1. family and parenting
2. children

The Uniter
Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign
October 29, 2014
Worship Services
November 2, 2014
9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
“Seasons of the Soul”
The Rev. Axel H. Gehrmann
Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 9, 2014
9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
“Hidden Treasures”
The Rev. Axel H. Gehrmann
Second Sunday Potluck
November 16, 2014
9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
“The Center of the Universe”
The Rev. Axel H. Gehrmann
Our Mission
Build Community.
Seek Inspiration.
Promote Justice.
Find Peace.
Minister’s Message
– The Rev. Axel H. Gehrmann
Of the five traditional senses, scientists say, our
sense of smell is the most ancient. Its origins lie in
the basic rudimentary senses even bacteria have.
Long before creatures could see or hear or touch
or taste, they could respond to the smell of
chemicals in the air or water around them.
The part of our brain that processes smell is called
the “olfactory bulb” and it’s located right next to
the hippocampus, the area of the brain associated
with memory. Maybe this is the reason a
particular scent can trigger remarkably vivid
memories and powerful emotions.
Why have I been reading up on the science of
smell? It’s because earlier this week, on a sunny
autumn afternoon, I seized the opportunity to take
a short walk in the woods. And I am very glad I
did.
The foliage was perfect. The tree branches
overhead displayed an amazing array of colors, all
the more striking against the deep blue sky. The
path I strolled upon was covered with freshly
fallen dry leaves, gentle hues of yellow and brown.
And every step I took was greeted by a familiar
crisp crunch. But most striking of all was not what
I saw or heard; it was what I smelled.
The scent of autumn leaves, the scent of earth and
the cool air, touched some deep, almost forgotten
corner of my psyche. Memories of childhood, of
times long past. Memories too ancient to be
consciously recalled, too distant to be associated
with particular individuals or life events, and yet
on a deep emotional level unmistakably real. And
I was left with a strange feeling of melancholy, a
slight sadness, but also a comforting sense of
peace and serenity. The sense that life’s meaning –
though in many ways mysterious, elusive, and
confounding – is nevertheless profoundly good.
Neuroscientists and psychologists can provide
rational explanations for why these smells of
autumn might have such a striking effect. But the
experience itself reaches deeper than any
explanation. The experience touches into the
deeper reaches of the brain and – if you will – the
soul.
The scent of autumn leaves reminds me that, even
though we know many things, we are nevertheless
surrounded by mystery. And even though we have
the power to do many things, we are invariably
subject to cosmic forces beyond our control. The
smell reminds me that the inevitable turning of
the seasons, the cycle of life and death and more
life, the circle of joy and sadness and more joy, is
all somehow profoundly good. And I am left with a
sense of gratitude.
“Gratitude,” as it happens, is also the theme of our
worship services in the month of November. In
the days and weeks ahead, I encourage you to
think about the blessings of your life. I encourage
you to pay attention with all five senses, and savor
the deeper scents (or sense) of living.
See you in church!
RE News
– Cindy Wakeland,
Director of Religious Education (RE)
Halloween has become a huge holiday in recent
years. I heard a few years ago that, next to
Christmas, it is the biggest holiday in terms of
decorations and parties. The new look today for
Halloween is decorated houses that look like
Christmas. Fifty years ago, Halloween was a big
deal to those of us who were children… but the
adults just bought candy as we trick or treated
door to door. Choosing your costume was very
important; you had to make sure no one else had
the same one. Except your best friend – it was all
right if she was the blue Cinderella and you were
the pink Cinderella. I remember the trick part
being essential as you went to every house. The
adults expected it. I would practice for weeks
before Halloween to make sure it was perfect,
because I wanted to make sure I would receive
candy. Today, most costumes have children’s faces
showing while we had little masks. Today, not
The Uniter
many tell jokes or sing songs for their treats. I
remember Halloween being a polite evening with
lighted porch lamps signaling
“come trick or treat here.”
Today, older youth might bang
on your door late at night, even
with a dark lighted house.
Today, parents tend to check
candy to make sure it is safe
before letting children have their treat. Halloween
has taken on a new look since I was little.
Michelle Richards, a well-known author within the
UU realm, writes these thoughts about Halloween:
“Some evangelical and fundamentalist Christians
protest that Halloween celebrates Satan and all
things evil. Meanwhile, a plethora of groups are
expressing concerns that many Halloween
costumes perpetuate negative stereotypes. These
groups are substituting ‘Fall Harvest Parties’ or
ignoring the holiday all together.”
Parents should have an active role in the costume
their child chooses to wear. As Michelle writes,
costumes today give a negative image.
“Particularly with pre-teens and teenagers,
parents can pose the question of improper
costume selection in terms of personal identity:
How would you feel if someone ‘dressed up’ as
you, in a fashion that misrepresented who you
really are and made a mockery out of you? This
perspective can affect youth deeply, as identity
issues are an important part of adolescence.” You
can see what she is referring to when you spot
costumes of nurses, maids, and police with short
skirts, looking erotic and even trampy. These are
not appropriate for teens. This could be a good
opportunity to talk with them about their own
human sexuality and cultural
assumptions. You can find lots
of cute children’s costumes on
the web… and many of you
parents won’t need it because
you are already so creative.
Think about an alternative
option; while trick or treating, ask for a can of
food for the local food bank. You can teach your
children about giving back to others, too.
Regardless, have a safe and Happy Halloween. I
would love to see pictures of your costumes and, if
you receive an abundance of Butterfingers, you
can drop them off at my office 
October 29, 2014
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Musings on Membership
– Sam
Shore, Membership Coordinator
Let’s talk leadership. I’m writing this the morning
after the second of three weekly Orientation to
UUism sessions held at the church to help
integrate new folks who want to learn more about
our denomination and how our congregation does
things.
Last night, one participant asked about leadership
opportunities within the church. With Axel’s help,
I proceeded to rattle off some of the elected
positions within the church (Board of Trustees,
Treasurer, etc.). But as the conversation
progressed, we discussed how there are many
types of leadership that one can engage in around
the congregation.
We have a veritable bevy of opportunities for
leadership around the church, many or most of
which might not immediately come to mind in
casual conversation. Whether you’re interested in
leading our church forward on matters of
Membership or Worship through participation on
their relevant committees, leading a social outing
by helping decide the next Happy Hour meeting
destination, or leading yourself and others on a
personal exploration through a Chalice Circle – there
are innumerable opportunities for unlocking your
natural abilities to provide leadership.
One of the greatest and most welcome challenges
of a church like this is helping the diverse base of
congregants find ways to be comfortably engaged
in ways that are meaningful and provide
opportunities for growth. If you’re still searching
for your place, get in touch.
Tom Gillespie and Jean Gillespie (for those who
don’t know them, Tom is Jean’s son and both have
been members of UUCUC for many years) were
primarily responsible for the new boiler through
their enormous generosity. For many years – from
October through March – “we” worried about
whether the boiler would make it through another
winter. And last fall,
Tom suggested that
we “get it done” and
that he and his
mother would
contribute HALF of
the cost of a new
boiler. The
congregation was
challenged to
contribute the other
half – and very
generously did so.
THANK YOU to
Jean and Tom, and
THANK YOU to all who met the challenge. The
room that houses the boiler has become much
larger (the old boiler was huge, the new one much,
much smaller). In addition to making the
purchase possible, Tom offered the expertise of
some of his work crew (at cost, of course) to
remove the old and install the new. This is not the
first time that the Gillespie’s generosity has
surfaced, but is the latest. Again… our sincere
thank you!
One of the amazing things about the members and
friends of this congregation is financial generosity
(in addition to time and talent). The challenge of
raising funds for a new boiler came just ahead of
last year’s stewardship campaign, when we were
asked to increase pledges to allow UUCUC to
maintain the salary of our new Membership
Coordinator Sam Shore, allow for cost of living
increases for all staff, and begin to work toward
hiring a part time bookkeeper. Once again, you
came through.
Until next time,
Your Membership Coordinator, Sam
Karla’s Korner
– Karla Peterson, Chair of the
Board of Trustees
Were you in church on Sunday, the 19th? If so, you
were warm and comfortable during the service
you attended. You also were in attendance to hear
The Uniter
Jerry Carden, chairperson of the Property
Committee, expressing great appreciation for the
new boiler that had been installed during the
week.
You are all terrific for what you give to UUCUC,
whether time, talent, or monetary gifts. Thank you
and thank you once more.
October 29, 2014
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Our Church Family
Rumor is… we have some Magic players in the
congregation, so bring your cards and your friends
and join us 
Joys and Concerns
This information is not available in the online
version of The Uniter.
We enjoy a welcoming, laid back gaming
environment – because playing games with old
friends and new friends is fun!
You do not need to be an “official member” of the
group to attend. But if you do join, you'll get info
about all the nefarious plans of the board game
group. Tempted? Contact Anne Odom
at [email protected] and/or RSVP online
at http://uugames.theodom.com/.
Our Condolences
On October 10th, long-time member Bob Rundus
passed away. Our condolences to his wife,
Eleanor, and their family. The family will be
planning a celebration of his life at a future date.
Q & A on Unitarian Universalism
On Sunday, November 2nd, there will be brief
orientations to Unitarian Universalism after
both worship services in the Minister's Office.
The sessions are informal and designed to answer
your questions, whatever they may be. Everyone is
welcome, whether you are new to the church or
have been attending for a while.
Church Announcements
Kent Conrad Memorial Music Fund
To honor the memory of our treasured, long-time
Music Director and organist/accompanist, the
Board of Trustees has established the Kent Conrad
Memorial Music Fund. The fund will be used to
enhance our music program, which Kent enriched
for so many years, in ways to be determined by the
BOT. If you would like to contribute by writing a
check, please write “Kent” in the memo line. To
contribute online, visit the homepage of the
church website, select the “Give” tab, and choose
the option “Kent Conrad Memorial Music Fund.”
Coming Events
Don’t be Bored… Get Board!
This group gets together the first Saturday of each
month for a potluck and our favorite games —
board games, card games, dice games, and more.
Samples of what we’ve played in the past include
Kingsburg, Dominion, Lost Cities, Zombie Dice,
Cards, Scrabble, and whatever else anyone brings
to the table. Our next meeting will be this
Saturday, November 1st at 6:00 p.m.
Kent Conrad Memorial Celebration
A celebration of Kent Conrad’s life will be held on
Monday, November 3rd at 2:00 p.m. in the
Foellinger Great Hall at the Krannert Center
for the Performing Arts. We know that
individuals from the many worlds Kent
contributed to will want to attend. These will
include current and former students, members of
the faculty, community members, and members of
the Unitarian Universalist Church of UrbanaChampaign.
Memorialize Our Music Director
Join us in an intergenerational celebration
dedicated to Kent Conrad, our beloved former
Music Director, as we hold a UU Coffeehouse
Saturday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m. in
Fellowship Hall. You’re invited to present a song,
skit, musical theater snippet, poem, dance, or
whatever else you think the congregation would
enjoy. Take advantage of the church’s new
percussion instruments (drum set, maracas,
claves, cymbals, etc.) purchased this summer!
We will follow the usual format of brief
performances (8-10 minutes), yummy desserts,
and beverages for the entire family.
Sign up to perform, bring goodies, or help with
setup/cleanup in one of three ways: in person
The Uniter
October 29, 2014
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Memorialize Our Music Director, cont.
between Sunday services or via email to either Jim
Hannum at [email protected] or Sandy
Hannum at [email protected].
Get Your Drink On; It’s Happy Hour!
Join us at the next UU Happy Hour on
Thursday, November 20th at Dublin
O’Neil’s Irish Pub. Join us anytime between
5:00 and 7:00 p.m. to get together, chat, and
relax. Dublin O’Neil’s is located in downtown
Champaign on Neil St. between Church and Hill.
It’s behind the restaurant Destihl and you can
park in the parking garage. For more information,
contact Russ Rybicki at [email protected].
Gobble ’til You Wobble
Would you enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with UU
friends? Our church's second annual Thanksgiving
potluck will be held in Fellowship Hall on
Thanksgiving Day, November 27th. We will
sit down to eat at 5:00 p.m. and the church will
open for set-up and cooking at 3:30 p.m.
Look for a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall after
each service, every Sunday between now and
Thanksgiving. Alternatively, contact Sylvia
McDermott directly to let her know you want to
attend and what dishes you'll bring. Like last year,
we're asking for contributions of food and/or
beverages amounting to a $10 expenditure per
person.
Sylvia may be reached via phone at 217-398-1948
or email at [email protected].
ReVisioning Task Force
Experience Life, Experiment More
Watch your upcoming E-News for information
about a poll to be taken in church on November
2nd and 9th to help the ReVisioning Task Force
consider an experimental return to one Sunday
service this January.
Background information and implications will be
included in the E-News published on October
31st and November 7th.
To sign up for the E-News, please email the office
administrator at [email protected].
The Uniter
Questions? Contact the Members of the
ReVisioning Task Force at [email protected].
Members include:
Sam Beshers
Axel Gehrmann (ex-officio)
Chris Hannauer
Tanja Hodges
Barbara Hudgings
Peggy Patten
Karla Peterson (ex-officio)
Amanda Ramey
Elly Peirson
Karen Retzer
Sam Shore (ex-officio)
Lara Troyer
Cindy Wakeland (ex-officio)
Social Action News
This Month’s Shared Offering: 21st Century
Community Learning Centers at UHS
Our Shared Offering for November will support
the 21st Century Community Learning Centers at
Urbana High School (UHS). This is
the high school version of the
SPLASH program many readers
may already be familiar with. The
21st Century program focuses on
providing extended school day
activities to keep kids involved positively in the
school community. This program offers a variety
of different classes taught by certified staff and
community members including Test Prep, Music
and Creative Arts, Tech, and Fitness in addition to
the Athletic Study Table and Tutoring options.
UHS appreciates any support from the Urbana
community and is always in need of people to
volunteer time as mentors or tutors.
For more information, please contact Erin
Ludwick or Matthew Stark at 217-384-3505.
Donation for Out of the Darkness Walk
June’s Shared Offering was the American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). We
raised $1,226 and $500 of that was from one
donor. Thanks to everyone who contributed! All
funds were attributed to the organization’s main
fundraiser, the Out of the Darkness walk, which
October 29, 2014
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Out of the Darkness Walk, cont.
was held in Champaign on October 11th. I was
planning to walk on behalf of UUCUC, but had to
be in Iowa for my uncle's funeral. Check out the
Champaign/Urbana Community Walk webpage to
see our name and the event’s overall results.
lower level of the stone church building. This has
been on our to-do list for over ten years! The
money for installation will also come out of the
church budget, but Tom is letting us use his
contractor at a reduced rate to keep our costs
down. Thanks again, Tom!
– Jerry Carden
The bell tower roof and drainage system has been
causing problems for the last several years. We
recently had a new rubberized roofing system
installed on the roof. We are currently working on
the downspout, the scupper system, and the drain
tile that services that area. Thanks to Jerry Carden
and Andy Robinson for overseeing some of that
work still in progress
Property News
No More Chilly Church
The new boiler and pump system has been
installed and is now operational. A huge thank you
is due to Tom Gillespie and his mother Jean for
their wish list donation of half the cost. They
challenged church members and friends to raise
the other half. We more than met the challenge.
Tom and Jean’s initial gift was $12,500. In
response, the membership raised over $17,400.
The total was about $5,000 over what was needed
for the initial estimate. But we are getting so
MUCH MORE!
Tom deserves thanks for more than just the
money. He and his employees worked tirelessly
over the last several months to take out the old
boiler, which was a hard, hot, and dirty job. They
power washed the walls and floors; painted the
walls; put in new, brighter lighting; installed an
ejector sump system for proper drainage; added a
mop sink for janitorial purposes; AND are
installing an epoxy floor! More work will be done
in that area over the next couple of months. The
amount raised over our goal will help pay for some
of those changes. Now that the system is in and
operational, the new system itself will probably
more than meet our strategic plan goal of making
the church more energy efficient. It is a 95%
efficient system with four heating zones – and, get
this… it hangs on the wall in one corner, as
opposed to taking up the entire boiler room space!
Please remember to thank Tom and Jean the next
time you see them! The Gillespie’s have been
stewards of our church property dating back to
Tom’s dad, Bob Gillespie. Their dedication and
financial support for the church property is more
than commendable.
New energy efficient windows have also been
ordered out of the church budget for the entire
The Uniter
Groups and Chalice Circles
Bridge Group
Meets at 1:00 p.m. in the Children’s Chapel on the
second and fourth Monday of each month.
Contact Barb Mann at [email protected].
Grief Chalice Circle
Meets the first and third Saturdays of the month
from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Library. Contact
Pamela Van Wyk ([email protected]) or Mona
Shannon ([email protected]).
Membership Committee
Co-chaired by Peggy Patten and Karen Retzer. For
information on upcoming events or to join the
mailing list, email [email protected]
or [email protected].
Playgroup
Meets every Friday at 9:00 a.m. in the Nursery. To
begin connecting with fellow parents and
guardians of children, email [email protected].
Women’s Brown Bag Luncheon
Meets the second Wednesday of each month from
noon to 1:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. To join the
listserv and receive reminders, contact Anine
Singh-DeGrood at [email protected].
Worship Committee
Led by Amanda Ramey. Contact Amanda at
[email protected] for more
information or to offer your ideas for services.
October 29, 2014
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In the Community
UU Social Justice Film Series
The Square is a 2013 documentary by Jehane
Noujaim about the 2011 Egyptian revolution
behind the headlines. Follow a group of activists
in Tahrir Square, risking their lives to build a new
society of conscience. This film is winner of the
2013 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for
Best Feature Documentary. Come enjoy a special
screening of this film Monday, November 3rd
from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and participate in a
discussion afterward!
This event is free and open to the public, and will
be held at the Channing Murray Foundation
located at 1209 W. Oregon in Urbana. Light
refreshments will be served.
How to Reach Us
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Telephone: (217) 384-8862
Mail: 309 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801-3221
Email: [email protected]
Web: uucuc.org/
Publications and Deadlines
The Uniter is published every two weeks from
September through May, and every three weeks
during the holiday season and summer months.
Send announcements to [email protected]. To
receive The Uniter electronically, contact the
office. The next submission deadline is noon,
Thursday, November 6th.
Subscribe to our weekly E-News!
The E-News comes out on Fridays and provides
last-minute news and reminders of events taking
place in the coming week. To sign up, contact
[email protected].
For questions about pledge payments or
Trust Fund donations, contact the
Financial Secretary, Amy Robison,
at [email protected].
The Uniter
Contacts
Staff
Axel Gehrmann, Minister
([email protected])
Tu., Wed., Fri., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cindy Wakeland, Director of Religious Education
([email protected]) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., M-Th
Brittni Ballard, Office Administrator
([email protected]) 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., M-F
Samuel Shore, Membership Coordinator
([email protected])
Wed. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Matt Sheppard, Choir Director
([email protected])
Gonzalo Farias, Interim Accompanist
([email protected])
Beth Cobb, Assistant for Services
([email protected])
Anine Singh-DeGrood, Childcare Coordinator
([email protected])
Myron Winkler, Sexton
([email protected])
Josh Winkler, Sunday Sexton
([email protected])
Stephanie Cobb, Kitchen Helper
([email protected])
Board of Trustees
Karla Peterson, Chair
Chris Hannauer, Vice Chair
Lynn Wiley, Treasurer
Barbara Childers, Clerk
David Prochaska, Finance Liaison
Mona Shannon, Membership Liaison
Brian McDermott, Moderator
Barbara Hudgings, Personnel Liaison
Jared Lofrano, Property Liaison
Libby Tyler, Religious Education Liaison
Mike Retzer, Social Action Liaison
Sue Searing, Worship Liaison
Committees & Chairs
Care Core: Peri Ceperley, [email protected]
Finance: Phillip Abruzzi
Green UUs: Andy Robinson
Membership: Peggy Patten & Karen Retzer
Ministry: Jeff Unger
Music: Sarah Wisseman
Partner Church: Brigitte Pieke
Personnel: Kathleen Holden
Property: Jerry Carden
Social Action: Ryan Latvaitis
Stewardship: TBA
Religious Education: TBA
Worship: Amanda Ramey
October 29, 2014
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Calendar – October 1, 2014
7:00 p.m. Worship Committee – Southwest Classroom
Friday, November 7
9:00 a.m. Playgroup – Nursery
Thursday, October 30
12:00 p.m. E-News and OOS Deadline
7:00 p.m. Orientation to UUism – 2nd/3rd Classroom
Saturday, November 8
5:30 p.m. Coffeehouse Set-Up – Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m. Coffeehouse – Fellowship Hall
Friday, October 31
9:00 a.m. Playgroup – Nursery
Sunday, November 9
9:30 a.m. Worship Service, RE, and Child Care
9:30 a.m. Rake-a-Thon – Outside Church
10:30 a.m. Adult Discussion Group – Library
11:15 a.m. Worship Service, RE, and Child Care
11:15 a.m. Rake-a-Thon – Outside Church
Saturday, November 1
2:00 p.m. Grief Chalice Circle – Library
6:00 p.m. Board Game Group – Fellowship Hall
Sunday, November 2
9:30 a.m. Worship Service, RE, and Child Care
10:30 a.m. Adult Discussion Group – Library
10:30 a.m. Q & A on UUism – Minister’s Office
11:15 a.m. Worship Service, RE, and Child Care
12:30 p.m. Q & A on UUism – Minister’s Office
Monday, November 10
1:00 p.m. Bridge Group – Children’s Chapel
Monday, November 3
2:00 p.m. Kent Conrad Memorial – Off Site at Krannert
Center for the Performing Arts
Wednesday, November 5
6:15 p.m. CrUUners Rehearsal – Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. “Mindful Child” Class– Library
7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal – Sanctuary
Thursday, November 6
12:00 p.m. E-News, Uniter, and OOS Deadline
The Uniter
Tuesday, November 11
5:30 p.m. RE Committee – Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m. Board of Trustees – Children’s Chapel
Wednesday, November 12
9:30 a.m. Uniter Folding Party – Fellowship Hall
12:00 p.m. Women’s Brown Bag Lunch – Fellowship Hall
4:30 p.m. Membership Comm. Planning Team – Library
6:15 p.m. CrUUners Rehearsal – Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. “Work and Play” Class – 4th/5th Classroom
7:00 p.m. Chalice/SGTM Leaders – Library
7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal – Sanctuary
October 29, 2014
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