1. religion and spirituality

REPORTER
Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron
Volume 75, Issue 1
January 2015
Rev. Tim Temerson
As you may have heard by now, in January of 2016, I will
be taking a sabbatical for six months. Although my
sabbatical does not begin for a year, I’m beginning to think
about my goals and plans and I’d like to share some of
those preliminary thoughts with you.
I imagine the first question that comes to mind for many of
you is “Why does Tim receive or even need a sabbatical
and why for six months?” The most basic answer is simply
that in most Unitarian Universalist ministerial contracts
(including my contract with the UU Church of Akron),
ministers are granted a sabbatical every 5-7 years of
service. The length of the sabbatical is determined by the
length of service. My contract calls for me to receive one
month of sabbatical leave for every year of service. Since I
will have served our congregation for 6 years by January of
2016, my sabbatical will last for 6 months. I will return to
full time service as your minister in August of 2016.
While contracts and terms of service are important, they
don’t get to the heart of why I’m taking a sabbatical. In
many ways, my sabbatical is really about the three r’s –
rest, renewal, and reflection. Freed from the many day-today demands of ministry, a sabbatical will provide me with
an opportunity to power-down and really rest for an
extended period of time. Such extended rest will make it
possible for me to return to UUCA feeling renewed
physically, emotionally, and spiritually and ready to make a
new beginning with all of you in our shared ministry.
Finally, a sabbatical will enable me to reflect on my own
strengths and growing edges as a minister and how I can
best serve our congregation in the future.
Another very important question that congregations
frequently ask about sabbaticals is: What happens to
us? Well, I’m happy to report that planning for the
sabbatical is well underway and that all of the key
ministerial tasks that I undertake on a daily, weekly,
and monthly basis will be covered. Working closely
with me and the Board of Trustees, the Sabbatical
Planning Team (Bill Jordan, Elizabeth Reilly,
Becca Barnum, and Jen Welsh) is making
preparations so that worship, pastoral care,
administration, and all of our ministries can
continue to grow and thrive while I’m away. In fact,
we view the sabbatical not as a problem to be
solved but rather as an opportunity for the
congregation to grow and to lead.
Over the next year, I will be sharing more thoughts
and plans with you about my upcoming sabbatical.
You will also be receiving regular updates from the
Sabbatical planning Team as well as opportunities
to ask questions and share thoughts. As I said
before, I am very excited about this opportunity and
convinced that it will enable me to better serve you.
Thank you again for making it possible for me to
take a sabbatical. I know this will be growth
opportunity for all of us.
Many Blessings,
Rev. Tim
[email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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2
3
4
Minister’s Musings
RE News; Teen Pride Network News
2015 Spanish ClassesUUWA News
Sunday Services; Caring Corner
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6
7
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Worship & Spiritual Enrichment Opportunities; Food for Thought Class
HAPPENINGS
Calendar; Attendance Info
Staff Hours and Info; Board of Trustees; UUCA Mission
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RELIGIOUS ED NEWS
Even More Reasons to Love Your
Church in 2015
For the last two years my January column has been
a list of “Why to love your church in…” With the
January Reporter deadline looming, it left me
thinking, “Could there be more, or is that it?”
Well….
Upon picking up Christmas Caring Tree gifts which didn’t all fit in the vehicle - the driver from
Children’s Services of Summit County exclaimed,
“In ten years of picking up gifts, I’ve never seen
anything even close to this! A lot of kids are going
to be VERY happy this Christmas.” That’s faith in
action.
More and more, our members are recommending
the church to others and bringing their friends to
experience what we do here. That’s the best
indicator I know of to reflect the growing sense of
meaning, value and religious identity they feel.
Even though we are geographically far from our
guests, the monthly community meal continues to
grow; addressing their hunger, AND their inherent
worth and dignity.
DRE Rich Roberts, RE Assistant Carolyn Stevens
I can’t keep up with all our new families’ names. My bad…
but for a good reason. They are everywhere!
With current events pointing out the gross inequalities and
injustices in our society, the many ministries of our church
state unequivocally, “We stand on the side of LOVE”. And
we put our hands to the task.
With mental illness being one the primary causes of chronic
unhappiness for people everywhere, our new Mental Health
Ministry is a brave new step toward forging a path to
wholeness.
Parents continually report that their kids LOVE coming to
church.
We are very, very lucky to have each other within this
church community. From what I see over and over in my
work here, deep down it’s something we know as precious,
and sacred, and real. I can feel it. Can you feel it?
I’m sure you have your own Reasons to Love this Church in
2015.
Take a moment and send them to me at
[email protected]. I’d really love to hear from you!
All blessings in the New Year,
The Caring Cupboard; ditto above.
JANUARY
RE Calendar
Regular RE classes
all Sundays
in January
Rich
4th - COYA Mtg at noon
11th - COYA Souper Sunday Fundraiser
18th - COYA Officers Mtg at noon
TEEN PRIDE NETWORK NEWS
The Teen Pride Network is a collaborative project between UUCA, Akron PFLAG, CANAPI, and GLSEN
N.E. Ohio. We are a prosocial organization dedicated to offering LGBTQ teens in N.E. Ohio safe and healthy
spaces to be themselves and to network and socialize with other LGBTQ teens, allies, and caring adults.
The Akron Community Foundation has granted Teen Pride a generous grant through their Gay
Community Endowment Fund. We have many events alr eady planned for 2015 and have mor e in the
works funded by the grant and by the generosity of this congregation. Thanks you, UUCA, and all of the
volunteers who have given their time, talents, and donations, for giving the Teen Pride Network healthy roots
and a great beginning.
As we are poised to take flight, we will need volunteers more than ever. If you would like to join us, contact
TPN at [email protected], or see Kim Mosyjowski.
In this season of celebration and light, we have so very much to give thanks for. Thank you one and all.
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SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASSES
Classes resume where we left off in November!
All are welcome even if you were not enrolled in the previous class.
Eight sessions. $40 registration fee; scholarship assistance available,
contact Rev. Tim.
LEVEL I: Thur sday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m. with Barbara Kemper.
Classes begin January 29. Text: Easy Spanish Step by Step,
by Barbara Bregstein, available at Bar nes and Noble,
and online at Amazon.com.
LEVEL II: Tuesday mor nings, 10-11:30 a.m.
with Vicki Sue Algea. Classes begin January 27.
Sign up at coffee hour or call the church office at 330-836-2206.
UU WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION NEWS
The Equal Exchange Store Sunday, January 4
During coffee hour you can pick up your Fair Trade coffee, tea, hot cocoa and treats
and UU gifts! Check or cash.
UUWA Business Meeting and Program
Friday, January 16
10:30am:
11:15am:
12:00pm:
Business meeting
Program: Artists Way with Dawn Corley, Opening your Creative Door
for the New Year, activity
Lunch, $8, reservations required
[email protected], 330-666-5921
With the coming of the New Year many of us make out our annual list of resolutions:
to lose weight, to exercise more, to pay down our debts. How many of us, however,
resolve to explore and develop our creative talents, perhaps redefining our priorities
in the process? In her talk and short Power Point presentation, Dawn Corley will
present an overview of Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, the impact it had on her
creative development, and how Cameron's methods can assist you in attaining
those goals. Dawn is a graphic designer, writer, calligrapher, journaler and has
facilitated The Artist’s Way group at UUCA for 2 and ½ years.
Women’s Sacred Singing Circle
Tuesday, January 13 & 27, 7 pm
Look into your sister’s eyes and share voice and spirit through song. All women are
invited to join. No experience necessary. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. For more
info contact Linda Hale.
Shoebox Recycling continues
Did you get new shoes for Christmas? Bring your gently used shoes for the UUWA
Shoebox Recycling effort. Help small businesses and keep shoes out of landfills.
It’s a win-win!
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LABYRINTH WALK
Set your intentions
for the new year.
Thursday, January 8, 2015,
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Live music and refreshments,
donation at the door
Entering a New Year brings us opportunity to clear
away what is no longer useful to us and embrace
the new. Join us for a Labyrinth walk and set your
intentions for the New Year. Labyrinth walking in an
ancient practice used by many different faiths for
spiritual centering, contemplation and prayer.
Entering the serpentine path of a labyrinth, the
walker walks slowly while quieting their mind and
focusing on a spiritual question or prayer. As the
path is traveled the mind is quiet and often answers
become clear.
During the walk Rebekah Benner and Mark
Phillips, Labyrinth musicians for First
Congregational Church, will provide "Esoterically
Eclectic Musical Meanderings", using an array of
musical instruments; flutes, drums, rattles, crystal
bowls, chimes, and the amazingly soothing metal
Hang. You are welcome to join in the music before
or after your walking meditation. Extra instruments
are provided, or bring your own. There will be gently
guided suggestions to keep the music soothing and
provide a walking beat. Please wear socks. No
shoes are worn on the Labyrinth.
WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
10:30 A.M. SUNDAY SERVICES
Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
A River or a Rock:
The Meaning(s) of Religious Truth
Rev. Tim Temerson
Unitarian Universalism affirms the “free
and responsible search for truth and
meaning.” But exactly do we mean by
religious or spiritual truth? Where do we
search for it and how do we know if
we’ve found it?
Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 10: 30 a.m.
The Spirituality of Desire
Rev. Tim Temerson
In many spiritual traditions, desire is often
seen as a problem, as a source of sin or
suffering, and as something that needs to
be controlled or overcome. Today we will
explore the nature and meanings of desire
and the relationship among desire,
fulfillment, and wholeness.
Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
The Selma Awakening
Rev. Tim Temerson
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the civil rights protests
in Selma, Alabama. Numerous Unitarian Universalists
participated in Selma and two lost their lives during the
struggle. Today we will honor and remember Selma and the
impact it has had on our nation and on Unitarian Universalism.
Those wanting to learn more about this topic are encouraged to
read Rev. Mark Morrison-Read’s wonderful new book on
Selma. Today’s service will also feature the musical talents of
the UU Band.
Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
The Journey to Inclusivity
Rev. Tim Temerson & the UUCA Inclusivity Team
Last year a group of UUCA leaders attended an important
workshop on inclusivity and the need to examine the
assumptions and biases that can prevent us from being truly
inclusive and welcoming to all. Join us as these leaders reflect
on their experience and begin a conversation about how our
congregation can make this journey.
COMING SOON...2015 CONNECTION CIRCLES
Signups for groups will take place on
January 11, 18 and 25 during coffee hour.
See Jann Miller for details.
CARING CORNER
PASTORAL CARE:
CARING COMMITTEE:
Meals:
Pastoral Associates:
Kelly
Urbano
Kelly Urbano
at kur
[email protected]
Mary Ann Ballinger, Coordinator
330-836-0058 [email protected]
Ride Share:
Mary Caesar
Mary Caesar 330-929-2765
[email protected]
Susan Davis
Susan
Davis
Susan Davis at
[email protected]
or 330-329-5132
Susan Davis 330-329-5132
[email protected]
Linda Marx
Linda Marx 330-873-1823
[email protected]
Pam Garn Nunn
Susan
Shah
Chair:
Susan Shah at [email protected]
or 330-336-8436
Pam Garn Nunn 330-869-8358
[email protected]
Mary Petrich
Mary Petrich 330-688-5410
Linda [email protected]
Ryder
Linda Rush Ryder 330-472-9821
Jan [email protected]
Jan Schrader 330-650-0036
[email protected]
Erv Wentland
Erv Wentland 330-603-8610 [email protected]
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Chair:
UUCA HEALTH MINISTRY:
Come to the Blood Pressure screening on the
second Sunday of every month.
Contact Janet Wertz
at 330-688-5984
for morefor
information.
more information.
WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FIRST FRIDAY
DRUM CIRCLE!
Music
Message
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2 AT 7:00 P.M.
Discussion
The First Friday Intergenerational Drum Circle is
energizing, relaxing, fun and great for all ages.
Please bring a drum or something to drum on—
it can be as simple as a pot and wooden spoon!
Drum, dance, chant or just sit and groove out to the beat!!
No experience needed. Discover your inner drummer!
The Ethical Humanist Society of NEO
The next meeting of the Ethical
Humanist Society will be on
Sunday, January 25 at 12:15 p.m.
Watch upcoming Memoranduums
and emails for meeting topic.
UU CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00 P.M.
Do you find truth and wisdom in the life and teachings of
Jesus? If so, you are invited to join the UU Church of
Akron Christian Fellowship. We are now reading and
discussing The Hidden Gospel: Decoding the Spiritual
Message of the Aramaic Jesus by Neil Douglas-Klotz
(available on Amazon.com). If you have questions,
please contact Ruth Huber.
Questions: contact Susan Davis.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Cooking and Food Justice
Family and Intergenerational Workshop Series
We will be learning about food justice and about cooking with engaging, kid and
adult friendly, hands-on activities, and food that we prepare together. Each
workshop builds on the next as we dig deeper and discover all the ways food
impacts our lives and the lives of everyone in our community. This program will
focus on empowering kids as leaders and as agents of change through knowledge
and community service. By the end of this program we will be experts on food and
know more about food than most adults, including the kid’s teachers!
Who: For any youth 9 years old and up accompanied
by an adult companion. High school students and
adults who are unaccompanied by a youth are
welcome to attend as well.
When: Saturdays, 10am – 12:30pm
February 7, 14, March 21, April 4, 11, May 2, 23
Possible Field Trip to Farmer’s Market June 6
Fee to Cover the Food Cost: $35 per person
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Topics include:

What is Food Justice and Advocacy?

Healthy Images

Healthy Food

Meet Meat

Community Health and Diabetes

Advertising and Label Reading

Food Systems
January MEETINGS & EVENTS
►TAI CHI CLASS
►NONFICTION BOOK GROUP
Taught by our own Diana Pawloski!
We will have the first meeting of 2015 on Monday, January 19, 2015 at
7:00 p.m. at the church. January’s selection is Devil in the Grove by
Gilbert King. This is a Pulitzer Prize winning account of the defense by
Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP of four young African American men
accused of assaulting a white girl in Florida in 1949. This is a much
acclaimed book and one of the best non-fiction pieces of 2012. We
always have lively discussions and interesting, witty repartee. No preregistration is required. Just show up. Or contact Jim Wagner for more
information.
EVERY MONDAY AT 6:00 P.M.
Yang Style Tai Chi is used to gently stimulate the internal
organs, exercise the body, calm the nervous system and
loosen the joints. It may be done standing or sitting. Tai
Chi is for people of any age, requires no special equipment
and can be performed in ordinary street clothes. An art for
peace of mind. For more information, contact Diana
Pawloski.
MONDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 7:00 P.M.
►WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
AT 7:00 P.M.
January 7, 2015 is the next meeting of the Women’s Book
Discussion Group. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
will be discussed. Meetings are the first Wednesday of
each month at 7 p.m. in the McKeeman room of the church
and all women are welcome. Members should bring
suggestions for future readings. For more information,
contact Mary Petrich.
►UU MEN’S LUNCH
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
AT 12 NOON
The UUCA Men's Group usually meets for lunch at Papa
Joe's in the Valley on the second Tuesday of every month.
For more info or to let the group know you plan to attend,
please contact Leon Marker.
►NEWCOMERS CIRCLE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4
12:00 - 12:30 P.M.
The Membership committee invites you to join us for a
monthly Newcomers Circle! Rev. Tim Temerson and
several lay leaders will be available to discuss Unitarian
Universalism and our church community, and to answer
your questions. No sign-up is required, just drop in for 30
minutes of fellowship and conversation.
UUCA CHURCH DIRECTORY IS
COMING SOON!
The 2015 UUCA
Directory will be
available in
3 formats:
1. Bound version
2. Web-based version
3. Smartphone App version
Stay tuned for more details!
FREE MONTHLY
COMMUNITY MEAL
►GAME NIGHT WITH
TEEN PRIDE NETWORK
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
12:00 P.M. AT UUCA
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
FROM 7:00-9:00 P.M.
Join us Friday, January 16 for Game Night at UUCA. Bring
your favorite board game and your appetite. Delicious
noms will be served, marshmallows will be toasted in the
fireplace, and fun will be had! Free resources for GLSEN
(Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) National’s
“No Name Calling Week” will be available for you and your
H.S. GSA. This free event is open to all middle and high
school LGBTQ teens and their allies.
Volunteers needed!
Contact Dawn Scott
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Sunday Service starts at 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship Hour takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Please note that the calendar is subject to
change. If you need confirmation of an
event or activity, please contact the individual
in charge or the church office.
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12:00pm—COYA
12:00pm—
Newcomers Circle
12:30pm—Young
AdUUlts
4:00pm—Art of Living
6:00pm—Tai Chi
6:30pm—Grief
Group
7:00pm—
Enlightenment
Experience
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11:00am—SOUPER
SUNDAY
12:00pm—Social
Action Coalition
4:00pm—Art of Living
6:00pm—COA
6:00pm—Tai Chi
7:00pm—
Enlightenment
Experience
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12:00pm—COYA
Leadership
12:30pm—Young
AdUUlts
4:00pm—Art of Living
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
7:00pm—SAA
6:00pm—Yoga
10:00am—Daisy
7:00pm—Drum Circle Troup
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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7
8
9
10
1:30pm—Staff Mtg.
6:30pm—FAA
6:00pm—Women's Book
Group
7:45pm—DA
8:00pm—AA
12:00pm—Brown Bag Lunch
with Rev. Tim
7:00pm—SAA
7:00pm—LABYRINTH
WALK
6:00pm—Yoga
7:00pm—Noetics
10:00am—SI Group
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14
15
16
17
12:00pm—UU
Men’s Lunch at
Papa Joe’s
7:00pm—Sacred
Singing
11:00am—Staff Mtg.
6:30pm—FAA
7:45pm—DA
8:00pm—AA
12:00pm—Brown Bag Lunch
with Rev. Tim
7:00pm—SAA
10:30am—UUWA
6:00pm—Yoga
7:00pm—Teen Pride
Game Night
9:00am—OMD
Trustees Meeting
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20
21
22
23
24
6:00pm—Tai Chi
7:00pm—
Enlightenment
Experience
7:30pm—Sierra
Club
11:00am—Staff Mtg.
6:30pm—FAA
7:45pm—DA
8:00pm—AA
12:00pm—Brown Bag Lunch
with Rev. Tim
7:00pm—SAA
6:00pm—Yoga
9:00am—COA Retreat
6:00pm—Community 12:00pm—FREE
Meal Food Prep
COMMUNITY MEAL
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
12:15pm—Humanists
4:00pm—Art of Living
6:00pm—Tai Chi
7:00pm—
Enlightenment
Experience
7:00pm—Sacred
Singing
11:00am—Staff Mtg.
6:30pm—FAA
7:00pm—Board Mtg.
7:45pm—DA
8:00pm—AA
12:00pm—Brown Bag Lunch
with Rev. Tim
7:00pm—SAA
6:00pm—Yoga
9:00am—COSE
SERVICE ATTENDANCE
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23 (Intergenerational)
November 30
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
140 + 66 RE
147 + 55 RE
175 + 60 RE
238 + 15 RE
117 + 62 RE
THE CHURCH OFFICE
WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY
AND WILL RE-OPEN
ON TUESDAY, JANURY 6, 2015.
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PRESIDENT
REPORTER
Published monthly
Don Malarcik
Deadline: the 15th of every month
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Sandy Auburn
Articles for submission may be sent to the church,
faxed to 330-836-3106 or emailed to [email protected]
Minister
Director of Religious Education
Church Administrator & RE Assistant
Sexton
Director of Music
Keyboard Artist
Bookkeeper
Reporter Editor
Reporter Layout & Design
TREASURER
Deb Johnson
BOARD MEMBERS
Rev. Tim Temerson
Rich Roberts
Carolyn Stevens
Brittney Gustavel
Bob Carlyon
Brian Laakso
Sue Michael
Margaret Olds
Carolyn Stevens
OFFICE HOURS:
TUES. — FRI. 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
REV. TIM:
SECRETARY
Yamini Adkins
Brown Bag Lunch at noon every Thursday
Drop-in hours on Thursday 10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Tim is also available by appointment Tuesday through Thursday;
some evening hours are available.
DRE RICH: Call for appointment.
Andy Agrawal, Administration
Bev Hurd, Mission
Rick Dawson, Priorities
Diane Rasey, Program
Jack Ryder, Finance
The UUCA is a
“Welcoming Congregation”
that warmly and openly encourages
the full participation of gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender people
in the life of the congregation.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
3300 MOREWOOD RD.
AKRON, OH 44333
Phone: (330) 836-2206 Fax: (330) 836-3106
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uuakron.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
MISSION OF THE
UU CHURCH OF AKRON
We are a welcoming and loving community for all, dedicated to
meaningful and inspirational worship and lifelong spiritual growth.
We find strength in diversity and commit to be a prominent force for
social justice and stewardship of the earth.
We aspire to take very good care of ourselves,
each other and the world.
Developed by the Congregation at Searching for the Future
Mission–Vision Workshops February 26th – 28th, 2010
Approved by the Congregation April 25, 2010
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER, CHECK HERE ____
DETACH, APPLY CORRECT POSTAGE, AND RETURN.
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