Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, Oregon 1/12/05 Newsletter

At the January 16 Sunday service we will have the privilege of hearing the Reverend Dr. John Alexie Crane, minister emeritus of the Santa Barbara UU congregation.. Lex is regarded as one of UU’s premier ministers; he is also a longtime friend of ministers Rick Davis and Roy Ockert, and Catherine Carlson’s uncle. His sermon, “In Celebration of Secular Humanism” (see page 8) could be viewed as a supplement and follow-up to Rick’s December 12 sermon on “Reason in Religion.”

Wounded during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, he went on to earn degrees at Johns Hopkins, a B.D. at Starr King, and an M.A. in social psychology at UC, Santa Barbara .

Following the service and coffee hour, there will be an organizing meeting of the Salem HUUmanists, which will be an associate organization of UUCS and potentially affiliated with the UUA HUUmanists and the American Humanist Association. Lex and Ginny Crane and Rick will be available to assist the organizing committee of Marion and Sharon Dearman, Fred Ratzeburg, Nancy Jackson, Lloyd Kumley, Sonja Svenson, and Roy Ockert. Everyone interested in joining an organization promoting humanist activism and community with a sense of belonging is invited to attend.

Reverential Ramblings

The monumental tsunami in South Asia that has wreaked so much death and destruction at the end of 2004, killing both rich and poor from many nations, was a stark reminder to us fragile mortals that we live in a perilous world. Seeing the photos of parents weeping over the lifeless bodies of their children is among the most heart wrenching images that can be imagined. Undoubtedly, those of us half a world away, where natural disasters of this magnitude are rare (at least in our lifetimes), can scarcely imagine how it must feel to experience such a devastation of all you know and love.

In our Sunday service on January 2, with the authorization of the Board of Trustees, we received a special offering to send a relief agency that will play some small part in helping our sisters and brothers in South Asia who have experienced such loss. Our attendance that morning, coming as it did at the end of the holiday weekend, was lighter than usual, yet our offering that morning was over $1,600.00 Some who did not attend have asked if they could contribute. Yes. See Board Chair Chuck Howard’s announcement on page 4.

There are some who see the hand of God or karma in such matters, who may think that everything that happens is a direct result of Divine Will or a cosmic law of justice. Such theology does not stand up to close scrutiny. Bad things often happen to good people, and good things happen to those who are not deserving. Living a life of virtue is no insurance policy against misfortune, as some would like to believe. To be sure, there are laws of cause and effect that operate in our moral and spiritual lives, and I believe that those who are guided by love and compassion will know more true peace and happiness than those whose lives are guided by fear, hatred and loathing. But tsunamis, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes don’t separate the wheat from the chaff. Everyone suffers. Those who study geologic history know that it’s only a matter of time before everything will get turned topsy turvy, as tectonic plates gradually shift and weather patterns change.

We may not be able to control outside forces that impinge upon us, but we do have the power to shape our responses to them. Time and again in my ministry I have witnessed people reacting to suffering in creative and life affirming ways. Certainly the horror is South Asia is bringing out the best in people. Countless people in our country and around the world have opened their hearts and their purses to send aid. In places like Indonesia and Sri Lanka bitter enemies are putting aside their differences to meet the immediate needs of the people. Meanwhile, the U.S. military delivers life saving aid to Muslims who may have recently felt hatred toward America.

The tsunami was certainly a tragic way to end the old year, yet the outpouring of compassion and goodwill in the new year is a beautiful reminder of who we are called to be. My heart goes out to those who have suffered from this disaster, but my hope goes up to witness the global response. It confirms my faith that love and compassion, not fear and hatred, are what lie at the core of our being. May 2005 be a year in which evidence of such a faith grows stronger.

Love, Rick

I think I truly began to appreciate the Christmas season when I realized it was not just about the birth of a baby, evergreen trees and ornaments, gift giving and candles. It was about encroaching darkness and the return of light. All of the other trappings have become part of the season, but underneath is the ancient fear that we will be eternally trapped in darkness - and we celebrate when we know that light is returning.

The day we now mark on our calendars as December 21 is the shortest day of light and the longest dark night. Yet within a few days, the daylight is measurably longer and the darkness begins to diminish. Even astronomers thousands of years ago could be sure within a couple of days after that date that there was increasing light. That day became a day of celebration, of festivals - a day we now celebrate on December 25.

Various festivals have celebrated that day over the ages, festivals with different customs according to the people and the lands. Yet all have in common celebrating the return of light, the rebirth of the earth, the hope that lies shining before us.

In many respects, I see a similar cause for celebration in the UUCS. This past year has been tumultuous, yet I believe that we are emerging into new and stronger light. There have been conflicts, issues and concerns about a variety of topics. People have been in disagreement.

Meetings were held with individuals and groups to help identify issues. These were discussed and resolution sought. The board is addressing as many of the issues as possible, and a report will soon be circulated to the congregation. A lot of the problems are related to the increasing size of the congregation, which changes the dynamics of interactions among people.

Not every problem or conflict could be resolved to the satisfaction of everyone. Regrettably, a few members found it necessary to resign and withdraw their pledges. Others found the focus of the church unsatisfactory and withdrew. Some merely withdrew from active participation in the life of the church during this time.

Yet there have been positive developments too. The fellowship hall is now extensively used by the congregation, as well as by outside groups. Our congregation has grown substantially in size with new members, most of whom have become active in the life of the congregation. Pledges by new members help to make us financially healthy. A team of members is seeking to proactively maintain the viability of our religious community as we grow larger.

I am not naïve enough to think that tranquility will suddenly break out. Yet my faith in this religious community remains solid. In the time of darkness, I have to admit that my faith wavered. But we are emerging into the light. I know now that we can all move forward - together.

Ellen and Chuck Howard, Leah Knudsen, and Nancy Murphy were the hosts for Circle Suppers last Sunday. Thanks from organizer Sharon Dearman to all who participated and enjoyed! Plan on more in March.

Willamette Series: The annual School of Theological Studies will be held at Willamette University on the evenings of January 24 and 31 and February 7 and 15. Some of these mini-courses often deal with archeological or historical topics of interest to UUs. Watch the hall bulletin board or contact the Office of the Chaplain at Willamette.

Breaking Free: Women of Spirit at Mid-Life and Beyond. Dr. Marilyn Sewell, senior minister at Portland’s First Unitarian Church has been asked to offer an all day workshop through Chemeketa Community College on Friday February 11. The fee is $120 and includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch, and evening wine and hors d’ouvres. Space is limited.

By now, we have all appreciated the new pulpit that graces the front of our sanctuary. A large round of applause goes to Kate Walker for leading fund raising to purchase the pulpit. The color and style of the pulpit are more in keeping with other furniture in the sanctuary, and there is much more space for speakers’ papers. A drop down folding platform lends some height to help speakers read their notes and also to be seen by the congregation.

On another item, our name badges don’t just appear as if by magic. It takes talent and work to get them made. Barbara Hanneman continues to contribute her fine calligraphy skills to putting names on the badges and Tom Lancefield then assembles the badges into their final form. Thanks to both of them for their ongoing contributions to our church community.

And wasn’t that a great nativity play at the Christmas Eve service? Elissa Szymanczyk was the narrator. The birth was announced by the trumpeter Jasper Walton and by the angels Grace Diehl, Lily Szymanczyk, and Erica Tackman. Esther Friedman was Mary with a real live Jesus, her daughter Rebecca Friedman (setting new precedents). Joseph was played by Jon Walton, who also joined in the singing.

Olivia Herrera, Kendall Henery, Delaney Henery, and Derek Sherry were the shepherds and the Wise Ones were Emily Walton, Kieran O'Leary, and Kennen Sherry. Tyler Friedman played the manger cow. All of the participants delivered their lines beautifully and sang with much gusto.

Our thanks go to DRE Claire Diehl and her colleagues for bringing us the Christmas message.

The offering taken at the UUCS January 2Sunday Service was dedicated to helping the victims of the recent tsunamis in southeast Asia. Almost $1,600 was collected at the service. Thank you all for your generous donations! The money has been forwarded to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to be disbursed through their contacts in the region.

Further contributions may be sent to Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Attn: Dr. Charles Clements, 130 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139-1845, with “for tsunami victims” on the memo line. Checks can also be made out to UUCS with the same notation, for forwarding to UUSC.

If you haven't visited the UUCS web site recently, you should check it out! The web site address is www.uusalem.org. We recently updated the site and added a new message board. The web site is online 7 days per week, 24 hours a day to provide information about our congregation, both to members and to the public.

The home page of the web site provides a brief overview of our congregation and welcomes visitors to the site. There are links to many pages of UUCS information, including staff, services, monthly events calendar, photos, newsletters, religious education programs, the UUCS A - Z guide, history, bylaws, and descriptions of various congregation groups. There are other informational pages already on the site and still others are planned for the near future. There is a wealth of information that should be helpful for both long-term and new members of the congregation.

The newest addition to our web site is a message board (www.uusalem.org/discussion) for discussion of any topics of interest. This message board is open to all congregation members as well as newcomers. In fact, one person has already joined the message board and indicated an interest in our congregation. Please take a few minutes to support our new message board by joining as a message board member and posting your comments, questions or topics for discussion.

The Winter Series on Unitarian Universalism, its religious traditions, and our congregation begins on January 16 with an Orientation meeting in Rick's office after the Sunday Service. On January 23 the Path to Membership informational meeting will convene in Rick's office after the service. If you want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, our programs, and the wonderful opportunities for you and your family, please join us on the 23rd. In the event you make your decision to join us, we will have our New Member Recognition on Sunday, February 13. Anne Alexander

We did it again! During our congregation’s Interfaith Hospitality week, we hosted three families with seven children (including four babies) and five adults. With Rosa Barton’s contribution of time and effort and skill, and the help of 40 to 50 other volunteers, we provided breakfast and dinner, reading and play companions, and overnight shelter. Thanks to everyone for your support.

The UU Social Action Team and the Marion County Mental Health Association are very appreciative of your generous response to the Christmas Gift Tree. These presents brought much joy to some homeless and mentally ill persons in our community.

If you would like to make a donation in honor or in memory of someone, or to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday, wedding or anniversary, SPECIAL TRIBUTE CARDS are available for this purpose. Tribute cards with envelopes are on the Information Table in Hanneman Hall, or in the office. Completed cards may be placed in the Sunday collection, or mailed to the church.

Mary Sohlstrom had just finished introducing her friend, the Rev. Elizabeth Green, on Sunday when she took a false step and fell off the platform. The congregation gave her a round of applause when she waved her good arm as she was being carried out of church on a stretcher. She is home now, with a cracked left humerus and her arm/shoulder in a restraining device. Her daughter Mary Ann lives nearby, and Lifelines is organizing food.

The church office will be staffed 9 to noon by volunteers for the next two weeks or so while Office Administrator Rose Drake recuperates after surgery scheduled for January 11 at Salem Hospital. (Rose intends to be out of the hospital within two days!)

Many of you have already heard about or read e-mails sent by members Tom Maluski and Pam Ruona, who, with their son Dominic, were among the thousands of tourists enjoying the Christmas holiday in Phuket, Thailand. In a followup message, written after returning to their home in Korea (where Tom is teaching English and reading at a military base high school), Pam wrote, “We spent about 5 hours on Sunday hunkered in a rubber tree and banana plantation on the hill above our hotel as we were told yet another much larger tsunami was expected. We spent our time with European tourists from France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden Great Britain, and Belgium. Some of them escaped with just their lives. They had nothing left, only the swim suits they were wearing. Prior to the tsunami, this vacation had been fabulous; now it was both fabulous and a terror at the same time.”

Last Saturday another e-mail arrived from Pam: “We’ve had some time to digest what happened. The enormity of the disaster is overwhelming. I find myself still crying off and on when I read certain reports, and wonder what happened to those Thai and vacationers we met while were in Phuket. I’m considering going back to Thailand, but heard that they need money more than they need people. I don’t want to add to their burden.”

UUCS member Lise Sherry is spending this month studying at Meadville-Lombard Theological Seminary in Chicago, a step in her program of studies eventually leading to the UU ministry. The first days were mainly orientation, tours of the city and the Meadville Library, dinner at First Unitarian Church, and the beginning of the formal program. Lise wrote, “The presenter was Melissa Harris-Lacewell, a 30ish African-American who teaches political science at the University of Chicago. She’s a UU and has written a book titled, Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought. Her main premise is that minorities would prefer justice over compassion: in a just world everyone has equal opportunities and rights and folks aren’t dependent upon compassion to get what they should have anyway.”

Former UUCS DRE Millie Rochester, a graduate of the same seminary Lise is attending, was ordained a UU minister last year at our church and serves a church in Chicago. Millie writes, “I’m doing pretty well recovering from my surgery [her December 13 mastectomy]. Roger and I were disappointed that the left-side lymph nodes had to be removed, but I’m lucky that only one of them was malignant. The next step is setting up a course of chemotherapy, and possibly eventual radiation. Meanwhile I’m still in ministerial search, having exchanged packets with 3 congregations. One of the search committees even sent me a ‘get well’ card! I’m optimistic!”

Lucky Loraine! (and deserving as well!) Stuart is on a ten day Caribbean cruise, returning home on January 15. She was the winner of the lucky ticket she purchased in a drawing to benefit the education and health of children and the empowerment of women in Nicaragua. The project has been directed by Pat McCulley, for some 20 years adjunct to Circulo de Amigos.

Condolences to Nina and Mike Donnelly at the recent death of Nina’s father.

Congratulations to Shannon and Mike Remily at the January 4^th birth of fourth son, John! He joins brothers Benjamin, Scott, and Adam.

Congratulations to Diana Nicholson-Nelson on her recent appointment as Center Manager of the Salem Planned Parenthood Office!

Good luck to Tom Henderson, whose journalistic career is taking him to Idaho.

“Girl finds giving to be the best gift” is the title of a feature article in a recent issue of the Statesman Journal. The girl is Melissa Bogner, daughter of Elizabeth and granddaughter of Donna Canning, and the giving was the collecting and distributing of stuffed animals to community charities.

UUCS member Harriet Trill and her husband, Glen Kaye, were pleased that their son, Aaron Kaye, a National Park Service ranger stationed in the Badlands of South Dakota, was able to spend the Christmas holidays with them.

Jane Manning and her mother, Kay Young, spent a portion of the holiday season visiting in Michigan with sister and daughter Sally Wolford.

A three-foot, 27 pound all-chocolate Santa Claus visited Hanneman Hall two Sundays ago, leaving with significant weight-loss! Lisa Jorgensen won him in a silent auction to benefit a Lake Oswego children’s charity. She wrote, “I knew I had to share Santa with as many people as possible...and every person who has seen and tasted it so far has had the same reaction: amazement, delight, and real chocolate satisfaction!”

Connection is what we’re all about, sharing the joys and concerns that fill our days. It’s that state of connection that makes our community so very special.

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with senses, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.

January 16 "In Celebration of Secular Humanism” The Rev. John Alexie (Lex) Crane

They are clearly at the opposite ends of the religious spectrum, humanism and fundamentalism. The fundamentalists are alarmed by the growing influence of secular humanism on life in America and fear it will displace that Old Time Religion. They see it as a blight on the quality of life among us. Exactly what is secular humanism? How is it harming us? Or is it?

January 23 “Not Self-righteous and Proud of It” The Rev. Richard R. Davis

Self-righteousness is a spiritual version of the common cold. Everyone gets a case of it at some point and there is no known preventive. But it we persistently fail to recognize this affliction it can turn into something truly dreadful.

The failure of globalism and growth-oriented economic development policies to deliver on the promise of a better world is starkly evident. Where should we point our hopes? Dr. Sonntag is a practitioner, researcher, and activist in alternative economics, focusing on putting the vision of sustainable local economies into practice.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, Oregon