reporter - Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron

REPORTER
Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron
Volume 74, Issue 8
August 2014
Fall Spiritual Enrichment at UUCA
The Adult Spiritual Enrichment Team (ASET) is pleased to announce an exciting number of
educational and spiritual growth opportunities for the fall. These include our many ongoing
spiritual enrichment groups, one-time events/workshops, and multi-session programs and
classes.
Spiritual Enrichment Groups






Connection Circles
Sacred Singing Circle
Ethical Humanist Group
Drum Circle
UUCA Christian Fellowship
Meditation Group
Special Events/Workshops




Cooking From the Garden (see info on Page 6)
Food, Nutrition, and Wellness
A Day of Mindfulness
Eating Locally
Multi-Session Classes/Programs
Give Me That Old Time Religion, a bi-monthly series
on earth-centered spirituality with Rebekah Benner
(see info on Page 2)
 Conversational Spanish
 The Journey of Unitarian Universalism on UU History taught by Rev. Tim
 Push Factors: The Roots of the Immigration Crisis taught by Jeff Stewart,
Director of the Immigrant Worker Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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2
3
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ADULT SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OFFERINGS
Minister’s Musings; Give Me That Old Time Religion Class Info
News & Notes; Religious Education Summer Camp
Sunday Services; Caring Corner
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6
7
8
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Worship & Spiritual Enrichment Opportunities
HAPPENINGS
Calendar; Attendance Info
Staff Hours and Info; Board of Trustees; UUCA Mission
Rev. Tim Temerson
I am so proud of our congregation.
At General Assembly this past June, the Unitarian Universalist Church
of Akron received the Bennett Award, which is the annual award for
social justice given by the Unitarian Universalist Association.
In a message I received shortly after General Assembly, the UUA’s
Office of Multicultural Growth and Witness, which oversees the
Bennett Award, offered these words about our social justice ministries.
“The UUA Bennett Award Panel was very impressed with your
congregation's commitment to a diverse, dynamic justice ministry
grounded in solidarity and partnership. From the UU Church of
Akron’s partnership with the Immigrant Worker Project to your
food justice ministry to the collaborative Teen Pride Network to your
interfaith engagement, your congregation is truly living your mission
and values.”
I can’t think of two words that better describe our social justice work
than solidarity and partnership. Through our immigration, food justice,
and LGBTQ ministries, we have built relationships of trust and
friendship with local immigrants, with those dealing with food
insecurity, and with local LGBTQ teens. And many of those
relationships have been made possible by our extraordinary
partnerships with the Immigrant Worker Project in Canton and Canapi
and PFLAG here in Akron.
In addition to solidarity and partnership, I would add leadership as a
key factor that has made our work possible. Our social justice leaders
are so talented, so dedicated, and so passionate about creating justice
and making a positive difference in the world. I can’t possibly list them
all but I would like to lift up the work of Sarah Culver, who chairs our
Social Action Coalition, Brenda Whitmore, who leads Immigration,
Tina Ughrin, Jenni Papp, and Dawn Scott, who lead food justice, and
Kim Mosyjowski who currently leads our LGBTQ outreach ministry. I
also want to thank Susan Davis for her leadership of the annual Akron
Area Interfaith Council’s hunger walk and Russell Kunz for
coordinating our work with Family Promise of Summit County.
Finally, I want to thank all of you for your ministry and your support of
our social justice work. So many of you have shared your passion, your
dedication, and your gifts in helping the UU Church of Akron make a
difference in the world. You have helped with legal research on
upcoming immigration cases or taught English to local immigrants.
You have worked in our community garden and helped out with our
monthly community meal. You have helped create a space of love and
welcome by volunteering at the Pride Prom. You have walked to stop
hunger and supported homeless families by volunteering for Family
Promise.
You have made a difference and together we have made a difference. I
can’t wait to see where our social justice ministry takes us in the
future!
Blessings,
Rev. Tim
[email protected]
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GIVE ME THAT
OLD TIME RELIGION
Discovering the depth, richness
and warmth of our
th
6 Source of Spirituality
Earth Centered traditions,
aka Paganism/Neopaganism,
and its impact on
Unitarian Universalism.
In 1984 a seventh principle was created which stated
that we “affirm and promote the interdependent web
of which we are a part.” This seventh principle
moved UUs beyond the patriarchal western religions
that separate god from both humans and nature.
In 1995 the outcome of the addition of the Seventh
Principle and the work being done by the Covenant
of Unitarian Universalist Pagans resulted in the
adoption of our 6th Source of Spirituality, "Spiritual
teachings of earth-centered traditions which
celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to
live in harmony with the rhythms of nature."
Beginning Saturday, September 20, 2014, and
continuing every other month through May,
2015, join us in an afternoon workshop focusing
on the history, lore, magick and lifestyle of those
living the pagan path, and how Earth-Centered
Spirituality impacts and enhances the UU faith.
Topics covered:

Background of witchcraft, the Burning Times,
repeal of Witchcraft laws in the UK, and
subsequent emergence of paganism in the U.S.

Emergence of the Goddess, Women’s
spirituality, UU Women in Religion (1 class)

Ritual and Ceremony and The Celtic Wheel of
the Year

Healing Arts Associated with the Pagan Path
Taught by Rev. Rebekah Benner,
On-call Chaplain SUMMA and Akron General
Hospitals, Chaplain and member of the Professional
Advisory Group of the Cleveland Veteran’s
Administration specializing in Earth-Centered
Traditions, Wiccan High Priestess, lecturer on
“Demystifying Paganism”, and member of the
UUCA for over 25 years.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
NEWS & NOTES
DRE Rich Roberts, RE Assistant Carolyn Stevens
Linda Hale
GA this year was held in Providence,
RI. The theme was LOVE REACHES
OUT. Wanted to share some experiences
and thoughts about GA.
So more
information about restrooms than you
might imagine. We have restrooms for
transgender
and/or
gender
nonconforming people so those individuals
can use the restroom without emotional
and physical harassment. Anyone can use
those restrooms which I feel (having used
them) opens space for freedom for the
individual and a level of comfort. Others
may experience or think of this differently
(we are UU's after all). Something to think about and may have
conversations over coffee some Sunday.
August for Preschoolers
Preschoolers are welcome in the Nursery or the K-5
programs while our r egular pr eschool class is on br eak. For
K-5 participation we recommend they be approaching five years
of age.
August Programming for Children K-5
UU Summer Camp Sundays - Each Sunday is a special program
for elementary age children lead by a special guest presenter. Past
sessions have included activities such as Native American
ceremony, musical games, organic gardening and yoga.
August for Youth & Teenagers
Middle School and High School classes take a br eak in the
summer. Many youth attend worship with their families or
gather in the high school room with friends. They are always
welcome to join the younger children in UU Summer Camp. The
extra help is always appreciated!
And another thing about restrooms. We were asked to recycle
our paper towels after drying our hands. I felt awkward the first
few times I carried those towels out of the restroom to the
recycle area. New things can be so awkward at first for me.
With practice I found my way with those towels.
I also found my way around those large buildings. I will continue
to write about GA so many wonderful experiences and
awareness. Please talk to those who went to GA if you have
questions. There will be a service about GA on Sunday, August
10 — please consider attending if you have never been to our
annual GA service and come again if you have. You will be
warmly greeted.
Love does reach out--over space and time--to fill the heart.
Karen Hoch
UUCA Community Garden News
Our garden is flourishing! Our volunteers (kudos to everyone who
has helped so far – great job!) are harvesting vegetables weekly
for use in the Caring Cupboard and for the monthly FJM Hot
Meals. We are also donating food to Good Samaritan on a weekly
basis. And Jenni Papp is gearing up to teach courses on food
preservation/preparation using our crops.
Our children will get a chance to check out the garden on Sunday,
August 24 during the service as we present THE WONDERFUL
WORLD OF WORMS during that morning’s RE Summer Camp.
Yes, by popular demand, Erin Earthworm and friends will be
back to entertain and instruct!
And speaking of WORM day, we could use your clean, empty, 2liter clear plastic pop bottles for our class. You may drop them off
in the church office. Thank you!
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August 3, 2014: Today is NATIONAL
WATERMELON DAY! We will celebrate the
marvelous melon by sampling, making crafts, and
other wacky watermelon games! “Pick up a sesame
seed but lose sight of a watermelon.” ~Chinese
Proverb
August 10, 2014: We ar e going to get moving today
and have a hula'va good time! Learn to hula hoop with
Anne Laing, who br ings fun and fitness together in
this unique class. We start with hooping around the
waist then move on to hooping around the shoulders
and arms — and we’ll even learn some fun hula hoop
tricks. A limited number of hula hoops will be
available that day, but if you have one, please bring it!
August 17, 2014: FOSSILS, ROCKS, AND
MORE! Today we have our congregation member,
Tamara Melnik, a geologist, teaching us about
fossils and rocks. If you happen to have a favorite
rock from home, please bring it with you and Tamara
can help identify it.
August 24, 2014: Our childr en will get a chance to
check out the garden on August 24 during the service
as we present THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF
WORMS. Yes, by popular demand, Er in
Earthworm and friends will be back to entertain and
instruct!
August 31, 2014: The AKRON ZOO will be here
today presenting All Creatures Great & Small.
Animals come in different shapes and sizes. How do
they compare with you?
We still need adult volunteers to help with some of
these Sundays. Please see Carolyn Stevens or email
[email protected].
SUNDAY WORSHIP
10:30 A.M. SUNDAY SERVICES
Sunday, August 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Woman at the Well
Rina Shere, UU Society of Cleveland
Sunday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Temporarily Abled
Worship Leader: Warren Brown
Worship Asst.: Patty O'Shea
The story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan
woman at the well is one that Christians
often find meaningful in terms of how the
gospel was spread in ancient times.
Unitarian Universalists might find an
additional message of inclusivity in this
scripture, one that ties in with our ideas of
building communities among people with
very different backgrounds and points of
view.
For most of us, ability is something we take for granted. But for
many, life's most basic tasks can be a struggle. As UU's we affirm
the worth and dignity of every person, but when it comes to those
with disabilities, are we doing all we can to be inclusive? Or do we
need to pay closer attention to everyone's unique abilities? Let us
explore how we can better open the arms of our community to all.
Sunday, August 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Help, Thanks, Wow
Rev. Tim Temerson
Sunday, August 10 at 10:30 a.m.
GA 2014: Inspiration
and Enlightenment
Pam Garn Nunn
Few things can be more challenging and confusing for Unitarian
Universalists than prayer. What exactly does it mean to pray and to
whom or what is one praying are only two of the many questions
that can challenge us. Today’s service draws inspiration from a
recent book by the spiritual writer Anne Lamott to explore the
meaning and possibilities of prayer.
Join your GA team for a music-filled
service as we bring you the highlights of
this year's meeting in Providence.
From social justice to spiritual
growth, from lectures to worship,
we were treated to the best of our
faith traditions. Sarah, Pam,
Russell, Deb, Oliver, Rachel, and
Linda will shar e the excitement
of our faith movement with you.
Sunday, September 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Labor Day: UUs and the Labor Movement
Pam Garn Nunn
Throughout our history, UUs have stood for causes of justice and
fairness, including the labor movement. Through stories, pictures,
and song we'll review our role in the labor movement and our
current efforts locally and nationally. And, find out how Pam's tee
shirt and sermon reflect her pledge at GA!
CARING CORNER
PASTORAL CARE:
CARING COMMITTEE:
Meals:
Pastoral Associates:
Kelly Urbano
Mary Ann Ballinger, Coordinator
Ride Share:
Susan Davis
Mary Caesar
Susan Davis
Chair:
Susan Shah
Linda Marx
Pam Garn Nunn
Mary Petrich
UUCA HEALTH MINISTRY:
Linda Rush Ryder
Come to the Blood Pressure screening on the
second Sunday of every month.
Contact Janet Wertz
for more information.
Jan Schrader
Erv Wentland
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WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
UU CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Music
Message
Discussion
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
AT 7:00 P.M.
Do you find truth and wisdom in the life and
teachings of Jesus? If so, you are invited to join the
UU Church of Akron Christian Fellowship. We are
now reading and discussing the following book
(available on Amazon.com): The Hidden Gospel:
Decoding the Spiritual Message of the Aramaic
Jesus by Neil Douglas-Klotz.
The Ethical
Humanist Society of NEO
Sunday, August 10 at 12:15 p.m.
Our August 10 meeting discussion will be
centered on the common obsessions with greed. As
Ethical Humanist’s do we strive to not practice or
condone greed?
No doubt corporate greed draws our ongoing
attention, but such corporate obsessions are fueled
by corporate management, board members and
major stockholders. Is not greed an obsession of
people?
Greed’s a national dominance, exacerbated by
governing laws resulting from rapacious politicians
on both sides of the political spectrum.
Is there any hope for the future?
The Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship
(UUCF) is a national movement interested in
exploring liberal Christianity and composed of non
-creedal followers of Jesus. If you have questions,
please contact Ruth Huber.
Please join us on our exciting journey!
MONDAY MEDITATION
at UUCA
For further information
please contact Susan Davis
or go to www.ehneo.org.
Join us for an hour of
mindful meditation.
Monday, August 11 and
Monday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m.
MONTHLY MEAL
12:15 P.M. AT UUCA
JOIN US ON
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
For more information, contact Joelle Hendrick
THE “FIRST FRIDAY”
DRUM CIRCLE
IS ON HIATUS
FREE
HOT
MEAL
Please watch future
newsletters and other
church publications
for more information.
Volunteers needed!
Contact Dawn Scott
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MEETINGS & EVENTS
►TAI CHI CLASS
EVERY MONDAY AT 6:00 P.M.
Taught by our own Diana Pawloski!
Yang Style Tai Chi is used to gently stimulate the
internal organs, exercise the body, calm the nervous
system and loosen the joints. It may be done
standing or sitting. Tai Chi is for people of any age,
requires no special equipment and can be performed
in ordinary street clothes. An art for peace of mind.
For more information, contact Diana Pawloski.
►WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6
The Women’s book Discussion Group meets on the
first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the
church. The next meeting of the group is August 6
when The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt will be
discussed. Members should bring suggestions for
future readings to the meeting. All women are
welcome to join us for a lively discussion. For more
information, please contact Mary Petrich.
►UU WOMEN IN
ACTION: AUGUST
REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE UUWA
WILL RESUME IN THE FALL.
UU WORDS IN ACTION IS ON HIATUS FOR THE SUMMER.
For more information contact Gail Lindsay.
WOMEN’S SACRED SINGING CIRCLE
2ND AND 4TH TUESDAYS
AT 7:00 P.M.
Join us on August 12 and August 26!
Singing in Sacred Circle is an opportunity to look into
your sister's eyes and share voice and spirit through song.
This opportunity is intended to allow women, regardless
of singing experience, to share their voices in a noncompetitive,
relaxed safe space. Come sing along!
Questions? Contact Linda Hale.
►UU MEN’S LUNCH
NEWCOMERS CIRCLE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12
AT 12 NOON
The UUCA Men's Group usually meets for lunch at
Papa Joe's in the Valley on the second Tuesday of
every month. For more info or to let the group know
you plan to attend, please contact Leon Marker.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
12:00 - 12:30 P.M.
The Membership committee invites you to join us for a monthly
Newcomers Circle! Rev. Tim Temerson and several lay leaders
will be available to discuss Unitarian Universalism and our church
community, and to answer your questions. No sign-up is required,
just drop in for 30 minutes of fellowship and conversation.
Cooking From the Garden ~ Saturday, August 16 from 10am-3pm
Join Jenni Papp and registered dietician Dawn Scott for a cooking and eating
adventure! We will begin by harvesting from the Church garden and then we will cook
together. This is an opportunity to learn from one another about improving our nutrition
by cooking for ourselves. Join us for great food and great conversation!
Size: Min 6, Max 20
Cost: $5 per person
Deadline to register: Friday, August 8
Babysitting will be provided; reservations for babysitting are required.
Children may join us to eat once we have finished harvesting and cooking.
Register by calling or emailing the church office, 330-836-2206 or
[email protected].
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Sunday Service starts at 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship Hour takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
2
6:00pm—Yoga
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
(beginning August 4):
TUES. — FRI.
9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
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SATURDAY
THE THURSDAY
BROWN BAG LUNCH
WITH REV. TIM
RESUMES AUGUST 21.
3
4
RE SUUMMER CAMP
11:45am—Blood
Pressure
12:00pm—Caring
4:00pm—Art of Living
6:00pm—Tai Chi
7:00pm—Grief Group
7:00pm—
Enlightenment
Experience
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7
8
6:30pm—FAA
7:00pm—Women's Book
Group
7:45pm—DA
8:00pm—AA
7:00pm—SAA
6:00pm—Yoga
7:00pm—Noetics
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11
12
RE SUUMMER CAMP
11:45am—Puurls
12:15pm—Humanists
4:00pm—Art of Living
6:00pm—Tai Chi
7:00pm—Meditation
7:00pm—
Enlightenment
Experience
12:00pm—UU
6:30pm—FAA
Men’s Lunch at
7:45pm—DA
Papa Joe’s
8:00pm—AA
7:00pm—Women’s
Sacred Singing
Circle
17
18
19
RE SUUMMER CAMP
4:00pm—Art of Living
6:00pm—Tai Chi
7:00pm—
Enlightenment
Experience
7:30pm—Sierra
Club
24
25
26
RE SUUMMER CAMP
12:00pm—Newcomers
Circle
4:00pm—Art of Living
6:00pm—Tai Chi
7:00pm—Meditation
7:00pm—
Enlightenment
Experience
7:00pm—Women’s 76:30pm—FAA
Sacred Singing
7:00pm—Board
Circle
7:00pm—Puurls
7:45pm—DA
8:00pm—AA
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13
14
15
7:00pm—SAA
6:00pm—Yoga
20
21
22
23
6:30pm—FAA
7:45pm—DA
8:00pm—AA
12:00pm—Brown Bag
Lunch with Rev. Tim
7:00pm—SAA
6:00pm—Yoga
6:00pm—FJM Hot
Meal Prep
12:15PM—
FREE MEAL
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28
29
30
12:00pm—Brown Bag
Lunch with Rev. Tim
7:00pm—SAA
6:00pm—Yoga
16
31
RE SUUMMER CAMP
4:00pm—Art of Living
SERVICE ATTENDANCE
SEE PAGE 3
June 1 (Picnic)
June 8
June 15
June 22
June 29
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150
99 + 14 RE
127 + 17 RE
116 + 22 RE
91 + 12 RE
PRESIDENT
REPORTER
Published monthly
Don Malarcik
Deadline: the 15th of every month
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Articles for submission may be sent to the church,
faxed to 330-836-3106 or emailed to [email protected]
Sandy Auburn
REV. TIM:
Brown Bag Lunches will resume on August 21 at noon.
Drop-in hours on Thursday 10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Tim is also available by appointment Tuesday through Thursday;
some evening hours are available.
DRE RICH: Call for appointment.
TREASURER
Deb Johnson
BOARD MEMBERS
Minister
Rev. Tim Temerson
Director of Religious Education
Rich Roberts
Church Administrator
Polly Reiheld
RE Assistant & Co-Administrator
Carolyn Stevens
Interim Sexton
Christie Agrawal
Director of Music
Bob Carlyon
Keyboard Artist
Brian Laakso
Bookkeeper
Sue Michael
Reporter Layout & Design
Polly Reiheld
Reporter Editor
Margaret Olds
Website Updates
Polly Reiheld, [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS (beginning August 4):
TUES. — FRI. 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
SECRETARY
Yamini Adkins
Andy Agrawal, Administration
Bev Hurd, Mission
Rick Dawson, Priorities
Diane Rasey, Program
Jack Ryder, Finance
The UUCA is a
“Welcoming Congregation”
that warmly and openly encourages
the full participation of gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender people
in the life of the congregation.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
3300 MOREWOOD RD.
AKRON, OH 44333
Phone: (330) 836-2206 Fax: (330) 836-3106
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uuakron.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
MISSION OF THE
UU CHURCH OF AKRON
We are a welcoming and loving community for all, dedicated to
meaningful and inspirational worship and lifelong spiritual growth.
We find strength in diversity and commit to be a prominent force for
social justice and stewardship of the earth.
We aspire to take very good care of ourselves,
each other and the world.
Developed by the Congregation at Searching for the Future
Mission–Vision Workshops February 26th – 28th, 2010
Approved by the Congregation April 25, 2010
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER, CHECK HERE ____
DETACH, APPLY CORRECT POSTAGE, AND RETURN.
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