Number 1 January 17, 2012 - First Unitarian Society of Madison

The Madison Unitarian
Newsletter of The First Unitarian Society of Madison 6 Volume 63 6 No. 1
6
January 17, 2012
Rev.Elations
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
We’ve been hearing a great deal of impassioned rhetoric for the past couple of
years about the need for greater freedom: freedom to carry a concealed weapon
(other than a switchblade); freedom from government mandated healthcare; freedom from environmental, health & safety and consumer protection laws; freedom
to proselytize in the public square; freedom from taxation; freedom from the
“nanny state.” It’s enough to convince a person that Americans have been held
Please turn to page
in thrall by a cruel, despotic regime, as the Tea Party’s patron saint Paul Revere
13 for a reading
(born January 1, 1735) once insisted.
list about freedom.
But of course, not all freedoms are created equal. Women’s reproductive
rights are under siege as Roman Catholics and conservative evangelicals
work overtime to de-fund Planned Parenthood, deny young women access to birth control and pass
“Personhood” legislation that would guarantee a fertilized egg the same legal protections as a fullyformed, sovereign human being. So much for the freedom not to procreate.
Then too, the right of individuals and corporations to pursue profit without having to cope with
onerous restrictions that “distort” the self-correcting operations of free market is roundly defended.
At the same time, the right of ordinary workers to a living wage is judged to be unreasonable and
unaffordable. Whatever happened to the concept of an Economic Bill of Rights? Sixty-eight years ago,
on January 11, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a memorable speech in which he outlined
a compassionate program that would finally free Americans from fear – fear of poverty, ignorance,
sickness, disability and homelessness. It appears, however, that powerful interests in our country today
are committed to keeping the citizenry full of fear, rather than free of it.
Martin Luther King, born eighty-three years ago on January 15, tried to be (as he put it) a “drummajor” for justice, peace, righteousness – and liberty for all. Under his transformative leadership,
African Americans gained freedom of the franchise, freedom from discrimination in public places
and on the job. Moreover, as one of the chief architects of the 1967 Poor People’s Campaign, King
embraced F.D.R.’s earlier dream of a fairer and more equitable society. Tragically, it may have been this
colorblind initiative more than his struggle to achieve racial justice that led to King’s assassination the
following year.
2011 saw revolutions in the Arab world and counter-revolutions here at home. Much of the conflict
we see in the world in being triggered by different notions of how freedom ought to be exercised or
curtailed. At the cusp of what promises to be another eventful year we invite you to dig a little deeper
into this timely and compelling topic.
Bright New Year wishes… Michael
2 • The Madison Unitarian Meeting House News
Quest Spiritual Practice Classes Open to You
Quest, our two-year spiritual deepening program (more info at http://
www.questaspiritualjourney.com/), has organized a number of opportunities at the Meeting House for personal spiritual practice. The following
groups help Quest members and the FUS community at large to follow
their practice. All FUS members are welcome and invited. No experience is necessary.
• Centering Prayer
Tuesdays, 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Contact: Kim Stege at
244-5875 or [email protected]
• Insight Buddist Meditation
Sundays, 6 to 8 p.m. Contact: Lori or Dave Creswell at 238-1234.
• QiGong Japanese Crane Movement Meditation
Wednesdays, 12:15 p.m. Contact: Joan Heitman at [email protected].
• QiGong Japanese Crane Movement Meditation
Thursdays at 5 p.m. Contact: Ann Schaffer 232-0004 or
[email protected].
Be a Greeter
Greeters are needed for Saturday services. Commitment time is 4:15
to 4:40 p.m. Greeters must possess a ready smile and some knowledge
of our service routine. Please stop by the greeter station and talk with
Nancie Cotter, or contact Jeanne Sears for more information at /memberprogramscoordinator.
Peace and Justice Book Club
The Peace and Justice Book Club has chosen its books for the upcoming months. The discussions are held in Courtyard B, at 7 p.m. All are
welcome, no need to sign up! Questions? Call Peggy Larson at 442-7250.
Schedule:
Monday, January 23: World and Town, 2010, a novel by Gish Jen.
Monday, February 27: Moby Duck, the Story of 28,800 Bath Toys Loose
at Sea, 2011, by Donovan Hohn.
Monday, March 26: Here Comes Trouble, 2011, by Michael Moore.
Monday, April 23: Days of Honey, a Memoir of Food, Love, and War,
2011, by Annia Ciezadlo.
Interested in Becoming a Member?
If you have UU background or have taken our "New UU"
classes, you are invited to become a member here at the
First Unitarian Society. We will be offering a book signing
opportunity on February 26. Please r.s.v.p. to Jeanne Sears at /memberprogramscoordinator or 233-9774 ext. 116, if this date fits in your
schedule. We're looking forward to it!
Kudos to the Grace Volunteers
Thanks to the following volunteers for donating their time and effort in preparing and/
or serving the December 17 shelter meal at
Grace Episcopal church: Robyn Perrin, Susan
Harvey, Mark Hoover, Kathleen Hoover,
Stephanie Sorenson, Katerina and Carly, Pat
Watson, Cathy Toll, David Fields and Henry
Hagedorn. Special thanks to Henry, Susan and
the Hoovers for their generous donations of
food. – Daniel Bradley, Men's Shelter
Meal Volunteer Coordinator
"New UU" Classes are
Starting for Interested Adults
We have two "New UU" classes are coming
up in March and April, and if you are thinking
of membership, you are invited to join them.
These classes each consist of four sessions.
The first will be held on Thursday evenings
from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 8, 15, 22 and 29.
The second will be offered on Sundays from
1 to 3 p.m. on April 22, 29, May 6 and 13.
Childcare will be available during the Sunday class.
"New UU" is an orientation class for
newcomers and friends of the First Unitarian
Society. Participants will:
• Get acquainted with other curious adults;
• Learn about Unitarian Universalism and the
organization of the Society;
• Explore whether their beliefs and values are
consonant with Unitarian Universalism;
• Consider their next steps to deeper involvement at First Unitarian Society.
Registration forms are available in the
Commons at the Information table or at
http://www.fusmadison.org/newUU
January 17, 2012 • 3
Giving in Gratitude
Growing in Spirit
An Annual Campaign Message From Michael
You know what? The First Unitarian Society of Madison is not your typical faith community. In addition
to the substantive messages, inspiring music, engaging
children’s curriculum and warm fellowship FUS provides on a weekly basis, there is so much more that
commends this institution to its friends and members.
I think of our outreach programs that support dozens of
local non-profit agencies and serve hundreds of disadvantaged
individuals each year. Over the past decade or two, First Unitarian
Society has built a solid reputation for social responsibility and
civic engagement
I think, too, of the breadth and depth of our music program
and of the local music critic who once dubbed FUS “Madison’s
First Church of Music.” From worship accompaniment to Noon
Musicales, spectacular All-Music Sundays, performances by our
Quartet in Residence and special concerts by outstanding
ensembles like the Madison Bach Society, the richness of our multigenerational musical resources is truly impressive.
And what about spiritual development and deepening? Here
again, there is so much to choose from: distinctive spiritual practice
groups, a wide array of adult courses, small spiritual growth groups,
annual retreats, and our unique, home-grown two-year Quest
curriculum. For curious seekers we offer multiple options for
“growing your own soul.”
Nor can we overlook our marvelous facility, featuring
both the Frank Lloyd Wright Meeting house and perhaps the
“greenest” sanctuary in Dane County. Our membership’s
staunch commitment to environmental values is on display to
everyone who walks into the Atrium Addition, and our expanded
facility provides the perfect venue for outside users, including
Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, the Insight Meditation Society and
UW-Madison’s Center for Investigating Healthy Minds.
But you already knew all of this, right?
The good news is that you have the opportunity to become
involved in a great many of these enterprises if you are willing to
budget the time. Whatever your own spiritual, aesthetic, or social
craving, we offer programs to match it. The plain fact is, pledges by
members and friends determine the Society’s success.
Please watch for campaign materials to be coming early in
February. FUS needs you to be as generous as you can.
– Michael Schuler, Parish Minister
4 • The Madison Unitarian More Meeting
House News
Central Midwest District Assembly 2012
April 27-29, 2012
This year's regional Central
Midwest District Assembly
of UUs will be held Friday
through Sunday, April 27-29,
2012. The theme this year
is “Leadership With a UU
Spiritual Core.” It will be in
the Chicagoland area at the
Marriot Oak
Brook Hill Resort.
Friday night’s opening ceremony will feature special
guest Rev. Bill Schulz, President of the
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and
past president of the UUA.
Rev. Schulz
Rev. Marilyn Sewell will be the keynote
presenter on Saturday morning. She has been
interested in the theological and spiritual dimensions of
leadership development for some time and is looking
Rev. Sewell
forward to exploring this with us. There will be two
sessions of workshops on Saturday afternoon and them in the evening,
we will show Rev. Sewell’s documentary film, “Raw Faith.”
Sunday morning, the winner of the District Assembly Sermon
Contest will lead a worship service open to all.
There will be lots of music throughout the weekend, opportunities
to connect with old friends and meet new ones, and time for spiritual
reflection. Get the dates on your calendar now and let us know if
you’re interested in being a part of our DA planning team or offering a
workshop. Here is a link for registation, which is now available:
www.cmwd-uua.org and www.regonline.com/DA2012.
Be a District Assembly Delegate
If you interested in being a delegate representing the First Unitarian
Society, at the Assembly, please contact Richard and Lynn Scoby, our
DA/GA Ministry Team Leaders, at [email protected] or Jeanne Sears,
Coordinator of Member Programs, /memberprogramscoordinator or
233-9774 ext. 116.
Trees For Tomorrow
Registration Deadline
is January 26
Register now and save
Mary Kay from unneccesary headaches.
The registration deadline is nearing for the
24th annual "Trees for Tomorrow Winter
Wonderland Weekend," February 3 to 5.
Please join us and enjoy fellowship,
excellent
XC skiing,
snowshoeing
and other
winter activities
in Eagle River,
Wisconsin. It
is a fun, familyfriendly weekend.
Registration includes six meals, including
Friday night chili dinner through Sunday lunch;
two nights lodging in family style dorms, and a
Saturday night nature presentation.
On Saturday, after a full day of winter
fun, there will be a happy hour and a lasagna
dinner, followed by a nature program and our
traditional sing-along. Relaxing massages will
be available too, to sooth you after a day of
outdoor activity.
Costs Adults: Youth (6-17):
Under 6:
More: (Includes six meals)
$113/person
$70/person
Free
Ski equipment rental is available for $15/person.
Ski lessons $15/person.
Register and pay at FUS Registration
Central http://www.fusmadison.org/registration. Remember, we can’t confirm your
spot until we receive payment! Questions or
problems? Questions? Please contact Mary
Kay Aide at [email protected] or
238-5711.
January 17, 2012 • 5
Special Event!
"Why We Love Dogs, Wear Pigs and Eat Cows:
An Introduction to Carnism" with Dr. Melanie Joy
Friday, February 10 • 7 p.m.
Landmark Auditorium
Join Melanie Joy, a longtime activist for social
and environmental justice and animal welfare, as she explains carnism, the invisible
belief system that shapes our perception of
the meat we eat. Using powerful imagery,
thought-provoking analyses, and a compelling narrative, Dr. Joy elucidates how carnism, like other unjust ideologies, is sustained
by complex, hidden social and psychological
mechanisms, and how it is most harmful when
unrecognized. She will share with us her
belief that when we notice and engage with
an ideology such as this we can live and act
out of our core values, respecting our own
interests and the interests of others. This can
help us to become more empowered citizens
and more active social witnesses. Dr. Joy is
bringing this program to UU congregations
around the country on behalf of the UU Ethical Eating Core Team who appreciates Dr. Joy’s
accessible, engaging and levelheaded approach,
regardless of your dietary choices.
A January President’s Message….
By Sandy Eskrich, President FUS Board of Trustees.
Thank you to the members who stayed for lunch and the MidYear Update on Sunday, January 8. The Board Committees of
Finance and Governance presented an overview of the FUS
annual and capital budget picture as well as a characterization of
our impressions from our fall Open Question exercises and a
check in on our new governance model.
The short story is, our budget is tight, we’ve had full services,
lots of great programming in our beautiful new space as well
as many wonderful individuals and families join our church
community. We need to consider our financial commitment
to FUS and for many of us, pony up a bit, or struggle with hurtful cuts to staff and
programs.
On the Governance side, the board, staff and hopefully membership are experiencing a stronger feeling of spiritual community, streamlined and more responsive
action and the beginnings of ministry teams to carry out the work of our church.
The board works to define vision and set priorities, the staff determines how to
carry it out and reports back to the board to provide an accountability loop. It
seems to be working so far.
Please let us know of your experiences with the work of our church; the ministry,
the governance and the fiduciary. The board’s first job is to discern and articulate
the mission and vision of ministry with the help of the membership. With all of us
working together, we’ll do well.
– Sandy
Forum information
available on the Web
The powerpoint presentation and
the budget information presented
at the Sunday, January 8, Mid-Year
Update are available on the FUS
website at
http://www.fusmadison.org/budget.
We encourage you to read-up and
inform yourself about the Society’s
financial condition as we head into
the Annual Campaign.
– Susan Koenig,
Church Administrator
6 • The Madison Unitarian Meeting
House News
The FUS Indoor Farmer's Market &
Market-Fresh Brunch is February 4
Even with cold temps outside, now you can get amazing farm-fresh produce, canned farmed goods, meats,
homemade soaps, wool, cheese, and more at the FUS
Indoor Farmer's Market. Plus Fair Trade Vendors with gift items, chocolates, oils, cocoa, and jewelry will also be right here at FUS!
Join us Saturday, February 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for this event
which was a big hit last year.
In between shopping and talking with local farmers, enjoy a delicious
farm-to-table brunch prepared by Chef Jen Gaber of Nutshell Catering,
listen to master pasta maker
Peter Robertson of RP's
Fresh Pasta, and watch a
lively demonstration by Chef
Kevin Appleton.Veggie Art
activities for children and
live music, too.
The brunch costs $10 for
adults, $5 for children and
youth, $25 for families, Kids
Sam and Deb Lawrence enjoying the
"Farm-fresh Brunch" last year.
under 5 free!
Reserve your spot for the brunch by e-mailing Kelly at kellyc@
fusmadison.org or calling 233-9774, ext. 112. For more information on
the schedule and the brunch menu, check out the FUS website, www.
fusmadison.org/market. See you there!
“For the
Love of Books"
On Sunday, February
12, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
you will have a chance
to share your love of
Books with children
of all ages. Join us for
cocoa, hot cider, a roaring fire, and a wonderful
afternoon storytelling in the Gaebler Living
Room.
What was your favorite book when you
were a child? What is your favorite story now?
Parents, bring your children for an afternoon
of stories and sharing. Adults of all ages, bring
your favorite books to share your love of
reading with a child and with one another.
Kids, come and hear stories and bring
your favorite books to read and share with
the grownups. Everyone loves to be read to.
Come and listen, or join us with a book to
explore the magic of stories.
“Quest: A Spiritual Journey” Informational Sessions
Our Quest program was created to help our members, and those of other UU faith communities, seek a deeper understanding of and commitment to our personal spiritual journeys. Held
in intentional spiritual community, Quest is a path to a more spiritually grounded life; a life of
greater presence, awareness and wholeness. Quest III is currently in the planning stages and
will begin in September 2012. Three informational sessions for our congregation will be held in
February. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend one. We will talk about the program’s
philosophy, what it means to participate and the logistics of Quest III.
The info sessions are:
• Sunday, February 5 • 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. • Landmark Auditorium
• Saturday, February 18 • 6:30 to 7 p.m. • Landmark Auditorium
• Sunday, February 26 • 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. • Landmark Auditorium
Please contact Janet Swanson, Quest Spiritual Program Director, with questions at
/questdirector or 233-9774 ext. 131.
January 17, 2012 • 7
Musical
Offerings
Spring All Music Sunday Rehearsals
On Sunday, April 22, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. the Society Choir with guest
singers and instrumentalists will perform Requiem by English composer
John Rutter. Our next rehearsal will be on Sunday, January 22. For more
info please contact Music Director Dan Broner (608) 233-9774, ext. 121
or /musicdirector).
Mark Rosa Memorial Harpsichord Concert
Sunday, February 19 • 2:30 p.m.
A memorial concert in loving memory of Mark Rosa will be performed
by Trevor Stephenson and members of the Madison Bach Musicians on
Sunday, February 19, at 2:30 p.m. in the Atrium Auditorium.
Mark died this past November, and was the husband of member
Sue Rosa. In 2006 Mark
and Sue donated the
beautiful French two
manual harpsichord that
he built in 1979 to the
Society. The instrument was
fully restored by Trevor
Stephenson and Norman
Sheppard, and now resides
in the Atrium Auditorium.
All are invited.
Linda Warren and Trevor Stephenson enjoying
the harpsichord the Mark Rosa built.
The FUS Happy Dance is coming!
Friday, February 3 is the day for the FUS Happy
dance, a wonderful February FUS tradition over
10 years old. The dance runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
in the Atrium Auditorium, and always features
the fabulous all-girl big band “Ladies Must Swing.”
(pictured at right).
Come one, come all! This is an LGBT-friendly,
family-friendly, kid-friendly, you-friendly night when you can just have fun
and meet people.
Admission is a donation for the band, (whatever moves you), and
remember this is for absolutely all ages and genders, from babies to
elders, all dancin’ together! It is a very happy happy dance that warms
the winter soul. Come on and join in.You’ll be glad you did.
Noon Musicales
Friday at 12:15 – Landmark Auditorium
January 20
Leanne League, violin; Dan Broner, piano
Johannes Brahms - Violin and Piano Sonata in G
Major, Op. 78
January 27
Scott Ellington, oboe;Ted Reinke, piano
Music of Alec Wilder, Gordon Jacob & Srul
Irving Glick.
Join us each Friday for great music in a great
spot. And bring a brown bag lunch if you like free coffee and tea!
Dance Fellowship
Unitarian Dance Fellowship’s Audrey Lazanas,
Grace Valentine, and Carol Klongland were
guest performers on several occasions
this fall. They presented three solos at a
ceremony honoring Crones at 4Pillars4Health
EcoSpace on September 4, two group dances
and a solo in services at Unity Church
November 9, and at the service celebrating
the life of Mary North Allen, December 4,
they performed “Burnt Earth…Cloudburst”,
a dance referencing Mary’s trip down the
Colorado River when she was ten. The
premiere performance was dedicated to Mary
at her 90th birthday in 2009. Mary had been in
Unitarian Dance Fellowship in the 1970s.
8 • The Madison Unitarian Adult
Education
Registration is Open Now for all classes
More Great Classes
for "Curious Adults"
Now Open for Registration
"Annual Spiritual Retreat at Green Lake"
with Michael & Trina Schuler
Notes About the New
On-Line Registration System
Logging in. We sent out passwords and user names to most of you
last week. Check your e-mail (and junk folder) for it. The “Retrieve
Password” works. Be sure you are using the e-mail on-record at FUS. If you
don’t have your log-in or password, please register as a new user.
If you do not see the Tabs, or only some, close your browser and
reopen the page. Try logging out and back in.
Be sure your Browser is up-to-date. Many of you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, which has known problems. We recommend
Firefox, found at http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
– Thanks! - Harry Carnes,Webmaster
We mailed the Winter/Spring (Nearly)
Everything Program Guide for Curious Adults
early in January. If you didn’t get one, you
can pick one up at the Religious Education table in the Commons before or after
service. The Guide lists (nearly) all of our
adult programs, including our Adult Education classes.
We have updated our Adult Education
registration system. This system will allow
you to pay online with either a debit from
your checking account or with your credit
card. Your payment will directly connect
to our secure accounting system. We
appreciate your willingness to use online
registration, rather than registering by mail.
Directions are provided for you on the
website at www.fusmadison/adult-ed.
Questions about Adult Education
classes? Contact Deb Mies, Religious
Education ProgramCoordinator at
/REprogramcoordinator.
This January, the FUS website transitioned
from using an e-mail and pay-pal based system
to a new web-based registration system
provided by Shelby systems, our long time
church database supplier. Shelby has had some
technical difficulties, which we apologize for.
Here are a few tips we are aware of that seem
to help.
Dates: March 23-25, 2012
Location: Pilgrim Center, Green Lake Wi
Fee: $200 (includes meals, lodging, & supplies)
Commentators on the human condition have
often said that for a society to be safe and wellordered, rules, regulations and legal proscriptions are absolutely necessary. But it is equally
true that laws won’t do the trick by themselves.
The Founders of our Republic insisted that in
the absence of a virtuous citizenry, the democratic experiment would likely fail. And, in fact, our forbears assumed
that the task of encouraging and inculcating virtue belonged to the
nation’s faith communities and not the government.
Today there are more statutes on the books than anyone can
possibly keep track of, but have these made ours a more ethically sound
and civil society? It is a fragile civilization indeed that must rely primarily
on law to restrain people’s behavior, but that is the position we seem to
find ourselves in today. Perhaps a renewed emphasis on personal virtue
would be more serviceable than yet another round of rule-making, but
which virtues should be emphasized? This weekend we’ll revisit the
classic Greek, Christian and Native American virtues, as well as a few
more that might be relevant, and consider a few more that may be even
more relevant for life in the 21st century.
As always, our Annual Spiritual Retreat will feature an attractive
mix of discussion, presentation, spiritual practice, film viewing, table
fellowship, and outdoor activity in comfortable quarters at the Pilgrim
Center on the shores of Green Lake.
January 17, 2012 • 9
This is a sampling of classes that are beginning soon. Please check your copy of
The (nearly) Everything Program Guide for a complete list of all our offerings and a
registration form or go to http://www.fusmadison.org/adult-ed.
"Conscious Communication
for Couples"
with Mary Kay Reinemann
Dates:Thursdays, Feb 2 & 16; March 1, 15
& 29; April 12 and 26 and May 10
Based on Marshall Rosenberg’s
“nonviolent communication”
process of inquiry, couples will
experientially explore the basic
elements of a communication
process that connects us with one
another, encouraging intimacy. This class is a
continuation, but newcomers are welcome.
"Why We Love Dogs, Eat Cows
and Wear Pigs: An
Introduction to Carnism"
with Dr. Melanie Joy
Date: Friday, February 10
In her groundbreaking book, Why
We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear
Cows, Melanie Joy explores the invisible system,
she calls carnism, that shapes our perception
of animals. Why do we love some animals and
eat others? See article on page 5.
"The Magic of Music,
A Movie Series"
with Rev. Michael Schuler
and Trina Schuler
Dates: Thurs, Feb. 16 and 23; Mar. 1 & 8
During the February doldrums, join Trina and
Michael on Thursday evenings for a viewing and discussion of fine films that focus on
music. The series will feature four different
musical genres and four distinctive and engaging historic stories. How does music affect and
transform us emotionally, spiritually and even
physically? “Amadeus” and “The Song-Catcher”
are two of the films we plan to showcase. The
other two – well, that will be a surprise!
"Can Science Be Sacred?"
with Steve Paulson
Date:Tuesday, February 21
A growing number of secular scientists and philosophers
are embracing the language of religion to describe the
wonders of nature, and to formulate their own spirituality
without God. Can science be sacred? Steve Paulson will
discuss his insights from interviews with scientists and theologians on
his public radio show To the Best of Our Knowledge.
"Parent Reading Group"
with Rev. Kelly Crocker
Dates:Thursday, February 23 or Sunday, February 26
Today’s busier, faster society is waging an undeclared war
on childhood. With too much stuff, too many choices, and
too little time, children can become anxious, have trouble
with friends and school, or even be diagnosed with behavioral problems.
Join us as we discuss the work of Kim John Payne and look for ways to
help reclaim for our children the space and freedom they need.
.
"Mothering and Identity"
with Rev. Karen Gustafson
Monday, February 27, March 5, 12, and 19
Join us for a course that is for anyone who has been or is a
mother who struggles to reconcile the reality of mothering
with the myth of the “good mother.” We will look at the
myth and the ways in which it has affected our past relationships and
explore ways to limit the myth to allow authentic relationships, acceptance, forgiveness and growth. (Appropriate for mothers and daughters
16 and over to take together.)
"Exploring Sufism"
with Rev. Kelly Crocker and Rev. Jerry Mosser
Tuesday, February 28, March 6 and March 13
Historically, Sufism is rooted in Islam. Sufis seek to understand and experience an aspect of Islam that cultivates the
inner life in search of divine love and knowledge. Join us for discussion,
a visit to a worship service and celebrate the divine through the Dances
of Universal Peace.
10 • The Madison Unitarian Social
Justice
Welcoming in the New Year of Social Justice
Considering collective action
Let us welcome in the New Year and consider
in what way we might we collectively act for
social justice in 2012. What new program or
initiative might FUS offer in 2012? Or how
might be deepen the experience of those participating in our current programs? How might
we engage with an issue facing the Madison
community or the national or international
community? What issue or challenge evokes a
strong emotional reaction in you? How might
you engage with that issue?
The battle for worker’s rights continues, as
does the struggle for voter enfranchisement.
The list of changes, some positive, some
negative, seems daunting at times. Together, as
a faith community, we can make a difference.
In small ways, together, it is possible to shift
the dialogue, to make phone calls, to sign a
petition, to complete a service project, or
mentor someone. It is the culmination of our
efforts in 2011 that made a difference in our
community; in 2012 we can do more.
Planning Strategically
Some of the most successful efforts of 2011
were because of careful, thoughtful planning. Strong plans led to deeper and broader
engagement. In 2012, together, let us plan for
a successful year of Social Justice engagement,
set goals and benchmarks of success, so that
we will know that our work has mattered. Let
us strategically plan.
The Social Justice Program will begin a
strategic planning process in January and will
continue to develop this plan and engage
the congregation throughout the months of
February, March, and April. Please join in this
process to help us move towards greater
engagement, success, and impact in 2012. The
Social Justice Advisory Group will meet the
second Tuesday of each month until April at 7
p.m. in the Gaebler Living Room.
– Erich Pitcher,
FUS Social Justice Coordinator.
Upcoming Social Justice Events
• The Interfaith Dialog on Sexuality on Sunday, January 22, will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at
the Pyle Center. FUS will have a table, and has free admission for three people.
• The FUS Happy Dance will be Friday, February 3, at 7 p.m. in the Atrium Auditorium.
Come boogey down with live music, friends of all ages, sexual orientations, and gender
identities and expressions. All are welcomed at this multi-generational social event.
• The Social Justice Advisory Group will be meeting on the second Tuesday of February, March, & April at 7 p.m. in the Gaebler Living Room. All are welcome.
January 17, 2012 • 11
Left: Three volunteers
picking up holiday
packages for Family
to Family Christmas.
Hundreds of people were
involved in this effort.
The Social Workers of Dane County
Give Thanks for "Family to Family"
If you contributed your time, resources, or heart felt wishes
to the Family to Family Program this year, the Dane County
social workers are especially grateful for your contributions.
Below are some quotes from workers who were touched
by our generosity.
"Thanks for helping with the Host a Family [Family to Family Program] as
it is a lot of work and my families have appreciated it." ~ Patricia S.
"Thank you, thank-you, thank-you! This was the first year where I had a
family where I was involved in enrolling and delivering – and it was great."
~ Nancy
"Thank you for your efforts in making the holidays a much better time for
families that are just struggling, especially in a time like this. Again thanks
to you, all the families who pitched in, hosted families, the volunteers and
anyone else I may have failed to mention. Merry Christmas!" ~ Jalex
"To the families that host this project, Many thanks and God bless them
for allowing vulnerable families to have a nice Christmas." ~ Fabiola
"The Family to Family Program was wonderful. Thanks for providing holiday joy in the lives of our families!" ~ Cheri
There were many hands who exerted great efforts to make this
program a success. In particular, I would like to thank Sue Dinauer,
Barb Rubin, Cynthia Moore, and Caroline Garber for all their
hard work, detailed follow-up, and deep passion for this program.
Additionally, every family who contributed, volunteered, or sent well
wishes, made this year another great success! Thanks to all!
– Erich
Paths of
Peace #94
I have been on hiatus for a while, as I have been
trying to recover from a crazy fall. Now seems like
a good time to resume this column. The following
is a quotation from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
– Gwen Harman
"We will not build a peaceful world by following a
negative path. It is not
enough to say we must not
wage war. It is necessary
to love peace and sacrifice
for it. We must concentrate
not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but
on the positive affirmation
of peace. We must see that peace represents
a sweeter music, a cosmic melody that is far
superior to the discords of war. Somehow,
we must transform the dynamics of the world
power struggle from the negative arms race,
which no one can win, to a positive contest to
harness humanity’s genius for the purpose of
making peace and prosperity a reality for all
the nations of the world.
In short, we must shift the arms race into
a peace race. If we have a will—and determination—to mount such a peace offensive,
we will unlock hitherto tightly sealed doors
of hope and transform our imminent cosmic
elegy into a psalm of creative fulfillment."
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Nobel Lecture
December 11, 1964
12 • The Madison Unitarian Religious
Education
Don’t Miss the Parade
Our annual Children’s Religious Education banner parade will be held
on January 21 and 22 and we hope you’ll be there. Each class (we have
30 of them!) has created a banner representing who they are and/or
what they’ve been learning this year. During worship service they will
each parade through the Auditorium to display their banner to the
broader FUS community. Then their banners will hang in the Commons
area filling our space with color, spirit, and beauty! Thank you to all our
classes for providing this heart-warming FUS tradition.
Children’s Chapel January 28 and 29
Rev. Kelly Crocker will be leading a chapel service for pre-K to 7th
grade youth on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29 during our
regular class times. Instead of starting out in the primary auditorium for
the intergenerational message, kids and their teachers will go directly to
Children’s Chapel (held in the Atrium Aud. on Saturday and the Landmark Aud. on Sunday). The theme of this month’s Children’s Chapel will
be kindness. Parents should pick up their children in the Auditorium
following the adult service. Many thanks to Saturday’s 7th and 8th grade
Compass Points youth and Sunday’s 8th grade Mind, Body and Soul youth
for their help planning and leading this month’s Children’s Chapel!
The Banner Parade
is a heartwarming
FUS tradition
Parents, Share Your Thoughts
We would like to gather testimonials from
parents on ways that Unitarian Universalism
is practiced and enjoyed in your families. How
has your family been enriched by your UU
faith and/or by your participation at FUS? Are
there UU rituals that your family practices?
Are there ways that your child(ren)’s involvement in Children’s Religious Education has
enhanced discussions or behaviors in your
family? If you have thoughts you’d like to share,
please e-mail them to Leslie Ross at leslier@
fusmadison.org. We plan to use your testimonials in our yearly CRE brochure and/or a
Welcome packet for families new to FUS and
our CRE program. Thanks so much for your
contributions!
A Night at the Museum
Wouldn’t it be cool to spend the night in a museum with Cleopatra?
Some of our FUS kids can do just that! Kids ages 10-12 are invited to
spend the night at the Milwaukee Public Museum on Friday, March 23.
The museum overnight includes:
• Access to exhibits, including the special Cleopatra exhibit
• Educator-led activities
• Discovery hunts & self-guided flashlight tour
• Planetarium show
• Light evening snack
• Light breakfast
• All-day Museum admission for Saturday
We will meet at the FUS parking lot on Friday, March 23 at 6 p.m.
and return to FUS on Saturday at 1 p.m. (tentatively scheduled). Space
is limited for this event so we recommend registering soon. The
registration deadline is February 15 and will be accepted on a
first-come-first-serve basis. The museum caps the age limit at 12; we
have set the minimum age limit at 10 because of the limited number
of kids we can bring for this event. Kids must be between the ages of
Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt
at Milwaukee Public Museum features nearly 150
artifacts from Cleopatra’s time.
10 – 12 on March 23. The cost for this event
is $65. This includes admission to the museum
exhibits and their overnight fee, gas, parking,
and food.
Register at the FUS website at www.
fusmadison.org/museum.
We are looking for chaperones for this
event. Please contact Leslie Ross (/DRE) if
you’d like to be a chaperone. Chaperones do
not need to pay to participate.
January 17, 2012 • 13
Suggested Reading About Freedom
(see Michael’s column on page 1)
Thich Nhat Hanh, No Death, No Fear. The author offers a classic
Buddhist perspective on the troubling fact of human mortality and
describes a path beyond fear.
Frances Moore Lappe & Jeffrey Perkins, You Have the Power:
Choosing Courage in a Culture of Fear. Mixing personal experience and
social commentary, Lappe and Perkins give advice on liberation from fear.
Marjorie Kelly, The Divine Right of Capital. A business ethicist provides a cogent argument for the rights of workers over the legally
mandated privileges of capital.
David Sehat, The Myth of American Religious Freedom. Despite
America’s vaunted “separation of church and state” and its guarantee
of “free exercise” the moral establishment has often been successful
in imposing religion on the populace.
Eric Foner, The Story of American Freedom. An accessible collection
of essays that treat an assortment of subjects and situations related
to Americans’ perennial struggle for freedom.
R.C. Lewontin, Not In Our Genes. A scholarly rebuttal to the claims
of genetic determinism made by sociobiology.
Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom. A lengthy but moving autobiography of the first black president of the Republic of South Africa.
Elisabeth Grifith, In Her Own Right:The Life of Elizabeth Cady
Stanton. A well-written biography of the most feisty and independentminded member of the 19th century women’s suffrage movement.
Resources about Freedom for Kids and Families
Miriam Aroner The Kingdom of Singing Birds
The king’s collection of exotic birds won’t sing, so Rabbi Zusya
advises him to set them free. Some fly away. Others stay. But will
they sing?
Linda Jacobs Altman The Legend of Freedom Hill
In a California gold-rush town, two girls from very different backgrounds sacrifice their fortune to thwart the efforts of a runaway
slave catcher.
Doreen Rappaport Martin’s Big Words:The Life of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.
This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers. Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr.
King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life.
Madison
Unitarian
Deadlines
Volume 63 #2
Deadline: Wednesday, January 18
Publication & Assembly: Monday, January 30
Volume 63 #3
Deadline: Wednesday, February 8
Publication & Assembly: Monday, February 20
Volume 63 #4
Deadline: Wednesday, February 29
Publication & Assembly: Monday, March 12
Volume 63 #5
Deadline: Wednesday, March 21
Publication & Assembly: Monday, April 2
Volume 63 #6
Deadline: Wednesday, April 11
Publication & Assembly: Monday, April 23
Volume 63 #7
Deadline: Wednesday, May 2
Publication & Assembly: Monday, May 14
Volume 63 #8
Deadline: Wednesday, May 23
Publication & Assembly: Monday, June 4
Volume 63 #9
Deadline: Wednesday, June 20
Publication & Assembly: Monday, July 2
Please send your contributions to
[email protected]. Thanks!
THE MADISON UNITARIAN [013-826] is published semi-monthly by the First Unitarian Society
of Madison, WI, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison,
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newsletter items may be directed to Harry Carnes,
First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Dr., Madison WI 53705. or [email protected]
900 University Bay Drive, Madison WI 53705
(608) 233-9774 www.fusmadison.org
Upcoming Services at FUS
Saturday, January 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 22 at 9 & 11 a.m.
“The More We Get Together”
by Karen Gustafson, Associate Minister
Early this month most of us received in some form “The Nearly Everything Guide” which contains a
description of most of the opportunities that have been planned by staff and volunteers to engage our
affiliates and members in ways beyond our Sunday morning worship that “stimulate our minds, touch our
hearts and stir our spirits”. The most important way that we do that is by offering these ways for people
to connect, to share their stories, to grow lasting connections and find ways to serve the world. This is a
voluntary endeavor. How does it relate to you?
Musically, on Saturday, the Cherub and Choristers Choirs, directed by Heather Thorpe, will sing and
pianist Robin Delaquess will play. Sunday, the Teen Choir will sing the South African song O Freedom, the
African American spiritual Follow the Drinking Gourd and Amani (song of peace).
Saturday, January 28 at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 29 at 9 & 11 a.m.
“Selfishness in a New Key" (or)
"Can Ayn Rand Make Us Happy?”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
This weekend I will explore a topic purchased at last spring’s Cabaret Service Auction. In light of the current state of American economics and politics, it seems especially apt. The author of Atlas Shrugged and
The Fountainhead has won a considerable following, but is Ms. Rand’s secular alternative to the Gospel
socially or intellectually credible? What does the inordinate influence of Rand’s Objectivist philosophy say
about the condition of our culture?
Musically, on Saturday, soprano Catherine Schweitzer, alto Anne Puser, tenor Nick Schweitzer and baritone Alan Heitman will sing Freedom Song, a quartet based on a theme from the last movement of Brahms’
first symphony. Sunday, The Meeting House Chorus, with soprano soloist Melissa Simonson, will sing
Freedom Come by Ben Allaway.
Saturday, February 4 at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 5 at 9 & 11 a.m.
“The Blessings of Imperfection”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
In the middle of a lengthy moral discourse in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples, “You must be
perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.” That comment has been the source of considerable controversy over the centuries, for perfection is generally thought to be out of the reach of mere mortals. It
could also be argued that perfection isn’t a proper aim and that imperfection is preferable. This intriguing
topic is, again, a Cabaret Service Auction purchase.
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