by Cindy Carrol
President of the Congregation
We have raised money to help fund the child care center, the "Circle of Love". We have donated clothes and household items, sung in concerts, had bake sales and soup lunches, and pancake breakfasts. These are visible efforts, and very necessary. We support what we commit to.
What may not be so noticeable are the one on one contacts which are being made between members of 1st Unitarian and the Grove Parc community. Over the past few months I have become aware of what may be the most satisfying aspect of this outreach - genuine interaction between small groups of Grove Parc residents and 1st U members. There have been half a dozen people from this church who have worked with the young people in Grove Parc’s Homework Club, tutoring, teaching, mentoring. Several of our members worked to find a way for Grove Parc children to become involved with the Sea Scouts. A ride on a sailboat is big adventure, and normally not very accessible for these children. Eight or ten Teen Mentors at Grove Parc made some money by working with two of our members on the Metra embankment this summer, earning the right to this opportunity by volunteering at the child care center They pulled weeds, planted, and learned a bit about the environment and about being part of a community. A 1st U family dropped off a load of pumpkins for the children at the child care center. The decorating party, I understand, was pretty hilarious!
Whatever the initial motivation for these individual efforts, they continued because there was a very human connection made. As one of our volunteers put it, "I wasn’t certain, when I first came over her, if I was really wanted. But it is very warm here, and I feel comfortable and welcome." We are working with our neighbors at Grove Parc, and it is making a difference to everyone.
In the spirit of getting to know more people in the Grove Parc community, Rev. Dennis Daniel has suggested that we organize a dinner for some Resident Initiative Program participants on the last Saturday of each month. We will begin this project in January, and are looking for people to cook and serve this meal. Details are still being finalized, but I urge you to think about participating in this communal activity.
This is a time when we are mindful of sharing our blessings. This is a place where we receive more than we give. My personal best wishes to all who read this for a season full of joy.
AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING THE BOARD…Heard from the Revs. Wilde and Daniel about their initial impressions of how we function as a church…discussed what it felt like to us to be members of this church…approved sponsorship of Janet Johnson as a student of ministry at Starr-King.