" to U.U.S.J.'s Dec. 7 Human Rights Conference. A business meeting follows from 5:30 to 7:30, including: status of Peace Issues Task Force, our first draft legislation, other task force reports, finances, elections, etc. For further information contact the Chair -- Allan Lindrup -- at uusjajl@enteract.com.
Report from the Social Justice Council
By Dr. Finley C. Campbell, chair
The month of November has been a busy one for our council. The Racial Justice Task Force, under the leadership of Rafaella Patini and Allan Lindrup, obtained a modest victory with the acquittal of Sister Anna Mustafa, a Palestinian-American, who had been falsely charged with a felony misdemeanor for allegedly making a bomb threat at the O'Hare Airport. For us, it was a clear example of racist profiling, occurring as it did after the racist terrorist attack on New York. We constantly had observers at the trial, we had discussions on her behalf, and most of all we kept her in our active prayers. We are hoping to have a celebration at the church for her as soon as she comes off vacation.
The most active group in our Council is the 9/11 Study Group, which is beginning to combine study with action. Under the leadership of Elvira Pellitteri and Bobbi Lammers, this group carried out the first Hyde Park Rally against war and for peace this year. We were co-sponsored by the Hyde Park Committee Against War and Racism. Some 75 people of all colors, including our two ministers, Rev. Nina and Rev. Marlene, showed up at different times in support. Hundreds of leaflets were passed out. Our signs, chants, and a big banner were seen by hundreds. Cars also honked in support. Several folks spoke about aspects of the war. Our slogan was: We will oppose this war, no matter who supports it. The rally ended with the singing of "Give Peace a Chance" and "We shall overcome."
At our last meeting, the Environmental Study Group finally became an official environmental task force whose mission is to educate the church about environmental issues, carry out environmental tasks for the church, and to sponsor meetings and forums.
With Rev. Grey and Allan Lindrup acting as liaison, we are now connected with the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council, Rev. Grey, President, and the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice Group, both engaged in a variety of social justice issues, from homelessness to issues of peace.
I will be representing the Social Justice Council as a facilitator at the conference on Peace and Global Justice being sponsored by the social action group at the Riverside Church in New York on November 23, which is quite a feather in our cap.
Coming up: A major walk, rally, and vigil against the coming war in Iraq. This will be held on Sunday, December 8th, 3:00 pm, beginning in front of our church and ending at Harold Washington Park. This is being co-sponsored by a new group called Hyde Parkers Against the Iraqi War. For more information, contact Elvira Pelletteri at 324-4100.
To conclude: the Social Justice Council now emerges as a major component of our church life in light of the sudden shifts in the nature of our country. Given all the complexity, we should remain true to the old vision in the poem by Lowell, and I paraphrase: Once to every soul and nation, comes the moment to decide; in the fight twixt good and falsehood, to be on the righteous side. The members of the Social Justice Council and those in the church who support its mission have clearly decided to be on the side of Righteousness.
First Call:
O Freedom: The Emancipation Proclamation Pageant, 2003 -- 1863 - 2003
When? Saturday, January 18, 2003, 7:15 pm
Where? The First Unitarian Church of Chicago
Who? sponsored by the Social Justice Council of the First Unitarian Church
with an open invitation to the Hyde Park Community to attend
What? A Dramatic Lecture, celebrating the 140th anniversary of the public
proclaiming of the Emancipation Proclamation
How? We will have drama, music, dance, and we will be having a goodwill
donation for our church's ministry.
Why? To celebrate this great event in the history of the fight against
racism and oppression.
For more information, call Finley C. Campbell.
FALL BOOK AND MUSIC SALE A BIG SUCCESS!
By Joan Pederson
Our Fall Spectacular Book and Music Sale, Oct. 5-6, was a great success, taking
in more than $1,400. Again, as in June, a large proportion of the shoppers were
from beyond our walls; having outside help for the support of the programs of
this congregation is always a great boon. Many thanks to all who made it happen:
* those who contributed books, tapes, LPs, and CDs for sale (unfortunately,
we have the names of only a handful of you)
* cashiers Linn Orear, Phiefer Browne, Julie Neuman, Cindy Pardo, and Mary Sidney
* flyer, signage and balloons, pick-up, set-up, pack-up, and other behind-the-scenes
help from Ellie Hall, Finley Campbell, Polly McCoo, Madeiria Myrieckes, Kennie
James, Ellen LaRue, Guiseppe Latino, Richard Pardo, Cynthia Oakes, Diana Gray,
and Richard Blough
* invaluable staff assistance, especially from head custodian Mike Green and
church administrator Rick Brown
* anyone whose name I have inadvertently left out above
* all of you who spread the word, brought friends, encouraged co-workers to
drop by, and bought a few books, tapes, and CDs yourself.
The next sale is scheduled for June 2003. Please do NOT bring more books and
music to church before May. Look for details in newsletters this spring about
ways YOU can join the fun: contributing items for sale, helping behind the scenes,
working at the sale itself. Let's make the next one an even bigger success,
with even more shoppers from beyond our walls!
Small Group Ministry Learning Group Change in Schedule
Facilitator: Rev. Nina Grey
Co-Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Marlene Walker
Coordinated by: The Adult Religious Education Committee.
Dates: Sundays, January 26, and March 2, March 30, and April 27.
Times: 5:30 - 8:00 P.M., beginning with Potluck Dinner
There is a movement within Unitarian Universalism which is contributing to personal growth, congregational growth, and to the deepening of relationships within a congregation. This movement is sometimes referred to by the name Covenant Groups and sometimes it is called Small Group Ministry. There has been a recent upsurge of interest in Small Group Ministry expressed by several individuals and groups in the church. They have suggested that such a program might be helpful to sustain our members in their personal and church lives and strengthen our congregational life.
A Small Group Ministry program develops small groups which members and friends may join. These groups often share common themes which they explore from month to month. These are not like committees which have tasks to do. Instead they offer the opportunity to deepen spirituality, share joys and sorrows and life events, and explore common themes. They are led by co-facilitators who receive training and support to help them in their leadership. Small groups provide ways for newcomers to the church to develop more of a sense of connection and belonging. We are scheduling a four-session opportunity to learn more about Small Group Ministry, in what we are calling the Small Group Ministry Learning Group.
Participating in these four sessions will give you more of an overview, more
information and more of a sense about how Small Group Ministry works. Coming
to these sessions will not mean that you will become a facilitator of small
groups. After this orientation, the probable next step will be to recruit and
train small group facilitators. Please call Rev. Nina Grey for more information
or to sign up for the four-session Small Group Ministry Learning Group.