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March 2014
Time to Strap on Your Tool Belts!
Emerson UU's 50th Rebuilding Together Houston project is almost here!
On the Saturdays of March 29th and April 5th (9 a.m.-3
p.m.) we will be renovating a house that needs a little TLC
and helping an elderly or disabled Houstonian living below
the poverty line.
Rebuilding Together Fall 2013
There are many ways to help and you don't have to be a
master carpenter to make a big difference! You can come
either Saturday and for all or part of each day. We have a
lot of folks who come out both Saturdays just so they can
see the finished house! Lunch, water and soft drinks will be
provided. If you would like to volunteer, please let me
know which day you would like to help out. Friends,
family, co-workers—they are all invited to help. I
know that we have some folks who actually bring
their own crews! Just need to know who is on your
crew so I can plan for lunches.
Since this will be Emerson's 50th house, we are going to make this one a little extra special!
There will be a house blessing at noon the first weekend, an art project for the children after lunch the
first weekend, and special music provided by Mim Freiter and Beth Hill during lunch on the second weekend. Gavin is even hoping we can convince the homeowner to let us paint their front door gold, but we
may have to settle for gold house numbers. :)
If you do have building or home improvement skills, please let us know your specialty so our mighty
crew chief, Gavin Mason, knows in advance. We are also looking for someone who has had first aid
training within the last one-two years who can be on-hand for either Saturday. If you can act in this
capacity, please let Jane Zachritz know.
Also, if you would like to learn a new skill, there will be demonstrations throughout the day
each Saturday. Each house is a different animal so the opportunities are endless!
We will receive our house assignment approximately two weeks before the project starts and I will
provide everyone with the address and a map upon receipt. To learn more about Rebuilding Together
Houston, please visit: www.rebuildingtogetherhouston.org.
We look forward to seeing you!
Jane Zachritz ([email protected])
on behalf of the Emerson UU Rebuild Committee (Tony
Collins, James Dean, Gavin Mason, Leo Vandermeulen and
Jane Zachritz)
Note: if you would like to help with set construction for the
Emerson Players, dates are March 22 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.), April 5 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and April 12 (11
a.m.-7 p.m.)
Our beloved community of faith, reason, and affection welcomes all to grow
in mind and spirit as we build a better world.
Emerson News and Notes
Got opinions? Ideas? Vision? Share them!
This spring, Emerson will be working with Mike Durall, a respected congregational life consultant to create
a growth plan—our vision for Emerson’s future. During the next few months, he will help us evaluate
many aspects of our congregational life, such as leadership development, membership, communications,
stewardship, finance and outreach.
Mike was selected by a task force that included Richard Loftin, Rachel Shada, Ken McLeod and Kris Taylor,
based on his outstanding work with congregations representing a wide variety of religious affiliations.
His first visit to Emerson, March 7-9, will include a session with the Board of Trustees on March 7, an
interactive session for all members and friends on March 8, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Westwood Hall. This is
an excellent opportunity for you to share your thoughts—whatever they are—and help us to chart
Emerson’s future. Child care will be provided; please call the church office by Thursday, March 6 to let us
know you plan to bring your children. Mike will also be our pulpit guest On Sunday, March 9, and will host
a 30-minute summary session following the service. Extended child care will also be available on Sunday.
To prepare for his visit this month, Mike reviewed church documents from financials to annual reports and
interviewed a cross-section of the congregation to get a real sense of what’s important to our members.
Later this spring, Mike will return to share his findings from the March sessions to help us create a plan to
revitalize Emerson as not only a beloved community, but also a dynamic UU congregation.
The task force will be updating the congregation via the e-blast and newsletter throughout the spring, but
if you have questions, please drop us an email at [email protected].
Emerson Grounds Volunteers Needed
Emerson UU is blessed with abundant and wonderful green space. It
needs Lots Of Love. YOU can help by taking ownership of one area to
care for and cherish. You can schedule work times to suit your own
schedule and/or join a spring or fall work party. Check the website for
a list of suggested projects at
http://www.emersonhouston.org/volunteer.html.
If you would like to work on a grounds project, please contact Ann
May or Carole Huelbig ([email protected]). We will make
sure your work coordinates with a master plan and help you connect
to other volunteers.
The next all-church Grounds Work Party will be March 15th,
9 a.m. to noon.
Remember the 7th UU principle: Respect for the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.
Thanks to Francine Heller for her generous plants donation!
Wheel of Life



Andrew Hager’s father, William Martin Hager died at his home in Dunedin, Florida on
January 29
Congratulations to Linda McCullough upon her retirement from Houston Hospice after
many long years. We know that your work has blessed countless families. May our
retirement bring you joy.
Mary Anne Stanley and Ken Salzman were in a car accident, however they are both fine.
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SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE
11 a.m. Sunday Worship Service
9 a.m. EIO Rehearsal • 9:45 a.m. Professional Childcare Begins
10 a.m. Adult Ed and Kids’ Activities • 11 a.m. Worship • 11:15 a.m. Kids’ Programming
March 2
Cinderella’s To-do List
“You can go to the ball, IF you manage to come up with something to wear…” Life sure would be easier with a
fairy godmother! Join Katy Carpman, Director of Religious Education, as we consider both the distractions and
supporters on our lives’ journeys.
March 9
A Sermon With No Title
Pulpit Guest : Michael Durall, parish consultant and guest speaker
Sometimes UU churches should be a bit mischievous, and ask people to come on Sunday morning without
knowing what the sermon title and topic are. UU's are open to surprises, aren't they?
March 16
The Power of Women in Religion
Creation is a central concern of religion and amazingly, religion had for millennia disregarded the experience of
women’s power of creation. This traditional one sided view of “how things come to pass” set human beings at
odds with creation itself!
March 23
Invisible Substance, Giver of Life
We mostly don’t think about it; yet without it we wouldn’t be alive. The ancients considered it one of the four
primal elements of which all matter is composed. Religious traditions equated it to the spirit of the divine. On
this Sunday close to the Vernal Equinox, we will consider the ecological and spiritual dimensions of the “breath
of breath.”
March 30
Youth Sunday
Our high school group YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) group will lead us in a
worship service of fairy tales, uplifting music, and the wise words of our graduating seniors.
10 a.m. ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (ARE)
SACRED TEXTS IN ROOM 205:
Find Adult ARE classes on Meetup!
Meetup.com/emersonseekers
Women in Religion
All sessions will be focused on discussing chapters and topics in April DeConick's book, “Holy Misogyny: Why
the Sex and Gender Conflicts in the Early Church Still Matter.” Facilitated by Rice Professor April DeConick.
March 2
March 9:
March 16
Where did the Mother God Go?
Early Christianity, Sex and Women
Mary Magddalene as a Case Study
March 23 and March 30
Earth-Based Spirituality
Is earth-based spirituality the origin of all religions? Who is practicing earth-based religion today? What
practices can inform our relationship with nature today? Who are recent mentors in religious naturalism?
What is our place in nature or the cosmos? Is God IN nature or is Nature God? What does Walden Pond
mean for us? We’ll explore these questions and others beginning with neo-Paganism, the works of
Transcendentalists such as Emerson and Thoreau, and concluding with the view of the universe from
eco-theologian Michael Dowd. Facilitated by Ann May and Maenad Widdershins
Other ARE Offerings
Keys to Unitarian Universalism: “Social Justice”—led by the Revs. Becky and Mark in the Library March 2.
Un-Conversation Discussions: A weekly discussion of current topics decided by those present in Room 209.
Third Sunday Poetry Group: A casual gathering of those who love poetry. Bring something you have written or
a poem you wish you had written. March 16, Room 204
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From Katy Carpman, Director of Religious Education
What is the proper role of women in churches and society? There’s an issue that’s been around since… well,
forever.
But where are we in 2014? As we begin our Women in Religion theme, our youngest generation had a chance
to share their ideas around gender roles, expectations, and stereotypes in their Sunday School classes. I was
lucky enough to overhear some great conversation in our classes, as well as getting reports from our
teachers.
Good news first:

Gender-segregated toys? We are so over that. Both of our young classes insist that everyone should
be able to play with whatever toy they like.


We all agree that it’s not ok to exclude people from activities or jobs based on gender.
We want to see all people as individuals, more than just their gender.
From conversations and stories told, we see that there’s still room to grow:

There’s still an assumption that only boys have muscles. No one appreciated that one—boys get tired
of always being asked to move furniture, and girls find it ridiculous to be dismissed as weak.

“Feminism” is still a loaded term. Equality seems easier to take.
The middle school class spent some time talking about how sometimes the words used can distract us—it is
hard to agree with someone’s ideas when their message is delivered disrespectfully and the “Anything you
can do I can do better” argument is especially off-putting. Finding common ground is not always easy, and it
is just one of the wonderful things that can happen when we come together.
March promises to be a great month at Emerson—I’m honored to be in the pulpit on March 2nd, and Sunday
School classes will have fun “Spring Break” activities on the 9th and 16th. All ages can take part in our social
action and celebratory activities, and we’ll finish the month with an amazing youth-produced worship service
on the 30th!
If you haven’t seen it yet, we’re lifting up a woman from our Unitarian Universalist heritage every day—look
for the links on our Facebook page, on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/emersonlearns/women-from-ourunitarian-universalist-heritage/, or the bulletin board outside the Religious Education office (Room 102).
Recurring Activities—You’re Invited!
Stitchers: Every Wednesday, 11 a.m. in Delaney Hall.
Choir Rehearsal: Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. in the Sanctuary. All experience levels welcome, no
auditions! Contact: Music Director, Bonnie Rosensteel, [email protected]
UniTunes Coffeehouse: Saturday, March 1, 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary featuring Brooks Williams.
Tickets available at the door or at unitunes.org.
Houston Tuesday Musical Club: Tuesdays, March 4 and 18, 10:30 a.m.in the Sanctuary. For details
visit http://www.houstontuesdaymusicalclub.org/.
Men’s Book Group: Wednesday, March 12, 6:30 p.m. at Luby's, which is located at 2730 Fondren
Road. The book of the month is “Winter’s Bone” by Daniel Woodrell. Contact: Dave Bergt,
[email protected]. April’s book will be “E=mc2” by David Bodanis.
Women’s Evening Book Group: Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. in the Library. The book of the
month is “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger. Contact: Jill Rose,
[email protected]
Sandwiches for SEARCH: Thursday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. in Westwood Hall. Contact: Barbara
Hopkins, [email protected]
Daytime Book Group: Thursday, February 20, 10 a.m. in the Library. This month’s selection is
“Katherine” by Anya . Contact: Holly Gilliland.
Folding Fingers: Friday, March 21, 10:30 a.m. in the Library. Help us get the newsletter ready for
mailing! Your help is truly needed! Contact: Emily Brown, [email protected]
Emerson Intergeneration Orchestra: Sundays, 9-10 a.m. in Westwood Hall. All musicians and ages
welcome. Contact: Bill Tackett, [email protected]
Saturday Film Series: Saturday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. in Room 205. “The Next American Revolution:
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Beyond Corporate Capitalism and State Socialism.”
Revels
January’s weather in Houston was just too much. Air
which belonged in Canada did not stay in Canada and
a new phrase has been added to our weather
vocabulary, “polar vortex.” The phrase is apt—think
of something like a freezing tornado that will-just-not
-go-away. Meteorologists now surmise that the west
to east jet stream has weakened so much that it no
longer blocks or retards the southern movement of
artic air into our region. Sadly, our neighbors to the
east, such as Georgia, fared far worse than us. Ice
storms are beautiful to see when they cover trees
with a glistening crystal. But that same ice will
cause many limbs to fall and the power to go out.
And that same ice on a roadway is a
killer. Of course, monster snowstorms
have blanketed the east coast and
also have been a source of great
disruption.
Weather like this presents us with
some choices. A kind of everyday
Universalism can be reinforced when
we remember that the ice and snow
falls on the just and the unjust alike.
Such storms, like all severe weather,
can lead us to put aside distinctions which at other
times might loom large. Having a first class seat
cannot make a plane fly when the airport is shut
down. As for driving? Unless your vehicle of choice
not only has the normal selections such as “drive,”
“reverse,” and “neutral,” but also has a setting for
“skate;” the make, model and year of your car make
no difference in your ability to move on down an icy
road. Iced interstates are particularly dangerous,
sometimes comical, but always great equalizers.
Interstates are built for speed—which cannot be
done on ice. Creeping ahead on a straight section
works fairly well but when you encounter a banked
curve section you will slide sideways—and there is
nothing you can do to stop it. The only real skill that
works in this circumstance is—not being there in the
first place. Tire chains, an automotive accessory
virtually unknown in these parts, can make it
possible to navigate, if done carefully, on ice. But
the pride of vehicular movement is easily matched by
the humiliating frustration that is an inevitable part
of getting chains on the tires in the first place, not to
mention the dread of an equally frustrating episode
of tire chain removal after the ice has melted. You
might think a four wheel drive vehicle might do the
trick. And dealers of such vehicles are quick to point
out the advantages while not mentioning that more
often than not—having extra traction on ice only
means you will get stuck deeper and farther out in
the snow bank.
So whether grumpy, resigned, or looking for any
gladness we can find—we could all be grumpy,
resigned, and looking together—or not. Of course,
some people seem to take bad
weather personally and their talents
for cooperation match the weather’s
turn for the worse. Feeling dumped
on by the cosmos, some will feel
little reluctance about returning the
disfavor to anyone nearby—even
better to someone who cannot
retaliate in kind. That’s a sad but
thankfully not inevitable outcome.
Much depends upon the company
we keep just as our parents warned
us when you were teenagers. Do we surround
ourselves with others who take adversity in stride
and put their best foot forward because they know
everyone’s in the same boat? Or do we surround
ourselves with others who are eager to find someone
or something to blame?
And thus—which kind of company do we choose to
be that others might keep? No one can escape the
fact that we really are all in this together so we all
are going to be company of one kind or another.
The vortex might be gone but it’s drought now and
hurricanes on the horizon. What the heck, might as
well hold the hand of someone navigating some
treacherous condition and afterwards break out the
beverages. And before we know it—the heart we
mend is our own.
In faith, reason and affection,
Becky and Mark
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Whodunnit?
Was it Colonel Mustard with a gun in the library? Or Miss Scarlett with the
rope in the hall? Or could it have been...YOU! Join in the fun at this year’s
Emerson Auction, Saturday, March 29 at 5:30 p.m. It will be a murder
mystery classic with thrills and chills in store for everyone.
Thanks to our Early Bird Sponsors:
Sarah and Charles Boyd, Linda and Mike Condit, Becky and Mark
Edmiston-Lange, Holly Gilliland and Mark Andersen, Carole and Larry
Huelbig, Dianna and Tom Jorgensen, Alisha and Richard Loftin, Ann and
David May, Jill Rose, Janet Meininger and Robin Sickles, Kris Taylor, Barb
Waugh and Jay Jackson.
You can also be a sponsor and help us underwrite auction expenses. All
sponsors will be included in the auction publicity within the congregation
and outside through our social media connections.
 Orient Express: $500 and up; includes 8 tickets, preferred
parking and an official Detective Fingerprinting Kit
• Maltese Falcon: $400-499; includes 6 tickets, preferred parking and
an official Detective Fingerprinting Kit
• Big Sleep: $300-399; includes 4 tickets and preferred parking
• Study in Scarlet: $200-299; includes 3 tickets
• Nine Tailors: $100-199; includes 2 tickets
Join in the fun early and often!! We’re getting a terrific response but still
need more donors for all types of silent and live auction items—
handmade goods, sports memorabilia, baskets, gift certificates, personal
services, behind-the-scenes tours, lessons, movie swag, vacation
properties. A team of experts is ferreting out the very best in creative
talent in the congregation and they’re on the lookout for you! Contact
Sherle Frost Watson at [email protected] for more information.
We’re also in need of volunteers to contact local businesses and get more
donations and sponsorships. You don’t have to go it alone. Information
packets, scripts and training are available. We’ll even match you with a
buddy in your zip code. Contact Alisha Loftin at
[email protected] for more information.
And don’t forget your weapon donation. Even if you’re not a criminal
mastermind, you probably have a few potential weapons—candlesticks,
exotic “poison” bottles, pieces of pipe, knives (preferably dull)—in your
closets at home. Use your imagination, but no working weapons PLEASE!
If you’d be willing to loan props to the decorating committee, mark them
with your name and drop them off at the bookstore any Sunday between
now and March 23.
And of course, you’ll want to be there for the mayhem! Advance
tickets—only $10 per person—are on sale in the Gathering Place this
month. Free child care will be provided.
Sponsor and donation forms are available at church and online at
http://www.emersonhouston.org/2014-murder-mystery-auction.html.
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Let There be Light!
Tired of sitting in the
twilight on a sunny Sunday
morning? This year’s
auction Fund-a-Need
project is a badly needed
lighting upgrade for the
Sanctuary, the total
estimated cost for which
is $30,000.
No mystery here: even if
you can’t attend the auction,
you can still be part of the
action! If you “Buy a Bulb,”
your $262 will purchase a
new fixture plus the LED
bulb that will keep a cozy
spot in the Sanctuary lit for
50,000 hours.
A generous matching
grant makes your
contribution go even
further! Every dollar you
donate to this year’s
Fund-a-Need will be
matched with a dollar
from an anonymous
donor.
Contributions in any amount
to the lighting Fund-a-Need
project can be submitted
through the end of March,
including during the
“Whodunnit” live auction on
March 29. You can also
contribute by sending a
check marked “Fund-aNeed” to the church office or
placing it in the offering on
Sunday, or by filling out a
credit/debit card receipt in
the church bookstore any
Sunday through March 30.
Our Beloved Community
Boy Scouting is coming to Emerson!!
Emerson is starting Boy Scout Troop 1803 this
Spring. The Troop will be going to Summer
Camp this summer. We're looking for families
interested in their sons getting the benefits of
Scouting at Emerson. If you're interested,
please email Victor Koosh
([email protected]).
Are you an Eagle Scout? Emerson is starting
Troop 1803 this Spring and we need your help.
If you're an Eagle Scout, please email Victor
Koosh.
Welcome New Member, Lori Reeder!
The Living Text Project is about YOU!
Let your experiences and wisdom shape our worship services—answer the Question of the Week!
Use the question sheet in your order of service.
Respond digitally, using the link in our e-blast!
Vernal Equinox Celebration: Welcoming Spring
Thursday evening, March 20th, at 7:30 p.m. in
Westwood Hall - We pause to reflect on this point of
balance, embracing the coming season of hope,
renewal, and fresh energy. Would you like to read a
poem (original or not) about spring or the earth?
Light candles? Or provide music for this informal
celebration for all ages? We need hosts for the reception, too. Please contact Ann at [email protected] if you would
like to participate.
It is almost March so that
must mean that another
Circle Dinner event is to be
put on your calendar. The
date is Saturday, March 15. If
you are not on the group list but
would like to see what Circle
Dinners are all about, please
email Mary Ann Rusk,
[email protected] and
you will be enlightened about
what these dinners are all about.
Reminder, there will be one
more Circle Dinner on May 17
before the church year ends.
This is the grand finale of
dinners held in Westwood Hall
with the entire group getting
together for the evening.
March Special Collection
UU Ministry for Earth (UUMFE), an independent 501(c) 3 organization, is made up of UUs and allies who want to
inspire, facilitate and support practices that honor and sustain the Earth and all beings—that is, to bring to life
the seventh UU principle. UUMFE develops annual Earth Day ideas and materials used by hundreds of UU congregations; however, it receives no funds from the UUA.
Your contributions will support two exciting developments. First, a recent collaboratory engaged a team of
ministers to set a course for working with UU seminaries to frame the ethics and theology of environmental
justice and begin to develop curricula. The second project is the support for a network of young adults for
environmental action. In spite of great interest, only a few isolated UU programs are offered for young adults,
who are passionately interested and active participants in environmental issues. UUMFE was nominated by Ann
May, who served on the UUMFE Board from 2004-2012 and brings awareness of UUMFE initiatives and
resources to Emerson.
7
emerson UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALIST church
Becky and Mark Edmiston-Lange, Co-Ministers
1900 Bering Drive Houston, TX, 77057
713-782-8250
www.emersonhouston.org
www.facebook.com/emersonhouston
www.twitter.com/emersonhouston
www.meetup.com/emersonseekers
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Houston, Texas
Permit No. 8891
«AddressBlock»
New to UU? Want to Know More?
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
Co-Minister Mark will buy you lunch! Whether you’re just visiting, or
PR News
are a new member, this class has something to offer you. Meet Mark
in The Gathering Place after the service. Next class: March 16
Please send all
Join Emerson Sunday - Ready to join? The Membership Committee
submissions for the
and Co-Minister Becky welcome you to a conversation about Emerson
newsletter, Eblast, Order
and to sign the membership book. Meet in the Library at 12:30 p.m.
of Service, and website to
Next Class: April 13
[email protected].
Child care is provided for both events. Please RSVP with the office at
[email protected] 5 days before the event.
Our Newsletter
submission deadline is
Tuesday, March 18, by
Connect with us!
noon. Email submission to
www.emersonhouston.org
[email protected].
facebook.com/emersonhouston
meetup.com/emersonseekers
twitter.com/emersonhouston
www.emersonhouston.org/blog.html