The Beacon - April 2008
April Worship Services
sanctuary, unless otherwise noted.)
Tides of Life
April 6, 2008
The natural cycles of the ocean remind us of one of the truths of our lives: all things ebb and flow. How do we adapt and find ways to go with the ups and downs of our lives? How do we see life’s changes not as an aspect of our living to be resisted, but rather as a truth to be embraced or, at least, held more reverently? Guest speaker, Rev. Shana Lynngood has served for nearly five years as the Associate Minister of All Souls Church, Unitarian in Washington, DC and is a lifelong UU who grew up in suburban Philadelphia. In addition to ministry, Rev. Lynngood's life is full with family: her partner, Rev. Melora Lynngood, two-year old daughter, Athena, and mother/member of your congregation, Luana Goodwin.
Rev. Nate’s three-part sermon series on Faith and Democracy:
Part I: Give Them Not Hell but Hope!
April 13, 2008
By drawing upon the history of our Universalist ancestors, Rev. Nate will present his charge to the congregation: to couple one’s conscience with universal love as inspired foundations for our collective engagement in democracy. The purpose is to respond to those who proclaim eternal damnation with a prophetic 21st Century vision of Universalism. Special guest, Michael Masters of the Murray Grove Association will greet the children as Thomas Potter (b. 1689 – d. 1777), one of the influential figures in American Universalism. Worship Associates: Val Sandberg and Virginia DeRolf.
Part II: Theolegal Democracy
April 20, 2008
Are some political and legal decisions based primarily on theological justifications? Are some judicial interpretations religiously biased? If so, do such trends create a theo-political culture in which government officials use theological grounds to justify their decisions? Reverend Nate will explore these questions in the context of warning America against becoming a Theolegal Democracy. Worship Associates: Janet Scannell and Leslie Anderson.
Contemporary Service
April 20, 2008, 7:00 PM, Parish Room
Join us for an alternative worship service hosted by the Young Adult group.
Part III: Onward, Liberal Soldiers?
An auction sermon inspired by Dan Geisler
April 27, 2008
How many hymns does it take to make a liberal American angry? One. Onward, Christian Soldiers. This 19th Century English hymn is often interpreted by 21st Century Liberals as a belief-system that erodes the separation of church and state. The hymn is perceived as one that motivates the Christian Right to justify war, enact discrimination and erode civil liberties. Are these perceptions accurate? Reverend Nate will unravel common stereotypes liberals have of conservatives and visa versa and conclude by articulating a treatise for repairing liberal-conservative divide. By doing so, maybe liberals will not be so quick to sing their own version of the hymn: Onward, Liberal Soldiers. Worship Associate: Eric Jordan.
Minister’s Message
Mindful Political Consumption
I have become a political junky, obsessed with the presidential race, consuming media at higher rates than any other time in my life. This has led me to reflect upon what kind of political content is consumed and how it affects my consciousness. Does media-intake help me become a more insightful participant in society? At times, yes; however, often my mind becomes tricked by the professional gossip of American media. I find myself feeling angry and defensive and at other times overzealous about perceived political triumphs. I feel like an addict. I need my daily fix. What has happened to me? I have never owned a television in my adult life and yet my personal time has been overruled by digital political commentary. Whenever there is a free moment, you can bet Reverend Nate is on his computer analyzing all the articles on realpolitics.com and streaming video through washingtonpost.com. Could it be that my engagement in democracy is thriving? At best, yes. At worse, my mind is constantly consumed by political drama. This leads me to ask what is the quality of my political intake? Do certain articles promote my own moral and intellectual development or do they lure me into a political scene based on false dualities? I am afraid to say that my involvement in America’s media is so engrossed that it may not be possible for me to truly answer my own questions. I’m certain you have insights on these matters. What do you think? What does your instinct say? Are you aware of any practices that inspire a healthy engagement in democracy? I want to be informed and engaged but not at the cost of my own wellbeing. I am wondering if mindfulness is a helpful frame through which to engage this conversation. In a recent Adult Religious Education course we explored five mindfulness trainings based on the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk. I’m going to close this article by interweaving two of these trainings: deep listening & loving speech and mindful consumption. One of my spiritual practices is to understand how unmindful political speech, coupled with my inability to listen to multiple perspectives, can create suffering in me, in others and in our society. In response, my intention is to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to meaningfully contribute to our democracy. My intention is to experience a deeper understanding about social issues and to use the words that inspire a plurality of perspectives. I also recognize that words can be used to demoralize, demean and erode my ability to see issues through multiple lenses. More than ever, my hope is to be a citizen who deeply listens for the kernels of truth within various political arenas. I want to use these kernels to speak truthfully and to no longer condemn things of which are unknown to me. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord or that can erode our democracy. One way to achieve this goal is to monitor my intake by practicing mindful political consumption. The purpose is to ingest items that preserves peace, well-being and joy in my consciousness. How can this occur in the context of American media? I’m not fully certain. Some political commentary is toxic and others are insightful. Some media outlets are toxic and others are enlightening. Some conversations are toxic and others inspire a deeper awareness about various matters. I hope to have the insight and courage to know the difference. I hope to have the skills necessary to recognize that which is poisonous – the kinds of words that can betray my own potential and the potential of democracy. I hope to have the ability to turn conflicts into opportunities. How is this achieved? By transforming violence, fear, anger and confusion in myself by regulating my political intake. I understand that proper political consumption is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of our democratic society. With gratitude for the opportunity to integrate my political life with spiritual practices...
Peace,
Reverend Nate Walker
(215) 701-9072
revnate[AT]philauu.org
Greetings From Your CRE Director
A year ago or so, my wife started to express an interest in getting a dog. Both of us had been happily owned by cats, separately and together, for most of our adult lives. Elisa grew up with dogs, especially a standard poodle named Sophie, and she missed having a dog. The feeling in her grew stronger, so this winter she started researching rescue dogs on the internet. We learned that animal rescue organizations are very particular about the families they release the dogs into. Some of them require references and a fenced-in yard. We took the plunge and, thanks to the warm winter, were able to fence in a 20’ x 20’ area in our side yard with a set of steps leading to it right outside our back door.
The adage “if you build it they will come” proved true. Within a couple of days of the completion of the yard, we visited Main Line Animal Rescue and met Star, a six-year-old grey and white female poodle who had been a breeder at a puppy mill. In spite of the noisy, smelly, frenetic atmosphere at MLAR, she displayed a sweet, calm demeanor and we took to her immediately. That week we were on pins and needles waiting for the director to visit our home to approve our fenced-in area. His initial answer was no - the yard was OK but he thought we weren't ready to take a dog with such a difficult history. We were crestfallen. Elisa sent an e-mail insisting we were a good fit for her and that we would do whatever it took to learn about raising a dog from a puppy mill. The director relented and we took possession of Star the following Saturday.
Star will be a project. She has been emotionally damaged from mistreatment and neglect. We were told it will take six months for her to bond with us, but the process has begun already. She is the gentlest creature I have ever known. She soaks up our affection and stays by us around the house. We continue to be moved by what she is already teaching us---patience, humility and calmness. This act of reaching out into this broken world and offering refuge to one creature has been affirming and healing. I’m reminded of the quote we often hear at our Children’s Chapel service from Edward Hale: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”
With affection,
Jansen Wendell (and Star)
Jansen[AT]PhilaUU.org
(215) 563-3980, ext. 305
Thank you to all parents and children who participated in Rev Nate’s installation ceremony.
Thanks to Amy Fraatz for reading her story about an adopted girl and to Christine Carlson for her homily on gratitude.
April CRE Worship Highlights
Sunday, April 6, 11:00-12:15: children’s chapel, followed by Church School classes
Sunday, April 13, 11:00-12:15: a 15 minute Time for All Ages in the sanctuary, followed by church school classes
Sunday, April 20, 11:00-12:15: children’s chapel, followed by Church School classes
Sunday, April 27, 11:00-12:15: children’s chapel, followed by Church School classes
Getting to Know UU
By Ken Olin
Broward Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be the location of this year’s General Assembly, taking place from June 25-29, 2008. Registrations and hotel reservations are now being accepted. Go to www.uua.org/events/ generalassembly/index.shtml to find out more about GA and get involved. If you want to know whether a trip to GA is for you, talk to Debby Shultz, Virginia DeRolf or myself. It can be a truly inspirational time for personal spiritual growth.
This year’s General Assembly host city is home to the UU Church of Ft. Lauderdale. The congregation began from the Dec. 1957 meeting of church founders who saw the need for a liberal Unitarian voice in the area. The small group affiliated with the American Unitarian Association in 1958 (before the merger with the Universalists in 1961), so the church celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year. By 1962, the small but growing church had purchased a church property for its new home. By the 1980’s, UUCFL had grown enough to need larger space and so sold that building, and after 3 years renting space from a synagogue, moved into its current home. Rev. Gail Tapscott has been their minister since 1999.
During our recent Interim ministry period, we had two guest ministers who had ties to UUCFL: Rev. Stefan Papa served as minister there from 1978 to 1982 (and later was minister at Main Line Unitarian), and Rev. Ken Beldon served as first settled minister for River of Grass UU Congregation (www.riverofgrass.org), which in 1998 was spun off from UUCFL as it grew. Rev. Beldon is now minister at Wellsprings UU in Chester County. If you decide to attend GA in Ft. Lauderdale this June, be sure to let the church office know! You’ll find the time to be very rewarding, and a great way to get to know UU’s from across the country.
President’s Commentary
By Debby Schultz
Last month I asked the Board to consider two questions: What do they personally bring to the Board in their respective roles? and What personal growth have they each experienced as a result of being on the Board? Enjoy their meaningful responses which are fully supported by the work they do for this important religious community.
Virginia DeRolf, Trustee at Large since May 2006
Being a First Unitarian Member at Large Board Member has been surprising, challenging and gratifying. Although I had been the president of two UCC congregations, neither church had a nine-person staff, a historical building and a half-million dollar budget. Insuring the ongoing financial health of the Church’s finances and building has been my primary goal. The primary challenge has been as an informed and active participant in the implementation of policy governance, especially the creation of new policies that serve the health and the mission of the church. In my previous church board experiences, board members’ responsibilities included evaluating programs which in our church is managed by the Ministry Leadership Team. What has been so gratifying during my two-year tenure is working cooperatively with the dedicated and insightful Board members. Each meeting I am in awe of the commitment and the gifts and talents that my fellow Board Members bring to the task. Although the Board might be dealing with difficult decisions, Members treat each other with utmost respect and there is never a shortage of humor and laughter.
Carl Denlinger, Vice President since May 2006
The challenge of being an effective contributor to the decisions of the Board can be significant. I feel that having been a member of this congregation for 42 years has given me perspectives which I can share to great advantage with the other Board members. I did serve earlier as Board President for 2 two-year terms, one in the ‘70s and one in the ‘80s. My first commitment was to the Religious Education Committee, and later, the Property Committee, the Caring and Concerns Committee, a search committee, a pledge drive chairmanship and a Ministry Evaluation Committee. As you can easily see, if you attend church fairly regularly, the group to which I have been most devoted for the longest period of time has been the Choir. I have experienced varying levels of interest in and devotion to this church, but I can honestly say that the arrival of the Reverend Nate Walker has been one of the most welcome moments in my experience at First Church. We are, I sincerely believe, on the cusp of an era that will be viewed as the pivotal point for the growth and development of our church. I also sense that my evaluation is shared by many other members.
Mark Peterson, Treasurer since May 2007
My role on the Board of Trustees…
It’s my view that the role of the Treasurer is to exercise oversight over all aspects of our financial assets. This includes hindsight, current operation, and foresight… planning ahead with an eye to the economy as well as needs within our Church community. The role of the Treasurer is to be primarily responsible to the congregation. I am not the Board of Trustee’s Treasurer, or the Administrative Staff’s Treasurer. Rather, I try to represent the interests of all of you who are members of the community. As a consequence, when I am in a Board Meeting or attending the Finance Administration Ministry Team Meetings, the Endowment Working Group, or discussing issues with the Administrative staff, I am largely focused on the Church as a whole and on you as congregants. This means that I speak out when I believe it is important to register a concern which relates to the financial well being of our Church. The viability of our financial operation both now and in the future is my number one priority.
Experience on the Board and my personal growth…
There was no job description for the role of the Treasurer when I was elected so I am enjoying a process of inductive reasoning to develop my role with regard to protecting and enhancing the assets and financial viability of our Church. I am not formally trained in finance so there is always a good deal to learn. The most challenging part of this job has been dealing with the shift to “Policy Governance” which vests greater day-to-day decision making in the administrative staff. As a result, I have enjoyed the process of learning how to exercise prudent but, hopefully, not over-bearing oversight on the financial workings of the Church. Another area of continual challenge relates to trying to balance the values and aspirations of the Church community with the realities of our financial situation. Sometimes the choices are difficult.
Heather Speirs, Trustee at Large since May 2007
I bring to the Board the perspective of a relatively new member and over 25 years as an English Professor; the last seven of those I was also working as an Associate Dean in charge of Off-Campus Programs. As Dean, I worked with faculty, staff and students on all study abroad, internship and urban study programs. I chaired the Off Campus Programs Committee made up of 15 faculty and three staff, made presentations to the entire faculty about new program offerings, evaluated our programs in Thailand, Russia, England and Turkey, provided orientation and reentry courses for returning students, oriented and debriefed participating faculty. I also helped to establish a new semester long program in Queretaro, Mexico. As a professor I led four semester-long study programs in England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as teaching a variety of English literature and writing courses, offering academic and personal advising to dozens of undergraduates, chairing the department for four years, serving on numerous campus wide committees and speaking on panels and at professional conferences. As a member of All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church, I served for six years as Chair of the Adult Education Committee. Serving on the Board has been an at times challenging, but increasingly rewarding ministry for me. It has provided an instructive lesson in group dynamics, as we have steadily learned how best to function collaboratively within the guidelines set forth in the new governance policy manual. I have come to know and admire my colleagues on the Board as well as Rev. Nate, Norman Fouhy and Christina Doe. We all take our responsibilities quite seriously, but we also enjoy the laughter that comes as a relief in a long meeting and the sense of camaraderie that has emerged over time. It may not be a sexy job, but it’s certainly a meaningful one.
Shirley Steele, Trustee at Large since May 2006
The challenge in being an at-large member of the Board comes when you realize that you can’t just advocate for your own special church-related interest (in my case, choir and music), but that you have to try to see the big picture. In other words, when considering alternatives before the Board, you have to imagine what would be best for the whole church. For example, in the allocation of funds and other resources and in setting realistic goals, you usually can’t have everything, and sometimes the Board has to make hard choices. An at-large Board member needs to listen to all sides of the issues that come up, try to raise aspects of the problem that maybe nobody has thought of, perhaps occasionally challenge existing assumptions, and try to imagine how the church will look in six months, a year, two years, even 10 years hence, given a specific Board action. It takes some practice!
Board members just started wearing green nametags not because we are so special but as a way of making the Board more visible and available to the congregation. Please share your thoughts, vision and questions with us. As always, Board Meetings are open to all so please consider attending a Board Meeting which is held the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 6:30 p.m.
With love,
Debby Schultz
Governance and Ministry Policy Changes
At a special Board Meeting on February 23, the following changes were made to the Governance and Ministry Policy Manual.
Introduction: Statement clarifying that the Policy is a work-in-progress with changes focused on improvements and needs that arise.
Executive Director: The term “Head of Staff” (defining the minister) was replaced by Executive Director. Executive Director is a position more commonly recognized by organizations with whom the minister would be interfacing.
Minister as Spiritual Leader: A new section will be added to the Policy describing this role. Ministry Leadership Team Composition: Modified to ensure collaboration between the Minister and the Board in determining the composition and organization of the Ministry Leadership Team.
Primary Financial Staff: Ensures the Board actively engages the Minister in the hiring of the primary financial staff. In the event of the dismissal of the Primary Financial Staff, the Board will provide a working group of three to hear an appeal.
General Editing Changes were made to ensure capitalization standards. In a few cases wording changes were made to ensure greater clarity but no change to meaning. The Board will continue its review of the Policy at a special Board meeting focused solely on this topic. At this meeting, Reverend Nate’s written interpretations and any potential changes and additions will be considered. As standard, this meeting of the Board is open to all. Copies of the Governance and Ministry Policy can be obtained from the Church Office.
Save the Date(s)
Stay tuned for information about two upcoming Congregational Information Sessions held on April 20 and May 4 at 12:30 p.m. Topics will include Budget Review, Preservation Project, Ministry Team Updates.
FINANCIAL NEWS UPDATE
Dear Friends and Members of the Congregation,
For the first time, the Finance Administration Leadership Team and a budget subcommittee are going to do two budgets: one for the coming year and one that projects out three years based on input from the various groups with budgetary needs--presenting a better picture of where we go and what our needs are. Next year’s budget will go be revised as we attempt to fashion a workable response to the needs of the Church. The budget is being developed a little later than in previous years because it is going to be based on the results of the canvas. So if you haven't made your pledge, please do so as soon as possible!
Financial Fact!
FACT: You may recall the calculated staff cost for service was $1760 per Sunday. One of our enterprising members became curious about the actual cost based on attendance. By determining the average number of people attending services, the cost per person was $12.00. This figure does not include utilities and other non-personnel items.
Submitted by Mark Peterson, Treasurer
SOCIAL JUSTICE & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Housing and Economic Justice
Rebuilding Together
FirstUU will be participating in Rebuilding Together (RT) for the 14th consecutive year on Saturdays April 12 and 19. We are looking for volunteers to do drywall and painting. We have specific need for help with plumbing and window glass replacement. We also need folks to prepare lunches, take pictures, be available for a supply run and/or to talk with the homeowners (speaking Spanish would be helpful). A signup sheet and an information sheet are available at the back of the sanctuary (or contact Janet at jscannell[AT]brynmawr.edu). By Rebuilding Together, the First Church team can ensure that a Philadelphia neighbor will be safe, warm and dry.
Katrina Relief Work Project
Come to New Orleans in April with a group of local Unitarian Universalists who are going to combine Good Works with Good Music. The group, led by some folks from the Delaware County UU Church, will work with Habitat in building homes for citizens of New Orleans who lost almost everything when Katrina ravaged the City in August 2005. They are paying their own way to New Orleans ($300 to $350 if you get a flight now), but will keep board & lodging costs down by staying at a Habitat camp -- Camp Hope for $30 a day that includes two meals. They are going down April 11 in order to enjoy a JazzFest weekend in the French Quarter before starting work with Habitat on April 14.
Phyllis Belk is a contact for our congregation. But if you are interested, contact the organizer Regina Pound in Media at 610-566-7106.
WinterShelter
February 22 brought a crisis to the evening. While on her way to serve at the shelter, Michelle Mitchell was in a car accident! Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt, but the chicken and rice went flying. Fortunately for the men there was an extra meal that had been brought two days before. Brian Lago, who had only had planned on bringing his homemade brownies got to heat up and serve a whole turkey dinner (with some help from Ginny). March 5, meanwhile, brought veteran cookers and servers Claire and Paul Toy, and Diane Frey together with newcomer John Wiggins provided a feast for the men. Not only did they have fresh baked ham and Macaroni and cheese but the Toys also brought turkey ham for the Muslims among the men. Diane brought fresh salad and dessert was brownies AND ice cream. There is only one more date left this winter—April 2nd! Your financial contributions are always welcome as well as your culinary skills. Sign up at the back of the church or contact coordinator Ginny Beier at 215-545-7831 or vhbeier[AT]hep.upenn.edu.
Criminal Justice
Books Through Bars
We continue to support this nation-wide program which sends books to prisoners. Packing takes place every Tuesday 7:30 -10:30 pm and the first and third Saturday of the month, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the A Space (4722 Baltimore Ave.). We also collect books in the lobby of our church to be transported by volunteers. Please take a flier, and think about the special books the prisoners need and want: books in Spanish, African history, current job preparation manuals. For further info: www.booksthroughbars.org. Thanks to Luana Goodwin and Gillian Stickney Swann for transporting donated books to Books Through Bars, in West Philadelphia.
ADULT PROGRAMS
We invite you to check out the new Adult Religious Education brochure available in our lobby.
Depression Support Group
The group continues to meet on the first Sunday of each month, following service (April 6). For more info contact Arcenia Rosal at 215-561-6506, or Lynn Rubin at 215-837-3371.
Women's Book Club
We have made a switch in the order of the next two months. For April 7 we will be discussing the NEW Birth Order Book - Why You Are the Way You Are by Dr. Kevin Leman. It will be facilitated by Christine Carlson and held at the home of Chris Robertson. PLEASE call her at 215-735-8281 or 1-chrisrobertson[AT]msn.com to let her know you are coming and to get directions. Dr. Leman's classic has been rewritten and expanded and he claims to be able to help you understand yourself, how to get along better with others, and how to be more successful in the workplace. For general questions about book availability and details, contact Ginny Beier at 215-545-7831 or vhbeier[AT]hep.upenn.edu.
Upcoming books:
May 5 - A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
June - The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Interweave
Calling all BGLT members and friends to join the new Interweave listserve: interweavephila-subscribe[AT]yahoogroups.com. The listserve's purpose is to notify about upcoming Interweave events and share information of interest to the BGLT members and friends of our congregation. The listserve will be moderated.
Native American Spirituality for Women
Facilitated by Connie Baker, this group for women interested in learning more about traditional Native American spiritual practices and culture started its third year in January. The class currently meets on the first Friday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Native Americans lived a balanced life, in terms of how they used natural resources, and considered everything to be sacred and equal in importance. They believed in living harmoniously with nature, and were taught to be aware of the impact of everything they did. Of course, there were differences among the 500+ tribes, but those are general statements that can be made. Suggested reading to bring interested people up to speed is Mother Earth Spirituality, by Ed McGaa, Eagle Man. For further information, you may contact Connie at 856-282-7448, conniejazz[AT]comcast.net, or see her after church. The class will be closing in May, so join now!
Great Decisions
The foreign policy discussion group’s two final meetings will be held at 9:30 a.m., April 6: U.S.-China Trade Policy, and April 13: Private Philanthropy. Contact Jacob Fisher, jacob.fisher[AT]gmail.com.
Everyday Spiritual Practices--New Start Date
Inspired by Scott Alexander’s book, this workshop held Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m., April 14-May 9, is facilitated by Rev. Nate explores pathways for enriching your life. The cost of the book is $16. For information, contact Nate, RevNate[AT]Philauu.org.
BEACON BITS
April 22--Presidential Primary
Don’t forget to cast your vote in the Presidential Primary on April 22nd. For information and details, visit www.phillyelection.com or call 215-686-1500.
Philadelphia UU Meetup Group
We meet in the evening, 5:00 p.m. every third Sunday before the Sunday Evening Alternative Worship Service. More information on the Meetup Group can be found on our church website, http://www.philauu.org/index.php/meetups and at our meet-up site, http://unitarians.meetup.com/16.
Kenya Peace and Relief Work
Hello, my name is John Barbieri, and I am a part of the organization VUMA KENYA (www.vumakenya.org), which was started in early January by Kenyans in Boston to respond to post-election violence in Kenya. I am co-heading a Philadelphia Chapter of VUMA and am trying to reach out to local UU congregations to try to connect with all friends of Kenya in the Philadelphia area to raise awareness about the situation in Kenya and find ways to support peace and relief efforts there. VUMA KENYA is raising funds for Kenyan organizations working on one of four initiatives: Acute Disaster Relief, Women's and Children Support (especially addressing sexual violence), Peace and Reconciliation, and Long-term Rebuilding and Resettlement. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks so much, and together may we VUMA (raise our voice) to rebuild and reunite Kenya.
Submitted by John Barbieri
What Can We Do To Make the City Safe?
Americans for Democratic Action will be hosting a forum on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. until noon in our sanctuary, entitled "What Can We Do To Make the City Safe?" The keynote address will be given by Police Commissioner Ramsey, followed by a panel of three violence-prevention and gun control advocacy organization leaders, and dialogue with the audience. The program will be moderated by Daily News columnist Elmer Smith.
Work Party, May 31: It’s Spring Cleaning Time at First Church
Rub-a-dub-dub, we're going to scour and scrub! Time to polish up Griffin Hall for la Primavera! Clean & wax the woodwork-make everything sparkle like the spring bulbs. Think of the enormous feeling of accomplishment you'll get! Only three hours on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Wear your work clothes.) You can’t commit to three hours? OK - give us what time you have. Lunch is on the house! Sign up and put it in your calendar now! Contact Phebe Shinn, 215-382-1691, pandgshinn[AT]verizon.net
MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS
Play Discussion Group for 2007 – 2008
Our current play in this year’s Play Discussion Group program is “Eurydice,” performed at the Wilma Theater from April 30 through June 1, 2008.
Calling All Artists! –Spring Art Show
Sunday, April 27 at Coffee Hour
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 25th(!) Community Art Show Sunday April 27, 2008. Work is to be brought to church the morning of April 27 (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. The exhibition will be arranged in the church and the Parish Room. The art will be on view during Coffee Hour, with everything to be taken home afterward--the show will be short but sweet. All media and themes welcome--no content restrictions! Contact Richard Frey, 215-735-7156 email richardfrey[AT]dca.net for info.
YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM
I was speaking with an Episcopalian friend of mine recently, who was informing me that Easter lasts past Easter Sunday; in fact, it is an entire liturgical season that lasts through Ascension Thursday when Christ is bodily resurrected, up until Pentecost when the Holy Spirit infuses the Apostles with the ability to preach the Gospel in the world. This conversation came on the heels of our Dante class, in which our professor was discussing Paul's notion of conversion as the sloughing off of old skin. My friend pointed out that historically Easter Sunday was a day chosen for adult conversion baptisms. As we spoke, it struck us that these two ideas together, Easter as a moment of conversion as well as redemption and Easter as a season not simply a day, have a larger meaning. Change is not a single event; redemption and rebirth are not snap-of-the-finger occurrences. Rome, as they say, was not built in a day. Classically, Lent is understood as a season of growth-- you give something up to learn something new. I know that many of us UUs do not make Lenten sacrifices, or believe in the bodily resurrection, or the fire of Pentecost. But we do acknowledge springtime as a time of rebirth and growth in the world, and in some sense that is what Easter is about. If Lent is about turning inward to discover what needs to be changed and Easter is about embracing the changes you are making and letting them be known, then we can understand winter and spring as parallel to these Christian Liturgical seasons. Pentecost falls on May 11 this year, which means that from March 23, Easter Sunday, until May 11, we will be in the Easter season: that is seven weeks of change, of conversion, of skin sloughing! I guess what I am saying is that these are processes that last well beyond single events and we have not only ample time this year, but the opportunity every spring/Easter season to make changes. Because, as we all know, sometimes change does not take right away.
With hope for your changes this springtime,
Sarah Lenzi
Young Adult Coordinator
Sarah[AT]PhilaUU.org
April Young Adult Calendar
Wednesday April 2, Games Night
7:00 p.m., Parish Room
Friday April 11, Happy Hour
5:30pm, The Bards, (20th and Walnut)
Sunday April 13, Contemporary Service
7:00 p.m., Parish Room
Saturday, April 19, Young Adult Retreat.
6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.! Please join us at the church for a catered event to get to know each other and to vision for the future of the Young Adults. Please RSVP to sarah[AT]philauu.org.
RECITATIVE: MUSIC NEWS
I am pleased to announce that the Concert Choir of Keane University from Union, NJ, will be providing music during our worship service on April 6. The choir is on a tour of the Philadelphia area and has accepted our invitation to sing while in town. As I begin the conclusion of my second year as Music Director of First Church, I am reminded of a stanza in a poem written by Fred Pratt Green: “How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia!” I believe over the past year that our music has become multi-dimensional. We have experimented with new music styles and sounds. It truly has been one of the more exciting years for me in my 21 years of being a Music Director. I hope you have enjoyed the music and feel motivated to join us. You are always welcome to add your “dimension in the world of sound”.
Blessings to all,
Christopher Barnard
Music Director
Christopher[AT]PhilaUU.org
Dolce Suono
The Dolce Suono Chamber Music Concert Series is known for offering chamber concerts of the highest level of artistic excellence to the public free of charge. Founder and artistic director Mimi Stillman is internationally acclaimed as flute soloist and chamber musician. First Church is proud to serve as home to Dolce Suono’s 2007-2008 season.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Homage to America: Celebrating American Music
Daniel Lickteig, voice (operatic and concert baritone); Mimi Stillman, flute (Yamaha Performing Artist); Hirono Oka, violin (The Philadelphia Orchestra); Jeremy Gill, piano (Temple University). Music of Ives, Copland, Barber, Rota, and a world premiere by Jeremy Gill.
PROPERTY COMMITTEE
Moving Toward Masonry Restoration & Cleaning
First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia (UU) is moving toward a complete restoration and cleaning of our exterior masonry, one of the biggest (and most visible) building projects we have ever undertaken. We wrote a grant proposal to the Partners for Sacred Places (PSP) Philadelphia Regional Fund for Sacred Places last spring asking for their maximum, a matching grant of $100,000. PSP awarded us $75,000 and challenged the church to raise a future proposed budget of $348,000 for several large renovations. We are now in the exciting phase of receiving masonry restoration proposals from four excellent masonry contractors, with the guidance of our architect Marianna Thomas. Based on both quality and cost, the Property Ministry Team will choose a contractor to recommend to the church. We hope to make a decision this spring, and have the church exterior completely renovated and cleaned in the next two years.
Submitted by Richard Frey
A Tribute to Richard Frey
After more than 10 years of dedicated service, Richard Frey has handed the chair of the Property Ministry Team to Lora Thornburg. Lora is very appreciative of his thoughtful mentoring and looks forward to his continued involvement. Richard's final task, as Chair, was to author the successful Partner's for Sacred Places $75,000 grant proposal, which is seen as a prelude to a needed capital campaign. Richard first became interested in the First Unitarian Church in 1979, when he and his wife, Diane, moved back to Philadelphia from New York. He was particularly attracted by the architecture, and joined the Church in 1981. As a highlight of his past service, Richard cites the formation in the 1990s of the Rittenhouse Coalition with three nearby churches to fund the preservation of their buildings. Richard is also impressed with the Partners for Sacred Places' efforts to professionalize church fund-raising efforts. Member Dane Wells says that it has been a pleasure working with Richard; his insight and knowledge has been invaluable, and his leadership has shown determination and character. We are delighted that his encyclopedic knowledge of our building and history will continue to be available to the Church community.
MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
Membership Team Follows Up on New Members
At the most recent meeting of the Membership Ministry Team, the group went over a chart with all new member names, writing down how each new member is engaged with the congregation or the minister –ushering, greeting, in an adult R.E. class, circle dinner, a ministry team, and whether the new member is attending services. The group found that 30 of the 35 new members are actively engaged, and that Rev. Nate is in touch with the others. The new member ceremony was not held March 9 because of the guest speaker, so we anticipate that there will be a larger group joining in April –Ben and Rebecca Cole Pratt; Kathleen Deacy-Moore, Joshua Park and Kerri Lennon, Helen Boyd, and several others. Jansen Wendell will attend the next membership team meeting to talk about parents and CRE in the context of membership. Some of the on-going projects of the membership team were reported on as follows:
• ConnectU – six people have gone through the training. A good start. Chris Robertson and Kate Hertzog will offer training again later this spring.
• Ushers and the collection –Paul Costa asked for opinion, and we agreed to let ushers after they collect the offering to sit in a front pew, and to wait to count until after the sermon. This is to allow ushers to hear the sermon.
• Circle suppers… Mike Tomalin took the names of some newcomers who would like to be in a group. He’ll give the names to Sharon who will work at getting them added to existing groups. Also, it was noted that Connie Baker has agreed to start a group if enough newcomers indicate interest.
• Sunday hospitality….Kim Cox sent word. To avoid crush at coffee hour, the coffee urns will be spaced out, and an extra urn added. Also, Christina Doe will move the table so that people can go down both sides of it for coffee.
• Photos of new members on display…Steve Lynch is meeting with Christina Doe about the larger bulletin board. He visited the Episcopal Church to see its display on a rolling 8x8 foot board. He also has come up with a plan to get all 35 new member photos printed at CVS so we can display all at once.
• Directory –Phyllis Belk, Rev. Nate and Mike McKee completed the update.
At the Orientation on March 2, about 10 visitors attended, and Kate and Ed Hertzog provided refreshments. It was important that young members of the membership team were present because several of the visitors, also young, commented that they were attracted to our church because of its feeling of caring for young adults. Who will provide refreshments for April 6 Orientation? Phyllis will be out of town.
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our work goes on, if still a bit undercover. We are presently coming up with some statements defining our mission, scope and structure to present to the Board their consideration and possible inclusion in the church’s Governance Policy. We are also revising some guidelines and resources for ministry team leaders. All of this will be shared with the team leaders and the congregation before the end of this church year. In addition, we have been actively involved in fulfilling our liaison roles with the ministry teams. Our areas of responsibility are: Luana Goodwin – Finance and Social Justice; Phebe Shinn – Communications and Property; Anne Slater – Adult Religious Education and Children’s Religious Education; Carol Peterson – Membership and Young Adult; Rev. Nate – Worship. Anyone having concerns about these areas is encouraged to be in touch with the MLT liaison as well as the team chair or members.
Janet Scannell has advised the MLT that she will not be continuing as Chair of Social Justice beyond this church year. We celebrate the many accomplishments of this vital ministry under Janet’s able leadership and recognize the need for some rethinking and reorganizing moving forward. Janet, Rev. Nate and Luana Goodwin will be planning in that direction.
Potluck Palaver
Our last potluck brunch on March 9 was another enormous success. The food was abundant and very tasty. The conversation was rich as well. We thank all of those who brought sustenance and who assisted with the work or setting up, setting out and cleaning up. They include: Joani Forman, Barbara Higgins, Jonathan Blount, Ned Motley, Sharon Tomalin and her visiting sister. It is a delight to learn of each other’s culinary tastes and skills. Some go shopping and that is appreciated as well.
Sunday, April 13 will be our next potluck brunch. It will be a welcoming for new members. Food assignments this time around will be: A-D – Vegetable; E-H – Main Dish; I-M- Dessert; N-S – Bread or Beverage; T- Z – Soup or Salad. I believe this might finish out one rotation.
A LETTER FROM WILLIAM G. SINKFORD
Witnessing for Peace
Dear Friends,
It has been five long years of war and occupation in Iraq. Five years. Nearly 4,000 U.S. soldiers dead; many more wounded and maimed. An unknown number of Iraqi dead, some estimate a million; certainly hundreds of thousands. And millions of Iraqis displaced from their homes. Many of you, like me, have been praying and protesting this war, since before it began.
There are some things we know:
We know that the invasion of Iraq and the occupation were based on lies.
We know that our nation chose to act unilaterally, disregarding the international community.
We know that if there had been no oil beneath those sands, and no oil in the region, this war would never have taken place. And we know that this war has squandered the reputation of this nation; squandered the sympathy and solidarity the rest of the world felt for us after 9/11. We know all of these things. We know that the financial cost of this war, ultimately to be measured in trillions of dollars, has made the United States a debtor nation.
But perhaps the greatest cost has been to the spirit, to the soul of this nation. We like to see ourselves as innocent. We like to see ourselves as fair, compassionate and kind. We like to see ourselves as freedom-loving and freedom-promoting. The Iraq war has stripped that self-image away from us. Given our actions in Iraq, innocence is no longer an option for us. We have been acting like an empire.
There is, of course, a value in faithfulness, a value in continuing to raise our voices. But I have to acknowledge that it would be easy to stay in lamentation. It would be easy to simply critique and complain about the actions…and the inactions of our government. As people of faith, we have to go deeper. Thich Nhat Hanh writes: "In the peace movement there is a lot of anger, frustration, and misunderstanding. The peace movement can write very good protest letters, but they are not yet able to write a love letter." What would a love letter to our leaders look like? For me, such a letter would move beyond criticism and search for a ground of hope. For me, such a letter would lift up a vision of what we can become, as well as acknowledge who we are. The first paragraph would call our nation to confession. We need to acknowledge that we made a huge mistake by invading Iraq and that, as a result, the world is a more dangerous place today than it was five years ago. And we need to ask understanding and forgiveness for our mistake. We should tell the world, and ourselves, that we are now willing to move into right relationship with the community of nations. We need to promise to hold the values of justice, equity, compassion, and honesty in high regard. We should promise to search for win-win, not we-win solutions. We might tell the world that religious differences can be a blessing, not a curse. And that the heart of all of the world's great faith traditions, including Islam, rests in the power of love, not hate. The world should hear from us that the inter-dependent web of existence does not end at our borders. And I would tell the world, and ourselves, that we want not only to reclaim the image, but to create the reality of Americans as fair, compassionate and kind people. We want to become the kind of people we thought we were. As a person of faith, I know that peace will not come because we simply wish for it, or even pray for it. Peace will only come when we begin to embody it, when we begin to make it real in our personal lives and in the life of this nation. Although we are marking five years of war, this is the season of rebirth and renewal, the season which every year offers the promise of the transformation of despair into hope. This can be a time of hope. This can be a time when we commit ourselves to the creation of the Beloved Community. May we hold the vision of what can be in our hearts. It can see us through.
In faith,
William G. Sinkford
President, UUA
FLOWERS
April 6
In loving memory of Dr. Steven Denlinger. Given by his uncle, Carl.
April 13
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 20
In loving memory of my sister, Margaret B. Livermore, February 8, 1945-April 19, 2003. Ned Motley.
We are still in need of a donor for Sunday, April 27. If you are interested in donating flowers for a Sunday service, the cost is $45. Please contact Connie Mast at 215-496-0840.
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