The Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship The Chalice April 2015 355 E. Lorain St. Oberlin, Ohio 44074 Volume3 Issue 4 “MARY’S MUSINGS” Phone: 440-775-0355 www.ouuf.org Sunday Service: 10:30am Minister: Rev. Mary Grigolia [email protected] Minister Office hours: Tuesdays: By appointment Religious Ed Director Joanne Rahn [email protected] Hours: By appointment Music Director Katie Cross [email protected] Newsletter [email protected] Inside this issue: Minister’s Musing 1 Service Schedule 2 Getting to Know You 3 CYRE News 4 OUUF Community News 5-6 7-8 OUUF Wider Community News Board of Trustees / Kudos 9 & Kind Thoughts Where 2 or more are gathering, there is _______. What Fills in the Blank? Did you know the Fellowship has a Behavioral Covenant? In 2004 and again in 2009 members of the Fellowship reflected together on the intentions, attitudes and actions that help create a culture of trust, to connect, care, serve, celebrate and transform. The covenant reads: Because I am committed to the well-being of Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and its members, I willingly enter into this covenant: To make the Fellowship a safe, open and welcoming place To treat each person with respect and compassion To treat the institution and its processes with respect There is a Biblical saying, “When two or more are gathered, there is ______.” What fills in the blank? For some, it is God or Love. At some point, early Christians called it, ‘the body of Christ’ – not the physical body, but the church embodying Love, presence to one another and service to the world. No matter what your philosophy, what fills in the blank is something we can’t measure: the felt sense of transformative community, connection. And that takes vulnerability. We all share the need to belong; we are vulnerable to one another. We care what others think of us. No one is born with the capacity to be vulnerable without defensiveness. We are prone to misunderstanding, disappointment, and reactivity. We have to learn trust. Like all congregational cultures, ours is sometimes imperfect. My hope is that as a congregation we commit ourselves to create a culture of trust with one another. We create the process together. Step One presents our Behavioral Covenant as a living document and explores what we already know about living in a culture of trust. Step Two is a learning series on skillful communication. My hope is that many in the congregation will learn what behaviors break covenant, what responses are helpful, and will respond to behaviors that erode trust. I hope in the near future, we experience the Fellowship as a culture of trust. I hope you join the process. Here’s what we’re planning so far: BUILDING TRUST: A workshop on our Behavioral Covenant, Sunday, April 12, 12-1:30 – Exploring our covenant. Anything missing? Listening to what we already know about trust. Playing trust games! EMPOWERED COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, 6weeks video-based training (dates to be announced) with Rev. Cathleen Cox. Using techniques and insight from Nonviolent Communication (pioneered by Marshall Rosenberg), to differentiate needs from strategies. When we know one another’s needs, we help each other. The OUUF Chalice Page 2 April Sunday Services Schedule - Community Dimension: “TRANSFORM” Why are we here? ….Why are we here? We want our neighbors to know what makes our community different from other congregations: We are a religious tradition drawing wisdom from many sources. Our Sunday services schedule illustrates that diversity where this month we will focus on Standing on the Side of Love. CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE. ALL ARE WELCOME! Sunday Services at 10:30am All services are recorded! APRIL 5TH - “The Resurrection, and what would Jesus say about Unitarian Universalism” - Rev. Samuel Prince Even with the Early Christian controversy of QuartoDeciman (Nisan 14) and the ambiguity of Easter by Unitarian Universalist, still suggested that what draws Christians and today’s Unitarian Universalists to church on Easter are not contradictory as you might think. APRIL 12TH - “ART OF COMPROMISE” - Dave Clements, Ministerial Student Compromise is a part of each of our lives. Think how these great pairs have compromised: Anthony & Cleopatra: Wilbur & Orville: Roosevelt & Churchill: Butch & Sundance: Thelma & Louise: Cheech & Chong: Proctor & Gamble: Siegfried & Roy; Lucy & Desi; Ben & Jerry; Gin & Tonic; Lewis & Clark; Barack & Michelle; Masters & Johnson. How do you look at compromise? To you embrace it as a blessing and realize the unique challenge or do you get caught up in thinking why me/?Why do I have to give up something? Come and learn together about the “Art of Compromise” and how it can be a blessing in your life APRIL 19TH - Edie Fuchsman As people are part of the interconnected web, we seek balance between independence and codependence. We need one another, yet also need a sense of self. Our service leader Edie Fuchsman negotiates such balance personally and professionally. APRIL 26TH - “CELEBRATING EARTH DAY: Reason for Hope ” - Rev. Mary Grigolia Although much has been lost, women, men and children around the world are creating new paths to sustainability. What are we called to do together? Service led by members of the Green Sanctuary team and Rev. Mary Grigolia. A light lunch and discussion with Sean Hayes, Executive Director of the Oberlin Project, will immediately follow the service. Monday April 13th, @7pm. Page 3 The Chalice Getting To Know: “Regionalization” Past blogs in CERGing Forward and some in Better Together have outlined a number of the reasons that factor into our discussions about regionalization: a desire to live our theology of interdependence, our covenant responsibilities within the tradition of the Cambridge Platform, a desire to forgo duplicative efforts, the need to streamline communications, a desire to create new structures to meet the needs of our ever changing social context, the need for coordination and team effort to better support our congregations and their ministries, and more. Look at the past blogs and you will see a number of these reasons discussed. Unfortunately, there are also several other stories going around about why we are moving to regionalization – stories that may contain some fact but are mostly fiction. Let me outline a couple of these that seem to be spreading in parts of our region. 1. Fiction — We are moving to regionalization because one or more of our districts are going bankrupt. Fact – Two of our districts are smaller than the others, but none are going bankrupt. All of the districts in the Central East Region (JPD, MNY, SLD and OMD) have areas of strength to share with the others and we are stronger when we bring these strengths together. And all have weaknesses that we can help alleviate when working as a team. We are much better together. 2. Fiction – Regionalization was a plan recently developed by the UUA president and administration to save money. Fact – Folk in our Central East Region started talking about sharing staff and resources and working as a team more than seven years ago. And our districts began to put these ideas into practice about five years ago with our initial staff sharing arrangements. This inspired other districts and regions to change the way they work as well. 3. Fiction – No matter who came up with the idea, the goal is still to save the UUA headquarters money. Fact – It is not planned that our regionalization efforts will result in saving money. Yes, we plan to reduce redundancies. And eliminate duplicative efforts and expenses. But the plan is to then reallocate savings in those areas to increase support for our congregations and their leaders. And we hope to use any savings to develop new ways to support emerging UU groups and multisite efforts and other new congregational ministry efforts. Regionalization won’t save any money. Actually, we hope that congregations will become more generous with their Fair Share as they see what all of us can accomplish when we work together. And this increased sharing will enable CERG to increase its support for congregational efforts to an even greater extent. 4. Fiction – UUMA Chapters and LREDA Chapters will have to merge. Fact – UUMA and LREDA Chapters are not part of district governance structures. They are separate entities of the UUMA and LREDA. There is nothing that would make them change their current configurations. It is hoped that chapters might find value in reaching out to one another and find areas where they can positively collaborate. But that is entirely up to the LREDA and UUMA members. There are a number of stories out there about regionalization. These are just few that have been repeated to me. I hope that if you hear something that is questionable, you will check it out with one of the district Board members or one of the CERG staff folk so we can separate fact from fiction. - Rev. Joan Van Becelaere, Congregational Life Staff and CERG Staff Lead The OUUF Chalice Page 4 CYRE (Children & Youth Religious Education) News Our Children’s Religious Education Mission ~ “To nurture children and youth to develop a commitment to religious freedom, critical thinking, ethical action, and individual responsibility. We achieve this through experiential learning and developing appropriate curricula in keeping with UU principles and tradition”. Youth Programs: Expanding, Exploring, Providing Opportunities At this year's OMD Youth Social Action Con more than 80 youth explored speech/first amendment rights, racial justice/police practices, and food access. In addition to youth run workshops, youth attended a talk by local young ACLU lawyers about civil rights including: issues in the Cleveland criminal justice system, and the problems with privatized prisons. Some youth worked at the Community Greenhouse Partners which helps inner city Cleveland communities learn to how to garden and grow their own produce. Youth helped set up the greenhouses and move mulch! Other youth learned about the complex issues surrounding police-civilian interactions and visited the site where 12 year old Tamir Rice was shot last year by Cleveland Police and did some painting for the rec center there. We are proud of our youth and YAC community for tackling such important issues head on. Multicultural Leadership School Apply Now for the UU Youth and Young Adults Multicultural Leadership School. July 10-14, 2015 in Boston, MA A Gathering for Unitarian Universalist Youth and Young Adults of Color (ages 15-30). Applications are live—apply now! Application deadline is April 15, 2015—space is limited so apply early. The application requires brief essays and a recommendation. Preview the application (PDF) so you have everything you need when you start filling it out! Religious Education Team Next meeting April 10th - 9 am at Fellowship. The Chalice OUUF Schedule of Events 4/2 Escalating Inequality 4/5 SUNDAY SERVICE 4/6 Shamanic Journey 4/8 Covenant Group 4/7 Meditation: Every Tues Afternoon & Evening 4/9 Meet & Eat 4/10 RE Meeting 4/12 Sunday Service 4/13 Board Meeting 4/15 Cakes for Queens 4/19 4/19 4/22 4/23 4/23 4/26 4/30 SUNDAY SERVICE POETRY SLAM COVENANT GROUP POETRY SLAM MEET & EAT SUNDAY SERVICE ESCALATING INEQUALITY GREETERS make a difference. We need a few more Greeters for our services.. Contact to volunteer: [email protected] Page 5 OUUF Community News “ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT” COVENANT GROUP: UU HUMANIST VISIONS Promotes listening, sharing, and discussion. Moved by curiosity, participants explore a variety of topics. The Covenant Group usually meets twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month April 8 Marge Diamond's at 245 George Street, Elyria -- April 22 Diantha Paré's at 100 Kendal Drive, Oberlin at 3:30pm. Everyone interested are welcome! SHAMANIC JOURNEY GROUP Shamanic journeying is a time-honored tool for accessing an altered state of consciousness, much like a dream state, for spiritual guidance and healing. The meeting time is the first Monday of the month, April 6th, 2015 at 7:00pm. Location: OUUF—355E. Lorain St., Oberlin. Everyone interested are welcome! Contact: [email protected] UU HISTORY: LONG STRANGE TRIP With many wonderful programs at the Fellowship this month, we are continuing UU History videos in May. POETRY Worship to prepare for the Poetry Slam, facilitated by Nancy Boutilier, April 19th, 2-4 p.m. POETRY SLAM highlighting prophetic words and deeds (your own or others’) speaking truth to power. Thursday, April 23rd, 7-8:30 p.m. MEET AND EAT: Informal sharing builds a sense of community. Oberlin UU’s gather to break bread together every second and fourth Thursday at a local restaurant—no program, no preparation. Thurs., April 9: Rose Cafe at Lakeview Park, Lorain. Thurs., April 23: Pappy Bob's BBQ, 14858 Hwy 58, Oberlin. Contact Elizabeth, [email protected] for any questions. All are welcome! CULTIVATING RESILIENCE WEDNESDAY EVENING, 7-9PM, APRIL 1, OBERLIN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP, 355 E. LORAIN St. (NEXT TO IGA) We all "just want to be happy," but the reality is that life throws us curve ball after curve ball. If our goal is happiness, we will fail much of the time. This workshop will focus on the goal of resilience instead: How can we stay motivated, curious and optimistic even in the face of life's challenges? Resilience is defined as the ability to recover quickly from illness, change, or misfortune. Decades of research show that resilience can be cultivated and increased. In this 4week workshop, participants will learn strategies and practice techniques that help to build mental, emotional, social, and physical resilience. For more information, contact Cindy Franz, [email protected] PThe OUUF Chalice Page 6 OUUF COMMUNITY NEWS . Rev. Mary facilitates weekly sessions drawing from many teachers and traditions. This year our themes include neurospirituality (how meditation shapes your brain), the Buddhist precept of Right Speech, aging, and a potpourri of other voices. Some instruction given. All are welcome TUESDAY AFTERNOON MEDITATION We meditate together on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. at the Fellowship. This month, April 7th and 21st; next month, May 5th and 19th. TUESDAY EVENING MEDITATION: New Schedule! We meditate together on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. at the Fellowship: April 14th and 28th; next month, May 12th and 26th. As part of our covenant with one another, OUUF . members have made a commitment to live our values in the world through Causes of the Month, which we support through our offering. The cause for April 2015 is LCRC. Lorain County Rape Crisis (LCRC), a service of the Nord Center, provides free and confidential support and advocacy 24/7 to men and women of all ages in Lorain County who are survivors of all forms of sexual assault. The program assists survivors with the aspects of assault aftermath including legal and medical advocacy and referral for psychological needs. LCRC also provides educational services to survivors, service providers, and the larger community. Emphasizing empowerment, LCRC is committed to cultural sensitivity and diversity. Family Promise Benefit Concert Sunday April 19th, 3:00pm, First Church in Oberlin. The Cleveland Orchestra's Amici String Quartet — Takako Masame and Miho Hashizume, violins, Lynne Ramsey, viola, and Ralph Curry, cello — joins forces with double bassist Mark Atherton and pianist James Howsmon to play a benefit concert for Family Promise of Lorain County on Sunday, April 19, 2015. The concert will be held at 3:00 pm in the Meeting House of First Church Oberlin, UCC, at the corner of Main and Lorain Streets in Oberlin, Ohio. The concert is free and open to the public; donations to support Family Promise will be accepted. Refreshments after Service Every member and friend is asked to sign up to furnish simple refreshments after the Sunday service. You may also do this with another person if it is easier to share expenses. Sign up and choose the Sunday that is most convenient for you. Thanks. Ask for the Hospitality Co-Chairs, Virginia Erdy and Jo Huber The OUUF Chalice Page 7 OUUF WIDER COMMUNITY NEWS Religion in University Education HUULTI is Flipping the Classroom! Room still available. Across America & At Oberlin Thursday / APRIL 9 / 5PM Craig Lecture Hall CERG (Central East Regional Group) has changed the format of UULTI (UU Leadership Training Institute) from an expensive residential leadership training to a Hybrid/online training for the OMD District. The District is encouraging all leadership to consider interest in participating in this new format of connections, flexibility, deep and team-building format. Please get in touch with the District (www.cerguua.org/HUULTI) or your own congregation member, Samuel Prince. Drawing on conversations with hundreds of professors, co-curricular educators, administrators, and students from institutions spanning the entire spectrum of American colleges and universities, the Jacobsens illustrate how religion is constructively intertwined with the work of higher education in the twenty-first century. No Longer Invisible documents how, after decade when religion was marginalized colleges and universities are re-engaging matters of faith--an education development that is both positive and necessary. DON'T MISS THIS CHANCE TO HEAR MORE ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE NATIONAL SCENE AND WHAT OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS ARE SEEING AT OBERLIN! . Sunday, April 19, 12-1 p.m., “The Food We Eat” Do you really know what’s in your food? If a vegetable is looks fresh do you assume it’s full of good nutrients? Food activist, Glenn Gall will explore the nutrient quality of food. Glenn Gall is an activist, a writer, and a farmer living in Oberlin. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Huntington University, and has training in permaculture and grazing techniques. He proposes the use of natural systems as a multidimensional approach to the problem of climate change. The OUUF Chalice Page 8 OUUF WIDER Community News & Events You are invited to come share in the ritual and celebration of Passover at Peace Community Church on Saturday April 4th from 6pm9pm. The seder will be lead through a social justice lens and will use the story of passover to connect broader themes of oppression and resistance. We will also sing! Please bring a dish to feed 6-8 people. As is the custom of the holiday, please do not bring dishes with wheat in them (i.e. bread, pasta, etc). There are many interpretations of the food restrictions set forth in the Torah and this is how we are choosing to honor those intentions. Also, please LIST INGREDIENTS so everyone can know what dishes contain. RSVP to Dave Sokoll at [email protected] or 617-816-3786. This event is organized by Dave Sokoll and hosted by PCC. Peace Community Church is located at 44 E. Lorain St. in Oberlin. Handicapped access available in the rear of the church, as well as parking. Middle School parking lot also available. If you come and drive, please do not block access to the pass-through to the Middle School Parking Lot! UU KENDAL GATHERING, RITES OF SPRING: Why do the Norse God Odin and Jesus the Jewish teacher suffer the same fate? What is the underlying human need expressed across culture and religion in spring rituals? What does it have to do with UU’s in 2015? Program led by Rev. Mary. Wed, April 15th, 4:15-5:15 at Kendal in Heiser Auditorium. Interfaith Service Day Spring 2015 Registration Come join us on Sunday, April 12th, from 1:30-6:30 p.m., for the Annual Spring Interfaith Service Day, a campus and communitywide service event! The goal is to engage Oberlin students, faculty, staff, and community members from a variety of perspectives in interfaith service and reflection. This event welcomes people of all religious and secular identities! This year's service day will include nonreligious work at sacred sites in both Oberlin and Cleveland. Service will be followed by an interfaith reflection and dinner (with vegetarian and vegan options!) at each of these sites. The aim of Interfaith Service-Learning is to work towards common goals while intentionally engaging with diverse perspectives. Please invite your friends to sign-up, too! The OUUF Chalice Page 10 OBERLIN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP Phone: 440-774-0355 Email: [email protected] To cancel your OUUF Chalice, please call or email the editor. 355E. Lorain St. Oberlin, Ohio 44074 www.ouuf.org Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Board of Trustees: Kudos /Thanks & Kind Thoughts to: Stephanie Gibson Board Chair ■ Cal Frye—appointed to the Ohio Meadville District as Treasurer Diantha Pare Vice Chair ■ Samuel Prince—appointed to the Ohio Meadville District Nominating Committee Judith Patterson Sellers Secretary Lee Drickamer Treasurer Marge Diamond Trustee at Large Rev. Mary Grigolia Minister
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