Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, Oregon 8/10/05 Newsletter

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

August 10, 2005

This issue was edited by Lois Nodland. NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: 11:30 a.m., September 4, 2005.

Small Group Ministry

This fall, as part of our Lifespan Religious Education offerings, we will be starting a new Small Group Ministry program. Unlike the Covenant Groups started a few years ago, these groups will last only one church year, include a small service project, and focus on our seven UU principles. Similar to the Covenant Groups, it is an opportunity to get to know more people in our congregation on a deeper level.

For more information, see the RE Insert in this newsletter. Sign up for the groups will begin in September.

Lise Adams Sherry

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY IS COMING!!! [from RE Insert]

Our congregation is growing, and as we continue to make the transition from a pastoral to a larger program-sized congregation, it is important that we maintain and create new ways to know one another better. The Covenant Groups that were started a few years ago (many of which are still going strong) are one way of providing intimacy in a large group setting. Small Group Ministry is another method, and it has been used successfully in many other UU churches and congregations. For that reason, we have decided to offer our own Small Group Ministry program this fall.

One of the great things about Small Group Ministry (SGM) is that it lasts for a limited time, one church year, with groups disbanding in the summer so that the entire congregation can start with new groups again in the fall. The groups meet monthly, and new members are welcome to join any group at any point in the year. In fact, part of the ritual of the meetings includes having an empty chair at each meeting to remind the groups of this open policy. Once the group reaches approximately 12 members, it splits into two groups so the small group intimacy remains. In this way, we in the congregation will intentionally get to know more and different people each year, so that we can continue to have the feelings of warmth and concern for one another that are so important in our UUCS community. SGM also provides a more intimate venue where folks who are shy or new can make some friendships and become involved in our congregations. Yes, it is possible to make these connections through the many committees and teams that do such wonderful work in our congregation, but SGM is about getting to know people first; the service component while important, is secondary. After all, “Just how many people do you really know who have joined a church or congregation for the sole purpose of doing committee work?” Another aspect of SGM that helps to build intimacy within the larger congregation is the discussion topics. This year we will focus on our Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles and Purposes. Each group will have the same questions and readings (provided as suggestions only) to help start conversations at their monthly meetings. In addition, our minister, Rick, will give a sermon on one of the seven principles and purposes to be discussed each month. In this way, we hope some of the conversations might continue outside the SGM groups, at coffee hour, potlucks, maybe even committee meetings . . .

Finally, there is a service component as part of the SGM program. Each group is required to do something for UUCS or the larger community. Projects vary greatly and are based on each group’s enthusiasm, interests, and time constraints. They could include anything from serving lunch at Sunday’s coffee hour, planting a tree on UUCS grounds, or sponsoring a dance to raise funds for Amnesty International. As mentioned earlier, the service component is secondary to getting to know one another. Starting in January or February, most groups take 10 or 15 minutes per meeting to discuss ideas and gel it into the finished project by the end of the church year.

Sign-up for the groups will begin in September with groups having their first meeting in October. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lise or Rick once he returns to the pulpit in September.

Reverential Ramblings

Rev. Rick Davis will be in and out during August. Reverential Ramblings will continue in September.

Written Offerings

--from Rev. Craig Moro

Some people are themselves the heroes of every story they tell, especially stories of conflict or struggle. They are always the ones who are right, who are just, who know all the answers and the only way to go. Some people tell stories of another person who is their hero, whom they cannot imagine to be capable of doing any wrong. Still others tell stories of struggle in which the “hero” is not a person but something else--some truth, or principle, or something even greater.

My dear friend Barbara was a juvenile parole officer before I knew her. Almost thirty years ago, she told me a story of how a particularly hostile and difficult young woman had threatened to really “give it” to her. Barb had heard this woman boasting to her other tough friends about fights she’d been in and the pain she had inflicted, how no one could mess with her and get away with it. “Look,” said Barb, “You always talk about fighting, so I guess you know exactly what you plan to do. Me, I don’t know anything about fighting, so I have no idea of what I’m going to do if you take a poke at me.”

Barbara was not expressing helpless ness. She was speaking a truth that is seldom voiced clearly. I don’t know what I’m going to do. The tough young lady was probably expecting some sort of counter threat to the ones she’d been voicing, but became unnerved when Barbara’s back did not go up like hers. She was expecting a promise of attack/counterattack, but Barb presented her with the unknown, the unpredictable. This was no doubt the very thing she feared most. Reflecting it back to her helped defuse the situation, and things settled down.

Barbara is now one of the best known ministers in our religious movement and she’s certainly a heroic figure to me, but I don’t think that’s why I’ve remembered her story for so long. If there is a “hero” in this story, it is something bigger than Barbara or the tough kid, or me. It’s the Unknown. “You may do just what you threaten, but I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Please don’t misunderstand. I don’t think that reflecting the unknown can be turned into a technique or a magical formula that will always work. It worked this time because there was an even greater truth behind it: Barbara wanted this young person to succeed. She wanted to see the young woman grow in strength, even power. She supported the person, but not her patterns of violence. And what a difference that made. What would you call this greater truth? Love, maybe?

Certain leaders of our world seem to be stuck in a loop of attack/counter attack. I wonder if they could learn anything from this story. I certainly hope it speaks to you.

In Fellowship, Craig

A Note from our Minister

A number of folks who’ve seen me toward the end of my vacation in July have asked me if I am well rested. My immediate response has been “no.” I do different things on my vacation, but extensive resting is not one of them. I work around the house some, catching up on projects that must lie neglected most of the year, and I play and hike and camp and kayak and swim with my family. I probably burn more calories on vacation than any time of the year. I came back from our latest camping trip feeling physically spent.

But upon deeper reflection, I think the answer is “yes, I am well rested.” On vacation I felt OK about letting go of almost anything connected to our beloved congregation. Not because I no longer care, but because I do care and realize that we all need some time to be away, to retreat, to let go. I have done that and it has been good for me and I trust it will help me function more effectively in my ministry in this coming year. July has been like having a bit of sorbet to cleanse my palate so I can taste and experience the new year with a fresh appreciation. I hope you have the opportunity to do the same.

August is designated as my “Study month.” I’m not in the pulpit, but I am dreaming, planning, studying, meeting and getting ready for a new congregational year I hope and believe will be a great one for us.

Rick

Finance Team

Several people have asked for details about how our church manages its finances.

We have three committees that work on finances: Committees that get money, committee(s) to manage money, and committees to budget and spend money.

The Canvaas Committee is the main fund raising committee. But many others raise funds: the recent Capital Campaign leadership, the Endowment Development Committee, the youth car wash, plant sales, auction, special offering for UU Service Committee, and various events and special occasions. Rick Davis served as canvaas chair last year but there is no canvaas chair or committee yet for next year.

The Investments Management Committee manages our small endowment and any funds or assets that need to be held for a while. George Struble is IMC Chair.

The Endowment Development Committee Chair, Jane Manning, plans soon to embark on a campaign for gifts to endowment, generally via wills and other "planned" gift approaches.

The Budget Committee prepares our next-year operating budget each winter/spring, for Board and congregation discussion and approval, and they monitor disbursements. Lynn Cardiff is Chair, and Board Treasurer Marian Robison is a member of the Budget Committee.

I have been Finance Team Leader and Board liaison to the Finance Team for a couple years. The Board approved appointment of George Struble to take up that task.

All this involves a LOT of work. If you would be willing to help, see any of the chairs noted here or contact David Boaz, Kristen Hunt or any member of the Board.

This year, resolve to

CENTER YOURSELF IN THE CENTER OF THE WEEK at SPIRITUAL PRACTICES NIGHT

beginning Wednesday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. This year on most Wednesdays, all members and friends who practice some spiritual discipline (meditation, yoga, tai chi, contemplative prayer, devotional studies) are invited to come to do your practice with others.

Our Monday evening meditation group is moving to Wednesday, and we plan to engage a yoga teacher to facilitate yoga practice. Others who wish to practice some other centering spiritual discipline are urged to join us and we will help you find a space and get started. FYI: We plan to offer introductory meditation classes several times during the year to help newcomers get started in their meditation practice.

Life Lines Lay Ministry

The LIFE LINES LAY MINISTRY team will be holding a training session on Saturday, September 17, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. We invite you to attend to find out about our satisfying work. If you have questions, please contact Ellen Howard.

The LIFE LINES LAY MINISTRY is a team of 15 plus congregational members and friends which, in partnership with the minister, helps with the special needs and illnesses that arise within our church community. Some of the current members are retiring and the Ministry is in need of new members.

Stand for Children

The next meeting of Stand for Children will take place on September 18 UUCS from noon to 1 p.m. If you have questions, please contact Lynn Cardiff.

UU MEN UNITE!

Make plans to attend the UUCS Men’s Retreat at Silver Creek Lodge. This is a time for male bonding, personal exploration, spiritual deepening, bocce ball, music, hiking, and more. It begins early Friday evening, (October 28) through Sunday morning (October 30). There is lodging for 24. Total Cost is approximately $100.00 with meals included. Scholarships are available.

Volunteer Opportunities

Painters Needed

Our pump house, garden shed, and trash enclosure all need our attention this summer: first cleaning grunge off the walls, then repainting. This is almost all ground-level painting; the garden shed is a little taller. If you can help for a half day or more, please phone George Struble.

Landscape Work Party

The Landscape Work Party needs workers to help to keep the UUCS grounds as beautiful as they have been the past years. They meet on the third Saturdays at 10 a.m. If you aren’t available on that day, call Iris Sea or Sharon Dearman to see if your help can be used another day.

Spring Plant Sale

Think it's too early to think about next spring's plant sale? Think again! Good strong starts need time to develop roots. Will those members with a little space in their hot house, allow us a shelf even if you don't personally plan to donate plant starts? Contact Sharon Dearman or Barbara Fisk.

Board Meeting Highlights

Present at the August 3^rd meeting were members David Boaz, Chuck Howard, Jon Diehl, Alma Marianos, Kristen Hunt, Lori Jenkins, Lois Nodland, and Marian Robison, and the Rev. Rick Davis, ADRE Lise Adams Sherry, and guest Loraine Stuart.

The Treasurer’s end of June report showed that 101.1% of the budgeted expenses had been spent, and 93% of budgeted income received.

During the meeting, Board members:

· Approved the Treasurer’s report and minutes of the June meeting with a change from one abstention to two on the vote on the budget agenda item;

· Accepted Loraine Stuart’s partial resignation and thanked her for her years of service, and approved retaining Sarah Seitz to play the piano once in September and once in October;

· Approved appointment of Ray and Nancy Files and Paul and Betty Price to the Fellowship Committee;

· Referred recommendation for appointment to the Nominating Committee;

After discussion, requested Lori to revise the conflict resolution structure/strategy policy statement and bring before the Board;

· Approved retention of alcohol policy for renters and will ask the congregation for input on the alcohol policy for UUCS events;

· Referred joys and concerns issues to the Sunday Services Team;

· Heard update on legal suit threatened by a former member; there is insurance coverage, and the matter has been turned over to the insurance company;

· Approved an ad hoc committee with members Loraine Stuart, Virginia Corrie-Cozart, Rick Davis, Isaac Szymanczyk and David Boaz to consider options for Sunday services music;

· Read a card of support, devoured a plate of brownies and expressed thanks to Claire Diehl through Jon;

· Approved a suggestion that UUCS be a sponsor of Turn in Gun Day, and accepted George Struble’s offer to cover the $100 sponsorship fee;

· Approved a September 18 meeting of the UUCS congregation to discuss affirmation of Rick’s proposed change to the UUA Principles and Purposes.

Rick reported that Diana Bodtker agreed to serve on the Committee on the Ministry.

ADRE Lise presented a written report

The next board meeting is September 8.

(Summary by Board Secretary, Lois Nodland

News of the UUCS Community

Jo Bateman is visiting her New England family and will return home on August 23, two days before she moves into her new apartment.

UUCS member Harold Hutchinson held a gala celebration on July 24 at the church, a memorial tribute to his wife of 55 years, Lois Sisson Hutchinson, who died in 2004.

Joan Bent has moved several times since leaving her Salem home, and currently lives in a home provided by Helen Parker.

Angela and Carlos Herrera write of their relocation to Cambridge, Mass. where Angela will attend Harvard Divinity School in preparation for the Unitarian-Universalist ministry. She writes that the family is doing well, despite the muggy heat. Carlos has begun his new job as a network administrator at Harvard. They welcome messages from their UUCS friends.

Congratulations to former UUCS members Nancy Kaib and Will Staver at their recent marriage!

Congratulations to UUCS artist Ann Kresge, whose latest show, Crossing Borders, opened on August 2 at Print Arts Northwest in Portland, featuring prints, artists’ books, and digital video. The show will run through the month!

Congratulations to Petra Berger! For the past twelve months, Petra has tried it all: textbook editing and conference marketing, political campaign support, fundraising, speech writing, volunteer recruitment, rallies on the Capitol steps, volunteering in a pre-kindergarten classroom with high-risk children, and even a radical landscaping project in her own backyard! But she has now come back to what she knows and loves best: organizational consulting in healthcare quality and patient advocacy. A Michigan-based malpractice insurance company is her new employer, but she will work from her office in Salem while traveling 50% of the time, flying to provide consulting services to hospitals and physicians located in the Midwest and other areas.

The impact of this change on Petra’s local volunteering is considerable. For example, the UUCS chapter of ‘Stand for Children’ will need to recruit another co-team leader to work with Lynn Cardiff. However, as much as possible, she will stay involved in local volunteer projects. In the meantime, Petra’s husband, Mike Berger, and their two cats, Leo and Nova, have promised to keep the home fires burning!

A letter from Roger Rochester:

I'm writing this from my new desk in the St Petersburg [FL] office, my first day on the job here. They don't have me transferred on some of the computer systems, so all I can do is set up my desk, etc. I have internet access, so I'm checking my personal messages.

Millie's been "officially" at work for the past week, and yesterday was her first Sunday in church. They introduced her again and gave her a basket of goodies--this church is really outstanding in their welcoming. Each service they call out the name of visitors who have checked in at the door and someone comes after the service to invite those people to the social hour. There were over two dozen bright and energetic children at the service yesterday for the surprise presentation to Millie.

Florida is HOT! It has been in the 90's with rain almost every afternoon. It's like living in the laundry room of a big hotel with all the dryers open. With all the humidity, I sometimes feel like I can't get my breath. If I spent any significant time outdoors, I'm sure I'd be poached. So air conditioning is a necessity, and we use it a lot.

We're not totally settled in yet--I don't have my computer set up, and we haven't decided where all the pictures will hang, but I think we'll be content in our little space. Just like in Chicago, we're close to the water--but it's Tampa Bay instead of Lake Michigan. We are again in a condominium community--but the units are spread out on a single level instead of stacked up. Although we're just a couple blocks from the water, we have no view because of the mangrove trees on this side of the beautiful public park that runs along the bay front. We're second from the far end of a one-block, dead-end street.

So the change from Chicago is dramatic--there are fewer people, but we've seen more of our neighbors already than we did in two years in the city. It gets truly dark at night, because there aren't city lights. I still don't get to see stars, because of the clouds, but that could change with the seasons

Well, they tell me I have to log off, shut down, restart, and log on again to see if my system is up to speed. So I'll call this good for now and write more later.

Roger Rochester

Please feel free to share your joys or your concerns with the rest of us! That’s what makes us truly a caring community! Joan Erickson

. Joan Erickson

UU and UUCS Electronic News

For access to UU announcements subscribe to our e-mailing list. Send a blank e-mail to uucslist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

The UUCS website is www.uusalem.org and is managed by Loni Barrett, whose address is webmaster@uusalem.org

SUNDAY SERVICE AND CHURCH SCHOOL

10:30 a.m. (Child care available)

August 14 “The Feminine Face of God” Lynda Clark

Lynda is a student at the Northwest House of Theological Studies and plans to attend the Pacific School of Religion beginning in January 2006. She plans to complete her Master of Divinity Degree and become an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.

August 21 “Backtracting Responding to Religion Advocacy” Rev. Craig Moro

When people come to your door distributing religious tracts, have you ever wished that you had a tract of your own to hand back to them? What would it say? I wrote one a long time ago, and got it out recently to see what was in it. I’ll share some of the more (and less) worthwhile parts with you this morning.

August 28 “The Importance of Creativity in Our Lives” Lise Adams Sherry

As I look at my life goals from time to time, I find that I am writing “be creative” more and more often. This has led me to wonder how our lives are fed and nurtured by creativity. How does it stimulate our brains and inspire our spirits? What if we weren’t allowed to be creative? Is that even possible?

September 4 “Meaningful Labor” Phil Smith

The celebration of Labor Day recognizes both the historic and the contemporary. Recreation and fun, equity and justice all vie for center stage on the last summer holiday, one which is based upon labor, the work of our lives, and the communities we share.

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UUCS Calendar of Other Events

Wednesday, August 10 Lunch Bunch, Cottage House Restaurant. Call Fred Ratzeburg.

Friday, August 12 YRUU BBQ.

Wednesday, August 17 Chat’n’Craft, 7 p.m. (also Thursday, September 1.)

Saturday, August 20 Landscape Work Party, 10 a.m.- noon. Weeders always needed!

Tuesday, August 30 Voluntary Simplicity Grads, 7 p.m.

Sunday, September 4 Newsletter deadline 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, September 17 Life Lines Lay Ministry Training, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Sunday, September 18 Stand for Children, noon to 1 p.m.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, Oregon