Index of Past Issues

Rev. Grey's column, "Both Sides," is available here.

Committee Meetings this Month
Caring Comm. - Tues. Nov. 25 at 6:00 p.m.
Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism - Sun. Nov. 9 at 11:30 a.m.
Comm. on Ministry - Tues. Nov. 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Executive Comm. - Wed. Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Program Council - Tues. Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m.
RE Council - Tues. Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Social Justice - Thurs. Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Trustees - Thurs. Nov. 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Worship & Music - Thurs. Nov. 6 at 7:00 p.m.

In the Interim
By Millie Rochester, Interim Minister for Religious Education

Since my arrival two months ago, several people have expressed surprise about something. Why, they ask, is there no "Rev." in front of my name? I am, after all, called Minister for Religious Education. The reason is simple: I am not yet ordained - but I will be soon.

Last spring, the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association approved my preliminary fellowship. This is the three-year period mandated before "final fellowship." Ordination is different. In the UU tradition, ordination is the responsibility of congregations, not that of a Bishop, a Pope, or the Association. And for a minister, ordination is a most sacred and unique rite of passage, for it happens only once in a minister's lifetime.

On Sunday, November 16th, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, Oregon, will confer the title "Reverend" upon me. I am honored that my home congregation has chosen to have such a major role.

This congregation, too - First Unitarian Society - is a part of my journey in ministry, though I have been here only a short while, and will be staying only a year or two. Likewise, the partnership Nina and I have begun, and I am delighted that Nina will be a part of my ordination ceremony, bringing greetings from the First Unitarian Society. So you will be with me during this occasion, through Nina, and in my heart.

Why, you may wonder, is there so long a wait - from March to November - for ordination? Well, there doesn't have to be, but many people have been important to me in this journey, and I chose to wait until their calendars would accommodate their participation in the event.

Yours in faith,

Millie

Way Cool Sunday School continues. On the first Sunday of each month, the congregation worships together. On other Sundays, Preschool and Kindergartners learn about differences and commonalities among people through the Unitarian Universalist curriculum “We Are Many, We Are One.” Older children and youth explore our Jewish and Christian heritages through arts and crafts, music and drama on second and fourth Sundays, and social justice issues every third Sunday. Many adults decide to be facilitators of the program as a means of learning more about these subjects. Contact Interim Minister for Religious Education Millie Rochester if you are interested

A Safe Place to Talk in Scary Times
Second Wednesdays of the month, from 6:30-7:30 -
Share pizza and conversation with Interim Minister for Religious Education Millie Rochester, friends, and members. Not a "therapy" session, this is an opportunity to voice your feelings about the state of the world, our country, and your place in it. No preparation in advance is required, but participants must be willing to listen to one another with understanding, and without judging.

Register for Religious Education classes
Regisration forms are available at the church for the lifespan religious education program. Completing these forms is necessary for whole families - with or without children. By being registered, children, youth and adults will automatically be included on religious education-related mailing lists, and the ministers and staff of First Church can better serve your family. Rev. Nina Grey and Interim Minister for Religious Education Millie Rochester encourage you to speak with them if you feel the need to negotiate the $75 per year registration fee.

Annual Seder Dinner
The Annual Seder Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 6:00 p.m. So far, the plans will follow last year’s organization, with tables of eight. Cost will be $15 for adults, $8 for children under 10 years of age and a special fee for families of four or more. To volunteer for one of the many jobs, or for further information, call Madeiria Myrieckes or Pauline McCoo.

Ethnic Heritage Festival
Plan to attend our Ethnic Heritage Festival after church on Sunday, November 9, Noon to 4 p.m.. Bring your friends and neighbors to hear world music, see ethnic costumes, taste exotic foods and buy unusual art items. You will “meet” your friends and heroes from the early days, and join the fun of our “now” community.

Are you ready to do the Highland Fling? Have you decided on your costume?

Church members are encouraged to look for ethnic art items to donate for sale. Bring them to church on Nov. 2. There will be copies of our invitation available on that Sunday so that you can deliver them to friends and neighbors. Also on Nov. 2 the Art Committee will receive any ethnic costumes you can loan for modeling. If you can model a costume for part of the day Nov. 9, contact Polly McCoo.
This event will raise money to complete our gallery of Ministers and congregational leaders in the Von Ogden Vogt Gallery (VOV). See Veronica Jenifer or Pauline McCoo for information.

Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service
The Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council is sponsoring its 89th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. As is the custom it will be held at Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., between 11 a.m. and noon. Daphne Burt, the Associate Dean of Rockefeller Chapel will offer the sermon, Millie Rochester will provide a Unitarian Universalist reading during the litany of interfaith readings and prayers, and Lia McCoo will sing the Song of Peace and a song to accompany the liturgical dancers. The Chicago Children's Choir will sing.

The offering is for the support of the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council of which First Unitarian Church is a member congregation. The Interfaith Council operates two very significant food programs, the Open Kitchen and the Food Pantry.

Timuel Black Honored
Long-time Hyde Park activist and church member Timuel Black will be honored at an event in our sanctuary Sunday afternoon, November 23, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by our church, the Hyde Park Historical Society, and the 57th Street Book Store. Mr. Black will read from and sign copies of his new book, Bridges of Memory. Entertainment is by Willie Pickens and refreshments will be served. The announcement states, “For as long as any of us can remember, Timuel Black has articulated our dreams of Democracy and sharpened our notions of justice. He has taught us, led us and been the conscience of generations.”

Birthday Celebration
Pauline McCoo, Sadie Picardo and Bette Sikes have arrived. They are all celebrating their 75th Birthday and we are inviting you to help us celebrate with a luncheon Sunday, November 30, at 12:30 p.m. Please bring your favorite dessert to share. RSVP is greatly appreciated: Marge Saphir or Madeiria Myrieckes.

Board Talk
By Grace Williams
Congregation President

It's always a pleasure to be reminded of the generosity of spirit that exists within our congregation. I was so reminded on Sunday, October 19, when a special offering was collected to provide some further support to our head custodian, Michael Green, while he is in recovery from a stroke suffered a few weeks ago. A substantial sum was collected despite the fact that there was no time for prior warning before the worship service. I am sure that Mike will appreciate not only our gift of money, but also our gift of caring and support.

In turn, the congregation received the gift of beautiful music from our choir, whose talent and enthusiasm was so ably brought to the fore by our new Interim Choral Director, Itai Daniel. It was clear to me that Itai, who brings to us substantive and impressive experience and qualifications in orchestral conducting, and as a piano recitalist, accompanist and vocal coach, knows how to get the very best from our choir. I know Ron would be pleased! The congregation has also been receiving a gift of support from Meadville Lombard's Maintenance Chief, Jon Rice, and Assistant Custodian, LaTonya Bennett, who have worked many additional hours to fill in for Mike.

I am writing this column while on my way to visit my daughter Tiade at school in western Massachusetts, in full knowledge that I'll soon be experiencing the beautiful Fall foliage of New England, and mindful that I've also experienced that delight in Chicago, very close to home - in Hyde Park, and in the Downers Grove Forest Preserves. My renewed awareness and appreciation was partly stimulated by the very moving and thought-provoking sermon delivered by Rev. Nina Grey on Sunday, October 19, during which she memorialized the beautiful old trees lost this past summer and reminded us of our interconnectedness with nature.

Our various efforts at learning, growing and accomplishing the day-to-day tasks of church life continued with full force over the past month: The Budgets with a Mission Workshop on October 3-4, attended by Rev. Nina Grey, Margaret Huyck, Linn Orear, Joan Pederson, Millie Rochester, Bette Sikes and myself, was very instructive. We not only learned about the concept of Program and Mission-based budgeting, but we applied it to our own line item budget, so that we gained an understanding of what it would look like. The pre-workshop preparation required a staff time study and a facility usage study in various program areas of church life, largely conducted and coordinated by our Church Administrator, that proved to be useful tools. One key learning for us was that people support a budget based on the appeal of the congregation's mission to them.

The Bell Tower Restoration/Capital Campaign Task Force completed its life cycle with a First Forum on Sunday, October 19, at which some 20 of us discussed the follow-up recommendations by the Task Force from the June Capital Fund Assessment workshop led by Larry Wheeler, and the Board's response. We heard a presentation by Vision, Mission, Covenant Task Force Chair, Diana Gray, on the group’s plans and approach for carrying out its work for the next 6 to 12 months. I would like to express my appreciation to the members of the Bell Tower Restoration/Capital Campaign Task Force - Ivan Lappin, Chair, Tom Huyck, Cindy Pardo, Jamie Orlikoff, Rev. Nina Grey, ex-officio, for successfully carrying out their charge, and thereby inspiring and informing our thinking and future action.
Congratulations also to all those who made the Committee Fair on October 5 such a success - to Program Council Chair Bobbi Lammers Campbell, chief coordinator, and Margaret Huyck, President-Elect and Chair of the Committee on Congregational Participation, who produced very informative, colorful and user-friendly Directories for the Councils and Committees. Thanks also to Church Administrator Rick Brown who produced our Fall 2003 Directory of Members and Friends in time for the event, and all the Council and Committee Chairs and members who made it feel like a celebration of who and how we are as a church community.

We continue to strive to be self-sustaining and to fund our special projects with various ongoing and special fundraising activities, including the Book and Music Sale on October 18 and 19; the Coffee Sale and the Note Card Sale each Sunday, and the upcoming Art Committee-sponsored Ethnic Heritage Festival on November 9 designed to raise funds to frame and hang portraits of all our professional ministers in VOV Gallery.

Peace and Blessings,

Grace

Environmental Task Force Report
By Ellen LaRue

The Environmental Task Force took part in the very enjoyable Committee Fair on Oct. 5. At the fair we collected signatures on letters to Congressmen Jackson and Rush asking their support for the Depleted Uranium (DU) Munitions Act of 2003. This bill would mandate studies of the health effects and environmental contamination from use and manufacture of DU weapons. This bill, the subject of an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW), was endorsed at the UUA General Assembly this summer. The letter was an Action Alert letter drawn up by the UUs for Social Justice Board of Trustees. More copies are available if you missed the chance to sign on; also copies of the AIW adopted at GA.

In addition we are still working toward a used bike sale in the spring. We may try to partner with Working Bikes Coop. This group gets bikes that are headed for the landfill and sells them. The proceeds are used to ship hundreds of bikes to Nicaragua, Ghana, and the Caribbean. Bikes are kept out of landfills, we get a chance to buy used bikes, people riding bikes don't create CO-2 (except if they breathe), people in the Third World have a chance to get bikes which they can surely use for increased mobility. Such a deal!

Green Corner. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is what they say. It is how to keep our landfills from sprawling and reaching to the sky. I'm not sure how we're doing on Reduce and Recycle, but some of us are doing great in the Reuse department. Congratulations to Joan Pederson and her crew for making possible the reuse of many many pounds of books. (Just ask the ones who set up and put away.) Congratulations to Polly McCoo and her team for the good stuff which is resold every year at the Silent Auction. Congratulations to Betty Holcomb who introduces us to her favorite, amazing resale shop as part of her Alternative Chicago Tour (a really fun Talent Auction offering). And thanks to all of us who leave our orders of service on our seats after church on Sundays – the jackets get reused. What else are we doing? What more could we do? Yes, I know it won't fix the problem of landfills bursting at theirs seams and leaching into the groundwater. That can only come from rational public policy, ultimately centralized at the national and international level. We need to work to make that policy a reality. But in the meanwhile, by our simple actions we help keep alive our relationship with the earth and for the other people and the other-than-humans of the earth, and we teach our children. And what about feeding the worms? Is that reuse?

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice Annual Meeting
By Allan Lindrup

The Annual Meeting of U.U.s for Social Justice will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2003, between 2 and 5 p.m., at the Hinsdale Unitarian Church, 17 W. Maple St., Hinsdale, IL. The program at this year's Annual Meeting is "Bridge Communities". Bridge Communities is a DuPage County interfaith transitional housing agency which has housed over 350 homeless families since it started 15 years ago. It is THE model for interfaith transitional housing programs in the Chicago area and one of the best models in the country. Come and learn how they do it.
The program will be followed by the Annual Business Meeting. If you have questions, would like directions, or would like to be sent a flyer, with map and directions on the back, you may write to uusj@att.net or you may leave a message in the UUSJ box at 773-643-8061.

Empowering the Disabled in Haiti
On Sunday, November 2, at 11:45 a.m., in Chris Moore Parlor, Rev. Steve Howland of River Forest United Methodist Church and Dennis Schreiber, one of the founders of DARE (Disabled Americans Rally for Equality), will show slides of Haiti and tell about DARE's projects supporting the Haitian Society to Aid the Blind and the Grace Hospital Eye Clinic. DARE's next trip to Haiti will be January 14-17, 2004, at the time of the bicentennial of the birth of the Republic of Haiti. We can contribute towards the purchase of specific equipment and supplies as well as seed money for blind businesses. Even small amounts will help. Come and find out more! For further information, contact Joan Staples.

Ron Wentzel (1933-2003)
Ron Wentzel, our Vocal Music Director for the past 12 years, passed away on October 2 from complications of diabetes. Ron was 70 years old. He is survived by his wife Betty and sons Luther and Parker. A memorial service will take place at a later date, to be announced. Notes to Betty and their sons, as well as other family members, may be sent to 521 Roberts Drive, Glenwood, IL 60425.

A graduate of the American Conservatory of Music and Roosevelt University, Ron was a tremendously versatile musician: he was a composer, teacher, organist/pianist, and choir director. He had worked at several churches, in schools, and as a private teacher for many years before he came to First Church.

He not only worked hard with our choir, but took a personal interest in all of us. He gave many of us opportunities to sing solos and be part of small ensembles, and was open to a wide variety of music. Ron and Betty joined First Church and participated in our church life. Their warmth and humor were part of our lives and important to us all.

Ron took particular pride in our church choir. He told interviewer Michael Donner in 1998: “Working with the choir is a real joy. They’re willing to try anything. I say, ‘Let’s jump!’ They say, ‘How high?’”
Ron challenged us with his wide-ranging interests in music. Typically, at the beginning of the season in the Fall, he would present us with an ambitious work and then devote a portion of each rehearsal for months helping us master it. The culmination for many of us was our performance of the Mozart Requiem several years ago. At the other end of the spectrum was “Geographical Fugue,” a spoken piece with intricate rhythms, which Ron would not let us give up on until at last it was performed. Ron was sensitive to the place of music in the worship service and worked closely with the ministers in planning the services. His broad tastes assured that there was variety in the Sunday music, ranging from upbeat ballads such as “Rhythm of Life,” to gospel and soul, to modern and classical sacred music, madrigals, and the 13th Century song “Summer is a-comin’ in.”

Ron had studied with the famous Leo Sowerby, and was a talented composer. Ron was thankful to the choir for its willingness to tackle his handwritten and somewhat “modern” scores.

Ron continually studied the new UU hymnal and was an expert on its contents. He would run through some of the more little known hymns at the beginning of rehearsals, or at the annual Talent Auction Hymn Sing, illustrating interesting points about the sources, composers, similarities and differences.

For everyone in the congregation Ron was an inspirational example of how the human spirit can prevail even in the face of overwhelming physical illness and disability.

Interim Choir Director Named
The Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Itai Daniel to be interim choir director for a period of 2 ½ months, after which he will be moving to Europe. Itai was born and raised on a kibbutz in Israel. He studied orchestra and choral conducting at Tel Aviv University, has a Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music and an Artist Diploma from Pacific University in Oregon. He has had experience as a conductor with several orchestras, and as a pianist, and has been a pianist and vocal coach with Prof. William Woodruff at Northwestern University and Elsa Charlston at DePaul. His prior church position was Music Director of the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ.

Itai began his tenure with us in mid-October, helping the Choir to learn new skills and support the music program in this period of transition. We hope you will welcome Itai with enthusiasm.
A committee of Worship and Music and Choir representatives and Rev. Nina Grey will begin the process of deciding how to conduct the search for a replacement for Ron Wentzel.

Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee
By Pat Lucas and Joanne Kent
The Committee continues to monitor worship services for racial and cultural diversity in the hymns, readings and other elements of the service. Recently the origins of hymns and readings have been included in the Order of Service, thereby raising our awareness. If you have any comments to contribute, please see a member of the Committee.

A major undertaking of the Committee this year has been the organization and implementation of small group discussions of CLARC members dealing with race and racism. Two of the six planned sessions have been completed. The first session was critiqued at the Oct. 12, 2003 meeting and minor changes presented by Phiefer Brown were discussed and were adopted for the second session.

The second session was held October 15, 2003 and dealt with members’ personal experiences of race/racism. The information presented led to an active discussion and provided the participants a unique opportunity to learn more about each other’s background and unique experiences and how their personal identities were formed. Phiefer Brown and Pat Lucas were the discussion facilitators for this session.
Veronica Jenifer indicated that the Art Committee is seeking photographs showing the diversity of the congregation. If you have photos of some of our get-togethers, please share them with her.

The Committee is sponsoring films to be shown quarterly in the Chris Moore Parlor. The upcoming film, a documentary entitled Race: The Power of an Illusion, is tentatively scheduled for November 21, 2003 at 7 p.m. This is an excellent film about how race became an American obsession and includes information about the treatment of American Indians as well as other groups. Watch your announcements in the Order of Service for the date and bring your family and friends. Light refreshments are served.

Two Committee members, Richard Jenifer and Pat Lucas, participated in the October 12, 2003 Frist Forum commemorating the March on Washington held 40 years ago in 1963 and a civil rights project in Mississippi which took place in 1964. Both are continuing their anti-racism work through the Committee.

The CLARC Committee continues to meet monthly to discuss efforts to increase and emphasize the racial diversity of our church and church services. Anyone interested in this effort is welcome to participate in the meetings held in the R.E. Classroom the second Sunday of each month after worship services.

Get to Know Yourself Better!
By Joe Cherry

Explore your own views on the topic of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender people in a safe, learning environment. Interweave presents the Welcoming Congregation Workshop Series.

Eight years ago, our congregation voted to become a "Welcoming Congregation," affirming our desire to be more intentional and visible in our welcoming of all people, including those "in the life." This workshop series has been updated, and this time around, we are not seeking a vote to become a Welcoming Congregation. This time it’s personal. Personal development, that is.

UU's have always been on the cutting edge of social advancement, and here is your chance to keep up that tradition. Can you define the following terms: Intersexual, Affectional Orientation, Biphobia? Even if you could, please still consider joining us. If you couldn't, then you need to ask yourself whether or not you are prepared to show the world what Unitarian Universalism looks like in action.

We begin the Welcoming Workshops on November 18, and will meet monthly thereafter until the end of the church year. Contact Joe Cherry with any questions at josephmcherry@hotmail.com.

Become an agent for change.

Great Books
Great books will meet on Sunday, November 9 at 11:45 a.m. in the Choir Room to discuss The Three Lives of Lucie Cabrol by John Berger. It is the culminating story in Pig Earth, the first of three books in Berger’s Into Their Labours Trilogy, which chronicles the demise of European peasant life. Berger won the Booker Prize in 1972 with his novel, “G”. Newcomers are welcome. Call Kennie James or Gloria Gnatz for information.

Mission, Vision, and Covenant Planning Process Begins
By Diana Gray
This a time to stop, breathe, and reflect. It is a time to think about who we are as a congregation and what we want to be. Though the MVC Planning Process the congregation creates a three to five year plan initiated by the joint development and adoption of formal statements of the congregation's mission, vision and covenant. This plan becomes the congregation's guide for the future.

The Mission, Vision, and Covenant Planning Process will allow us to stop and think deliberately and explicitly about our life together and future as a congregation. We will set aside the demand for action on immediate issues for one powerful moment. Through this moment we will step back and try to view the larger picture of our future and direction.

The Board of Trustees recently appointed a Mission, Vision, and Covenant Task Force. Members are Paulette Dodson, Diana Gray, Madeiria Myrieckes, Jamie Orlikoff, and Steve Ploum. This Task Force is meeting to determine what resources we will need and what process we will follow to carry out the Mission, Vision, and Covenant Planning Process. It will then coordinate the effort with the selected facilitator
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Our next meeting is Wednesday, November 12, 2003. We invite your ideas and suggestions for this effort. Feel free to e-mail me at dgray@uchicago.edu.

Bell Tower Note Cards Fund Raiser
The Note Card Packets contain four lovely views of our church--
* One with the spire still in place and Lake Michigan in the background,
* Two of the restored Bell Tower, and
* A lovely shot of Hull Chapel taken by our own Joseph Cherry.
Our goal is to:
* Sell 1,000 packets of these note cards
* Generating $15,000 by the end of 2003.
These funds will be used to help pay for:
* The costs of consulting services for the Mission, Vision, and Covenant Planning Process,
* Interest costs accrued on the line of credit borrowed to cover the spire removal costs, and
* A capital campaign consultant.
These funds are urgently needed NOW. We need to sell these note cards quickly!
* Please, everyone, buy five or six packets.
* Sell them to colleagues, neighbors, and friends.
* Use them as holiday cards, thank you, sympathy, and friendship notes.
* Give them as gifts.

Small Group Ministry Planning Group
By Rev. Nina Grey
The Small Group Ministry or Covenant Group Movement within Unitarian Universalism is contributing to personal growth, congregational growth, and to the deepening of relationships within a congregation.
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.

Last spring we held a four-session opportunity to learn more about Small Group Ministry, the Small Group Ministry Learning Group. Participating in these four sessions gave participants more of an overview, more information and more of a sense about how Small Group Ministry works.

Now we are developing a Small Group Ministry Planning Group, facilitated by myself and Millie Rochester, and coordinated by the Adult Religious Education Committee. The first meeting will be in November, with continuing meetings during the winter. If you are interested in applying to participate in the Small Group Ministry Planning group, please contact Rev. Grey.

Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Betty Wentzel, sons Parker and Luther and their families, on the death of our Vocal Music Director, Ron Wentzel, October 2, 2003. A private committal service is planned and a Memorial Service will take place at a future date to be announced.
Our continuing warm get well wishes to our custodian, Mike Green, as he recovers from a stroke.
Our very best wishes to Bill and Dottie Barron who recently moved to Colorado.
Our healing thoughts and prayers go out for Polly McCoo.
We continue to hold Vi Stark in our minds and hearts.
Our warm caring thoughts go out to Devon Moss, still serving in Iraq, and to his wife, Tinessa, and children Holden, Zachary and Duncan.
Our deep sympathy to the family and friends of Millard Robbins who was remembered in a memorial service at the church on Friday, October 17, 2003. Rev. Nina Grey officiated at the service.
Thanks to Ruth Wong who helped at the Student Activities Fair for the UU Young Adult and Campus Ministry.
Bette Sikes sent former Senior Minister Jack Mendelsohn (1969-78) a set of the new "Bell Tower Restoration" note cards (with the four stunning images of our church). Jack wrote back: "Congratulations on a job well done. It's fortunate that [Von Ogden] Vogt and [Morton Denison]Hull didn't have to live through it, but for most of the rest of us it's a welcome relief."

Face to Face with Diversity
By Dolores Rosenblum
First Forum on Sunday, November 23 at 11:45 a.m. will feature a presentation by Mary Ann Millhone, a founding member of Face to Face with Diversity. This is an organization which has developed a style of person-centered diversity work based on the practices of Carl Rogers, renowned humanistic psychologist. For four years, they have offered open-ended groups in Chicago and other U.S. and European cities. One-third to two-thirds of their members are persons of color. These groups are convened by a diverse facilitator group that has done intensive person-centered work together, so they are already comfortable with their own communication around issues of difference. The facilitators are able to create an unusual climate of empathy, prizing and authenticity for group members, given the depth of experience they have--both around issues of diversity and with person-centered styles of relating. They challenge approaches which dichotomize "talk" and "action" by embracing both. Their current goal is to open a person-centered agency called "Nia" on the South Side of Chicago. As a response to demolition of "the projects" resulting in increased homelessness, Nia will offer access to transitional housing in privately-owned buildings, along with psychological services and follow-up case management. Mary Ann Millhone is a founding member of the organization and will bring other Face To Face personnel with her for the presentation at First Forum, so they can model the format, with some participation from the congregation.

Social Justice First Forum November 16
The Racial Justice Task Force has been working to develop our collaboration with CLAIM in our efforts to propose a social service project to the Social Justice Council which the whole church could participate in. We voted to recommend a group called Companions Journeying Together (CJT) recommended by CLAIM. The group has a variety of service projects for incarcerated women. In order to give more detailed information to the congregation there will be a SJC First Forum on Sunday Nov. 16th with CJT's new Executive Director Rev. Karen Hutt, co-minister of the Church of the Open Door and former director of Religious Education at our church. We see a multiracial approach to these women, mainly minorities, as an effective tool for raising anti-racist consciousness in a practical way for concerned members of our church, especially for young people

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Reports from the Social Justice Council
By Dr. Finley C. Campbell, Chair

•The Racial Justice Task Force (RJTF): We continue with our letter writing campaign in the fight against racism. We sent a letter to Gene Siskel Film Center, protesting their showing of the extreme racist second half of the movie, Birth of a Nation. The following letters are in preparation: Letter to the Michigan University Law School congratulating them for their affirmative action victory for graduate students but opposing the Supreme Court decision to eliminate consideration of race for undergraduate admission. A letter to Former Gov. G. Ryan to thank him for his efforts in commutation of death penalty in Illinois and to protest Lisa Madigan (Attorney General) attempt to appeal 12 of the death penalty commutations. Finally, a letter protesting the announced closure of the Advocate Hyde Park Health clinic in Hyde Park for what we have defined as neo-racist reasons (the fact that it now mainly services middle to low income black people). Copies of all letters will be made available.

We also co-sponsored a First Forum in October on race relations since the 1963 march, featuring Pat Lucas, who described her participation in the Mississippi Summer Project of 2004, and Richard Jenifer, RJT member, who described his participation in the 1963 march itself. This was followed by a lively discussion on race relationships since that time, with my observation that the Civil Rights Movement did not result in multiracial integration, but only in limited desegregation. A video tape of the proceedings is available for a $5.00 donation, funds to go to the RJT.

• The 9/11 Study Group: 9/11 group is still working on the issue of imperialism, with a discussion of Harry Magdoff's work on the nature and history of imperialism. There was a lively discussion on the differences between imperialism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism. Growing out of that discussion was a vote to have a rally against the US imperialistic policies in Iraq. We also voted to contact a group called Hyde Parkers Against the War in Iraq, which has now become Hyde Parkers for Peace and Justice. The date chosen was October 25th. The rally was a modest success: some 75 people showed up, nine from our church. At the Nichols Park rally we heard speeches by Carl Davidson of the Peace and Justice Voter Registration Initiative and from our own Rafaella Pretini. And music by a Chicago peace activist folk singer. Then we had a spirited walk down 53rd street with chanting and singing, ending at Harold Washington Park where I and Mel Rothenberg of the Hyde Parkers group spoke. We had another song by our music leader and ended with the singing of “We Shall Overcome.” Hundreds of leaflets were given out, including an open letter to President Bush from me as SJC chair.

The Social Justice Council itself met on Thursday October 9 and the following proposals were approved:
1. A joint rally around the issue of ending the occupation of Iraq with the Hyde Parkers for Peace and Justice on October 25th;
2. The social service project working with the Companions Journeying Together group;
3. The November 16th Forum focusing presenting this group to the congregation.
Our next SJC meeting will be on Thursday, November 13, 7:00 pm, in the RE classroom. Join us, especially you new members interested in some of the issues we have described thus far. For more information, call me
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Movie recommendation: Galileo, which deals with the struggle between science and religion, and Luther which deals with the first successful phase of the Second Christian Revolution. Interestingly enough, the enemy in both films are pre-Reformist leaders of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Nature of Racism
The Nature of Racism course, sponsored by the Racial Justice Task Force and Adult RE will begin its second session on November 2nd, at 9:00 am, in VOV, with a discussion of the difference between racist terrorism and religious terrorism, dealing with the crucial and controversial issue of the violence against the Jews, the Moors, and the Native Americans in the period 1492 - 1592: was this violence racist or religious in nature? Did anti-Semitism exist before the 19th century?

Young Adult and Campus Ministry
By Megan Tideman
On a dusky evening Sunday October 19 the first Young Adult (ages 18-35) ministry group met. It was a small gathering, but even a rose starts as a bud! In addition to our group convos and a UU discussion the group mainly focused on deciding the logistics for the future. The First Unitarian Young Adult group will now begin at 6 in the evening (moved up from 5:30) and last no longer than an hour in a half. The group will meet on every first and third Sunday of the month with rotating leadership of each gathering and agenda. Snacks will be provided but dinner should be eaten outside of the meeting. The group also brainstormed ideas for the year, deciding upon focusing on our development spiritually and then move on to larger ideas/events. All in all it should be an exciting year for Young Adults at First Church!

If you are within the age range and interested in creating/ developing/exploring your faith in non-traditional ways you are encouraged to come. Our Young Adult group strives to be radically inclusive, spiritually alive and justice centered in all our endevors. Holla! If you have any questions you can contact Megan A. Tideman at heythere@bust.com.

Newcomer Orientation
We extend a warm invitation to attend an Orientation where you can meet other new and longer time folks. The Orientation is Sunday, November 2, at 11:45 a.m. This is a great opportunity to either learn about us for the first time or update your knowledge about the church and Unitarian Universalism. All are welcome. Leaders are Rev. Nina D. Grey and Millie Rochester.

Lunches and Conversations with the Ministers
Nina and Millie welcome you to an ongoing series of lunches and conversations, times to eat together and engage in informal conversations about any topics, thoughts, ideas, concerns and questions on your minds. Bring your bag lunch and a drink. We'll gather in comfort in Chris Moore Parlor and have almost an hour together, most Fridays at noon, from late October until mid-December. In November we will meet on the 7th and the 21st. Join us when you can, for one or many of these opportunities to listen to and talk with to one another.

Easy, Convenient Church Financial Center Ready for Use
Now, accomplishing your financial business with the church is even easier! The new Church Financial Center is up and ready for use. The center is comprised of a series of four hanging wall pockets installed in the Church Office immediately right of the door leading to the Administrator’s Office. Manila folders inside each of the pockets are clearly labeled as follows: “Check Request Forms,” “Submit Check Requests Here,” Tax Exempt Letters,” and “Pledge Payments.” Requests submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesdays will be processed by Thursdays, with checks generally available by Fridays, provided there are no special circumstances. Tax Exempt letters, which are available in the third wall pocket, should be shown to venders whenever purchasing items for church use to avoid paying sales tax. Finally, in the last slot is a clearly labeled manilla folder for accepting pledge payments. If you hve questions regarding use of the Financial Center, or about financial procedures in general, please direct them to Treasurer Julie Neuman or our church administrator, Rick Brown.

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