The UU News

The UU News
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City
Founded in 1841
November 2015
________________________________________________________________________________
In This Issue
Minister’s Column....................................2
Religious Education…..............................3
Staff Reports.............................................4
Upcoming Events..................................4-6
Committee Reports...................................7
October Board Highlights.........................7
November Calendar and Stewardship
& Capital Campaign News..............INSERT
Pie Sale Form..................................INSERT
November’s Social Justice Offerings Benefit
THE FREE DENTAL CLINIC
The Dick Parrott Free Dental Clinic, named in honor of one of its
founders, opened in 1995. Dentists, dental students, dental hygienists,
and dental hygiene students volunteer their time to provide cleanings,
cavity fillings, and tooth extractions to adults and children. Care is
provided to patients who do not have dental insurance. Please give
generously to help these volunteers continue this important work. Cash
or checks to UUSIC (Free Dental Clinic on memo line) may be given
during Sunday offerings or sent to the office, 2235 Oakdale Road. Thank
you for your continuing generosity.
On November 1st we will donate to the UUSC-UUA Refugee Crisis Fund.
Upcoming Services
November 1st: “May The Stars Remember
Your Name,” Rev. Steven Protzman
As the veil between worlds grows thin once again, we
celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead,
honoring those who have gone before us. As we participate
in rituals and songs, including Kenneth Bailey’s song “May
the Stars Remember Your Name,” a beautiful prayer that
asks to be held in love and light and to be remembered by
life itself, with love and tears we will once again remember
our beloved dead and commend their spirits to the stars.
1:30 pm Ingathering & Service at Sanctuary Church
(2205 E. Grantview Dr #200, Coralville, 52241)
2:45 pm Social Hour at Sanctuary Church
November 15th: “Stranger, Share Our Fire,”
Rev. Steven Protzman
As humans learned to control fire and the days were
extended, people gathered around the fire to tell stories and
imagination was unleashed. As we gather around our fire,
both the literal fire of our chalice and the metaphorical fire
of our faith, we will reflect on what it means to welcome
strangers to share our fire, and tell stories about the fire
of Unitarian Universalism and its potential to be a truly
audacious and even dangerous faith.
1:30 pm Ingathering & Service at Sanctuary Church
2:45 pm Social Hour at Sanctuary Church
November 8th: “Where Do We Go From Here?”
Jeffery Ford
Two years ago I was released from the hospital after nearly
dying from septic shock. I came home without legs and with
fingers that were black and curled. It was a time of national
and international chaos as well. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote
“Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community” in
1967. His writings have been influential in my life but never
more so than the last two years. In it he argues that “we can
not preserve self without being concerned about preserving
others’ selves.”
1:30 pm Ingathering & Service at Sanctuary Church
2:45 pm Social Hour at Sanctuary Church
November 22nd: “For All That Is Our Life,”
Rev. Steven Protzman
Hymn #120 in Singing the Living Tradition invites us to
practice gratitude: “For all that is our life, we give our thanks
and praise; for all life is a gift which we are called to use
to build the common good.” On this Sunday together as a
community of all ages, we will celebrate Thanksgiving by
telling stories and singing songs that invite us to be grateful
for all we have and to make the world better by sharing
life’s gifts with others.
1:30 pm Ingathering & Service at Sanctuary Church
2:45 pm Social Hour at Sanctuary Church
November 29th: “A Question Box Sermon,” Rev. Steven Protzman
As we begin a new chapter of our shared history, we all have questions, including our wonder about things which
we hold as ultimately important. In the spirit of trying a new sermon form, I want to know: What’s been on your heart
and mind? What would you like to know about Unitarian Universalism? What questions do you have about UUSIC
or our shared ministries? Please send your questions to me via e-mail ([email protected]) or via note or letter no
later than Wednesday, November 25th.
1:30 pm Ingathering & Service at Sanctuary Church
2:45 pm Social Hour at Sanctuary Church
Sunday Childcare: Nursery: open 1:30 to 3 pm
Religious Education Classes: 1:45 pm to 3 pm
From Our
Minister
Three young organizers made the long drive through rural
California to meet famed farm workers organizer Cesar Chavez.
After their hard dusty journey, they sat with him and asked,
“Cesar, how do you organize?” Cesar replied, “Well, first you
talk to one person, then you talk to another person, then you talk
to another person...“ But, HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE?...” they
insisted. Cesar repeated: “First you talk to one person, then you
talk to another.”
-From the website of the Center for
Environment, Health and Justice
The theme for our summer worship services this year was “Giving
Life the Shape of Justice.” Some of the most powerful, indicting,
and inspiring services we heard were about racial justice and
the urgent need for us to do this spiritual work. The result of
sermons given by Kory May, Michael Shaw, Alison Oliver, Kelli
Clement, and others was energy around racial justice work as an
expression of our shared goal to be a community that leads social
justice. Why is racial justice work so important? In an article for
Yes magazine titled “It Took Me Years to Believe That Black Lives
Matter. Now Here’s What I Need From You,” Marcus Harrison
Green, an African American man, said, “You are not responsible
for being born into a country that exterminated Native Americans
for land, enslaved Africans for work, exploited Asians, Mexicans,
and Irish for labor, treated women as second-class citizens, and
outlawed marriage for homosexuals. No, it is not your fault that
you have come into this world as it is. But it is your fault if you
leave it that way when you go. What you are responsible for
is the same exact thing that everyone is responsible for, and
that is the world as it can exist.” (http://www.yesmagazine.
org/peace-justice/it-took-me-years-to-believe-that-black-livesmatter-20151016). I would invite you to read this entire article. It
is an incredibly powerful confession of Green’s journey through
his own internalized racism as a man of color to being a prophetic
voice about how black lives are being destroyed in this country
and calling white people to work for justice.
Now, as we seek to build a new way, which is our worship
theme for this year and the theme for our capital campaign and
our annual budget drive, it is time to begin. I recently met with
Alison Oliver, a member of our congregation, who has offered to
facilitate a Racial Justice Study/Action circle. As we talked about
how to begin this circle, I shared my understanding of evil as
intersectional, which means that various forms of oppression
connect and reinforce each other. I also spoke about how easy it
is to get discouraged about systemic change because there is so
much work to be done. Her response was to tell me the story about
how Cesar Chavez, famed farm workers organizer, organizes. One
person at a time. One heart being touched through relationship,
one life being changed through understanding. And then another.
And another. And that is how we will begin our racial justice
work. Our first circle will meet on Sunday, November 1st, and
will continue on the first and third Sundays from 9:30 to 11 am at
the Oakdale House. Alison describes the work we will be doing
this way: “critical reflection and discussion in conjunction with
the development, implementation, and evaluation of actions that
emerge out of our discussions. This group is designed to build
from each participant’s individual strengths and passions. We all
have something to contribute. What do you have to offer? Please
join us for the first gathering as we collaboratively build our vision
to effectively engage in racial justice efforts in our community.”
I will be participating in this work alongside you as a learner,
sharing my own struggles with racism as a white man with much
privilege and comfort, and seeking to deepen my commitment to
racial justice. This will not be easy work. It will require building
trust, honesty, and safety for one another as we confront racism,
both in ourselves and in our culture. Marcus Green says, “I know
that there is pain in acknowledging racism. I know it requires good
intentions be balanced with patience and deference. I know it
requires silence at times in letting others speak. I know it requires
self-examination that can take you to places you never wished to
go. I know it requires the fortitude to be willing to be offended, to
be called out, to feel uneasy—and to seek understanding through
that uneasiness. I know that’s a lot to ask. But I’ve discovered
that’s how you articulate love in the clearest way possible.” As
Unitarian Universalists, our second source of spiritual wisdom
is the words and deeds of prophetic men and women which
challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with
justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love. Doing
this work is one of many ways in which we can articulate love as
we seek to live out the highest values of Unitarian Universalism
and the values and vision of this congregation.
During our conversation, Alison also shared with me her dream
of who we will be when we enter our new building in 2017.
Her vision, which reflects our Strategic Plan and our vision as a
congregation, is “to be such a visible presence for justice in our
community that people will say: “The Unitarian Universalists are
committed to social justice both individually and as a community.”
Our long-range plan with this work is to begin creating a culture
at UUSIC where justice is who we are, a culture of learning, of
engagement, of visibility and active energy.”
As you reflect on your support of this community by making
a financial and spiritual commitment during our annual budget
drive and a gift to the Capital Campaign, know that you are
making this work of racial justice (and many other ministries,
ways in which we serve one another and the world) possible.
Thank you for your generosity and your commitment to the good
we are creating together now and the good we will create in the
years to come!
Grateful to be here with you as we journey together and work to
build a new way,
Steven
Rev. Steven Away, November 5th - 10th
Our minister, Rev. Steven, will be away from November 5th
through November 10th. If you have a pastoral care emergency,
please contact Winnie Ganshaw at 359-1733 or wganshaw@
mediacombb.net. For other pastoral care needs, please contact
the church office.
Page 2 November 2015 The UU News
Religious Education News
From Your Lifespan Religious Education Director
There once was a school for animals, and unlike you and me,
the animals did not study math or language arts or science,
but rather, they took classes in flying, swimming, running, and
climbing.
One of the students at this school was a duck, and as you can
imagine, he did wonderfully at flying and swimming—top of
his class. However, when it came to running, no matter how
quickly he moved his little webbed feet, he always came in last.
So the school got Duck a tutor, and with a lot of work and a lot
of time, he did manage to improve so that by the end of the year
he was finishing races in the middle of the pack. Although with
all the time Duck spent on running, he wasn’t able to swim and
fly (the things he really loved), and Duck wasn’t very happy.
There was also a rabbit at this school, and as you can imagine,
this rabbit was a great runner. She always finished first in races.
However, when it came to swimming, no matter how hard she
paddled, she was always at the bottom of the class. So just like
the duck, the school got her a swimming tutor. She practiced,
practiced, and practiced. By the end of the year, she had
improved her grade to a C and passed swimming class. Although
with all her time spent on swimming, she wasn’t able to go out
for runs with her friend tortoise anymore, and by the end of the
year, Rabbit wasn’t very happy.
At this school, there was a also a frog. Frog did great in all her
classes. She could hop her way up a tree quicker than any other
of the animals. Once up in the tree, Frog could flatten her body
and spring off the branch to glide through the air like the most
graceful bird. With only a few hops, Frog could beat out most of
the animals in running class—even beating Rabbit some days.
Finally, with a few kicks of her strong back legs, Frog could
swim farther and faster then most of her classmates. For her
good grades, she was made the valedictorian, and Frog was very
happy.
I heard a version of this story at the Liberal Religious Educators
Association’s Fall conference last month, and it is probably
an adaptation from a story from the 1940s that George Reavis
wrote when he was the Assistant Superintendent of the
Cincinnati Public Schools. Generally in religious education, we
use this story to express the need to create inclusive classes and
welcome the diversity of ability and gifts of all our participants.
However, this moral should be applied further than honoring all
children and youth in our RE classrooms, and it should include
our RE volunteers as well.
We have some people who are like Frog. They love teaching RE
on Sundays. They love the discussions over big questions, telling
stories, and crafts that involve glitter, paint and pipe cleaners.
We also have some people who are like Duck and Rabbit.
Maybe they don’t enjoy crafts and facilitating discussions,
and asking them to take on that role would make them just as
unhappy as Duck and Rabbit. This doesn’t mean that our school
is not for them, though. Just as Duck was good at swimming and
Rabbit was an excellent runner, maybe they have other talents
to share with us.
So, what are we looking for? With RE teachers, we look for
volunteers who want to spend time with our children and
youth; who want to want to learn about the kids, learn about
themselves, and learn more about UUism; and are able to make
the time commitment to be prepared for and present during
Sunday’s RE classes. RE teachers do not need a formal education
background/experience or even need to be an expert storyteller
or crafter. We can help with that. However, if this isn’t you, that
is okay, that doesn’t mean you can’t help in other ways. We are
always looking for people to help with plays, teach music, help
organize RE supplies, plan special events, do special projects
with the kids—just to name a few. So if you have some time,
and you would like to help support RE, please let me know.
Frogs, ducks and rabbits are always welcome.
Yours in faith, Jessica
PieCAYAC
Sale
2nd & 4th Sundays
12 ­ 1:15 pm
Oakdale House
It's back, and just in time for your Thanksgiving get
togethers!
Pie Sale
The Sr. High Youth Group is selling delicious,
It's back, and just in time for your
Thanksgiving get-togethers!
The Sr. High Youth Group is selling
delicious, homemade apple and pumpkin
pies for $15 each, and the proceeds will go
to support this year's service trip.
For details, including how to order, see the
Pie Sale insert and/or the weekly email.
The UU News homemade apple and pumpkin pies for $15.00
each, and the
proceedsand
will go
to support
this year's
Campus
Young
adults
are invited
service trip.the
to join
UUSIC Campus and Young Adult
Community (CAYAC) for lunch, social justice
For details, including how to order, see the Pie Sale
projects and fellowship on the 2nd and 4th
insert and/or the weekly email.
Sundays at the Oakdale house
(2355 Oakdale Rd).
November 2015
Page 3
Staff Reports
From Your Administrator
From Your Music Director
DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER?
Do you hum a catchy melody over and over and over?
DO YOU TAP YOUR FOOT TO A STRONG BEAT?
Do you have a favorite song that makes you smile when you
hear it?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you are
invited to join the Fireside Choir. Give us a try—we too sing
in the shower, sing lots of catchy melodies, always tap our
feet, and learn lots of songs that make us smile. We rehearse
at the Sanctuary Church on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to
6:50 pm. A warm welcome awaits you. Questions? Contact
me at [email protected] or 338-5012. —Gloria Corbin
November Birthdays
If you see the following UUSIC members and friends this month,
please wish them a happy birthday!
Noah Johnson
Paul Pomrehn
Dean Abel
Claire Lanaghan
Christina Randall
Jeanette Carter
Judy Leavitt
Carlos Tellez
Dixie Cassady
Jane Miller
Rai Tokuhisa
Steve Dunbar
Hudson Turner
AvaSu Gan-Wei
Ruth Muir
Paul Myers Verhage
Tova Vitiello
Gail Garwood
Cecile Owings
Kirk Witzberger
Amy Grahs
Emma Peterschmidt
Kenn Hubel
If you would like your birthday to be reported in the UU News,
please contact the office.
We are officially moved out of 10 S. Gilbert and are settling into
our temporary offices in the Oakdale House. A huge thank you
to the Transition Task Force (TTF), especially Katrina Ingersoll,
and all the volunteers who helped get us up and running!
We will be updating some processes and routines to better fit our
new homes at Oakdale and Sanctuary Church, and to capitalize
on our transition as an opportunity to institute some new
practices. For example, we are looking into moving from printed
orders of service to a multimedia format utilizing Sanctuary
Church’s great AV equipment and screens. We are also exploring
expanding our web and social media presence. Look for these
changes and more in the coming weeks and months!
We will have more volunteer opportunities, both short and longterm, popping up this fall and winter. If you can offer your time
or talents, please do so as opportunities are publicized!
As always, if you have any ideas or feedback for the administration,
please let me know at 337-3443 or [email protected]!
—Emma Barnum
Sunday Attendance for September 27th October 25th
Sept. 27th:
231 total: 209 adults, 22 children
October 4th: 71 total (Animal Blessing Multigen. Service)
October 11th: 116 total: 109 adults, 7 children
October 18th: 139 total (Apple Communion)
October 25th: 150 total: 128 adults, 22 children
Upcoming Events
(See the calendar insert and/or go to uusic.org/calendar for more events and information!)
Vegetarian Community, November 1st
World Vegan Day is Sunday, November 1st, and the Vegetarian
Community will celebrate by enjoying a 10:30 am brunch at the Trumpet
Blossom Café (310 E. Prentiss Street, Iowa City). Please make your
reservation to Carol Throckmorton at [email protected]
or 337-3030.
Children’s Choir, November 1st, 8th, & 15th
The Children’s Choir meets from 3:15 to 4 pm at Sanctuary Church the
first 3 Sundays of each month. Jonathan Tauscheck accompanies the choir
and Gloria Corbin directs. The choir is open to all elementary schoolaged children. Think about the joyful voices of our children greeting the
congregation! Questions? Give Gloria a call at 338-5012.
Ceili Dance, November 1st
The Ceili Dance (Irish Social Dancing) is moving to the East Side
Recycling Center Education Center (2401 Scott Blvd. SE). Join us for a
Halloween dance on Sunday, November 1st, from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. It
isn`t scary, just a lot of fun (and great exercise)! All dances are taught and
called. Costumes optional. Children accompanied by an adult welcome.
Donations accepted. For more information call Kay Schneider, 338-5378,
or Sherry Dolash, 471-8084.
Racial Justice Study/Action
November 1st & 15th
Circle,
The Racial Justice Study/Action Circle meets from
9:30 to 11 am at the Oakdale House on the first
and third Sundays of each month. The Study/Action
Circle is UUSIC’s next step to visibly and responsibly
answer the call from communities of color to stand
and act in solidarity for racial justice. The group’s
work will include critical reflection and discussion in
conjunction with the development, implementation,
and evaluation of actions that emerge out of our
discussions. This group is designed to build from
each participant’s individual strengths and passions.
We all have something to contribute. What do you
have to offer? Please join us for the first gathering
as we collaboratively build our vision to effectively
engage in racial justice efforts in our community. If
you have any questions or would like to be involved
but cannot participate on Sunday mornings, please
contact Alison Oliver ([email protected]) or
Rev. Steven ([email protected]).
Page 4 November 2015 The UU News
Upcoming Events, cont’d
Kiirtan, November 2nd
Kiirtan is a combination of music and spiritual practice—it is the chanting or singing of a certain phrase that is charged with meaning.
Kiirtan uplifts the spirit, calms the mind, and opens the heart. It is a wonderful prelude for meditation and a good practice in its
own right. It can be combined with a variety of instruments (we’ll start out with guitar) and also with dance. Done within a group of
people, powerful healing energy is generated. The Kiirtan meets monthly on the first Monday from 6 to 7 pm at the Oakdale House at
2355 Oakdale Road, CV. If you would like more information about this event, contact Andy Douglas at [email protected].
Buddhist Sangha, November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th
The UU Buddhist Sangha is a community of people that gathers weekly to explore contemporary Buddhist practice and teachings
in the context of Unitarian Universalist principles and for meditation. We meet weekly on Monday evenings at 7 pm at Oaknoll. To
join the Buddhist Sangha listserv or to find out more, please contact Brian Glidewell ([email protected]), Cindy Spading
([email protected]), or the UUSIC office.
Fireside Choir, November 5th, 12th, & 19th
The Fireside Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 pm at Sanctuary Church (we will not meet on Thanksgiving). The
choir is open to all singers (high school and beyond). No auditions or experience is required. The choir sings in unison, two, three,
and four parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). The Fireside Choir often contributes to the Sunday services.
CUUPs Ancestor’s Ritual, November 7th
We gather to honor those who came before us. We who descend of their blood and through their power join to unlock the gates
between this world and the next. We call out their names, and hear them echo through space and time. We invite them to join us
once more for a ritual meal together. Will they answer? Please join us for a ritual meal to honor our ancestors on November 7th at
6 pm at the Environmental Education Center (2401 Scott Blvd. SE). The meal, lovingly prepared by the gathered, will be served in
three courses and eaten in silence. Toasts will be made, and blessings shared, until it is time for our guests to leave us once again.
This ritual is intended for adults and mature youth (must be able to sit/
UU Book Discussion Group, November 9th
eat in silence for up to 20 minutes). Please RSVP to Marsha Cheyney
The UU Book Discussion group will be meeting again on ([email protected] or 321-2307) by November 1st for
Monday, November 9th, at 7:30 pm. We meet at Oaknoll additional information on when to arrive and what to bring.
(735 George Street) in Meeting Room A on the 4th floor. There
Discovering Unitarian Universalism, November 8th
is visitor parking across from the entrance or street parking
If you are new to Unitarian Universalism, join the Membership
Our book for November is Jewelweed by David Rhodes.
Associates from 3:15 to 4:15 pm after the service on Sunday,
You can also begin reading our December book, which is
November 8th. You’ll learn the basics about UUism and how our
The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister. If
church works and plays. Participants will gather at 3:15 pm by the
you didn’t make it to last month’s group we still have copies
Welcome Table. For questions, contact Carol Throckmorton at 337of the complete list of this year’s books. Anyone who likes
3030 or [email protected].
to read and discuss books is welcome to attend our group,
regularly or just when a book interests them. If you have Green Sanctuary Committee, November 10th
questions about the group or need more direction to reach The Green Sanctuary Committee will meet at 5 pm on Tuesday,
Oaknoll, contact Mary Lou Welter at jayhawkeye@juno. November 10th, at the Oakdale House. This committee builds
awareness of environmental issues among congregants and seeks to
com, 354-1231 (home), or 361-9805 (cell).
motivate people to integrate sustainable living practices into their
everyday lives. We work with other churches and/or groups on environmental injustices beyond the scope of our church. Everyone
is welcome. Questions? Contact Deb Schoelerman at [email protected] or at 594-2373.
Special Needs Committee, November 13th
The Special Needs Committee meets at the Oakdale House at 5:30 pm on the second Friday of each month. At our meetings we
establish goals and priorities, plan events, discuss and problem-solve issues facing families that have a member with special needs,
and develop communications. Anyone with a family member who has special needs and is interested in building Radical Hospitality
at UUSIC is welcome to join. Contact Rochelle Honey-Arcement at [email protected] with questions.
Free Lunch Program, November 13th
The objective and mission for the Greater Iowa City Free Lunch Program (located at 1105 Gilbert Court) is to provide free hot meals
six days a week for the needy in our community. UUSIC sends a group of volunteers on the second Friday of each month to prepare,
serve, and clean up after a lunch for approximately 140 people. To find out more or to join the team, please contact Sue and Lee
Eberly at [email protected] or Sherry Dolash at [email protected] (also see the monthly report on page 7).
Vegetarian Community, November 14th
The Vegetarian Community will enjoy a Thanksgiving potluck at the home of Jackie and Marco Perez on Saturday, November 14th
at 5 pm. Please bring a favorite Thanksgiving plant-based (vegan) dish with the recipe, along with your own table service. Also,
please bring food or a monetary donation for the Johnson County Food Bank. Jackie and Marco’s address and driving instructions
will be provided at the time reservations are made. To make a reservation or if you have questions, contact Carol Throckmorton at
[email protected] or 337-3030.
The UU News November 2015
Page 5
Upcoming Events, cont’d
Secular Humanists, November 17th
November’s Secular Humanists meeting will be at Old Brick in the Common Room downstairs at 7 pm. We welcome Kellen Gracey
from the UI Dept. of Political Science—he will share his thoughts and research on how the “religiosity” and political behavior of
groups of people are affected by the presence (real or imagined) of “secularists.” Kellen is also using social networks to study how
having atheists, agnostics, and “nones” in one’s social network influences individuals’ political opinions, behavior, and attitudes.
Kellen is also looking for a secular group with which to get involved. Hooray! Come welcome Kellen and enjoy an evening together.
All are welcome.
UU Grief Group, November 18th
The UU Grief Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 12:30 to 2 pm at the Oakdale House. If you are mourning
the loss of a family member or friend, we offer support and a place to talk freely and confidentially with other like-minded UUs. The
group is facilitated by Gail Garwood and Marilyn Jennewein. No registration is required.
UU Scrabble Group, November 19th
The UU Scrabble Group meets the third Thursday of every month at 1:30 pm at the Oakdale House. Everyone is welcome to join
in regardless of skill level! Beginners are welcome! Contact Gary Lawrenson at 936-1291 or [email protected] for more
information.
Girls’ Night Out, November 23rd
All UUSIC women are invited to dine out together on Monday, November 23rd, from 5:15 to 7 pm at Café Azul (708 1st Ave,
Coralville). Drop in as your schedule permits. Please RSVP to Carol Throckmorton at 337-3030 or [email protected].
Becoming a Member Class, November 24th
The winter “Becoming a Member” Class will be held on Tuesday, November 24th, at Sanctuary Church from 5:30 to 8 pm. While
this class is designed specifically for people who are interested in becoming UUSIC members, it is open to anyone who would
like to learn more about our church and congregation. Child care will be provided with advance reservation. If you would like to
participate, please sign up at the Welcome Table or contact Carol Throckmorton at [email protected] or 337-3030.
Limited Office Access Thanksgiving Week
The UUSIC office will be closed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 24th, 26th, and 27th, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
No Dances of Universal Peace in November
There will not be a Dance of Universal Peace in November. We will meet again in December at the Education Center at Eastside
Recycling. Dances of Universal Peace include chanting and simple folk dance movements honoring various religious traditions.
Contact Virginia Melroy (338-1778 or [email protected]) if you have questions.
Committee Reports
Covenant Groups
In October, groups talked about “Money.” Yes, we all have
to deal with it, one way or another. How does money affect
the way you live your life? Do you believe Capitalism is the
best possible system for managing the wealth of a society,
or is there a better alternative? Are we morally obliged to
share what wealth we have? This month we’re examining
the role of “Change” in our lives. Some of us take to change
naturally and are excited by the challenges it brings, while
others find change unsettling, something to be avoided if
at all possible. How do we develop a relationship with
change that allows us to accept new circumstances and
appreciate new feelings while honoring the past?
If subjects like this one intrigue you, you may be ready to
join a covenant group. Groups offer members the chance
to express their views and deepen their understanding of
a wide range of issues, while fostering closer ties to other
UUs. If you’d like to learn more about the program, please
contact Jan Locher (354-6260 or [email protected]).
—Phil Beck
Transition Task Force News
A Building and Grounds Policy for 2355 Oakdale has been
approved by the board.
If you would like to visit and enjoy the grounds, please let staff
know that you are on the property. If no staff are available, please
sign in and out on the clipboard hanging to the left of the main
entrance to the house. Please do not enter the shed or use any
equipment unless authorized. Parking in the grass is prohibited
by Coralville code.
Groups who wish to use the grounds for an event or meet in the
house, please schedule with Emma. Please do not use the deck
or porch. For the security of the house, please follow commonsense procedures such as turning off the lights, locking all doors
and windows, and closing the blinds.
If you are hosting a meeting or an event at the Oakdale House/
grounds or just enjoying the property, please become familiar
with the complete policy (which is located on the UUSIC website
and posted in the Oakdale house). —Meredith Gall
Page 6 November 2015 The UU News
Committee Reports
CCLAM—Tracking the Heartbeat of Ministry
The Committee on Congregational Life and Ministry would
like to congratulate the Transition Task Force (TTF) and all
those who volunteered their time in making our move from
10 S. Gilbert a success. If your group has any concerns as we
complete our transition, please contact your CCLAM liaison. If
you are unsure who your liaison is, contact Brian Glidewell at
[email protected]. We would also like to welcome
our new members Terri O’Berry and Winnie Ganshaw. —Brian Glidewell
Free Lunch Program
Our Free Lunch team did a great job as always. Not only did
our clients have seconds, they took food home with them. We
had Halloween decorations and a festive atmosphere. Over 130
diners went through the line, and they were full of compliments
and thanks. Our usual menu consisted of a main dish, mixed
vegetables, green salad, fruit salad, and desserts. Our volunteers
prepared and served with smiles and professionalism. If you
would like to join us by providing food, preparing and/ or serving,
please contact Sherry Dolash at [email protected].
—Sherry Dolash
SJCC—UUs Serving Together
Generosity Update: From cash contributions and designated
checks, UUSIC donated $1,600 to United Action for Youth in
August and $1,650 to the Emma Goldman Clinic in September!
Upcoming Events: We’ll soon be collecting items for the annual
Gifts for Parents event to be held on Saturday, December 5th.
Kids in need can “shop” for gifts for four adult family members.
Please look around for scarves, jewelry, wallets, tools, etc.,
that might benefit this event. We’ll also be collecting holiday
gifts for our immigrant families and others. UUSC holiday
cards will soon be available on Sundays at the Social Justice
table. Watch the Wednesday emails for details.
Next Meeting: We will meet next at 7 pm on Tuesday,
November 3rd, at the Oakdale House. For directions or a
ride, contact Diane Martin at [email protected] or 3517616. Please join us!
—Diane Martin
UUSIC October Board Meeting Highlights
President Olson called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm at the
office of Adam Ingersoll on Thursday, October 8th. Guests
were Terri O’Berry and Pete Brokaw.
It was reported that a gift for our departing janitor was
successfully raised.
In response to a request that the board and executive committee
need to better communicate with staff relations, Kelly O’Berry
was assigned to pass on relevant news to them.
A motion to approve the consent agenda, including approval
of the Buildings and Grounds policy for the Oakdale property,
was passed.
President Olson conducted a review of the Board’s 201516 Mission and Goals. Special attention was given to the
Communications goal, with more emphasis to be placed on
external publicity. Steve Vincent will be the liaison to the
Communications Committee.
A plan to recast the “Campus Ministry” designation to “Young
Adult Ministry” was achieved. Regarding social justice goals,
possible partnership with Sanctuary Church was suggested. The
Social Justice Coordinating Committee will work on this.
Mission and Vision goals will be updated each month by the
president.
A need for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks in the office
and RE was discussed. Publicity about these needs will be
distributed.
The UU News A job description for a possible part-time administrative assistant
will be developed by Rev. Steven and Nancy Noyer. This will
be brought to a joint meeting of the staff and Executive Board
on October 29th, at which time this need will be discussed.
Vicki Siefers reported that the Capital Campaign committee has
determined there should be no “naming” policy for the new
building. A motion to that effect was passed.
A motion to formally adopt the $2 million Capital Campaign
goal was passed.
After a discussion about the Gift Acceptance Policy led by Pete
Brokaw, the Board passed a motion to accept the policy with
two changes related to the language on gifts and undesignated
gifts.
The Board passed a motion recognizing the entire Transition
Task Force chairs, staff and volunteers for their outstanding
work during the transition.
Kirk Witzberger, representing the New Facilities Committee,
noted that demolition of Worthley House will be more
expensive because a new water line needs to be put in to serve
the sanctuary building. The schematic design will be reviewed
with Neumann-Monson on October 14th and presented to the
congregation on October 18th. November 13th is the closing
date with Jesse Allen on the 10 S. Gilbert property.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.
—Recorded by Jeanette Carter, Secretary
November 2015
Page 7
The UU News
Non-Profit Org,
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#19
Iowa City, IA
USA
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City
2355 Oakdale Road
Coralville, IA 52241
Address Service Requested
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UUSIC Board of Trustees, 2015-2016
UUSIC Staff
President: Jim Olson.............................................. 512-0007
[email protected]
Office Phone: 319-337-3443
Website: www.uusic.org
Vice President: Kelly O’Berry.................................541-0326
[email protected]
Minister - Rev. Steven Protzman
Office Hours: 10 - 3 Tues. thru Fri.
Email: [email protected]
Past President: Vicki Siefers.................................. 331-1798
[email protected]
Secretary: Jeanette Carter......…........................338-5922
[email protected]
Treasurer: Adam Ingersoll...………...….................338-8811
[email protected]
Trustee: Kirk Witzberger…………………............... 325-3425
[email protected]
Trustee: Steve Vincent....................................847-650-1634
[email protected]
Trustee: Marianne Mason......................................321-9318
[email protected]
Trustee: Steve Locher............................................331-1863
[email protected]
Our Mission Statement: We are a diverse spiritual
community that touches hearts, changes lives, and
transforms the world.
Office Administrator - Emma Barnum
Office Hours: 12 - 6 Mon. & 8:30 - 2:30 Tues. thru Fri.
Email: [email protected]
Director of Lifespan Religious Education Jessica Zimmer-Saltzman
Office Hours: 10 - 2 Tues. & Thurs.
Email: [email protected]
Congregational Life Coordinator - Carol Throckmorton
Email: [email protected]
Music Director - Gloria L. Corbin
Email: [email protected]
Accompanist - Jonathan Tauscheck
Email: [email protected]
Our Vision Statement:
Our vision is to be a loving, inclusive, and growing
spiritual community. We celebrate life and a liberal
tradition that leads social justice work, heals the earth,
and nurtures the lifelong journey of mind and spirit.
November 2015
The UU News
UUSIC Calendar for November 2015
(SC) Sanctuary Church, 2205 E Grantview Dr #200, CV
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
(OH) Oakdale House, 2355 Oakdale Road, CV
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
6
7
6 PM CUUPs
Ancestor’s
Ritual (Eastside
Recycling
Center)
1
2
9:30 AM Racial Justice Study/
6 PM Kiirtan (OH)
Action Circle (OH)
7 PM Buddhist
10:30 AM Vegetarian Community Sangha (Oaknoll)
(Trumpet Blossom)
1:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC)
2:45 PM Social Hour (SC)
3:15 PM Children’s Choir (SC)
4 PM Ceili Dance (Eastside
Recycling Center)
3
7 PM SJCC (OH)
4
5
5:30 PM Choir (SC)
8
9 AM Worship Associates (OH)
11 AM UU CAYAC (OH)
1:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC)
2:45 PM Social Hour (SC)
3:15 PM Children’s Choir (SC)
3:15 PM Discovering Unitarian
Universalism (SC)
5 PM Second Sunday Covenant
Group (OH)
10
5 PM Green
Sanctuary
Committee (OH)
5:30 PM CCLAM
(OH)
11
12
5:30 PM Choir (SC)
6:30 PM UUSIC Board
Meeting (105 Iowa Ave
Ste. 231)
7 PM 2nd Thurs.
Covenant Group (OH)
13
11 AM Free Lunch
Program
5:30 PM Special
Needs Committee
(OH)
7 PM 2nd Fri.
Covenant Group
(OH)
14
9 PM Worship
Associates
Retreat (OH)
5 PM
Vegetarian
Community
(Jackie and
Marco Perez’s
home)
19
1:30 PM UU Scrabble
Group (OH)
5:30 PM Membership
Associates (OH)
5:30 PM Choir (SC)
20
12 PM Newsletter
Submissions Due
21
9
7 PM Buddhist
Sangha (Oaknoll)
7:30 PM UU Book
Discussion Group
(Oaknoll)
15
16
9:30 AM Racial Justice Study/
7 PM Buddhist
Action Circle (OH)
Sangha (Oaknoll)
1:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC)
2:45 PM Social Hour (SC)
3:15 PM Children’s Choir (SC)
3:15 PM Covenant Group
Facilitators (SC)
17
5:30 PM
Communications
Committee (OH)
7:30 PM Secular
Humanists (Old
Brick)
22
23
24
11 AM UU CAYAC (OH)
5:15 PM Girls’ Night
Office Closed
1:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC) Out (Cafe Azul)
5:15 PM Becoming
2:45 PM Social Hour (SC)
7 PM Buddhist
a Member Class
Sangha (Oaknoll)
(SC)
29
30
1:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC) 7 PM Buddhist
2:45 PM Social Hour (SC)
Sangha (OH)
1
7 PM SJCC (Joe
Brisben’s home)
18
12:30 PM UU Grief
Group (OH)
25
9:30 AM Newsletter
Folding (OH)
2
26
Thanksgiving
27
Office Closed
28
4
5
Office Closed
3
5:30 PM Choir (SC)
Look for new events, updates or cancellations, and event details on the calendar at uusic.org.
Building a Better Way:
Stewardship and Capital Campaign News
Our combined campaign is off to an excellent start as we seek to provide vibrant
programing in the coming year and a new Unitarian Universalist home in which our
children and future generations can build their lives.
“This c
on
the wo gregation an
rk we
are do d
as a So
ing
c
iety is
import
the mo
ant thi
st
ng
after m
y fami in my life,
ly and
—Ada
kids
m and
Brigett .”
e
Ingerso
ll
We are currently in phase two of our combined Stewardship and Capital campaigns.
Every member of the congregation will be visited by a steward. You will be asked
to make an Annual Pledge for 2016 and a commitment to the Capital Campaign by
early December. The stewards will have campaign information with them including
pledge cards, envelopes, and campaign literature. The Board has established a giving policy which
includes a full list of the ways in which you can support our new home as well as the way supporters will be
recognized. As with all our policies, it can be found on our web page.
Every gift is critical. While we encourage you to stretch, all gifts will be treated equally without regard to size. We
want to be proud in the knowledge that we have done everything we can as individuals—and as a congregation—
to sustain our current programming and to reach our capital goal of $2,000,000. We will have the best chance of
success if everyone participates, and we look forward to 100 percent participation.
Many have asked, “How much should I give?” We hope to be able
find a
USIC to spiritual
U
o
t
to increase our annual budget for programming and staff salaries.
e
m
r
“We ca at supports ou ucation
Regarding the Capital Campaign, we encourage you to consider
nity th
ous Ed
commu
e Religi . We are
h
t
r
committing an amount equivalent to at least five to seven times your
o
f
and
children RE space
r
beliefs
u
o
r
annual pledge. We understand not everyone has equal capacity.
o
f
e
program xcited about th the new
Some will be able and want to give far more to this once-in-as at
lly e
facilitie tiful (and
especia
d
n
u
lifetime effort to secure our future congregational home. We
o
r
g
u
y
and pla it will be a bea row up.”
encourage everyone to give befitting of our ambitions; to give
g
church— for our kids to ney
sacrificially; to give till it feels good.
hey
ace
fun!) pl sha and Kirk C
—Mar
Together we will build a better way!
UUSIC Sr. High Pie Sale
Delicious, Homemade Apple and Pumpkin Pies
$15.00/each
Please order by Thursday, November 19th.
Pie pick-up on Wednesday, November 25th at the
Oakdale House (2355 Oakdale Rd.)
between 9 – 11 am or by special arrangement.
To order, turn in this form or call:
Sally Hartman – 338-7870 or Kris Barrash – 248-1901
Name:
Phone:
Please select flavor and specify quantity:
Apple
Pumpkin