Gateway May 2016 - Unitarian Church in Charleston

A liberal and inclusive pathway to finding community
Vol.16, No. 26 May 2016
Services at 11 am in
The Rev. Danny R. Reed,
Minister
Sunday, May 1 “The Time is Always Now”
Rev. Danny Reed
We are often encouraged to live in the moment by this celebrity or to be in the here and now by that sage.
Published monthly from
The advice is generally sound, and the reminder well intended, but why are we tempted to flag and live in
September to June, and
the past, or rush ahead to imagine the future. Why does the inescapable “now” sometimes intimidate us?
once during the summer, by
the Unitarian Church
William Epes, Intern Minister
Sunday, May 8 “In the Language of Flowers”
in Charleston
Rev. Maja V. Capek brought the Unitarian Flower Communion from Prague in 1940. It has endured as a
Sandra Selvitelli,
beautiful, simple, but bittersweet gift. We connect this unique tradition to more than a century of Mother’s
Compositor
Days celebrated in the shadow of war. As part of the service, we will also observe our annual Flower
(843) 723-4617
Communion, which symbolizes both human individuality and community. Please bring a cut flower to
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share and be prepared to return home with a flower brought to church by someone else. In addition, on this
Sunday we honor the Alliance.
Sunday, May 15 “Radical Hospitality”
Rev. Nancy Pellegrini
What does it mean to practice radical hospitality? How can we better welcome the stranger into our
church, into our lives? What do we have to offer that we want to share? Come explore how we can open
our hearts and transform our communities. This is also Sunday of our annual Corporate Meeting and the
day we honor our graduating high school seniors.
June Deadline:
May 22
Rev. Danny Reed
Sunday, May 22 “What We Do Not Know and Do Not Want to Know”
The sermon title is taken from a quote by James Baldwin , who, speaking specifically of race, said there are things our country does
not know and does not want to know. Baldwin was right in 1963 and his assessment is still true today. What reality does our country
avoid? What do we avoid ourselves? Why?
Sunday, May 29 “Coming of Age Sunday with homily”
Rev. Danny Reed
Our Middle-School students have spent much of this church year learning world religions, pondering their own beliefs, and forming
personal credos or statements of faith. Much of the service will be a celebration of our young seekers and their important place in our
congregation of companion travelers.
Forums at 10 am in Gage Hall
Sunday, May 1 “A Forum About Forums”
Simon Lewis
Come and talk about Forums: what you would like to see next season, specific recommendations, general recommendations, etc.
Sunday, May 8 “Addressing Food Systems in an Urban Setting”
Carmen Ketron
A look at how MUSC works through its landscaping, Urban Farm, and arboriculture to create a living classroom where students,
faculty, staff, and the community come together to explore the connection between food and health. A Green Sanctuary Forum.
Sunday, May 15 “Indian Art”
Mary Beth Heston
Then and Now. Dr Mary Beth Heston, Professor of Art History and former Director of Asian Studies at the College of Charleston,
will attempt to give an overview of Indian art in 20 minutes, critically considering what the adjective “indian” might mean in relation
to art from the Indian sub-continent.
Sunday, May 22 “3rd-Generation Holocaust Survivor Descendants” Dr David Slucki, Professor of Jewish Studies, College of
Charleston and Author of In the Shadows of Memory: The Holocaust and the Third Generation
An exploration of the experiences of the Third Generation – the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors – who have particular
relationships to the Holocaust, mediated through their interactions with their parents, grandparents, and communities.
Sunday, May 29 Religion and the Coen Brothers
Elijah Siegler, Author, Associate Professor and Chair of Religious Studies at The College of Charleston
Joel and Ethan Coens, brothers who have written, directed, edited and produced 18 feature films are some of the most rigorous and
profound religious artists currently active. Blink-and-you’ll-miss-‘em moments are often overlooked by critics. But with their more
recent films—2009’s A Serious Man, 2010’s True Grit and 2016’s Hail, Caesar!, the Coens tipped their hand. Religion appeared
everywhere in these three films. Together, we will discuss how and why these films matter religiously.
Minister’s Missive
In March I preached a sermon entitled,“Practice Makes,” and explored spiritual practice and
disciplines of faith. It’s poor form to quote myself, so forgive me: “Spirituality is stirred in cathedrals
and temples, it also blooms in the garden, flourishes in the field, and ripens on the vine. Spiritual
practice may lead to extraordinary understandings, but it does so in the most ordinary of spaces.
Because everyday life is a path to the Spirit, everyday we have occasion to celebrate and consecrate
our shared and unique spiritual sensibilities. Those who perfect the process become uninteresting in
their achievement. We who remember and forget, over and over again, who wish to be disciplined
but have trouble being a still cup, at least always have something to talk about.”
I closed with a “Five-Finger Prayer” that I adapted from a practice of Pope Francis. I am touched by
the folks who have requested the personal ritual in written form. For those who asked, and to you
who might need it today, maybe tomorrow, the steps are included below.
Sit as comfortably and relax as best you can. Using the fingers on your hand as prompts and
symbols, start with the thumb and ponder or pray these intentions in this order:
• The thumb is the finger closest to you. Call to mind those who are closest to you. Your beloved,
they are the persons easiest to remember. Take them into your heart.
• The index finger is often extended for emphasis and instruction. Call to mind those who teach
you, those who guide and heal you, those who show the way. Heroes, Mentors, Sages, take them into
your heart.
• The next finger is usually our tallest; let it represent authority. Remember those who preside over
our structures and systems. Remember responsible leaders, that they may know continued wisdom.
Remember those who inhibit justice and stall progress, that they might wield authority with honor.
• The ring finger, our fourth, is usually our weakest finger. Let it remind us to remember the
vulnerable, known to us, and unknown but no less valuable—those beleaguered, heartbroken, those
impoverished, lonely, sick, those troubled, uninvited, wounded.
• Finally we consider what is usually our smallest finger. In humility, but not self-deprecation, let it
allow you to remember yourself. It is not narcissism to hope well for ourselves. Community does not
ask that we abandon our selves, but that we consider our desires and needs in relation to the same of
others, with whom the share the walk of life.
May the deeds of our hands reflect the concerns and the joys of our hearts. However it is that we
frame what is central, what is holy, what is most important, what is sacred to us, let us do the work of
our souls in mutual respect for one another and in the hope of reconciliation, peace, justice and
amity. May it be so and AMEN.
•
As we begin to close another program year, elect new officers, vote on a new budget, and observe all
the spring rituals of the church, it is good to be reminded of all we value and all we are given. It’s too
soon to wrap up for the season, but never too soon to say thanks for all the ways so very many
contribute to the historic experiment in community, faith, and service that has taken place on
Archdale Street, and moved far beyond, for these many years. May it continue farther than we can
yet imagine.
Vestry Visions
Though the saying “May you live in interesting times” is neither ancient nor Chinese, and was meant as a
curse rather than a blessing, I can certainly say we as a Congregation have lived through interesting times this
year!
In many ways, the year began before it had truly ended, before our picnic on Father’s Day and way before our
September Pancake Breakfast when a sadly troubled young man determined that taking up a gun against the
members of a bible study at Mother Emanuel would somehow cure all the misfortunes that had befallen him.
Nancy Pellegrini, Carol Oates and I sat at the UUA General Assembly in late June and heard our own Rev.
Danny’s words about Mother Emanuel and the beloved community read by our denomination’s moderator, and
wept together.
This devastating specter has hovered over us all year, especially as we negotiated the divisive shoals of our
Safety and Security proposals. Fortunately, we managed to move beyond the divisions. Unfortunately, the
historical flooding in October facilitated that move by giving us more important priorities for our limited
resources. The rest of the year the Vestry tackled the problem of where to obtain resources to fix what had
flooded or leaked.
The Vestry has a separate fund that comes from the Endowment Investment Board, not the operating budget.
We oversaw dispersal of that money for the two defibrillators, parking lot signs, Gage Hall lighting, walkietalkies for the Safety Team, and a laptop for Sandra Selvitelli, our office administrator. We have pledged the
remainder of this year’s monies and all of next year’s, as needed, to completing the Safety and Security project
list: in particular an improved fire detection system, monitoring and video capture of all external doors in the
sanctuary and Gage Hall, monitoring in the great room of Gage Hall for liability purposes, and nanny cams in
the Annex. To that end, five companies have been out to see the property and present proposals. The Vestry
asked John Narkunas to oversee the final decisions in consultation with the Vestry and Safety Steering
Committee. A proposal for this will be brought before the Congregation at the Annual Meeting. We may not
have chosen a company by then but we will ask for a ceiling amount above which we will not spend.
I have learned much this year; two things stand out. First, one must have an infinite amount of patience to see
projects from conception to fruition in a church. The Vestry began a long-range property evaluation with our
architect, Glenn Keyes, and has just now found funding enough to begin the drawing plans. We have also
proposed looking at enhancing the Nominating Committee’s work by expanding its portfolio to include
Leadership Development. Though we have had this on the back burner for many months, it is still in its
infancy and will continue next year.
We also researched ways to improve the sound in the sanctuary and dampen it in Gage Hall and hope to
complete that work this summer. I view much of this as the legacy I wish to leave the church and hope to be
part of the planning and completion of these projects. And so it goes!
The second lesson I have learned is that we already have superb leadership in all aspects of our church life. I
have taken advantage of my position to invite myself into every committee’s meetings at least once this year
and am impressed by what I see in the organization and running of meetings and the business that is discussed!
Our task going forward is to tap into the new members coming in, discover their passions and strengths, and
help them find a place in the Church.
To serve this Church as Vestry Chair this year has been not just a source of many sleepless nights but of sheer
delight. This role has brought me into relationship with many more Church members than I would have met on
my own and has deepened my love and commitment to the Church and its members and my understanding for
its mission and organization. Thanks to all of you for your trust and support and the opportunity to walk with
you on the journey.
Your faithful and obedient servant,
Judy Manning
Vestry Values
We came together, almost 300 strong, on Monday, April 18, for another interesting
CAJM Nehemiah Action. No matter your takeaway from that meeting, we had a
heroic group of UU’s working on our behalf all year to reenergize our ask from the
Charleston County School Board, and research and refine our ask from various city
mayors and their police chiefs.
I wish to honor all those who represented us this whole year doing Justice work in
our community: Diane Boyer headed up the entire team. The three members we saw
standing on stage that night were Rev. Danny, Frank Hardie and Suzanne Hardie.
Network team leaders are Bill and Jackie Thomas, Diane Narkunas, George
Tempel, Joanna Innes, Joe Krause, Linda Maxwell Allen, Natalie Davidson and
Suzanne and Frank Hardie (doing double duty)! These team leaders also identified a
few individuals who went above and beyond for CAJM: Bob Jacobs, Donna
Reyburn, Libby Smith, Marc Kruza and Mike Griffith. And kudos go to all of us
who attended each meeting and the Nehemiah Action. “Let our actions speak louder
than our lips” has never meant more.
And, of course, the kitchen elves have been at it again, leaving heaps of food for
our gustatory delight during Sunday coffee hour. The members who have graciously
left their names are Beth Warner, Diane Boyer, Donna Reyburn, Kate and Joey
Sherman, Kathy Hale-Brewer, Kristy Landis, Priscilla Shumway, Ralph Haller,
Sandra Selvitelli, and Shirley Pearson. I also have it on good authority that the First
and Second Grade RE classes contributed snacks and that the YRUU group will be
taking over the entire coffee hour food presentation on May 1!
We also must thank again and again Abby and Fred Himmelein, Donna Reyburn
and Sandra Selvitelli for stepping up to the plate week after week to do clean up!
And special gratitude must be extended to James Selvitelli who subbed in for our
vacationing sexton and made pots and pots of great coffee!
Please give each of these wonderful members a hug when you see them for all they
do behind the scenes to make our church so special!
Submitted by Judy Manning, Vestry Chair
Among Our Family and Friends
•
With sadness we report the death of Jim Umland, husband of Elaine Hunter, who passed away this week
after a very brief illness. Jim and Elaine had a trip planned for next month. Jim’s death is a reminder of
how very tenuous life can be.
•
Long time member Joyce Freeman passed away recently after a long illness. Joyce was from Scotland
and is remembered for her story-telling in her wonderful Scottish brogue. She is missed here by those
who knew her.
•
A week ago, Sue Prazak took a bad fall. She lacerated her head and injured her neck. She is home and
taking it easy. Her caregiver, Jerry, is nursing her and doing the shopping. As usual Sue is upbeat and
positive and hopes to be in church soon. I bet she would like notes and cards.
•
Stan and Barbara Goldberg are grateful for the wishes and love expressed by our church family while
have been in Kentucky with their son Scott who passed away April 27. Our hearts are with them.
•
Sue Findlay is appreciative of everyone who participated in her mother’s memorial service. The service
was a lovely celebration of who Pat Reeder really was.
•
A few weeks ago, Susan Conant and Trip Banner traveled to Massachusetts to celebrate the life of Susan’s
mother who, you may recall, passed in January.
Other congregational happenings include drumrolls for the following:
•
Sue Weller and Jen Bennett, who announced the arrival of Caleb Reed Bennett Weller on March 28th.
Caleb made his church debut on April 24th. Mothers and son are doing well.
•
Beverly Fisher, who celebrated her 90th birthday on April 20th (she is a day older than the Queen).
•
Joey Sherman, who was accepted recently to the USC Carolina Life Program, a competitive program
designed to give all students the opportunity to realize their intellectual and personal potential.
Wonderful.
•
Sue and Jerry Prazak, who celebrated their 61st anniversary on April 2. 61! Can you imagine?
•
Sally and John Newell, who celebrated their 50th anniversary.
•
George and Carol Tempel, who celebrated 48 years of marriage in April.
•
Lisa Lovollo tells us that her son graduated from college and was accepted into the Coast Guard.
Congratulations are in order here.
Remember with open hearts those who mourn or carry their burdens silently.
Submitted by Judy Bruce
Planned Giving
Chig Shoudy’s Legacy
In the courtyard in front of our sanctuary hangs a marble plaque commemorating generous financial gifts from
past members, ‘the fruits of their lifetimes,” as described there. These listed names are our Gilman Legacy
Society members. One of those is Charles “Chig” Shoudy, who was active in our community back in the 50s
and 60s. Dottie and Otto Klintworth were neighbors of Chig and his family then, in North Charleston near
bustling Park Circle.
Chig was an executive at the paper mill, and he and his wife Elaine were very active in our Unitarian Church,
as well as in other circles of Charleston life. He was Director of Religious Education for us for seven years,
among other contributions. One of his daughters wanted to pursue ballet, but the city at that time had no
company. The Shoudys joined forces with other interested Charlestonians and founded what is now the
Charleston Ballet Theater. In fact, Dottie told me, Elaine Shoudy sewed all the costumes for the dancers in
those first years!
Chig received a promotion that took the family to Monroe, Louisiana; however, they maintained their
connection to the church on periodic visits to our city. When Jacqueline Collins was our active minister in the
90s, Chig died and left a legacy gift to repair the decaying brick wall between Gage Hall courtyard and the
churchyard and its wrought-iron gate. A small bronze plaque on that wall recognizes that gift.
Legacy gifts like that of the Shoudys are invaluable assets to our beloved Unitarian Church here in Charleston.
To discuss including such a gift in your own estate plans, contact Rev. Danny or any one of us on the Planned
Giving Committee.
Submitted by Kay Haun, Planned Giving Committee Member
Hillary Hutchinson, Chair; Steve Wilson, Myrtle Staples, Stuart Terry, Ken Fickling
Do You Have Pictures Like These?
The Archives Committee is collecting photos of church events,
and we know many of you have pictures like this sitting in
drawers, photo albums, and old envelopes. We would love to
have any with which you are willing to part, especially if you
can help by identifying the event, some of the people in the
picture, and/or the approximate date.
Back Row L-R: Sue Metzger, Susan Garrison, Vern Otten, Dee
Noe, Debbie Diz, Jean Eastman, Dottie Klintworth, , Betty
Fullarton, Grace Middlemass, Lynda Heffley, Ellie Garvin
Front Row L-R: Jerry Cassidy, June Otten, Greta Olson, Myrtle
Jones, Rosemary Hutto, Stella Shisko, Billie Hall, Ruby
Hutchison, Lee Hutchison
May is the month of our annual collection of artifacts related
to the church. During the month, our “Trash or Treasure?”
box will be in the entryway to the church, waiting for your
donation. You can help us by attaching, to the backside of the
picture, a post-it-note with whatever information you can give
us about the picture, then putting your collection of pictures
into an envelope marked with your name. We would also
welcome other church memorabilia, such as programs,
pamphlets, or committee records.
Submitted by Gail Schiffer
Social Justice Committee Mini-Grant
The Social Justice Committee of The Unitarian Church in Charleston is soliciting nominations of local
Charleston non-profit organizations for a mini-grant of up to $4,000. Funds are available from the Social
Justice Endowment Fund to support an organization’s efforts that best exemplify UU principles. The
Committee invites members of the Congregation to nominate organizations that will be invited to submit
proposals. Applications will be reviewed and ranked according to specific criteria with funds awarded to the
highest-scoring organization. This process is similar to that utilized for our Community Outreach Program.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH IN CHARLESTON
Social Justice Endowment Nomination Form
Please fill out the form to provide your nomination for a Charleston Area non-profit organization that will
benefit from our Social Justice Endowment funds. Please return completed form to the UCC Church office, or
drop off at Membership Table during Sunday Coffee Hour in Gage Hall by May 20, 2016 .
Your Name_____________________________________________________________________________
What is the best way to contact you?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Name of organization you are nominating
______________________________________________________________________________________
Does this organization have nonprofit status? Yes ____ No ____
What is the primary goal of the organization? How does this exemplify UU Principle(s)?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Name of primary contact
________________________________________________________________________________________
Best time and means of contact
________________________________________________________________________________________
The Eden Keepers
“Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps….”
-- Amos Bronson Alcott
The weather was iffy for the April work party,
but it did not rain. I'm sure there were 4000plus bridge runners/walkers, as well as
Flowertown Festival folks as well as our Eden
Keepers who were very thankful for that gift
from Gaia near her special day--Earth Day.
The various local events took a toll on our Eden
Keepers. We had only half of the number that
were present last month. They were Karen
Ruef, Sarah Cothran, Bob Jontos, Suzi
DeMerell, Stan Hunton, Krystina Deren, Stan
Wisteria Photo by Laura Moses
Boyer, Ed Stephens, Laura Moses, and Karen
Del Porto. Once again I am indebted to Stan B. for taking names for me.
As always, lunch was lavish. In addition to the usual fare, Pat Jontos brought a pot of
homemade soup. Great!
Did you notice the wonderful addition to last month's column? Somehow, a lovely picture
of our Eden appeared within the column. I assumed that was the work of Laura, our
photographer, but, when I emailed her to thank her for the great idea, she informed me that
it was Sandra's doing. Since then, the two of them have talked and plan to add a photo of
the garden when space permits. I am delighted. Sure adds a great deal to the column.
The next work party will be on May 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, followed by our covered
dish lunch and a meeting of the Churchyard Committee. Newcomers are always welcome.
Bring garden tools if you have them, gloves, insect repellent, water to drink while working,
and a dish to share for lunch. See you there.
Submitted by Fran Ennis
Membership Happenings
On May 1, we welcomed 12 new members into our congregation. On Sunday mornings,
you will know who they are by the red ribbons on their name tags. Welcome to all our
New Members!
Edie Allen and Art Graham
Judy Bell
Peggy Bird
John Kelley and Cheryl Huff
Ben and Kerry Leigh
Danielle Lopez
Patrick Roebuck
Amy Russell
Lisa Tryssesoone
On May 1, we also honored those with special Membership anniversaries and celebrated
their commitment and fidelity to our church and congregation.
10 Years
Christy Allen, Jeff Allen, George Castano, Marcia Castano, Pat Conley, Joanna Innes,
Catherine Key, Will Moredock, Bill Morris, Richard Moss, Hilary Nelson, Carol Oates,
Catherine Rhea, and Gordon Rhea
15 Years
Fran Ennis, Jee Youn Fickling, Elizabeth Hamlin-Brown, and Richard Hayes
20 Years
Sam Cogdell and Lynn Wener
25 Years
Debra Lodge and Lee Westbrock
30 Years
Steve Wilson
40+ Years
Rosemary Hutto, Dorothy Klintworth, John Klintworth, Charles Miller, Gerald Prazak,
Susan Prazak, Susan Hutto Robinson, Shannon Seagraves, Ellie Setser, JoAnne Simson,
Jane Upshur
Classes
Next Pathfinders for Newcomers: May 15, 12:30 – 1:30, Upstairs in Gage Hall
This is a class geared toward those new to our congregation who would like to receive
basic information about Unitarian Universalism and the Unitarian Church in Charleston.
Bring your questions! Childcare available. Contact Carol Oates, Membership
Coordinator, [email protected].
Submitted by Carol Oates, Membership Coordinator
Children & Youth
Religious Education
Bake Sale On May 1 our teens will be hosting the Sunday Coffee Hour and you will have an opportunity
to purchase items at their bake sale. Please support our Youth group and purchase a sweet item to bring
home. All funds raised by the Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) go towards their 2017 trip
to General Assembly in New Orleans.
Book Drive For the entire month of May we will be collecting children's books in the church
vestibule. Please look for the large white basket and place your gently loved books there for the Book
Angels organization run by the Mannings. We want to pass on the love of reading to all children in
Charleston no matter what resources their schools have. Textbooks and books about religion are not
appropriate for this charity.
HS Graduates This year we have a large group of High School graduates to recognize. Please join us
on May 15 as we honor our new graduates during the service. Our Annual meeting will follow.
Adult Education Class The Greatest Hits of the Supremes (and some of the not-so-great) -- What are
the best and worst cases the U.S. Supreme Court has ever decided in regard to religious rights, personal
rights, and civil rights? Join us for a discussion of 32 of the Court's sometimes brilliant, sometimes not-sobrilliant, but always important decisions. Bring your lunch and meet us after church in the Charleston Day
School Library, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, May 22.
Summer offerings for children at church
As you may already know we have summer services in
the church at 10am starting June 26. The children will all start off in the sanctuary and then we'll be sung
to the Annex where we will have a small RE class that will depend on the ages of the children present. Our
summer curriculum for all ages is called Lessons from Dr. Seuss.
Submitted by Janet Watts, Director of Religious Education
You’ve Been Flocked (again)!
The youth are at it again! The flock has
been on the move over the last few weeks
visiting the Setser house and then the
Milkereits! The youth are having a great
time with this fundraiser and we want to
thank everyone who has been very
supportive and had such a good sense of
humor with the flamingos! We are working
our way to General Assembly 2017 and we
love and thank you all for supporting us!
Submitted by Marina Penna-Morrison
Docent Doings
April has been a month of firsts for the UUC Docents. The last full weekend of the month that's weekend, not month - we escorted over 750 visitors through our church. It was a record
and we have the Historic Charleston Foundation to thank for 460 of our guests. We had an
unusually large number of Unitarians from around the US come in that were infatuated with
the physical beauty of our building - which has no apparent physical connection to any other
Unitarian building anywhere. It was a head-spinning experience for some of them. So many
were fascinated by our history while a few were concerned that we allowed Burkas to be
worn in the Sanctuary!
April had another significant first for the program: we are now officially open every Sunday
of the month. It will take a few weeks for traffic to build up but once the tour companies see
us open on Sundays the number of visitors will increase quickly.
Jackie McGee will be retiring from the program in June. We want to thank her for exemplary
service over the past four years. She will be missed, especially by her “partner in crime"
JoAnne Simson. Jackie is being replaced by lifelong Unitarian Sally Flynn, who has some
incriminating stories to tell.
We are short five docents. The commitment is only three hours of fun and frolic ten months
of the year. We provide training. If you are interested, email me
at [email protected].
Submitted by Abby Himmelein
Two Services Update and Plans for Fall 2016
Many thanks to all who filled out a survey asking for your input on the potential move to two
services. Based on your comments and suggestions we have changed up the Order of Service
to allow the children to exit the service earlier to free up seats and to allow children more time
in RE classes. We then asked the RE teachers if this works well for them and they have agreed
that it is very helpful. Therefore, the two-service task force and the Worship Services
Committee, with much input from Rev. Danny and the staff, have decided to continue this
order of service next fall. We will reevaluate in November to decide if we need to proceed to
two services in January of 2017 or September of 2017.
Again, we are so grateful for all of your comments and suggestions and we want to assure
you that your voices have been heard! Continue to share your thoughts with Reverend Danny
or myself.
Submitted by Priscilla Shumway
[email protected]
843-425-1850
Caring Committee
Show Us the Love!
Caring Committee Area Leaders work quietly with network volunteers reaching out to our
UUC community throughout three counties: Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester. We
discover needs through simple word-of-mouth concerns. Rev. Danny and Sandra always tell
us when we can help, and Carol Oates and Rev Bill Epes meet with us each month too. New
network members are warmly welcome, as well. Look on the church website under “Get
Involved/Caring Committee” for an application.
We have lost members of our UU family this past year, all valuable to our
community. CC Network members have taken casseroles, sent cards, visited, helped with
services, and made phone calls.
And we are keeping tabs on others who have lost loved ones, had surgeries, become less able
as years pass, needed rides, entered Hospice services and nursing homes, left our community
to be closer to family, or who may be alone. Our committee also organizes the churchwide
cards sent almost every Sunday.
We like celebratiing, too: babies arriving to parents and grandparents, weddings occurring,
birthdays, graduations and degrees, honors earned. Life has many happy moments and our
mission calls for outreach then, as well.
Your input is invaluable. Please let us know about any situation where we can help bring a
little comfort. Call any one of us with a concern or joy. Don’t let anybody slip through our
caring arms.
Who are we?
Kay Haun, Chair; Mary Ann Terry, Co-Chair; Mary Ann Hughston; Marcia Castano; Mela
Khedouri; Myrtle Staples-Bennett; Sandra Selvitelli; Bill Epes; Rev Danny; Carol Oates.
Check your Directory to reach any one of us.
Submitted by Kay Haun, Chair
Red Tent
Sunday, May 1 at 5:00 p.m.
Upper Gage Hall, Room 2
Red Tent Temple of Charleston is a secular space where all women, from all walks of life and all
stages of womanhood, can come and be supported by their community. The goal is to be able to
reach into different communities and create a truly diverse and unique experience. Newcomers
welcome.
Danica Todd - founding facilitator, [email protected], 843-826-0660
Marina Penna-Morrison - facilitator, 910-297-0392
https://www.facebook.com/RedTentTempleOfCharleston/events
http://www.danicatodd.com/red-tent-temple-of-charleston/
Submitted by Danica Todd
Men’s Group
Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Upper Gage Hall, Room 4
John Narkunas will lead a discussion on what can be done about gun violence in South Carolina. This will be
the last Men’s Group meeting of the season. Newcomers welcome.
Submitted by Arnold Penuel
Let’s Do Lunch!
Tuesday, May 10 at 12:30 pm
Let’s do lunch is a monthly luncheon that is open to women and men in our church. It’s a
time for socializing and catching up with our fellow members and friends. Lunch will be at
the River Oak Cottage Tea Room at Hopsewee Plantation, 494 Hopsewee Rd., Georgetown,
SC. (843) 546-7891. This is about 48 miles North of Charleston on Hwy 17 and we would
encourage carpooling. It’s located on the bank of the North Santee River so wear comfortable
shoes if you would like to walk the grounds. Their menu is available online, and several of us
“Let’s Do Lunchers” have been there before and can confirm that the food is very good.
Please let me know if you are going to join us no later than Friday, May 6th so I can confirm
our reservation.
Susan Hartry 843-225-1439 or by email.
Please note my new email: [email protected]
Submitted by Susan Hartry
Gage Hall Coffeehouse
Saturday, May 21, 7:30 PM
featuring
Haley Mae Campbell
and special guest Claire Conway
The Gage Hall Coffeehouse closes out the year with a gr eat evening of music by local singer songwriter Haley Mae Campbell. Haley Mae was raised in Charleston and has loved music and
performing arts since she can remember. She recorded at Cupit Studios in Nashville and debuted her
first album, “Hugs & Disses,” in 2015 at the Music Farm. Since then, this 17-year-old has landed
many notable gigs, including writing and performing a Monday night promotional music video with
the RiverDogs, a slot at the First Flush Festival with headliner Sheryl Crow, and opening for the likes
of Dan + Shay, Easton Corbin, Chris Janson, Brothers Osborne, and even the Avett Brothers. Haley
Mae and her band, The Har dwar e, embar ked on their fir st-ever tour of the East coast last
summer, performing from Orlando to New York City, marking the first of many tours to come for
this young performer. Her new EP, "Phone Home," presents an indie/rock sound coupled with clever
lyrics and evocative melodies and makes her newest work a milestone. Opening on May 21st for
Haley Mae Campbell will be another talented young Char leston singer /songwr iter , Claire
Conway. This is guar anteed to be a memor able evening of music by some cr eative, up-andcoming musicians in our community. Don’t miss it!
Profits from Gage Hall Coffeehouses support enrichment activities in Charleston-area elementary
schools. Gage Hall is located at 4 Archdale Street. $15 donation for Adults and $5 for Students is
suggested. Coffee, sodas, and home-baked desserts are available. Call 843-224-4472 or
843-367-9663 for more information.
Submitted by Mark Farnham
Social Justice End of Year Wrap-Up
Social Justice Committee Open Meeting, Monday, May 2, Gage Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Submitted by Diane Narkunas
Green Sanctuary
Have you been thinking about moving towards a vegetarian diet? There is a group
in town called Charleston Veggies and Vegans Meetup. (Meetup is an online site
to help people with similar interests meet in person.) The group hosts monthly
vegan potlucks at Earth Fare (in South Windermere), with several UU members
often attending. Vegan is one step beyond vegetarianism – it means no animal
products at all. (This would mean dishes with no egg or milk products.) Attending one of these potlucks is a
great way to meet other locals and to find interesting recipe ideas to help you move toward a plant-based
diet. Here is the website http://www.meetup.com/Charleston-Veggie/ Please ask Ed and Mela Khedouri, Bill
Grayson, or Laura Moses if you would like any more information.
Submitted by Laura Moses
Five Reasons to Skip Bottled Water
From Environmental Working Group
Mad Monday: What You Don't Know May Hurt You
The FDA has disclosed which chemicals can be used to make PET plastic, the plastic used
in bottled water. But does anyone know how many of those chemicals are leaching into your
bottled water and, more importantly, if they could affect your health?
The answer is simple: NO. Just one reason to avoid drinking bottled water.
Toxic Tuesday: Purity Not Guaranteed
EWG found 38 pollutants in 10 brands of bottled water, including chemicals linked to cancer. Our tests show
that the purity of bottled water cannot be trusted. Yet another reason to avoid it!
No Waste Wednesday: Be Part of the Plastics Pollution Solution
Think all plastic bottles get recycled? Think again. According to EPA, we recycle about 30% of our PET
plastic bottles. This means that about 70% of them end up elsewhere, including beaches and the ocean,
polluting sensitive ecosystems.
Help stop waste! Use a reusable container instead.
Thirsty Thursday: Fill Up with a Filter
It’s Thirsty Thursday! What should you do instead of buying bottled water? Filter your tap water and use a
reusable bottle!
Nearly Free Friday: Your Wallet Will Thank You
You’d think that purity should be guaranteed when you pay 1,900 times more for bottled water than tap water.
Unfortunately, it isn’t, so why waste the cash? Filter your tap water instead and let the money saving begin!
Submitted by Nina Fair
Art on Our Walls
The Fine Arts Committee welcomes James Island High School students whose work will be on display in
Gage Hall until June 3. They are Breana Capers, Erica Calloway, Alyssa Canfield, Samantha Coleman, Molly
Collins, Emma Demuth, Alaijah Hampton, Cole Horning, Maggie Lopez, James Mayo, Taylor Monk,
Savannah Reid, Todd Shearer, Nancy Sterrett, Sloane Stevens, Gillie Taylor, Sara Woods, Matt Yandle. We
also acknowledge their instructors Sandy Stafford and Annie Purvis as well as Amy Ball for coordinating.
Submitted by Joanna Innes
Backpack Buddies
at Lowcountry Food Bank
3rd Saturday of each month (May 21)
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We will pack food for low-income elementary schoolchildren. The bags we pack are put into the children’s
backpacks on Friday afternoon so they’ll have food to eat over the weekend.
Lowcountry Food Bank, 2864 Azalea Drive, North Charleston 29405; meet in the lobby.
We need at least 20 volunteers to get the job done.
New volunteers welcome – no experience needed. Bring a friend!
With question or to RSVP, please contact Kris Rife: 843-884-8808 work / 843-822-0597 cell
Remember the dress code: Closed-toe shoes and no tank tops.
Minimum age suggested: 14 with parental supervision but a bit younger have been very successful.
Submitted by Kris Rife
May 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1 New Member Sunday
9:30 Meditation (AU)
10 Forum (LR)
10:30 Children’s Chalice
Choir (S, North Room)
11 Service (S)
12 Coffee Hour (LR)
12:30 NEI Class (CDS)
12:30 CAJM Team
Leaders (GH4)
12:30 Worship Comm.
(GH3)
5 Red Tent (GH2)
2
6:30 Social Justice
Comm. (LR)
6:30 Men’s Group
(GH4)
6:45 Choir (LR)
8 Alliance Recognition,
Flower Communion and
Mother’s Day
9:30 Meditation (AU)
10 Forum (LR)
10:30 Children’s Chalice
Choir (S, North Room)
11 Service (S)
12 Coffee Hour (LR)
12:30 NEI Class (CDS)
12:30 Docent Tours (S)
9
10
11
11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)
10:30 Archives
(GH4)
11 Wu Tai Chi (LR)
15 High School Graduation
Recognition and
Annual Meeting
9:30 Meditation (AU)
10 Forum (LR)
10:30 Children’s Chalice
Choir (S, North Room) last
of the season
11 Service (S)
Children Sing
12 Coffee Hour (LR)
12:15 Annual Mtg. (S)
12:30 Pathfinders (GH4)
16
17
10 Spoleto
Rehearsals (LR)
11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)
12 Men’s Group
Lunch (OS)
22 Caring Committee
Recognition
9:30 Meditation (AU)
10 Forum (LR)
11 Service (S)
12 Coffee Hour (LR)
12:30 Adult Education
Class on Supreme Court
Justices (GH4)
12:30 Private Event (S)
23
Private Recording
Session (S)
Thu
Fri
Sat
7
9 Eden Keepers
10 Docent Tours (S)
3
4
5
6
11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)
11 Wu Tai Chi (LR)
11 Caring Comm.
(GH4)
10 Docent Tours (S)
5 Community
Minister Mtg. (LR)
Auction Event (GH)
12
13
10 Docent Tours (S)
12:30 Private Event
(S)
12:30 Spoleto
Rehearsals (LR)
6 Fine Arts Comm.
(LR)
6:45 Choir (LR)
7 Stewardship (OS)
5 Vestry (GH4)
5 Circle of Voices
(LR)
18
8 Spoleto Rehearsals
(LR)
19
8 Spoleto Rehearsals
(LR)
6:30 UU Parenting
(OS)
4 Jung Society (LR)
20
10 Docent Tours (S)
21
9 Backpack Buddies
(OS)
10 James Umland
Funeral and
Reception
11 Wu Tai Chi (A)
5 RE Volunteer
Event (A)
5 Executive Call
(OS)
6:45 Choir (S)
24
Private Recording
Session (S)
25
Private Recording
Session (S)
11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)
11 Wu Tai Chi last of
the season (LR)
26
28
10 Docent Tours (S)
Harp Piccolo Spoleto
(LR)
2 Archives (GH4)
30
Memorial Day
Office Closed
7:30 Coffeehouse
Concert (LR)
27
6:45 Choir (LR)
29
9:30 Meditation (AU)
10 Forum (LR)
11 Service (S)
12 Coffee Hour (LR)
14
10 Private Event (S)
11 Private Event
(LR)
12:15 Finance Mtg.
(GH4)
31
10 Docent Tours (S)
11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)
10 Docent Tours (S)
Harp Piccolo Spoleto (LR)
S-Sanctuary; GH-lower Gage Hall (ground floor Gage Hall); GH #1-4-individual classrooms upstairs in GH;
A-Annex; AU-Annex upstairs; C-Churchyard; CDS-Charleston Day School
10 Docent Tours (S)