The Beacon - November 2006
NOVEMBER WORSHIP SERVICES
November 5 – Still Waiting. Will Godot ever arrive? Val Sandberg, worship associate, and the Rev. Bill Metzger will reflect on themes raised in the Beckett play Waiting for Godot, which was presented recently in Philadelphia.
November 12 – The Life of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper: A Journey for Justice. Elizabeth Terry and worship associates Sharon Tomalin and Luana Goodwin will lead this Social Justice Sunday service celebrating the literary works and social justice journey of First Church member Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.
November 19 –“Permission Granted”: Reflections on Radical Hospitality. The Rev. Bill Metzger will consider the implications of radical hospitality in the church, drawing on ideas about loving one’s neighbor, offering space for creativity, and trusting in the emergence of fresh ideas in building church community. Malika Levy will be the worship associate.
November 26 –“Sola Gratia”: A Universalism for the 21st Century.” Grace, gifts, gratitude. In the celebration of Thanksgiving likes the roots of a powerful theology that Unitarian Universalists can offer to the world and that will move our message from the margins to the center. Guest speaker Rev. Ken Beldon is Lead Minister of the new WellSprings UU Congregation in Chester County. Ken Olin will be worship associate.
INTERIM TIMES
We are beginning initiatives in a number of ministry areas, and the new ministry leadership team is focusing on identifying program needs in the church and planning a Nov. 5 luncheon to invite members to join ministry teams. The leadership team and key members of various ministry teams have begun work identifying projects they might wish to undertake.
The young adults have taken initiative in seeking a grant to help fund a campus presence for First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. Seth Carrier has led the effort to put forth the proposal to the UUA for matching funds to hire a young adult, probably a university student, for a three-year startup effort with a budget of $4,000 per year. We should know soon whether the project is funded.
Phyllis Belk is coordinating an effort to organize the various aspects of membership—visitor followup, orientation sessions, membership receptions, greeters and ushers, incorporating new members, and other activities. If you would like to help with any aspect of membership, please let Phyllis know.
Gerry Parchman is reviving Interweave for BGLT members, and Val Sandberg is leading an effort to develop an Arts Ministry in the church. Discussion groups are being organized around plays being performed in the city. Our further goal is to develop this church as a focal point for arts events in the community.
Janet Scannell and I are beginning an exploration of the concept of covenant groups (small group ministry), the idea being “saving the world ten at a time” by offering opportunities for small groups to gather regularly to build community through intimate connections.
Social justice is a major focus for the church this year, and you will hear more about that on Social Justice Sunday Nov. 12.
The search committee will soon be receiving a list of potential minister candidates, and will begin the process of exchanging packets and choosing ministers for pre-candidating options. The goal is to have a candidate to present to the congregation in April 2007.
So much is happening here, including roof repairs and selection of new flooring for the lobby and stairwells. But most of all, we will be trying to build a spirit of participation here, what I will refer to as “radical hospitality” with an emphasis on permission-giving. You have an idea for something we “ought to do” in this church, and you’re willing to invest energy in making it happen? Let me know, and you will probably hear, “Permission granted.”
With love,
Bill
CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Last month, my wife and I attended a presentation by Steven Treat, DMin, licensed Family Therapist and Director and CEO of the Council for Relationships. The event was sponsored by the Family Forum of Wayne, which conducts parenting classes and discussion groups on topics related to families and parenting. Although the topic of the presentation was raising daughters, much of the information was relevant to sons.
Of great interest to me was the difference between authority and power. One can exercise authority over a child by virtue of being the parent, by “pulling rank”, but that won’t get good results in the long term. Children (and adults) tend to rebel or retreat from authority. Power is earned by the parent and granted by the child. This is not to argue for permissiveness, but for setting realistic, firm boundaries and enforcing them. An example Mr. Treat used from his own life was a time he and his wife hosted a nephew for a number of nights. The nephew insisted he be allowed to stay up every night to watch late night television, to which they responded that in their household, bedtime is at 9:30. The nephew threw a tantrum and they had to literally block the door of the child’s bedroom for three hours the first night to keep him from going to the TV room. The second night they had to once again block the door. By the third night the child understood and accepted the boundary. They never used yelling or bullying to enforce the rule.
Another interesting discussion was about reinforcement. When we react to bad behavior with intensity and authority, we often reinforce the behavior we are trying to correct. My daughter loves to play her Game Boy and doesn’t do enough reading. When we tell her to turn off the game and order her to read, what are we reinforcing? She will now regard reading as punishment. That’s not the message we want her to get. Food can also be a battleground for power issues. We have told our daughter countless times that she can’t have dessert unless she eats her dinner. She learned how to bargain with us: how many bites of this and that must she eat in order to earn her reward. She now feels entitled to dessert every night and feels cheated if she doesn’t get it. Mr. Treat asks us to consider the question: What am I reinforcing (?) when using authority to control our children’s behavior.
Jansen Wendell
CRE Director
CREDiretor@verizon.net
215-563-3980, ext. 305
More CRE News
We welcome Kim Woods to our paid staff as our preschool (ages 2-3) teacher. Kim is not new to First Church. She has worked upstairs in the Beacon Center day school for 10 years and has been a staffer here before. Her two sons, Fatir and Donald will be attending church school classes as well.
Everyone is invited ¬to participate in Guest at Your Table this year, a social justice program of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). The colorful donation boxes are designed to be taken home to generate discussion about what it means to welcome a guest to your table and to raise awareness and money for the UUSC’s social justice programs.
We are seeking donations of children’s books and toys for our toddlers and preschoolers.
Here is a list of authors that are prominent on the preschool book list: Aliki; Eric Carle, Allan Fowler, Leo Lionni and Jose Maria Parramon.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jansen Wendell at 215-563-3980, ext 305.
Join us for a Work Free Book Party at Chris' Corner Books at 1941 Pine Street on Sunday, November 12, 2006 from 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. Friends and Members are encouraged to shop at this neighborhood, independent store Many of the authors on the CRE Wish list are in stock. Also, 20% of the total money collected on Nov. 12 will be donated to First Unitarian Church
CRE Events Calendar
November 5-- 15 minute worship in the Children’s Chapel.
November 12-- 15 minute worship in the Children’s Chapel.
Work Free Book @ Chris’ Corner (19th and Pine), 12:30 - 5p.m
November 19--Intergenerational Thanksgiving worship service in the Sanctuary. No church school classes. Guest at Your Table begins.
November 26-- All-Together Sunday. Children worship and attend one combined class in the Parish room.
December 3--15 minute worship in the Children’s Chapel.
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
GETTING TO KNOW UU
The Heartland District of the UUA covers all of Kentucky, most of Indiana, the lower peninsula of Michigan and the western swath of Ohio. One of four UU congregations located in Indianapolis is the aptly named UU Church of Indianapolis, which is located in the northern section of the capital city next door to the campus of Butler University. Founded in 1979 by 93 adults breaking off from All Souls Unitarian Church of Indianapolis, this community now has 290 members and is steadily growing. UUI has a very active CRE program with 120 children registered, although an average of 49 kids attend on most Sundays. There is a very active teen program, several of them taking part in District activities and leadership. For a church of its size with three music staff, their choir only sings once a month.
The UUI church grounds were bought in 1981 and originally held four buildings, among them a gym, where they held services for the first several years. They added a new meeting house in 1994 to seat 300, which accommodates the average Sunday attendance of 160. They have kept and utilize the original buildings as offices, classrooms and meeting spaces. It would seem to be occasionally challenging when trying to accomplish a variety of tasks on a cold or rainy night. In order to visit the Minister’s office after church, for example, one must go outside. Still, the bucolic suburban campus setting has enviable green space with several trees, an herb garden, playground, and memorial garden, not to mention ample parking, and the congregation takes great pride in their environmental conservation efforts.
The Rev. Donald Garrett was recently settled as the minister, although based on the congregation’s size, he was not likely their first. The church website www.uui.org appears to be based on that of the UUA, so while not terribly original, it does offer many ways to get to know something about the church online.
Submitted by Ken Olin
COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Recycling
Recycling at Trinity Memorial (22nd and Spruce Sts) continues every first and third Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Stay as long as you can to help organize or toss into the City trucks at 1:00 p.m. If anyone with a car who is willing to help the church get rid of our extra paper, contact Ginny Beier 215-545-7831 email vhbeier@hep.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 5 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 (Oct.15, Nov. 19, etc). They open for brunch at 11 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. Our first date is Friday, November 24, the day after Thanksgiving. There will be 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. Try and think of teams or families that might work together - we provide a home-cooked meal with meat, potatoes and vegetables as well as their favorite desserts. These men do not have to go back into the streets in the daytime any longer but instead can go to a daytime shelter with social services, workshops, and prayer designed to help them get back on their feet.
Call Ginny Beier with any questions 215-545-7831 or vhbeier@hep.upenn.edu.
First UU Cares: 29 Volunteers and $500 Raised for Philadelphia Cares Event
Sporting green team shirts and white painters’ caps, Saturday, October 21, twentyfour First UU members and friends engaged that ol’ elbow grease and cleaned, painted and repaired one of 100 Philadelphia schools as part of the volunteer event sponsored by Philadelphia Cares. Also, with the assistance of a special offering, on behalf of the entire congregation, our team donated over $500 to support Philadelphia Cares’ ongoing mission of empowering volunteers to help underserved neighborhoods.
Many thanks to the First UU Cares team, and especially to Mike Narcowich, Team Leader, and everyone who contributed to this incredible and memorable effort:
Denise Alexander Ginny Beier
Harriette Behringer Seth Carrier
Nicole Castonguay Virginia DeRolf
Diane Frey Jim Geier
Jan Guidotti Ashley Joyce
Bijan and Carlo Makarechi Marisa McClellan
Cathy McCoubrey Delaney and Denise McKeon
Tim Murphy Mike Narcowich
Naoko Ohgama Rob Richards
Nikyia Rogers Dale Rohrbaugh
Lynn Rubin Katherine Ruggiero
Richard Saliba Renee Sarao
Shirley Steele Hal Tarr
Elijah Tatgenhorst
This projected moved us toward fulfilling our 2006-2007 vision which includes “becoming a visible and effective entity in the community for social justice by supporting two new service projects for the community.” Look for upcoming announcements about First Unitarian’s collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and save the dates of April 14 and 21 for Rebuilding Together. This will be our congregation’s 11th year of volunteering with Rebuilding Together. Through that program we work in and with a Philadelphia neighbor to repair the homes of individuals who are elderly or have disabilities.
Be Sure to Vote on November 7th!
Not sure of the location of your polling place? Call 1-888-268-8603 (Committee of Seventy) or visit one of the following websites:
www.phila.gov (Election Information found under the Quick Hits section)
www.seventy.org (Quick Links Tab – 2006 Election Information – Finding your Ward, Division and Polling Place under Related Items)
Need to report a problem at a polling place?
Call 215-686-3469 – Philadelphia Voter Registration – Board of Elections
Call 1-888-268-8603 – Committee of Seventy
Looking for more information about the candidates? Visit the League of Women Voters website’s Voter Information section ().
ADULT PROGRAMS
The New UU
Caren Burgermeister has graciously agreed to lead a class entitled" the new UU" this fall. This class is designed to help new members and friends learn more about activities of the church, and explore Unitarian Universalism. Please sign up on the sheets at the back of the sanctuary or call/email the church office to reserve your spot. The group meets from 7:00-8:30 p.m. on the Sundays November 5, 12, and 19. Contact Thomas Hunter at tjh.hunter@gmail.com or 610-522-5347 for more information.
Women's Book Club
Thanks to Joan Forman many of us learned a lot more than we knew about Hassidic Judaism, which was the basis for our discussion of The Romance Reader. November 6 selection will be Daisy Miller, by Henry James. It's a short story/novella, but will provoke discussion. It was chosen because the Iranian women that we read about last year in Reading Lolita in Tehran discussed it. We gather at 7:30 p.m. for socialization, followed by the discussion by 8:00, at the home of Shirley Trauger. Please call her at 215-985-4940 or strauger@sw-inc.com to let her know you are coming. In December we will read Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman.
Our donation from last year was greatly appreciated by the women at the State Correctional Institution at Muncy, Pa. The selections by their Librarian and Principal were:
300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree
Seven-Step Job Search, Cut Your Job Search Time in Half
First-Job Survival Guide, How to Thrive and Advance in Your New Career
Best Resumes and Letters for Ex-Offenders
Depression Support Group
The group will continue to meet on the first Sunday of each month at 12:30 p.m.
Poetry and Spirituality
This fall Reverend Metzger will once again lead a Poetry and Spirituality workshop, together with co-leader Thomas Hunter. We will meet from 4:00-5:30 p.m. each Sunday until November 12. Come to share your favorite poets and poems and to discover new ones. Please sign up on the sheets in the back of the sanctuary or contact the church office, so we'll have some idea how many to expect. Contact Thomas Hunter at tjh.hunter@gmail.com or 610-522-5347 for more information.
Interweave
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 .
MY 250 WORDS' WORTH
by Bill Sternman
"The 13th Commandment"
Three decades ago, the world was astonished to learn of the existence of an Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican." The Biblical scholar who made this breathtaking discovery was, of course, Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 41st President of the United States.
Not to be outdone by a conservative, I feel compelled to announce, with all due modesty, my own unearthing of a heretofore-unknown Twelfth Commandment: “Thou shalt be afraid—very, very afraid—of the newcomer in thy midst.”
Like so many discoveries, mine was the unintended consequence of my August 13 sermon, “How Art Makes Us More Human.” (You can read it for yourself at http://sinuhe.00server.com/). It wasn’t until the following Sunday that, in all due modesty, I checked the feedback book to see what the reaction to my sermon had been, I was amazed to find that one of my admirers felt that my sermon might prompt newcomers to think that First Church advocated violence.
At the next Worship Associates meeting, this critique was read aloud, prompting me to ask if this meant that we should pre-censor ourselves. All in attendance said no. This made me realize that there must be a 13th Commandment, which Shakespeare had paraphrased so beautifully in Hamlet:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
If only….
Submitted by Bill Sternman
PRESIDENT'S COMMENTARY
For those of you who don’t know me well, I’m a “do-er.” I get lots of satisfaction from accomplishing tasks. I like to jump right into situations. In terms of social justice, I’m more “hands on,” advocating and letter writing are in line behind direct interaction for me.
Last year when we started talking about a different Ministry and Governance model, I pictured myself more on the Ministry Leadership Team whose focus is the practical work of the church than on the Board where the focus is more on goal setting, establishment of policies and monitoring. Having already been elected to the Board, I accepted my fate and much to my surprise, I’ve discovered that I receive a lot of satisfaction from my Board work. Why? Because I realize that the work we are doing on the Ministry and Governance model is making it a lot easier to be a successful “do-er.”
At the October Board meeting, the Board brainstormed a bit about our new Ministry and Governance model. Where have we been successful operating under this model? What are the challenges we still need to work operating under this model? What needs to mature? Let me share some of the output of this brainstorming.
Successes:
• Shorter timeline from the point of an idea forming to it becoming reality. The Spirit of Permission Giving has encouraged new ideas. Ministry Teams are demonstrating greater ownership for ensuring success.
o New Arts Ministry Program offers an initial theatre program with additional opportunities in the wings
o October 21 Social Justice engagement with Philadelphia Cares
o Young Adults applied for a Campus Ministry Grant
o New church website
• Members and Friends are enthusiastic about participating on Ministry Teams.
o A task force (consisting of three men no less!) is exploring the possibility of offering childcare one hour before and after church each Sunday to enable even greater participation
o The Social Justice Ministry Team’s first meeting this year had a great attendance.
• Unified leadership exists within the Board and Ministry Leadership Team. The Ministry Leadership Team consists of both paid and volunteer staff.
• Our parameters for operating (Governance and Ministry Policy Manual) are written down. This is in contrast to past policies that were not documented and not consistently enforced.
o The Board seriously monitors adherence to Policies.
o Clear boundaries exist for the Minister and Ministry Leadership Team.
• A Vision of Ministry guides our major decisions
Challenges to be Worked or What needs to be Matured:
• The Ministry Leadership Team need to fully clarify their roles and document procedures. Confusion still exists
o To whom is a new idea suggested?
o How does a member or friend get engaged with a Ministry Team?
• Some core Ministry Teams need to be more fully and proficiently staffed.
• The overall % of participation is still less than optimal to fully accomplish the work and mission of the church.
• The responsibility for StUUardship needs to be defined. Is it the Board? The Ministry Leadership Team?
• The concepts behind the Ministry and Governance model are still not fully understood by the Congregation as a whole.
o Better communication and opportunities for gaining full understanding are needed.
As you may imagine, the Board’s brainstorming session was spirited. There were confessions as to how long it took different members to fully understand the Ministry and Governance model recognizing that it is was probably not the complexity of the model but the fact that it was a change that made it so difficult. But mostly there was relief that a clear structure existed and that the somewhat endless swirl of the past that surrounded decisions and making things happen at First Church was dissipating enabling the energy of members and friends to be applied to the real work of the church.
May we do good work,
Debby Schultz
Last spring the Congregation voted to continue the Ministry and Governance experiment through December 31, 2006. Are we soon ready as a congregation to fully embrace the Ministry and Governance model ending the experiment and making it our structure for moving forward?
The Board is eager to share with you our understanding and experience operating under the Ministry and Governance model. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about the Ministry and Governance model.
Four Ministry and Governance Model Small Group Discussion sessions will be held on Sundays November 12 and 19. A 10 minute overview of our Ministry and Governance model will be presented followed by thirty-five minute small group Q&A/open discussions facilitated by Board Members. Please plan to join the Board for one or more of these open Q&A sessions. Childcare will be available.
November 12 at the 9:45 Breakfast with the Board
November 12 – 12:45 – 1:30
November 19 – 10:00 – 10:45
November 19 – 12:45 – 1:30
Ministry and Governance Model Q&As to be featured each week in the Order of Service and on the updated First Church Website (http://www.firstuu-philly.org)
Beginning Sunday, October 29 and lasting for approximately six weeks, three or four questions which have been asked over the past year regarding the new Ministry and Governance model will be addressed each week. These Q&As will appear in the Order of Service and on the First Church website.
Do you have a question which you want to make sure is addressed? Put it in the Ministry and Governance Q&A Box found in the back of the Sanctuary.
Want a copy of the Governance and Ministry Policy Manual? Pick up a copy on the sign-up table at the back of the church or call the church office for a copy.
A December 10 Congregational Meeting will be held with the focus on the Governance and Ministry model. At this important meeting a vote will be taken to transition from the current experiment to fully embracing the Governance and Ministry model as our structure for operating. Please save the date!
WHEEL OF LIFE
Jacob Fisher and Ya-Chi Tsao are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Cyrus Bowen Fisher, a healthy boy, 8 lbs, 9 oz., on September 27.
Congratulations to members Kim Cox and Ned Motley, who married here at First Church on Saturday, October 14.
Former member Beryl Martin is happy to announce the birth of her granddaughter, Jasmine Kaya Fass to her daughter Heather Torain Fass and her husband, Eric, on October 11. Those who would like to send congratulations can send to: hdtorain@yahoo.com
Carol Jessup has been diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. You will have an opportunity to help, later when she will need a companion for the daily radiation treatments. Stay tuned!
Congratulations to Joan Bauer on her initiation into the community of wise women at her Croning Service held on October 22.
Welcome to these new members who have joined our fellowship during the current year: Connie Baker, Justine Hansen, the Wendell family, Anna Holster and her daughter Janae, Tracy Jastrzab, David Melnicoff, Nicole Haentjens, Meredith Donohue and Nikyia Rogers.
FLOWERS
In loving memory of our “Pop-Pop,” James W. Strothers. Given by his grandchildren, Asuo, Nile, Rajni and Angaza James.
To celebrate the life of my grandson, Thomas Huber, on his sixth birthday. Barbara Higgins.
To Jerry Boyd Silbertrust, in continuing and loving memory. Given by Dea Silbertrust and Norman Silbertrust.
In loving memory of her niece, Rachel Maria Asrelski, 1967-1988, given by George and Phebe Shinn.
Thank you to all who have donated flowers on behalf of their families, friends and loved ones. We are still in need of a donor for services on Dec. 3, 10 and 31. 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. Parking is still permitted on the east side of 22nd Street from Walnut to Market Streets.
Work Party--Saturday, November 4th
It's the Fall Closing time at First Church. We need to close off some of the windows in the 3rd Floor, to keep out those freezing winter draughts and keep our children warm & cozy. Only 3 hours on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., no overtime but lunch & beer! (Wear your work clothes.) You can’t commit to the whole morning? OK - give us what time you have. We'll be grateful! Lunch is on the house! Sign up and put it in your calendar now - Saturday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m..
Be sure to sign up this Sunday on the sign-up sheet. Queries? Contact the Church Office or Phebe Shinn, 215-382-1691, pandgshinn@verizon.net
Church Luncheon, November 5th
There will be a church-wide luncheon held on Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. downstairs in Griffin Hall. Various Ministry Teams will have tables where you can find out what's going on in this church, program-wise, and ask questions about what you can do to help with the programs which interest you the most, or to which you feel most suited, or to which you feel the call.
This will be a great way to find out how you (members and non-members alike) can give to your community other than financially! Members of the Leadership Team will also be available to answer questions about the structure of the Ministry Teams.
Holiday Bake Sale--Sunday, November 19th
On Sunday, November 19, following service, support First UU hospitality when you donate or purchase delectable desserts for your holiday hosting. Enjoy a sweet confection as you chat with friends and visitors in the back of the sanctuary. Yummy mulled cider and freshly brewed fair trade coffee will be served.
Bring your donations of baked goods to the Parish Hall between 9:30 AND 11:30. Holiday desserts, such as pies for Thanksgiving or Christmas cookies which could be frozen, are especially welcomed. Feel free to include a suggested price and wrap your donations for sale if you like, otherwise the Bake Sale Team will be happy to do so.
The money raised will support the Hospitality Fund which provides beverages and supplements members' food donations for each week’s coffee hour. The coffee hour costs for the year are about $30 per week or $1,560 annually. Special donations to the Hospitality Fund may be made any time during the church year by inserting your contribution in a donation envelope located in every pew. Write "Hospitality" on the front of the envelope.
MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Greetings from the Ministerial Search Committee!
Members of the Search Committee are often asked, “What’s been happening? Have we found a minister yet?” Well, not yet, but the process is well underway. In September, our Congregational Record was completed and placed on a password protected part of the UU website. UU Ministers interested in our church will then complete their own Ministerial Record. These will be released to the Search Committee in early November.
Here is an outline of what will happen throughout the rest of the search:
November
Ministerial Records will be released to the Search Committee. They will be rated by each committee member. Members of the Search Committee will then conduct telephone interviews with ministers we wish to pursue further
December
The committee will select 9 to 12 candidates with whom to exchange packets. We will provide each candidate with detailed information about our church and candidates will provide us with detailed information about themselves
January
Search Committee decides on three or four pre-candidates
February and March
Search Committee members will meet with pre-candidates and observe them at neutral pulpits
March
Search Committee will decide upon a final candidate
April 28-May 6
Candidating Week! If all goes well, we will present our candidate to the congregation. There will be events throughout the week that will provide opportunities for members of the congregation to meet the candidate and observe him/her conduct two Sunday services in our church
As we go through this process, your input is of great value. After many Sunday services, members of the Search Committee will be at the rear of the church to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. Please stop by and let us know what you think.
Submitted by Christine Carlson
MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS
Group Visit to the "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 <portia@mymailstation.com> or to Val Sandberg at valsand@earthlink.net.
Theater Discussion Group
During the coming year buy your own ticket, at your own schedule, to see the four 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 valsand@earthlink.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
On October 25 the Playgoers Discussion Group met at the apartment of Marilyn and Val Sandberg to discuss Samuel Beckett’s "Waiting for Godot.”
The sermon for service held on November 5 is entitled “Still Waiting.” Val Sandberg, worship associate, and the Rev. Bill Metzger will reflect on themes raised in the Beckett play Waiting for Godot, which was presented recently in Philadelphia.
YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM
Think About It
We are a “Welcoming Congregation,” but are we a welcoming congregation? I had always assumed so. But then I had always assumed that the Young Adult group was welcoming to new members too. It was thus quite a shock to me, when, after getting to know one of the newer young adults by the happenstance of sharing a seat for four hours on the bus ride to and from D.C. for the rally against genocide in Darfur, that she thought we, the young adults, were cliquey. Say what?
Contrast that with the story Lara Stefanelli told me, three years after I first met her. Apparently, the first time we met was at a potluck at Ellen Foley’s, where I answered the door, walked back upstairs with her, introduced her, and spent the next ten minutes talking to her. I say apparently, because I don’t recall those fifteen minutes myself, But obviously, it stuck with her for quite some time. Three years, at least.
When you first join any community, it is natural to seek friends, to get to know new people, to expand your circles. Yet we also reach a saturation point, and then a comfort zone, and we tend to start focusing on the people we already know, and lose track of the ones we don’t. Of course it is important to greet and catch up with our friends and acquaintances on Sundays. But it is equally vital to make sure each and every new person that walks through our doors feels as if they belong and are valued.
It is not just the greeters’ job, it is not just the ushers’ job, it is everyone’s job, especially if you are a First Church frequent flier. Our mission is not just to seek our own comfort and safe space, but to extend that comfort and safe space to others who have not yet found it. It’s easy to take care of yourself on Sundays. Take a minute next Sunday to take care of someone else. It’s free.
Submitted by Seth Carrier
MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
An Invitation to Join the Membership Ministry Team
Twelve volunteers attended the first meeting of a new Membership Ministry Team in October, and identified priorities aimed at creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors, following up on visitors who indicate interest in our church, and in helping build community for existing members and friends.
The next meeting of the Membership Ministry Team is Wednesday November 8 at 5 p.m. at the church. We hope for more task-oriented persons who will join our team, so please come if you can. The more people helping with such tasks as calling visitors, organizing social events, coordinating greeters and ushers, the easier the work will be.
Among those who took on ‘jobs’ were Heather Spiers who will write profiles of new members, Steve Lynch who will take photos, Steve, Sharon Tomalin and Dan Widyono who will work on Circle Dinners, Luana Goodwin, Anne Slater and Paul Carbino who will call visitors, and Rev. Bill Metzger who will help organize sessions twice a month for visitors to learn more about our church, our faith.
Virginia and Sarah Smith have been the two-person committee for social hour Sunday mornings, but they are overworked! The committee decided to make greater efforts to get members-at-large to bring refreshments on Sundays for coffee hour. “If you are buying cookies or fruit during the week, buy a little extra and bring them to church. Or buy a box of cake mix and stir it up, pour in muffin cups, throw it in the oven Saturday afternoon,” is the message we’ll be sending out on Fridays in the church email.
The Membership Committee will work at building the list of ushers and greeters by passing around the sign up sheet after church each Sunday, AND making announcement at Nov. 5 Congregation luncheon and having sign up there.
A new effort will be made to organize Circle Suppers. All members and friends will be invited to sign up if they are interested in a monthly supper with a group of 8 to 12 UUs. The committee will group all those who sign up, and let you know names and emails of your other dinner partners. The same group meets for a church year, once a month at a different member’s house, with everyone contributing a food dish. Talk to Steve Lynch or Sharon Tomalin if you are interested. It is a great way to get to know other church members.
Submitted by Phyllis Belk, chair
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