T h e N ew s l et t er o f t h e Uni tari an Uni versal i st Fel l ow shi p of H arford C ounty !Building Liberal Religious Community — Please Join Us!! Our Sunday Schedule Childcare! 9:00 am - 12 noon Worship and Church School! 10:30 am December Sermons Open Our Hearts Rev. Lisa Ward December 7 The first step toward deepening in faith or spiritual understanding is to create a space within oneself for new information or a wider experience. Cosmic harmony is known through our wisdom within. In the busy-ness of our lives we can feel lost in the shuffle, unable to focus on the good, the true and the beautiful. Intergenerational Day Follows the Service Choose Something Like a Star Rev. Lisa Ward December 14 This title of a Robert Frost poem speaks to our yearning for guidance, for a beacon that can steer us in helpful or hopeful directions. Many holiday stories tell of signs that focus our aspirations on what is important. A potluck luncheon follows the service. Today’s Social Justice Collection supports the Helping Hands fund. Nourishing Darkness, Welcoming Light Rev. Lisa Ward December 21 This day, which can be named the shortest day or the longest night, is a day that naturally teaches us the integral relationship between darkness and light—both needed in this existence on earth. both complementing the other. Space is not empty, it is filled with darkness, seen by the light of stars. Light is only seen because of the darkness. On this Winter Solstice day, we will explore both aspects of our being , light and dark. Join us this evening for our Winter Solstice Celebration. See Activities article on p. 5. December 2014 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Rev. Lisa Ward Wednesday, December 24 5:30 and 8:00 pm We celebrate with two candlelight services on Christmas Eve. The earlier service is geared toward families and story-telling. The later service is more meditative in nature. In both services, we sing carols together and end with “Silent Night” as we light individual candles. All ages are welcome at both services. There is no child care offered on Christmas Eve. We have a reception after each service when we share Christmas goodies that you all bring. Who Will Speak for the Earth? Grover’s Quest for Pan Laura Paligo December 28 Grover, the satyr from Percy Jackson and the Olympians, is obsessed with finding the lost Nature god, Pan. I’ll be weaving Grover’s story with Pan’s and hope for the future of the earth. From Our Minister I remember one of the first times I was surprised into wonder by the cosmos. It was a simple moment, sometime around age 7. I looked up into the night sky and saw clouds. I’d never noticed there were clouds at night. In the world I’d lived in previously to that moment clouds occurred during the daytime. Night was reserved for the moon and stars. I hadn’t thought, before that moment, that the whole of the universe had its own way of being beyond our ordered lives. It wasn’t a great shock, nor a momentous occasion—just a moment of clarity, of seeing more clearly—the mystery of the cosmos, of which we are a part. The sky provides infinite wonder, as it has since the first human gazed upon it. Stories were created from the stars in the skies and gods imagined in the majesty of its expanse. We feel both small and blessed when connecting to sky, held and vulnerable, a part of astounding beauty and beholden to its properties. “Out of the stars we have come,” writes Unitarian Minister Weston, “Out of your heart, cry wonder: sing that we live.” LASOS, the local organization that provides services to non-native English speaking residents, has not asked for items, but for our time. Many of their clients would like to learn more about our holiday traditions by participating in an interactive activity with a seasonal focus. Watch for an announcement about an opportunity to interact with these children and adults. Sharing our respective traditions with each other will enhance our understanding of our global community, and support our sixth principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. December is full of star gazing, and the rendering of light in religious festivals. When the light of day is shorter, more time is spent within the mystery of night. Communities from the beginning of human history have gathered to give warmth in the cold, solace in the fear of diminishing light, joy in shared wonder of life, and celebration in the solstice turning. We gaze at the Star of Bethlehem, at the Hanukkah and Kwanzaa candles, deep into the fire of the yule log and up from the holiday festivals. We wonder who we are, how best to thrive, what faith keeps us living well and why we are alive. We as a congregation also have a chance to bring comfort and joy to one another by attending the many festivities planned right here: Intergenerational Day on Dec 7, caroling at Rev Lisa’s and Nick’s place on December 14, and our two Christmas services on December 24. Amidst all of this holiday cheer, be sure to find your own quiet evening, and pause to reflect on all of the special times and people who have impacted your life. To be able to spread that delight to others is the gift that will keep on giving! May you find joy in the love and generosity of this beautiful season. The Cosmos gives us far more mystery than answers, though glimpses of clarity and connection enter our awareness when we open ourselves to its grandeur. And in that grandeur sings the dignity of life in ourselves, our lives, our world. Let’s share that mystery and grandeur together and gift each other with moments of clarity. - Marlene Lieb, Board President - Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa Religious Education From Our President As I prepare for high school OWL, I have been researching. I listened to a story on sexting on NPR's Fresh Air. Terry Gross interviewed Hanna Rosin, a reporter for The Atlantic, who interviewed teens from Louisa County High School in Virginia after a sexting “ring” was exposed. You can find more information here: http://www.wnyc.org/story/why-kids-sext-describes-nud e-photos-as-social-currency-among-teens/ Addressing Christmas card envelopes is one of my favorite holiday activities. I wait until some quiet evening, sit in front of the tree, and, listening to music of the season, pause at each name and remember some special time we shared. This year, when I heard of the two organizations that our social justice committee chose to support, I couldn’t help but reflect on how the memories and relationships of many people do not bring thoughts of comfort and joy. I also listened to sexuality educator Sandra Dougherty interview Dr. Lisa Wade about hook-up culture. Listen here: http://www.nerdist.com/pepisode/sex-nerd-sandra-152-h ook-up-culture-history-with-dr-lisa-wade/ Our congregation has been a longtime supporter of SARC, the domestic violence safe house for victims and their children. It seems such a small act of kindness to provide those residents items from their “wish list.” They aren’t expensive, frivolous things, but ones that provide a minimum level of comfort, especially meaningful to a person who has walked away from everything. Please look for the collection receptacle in our hallway, and let’s fill it to the brim. I can't deny that as a parent, I was troubled by what I heard. It is my sincere wish that we will give our teens the tools they need to build healthy relationships. Since we're all in this together, would you be interested in a parent support group? If so, what would it look like? 2 This month, we have so much to offer here at UUFHC. Beginning with December 7, we have Children's Worship, an opportunity for kids in preschool through 5th grade to interact through music, stories, games, and crafts. Corner On Finance It’s December already and most of us are immersed in the holidays with shopping and parties and family. It is probably one of the busiest times of the year, and I am sure church finances are the furthest thing from your minds right now. Nonetheless it is it is important to remind you that our expenses continue, and your contributions are essential to our fiscal health. Most of our members are very timely and conscientious in fulfilling your pledge obligations, and I thank you. One thing to consider is that the end of the year is coming fast and that any contributions you make to the church before then will be deductible for tax year 2014. If any of you care to and can contribute pledge payments in advance, or if you care to contribute an extra gift to the congregation before the end of the year it will be greatly appreciated. Also, if any of you would like a report of your giving to date please let me know and I will be happy to provide you a record of your contributions for this church year to date. Following Children's Worship is one of our favorite events: Inter-Generational Day. Children pair up with other adults in the congregation to make crafts, enjoy holiday treats, sing carols, and enjoy each other's company. In case of inclement weather, the snow date for Inter-Gen Day is December 14. Our 6th through 8th Grade classes are using the Building Bridges curriculum, which teaches them about other faiths. They will attend service at Temple Adas Shalom in Havre de Grace on December 12 and host Jewish guest speakers on December 14. The Family Christmas service will be at 5:30 pm on December 25. Please join us for this special evening of stories and warmth. We are pretty much on track with income and expenses so far but there have been a few unexpected hits. For example, a few weeks ago the furnace in our rental house needed to be replaced ($2,900). This was an emergency repair, as it turned out, because the old furnace had actually ruptured endangering both the house and its occupants. This also, of course, had a negative impact on the Building and Grounds Committee budget. Also, through an administrative error, our Minister’s salary increase that was approved at our April annual meeting was not implemented until November. (It was reflected in the budget and our electronic system but the payroll company was not actually paying the increase due to an error in communication due to the transition from one fiscal year to the next.) This required a catch up to make sure Reverend Lisa was receiving what is due to her. Although the net result does not affect the overall budget it is a cash flow issue in that for six months we were under-expending on that budget item and for the next six we will be spending a bit more than was planned. These issues have been dealt with, and your generous and conscientious support has been very helpful. Many thanks! December 28 will be our first REunion, a homecoming for our former RE students who have bridged out of the program. They will speak with our program's current youth during the service and we'll hold a reception in their honor afterwards. Please help us welcome everyone back. Important Dates: • December 7: Children's Worship, Inter-Generational Day • December 12: Building Bridges visit to Temple Adas Shalom • December 14: Snow Date for Inter-Gen Day, Jewish Guests for Building Bridges • December 25: Family Christmas Service, 5:30pm • December 28: REunion and reception May you enjoy warmth, friendship, and peace over the holidays. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions of concerns about our finances or your personal account. I can be reached at [email protected], or (717) 927-8086. - Stephanie Kalka, Director of Religious Education Dyrck Van Dusen, Treasurer 3 tions about participating in this activity. And I have joined a new Faith Relations Committee for Susquehanna Habitat for Humanity. Our goal is to begin an interfaith build later this year or early next year. This project will provide an opportunity for UUFHC members to work with other groups to create a home for a family in need. Happiness and Social Justice On a sunny, breezy Saturday afternoon in mid-October, nine people sat around my long dining table with food and soft drinks. Our purpose was to discuss ongoing and upcoming social justice work at UUFHC, but in the process we frequently smiled and laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. How could a meeting focused on addressing such somber concerns as homelessness, racism, pollution, and domestic violence produce feelings of light-heartedness and fellowship? The answer isn’t as enigmatic as it may seem. I am also happy to report that Judi Walkley has volunteered to be the liaison between SARC and UUFHC, continuing her work with that organization. And Jean McKendry has offered to help out in social justice work wherever needed, in particular with LGBTQ concerns. I am exceedingly thankful for all of the people who volunteer to advance our social justice projects, and as I think of them my heart is filled with the happiness I have come to associate with activities that help others. Over the past few decades, the field of positive psychology has grown from a concept that was frequently scoffed at by traditional psychologists to a well researched and accepted field of study. Instead of focusing on what causes people to be unhappy in life, positive psychology examines what makes people happy and why. A substantial body of research into this area has led to some solid, if unsurprising, findings. Last year, a metastudy of 40 research projects spanning 20 years found that “volunteering is associated with lower depression, increased well-being, and a 22% reduction in the risk of dying” (1). And the fact that our mental and physical health are strongly tied to social connections has been established repeatedly (2). So it’s not at all unusual that a group of people focusing on helping others while enjoying each others’ fellowship would find the experience heart-warming and even a little bit fun. In fact, at the risk of allowing science to draw some of the wonder and mystery out of the situation, research would predict such an outcome. But if we want to fully cover all of the task forces outlined in the Social Justice Committee’s description, we need more help. In 2015, we are reconnecting with the Sharing Table program in Edgewood to assist people with food insecurity. We need to identify and participate in projects designed to reduce racism in our community, as well as projects that promote the equality of LGBTQ persons. We have decided to support SARC during the holiday season with restocking their pantry to provide supplies to individuals and families who, many times, have left their homes with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. All of these goals require real people, like the nine who sat around my dining table, who are willing to spend a little bit of their time helping others. And all of our ongoing projects require the continued support of UUFHC members to allow them to continue as well. And there were certainly a lot of exciting activities for us to discuss. Kim Roberts gave an overview of her ongoing work supporting the FCCAU Welcome One Emergency Shelter and stated the shelter’s need for fundraising assistance. We discussed building new Silent Witness figures for next year’s domestic violence awareness month. Marc Petrequin shared his ideas and thoughts on potential community projects to help the environment. And Ed Roberts gave a history and overview of LASOS and explained their ongoing need for community support of their fundraising events. As a committee, we decided to work with LASOS to identify a holiday season project for UUFHC members to become involved in, and have since scheduled an intergenerational holiday activity at their building on December 13. Working with other Fellowship members to improve the health and well-being of our community draws us into the interconnected web of being, our theme for the year. If you are interested in serving in ways demonstrated to improve both mental and physical health, I encourage you to connect with the Social Justice Committee and find your niche within our group. We are using the UUFHC Facebook page to announce events and opportunities (https://www.facebook.com/UUFHC). The wall behind the snack table in the coffee room also displays our activities. And we will continue to share them in this newsletter, the weekly NUUwsbytes email, and the order of service on Sundays. In addition, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or (410) 916-9613. 1. In addition to these ongoing task force programs, we discussed two new projects. In early February, Ravenna Motil-McGuire (Becca and Paul’s daughter) is leading a service trip to Haiti through the UU College of Social Justice. We are working with her to set up a presentation at the Fellowship to build support and answer the ques- 2. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-empathy-gap/201308 /the-caring-cure-can-helping-others-help-yourself http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness/comm unicating/ -Allison Ehrman 4 Serendipity Auction News Volunteer of the Month Prepare yourself for a magical Masquerade party on Saturday, April 11, 2015. You can start thinking about costumes and outfits that could include masks and wild decorations. Beth Wood-Roig is honored as our November Volunteer of the Month for the many gifts she brings to our congregation, especially in the areas of worship and retreat planning. Beth has been Worship Committee Chair extraordinaire most of the time during the last several years. During Rev. Lisa’s sabbatical, her committee assured that there were inspiring guest ministers and thought-provoking lay-led speakers during the six month period. The social activities committee is busy creatively thinking about how to make this event even more special than the past. New ideas are abounding. But we welcome your input. This is a community event and we want it to be all that you would like it to be. See or contact Janine Seadler, Auction chair, at [email protected] or by phone at (443) 562-7972. More recently, under Beth’s leadership, the Worship Committee continues provide support for each service to include: ✤ preparing chalice, candles, readings, and announcements; ✤ delivering welcoming words; ✤ providing any additional support to the minister; ✤ securing guest speakers for the days when the minister is not preaching; ✤ ensuring that, in addition to service support, there is someone to run the sound board during the service; ✤ making sure the sound people generate podcast files for online delivery. Look for more news in the following months as we prepare for our Masquerade auction event. Let’s make this the best auction yet! Activities for December Beth has also played a significant role in helping Rev. Lisa plan and initiate the “Embrace the Journey” and other second Friday services. Seasonal Carol Sing – Come one, come all to Rev. Lisa’s home for our annual pot luck/carol sing. This event happens Sunday, December 14, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck. Rev. Lisa’s address is 121 Lapidum Rd., Havre de Grace. Please RSVP to the office at (410) 734-7122 or email [email protected]. Beth is a member of the retreat planning committee which plans, coordinates and often facilitates Fellowship retreats. She has taught for many years in the RE program including OWL classes. Please thank Beth for her hours of devotion to UUFHC! Interplay Workshop – Relieve holiday stress through a morning of creative play. Come to the Interplay workshop on Saturday, December 20 from 10:00 am until noon at UUFHC. The event is free for UUFHC members, and there is a suggested $5 administrative fee for non-members. All ages and body abilities welcome. 60 Years of UUFHC Coming Up! Winter Solstice – Sunday, December 21 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at UUFHC. This ritual is open to all ages. The Winter Solstice is a time to reflect on the passing of the old year and to look forward to new blessings. Join us in celebration of this earth-centered ritual at UUFHC. Bring a drum or a rhythm instrument if you wish and plan on being outside, weather permitting. The 60th anniversary of the Fellowship is coming up— how should we celebrate? (Yes, we don't look a day over 40!) Please share your ideas and opinions with Mark Gallihue, JoAnn Macdonald, Paul Seadler, Dyrck Van Dusen, Rev. Lisa, or any Board member. We are planning to have a short discussion meeting after church service in the next few weeks and will send out additional information on the date once it is set. Let the planning begin! Please contact the office ([email protected]) if you need childcare for very young children at least one week in advance. Contact Becca Motil ([email protected]) with any questions. 5 Retreat: Mark Your Calendar UUs and Christmas Conscious Eldering: The Art of Aging Well Saturday, January 17, 9:00 to 4:00 pm at UUFHC Way back in the early 90s when I first became DRE, I went through a box of Christmas celebration materials to plan for the coming season. UU attitudes toward holiday celebrations seemed to be in the early stages of evolution. It seemed there weren’t clear ideas as to how to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Some UUs still wanted tradition; others who rejected the religions of their youth didn’t want to revisit the traditional Christmas celebrations. J. Sue Henry and retreat guide, Anne Wennhold lead us through a daylong workshop for people in or approaching their senior years (50 and up). J. Sue and Anne will provide a dynamic introduction to conscious aging and the rewarding inner work that prepares one for becoming a conscious and wise elder—for oneself, one’s family, one’s community and for the generations to come. The cost of the retreat is $30 and includes lunch, snacks and materials. The materials in the box most often took the “tourist approach” of learning about holiday traditions all around the world. There was an emphasis on pagan origins of our holiday symbols (Christmas tree, yule logs, holly and candles), a study of European Christmas customs, as well as materials on Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and holidays from other world religions. I myself led a “tour” of Kwanzaa for a Sunday after Christmas service complete with craft projects. For further information, contact UUFHC’s office (410) 734-7122. Are You a Chalice Lighter? The emphasis on learning about other traditions, while better than co-opting others’ traditions, seemed to me to leave a wide gap. We weren’t really making our own meaningful services. The old Christmas materials seemed to offer all head and no heart. Being a chalice lighter isn’t just a job for children (or the occasional adult) on Sunday morning. Many Members of UUFHC are also members of the Joseph Priestley District Chalice Lighters. We give $20 or more three times a year to support growth in our congregations. UUFHC has been a recipient of Chalice Lighter grants for calling a minister and supporting a DRE, for funds as we built our present church, for planning growth initiatives, and we are currently in the process of applying for another grant. In fact, UUFHC received the very first Chalice Lighter grant! Become a Chalice lighter and grow our Unitarian Universalist movement. During the years we’ve been building holiday traditions. We aren’t afraid of traditional Christmas imagery but have learned to adapt these to our beliefs and values—with plenty of room for each of us to find our own meaning. We find our own meaning in Solstice celebrations, not as Druids or ancient pagans, but as 21st century people finding our way. Sometimes experiments haven’t worked—the strangest stab at making a UUFHC tradition was a jelly candy communion one year—but we sing carols, reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, and make it our own. Sometimes we revisit the holidays of other faith and folk traditions but with a goal of finding the relevance to our own lives. And our own traditions continue to evolve. The first letter of support this year just arrived. Recipients of fall donations are: • Channing Memorial Church, UU in Ellicott City, MD is moving to larger quarters after years of cramped quarters with no room for their growing congregation and RE program. • Thomas Paine UU Fellowship in Collegeville, PA will add a Religious Education professional to guide their growing adult and children’s programs. -Kay Saucier To find out more about the program and how you can join, go to www.jpduua.org/jpd-chalice-lighters and sign up! You can receive the three calls per year by email or by snail mail. Donations, even as small as $20 three time per year, add up to make a huge difference to our congregations. 6 2015 JPD Worship Arts Festival is Coming Soon! New from the UUA Bookstore Mark your calendars now for the weekend of February 20-21, 2015 and plan to join with your Joseph Priestley District co-ministers (of the lay and professional varieties!) and our hosts, the UU Congregation of Fairfax, as we explore what it might mean to “Worship Wide!” With a full day Saturday and an optional Friday evening, we’ll put our minds and hearts together in workshops on the theological and ethical matters of ministry to military personnel and social justice ministry, and the practical matters of writing for worship, worship technology, and public speaking—and the collaborative ministry practices that can help us to hold all these important ideas together in one space. Save the date now, and talk it up; for every five members of the same congregation who register, a sixth attends absolutely free! Registration opens December 1. Go to www.jpduua.org for further information and to register. Restored to Sanity: Essays on the Twelve Steps by Unitarian Universalists, edited by Ken and Cathlean. Unitarian Universalist writers reflect on their experiences while walking the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and other Twelve-Step programs. Some of the authors have been deeply inspired and affected by the Twelve Steps. Others have struggled with the God-language of AA and have had to reinterpret it for themselves. Still others have maintained longterm sobriety and have found lasting support from the larger fellowship of Twelve Step programs. All tell their stories with great honesty and humility, providing inspiration and hope for those who struggle with addiction and for their friends and family members. Each Step is explored with two separate heartfelt essays, plus a meditation or prayer. UUA Announces General Assembly 2015 The book is published by Skinner House Books, and the UU Bookstore product code is 7748. This title is also available as an eBook in the Amazon Kindle Store and on Google Play. Go to www.uuabookstore.org for further information. June 24-28 in Portland Oregon from the UUA Bookstore website The theme for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s GA 2015 is “Building a New Way.” Most events will be held in the Oregon Convention Center. The 2015 Ware lecturer is Dr. Cornel West. Also Available from the UUA Bookstore New information about worship, speakers and events will be updated, so check the UUA website regularly: www.uua.org/ga/index.shtml. If you are planning on being in Portland in late June, consider attending General Assembly and representing UUFHC as a delegate. Low on funds? Several volunteer positions are available—get paid registration in exchange for hours of service during GA. Reclaiming Prophetic Witness by Paul Rasor is the 2014-2015 UUA Common Read. That means UUs all over the country will be reading this book, and congregation discussion groups are encouraged. Reclaiming Prophetic Witness points out a growing misconception that conservative Christianity is the only valid religious voice in our national social policy. The book includes insights from our liberal religious theological heritage, and calls us to prophetic, faith-based justice work. Rasor also makes a strong case for the necessity of a liberal religious presence in the public square to complement and strengthen secular voices raised for social justice. There are opportunities to serve on the General Assembly Planning Committee, and musicians and choir members are welcome during GA. Keep checking the UUA website for updates and deadlines and contact Rev. Lisa or a Board Member if you are interested in being a delegate. There should also be an opportunity to represent UUFHC remotely as a delegate, or attend GA from home! Speak to Glenn Brown, last year’s remote delegate to find out about his experience. The book is available at the UUA Bookstore and groups can save 10% for 5-9 copies or 20% for 10 or more copies. Discussion guides are also available. Go to www.uuabookstore.org for more information. 7 The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County 2515 Churchville Road Churchville, MD 21028 Building Liberal Religious Community Please Join Us! Sunday Services: 10:30 am; coffee follows Please visit us online at www.uufhc.net Next Newsletter Deadline: Sunday, December 14, 2014 Minister: Director of Religious Education: Administrative Assistant: Newsletter Editor: Webmaster: The Reverend Lisa G. Ward Stephanie Kalka Karen Kurrle Kay Saucier Rick Saucier Fellowship Office Hours (Karen Kurrle): Tues, Wed & Thurs: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Minister’s Office Hours: Mon: Tues, Wed & Thurs: Fri: Day Off 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Writing & Research Day (available for pastoral emergencies) Wayside Pulpit Ever ything in the universe is connected; interdependence rules the cosmic order. – Taisen Deshimaru Director of Religious Education Office Hours: Mon: Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs: Fri: Day Off 9:30 pm to 2:00 pm Day Off Office Phone: Office Fax: Office E-mail: Minister E-mail: DRE E-mail: Newsletter E-mail: Webmaster E-mail: Website: 410-734-7122 410-734-7124 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.uufhc.net
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