From the Congregation President

A Special Welcome Message
by Norman Hines, President, First Unitarian Society of Chicago

(The following is part of the welcome statement given on Sunday, September 12, the first Sunday of our new Senior Minister, Nine Grey).

I welcome you with this resolution.

Whereas I may be black, white, brown or yellow
Whereas I may be agnostic, atheist, humanist or theist
Whereas I may be capitalist, socialist or communist
Whereas I may be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or asexual
Whereas I may be rich or poor
Whereas I may hold different views
Whereas I am human and determined by my experience and genetics!

I am a Unitarian Universalist and I am not alone,
for I affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person,
Let it be resolved that all are welcome!

I, Norman Hines, say to you good morning and welcome to these hallowed halls and to those here for the first time . . . a special welcome. Now take time to welcome each other with a handshake, a hug, or a pat on the shoulder. Just touch each other's humanity! For each is different and special but belongs to the whole.

Newcomer Orientation Series Begins October 3

A series of orientation programs will be offered by the Membership Committee the first three Sundays in October, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, in the Chris Moore Parlor.

The Rev. Nina Grey will lead the informational meetings, which are designed to acquaint newcomers and visitors with the Unitarian Universalist movement and with our church in particular. Anyone who is contemplating church membership is strongly urged to attend. Those who have missed these programs in the past or wants to refresh their knowledge are also welcome.

Program topics are:

Oct. 3: Getting acquainted; sharing our religious journeys and questions

Oct. 10: History of Unitarianism and Universalism

Oct. 17: An introduction to First Unitarian Church and its various social justice, religious education and social programs.

Light refreshments will be served, and child care is available. <top>

Board Talk
by Norman Hines, President, First Unitarian Society of Chicago

The September board meeting marked the welcoming of Rev. Nina Grey and our new Secretary Joanne Kent. We have finalized the Board Retreat to be held on Saturday, October 9, and the Ministerial Start-up Retreat on Friday and Saturday, November 5 and 6. This retreat will involve committee chairs, council heads and staff, so keep these dates open. It will be a great time and offer the opportunity to bond with each other and look to the future. Rev. Grey's Installation will be on Sunday, November 14, 1999, and will be our official welcome. Rev. Beth Williams reported that 19 teachers have signed up for the Fall Term. Thanks to all who volunteered. The MRE Search Committee had its first meeting and will begin the process of finding a Minister of Religious Education for us. First Forum and display of our Rainbow Flag as a Welcoming Congregation were discussed but tabled for further input.

The new Committee on Ministry is taking shape as names are being considered and a plan of implementation devised.

Yours in Unitarian Principles,

Norman L. Hines, President <top> 

Attention: Chairs and Trustees!

Two leadership retreats for First Unitarian will take place over the next several weeks. Plan to attend the Ministerial Start-up on Nov. 5-6 if you are the chair of a council, committee, or task force. Plan to attend both retreats if you are a member or alternate of the Board of Trustees. Ministers and senior lay staff will participate in both events.

Annual Board Retreat

8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Sat., October 9
5333 S. University Avenue (Nancy Harlan's)
Retreat Leader: Lena Neal, Central Midwest District consultant

This annual event helps old and new board members function better together and set priorities for the coming year. Often held at a distant site, it is close to home this year to help us afford the ministerial start-up retreat. Lunch and continental breakfast provided.

Ministerial Start-up Retreat

6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Fri., Nov. 5, and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sat., Nov. 6
Program and meals: Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Overnight: site to be announced in detailed flyer arriving soon.
Retreat Leaders: Lena Neal (Fri. eve.) and Helen Bishop (Sat.), Central Midwest District

A highly recommended start to a new minister's work with a congregation, this retreat will help the broader church leadership to establish goals and priorities for the coming years, forge improved communications and working relationships, clarify our hopes and expectations of one another, and help Nina and the rest of us get to know one another better.

Please plan to be present for the entire program. Friday begins with supper at 6:30 pm and opening activities at 7:30 pm. Lodging will be at a motel near the Park Forest church. Program resumes with breakfast early Saturday morning and continues until 4:00 pm with a break for lunch. All meals are provided and lodging assistance is available. For information on ride-sharing and lodging options and to express food preferences, see the flyer coming shortly.

If you have become a chair since July 1, please notify the church office immediately to be sure that you receive further information about the retreat. For further information, call Joan Pederson, 773/624-5808, or Evelyn Johnson, 773/933-0541. <top>

Lifespan Religious Education

By the Rev. Beth Williams, Minister for Religious Education

My new office hours are Wednesday and Friday from 11 am to 3 pm and other times, including evenings and weekends, by arrangement. I will also be at church on most Sundays from 8 am to at least 12 pm. Monday is my official day off. I welcome phone calls at home-until 9:30 pm., please -- on any day except Monday. I will return a phone call on Monday if it is an emergency. My home phone number is 773/752-9821. You can also e-mail me at any time at BETHNW@aol.com.

Why would you want to visit me in my office, or call or e-mail me? A parent or other caregiver might want to talk privately about some troubles in their family, or about how to explain the concept of God to a four-year-old. A kid might want to talk privately about a problem with a friend or classmate. A grandparent might want a recommendation for a good children's book for a grandchild. A young adult might have a great idea for an adult religious education class. There are lots of other reasons why we could talk, but you get the idea. I'd love to hear from you.

We probably all have our own sense of the ideal classroom environment for children. I would describe mine as "quietly exciting": a place where stories can be told, information can be shared, observations can be made, and questions can be asked and answered-all with respect and caring for student and teacher alike. What happens when the behavior of a member of a classroom disrupts this quiet excitement? Last year our R.E. Council approved a set of Behavior Guidelines for the Classroom at First Unitarian Church. In the next few months we will be creating opportunities for church staff, R.E. teachers and advisors, and R.E. parents to become more familiar with these policy guidelines, and to support each other in maintaining a respectful church and church school environment. We look forward to your participation in these efforts. <top>

Meet Some of Our R.E. Teachers and Advisors

Joe Cherry - Joe is one of the leaders of the new Coming of Age program for our 7th and 8th graders. He has been a member of First Unitarian Church since January 1997 and joined the church because, he writes, "I saw people around who cared about making the world a better place. People questioned answers they were given, and I could see people striving to live their religious principles. I found, and find, it inspirational." A religious community that encourages its members to ask questions is important to Joe. He remembers being sent to the pastor's office of his childhood Presbyterian Church because he asked too many of the "wrong" questions. In teaching in our R.E. program, Joe hopes to help make sure that no other child is ever sent to the pastor's office for asking questions! He also hopes to share with his students an honest sense of caring, and the wisdom that comes from having lived an authentic life. This self-described Star Trek Geek also loves photography, playing the flute, and singing. He moved to Chicago from the suburban Detroit area in 1995, has lived in Hyde Park in the past, but is now an "Urban Pioneer" in the Humboldt Park area of Chicago.

Jaime Moore - Jaime is a teacher for the three- and four-year-olds in our Discoverers class, which includes her own four-year-old son, Alex. Although Jaime and Alex are just starting to get involved in the life of our congregation, Jaime has been a Unitarian Universalist since 1985, first becoming a member of the First Existentialist Congregation (Unitarian Universalist) in Atlanta. She and her family moved to Chicago from south Florida in 1997 so Jaime's husband, Rob, could attend seminary at Meadville/Lombard Theological School. This year Rob is a ministry student intern at the Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine, Ill. Jaime was trained in actuarial science in college, but changed careers and is now a systems team leader for a downtown-Chicago firm. This job and her job as Mom to Alex keep her very busy, but Jaime has made time to participate in our religious education program. She does this, at least in part, so Alex, who knows our building from the Meadville/Lombard Vespers services held here, can really feel like this is "his church."

Please take an opportunity to get to know Joe and Jaime, and to thank them for being religious education leaders in our congregation.<top>

October R.E. Calendar Events

Sunday, Oct. 3: Intergenerational UU Harvest Festival, Third Unitarian Church, 301 N. Mayfield (5900 west), Chicago, 2-5 pm.

Sunday, Oct. 10: R.E. Teachers' Inservice Training: "Behavior Management in the Classroom," Voyagers Room (next to Woolman Hall), 11:45 am.

Thursday, Oct. 28: R.E. Council Meeting, R.E. Classroom, 7:00 pm.

Sunday, Oct. 31: Intergenerational Meditation Service, the Crypt, 9:15 am.
Intergenerational Worship Service: "Our Heroes of the Past," Sanctuary, 10:00 am.

Adult Religious Education Planning Events

All are invited to help plan our Adult Religious Education Program for the coming year:

Friday, Oct. 8, 6:30 pm: Adult Religious Education Program Potluck Planning Meeting, Chris Moore Parlor. Rev. Beth Williams, Facilitator

Friday, Oct. 29, 6:30 pm: First Forum Potluck Planning Meeting, Chris Moore Parlor. Revs. Nina Grey & Beth Williams, Facilitators. Contact Nina or Beth before the meeting if you have a First Forum idea.

Bring a dish to share at either or both potlucks. RSVP to Rev. Beth Williams at 773/324-4100.<top>

Harriet Swanson's 80th Birthday

Long-time member of our church Harriet Swanson is celebrating her 80th birthday on October 3. Her family urges us to help her celebrate by sharing with her a special memory with her or perhaps just a birthday card. In addition, she is recovering from knee replacement surgery. Write to her at 5550 South Shore Drive, #1401, Chicago, IL 60637; or call her at 773/753-4599. Her family will be here for the celebration.

Computer/WWW Expertise Needed

Our Webmaster Allan Stern is looking for help with maintaining the website. If you are knowledgeable -- especially if you are a techie -- about such stuff and willing to help, please email Bette Sikes at sekisetteb@aol.com. or Allan Stern at astern@nscds.pvt.k12.il.us.

New Members Recognized Sunday, Nov. 7

Those who have signed the Membership Book since June 1999 will be honored in a special ceremony during the November 7 Sunday service. Others who wish to join the church before that time should speak with Rev. Nina Grey or a representative of the Membership Committee at the Welcome Table on any Sunday.<top>

Opportunities to Serve: More Dinner Hosts Needed!

Joan Bernstein, Membership Committee

Fellowship Dinners will resume this fall as soon as we line up more hosts and hostesses. About 120 persons have enjoyed the fellowship at 13 dinners since this program began in January, but we have many more waiting to be included. These dinners offer a wonderful way to span the generations and to get to know newer members and friends.

To make the parties as effortless as possible, responsibilities are divided: the host/hostess decides the date, the number of guests, and whether children can be included. Someone else sends out the invitations and coordinates the menus. The guests bring the food and beverages. Dinners are usually held on Friday or Saturday evenings or Saturday or Sunday late afternoons. Our new Senior Minister, Nina Grey, promises to attend as many Friday night dinners as possible.

Please call Joan Bernstein at 773/624-5136 if you can host a party.<top>

Fall Cleaning and Maintenance Day

The Property Committee invites you to participate in a Fall Church Building and Grounds cleanup and fix-up day on Saturday, October 23, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. A wide array of projects are planned both inside and outside the building and on the grounds. Activities that will certainly be on our agenda include gardening, light-bulb replacement, wall washing in select areas, wood waxing and cleaning, carpentry repairs, and many more of your favorite house repair activities!!

A sign-up sheet has been placed on the church office hallway wall. Please sign up and indicate the general type of task you are willing to work on. Beside the sign-up sheet is an activity sheet for you to list your pet repair or cleaning project, just in case we didn't know about it. Please fill up both sheets.

See you on Saturday, October 23!<top>

OFFICE MYSTERY!

Your Treasurer and the office staff are smart people, but we are not mind-readers. We are happy to have your money, but if you do not write anything in the memo section of your check we have to guess what it is for. "Let's see . . . a $50 pledge payment? RE registration? Altar Flowers?"

PLEASE help us out. We are grateful for every check memo we see.

Julie Neuman <top>

2nd Annual Chicago Harvest Festival

All are welcome to join Chicago Unitarian Universalists in celebrating autumn. Come to the 2nd annual Harvest Festival, which will be held on Sunday, October 3, 1999, from 2 to 5 p.m. The site is the Third Unitarian Church, located at 301 N. Mayfield (5900 west), and adjoining street space, on the city's far west side. Included in the festival is a picnic lunch, lots of entertainment, a brief worship service and more. A supervised children's play lot is available. A contribution of $5 for individuals and $15 for families of three or more covers lunch and participation in a raffle. The event is organized by the Unitarian Universalist Urban Coalition of Chicago. For further information you may contact Elizabeth Bruhns at (708) 763-9417. <top>

Flood Relief Appeal

The Thomas Jefferson District of the UUA is appealing for financial assistance in the wake of the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Floyd. The UU Congregation of Greenville (NC) and the UU Camp at Shelter Neck (NC) were both severely damaged by the flood waters. Further information on this disaster (including photos) can be found at <http://www.tjd.uua.org/floydflood.html#donations>

Contributions can be sent to the Rev. Bob Murphy, minister of the Greenville congregation and Disaster Coordinator for the Thomas Jefferson District, at the following address:

Rev. Bob Murphy
131 Oakmont Dr.
Greenville, NC 27858-5937
telephone: 252-355-6658
email: boblyn@mail.clis.com <top>

Leadership Development Opportunities

UU Area Council Leaders' Networking Day

The local area UU group is holding its fall Networking Day on Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 to 2, at the UU Church of Park Forest. This day offers a chance for persons serving their churches in similar positions to share ideas and problem-solve together. The October gathering is focusing on membership and growth, canvass and other methods of fund raising, and congregational leadership.

Brochures with registration forms are in the blue news folder in the newsletter slot in the church office. Register by Oct. 12. <top>

District Fall Conference: "Making Room for Others"

The Central Midwest District of the UUA is holding its Fall Leadership Conference on Saturday, Nov. 13, in Urbana, IL. Workshops focus on conflict management, handling diversity, religious education, enhancing committee work, Robert's Rule of Order, pastoral care, covenantal relationships in the local congregation, and youth-adult relationships. Brochures with registration forms are in the blue news folder in the newsletter slot in the church office. Register by Nov. 1. <top>

OFFICE HOURS

Nina Grey: Tuesdays 2-6, Wednesdays and Fridays 10-2 and by appointment. Monday off. Home phone 773/288-0348. E-mail NinaGrey@aol.com.

Beth Williams: Wednesday and Friday 11 am-3 pm, other times by arrangement. Monday off. At church most Sundays from 8 am to about noon. Home phone 773/752-9821. E-mail BETHNW@aol.com.

Richard Pardo and Cindy Carroll wed September 25!

The Organ Rebuilding Fund awaits your contribution.

The wedding is over and the Happy Couple gone away. That should not deter you from giving them the gift of a contribution to the Organ Rebuild Fund. Your checks are most welcome.

Hyde Park Sustainability Circle of the Interreligious Sustainability Project

All local people of faith with concerns about our religious or spiritual obligation to care for the environment are invited to the first meeting of the Hyde Park Sustainability Circle on Monday, Oct. 4, potluck at 6:30, meeting at 7:30, Quaker House, 5615 S. Woodlawn. To RSVP or for more information, call the Project Organizer, Clare Butterfield, Center for Neighborhood Technology, 773/278-4800, ext. 125. <top>

Minns Lectures on Norbert Capek Oct. 18 and Oct. 22

Meadville/Lombard Theological School is hosting the 1999-2000 lecture series in Hull Chapel at our church. The topic is "The Spiritual Journey and Legacy of Norbert Fabian Capek," and the two lectures are being given by the Rev. Richard Henry. The first lecture, to be held Monday, Oct. 18, at 11 am, is devoted to Crises and Turning Points in Norbert Capek's Spiritual Journey." The second, on Friday, Oct. 22, at 3 pm, is "Could There Have Been Bohemian/Moravian Roots of Unitarian Universalism?"

Norbert Capek is best known among UUs for his origination of the Flower Communion used in many UU churches. He was the founder of the modern Unitarian movement in Czechoslovakia and was minister in Prague of the largest Unitarian congregation in the world. His intellectual hejira from Roman Catholic to Baptist to Unitarian offers a rich story. By the time of his death in Dachau in 1942, there were nearly 10,000 Czechs who considered themselves Unitarians. <top>

Coming in November! First Unitarian's First Intergenerational Slumber Party

You are cordially invited to attend . . . a slumber party at First Unitarian Church beginning Friday, Nov. 12, at 8:00 pm and continuing on through Saturday morning at 10:00 am. Sponsored by the R.E. Council, the Slumber Party will feature pizza! Movies! Popcorn! Storytelling! And of course what would a sleepover be without lots of Fun? So all we ask is that you come and bring your energy, your enthusiasm, and your best stories and jokes to share. Look for flyers around the church for more information. Or contact Joe Cherry, 773/342-2765. <top>

The Central Midwest District Wants to Help Us

Annually our church sends dues to three denominational bodies: The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the Central Midwest District (CMwD), and the Chicago Area Unitarian Universalist Council (CAUUC). From the UUA we get help with finding new ministers, consultation on finance and fundraising, and subscriptions for members to the UU World magazine. From CAUUC we get regular opportunities to meet with other UUs in the greater Chicago area to share ideas and learn from one another. From CMwD we can get consultations on board development, finance and fundraising, administration, growth and membership development, mission and long-range planning, and religious education. The district also works with the youth of the district on programs and safety issues.

Central Midwest District's Annual Assembly will be held in April 2000 in Appleton, Wisconsin. The Fox Valley UU Fellowship, which has a wonderful new building, will host the meeting.

For more information talk to Bette Sikes, 773/624-5808. <top>

News from Karen Day and Jan Johnson at Starr King

Two members of our church are students at Starr King Theological School in Berkeley, California. Our congregation is sponsoring both of them during their theological education.

Karen Day (mother of Anne Jonas) was our Director of Religious Education for a number of years. Karen writes:

"Seminary continues to spark growth and I continue to be surprised. My spring classes included Religions of the African Diaspora, UU History, Economic Ethics and Justice, and Religious Growth and Leadership. I danced to honor my ancestors and the spirit Oya, reflected on "devotion," studied La Pena-a cultural gathering place, and designed my own ideal church building-along with lots of reading and writing.

"Over the summer I completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at a small hospital near Asheville. Anne and Bill and I enjoyed being back in the mountains for the summer. I discovered how much I love chaplaincy work and began to imagine possibilities in community ministry. I also made a pilgrimage to Inman Chapel, founded as a Universalist chapel in the late 19th century and led by Rev. Hannah Powell for many years. She founded Friendly House to help meet needs in the community for child care, clothing, education and health care. You at First Church continue to inspire me and keep me grounded in reality. You've always been an example of an active community presence. I wish you the best in your new beginning with Nina Grey. . . . Blessings"

Jan Johnson has been in our church since the 1970s. She was active in religious education and served us in many other ways. On Sundays she regularly sat with George Reed and Vivian Burns in Hull Chapel. Jan writes:

"This summer I attended GA [the UUA General Assembly] for the first time. It was festive and inspirational. John Gillmore, whose ministerial relations committee I served on while he was at First Church, received Final Fellowship this year. It was great seeing friends from First Church and catching up on the news. Congratulations on selecting a new minister. I wish you a rewarding time together.

"It's hard to believe that Karen and I have completed a whole year. We're both glad that the first year jitters and uncertainties are behind us. this year both in and out of school I find myself grappling with the issues of personal identity and community. How do we identify ourselves and how do we become part of a community? What happens to our sense of belonging and commitment when we are disappointed in or feel that we have been failed by our community. I saw two documentaries that were interesting to watch while pondering these questions: Delta Jews and The Double Life of Ernesto Gomez Gomez. They were shown on public television and will probably be repeated some time. I look forward to another year of hard work and good camaraderie. . . . Peace and Love." <top>

Criminal Justice Committee

By Evelyn Bomer

This summer has been an extremely active one in which Illinois Governor George Ryan appointed members from the state legislature to conduct hearings throughout the state (1) regarding a moratorium on the death penalty and (2) on videotaping interrogations and confessions in police departments in local stations. Many forums and demonstrations this summer regarding police misconduct have arisen from the questionable shootings of Northwestern student Robert Russ and La Tonya Haggerty. We hope soon to hear the true story during the several trials if the judge permits all the evidence to be presented.

After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the City of Chicago's antiloitering ordinance unconstitutional in June 1999, the Criminal Justice Committee received a thank-you letter from Professor Stephen Schulhofer, Professor of Law and Criminology and Director of the University of Chicago Law School's Center for Studies in Criminal Justice for its participation in the Friend of the Court brief to the U.S. Supreme Court. (To read Justice Stevens's opinion for the majority and concurrences and dissents, check the yellow folder in the Social Justice Council's mail slot.)

Jeff Kilpatrick, a new member of the church, is following up, with other organizations, any new City of Chicago plans to introduce a new antiloitering ordinance. (We believe that some of the city's aldermen with children in private schools might be more concerned if a child of theirs appeared to fit the loitering profile and was subjected to police harassment.)

Early on Sept. 14, I and many others from all walks of life in Chicago took busses provided by Amnesty International to travel to Springfield. That day the Illinois Supreme Court was hearing oral arguments from Attorney Flint Taylor of the People's Law Office and Attorney Cunningham on behalf of Aaron, Derrick King, and Ronald Kitchen, who the attorneys alleged had been tortured by police officer Jon Burge and others into making confessions. There are hundreds of men in prison due to gross torture by Jon Burge and his gang.

On Aug. 2, 1999, Citizens Alert sent a letter to Superintendent of Police Terry Hillard, Callie Baird, Office of Professional Standards (OPS), and Demetrius Carney, President, Chicago Police Board, along with a similar letter of July 1989 requesting investigations into police torture and numerous torture cases for which no OPS investigation has been conducted. The letter read in part:

"Recent news articles and publicly released documents and depositions reveal that the OPS opened nine torture investigations in 1992 and 1993 as a result of prior OPS findings that physical abuse of African American suspects at Area 2 from 1873 to 1986 included "psychological techniques and planned torture," was "systematic," and "methodical," and that Area 2 command members, particularly Jon Burge, "were aware of the systematic abuse and perpetuated it either by actively participating in same or failing to take any action to bring it to an end." Goldston Report, pp. 2-3.

The now public evidence further reveals that OPS investigators Tillman, Lawrence, and Cosey conducted thorough investigations in each of these cases, discovered new evidence not available during the initial investigations, and sustained findings in six of the cases. The sustained findings included finding that victims were electricshocked, suffocated with a plastic bag, suspended in the air by their handcuffs, beaten and stomped, and racially abused. The evidence further shows that these sustained findings were entered against several police officers who were and are still Chicago police officers in good standing, most notably Lieutenant Peter Dignan, who had allegations of torture and abuse sustained against him in five of the six cases. The evidence further reveals that these findings and the investigative file were tendered to OPS Director Gayle Shines in 1994 for her review, and that she overturned the findings in four cases in late 1994 and early 1995."

There are more than 40 cases of torture to be reviewed and hundreds not fully documented of men tortured by police officers and their associates in prisons.

The Criminal Justice Committee of First Church will be asking during the coming months for signatures on petitions in support of those who say they were tortured. The petitions cover (1) Prevent Wrongful Convictions (from Citizens Alert) and (2) Petition for an Elected Board of Civilian Control of the Police (from the National Alliance against Racist and Political Repression/Chicago Branch).

This summer there were several public hearings on the Moratorium on the Death Penalty, and on July 15 and 16 I attended and testified against the death penalty and the incidents of black men being tortured by Jon Burge and his co-workers. The most thoughtful and encouraging testimony I heard was from Cardinal Francis George. <top>