The Beacon-December 2006
WORSHIP SERVICES
Services are held at 11:00 a.m in the Sanctuary unless otherwise noted.
December 3 ––Tent of Abraham: Tent of Peace. Can Jews, Christians and Muslims come together beyond interfaith dialogue to share spiritual journeys and undertake multi-religious action to heal the world? Rabbi Arthur Waskow will bring the message and Luana Goodwin will be the Worship Associate.
December 10 – Beyond Categorical Thinking. This special Sunday will feature a focus on ministerial search, and the diversity of potential candidates for our ministry, both in the 11:00 a.m. service and in a workshop from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Guests Eddy Carroll and Paula Cole Jones will be presenters for both, and Ken Olin will be worship associate. The choir’s festive Christmas concert will be held at 7 p.m., so you are invited to devote this day to the First Church community.
December 16 – Winter Solstice Service at 7:00 PM. The First Church Earth-based Ritual Group marks the Earth’s transitions by honoring seasonal changes throughout the year. Please join us for our annual Winter Solstice celebration to be held in the Parish Room.
December 17 – Children’s Christmas Pageant. An all-family service will feature a Christmas pageant by our religious education classes, with Tracy Jastrzab directing and the Rev. Bill Metzger contributing to the occasion. Wendy Jastrzab will be the worship associate.
December 24 – Two Christmas services, at 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. At 11:00 a.m. “Anticipating Christmas,” we will gather for an early Christmas Eve service, with stories and singing, followed by a potluck brunch. The Rev. Bill Metzger, with worship associate Bill Sternman, will lead the proceedings.
At 5 p.m., we will have a traditional Christmas Eve “Lessons and Carols,” with story, music, and candlelighting. The Rev. Bill Metzger will be assisted by worship associates Malika Levy and Bill Sternman.
December 31 – Midwinter Reflections. This service, at 11:00 a.m., will call in the new year, with Jacob Fisher and Bill Sternman, worship associates, guiding.
INTERIM TIMES
(A monthly column from our Interim Minister,
The Rev. Bill Metzger)
This is the time when an interim ministry gets very exciting for all concerned. It is the time when, increasingly, many members of the church are rising up and contributing their energies to what’s happening and addressing questions of “why are we here and where are we going?”
The search committee is working hard and beginning to have conversations with prospective candidates for the settled ministry of this church—and I am hearing from other ministers wanting to know what this congregation is about. Then the focus will move to to have a candidate in the pulpit for your consideration (and a vote to “call”) by late April and early May.
The young adults have been getting pumped up; several young adults have recently joined and others are considering joining, and through the efforts of Seth Carrier and others a grant has been obtained (to be matched by the church) to add a part-time young adult coordinator to the staff to develop outreach efforts, including campus programs at Penn, Drexel, etc.
The website gets better’n’better, and new plans are in the works to spruce up the newsletter.
With the holidays approaching, we have a lot of special events—Rabbi Arthur Waskow on Dec. 3, a special service related to the ministerial search, “Beyond Categorical Thinking,” on Dec. 10, and the all-family religious education pageant on Dec. 17, followed by two services on Christmas Eve.
And this is really big: a most generous member has offered to match, up to $20,000, new and increased pledges to the church between now and Dec. 31. Wow! Many of us are joining in this effort to make the stewardship goal by increasing our pledges. Won’t you who read this add to your pledges, or if you haven’t yet pledged, consider doing so now, before the holidays, so we can make our budget? May your gratitude for the presence of this church be expressed through increased generosity to assure the continuing strengthening of our work in the city.
The young adults are selling nifty new T-shirts that I think well express the spirit and work of this church: the slogan is “UUs Rock! Unitarian Universalists of Philadelphia and Beyond”—not only because this church is the foremost venue for “alt rock” concerts in the northeastern United States, but because of all else that goes on here. Let’s hear it, bouncing off our walls, “UUs Rock!”
So, buy the shirt(s); give them as gifts; and increase your pledge or make a new pledge, that we may continue to “rock on.” End of commercial; so may it be.
With love,
Bill
CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a men’s spirituality workshop at my home church, Main Line Unitarian, led by Reverend Tom Owen-Towle who founded the men’s spirituality movement within the UUA many years ago. After introductions, he had us pair off with someone we didn’t know for discussions of specific topics. The first was to identify watershed moments in our lives as men. The rest of the workshop was devoted to seven vows of mature liberal religious men:
• To live relationally rather than dwell in isolation.
• To be responsible men: repenting of our wrongs rather than ignoring or wallowing in them.
• To rejoice in our own gender, but never at the expense of the other gender.
• To be recreative of body: engaging in playful activities geared not for reward so much as renewal.
• To release our hearts from emotional miserliness.
• To restore our oft-beleaguered, thin souls with regular times of Sabbath and self-care.
• To build the bridge called respectfulness.
Within the discussion of these vows were questions Reverend Owen-Towle asked us to consider:
What males, living or dead do I need to bless and to be blessed by? What wrong needs to be confessed? What change needs to be made? Where do I find joy in your life? Where did I spread joy in your life?
I am taking care of my body by… I am being playful by…. How am I building Sabbath? For what/whom am I actively mourning?
These exercises gave me many insights into changes I need to make in my life. Some of them are simply to return to practices I dropped for one reason or another: I used to swim for exercise regularly; I returned to Transcendental Meditation a few years ago with great results and then dropped it more recently; I used to be a regular reader but switched to crossword (and more recently Sudoku) puzzling. In the weeks since that workshop I have recommitted to returning to those practices with good results.
I also have a deeper appreciation of the blessings in my life: The joy and fulfillment I receive from being in relationship with my wife and my daughter; the brotherly relationships I have with the men in the Interfaith Families group at Mishkan Shalom, the synagogue that our family belongs to; the playfulness and joy I feel from playing music, tickling my daughter and petting my cat.
I feel fortunate to have male friends in more than one Unitarian Universalist congregation. They are, without exception, men that, to a great degree, live out those seven vows. We are great role models for our boys and girls and for each other. UU men are great to be around!
Submitted by Jansen Wendell, CRE Director
CREDirectorATverizon.net
215-563-3980, ext. 305
Storytellers/Homilists Needed for Children’s Chapel
Storytellers are needed in children's chapel from 11:00 -11:20 a.m. It is a one time commitment (more if you just love it). It involves reading or telling a story, sharing a talent or life experience. You can coordinate with the theme of the adult liturgy or come up with a theme of your own. For more information contact Kate Connolly, kate.connolly4ATverizon.net.
CRE Calendar
Parents of pre-schoolers have the option of bringing their child to Children’s Chapel and our intergenerational worship services. Care for infants and preschoolers is available for the entire service.
December
December 3--15 minute worship in the Children’s Chapel. Holiday tree-trimming party, 12:30 p.m., Parish Room.
December 10--Pageant rehearsal in the Parish Room. All-Together Sunday
December 17-- Holiday Pageant in the Sanctuary. No church school.
December 24--Christmas Eve service. Morning and evening childcare available. No church school.
December 31--All-Together Sunday in the Parish Room.
UU CONNECTIONS
Planning Your 2007 Vacation? Consider attending GA in Portland, Oregon
General Assembly more commonly known as GA is the yearly meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. The myriad programs, business events, and exhibits provide a rich experience to the thousands of UUs who attend each year. This year’s GA will be held June 21-25, 2007 in Portland, Ore. Please consider planning GA into your summer vacation schedule. Our current president Debby Schultz will be attending for the first time and would enjoy having First Church members join her. Last year Elizabeth Terry was our sole representative who thankfully represented First Church in the well-known GA Banner Parade. Thank you Elizabeth.
Let’s aim for a full delegation this year. Please contact Rev Bill for scholarship information. For more details please visit www.uua.org/ga/faq.html or catch up with Elizabeth Terry in church who can provide a first-hand account.
UU Christianity Rocks!
I'm just back from Manhattan and the Unitarian Universalist Christian Revival (UUCF). What a great event! I enjoy going to national gatherings of UU's that better reflect my personal culture or personal theology (Murray Grove's Homecoming, Interweave or UUCF).
About 100 folks, from across the US and few from overseas, gathered for three days of worship, singing, and workshops.
Next year's Revival -- it is always the first weekend in November -- will be in Cleveland, Ohio. Join us next year to see how "UU Christianity Rocks!" I am sure that there will be a field trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For more information about UUCF or to explore what it might be mean to be a "follower of Jesus" and a Unitarian Universalist, please contact Elizabeth Terry, niaworkATjuno.com.
GETTING TO KNOW UU
Olympia Brown was the first American woman ordained by a regularly established denomination, back in 1863. From 1878 to 1887, she served at what was then known as the Universalist Society of Racine, founded in 1842 as the third church in a small town. Rev. Brown promoted discussion of a broad number of social justice issues, including allowing leading suffragists to present their views, and for women members to fully participate as leaders and to vote in church meetings and hold church office.
For the small but growing Wisconsin city of Racine, this must have seemed quite radical at the time. But the members were, and remain, proud of their early Universalist heritage. Proud enough to build a lovely new building, dedicated in 1895, and to ultimately rename themselves the Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church.
Located in downtown Racine, the church has grown to somewhere around 250 members. The Rev. Tony Larsen has served as minister for 31 years, since 1975. He still has almost 20 years to reach the longevity of our own W.H. Furness, but in UU congregations these days, his length of tenure is rare. This writer suspects that by maintaining an active role in numerous social justice organizations in the area, Rev. Larsen is able to keep his ministry alive and vital to his congregation.
As evidence of his ability to keep the members growing, the church has two services every Sunday, and a new UU church was spun off in nearby Kenosha in 1985. Part of the Central Midwest District, the Olympia Brown UU Church has an extensive website at www.obuuc.org. Check them out!
Submitted by Ken Olin
SOCIAL JUSTICE & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Recycling
Recycling at Trinity Memorial (22nd and Spruce Sts) continues every first and third Saturday between 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. If anyone with a car willing to help the church get rid of our extra paper, contact Ginny Beier 215-545-7831 email vhbeierAThep.upenn.edu. Bring all mixed paper (including whole cardboard boxes) and plastic bottles (with necks) cleaned and crushed. Recyclable plastics in Philadelphia are No. 1&2 with a necked bottle (no tops, clean and crushed).
The West Philadelphia location is The Firehouse at 50th and Baltimore Avenues - First and Third Saturdays. The Fairmount location is behind the North Star Bar at 27th and Poplar Sts. First Saturdays only.
Books Through Bars
A donations bin is located in our lobby, ready to receive contributions for this national program providing reading material to prisoners. Books in Spanish, how-to/job training manuals, dictionaries, inspirational books, mysteries and science fiction are in high demand.
Anyone with a car is always welcome to help transport the books either on Tuesday nights or on the first and third Saturday afternoons when packing is done. Call Nicole at the A-Space, 215-727-8170 to find out more and how regulars from Social Justice Group headed by Marilyn Ashbrook try to help out on each third Saturday. Members from 35PLUUS head over to the A-Space Tuesday nights to help.
Eat brunch and support Books Through Bars! For the next four months Abbraccio Restaurant (820 S. 47th St.- around the corner from the A-Space) will donate 5% of their Sunday Brunch sales on the third Sunday of each month. They open for brunch at 11:00 a.m.
WinterShelter
Although the weather is nice it's time to plan for our participation in the WinterShelter Project at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church. We are committed to preparing food and serving 22 hungry men the first Wednesday of EVERY month and the fourth Friday. If you are interested in helping, please try to get a friend or family member together for one of the remaining six months. Servers need to be at the shelter from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Food can also be brought ahead of time. There is a sign up sheet after church to put your times available and participation. Be sure to put your phone number and email to receive confirmation and information. Call Ginny Beier with any questions 215-545-7831 or vhbeierAThep.upenn.edu.
Notes from the Social Justice / Racial Justice Ministry Team
The next monthly meeting of the Social Justice / Harper Furness team will be Sunday, Dec. 3, at 12:30 p.m. in the Olympia Room. Snacks will be served. You've heard about the many activities being shepherded by the members of this group - from Philadelphia Cares, to two social justice services this Fall, to the "Tools for the Journey" workshop to the social justice flyer. Please come and bring your ideas for how we can further the work of social and racial justice. To be added to the listserv for more specific news please email Janet Scannell at jscannellATbrynmawr.edu or call 215-991-6325.
Racial Justice Conference Inspires
A large tree felled by a wind storm the day before had cut off electricity at the Main Line Church in Devon but enough power was generated by the group of more than 120 attendees at the Racial Justice “Tools for the Journey” conference to carry the day. Several ministers from Joseph Priestley District churches shared their enthusiasm for spirit –filled, multi-cultural expression in both workshops and worships. The tools available in the District and from the UUA for assisting congregations with doing transformation work within and justice work without were presented. There was enthusiastic exchange between participants coming from 28 congregations throughout the JPD.
Eight members of First Church attended the conference. They were: Marilyn Ashbrook, Phyllis Belk, Sonia Cota-Robles, Luana Goodwin, Anthony Hodnet, Debbie Schultz, Janet Scannell, Elizabeth Terry. They will be sharing their experience at the next Social Justice meeting.
Submitted by Luana Goodwin
ADULT PROGRAMS
Women's Book Club
November's meeting didn't decide whether Daisy Miller was innocent or full of guile but a good discussion was had. December 4 meeting at the home of Harriette Behringer to discuss Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman at 7:30. Please call Harriette at 215-557-0144 or behrfussATaol.com for directions or to let her know you are coming. This last discussion of the year will be facilitated by Joan Forman. January 8 is our planning meeting at the home of Sharon Tomalin. RSVP to 215-736-5047 or stomalin@att.net. Please try and bring a copy of your proposed reading or at least check out it's availability in the library.
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.
Great Decisions
Great Decisions is a series of eight foreign policy discussions based on a briefing book published by the Foreign Policy Association. Topics for 2007 include: The Middle East, Climate Change, Mexico, Migration, South Africa, War Crimes, Central Asia, and Children. We will meet at 9:15 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. To order a 2007 Great Decisions Briefing Book contact Jacob Fisher (jacob.fisherATgmail.com) by Sunday, January 21 (books also available at www.fpa.org).
Interweave Reorganized
Interweave, the adult group dedicated to GLBT issues in the congregation and in the outside community, meets on the third Sunday of each month. Contact Gerry Parchman for suggestions and information at 856-829-4561 or by emailing lib2uusATcomcast.net.
Circle Dinners
Time is short to sign up for a Circle Dinner group. Those are groups of 10 or 12 friends, newcomers, and members of First UU who meet once a month to share food and get better acquainted. Look for the Circle Dinner flyer on the table at the back of the Sanctuary. Or call Sharon Tomalin at 215-735-5047 for more information. In general, groups are a mix of ages and interest, but this year we are also trying to make a “child friendly” group of parents who are interested in including their children. Don’t forget – if you can’t entertain at your house, you can act as host-of-the-month at the house of another person in your group. Help would be appreciated to help group the approximately 35 (so far) people who have signed up. Please call or e-mail Sharon (stomalin@att.net) if you can help with this. It can probably be done over the phone using e-mail.
Native American Spirituality for Women Group Opening
Some of you expressed an interest in joining this group that has been meeting since last March. We are opening the group in January, and will be studying The Thirteen Original Clan Mothers, by Jamie Sams. Sams is a Seneca woman who retrieved the teachings set forth in this book, after tracking down two elderly women who had fled the U.S. as children. The group meets on the first Friday at 7 p.m., in the church. For further information, you may see Connie Baker, facilitator, after church, call her at 856-282-7448, or send email to conniejazzATcomcast.net. Aho!
Drum out the doldrums! Beat away the blahs! Make a joyful noise!
Join Marcy Francis, Minister of Healing through Music, Movement and Touch at The Christian Association at Penn, as she leads a healing drumming circle on Sunday afternoon, December 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Olympia Brown Room.
Bring your own drum, flute, recorder, sékeré (shakeray), hand-held percussion instrument, or use one that Marcy will bring with her. Enjoy two hours of drumming, dancing, and movement designed to imbue you with a happy, healthy spirit. A free-will offering will be taken. Suggested offering $10, but pay what you can. If interest is high, it is possible that we can have a drumming circle on a regular basis.
Please call (610-896-6468), email (Slater.AnneATgmail.com), or speak to Anne Slater as soon as possible to reserve your place.
PRESIDENT'S COMMENTARY
Rev Bill has often spoken about “Gratitude and Generosity.” I like this thought. It often pops up in my mind in all kinds of situations. When I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, just thinking of how grateful I am for the generosity, be it time, kind words, love, sharing of talent, you name it of so many people around me often provides me the impetus to get out of my rut and move forward. There are other times when I just feel blessed for all that is my life, somewhat of a spiritual feeling for me. This theme of Gratitude and Generosity starts out each monthly Board meeting as we name church members, friends and staff whose “gifts” we recognize often following with Thank You notes on behalf of the Board. Generally the “gifts” that the Board recognizes are those of dedication, talent, caring or time. They’re not very often financial in nature but in November the church has been given two generous financial gifts both requiring some generosity on our part to fully benefit from them.
The first gift came from the Joseph Priestley District (JPD) in the form of a grant to hire a part-time Young Adult Coordinator. The grant is for four years the first year requiring First Church to match the JPD’s $3000 grant with $1000 with an increasing match requirement for First Church throughout the four years. What better use of a $1000 to increase our presence on our Philadelphia university campuses, to develop more youthful spiritual offerings and to just build on the already valuable interactions that occur among the First Church Young Adult Listserv of 200+ people.
The second came from an anonymous donor, a member of this congregation, in the form of an offer to match up to a total of $20,000 any new pledge or an increase to any existing pledge made between November 13th and December 31st of this year. Talk about generosity! I immediately that evening shared via email this exciting news with the minister, the Board, the Ministry Leadership Team and the chair of the StUUardship campaign only to find out that by 7:30 AM the next morning three increases in pledges had already come into Norman Fouhy in the church office in response to this eMail. Generosity does truly breed generosity!
So how can each one of us honor and show our gratitude for the generosity of this anonymous donor? By very simply looking at our own generosity and considering our own contribution toward the $20,000 challenge, be it big or small. If the congregation fully takes advantage of this gift of a 100% match and I believe we will, this would be the first time that the StUUardship campaign successfully broke the $200,000 mark – we’ll celebrate!
The process is very simple – either email or send a note or pledge card to Norman Fouhy in the church office or pick up and complete a pledge card at next Sunday’s service and give it to Carl Denlinger, Rev Bill or me on Sunday. To date we have received over $7,000 in increased or new pledges. Let’s honor the generosity of this anonymous donor by stepping up and meeting the full $20,000 challenge! Stay tuned for our progress.
For these gifts and the generosity of so many members and friends of this congregation who share their time, energy, spirit, creativity, talents, support and money, I am thankful.
May we do good work,
Debby Schultz
Save the Date – January 7th Vote on Ministry and Governance Model
The key agenda item at this congregational meeting will be to vote to transition our current Ministry and Governance work from the current “experimental” stage to be the “official” Ministry and Governance model going forward. The Board will present its endorsement of this model and the key considerations behind this endorsement as well as the next steps to ensure all aspects of the model including By-Laws revisions are worked. A period for questions and answers and comments will follow. Please plan to attend this meeting. For information purposes, a quorum of 35 members is required for any vote.
Looking for information on the Ministry and Governance model? Please pick up a copy of the consolidated list of Q&As which ran inside the Order of Service this fall. A video providing an overview of First Church’s Ministry and Governance model is also available for any Ministry team or group of interested individuals to view.
MUSIC NOTES
First…Noel, Christmas comes to First UU
Celebrate the season with a spectacular holiday concert here at First Church. Music Director Christopher Barnard announces his first full-concert performance featuring the First Church Choir and other Philadelphia artists. Come enjoy classic seasonal songs to contemporary chorals, billowing bag pipes and the glorious voices of the choir. The evening will conclude with a reception, an opportunity to meet the performers and Christopher. Come celebrate this joyful kickoff to the holidays with friends and family. Invite one and all to join us! First…Noel will benefit the Armstrong Fund and the First Arts Performance Series. Sunday, December 10, 7:00 p.m. $15.00 - $25.00 sliding scale at the door. Reception to follow the concert. For more information contact Christopher Barnard, Music Director, at uumusicdirectorATverizon.net.
FLOWERS
December 3
In honor of our Music Director, Chris Barnard, for hard work, good fun and great music. From the Choir.
December 10
Given by Margaret Strothers in memory of her mother, Catherine Tonkins, who always looked forward to the Christmas holidays.
December 17
In loving memory of my father, William H. Sheffer, who was born in December, 1903. From Marilyn Sheffer Sandberg.
December 24
Holiday poinsettias.
December 31
In memory of my father, Samuel G. Sandler, who died December 27, 1969. given by Joan Forman
Thank you to all who have donated flowers on behalf of their families, friends and loved ones. We still need flowers for December 3rd. 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
Parking at First Church
The Central Parking System has issued vouchers for parking at the Ambassador Garage (21st and Chestnut) on Sundays and weekday evenings for $5. Please 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.
Sunday Childcare Hours Have Been Extended
Would you like to join a Ministry Team but have declined due to childcare challenges? Good News! Each Sunday childcare will be offered after the service until 2:00 p.m., enabling parents of young children to both attend church and after church Ministry Team meetings. Ministry Teams, please take advantage of this opportunity and think about rescheduling your weekday or Saturday meetings to Sunday where feasible. It’s a great step towards engaging new participants in your Ministry Team.
Thanks to the team of Jansen Wendell, Rick Womer and Richard Frey for making this happen.
New to Philly UU Seeks Housing
I will be moving to Philadelphia to start a postdoc at the University of Pennsylvania in January. Need a place to live for the next two years. Looking for a one bedroom apartment in University City, Center Center, Rittenhouse Square, or the Art Museum. It needs to be close to the train station (local) or within walking distance to the university, include heat in the rent, need a parking space, and a washer/dryer. If you have any information, please contact me at 814-777-1792 (cell) or kimya_jAThotmail.com. Kimya I. Jackson
Sunday, December 3rd, Christmas Decorating Party
Calling all Christmas elves and holiday helpers—First Church Needs You! Stick Around after service and join in! Be part of the elf crowd ! We’ll deck the halls, hang the wreaths and “Fa-la-la-la-la!” Wassail will be supplied. Be sure to bring your “Tree Trimming” clothes! Stay for as long as you can, and absolutely bring the kids. ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly”
Fifth Annual World Class-Rummage Sale
Got stuff? Got too much stuff? Need to lose some stuff? Back by popular demand! Start collecting now! Dispose of your no-longer-needed treasures, your unnecessary Christmas gifts! Clear out your shelves, your closets! Join us on Saturday, January 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. here at First Church. We want your stuff. Keep it, collect it, amass it and donate it. Bring it into First Church the week of Monday, January 22, but no earlier. No clothing, please. Enjoy refreshments, check out all the interesting items, the books, household goods, objects d'art, etc. Sign up in the back of the sanctuary as the date gets closer if you’re interested in helping out. Look for more information in next month's Beacon and our announcements.
Worship Associates
The subject of increasingly lengthy worship services was discussed at a WA meeting on Nov. 11. It was agreed to rethink ways in which we handle announcements, the sharing of names, the part of children in the service, and new members in-gathering. We will experiment with alternate solutions. As a start, we will share names in a different way, and we will try to shorten announcements by not accepting last minute additions intended to be delivered from the pulpit. (Announcements can be put into the weekly OOS or the Friday all-church e-mail.) We hope you will join us in these innovations and welcome your reactions.
UU Graffiti Culprit Fingered!
UU Seth Carrier has been identified as the “UU’s Rock!” graffiti culprit, while he was lurking near yet another brick wall, holding a can of spray paint. The UU tagger first struck at the Philadelphia Cares school-painting event, where he tagged a wall with his now-famous slogan, “UU’s Rock!” This inspired a T-shirt celebrating the event (“UU’s Rock! Unitarian Universalists Philadelphia and Beyond”). For only $10 (sizes S, M, L), $11 (size XXL), you can own one of these inspired and inspiring T-shirts. They make great gifts! All profits go to the church. Shirts will be on sale in back of the sanctuary after each worship service through December 17. Shirley Steele (shirleysteeleATcomcast.net) and Virginia DeRolf (vsderolf@yahoo.com) are coordinating.
A TRIBUTE
My husband, Earle Adams, died on December 8, 2004, and he donated his body to the medical college of Thomas Jefferson University, for teaching purposes. When his ashes came home, this lovely sentiment was enclosed:
“The immensity of knowledge made possible by the gift of these remains is truly immeasurable. Consider each of the future physicians learning from this one gift alone, as well as all of the future patients that each one of them will treat over their professional lifetime. Only then can you begin to appreciate the enormity of the impact that this gift will have on humanity, It is for this very special gift that we are all so extremely thankful and offer to you our most sincere gratitude.” -- Richard R. Schmidt, Ph. D., Professor and Vice Chairman, Anatomy Division, Jefferson Medical College.
Submitted by Ann Adams
TENDING THE FIRE
Helping Hands
Many, many thanks to the people who gave up a chunk of their Saturday and came to the Work Party on November 4. We put the winter window coverings on all the windows in the 3rd floor, the minister's office, Fahs Room and office, and two transept windows in the Sanctuary!
Lynn Rubin, David Hausladen, Mark McQueen, George Girman, Kristen Park, Richard Frey, Dennis Fariello, Carol Peterson, Kim Cox, Ned Motley, Meredith Donahue, Luana Goodwin, Mike Narcowich, Beth Ralston. Thanks also to Christina Doe, who organized the whole event, to Norman Fouhy and Jonathan Blount for their help.
Thanks also to all Members and Friends who attended the CRE Book Party at Chris' Corner on Sunday, November 12. We are very grateful for your support to The CRE Library.
Computer Upgrade
Jim Fraatz donated a computer to the church office, while Arthur Salter donated his time and expertise to upgrading the computer in the Fahs Room using the parts from Jim’s machine. The difference this has made in our computer’s performance is like night and day, and things are now running better than ever.
Soundsystem Upgrade
Lewis Wendell’s call to improve the soundsystem here at First Church was met with a wonderful response from our members and the Board. Already more than $3,000 has been raised for the upgrade. New equipment has been ordered and should be installed by the end of the year. Once again we have Jim Fraatz to thank for technical support.
November’s Luncheon: Huge Success and Volunteers Needed!
With the generous food and beverage contributions of 27 members and friends plus the set up and clean up talents of 8 more, over 80 children, visitors, friends and members of the First UU family were served a delicious soup, salad and sandwich meal at last Sunday's Ministry Leadership Team luncheon.
Many thanks to the exceptional luncheon team: Gerry Parchman, Ken Goggins, Debby Schultz, Arthur Salter, Sharon Tomalin, Mike Tomalin, Phyllis Belk, Diane Frey, Barbara Higgins, Hal Tarr, Kim Cox, Ned Motley, Paul Carbino, Lynn Matheos, Arcenia Rosal, Marilyn Ashbrook, Carol Peterson, Ginny Beier, Denise McKeon, Sarah Smith, J.P. Donohue, Abigail Reponen-Wendell, Lewis, Nick and Ellsbeth Wendell, Amy Hillier, Bill Sternman, and George Girman. We particularly want to mention the names of our new faithful friends: Lari Robling for the exceptional kugel; Timothy Johnson for taking down the chairs, and Anne Harney for the delicious pear and goat cheese salad. Thanks, too, to the anonymous contributors.
Our gratitude to the Ministry Leadership Team presenters for disseminating dates and information about the many active ministries happening in First Church. Every members' and friends' talents are welcomed and needed. If you have an interest or talent of service you wish to share with the congregation, be sure to speak to a Ministry Leadership Team leader: Dan Widyono, Luana Goodwin, Phebe Shinn, Connie Baker and Carol Peterson.
Ushers and Greeters
Finally, we offer our gratitude and thanks to those members who have served as greeters and ushers recently: George Girman, Ken Goggins, Luana Goodwin, Gerry Parchman, Lora Thornburg, Elizabeth Ralston, Dennis Fariello, Finy Hansen, Connie Baker, Paul Carbino, Hal Tarr, Amy Fraatz, Barbara Higgins, Denise McKeon, Abbie Wendell and George and Phebe Shinn.
MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
The Ministerial Search Committee Presents “Beyond Categorical Thinking”
As we search for a new minister, we wonder, “Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? How will I respond to our minister?”
In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender, gender identity, nationality, physical ability, race, and sexual orientation) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. At times, as we get caught up in comparing candidates to our “picture,” we can even forget what it is we hoped for in a minister.
On Sunday, December 10th, First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia will participate in the Beyond Categorical Thinking (BTC) workshop offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association for congregations involved in a search for a new minister. The Ministerial Search Committee invites all congregational leaders, members, and friends to participate.
BTC is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister. This program includes a Sunday morning service with BCT facilitators Paula Cole Jones and Eddy Carroll followed by a three hour workshop. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia members will:
Consider the hopes, expectations, and concerns they have for a new minister
Learn more about the ministerial search process, and
Explore how thinking categorically about people sometimes interferes with choosing the best candidate.
Come on Sunday, December 10 to the Sanctuary at 1:00 p.m. to participate in this most important workshop. Childcare and a potluck lunch will be provided.
Submitted by Christine Carlson
Ministerial Search Committee Q&As
Upcoming Q&A sessions will be held after Sunday service on, December 3 and December 17 in the SE corner of the sanctuary. Ministerial Search Committee members will be available to answer questions and listen to your input.
Congregational Survey Results
Results from our recent survey are now available on the Ministerial Search Committee page of First U's updated website, www.firstuu-philly.org.
MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS
Group Visit to “Tesoros” Exhibit
Save the date of December 1, 2006 to join a group visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see the show “Tesoros/Treasures/Tesouros: The Arts in Latin America, 1492 – 1820” and to enjoy an evening of Brazilian Music by Grupo Saviero. This program is sponsored by the Arts Ministry Team. All participants will receive an audio tour guide for the show. We hope to arrange an informal talk about the show as well.
Group tickets are on hold for our group at $20.00 for regular admission and $17.00 for seniors and students. Our gallery visit is scheduled for 4:30 pm and the music program begins at 5:45 p.m. in the Great Hall. Sign up to join this group on the sheets in the rear of the sanctuary or by e-mail to Portia Sperr at <portiaATmymailstation.com> or to Val Sandberg at valsandATearthlink.net.
Theater Discussion Group
During the coming year buy your own ticket, at your own schedule, to see the plays listed. Discount tickets are usually available for students and seniors, for preview performances, and may be offered through www.phillyfunsavers.com on a space-available basis.
If you are interested in participating in this Theater Series as a part of the new 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
My Children! My Africa! Dec 6, 2006-Jan 7
WILMA THEATER
Caroline, or Change March 8-April 8, 2007
ARDEN THEATER
The Life of Galileo April 11-May 13, 2007
WILMA THEATER
YOUNG ADULTS PROGRAMS
Hi all, two major upcoming items of interest from the Young Adult Group. First, we are planning an alternative worship service, with content oriented to young adults, that will be held one Sunday a month. Reverend Metzger was kind enough to join us at our potluck last month to discuss ideas for the service, and we are targeting January 21 at 7:00 p.m. for our first service. All are welcome to attend -- we are considering a variety of forms of worship, including pulling ideas and themes from non-traditional (non-Christian/Judaic) sources, more diversity in the musical portion of the service, and an extended meditation period. Look for more info soon -- we hope everyone can join us!
Our second major initiative is finding a Young Adult Ministry Coordinator (YACM). We recently applied for and received a grant from the Joseph Priestly District to fund a YACM position for First Unitarian Philly. The coordinator position is approximately 4 hours a week of work, with a yearly stipend of $3000, and $1000 included in the grant for programming expenses. The terms of the grant require that the YACM be a church member with at least two years experience in UUism
If you're interested in applying for the position and have questions, please contact Seth Carrier (sethcarrierATgmail.com), Marisa McClellan (marusulaATgmail.com) or Nikyia Rogers (nikyia9ATearthlink.net). If you wish to apply, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to Seth Carrier. If you're not interested yourself, but know someone who would be perfect for the job, please let us know!
Submitted by Seth Carrier
MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
Membership Ministry Team Asks Everyone to be a Greeter
An alert for all members of First Unitarian: The Membership Ministry Team has put on its thinking (plotting) caps with the goal of figuring out how to involve EVERYONE as ‘greeters.
We’re adopting the theme of Radical Hospitality, and want to see a sea change; want to see a critical mass (pardon all the clichés) of members considering themselves responsible for making visitors feel really welcome. You will aim to learn the names of visitors, and how you (we) can be of service. Service is the key word. Not how we can ‘recruit’ them, but how we can help. Maybe all that is needed is a courteous greeting. But maybe there is more, in which case you will make a note of it and get the information back to the membership team. Seth Carrier is leading this effort.
The next meeting of the Membership Team is January 10 at 5:15 p.m. at the church. We would welcome new members.
Outcomes so far this church team are the new members ceremony for six new members November 5; the start-up of The New UU class (in cooperation with our adult education ministry team); the start-up of Orientation sessions for persons interested in our church; organization of Circle Suppers by Sharon Tomalin (more about those elsewhere in this Beacon); write-ups and photos of the new members (thank you Virginia DeRolf, Heather Speirs, Christiane Geisler, Steve Lynch); Sunday morning coffee hours (thank you Sarah Smith especially); Bake Sale; and an organized follow-up to visitors who fill out the visitor forms and indicate interest in First Church. Luana Goodwin, Paul Carbino, Anne Slater and Virginia DeRolf are calling visitors.
The team is also recruiting persons to be ushers and greeters, and is reviewing the correspondence sent to visitors and members who have not been present for several months. With all these responsibilities, the team can use some more members. It’s very task oriented, which should suit many of you who want a definitive ‘project’. We need a new brochure for persons interested in becoming a member, and help in compiling a data base.
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM
Your Ministry Leadership Team meets monthly and sometimes more often in partnership with the Board. It is the job of the MLT to assist the Minister and salaried staff of First Church with fulfilling the Vision of Ministry or goals developed by the congregation and otherwise assuring the health of all of the vital areas of church ministry.
At our last meeting, the MLT members chose ministry teams. They will be responsible for ongoing contact with the team leaders: for assisting them in areas of need (i.e. membership, resources, planning, linkage, communication), for soliciting their input into the growing congregational handbook of “what do we do and how do we do it”, and also soliciting their input into the church-wide program and budget development processes.
Your MLT and the areas of responsibility they accepted are as follows: Dan Widyono, Chairman, Adult Religious Education; Connie Baker, Membership and Social Justice; Luana Goodwin, Finance and CRE; Carol Peterson, Worship and Young Adults; Phebe Shinn, Property and Communications, Rev. Bill Metzger and church administrator Norman Fouhy.
Members and friends of the congregation are also encouraged to contact the MLT with any questions or suggestions you might have concerning the church’s programs.
Submitted by Luana Goodwin
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