January 2003 Newsletter

Sunday Sermons in January

All services begin at 10:15 a.m. There is religious education for children and child care for babies and toddlers.

Registered Licensed Dietitian Laura Sechrest will update us with the latest nutritional information and explain what foods truly aid us in obtaining and maintaining good health. Laura is a member of UUFD and director of food and nutrition services at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur.

The roots of this religious community run deep, out of sight, deep into time and history. Michael Servetus, his books strapped to his thigh, was burned at the stake in Geneva by John Calvin for his beliefs. Sebastian Castellio, watching the funeral pyre in Geneva, cried out for all the world to hear: "To burn a man is not to defend a doctrine; it is [simply] to burn a man. . . . Why cannot I live and say my honest word, and have your love. . . . Love is the badge of any true (religion.)" (This sermon is an adaptation of one by David Bumbaugh, professor at Meadville/Lombard Theological School, Chicago.)

Each year, I speak on the philosophy and life of Martin Luther King Jr. In the church of “Daddy King”, young Martin learned very important truths. One of them was that people who participate in a beloved religious community can make a difference in the world. This Sunday, we will explore an event in WW II in France that powerfully influenced young King.

One of our most popular guest speakers, Dr. Cordulack returns to explain what's what with current American art. Dr. Cordulack is associate professor of art history at Millikin University, where she was honored as Distinguished Faculty Lecturer in 2000.

Other Important Dates

Wednesdays at 1 p.m. -- The Men’s Lunch Group, “We’re Only UU Men”, new Red Lobster. All men are welcome!

Jan. 8 at 6 pm -- Women’s Book Group. Location to be announced. Bring a dish for the potluck. Will the Circle Be Unbroken? Reflections on Death, Rebirth, and Hunger for Faith by Studs Terkel will be discussed.

Jan. 12 at 12 noon -- UUFD Board meeting. All UUFD members are welcome to attend!

Jan. 16 at 1 pm -- UU Women's Lunch Group, Bob Evans. RSVP with Joan Brown (877-0880 or joangracias@aol.com) so they know how large a table to get

Jan. 30 at 1 pm -- UU Women's Lunch Group, Greenhouse Restaurant at the Holiday Inn. RSVP with Joan Brown

Explore our roots

To become a voting member of most Unitarian Universalist societies, including ours, all that is required is your signature on a membership book. But do you know the history and background of the UU movement?

“The Roots of Our UU Heritage” -- a two-part Adult Religious Exploration classes led by the Rev. John Biedler. will help you find out.

The class will be held at the Fellowship from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 and 19. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday Group schedule change

Because of the holidays, the schedule for Joan Brown’s Wednesday Covenant Group will be altered for January. The group will meet 2-4 pm Thursday, Jan. 9, and Wednesday, Jan. 22, at UUFD. Visitors are welcome!

Thursday, Jan. 9 -- The group will reflect on what the past year has held for us, both positive and negative, and what we hope for the coming year. We'll do a mini-burning bowl , similar to what John did at our Allerton campfire, symbolically releasing what needs to be released, and setting our sights on what it will be replaced with.

Wednesday, Jan. 22 -- The topic will be Process Theology. John gave us a sermon several weeks ago on this topic, and we wanted to take a further look at it. If you would like to attend and would like to read a copy of his sermon as a starting point, contact Joan.

In John's Words

If someone were to ask you to name some of the benefits of being a member of a Unitarian Universalist congregation, what would you say to them?

Might you explain that we are a religious community dedicated to the principles of a free faith? Might you say to them that we gather together to intentionally create a caring community of seekers after truth? Might you say our purpose is to provide a haven for the exploration of personal religious beliefs and to celebrate life's joys, as well as to share life's sorrows? That we gather to educate children and adults in many of the worlds' religions, as well as in our Unitarian Universalist heritage and values? That we encourage each other's moral, ethical and spiritual growth? I would hope some of these ideas might come to mind if asked to name some of these benefits.

You might even pull out of your purse or pocket one of my "50th Anniversary business cards" that have the Fellowship's (and my) phone number on the front, with the Seven UU Principles listed on the inside. John Hays graciously donated these cards, and they’re available to everyone on the information desk in the foyer of the hall.

Wouldn't you agree, this could be a great conversation starter for anyone wondering who we are and what it means to be a member of a UU congregation such as ours?

You could also say that being a member of this congregation means you are a stakeholder in this religious community and in its future; that your vote helps decide both the direction of the church and of the Unitarian Universalist movement worldwide; that you volunteer an appropriate amount of time and energy in support of the Fellowship, helping to provide a meaningful level of financial support for its work.

You could even add that it is the individual responsibility of each of us to determine how we can best fulfill these commitments. That it is the common responsibility of us all to support and honor each other's efforts as members because our church community exists to help us live out our individually defined faith.

At least that's what I would say.

And if you'd like some help in articulating these benefits, please come to the Roots of our UU Heritage classes I will be conducting at the Fellowship Hall from 2:00 to 3:30 pm Jan. 12 and 19. All are welcome and encouraged to attend, whether newcomers or longtime members.

Faithfully yours,
John Biedler

Bits 'n Pieces

Help us celebrate these special peoples' special days: Laura Vaught - Jan. 6; Mark Sorensen - Jan. 20; Amy Stockwell - Jan. 22 (she says it’s a "big one;" she must be 21); Sara Fornoff - Jan 27.

Mark Sorensen retired from his job as a state archivist on Dec. 31 -- partly influenced by state budget cuts. Mark may choose at a later date to work in the same position part-time. Of course, with all his other interests, we know Mark will keep busy!

We extend our condolences to the family of Mary Snoeyenbos on the loss of her husband, Gordon. About 150 people gathered at the Fellowship on Dec. 7 for a memorial program.

We were all depressed to hear that David Kirchner (our webmaster) was one of the professors hit by budget cuts at Millikin University. David, his wife, Caroline Fahrney, and son, Adrian, will most likely be leaving Decatur after the Spring semester.

We hope Joan Brown won’t have any more complications as she recuperates from her second heart attack.

UUFD member Bill Faber is in the running for a seat on the Decatur City Council. Bill says he intends to set up a Spiritual Council of three to five ministers with whom he will consult regarding city issues. He says the root of urban problems is moral, not political or economic. For more information, contact Bill at 425-9002 or wmfaber@fgi.net.

Your chance to shine

There are almost 800 people in the Central Midwest District who share the light as members of the district’s Chalice Lighters Program. As Chalice Lighters they feel a individual connection to something greater than themselves, and they join an extended family devoted to its religion, UU values and beliefs. They are motivated to bring Unitarian Universalism to as many people as possible, and to help District congregations grow in size and services.

How do they share the light? They each donate a minimum of $10 three times a year (fall, winter, spring) to support three congregations with a mission and plan to grow. These congregations are actively seeking to increase membership by:

• Enlarging their building space or buying land;
  
• Increasing professional staff;
  
• Implementing publicity programs; or
  
• Starting new congregations.

The district’s growth and support committee chooses the recipients through a grant application process. A congregation’s financial commitment to growth, supported by a feasible plan, is the main factor for selection, and any church is the district may apply.

The small donation of each Chalice Lighter, joined with hundreds of other donations, raises thousands of dollars each year -- connecting you to something greater than yourself.

If you would like to become a Chalice Lighter in time to “join the winter call”, please talk to our Chalice Lighter Ambassador, John Hays, 423-8471.

John has always felt that if our congregation is active in supporting Chalice Lighters, we will have a better chance of getting a grant when the time comes.

Treasurer's Report

As we move into the New Year and into the second half of the fiscal year, I would like to remind everyone to keep up on your pledge donations.

We have had a number of large building and grounds expenses this year, such as: resealing the parking lot, fixing the furnace, new glass in the front door, and repairing the windows from the break-in. Our worker's compensation insurance also increased this year. And, as always, we need to keep up on our quarterly UUA dues.

The reserves that were built up from the end of last year have been mostly depleted at this point. Some of the major expenses have been paid with money from the Trust, but monthly expenses can fluctuate dramatically. If you need any information regarding your pledge, feel free to e-mail or call me (425-5932).

Thank you!
Julie Pajer

Sinkford invokes "genuine community"

Our Unitarian Universalist Association president, William Sinkford, recently related a holiday message, “When Hope is Hard to Find.” "Fear and uncertainty have been our constant companions this past year", he said, relating the fallout from 9/11, economic downturns, snipers in the Washington, D.C., area, and threats to our civil liberties.

However, UU congregations "have been islands of love and community" amid this uncertainty. Focusing in on the myriad challenges, Rev. Sinkford wrote, "The question for us -- our challenge -- is to sustain and support our congregations as places that offer genuine community, congregations that offer both spiritual challenge and spiritual comfort, congregations that prove that the Spirit of Life can find a welcoming home. A welcoming home, even in a time when hope is hard to find," he wrote.

Remember, we will welcome Rev. Sinkford on Saturday, May 3, as he makes the trip out from his Boston office. We look forward to a good amount of publicity from his appearance and visitors from several surrounding communities.

Special meeting

We’ll be looking for all kinds of help to make the “Sinkford Weekend” the best it can be. We’ll lay out some of our ideas at an organizational meeting at noon on Sunday, Jan. 26. Refreshments will be provided.

One Golden General Assembly

You know the emotional lift you get when you’re with your friends at UUFD. You can be yourself and speak your mind. It’s a pleasure to be around nice, like-minded, yet intellectually challenging people.

Now, multiply our small group more than 100 times! A sea of Unitarian Universalist faces, a situation made even more interesting, given the fact they’re from all parts of the U.S., Canada and even foreign countries.

This stimulating situation would describe any General Assembly of our international Unitarian Universalist Association. But this year, the GA will be in the “mecca” for UUs -- Boston!

If that weren’t enough, the organizers are lining up a memorable array of speakers and performers. How about Julian Bond, leader of the NAACP, for starters? Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, is but another of the great speakers. Then there is Olympia’s Daughters, an a capella singing group whose melodies and spirit will create an indelible memory.

June Allison and Chelso Frescura already are planning go to Boston, so it’s not an impossible dream. But accommodations are booking up, so it would be best to act soon!

See the UUA's General Assembly website for complete information.

Board Highlights

Here are highlights from Dec. 8:

• The ministerial relations committee will investigate reinstituting a discretionary fund the minister can use to help those in need.
  
• Windows in the religious education and child care rooms that were damaged in break-ins will be repaired.
  
• Wreath sales raised almost $400. Thank you to Marge Evans and everyone else who helped.
  
• April DeConick, Kathy Kline and Rosemary Idleman will serve on a membership committee.

Message from the President

Thanks to all for your help with programs and the Memorial Service in December. I would also like to thank the Snoeyenbos family for their donation of a new microphone and amplifier to the Fellowship.

Speaking of giving, we are missing a number of both red metal and cloth chairs and several hymnals. Please bring these back to UUFD, leave them at the door or call me to pick them up.

Thanks,
Mark Sorensen

Civil liberties

Acting on interest in the new UUA General Assembly Civil Liberties Study action issue and growing interest in civil liberties related to current definitions of patriotism and the apparent march of the U.S. government toward war, a group of UUs have started a new e-mail listserv, hosted by the UUA. For questions about the list, contact Neal McBurnett at neal@ben.boulder.co.us.

Blessed New Year

The new year is before us, like morning-fresh untrodden snow, unmarked by human tracks.

As we walk the days ahead, may our paths be straight and clear, widening into highways fair.

Where we pause and have dealings with others, may homes of fellowship arise.

May streets and market places echo with gladness; may we build a city of tomorrow, peopled with understanding and rich with peace.

The new year is like a new day unlived; a tomorrow yet to dawn; without life empty.

We shall fill the coming year with our daily living; it is ours to make or mar.

May our dreams and hopes be worthy of the best within us, and our lives be worthy of our dreams.

Sydney H. Knight

New group will explore Buddhism

The initial meeting of the UUFD Buddhist Group will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23.

Anyone interested in Buddhist meditation is invited to attend. We will be making plans for future meetings.

The following information is from the web site of the Unitarian-Universalist Buddhist Fellowship:

. . . Buddhism has been as extremely influential force among. . . Unitarian Universalists. Early Unitarians, such as Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Ralph Waldo Emerson responded with great enthusiasm to Buddhism's emphasis on individual experience, rather than appeal to scriptures or belief in miraculous events, as the basis for authority in spiritual matters.

In recent years, Unitarian Universalists have increasingly been drawn to explore Buddhist religious practices, especially seated meditation, in order to ground the "free and responsible search for truth and meaning" that is one of the guiding principles of the UU tradition. Meditation invites a direct and immediate experience of reality and provides a balance to purely intellectual inquiry.

Spirituality group sets open house

The UUFD Spirituality Covenant Group will be holding an open house at 7 pm Thursday, January 16, at the Fellowship.

This group meets every other Thursday to share in the experience of meditation and to discuss topics of spiritual interest.

All visitors (members, nonmembers, and friends of the Fellowship) are welcome to join us during this open house to learn about the nature and activities of this covenant group, to experience a meditational practice, and, if interested, to assist in forming a new group. If you have any questions in advance, feel free to contact Mel Weinstein by email or at 763-0509.

Sign up for snacks

Members and friends take turns bringing snacks for the “coffee break” between the service and discussion each Sunday. Typical snacks include a couple of dozen cookies or a dozen bagels cut up. If you are a single person, you can partner up with another single to make the work easier. Contact Jeanne Robertson by email or at 877-6729.

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