Currents

Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Currents
4907 Garrett Road, Durham NC 27707 ~ 919-489-2575 ~ www.eruuf.org
Sunday Worship
Services at 9:15 am and 11:15 am
November 1 - The Bridge Between
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November 2009
ide
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Mark
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Calendar!
Rev. Deborah Cayer
This morning we’ll welcome some of the tiniest members
of this faith community, read the names of members who
have died during the previous year, and call the names of
all our loved ones who have gone before us. If you would
like to include your child in the morning’s dedication
ceremony, see Holly McKinney, Acting DRE. All are
invited to bring a picture of or memento from a loved one
who has died for a special remembrance table.
November 8 - On the Frontier of Our Ideals
Rev. J.D. Benson
How did Unitarianism evolve from a Liberal Christian
tradition to one that opened wide its doors to people of
many faiths and philosophies of life? (November Generosity
Child Dedication Ceremony
Nov. 1
Green Gathering
Nov. 1
Dinner and a Show!
Nov. 11
What Do I Believe? Workshop
Nov. 21
Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 26
Sunday Recipient: Interfaith Council for Social Service in Chapel
Hill. Contributions qualify for a matching grant, so every dollar given
is doubled. Proceeds will go to the IFC Food Pantry.)
November 15 - Making Wise and Kind Choices
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Rev. Robin Renteria
Making choices is easy, except when it isn't. And it isn't
when our lives change around and within us requiring us
to stretch beyond who we were, what we know our life or
our world to be. Rev. Robin Renteria (Guest Preacher) served as
parish minister of the UU Congregation of Hillsborough until 2006,
and currently provides preaching and pastoral care at All Souls
Church in Durham.
November 22 - The Power of Gratitude
Rev. J.D. Benson
In this sermon we will explore the power of gratitude in
shaping our outlook, our optimism, our agency in our own
lives and the world.
Nov. 29
Gifted by Surprise
Rev. Deborah Cayer
Sometimes life offers us lovely surprises, at others, not so
much. When the unexpected happens and there are no
other choices, how can we best cope? Is there something
more active we might do to find the gift within the
unasked for moment?
November Services
Page 1
In Care
Rev. Deborah Cayer
Notes from the Board Christine Amabile
Page 2
Christian Fellowship David Chandek-Stark
Page 3
Notes from the Podium
Religious Education
Page 3
Kevin Badanes
Page 4
Holly McKinney
Page 5
Page 5
Youth Ministry News Melissa Gvestang-Lucky
Middle School Youth Group
Page 5
Adult Programming
Page 6
Membership Matters
Kacey Zucchino
Of Heart, Mind & Spirit Rev. J.D. Benson
Denominational Affairs
Nancy Henley
Durham CAN
Cindy Henshaw
Nifty Gifty
Thanksgiving Dinner
Calendar for November
Page 7
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 11
Page 11
Insert
1
In Care
Rev. Deborah Cayer, Acting Lead Minister
The Virginia creeper outside my window blazes
scarlet against the Carolina blue sky, and I notice that
the dew this morning has a suspicious glaze. Temperatures got close to freezing last night and though it’s
much too early for winter, it seems to be knocking at
our door, which is a surprise. This time last year I was
delighted to be in sleeveless shirts and sandals well into
November. When I stop to consider it, I realize that
these contrasts are startling, and a bit unsettling.
What do you do when anything knocks out of
season, unexpectedly, at your door? Most of us get
practical. We roll up the hose, bring in the houseplants,
cover the remaining herbs with newsprint at night and
hope for a few more warm days. But if this is all we do,
I think we might be missing something important.
“To everything there is a time, and a season,” the
ancient prophet reminds us. We can pass through these
days of change quickly, practically, efficiently, in control
of ourselves. . . safe from all the discomforts of unsettlement. Or we can take time to notice both the beauty
and the signs of transience, and the feelings these
ephemeral things evoke in us. Yet, I think sometimes
we don’t pause, don’t stop, because we’re afraid that
we’ll be overcome with sadness, regret, or even somewhere deep down with a fear of being overcome with
remorse. Then what will we do? Drown in sorrow?
“Unthinkable!” snaps a little soldier inside our hearts.
“Keep moving!”
Sometimes that little sentry is right, it’s not the right
time to stop. But she’s not always right. Sometimes it is
ok to slow down to be awed by, or feel awful about
what once was, to feel sad about its passing, to
remember, to consider what we might have done
differently. If we do this important thing, this important
human work, we won’t get stuck in that bereft place.
We’ll simply be in the company of what once was. And
we’ll know that after a pause it’ll be time gather up new
insight, create new intentions for the future, then move
forward. After a pause, we’ll be able to do this with
faith in a new ability and strength. But, this comes only
from our full presence to ourselves, only if we stop to
notice, to mourn, to recollect before moving forward.
This fall, despite the unsettlement of a too early
frost, or perhaps because of it, it’s a blessing to have
this community in which to pause, reflect, mourn,
recollect, and move forward in the strength of collective
love and good company. If you’re feeling stuck anywhere in this process, Rev. J.D. and I are here, along
with many other fine folks, to help.
2
In faith, Deborah
November 2009 Currents
Fellowship Family
The Care Ministries at ERUUF are committed
to providing a care ministry for our members and
friends. Through our different caring ministries we
hope to acknowledge one another's significant joys
and sorrows.
You may speak your joys and concerns at most
Sunday services or write them any Sunday on the
cards provided in the back of the pews. We
appreciate receiving the cards whether or not you
have spoken because the cards help us get all the
information correct. Please be sure to note whether
you want your joy or concern shared in Current.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all who are in
the midst of trying times. At ERUUF we strive to be
here for each other. Please let us hear from you.
Art on Display
New Art Show
A new art show has been mounted in the Fellowship
Hall. Artists displayed are Helen Wolfson, Pam
George, Sharon Graffagnino, Emily Cox, Donna
Schultz, Becky Russell, Mike Hsu, Rose Halperin,
Anita Cohn, and Betty Pease. Some pieces are for
sale; ERUUF receives a 20% commission.
Gallery in Lobby
ERUUF’s Eno River Gallery presents an exhibition
of "UU Gifts from the Heart," with a beautiful
collection of chalices by ERUUF artist Sharon
Graffagnino; now through November.
Gallery open:
Monday - Thursday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am – 1:00pm.
Notes from ERUUF
Board of Trustees
ERUUF Christian
Fellowship
Christine Amabile, President
by David Chandek-Stark
Board Update for November 2009
At the September Board meeting, the Board passed a
resolution that delegated authority over ERUUF programs
to the Acting Lead Minister during our time of governance
transition. A similar resolution was passed at the October
Board meeting to clarify responsibilities over financial
authority. It reads as follows:
Board Resolution:
In view of the extended period of governance transition at
ERUUF, while the congregation considers revisions to our
bylaws and until revised bylaws are approved by congregational vote, the Board aims to clarify key responsibilities
delegated to the Board in our current bylaws.
For this period of governance transition, the Board of
Trustees delegates responsibility to exercise control over
the Fellowship’s property and finances and administer the
Fellowship’s budget to the Acting Lead Minister, the Rev.
Deborah Cayer. Such delegation shall be subject to the
limitations contained in the Executive Limitations Policy
and to the reporting requirements of the Financial
Monitoring Policy of the Board.
The Board has also had a goal setting session with Rev.
Deborah Cayer, facilitated by our Thomas Jefferson
District Executive, Annette Marquis. At this session we
determined the top goals for our work together this year.
These goals included strategic planning, clarifying and
revising ERUUF’s organizational structure, and initiating
processes for developing a congregational covenant.
For many of these goals we will be forming subgroups of
the Board and task forces to begin the work. We will be
seeking congregational input and drawing upon past input
gathered at cottage meetings, appreciative inquiry
sessions, and the work of the Vision Quest Task Force.
The Board is planning to host a congregational town hall
meeting in January to report back to the congregation on
the progress of our work this year and the work of the task
forces charged by the Board. Stay tuned!
Please contact the ERUUF Board of Trustees with any
questions or concerns at [email protected].
I grew up in liturgical Christian churches with
ritual, weekly Bible reading, rich language and
images, and the teachings of Jesus. When my evolving beliefs led me to the Unitarian
Universalist faith 3 years ago, I gained an accepting community and an inspirational
heritage, but I missed the language, the words of Jesus, and the sharing of bread with
others. Meeting with the ERUUF Christian Fellowship has allowed me to mingle my
personal religious heritage with the waters of my new faith and find a vibrant spiritual
home at ERUUF. – LaVerne Coan
In October 2008, the Christian Fellowship held its
inaugural meeting in the chapel. A year later, we’re still
meeting—same place and time, 4-5:30pm on 2nd & 4th
Sundays! Most of the folks at the first meeting are still with
the group, and others have joined us along the way. Some
come to check us out; others drop in occasionally.
In our time together we have prayed, sung, read, shared,
questioned, listened, connected, and celebrated. We have
prayed the Lord’s Prayer and the Psalms as well as our own
spoken and silent prayers. We have sung hymns from
Singing the Living Tradition, traditional hymns and contemporary Christian songs. We have read many translations of
the Bible, and we have practiced lectio divina, or “sacred
reading,” an ancient method for meditating on scripture.
We have read and discussed The Heart of Christianity,
by Marcus J. Borg, a contemporary theologian who
describes an “emerging paradigm” within the Christian tradition. We have shared our thoughts and feelings about
being “Christian” when that label carries associations of
self-righteousness and intolerance that have alienated and
wounded many. We have shared our faith and hope, as well
as our questions and doubts. We have listened to each
other, listened to ourselves, and listened for the Spirit. We
have connected with UU Christians beyond ERUUF
through the Unitarian-Universalist Christian Fellowship
(UUCF), and one of our members, with financial assistance
from ERUUF, attended the 2009 UUCF Revival at All
Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, OK. We have connected
with each other by sharing food and conversation at potluck
dinners. And we have celebrated the traditional ritual of
communion with homemade bread, wine, and juice.
This fellowship and practice has been very nourishing to
our souls, and I thank the members and friends of ERUUF,
and Rev. Cayer, for being so supportive of this new group.
Many people who do not attend our meetings have wished
us well and said they’re glad we’re here. My hope and
prayer is that we continue to provide a place for those who
are both UU and Christian to deepen their spiritual lives,
connect with others, and contribute to the rich tapestry of
spirit, service, justice, and love that is ERUUF.
(Contact: [email protected])
P.S. Page on ERUUF web site coming soon!
3
November 2009 Currents
Notes from the Podium
Kevin Badanes, Music Director
ERUUF Music Presents…
Dinner and a Show!
On Wednesday, November 11th, let ERUUF do the
cooking after a long day and enjoy music from our very
own folk trio, Pandora. Our very first “dinner and a
show” begins at 6:30 PM in the fellowship hall, and features dinner prepared by our very own chefs, and well as
drinks and dessert for only $10! Included in the admission
price (please contact Kevin Badanes about scholarships)
is a 7:30 PM concert by Pandora in the sanctuary. Please
RSVP after Sunday services at the music table in the
Fellowship Hall, and join us on November 11th! If you
would like to lend your culinary talents (no clean-up
required!), or have any questions, please contact Kevin
Badanes for more information at [email protected].
The Intergenerational
Ensemble debuts!
Looking for something a little more laid
back and can’t give up another weeknight? Want to sing and play some styles of music that are
a little different? Then the Intergenerational Ensemble
might be for you! Anyone from 7th grade to adult that
loves the Beatles, or folk, or rock, let us know and we'll
tell you how to be a part. We'll be meeting two Sundays a
month after second service. Contact Kevin Badanes,
[email protected] or 919-489-2575 x 106.
ERUUF Children's Choirs
The Eno River Chalice Singers
Our Children’s Choir has a new name! The focus of this
group is on singing music that is both fun and spiritually
meaningful and on learning to sing in two to three parts.
Some of the songs we’ve sung over the past few years
include “I Believe I Can Fly,” “Turn, Turn, Turn,” “We
are the World,” and “Lean on Me.” This year, we will be
singing in the service for the first time on November 1.
Join us on Sunday mornings, 10:30-11:00 am in the
Music Room! Contact Kevin Badanes, [email protected].
ERUUF Jr. Choir
The ERUUF Junior Choir has resumed again and is open
to welcoming your child’s participation. Our group is
geared for children pre-K - grade 1 with flexibility
allowed for participation. We sing and teach songs that
are both fun, educational, and which incorporate UU
values and themes. We also engage kids in interactive
music and rhythm activities using percussion instruments
and body movement. There will be periodic performances
at Children’s Chapel. The Junior Choir meets the 1st three
Sundays of every month between 10:30-11:00 am in
Room 1 of the Care Building. Let your youngster have a
great introduction to participatory singing and the world
of ERUUF music.
Music Appreciation
Thank you to October’s Sunday service musicians:
The Eno River Singers, Helen Wolfson, Cat Park, &
Frank Zachary.
Rock of Ages Inter-generational (IG) Music Ensemble
Have you always wanted to play in a rock band or sing great folk, soul and “rock ‘n roll for the soul” tunes?
Join the Rock of Ages IG Ensemble at ERUUF. Our goals are to have fun, build community, and make great music
together. We will strive to provide convenient, minimal rehearsal times and performances to accommodate busy
lives. Middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults of all ages are encouraged to join us.
Starting on November 1, we will be preparing for our premier performance at Café ERUUF on December 5 at
7:30 pm. All rehearsals are in the music room:
Sunday, Nov. 1 from 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Sunday, Nov. 15 from 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Sunday, November 22 from 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 5 from 5:00 – 7:00pm (pizza dinner included)
The performance begins at 7:30 pm.
Contact: Kevin Badanes, [email protected], 919-489-2575 x106.
4
November 2009 Currents
Holly McKinney
Acting Director of Religious Education
As I write this, I’m looking forward to attending the
Fall Liberal Religious Education Directors’ Association
(LREDA) conference in Providence, RI on Oct. 23-27.
I’m looking forward to networking with fellow DREs,
talking up ERUUF’s RE program to potential DRE applicants, and continuing to get “caught up” to the philosophy
of UU religious education in the 21st century. I have
discovered as I get more familiar with the curricula being
used in our program now that RE has really evolved since
I was ERUUF’s DRE a generation ago. I joke with our
RE teachers that I want to be careful that I’m not
sounding “so last century” when I speak about what we
do on Sunday mornings with children and youth.
What I see that has changed is a greater intentionality
to spiritual and faith development incorporated into our
curricula, including more attention paid to experiencing
teaching as a spiritual endeavor. In the “old” days, there
was more of an emphasis on teaching about other
religions with an increasing sense of the importance of
developing a UU identity, but we were quite tongue-tied
when it came to religious words such as faith, spirituality,
and God. It felt more like “education.”
While religious literacy and certainly UU identity are
important elements to our program, there is a much
greater emphasis now on spiritual and faith development
than on education. Worship, ritual and
sacred space in our classrooms are of
much greater importance. We are
moving away from the Sunday school
model and moving toward having the
Sunday morning experience be more
about community, spirituality with a
heightened identity of Unitarian
Universalism as a faith tradition and
denomination.
Curriculum Focus: Chalice Children for ages 3 & 4.
Our preschoolers have been spending the first weeks of
the year focused on our UU symbol, the chalice, and
getting to know the places and people of ERUUF. They
are learning about our faith community as this helps children at this age to nurture the early stages of their identity
with religious belonging. This is a very imitative stage in
faith development so creating classroom rituals such as
lighting the chalice, singing songs, and sharing in circle
time, helps create experience and understanding of what
we do when we are at ERUUF. As the children grow,
these elements will take on larger meaning.
Coming of Age Program
Thanks to everyone who helped support the first COA
fundraiser of the year on October 18 and 25. We got a
good start on our fundraising for our Boston Heritage
Trip! With seventeen youth going to Boston, we still have
quite a ways to go, so look for our holiday fundraisers
soon!
The Coming of Age Fall Retreat on Spiritual
Practices will be November 7-8 at ERUUF!
ERUUF Playgroup!
Meet other ERUUF families with young children in the
ERUUF nursery on Friday, Nov. 6 and Friday, Nov. 20 at
10 a.m. to have fun and brainstorm meeting places and
activities for the new ERUUF playgroup! If you have
questions, or would like to join us but can't make it on
Fridays, contact Melissa Gjestvang-Lucky at 942-6474 or
[email protected]. See you there!
At our October 4 meeting, we signed our covenant,
voted on the list of brainstormed activities from our first
meeting, and played games and sports. Instead of our
regular October 18 meeting, we attended the middle
school movie night at the UU Congregation of
Hillsborough on October 17.
Also, on September 26 six middle schoolers marched
with the Unitarian Universalists in the NC Pride Fest
2009, and on October 3 nine middle schoolers attended
the Beatles Rock Band Pizza party organized by Audrey
Green. Several of us plan to volunteer at the ERUUF
Halloween party on October 28 and to participate in
October 31 Reverse Trick-or-Treating (see
www.uusc.org/halloween2009).
Plans for November include special guest Rev.
Deborah Cayer at our meeting November 1 and a rock
climbing field trip on November 15. Ordinarily, MSYG
(grades 6 to 8) meets on the first and third Sunday of each
month from 4:00 to 6:00 in room 7. Contact: Melissa,
[email protected] (489-2575) or one of our
MSYG advisors: Kim McKinney and Holly Kingdon.
5
November 2009 Currents
Fall 2009 Adult Education Classes and Workshops
Unitarian Universalists often think of learning and growth as lifelong processes, and believe these are enhanced when
they take place in community. Toward that end, ERUUF offers classes and workshops that support the growth and
learning of adults—body, mind, and spirit. The Fall 2009 schedule is available (see brief descriptions below.)
A brochure with more extensive descriptions of each offering is available in the Office or on our web site
(www.eruuf.org). There is no fee for any class or workshop. Members and friends are welcome, although space is
sometimes limited. Sign-up for classes on Sunday during coffee hour, or by contacting the ERUUF Office at
[email protected] or (919) 489-2575.
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Interactive course designed to help people with chronic
diseases.
Thursdays, 1-3 pm, Oct. 29-Dec. 10
Facilitators: Jeanne Boehlecke and Fran Rukenbrod
On Your Way to Authorship
Ongoing writers' group dedicated to providing helpful and
supportive feedback.
Third Monday of each month, 7-9 pm
Facilitator: David Halperin
A Gift from the Heart
Consider what you value and then write a positive letter
to loved ones.
Sat. 10 am-12 pm, Nov. 7 & 21
Facilitator: Juanita Johnson
Unitarian Universalist History
Viewing and discussion of DVD featuring historians and
ministers who tell the UU story of religious freedom and
its other distinguishing features.
Wednesdays, 7-9 pm, Oct. 7-Nov. 5
Facilitator: Rev. Deborah Cayer
Harvest the Power: Developing Lay Leadership
An interactive class based on the UUA's new curriculum
on adult leadership that enables lay persons to grow in
spirit as they grow as leaders, and to enrich the skills
leaders bring to their roles in church as well as the
"outside world."
Sundays, 1-3 pm, Oct. 18-Nov. 15
Facilitators: Linda Brooks and
Jean O'Barr
6
November 2009 Currents
What Do I Believe?
A Workshop with Rev. J.D. Benson
Date:
Saturday, November 21
Place:
Fellowship Hall At ERUUF
Time:
9:00 am – 2:30 pm (with lunch)
This interactive, process-oriented workshop is
based on a combination of Dick Gilbert’s Building
Your Own Theology, Rev. JD’s work in cultural
diversity training, and other resources. Through individual and group activities you will be guided through
a process the will support you as you focus on your
personal religious or philosophical beliefs and reflect
on your personal search for truth and meaning.
Morning Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Casual dress; $15 donation to cover costs of food/
supplies. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Registration open to members and friends of
ERUUF. Register by Nov. 14; check payable to
ERUUF and write “WDIB Workshop in memo line.
Registration limited to 25. Contact Jeff Bergman,
Office Assistant at (919) 489-2575, [email protected].
5 spots are left!
Humanist Group
Next meeting on Saturday, November 14th from
3:00 pm until 4:30 in rooms 4 and 5 of the
CARE building. The subject of our discussion will be:
“Perspectives on Obama and the Nobel Prize:
Is There Hope for Peace?”
Membership Matters
Kacey Zucchino
Director of Membership Development
ERUUF 101
Have you been attending ERUUF and are thinking of
joining or getting more involved? The next ERUUF 101
class will be held on Saturday, November 21,
8:30am – 1:00 pm). This class covers the history of
Unitarian Universalism and of ERUUF, the different
groups, committees and activities that make up the
community of ERUUF, and expectations of
Membership. Registration is required, and childcare will
be provided if requested in advance.
Welcome
ERUUF had almost 40 visitors from September 1st
through October 18th. Have you met anyone new? We
all want our Fellowship to be appealing, and there are
various ways to make sure that it is.
Always wear your nametag! Visitors (and other
members) will appreciate knowing who you are.
Stop by the Visitor Host table on your way into the
sanctuary, and wait for a visitor. Then you can
accompany the visitor into the service and sit with
them. After the service, ask if they would like to go
to coffee hour with you. Simple things which you
would be doing anyway can make a world of difference to someone new.
Volunteer to be a Visitor Host. The only requirement is an ability to smile and be happy to see and
talk to those who are seeking a spiritual home! We
have a great need for Visitor Hosts for the first service. Please consider if this is a ministry for you.
Questions?
Contact Kacey Zucchino, (919) 489-2575 x 108 or
[email protected].
Of Heart, Mind and Spirit
Rev. Jade “J.D.” Benson
Consulting Assistant Minister
What a brisk morning! The air is more than crisp and
the bushes and trees beyond my office window show
signs of the seasonal shift. There are a number of brown
leaves, more yellow, even a rash of orange and red down
below the bridge walkway that leads to a wooded area
I’ve heard about but have yet to explore.
“Change” seems to be the word of the day. But maybe,
too, the beginnings of a move beyond change into new
and exciting territory, change leading to something
positive and grounding and joyful.
It certainly is that for me. My “portfolio” includes
preaching once, sometimes twice per month. It also
includes pastoral care, social justice, small group and
adult religious education ministries; writing to you each
month, and so much more! This is all the stuff of ministry
I love and so I feel most fortunate to have this opportunity
here among you. To work with my colleague, Rev.
Deborah, to assist her in her role as Acting Lead Minister,
is my pleasure.
Relationship is what church is all about: our relationships with one another, with the Divine as we each
understand that term, with the whole of ERUUF, the
UUA too. There are no unidirectional relationships here;
we are all a part of this interconnected web of ERUUF
and the interconnected web of Durham and beyond. And
there is a kind of connection, a kind of intimacy and
practice that can occur in religious community unlike that
in any other context. The covenants we make to and with
one another in fellowship—they matter. They are a vital
part of what sets this community experience apart. This is
a special place in which to live and through which to
grow the kind of wealth that doesn’t disappear when the
Dow plummets; it deepens our lives.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some number of you
now. Two weeks into my ministry here and I look
forward to getting to know more of you, little by little,
through our worship, service and play together in the
months ahead.
Thank you for your kindness, your generosity of spirit
you have shown in welcoming me.
Blessings, JD.
Next Pride of Place work day:
Saturday, November 7.
Check out the new rock wall on the corner near Garrett Road! Thanks so much to the intrepid volunteers who
worked so hard. On the October workday the grounds were trimmed and gardens tended.
On November 7th, we will plant, mulch and prepare for winter.
7
November 2009 Currents
Denominational Affairs
The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
by Nancy Henley
Standing on the Side of Love
Standing on the Side of Love (SSL, pronounced
“Sizzle”) is a national public advocacy campaign,
sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association
(UUA), promoting respect for the inherent worth and
dignity of every person. The campaign was launched during General Assembly 2009. To learn more, go to
www.uua.org/socialjustice/ssl/. Then look to the right and click on “Learn More” at the bottom of the SSL
banner.
Celebrating the Holidays with other UU’s
by Nancy Mayer
Consider spending the holidays with your larger UU family. This is a way to get to know people from
other congregations. The Mountain and SWIM attract participants from North Carolina and the southeast.
There are also some programs that are farther away.
The Mountain Camp and Conference Center
The Mountain, located near Highlands, North Carolina has programs for Thanksgiving and New Years. It
is about a 5 hour drive from Durham. There are programs for adults, youth and younger children, with
discount rates for the younger crowd. The dates for Thanksgiving program are November 25 -29. This
program includes excellent traditional and nontraditional food and great friendship. The New Year’s theme
is Global, Local & Homemade Music with guest facilitators Elise Witt and Mick Kinney.
Participants can choose a two or three night option. For more information on Mountain programs check
out the website at: http://www.mountaincenters.org/.
SWIM: Unitarian Universalist Southeast Winter Institute in Miami.
This is the winter version of SUUSI (Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute). SWIM takes
place from December 26, 2009 until January 1, 2010. The theme this year is Bliss. Also this year SWIM
has returned, after a brief hiatus, to the Miami area. The price this year for adults is $425, teens are $298,
and children are $194. These prices include lodging, meals and program fees. This event includes opportunities for sightseeing, service and worship. For more information see: www.swimuu.org/Home.html.
U bar U Retreat and Conference Center
Llocated near Kerrville TX, has UU'nHurried Family Week, Running from 12/27 until 1/1. See more at:
http://tiny.cc/7aCJf.
The Rowe Center
Located in rural Massachusetts has programs for Thanksgiving and New Years. For more information see:
www.rowecenter.org/.
Now could be the time to reach out and make new friends at these events. My family has attended the
mountain and SWIM events. These events have provided great holiday cheer as well as chance to know
people from other congregations.
Contact us at [email protected] or leave a message at the office at (919) 489-2575.
8
November 2009 Currents
In Memoriam
Rev. Dr. Forrest Church
Theologian, Author
Excerpted from the UUA Press Release
Rev. Forrest Church, acclaimed author of more
than two dozen books and longtime minister of the
Unitarian Church of All Souls in New York City,
died on September 24, 2009, following a three-year
battle with esophageal cancer.
“I join thousands of Unitarian Universalists and
Americans in mourning the loss of Forrest Church,”
said Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
President Peter Morales today. “We have lost a brilliant and articulate thinker, a champion of democratic
values, and a compelling advocate for liberal religion. More importantly, we have lost a kind, thoughtful, and loving spirit. What courage and grace he
showed in his final years. Even as we feel our loss,
let us be grateful for his enduring legacy.”
At the UUA’s 2008 General Assembly, Church
received the Award for Distinguished Service to the
Cause of Unitarian Universalism, the most prestigious award given by the UUA. “Let us never forget
what a privilege it is to be part of this great movement and to pronounce its saving faith: one Light
(Unitarianism) shining through many windows
(Universalism),” Church remarked upon receiving
the award. “Let us continue our quest together, with
awe and humility, with saving openness and saving
doubt, never forgetting to honor those who charted
our way.”
All Souls has posted a Forrest Church web page:
www.allsoulsnyc.org/rememberingforrest/
inmemoriam.htm
All are invited to view photos, post
remembrances, and more. Those who wish to make a
donation in Dr. Church's memory may do so by
contributing to the Forrest Church Fund for the
Advancement of Liberal Religion.
Galen Guengerich preached a sermon on Sunday,
Sept. 27, in honor of Dr. Church: “Amen. I love
You.” The text is printed on the ALL SOULs web
site or see video on YouTube: Part 1 and Part 2.
To read more go to: www.uua.org/news/
newssubmissions/151146.shtml.
by Cindy Henshaw
Delegates Assembly
On Sunday, Oct. 18th, Durham CAN (Congregations,
Associations and Neighborhoods) delegates assembled to
announce the upcoming priorities and get commitment
from candidates to work with Durham CAN to take action
on the issues. Over 300 attended a lively session where
Congressman David Price made comments on four areas
of interest to CAN - Health Care Reform, Immigration,
Financial Reform, and the Stimulus funding. Stories were
shared that came out of the House Meetings about the
Economic Crisis, Disconnected Youth, Housing and
Neighborhoods, and the Vision for an Active and Healthy
Durham. This year, a total of 1300 people participated in
determining CAN's priorities. Reverend J.D., Mary
Grigsby, Leah Oster-Katz, Cindy Henshaw, and Jen
McDuffie took part in the assembly for ERUUF.
10% Is Enough Campaign
The 10% Is Enough campaign is underway to fight Usury,
the excessive interest rates and fees charged by banks.
There is a Statewide Planning and Training Meeting on
Saturday, November 7th in Winston Salem. For more info
please see: www.10percentisenough.org. Also, look for
the Durham CAN table at coffee hour where we will have
postcards to sign to petition against Usury.
ERUUF has pledged two and we hope to
recruit more.
Durham CAN Teams
Durham CAN Teams have been formed
and will be trained at the CAN Metro
Council Meeting on Monday, November 16th, 7 pm - 9
pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 215 N. Church
St., Durham NC 27701. The teams will be addressing the
following issues:
.·Youth opportunities
· Education
· Services for Immigrant families
· Health Care
· Services for the homeless
· Transportation
· Housing
· Access to meaningful physical activity, recreation and
healthy foods
We have 4 from ERUUF pledged to work on the
teams. We would like to have more ERUUF participation.
I know that you will find that working with Durham CAN
is energizing and very rewarding! www.durhamcan.org
Reverend J.D. will meet with members of ERUUF that
have interest in working with Durham CAN on Wed.,
November 4, at 7pm at ERUUF.
9
November 2009 Currents
ERUUF Book Club
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Library, CARE Building
Nov. 17, 2009: Drinking Coffee Elsewhere, ZZ Packard
Jan. 19, 2010: Whatever Happened to Jacy Farrow,
Ceil Cleveland
February 16, 2010: Proud Shoes Pauli Murray
Third Tuesday of the month in the Library.
Calling Mom's of Kids at ERUUF!
ERUUF Mom's Night Out (MNO) at Saladelia's on
Nov. 18th, Tuesday at 6 p.m. - for food, fellowship
and fun. Saladelia's is at 4201 University Drive.
.
A Message from Team Generosity
(ERUUF's Year Round Stewardship Team)
by Caroline Sage
“Hunger is the best sauce," my mother would say.
At ERUUF, the “Magic Sauce” is the
phenomenon that gratitude leads to generosity and the
combination is a spiritual practice. Generosity is a
moral/ethical personal orientation to life. It is sharing
good things with others, freely and abundantly. It is
the result of one’s own gratitude for good things in
our own lives. It is a spiritual practice that benefits
others and the giver as well. It is the major part of
stewardship, of our loving care of one another.
If ERUUF is to thrive and survive, generosity must
be part of church life. It must transcend our politics
and group dynamics. It will show our caring and
respect for one another. It is the better part of
Thanksgiving! And speaking of Thanksgiving, what
better time to express your gratitude to those
ERUUFians who share their many talents and make
our lives so rich, especially on Sunday mornings:
Ministers, Musicians, Greeters, Flower Donors,
Coffee Servers, Visitor Hosts, Sound Technicians,
ERUUF Staff, Care Team, RE Teachers, Worship
Associates, and Flower providers. Tell them directly,
or write an Express Your Gratitude card which you
can find in the Sanctuary Gallery or at the Team
Generosity Table at coffee hour on Sundays.
Team Generosity: Crystal Dreisbach, Chair;
Linda Brooks, co-Chair; Alice Alexander, Mark
Henault, Gary Pattillo, Caroline Sage.
10
November 2009 Currents
Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles
Covenant Groups are ongoing small groups of 8-10
people who gather twice a month for spiritual exploration, reflection, mutual support, and service. Each
group develops a covenant about how they will relate
to one another and function as a group. Each group is
led by a trained facilitator.
Chalice Circle meetings follow a covenant group
format but meet only once a month from Oct to May,
and end after 8 sessions. A new Chalice Circle is
forming that will meet at ERUUF on the
first Sunday of the month from 7 - 9 pm.
Questions? Visit the Covenant Group/
Chalice Circle information table during
Coffee Hour, or contact:
[email protected], (919) 489-2575.
House & Grounds Team
Meeting to brainstorm and plan upcoming projects:
Nov. 1, 10:30 am (between services)
Rm 1. CARE Bldg.
Work Days for 2009: Nov. 7, Dec. 5 (9 am)
Clickers Looking for Caps
Clicking for a Cause has a request for caps. We need
handcrafted caps for chemotherapy patients and work
caps for the men and women of Trosa who work outside.
If you knit or crochet and would like to join this end-ofthe-year effort, put those needles and hooks together for a
good cause. If you need patterns or guidance on what our
recipients prefer, contact: [email protected].
Better yet, come and join us.
We meet twice a month in the ERUUF CARE Building:
2nd Wednesday between 6:30 – 8:30 pm and
3rd Thursday, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Questions? Pick up our brochure at the
Care Ministries table in the Fellowship
Hall, or contact the ERUUF Office at
[email protected] or (919) 489-2575.
S AV E T H E D A T E !
Green Gathering
Thanksgiving Dinner at ERUUF
November 1, 12:30 - 2 p.m. The Green Earth Ministry
(GEM) team is hosting a meet-up for ERUUFians who
want to get involved with the green projects that ERUUF
is planning for the coming year. Many projects are
hands-on, outside, intergenerational, and all of them are
FUN! A light lunch will be provided at 12:30 pm in the
Fellowship Hall. For more info, check out the GEM table
after services.
Please join your fellow ERUUF-ians to give thanks at
our annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner (Nov. 26).
The Fellowship Hall will be beautifully decorated, there
will be good food, camaraderie, and entertainment.
We'll be tabling starting the last
Sunday in October. We'll be asking
folks to sign up to help and to tell
us what kind of dish they'd
like to bring.
Child Dedication Ceremony, November 1
A Child Dedication Ceremony is a uniquely Unitarian
Universalist naming ceremony which offers parents the
opportunity to have their child blessed by their family,
our ministers and the congregation. Contact: Holly
McKinney, Acting Director of Religious Education,
[email protected]!
A Christmas Pageant for All Ages
ERUUF's 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service will be an intergenerational Christmas pageant with a UU theme, and we
need adults and youth of all types to make it a success.
This year we will celebrate "The Spirit of the Christmas
Tree" which is a musical that has both the story of a
frustrated modern child whose art is misunderstood, and a
UU retelling of the birth of Jesus. Both traditional and
original songs fill the pageant, making this a show you
won't want to miss. The performance has speaking parts,
silent parts for people of all ages, singing parts for adults
and children. Musicians of all sorts are invited to add their
sound to the upbeat, modern arrangements. And of course
no production would be a success without a crew working to create the costumes, scenery, and staging! Music
rehearsals will begin in November (times TBD) and
pageant rehearsals — no more than two -- will happen in
the week or so prior to Christmas Eve. Auditions will be
on Nov. 22 and 29 after both services, although I would
love to hear from interested musicians and singers in
advance. If you have
questions or are interested
in participating, please
contact me. I will find a
way for everyone interested to participate. Let's
have some fun together!
Cafe ERUUF
Saturday evening, December 5. Sign up to perform at
ERUUF’s only open-stage event. Sing, chant, read
poetry, juggle, play instruments, declaim, dance,
profess, yell, ululate. Or just show up and eat cake.
Coffee and potluck dessert at 7:00 pm.
Performance at 7:30 pm.
Cafe ERUUF is a coffeehouse for performers of all
ages, abilities, and interests. It provides a warm,
supportive atmosphere for performers and a delightful
time for audience members of all ages. Bring your
family, and spend an evening with friends old and new!
We hope to see you there.
Nifty Gifty 2009!
Calling one and all to join in for one of ERUUF's most
beloved children's events. On Saturday, December 5
from 1:00 p.m.-4 p.m., children ages 4 - 11 will be able
to enjoy an afternoon of crafting and making presents
for the upcoming holidays. Cost: $10.00 per child.
Adults are needed to staff the craft stations. Parents will
need to register their children by Sunday, Nov. 29.
Sign-ups will be available at the RE table in coffee hour
each Sunday in November.
11
November 2009 Currents
Non Profit Org.
US Postage
Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
4907 Garrett Road
mail date: Oct. 30, 2009
Durham, NC 27707
PAID
Permit No. 764
Durham, NC 27707
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
4907 Garrett Rd.
Durham, NC 27707
Office Hours:
Phone: 919-489-2575
web: www.eruuf.org
Sun.: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Mon.-Thurs.: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mission Statement: The mission of the Eno River
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is to transform lives
by building a free and inclusive covenantal religious
community of spirit, service, justice, and love.
ERUUF Staff:
Acting Lead Minister
([email protected])
Rev. Deborah Cayer
Consulting Asst. Minister
([email protected])
Rev. J.D. Benson
Director of Music
([email protected])
Dr. Kevin Badanes
Kacey Zucchino
Director of Membership
Development
([email protected])
Holly McKinney
Acting Director of
Religious Education
([email protected])
Mary Berry
Currents: every third Sunday by 4:00 pm
Email to [email protected]
Bookkeeper
([email protected])
David Scheidt
Facilities Assistant
([email protected])
12
Publication Deadlines
Director of Administration
([email protected])
Office Assistant
([email protected])
November 2009 Currents
Sue Coon, Trustee
Albert Hardy, Trustee
Dan Grandstaff, Trustee
Larry Reed, Trustee
Bob Wagner, Trustee
Sunday Bulletin: every Wednesday by 5:00 pm
Email to [email protected]
Jeff Bergman
Ellen Beechhold
Christine Amabile, President
Carmen Graffagnino, Vice President
Beth Harvat, Treasurer
Cheryl Turney, Secretary
Youth Ministry
Coordinator
([email protected])
Melissa Gjestvang-Lucky
Daniel Trollinger
Board of Trustees
Religious Education Assistant
([email protected])
Other Information
To reserve rooms for meetings/activities, email:
[email protected]
When sending these emails to the office it is very helpful to put
your Committee or group name in the subject line.
For the bulletin or Currents please add the publication date.
November 2009 - Calendar of Events
1
Sunday Worship, 9:15 am and 11:15 am, Sanctuary
Children’s Chapel, 9 - 9:45 am & 11 - 11:45 am, Commons Room
20’s & 30’s Group, after 2nd service
Middle School Youth Group, 4 - 6 pm, Room 7
Rock of Ages Intergenerational Music Ensemble, 12:45 – 2 pm, Sanctuary
3
Giving Circle Workshop, 7 - 9:30 pm (Room 4/5)
4
Seasoned Citizens, 10:30 am - Noon, Room 4/5, CARE Bldg.
Adult Ed. Class: UU History, 7 - 9 pm, Registration required.
Prompt Writing, 7 pm, Room 1, CARE Bldg.
Adult Ed. Class: Study Group: Thich Nhat Hanh’s Anger, 7 - 8:30 pm, Room 1, Registration required
Durham CAN, 7 - 9 pm, Room 2
Mondays
Eno River Buddhist Community
ERUUF Men’s Group, 7 - 9 pm, Library
7:30 pm, Commons Room
Social Justice Committee, 7 - 9 pm, Room 1
Chimes Rehearsal, 6:45, Music Room
Gift from the Heart, 10 am - 12 pm, Room 4/5
Coming of Age Fall Retreat
Thursdays Choir Rehearsal, 7 - 9 pm, Sanctuary
5
7
8
Sunday Worship, 9:15 am and 11:15 am, Sanctuary
Rock of Ages Intergenerational Music Ensemble, 12:45 - 2 pm, Sanctuary
Harvest the Power: Developing Lay Leadership, 1 - 3 pm, Room 4/5
ERUUF Christian Fellowship, 4 - 5:30 pm, Straube Chapel
Fridays
River Rhythms, 6 - 8:30 pm
Commons Room, CARE Bldg.
River Rhythm Special Classes
10
Team Generosity, 7 - 9 pm, Room 2
11
ERUUF Seniors, 11:30 am, Room 4/5
Bridge to Fellowship, 1:30 - 4:30 pm, Commons Room
Adult Ed. Class: Veiled Reality: What is Beyond Quantum Mechanics, 7 - 9 pm, Registration Required.
Clicking for a Cause, 6:30 pm, Library, CARE Bldg.
Music Dinner & Show, 7 - 9:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
14
15
Kids’ Drumming 11/ 6 - 6:30 pm
Commons Room, CARE Bldg.
Eno River Buddhist Community Saturday Morning of Mindfulness, 9 am, Chapel
Humanist Group, 3 - 4:30 pm, Rooms 4/5
Sunday Worship, 9:15 am and 11:15 am, Sanctuary
Children’s Chapel, 9 - 9:45 am & 11 - 11:45 am, Commons Room
20’s & 30’s Group, after 2nd service
Newcomer Orientation, 12:30 pm, Straube Chapel
Rock of Ages Intergenerational Music Ensemble, 12:45 – 2 pm, Sanctuary
Adult Ed. Class: Harvest the Power: Developing Lay Leadership, 1 - 3 pm, Room 4/5; Registration required.
Middle School Youth Group, 4 - 6 pm, Room 7
17
Board of Trustees, 6:30 - 9:30 pm, Room 4/5
Book Club, 7 - 9 pm, Room 6
18
Denominational Affairs, 7 - 9 pm, Room 1
21
What Do I Believe? Workshop, 9 - 2:30 pm, Commons Room
ERUUF 101, 9 am - 1 pm, Fellowship Hall
Gift from the Heart, 10 am - 12 pm, Room 4-5
22
Sunday Worship, 9:15 am and 11:15 am, Sanctuary
Fellowship Foundation Grant Announcements, 10:15 - 10:30 am & 12:15—12:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
ERUUF Christian Fellowship, 4 - 5:30 pm, Straube Chapel
24
Team Generosity, 7 - 9 pm, Room 2
25
ERUUF Seniors, 11:30 am, Room 4/5
Bridge to Fellowship, 1:30 pm, Commons Room
26
Thanksgiving Dinner, 2-5 pm, Fellowship Hall
29
Sunday Worship, 9:15 am and 11:15 am, Sanctuary
Calendar * November 2009 Currents