March, 2005
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Rev. Grey's column, "A Sabbatical Letter," is available here. First Forums may be found here In the InterimBy Rev. Millie Rochester Interim Minister for Religious Education Where would we be without one another? That thought has crossed my mind more than once recently. I myself might not be here at all, had not my husband Roger taken me to the hospital emergency room when I became very ill recently. And the next three weeks of his life would have been much more difficult than it already was without the support of so many of you. The meals you fixed and delivered, cards, flowers and calls have all made an enormous difference in our lives. Roger and I both thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I am happily on the mend. My illness was the result of an infection when chemotherapy severely weakened my immune system. Since returning home, my course of treatment has been changed from chemo, and I will continue to make a complete recovery. In the meanwhile, as Rev. Nina Grey’s sabbatical continues, the work of the church to which so many people contribute is more evident than ever, from every Council, committee, and interest group. Of all the people who are at church on any given day (especially on Sundays), relatively few are paid to be there. All that they do not do is accomplished by church members and friends. Council and Committee chairs and members, Pastoral Care Associates, Worship Associates, religious education teachers, property caretakers - I could go on and on, but run the risk of inadvertently omitting some one or group. The words of one of my favorite readings comes to mind: “We Need One Another”: We need one another when we mourn and would be comforted …when we are in trouble and afraid. We need one another when we are in despair, in temptation, and need to be recalled to our best selves again. …when we would accomplish some great purpose, and cannot do it alone. We need one another in the hour of success, when we look for someone to share our triumphs. …in the hour of defeat, when with encouragement we might endure, and stand again. We need one another when we come to die, and would have gentle hands prepare us for the journey. All our lives we are in need, and others are in need of us. -George E. Odell The church community, perhaps because it is intentional, is a microcosm of what the world might look like if ever more people responded to human needs. Let us be thankful for all who do so, and vow to join their ranks.
By Margaret Hellie Huyck During our February 17 Board meeting, the Trustees approved the following: 1) Minutes of the January 20 meeting as revised. 2) Expenditures of $11,825 for Fenn House improvements needed before the Blue Gargoyl moves in on March 1. These necessary improvements will be funded with $7,111 from the legacy of Margaret Matchett (her will specified building projects) and $4,714 from operating funds. [A note: If the Board wishes to allocate anything over $5,000 in excess of a budgeted item, the recommendation must be submitted to the Congregation for approval. Because we have the Matchett bequest, we do not need to ask for Congregational approval.]; 3) Scheduling a special meeting of Board and Leadership to discuss leadership goals and action plans developed during the evaluation process of the senior minister, in context, over the past six months, on March 24 at 5:30 p.m.; 4) Scheduling a special Leadership Workshop in April or May to focus on two issues: a) working effectively with the office and custodial staff; and b) how to translate “democratic process” into action in all committee work. This is envisioned as a half-day workshop for all leaders, continuing and emergent. (Another segment, working effectively with the professional minister, will be scheduled later.) 5) Scheduling the 2005 Board/Leadership Retreat for Friday evening September 2 and Saturday, September 3, preferably at a Hyde Park location external to the church; 6) Continuing scrutiny of finances and budgeting next meeting; and 7) Publishing Board actions in the monthly Newsletter. (Which is why we initiate this list.) We are all pleased and greatful that Rev. Millie is better, and that the DRE search process is going forward. It was delightful to have an opportunity to share some of our perspectives with Michael Sean Winter, a writer who is attempting to describe what has happened to liberal religions since the founding decades of our country. He visited our congregation on February 20 and talked with several congregants; he also appreciated our web site, and may contact others for further information as he crafts his book. Hope everyone is enjoying the additions: the new name tag board (courtesy of the Membership Committee, crafted by Ken Schug) and the large rolling bulletin board (courtesy of Pat Lucas). Also, the final set of curtains for the RE rooms (from Margaret Huyck). I’m very pleased with the way things are going generally during our sabbatical. Thanks to all!
Adult RE Comm. - Tues. March 8 at 7:00 pm
This year’s January Wintersession of the religious education program was a rousing success, judging from response to the Empty Bowls Project. David Puszkiewicz, co-ordinator, reports that seventy-nine bowls were decorated by children and adults, then glazed and fired by the shop Art 4 Soul, in Homewood. You may have been among those who purchased a bowl at the soup luncheon after church February 13th (if not, a few bowls may still be available). All of the proceeds – more than $1,000 – will be donated to the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Food Programs, to help alleviate hunger in our community. Special thanks to David Puszkiewicz, who donated a great deal of time and energy; and to Colleen Grogan, Paulette Dodson, Betty Holcomb, and Margie Gonwa, and others whose names I might have inadvertently omitted, who prepared soup. Many thanks, in fact, to all who participated in painting, hauling, purchasing, and selling the bowls; without all of you, the benefits and the enjoyment of the project would not have been realized. Classes have resumed their more conventional schedules, with the start of the spring term. Be sure to thank the many teachers whom you see leave the sanctuary with the children on Sunday mornings! Teachers will have a slight break in their schedules for the next social justice-focused day, February 27th, when children and youth will consider social justice through the lens of Hinduism. Thanks to Paulette Dodson and other volunteers who devoted energy to this event, along with RE Assistant Ashley Meade, in consultation with Rev. Millie. Looking ahead, plans are being made for the children’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, on March 27th. There are many ways you can be involved: bring hard-cooked, decorated eggs to the RE wing before the service that day, and/or treats to fill plastic eggs (this is done the week before Easter); help with the hiding of the eggs; help with other activities. Let Rev. Millie know how you would like to be involved. And looking even further ahead to next month, our last social justice-focused Sunday on April 24th is a timely one, given the world situation. Children and youth will learn about justice-related issues through the lens of Islam. If this is an area that especially interests you, or one in which you have expertise, do contact Rev. Millie. So much is happening, and not only for children and youth. Keep your eyes open for the soon-to-be-available Adult Ed pamphlet that will detail upcoming classes adding to the Great Books discussions, First Forum, Chalice Circle groups, and many other offerings. You won’t want to miss a thing!
We are an active group of six, with the support of Rev. David Arksey and Rev. Millie Rochester as she is able. Should you have a need for Pastoral Care you can find one us by calling Madeiria Myrieckes 312-461-9832 or the church office. Saturday, March 12 The DePaul Community Chorus, conducted by long-time church friend Martha Swisher, will return to our sanctuary on Saturday evening, March 12, for a performance of a rarely heard work: Cherubini's "Requiem Mass". Our own choir will perform Hayden's "Missa Brevis" with Michael Thorn conducting and Tom Weisflog playing the organ accompaniment. The two choirs will combine for a piece as well, and several of our choir members will join the DePaul Chorus in the Cherubini work. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $10.00, or $7.00 for seniors and students. All proceeds go to the church music fund. Join us for an extraordinary evening of music. Sunday, March 13 Our annual Talent Auction is scheduled for Sunday, March 13, and WE NEED YOU! Join your church friends at a special luncheon, mark your catalog so you don't miss those special events you really want to bid on - and let the bidding begin! This is our major fund-raising event, and so many people contribute exciting items that there are bound to be several you just can't resist. And why should you? Any of the activities which will be offered will give you a great opportunity to get to know fellow church members better - and we are such a fascinating community! A special raffle this year will allow someone to win a custom made jacket from our own Cindy Pardo. Tickets will be $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00. This is a perfect opportunity to win one of those colorful garments you've always wished for! Preliminary copies of the Auction catalog will be available on Sunday, March 6, so you can check your calendar before you come. We can always use a few people to help with setup and cleanup, so call Madieria Myrieckes or Cindy Pardo if you can lend a hand. Most important, though, is that you come, bid - and enjoy!
One of our favorite ways to connect with each other here at First U is to share a meal. On Saturday evening, March 19, we'll have an opportunity to do just that - share an old-fashioned spaghetti dinner and just catch up with each other. There is no other agenda - just drop in (we'll be serving from 6:30 - 7:30), load up on pasta with homemade sauce, salad and garlic bread, and relax with church friends. That's it - food and friends! This is NOT a potluck, though if a few people would like to help with the preparations or cleanup that would be great. No committee meetings (in fact, conducting church business will be discouraged), no fund-raising (though a small donation to help with the cost of the food would be appreciated). Come by yourself, bring friends, walk or carpool. Mostly - enjoy! Annual Stewardship Canvass - "Needs and Dreams" Our annual Stewardship Pledge campaign, "Needs & Dreams", will begin with a luncheon and discussion on Sunday, April 3, after the service. At that time we will have the opportunity to learn how we can support the needs and dreams of our church.. Committees in all areas of church life have been asked to think about how they can further our church mission and vision - and what that would cost. By the time of the Stewardship Pledge Luncheon those needs and dreams will have been distilled into an initial budget for 2005-06, and every First Unitarian member and friend will be able to make a pledge in support of this beloved community. Those who can't attend this event will receive the pledge brochure in the mail and a followup call from a member of out Stewardship Pledge team. We hope you will try to attend the luncheon and discussion. Hearing the concerns and hopes of others often helps clarify our own thinking about the value of this church in our lives.
That's the title of a book on liberal religion being written by Michael Sean Winters who visited Chicago and our church the weekend of February 19. Although a practicing Catholic, Michael has published several articles in the New Republic and New York Times harshly critical of the "sins of negligence" of many Catholic bishops in response to the "horrific" sexual abuse of minors by priests.[e.g. The Betrayal http://www.jknirp.com/winters.htm] Michael grew up in a small town (Brooklyn) in Connecticut, and presently
lives near The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where
he was once a seminary student. The first chapter of his book will deal
with GLBT issues in churches and the second will present a historical
description of Unitarian-Universalism including insights he obtained
from his visit with us. I met with him Saturday afternoon; on Sunday
he spoke to several congregation members before and after church and
visited the First Forum and a New Member Orientation session. He was
originally attracted to our church by its excellent web site as well
as its diversity. Sports Update On Thursday, February 17 UIC School of Public Health Dean Susan Scrimshaw and student Jennifer Layden-Almer brought the UIC Challenge of the Deans golden basketball trophy back to the School of Public Health for the second year in a row. Initiated in 2002, the Challenge of the Deans is a friendly annual free-throw competition held among UIC colleges during halftime at a UIC Flames basketball game. The trophy goes to the dean-student team who can rack up the most free-throws during the 45-second shooting periods allotted to each team member. Ably coached by Mortez Smith, Scrimshaw trained for weeks prior in the school's gym. Layden has contributed her super shooting skills to the event for three years running. Stepping out on the court against the backdrop of an intense UIC Flames-Loyola Ramblers contest, the School of Public Health took on the Colleges of Applied Health Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Urban Planning.
"Hospitality is a lively, courageous, and convivial way of living that challenges our compulsion either to turn away or to turn inward and disconnect ourselves from others" - Father Daniel Homan, a Benedictine monk, and Lonnie Pratt, from their book, Radical Hospitality. Membership in Sermon; Chair Accepts Challenge! In his sermon on February 20, Rev. Dr. John Tolley remarked that Unitarian Universalist churches have a higher incidence of visitors attending services than other denominations, and if we could only figure out how to make people stay and join, we would be a much larger denomination than we are today. As Membership Chair, I take these words as a challenge! It’s the mission of our committee to make visitors welcome so they will want to join us, and I believe we are well along the way of “figuring it out”! How do we make visitors want to stay? Well, for starters, we:
Soon we will also be letting newcomers know how they can get involved in volunteer activities (our first Volunteer Opportunities booklet is in production), and providing a “church partner (I’ve called this a Mentor in previous articles) to new church participants who request it. This initiative is behind schedule, but we are still committed to it. And what about the rest of the congregation? Don’t all of us have a role in this? Yes, definitely! The Membership Committee can’t do this alone. Our roles include:
I’ve already begun receiving feedback from visitors remarking on what a friendly, warm church we are. This is the kind of reputation we want to continue to build! March Activities March’s Welcome Dinners will be on Sunday, March 13 and March 27. Sign-up sheets will always appear on Welcome Tables for the next dinner. Another “Get Acquainted” meeting will take place on Sunday, March 20 at 11:45am. If you're interested in attending any of these activities, you may also call Jane Kiser. New Members Since our last newsletter, we have added five new members to our church. Karolyn Kuehner, Larry Gray, and their daughter Soffia Kuehner Gray; and Shirley and Melvin Dukes. We will tell you about the Dukes in our next newsletter. Karolyn and Larry have been UU’s since 1991, when they joined the Beverly Unitarian Church. Over the years since then, they have shared their musical talent with our church on a number of occasions and finally decided to join us, in part because of the desire of Soffia to “see what church was all about”. They began attending our church this past October, and “felt so welcomed!” According to Karolyn, Soffia is “very fond of RE, and looks forward to the lessons and seeing her friends each week.” Karolyn and Larry are both musicians, and Karolyn also is involved in the visual arts. Karolyn was a professor of piano at Roosevelt University for over ten years and currently continues to teach piano and work with schools as a visual art consultant. Larry is perhaps the best known jazz bassist in Chicago, and tours extensively as well, performing and recording with many well known jazz musicians (see his web page: www.larrygraymusic.com) Larry also performs classical music, and held the position of Professor of Double Bass at DePaul University for nineteen years. Welcome to Soffia, Larry and Karolyn!
The Environmental Task Force sponsored a First Forum on February 6 to elicit suggestions for a UUA Statement of Conscience on global warming Allan Lindrup gave an excellent summary of what to expect from global warming, followed by a question and answer period. We were fortunate that Richard Pardo and Eve Emshwiller were also present and able to explain some of the underlying science. Allan had prepared a list of suggested items to be included in the statement of conscience, which were mostly agreed upon by the group. Additional items were suggested. Our list of suggestions, due in at UUA by March 1, was available for review at the Social Justice Council table. These, with similar lists from other congregations, will be used in drafting the statement of conscience. We are still collecting used batteries, which we will take to the hazardous waste collection. Batteries to worry about are: (1) NiCads, when they can no longer be recharged. They contain cadmium. (2) Button batteries-the cute little flat batteries that are used in watches and hearing aids. They contain mercury. Batteries to not worry about: Alkaline batteries. Just throw them away. Green Corner The bookRadical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth by Jim Merkel, could scare you to death. Except that it provides a new vision for hope. After all, he argues, we are capable of reducing our average US footprint of 24 acres per person to something considerably smaller. Howard Zinn, in advance praise of publication wrote, "Jim Merkel has written the most persuasive argument I have yet seen for all of us to radically change the way we live day-to-day." I couldn't agree with him more. Merkel goes beyond inspiration and argument, actually providing a framework that, if followed, can move the reader toward sustainable living. He calls it the "Sustainable Sweatshop" and provides worksheets to help the reader determine just how big his footprint is and then set goals to reduce it. Merkel is clear to note that reducing one's footprint doesn't mean reducing one's joy in life. In fact, his view of a humane world in which creatures use only the resources that they need and leave enough "for their neighbors, the other six billion people on the earth, the wildlife and the as-yet-unborn" is a compelling one. "Suddenly," he says, "you have more time and more savings...The possibilities are limitless, and new dreams can begin."
The next meeting of First U's Great Books Discussion Group is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sunday March 20 in the RE Resource Room. Up for discussion is Longing by Amos Oz, a founding member of Israel's Peace Now movement who remains a highly regarded commentator. Please contact Gloria Gnatz, (773) 643-9436, or Kennie James, (773) 238-1833, for further information. Sabbatical Report With the Sabbatical time two months over, we seem to be weathering the change well. Our Sunday services have been exciting and well received. The office has not turned to dust. We need to find ways of assisting our church administrator Rick Brown in producing paperwork for us. Give him well typed-out instructions, bring it to the church well before your deadline, call and ask how best to proceed. We have continued with our many activities, with many more planned between now and May 31, 2005. Many of us have taken on real roles of responsibility, thereby insuring that we function well during this sabbatical time. Keep up the good work. Leadership Workshop Planned The Church Board has approved the workshop plans of an ad hoc task force consisting of the members of the Committee on Congregational Participation plus the three additional members who have attended the summer leadership school run by the Central Midwest UUA District in the past two years. The workshop, entitled Leadership Enhancement and Recruitment Now! (LEARN!) will focus on addressing three specific needs of our own community: (1) Interacting effectively with our clergy; (2) Interacting effectively with our lay support staff; and (3) Creating group covenants embracing democratic principles. The tentative date for the workshop is Saturday, April 30. Prior to the workshop an information gathering survey will be made of members of all current ”groups” (councils, committees, task forces, teams, etc.) addressing the goals, operations, and effectiveness of our current operations.
A small, four person study group recently held two meetings to discuss the book Gates of Injustice, which examines many of the problems with America's prison system at this time in our country's history. On February 20 the First Forum focused on a review of the UUA's draft Statement of Conscience on Criminal Justice and Prison Reform (a copy of which can be gotten off the web at www.uua.org). Twenty eight recommended changes to that document were approved by those assembled and will be submitted on-line to the UUA's Commission on Social Witness. Copies of what we adopted in the way of recommended changes will be available at the Social Justice Council table. This writer serves as liaison from First Unitarian's Racial Justice Task Force and from the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council's Social Justice Committee to the Justice Coalition of Greater Chicago, bringing news of legislation we should be supporting or opposing, as appropriate, as well as news regarding witness events and other activities related to reforming the criminal justice system, particularly in Chicago, in Cook County and at the state level. You will find background on several of the pieces of legislation and other matters related to criminal justice on the Social Justice Council table. This writer is also now serving on the Justice Coalition's Board of Directors, as Secretary. In other task force news, we have been exploring some service projects. Richard Jenifer explored our reestablishing assistance to Companions Journeying Together, but recommended against our doing so due to problems with communicating with that organization. This year's version of the Nature of Racism course continues on the second Sunday of the month, meeting from roughly 1 to 2 p.m. Finley Campbell and Susan Grubb have the lead in helping this task force update its Mission Statement. CMD Annual Assembly The Central Midwest District of the UUA will hold its annual assembly on April 15-17 at the Sheraton Conference Center, Arlington Heights IL. Keynote speaker will be Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, minister of Fourth Universalist Society, New York, speaking on “Creating Beloved Community: The Challenge and the Promise.” The weekend will include workshops, worship, and programs for all ages, including children, teens and adults. Rev. McNatt, who will be speaking Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., was born and raised in Chicago and is a graduate of Yale University and Drew Theological Seminary. An editor and widely anthologized writer for more than 20 years before answering the call to ordained ministry, the Rev. Ms. McNatt is a former editor at the New York Times Book Review. In addition to the Book Review, her work has appeared in Essence, Glamour, MS, Redbook, the New York Times Magazine, The Village Voice and other national publications. She is author of three books, including her memoir, Unafraid of the Dark, a contributing editor to UU World, an adjunct instructor at Union Theological Seminary and a contributing columnist (“Reverend Mother”) for Beliefnet.com. According to the organizers, the weekend also includes: “our exciting Opening Celebration comes with combined choirs and a banner parade. There is a choice of thirty workshops on topics from improving your congregation to social action and religious education to worship and media. There will be a delicious banquet, and then we will come together Sunday morning for combined worship. All of this with Unitarian Universalist friends, old and new, from across the Central Midwest District.” If you are interested in being an official delegate to the Assembly, please inform Bobbi Campbell by March 20. The registration fee is $150 for adults and $40 for youth and young adults. This does not include hotel room. The Saturday Evening banquet is $35 extra. You can pick up a registration form in the church office or from Bobbi Campbell, or you can register online at www.regonline.com/20204. |