Beacon February 2008
February Worship Services
Embracing Our Space
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Architecture and art create feelings in us, some good and some bad. We can do more than just acknowledge and cast aside these reactions, we can embrace them and embrace the space that evokes them. With a careful look at our historic building, we begin to understand what it means for (and to) contemporary UUs to worship in a traditional church. Speaker: Sarah Lenzi, Young Adult Ministry coordinator.
The Persistence of Love.
The Impermanence of Pride.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Our true nature is to love. To love is to experience the eternal. Love heals pride, for pride is a temporary state of arrogance transformed by our true nature. Speaker: Rev. Nate Walker.
You Belong. You Matter.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
One of Rev. Nate’s favorite songs is by James Taylor, which is the inspiration for the following stewardship service. “When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand. And nothing, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights. You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I’ll come running, to see you again. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I’ll be there. You’ve got a friend.”
Love and Loss: Healing Grief
February 17, 2008
12:30 p.m. Chapel
For the next three months we'll be experimenting with a 15-minute worship service in the chapel designed around the theme "Healing Grief." Rituals such as joys and sorrows as well and hand-washings will be used to create a place of intimacy and healing. Worship Officiants: Judy Haraburda and Rev. Nate.
The Religion of George Washington
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Our guest this morning, Rev. Gary Kowalski, is the author of a newly published book titled Revolutionary Spirits: The Enlightened Faith of America’s Founding Fathers. A Harvard grad and senior minister of the First UU Society in Burlington, Vermont, Rev. Kowalski brings to life the complex personalities and heterodox creeds of our nation’s architects: Franklin, Adams, Paine, Jefferson and Madison in addition to our first President. Phyllis Tickle, founder of the religious books department at Publishers Weekly, writes, “This spacious and energetic presentation of the religious positions and postures of our principal Founding Fathers reads more like an engrossing novel than like the piece of finely researched history it is. It should be read for the sheer joy of the read, certainly; but more to the point, it should be required reading for every voting American.”
Contemporary Evening Worship.
7:00 p.m., Parish Room. Join us for an alternative worship service hosted by the Young Adult group on the evening of Sunday, February 24.
MINISTER'S MESSAGE
Your Wellbeing is My Primary Concern
I’m writing to reaffirm a simple reality about my ministry with the First Church family: your wellbeing is my primary concern.
I care about you. I notice when you are angry and sad. I see when you’re not taking care of yourself. I notice when you come to worship with alcohol on your breath. I sense when your intimate relationships are strained. I am aware of those of you who are home and hospital-bound. I sense when you’re feeling lonely and when you’re in the ebbs and flow of grief.
I am also aware of the fact that you, too, see me in these vulnerable moments. You are aware when my troubles get the best of me. You ask about my experiences with a new city and a new job. You notice when my body is overworked and when my spirit is spent. You sense when grief and sadness cloud my day. As you do these things, it becomes apparent that your primary concern is my wellbeing. And thus reciprocity is born.
It is born when we observe one another and take note of our states of being. We soon ask one another for help. We reach out, aware that we are surrounded by a remarkable community dedicated to shared ministry. We connect deeper to one another. We make promises to care for one another just as we make the vow of practicing self-care.
Self-care is the art of tending to our emotions. It is the craft of taking time to observe our thoughts so as to clear the mind. Self-care is the practice of listening to the voice of our most authentic core. It is the discipline of nurturing the body so as to emulate health.
You are worthy of self-care. I am too. You are worthy of being cared for. I am too. You are also worthy of my attention. And so, should there be a time when you are in need, please don’t hesitate to call my cell: 215-701-9072. Please also know that my intention is to continue to call you, to seek your counsel and understanding. I will continue to learn from you, to grow with you and to simply be with you.
Our relationship, rooted in a caring reciprocity, continues to make this a healing and loving place to be! Thanks for making this possible.
With gratitude,
Rev. Nate Walker
revnate[AT]philauu.org
CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Greetings From Your CRE Director
Last month Rev. Nate and I had the opportunity to attend a joint meeting of UU ministers and RE directors from our district at the Unitarian Church of York, Pa. We participated in a short worship and then broke out into our respective groups for “check-in”. During the luncheon we heard a presentation from Leslie Delp, founder and executive director of Olivia’s House, a grief and loss center for children, located just one block from the church. She was accompanied by the Program Director, J.R. Gaetjen. Olivia’s House is a place where children and parents come to deal with the loss of a loved one, be it a parent, sibling, son or daughter. Olivia’s House provides its services completely free of charge and operates exclusively on funds raised within the community.
We saw a video produced by the Visionaries Public Television Program and introduced by the actor Sam Waterston, featuring Olivia’s House as an organization that is making a difference for healing and positive change in the world. The video included children and teens telling the stories of their loss and their experiences of coming through the grieving program. Our attention was riveted to the children and their journeys toward healing.
We then walked over to Olivia’s House and took a tour of the facility, half of a twin home. Just as the organization went through the difficult decision that they were outgrowing their building, a remarkable example of serendipity occurred: a For Sale sign went up on the other half of the duplex. They purchased the other half and are renovating the first floor as offices while the other floors will be rented out to help pay the mortgage. The building is furnished and decorated to be as warm and inviting as possible. The walls are painted with beautiful murals. There are images of butterflies everywhere. There is also a “nailing wall” where children can vent their anger safely by pounding a nail into a wooden wall. They are taught that it is not okay to hit people or animals. They must remove the nail afterwards, reminding them that when we do something hurtful, even if we take back the hurt it leaves a wound. When a child finishes the 9-week program, he or she has the opportunity to place a hand print on the walls of the second floor hallway. Graduates often come back to help newly bereaved children cope with their loss.
Rev. Nate and I were profoundly moved by the ministry performed by the people of Olivia’s House. Both Leslie and J.R. had experienced losses in their own lives. Their work is an example of turning their loss into an opportunity to heal others and in doing so, healing themselves. My wife reminded me that a friend of hers, the late Janice Kaiser was co-director of the Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families, with facilities here in Philadelphia at 1139 East Luzerne Street and a satellite facility at 48th Street at Baltimore Avenue. As Rev. Nate and I talked about our experience at Olivia’s house, we wondered how we might find a way to collaborate with the Philadelphia Grieving Center. Rev. Nate and I welcome your ideas.
With affection,
Jansen Wendell
Jansen[AT]PhilaUU.org
(215) 563-3980, ext. 305
Sunday, February 3, 2008, 11:00-12:15: children’s chapel, followed by Church School classes
Sunday, February 10, 11:00-12:15: a 15-minute Time for All Ages intergenerational worship followed by church school classes
Sunday, February 17, 11:00-12:15: children’s chapel, followed by Church School classes
Sunday, February 24, 11:00-12:15, Griffin Hall: All Together Sunday. All children, K-8 share a worship service and program together.
Any family that wants to participate in the Chalice Lighting for an adult service is encouraged to contact Jansen or simply sign the sheet posted on the CRE bulletin board.
Getting to Know UU
By Ken Olin
Pennsylvania has occasionally been described as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with Alabama in between. While the suggestion that central PA may tend toward rural backwater status might have a hint of truth to it in some instances, I want to focus on the other part of the description, Pittsburgh. At least a few of our members come from that area of the state or have family there. With six UU churches in the vicinity, our faith may yet have some room for expansion there (but doesn’t it everywhere?).
Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church was founded in 1906 in what was then known as Allegheny City, which was annexed by Pittsburgh just one year later to become the “North Side” of the city. A charismatic minister named Thomas Clayton was the guiding force behind the start of the congregation. Starting out in space rented in Carnegie Hall, it wasn’t long before their own building was designed and built. Occupied in 1910, the church became known as the North Side Unitarian Church, its officially chartered name, and was thus the second Unitarian church in the city. Rev. Clayton resigned shortly thereafter, and in 1911, Rev. Charles Snyder was called. From a membership of 70 at his arrival, he was instrumental in increasing the number to the 200’s by 1916, effectively tripling the rolls. In 1914, Billy Sunday, the bombastic evangelical Presbyterian minister, came to town for a 7-week tent revival, with one part of his aim being to drive the Unitarians out of town. Thanks to Rev. Clayton’s great preaching skills and direct swipes at Mr. Sunday’s authenticity, however, attendance at North Side Unitarian was filled to capacity, and it was clear Unitarians were there to stay. When he resigned in 1917 to take a pulpit in Iowa, he was lauded by many leaders of the city and other churches, establishing a solid reputation for social leadership for himself, and even more importantly, the Unitarian movement as a whole.
It is this writer’s hope that our own First Church will similarly become well-known in Center City (and indeed beyond) for its social and racial justice work, as well as for its exciting and inspiring worship services. Our growth depends on your spreading the good news to your like-minded colleagues, friends and neighbors of all we have to offer.
Located in the Ohio Meadville District, the Allegheny UU Church is now led by another dynamic minister, Rev. David McFarland. You may visit the church website at www.alleghenyuu.org. May their, and our, influence grow to encourage progressive ideals throughout the Commonwealth.
President’s Commentary
By Debby Schultz
Ah, it’s February and what quickly comes to my mind is Valentine’s Day. Last February I attended the February Sunday evening service sponsored by the Young Adults. At this service there was an interactive piece that explored all aspects of love. The congregants were asked to stand if they associated with some aspect of love being cited. “Stand if you are currently in love; Stand if you have ever been in love;….” It ended with “Stand if you love First Church” and as you may imagine there was lots of energy as most everyone stood up. It was fun.
As I experience the energy in the congregation each Sunday this year, I sense a lot of love for all that this religious community offers – our values, our diverse beliefs, our members, friends, children and visitors, the incredible empathy of Rev Nate, our programs, our historic building, our wonderful organ. It’s a good place – one that is pretty easy to love.
It is this feeling of love for so many aspects of this church which has fueled me and others to be leaders in this church.
What do folks love about being leaders in this community? They love:
- Sharing their talents and time with a community which in this crazy world represents their belief system
- The energy and creativity which bubbles up in meetings and planning sessions
- Engaging with incredibly talented people whose gifts are diverse
- Learning about the inner workings of this community.
- The dedicated and knowledgeable paid staff
- The personal growth that each leader experiences
- The safe place which this community offers for continued growth of their leadership skills
- The growing practice of mindful relations which guides even the toughest of discussions
- The appreciation and respect of so many in the congregation
- The friendships and opportunity to engage with so many people which are a by-product of our work
It’s the time of year when the Nominating Committee begins the process of asking members to consider being on the slate for the next church year’s leadership positions. Throughout the year there are always opportunities in the various Ministry Teams for new leaders to become engaged. Perhaps the time is right for you to consider opportunities for greater engagement in the leadership of this church. As with many relationships, the greater the investment, the greater the return.
With love,
Debby Schultz
SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY
HIV in Togo, West Africa: Meet Elise and Awisi
On Dec 2, World AIDS Day, I gave a small presentation that some of you attended, about the work being done in Togo to help HIV+ people. Some of you asked how you could help and that is why I am writing today. First, let me introduce you to Elise and Awizi.
Elise is a young mother. When she was diagnosed with HIV, she was already so sick that she could only lie down on her straw mat all day. Her son, Awizi, a witty 12-year-old stunned by his mother’s pain, fearful and lost, would not stop crying. Most of her family, afraid of what they could not understand, refused to touch her, hug her, even be with her in the same room.
Togo is a small, poor country of six million where the HIV prevalence has dropped from 5.8% in 2001 to 3.2% in 2005, thanks to some great prevention work. The medical infrastructure is very limited, particularly outside the capital, Lome. There is no health insurance. The existing regional hospitals and small-town clinics are not equipped for the complicated comprehensive care HIV patients need.
AED (Association Espoir pour Demain, or Hope for Tomorrow) is an initiative conceived by Togolese living with HIV, with the help of two Peace Corps volunteers in the remote northern part of the country where Elise lives. AED provides total care to its HIV+ members. It restores hope to live, to be productive, to help others, to educate, to prevent. Elise, after becoming a member of AED, is being treated for HIV and has become an active home visitor to help others. Awizi now smiles and laughs and plays, and has himself become an educator of his peers. Many African countries have received international attention because of their higher rates of HIV. Togo’s situation is not as dire and, therefore ,not on the radar screen of the larger donors. It is an opportunity for us to be involved at a personal level and make a difference. I hope you will consider donating $20 a month to participate in the Stand with Us Campaign and become a sponsor for one AED member like Elise or Awizi. Or if you cannot do it alone, may I suggest that you form a sponsorship group?
AED’s sister organization here in the US, HTH (Hope Through Health, http://www.hthglobal.org/), provides financial and technical support to community health initiatives in resource-poor countries. As a board member, I invite you to join. I can answer any question you have. I will schedule another presentation during the year.
Thank you for reading this story.
Submitted by Christiane Geisler
cell: 202-997-3373 / dgeisler[AT]comcast.net
Join Other UUs for Racial Justice Drama Event
This event has grown over the years until last year when nearly 80 from eight UU congregations attended. It has become an occasion for meeting other UUs, sharing an excellent theater production, and engaging in conversation about the play as well as our efforts in the area of racial justice.
Black Gold, a comedic satire, is the play chosen for this year’s outing. It is again an Interact Theater production at the Adrienne Theater on Sansom Street, just one block away from First Church. We have scheduled our own matinee at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, to be followed by refreshments, discussion and dinner at the church.
Here is the theater’s description of the play:
What happens when Curtis Walker, an African American man living in Detroit’s inner-city, purchases an oil rig on eBay and taps into one of America’s largest oil reserves right under his own back yard? This hilarious vaudevillean take on the not-too-distant future chronicles Walker’s discovery, as it precipitates a wild chain reaction that throws the world into turmoil, proving just how much America’s petroleum addiction keeps world events on edge. Will the newly-tapped resource lead to violence or prosperity? Will the poor get rich? Will the rich get richer? Will America’s economy skyrocket? Will the Middle East move toward unprecedented peace or unimaginable chaos? Six actors play over 80 roles in this fast-paced, futuristic satire of class, race and greed in a country that will go to dangerous lengths to keep the cheap crude flowing.
The cost of the entire event is $30.00. Further information about the play is posted on the bulletin board at our church and is also on the Interact Theater website. To learn more, contact Luana Goodwin at 215-235-2343 or lugoodwin[AT]msn.com, or others who have attended in past years. Reservations can be made by submitting a check, made out to First Unitarian Church to the office with “Black Gold” entered in the memo section.
Economic Justice & Housing
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
Every first Wednesday and fourth Friday until mid-April, volunteers donate their time and/or money to cook and feed the homeless men referred from the Bethesda Project. The 22 men arrive by 6:30 p.m. hungry for the delicious home-cooked meals that First UU is becoming famous for. On December 28, they had a feast of pot roast, macaroni and cheese, potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread, provided by new members Brooks Aylor and Mark Dahl. The men hardly had enough room for Ginny's truffle brownies. To start the new year right, Diane Frey and Luana Goodwin provided another of their favorite meals—baked chicken, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, Oreos and oranges. Please check with team coordinator, Ginny Beier, if you have any questions or can sign up. 215-545-7831 or vhbeier[AT]hep.upenn.edu.
Fair Trade Coffee
Our church continues to serve only Fair Trade Coffee that we get from Equal Exchange, a worker-owned coop. The UUService Committee receives a portion of their profits. In addition to this service on Sunday we encourage you to look for the fair trade symbol on products you buy elsewhere. If enough people are interested this service could be offered at the church. Contact Ginny, 215-545-7831 or vhbeier[AT]hep.upenn.edu.
Recycling
The good news is that the Center City neighborhood has weekly one-stream recycling. This means that in addition to your cans, glass and paper, you can add plastics (1&2) to your recycling bins. The bad news is that the partnership program between the city and Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce Street, has ended. This means that the $5,000 a year generated from the program, supporting Winter Shelter, etc., will no longer be available.
Criminal Justice
Books Through Bars
We continue to support this program which sends books to prisoners. Packing 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 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Books Through Bars Expands
Our Women's Book Discussion Group contributed $153 to Books Through Bars in December, just as a new initiative was announced. Dedicated to supporting prison literacy and education, a three-pronged approach targets enhancing prison libraries; supporting inmates who teach others, from basic literacy to college level; and contributing to the dialogue on the relationship between inadequate public education and the increasing rate of incarceration. Packing and sending books (from your donations) to individual prisoners continues. Postage for packages averages about $3.00, all from donated funds. More monetary contributions will be needed to carry out this ambitious plan. See www.booksthroughbars.org for more information, or ask Marilyn Ashbrook or Ginny Beier.
Submitted by Marilyn Ashbrook
ADULT PROGRAMS
We invite you to check out the new Adult Religious Education brochure available in our lobby. A new brochure featuring the programs and events for the coming year will debut the first week of January!
ConnectU Revitalized
Many of you have noticed the salmon colored nametags floating around the church on Sunday mornings. The people who wear salmon-colored nametags on Sundays are part of the ConnectU initiative. ConnectU is an enhanced welcoming and greeting program to help visitors feel at home in our community.
If you would like to be part of ConnectU, attend one of our orientation sessions: February 10th and 24th from 12:30-1:00 p.m. in the Fahs Room. If you are interested in being part of this work but cannot make one of the February sessions, contact Kate Laepple Hertzog at k_laeppl[AT]hotmail.com or Chris Robertson at 1-chrisrobertson[AT]msn.com, and we’ll get you oriented and ready to go in time.
Submitted by Kate Laepple Hertzog
and Chris Robertson
Depression Support Group
The group continues to meet on the first Sunday of each month, following service (February 3). For more info contact Arcenia Rosal at 215-561-6506, or Lynn Rubin at 215-837-3371.
Women's Book Club
The nine members who enjoyed the hospitality and Christmas tree of Christine Carlson and her family hope you will be pleased with the list of books selected for our 2008 readings. We tried to match book length and holidays as well as something old, something new, many borrowed and a few blue. Please call the hostess and let her know you are coming and to get directions.
February 4: Ginny Beier’s, 215-545-7831 or vhbeier[AT]hep.upenn.edu. Call her also with any general questions about the club.
February 4—Loving Frank by Nancy Horan Facilitated by Joan Forman.
March 3—The Rebel Angels by Robertson Davies. Facilitated by Phebe Shinn.
April 7—A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. Facilitated by Carol Jessup.
May 5—The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are by Kevin Leman.
Facilitated by Christine Carlson.
June 2—The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.
July 7—The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing.
August 4—Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh. Facilitated by Joan Forman. September 8—The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.
Facilitated by Ruth Crispin.
October 6 —The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion.
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.
In mid-February we will be distributing a survey through the listserve to garner an understanding of the direction this group should take.
Submitted by David A Dubbeldam & Ken Olin
Native American Spirituality for Women
This ongoing class, facilitated by member Connie Baker, will start its third year in January. It is for women who would like to know more about traditional Native American spiritual practices and culture. The class currently meets on the first Friday of every month, but that is open to change, if there is consensus.
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. The first class of the new year will be on January 4, at 7:00 p.m., in the Fahs Room. 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, via email at conniejazz[AT]comcast.net, or see her after church.
Mindfulness Trainings
Mondays, February 11 through March 10 at 7:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m., second floor Shared Ministry Suite. Facilitated by Rev. Nate, meditation techniques will be used to explore each of the mindfulness trainings developed by Thich Nhat Hahn, who was nominated by Martin Luther King Jr. for a Nobel Peace Prize. They include: protecting life; deep listening and loving speech; integrity in intimacy; generosity; and mindful consumption.
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 2008 include: Iraq End-Game, European Union at 50, Talking to our Enemies, Russia, U.S. Defense & Security Policy, Latin America, U.S.-China Trade Policy, and Private Philanthropy. We will meet at 9:30 on Sunday mornings to discuss a new topic each week (based on a 10-page briefing read in advance). All internationally-minded members, friends and visitors are welcome to participate in any or all of the discussions. The series will begin with an introduction on February 10, and we will discuss our first topic, "Iraq End-Game," on February 17. Contact Jacob Fisher, jacob.fisher[AT]gmail.com.
BEACON BITS
Bob Edgar Speaks at First Church on March 9
First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia and Common Cause-Pennsylvania will co-sponsor a public forum on Sunday, March 9, featuring Bob Edgar, president and CEO of Common Cause, one of the nation’s oldest and largest citizen advocacy organizations. The forum will begin at 2:00 p.m. at First Unitarian Church.
The forum will address issues of public official accountability, increased voter participation and improved voting systems, transparency in government, the importance of a diverse media and the need for a responsive Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We are inviting local officials to come and be part of the forum. Barry Kauffman, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania (CC/PA) will talk about the aggressive campaign that is being waged in our state around election issues. With over 12,000 members and affiliates, CC/PA currently is tackling the three major government reforms -- Open Records, Campaign Financing and Redistricting --that affect the outcomes of all other hot-button issues about which Pennsylvanians are concerned. Common Cause is a nonpartisan government watchdog organization with a national network of citizen activists fighting to ensure that powerful institutions in society—including government, corporations, and the news media—serve the public interest, not narrow special interest.
John Gardner, the founder of Common Cause, once said “The things that UNITE us as a people are more important than the things that divide us. No particular interest group can prosper for long if the NATION is disintegrating.” Could there be a more important time in U.S. history to pay attention to these words? Bob Edgar is well known to Pennsylvanians, having been born and raised in the Philadelphia area, served as protestant chaplain at Drexel University, elected as a Democratic Congressman from Republican-dominated Delaware County in an amazing election in 1974. He served until 1987. He has managed to combine religion, politics, public service and national leadership in unique ways. He has been president of Claremont School of Theology in California, and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. At our morning service March 9, Bob Edgar, an ordained Methodist minister, will give the sermon on the topic of “Religion and Politics: Can they be partners for the public good?”
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.
Save the Date: Saturday, February 23
Fifth Annual Rummage Sale !!!
Almost all of us stop at a pile of thrown-out items on the sidewalk, just to check and see if, maybe, there might be something we could use. Because, after all, what one person discards another person grabs with glee.
That’s what rummage sales are all about!
The Fifth Annual World-Class Rummage Sale at First Church on Saturday, Feb. 23, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. will give you a chance to rid yourself of all that stuff taking up space in your home -cluttered closets, bursting basements. Save your stuff for our sale the last week in February.
We will also need your help in this winter fund-raiser for First Church. Put it in your 2008 calendar now, to donate a few hours to the Church the last week in February.
Witnesses to the Funeral Train: Do you Remember Where You Were on June 8, 1968?
That was the day Robert F. Kennedy’s funeral train carried his coffin from New York to Washington D.C. to be buried beside his brother in Arlington cemetery. Now, almost 40 years on, a Scotland-based film company Lichen Films is producing a major documentary feature film, and we are looking for people who came out to pay their last respects that day. Bobby Kennedy was on the brink of becoming the Democratic candidate in that year’s presidential elections when he was tragically assassinated in a Los Angeles hotel. Just three days after winning the crucial Democratic primary in California, RFK’s body was taken by train from New York to Washington for burial. Hundreds of thousands of people lined the tracks that hot June day in a spontaneous outpouring of grief and admiration for one of the most popular politicians of his era, whose life had been cut short at the age of just 42.
We are looking for witnesses of Robert Kennedy’s funeral train, and we would like to speak to you about your memories about that sorrowful day. If you were witness of RFK’s funeral train on June 8, 1968, please contact the American-based researcher, Sheila Maniar. Thank you for your assistance.
Email: Sheila Maniar, samaniar[AT]earthlink.net
Telephone: (212) 691-3682
WHEEL OF LIFE
Obituary of a Member of our Church and Former President of the Board of Trustees of Unitarian Universalist House in Germantown
Frances Lee Walker was born October 2, 1910 in Sevierville, Tennessee, Her grandfather Walker, a physician, delivered her at home. Her family moved to Tusculum in 1917, where she attended public school and Tusculum College. She majored in English and graduated in 1930 as salutatorian and second in her class. She had taken piano lessons from her mother, who had taught piano before she was married. Frances continued to take piano lessons through college from a music professor there. She also began studying organ in college. One night, after accompanying a performance, she fell and broke a tendon in her hand. It was repaired in Knoxville by engrafting a slice of a tendon from her ankle. She studied typing in Knoxville while staying with a family friend and getting hand treatments. She believed that her hand injury precluded a professional career as a pianist or organist. She made her way to New York, and in 1932 was certified as a public school music teacher by the New York School of Music and Arts. During 1933 and 1934, depression years, she worked with a travelling theater group, directing plays. She moved to Philadelphia, following other "Tuscadelphians" who had settled there. She got a job at Manny, Moe & Jack, the Pep Boys, where she met Dorothy Hilles. Invited to Frankford for dinner, she met and in 1937 married Henry S. Hilles. After raising three children, from 1960 to 1970 she served as Associate Director of Development at Germantown Friends School. She was a member of First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia and served as President of the Board of Trustees of Unitarian-Universalist House in Germantown. Mrs. Hilles is survived by three children, Henry S. Hilles, Jr., Margaretta Lee Lunde and Robert W. Hilles; a sister; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hilles donated her body to science. The family has decided not to hold a service. Notes can be sent to Hank Hilles at his home address listed in the church directory.
MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS
Play Discussion Group for 2007 – 2008
Our current play in this year’s Play Discussion Group program is entitled “Wittenberg.” Having opened at the Arden Theater last month, the engagement lasts through March 9. This play is set in late October of the year 1517, and features an audacious battle of wits with Dr. Faustus (a man of appetites), Martin Luther (a man of faith) and their student Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (a youth struggling not only with his beliefs but also with his tennis game.) This philosophical exploration of reason versus faith seems highly appropriate for this Unitarian congregation. Please get your tickets and join us in this venture. The date for the discussion meeting is Wednesday, March 12. Mark your calendars.
Our next play is “Eurydice,” performed at the Wilma Theater from April 30 through June 1, 2008.
YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM
This January, we really got back into full swing with four different activities. Our contemporary service was inspired by Simon and Garfunkel’s "Sparrow," which wonders who will “love a little sparrow?” The oak tree refuses to share its branches, the swan is too afraid of being mocked by the other swans, and the golden wheat knows it has no life to spare. In the end, we learn the answer:
Who will love a little Sparrow?
Will no one write her eulogy?
"I will," said the Earth,
"For all I've created returns unto me,
From dust were ye made and dust ye shall be."
I spent a weekend in January on Cape Cod. It is right near a marsh. In the winter, the grass that grew wet and green through the spring and summer becomes short and brown and dry. The trees are shorn of leaves, the plants cut down nearly to their roots. The sounds of the birds that fill the air in the summer and the little rabbits that scurry across the lawn are all gone. The Cape, a bustling summer community, is empty, both of people and of color. The gray houses look a bit grayer. The roads are virtually clear of cars and the whole place is quiet. Through the marsh at the back of the house runs a little river that leads straight down to the ocean. When the tide is low, the deep brown mud is exposed to the light, both in winter and summer. But there is something different about the light and the mud: the water sparkles differently in the January sun. The fires in the fireplaces become much more important when the sun dips below the horizon at five o'clock. The smell of burning logs hangs in the air that months earlier had been filled with the smell of salt water and sweat.
”Sparrow” kept playing in my mind during those lazy days on the Cape. The elements of the earth—the trees, the other birds, the plants—refused to love the sparrow, but the very earth itself opened up to take back into itself a being to which it had once given life. Winter sometimes feels so desperate, so long, so very cold. But I love the winter, and I love the way the earth changes for winter. I have come to see that it is not the ending of life, simply a different kind of life. This point struck me particularly strongly this year, living in Philadelphia, where the changes of nature are far less apparent.
My hope is that in this month of February, I (and you all) will get the chance to detect and embrace the changes of winter, even in our concrete city.
With hope,
Sarah Lenzi
Young Adult Coordinator
Sarah[AT]PhilaUU.org
February 15—Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., Devil's Alley
February 24—Contemporary Service, 7:00 p.m.,
Parish Room
February 29—Potluck, 7:30 p.m., West Phila..
Email Jennifer Sommerkorn for details or directions:
jennifer.sommerkorn[AT]gmail.com
MUSIC NOTES
Dolce Suono Concert Series
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, February 13, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Love Songs: A Valentine Serenade. Featuring Mimi Stillman, flute (Yamaha Performing Artist) & Allen Krantz, guitar (Temple University). Music of Fauré, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Piazzolla, Brahms, and Dorff.
MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
New Members Feted at Reception
Six new members were welcomed into our congregation in January. They were Lesley Anderson, Brooks Aylor, Mark Dahl, Michelle Mitchell, Judy Haraburda and Nathan Ohm. On Sunday, January 13, the membership team and the Board of Trustees entertained new members at a reception held at the home of Portia Sperr.
Since October, a total of 30 new members have “signed the book.” They are: Missouri Ammons, Lesley Anderson, Brooks Aylor, Jenny Baker, Eva Baker, Mary Beth Bongiovanni, Brian Convery, Mark Dahl, Mark DeCourval, Richard Donnell, Janet Elfring, Joan Forman, Ed Hertzog, Kate Laepple Hertzog, Desiree Hines, Stephen Janick, Eric Jordan, Jane Jordan, Jessica Manlove, Michelle Mitchell, Nathan Ohm, Russell Palmer, Ed Rinear, Howell Saul, Allison Schue, Josh Seligman, Donald St. Pierre, Virginia “Ginni” Stiles, Jill Zanck and Judy Haraburda.
Joanne Perilstein is a new contributing friend.
Membership Team Update
■ A new edition of the Directory of Members and Friends will be available soon.
■ The membership team welcomes new members of its own. Mark DeCourval and Christina Robertson are our newest members. Others on this busy team include Paul Costa, Steve Lynch, Karin Tetlow, Luana Goodwin, Kim Cox, George Shinn, Mike and Sharon Tomalin, Gerry Parchman, Carol Peterson, Kate Hertzog, Sarah Smith, Paul Carbino, Phyllis Belk, Rev. Nate Walker and Sarah Lenzi.
■ Paul Costa coordinates ushers and greeters, and Kim Cox coordinates refreshments for Sunday coffee hour. Kate Hertzog and Chris Robertson are co-chairs of ConnectU, a project to enlist more church members into a Sunday morning hospitality team, greeting visitors and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
■ Phyllis Belk (with Rev. Nate) is coordinator of the orientation for visitors held every the first Sunday of every month after the service, and for the in-gathering of new members held every second Sunday. She also provides follow-up when persons indicate readiness to join our congregation.
■ Steve Lynch is our photographer. He is currently working with the property committee on an exhibit wall where we can showcase the photos of all our new members.
MEET SOME OF OUR NEW MEMBERS
LESLEY ANDERSON
Lesley Anderson was born in 1946 in Jersey City and raised in Teaneck. Growing up, she lived with her alcoholic parents, her younger sister and her loving grandparents, who were a stabilizing force. Lesley's exterior life journey included three marriages before the age of 40, sometimes lived in the upper desert of New Mexico and the wilds of Oklahoma. Her interior journey has been even more adventuresome.
As a girl Lesley had the gift of second sight: she knew things to the point that people sometimes called her a witch. Perhaps it was her mystical gift that attracted her to all things spiritual. She studied comparative religions and New Age thinking without adopting any of them wholeheartedly.
She has a wonderful sense of humor and a determination to offer a positive energy. At First Unitarian, Lesley hopes to collaborate on an open-mic poetry session. She also hopes to generate interest in forming an Intenders group, for those willing to read Tony Burroughs’ short guide. It is designed for those who intend to seek the highest good by framing thoughts and hopes for change in a positive way. If you haven't noticed, Lesley is a woman who has the confidence to speak about the truth as she sees and experiences it. Let's welcome her home.
MARK A. DAHL
& BROOKS AYLOR
Brooks Aylor and Mark A. Dahl live in South Philadelphia with their two animal companions Rudy and Simon. Both Brooks and Mark were born in 1970. They were engaged on a trip to Athens, and celebrated their official two-year anniversary on January 1, 2008. Sons of conservative Baptists, Mark and Brooks were very active in their respective churches before being shunned for their sexuality. Though the pair has attended First Unitarian Church over the last year, it was the call of Rev. Nate’s ministry that finally led them to decide to become members. “We are excited to once again feel welcomed and at home in a church environment.”
Brooks moved to Philadelphia 10 years ago after completing his doctoral degree in communication studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Mark moved to Philadelphia 8 years ago after living in San Diego and Tucson.
More about Brooks: Born in Hot Springs, Arizona, Brooks is currently an Associate Professor of Communication at La Salle University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in training and development, persuasion, communication theory, and debate. He also teaches in La Salle’s professional communication programs in Athens and Prague. Currently in his tenth year at La Salle, he has served as Director of Public Speaking, founding advisor for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and faculty advisor for Young Playwrights.
His interests include green living, interior design, painting, travel, politics, meditation/mindfulness, film, and cooking/eating vegetarian cuisine.
More about Mark: Mark was an actor, singer and dancer before turning to writing, directing and producing. With over 40 stage credits, he has performed professionally in 43 states, 2 continents,11 countries and in as many languages. In 2006, the Philadelphia Rainbow Coalition honored Mark with its Best Actor award.
In 2003, Mark founded Uncut Productions, a Philadelphia non-profit arts organization (uncutproductions.org). Uncut seeks to explore the arts in all forms with a focus on theater and film. Mark’s most recent musical, Assembly: Junior High, ran in the 2007 Philadelphia Fringe Festival and received rave reviews.
Mark is also involved in the administrative side of the professional arts. He worked in marketing for Wilma Theater before being headhunted by SFC Marketing Corp., where he worked for some of the most amazing performance venues in the U.S., including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the 92nd Street Y and the Tony Award-winning Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. In 2007, Mark started his own business and currently raises funds for the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
MICHELLE MITCHELL
Michelle Mitchell moved to Philadelphia about a year ago. Before that, she spent her entire life in the vacationland state of Maine. “Born to a proud woman of the Penobscot Nation family of the Bear Clan and to a father of French-Canadian descent, she has firsthand experience of the biracial conflicts that can occur within families.
She spent the first few years of her childhood on the reservation with her great-grandparents and was very much a part of the traditions and cultures of the Penobscots.
“From the early years of the Jesuit priests coming to Maine from Canada, it was thought that the native people needed to have a formal religion brought to them. That was the beginning of Catholicism in the native tribes of Maine. I was raised Catholic against my will. Forty years later, I am finding my own way and what I believe.”
Her mother moved Michelle and her siblings to Portland, Maine, where they were raised and schooled as Catholics and educated in private Catholic schools. Against her family’s wishes, she decided to attend trade schools to become an electrician. She was one of the first female licensed master electricians in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She received an associate’s degree in electronics from Southern Maine Tech College.
“I wanted to pursue my career further so I went on to University of Maine in Orono for a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology. I worked for 13 years with the Cianbro Corp as a field engineer prior to accepting a position here in the Philadelphia area. Not only am I finding my spiritual path, I have found my career path changing as well. I am a student again, working to pass all the license requirements for the insurance/financial service business. I continue to work for my electrical company while training part time in my friend’s insurance agency.”
Michelle now lives in northeast Philadelphia with her white greyhound, who is the joy in her life. Her pleasures include reading, world traveling, and now building a community of new friends with the aim of making Philadelphia her home.
If she does tire of the city, however, she has a place to go. “When I need a retreat, I still have a log home in Maine woods. I can see bears and bobcats right out my back door.
“I am at peace with my decision to become a member of the UU congregation. I embrace this commitment to myself and the community. I look forward to being a part of social justice, part of the solution, not the problem.
I thank all of you for the warm welcome when I first walked through the door.”
NATHAN OHM
Nathan Ohm came to Philadelphia from Denver in January 2000 and enjoys an active life here as well as in Italy, Hawaii, China, The Netherlands and Mexico. He has lived in multiple states and in Canada, but mostly in the San Francisco Bay area. Nathan's professional life and personal life blend into an interesting and diverse set of experiences. In the last year, he has begun a theater career and has performed in regional productions of Hello Dolly, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, and an upcoming production of Smoke on the Mountain. He also performed in several voice recital and cabaret performances in 2007. Nathan has also sung with various choral groups.
Nathan is a part-time marketing director for Synygy, Inc. a sales performance management and technology company. His corporate background is mostly in the field of sales compensation. He has worked for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley, Denver and Philadelphia. As a life coach, he works with people who are seeking support in expanding their creativity, passions and dreams. As a corporate coach, he helps small-business executives develop personal accountability and organizational structure.
Nathan practices yoga, reads, hosts dinner parties, travels, dines at great restaurants, journals, writes poetry, attends movies and theater, and takes personal development classes.
He first visited a UU Church in San Diego in 1998 and has visited First Church in Philadelphia frequently over the last several years.
"I remember my first UU service the Sunday after Easter, which is a celebration of god in the ordinary. There was a reading that mentioned hearing god in the sound of the eggs crackling in the frying pan! I remember smiling and thinking this was pretty weird—but also being compelled from that point on to experience god in the seemingly mundane tasks of everyday life. Now I can say I smell god as I'm brewing a pot of decaf espresso!
"Perhaps that was one of many beginnings that brought me to a place of knowing the divine and the ordinary are present and accessible in every moment. Having started my spiritual journey in a fundamentalist Christian tradition, I have always had a longing to experience the divine and yet for many years it was as if I had to find something outside of me. As I have come to know and experience and celebrate all that I am over the last several years, I am thrilled to find a place like First Church that is congruent with my experience and a place that I believe will support me on the next leg of my human journey. I look forward to sharing my gifts with you and receiving all that this congregation has to offer.
“Thank you for receiving me into this gathering."
Nathan lives with his partner, Marco. They recently purchased a home at 24th and Madison Square. Madison Square is one of the three garden blocks in Philadelphia with a garden running through the center of the street.
FLOWERS
February 3 – In memory of my father. Arcenia Rosal.
February 10 – In loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Somers, Jr.
Given by bequest of their son, William E. Somers, III.
February 24 – In memory of George de Benneville from the Weigley family
We are still in need of a donor for our February 17 service. If you are interested in donating flowers for a Sunday service, the cost is $45. Please contact Connie Mast at 215-496-0840.
A VALENTINE'S DAY KISS
I believe one of the most precious gifts we can offer one another is intimacy. In this context, the following story is designed for you to reflect upon the nature of love. I crafted the following story, “First Kiss,” in honor of all of you who celebrate Valentine’s Day.
One day I returned to my village to find my best friend planting a tree. I asked him, “Why are you planting now when we’ve so little time?”
And he, intent as he was, turned round and said, “Let’s pretend we had all the time in the world.”
His smile twinkled with delight as he stood. “Really,” I said looking into his eyes. “Let’s pretend this moment was our last.”
With a bashful tilt to his head, he offered me his hands. We stood in silence and admired our differing, yet compatible views.
With care he opened his palms and brought them to my chest. I held them and asked, “May I kiss them?” Breathlessly he asked, “Why?” Our eyes met as I said, “For all that you plant.” I kissed his left hand. I kissed his right. He was silenced.
“May I kiss your forehead?” “Why?” the coy man whispered. “For all that you imagine.” And I slowly brought my lips to his brow.
“You kissed me,” he expressed with a childlike wonder. “Yes. I think you’re a man of great character.” I brought my fingertips to my lips, kissed them and laid my hand on his chest. “And this is for your heart – your deliciously kind heart.”
His hand enveloped mine, bringing me closer… so close I could feel his heartbeat. “Close your eyes,” he whispered. I did gently and couldn’t help but hold my breath. “And this is for all that you see in me,” he kissed my left eyelid, “which I hope you see in yourself.” And then my right.
Placing my hand on the back of his neck, I brought him closer. “Thank you for listening so deeply,” I said before kissing his ear. He said, “Thank you for your loving speech.”
Together we planted the
seeds of our love
while living as if the moment
was our last.
Submitted by a hopeless romantic,
Rev. Nate
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