The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, Oregon

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem

5090 Center St. NE

Salem, Oregon 97301

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

March 3, 2004

Items for the newsletter may be placed in the newsletter box in the church office or mailed to the editor c/o the church office at the address above. Items gladly accepted on disk or by email. (email for next issue to editors@uusalem.org)

UUCS members and friends last Saturday night gave the 2004-05 canvass a strong send-off, pledging $120,475 toward the operating-budget goal of $200,000.

The Capital Fund also got a boost in response to a handsome challenge gift from George and Elsa Struble. They are offering to match boost-up pledges to the Capital Fund at a rate of $1 for every $2 in additional pledges, up to $50,000 in Struble funds. The challenge garnered $13,166 in boost-up pledges Saturday evening, to be matched by $6,583 from George and Elsa.

In all, the Pledge Dinner raised $140,224 in capital and operating funds.

"The Pledge Dinner was a great success on several counts," said Rocky Evans, co-chair with Bob Johnson, of the Canvass Team. "We had a terrific social event—the dinner was excellent, thanks to Pam Williams and crew and the many who contributed food. The entertainment was first rate, thanks to coordinators Dennis Ehrp and Nancy Kaib and the folks who shared their talents with us.

"It was an inspiring demonstration of our religious principles. We saw solid support for the work of liberal religion in the Salem area, as over 60 percent of the 91 pledges received were up from the current year, many by a significant margin."

The 2004-05 budget is up 14 percent over the current-year budget, mostly because of costs related to the new Fellowship Hall, Evans noted.

Those unable to attend the dinner will be contacted in the near future, as the Canvass Team works to complete the drive by March 10. If you have questions about the Canvass, please contact Rocky Evans, Bob Johnson, Jo Bateman, or Rob Schiff.

For the past eleven years I have driven up to Portland once a month to meet with ministerial colleagues for personal support and to discuss matters of mutual concern and interest. It’s been a regular source of inspiration and pleasure.

At our last meeting we addressed a critical issue: why isn’t Unitarian Universalism growing nationally? (We are growing some here in the Pacific Northwest.) Certainly, we have an attractive alternative approach to religion that could meet the spiritual needs of millions of free thinking Americans. Yet our numbers hover just around a couple of hundred thousand in North America. When you consider the increase in our nation’s population, we are actually shrinking proportionately.

Our discussion ranged far and wide, and every colleague seemed to have some good insight into particular aspects of this concern. One that especially struck me was offered by the Reverend Marilyn Sewell of the First Unitarian Church in Portland – one of the largest and fastest growing congregations. She said that one reason we are not growing as a movement is because we lack a clear vision of our mission and purpose. I agree.

Fundamentalist, black and white thinking religious movements don’t have this problem. They know what their mission is – saving souls from perdition. We lack, thank goodness, such a dire theological impetus. In fact, as a religious movement we are very respectful of others and honor people’s freedom to choose a meaningful path, and traditionally we have refused to join the ranks of the religious imperialists who steamroller across lands and cultures to "win souls." Yet our principled approach puts us at a tactical disadvantage in a Machiavellian world where other religious groups do not play by the same high-minded rules. They grow and we don’t.

So what can we do? One thing they have done in Portland is to forge a mission statement that arose from their own sense of passion and commitment to the larger good. And this does give them a clear sense of meaning and purpose, and it has helped them become a larger and stronger liberal religious presence in their community. Good for them. Individuals and institutions without a self-transcending sense of meaning and purpose, a compelling vision, become ingrown and insulated.

The purpose of this column is to stir the pot a bit. Over the next year we will be engaged in a process of exploring our history, our present relationship with the surrounding community and our hopes for the future. Eventually, we will work together to produce a mission statement that arises from our own deep feelings and firm convictions regarding our purpose as a religious community in the context of our surrounding community.

I encourage you to start thinking, feeling and dreaming about this. We are at an auspicious time, in a new and larger space and with growing membership – this gives us a stronger platform from which launch bigger and bolder dreams.

Love, Rick

The next WOMEN'S ALLIANCE meeting will be on Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the church. This month's speaker in the "Getting to Know You" programs will be long-time member Jane Fields. All UUCS women are welcome.

After the regular Life Lines Lay Ministry meeting on Saturday morning March 6, Beth Quackenbush, Clinical Psychologist, will speak at 11:00 a.m. on "Boundaries and Resources for Caregivers." Interested persons are invited to attend.

The Rev. Dr. Dorothy May Emerson will speak on "Learn the Art of War No More" at the March 14 service. As she says, "Many of us long for peace but wonder what difference we can make in a world that only knows war. This service explores the peace-making work of several Unitarian Universalist women as a source of empowerment for our own efforts to make peace possible."

Dr. Emerson is a UU community minister, currently serving as a consultant to UU justice-making organizations. She is also Education Director of Rainbow Solutions Financial Services in Medford, MA, where she coordinates programs on socially responsible investing and on money and empowerment. Founder of the UU Women’s Heritage Society, she edited the first anthology of UU women’s historical writings, Standing Before Us: Unitarian Universalist Women and Social Reform, 1776-1936 (Skinner House, 2000).

Are your photos hidden in a drawer or box? Are they in albums with "magnetic" (sticky) pages that we now know will eventually destroy the pictures? Join us for a fun way to attractively display pictures in albums for all to enjoy and to preserve them for future generations.

Come-on!! Sign up to be a host or a guest, you'll be glad you did! I attended my first Circle Supper just after the icy-freeze. It was great! I met people I had seen but never talked with, I became better acquainted with folks I had met before.

Our conversations ran the gamut from light to intense, never losing momentum, thoughtful and enchanting. Insightful too about the essence of the people attending. I have to admit that I wasted no time enjoying the potluck foods brought from other kitchens, and drinks from our hosts, firey and otherwise.

My experience going to the Circle Supper was akin to winning a round on a game show where you don't know what's behind door number three, but you know that it's good. You open the door to your hosts’ home and YES here are people you've always wanted to get to know more about ...and folks you've never seen before! That's truly the fun of it.

The groups are small so the connections you establish are real. The dinners are adult-only events so there is no sense of urgency for parents to respond to commotion or quiet (which is even more worrisome). This is a time to relish conversation and company and to build the power of our community. All of the Circle Suppers happening in the same area on the same night, all being UUCS folks – what an amazingly immense, community-building event is that?

There hasn’t been as much attendance as I thought there would be and my guess it is that people don't know what this is or they don't hear about it. Now there is no excuse to keep you from signing-up on the clipboard in the back of the church. 

Let’s build the foundation of our community even stronger by making meaningful connections to those in our fellowship!

The public is invited to a free concert of instrumental and vocal music by Turkish musician Latif Bolat. The event, organized by UUCS member Pam Moro, will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 11, in the Hatfield Room at Willamette University (upstairs in the Hatfield Library.)

Latif’s performances include music, images, and stories from the Sufi tradition, and are a wonderful cultural bridge for those interested in the Middle East and spiritual expression through music. Please contact me for more information. 

Pam Moro

Calling all activist-oriented UU’s! There will be a March 27th "Community Forum on Empowerment." There is no fee, instead we request two cans or boxes of food to donate to a local hunger program. The keynoter is Bob Nikkle, MSW, an administrator at the Oregon Department of Human Services in Salem.

Panelists include persons from Senior Services, the National Alliance for Mental Illness, and a representative from the State Legislature. Our sponsor is Oregon Capital Area District, National Association of Social Workers. Contacts are UUCS’ Lee Coyne or Donna Hirt.

A social action empowerment toolkit will be distributed at end of the session. If you are concerned over budget cuts you are invited to come by and ask relevant questions. We'll meet at the Salem Senior Center on Erixon Street NE from 10 a.m. through noon. 

Lee Coyne

One month following major surgery to remove a non-malignant tumor from her brain, UUCS member Malissa Duniway-Holland reports that her recuperation is slow, but steady. She is regaining motor facilities and balance; she speaks with a strong and clear voice, but also reports that she tires quite easily and wishes that her left eyelid would function normally. She welcomes brief personal or telephone visits from friends, but asks that they phone ahead.

Rachel Kelley is back in circulation! She sang with the choir last Sunday and is looking for work at CCC.

Many UU members remember Carol and Steve Barrineau’s daughters, Jessica and Joanna. Sunday Carol announced the birth of fourth grandchild, Maria, born to Jessica last week in Joplin, Missouri where both girls live, each with two babies and boyfriends.

Condolences to Mary Sohlstrom at the death several weeks ago of her husband, Mac, and to John Haus, at the death of his sister-in-law, Genevieve Haus, both in Salem.

Congratulations to Jim and Sally Hockin at the birth of third daughter to Matthew and Kim Hockin of Portland. The baby is named Zoey; older two siblings are Sydney and Abbey.

‘Bon voyage’ to Egon and Diana Bodtker who left this week for two weeks’ visit in Lake Chappala, Mexico with Donna Canning. They fly into Guadalajara, just a short ‘jump’ to Donna’s.

We solicit your input to this newsletter, items of mutual interest to UU members and friends. It is only as we share our joys and sorrows with one another that we can effectively reach out to provide caring and support, the very esssence of which makes us a loving community. Please send e- mail, or telephone.

Present: Chair Chuck Howard, Petra Berger, David Boaz, Lee Coyne, Donna Loveland, Lois Nodland, Karen Piter, Marian Robison, Maggie Shank, Wilson Wyant, Rick Davis, Claire Diehl; and guests Jack and Lois Thornton, East Salem Suburban Neighborhood Association, and Facilities Use Subcommittee members Tracy Boyle, Rocky Evans, and Barbara Hanneman

December Minutes were approved with an addition to the November Treasurer’s Report that Treasurer Marian Robison paid some of the ordination bills and forwarded the remaining bills and the $1335 balance in contributions to Millie Rochester.

Mid-Winter Board Retreat Report was approved after insertion of the words "Current Draft" after "2004-2005 Proposed Budget."

Treasurer and finance reports: The Treasurer provided Revenue and Expense Reports for January 2004 and an itemized summary of donations and expenses for the ordination of Millie Rochester on November 16. She reported that $3,570 monthly mortgage payments on the Fellowship Hall would begin March first and continue for 15 years.

East Salem Suburban Neighborhood Assoc: Guest Jack Thornton said that the UUCS is located in a county neighborhood with concerns about graffiti and the development of the former PicSweet (mushroom plant) property. ACTION: Rick will contact the Social Action Team to identify a UUCS member who lives in the area to serve as a liaison.

Transition Committee: The Board approved Pat Smith, Chair and Sandra Meredith as Assistant Chair of the Committee. They recommend reading Raising The Roof, by Alice Mann. Jon Walton is a new member of the committee.

Facilities Use Subcommittee: The Board approved subcommittee members – Tracy Boyle, Rocky Evans, Barbara Hanneman, Donna Loveland and Pam Williams. The Board requested a rotation plan for subcommittee members. Donna reported that a lawyer and a CPA had reviewed the rental contract and recommended changes.

The Board approved rental fees presented in a report after: 1. deleting reference to "friends"; and 2. providing for a three month delay in implementation for groups currently using the UUCS facilities. UUCS members who have been pledging for at least a year, and are current in payment of their pledge, may rent the facility for approved purposes for 30% of the retail fees. Nonprofit groups who have 501(c)(3) status or similar and who are compatible in purpose with the UUCS may rent the facility for approved purposes for 50% of the retail fees. ACTION: The subcommittee will develop a rotation model for members of the committee. ACTION: A report will be presented to the Board after a three-month trial period

The Board approved payment of the $375 fee for professional services provided for review of the contract. ACTION: Petra requested further discussion on taxes to be paid on facilities rental.

Updated Welcoming Statement of Inclusion: The Board discussed the proposed revised UUCS Statement of Inclusion that included comments from the congregation. ACTION: Articles will be written for the UUCS Newsletter to provide more information to the congregation.

Funding of Rental PA System: The Board endorsed earlier Executive Board approval of $77 for rental of a PA system for the Black History Potluck on February 7, and authority to rent a PA system for the Canvass Dinner.

Report/Update on UUCS Computer System: Karen said that George Piter had donated a computer for UUCS office use. Rick suggested that the O’Neil Fund be used to replace five year old office computers. Karen was asked to have George research estimated costs of new computers.

Personnel Committee Report on RE Positions: Chair Karen reported that the Religious Education Team will have recommendations for position descriptions after their next meeting on March 1.

Partner Church Fundraiser: The Board approved earmarking the March 21 International Partner Church Sunday offering for the UUCS partner church.

Insurance Policy for UUCS: Donna provided a report on new insurance costs to include Hanneman Fellowship Hall. The building and furnishing are currently valued at $1.6 million. The insurance liability coverage will be raised to $2 million per incident, with a $4 million yearly aggregate and a $5,000 deductible and will include earthquake insurance. ACTION: Petra will ask husband Mike Berger if he will volunteer to complete an audio/video inventory. ACTION: Donna will clarify with the agent our fire and security alarm systems.

Ordination Funds: The Board is awaiting a report of total donations and expenditures including payments made by Millie Rochester from funds provided by UUCS.

Information Boards: The Board voted to hang the magnetic calendar board and to seek funds to construct a Team bulletin board.

Report of Chair Chuck Howard: Chuck circulated a thank you note from Lisa Sherry who attends the Vancouver School of Theology and is preparing for the ministry in the UU Church. In November, action was taken by the Board, via e-mail, to sponsor Lisa as a wedding chaplain. He distributed a form developed by Kay Young for special contributions to the UUCS.

Minister’s Report: Rick asked for Board input on candidates to serve on the Committee on Ministry to replace Chuck Howard, whose term is ending. He also talked about a letter he received from the Congregational Church that was sent to Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network expressing concerns about the erosion of the interfaith nature of the program. ACTION: Rick will draft a letter to the SIHN for signatures of Rick, Chuck and David.

Acting RE Director Report: Claire provided the Religious Education monthly report by e-mail.

UUCS Child Care: David said that Team Leaders have expressed concern about child care responsibilities and the child care policies. Rick suggested team leader training on the policies