September - Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation

ALUUC Focus
ALUUC is a Welcoming Congregation
We are a congregation which celebrates the lives, the relationships, and the contributions of its lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender members and friends. We affirm and promote their full participation in the
leadership, ministry, responsibilities, and blessings of our congregation’s life and in the community.
September 2015
Special points of
interest:
From Your Minister:
Special
Congregation
Meeting
Pathway to
Membership
Trash & Treasure
Sale
Inside this issue:
From the President
12
Upcoming Events,
News, & Updates
216
Sermons
3
From the DRE
4
From the
Membership
Coordinator
5
UU Women’s
Connection Fall
Retreat
6
New Member
7
Solar Report
8
Service Leader
8
Fellowship Events
10
Be a Kitchen
Coordinator
12
Social Action &
UUSC Updates
13
Scrip / Cookbook
14
Groups at ALUUC 15
Calendar
16
There is nothing quite like the energy of a new liturgical year! I
am always amazed at the rapid stream of new and returning faces,
ideas and dreams that surge through the door as summer begins to
wane.
I count myself lucky that I had a five month sabbatical during the
first half of this year. I was able to travel and study and recharge my
batteries. I will be honest, though – I will miss having a Lynnda
White or Paul Oakley around – they proved themselves invaluable in
creating new opportunities in education and spirituality within our congregation.
You may recall that in his final sermon as an intern, Paul stated that I would no doubt
be returning to the fold brimming with all sorts of new ideas and that he hoped that the
congregation would be open to them. Surprised by his declaration, I turned to Angela and
whispered, “What do you think about Bingo?” But in fact, I had been mulling over new
ideas and potential directions to launch during my 13th year of ministry here.
I began to mentally sort through my wish list for ALUUC. Some involved programs:
would this be the right time to create a prison ministry? Perhaps to offer chaplain support
Continued on page 2
From Your ALUUC Board President:
I used to be a sweet boy. I liked to joke and play. While I still feel
like a kid at heart, there is a deep sense of foreboding lately spreading a dark shadow over my psyche. My brow furrows and my teeth
grit. Unlike the carefree days of my youth, I see many treacherous
snags and brambles on the path before us. The path we chose by becoming members of a progressive religion. The path towards JUSTICE and EQUALITY for all people. I ask you to commit yourself to that path with me.
We are on the cusp of many amazing accomplishments such as we have had with our
efforts for Marriage Equality and teaching children Earth stewardship at Ecology Camp.
On one hand, the ALUUC is poised to leap forward in membership, community activity,
and the building of a new sanctuary. On the other, complacency, apathy and volunteer
burn out threaten to cut short our full potential. The burden of being an unpaid volunteer
is often overwhelming for those of us who dedicate long hours of work behind the scenes
to make our beloved community possible.
Entropy is that force we sometimes feel when life becomes a struggle we can barely
trudge through. The kids won’t listen when they are young or move out when they are
old. They won’t clean their room or do their homework without a fight, but they eat
candy and play video games every chance they get. The bills seem to increase with every
payment. Your boss demands that you add to your already heavy work load. Poor health
Continued on page 2
Page 2
From Your Minister (Continued from page 1)
to the inmates connected to the Innocence Project, and their families? Might there be interest among
lay members to become chaplains?
The pace of my brainstorming accelerated: I wondered if we might have a Chili Cook-off this fall;
might we seek another intern, or perhaps could I suggest that we consider exploring the role of an Associate Minister? How might we breathe new life into our covenants? How might we deepen our commitment to Standing on the Side of Love (which embraces a range of issues -- championing LGBTQ
causes, supporting Immigration-related issues and now, Black Lives Matter)? Could we add more energy to the UU Advocacy Network of Illinois and Conversations on Race?
What new types of fellowship events should we try? How long will it take to clean my office? How
do we encourage more people to buy into Scrip? What would the new Pathways to Membership look
like? Are there better ways to welcome New Members, new rituals that can be used during worship,
excellent hymns that I’ve overlooked? How can we invite our youth to a more active role within worship? How might we promote cross fertilization between ourselves and our sister UU congregations
throughout central Illinois? Can we set a new attendance record? Who will pitch in with the kitchen
and cleanup?
As we press forward, I know that many others will share their dream lists too. This year's leadership
is brimming with excitement. I sense that this will be a watershed year.
Maybe I will start with cleaning my office?
Sincerely, Martin Woulfe
From Your ALUUC Board President (Continued from page 1)
and old age slowly consume us. This is the struggle of life that many people experience on a daily basis. Some days are pretty darn good. Other days are downright rotten. For more people every day, there
is no relief. For some of the least fortunate, all days are downright rotten.
This small space is my chance to tell you something very important. I need you. The other volunteers need you. This church needs you. The children need you. The poor and deprived in Sangamon
County need you. The State of Illinois needs you. The WHOLE WORLD NEEDS YOU! I know this
sounds dramatic, but these words are true and I will tell you why.
We are a community of people who wish nothing more than to improve the chance of a thriving
human race. Whether you worry most about global warming, or the environment, or animal abuse, or
mass incarceration, or police brutality, or abused children; the cure for it all can be exemplified by loving communities such as ours as we strive to apply the Seven Principles to our daily lives. To do so, we
must do more than want. My old gramps had a saying about wanting in one hand that I won’t elaborate
on, but his point was if you WANT something you have to DO something. If we WANT to change the
world, then let’s DO it.
Well, the dishes won’t wash themselves and the world won’t save itself either. We need to wash the
dishes individually and we need to organize, strategize, and implement social change as a group. We
really do need volunteers to do the dishes, by the way. Don’t just stand there, grab a vacuum. Throw
an extra twenty in the basket. Join the Social Action Committee. Bring a few ideas of how to save the
world. Your time, talent, and treasure don’t go far alone in this big wide world, but bring them to this
group and we will shift the collective conscience one good deed at a time. The young dreamer in me
still has some steam left in him and I’m not the only one. The world community needs you to bring
your dreams and your willing participation right now so we can do what the spirits says do. Spirit says
do!
Sincerely, Phillip Anderson
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Sunday Morning Services
10:30 am
September 6, 2015
Is There a UU Theology of Forgiveness?
Rev. Martin Woulfe
I have been struck by the fact that whereas other traditions treat forgiveness as a vital part of their faith,
UUism does not have a clear directive. Is forgiveness necessary? If so, what might our pathway look
like, and what stumbling blocks might be before us?
This will be a “Change for Change Sunday”.
September 13, 2015
Water & Stone Communion
Rev. Martin Woulfe
As the summer begins to wane, members & friends return to ALUUC to share their individual stories
and spiritual insights inspired by their adventures and travels. Following a tradition attributed to UU
women ministers in the early 1980’s, we will blend our separate measures of water and stones into a
common bowl and share our stories. Surplus water will be available for participants.
Following the service, there will be a meeting in the Commons Area of the Committee Council where
the committee chairs and liaisons will meet.
September 20, 2015
Becoming a Friendlier Atheist
Rev. Valerie Mapstone Ackerman
Freethinkers, humanists, atheists and non-theists often get lumped together. They are popularly considered to be anti-religious, angry at people who are religious, and generally not a lot of fun to be around.
Well, let's see if we can change those trends from top to bottom.
Following the service, there will be a Special Meeting of the Congregation and a Potluck.
September 27, 2015
Creating Covenant
Rev. Martin Woulfe
Covenant are the ties that bind individuals to another within one faith tradition; within UUism, covenant
has often been lifted up as a central feature of our faith. But what does it really mean, and how does it
really work? How is it different from a contract?
An RE Open House will follow the service. Trash & Treasure Sale set up after the service.
October 4, 2015
#BLM v. #ALM
Rev. Martin Woulfe
For more than a year, our society has been grappling with the “Black Lives Matter” movement Some
favor a different dialogue focused on the phrase, “All Lives Matter.” How do they differ? Is there common ground? Can we learn something from the approach “Reverence for Life?”
This will be a “Change for Change Sunday”.
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From Your Director of Religious Education
Marla Johnson
The Religious Education Committee and I would like to invite the congregation to the
RE Open House being held Sunday, September 27, 2015 immediately following worship services. Please, join us for this opportunity to meet the teachers and find out
more about the World Religions curriculum that is being offered this year. Coffee
Hour will be held in the RE Commons that day.
The Religious Education Committee requests that if your child(ren) is involved with the Religious
Education Program that they be registered. Go here to register: www.aluuc.org/childrens-religiouseducation-registration-form. Contact Marla Johnson, DRE with any questions. Thank you!
—Marla Johnson, DRE, [email protected]
Kids Club/District 12
Kids Club/District 12 will be held Friday, September 4, 2015 at 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Kids
Club children will be celebrating Fall. The District 12 children will be discussing plans for the year.
Please, RSVP to Marla Johnson, DRE at [email protected].
Reminder: Kids Club/District 12 is an opportunity for the youth of our congregation to gather and
build community. Kids Club is for children in grades 1-5 and District 12 is for children in grades 6-7.
Each meets the first Friday of the month September-May.
A special thank you to all of these people who lent their time and talents
to Eco Camp 2015 “Mysteries of the Web” (in alphabetical order):
Ally from Public Works, Phillip Anderson, Tracy Anderson, Arvin and His
Bees, Eugena Austin, Todd Austin, Sandy Baksys, Stefanie Barrow, Melissa
Bernhardt, Tabitha Bernhardt, Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Joe Clark, Sandra
Creasy, Bob Croteau, Diana DeWeese, Kurt DeWeese, Marissa DeWeese,
Fred Dietz, Jan Droegkamp, Zion Engel, Bonnie Ettinger, Ted Gietl, Pat
Goller, Vinnie Gupta, Stacy Kuhlmann, Vi Lanum, Tracy McCaffrey, Pam
McNichols, Jae Morelli, Desiree Morse, Robyn Nation, Maia Noble, Elaine
Orr, Randy Pratt, Mary Salisbury, Scoville Zoo, Kathy Schultz, Alison
Stachera, Eric Stachera, Joellyn Vondebur, Kathy Whitworth, David
Whitworth, Tracy Zieber Minks.
Calling all singers!
ALUUC’s first “Soup, Sing & Solo!” will be held
Wednesday, September 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary and again September 16th.
After supping on chili made by Kathy Schultz, ALUUC choir director, we will sing some of John
Denver’s most popular songs. Bonnie Ettinger will accompany on piano. We’ll close the singing with
a piece for Sunday choir. Come and re-experience the fun of singing and harmonizing in a group, and
potentially soloing for a few lines outside the shower. Also a great chance to meet and join our choir.
RSVP to Kathy Schultz at [email protected] or Sandy Baksys.
Page 5
From the Membership Coordinator, Susan Solon
Long As I Can See the Light
Ever felt like you’ve lived more than one lifetime....right here, in this one you’re living? Before I
had my daughter, I lived the semi-nomadic existence of a journeyman tradesperson. (Cue Credence
Clearwater Revival’s “Long As I Can See the Light”.) I loved the road...was impeccably suited for it, in
fact. Already familiar with the highways and byways of Illinois and its neighboring states, uncanny
sense of direction, already knew how (and when) to find the good radio stations, used to a great deal of
solitude courtesy of being an only child, rootless to a fault—save for having bought my house. I came
back on weekends to do my laundry and attend union meetings (which used to be held on Friday nights
so “tramps”—traveling members like me—could attend). I thrived in that atmosphere; savored each new
location and discovering its secrets, found joy in new faces and new places. Worked like a dog, but it
didn’t feel that way. It felt....like home. “Carry home in my heart, not under my feet…” is how I phrased
it on my long-neglected blog. Novelty and adventure were at the top of my bullet list. Organizational
skills, not so much.
And then I had a child. A premature child, with several interesting complications. (I also broke the
“pregnancy” and “FMLA” barriers for journeyman wiremen in my Local—that’s a whole ‘nother story
itself). Anyway, my “new normal” was a lot busier than what I was expecting, and I brought few preexisting skills to handle it (“tunnel vision” probably being the most important, or was it “mercenary attitude”?). Glancing through a catalog in sheer exhaustion one evening, my eyes lit on the title of a book,
“Busy But Balanced: Practical and Inspirational Ways to Create a Calmer, Closer Family”, with a photo
of a smiling mom and daughter on it. It touted seasonal, monthly strategies for Getting Things Together
and having fun while doing it. Oh HELL yeah! Sold! I needed something; I was hanging on by strong
coffee and the skin of my teeth. I needed to find my Executive Function again, and develop new
rhythms and rituals for this new normal. What I needed most was a new perspective—I was so breakneck busy, I hadn’t time to re-center.
That’s what’s most enriching to me in following the Wheel of the Year: the recognition of seasonal
change—in the world and in one’s life; and the multiple opportunities to re-center on those rhythmic
changes. In September, ALUUC returns from our summer rhythms to our regular congregational beat.
Religious Education classes start again, as does the first-Friday “Kids Night”. Committees start gearing
up for the year. The choir and the Labyrinth Walk return. Students (and teachers!) are returning to the
classroom, sharpening (real or metaphorical) pencils. Crickets and cicadas are singing their hearts out
until fall. Gardens are overflowing with tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, melons, and fall greens.
As the peaches go away, the apples and pears come in. The days get shorter, the nights get cooler, and
hot drinks and soups start sounding like a good idea again. Time for bonfires, cooking in the oven, curling up by the fireplace. Time to savor the warm days before the chill of winter sets in. A liminal time for
re-assessing and renewal.
While you’re getting back into the swing of things at ALUUC, please take the time to welcome the
following new members who joined over the summer: Adam Van Hecke, Gwyn Barron, Elaine Orr, Jordan Humphrey, Heather O’Brien, Jim Curran, and Joe Clark.
Greater Springfield Interfaith Association
GSIA will meet on Tuesday, September 1, 11:45 am to 1:30 pm, at the Baha'i Center, 1131 South
Eighth Street, Springfield. The topic will be based on the film “Racial Taboo.” A trailer will be shown
and discussion will follow. Members & Friends are invited to attend and meet some of the interfaith
leaders of Springfield, both lay & clergy. Please bring your own meal.
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** Special Meeting — Electronic Door Openers **
Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation
September 20, 2015
In response to requests by some Members of the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation (ALUUC) to make the church more accessible for persons with disabilities or who have mobility
limitations, three (3) estimates have been obtained for the cost of installing electronic door openers
for the Men’s and Women’s Restrooms and the two (2) doors of the front main entryway of the
church. Because the amount of each of these estimates is greater than $5,000, installation can only be
authorized by a vote of the Congregation. The ALUUC Board of Directors voted to conduct a Special Meeting of the ALUUC September 20, 2015 on this accessibility project immediately after the
regular Sunday Service. It is of special note that extraordinary pledges have been made to cover a
significant portion of the cost of this project. Additional pledges would be welcome.
UU Women’s Connection Fall Retreat
October 9-11, DeKoven Center, Racine, WI
The Red Tent: Things We Don’t Talk About
(Women’s Stories from the Red Tent)
Featuring Special Guest, Dr. Isadora Gabrielle Leidenfrost
Click here to download our Summer/Fall 2015 UU Women's Connection Voices of Women, The Connection's newsletter. Inside is the brochure for our Fall Retreat, October 9-11, 2015 at the DeKoven
Center in Racine, Wisconsin
You can register on-line or by mail. If you want to register on-line, go to
www.uuwomensconnection.org and click on the drop down tab RETREATS.
During our weekend with Dr. Isadora, we will see her groundbreaking documentary
“Things We Don’t Talk About” that shows how the Red Tent, a red fabric space, is
empowering women. The film documents the things women hide, the things that
bring them pain and joy, and for many it is a place to be honest for the first time in
their life. “Things We Don’t Talk About” seeks to humanize the stories in the red
tent—to put a face on the space.
You can register on-line or by mail. If you want to register on-line, go to
www.uuwomensconnection.org and click on the drop down tab RETREATS.
Questions about the Fall Retreat or UU Women’s Connection ask Tracy Zieber-Minks. Buffy LaelWolf, Brenda Wade or Diana DeWeese.
September Quote
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
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Pathway to Membership Sessions
These are open to new, prospective & current members
1) Seeds: Sharing Our Stories: Monday, Sept. 14, 7 pm
2) Roots: An inside scoop on UUism and ALUUC: Monday, Sept. 21, 7 pm
3) Branches: Fostering Growth & Creating Connections: Monday, Sept. 28, 7 pm
Are you interested in becoming a member of ALUUC, or possibly just learning more
about ALUUC and Unitarian Universalism? Here is your chance. This series is the first opportunity
in the Pathway to Membership.
The first session – Seeds – will focus on sharing important themes and stories from our life journey,
with a special emphasis on our faith journeys.
The second session – Roots – is intended to present and discuss various themes and developments
within UUism as a whole and ALUUC in particular. We will explore the Principles & Purposes, the
Sources, and some important milestones. New and seasoned members are encouraged to attend.
The third session – Branches – is an opportunity for newer people to meet some of the leaders and
mentors within the congregation, to discuss how one might become more active and engaged!
Meet a New Member
Elaine L. Orr.
“I grew up in the DC metro area. I was director of international liaison for the Government Accountability Office, and a project director for the National Academy of Public Administration for many
years. For a change of pace, and to have more time to write, I moved to Iowa in 1994. I met my husband, Jim Larkin, at a writers' group in the Ottumwa Public Library. After writing a bunch of screenplays and not-so-good novels, I got serious in 2010 and focused on publishing my work. I selfpublished twelve books, and they sell moderately well. I just secured a publisher for a new cozy mystery series. I'm nervous about losing some control of the process, but look forward to having someone
else promote my books. Ironically, the more I write the less I read. When we moved to Indiana, I
joined the UU Church in Muncie and loved it. I was sorry to leave, and look forward to knowing
more people at ALUUC. I'm close to my four siblings, in part because our parents became ill when
we were fairly young. We helped them and each other. That philosophy works for me.”
ALUUC hosts our local PFLAG chapter (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays)
on the Third Monday of every month. The next meeting will be held at ALUUC on
Monday, September 21 at 7:00 pm. This is a safe and confidential gathering of
LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer) people, their families, friends
and allies to meet and share. This PFLAG group is open to all and welcomes
your energy!


Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PFLAGSpringfieldIL.
To contact the group by email, use: [email protected].
Show your support for Marriage Equality in Illinois with a PFLAG t-shirt.
See Rev. Woulfe if you are interested in purchasing one.
Page 8
ALUUC August 2015 Solar Report, by Bob Croteau
I’m the kind of guy who watches the odometer of my car roll over all the same number like all sevens or combinations of repeating numbers as if they were of any significance. So when I checked the
solar data from the roof yesterday there were “ones” everywhere. The image below is of yesterday’s
module production but taken this morning. I should have copied yesterday’s image then to share with all
the other odometer watchers because it also showed the production under “Today” as 11.1 kWh. It was
a beautiful sight. But that was yesterday and yesterday’s gone.
The significant data for those
who don’t fixate on their odometers (which may be even worse
than texting), is that our month to
date data is better than average at
126% of estimated, and lifetime is
103% of estimated. It also shows
that all 10 modules are running
neck to neck, with none lagging
behind. Looks like a good deal to
me.
Are you interested in getting involved with the ALUUC “family”? Willing to speak before a multigenerational group of friendly folks? Want to “give back” to the congregation?
Then train to become a Service Leader!
Training will be at 12 Noon in the Fuller room after the Sept. 13 service. Find out what you would
be responsible for on a Sunday morning. Commitment would be to serve 2 or 3 Sunday services in a
six-month period. Join Penny Wollan-Kriel and Martin Woulfe at the meeting on September 13 and
see if this might be the “volunteer job” for you at ALUUC.
Any questions? Email [email protected].
Religion in Life Sessions for UU Youth
September 3, 10, 17, 24. 7:00 – 8:30 pm
This four part series is designed for youth who are
either in a Scouting Program & seek the Religion in
Life Award, or those youth who want to learn more
about the traditions and history of UUism. All those
who complete these sessions will be awarded a Religion in Life medal on Sunday, September 27. If you want your
child to participate, please contact Rev. Woulfe ASAP.
Anyone up for a Hike?
Jim Curran will lead a hike on
Saturday, September 12, beginning at 10:30 am in the Springfield area. Specific details will
follow (e.g.: location, length, difficulty level). Contact Jim by
phone or by email if interested.
Labyrinth Walk
Our monthly meditative walks resume on Friday, September 18. This is a unique,
ancient pathway to greater spirituality. Each walk starts at 7 pm. There will also be an
opportunity to receive a Oneness Blessing before and after you walk; those who wish
to stay after the walk may join in a UU Communion held in Rev. Woulfe’s office.
Page 9
The 2015 Trash & Treasure Sale is October 2nd and 3rd!
Please refer to the Do's and Don'ts flyer at www.aluuc.org/TNT.pdf. HINT: It
will be VERY SIMILAR to last year's. To save our volunteers' time please make
sure your donations do not include excluded items. This year the bag sale will start
at noon on Saturday and will last 1 hour.
Please contact the TNT Chair Tracy Anderson at [email protected] to volunteer.
Here’s what we need from EVERYONE:
 Your donations. If you are not sure about whether to donate something or not, either contact the
Trash and Treasure Chair Tracy Anderson at [email protected] or phone, or call the church (585-9550)
during the sale week and ask to speak to the Sale Chair.
 Your time: the church needs to be staffed from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th, and
every day from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 28thth through October 1st. There will be an
Early Bird sale time from 7 to 10 a.m. on Friday, October 2nd. There will be a $5 entrance fee during the Early Bird portion of the sale. The building opens again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.
On Saturday the hours of the sale are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cleanup begins at 1 p.m. We should be done
with clean-up by 4 p.m.
The work shifts are usually 2-3 hours during sale set-up and prep. The building will be open as
follows:
Sale Set-up: Sunday, Sept 27: 12 - 4 pm
Sale prep: Monday-Thursday, Sept. 28th - Oct 1st: 1 – 7 – Come help sort and price merchandise.
Work shifts will be 3 hours on Friday and Saturday
1st day of sale: Friday, Oct 2:
7-10 am and 5-8 pm
(the sale will be closed between 10 am and 5 pm)
nd
2 day of sale: Saturday, Oct 3: 8 am – 11am & 11 am – 2 pm & 1 - 4 p.m.
 Your word-of-mouth: We will only get donations and traffic if YOU spread the word. Hand out
donation cards and put up our fliers. Encourage your friends to attend.
“Someone else will do it” does not work in this case. It has to be you.
Thanks everyone and see you at the sale!
Do you Zentangle?
Want to Zentangle? Learn to Zentangle from a Certified Zentangle
Teacher. Yeessss, there is one in Springfield.
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create
beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.
Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and
creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of
personal well being.
When: September 5, midday - bring a sack lunch.
Where: at Diana's Studio.
Photo Courtesy of
Rev. Cynthia Landrum.
Class size is limited so let Tracy Zieber-Minks or Diana DeWeese know if you want to Zentangle!
Page 10
Greetings from ALUUC Fellowship! There's a lot of great community events throughout the area,
here's a few you'll be likely to see some other UUs attending.

Sept. 5, 12 Noon - 10 pm, Douglas Park Bandshell. Healing Arts Festival. Music, alternative healers, artists, vendors. Free to listen to bands.

Sept. 7, 10 am, downtown. Labor Day parade. Begins at 7th and Jefferson and loops around the
downtown area. Come show your support for labor!

Sept. 8, 6 pm, UIS Brookens Auditorium, ECCE Speaker Series: The Charleston Massacre and the
History of Racial Violence in America: A Panel Discussion. Panelists: Dr. Chad Williams
(Associate Professor and Chair of the Dept. of African and Afro-American Studies at Brandeis University), Dr. Sundiata Keita Cha-Jua (Associate Professor in the Dept. of History at UIUC), Dr. Ashley Howard (Assistant Professor in History at Loyola University New Orleans). Moderator: Dr. Ty
Dooley, Assistant Professor of Public Administration at UIS. Discussion will explore the historical,
social and political lineage that nurtures the current racial climate that resulted in the Charleston
shooting. Free. For info on all of the ECCE Fall Speaker series, visit www.uis.edu/speakerseries.

Sept. 10, 7:30 pm, UIS Brookens Auditorium, ECCE Speaker Series: U.S.-Cuba Relations: Will
This Thaw Continue? Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre speaks on the historic meeting between Raul Castro
and Barack Obama last April, and the obstacles and challenges of re-forming relations between the
U.S. and Cuba. Free.

Sept. 11
 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Robbie's. Uptown Friday Night: Frankly Speaking (r&b). No cover; familyfriendly.

6 - 10 pm, Game Night at ALUUC. Weather permitting, we'll grill outside, have a bonfire, and
play outdoor games. If raining, we'll stick to board games & pizza inside. Come on out!

Sept. 12-13, Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm. Rees Carillon Art Spectacular at
Washington Park (by Carillon). Free to look; $1.50 for children to shop in the Kid's Zone. 70 artists,
live music, art demonstrations, food trucks, children's area. Visit carillon-rees.org for more info.

Sept. 13, 4 - 7 pm, Iles Park. Music in the Park: Blue Ribbon Revival, The Deep Hollow, and The
Blue G's. Americana and bluegrass. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Free.

Sept. 14, 7 pm, UIS Brookens Auditorium, ECCE Speaker Series: Latin America/ns: Relating Diversity, History, Experiences, and Assimilation in the U.S. Panel discussion. Panelists: Adriana M.
Crocker (Associate Professor of Political Science at UIS, from Argentina), Jorge Villegas (Associate
Professor of Business Administration at UIS, from Mexico), Patrick Anderson Avilés (Writing Specialist in the Center for Academic Success at UIS, from Honduras), Jesús Canelon (Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems at UIS, from Venezuela), and Rubén Darío Gómez González (tour guide, Mayan civil rights advocate, and passionate public advocate of his country, Guatemala). Moderator: Hinda Seif (Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at UIS). Free.

Sept. 16
 6 - 8 pm, Robbie's, Springfield Poets & Writers Open Mic. No cover, but bring money for food
and drink. They have a great wine list, serve a good cup of coffee, and the pie is outstanding.
Continued on page 11
Page 11

Sept. 16
 7 pm, UIS, Lincoln Residence Hall (LRH) Great Room, Shelterbelt reading series: Kyle Minor,
author of two collections of short fiction: In the Devil's Territory (2008) and Praying Drunk
(2014). He is the winner of the 2015 Story Prize Spotlight Award, the 2012 Iowa Review Prize
for Short Fiction, one of Random House’s Best New Voices of 2006,and a three-time honoree in
the Atlantic Monthly contest. His work has appeared online at Esquire, The Atlantic, Salon, and
Tin House, and in print in The New York Times Book Review, The Southern Review, The Iowa
Review, Best American Mystery Stories 2008, Twentysomething Essays by Twentysomething
Writers: Random House Presents the Best New Voices of 2006, Forty Stories: New Voices from
Harper Perennial, and Best American Nonrequired Reading 2013. Free.

Sept. 17, 6:30 pm, UIS Brookens Auditorium, ECCE Speaker Series: The Roberts Court Turns Ten.
Professor Jason Mazzone of UIUC will provide an analysis of the first decade of the Roberts Court
and offer predictions about where the Court and Constitution are headed. Free.

Sept. 18
 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Robbie's. Uptown Friday Night: The Mud Bugs (swamp blues). No cover.

Dusk, Southwind Park. Movie in the Park: the new Cinderella. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket.
Free.

Sept. 19-20, Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 11 am - 4 pm. Springfield Art Association. Edwards
Place Fine Art Fair. Free to look. 70 artists, live music, art demonstrations, food trucks, children's
area.

Sept. 21, 6 pm, UIS Brookens Auditorium, ECCE Speaker Series: Mexican Muralists: Public Art
for Social Transformation. Presenter and artist Eric García discusses the work and social/historical
importance of Mexican muralists such as Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siquieros and their influence on modern muralists. Free.

Sept. 25-26, Friday 3 - 6 pm, Saturday 8:30 am - 1 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church.
AAUW Used Book Sale. $5 admission for Friday "pre-sale"; free to look on Saturday. Great for
bookworms!

Sept. 25, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Robbie's. Uptown Friday Night: TBA. No cover.

Sept. 25-27, Friday 6 - 10 pm, Saturday 11 am - 10 pm, Sunday 11 am - 2 pm, Downtown
Springfield (between Washington & Capitol and 4th & 7th Streets). Route 66 Mother Road Festival.
Car show, cruise, live music, vendors, food, children's area. Free for spectators. For more info, visit
www.familyevents.com/14th-annual-international-route-66-mother-road-festival-sept-25-27-2015.

Sept. 27
 2 pm, Vachel Lindsey Home, Free. Poets in the Parlor Series: Kathleen Rooney, founding editor
of Rose Metal Press will read from her works, which include six books of poetry and nonfiction.
She is a Visiting Assistant Professor at DePaul University.


4 - 7 pm, Washington Park. Music in the Park: Celtic Fest! The Emerald Underground, Elks
Pipes, and Skibbereen. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Free.
Sept. 28, 7 pm, UIS Brookens Auditorium, ECCE Speaker Series: The Patenting of Life, Limiting
Liberty, and the Corporate Pursuit of Seeds. Dr. Ali Nizamuddin lectures on corporate dominance
of the world's food supply. Free.
Page 12
Sign up to be a Kitchen Coordinator on a future Sunday!
What does it mean to be a Kitchen Coordinator?
Being a Kitchen Coordinator does not mean you have to cook or bring anything to church, you are just
the person who coordinates the kitchen and other kitchen volunteers that day. Also, you don't have
to do it alone - there are always people willing to help out, and you can sign up to volunteer with
friends. You may even make some new ones while volunteering!
The tasks of the Kitchen Coordinator are as follows:
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Make coffee and set up the hot water (or make sure the coffee is being made). Click here to go
to the schedule!
Put out cups, tea, coffee stuff, and pitchers of water and lemonade.
Put coffee hour food that has been brought in on a small table.
Put out 2-3 small tables during coffee hour for those members and friends who need a place to sit
down.
Clean the dishes afterwards (we have a great dishwasher to help with this!)
Put leftover food away, and wipe down surfaces.
Take out trash
...and you're done!
Some Sundays are a Potluck Sunday (which are indicated on our schedule), where more preparation
is required for both the food and setup. If you would like to sign up for a Potluck Sunday and have
never volunteered at one before, please contact [email protected] with any questions about what it
entails.
How to sign up using Google Sheets:
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
Click the link to the schedule, and you will be redirected to the Google Sheet.
Search through the schedule to find a Sunday you would like to volunteer at. Holidays and special
events like Potlucks are indicated on the schedule to help you pick a Sunday.
When you find a Sunday you want to sign up for, simply click the cell (rectangle) in the volunteer
section next to that Sunday.
Type your name in that space. The spreadsheet will automatically save all new information.
Can I sign up on my mobile device?
You can always view the schedule in your browser on your device, but to sign up on a mobile device,
you will need to download the FREE Google Sheets App, found here on the Google Play Store and
the App Store on iTunes. After installing it, you can make edits to the Sheet.
Can I just email my choices instead?
Yes, you can. Please email your choice(s) to [email protected], and we'll get you on the schedule.
Flowers for September
The Flower Committee will create a beautiful arrangement for September 6 — Jan Droegkamp
you worthy of the person or event you wish to commemorate.
September 13 — available
All arrangements must be prepaid two weeks prior to the Sun- September 20 — Penny Wollan-Kriel
day requested. Make your check payable to ALUUC for $20.00 September 27 — Larry Muir
with Flowers in the memo line. All questions or concerns
should be directed to Vi Lanum, Flower Committee Chairwoman at [email protected].
Page 13
Change for Change, First Sunday
Change for Change in August collected $172.54 for Compass After School Program. Thanks so much
for contributing to this necessary program.
Change for Change in September will be for Helping Hands of Springfield. Founded 25 years ago,
Helping Hands has a multilevel approach to dealing with the problem of homelessness. 1) Threshold Shelter, Supportive Services Program provides an evening meal, a comfortable bed, legal support, mental health services and resource referral. 2) Hearth House - Permanent Supported Housing Program provides subsidized housing and case management support. 3) Stable S.M.I.L.E - Representative Payee
Program deals with fiscal responsibility for client funds. 4) SOAR - SSI/SSDI Outreach Access Recovery Program provides case management and assistance for those applying for disability benefits. Please
help support these valuable services.
Social Action Goals for 2015-16
The Social Action Committee's main areas of concentration for this year are: Black Lives Matter and
Homelessness. The main goals are increasing both ALUUC members' involvement in social actions and
the visibility of the Social Action Committee at ALUUC and in Springfield.
We would like to thank Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant for her tireless efforts at chairing our committee for
many years. We appreciate her ability to focus the group, her ability to lead the congregation to action,
her creativity and passion. Her contributions were numerous including keeping us connected to the
UUSC.
Nancy Derrig has assumed the chairmanship of the committee. Please contact her at [email protected], if
you have any suggestions or concerns about social action at ALUUC.
Social Action Committee meets on the third Sunday of the month at 12 Noon in the Fuller room at
ALUUC. We would love new members. Please contact Nancy or a committee member if you are interested in joining us. Committee members are Delinda Chapman, Jan Droegkamp, Michelle Green, Vinnie Gupta, Debby Hagan, Stu Jacobson, Susan Solon, and Larry Golden.
In Memoriam
Marilou Burnett-Dixon, mother of Michael Burnett, passed away on Monday August 24. A Celebration
of Life will be held at ALUUC on August 30 at 2 pm.
Memorial leaves have been added to the Memory Wall for Judith Butler, Wes Duiker, Heidi Hielkema,
Ken Sibley, Clara Lily White and Dean Wisleder.
If any person wishes to learn more about how one arranges for the name of a loved one to be added to
the wall, please contact Rev. Martin Woulfe.
Save the Dates:
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AAUW Book Sale — Sept. 25-26
ALUUC T&T Sale — Oct. 2-3
Liturgical Arts Festival: Decoding The
Liturgical Arts — Oct. 3
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
GSIA Fall Welcoming Banquet & Humanitarian of the Year Award, at ALUUC — Oct. 6
2nd Annual Trivia Night for Autism Society
Central Illinois, at ALUUC — Oct. 10
Page 14
FABULOUS FUNDRAISING, no products you don't want. Scrip is a cooperative
that allows congregation members to buy gift cards to national retailers at face value. A
percentage of each card sold comes back to ALUUC. Gas stations, grocery and clothing
stores, drugstores and restaurants are well-represented on the list of 400+ vendors.
Steps to follow:
1) Go to ShopWithScrip.com and register with the scrip provider using the code she’ll provide.
2) On the same site, register your bank account with PrestoPay. After a day or two, your account will
show two small deposits from PrestoPay.
3) Once you know those totals, you go to the email from PrestoPay, click on the link & identify the
amounts.
4) Notify Kerri Skrudland, our Scrip coordinator, who will activate your account.
5) Go back to ShopWithScrip.com and make your purchases, being sure to click that you are using
PrestoPay and not checking.
6) These purchases are held until Kerri authorizes their release — all purchases by all members are
released at the same time.
7) The scrip gift cards are sent to ALUUC; members then can pick them up and use them.
Our next order deadline is September 20. Please contact Kerri Skrudland at [email protected] or by
phone for more information about this exciting program.
You can buy scrip as a Physcial Gift Card, which is Reloadable in
many cases, or you can also buy scrip as a ScripNow eCard, which
can be printed from your computer and used immediately.
Cookbooks for the Holidays!
The cookbook has been a successful fundraiser and has made about $400 for
the church. The latest version will be available around December 1. It will
make a great holiday gift or "stocking stuffer". If you have any recipes you
want to submit for the new edition (or corrections to already-submitted recipes), please send them to Rob Ewart at his email address.
Movie Night: Woman in Gold
September 13, 5 pm, ALUUC
“Sixty years after fleeing Vienna, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), an elderly Jewish woman, attempts to reclaim family possessions that were seized by the Nazis.
Among them is a famous portrait of Maria's beloved Aunt Adele: Gustave Klimt's
"Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I." Maria embarks upon a lengthy legal battle to
recover this painting and several others, but it will not be easy, for Austria considers them national treasures.”
Rated PG-13, 109 minutes
Popcorn and refreshments will be provided, and you are welcome to bring snacks.
The movie for October will be The Book of Life.
Page 15
BOOK GROUP
The Book Group
meets on the fourth
Tuesday of each
month. Join as on
Sept. 22 at 7:30 pm at Barbara
Moore's home. We will discuss
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.
Maureen Corrigan of National Public Radio characterizes
the book as, “The ‘extraordinary’
story of a boy, his mother, and a
life-changing work of art.”
Everyone is welcome. If you
have any questions call Barbara
Moore.
DREAM GROUP
This is an opportunity
for folks to discuss
their dreams in a relaxed, friendly, informal setting.
The Dream Group is using an
online format for our conversations about participant's dreams.
Occasionally we'll have informal
gatherings. For more information, call or email Phil Gregg.
HUMANIST GROUP
The Humanist Group emphasizes core values such
as dignity of the individual,
equality, and social justice.
We discuss a variety of
topics including morality/ethical
values, humanism as way of life,
separation of church and state,
science/evolution/neuroscience,
behavioral economics and bi-
GROUPS at ALUUC
partisan politics. Programs have
usually focused on book reviews
or media presentations followed
by group discussion; but other
formats can be considered.
On Monday, September 28
at 7 pm, Mark Palmer will review So You've Been Publicly
Shamed by Jon Ronson. Ronson
explores the resurgence of public
shaming via social media and its
implications for public life. For
the book's website, go here. For
an NPR interview, go here. For a
book discussion on BookTV on
C-SPAN, go here. For information on the author's website, go
here. For the NYT review, go
here. For an interview with the
author on YouTube, go here.
If you have questions about
this group, email Susan Solon
and/or Vi Lanum at
[email protected].
NEWS GROUP
The News Group
meets on the first
Thursday of
each month. Join us on Sept. 3 at
7 pm at Kay Bell and Roger
Ryan's home in Springfield. Call
Roger if you have any questions.
Everyone is welcome.
PAGAN GROUP
The Pagan Group
will have a planning
meeting on Sunday,
Sept. 6 at 12:30 pm
in the Fuller Room. All are welcome to come to the meeting and
share your ideas. We will be
planning for the upcoming Mabon.
~~*~~
Celebrate the first of Autumn
with the Pagan Group. Also
called Mabon, this Second Harvest festival celebrates the Fall
Equinox, one of two times a year
when the day and night are balanced. We will have ritual, meditation, drumming and chanting, a
bonfire (weather permitting), a
celebration of apples and an apple craft/project, and a wonderful
potluck dinner. All are invited!
Saturday, Sept. 19 at 5 pm,
with a set up time of 4pm.
For more information please
contact Tracy Zieber Minks at
[email protected]. Hope
to see you there!
In the Fall 2015 Issue of
UU World, there was an
announcement as to how
Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice
(uucsj.org) is helping the
people in Haiti, India, Mexico and the United States. I
urge all ALUUC members
to Google the Unitarian
Universalist College of Social Justice Study Guide to
see the many ways to get
involved in social justice.
—Vinod Gupta
Page 16
September 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
6
12:30 Pagan
Group Meeting
7
8
*6 pm ECCE
*10 am Labor Day Speaker
Parade Series: Racial
Violence in
America
3:30 pm Mary
Keldermans
Rental — Mass
7 pm Board
Meeting
12 pm
13
14
Committee
7 pm Pathway to
Membership
Council Meeting
12 pm Service
Class 1: Seeds
Leader Training
*4 pm Music in
*7 pm ECCE
Park: AmeriSpeaker Series:
cana/bluegrass Latin America/ns
5 pm
Movie Night:
Woman in Gold
15
Special
20 *6 pm ECCE 21
Congregation
Speaker Series:
Mexican
Meeting
Muralists
7 pm Pathway
Potluck Sunday
to Membership
Class 2: Roots
12 pm SAC Mtg.
22
Scrip Deadline
*7:30 pm Book
Group
7 pm PFLAG
Meeting
2 7 pm Religion 3
5:30 pm
Soup, Sing
& Solo
*11:45 am
GSIA Meeting
Change for
Change
Thu
Sat
4 9:30 am Zen
in Life Sessions
*7 pm News
6 pm Kids
Group Club/District 12
7:15 pm
Meditation
Group
5
Meditation
*Midday
Zentangle
*12 pm Healing
Arts Festival
Douglas Park
9 7 pm
10
11 9:30 am Zen 12
Religion in Life
*5:30 pm Meditation
Uptown Friday
6 pm Choir Sessions
7:15
pm
Night: Frankly *10 am
Rehearsal
Meditation Speaking (r&b) Rees Carillon Art
Spectacular at
Group
*7:30 pm ECCE
Washington Park
6 pm
Speaker Series:
Game Night
U.S.-Cuba
*10:30 am Hiking
at ALUUC
Relations
Group
5:30 pm 16 *6:30 pm
17 *5:30 pm 18
19
Soup, Sing
ECCE Speaker
Uptown Friday
9:30 am Zen
Series: The
& Solo
Night: blues
Meditation
Roberts Court
*6 pm Open Turns Ten
7 pm Labyrinth *10 am Edwards
Walk & One- Place Fine Art
Mic - Robbies
7 pm Religion
*7 pm
ness Blessing Fair
Shelterbelt
in Life Sessions *Dusk
reading se7:15 pm Movie South5 pm Pagan
ries: Kyle
Meditation wind Park:
Group: Mabon
Minor
Group Cinderella
23
24
25 9:30 am Zen
7 pm Religion
Meditation
*3
pm
AAUW
in
Life
Sessions
6 pm Choir
Used Book Sale
Rehearsal
*5:30 pm
Uptown Friday
7:15 pm
Night
Meditation *6 pm Route 66
Group Mother Road
Festival
RE Open
27
28
29
30
House
12 pm RE
Committee Mtg.
September 27, 12 pm — Set Up
*2 pm Poets in
September
28 - October , 1 – 7pm — Prep
the Parlor
Series: Kathleen 7 pm Pathway to
Rooney Membership
*4 pm Music in Class 3: Branches
7 pm Humanist
the Park: Celtic
Group
Fest
Trash & Treasure Sale
* indicates event takes place off-site.
Fri
October 1
October 2
Trash &
Treasure Sale
7-10 am
(Early Bird)
5-8 pm
(Regular
7:15 pm
Sale)
Meditation
Group
26
October 3
Trash &
Treasure Sale
8 am - 1 pm
(12 pm
Bag Sale)
1 pm - 4 pm
Clean Up
Liturgical Arts
Festival
Check online at http://www.aluuc.org/events
for the most up-to-date calendar.
Contact Information
Clergy:
Minister
Minister Emeritus
Rev. Martin Woulfe
Rev. Berkley Moore
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cheryl Wycoff
Nancy Kraus
Marla Johnson
Susan Solon
Kathy Schultz
Bonnie Ettinger
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Staff:
Office Manager
Accountant
RE Director
Membership Coordinator
Music
Pianist
Board of Directors:
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Board Members
745 Woodside
Philip Anderson
Frank Kopecky
Tina Bennett
Marissa DeWeese
Melissa Bernhardt
Kent Childs
Debby Leahy
Linda Quigley
Ricky Stead
Kim Villanueva
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Social Action
Springfield, IL
(217)
585-9550
Delinda Chapman
Debby Hagan
Roger Powers
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Kurt DeWeese & Marissa DeWeese
Cheryl Wycoff & Marissa DeWeese
Carol Kneedler
Gwen Childs & Kurt DeWeese
Gwen Childs
Vi Lanum
TBA
Kurt DeWeese
Meg Evans & Art Darken
Susan Solon
Delinda Chapman
Diana DeWeese
Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant &
Dianne Roberts
Nancy Derrig
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Committees of the Board
Electronics & Communication
- Newsletter
- Webmaster
Facilities
- Aesthetics
- Flower
Fellowship
Finance
Green Sanctuary
Welcoming & Publicity
Pastoral Care
Program
Religious Education (RE)
Road
62711
Committees of the
Congregation
Committee on Ministry
Nominating Committee
Endowment Trust
ALUUC
[email protected]
The Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation
of Springfield, IL is a religious community of individuals
coming together for spiritual growth and fellowship. Whether
you're looking for a church to call home or just curious about
Unitarian Universalism, we invite you to get to know our
congregation and the people who make it so special.
Visit us on the web at www.aluuc.org
ALUUC - Since 1953 Celebrating over 60 years of liberal religion in the Springfield area.
Abraham Lincoln
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
745 Woodside Road
Springfield, Illinois 62711
217-585-9550