September, 2004
Rev. Grey's column, "Both Sides," is available here.
First Forums may be found here
The last year of interim ministry is underway. As the congregation prepares to embark on its search for a settled religious education professional, fully staffing classes with teachers is more important than ever, for that level of commitment is one characteristic every potential candidate will examine critically. While many have stepped forward for adult education, relatively few have for children and youth. So I ask you to consider what the commitment is, and what some of the "perks" are.
This year's religious education program for children and youth, focusing - as is the congregation as a whole - on world religions, is multi-faceted. One aspect is curricula-based: Stories About God, Holidays and Holy Days, Neighboring Faiths, as described in RE News in this newsletter, and comprising twenty-two Sundays. Two teachers (adults and/or teens) are needed at a time for each class. The more volunteers there are, the fewer Sundays each set of two teaches.
The second aspect of the RE program is social justice-centered, and has two parts: One is the Empty Bowls Project, which teaches about world hunger as children, youth and adults decorate ceramic soup bowls, among other activities. The sale of the bowls is a fundraiser for the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council Food Programs. The program culminates at the end of January with an after-church soup luncheon. Several times throughout the year as well, social justice will be explored from the perspective of various world religions - Jewish, Native American, Hindu, and Islamic perspectives are all scheduled.
Yet another opportunity to be involved across the generations is in a program new to First Church - Mystery Friends. People who sign up to participate will be matched one-on-one, younger and older. For four weeks, each pair will exchange information without knowing one another's identity, only knowing the code name they share (a recognizable figure of world religions). On the fourth Sunday, everyone in the congregation will enjoy a potluck together and those who have participated in the program will learn who your Mystery Friend has been as your true identities are revealed.
So many chances to form relationships with one another! In fact, that has to
be the number one desire I hear from people who decide to teach. Another person
told me once that she remembered loving RE as a child so much that she insisted
her mom drive her to church in a blizzard so she wouldn't miss it, and now she
wanted to provide such an experience for other young people. When I related
that story to the person who had been that special teacher, she said it had
been "too long" since someone had introduced her as their Sunday School teacher,
and she realized how much she missed it. Many people tell me of the joy they
derive from watching children grow up literally before their eyes, and teach
year after year. There are many "selfish" reasons for teaching RE, as well as
the more altruistic ones! Call me now to volunteer, you'll be glad you did!
Faithfully yours,
Millie
Hello, My name is Ashley Meade and I am the new Religious Education Assistant. Recently graduated from Denison University with a degree in Religion, I am so excited to have found such an open minded, friendly, and spiritual community to put my education and experience to work. Throughout my time at Denison, I studied many world religions, in particular, Buddhism, which led me to live and study at a Buddhist Monastery in Bodh Gaya, India. I have also had numerous teaching experiences, such as teaching English at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic and running a Creative Movement program for children in Ohio. I also founded, chaired and organized Denison University's Al-Anon meeting, which has inspired me to always, as Gandhi said, be the change I wish to see in the world. I can't wait to meet you all; here's to a great 2004-2005 Life Span Religious Education Season!
Anyone interested in teaching an adult religious education course or facilitating an adult religious education activity, please contact Phiefer Browne, Rev. Grey or Rev. Rochester.
By Rev. Millie Rochester
Perhaps you already know that the focus of life span religious education this church year is world religions. You may not know just how stimulating it promises to be; here are some highlights.
"Life span" really means that - from infancy, by providing a safe, welcoming place for babies, toddlers and young preschoolers in the nursery. Experienced nanny Carolyn Sanders has known many First Church youngsters their whole lives, and gives little ones the benefit of a consistent, familiar, friendly face. Diana Gray and Erik King, along with unknown others, will assist Carolyn. Parents are welcome to stay with their children as long as they wish, and may listen to the worship service via the speaker.
Older preschoolers, and kindergarteners through second graders learn that the concept of the holy can take many forms, through the Unitarian Universalist program "Stories About God." Children (and their teachers) get to express their own thoughts and feelings as they develop language with which to speak about the sacred as oneness, love and worth, and mystery. Ann Collins was the first to sign up for this group - do join her!
Third through fifth graders learn about the diversity of the world's religions through experiencing festivals, rituals and traditions as they celebrate "Holidays and Holy Days.” They not only learn the origins and meanings of the festivities, they do them! Adrienne King will be among the adults facilitating this group.
Older elementary youth through junior high explore first-hand other faith traditions, values and activities as religious people from a perspective of acceptance and understanding, with "Neighboring Faiths." The youth themselves, with guidance from adult leaders Andrew Greenlee, Anita Orlikoff and others, will plan the course of their year.
Katari Coleman-Daniels, long-time youth advisor, is joined this year by John Porterfield. High school youth meet after the Sunday worship service (by 11:30). Their activities encompass five areas: fellowship, learning, leadership development, service, and worship.
Adults have many opportunities for intellectual and spiritual growth. in addition to teaching any of the above groups, there will be Small Group Ministry, Great Books Discussions, A Community of Men (Men's Group), Advance Directives Workshop, Parents As Resident Theologians, First Forums including Meadville Lombard Faculty Lectures, and many other groups in which to take part.
What is your pleasure? Don't hold back, participate!
Teachers, be sure to set aside Saturday, September 11th, from 9:30 until noon, for REorientation. You can count on at least three things happening: learning more about this year's religious education programming, finalizing your teaching schedule, and having fun with other volunteers who are interested in this important form of ministry. Contact Rev. Millie if you would like to receive curriculum before that date, or if you have questions or concerns - or if you would like general information about teaching religious education.
The annual RE Council Retreat is scheduled for Sunday, September 19th from
1:00 - 4:00, at the home of the Council Chair, Colleen Grogan. Contact Colleen
if you have any questions about the event.
Is social justice your passion? Would you like to know more about the Jewish traditions of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, or do you wish to convey your own knowledge to children and youth? The religious education program focuses on the intersection of these subjects September 19th, and welcomes your participation. Contact Rev. Millie for more information, or to volunteer.
Come check out the RE rooms! Many of the rooms have new curtains, courtesy of Margaret and Tom Huyck and Ken Schug. It's curtains for the two RE classrooms, the RE Resource Room, and Rev. Rochester's office. (Margaret is mad about E-Bay!)
Adult RE Comm. - Tues. Sept. 14 at 7:00 pm
Caring Comm. - Wed. Sept. 22 at 5:30 pm
Claiming Our Future - Tues. Sept. 7 at 7:00 pm
Comm. On Cong. Partic. - Tues. Sept. 7 at 6:00 pm
Comm. On Ministry - Tues. Sept. 28 at 6:00 pm
Communications - Thurs. Sept. 2 at 5:30 pm
Membership - Thurs. Sept. 23 at 7:00 pm
9/11 Discussion Grp. - Sun. Sept. 12 at 6:30 pm
Program Council - Tues. Sept. 7 at 7:00 pm
Racial Justice TF - Thurs. Sept. 23 at 7:15 pm
RE Council - Sun. Sept. 19 at 1:00 pm
Sabbatical Comm. - Wed. Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Social Justice - Thurs. Sept. 9 at 7:15 pm
Trustees - Thurs. Sept. 16 at 7:00 pm
By Ken Schug
Think you're an expert on congregational governance? Take this quiz to find out! [answers below]
(1) How many subunits (boards, councils, committees, subcommittees, task forces, groups, teams) does First Church have? (a) 13 (b) 22 (c) 35 (d) 46 (e) too many to count
(2) Which of the following has the most "subunits"? (a) Board of Trustees (b) Program Council (c) Religious Education Council (d) Social Justice Council (e) they are all the same
(3) Which "subunit(s)" are listed on the organizational chart as being directly
under the "Members" Box?
(a) Nominating committee (b) Program Council (c) Social Justice Council (d)
Board of Trustees (e) All of the above
(4) Under which subunit is CLARC (Charlotte Lackner Antiracism Committee) listed? (a) Program Council (b) Religious Education Council (c) Social Justice Council (d) Board of Trustees (e) none of the above.
(5) Which subunit would you contact if you wanted to assist in the annual pledge drive? (a) membership committee (b) stewardship team (c) planning our future task force (d) Denominational activity (e) none of the above
6) And a little history: What is longest term served by a single minister? (a) 6 years (b) 11 years (c) 22 years (d) 35 years (e) uncertain, since records were destroyed by a fire.
(7) The Committee Fair is sponsored by the (a) Membership Committee; (b) Board of Trustees; (c) First Forum Committee; (d) Social Justice Council; (e) Committee on Congregational Participation (huh?)
No matter what your score, you are all invited to attend the Fair after church on Sunday October 3 to meet members of our committees (and other units), learn what they are doing to sustain and nourish us all, and sign up to help (or at least start thinking about it!) Once you meet and talk with our wonderful lay leaders I predict you will have a hard time not wanting to lend your energy and insights to one of our "committees".
ANSWERS to Committee Fair Quiz: (1) C - 35 are shown on our current organizational chart (but it could be more by now!); (2) A - Board of Trustees with 15; others: Program council with 10, Social Justice Council with 5, (3) E- all of the above (4) A - Program Council (5) B - the Stewardship Team (new name for the Canvass committee). (6) C William Hanford Pulsford (1901-1923); other tenures of 10 years or more: Von Ogden Vogt (1925-1944), Leslie Pennington (1945-1962), and William Wallace Fenn (1891-1901). (7) E The Committee on Congregational Participation, yes, Virginia, there is a CCP!
Results 0-1 correct - Welcome to First Church; 2-3 correct - Not bad; keep learning!; 4-6 correct - Must be an old timer; 7 correct - congratulations, Bette!!
By Diana Gray
We have sold more then 250 Bell Tower Note Card packets at $15 each. These sales have now paid for the production of the note cards. That leaves us with 750 more packets to sell. The sales of these 750 packets will realize $11,250 of pure profit for the church. The money will be used to help pay down the cost of the loan we incurred and the interest we are paying on the loan that covered the restoration of our bell tower.
NOW WE NEED YOU! For this fund raising effort to succeed, we need 150 of us to purchase five note card packets each during this year. These make great holiday cards and gifts. By selling all our remaining packets this year, we will realize this year's goal of $11,250. Cards are on sale in Hull Chapel during social hour after service most Sundays and during the year at other congregational events. Buy early and buy often.
By Diana Gray
There will be a special Congregational Meeting after the service on Sunday, Sept. 26. At that meeting, the congregation will have the opportunity to vote on the final draft version of the Vision Statement. The Claiming Our Future Task Force has been receiving feedback forms from the congregation throughout the summer on the most recent draft Vision Statement mailed to the entire congregation in early July. The Task Force meets in early September to review the feedback and make final changes to the draft Vision Statement. As you may recall, our vision statement is intended to reflect a distillation of the shared view of the congregation’s responses to two questions:
• Five to seven years from now (2009-2011), how do you want First Church to look, feel and sound?
• Five to seven years from now (2009-2011), what do you want to be experiencing here?
This vision will help guide the long-range planning process that will be the next major task of this effort. The Task Force will mail the final draft Vision Statement to the entire congregation in the middle of September. At the Sept. 26 meeting, the Task Force will begin discussion with the congregation about the third part of the mission, vision, and covenant process -- developing a behavioral covenant for the congregation.
By Margaret Hellie Huyck
Congregation President
One of our most important events coming up is the Leadership Retreat on September 3-4. Friday evening and Saturday morning all church leaders are invited to gather for community building and leadership skill development. The retreat will be held at 5733 S. University Ave. (UC Center for Study of Race, Politics and Culture). We held a retreat planning session on August 19 to set our objectives. Saturday afternoon the Board will meet to determine our special goals for the coming year.
We will have a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, September 26, to vote on our proposed new Vision Statement. The Claiming Our Future Task Force, chaired by Diana Gray, has been eliciting comments and making revisions over the summer. We are very pleased that we are now prepared to take this important step.
The next step in the Mission/ Vision process will be to create a Congregational Covenant - an agreement about how we relate to each other in this spiritual community. Covenant's have also been referred to as "holy manners." We will be crafting a Leadership Covenant as part of our Leadership Retreat; one for the entire congregation is just as important.
We are very pleased to welcome Ellen LaRue as our new Board member, filling out the term of Michael Rhum (who is not able to attend evening meetings). Ellen first became aware of Unitarianism as a college freshman. She has been associated with First Church since she came to Chicago in 1967 after serving in the Peace Corps in Ghana. She has been active on the Environmental Task Force and other social justice groups. She works at the University of Chicago Engineering Center.
With very mixed feelings I report that our new Secretary of the Congregation, James H. Williams, is leaving. We extend congratulations to Jim on his new faculty position in the School of Social Work at Savannah State University in Georgia. We are sad to see him go, and wish him and his wife well in their new home.
I have helped craft two proposals which we hope will provide additional support for our work. One is a request to the Lilly Foundation Clergy Renewal Program for additional money during Rev. Grey's sabbatical. If granted, it would provide $15,000 to the congregation for additional renewal experiences, and $30,000 to Rev. Grey for supplementary travel and educational experiences during her sabbatical. (Rev. Grey will be on sabbatical leave January through May, 2005; her usual expenses are covered in our budget but this would provide a wonderful bonus for renewal.) The second proposal was submitted to the Retirement Research Foundation Accessible Faith Grant Program. They could provide up to $25,000 in matching funds for modifications enhancing the accessibility of our church for older or handicapped members. We requested funds for a new sound system and for automatic door opening capability for the front door. These would be excellent next steps for the Access First Campaign that brought us ramps, new front steps, accessible bathroom, and the chair lift to Hull Chapel.
Bernie Frieden has been continuing his recovery at The Imperial. Our warmest wishes to Bernie.
We are both glad and sad for Jim Williams and Andrea Shapiro, glad because Jim has a new position as a professor in social work, and sad because the position is at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia, and so Jim and Andrea are moving there. We have loved their presence in our church life and will miss them. We wish them the best of luck in this next phase of their lives.
In our September 5th service, Federico Daniel Latino, infant son of Raffaella Pretini and Giuseppe Latino, will be dedicated in a service of child dedication. Raffaella, Giuseppe and Federico will be moving back to Italy on September 15, and will be living in Pisa, which is in the central part of Italy close to Florence. They will keep their membership in First Unitarian Church and hope to be in touch with us often.
By Ken Schug
Board members, officers, ministers, administrator, plus the chairs of Councils, Committees, and Task Forces will meet for a Leadership Retreat during Labor Day weekend; Friday evening, Sept. 3, from 6:30-9:00 p.m.; Saturday Sept. 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.(afternoon Board only) at the UC Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, 5733 S. University Ave.
The agenda for this meeting will be guided by the planning session held August 19 which was attended by 17 church members. Questions to be addressed are (1) How can every operational unit in the church become more effectively informed about the wishes and needs of the congregation? (2) What changes in process and structure might be needed to ensure that we meet these needs? and (3) How can we best monitor our level of success (or failure) in these efforts?
The retreat will also deepen personal relationships, develop a leadership covenant of how we interact with each other, make recommendations for recruitment and "training" of those who accept leadership positions, and be a lot of fun! A light supper will be provided on Friday and a lunch (suggested donation about $10) on Saturday. At the Saturday afternoon session board members will prioritize their goals for the coming year.
The first choir rehearsal of the season will be on Wednesday evening, September 8, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This is an ideal opportunity for persons who love to sing and have been tempted to join, to meet our new music director, Michael Thorn, and find out what a fun group our choir is. There is no audition, and the choir has always welcomed singers no matter what their level of musical training (although it helps to be able to carry a tune).
Great Books will meet on Sunday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Religious Education Library. We will be discussing the book An Imaginary Life, by David Malouf. A copy of the book can be obtained at the 57th Street Bookstore for $12. Newcomers are welcome.
It is now possible to receive your newsletter by email in Adobe PDF format. It will be identical to the printed version and can be read or printed out with the Adobe Acrobat Reader program which can be downloaded free at www.adobe.com. If you want this service, send an email to the editor, Tom Huyck at office@firstuchicago.org
You are invited to help the Septemberites celebrate their birthdays Sunday Sept. 19, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Madeiria Myrieckes and Finley Campbell (our 70th year).
Members of Les Gourmets invite all First Church friends and members to join us for the 2004-2005 Season. This is our fourth year of mixing fabulous food with fantastic friendship. We sign on each year and donate $15 to the church as our “dues.” We then team up with others and choose a month, from September to June, to be host(ess). The host(ess) chooses a restaurant (moderate priced), obtains a menu, asks about parking, then sends the invitation to all of the Les Gourmets members. Members must RSVP before the deadline date so that the host(ess) can make a reservation at the restaurant. Joining the group each month is at your pleasure. You can even bring a guest. After we all enjoy our meal, we divide up the check and tip. Join us, you will love it! See Polly McCoo at social hour.
The first weekend in December will feature our annual Craft Fair and Bake Sale. We are investigating several exciting new possibilities for this fund-raiser, and we need folks to help run the sale, as well as to create items for us to sell. If you are interested in participating in the event, either by making items or by helping to organize, please let Cindy Pardo know.
And plan to do your holiday shopping right here at First Church!
As an outgrowth of a pilot project undertaken by some members of the Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee, Joanne Kent and Frieda Stillerman, co-chairs of the committee, will co-facilitate a series of six sessions of 'Dialogue Circles,' which will address racism as it is experienced and practiced. We will explore anti-racist strategies to minimize racism in thought, word, action, and symbol. An appreciation of the diversity within our church and our lives will also be encouraged. We invite those of you who wish to participate in this series of Dialogue Circles to phone or email one of us, indicating your interest. We will register the first 12 people who 'sign up'. We will meet the first and third Sundays of October, November, and January from 7-9 p.m. at church. Some of the themes we discuss will include what personal experiences of race/racism you have had prior to coming to First Church, your view of racism in the popular media/culture, how you think anti-black racism hurts white people, etc. You may suggest themes that are important to you for consideration by the group.
We ask that you make a commitment to attend most, if not all, of the meetings. And we are looking forward to sharing our enthusiasm for this experience with members of the congregation.
By Allan Lindrup, Chair
The Racial Justice Task Force held a meeting on August 19 to plan its activities for the new church year. Eight task force members attended, including new members Susan Grubb and Kate Risch. On the housekeeping front it was agreed that Allan Lindrup would serve as task force Chair, while the position of Secretary would be rotated. We agreed to hold our monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday evening of the month, starting at 7:15 p.m., except when there is conflict with a holiday (the case in November and December). Thus our next two meetings will be on Sept. 23 and Oct. 28.
We brainstormed action areas and settled on the following mix. A couple of them might be called continuing traditions: a (somewhat revised) Nature of Racism class, which this time will be held on Sundays, beginning at 1 p.m., starting in October, plus another (slightly revised) Emancipation Proclamation drama, to be held on the second Saturday evening of January, 2005, which we intend to advertise more broadly than ever before. Prof. Finley Campbell will again have the lead on those actions.
A major new area will be to become more involved with the Justice Coalition of Greater Chicago, to witness against racism in the criminal justice system (such as we did when four of us recently went to court in support of Dr. Karanja), to advocate for reduced racism in the Chicago Police Department, and to provide volunteer and probable material support to that organization, which recently lost the funding that allowed it to have a staff person. Allan will serve as our primary liaison with that organization, while newcomers Susan Grubb and Kate Risch expressed an interest in being involved with this effort.
While over two-thirds of task force members have agreed with a written statement criticizing Bill Cosby's recent attacks on the African American "under class", task force members were not unanimous on the statement, so Richard Jenifer will take the lead in organizing a debate between those agreeing with Bill Cosby's views and those who disagree with his recent remarks.
Alan Keyes' selection as the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Illinois has inspired Kennie James and Joanne Kent to volunteer to organize a First Forum on The Black Right Wing. Prof. Finley Campbell volunteered to organize a First Forum, along with some related letter writing and picketing, on the subject of Racist Culture. Lastly, Kate Risch has agreed to explore an educational presentation, probably a First Forum, on the topic of America's Racist Immigrant Policies.
We remain open to new task force members.
By Pat Lucas
Over the summer, the Committee met twice to continue working on current issues. Alex Poinsett, Joanne Kent and Finley Campbell are gathering information about several scholars and ministers proposed as future speakers at the church. There are more than the usual number of guest slots open during this coming year because of Rev. Grey's upcoming sabbatical. If you have suggestions for speakers, please contact Rev. Grey or a member of CLARC.
As a result of feedback from Committee members, more effort will be made to identify the racial/cultural background of authors quoted during the service. The Committee has worked hard to assure diversity in our worship services and wants those who attend to be aware of the inclusion of readings, quotes, and music from racially and culturally diverse sources.
The Charlotte Lackner Anti-Racism Committee has expressed concern to the Board of Trustees about the resignations and terminations of several African-American personnel over the past few years. It is believed that better job descriptions are needed as well as training to upgrade the skills of those hired.
Hey, we're not asking you to bang on drums, are we?
You’re invited to join other men from First Church for a Bears/Packers game on Sunday, September 19, 2004. Kick off is at 12:00. Our plan is to view the game on a big screen at one of our member's homes.
Our newly forming men's group is interested in your opinions and welcomes your participation in our discussions. We want to recruit more men who want to, have mastered or are, wrestling with some of the same life questions we are. Issues may include, but are not limited to, our roles as men of a liberal faith in a rapidly changing world, the process of aging, and just plain old getting together to chew the fat. Men of all ages are welcome.
By Ken Schug
Congregations who intentionally coordinate volunteer efforts in ways that encourage broader participation can ward off burn-out among a smaller group of "regulars" and reap great rewards, we believe. One area of volunteer work discussed at the August meeting of the Committee on Congregational Participation is simply "pitching in on the basics," which does not involve the level of long-term commitment associated with membership on a council, committee, or task force, but resembles the sharing of housekeeping tasks within a family. The kind of tasks that we're thinking of here are simple, sociable, focused one-shot tasks. Some examples are:
• preparing refreshments for and serving
coffee at a social hour after church
• substitute ushering
• helping a sick person get to the
doctor's or hospital
• helping set up or clean up at a
holiday celebration or special event
• helping out at a children's Religious
Education event
We would like to initiate a more structured organization of volunteer work at this level at First Unitarian under the title Foundations of Fellowship (a title borrowed from another church which has done this successfully). We expect that by recruiting both new and established members to volunteer for these kinds of tasks we will be providing opportunities for them to broaden their range of social interactions within the church. At the same time, if we can meet these kinds of volunteer needs without leaning so heavily on a small number of people, and without as many difficult searches to find people to help, that too will be a very good thing!
At the Sunday, October 3, Committee Fair we will have a "Foundations of Fellowship" table. Please drop by to sign up for four simple one-shot tasks between now and the end of our fiscal year next June 30. You can choose whether you want to do one kind of task four times, or whether you would prefer to rotate through a variety of volunteer tasks. You can even check MORE than four boxes if you feel so inclined! We know that you'll get to meet some wonderful people while you help make the Foundations of Fellowship at First Unitarian strong!
Our Fair Trade coffee table will soon have new goodies! Along with the wonderful varieties of Equal Exchange coffee, tea, baking cocoa, and hot cocoa mix, we will be offering fair trade chocolate bars. These large bars (3.5 ounce) are high quality chocolate, will come in milk chocolate, dark chocolate with almonds, and very dark chocolate varieties, and will sell for $3.00 each. We will have a tasting of these new products as soon as they arrive, which will probably be early in October (yum!).
Our coffee sales are truly a double blessing. Fair trade items come from cooperatives which are organized for the benefit of the people producing the goods. These coops provide fair, stable prices, a variety of educational benefits, and access to loans at reasonable interest rates (a must for farmers and anyone starting a business). In turn, the church budget benefits from our sales.
Please stop by the coffee table during social hour to see the variety of wonderful items we have available. The quality is excellent, and the cause is worthy.
By Carrie Hedges
Many First Churchers enjoyed retreats, along with members of several other urban churches, at The Mountain in North Carolina in the early 1990s. We formed friendships with several members of these congregations, deepened our own sense of our church, and generally had a good time.
I received information recently that The Mountain is having some serious financial difficulties. In short, cash flow is a major concern, donations have not kept pace with needs, and debt is at an all-time high. To illustrate, contribution revenues were $884,000 in 1999. They dropped to $417,000 in 2003.
Please send contributions to The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc., P.O. Box 1299, Highlands, NC 28741-1299. If you want more information about The Mountain and this financial crisis, please write them at the above address or email info@mountaincenters.org or go to their web site at www.mountaincenters.org.
By Phiefer Browne
The Small Group Ministry Planning Group, consisting of Phiefer Browne, Frieda Stillerman, Vivian Burns, and Joanne Kent, and led by Revs. Grey and Rochester, has been meeting twice a month since April. This group was part of the Small Group Ministry Learning Group, which met monthly several times in 2003. The Small Group Ministry Planning Group has been reading and discussing The Complete Guide to Small Group Ministry by Robert Hill, a UU minister.
The goal of the Small Group Ministry is to deepen the spiritual life of its participants and by extension the church itself. Each group will have two facilitators and six to twelve other participants. It will establish its own behavioral covenant and provide a setting for the growth of intimacy and community based on a covenant group process.
The Small Group Ministry Planning Group has drawn up a list of potential facilitators, who are now being recruited. Facilitator training, led by Revs. Grey and Rochester, will take pace in September and October. The Small Group Ministry is tentatively scheduled to begin in November in eight two-hour twice-monthly sessions. The subject will be the seven UU principles and purposes printed each week in the order of service. Also each group will plan a service project for the church and for the larger community based on the UU principles.
The Chicago Children’s Choir Alumni Association will be presenting a concert at our church on Saturday, September 18 at 730 p.m. The concert includes Children’s Choir standards, and features Karen McVoy, a Choir alum who is an international opera singer. The concert is to raise funds for the Christopher Moore Alumni Scholarship Fund, which will allow children of all religious, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds to learn from each other and make exceptional music together. Tickets are $20 advance sale and $25 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 312-849-8300 x221, or visit www.ccchoir.org.
By Dr. Finley C. Campbell, Chair
Looking back over the last month, we see a variety of activities which the Council or Council members have carried out. See the individual task force reports for details. July 25th: the Racial Justice Task Force met to do final editing of the open letter to Bill Cosby concerning what a few of us have defined as his neo-racist remarks. Then, because of disagreements about the letter's content, another meeting was held on August 1, 2004, for finalized editing. August 5th: Bobbi and I met with one of the original founders of the InterNational Committee Against Racism (INCAR), one of my inspirations to become an anti-racist activist, Dr. Toby Schwartz. He has moved to the area from the University of Connecticut and we hope to have him give a presentation about the history of that great organization at a First Forum.
The Social Justice Council met on August 12th to discuss the on-going disagreements about the Cosby letter, which finally were resolved in favor of sending out the letter as an official statement of the Racial Justice Task Force. In addition, the Labor Day service on September 5th was worked out with the representative of the Labor Justice Task Force, Linn Orear. This promises to be an excellent program. On August 13th, Bobbi Lammers-Campbell, Raffaella Pretini, Federico Daniel Latino, and I attended a social at the home of social justice activist and council leader, Allan Lindrup, to view photographs of his trip west including Washington State and Alaska and to view a beautiful video about the Northern Lights. Such activities are a part of the spiritual energy which keeps our social justice activism moving.
On August 15th, we had a First Forum based on my comments on the news, with each participant adding his/her points of interest. While the turn out was small, the discussion was quite lively, covering such issues as the New World Order, Alan Keyes, neo-conservatism, neo-racism, plans to end poverty, etc. Polly McCoo suggested that we have a way to present fully the discussions for the general church membership who cannot make these types of forums. However, I do have a tape of the proceedings if people are interested. One of the things which I proposed was the roots of the neo-conservative movement in the ideology and praxis of Billy Graham, Leo Strauss, and Leon Trotsky. I also asserted that Alan Keyes was more of a threat than we realize and that Barack Obama is in for a major, ideological struggle.
Finally, the RJT met on August 19th, to have one last look at the Cosby letter. and it was sent out that evening. Copies of the letter available on request. We are waiting for a reply. If we do not hear from him by our deadline, then we will do a public distribution of the letter to appropriate persons, news media, and institutions.
One last note: our informal movie-going activities continued, with a group of us going to see a film called THE CORPORATION, a powerful polemic calling for the emergence of a "green" capitalism instead of a profit-driven type. I saw The Bourne Supremacy, Arthur, The Manchurian Candidate, and I, Robot: all dealing in one way or another with the need for a just society and the obstacles standing in the way of its achievement, especially the money thang.
We are proud to announce that Denyse Harris is rejoining our staff as Office Assistant after an absence of approximately 5 years. In the interim, Denyse has worked for a number of faith-based and not-for-profit entities, including St. John Missionary Baptist Church on 115th Street.
In addition to other duties, Denyse has primary responsibility for laying out and producing the weekly Order of Service and maintaining the church database. Accordingly, committee chairs and others with announcements for the Order of Service should now convey them directly to Denyse, either by e-mail (send to dharris@firstuchicago.org), or by putting them in her box in the Church Office mail center. The deadline for receiving Order of Service items remains 5 p.m. Thursdays. In addition, those with updates for the church database, such as new addresses and telephone numbers, should convey them directly to Denyse.