The Beacon - October 2007
October Worship Services
(Service is held on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the
Sanctuary, unless otherwise noted.)
Saturday, October 6 — “Blessing of the Animals.” Join us in the Parish Room to celebrate the interdependent web of existence of which we are all a part. Bring your animal companions, or photos of them, for this very special dedication! Recorded music will be used for this special intergenerational service. Worship Associate: Bill Sterman
Sunday, October 7— “Get Up!” Rev. Nate received an unsolicited email from the Rev. Jay G. Smith, a senior executive of Pat Robertson’s company, who stated, “How can you possibly say that Romans 1:27 doesn't refer to homosexuality?” The passage reads, “In the same way that men abandoned natural relations with women they were inflamed with lust for one another… Men committed indecent acts with other men..."(NIV). Come hear how Rev. Nate’s response resulted in Rev. Smith’s apology.
Worship Associates: Interweave Members
Sunday, October 14—“Deep Listening and Loving Speech.” When practicing deep listening we seek to understand the origins of our suffering and to listen to the meaning behind the words we use. When practicing loving speech we are mindful that words can be used to promote health, awareness and compassion. Rather than delivering a Protestant sermon, Rev. Nate will offer a Dharma Talk that will draw upon the teachings of Thich Nhat Hahn, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who was nominated by Martin Luther King Jr. for a Nobel Peace Prize. Worship Associate: Ken Olin.
Sunday, October 21—“Justice Through Violence?” Inspired by Stephen Sondheim’s musical Assassins, Rev. Nate will ask whether justice can be achieved through violence. If so, what are the personal and societal consequences? If not, how do we define justice in the context of global politics that use violence to enforce peace? How are such patterns replicated in the violence experienced in Philadelphia? Worship Associates: Val Sandberg and Joan Bauer.
Sunday, October 21 at 12:00 p.m.
10,000 Men March Against Violence
Directly after the worship service, all men are invited to join in this feeder march from the front steps of the church to meet the main march and demonstration.
Sunday, October 28—“Samhain Sunday.” The Gaelic holiday Samhain (pronounced “sow-en”) marks the end of the Celtic calendar and the beginning of winter. During the week before the service, congregants are invited to decorate the chancel with pictures of their loved ones who have died.
Please bring any memorabilia to the sanctuary Monday through Thursday, October 22 to 25, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
MINISTER'S MESSAGE:
Openness & Directness
Two markers of a spiritually healthy congregation are the members’ ability to be open to change and to practice direct communication. In these regards, our church family is modeling these practices. Here are some examples.
You have embraced several changes in the way we worship and officiate rites of passages. As a community you have been open to me standing in front of the pulpit and preaching without text. You have been willing to change the term “doxology,” meaning praise of the Trinity, to “invocation,” which is a way to summon all those present into a space made sacred by your very presence. You have given me the opportunity to introduce new language for the chalice dedication and the new ritual of extinguishing the flame. Regarding rites of passage, you fully embraced the reframing the water communion from a report on our summer vacations to naming the intentions we bring this year. You also welcomed a family-centered child dedication that became a true expression of our commitment to all those in our care. In these ways, you have proven yourselves to be a community that is open to change. Your willingness to embrace change is a delightful indication of the congregation’s health; so is your ability to practice direct communication.
Often religious communities fall into the pattern of complaining behind one another’s back without the social structure to support direct and honest feedback. The First Church family is a model of loving directness. I have received meaningful feedback about our first worship services from many of you. You’ve emailed me, called me and in our meetings provided thoughtful criticism. It was done with the utmost respect and care. And for that, you have my deep admiration. I find it very moving when others share concerns with you about the many changes, you advise them to speak directly to me. Said another way, you don’t get in the middle and triangulate the situation or let the concerns fall to the wayside. Instead, you encourage those with concerns to be in relationship with me and the other leaders by having direct and honest dialogue. This practice is an indication that First Church is a healthy and spiritually mature congregation.
For your directness and for your openness, it is a true honor and privilege to serve this remarkable community. I look forward to your continued feedback and willingness to explore our potential together.
With deep respect,
Rev. Nathan C. Walker
Settled Minister
(215) 701-9072
Email: RevNate[AT]Philauu.org
Greetings From Your CRE Director
My family belongs to an interfaith group sponsored by Mishkan Shalom, the Reconstructionist Jewish Congregation in Roxborough. Mishkan is a strong force for gender equality and social justice in the city and beyond. We joined the congregation about 10 years ago after meeting the charismatic and welcoming Rabbi, who assured us that there was room for interfaith families in their community. We became involved in the interfaith families group, and it quickly became an important part of out lives. This group acts much like a Small Group Ministry group, with a time for socializing and food and a time for focused, meaningful dialogue.
Over the summer I offered to lead the water communion ceremony for them and it turned out to be on the same day as ours at First Church. The group has conducted ceremonies for many kinds of passages, including Bat Mitzvahs, welcoming new babies (including two from Viet Nam), celebrating the conversion of one of our members into Judaism, celebrating career changes (including my own), and most recently, marking the death of one of our members. Although the common thread of the group in Judaism, we include other religious traditions regularly.
As is the case for UU congregations, many people did not bring water from their travels but used the water provided. We shared our spiritual experiences from the summer and we each read a paragraph from the liturgy that Virginia Jarocka-Ernst led at the camp Tockwogh Labor Day retreat vespers service. I suggested we save the water from the ceremony. The following Sunday, there was a tree planting in the new outdoor amphitheater at Mishkan, in honor of our beloved deceased member, Malka Dudek. She had been a steadfast member of the congregation and a cherished member of the interfaith group. We shared memories of her, shed a tear, laughed and enjoyed the beauty of the perfect fall afternoon. Then we poured the communion water on the newly planted tree and read poetry and messages in her memory. It was a moving experience for all of us and I was honored to be able to conduct a meaningful ceremony to the occasion.
What brought us back to the synagogue after our initial experience at Mishkan was not complicated. It was the spirit and vitality of those that greeted and befriended us. I believe that First Unitarian Church has that same welcoming spirit. We have the ability to embrace newcomers and make them fell our warmth and commitment. All we need to do is let our passion show and share ourselves.
With affection,
Jansen Wendell
CRE Director
(215) 563-3980, ext. 305
Jansen[AT]Philauu.org
October CRE worship highlights
Sunday, October 7, 11:00, Children’s Chapel: Children will worship for 15 minutes, followed by church school classes
Sunday, October 14, 11:00, Sanctuary: Children will be with the adults for a Time for All Ages for 15 minutes, followed by church school classes
Sunday, October 21, 11:00: Children’s Chapel: Children will worship for 15 minutes, followed by church school classes
Sunday, October 28, 11:00, Griffin Hall: Halloween party for al ages, with a costume parade through the sanctuary
Middle School Cluster Group gathering, for 6-8 graders, Saturday, October 27, 2-6 p.m. Unitarian Society of Germantown. RSVP to Jansen by October 15.
Chalice Lighting ceremony: Any family that want to participate in the chalice lighting for an adult service is encouraged to contact Jansen. There will be enough Sundays to accommodate all interested families.
Halloween Helpers needed: The CRE program needs volunteers to help with the Halloween party. Please contact Jansen ASAP.
CRE Registration: Don’t forget to bring in your legible registration, complete with check and at least one activity in which you are willing to participate.
Teachers needed: We still need one 4-5 grade, two Pre-k/Kindergarten and two 1-3 grade and teachers to complete our teams. Now is the time to step up and contribute.
Getting to Know UU
By Ken Olin
One of 45 churches located in the Ohio Meadville District, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, Ohio, has a history of activism. The congregation was founded as a Universalist congregation immediately following the Civil War, and by 1868 had raised enough money to build and dedicate a church, which continues to serve them to this day. They hired their first woman minister, Rev. Abigail Danforth, in 1889, and in her two separate periods of service of two years each – returning again from 1898 to 1900 – she was active in the women’s suffrage movement and became a staunch advocate for women’s rights. (She also oversaw a significant renovation of the church, with new carpets and painting of the interior after 30 years of coal dust from the furnaces had dulled its appearance.) A later successor, Rev. Carlotta Crossley, who served from 1903 to 1916, spearheaded fundraising for the victims of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer serves as their current minister.
Church members played a significant role in the founding of what would become Kent State University in 1910, and years later, after the tragic massacre of students on the campus by National Guard troops in 1970, the congregation defied the mayor’s decree against any groups of more than five people meeting by holding a memorial service for the slain students. The UUCK congregation, led by Rev. William F. Schulz (only 20 years old at the time), also refused to pay their telephone tax as a method of resistance to the Vietnam War. (At the time, our own First Church had a similar strong reputation of opposing that war.) Rev. Schulz would some years later go on to serve as President of the UUA, and then as Executive Director of Amnesty International USA. If you are interested in finding out more about the UUCK, visit their website at www.kentuu.org.
President’s Commentary
By Debby Schultz
As my daughters were growing up in this church, I frequently spoke of First Church as being a safe environment for them. Looking back I realize that I spoke of “a safe environment” in the broad sense – an environment where the congregation watched over them and also supported and appreciated them for who they were. This is a commitment we as a congregation make each time we dedicate a child and it’s one that as a parent I’m delighted to say that many in the congregation take seriously.
However, as I have been pondering and researching the aspects to be included in a “Safe Congregation” policy statement for our Ministry and Governance Policy Manual I’ve realized how complex this notion of a “safe congregation” is. I also realize that perhaps I have been rather naïve in many respects. I do believe in the world today no policy or procedure will guarantee safety but as a religious community, it is our responsibility to reduce the risk and to actively carry out procedures to enhance safety.
I started out with the focus on child safety and then thought about our young adults, elderly congregants, more vulnerable friends and members of our congregation, …, and realized that a truly safe environment for our children and congregation extends far beyond “child safety” in the narrow sense.
I am pleased to say though that Jansen Wendell and the Children’s Religious Education Ministry Team are taking an important first step and enhancing and documenting the current child safety procedures which our policy manual will reference.
In my attempts to develop Safe Congregation Policy statements, I’ve begun a discussion with the Board and Rev Nate on the aspects of a broader policy and the procedures that support the policy. After reading The Safe Congregation Handbook I realize that this conversation must be expanded to include the congregation. It’s complex, challenging and truly puts our principles to the test. It is an education and awareness process in which we all need to engage.
So what does a “Safe Congregation” discussion include? The Safe Congregation Handbook cites three areas to be addressed: protection, cessation of abusive behavior and restoration or mourning of the relationship. The education and conversations we need to have should help us answer many key questions around these areas. What behaviors should we consider? What processes do we have in place or need to create to protect our church community and effectively handle potential abusive situations? What limitations and boundaries do we create should an individual with a history of sex or abuse offenses choose First Church as their spiritual home? And there are many more.
Will you join us in these important conversations? The Unitarian Universalists seem to be in on the forefront in the development of Safe Congregation policies. The time is right for First Church to take this step forward. We have a wonderful congregation. Let’s protect this important community.
With love,
Debby Schultz
SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY
Wanted: 10,000 Men to Stop Violence!
Gentlemen, please join Rev. Nate on October 21 to march from the steps of the church, to the subway, to Temple University. Together we will join 10,000 men who are dedicated to end violence in Philadelphia. To register visit www.philammm.com AND rsvp with the church at rsvp[AT]philauu.org.
Recycling
Please bring your cleaned, crushed, plastic bottles with a neck to the corner of 22nd and Spruce Sts. on the first and third Saturday of every month (between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.). Also bring cardboard and mixed paper. The Community Outreach Program benefits from the funds gained from this project, along with programs like WinterShelter, in which we participate.
Books Through Bars
We continue to support this national program which sends books to prisoners in response to their requests. Packing and sending 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. Bring your finished Summer Reading to the bin if you think a prisoner might enjoy it! Please only add books that seem appropriate for incarcerated individuals. Check the flyers attached to the bin in our lobby and on their website, www.BooksThroughBars.org. They do not need hardback fiction, out of date reference, old textbooks.
Winter Shelter
Details about this program will come after our Fall Social Justice meeting. It is hoped that we can continue our efforts to feed the homeless men at WinterShelter starting the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing until April. Our prior times for cooking and serving were the first Wednesday of each month and the fourth Friday of every month. Contact Ginny Beier for info at 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 co-op. In addition to offering consumers fairly traded coffee that they obtain from small-scale farmer co-ops in Latin America, Africa, and Asia they donate a portion of their profits to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. With this project something as simple as the cup of coffee we drink at our social hour becomes an opportunity to put into practice the U.U. principles "to affirm human dignity” and to “respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are all a part of."
Soul Work: Anti-Racist Theologies in Dialogue
All are welcome to join in a series of meetings held October 14, 21 and 28. Soul Work, edited by Marjorie Bowens Wheatley and Nancy Palmer Jones, contains nine papers by 30 scholars, ministers, theologians, teachers and activists on the complex and pressing issue of racism. Each from radically different theological perspectives the authors help to thresh out the relationships between theology and ethics, belief and action, and the personal and pastoral. Soul Work reconsiders all we thought we knew and understood about racism and anti-racist work. Participants need to purchase the book for $21.00 and read the chapter to be discussed before the group meets. Contact: Joan Bauer, jebauer9[AT]navpoint.com.
Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible
Friday, October 19, 2007 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration
Join Rev. Nate in attending a special anti-racist program offered at the UU Church of the Restoration. A video will feature white men and women confronting their own insights about racism, white privilege and white supremacy. Participants will engage in a facilitated dialogue. Please confirm your attendance with Rev. Nate.
Racial Justice: Creating A Jubilee World
Friday, November 16 – Saturday, November 17
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Unitarian Society of Germantown
Led by experienced Unitarian Universalist Association anti-racism trainers, participants will examine their personal experiences with racism as well as understand institutional racism. The program empowers participants to help Unitarian Universalist congregations dismantle racism. This is accomplished by developing a realistic plan that can move their congregations forward in working for racial justice. A light dinner will be provided Friday evening. Saturday, a continental style breakfast and a delicious soul-food lunch will be provided. To registrar please contact Rev. Chester McCall at 215-840-6656 or by email at minister[AT]Restoration.us. Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 1, 2007.
Save the Date
Saturday, October 27
Third Annual JPD Racial Justice Conference
9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
UU Congregation of Fairfax, VA
For details, call the church office!
ADULT PROGRAMS
We invite you to check out the new Adult Religious Education brochure available in our lobby where you can learn more about these and other programs going on this Fall at First Church!
Interweave Activities Have Begun!
Interweave met last week and elected new co-chairs David Dubbeldam and Ken Olin. The first activity of the year will be hosting an informational table about the church at Outfest (a gay neighborhood street festival) on October 7. Anyone interested in helping with the activity, please see David or Ken or Gerry Parchman.
Depression Support Group
The group continues to meet on the first Sunday of each month, following service. For more info contact Arcenia Rosal at 215-561-6506, or Lynn Rubin at 215-837-3371.
Women's Book Club
Thanks to the gracious hospitality of Sharon Tomalin we will again be meeting at her home for the Oct. 1 meeting at 7:30. Shirley Trauger will lead the discussion of Nagib Mahfuz's Nobel Prize winning book, The Children of The Alley. We hope this will be a lively session based on the writings of this Islamic Cairo writer who died last year. He was stabbed in 1994 by an attacker in response to a militant cleric's ruling that this book was blasphemous. Please let Sharon know you are coming and to get directions – call 215-735-5047 or stomalin[AT]att.net. Questions about the group can be directed to Ginny Beier at 215-545-7831 or vhbeier[AT]hep.upenn.edu.
Native American Spirituality for Women
The class meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. At present, the class is not open to new members, but will reopen in January 2008. For further information, contact facilitator Connie Baker at conniejazz[AT]comcast.net, 856-282-7448.
BEACON BITS
Ministry Discernment Group
Have you ever considered enrolling in seminary? Do you feel compelled to be an ordained minister? If so, please contact Rev. Nate so he can connect you with five other individuals in the congregation who will begin to meet regularly to discern their call to ministry.
JPD Women and Religion Offer “A Weekend to Change Your Life”
Join an intergenerational group of women on October 12-14 at the Saint Raphaela retreat center in Haverford, PA. The program is based on the book A Weekend To Change Your Life by Joan Anderson. Exercises will help us figure out what is and is not working in our lives, and help map out the steps we want to take, what we need to change, and perhaps what we can celebrate as choices well made! There will be early morning yoga, dress up and party time, chanting and dancing (bring your drum!), plenty of support from other women and good food (Anne Slater knows the cook)! A special call to women between 18 and 35: your experiences and input are especially solicited! Registration is $50, $100 fee for commuters (includes 6 meals), $150-$175 if you stay at the center for the whole weekend (Friday supper through Sunday lunch). For info, visit www.jpdwr.org, or contact Anne Slater, 610-896-6468, Slater.Anne[AT]gmail.com.
Winter Rummage Sale
GOT TOO MUCH STUFF? Don't forget our Winter Rummage Sale! START COLLECTING NOW! The Sixth Annual World-Class Rummage Sale will be held Saturday, February 23, 2008. We want your stuff. Keep it, collect it, amass it and donate it. And don't forget - Saturday, February 23, 2008 is the date!
Join the Saturday, October 27 Work Party!
Put your muscle where your mouth is! We need to insulate the windows in the building to keep out those freezing winter draughts. Only three hours on Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.). Wear your work clothes. You can’t commit to the whole morning? Give us what time you have. Lunch is on the house! Sign up and put it in your calendar now! Queries? Contact the Church Office or Phebe Shinn, 215-382-1691, pandgshinn[AT]verizon.net.
Meanwhile, 1-2 Volunteers Needed!!
- to touch-up paint in the lobby or stairwell (some experience required).
- to vacuum pew pads, and do minor sewing repairs (mending buttons and rips)
-wax removal
Contact Christina[AT]PhilaUU.org !
Friendly Voices, Smiling Faces
The many callers and visitors this fall deserve our warmest welcome. An attentive receptionist is the best person to provide information and to encourage deepening an interest in our church and our programs. If you are able to volunteer your services (morning or afternoon hours), please call Mike McKee or Norman Fouhy at 215-563-3980, or email mike[AT]philauu.org.
New Book Promotes UU Evangelists! A Historic Opportunity for Our Congregation
Rev. Michael Dowd’s forthcoming book, Thank God for Evolution!, has been endorsed by five Nobel Laureates as well as prominent UU ministers, garnering attention from TV, radio and Newsweek magazine! Millions will soon hear about Unitarianism for the first time—Let’s be prepared for this as a congregation! Thank God will be available in bookstores November 1, but pre-ordered copies will be sent the first week of October (http://www.ThankGodforEvolution.com). Please spread the word. Let's help make this a bestseller and get the good word out to America and the world about Unitarian Universalism!
First Church Alumn Booksigning
Former member Larry Biddle, who left for Vermont to be the financial manager for Howard Dean’s political campaign will be back in Philadelphia doing a book signing at Giovanni’s Room (12th & Spruce) on October 25. Mouse Pads, Shoe Leather and Hope: Lessons from the Howard Dean Campaign for the Future of Internet Politics was co-authored by Biddle. Biddle and his partner, David Warner, were joined as domestic partners in the State of Vermont with Dean signing their certificate.
“Psycho” Auction Event Extends Invite
Marilyn Sandberg can welcome five additional people to "Psycho" night. You won't be scared, you'll be fascinated as we analyze the scariest movie ever. We'll look for the humor and check out the importance of the window blinds and pictures on the wall, note the bizarre wedding, and even do some bird watching. And then we'll all pick our favorite lines. Mine is "Mother isn't herself today." If you’re interested in joining in the fun, contact Marilyn at MarilynSandberg[AT]earthlink.net.
KUDOS
Thanks to Amy and Jim Fraatz for delivering a big pile of books to Books Through Bars.
- Marilyn Ashbrook
Thanks to Lynn Rubin for her assistance in surveying the Parish Room with Ed Close leading to the rearrangement of portraits, photographs and drawings. –Ed Close
Hats off to Paul Costa, who has stepped in to serve as our new usher-greeter coordinator.
Thanks to Sarah Smith and J.P. Donahue for going above and beyond helping with the clean-up following a Kudos-worthy membership brunch on September 23 organized by Phyllis Belk and Sharon Tomalin!
Special thanks to Dr. Kimya Jackson, Seth Carrier, Joan Bauer, Eric, Jane and Heather Jordan, Justine Hansen and Maddy La Ferla Jenni for helping a member of congregation recently transitioned into a homeless shelter. Thanks, too, to all those who contributed to a fund for this beloved member. –Rev. Nate
Send your words of appreciation in to the Kudos section! The deadline for submissions for the November Beacon is Sunday, October 14. Send your submissions to Heather Speirs at hmspeirs[AT]gmail.com.
MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS
Play Discussion Group for 2007 – 2008
All members and friends of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia are invited to sign up for this on-going theater discussion program. Please sign up for the program on the sheets at the rear of the sanctuary or by e-mail to valsand[AT]earthlink.net indicating your preferred meeting day of the week for the discussion group. If you are interested in hosting a discussion group please indicate that on your sign-up sheet or e-mail. The next play will be:
Assassins at the Arden Theater
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
September 13 - October 21, 2007
Part vaudeville extravaganza, part exposé and wholly electrifying, Assassins reveals uneasy truths about the American Dream. It investigates the personalities behind nine individuals who attempted to assassinate a President of the United States. Hugely resonant in today's celebrity-obsessed society, the story is peopled with desperate characters intent on making their mark.
Future plays include:
Wittenberg at the Arden Theater
January 17 - March 9, 2008
Eurydice at the Wilma Theater
April 30 – June 1, 2008
Calling All Artists: Time for the Fall Art Show—Sunday, October 28
You might have noticed that First Unitarian Church is full of artists, professional and amateur, working in all media. These shows encourage all who make and attempt art to bring their work together to share with each other and our congregation. Anything you make--photographs, paintings, sculpture, fiber art, prints, ceramics, graphic design—can be displayed. Anyone can contribute—members, friends and staff. Please bring your work to the 24th Community Art Show Sunday October 28. Work is to be brought to church the morning of the show (before 10:00 a.m.), ready for hanging (or for leaning, standing, or whatever suits the work). If you have large items or work you’d like to see in the sanctuary, please give us advance notice. We will arrange for earlier delivery. The exhibition will be arranged in the Church and the Parish Room, and it will be on view during Coffee Hour. Everything is to be taken home after Coffee Hour. The show will be short but sweet. All media and all themes will be welcome, no content restrictions! Contact Richard Frey (215-735-7156, richardfrey[AT]dca.net) if you’d like to know more or to lend a hand! This is the 24th community show we have held. It’s a great way to get to know one another, so please join in!
MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
Membership Team Aims to be “Connector”
Hooray! After a year of searching for just the right person to be the Coordinator of ushers and greeters for Sunday mornings, the membership ministry team has succeeded in filling this major volunteer position. Paul Costa, a new member of our congregation, has volunteered, and jumped into the job with great enthusiasm. Paul and his wife, Mia Carpinello, are both lawyers in Philadelphia and live in the Fairmount neighborhood. Their baby son, Mico, was lovingly “dedicated” in a ceremony Sept 16. Please make Paul’s job easy by signing up to be an usher or greeter.
Recent activities of the Membership Team included a Summer Social for summer visitors who indicated a desire to know more about Unitarian Universalism and/or our congregation. A wonderful group of newcomers attended, and we are seeing sincere interest in affiliation with First Unitarian. An orientation for interested visitors will be held every first Sunday after church (October 7, Nov. 4), and a new member in-gathering is planned for every month by Rev. Nate Walker, an active participant in the Membership Ministry Team.
The New UU class, a more in-depth introduction to our faith, will be scheduled several times in coming months. To encourage connections with the many church activities, the Membership team organized an after-church brunch on Sept. 23. Thanks to the many people who helped by bringing food, which was organized by Sharon Tomalin, and by helping set-up and clean-up. We welcome new members to the Membership Ministry.
The responsibilities of the Membership Team are “to greet visitors each Sunday, hold New UU classes as well as membership ceremonies, help visitors and members find places to connect within the congregation, provide appropriate publications relating to membership, maintain contact with members and friends who come irregularly, provide caring for those in need.” The latter responsibility is met by the Pastoral Care Team.
To help with the greeting of visitors, a special project called ConnectU was organized last year, led by Seth Carrier and Virginia DeRolf. A group of about 30 persons volunteered and were ‘trained’ to make visitors feel especially welcomed.
The membership team also sponsors Circle Dinners. Sharon Tomalin is collecting names of persons who want to be part of a group of 8 or 10 who meet for dinner monthly. Please contact her or look for sign-up sheets at the back of the church.
We’d love to have a couple of people coordinate refreshments for the coffee hour on Sunday mornings. Contact Phyllis Belk if you would help with this job.
Submitted by Phyllis Belk
Membership Team chair
Phyllis.belk[AT]verizon.net
Interested in Becoming a Member?!
Join us for a free brunch on Sunday, October 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Parish Room for an orientation to Unitarian Universalism and to the First Church family. You’ll have a chance to meet others and build a cohort of the incoming members. On Sunday, October 14 you’ll be invited to sign the membership book during the worship service, indicating your formal inclusion in the community. To confirm your participation, please complete the Adult Religious Education registration form by checking the “UU & You” program and then submit to the church office.
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM
The MLT has been engaged with Rev. Nate in discussion of a number of issues of substance and looks forward to a rewarding year in the life of the church.
We would like to acknowledge the ambitious program efforts launched by a number of the church ministry teams, among them Adult Religious Education (Rev, Nate; Anne Slater, Chair), Children's Religious Education (Jansen Wendell, Coordinator) and Membership (Phyllis Belk, Chair). The work of others, in particular Property (Richard Frey, Chair), Worship Arts (Rev. Nate, Christopher Barnard, Rick Womer and Sharon Tomalin) has also been most visible and appreciated. Others have been active with ongoing issues which are less visible, for example, Finance (Mike Dorn, Chair) and Communications (in search for additional leadership). The Young Adults are also seeking a new Coordinator while their programming continues to serve the existing and draw new participation. Our first All-Church Potluck luncheon is scheduled after church on October 14. In order to reduce the work involved in coordinating these events, we are proposing that those who participate follow this guideline in preparing their contribution for the shared meal. We will be having one such event each month unless other activities provide another opportunity for all church participation. The food item assigned to each alphabetical group will shift as we move through the year. If your family is asked to bring a salad this time, you will be asked to bring a vegetable next.
For October 14, the assignments are:
A-D Soup or Salad E - H Vegetable or Fruit
I-M Main Dish N-S Dessert
T-Z Bread or Beverage
A quantity sufficient to serve 10 - 12 persons is suggested. These potlucks can afford a brief 15 minutes program time. These can be used for information updates or some performance if members or friends have a song, skit or other entertainment to bring. Please let your talent be known.
Submitted by Ministry Leadership Team:
Luana Goodwin, Rev. Nate (Co-chairs), Seth Carrier, Carol Peterson, Phebe Shinn, Anne Slater
MUSIC PROGRAM at FIRST CHURCH
During the month of October, First Church will be hosting two exciting musical concerts through our First Arts Concert program. After a successful concert last spring, Raina Rose will be returning on Sunday, October 7. On October 9 we are delighted to have Dr. Angelo Castaldo, organist from the Basilica in Pisa, Italy, perform an organ concert in our sanctuary. Both concerts are sure to be exciting and it is my hope that you will be able to attend.
On a personal note, I would like to share a bit of exciting news with you. I am delighted to announce that I have been commissioned by the Estima Production Group in San Francisco to compose the score for a play entitled Tango, Don Juan! by Carlomagno Mapa. The show is scheduled to open in San Francisco in February 2008, and will be my first large-scale composition. I am thrilled to be part of this project and am looking forward to the challenge of composing for the theatre!
Music is a vital and necessary part of many aspects of life. It touches our hearts, stimulates our intellects, and is medicine for our souls. I invite you to share your gifts with us and become involved in the music programs at First Church!
Submitted by Christopher Barnard
Dolce Suono Concert Series Announces First Church as its New Home
The Dolce Suono Chamber Music Concert Series, a highly acclaimed and innovative performing organization in Philadelphia, will move to First Church for its third year.
Known for offering chamber concerts of the highest level of artistic excellence to the public free of charge, Dolce Suono musicians hail from such institutions as the Curtis Institute of Music, The Philadelphia Orchestra, University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University.
Dolce Suono’s founder and artistic director is flutist Mimi Stillman, internationally acclaimed soloist and chamber musician, Yamaha Performing Artist and the youngest wind player ever to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions or attend the Curtis Institute of Music.
Upcoming events at First Church include…
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 7:30 pm Spotlight on Philadelphia Composers
Panel Discussion with the Composers at 6:00 pm
Dolce Suono Trio - Mimi Stillman, flute (Yamaha Performing Artist); Yumi Kendall, cello (The Philadelphia Orchestra); Charles Abramovic, piano (Temple University).
Music of Ned Rorem, George Crumb, Charles Abramovic, and Curt Cacioppo
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 7:30pm Air Power: Wind Quintet and Piano
Mimi Stillman, flute (Yamaha Performing Artist); Geoffrey Deemer, oboe (Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia); Sam Caviezel, clarinet (The Philadelphia Orchestra); Michelle Rosen, bassoon (Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia); Jen Montone, horn (The Philadelphia Orchestra); Susan Nowicki, piano (Curtis Institute of Music).
Music of Poulenc, Barber, Ibert, Higdon
FLOWERS
October 7 – In loving memory of Otto Sperr. Portia and Oona.
October 14 – In memory of Arthur and Florence Sandberg. Given by Val and Marilyn Sandberg.
October 21 – Donated by Margaret Dubin in memory of her mother, Rita Morrison Sunner, 10/22/16 – 8/21/99.
October 28 - In loving memory of Joseph D. Armstrong. Given by Sarah Armstrong.
If you are interested in donating flowers for an upcoming service, please contact Connie Mast at 215-496-0840.
VISION OF SHARED MINISTRY 2008
While on retreat August 17-18, 2007 the Board of Trustees, the Ministry Leadership Team and the newly called Minister developed the following Vision of Shared Ministry. This Vision, growing from the congregational survey, intentionally written in the past tense, specified four priority areas. It was not intended to list all of the important areas of Ministry but to provide overarching goals for congregational growth for the 2007-2008 church year.
By June 2008 the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia manifested its vision of spiritual growth, leadership and membership development and congregational outreach.
Spiritual Growth
1. Begin Anew: Trained leaders facilitated the congregation in expressing their vision of mindful relations. The process resulted in the creation of a covenant presented at the annual meeting.
2. Religious Education: Trained facilitators offered weekly and spiritually-relevant lifespan religious education.
3. Worship Arts: The Minister, Music Director, and Worship Associates offered radically hospitable, vital and diverse worship that inspired members’ spiritual growth.
Leadership Development
1. Role Delineation: The Steering Team (Board President and Vice President, the Minister and Co-chair of the Ministry Leadership Team, and Church Administrator) met monthly to further clarify leadership roles and responsibilities. In addition, the Board, Ministry Leadership Team and Minister met in the summer, the fall, and the spring to discern their roles in achieving the Vision of Shared Ministry.
2. Mentoring: Current chairs of ministry teams, along with the Ministry Leadership Team and Board, identified new leaders and developed mentoring relationships with them. Current leaders offered an orientation to church governance and procedures for all new leaders.
3. Succession: The Ministry Leadership Team worked with each Ministry Team to establish term limits: three-year maximum at the team’s discretion with a recommended one-year team involvement before succession into a leadership position.
4. Spiritually Mature Leadership: By modeling self-care and by embracing challenges and opportunities with maturity, each leader practiced being a non-anxious presence and therefore grew into his or her leadership potential.
Membership Development
1. Intergenerational Connection: All ministry teams collaborated to enhance participation in our intergenerational community.
2. Hospitality: With radical hospitality, visitors were passionately welcomed into the life of the congregation through an intentional system and received meaningful communication from congregants as well as the Minister and Membership Ministry Team.
3. Intentional Diversity: The Worship Arts, Membership and Social Justice ministries collaborated on programs and worship services that welcomed and affirmed people of all races and ethnicities, abilities, genders and sexualities, classes and ages.
Congregational Outreach
1. Communications Ministry: The Ministry Leadership Team revitalized the Communications Ministry Team. The Communications leaders worked with the Minister to integrate new technologies in worship, including web-based publications of weekly podcasts and at least a dozen digital testimonies of members’ experiences, reflecting the congregation’s diversity.
2. Publicity: Led by the Communications Ministry Team and Staff, the website, newsletter, and press releases were enhanced to boldly bring attention to the congregation’s prophetic outreach.
3. Respectful Dialogue Across Difference: Led by the Social Justice, Adult Religious Education ministries and the Minister, the congregation hosted at least two public forums that demonstrated our commitment to have respectful dialogue across theological and political difference around various social issues.
During the retreat, participants also generated concrete programmatic suggestions about ways to develop the four priority areas, particularly Membership. They later shared their ideas with the appropriate Ministry Team.
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