The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

MAY WORSHIP SERVICES

 MINISTER'S MESSAGE

Peace is Possible:

Sacred Texts of the World’s Religions

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

12 – 3 pm and 6 – 9 pm from July 8 – August 7

Parables on Failure:

Lessons Learned from Failing Out of School

Mondays 12- 3pm and 6- 9pm from July 7- August 4

Reverend Nate is writing a book entitled Parables on Failure, which tells simple stories that illustrate moral and spiritual lessons based on his experiences with failing out of school. As you may know Nate failed out of his doctoral program at Teachers College Columbia University on the grounds that his research was “too applied” and his professor considered him an “activist researcher.” Both are true. The data he presented in his comprehensive exam was also presented at a staff briefing in the United States Senate. Four of his seven recommendations are now law. In response, Mother Jones considered him one of the top student activists of the country. Although it wasn’t good enough for his professor, it did make a significant impact on public policy. Even through he failed his compressive exam and was asked to leave the program, Nate learned many spiritual lessons about the meaning of failure. His book explores these lessons by telling short parables. Every Monday, for five weeks (July 7 – Aug 4) Nate invites you to come to the church to engage in personal reflection and creative storytelling. It will involve using various spiritual practices to transform conflicts, failures and adversity into opportunity for moral and intellectual growth. If you are not able to attend in person, arrangements can be made to speak via conference call.

Greetings From Your CRE Director

In the next few weeks, our church leadership will begin introducing a new Safe Congregation Policy. Safe Congregation refers to protecting our children and youth from abuse, either physical, sexual or emotional both within our walls and on church sponsored outings.

There are five main goals of the Safe Congregation policy:

1. To protect our children and youth from abuse through policies and procedures that reduce the possibility of abuse occurring.

2. To provide a structure for responding to accusations and actual cases of abuse by and of members of the church community.

3. To provide resources to members who may have been victimized recently or in the past.

4. To educate the congregation in these issues.

5. To provide healing and justice to the congregation should an incident occur.

Revising our policies and procedures regarding Safe Congregation issues has been a high priority both for Debby Schultz and Reverend Nate.Thanks to their persistence, the Safe Congregation Ministry Team, consisting of Nate and myself plus Dea Silbertrust and Lora Thornburg, formed in January to begin the process. Having served on the Safe Congregation committee at Main Line Unitarian Church about 5 years ago, I was able to draw upon that experience to assist the group, as well as to provide resources to the team.

Over the winter, we looked at existing policies and current trends to create a document that reflects our needs and commitments. We each took an on-line course, written by members of the UUA and sponsored by the New England Adolescent Research Institute (NEARI), called Balancing Acts: Keeping Children Safe in Congregations. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to find out more about Safe Congregation issues. You can take the course for free by going to www.neari.com/trainingcenter/. When we met for the first time, I was concerned that we might simply put our name on an existing policy and call it done. I was very much mistaken. Our team studied each sentence, not only for its accuracy, but to decide whether we agreed with the philosophy behind it.

Many of the procedures have been in place for a number of years and are serving us well. Here are some examples of the procedures set forth in the Safe Congregation Policy: two adults per classroom; references and background checks for adults working with children and youth; a minimum of six months involvement in the church before becoming a child/youth worker; a signed code of ethics; creation of a Safe Congregation Response Team to deal with allegations of abuse and other issues. This document is just the beginning. The important work will be in putting these practices in place, following them consistently and reviewing and updating them regularly. We, the Safe Congregation Ministry Team, are available to answer your questions and listen to your concerns.

Jansen Wendell (and Star)

Jansen[AT]PhilaUU.org

(215) 563-3980, ext. 305

May CRE Worship Highlights

Sunday, May 4, 11:00-12:15: children’s chapel, followed by Church School classes.

Sunday, May 11, 11:00-12:15: Return to the real Mother’s Day: a 15 minute Time for All Ages intergenerational worship followed by church school classes.

Sunday, May 18, 11:00-12:15: children’s chapel, followed by Church School classes.

Sunday, May 25, 11:00-12:15: Spring Planting: meet in Griffin Hall before assisting Christina to plant flowers on the church grounds.

Getting to Know UU

By Ken Olin

Founded in 1859, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie (Indiana) will be celebrating their 150th birthday next year. The city itself had been settled in 1823 by a Universalist, Goldsmith Gilchrist, who had worked his way up to serving as a state legislator for the county when he died in 1844 around the age of 50. His daughter was among the founders of what was originally known as First Universalist Church of Muncie. By then, the town had roughly 3000 residents, and was the county seat. The principal movers on building the church (in 1860) determined it had to have the tallest steeple in town, and would also serve as a locus of public speaking. The town’s high school was only built in 1880, and it was in the town’s six church basements that classes were held up until then. Among the church’s early ministers, two stand out. Rev. Margaret Brennan served from 1897 to 1901, at a time when few women were yet in such a position. She was very highly regarded, both in the church and the community, and guided the congregation through an extensive church remodel, the building of the Manse, and a significant growth of membership. The Rev. Harry A. Hersey served from 1919 to 1923. He introduced the first annual budget for the church, but was most notable for his strong stand in opposition to the Ku Klux Klan, which was very strong in the state at that time. In his memoirs, he noted that he and only one Baptist minister to denounce the Klan. Unfortunately, that outspokenness offended many, and led to his resignation. As happens to many downtown churches, the congregation moved out to the suburbs in 1967 to a new church in a bucolic woodland setting. Their current minister is Rev. Thomas Perchlik.

Check out their website at www.uuchurchmuncie.org.

By Debby Schultz

21 Commentaries Down
               – This Last One to Go!

My two years of serving as Board president are coming to an end with the selection of a new president at the May 18 Annual Meeting. It’s been a wonderful experience. I love learning, particularly of an experiential nature and this last two years have provided just that. How many Board Presidents have the opportunity to experience an interim minister, the excitement of calling a new minister, the negotiation of a minister’s contract, the challenging start-up of a new minister and the joy of an installation service! Add on to that the congregational vote to move to a new governance structure, the writing and reviewing of policy statements and the continued transition of the Board from being program focused to policy focused. Throw in new by-laws, a long overdue church audit and the selection of a firm to professionally manage our endowment and investment funds. Please don’t mistake me – these were not all done by me but I got the experience of learning through my engagement in them. One of the best aspects of being president is that it forced me to move beyond being somewhat of an introvert by nature to being out there. As a result I have met and gotten to know so many more people, have engaged in church activities I probably would have not participated in, gained confidence as a presenter without the convenient crutch of Powerpoint slides and have had lots of fun. For all of this I thank all of you. You taught and coached me, supported me, encouraged me, challenged me and provided me love. What more could one ask for! I have no idea of my next steps of engagement in this church community and that is intentional. I look forward to coming to the church without the responsibilities that come with being church president which will at times allow me to more fully present to that which is occurring. I wish the next Board all of the support, energy and engagement of many in the congregation that they need. I have been blessed by two excellent Boards and the incredible talent and spirit of so many in this church.

With abundant thanks,

Debby Schultz

Congregational Meetings

May 4: Information Session

May 18: Annual Meeting

With a proposed budget for the 2008-2009 church year in place, a proposal has been presented to the Board to forgive the $87,000 loan repayment to the Endowment for the previous co-Minister's severance payments. In order to finalize the budget the Board must vote on this proposal at its May 14th Meeting. If you were a Board Member, how would you vote? The Board values your thoughts and discussion on this subject. The May 4 Information Session is a key opportunity to speak up and/or to learn more about the finances and the 2008-2009 budget of this church. The budget will be voted upon by the Congregation at the Annual Meeting.

Annual Congregational Meeting

Agenda

■ Congregational Vote on 2008-2009 Budget

■ Election of Board of Trustees President, Vice-President and Two Trustees; Election of Nominating Committee

■ Copies of comprehensive Annual Report available to all who attend

Watch the What's Happening and Orders of Service for Additional Agenda Topics. Lunch will be provided.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

The budgeting process for the Church is one that begins early in the calendar year and some of that process has changed since the Church now has a new "Policy Governance Model.” Responsibility for the development of the Budget rests now with Rev. Nate and Norman Fouhy, Business Administrator. Information was sought from each of the Ministry Teams which have budgets as to what they will need over the next three years. This alone is a new development since we have not been working on three year projections of our expenses and income. The Finance Administration Ministry Team has devoted a number of hours to reviewing drafts of the Budget which Rev. Nate and Norman have developed. The Board of Trustees has not been "out of the loop" either, reviewing developments and helping to think about ways to raise funds and/or reduce expenses. Rev. Nate also decided to predicate the budget in part on the Pledge drive for the coming year which is most prudent. This gives us a more solid idea of how to plan for both the coming years needs and the next two years as well.

I can not emphasize enough the enormous amount of work that Rev. Nate and Norman have put into the development of the Budget which you will be asked to approve on May 18. In addition, we all owe a debt of gratitude for the many hours that the Finance Administration Ministry Team has devoted to this most important and somewhat unglamorous process. Thanks should go to John Lehman, Mike Tomalin, Mike Dorn, Jane Cox, Ben Pratt and Ed Hertzog.

SOCIAL JUSTICE & COMMUNITY SERVICE

Housing and Economic Justice

WinterShelter

We made it! Our efforts if feeding and reaching out to the men of WinterShelter for this season have ended. Before listing ALL the wonderful volunteers for the year I want to report on the final 2 evenings 3/28 and 4/2. Along with Brian Lago (and dessert) Debby Schultz and Arthur Salter treated the men to fried chicken, sweet potatoes and biscuits. Although there is always donated bread from Kaplans they really appreciate the hot biscuits. Trish Way continued the tradition the following week along with a new chicken, carrot and onion favorite from Michelle Mitchell. This time Michelle arrived without any mishaps, to be greeted by Denise McKeon who brought dessert. Talk to any of the following wonderful people to find out what a satisfying evening this can be and plan to sign up next year.

We pool our resources and talents to make it happen: Lari Robling; Ginny Beier, Claire and Paul Toy, Christine Castellino, Brooks Ayler and Mark Dahl, Luana Goodwin, Diane Frey, Debby Schultz and Arthur Salter, Christine Carlson, Ellen Lehman, Denise and Delaney McKeon, Tricia and David Way, Kris Roscoe, Carol Jessup (donation), Brian Lago, Claire and Paul Toy, John Wiggins, Michelle Mitchell and Paul Carbino (donation).

Criminal Justice

Books Through Bars:

2008 Pack-a-thon on Sunday, May 18

The Pack-a-thon is a day-long "packing party.” Participants collect pledges to help with the postage costs of the books they'll mail. It's a fun way to raise funds and get caught up on the huge number of book requests we receive from prisoners and prison libraries. You can participate for an hour or two (or more!) any time during the day. As always, we'll provide good music, great food, and door prizes.

Postage rates are going up again in May, so we need each volunteer to raise at least $10 per hour they plan to participate. You can download a participant packet to help with your fundraising, including a Books Through Bars fact sheet and pledge form, or information on how to donate in lieu of volunteering at www.booksthroughbars.org.

To RSVP for the Pack-a-thon, please contact info[AT]booksthroughbars.org .

ADULT PROGRAMS

We invite you to check out the new Adult Religious Education brochure available in our lobby.

Depression Support Group

The group continues to meet on the first Sunday of each month, following service (May 4). For more info contact Arcenia Rosal at 215-561-6506, or Lynn Rubin at 215-837-3371.

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.

Women's Book Club

An interesting discussion took place at Chris Robertson's house in April when we looked at and discussed The Birth Order Book. We guessed where each of us might be in our family based on what we had read and what we knew of each individual, Christine Carlson led us in this discovery as well as finding out when each of us joined in the Unitarian movement. She even called the author to get his views. Come and join us next month to find out how when you were born affects you. On May 5 we'll be meeting to discuss A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby at the home of Carol Jessup at 7:30 She will also facilitate this English novel which is not about the possible suicides of four people who meet on a London roof but about what happens next when you don't kill yourself. Please RSVP at

215-518-8978 or cbjessup9[AT]comcast.net. We welcome new members at any time and encourage coming at 7:30 p.m. to get to know us before the 8:00 discussion. Christine Carlson has composed a short ditty to tell you about us.

"We're old and we're young

Some are smart, we're all dumb

At one time or another but we manage to laugh it away.

We've lit up when challenged,

Fallen asleep when bored

Or too tired but we still wanted to stay.

We've nursed babies or glasses of merlot Sometimes even egos need nursing although We all agree it the best way to end our first Monday."

Upcoming books:

May 5 - A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby

June 2- The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

July 7 - The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing

Native American Spirituality for Women

Facilitated by Connie Baker, this group for women interested in learning more about traditional Native American spiritual practices and culture started its third year in January. The class currently meets on the first Friday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Native Americans lived a balanced life, in terms of how they used natural resources, and considered everything to be sacred and equal in importance. They believed in living harmoniously with nature, and were taught to be aware of the impact of everything they did. Of course, there were differences among the 500+ tribes, but those are general statements that can be made. Suggested reading to bring interested people up to speed is Mother Earth Spirituality, by Ed McGaa, Eagle Man. For further information, you may contact Connie at 856-282-7448, conniejazz[AT]comcast.net, or see her after church. The class will be closing in June, so join now!

BEACON BITS

Philadelphia UU Meetup Group

We meet in the evening, 5:00 p.m. every third Sunday before the Contemporary 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.

Work Party, May 31:

It’s Spring Cleaning Time at First Church

Rub-a-dub-dub, we're going to scour and scrub! Time to polish up Griffin Hall for la Primavera! Clean & wax the woodwork-make everything sparkle like the spring bulbs. Think of the enormous feeling of accomplishment you'll get! Only three hours on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Wear your work clothes.) You can’t commit to three hours? OK - give us what time you have. Lunch is on the house! Sign up and put it in your calendar now! Contact Phebe Shinn, 215-382-1691, pandgshinn[AT]verizon.net

Wine Excursions in the Napa Valley

UUs and friends are invited to take advantage of the UU Fellowship of North Bay’s “Wine Country Excursions.” Small, customized two-day tours are offered, including wine tastings, art galleries, museums, scenic trails and much more. Private rooms with bath in the homes of area members are available, along with and experienced guides to conduct tours in their cars. Tours are offered from April through October. All proceeds to help our Fellowship grow and purchase property in this expensive real estate market. Contact us now for details. Tom Wilson 707.254-7443 or 2wilsons1dog[AT]comcast.net

Kindling the Flame—Sunday, May 10

The Philadelphia-Wilmington Growth Team is pleased to offer a day of worship and programming centered on the diverse, inspirational ways that area UU congregations celebrate the spirit of life. Worship led by our own Rev. Nate, with music from UU Cherry Hill’s Ken Ewan. Workshops will address topics ranging from intergenerational service and hospitality to lay leadership and an effective, on-line presence. Registration is $10, and must be filed by May 7. For more information, visit www.jpduua.org.

First Church Poetry Night

All poets are invited to read two short poems or one longer poem at Poetry Night, 8:00 pm on Saturday, May 17 in our Chapel. There will be a suggested donation at the door of $3.00 and refreshments will also be sold. If you would like to read, please RSVP at www.philaUU.org.

Fatherhood Festival: Saturday, June 7

The 2008 Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival is a free event offering workshops, resources, and information for fathers and father figures. Workshops include: Healthy Communication, Men & the School System, Fatherhood Affects the World, & Puberty 101: Talking to Your Teens. Special Features include National Speakers, Resources & Information, Father-to-Father Roundtable, Breakfast & Lunch Included. It is Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located on 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. For more information e-mail: register[AT]daddyuniv.com. They are looking for men to attend. If you are interested, you can visit at www.fatherfest.com.

MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS

Play Discussion Group for 2007 – 2008

"Eurydice" by Sarah Ruhl, at the Wilma Theater, has been chosen as the last event for this year's play discussion group. The play opens on April 30 and runs through June 1.

"On the day Eurydice is to marry her true love Orpheus, a tragic misstep sends her plummeting to the surreal depths of the Underworld. Memories are forbidden in this world of the dead, but an unexpected reunion with her father vividly awakens Eurydice's mind with the love she felt in life. When Orpheus braves the gates of hell to find her, Eurydice must painfully decide whether to remain with her father or return to her Earthly love. A modern tale of love and loss, Eurydice is the classic myth of Orpheus retold from the heroine's point of view, abounding with surprising plot twists, quirky humor, and an original musical score unique to this production."

The Worship service of May 18 will focus on ideas drawn from this play.

The play discussion meeting, previously announced for Wednesday, May 21st, has been rescheduled. Interested play goers are encouraged to attend a symposium sponsored by the Wilma Theater. After the symposium, members of the play discussion group will adjourn to the Coffee Shop at the Warwick Hotel for conversation.

"Eurydice (and us) in the underworld
A Symposium on Monday, May 19th at 7:00pm
Why has the afterlife captivated our imagination? Why do most religious traditions and many individuals ¬ regardless of professed conviction ¬ believe in the continuation of existence after death? Where does this belief arise, and what consequences, if any, does it have on how we live our lives? Join a riveting panel discussion exploring the idea of an after life from anthropological, physiological, moral, theological, and aesthetic viewpoints. Panelists include: Jesse Bering (Evolutionary Psychologist, Queen¹s University College, Belfast), Mary Lefkowitz (Emerita Professor of Classics, Wellesley College), Eleanor Wilner (Poet, MacArthur Fellow); moderated by Wilma Dramaturg/Literary Manager Walter Bilderback.

Tickets: $10 / FREE for Subscribers and Eurydice ticket holders. Seating is limited; for tickets, please call the Box Office at 215.546.7824 or email tickets[AT]wilmatheater.org"

YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM

JPD Young Adult Caucus--Saturday, May 3

All are invited to attend this caucus in Bethesda, MD, hosted by the JPD’s Journey Towards Wholeness Team who seek to move the denomination forward through work within our congregations. For info, contact: Rev. Heather Janules hjanules[AT]cedarlane.org or Suzanne Crockett-Jones, 443-417-7057.

May Young Adult Calendar

May 7- Games Night, 7:00 p.m. Parish Room

May 9 - Happy Hour, 5:30, The Bards

May 18 -Contemporary Service, 7:00 p.m

May 23-- Potluck, 7pm, TBA.

Please contact Sarah for more details,

Sarah[AT]PhilaUU.org.

RECITITATIVE:

A MUSIC UPDATE

As we are coming to the “end” of our church season, I am excited that our annual Music Sunday is approaching. I would like to invite you to partake in this joyous celebration of worship and music. The music program at First Church is (and always will be) open to anyone who wants to offer their gifts and talents to the church and community. If you have any questions regarding rehearsal times or just wanting further information about our program, I invite you to see me after church or email me. I do wish to take the time to thank members of First Church and Rev. Nate for your continuous support towards the program. You inspire me to be able to share my gift and passion of music with you. I feel blessed being with you at First Church.

Blessings to all,

Christopher Barnard

Music Director

Christopher[AT]PhilaUU.org

Dolce Suono

The Dolce Suono Chamber Music Concert Series is known for offering chamber concerts of the highest level of artistic excellence to the public free of charge. Founder and artistic director Mimi Stillman is internationally acclaimed as flute soloist and chamber musician. First Church is proud to serve as home to Dolce Suono’s 2007-2008 season.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 7:30pm

Ultimate Baroque: Bach Brandenburg Concerto #5, Telemann Suite, Handel Organ Concerto

Mimi Stillman, flute (Yamaha Performing Artist); Alan Morrison, organ and harpsichord (Curtis Institute of Music); Hirono Oka, violin;

Richard Amoroso, violin; Burchard Tang, viola; Yumi Kendall, cello; Emilio Gravagno, double bass (all of The Philadelphia Orchestra)

Performing Music of Bach, Handel, and Telemann

MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE

As this church year draws to a close, the Ministry Leadership Team is working with Rev. Nate to obtain input from Board, staff and the various church Ministry Teams for inclusion in the evaluation which the UUA expects regarding Nate’s performance as our minister by July 1, 2008. Ministry teams have been alerted as to the areas in which their comment is needed. All perspectives should be gathered by May 4, so that the composite document can be prepared.

The MLT is also working with the Board on drawing together the Annual Report for the Congregational Meeting on May 18. All of the teams have been asked to submit their goals and accomplishments of the current church year, a list of their participants and a forecast of goals to be undertaken in the year to come.

Our MLT is also preparing some policy statements to present to the Board outlining our mission, goals, roles and procedures. We think it will be helpful to us and to others if these become more explicit and available. We have enjoyed hosting the potluck brunches this year. We have found that the alphabetical assignment of food items to be brought has served us well and should make the ongoing responsibility for coordinating these community events easier than in times past.

Returns from the JPD Spring Conference

I had not attended this annual event for a few years; but, agreed to go this year (March 28-29) because I was already going to be in the DC area and it worked for me. I would just like to say that I found the conference extremely well organized and very informative. The workshops, which this year complimented the theme “Voices of Justice, Hands of Change”, were extremely well conceived and presented. The worship experiences were inspirational and there was a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the air. The business meeting was not hard to bear. I came away encouraged about health of our Joseph Priestley District and the spirit of the congregations that are within its boundaries.

Submitted by Luana Goodwin

WHEEL OF LIFE

Dear Church Family,

It is with sorrow we report the death of Barbara K. Smith (b. 1938 - d. 2008). She died on April 21 after surviving breast cancer, which later spread to her liver. Barbara was a long-time member of the church, active in music and religious education and a held a wide variety of leadership roles. She will be cremated and details about the memorial service will be provided later.

In the mean time, please send your cards to her daughter Jennifer and her granddaughters Amelia and Olivia to 528 Cambridge Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Let's shower them with love!

Submitted by Rev. Nate

FLOWERS

May 4

In fond memory of Lucille Olin. Given by her son, Ken Olin.

May 11

For our mothers and mothers everywhere. From Carol and Mark Peterson.

May 18

In celebration of Glorie Steele’s 93rd birthday on May 23. Given by her daughter, Shirley Steele.

May 25

In memory of Russell Weigley. Emma, Jared and Catherine.

If you are interested in donating flowers for a Sunday service, the cost is $45. Please contact Connie Mast.

MEET SOME OF OUR NEW MEMBERS!

Kathleen Deacy-Moore

Kathleen Deacy-Moore was born and raised in Philadelphia, and has come to our church and to Unitarian Universalism by a circuitous route that began in Catholicism. Kathleen comes to church with her three grand-daughters, Gabrielle 13 years old, Helena 10 years old, and Iris, 8 yrs. They have been living with her for the past 15 months because their parents are not able to care for them at this time. Kathleen is an amazing woman who has endeared herself to all of us who have made her acquaintance. What she has endured for the past few years has proven her strength, courage and humor.

Let Kathleen tell her story: “As a young child, my grandmother Anna and my Aunt Helen taught me how to sew. I was making my own clothes by the time I was 14 years old. Sometime after high school, I graduated with an associate degree in fashion design. My first job was working for Cinderella children’s wear as an illustrator. But my love was in pattern making and grading. The next 15 years I worked for several children’s manufacturers as a CAD pattern designer. With the shrinking garment industry, I presently work for a cutting contractor. We are one of the few left who cuts and sews here in Philadelphia.”

The year 2000 was especially hard. “I divorced my husband of 18 years, (we remained close friends), and my sister was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer.” The next year her sister Julie died from breast cancer.

“Three month later I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I survived 2 surgeries, 2 rounds of chemotherapy, and 36 treatments of radiation. Some cancer survivors ask ‘why did I survive?’ and ‘what is the purpose of my new lease on life?’

“I found the answer a few years later. In September 2006, when my daughter’s family was in trouble and the children were placed in foster care, I had a family meeting and announced I wanted to become a foster mother to my grandchildren. I only asked for the support from my ex spouse, son and family friends and I would take the responsibility to raise the girls no matter what time it took their parents to resolve their problems. My ex spouse Garry moved in with me to help take of the girls when they came to live with us December 23, 2006. It was the last Christmas with Garry, their Pop-Pop, my soul mate. He died January 13, 2007 of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It was a long year for the girls missing their parents and Pop-Pop. I have learned so much about patience and received so much love.

“When the holidays and winter solstice approached in 2007, Gabrielle asked if we could start going to church. I thought a lot about going to church this the past year, but I wanted something more than what was offered of the Catholic Religion I grew up in. So I began a search on the Internet. It was the Unitarian Faith that appealed to me. I wanted the opportunity for the girls and me to learn kindness, respect and an open mind towards others, and for themselves. In the past few months we have felt so welcomed and enjoy coming every Sunday.

Ben and Rebecca Pratt

Rebecca and Ben moved to Philadelphia from North Carolina on July 1 and have been attending First Church since last summer. Ben was raised in the UU Church in Charlotte, NC as the son of inter-faith parents. He has always enjoyed learning about various faith traditions as a Religious Studies Major at UNC-Chapel Hill but also loves navigating the ins and outs of the health care system as he most recently completed his Master’s in Health Care Administration - also at UNC.

Rebecca was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of her Mother’s family in Michigan, and attended an Anglican Catholic church when her family moved to North Carolina. In high school, Rebecca discovered Unitarian Universalism and quickly found a home in the RE community of youth cons (where UU youth can connect with youth from other UU congregations) and other mischief. Rebecca also received her BA from UNC in Communication Studies and recently completed her Master’s in College Student Development at Appalachian State University. Ben and Rebecca both found employment with Drexel University – Ben at the College of Medicine working with finances and Rebecca at the main campus working with residential students. They enjoy all kinds of music, great food, walking, and exploring Philadelphia. They have also enjoyed getting to know the young adult group via potlucks and other events. Ben has become involved on the finance committee, and Rebecca in the choir. They are excited to be part of such a historic UU community.

Janice Tosto

Up until ten years ago, Janice had always been a regular churchgoer. She attended Baptist, Pentecostal, non-denominational and Sabbath keeping churches. Janice aspired to become a minister, but changed her career plans when she began attending a nondenominational church.

After nine years of membership in her last church, Janice began to question its practices and beliefs and left, feeling uncertain that she would ever find another faith she could believe in. She heard about Unitarian Universalism at a 2006 conference she attended on women and spirituality. That same year, Janice began listening to radio programs sponsored by two New York City area Unitarian Universalist churches. Each week, Janice tuned in to listen to messages she found inspiring. Janice attended her first Unitarian Universalist church service at All Souls in New York City in December 2007.

After doing some internet research on Unitarian Universalist churches in Philadelphia, Janice decided to make a trip to Philadelphia to visit the First Unitarian Church in January 2008. She will never forget the warm welcome she received from Rev. Nate and members of the congregation. After the service, Janice stayed for the orientation to learn more about Unitarian Universalism. Janice was immediately convinced that she had found a new faith and a special spiritual place in the First Unitarian Church. The commitment to service, diversity, and respect for the individual’s faith journey are what Janice loves about the Unitarian Universalist faith. Janice hopes to move to Philadelphia from New York City in about four years, when she finishes school. Janice is the Director of Vocational Services for a women’s substance abuse treatment program. In her leisure time, Janice enjoys reading, watching classic movies, listening to jazz, sightseeing in Philadelphia, and playing with her 14-year-old cat Bebe. Janice is divorced and is the aunt of two nieces and two nephews. She is looking forward to moving to Philadelphia so she can be more involved in the church, engage in community service, and resume her music studies in jazz violin.

Helen Boyd

Helen Boyd grew up in New York City. She earned two masters degrees and had careers as social worker and librarian. She retired from the staff of the library at Cheyney University after twenty-three years at that institution. Helen is the mother of two and grandmother of three children. She has always enjoyed travel and most recently taken trips to Argentina and Chile. She is also an arts enthusiast.

She became a Unitarian some 40 years ago while in California. She was a member of the church in Media where she became acquainted with a few members of our First Church family. She has not been very active of recent years but is feeling the need of company on her spiritual journey and looks forward to finding that with us.