The Beacon - April 2007
April Worship Services
(Service is held each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, except where otherwise noted.)
April 1—The Ritual of Community. The rhythm of a church community ebbs and flows, and it goes through transitions now and then with the departure and arrival of ministers, the ingathering of new members and the leavetaking by others. Can this process of change be considered a kind of Ritual of Community? Rev. Bill Metzger will preach the first of a series of services marking the coming of a major transition in the life of this church. Ken Olin will be the worship associate.
April 6—Good Friday Service. Whether you are curious about Christianity or already a follower, you are welcome to join in an observance of Good Friday. Through readings, songs and silence we will honor the life and ministry of Jesus. The service will be in the Chapel at 7:00 p.m.
April 8 – Easter and a Rebirth of Wonder. We will celebrate Easter with a flower communion and sharing of thoughts on the nature of this holiday. If we do not accept that Jesus literally walked out of a tomb, what does Easter mean? This will be a family service. The Rev. Bill Metzger will preach. Rick Womer will be worship associate.
April 15 – Change and Changelessness. Ideas about change abound. For example, that change is the only changelessness in life. The more things change, the more they stay the same. We will reflect on ideas about change, inspired by the latest theater/discussion experience on the play “Caroline and Change,” where the change is another kind of thing. The Rev. Bill Metzger and worship associate Val Sandberg will conduct the service.
Sunday Evening Worship, 7:00 PM. The Young Adults SEW service will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary on Sunday, April 15. All are welcome to come join in this inclusive service.
April 22 – Growing Our Faith. The Rev. Stephan Papa will be our pulpit guest and the focus of the service will be Association Sunday, a new project of the UUA to promote growing our faith through growing our numbers. The Rev. Papa, who was minister at the Main Line Unitarian Church in recent years, is now the Special Assistant to the President of the UUA for Congregational Giving and Growth Funding. A special collection on this Sunday will support the new stewardship and growth effort. Our church is the first to participate in this Association Sunday initiative.
April 29 – Presenting the Candidate! This will be the first Sunday of Candidating Week, when the search committee first presents the candidate for the settled ministry of this church. You can expect a special informational packet about the candidate early in April. Val Sandberg, a member of the search committee, will be the worship associate. The following Sunday, May 6, the congregation will be asked to vote to call the new minister.
INTERIM TIMES
(A monthly column from our Interim Minister, Rev. Bill Metzger)
This is the start of an intensive month of preparation for the Big Event: the call of a new settled minister for this church. In a series of services we will focus on themes related to this new age dawning here at First Church.
We already have much to celebrate here. This interim period has been a time of meaningful change, as we have been introducing a new governance policy, have launched new initiatives in social justice, young adults
programming, and membership outreach and welcoming of new members. We also are starting to see visible improvements to the building, and these will continue in the coming months. The congregation has new energy and focus as it prepares to welcome a new settled minister.
As interim ministers, Diana and I are looking to a new stage in our own lives, thinking about the possibilities of a co-ministry in a settled situation rather than another interim. But we will be attending the interim ministers retreat in Florida in April to see the interim possibilities as well.
The Accredited Interim Program’s goals involve the theme that the interim minister is “not in charge here” and is not indispensable. Andrew Backus said this. Indeed, the whole point of interim ministry is that the job involves ministering to the people of the church who are carrying out the work of the church.
Andrew Backus also said: “This is not to say you won’t be offered power. You will be, it’s just that you will fail if you do not give it away as fast as it is turned over to you. For ministry is nothing if it does not empower people to conduct their own religious lives and growth.”
While we have already seen many signs of progress here, there will be more as the new approach to governance and ministry teams has time to become a pattern, and the real successes of this transition process will be seen over several years in the continued strength of the leadership and the congregation.
The arrival of a new minister will be an exciting time, and as you continue to get in the spirit of growing our faith through growing our numbers (as the Association Sunday campaign of the UUA gets underway), may you all become energized for the years ahead in the life of First Church.
With Love,
Bill
EDITORIAL
Receiving and Giving
The order of these two words is usually “giving and receiving. I am deliberately reversing these two words, resulting in “receiving and giving”. At the beginning of this StUUardship Campaign instead of worrying about what amount we can pledge to the church, I am posing the question: What is it that we receive from this church? It will be refreshing to think about how much we receive, and what a significant gift it is to all of us.
First, I would ask you to think about your initial experience with Unitarian Universalism. Were you born into a Unitarian family? Many of us were not. If not, who then introduced you and me to it? Was it a member of the family? Was it a preacher, a teacher, an author? I was fortunate enough to have an aunt and an uncle who were Unitarian, but who made absolutely no attempt to proselytize me from my fundamentalist background. However, they subtly offered the necessary contrast. When I began visiting with great trepidation the local Unitarian Church, the minister gave me the necessary encouragement and support.
I would like you to think specifically about that person or persons who introduced you to Unitarian-Universalism. Do you remember the moment? Can you visualize the important role he/she played as you began your religious pilgrimage? That person is perhaps long gone from the scene or perhaps still plays a role, active or inactive, in your life. What was it that he/she said or did to persuade you that this new insight into religion was the right one for you? I’m certain that you would label this introduction and encouragement as precious gifts, a legacy, for which you cannot begin to establish a value. This is the initial gift that this denomination has given to you.
And so to the present! In her recent sermon the Reverend Libby Smith spoke on how the family, frequently three generations, once lived within easy driving distance, perhaps lived in the same house. How can we satisfy today those basic needs of social interaction, living in this fractious society? Reverend Metzger recently spoke of Darwin’s support of “belongingness” as a necessary condition for the evolution of religion. The word “belongingness” is clumsy, but it does convey something that is absolutely essential to our sense of gratitude for being part of a congregation such as this one. Here, there is a broad spectrum of ages, and abilities. Where else can we comfortably establish this sense of belonging as completely as we do in this church? It is a long-sought refuge which we have come to from so many varying backgrounds and in so many challenging circumstances. Our previous beliefs and convictions were possibly no longer effective. They were frequently foisted upon us by other persons or other institutions. Here we can feel we are accepted and here we can build our own theology. Can you imagine another denomination offering that possibility? Here, in this church, for the sake of comparison, we can discuss our beliefs with others who are on the same pilgrimage. This opportunity and this setting are the most wonderful and essential gifts that this church can offer.
Being a language teacher has long instilled in me the need to consider the three major tenses in both language and in life. What about your and my future tense? Do we feel that we shall live comfortably with our beliefs or do we expect them to evolve, just as our life changes courses? Can our evolving beliefs fit into the old or former frameworks? Do we have the courage to build new parameters for our religious beliefs? I feel very confident in saying that these beliefs can suitably be adapted to our life’s situations as they develop.
The next and more difficult question is this: Will our church and this denomination provide us the necessary encouragement and challenge to
continue our religious pilgrimage? I have confidence that it will. This denomination, this church and its members have provided us the necessary sanctuary for leading religious lives in the past. From all indications it will continue to do so into the future. Can we find a more suitable milieu than this one in which to put our deepest convictions and our sincerest principles into action? We have received much and this provides us with full justification for being generous in our pledge for this coming year. May it be so!
Submitted by Carl Denlinger
CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
From Your CRE Director:
Why Have Children’s Story Time During the Adult Service?
As I meet and get to know more RE Directors around the district, I hear about the many ways congregations conduct intergenerational worship or story times. Some UU churches never have children in the adult services; some do every Sunday. The majority are somewhere in between, as we are. It is important for the children to experience Unitarian Universalist worship for a number of reasons:
• As they grow into adulthood, our children need grounding in the practices and rituals so that when they come to a UU church they will feel comfortable and at home.
• Spiritual growth is a lifelong process. Having intergenerational services reminds us adults that faith development doesn’t end after high school.
• It is important for our adult congregants to see the faces of our children and for visitors to know that we have a good RE program.
• A simple story can help to reinforce the thrust of the sermon.
There are challenges to presenting a meaningful story for all ages, some of them obvious: picture books don’t work well in a large sanctuary. It is hard to keep children’s interest with one’s nose buried in a book or a script – it is better to relate a story conversationally
As a relative newcomer to this work, I am learning how important and challenging it is to do a good intergenerational story. Last month I attended a meeting of RE directors at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg. Their minister, Reverend Howard Dana, conducts a weekly intergenerational story or message time that the children cherish. He shared some of his wisdom and experiences with us. I look forward to using his suggestions in our story for all ages and making the intergenerational story time more interesting and meaningful. Our first opportunity is coming up with the intergenerational Easter service and flower communion on April 8.
Submitted by Jansen Wendell
CONNECTU: NEW MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM INITIATED
Open doors, Open Arms
Our ConnectU Welcoming program is in full swing, and going well! Thanks to the 29 (so far!) people who have volunteered to be ConnectU Welcomers, you are doing our church and our community a wonderful service! Our target for the end of the year is to reach 40 ConnectU Welcomers, so we still need more people for orientation. Our next session is Sunday April 15 at 12:30pm in the Fahs Room (2nd floor, next to the office). Hope to see many of you there!
Submitted by Seth Carrier
GETTING TO KNOW UU
The First Unitarian Church of Portland, OR is an urban congregation with a long history. Started as the result of a Unitarian-minded Ladies Sewing Society that met in homes beginning in the 1850’s, it came into being in 1865 with the women’s efforts and fund-raising being a guiding force for socially liberal community work in a religious setting of Unitarian ideals. By 1867, they had their first minister, Thomas Lamb Eliot, who took his charitable community outreach seriously. The congregation grew quickly, and over the ensuing 35 years built three successively larger churches. Despite concerns over financial viability at times, they marshaled onward and have continued to grow and flourish, expanding on their church property to now own a full city block. Now, with their renowned minister Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell since 1992, the congregation is nearly 1600 members strong, and has a considerable positive impact on the life of the city of Portland. Their web address is www.firstunitarianportland.org/ - give it a look.
I usually try to highlight churches of relatively similar size to our own, but wanted to point out Portland’s congregation since they are the primary host church of this year’s General Assembly of the congregations of the UUA, which takes place June 20-24, at the Oregon Convention Center in downtown Portland. Registration is now open online (costs go up after May 1) along with vital information about the new programs that will take place this year at http://www.uua.org/ga/index.html. If you’ve never been to GA before, it’s a powerfully uplifting and spiritual experience, as can be attested to by the 29 members who went to GA Boston in 2003. Chances are you know one or more of them, so don’t be shy in asking about it. First Church is allowed 5 delegates and this year should prove to be particularly exciting. Let’s not allow our congregation to be underrepresented this year as happens most years. With UU University, a beautiful banner parade, countless workshops, intellectually stimulating lectures, invigorating worship services, great music, and a chance to make new UU friends from around the country, won’t you consider going, and representing First Church to our denomination?
Submitted by Ken Olin
COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL JUSTICE
New Orleans Outreach
Phyllis Belk, Ned Motley and Luana Goodwin will be joining a group of Unitarians and Methodists traveling from our area to assist with the ongoing efforts to revive New Orleans following the Katrina disaster. They will depart Philadelphia on April 10. Their work will include gutting structures that had not been touched since the storm, rebuilding in some that have been cleared, and interacting with people affected by the storm. Anyone wishing to contribute to this effort may do so. Building supplies are being furnished through a grant to the local Episcopal Diocese but monies are needed to purchase appliances such as hot water heaters and refrigerators for houses nearing completion.
Rebuilding Together, April 14th and 21st:
16 Years of Helping Our Fellow Philadelphians
Do you have two days, one day or one-half day to donate to help repair a home of a low-income North Philly neighbor? Do you have a special construction skill or is your skill helping or cleaning? Join us! The Social Justice Committee is seeking 15 skilled volunteers April 14th and 25 skilled and unskilled volunteers April 21st. How can you best help: room captain, carpentry, plumbing, electricity, dry walling, painting, cleaning, trash pickup or lunch preparation? Volunteer by signing up on the sheet in the back of the sanctuary or sending an email to Virginia DeRolf at vsderolfATyahoo.com. By Rebuilding Together, the First Church Team can insure that at least one Philadelphia family will be SAFE, WARM and DRY.
WinterShelter
On February 27, most of the men thoroughly enjoyed a treat compliments of Lari Robling and her co-worker Jim Coleman. Except for a few who don't eat pork, the rest enjoyed the fresh baked ham with sauce. They all had lots of mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows and pineapple cooked by Ginny Beier. Finy Hansen provided ice cream dessert with chocolate sauce. March 7 brought three experienced
Volunteers: Trish Way, Kris Roscoe, and Luana Goodwin. Luana brought homemade hash and we found a serving of salad that went with it in the refrigerator. Trish remembered what a great hit the biscuits were last month and so repeated them. She also brought clementines which they ate right away before dinner. In honor of St. Patrick's Day Kris brought two cakes decorated with shamrocks and Irish greetings. Lari returned along with Nicole Haentjens and Rob Richards on March 23.
Our last opportunity of the year is Wednesday, April 3. A team of cookers and servers is needed! Contact Ginny Beier @ 215-545-7831 or vhbeierAThep.upenn.edu.
Recycling
Recycling at Trinity Memorial (22nd and Spruce) continues every first and third Saturday between 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Bring all mixed paper, cardboard and No. 1 and 2 plastic bottles cleaned and crushed.
Good News from West Philadelphia - they are taking part in a curbside pickup weekly of cans, glass, and PLASTICS 1&2 all mixed together plus paper. Hopefully Center City will be next.
Books Through Bars
We continue to support this national program which sends books to prisoners in response to their requests. Packing and sending takes place at the A Space, 4722 Baltimore Ave. every Tuesday 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. and the first and third Saturday of the month 11-3 p.m.. Take your books there if you can--if not there is a book bin in our lobby to receive. Take a flyer to spread the word (located on the bulletin board by the bin).
Volunteers are encouraged to join Marilyn Ashbrook on the first Saturday of the month at the A-Space (47th & Baltimore Ave).
ADULT PROGRAMS
Interweave
Interweave is the local and national group of UUs that support and promote civil rights for the BGLT. The group has a regularly scheduled brunch on the first Sunday of the month, and members often go to brunch on other Sundays as well. Anyone may join us for brunch. We also participate in Gay Pride and street fairs in the gayborhood. Contact Gerry Parchman (lib2uusATcomcast.net or 856-829-4561) for details.
Great Decisions
Great Decisions is a series of eight foreign policy discussions based on a briefing book published by the Foreign Policy Association. We meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings to discuss a new topic each week (based on a 10-page briefing read in advance). All internationally-minded individuals, friends and guests are welcome to participate in any or all of the discussions.
Topics are as follows:
April 1—“Central Asia”
April 8—No meeting, due to Easter
April 15—“Children”
Depression Support Group
The group will continue to meet on the first Sunday of each month at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Arcenia Rosal at 215-561-6506, or Lynn Rubin at 215-837-3371.
Women's Book Club
Thirteen members gathered on March 5, not only to discuss Kim by Rudyard Kipling but to honor fellow member Justine Hansen and her eagerly awaited new baby (due April 15). We all brought favorite books to help with the baby's new library. Phebe Shinn skillfully guided us in the discussion of what is definitely not just an adolescent adventure book. She bought with her her uncle's original edition filled with fascinating illustrations. He also left her the complete works of Rudyard Kipling - maybe Phebe will start a new discussion group based on these writings? Chris Robertson will be our facilitator for the April 2 discussion of On Beauty by Zadie Smith. Please call our hostess, Amanda Diesel at 267-825-8820 or adieselATapple.com to let her know you are coming and to get directions. Our May 7 discussion is on Volcano Lover by Susan Sontag.
Early Christianity Book Club
We continue to meet on the fourth Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. at the church. We are now in the process of reviewing, for the next few months, the textbook The New Testament - A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings. The course also will deal with the gnostic scriptures and the recently uncovered gospels and scriptures suppressed by the orthodox Roman church. Contact Gerry Parchman (lib2uusATcomcast.net or 856-829-4561) for details.
PRESIDENT'S COMMENTARY
The 2006-2007 Vision of Ministry – How Are We Doing?
In the October 2006 Beacon we asked you to …
“Jump ahead for a moment and picture you and the rest of the Congregation in the Spring of 2007. We as a congregation are evaluating our progress toward reaching our Vision of Ministry. May we be able to say the following:
In 2007 the Church became a visible and effective entity in the community.
Social Justice
We moved toward the social justice vision of this church by:
• Holding quarterly social justice events (e.g. worship services, social justice potlucks, lectures, etc.)
• Reaching out to the BGLT community by providing education and engaging with other BGLT groups
• Supporting two new visible service projects for the wider community, e.g. West Philly Neighborhood Center, Habitat for Humanity, Philadelphia Cares.
Spiritual Development and Membership
We enhanced congregational and individual spiritual development by encouraging and supporting new worship forms and activities.
Specifically, we laid the groundwork for small group ministries (creating a plan for implementation in the coming year)
Governance
• The congregation will have agreed to a clearly defined governance structure (including the roles of the Board, Minister/Ministry Teams, and Congregation) and adopted new By-Laws reflecting that structure.
• Core ministry teams are adequately staffed and functioning competently.
• Finance Administration
•Budget Prep
•CRE
•Membership
•Property
•Worship.
WELL, THE SPRING OF 2007 JUST ARRIVED. SO HOW ARE WE DOING? Let’s take a look.
SOCIAL JUSTICE: As for “quarterly social justice events” we’ve actually exceeded our expectations with a fall worship service in which members shared personal experiences with Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together, the engaging social justice potluck in January with two Islam speakers, the early February event where we joined with other UU churches to see and discuss the challenging and stimulating play “A House with No Walls,” the February anti-racism workshop, the March “Drumming for Darfur” service, ….
We have our “Welcoming Congregation” banner proudly hanging outside the church but have we “reached out to the BGLT community?” YES we have and plan to continue to do so through our engagement with events at the William Way Center such as “Out and Faithful,” with our information tables at various Gay Pride events and with our frequent Interweave brunches.
So how about “two new visible service projects for the wider community?” BINGO! – we have with our fall Philadelphia Cares event and our current Solar Cookers project.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBERSHIP: Interestingly we focused on one specific area, Small Group Ministry. In all honesty, we have probably just scratched the surface here. But thanks to the Young Adults, we’ve satisfied a 2005-2006 Vision of Ministry goal, that of an Alternative Worship Service geared to Young Adults but open to all! And with a much more robust Caring Ministry Team and the new ConnectU welcoming program, we’re taking better care of our members, friends and visitors! Support groups continue, the Native American Spirituality Group celebrated a one-year anniversary and a new theatre and book discussion group provided new areas of active engagement for our members.
GOVERNANCE: Thanks to the Congregation’s January vote to move forward with our Ministry and Governance Model, we’re making steady progress with our new Ministry and Governance model and work on our new ByLaws has begun with a May target for adoption. The Board is stimulated by its new role, the Ministry Leadership Team continues to define its mission and numerous old and new Ministry Teams are actively engaged. The opportunity still exists to clarify the mission, roles and boundaries of many Ministry Teams, to establish a more collaborative relationship between the Board, Ministry Leadership Team and Ministry Teams and to enhance the membership of some teams. We’re on our way!
I’m delighted with our progress to date. How about you? With three months to go in this church year, let’s keep the pace going. We are making a difference within this church and in the wider community! May it continue to be so.
With great appreciation for this amazing congregation,
Debby Schultz
Upcoming Congregational Information Sessions and Meetings
Get out your calendars and save the dates!
Sunday, April 1 - Informational Session. ByLaws follow-up discussion, Budget Review, StUUardship Update, Property Presentation, Assessment of 2006-2007 Vision of Ministry
Sunday, May 6 - Congregational Meeting. Vote on Settled Minister
Sunday, May 20 - Congregational Meeting. Vote on Budget, Officers Slate and By-Laws, Recap of the 2006-07 church year
FLOWERS
April 1
In loving memory of Dr. Steven Denlinger. Given by his uncle, Carl.
April 8
In memory of Deborah Brown, loving mother and grandmother, and in memory of Lewis C. Wendell, Jr. Given by Lewis, Abbie, Nicholas and Elsbeth Wendell.
April 15
In celebration of my husband Donald’s long affiliation with this church, and my daughter Heather’s April wedding. With my love, Jane Cox.
April 22
In loving memory of my sister, Margaret B. Livermore, February 8, 1945-April 19, 2003. Ned Motley.
April 29
In loving memory of my father, Robert Burns, and my uncle, James Harvey. Janet Burns.
If you are interested in donating flowers for a Sunday service, the cost is $45.
Please contact Connie Mast at 215-496-0840.
BEACON BITS
2007 UUA General Assembly
Interested in attending GA this summer in Portland Oregon? Let’s make sure First Unitarian Church is well represented. Please speak with Debby Schultz, schultzdATcomcast.net, this month if you are interested. This will be her first GA and she’d be delighted to have you join her.
Lavender Women in the Delaware Valley
We welcome you to join us and help us build community. We host a variety of social activites including women's dances, educational programs, speakers, wine and cheese mixers, movie nights, pot lucks, spiritual groups, and our fabulous "Mudslinger's Garden Club". Anyone who is at all interested in sharing plants, discussing gardening tips, visiting various gardens in the area will sure want meet up with these great women!
The Lavender Women's group is for lesbians in the Pennsylvania/ Delaware / Philadelphia / New Jersey area / Delaware Valley area Many activites are located throughout the tri-state region. No affiliation with the Church is necessary.
Contact LavenderwomenAThotmail.com for the women's group and Interweave@uucdc.org for LGBT and Friends information. See also http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lavenderwomen/
April 1—Lavender Women/ Interweave Forum
“Two Spirit People: Gender Diversity Across Cultures “
Join a diverse group for this evening film and forum hosted from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary Hall of the Unitarian Church of Delaware County. This documentary film explores the "third gender" tradition in Native American culture, in which individuals who embody feminine and masculine qualities act as a conduit between the physical and spiritual world. This presentation will be especially interesting to faith communities working to understand and honor the inherent diversity of gender expression. The film will be followed by an interactive presentation by Dr. William Stayton, M.Div., Th.D., who will present information about the tradition of the "two spirit person" in tribal society. He will contrast historic Native American beliefs regarding gender-roles with the evolving influence of European and Christian Theology.
Update on Parking
Increasing weekend staff use of the College of Physicians parking lot on Van Pelt street makes it impractical for church people to assume the right to park there.
The large parking lot across from it is available free of charge most Sundays of the year. Access via 21st Street is the best bet (right off Market onto 21st, right into the lot) as the Van Pelt Street exit is frequently chained. This lot is owned by the College of Physicians who have graciously given us access to it.
Meanwhile, the Central Parking System has issued vouchers for parking at the Ambassador Garage (21st and Chestnut) on Sundays and weekday evenings for $5. Pick up vouchers from the ushers or by contacting the church office. Free parking is still permitted on the east side of 22nd Street from Walnut to Market Streets on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Spring Trolley Tour of Churches
Would you like to spend a morning with our ministerial candidate and a group of fun-loving friends and members of First UU? Hear stories about Philadelphia church (and specifically, Unitarian-Universalist) history? Experience some stunning architectural beauty? If the answer to one or more of these questions is “yes”, please join us on our trolley bus tour of some classic old Philadelphia churches (including Arch St. Meeting, Christ Church, Gloria Dei and Mother Bethel). We will also be driving by some sites significant in UU history.
When: May 5th, 2007, from 9:30-12:30
Place where we’ll start and end: First UU Church at 22nd and Chestnut.
Cost: $25 per person (for transport and tours)
For reservations and tickets please see Val Sandberg. Any additional questions? Talk to Dane Wells, Richard Frey or Heather Speirs.
Return of Good Friday Service
Whether you are just curious about Christianity or already a follower of Jesus you are welcome to join members of the congregation and the broader community in a observance of Good Friday. Through readings, songs and silence we will honor the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The service will be in the Chapel at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6. For more information contact Elizabeth Terry at niaworkATjuno.com or 215-747-1284.
WANTED: Conscientious Volunteer for Task-Oriented Job at First Church!
We need a Coordinator for Ushers & Greeters for the rest of the church year. This is a great position for someone who likes a defined volunteer job, and one where you will have the chance to become acquainted with many church members. If you are willing to offer your services, you will be given lots of help and many hosannahs. If you don’t want to do this alone, find someone to be Co-coordinator. It should take no more than one hour a week. The coordinator lines up four persons to be ushers and greeters for each Sunday, gives them instructions (already available), and reminds them on Friday to show up Sunday. It’s not hard to recruit people, we just need an organizer. Contact Phyllis Belk (Phyllis.belkATverizon.net)
Calling All Artists! First Church Spring Art Show on April 8
You might have noticed that First Unitarian Church is full of artists, professional and amateur, working in all media. These shows encourage all who make and attempt art to bring their work together to share with each other and our congregation.
Whatever you make--photographs, paintings, sculpture, fiber art, prints, ceramics, graphic design--anything that can be displayed, done by any member of the First Unitarian community--members, friends, and staff--please bring your work to the 23rd Community Art Show Sunday April 8.
Work is to be brought to church the morning of April 8 (before 10 am if possible), ready for hanging (or for leaning, standing, or whatever suits the work). If you have big work or work you’d like to see in the big church space, give us advance notice, and we will arrange for earlier delivery. The exhibition will be arranged in the Church and the Parish Room, and it will be on view during Coffee Hour. Everything is to be taken home after Coffee Hour--the show will be short but sweet. All media and all themes will be welcome--no content restrictions! Contact Richard Frey, 215-735-7156 email richardfreyATdca.net, if you’d like to know more or to lend a hand.!
This is about the 24th community show we have held. It’s a great way to get to know one another, so please join in.
“Honoring Our Elders” Retreat
How can our congregations best nurture, support and celebrate our older members? Join us as we:
-celebrate the intergenerational nature of our communities
-shatter some myths and stereotypes of aging
-hear from a panel of experts on what UU elders really want from their churches
-listen to success stories from pastoral care teams
-create an action plan to take it all home
Open to everyone, and especially recommended for elders, Caring Committee members, Pastoral Care Associates, ministers, lay visitors, lay leaders, and advocates. There is no charge to attendees, and lunch will be provided.
The retreat is scheduled for June 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Pendle Hill Retreat Center in Wallingford, PA.
Facilitators: Mary J. Fallon, Outreach Director, and Rev. Libby Smith, Chaplain, both of Unitarian Universalist House in Philadelphia. For more information call Mary at 215-843-5881.
You’re Invited to “The Prom”
(An Intergenerational Saturday Night Dance)
The dance committee invites everyone to come out on Saturday, May 5, from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., and dance the night away. Refreshments will be served all night, and admission is free!
This will be a fun way for members of the Unitarian Universalist community to get together
Babysitting will be available so you can boogie.
Volunteers are needed for the host committee (contact Jessica @ 215.898.6418)
7 O’Clock
30’s and 40’s big band era – jitterbug, swing, fox trot and waltz
50’s – be bop, sock hop
8 O’Clock
60’s – go ahead and get down with those Motown sounds
70’s – disco groovy beats – maybe some beegees
9 O’Clock
80’s favorites
90’s – Reality Bites!
10 O’Clock
Current dance favorites.
We’re gonna rock around the clock!
Black tie optional. Blue jeans optional.
Prom dress optional. Forgotten bridesmaid dress optional.
Dance shoes optional. No shoes… optional.
Shirts required.
Whether you did The Stroll in bobbie sox and poodle skirt or you disco-danced the night away under a spinning silver ball this is the party you just can't miss.
And of course don't forget those multi-generational favorites: the Electric Slide, the Bunny Hop, and Shout!
So please save this date. . . Saturday, May 5.
Whether you're 18 or 80, First Church is hosting the party of your life.
Special Mystery Guest: Our ministerial candidate!
Mid-Atlantic UU Gathering
We are the Unitarian Universalist Mid-Atlantic Community. For one week each summer, we stay at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, about five miles southeast of Allentown, to learn, grow, retreat, and recreate together. UUMAC is open to people of all ages, races, abilities, genders, and sexual identities and orientations. We are intergenerational and our recreation is playful for everyone. For some, UUMAC is an ever-expanding family reunion. For others, UUMAC is an opportunity for rest and renewal. This year our Theme Speaker will be Rev. Lisa Ward from the UU Fellowship of Harford County in Churchville, Maryland, speaking on "The Power of Family Values in Liberal Religious Communities." Our Minister of the Week will be Rev. Clare Petersberger from the Towson UU Church in Lutherville, Maryland. We hope you will join us at UUMAC July 22-28, 2007!
Please download and share our brochure: http://uumac.org/UUMAC2007Brochure.pdf or visit our website: www.uumac.org.
MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Is Candidating Week On Your Schedule?
Candidating Week is set for April 28 through May 6, 2007. If all continues to go well with the search process, the Ministerial Search Committee will present its choice of a candidate to our congregation. The purpose of the week is to allow everyone in the congregation opportunities to meet and get to know our candidate. He/she will also conduct worship services on April 29 and May 6. With the help of Virginia DeRolf, a week of activities is currently being planned. Thanks, Virginia, for allowing the committee to benefit from your gifts of hospitality and time!
Here is what we have tentatively scheduled so far:
Sunday, May 29 Sunday Service followed by a “meet and mingle” luncheon and then conversation with candidate
Thursday, May 3 Candidate attends choir rehearsal and has dessert with choir
Saturday, May 5 Ministry of the Arts bus tour for congregation and candidate
Saturday, May 5 Young Adults intergenerational dance night
Sunday, May 6 Sunday Service followed by congregational meeting
By the time Candidating Week is upon us, I have no doubt that the schedule will be full and our candidate will have had the opportunity to meet with our board, staff and ministry teams. Please contact Virginia with your ideas for activities or events.
At the May 6 Congregational Meeting, our congregation will vote whether or not to call the candidate as our new minister. If our vote is overwhelmingly positive, the candidate will accept our call. Mark your calendars now and plan for an incredible week!
Submitted by Christine Carlson
Thank You, Search Committee!
As we prepare to vote on our ministerial candidate on May 6, we express our gratitude to our extraordinary Ministerial Search Committee. The eight members introduced in the biographies and photos below devoted 11 months to a process that many would consider a second job. During the past year they have spent numerous hours:
o reading twenty-five 25-page applications;
o preparing the Congregational Record and Packet;
o coordinating Beyond Categorical Thinking;
o phone interviewing 14 candidates total (2 per committee member);
o interviewing and hosting 4 pre-candidates for a weekend beginning Friday night and concluding Sunday after lunch;
o 8 – 10 reports to the Board and congregation;
o speaking with the congregation after worship services;
o and deliberating, deliberating, deliberating.
In addition to the committee-of-the-whole tasks, each took on an additional responsibility:
• Fran Poodry: Committee Chairperson
• Christine Carlson: Secretary
• Val Sandberg: Treasurer
• Marisa McClellan: The Congregational Packet (3 ½ inch binder)
• Lora Thornburg: Congregational Record
• Seth Carrier: Beyond Categorical Thinking Seminar
• Billie Penn Johnson: Church History Resource
• Ken Olin: Arranging neutral pulpits for pre-candidating weekends
During April, take the opportunity to introduce yourself to each member of these dedicated members and thank them for giving their heart and soul to the ministerial search process. They represented us well.
Recognizing Our Search Committee…
Christine Carlson
Christine Carlson joined First Church in 1999. It was there she met and married her husband, and dedicated their two children, now one and three years old. In addition to being a member of the Ministerial Search Committee, she is involved in the CRE program and participates in the Women’s Book Discussion Group.
In the past, she has been Chairperson of the Rental Committee, sung in the Choir, and served on the search committees for a music director and CRE director. Christine is Vice President of Executive Communications of Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors (the area’s largest real estate company). She enjoys music, reading, walking, biking and hanging out at playgrounds and parks. Her children are her priority and she spends as much time as she can teaching and learning from them.
Seth Carrier
Hi, my name is Seth Carrier, and I am a learner. I love to learn and figure out people primarily, and I have spent the greater part of my adult life puzzling out different social and bureaucratic structures, thriving on figuring out the best way to set up human interactive structures so that they work efficiently and seamlessly. Perhaps that makes me a seeker of harmony.
My study of people and interaction began when I moved away from home in western Massachusetts and started attending Union College, in Schenectady, NY. Having graduated in 2000 with a B.A. in East Asian Studies and a minor in Computer Science, and having spent my junior year abroad in Japan, I spent the subsequent two summers as counselor at a camp for mentally retarded adults in Wilton, NY, fitting in a six month working-abroad trip to London in between. I then finally settled in Philadelphia five years ago, following an ex-girlfriend, and am still here today, despite our parting four years ago. For the past five years I have been deconstructing the inner workings of the Operations Department at ATX Communications, both the people and the systems.
My current great pleasure is working with the many wonderful people at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. A life-long Unitarian, born and raised, I have been involved with the Young Adult group here in Philly for the past four years, and the larger church as a member and full participant for the past two. Currently I am a member of the Young Adult Ministry Team, the Membership Ministry Team, and the Search Committee, and that is more than enough for right now. Onwards ho!
Billie Penn Johnson
I am a 74-year-old African American great grandmother. I am a graduate of Hampton University and retired from Merck & Company where I worked as a virologist. Currently, I’m a member of the Philadelphia Black Radical Congress. I tutor young children, 6-11, in reading and I’m a big jazz enthusiast. And I love martinis.
I was attracted to First Unitarian Church when Victor Carpenter was the pastor. The attraction was because of the church’s very public and assertive stand for civil rights. I have served in practically all positions except as Sexton. I’m looking forward to making a contribution in the search for our next minister.
Marisa McClellan
I was born in Hollywood and lived in Eagle Rock, CA until I was almost 9 years old. My parents had been looking for a way to escape the smog and rot of LA when my mom had a dream about living someplace with snow-capped mountains. They looked around, checked out Portland, OR and a year later we were living there. Nearly 20 years later, they are still there.
I went to Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wa., and while I love the west coast, after college, I was looking to be someplace else. After graduation and a summer in Indonesia, I came to Philly to visit my grandmother (both sides of my family are from Philadelphia originally), and as I got off the plane I knew I had to move here. It was like I had been hit in the head with a long, heavy piece of wood, the message was so strong. Always one to try to listen to the little dribbles of guidance the universe sends my way, I moved to the east coast. Nearly five years later, it still feels like the right choice.
On my father’s side, I am the fourth generation of my family to be Unitarian. My great-uncle and my step-grandfather were UU ministers. My mom is Jewish, and I feel that tradition profoundly as well.
I’ve been a member of a Unitarian church since I was 16 years old, and have been a member of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia since 2002.
I started the current incarnation of the young adult group, have served on the Program Council, worked on several Stewardship Campaigns, coordinated the 2005 Service Auction and participated in the Governance Study Group that led the church to tentatively adopt the form of policy governance that we are currently working with.
I live in Center City and am currently a student at St. Joseph’s University, getting a Masters in Writing.
Fran Poodry
Fran Poodry has been a member of First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia since 1999, and a Unitarian Universalist all her life. She grew up in Buffalo, NY, and was active with the St Lawrence District “youth board” as a teenager. Here at First Unitarian, she served for four years on the Finance Committee, two of them as the chair and Board of Trustees member for finance. She also co-taught the junior-high youth group for a year.
Fran teaches high school physics in a public school two counties west of Philadelphia, and lives one county west of Philadelphia, so as to be between work and church. At school Fran is the coach of the Science Olympiad Team (who made it to the state competition last year) and the Physics Olympics Team, and is the vice-president of the local Southeastern Pennsylvania Physics Teachers Association.
Fran is married to a computer programmer who has no involvement with First Church, or any church. She enjoys Scottish and English Country Dancing, crossword puzzles, baking bread, watching the Tour de France, drinking single-estate TGFOP teas, Dance Dance Revolution, and lying on the sofa reading a good book.
Val Sandberg
For the last 12 years my wife and I have lived in Center City Philadelphia and have participated at the First Unitarian Church. Previously, I have served on the Board of Trustees as Treasurer, on the Finance committee, and on the Personnel committee. Now I am serving as a Worship Associate and as a leader on the Ministry for the Arts in addition to my work on the Search Committee. We love this church community.
A retired school administrator, I now work in a limited way as a consultant to an educational testing organization giving workshops to teachers and school leaders through the year.
Living in Center City gives me opportunity to explore my interests in the cultural life of the city - art, music, dance, film, & theater. We also live part of the year in the Adirondacks where I recover from the busy pace of city life with a more relaxed time in the mountains and lakes of Upstate New York.
Our family—one son, his wife and our twin 14-year-old grand children are an important part of our life. They live nearby in Princeton, NJ.
Ken Olin and Lora Thornburg also served as members of the Search Committee.
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP UPDATE
At its last meeting, the Ministry Leadership Team took up the task of defining its Mission and Goals. Mark Peterson acted as facilitator. The Mission and Goals that emerged are as follows:
The mission of the Ministry Leadership Team is to assist and support the minister in achieving goals identified by the congregation and set by the Board. The MLT will accomplish this by:
• providing monthly oversight to the ongoing ministry teams with regard to mission, goals, scheduling, activities, funding.
• giving approval to proposed ministry teams and identifying areas needing attention.
• acting as a resource for the ministry teams.
• ensuring adequate communications between staff and ministry teams.
• engaging in proactive communication with the Board.
At our next meeting on April 9, we will proceed with defining our Roles and Procedures.
The MLT noted that there is a vacancy in the leadership of the Adult Religious Education Team, as Thomas Hunter has asked to be relieved of that responsibility. We thank Thomas for his contribution over a period of years. Any member interested in lending ideas, inspiration or leadership to this team is encouraged to be in contact with the Minister or any member of the MLT: Connie Baker, Luana Goodwin, Carol Peterson, Phebe Shinn, Dan Widyono.
The MLT would like to congratulate the Property Ministry Team for the considerable improvement (not yet completed) to the stairwells and lobby of Parish Hall. They look great and we know it is the result of a lot of thought and effort!
Submitted by Luana Goodwin
BYLAWS COMMITTEE
The Bylaws Committee is currently gathering information and drafting the new bylaws to reflect the change to policy governance. This continues the process we began last year of streamlining our bylaws. This rewrite will involve more substantive changes to reflect the congregational vote in January. We have gotten information from the UUA and sample bylaws from other UU churches who are working under a policy governance system.
How can you get involved? First, keep reading the notes in the Beacon and Order of Service. Second, attend one or both informational meetings where you can ask your questions and voice your concerns. Third, you can contact either of us to talk about a specific issue.
Dates to remember:
3/18-4/8/07: Period for comments and input on
bylaws from congregation
4/1/07: Second congregational information
meeting on bylaws and other topics
Submitted by Dea Silbertrust & Diane Frey
Co-chairs, Bylaws Committee
MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS
Theater Discussion Group
If you are interested in participating in this Theater Series as a part of the Ministry of the Arts, please sign up at the table in the rear of the sanctuary. You can also sign up or direct questions to Val Sandberg at valsandATearthlink.net
Caroline, or Change March 8-April 8, 2007
ARDEN THEATER
The Life of Galileo April 11-May 13, 2007
WILMA THEATER
FIRST Arts Presents:
Raina Rose in Concert !
Join us Sunday, April 15 at 5:00 p.m. for a special live performance from indie folkstress Raina Rose in our chapel. Tickets are $10 ($5 for students). A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit First Church’s FIRST Arts program.
YOUNG ADULTS PROGRAM
Hey everyone, the Young Adult Group continues to be an exciting place to be! Our contemporary Sunday Evening Worship (SEW) services continue to draw a good crowd, averaging 40 in attendance, with rave reviews from many (see the testimonial in this issue of the Beacon from Phyllis Belk for more details!). Our April SEW service will be held on Sunday the 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, we hope to see many of you there!
Intergenerational games night continues to be well attended, with an average attendance of 15 people so far. Our next games night is Wednesday April 4 at 7:00 p.m. in Griffin Hall, and we hope to see many of you there, yet again! Everyone is warmly welcome to attend, including those of all generations, both old, young (including kids!) and in-between. We of course continue our happy hours and potlucks, with the next Happy Hour being held Friday, April 13, 2007 from 6 to 8 pm at Skinner's Dry Goods Tavern (226 Market Street, Center City Philadelphia. Please reach out to Nikyia at nikyia.rogersATgmail.com if want more info or have questions. We are still looking for a host for our April potluck (April 27 at 7:00 p.m.), so if you're interested, let us know, we are happy to have a non-young adult host.
Also of note: Jessica Manlove and Virginia DeRolf are co-coordinating an Intergenerational Dance, sponsored by the Young Adult Group, scheduled for the evening of Saturday, May 5. See Jessica's announcement elsewhere in the Beacon for more details, but we are excited about that and hope for a large turnout to help welcome our new minister during candidating week.
In a bit of non-event related news, the Young Adult Ministry Team was thrilled to welcome Reverend Lyn Cox, the Director for Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Joseph Priestly District to Philadelphia for an orientation and support session on Tuesday, May 6, related to our grant and hiring of Jason Kelley as our Young Adult Ministry Coordinator. Rev. Lyn led us in some insight-producing activities, and provided us with some great tools and support as we move forward in expanding our ministry. Thank you Rev Lyn!
Last but not least, if you want to keep up closer tabs on Young Adult goings on, feel free to check out our public calendar at http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=phillyuuya%40gmail.com
All our events with times and locations are listed there, so feel free to join us for anything that peaks your interest!
Submitted by Seth Carrier
An Elder’s Opinion on Young Adult Services
As a church member who has attended the first two Contemporary Worship Services organized by our Young Adult Ministry, and as one whose age is at the other end of the spectrum from the Young Adults, I was asked to share my impressions of the services.
The services surprised me, delighted me, and taught me. I intend to show up at the monthly evening services whenever I am in town. The Order of Service was not so very different from our Sunday mornings, but more people participated. I was able to walk on the spiritual paths of 9 or 10 of our young adults, moved by their deep experiences and familiarity with leaders of many faiths. And I’ve been able to talk after the services with 15 or 20 more young people who I don’t see otherwise. I have yearned for more intergenerational exchanges of ideas and philosophies, and these services are helping me as well as serving the needs of a younger generation.
Submitted by Phyllis Belk
MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
Busy Month for Membership Activity
March was an exciting and fulfilling month, from the vantage point of the Membership Ministry Team.
Here are some highlights:
• Five new members were welcomed by the congregation in a ceremony at the March 11 Sunday Service. They are Cat Adler-Josem, Jason Kelley, Christiane Geisler, Mia Carpiniello and her spouse Paul Costa. Read more about them in this Beacon in the Profiles of New Members.
These five new members and the other individuals who have joined the church in the past few months were feted at a reception held at the elegant home of Carol and Mark Peterson on the afternoon of March 11. Hosts for the event were the Trustees, members of the Leadership Ministry Team, and the Membership Team.
• The Updated Directory of Members & Friends was mailed to congregation members in early March, thanks to the efficient work of Norman Fouhy and Mike McKee in the church office.
The office staff also mailed packets of useful information to the new members in March.
• ConnectU, the special ‘project’ of the Membership Team to bring more church members into action as greeters after church on Sunday mornings has now ‘trained’ more than 30 persons. Since our goal for this spring was to have 35 persons ‘trained’, we are very very pleased at the response so far and have no doubt we’ll exceed our goal. Thank you Seth Carrier and Virginia DeRolf for your leadership, and thanks to everyone wearing the orange-salmon nametags indicating you are a ConnectU greeter.
• The NewUU class met for three Sunday evenings, with Virgina as the leader, and proved to be so valuable for visitors who want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and our church that another class is planned before this church year ends. Let Virginia know of your interest., by emailing vsderolf@yahoo.com.
• Reverend Metzger also is holding brief “Orientation to UU” sessions after church two Sundays a month, and these have been attended by persons who are deciding if they want to know more about us.
• Circle Dinner Groups continue to provide important occasions for members and friends to become acquainted in a small social setting. You might be able to still join a group if you contact our coordinator, Sharon Tomalin.
• The Sunday morning coffee hour after church service is a lively time, thanks to ConnectU and to the good folks who are providing refreshments. Sarah Smith and family provide refreshments twice a month, and other people are bringing goodies as well. I would like to know who they are so I can thank them. Often, a cake or fruit or a cheese plate or bagels just ‘appears’ on the back table. Thank you, whoever you are!
• Still needed: a coordinator for the usher-greeter program. See ‘ad’ elsewhere in this Beacon. This is an ‘easy’ defined-task kind of volunteer job. Thank you to the folks who are responding to the ad hoc situation currently existing, where you sign up at the back of the church to be an usher or greeter on specified Sundays. Look for the clipboard & sign up.
Where Are We RE: Membership?
We have 195 members. This is a ‘good’ number. Last year we reported 220 members to the UUA, but we knew that the list had not been “culled.” That 220 number included persons no longer pledging or even, in some cases, no longer living in Philadelphia. This winter we went through the list of member and friends in a thorough fashion, communicated with some persons who we believed had ‘lapsed’ unintentionally, and removed names of persons who did not wish to stay connected for a variety of reasons. The new 195 number is sound, and given the fact that churches usually lose some members during an interim ministry, we are satisfied, and fully expect to see a significant increase in the next year or so when we have a settled minister. We base this optimism on the number of young adults becoming active, on the enthusiastic ‘feel’ of our congregation at our gatherings, and on the solid improvements the Board is making to our governance.
Meet Some of Our New Members!
Christiane Geisler
Christiane grew up in rural France, near Bordeaux. From the time she was a small child, she knew that she was bound for the wider world. She studied nursing at a school run by Protestant Huguenot nuns. After graduating and giving back her requisite two years of service, she took off on her own to visit Togo, West Africa. There she located a clinic which was glad to enlist her talents. While working in Togo, she met her future husband, Dan, a young engineer placed there through the American Peace Corps.
Christiane and her husband joined the American diplomatic corps and were stationed in Zaire, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. During those years, Christiane devoted herself to raising their two sons and doing volunteer work, often related to health.
When they returned to the Washington, DC area following their diplomatic service, Christiane found herself in search of a religious community. She encountered the UU World at a friend’s house and discovered that the views express
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