The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, Oregon

Welcoming Statement

 

A new Welcoming Statement will be on the Agenda of the Annual Meeting for consideration by the membership.  The statement has been worked on since September of 2004 and there have been a number of invitations for comments from members. 

As noted in an earlier newsletter, there will be minimal discussion directed only toward substantive changes, as was done with the Covenant of Good Relations.  The vote will be to accept or reject the statement for one year.  During that year, there can be further input and editing.  In 2006, the congregation will again vote whether to accept the modified statement.

The current statement is:

“We are a welcoming congregation celebrating the presence and participation of all peoples, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and heterosexuals in the life of our religious community.”

The proposed statement is:

“We welcome you!  You are invited to explore our principles and purposes while we honor your freedom of conscience.  Our congregation celebrates the presence and participation of all, regardless of spiritual beliefs, age, gender, abilities, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation.”

 

 

Reverential Ramblings

In a notice at the beginning of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn the author warns:  “Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.” 

I guess I’ll risk banishment because I do find a clear moral in the way young Huck Finn addresses an ethical dilemma.  A runaway himself, he encounters his friend Jim, a slave, who has fled because he fears he is about to be put on the auction block down in New Orleans.  Huck feels a moral obligation to let the owner know where Jim is hiding – indeed, he believes that his failure to divulge this information will result in his “being lost and going to hell.”  He writes a note to send to Jim’s owner to reveal the slave’s whereabouts.  Then he reflects on what a fine friend Jim has been through thick and thin, and he just can’t bring himself to turn his friend in. Huck reflects:  “I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it.  I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself:  “All right, then, I’ll go to hell” – and tore it (the note) up.”  With great trepidation, he commits the social sin of not turning in his friend. 

This strikes me as the quintessential Unitarian Universalist parable.  The two faith traditions – Unitarianism and Universalism – were founded by those who were warned by others that if they did not toe a certain theological line they would become heretics destined for damnation.  In spite of such warnings and the great fears they must have stirred up, our forbears followed the monitions of their consciences rather than the dictates of social and theological convention and said, in effect, “All right, then, I’ll go to hell.” 

Life might seem nice and comfortable if we could simply rest upon the foundation of courage and integrity laid down by our religious forbears.  Truth be told, each age and each life contains its own unique moral quandaries that force us to make difficult choices.  At various times each of us comes to a fork in the road:  do we choose the safe, conventional path, or will we do what we believe to be the right thing even if it means that all hell may break loose? 

The great paradox here is that those who are so fearful of hell unwittingly insure that hellish conditions continue to exist on this earth, whereas those who transcend such fear help “to deconstruct the socially conditioned hells,” as my friend and colleague the Rev. Craig Moro puts it.   

Each time we embody the kind of moral courage that young Huck displayed and  overcome the timidity and fear that allow oppression, injustice, and mean spiritedness to prevail, the less likely it is that anyone has to live in hell in this world.

Love, Rick

 

 

May 15 UUCS Annual Meeting

 

As stated in the UUCS bylaws, Article VI. Meetings, Section 1. Annual Meeting, the Annual Meeting of the Congregation shall be held in May.  Further, Article VI. Meetings, Section 4. Meeting Notices states: Written notice of the annual and special meetings describing the specific business to be conducted shall be given to the membership at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled dates.

 

The UUCS Congregation is hereby notified that the Annual Meeting will be held after church on Sunday, May 15.  The quorum required is 25% of the congregation, which is at least 60 members. 

 

Agenda

 

1. Call to Order

2. Establishment of a quorum

3. Minutes from 2004 Annual Meeting

4. Treasurer’s report

5. Budget for 2005-2006

6. New Business

            a. Welcoming statement (see page 1)

            b. Bylaws changes (see below)

            c. Other new business

7. Report of Nominating Committee (see below)

            a. Candidates for Board of Directors

            b. Candidates for Nominating Committee

8. Closing comments

9. Adjournment

 

 

Nominees for Election

We are pleased to present candidates for election to the 2005-06 UUCS Board and Nominating Committee:

Board of Directors:

Chair:                           David Boaz                  Director (2 years):    Lori Jenkins

Vice Chair:                   Kelli McKnight             Director (2 years):    Diana Nicholson-Nelson

Secretary:                     Lois Nodland               Director (1 year):     Alma Marianos

Treasurer (3-year term):  Marian Robison

Jon Diehl remains on the Board for the second year of his term as a Director, and Chuck Howard will serve as Past President.

Nominating Committee:

3-year term:                  Kristen Hunt                1-year term:              George Struble

Dennis Ehrp remains on the Committee the remaining two years of his term.

Additional nominations for Board or Nominating Committee may be made from the floor if the Congregation votes to permit them.

Submitted by the Nominating Committee:

Randy Herrin, Chair; Dennis Ehrp; George Struble

 

 

Board Candidate Statements

As required by our bylaws (VIII.3.E.), here are statements from candidates for Board positions.

David Boaz: Chair

In spite of being fairly old and exceptionally lazy, I think I can do this job. I have been on the board for three years, and went to board meetings for some years before that. I am a great fan of Unitarianism Universalism and its non-creedal, non-judgmental acceptance of everyone. I hope this will be the year when we can reach out to more people, especially people who are black or Mexican or Asian, and those who are poor or maybe not so well educated. We may be more parochial than we want to admit. We will surely need to adapt our styles of worship and coffee-time conversation before we can speak to and relate well to some of these folks.

I will also be very involved in the “transition” process. What are we; what are we going to be? What programs and services must we offer in order to meet our own needs, and appeal to other groups, families, possible members? How to pay for it all? I don't have the answers, but I'm willing to join in the search.

My background? you ask. Well, I went to school for a lo-o-ong time. Then I worked for social service and international development organizations for twenty or so years. Finally, from 1975 to present, I ran my own company - management counsel to non-profit organizations. Enjoyed every minute of it.

One more thing: please vote for the other candidate.  Thanks.

Kelli McKnight: Vice Chair

My husband John Barrows and I wandered into the UUCS church on an August Sunday. While the members who greeted us at that time assured us that “services are much better when it’s not summer,” I was already captivated. The warmth of the congregants and the depth of the messages of peace and reverence resonated within me. I have a strong belief in the core values represented by the UU principles and humbly attempt to practice them in my life.

 I have four children, three of whom are in college and had to learn the values of respect, integrity and compassion at home, and Marcus, who is a student at McNary High School and attends the YRUU group on Monday nights. I have had the privilege to serve as a teacher for the RE, a member of the choir, a celebrant for Sunday services, and a member of the Transition Team. While I have enjoyed these opportunities to serve our congregation, I have always understood that my life has been deeply enriched through these roles in a way that far exceeds anything that I have offered to others. While I did not seek this nomination, I am honored to accept it and will offer my heartfelt attention to this role.

Lois Nodland: Secretary

Being a member of the UUCS the past four years has certainly contributed to my growth as a person.  I would like to pay back some of what I have learned by continuing to serve on the Board.  I believe I have gained insight into the internal workings of the UUCS while serving as Secretary on the Board the past two years, and have kept informed about church and member activities as co-editor of the UUCS Newsletter for three years.  I have grown spiritually through adult education classes including Understanding the Bible and Evensong and the women’s retreat.  I have benefited by social and political involvement with members in the Political Action and Covenant Group. I have a better understanding of the broader UUA picture from attendance at the Creating the UU Church of the Future Workshop, and involvement in the UUCS transition effort.  And best of all I have established lasting friendships with people I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t been involved in this church.

Hopefully this recent association and my past experience and skills will benefit the UUCS in the coming year.

Marian Robison: Treasurer

I have been a Unitarian since the late 60s but came back to be an active member in 2001. My occupation has been in accounting for about 35 years. I was Accounting Manager for the Oregon Secretary of State at the time I retired. I have been UUCS treasurer for three years.

Lori Jenkins: Director

I am the mother of two young children (Zoe age 9 and Abigail age 7). I have been a member of the congregation for approximately five years. I am a small business owner.

Diana Nicholson-Nelson: Director

About a month ago our UUCS newsletter announced that nominations for next year’s Board of Trustees would soon be made.  As I read it the thought passed quickly through my mind that perhaps sometime in the not too distant future I might consider being on the Board.  Lo and behold, about a week later I received a call from the nominating committee.  (I had been thinking maybe NEXT year.) Perhaps there is something “mystical” about being a UU.

I agreed to the nomination not because I believed it was “divine intervention”, but because I knew that “my time had come”.  I have been active at UUCS since 1993. During that time I have been in the choir, taught several rounds of RE, participated on the RE Team, spent 4 years as the Assistant Director of RE, attended family camp and recently a women’s retreat and currently really enjoy being on the celebrant team.  My family enjoys congregational social events, we are happy to mow the church lawn in the summer and we enjoy the special programs of the church such as the OWL curriculum.

While I was the assistant director of RE I was more closely connected to the “behind the scenes” aspects of congregational life.  Shortly after that, my husband Gil was on the Board.  I have a clear understanding of the significance of our Board of Trustees.  I know that being a board member requires a lot of work and attention.  I am deeply committed to our church community.  It is an exciting time for our congregation as we grow towards being a healthy, vital programmatic church.  I would be honored to be a part of our leadership TEAM over the next 2 years.

Alma Marianos: Director

I was very honored to be asked to apply for the Board position.  

My training is varied.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the American University in Cairo, a Licentiate in Piano Performing from the Royal Schools of Music in England, and a second Bachelor’s degree in Music from Portland State University. 

I have also taken several courses in Accounting and am presently working for the State of Oregon in an accounting capacity.  I am also teaching piano on the weekends.

I hope to use my talents and training in whatever capacity the Board deems appropriate.  I will strive to improve the spirit of collaboration and harmony in our congregation and I will continue to promote our acceptance of diversity.

 

 

* * * * * * * * * *

PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGES

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

Section.5. Cancellation of Membership:

The Board shall have the power to cancel the membership of any person whose conduct the Board deems to be detrimental to the congregation. Such person shall be given reasonable notice of the proposed action, the reason(s) for it, and an opportunity for a Board hearing prior to a vote by the Board to cancel membership. A motion for cancellation of membership shall require an affirmative vote of seven (7) three fourths (3/4) of the members of the Board to pass.

 

[Rationale:  The number 7 was set in the bylaws at the time the board had 11 members (4 officers, 6 trustees/members at large, and 1 Past Chair).  Currently, the board has at most 9 members (4 officers, 4 directors and 1 Past Chair).  The Past Chair serves only one year, reducing the number to 8 if the chair should continue a second year, as happened during this 2004-2005 year.  The change to 3/4 will result in a substantial majority regardless of the size of the board.]

 

 

ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 2. Board Composition:

The Board of the Congregation shall consist of:

E. Four (4) Six (6) Directors who shall serve two (2) year, staggered terms. Directors may serve only two consecutive elected full terms in addition to a partial term before being off of the board for at least two years.

 

Section 4. Elections:

A. At the Annual Meeting of the UUCS, the Congregation will elect a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and two (2) three (3) Directors to serve two (2) year terms; such additional Directors as are required to fill unexpired terms; and a Treasurer every third year to serve a three (3) year term or as required to fill an unexpired term. Officers and Directors will take office immediately following the annual meeting  effective July 1.

 

[Rationale: The size of the Board was reduced to 9 (4 officers, 4 directors, 1 Past Chair) as the Board was moving toward Policy Governance.  It was envisioned that there would be less need for oversight of all committees and teams, and more focus on governance by policy, combined with delegation of responsibility and authority.  Though the Board is beginning to institute more governance by policy, it was believed that as the congregation size increased, there should be greater representation on the Board.  In addition, the date at which newly elected Board members will take office was set forward to allow more time for training and orientation.]

 

Section 6. Removal of Board Members:

The Board shall have the power to remove from its membership any person whose conduct the Board deems detrimental to the Congregation or to the regular and orderly functioning of the Board. Such person shall be given reasonable notice of the proposed action; the reason(s) for it, and an opportunity for a hearing before the Board prior to a removal vote. A motion for removal of a Board member shall require an affirmative vote of seven (7) three fourths (3/4) of the members of the Board to pass.

 

[Rationale:  The rationale for changing from the number 7 to a percentage is the same as for Article IV. Membership above.  The percentage requires a substantial majority for the action to be taken, regardless of the size of the Board.]

 

 

ARTICLE VllI. COMMITTEES AND STAFF AND OTHER OPERATING UNITS

Section 3. Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee will be a standing committee with the following composition and responsibilities:

C.      Prior to each annual meeting of the congregation, the Nominating Committee will prepare a ballot that will include the names of nominees for the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and each vacancy on the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will also prepare a ballot to elect one or more members of the Nominating Committee. At the committee's discretion, it may submit a slate with a single list of candidates or a slate with multiple candidates. In order to identify a variety of qualified candidates, the Nominating Committee will confer with the Minister and with the Chair of the Board of Directors about potential candidates for all elected positions, and will invite suggestions from the Congregation.

 

[Rationale:  The number needs to be changed to accommodate those times when more than one member must be elected to the Nominating Committee, as is the case for the coming year 2005-2006.]

 

 

Nonsubstantive changes:

ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 2. Board Composition;

The Board of the Congregation shall consist of:

A.     The Chair, who:

5.       Serves ex officio, non-voting, on any committee excepting the Elections Nominating Committee as he/she deems necessary.

 

 

ARTICLE VII. MINISTER

Section 3. Duties:

C.     The Minister shall be expected to attend all regular Board meetings and may be an ex-officio member of any appointive committee except the Elections Nominating Committee.

 

[Rationale for both changes: Name change brings the name of the committee into conformance with updated name.]

 

 

ARTICLE VllI. COMMITTEES AND STAFF AND OTHER OPERATING UNITS

Section 3. Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee will be a standing committee with the following composition and responsibilities:

A.     The Nominating Committee will be comprised of three voting members of the UUCS. During the church year 2002-2003, the Board of directors will select three voting members of the UUCS to serve terms to the end of the year. This ad hoc Nominating Committee will fulfill all of the functions of the Nominating Committee.

 

B.     At the UUCS Annual Meeting in 2003, three UUCS members will be elected to the Nominating Committee. A member of the Board of Directors will convene the newly elected Nominations Committee. By lot, each member will be assigned a one year term, a two year term, or a three year term. In all subsequent years, one new member will be elected for a three year term and members will be elected to fill any unexpired terms. The: previous chair of the committee will convene the new committee; No member of the Board of Directors may serve on the Nominating Committee. Any vacancy will be filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired term until the next annual meeting.

 

 

[Rationale:  Language put into the Bylaws to establish procedures for transition from the Elections Committee to formal establishment of the Nominating Committee is no longer needed and can be deleted from the Bylaws.]

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Members:  Please bring this newsletter to the May 15 Annual Meeting.  (Everyone interested is welcome at the Annual Meeting, but only members are eligible to vote.  Article IV of the bylaws states that, except in certain special cases, members must be 16 years of age or over, have shown sympathy with the Congregation's purpose as stated in Article II by signing the membership book, and have within the last twelve months made a financial pledge and an identifiable financial contribution.)

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

MEANINGFUL MOVIE KICKOFF

Song Catcher (Winner of the 2002 Sundance Film Festival)

Friday April 29, 2005

8:00 P.M.

Cost: Free

Refreshments: Small donation

Good Fellowship and Conversation after the movie

 

     We have tested our large screen projector and connected it with our sophisticated sound system in Hanneman Fellowship Hall, and we know you’ll be delighted with the results.  In effect, we have our own state of the art movie theatre!  The Meaningful Movie ad hoc task force—Barbara Bigham, Keith York, Dave Cozart, John Prohodsky, Barbara Fisk and Rick Davis—met to get this program started, and we will debrief after this first showing to see how we will keep this program going.  If you’re interested in being part of the group to help select and show movies contact Rick at the church office.

 

LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE

 

PLANT SALE.  The annual plant sale fund raiser for the Landscape Committee will be held on Saturday, May 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  This is the day before Mother's Day.  What could possibly be a better present for Mom than a plant?!?  If you have plants to donate, please bring them to the church Friday afternoon between 4:00 and 6:00.  We will need helpers the day of the sale.  Even if you have no plants or cannot help at the sale, we still need you.  Come to the sale and buy plants.  We always have an interesting variety for sale.  Please let Sharon Dearman know if you will be able to help.

Next Work Party.  The Landscape Committee will meet the second Saturday in May (NOT THE THIRD). So please put Saturday, May 14th, on your calendars.  At our work party in April we only had five people, three of whom were over 80 years of age (I am not mentioning names but they are the same people that can be found volunteering at our church whenever help is needed).  We need not only younger people but more people.  There are so many weeds and we only have so many hands. This is not hard work; it is just time-consuming.  If we had more people, we could accomplish so much more. Please consider helping us. We would really appreciate it and our beautiful church would benefit as well.

Wish List.  Do you know someone you would like remembered with a plant?  The Landscape Committee has compiled a wish list of trees and shrubs.  Please let us know which plant you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, in celebration of someone's birthday or anniversary, in recognition of an individual's or group's achievement.

For more information, please contact Sharon Dearman.

 

Lawn Mowing Season Is Here

As there are no budgeted funds to hire a lawn mowing service we depend on volunteers to keep our lawn areas groomed.  We provide the mower, gas and oil.  What we need are able and willing ones to take a turn or two during the mowing season.  This spring it will need weekly mowing and, depending on the weather, less frequent mowing during the heat of summer.

If you can spend several hours once or twice this season, please volunteer.  Contact Dick French, coordinator for this season.  Consider it a rewarding spiritual commune with nature.

Dick French

 

Women’s Alliance

The Women's Alliance will hold its annual May dinner meeting at Kwan’s on Thursday, May 5, at 6:00 p.m. All women of the church are invited and encouraged to attend this social event. Good food, good friends, and good fun.  We need reservations for this event.  Call President Jane Manning, or Marge French.                                          Marge French

 

From our Webmaster

A lot of work has recently been done on our web site, http://www.uusalem.org. Please bookmark it if you haven't already, and spend some time checking out the features. There is a wide variety of UUCS information online and we're continually updating and adding new features.

 

The web site is intended as community outreach, and as a resource for UUCS members.  A few of the features include:

 

Current calendar of events at UUCS:

http://www.uusalem.org/calendar.htm

Religious Education news & information:

http://www.uusalem.org/religious-education.htm

Photos contributed by UUCS members:

http://www.uusalem.org/photos.htm

Newsletter archives:

http://www.uusalem.org/newsletters.htm

UUCS A-Z Guide:

http://www.uusalem.org/guide.htm

 

One recent addition is a UUCS Message Board at http://www.uusalem.org/message, and we would appreciate your participation. This is a public forum, so please read the Message Board Guidelines for some suggestions.

Once at the message board you can register by clicking the “Register” link at the top of the page. Once registered you can create a personal profile and include a photo “avatar” that will appear with all your posts on the message board.

You can click the forum headings to view discussions and click “Add Reply” button to reply to a conversation on the message board.

 

You can start a new discussion by clicking the “New Topic” button. Other users can then reply to your new topic.

You can browse member profiles by clicking the “Members icon at the top right side of the message board. You can even exchange internal e-mail messages with members.

Since the message board is so new, I'd appreciate if you'll take a moment to register and participate in the discussions. Don't worry about messing anything up. If you make an error you'll be able to make corrections by clicking the “Edit” button on your message. If you need more assistance just contact me and I will help.

Please contact me if you need more assistance with the message board or have any other questions regarding the web site. I'll be happy to help you.

 

Loni Barrett, webmaster@uusalem.org

 

UUA General Assembly

The UUA General Assembly (GA) for 2005 will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, from June 23 through June 27 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.  The theme this year is Ministering to Families in Today’s World.

Information and registration forms for the GA and for hotels are now available, and can be picked up in the UUCS office.  Information is also online at http://dev.uua.org/ga/

The UUCS is allowed five voting delegates to the GA.  If you are interested in being a delegate, please contact me or any member of the Board as soon as possible. 

Chuck Howard

 

For the Early Birds

Don Wolf and Rick Davis continue to lead the Sunday morning forum at 9:15.  The book currently being discussed is John Buehrens’ Understanding the Bible:  An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals.  Everyone is welcome.

 

Dishwasher for Sale

The dishwasher we had in our pre-fellowship-hall kitchen is for sale.  It was working when last used.  It would be a good machine for a smaller church or similar organization.  It has been resting in Dick French’s shed since its decommissioning.  A suggested price is $500.  If you know of anyone interested, contact Dick French or George Struble.

 

Chat ‘n’ Fold

Can’t give an evening to Chat ‘n’ Craft first and third Wednesdays?  How about coming in some Tuesday mornings to enjoy chat while folding and applying mailing labels to this newsletter?  Contact Elsa Struble or the church office.         ES

 

Treasurer’s Report

Our income for July 2004 through March 2005 has not covered the expenses for the period. With the fiscal year 75.0% over, our expenses total 74.9% of the amount budgeted for the year, but our receipts are only 67.4%.  The resulting deficit for the first nine months of the 2004-05 fiscal year is $14,177. We sent out pledge reports as of March 31^st and hope our pledge payments will increase to cover the deficit by June 30.

Marian Robison, Treasurer

 

Board Meeting Highlights

Present at the April, 2005, meeting were members Chuck Howard, David Boaz, Lori Jenkins, Alma Marianos, Lois Nodland, and Marian Robison, the Rev. Rick Davis, as well as RE Director Claire Diehl, ADRE Lise Sherry and Nominating Committee members Randy Herrin and George Struble.

The UUCS Board:

·            Noted that expenditures since July 1 have exceeded income by $14,177 (see above).  Rental income for February was $626.  The stewardship campaign for next year is not yet finished.

·            Accepted the letter of resignation of two UUCS members and rejected accusations and allegations contained in the letter.

·            Reviewed by-law changes to be submitted to the congregation for voting at the UUCS annual meeting.

·            Received the Nominating Committee report.

·            Asked Rick to do further research into the proposal for UUCS participation in the new interfaith Congregations Helping People program regarding duplication of services and amount of contribution expected from the UUCS.

·            Discussed UUCS policy on use of the UUCS Directory and asked Lori to draft a reworded policy.

·            Voted to approve formation of a Green Sanctuary Program Committee and asked Claire to organize the first meeting.

·            Discussed organizing a conflict resolution committee within UUCS.

·            Saw a demonstration of sound and movie capabilities from Rick and John Prohodsky, and heard a report from Rick on formation of the new movie group. Rick will ask the group for suggestions re: purchase of a large movie screen.

·            Voted to approve collection of non-perishable food items at a two hour holocaust remembrance to be held at the UUCS on May 15^th at 7 p.m. 

·            Voted to approve the Executive Committee’s hiring of Lise Sherry as Associate Director of Religious Education. 

·            Discussed the Board Retreat on June 3^rd and 4^th.

·            Discussed the Native American shield art project.

·            Discussed UUA church board training on September 24.

·            Discussed the possibility of having Margaret Keip provide policy governance training at UUCS.

·            Noted the General Assembly meeting at Ft. Worth, TX on June 23-27; delegates must be selected by the June UUCS Board meeting.

·            The next board meeting is May 12.

Lois Nodland, Board Secretary

 

 

News of the UUCS Community

Are you intrigued with the world-in-miniature that can be created and nurtured in semi-enclosed glass? Interested in trying your hand at the art form? The lovely glass terrarium which graced the library’s table for many years went into decline and now cries out for a new lease on life! It’s ready to be given one by the first person to volunteer to replant it. You’ll find it on the credenza by the windows of the library; please give the office your name so we’ll know the project has begun.

Along with youth from sister congregations in Ashland, Corvallis and Portland, UUCS Youth recently attended “The Con,” held this quarter at a camp in Port Moody, British Columbia. A chartered bus took participants Emily Branch, Bryan and Camille Hampton, and Miles and Galen Brownson, along with Advisor Mark Powell, to the event, which invariably bonds youth as they recognize values shared with high school age peers from the entire PNWD.

Camille Hampton and Advisor Amanda Nelson told me of the intense film the Youth Group watched recently, “In the Name of the Father.” It’s a factual account of a 1974 IRA bombing, for which four persons were arrested, convicted, and spent fifteen years in a British prison. The wrongful judgment was at long last proven, the scapegoats acquitted and released from prison; just this year the British government issued both pardons and apologies.

UUCS graduating high school seniors are beginning to confirm post-high school plans, which we shall report as we learn the news. Camille Hampton graduates from Central High School in Independence and will move to Portland to work and attend massage school. Chaz Bogner, although a junior, will graduate a year early and plans to attend Chemeketa Community College. Kathleen Herrin will attend The Evergreen State College in Olympia.

Anne Reeder’s college is Macalester in St. Paul, MN. Diana Cunningham, graduating from Gervais High School, will attend Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande. Sara Gardner graduates from Cascade High School in Turner and will attend Oregon State University in Corvallis.

Diana Cunningham’s writing skills were honored last week with a first prize in her school’s annual short story writing contest. She’s held this honor each year and enjoys the prizes that accompany it; this year the honored students attended the play “You Can’t Take It With You!” in Eugene.  Diana also took first place in a regional accounting contest sponsored by Future Business Leaders of America; professional accounting is her career goal.

Irene Jones was hospitalized for several days the week before last, but is now at home again at Lancaster Village Assisted Living.

UUCS member Char Andrews, outspoken proponent of the Oregon’s Death With Dignity Law, traveled with Salem oncologist Peter Rasmussen and three other Oregonians recently to Montpelier, Vermont, to testify before the State Legislature’s House Committee on Human Resources, and testified in favor of comparable legislation for Vermonters.

Char wrote, “Testifying was great; we were very well received and several legislators talked with me afterwards. I spoke as a cancer patient and of the comfort that the law gives me as I go through the journey.” Following a visit in Phoenix afterwards, Char returned home early this week.

If you are unable to attend church services but would enjoy reading the sermons or listening to them on tape or CD, will you please contact a member of Lifelines Lay Ministry. He/she will make arrangements for you.

Connection and caring is what our church community is all about. If you have joys or concerns to share with others, please contact me. If you need help or emotional support you are encouraged to contact a member of the Lay Ministry. Each can be contacted directly or you can phone the church and an electronic contact will take you to what’s termed “a warm line;” a lay minister will respond directly to you.

Joan Erickson

 

Consciousness & Climate Change

First Unitarian Church in Portland is holding a conference on this topic Saturday, May 7.  The national Unitarian Universalist Association has named Global Warming as the Study/Action issue for UUs for the next three years. The full day conference to encourage an exploration with open eyes and hearts is co-sponsored by the 7^th Principle Environmental Action Committee and the Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns. The day includes an earth-based worship service led by Rev. Katherine Jesch, Director of Environmental Ministry for the UU National Seventh Principle Project.  In addition, there will be a panel of distinguished scientists who are working in climate change issues, twelve exciting workshop choices in three sets, on-going action tables and art projects, and an evening lecture by Paul Loeb, acclaimed Seattle author of The Impossible Will Take a Little While and Soul of a Citizen.  Costs are $25 for the conference, with additional optional $8 lunch and advance tickets for the Loeb lecture on a $5-20 sliding scale.  Fee Sponsorship is available for students or others with reduced income. For more, see www.firstunitarianportland.org/legacy.

 

Mothers Day Vigil For Peace

The Peace & Social Concerns committee of Salem Friends Meeting invites us to join with women and men, young and older, on the west side of Lancaster Drive at Center St, fronting the Mall Sunday afternoon, May 8, between 2 and 4 p.m..

They report that Julia Ward Howe originated the idea of a Mothers Day for Peace, a commitment to finding peaceful solutions to conflict. Their annual vigil memorializes that sentiment. A fun limerick with a message of mothers against war, written in 8 segments over eight signs stretched in “Burma Shave” fashion, will highlight the message. For a festive occasion we suggest folks wear costumes of mothers and fathers from the Past; big hats are suggested.

We also have Vigils for Peace every Wednesday in downtown Salem at the corner of Chemeketa & Liberty from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your own sign or hold one of ours.  We have vigiled regularly since prior to war on Afghaistan; past months, weekly.

Sharon Scott

 

UU Bed and Breakfast Directory

UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings) lists a network of hosts in North America (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their homes to like-minded people.  The directory is published every April.  For a copy of the 2005 directory, please send a check for $18 to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.  A new, frequently updated web site, www.UUreHome.com, includes about half of the listings.

 

 

Something Lighter…

Here, thanks to Rosa Barton, are some claimed-to-be-accurate quotations from OTHER newsletters.

 

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict

 

The cost for attending the Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

 

The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus.”

 

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

 

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.