Newsletter - First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh

THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
December 2014
PITTSBURGH
THE CHALICE
C O N N E C T
+
I N S P I R E
+
S E R V E
FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
~ The Rev. Dr. David Herndon
There was a dour old Scotsman who was not in Church for many Sundays. The
pastor of the Church went out to see him in his small cottage along a country road.
The pastor knocked, and the old Scotsman came to the door, opened it, saw the
pastor, and, without a word, motioned him inside. He indicated a rocking chair in
front of the coal fire and drew up another for himself. The two men sat in quiet and
watched the coals burning brightly.
After a time the pastor stood up, took a pair of tongs, lifted one of the burning
coals out of the fire, put it off to the side of the hearth, sat down in his chair, and
began to rock. Both men watched the lone coal as it grew ashen and cold.
After a time, the pastor took the tongs, picked up the now dead coal, put it back in
the fire, sat down, and both men watched as once again it burned brightly with all
the rest. Without a word the pastor left.
The next Sunday the old Scotsman was in Church and never missed from that time
forward.
Every coal needs the fire and builds the fire that warms a church that warms the
world.
The anonymous author of this little story has some important wisdom to share!
Particularly in this season of retreating light, those of us who live in Northern
latitudes almost instinctively draw together for the warmth and brightness that we
can generate together. I say “almost” because sometimes when we are feeling
blue or troubled, we may lose sight of the power of community to provide
reassurance and generate hope. We may need to make a little extra effort, or
we may need a reminder, in order to connect with others when we are feeling
vulnerable or just a little nostalgic. And that is what so many of our holiday
traditions offer: opportunities to gather for companionship, opportunities to
gather to share warmth and brightness with one another. In this holiday season –
and really, at all times of the year – I hope you will turn toward First Unitarian
Church for genuine connection with others, for warmth, for brightness.
But the warmth and brightness of our church is not just for ourselves alone! The
story concludes by pointing out that the task of a church is not only to provide
warmth and brightness for those who are part of it, but also to provide warmth
and brightness for the larger community. Cornel West observed that “justice is
what love looks like in public.” We may find that we can generate even more
warmth and brightness when we can connect not only with those in our church
community, but also when we can connect with those others more distant from us –
distant culturally, economically, socially, and geographically – as we give a
public dimension to our warmth and brightness. See you in church!
Rev. David
Volume 15, No. 11
Inside this issue:
Worship
3
Music and the
Arts
5
Lifespan Faith
Development
Adult Faith
Development
Forum
Children and
Youth Ministries
7
8
9
Social
Responsibility
11
Caring
Community
15
Stewardship
18
Denominational
Connections
22
Rev. Dr. David
Herndon
Senior Minister
Contact at:
412-621-8008 x102
[email protected]
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
ROBIN’S BIRD’S EYE VIEW
~ The Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker
His own joy in
being himself, in
singing his
songs, and in
connecting with
the NYC crowd
generated a
simple
happiness so
potent it
transcended the
fourth wall of
the TV screen
and landed
right at my
slippered feet in
Swissvale.
Rev. Robin
Landerman
Zucker
Assistant Minister
Contact at:
412-621-8008 x110
412-727-6870
(home study)
flowingforce@
verizon.net
Office hours by
arrangement.
OK. I admit it. I owe Barry Manilow a big apology. I hear his name; I think, “hack.”
Someone says “Mandy” and I smirk. He sings very well, but he’s such an easy
target – nearly a pop-culture punching bag. Then, last week I had my
comeuppance. First, I heard on the radio that his “One Last Time” concert tickets
would certainly sell out. No kidding, I think. Then, I happened to catch his “Concert
on the Plaza” on a recent Today Show.
Out stepped Barry, lanky and boyish, a tousled mop of subtly-frosted hair, tan
cashmere coat, and the biggest, crinkliest, endearing smile this side of the Mona
Lisa. The band struck up the intro to “Copacabana” and the crowd began to
sway. Barry sang and smiled and sang and smiled…and smiled and smiled and
smiled…the most contagious, joyful, adorable, and authentic grin I’ve witnessed in
a long time. I couldn’t stop smiling myself! My grin just got bigger and my heart
felt lighter as I watched Barry and the crowd singing about Lola and Rico at the
Copa. They panned the camera over to Savannah Guthrie. She was grinning like
a big kid. Matt Lauer? Pearly-whites from ear to ear. Al Roker glowed like a
happy Buddha. Willie Geist beamed like a overgrown elf.
What can I tell you? Barry Manilow is a joy-monger! His own joy in being himself, in
singing his songs, and in connecting with the NYC crowd generated a simple
happiness so potent it transcended the fourth wall of the TV screen and landed
right at my slippered feet in Swissvale. I thought to myself, “What a gift he
possesses. And not just as singer/songwriter, but as a human being.” I found
myself wishing I had vied for one of those coveted concert tickets.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember what lasting simple gifts exist in this world,
especially amidst the holiday onslaught of discount coupons, Black Friday door
busters and crowded malls. It may be difficult to feel celebratory if you are
experiencing stressful life challenges, too. Yet, with an effort towards mindfulness
and remaining grounded amid all the hubbub, we may be less likely to overlook
simple joys when we compose our gift lists…the joy that’s wrapped in singing and
swaying to a corny song, in the curves and crevasses of a crinkly smile, and in the
delight we might experience in being more fully ourselves and sharing that
authenticity with other people.
So, I’m determined to do what I can to spread around (and be open to receiving)
the gift of simple, inexpensive joy this holiday season. And I encourage you to do
the same. For now, I’ll be logging into iTunes to download some suitable mood
music. I’m betting that Barry Manilow has a Christmas album, and I wouldn’t be at
all surprised if it’s called, “Joy to the World.”
In joyful faith,
Rev. Robin
Would you like to explore what “Joy to the World” means to you these days? Join
Rev. Robin and others for a "spirited conversation" with snacks and beverages
(alcoholic and non-alcoholic) provided. Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m.
2
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
December 2014
WORSHIP
A M O N T H O F S U N DAY S :
Wo r s h i p S e r v i c e s i n D e c e m b e r
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014
John Ballance, Intern Minister.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014
ONE SERVICE ONLY at 11:00 a.m.
The Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker.
“Choose Something Like a Star”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014
Holiday Music Sunday
If you heard that there was a star in
the East, under which you would find
The Rev. Dr. David Herndon, Senior
peace, wonder, and the perfect light
Minister with the Sanctuary Choir
of truth about “right and wrong,”
and the Folk Orchestra.
would you follow yonder star? In this
Our Sanctuary Choir and our Folk
service at the intersection of the fourth
Orchestra will be performing
Sunday of Advent, the Winter
Christmas in the Western World by
Solstice, and the sixth night of
the African-American composer
Hanukkah, Rev. Robin will explore
William Grant Still (1895-1978).
our individual and communal treks
Christmas in the Western World is a
towards integrity. What gifts might
series of ten choral songs
you bring on this pilgrimage (if you
representing the beauty and diversity
don’t have any frankincense or myrrh
of musical traditions throughout North
handy)? What will carry you forward
and South America, from Argentina to
and who will be by your side? Along
Canada. Because this is a Sunday
the way, we’ll bump into a mysterious
devoted to the music of this holiday
4th Magi, a tribe of courageous
season, there will be several
Maccabees… and our puppet friend,
opportunities for you to sing as well!
Marion the Unitarian, too! Musical
The Young Adult Spoken Word Choir
highlight - Bill Larson will perform on
will also be contributing to our
the harpsichord.
worship celebration this morning.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014
ONE SERVICE ONLY at 11:00 a.m.
Kwanzaa Sunday
John Ballance, Intern Minister.
Kwanzaa is a holiday especially
intended for African-Americans, but
this celebration holds significant
meanings for a wider audience as
well.
SUNDAY CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
Allison Haley
Louise Jencik (chair)
Ward Kelsey
Marty Lieb
Bruce McConachie
Stephanie Pawlowski
Jean Peterson
Scott Smith
Pat Trudeau
3
Spiritual Theme
for December:
GRACE
A second chance.
Generosity.
Forgiveness.
A warm welcome.
A gift.
Extra time.
Being alive.
Self-acceptance.
Something undeserved
and unearned.
These are some
examples of what we
mean when we speak of
grace, which is our
spiritual theme for
December. How have
we experienced grace in
our lives? What does it
mean to be a gracious
person? If all of us were
perfect, we would have
no use for grace. But
since none of us are
perfect, we can either
focus on our
shortcomings, or we
can graciously accept
ourselves as we are and
get on with our lives as
best we can.
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
WORSHIP
(continued)
SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICES FOR THE
W I N T E R H O L I DAY S E A S O N
S O L S T I C E C E L E B R AT I O N
DECEMBER 21, 2014
Get into the
“Spirit of the
Christmas Tree”
Be a part of our
Christmas Eve
Pageant!
If you and/or your
child would like to
participate in our
Christmas Eve
pageant, “The Spirit
of the Christmas
Tree”, please contact
Jennifer Halperin at
412.621.8008, ext.
103.
If you and your
family would like to
sing with the Family
Choir, please contact
Rev. David Herndon
at 412.621.8008, ext.
102, or dherndon@
first-unitarianpgh.org.
Sunday, 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. David Herndon, Senior
Minister and the Dance Choir.
You are invited to take part in this
meditative service on the eve of the
shortest day of the year as we
celebrate the return of longer and
brighter days, and as we reflect on
the natural processes which create
and then sustain our lives even during
our darkest and bleakest seasons.
Our own Dance Choir will be
presenting original choreography.
Children and youth are welcome to
attend.
C H R I S T M A S E V E S E RV I C E S
C ANDLELIGHT C HRISTMAS E VE
7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. David Herndon, Senior
Minister.
With the ringing accompaniment of the
Pittsburgh Ceremonial Brass and our
own Sanctuary Choir, we will find in
the traditional Christmas story our own
Unitarian Universalist messages. Come
early to claim your seat! Our spiritual
theme for December is Grace, and the
sermon will invite us to reflect on the
unearned blessings in our lives.
Seasonal refreshments provided after
the service by the Social Events
Committee.
C ANDLELIGHT C HRISTMAS E VE
10:00 p.m.
The Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker,
DECEMBER 24, 2014
Assistant Minister. “Blessings,
Come”
F AMILY C HRISTMAS E VE
4:30 p.m.
Those who prefer a somewhat quieter
Jennifer Halperin and The Rev. Dr.
Christmas Eve are welcome to attend
David Herndon. “The Spirit of the
this service, as we again find in the
Christmas Tree”
traditional Christmas story our own
Music: Family Choir
Unitarian Universalist messages. Music
will be provided by the Early Mays.
Our Christmas pageant, “The Spirit of
They will be presenting Christmas
the Christmas Tree,” was written by
songs from the traditional Appalachian
Joyce Poley, a Canadian Unitarian
folk music repertoire. Come a few
Universalist composer who lives in
minutes early to enjoy seasonal
Vancouver, British Columbia. With
refreshments provided by the Social
several original songs supplementing
Events Committee before the service.
several traditional carols, this
delightful pageant presents a
Unitarian Universalist understanding
of the birth of Jesus, with special
meanings for people of all ages. The
Family Choir will provide music.
Seasonal refreshments provided after
the service by the Social Events
Committee.
4
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
December 2014
PITTSBURGH
MUSIC AND THE ARTS
I n
t h e
U n d e r c r o f t G a l l e r y
December 2014
Quilts
b y
UU Quilters
The UU Quilters will be showing their work in the Undercroft Gallery
throughout December. This show is a display of quilts that the
quilters have made for themselves.
Stop to see our colorful raffle quilt hanging in the Garden Lobby. This quilt is a
collaborative effort of the UU Quilters. Raffle tickets will be available after each
service through December 7. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Project Star at
the Children’s Institute. In October the quilters shared the quilts they had made for
children who are part of Project Star at the Children’s Institute during Sunday
services.
Opening Reception: Sunday, December 7 after the 11:00 a.m.
worship service.
SongSpace
at
First Unitarian
SongSpace at First
Unitarian is a
celebration of folk, old
-time, bluegrass,
singer-songwriter
and world music,
featuring local,
regional and national
artists. We are
dedicated to
establishing a joyful
and meaningful space
both for making and
listening to quality
music.
FAMILY CHOIR
The Family Choir provides an
opportunity for families to sing
together and to create a friendly,
informal, supportive community. From
September through May, with a break
in January, rehearsals take place on
most Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 7:15
p.m. preceded by a simple meal
served from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Family
Choir provides music for the 9:30 and
11:00 a.m. services about once each
month and for the Family Christmas Eve
Service.
All kinds of families are invited to be
part of the Family Choir! New families
are welcome at any time. You can find
the current Family Choir rehearsal and
performance schedule as well as the
Family Choir registration form on the
church website, www.first-unitarianpgh.org. Just follow the “Getting
Involved” link and the “Music and
Performing Arts” link.
5
Visit us at
www.uusongspace.com,
like us at facebook.com/
songspace, and follow us
on Twitter!
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
MUSIC AND THE ARTS
(continued)
Trio Nova
Mundi
The members of Trio
Nova Mundi span the
Americas in their
musical training and
heritage. The trio
strives to embrace
this heritage by
showcasing the
music and composers
of the New World, in
part by performing
new or lesser-known
works alongside the
classics. Since its
inception in 2001,
the trio has appeared
in concert and with
regional orchestras in
the US, Africa,
Mexico and Ecuador.
The group is also the
Ensemble-inResidence at Grove
City College.
Maureen Conlon
Gutierrez
~ violin ~
Dive rse Chamber Music at First Unitarian
Tapestry Chamber Music is a new concert series that offers an outstanding
performance venue for a wide variety of chamber ensembles. We hope to live up
to our Unitarian-Universalist values of diversity and multiculturalism by seeking out
performers, repertoire and themes that respectfully lift up the wisdom and talent of
diverse populations.
The Days of December
Sounds of Christmas, Solstice, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah
Trio Nova Mundi
Sunday, December 14 at 7:30 pm
Pianist and First Unitarian Church member Becky Billock brings the holiday spirit to
the Sanctuary with her ensemble Trio Nova Mundi. The concert will also include a
sneak preview of our April event featuring Identity Cubed, an exciting percussion
ensemble based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Join us for a warm evening of seasonal
songs and other music by Mozart, Piazzolla and Kenji Bunch.
Coming Sunday, January 25 at 7:30 pm
Bill Larson & David Green
Elisa Kohanski
~ cello ~
Becky Billock
~ piano ~
---Discover more online:
www.uutapestry.com
www.trionovamundi.com
Also in 2015
March 1 – Incidental Chamber Players
April 19 – Identity Cubed
Look for us on Facebook:
Trio Nova Mundi
Tapestry Chamber Music
6
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
December 2014
LIFESPAN FAITH DEVELOPMENT
ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Welcome to Adult Faith Development at First Unitarian Church! Our offerings are
open to all members and friends, new and longstanding. We invite and
encourage you to explore a rich variety of courses, presentations, and events this
fall that reflect our mission to “Connect, Inspire, and Serve.”
LOOK FOR THE NEW PROGRAM GUIDE IN JANUARY FOR OUR WINTER AND
SPRING OFFERINGS!
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR AN ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM? To
make a suggestion or to submit your own course proposal form, please contact
committee chair, Julie Childers ( [email protected] ) 412-726-3590.
PATH TO SPRIITUAL GROWTH:
PATH TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Chalice Cafe (brown bag lunch and
discussion of monthly themes)
DATE CHANGE: Monday, Dec 15
(Grace), Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Leader: Rev. Robin Zucker.
Common Read: Reclaiming Prophetic
Witness, by Paul Rasor.
Congregations will read this book in
the Fall with a cluster-wide forum
planned for January or February
2015.
 Spirited
Conversations (a happy
hour with soul) - “What Does ‘Joy
to the World’ Mean These Days?” .
Thursday, Dec 11, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
At First Unitarian Church.
Leader: Rev. Robin Zucker.
PATH TO LEADERSHIP:
Financial Integrity - Transforming
Your Relationship with Money. Three
Sundays in 2015: Jan 4, 11, and 18,
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Leader: Trina Brown.
Registration
for Adult Faith
Development
Classes
Please register in
advance for courses and
programs so we can
prepare for the proper
number. If you decide
not attend, please cancel
your registration
promptly.
ONLINE
REGISTRATION
PROCESS
You can find course
details and Register on
our newly-designed
website: www.firstunitarian-pgh.org.
Click "Our Shared
Ministry" then "Lifespan
Faith Development,"
then "Adult Faith
Development. "
Program Guide link:
www.first-unitarianpgh.org/
adultfaithdevelopment/
fallcatalog.pdf
Registration
link: http://
fs18.formsite.com/
FirstUnitarianChurch/
AdultFaith/index.html
COVENANT GROUPS
Covenant Groups are an important part of the Adult Faith Development
program. A covenant group includes six to twelve church members and friends
who meet regularly and intentionally to build a sense of community with one
another and to share the process of personal spiritual growth. A covenant group
offers opportunities for friendship, spiritual growth, mutual responsibility,
leadership, and service. Many people have found that belonging to a covenant
group has become one of the most important parts of their connection with First
Unitarian Church. To learn more about covenant groups, please see the church
web site: http://www.first-unitarian-pgh.org/ministry/covenant-groups.
7
Adult Faith
Development
Committee Members
Julie Childers, chair
Marie Baird
Linda Fleming
Mary Schinhofen
Bob Sullivan
Rev. Robin L. Zucker
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
LIFESPAN FAITH DEVELOPMENT
(continued)
FORUM
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Sc hweitzer Room
HOW TO
SUBMIT
ARTICLES
TO THE
CHALICE
The Chalice is
published monthly
(except August) by
the First Unitarian
Church of
Pittsburgh. Our
editor for The
Chalice is Jennifer
Parsons.
Newsletter
Deadline:
Submissions to
The Chalice are
due by the 15th
of the prior
month. Submit
your articles via
email to the editor
at
jennifer.parsons@
outlook.com.
The very best way
to contact our
newsletter editor,
Jennifer Parsons,
is through email:
jennifer.parsons@
outlook.com.
Forum is the weekly discussion/lecture that considers the broad weft and warp of
topics that engage our heads and our hearts. Our speakers are often from local
universities, organizations, church members, or government institutions. The format
is usually a short presentation (20 to 40 minutes) followed by a half hour of
vigorous discussion.
DECEMBER 7, 2014
Black and White and Read All Over:
Saving Pittsburgh’s First
Neighborhood Library. Charles
Staresinic.
In 2009, Pittsburghers were informed
that five neighborhood libraries in the
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP)
system (CLP) would close. Arguably,
the most historic of these was the
Lawrenceville branch on Fisk Street,
where today’s speaker became
involved in efforts to keep the library
open. Of more than 2,500 Carnegie
libraries built around the world, the
Lawrenceville branch was the fifth.
Built as a small, neighborhood library
at a time when library design was
changing dramatically, it includes
innovative features and a simple
elegance that make it an architectural
treasure. This talk weaves together
personal stories from the successful
fight to keep Pittsburgh’s libraries
open with an exploration of how CLP
ultimately pivoted from fiscal crisis to
fiscal stability
DECEMBER 14, 2014
East Africa and AIDS: A View from
Tanzania. A Five Senses Forum.
Molly Hirtle.
Mufindi Orphans was founded to
support an initiative in Tanzania that
was started by Geoff and Vicky Fox
in 2005. The growing number of
orphaned and vulnerable children in
8
the community alarmed the family, and
led them to take action. A Tanzanian
Non-governmental organization (Foxes
NGO) was registered with the aim to
provide shelter, sustenance, education,
and medical care for children in
Mufindi, and to curtail the spread of
HIV.
DECEMBER 21, 2014
Transformational Gaming: The 5th
Annual Randy Pausch Forum. Jesse
Schell.
Jesse Schell is CEO and founder of
Schell Games. Since starting Schell
Games in 2002, Jesse has grown it
into the largest and most successful
game development company in
Pennsylvania. Under his leadership,
Schell Games has produced an
amazing array of innovative, familyfriendly entertainment experiences.
Jesse also currently holds a faculty
position as Professor at the
Entertainment Technology Center (ETC)
at Carnegie Mellon University where
he teaches classes in Game Design and
serves as advisor on a multitude of
innovative projects. Since 2006,
Professor Schell has taught the Building
Virtual Worlds class, created by ETC
Co-Founder and The Last Lecture
author, Randy Pausch.
DECEMBER 30, 2014
No Forum. Christmas Break.
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
December 2014
PITTSBURGH
lopment
Lifetime Faith Deve
REflections
istries
in
M
h
t
u
o
Y
d
n
a
n
e
Childr
First Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh-Children and
GRACE
Youth Ministries
the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting ‐ over and over announcing your place in the family of things. Calendar of Events
December 7

Regular classes.

Mathilda Theiss gift
collection.

Mathilda Theiss Mitten
Tree

Coming of Age Cookie Sale.
December 14

Regular classes.
Coming of Age 5:00-7:00pm

Mathilda Theiss gift

collection (last day).

Mathilda Theiss Mitten
Tree.
~ Mary Oliver, Wild Geese Seasons Greetings from Children and Youth Ministries!
The holiday season always presents challenges and opportunities for joy...and our
theme of the month, Grace, reminds us that unexpected gifts that we neither create or
earn are the ones that can sustain us. Grace is the laugh of a toddler or the sight of a
beautiful sunset after a long day, not when you expect it, but when you need it. Rev.
Lynn Unger writes, “Through the distractions of busyness, through the moments of
despair , grace manages to break through with a gift of wonder and the opportunity to
float, if only for a moment, with the current of the river. If only for a moment, the illusion
of our separateness is broken and our eyes are opened to the part we play in the shared
drama of life. We hear the world calling to us, over and over announcing our place in the
family of things, and, like the wild geese, we join our companions in the long journey
toward home.”
Peace to you and yours,
Jennifer Halperin and Molly Morrill

High School Bake Sale
December 21

One service at 11am. No
classes, multi-age
activity

7:30 p.m. Solstice Service.
Christmas Pageant 2014
“THE SPIRIT OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE”
December 23

Mandatory dress rehearsal
for 4:30 pm Christmas Eve
service. 6:00-7:30 pm for
pageant participants.
Be a Part of a Holiday Tradition
T
his year we will be presenting “The Spirit of the Christmas Tree”, a UU Christmas
Pageant, during our Christmas Eve Family Service at 4:30 pm, December 24.

Pageant participants arrive
We need volunteers of all ages for non-speaking parts, including Mary, Joseph,
at 3:45pm.
animals, etc.

Family Christmas Eve
Costumes are
Service 4:30pm.
provided. Please see

Candlelight Service
Jennifer Halperin or
7:30pm.

Late Service, 10:00pm.
Molly Morrill if you and/
or your family would
December 28
like to participate.

11 am service only. Winter
There will be a sign up
break –no classes–
sheet outside the RE
childcare available for
preschool and younger in
office. Mandatory
Nursery.
Dress rehearsal is
Wednesday, Dec. 23rd
January 4
from 5:30pm until

Regular RE Classes
7:30pm. Come be a part of this wonderful Christmas tradition!
resume.
December 24
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
December 2014
Children and Youth Ministries
Gift Giving Opportunities
A
s in years past, we will be collecting donated gifts for the families of the
Matilda Theiss Center, an outpatient primary care center in the Hill
District that serves patients at or beneath the poverty level. There are
two ways in which you can participate in helping these families:
Gift Tree for Children
On Sundays, December 7th and 14th, we will be
collecting unwrapped gifts for children and
adolescents of Matilda Theiss. There will be gift tags
on the trees in the sanctuary with gender and age
ranges. Please select a tag for the age and gender of
a child for whom you wish to buy a gift. Attach the
gift tag to your unwrapped gift and place it under
one of the trees in the sanctuary on December 7th or
14th. We will be delivering the gifts to Matilda
Theiss Center on December 16th. We also invite donations of gift wrap and
bows or ribbons so that families may wrap presents themselves.
Mitten Tree
Our mitten tree will be located in the garden lobby
during the entire month of December. We invite you
to help us decorate it with new mittens, gloves, hats
and/or scarves for all ages - children, youth and
adults. All items will be donated to Matilda Theiss
Center patients and families.
We thank you for making our support of the Matilda Theiss Center a continued success!
Daisies
Thank you to the folks who contributed to a very
successful Ohio Meadville District Youth
Conference November 14-16! We had 110 people for the
weekend, mostly sleeping on the floor! Cavan Bonner is a Youth
Adult Committee (YAC) Co-chair, a top leadership position, Jona
Roman was site contact, Christy Decker coordinated and cooked
much of the food, Bari Roman sponsored 7 of our youth and was
steward of our building all weekend! Daisies to food helpers Tom
Bellucci, AK Molteni, Rob Schwartz, Carl Bonner and Sheila Milne!
And Daisies to our guests, who cleaned the church beautifully
before they departed!
Has your family
welcomed a new child
this year?
A special Christmas Eve
tradition at First Unitarian is
to honor all the babies born
during the year. If your
family had a new baby or
newly adopted child 2014,
please send her/his name,
birth dates, and parents’
name to Molly Morrill at
[email protected]. We
will light a candle for each
one during the 4:30 and
7:30pm Christmas Eve
services.
YOUUTH NUUS
Junior/Senior High Holiday
Party - December 14, 12:30 –
2:00 p.m. Bring a gift to swap- $5
limit.
Bake Sale Baking:
Saturday, December 6, 9:30 a.m.
-1:00 p.m. Coming of Age youth
and mentors.
Saturday, December 13, 2:305:00 p.m. High School youth
Bake Sale:
Sunday, December 7 - Coming of
Age fundraiser.
Sunday, December 14 - youth
group trip to Boston in the Spring.
Poinsettia Sale - December 7
and 14. The youth group will be
selling poinsettias December 7
and 14 in the Undercroft Gallery.
The poinsettias will decorate the
Sanctuary during Christmas Eve
services.
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
December 2014
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
CONGREGATIONAL STUDY/ACTION ISSUE
(CSAI)
The CSAI process is designed to engage
Unitarian Universalist Congregations in an
ongoing process of study, action and
reflection on pressing social issues so that
we can be effective prophetic voices in the
public sphere. The process is
congregationally driven and facilitated by
the Commission on Social Witness with
support from the UUA staff. After a twoyear period of study, action and reflection
by UUs nationwide, the Commission on
Social Witness prepares a draft Statement
of Conscience that is reviewed by
congregations. After revisions, the final
Statement of Conscience is voted on a
General Assembly (GA).
Why is this important? The UUA will use
the Statements of Conscience approved at
the GA as a source document in filing
Amicus Curiae Briefs on cases under
consideration in State and Federal Courts,
providing testimony at public hearings,
lobbying, etc.
Reproductive Justice (RJ)
Delegates at the 2012 General Assembly selected Reproductive Justice as the CSAI for
2012-2015. The Commission will issue a draft Statement of Conscience on Reproductive
Justice November 15th. Congregations are invited to review and respond to this draft.
You are invited! Members of the First Unitarian Church are invited to an open meeting
hosted by the CSAI-RJ Committee to respond to the draft Statement of Conscience on
Reproductive Justice.
Friday, December 5, 2014
6:00 p.m. - potluck dinner (bring a side dish)
7:00 p.m. - facilitated meeting
A link to the draft Statement of Conscience at the UUA website will be published in the
First Church weekly newsletter for three weeks prior to this meeting. Please review the
statement.
What is Reproductive Justice?
Within the framework of ‘reproductive justice,’ the UUA works against the cultural,
political, economic, and structural constraints that limit women's access to health care and
full reproductive choice. Reproductive justice promotes the right of all women to have
children, not to have children, and to raise their children in safe and healthy
environments. Rather than pitting important social issues against each other, it works to
promote these rights across many areas:
abortion rights and access
eradication of violence against women
comprehensive sex education
economic justice
environmental justice
immigration justice
discrimination based on race or sexual orientation
What's the difference between reproductive justice, reproductive health, and
reproductive rights? Learn about the important differences at www.uua.org/
reproductive/action/199536.shtml
Unitarian Universalist
Partner Church
Council
announces a
Pilgrimage to NE India
& Khasi Hills
March 8 - 18, 2015.
10 days/9 nights- from
$1,489/person
Experience first-hand this
unique outpost of
Unitarianism and enjoy
the gracious hospitality of
the Khasi people. Visit the
Annie Margaret Barr
Children's Village, the
Secondary School in
Kharang we have been
supporting for many years,
several Unitarian churches
and general sightseeing
features. Optional “Golden
Triangle” Extension to
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
March 2 - 8, 2015
7 days/6 nights-from
$1,495/person. Old Delhi,
New Delhi, the Taj Mahal,
Red Fort, Qutub Minar,
Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat
(Gandhi's cremation site),
Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri
(the Sandstone City).
6 day tour of Northern
India. Guided trip with
fellow UU's. for more
information go to
uupcc.org
Celeste Taylor
Social Action
Coordinator
Contact at:
412.621.8008 x104
uusjcpittsburgh@
gmail.com
Office Hours:
Wednesdays,
Noon-3:00 p.m.
11
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(continued)
First Unitarian Church’s Annual
Alternative Gift Market
2014
Giving of any
kind... taking an
action... begins
the process of
change, and
moves us to
remember that
we are part of a
much greater
universe.
~ Mbali Creazzo
Sunday, December 7, 14 and 21
in the Gallery
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Gifts of hunger relief, shelter, medical assistance, development,
livestock, environmental protection, emergency disaster relief, and
gender equality, for people in crisis around the world and at home,
will be available to build peace in our global village while honoring
your family and friends.
Enjoy a bowl of homemade soup while shopping!
Checks and cash only
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is an alternative gift? A nontraditional way of giving. Instead of giving a
“traditional” gift, a life-sustaining gift to help abolish global poverty or to renew our
planet's environment is presented. Our AGM will display a number of causes, and will
provide information and inserts on these causes.
Where do we get the causes? Alternative Gifts International www.alternativegifts.org
How can I be sure my gift is used as I have ordered? The projects Alternative Gifts
International lists are administered by nonprofit agencies that have made a contractual
agreement with AGI to spend 100 percent of the grant made to them on the project
alone. Also, they agree not to use any of the funding on their at-home administration.
How does AGI select projects? AGI has long-standing relationships with a number of
large, globally respected aid agencies. Agencies are invited each year to send a detailed
project proposal for the coming year. All agencies must submit proof of their non-profit
status, financial documents, a proposed project, and evidence of effectiveness and
sustainability.
12
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
December 2014
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(continued)
SOCIAL ACTION COUNCIL
Committees Leaders and
Representatives:
- Alternative Gift Market Committee
(AGM), Cindy Kirsch
- Congregational Study/Action Issue
(CSAI) Reproductive Justice
Committee, Pat Ulbrich
- East End Cooperative Ministry
(EECM): Kim Lincoln, general; Keith
Bryner, Men’s Shelter Meals
- Green Sanctuary Committee, Peg
Schmidt
- Matters of Racial Equality (MORE)
Our work is guided by the seven
Committee, Kay Gordon
principles which Unitarian Universalist
- Multicultural Transition Team,
congregations affirm and promote: 1 ~
Vespera Barrow and Tara Tappen
Each person is important. 2 ~ Be kind in
- Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact
all you do. 3 ~ We're free to learn
Network (PIIN) Core Team: vacancy,
together. 4 ~We search for what is
general; Education Committee, Irene
true. 5 ~ All people need a voice. 6 ~
Haberman
Build a fair and peaceful world. 7 ~
- Share the Plate Committee, Laura
We care for the Earth.
Conkle
Activities: Long-term Strategizing,
- Social Justice Endowment
Sponsoring Justice Actions, Supporting
Committee, Maureen Porter
Social Action Groups
- Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania
Legislative Advocacy Network
Meetings: First Wednesdays, 7:00 (UUPLAN): Reproductive Justice, Liz
8:30 p.m., Undercroft Gallery
Perkins; LGBTQ, David Green;
Staff Coordinator: Celeste Taylor,
Economic Justice (vacancy),
([email protected]) or
Immigration Reform (vacancy)
412.621.8008 ext.104. Regular office - Unitarian Universalist Service
and phone conference hours on
Committee (UUSC), Ebe Emmons-Apt
- Unitarian Universalists for Justice in
Wednesday (Noon-3pm).
the Middle East (UUJME), Kathy
Parker
Purpose:
 To coordinate our social justice
actions over the year throughout the
church.
 To share learnings and expertise.
 To strategize so that our social action
and justice efforts align with the
mission of First Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh.
 To raise visibility of our
congregation's commitment to social
action.
SOCIAL JUSTICE CALENDAR
Men’s Shelter Meal Preparation: First
Sunday each month.
Green Sanctuary meetings: First
Sunday each month.
Share the Plate: Third Sunday each
month.
Social Action Council meetings: First
Wednesday each month.

EECM
FOOD PANTRY
COLLECTION
You are invited to
bring contributions
for the East End
Cooperative Ministry
Food Pantry to the
9:30 or 11:00 worship
service on the first
Sunday of each
month. All nonperishable food items
are welcome.
Following is a
suggested schedule of
items:
January
peanut butter
February
tuna or vegetarian
alternative
March
canned soup
April
canned meat or
vegetarian alternative
May
jelly, jam, or
preserves
June
boxed meals
July
pancake mix
August
chili
September
pasta
October
spaghetti sauce
Matters of Racial Equality (MORE)
meetings: Fourth Sunday each month.
The PIIN Core Team meetings: Third
Monday each month.
Collection for EECM Food Pantry: Any
Sunday
Multicultural Transition Team
meetings: First Thursday each month.

13
November
canned fruit
December
beef stew or
vegetarian alternative
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(continued)
LET FREEDOM SING!
The 8th Annual Concer t Celebrations of
the Mar tin Luther King Holiday
Saturday, January 17, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2001 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (Hill District)
AND
Monday, January 19, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
McKeesport Area High School, 1960 Eden Park Blvd, McKeesport, PA 15132
Several area choirs will join forces to celebrate the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. with the goal of blurring the geographic, demographic, and economic
lines separating urban and suburban Pittsburgh. The concerts will benefit the
Food Banks of Pittsburgh and of Westmoreland County.
Let Freedom Sing! will feature original oratory by nationally recognized
performance artist Vanessa German. The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh
will perform and then be joined for the final set of choral selections by several
area choirs, including the choirs from Franklin Regional High School, McKeesport
Area High School, Wilkinsburg High School, the Lemington Chorale, the Greater
Pittsburgh Unitarian Universalist Choirs, the Steel City Men’s Chorale, and the
University of Pittsburgh Men’s Glee Club. On Monday night only, the Annointed
Children of God Mime Ministry from Macedonia Baptist Church will perform.
Let Freedom Sing! will bring together white people and people of color, city
neighborhoods and suburbs, young and old participants and audience members
in the spirit of Dr. King's vision of unity. Through musical selections and oratory,
the event will demonstrate the importance of becoming actively involved in
community affairs, working toward a common goal, and making a positive
difference in the lives of others.
CONTACTS
Rev. Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones
The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh
Dept. of Music, CCAC, Allegheny Campus
[email protected]
Cell: 412-613-5825
Kris Rust
Music Department, Franklin
Regional High School
[email protected]
412.352.8488
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world
in a conspiracy of love!
~ Hamilton Wright Mabie
14
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
December 2014
PITTSBURGH
CARING COMMUNITY
WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Founded in Pittsburgh in 1891
Preser ve the legac y!
Join us on the first and third Thursdays of each month,10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in
the Schweitzer Room (coffee at 10:00 a.m., meeting at 10:30 a.m., program at
11:00 a.m., lunch at noon).
Good company, good programs, good conversation, good cookies.
Bring your lunch.
Questions about Women's Alliance? Contact Ellen Parkes Collie, Co-Chair, 412-435-8646,
[email protected] or Betty Duquesnoy, Co-Chair, 412-682-6161,
[email protected].
Holiday Luncheon
Thursday, December 4 at 12:00 noon
in the Undercroft Gallery.
January 1. No Meeting
TRANSITIONS GATHER-IN
Second Mondays, 10:00 a.m. - noon
“Transitions Gather-In”, a group of
folks talking about life transitions, the
challenges we face as we get older, as
we want to down-size, as we find living
in our homes harder, as we just want to
make our lives simpler, meets once a
month on the second Mondays of the
month.
Please come if you would like to talk
about these life issues with us.
W O M A N S P I R I T ~ S e c o n d We d n e s d a y s
Womanspirit is the evening women’s
group at First Unitarian Church. We
meet on the second Wednesday of
every month for a pot-luck dinner in a
member’s home. Dinner is usually
followed by a group discussion focused
on what we value in our lives, or how
we can improve our own lives or our
communities. We welcome new
members and friends of First Unitarian.
A Womanspirit dinner is an
entertaining and low-impact way to
meet other women of a broad range of
ages and interests.
To receive regular notice of our
monthly dinners, contact Pat Schuetz at
[email protected] or 412-7311429.
15
Men’s Group
December 10
The December
meeting of the Men's
Group will be from
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.,
Wednesday,
December 10, in
the Semple Room.
Marty Lieb will be the
leader with the topic “Great Travel
Narratives.” There
also will be
opportunities for men
to briefly identify
their own favorite
travel experience.
Direct questions to:
Jim Reitz, J5650R@
comcast.net.
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
CARING COMMUNITY
(continued)
OUR
MISSION
The mission of the First
Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh is to . . .
Connect deeply in
community
Inspire reverence and
spiritual growth
Serve each other and
the world
We connect deeply in
community by . . .
gathering together in
fellowship in a safe
space
listening with
empathy and
without judgment
warmly welcoming
everyone who enters
our doors
We inspire reverence
and spiritual growth
by . . .
celebrating and
exploring the
moments of awe we
experience in life
encouraging each
other along our
journeys toward truth
and meaning
fostering humility in
the pursuit of wisdom
and understanding
We serve each other
and the world by . . .
providing support to
those experiencing
hardship or distress
working for social
justice by standing
on the side of Love
being active stewards
of our environment
OUR CARING CONNECTIONS
Confidential pastoral care is available
to all members and friends, new and
longstanding. Our Caring Connections
program is coordinated by the Rev.
Robin Zucker. If you would like to join
the Caring Connections team, please
contact the Rev. Zucker at 412-7276870 or [email protected].
Threshold Choir Founded in 2007, the
Pittsburgh Threshold Choir honors an
ancient tradition of women singing
a cappella at the bedsides of people
who are dying, ill, or experiencing a
difficult life transition. They share the
healing gift of voices in private
homes, hospitals, hospice facilities, or
anywhere and any time when support
Helping Hands provides concrete
through song is appropriate. To request
assistance (such as rides and meal
a visit by the choir (or inquire about
coordination) to church members and
joining the group) , please contact Rev.
provides opportunities for congregation
Robin or Choir Director Cindy Harris
members to reach out to others. To
(412-447-1812; [email protected].
express a need or volunteer, please
contact the Rev. Robin at 412-727Marion's Purse has practical resources
6870 or [email protected].
to share. We have bus tickets, Giant
Eagle cards, and cash reserves in our
Kindred Spirits: The ministers are
fund to help with financial and life
assisted by a Lay Pastoral Care Team,
needs. Please contact Rev. Robin in
who companion church members in
confidence. Donations are welcome
need of spiritual and emotional support
(checks to First Unitarian with Marion's
during life challenges; they offer a
Purse in the memo).
presence for elders, caregivers, and
families in crisis. Please contact
We have created a Medical
coordinator MR Kelsey at 412- 362Equipment Loan Program. If you have
1514 or [email protected].
items to loan or need to borrow
something, please contact Jim Reitz at
Homemade Cook It Forward meals are
[email protected]
available in our church freezer. Please
Contact the ministers, the church office,
let Mary Ruth (MR) Kelsey,
[email protected] (412-362- the Director of Religious Education, a
1514) or Rev. Robin know you'd like to musical group, or your covenant group,
put together a meal for one of our
when you or someone you know is in
need of support or care. Please contact
congregants.
the ministers with pastoral life issues, to
Comfort Quilts Two beautiful comfort
be included in the pastoral prayer on
quilts have been created by First U
Sunday morning, or about memorial
quilters. These washable quilts can be
services.
loaned to members and friends who
seek comfort as they cope with illness,
loss or other difficult life events. Please
contact Rev. Robin or Mary Ruth
Kelsey.
16
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
December 2014
CARING COMMUNITY
(continued)
M E E T S O M E O F O U R N E W E S T C H U RC H
MEMBERS
Please welcome the following new members who have joined First Unitarian
Church in the past few months:
Eric Anderson
Molly Eggleston
Cathy Fitzgerald
Paul Kuntz
Matthew Mancino
Matthew Nicholson
Abigayle Shin
Patricia Stewart
Joan Smith-Walleck
Megan Wolfe
Thomas Wolfe
Matthew Nicholson is 30 years old from Pittsburgh area. He is currently
Manager of Financial Accounting and Reporting at Elliott Group in Jeannette,
PA. His hobbies include reading, jogging/exercising, and reading about
current events, psychology, and spirituality.
Cathy Fitzgerald: I'm new to Pittsburgh since August. My husband and I
decided to relocate to Pittsburgh to live near family and the Borland Green
Garden community. My Pittsburgh favorites include; walking up Highland
Park from my home at East Liberty, Yoga class at Kingsley Association, and
all the friendly people.
The German word
for hospitality is
gastfreundschaft
which means
friendship for the
guest.... It means
the creation of a
free space where
the stranger can
enter and become
a friend instead of
an enemy.
~ Henri J. M. Nouwen
17
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
STEWARDSHIP
Board
Members
2014/2015
Brady Hunsaker,
President (2016)
Amy DeChicchis,
Vice President (2015)
Vespera Barrow
(2015)
Marty Lieb (2017)
Brian Rohleder
(2015)
Bari Roman (2017)
Corey Layman
(2016)
Kathy Parker (2016)
Tara Tappan (2017)
Board
Contacts:
Brady Hunsaker,
President
bradyhunsaker@
gmail.com
412-370-8307
C H U RC H G RO U P L E A D E R S
Committees, covenant groups, performing arts groups, social action groups, and
affinity groups are opportunities for you to become involved in the life of First
Unitarian Church. Some of these groups provide opportunities for you to be of
service to our church, some provide opportunities for you to explore your own
personal spiritual journey, some provide opportunities for artistic expression, and
some provide opportunities for you to help make the world a better place. And
all of these groups offer opportunities for you to build a sense of community with
others here at our church.
Board of Trustees – Brady Hunsaker
- Building Expansion Committee – Corey
Layman
- Organ Renovation Committee – Roy Matway
Nominating Committee – Irma Tani
Stewardship Council
- Annual Budget Drive Committee - Raeann
Olander-Murray and Alison Schwartz
- Building Committee – Ray Schinhofen
- Fantasy Auction Committee – David Doorley
and Patricia Goettel
- Garden and Grounds Committee – Suzanne
Powell
- Investment Committee – Claus Makowka
- Marketing and Communications Committee
- Rob Schwartz
- Memorial Garden Committee – Linda
Kauffman
- Operations Administrative Team – Rita
Gates
- Planned Giving Committee – [TBD]
- Program Administrative Team – Rev. David
Herndon
- Right Relations Team – Holly McCullough
- Safe Congregations Team – Jennifer Halperin
- Shared Ministry Committee – Jim Bain
Worship Council
- Sunday Celebrations Committee – Louise
Jencik
- Ushers and Greeters Committee – Rev. David
Herndon
Amy DeChicchis,
Vice President
amydech50@
gmail.com
412-421-1367
18
Music and the Arts Council – Brian Junker
- Art Committee – Ali Masalehdan
- Dance Choir – Mary Pat Mengato
- Family Choir – Rev. David Herndon
- Folk Orchestra – Emily Pinkerton
- Music Endowment Committee – Shelagh
Collins
- Recorder Ensemble – Mary Denison
- Sanctuary Choir – Jon Erik Schreiber
- SongSpace – Linda and Mark Holsing
- Young Adult Spoken Word Choir – Rev.
David Herndon
Lifespan Faith Development Council
- Adult Faith Development Committee – Julie
Childers
- Bookstore Committee – Cathy Kerr and Mary
Schinhofen
- Campus Ministry Endowment Committee –
Jennifer Detchon
- Endowment for Ministry with Children and
Youth – Jennifer Halperin
- Library Committee – Mary Schinhofen
- Religious Education Committee – Cathy
Rohrer
- Sunday Morning Forum Steering Committee
– Michael Lotze
- Young Adult and Campus Ministry
Community – Jennifer Detchon
- Young Adult Steering Committee – Taylor
Paglisotti
(continued)
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
December 2014
STEWARDSHIP
(continued)
C H U RC H G RO U P L E A D E R S
(continued)
Social Action Council – Celeste Taylor
Gift Market Committee – Cindy
Kirsch
- East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) –
Keith Bryner and Kim Lincoln
- Green Sanctuary Committee – Peg Schmidt
- Inter-Arts Social Justice Committee – Dave
Green and Bruce McConachie
- Khasi Hills Partnership Committee – Ebe
Emmons-Apt
- Matters of Racial Equality (MORE) – Kay
Gordon
- Multicultural Transition Team – Vespera
Barrow and Tara Tappen
- Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN)
Core Team – Irene Habermann
- Reproductive Justice Committee – Pat
Ulbrich
- Social Justice Endowment Committee –
Maureen Porter
- Share the Plate Committee – Laura Conkle
- Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania
- Alternative
Legislative Advocacy Network (UUPLAN) –
David Green and Liz Perkins
- Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the
Middle East (UUJME) – Kathy Parker
- Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
(UUSC) – Ebe Emmons-Apt
Caring Community Council
Ministry Discussion Group – Jim
Pashek and Annie Stunden
- Covenant Group Advisory Committee – TBD
- Gathering of Men – Jim Reitz
- Helping Hands – Rev. Robin Zucker
- Humanist Group – Roy Frye
- Kindred Spirits - Rev. Robin Zucker
- Membership Committee – Lynne Porterfield
- Quilters – Annie Stunden
- Social Events Committee – Eileen Hastings
- Transitions – Mary Schinhofen
- Womanspirit – Pat Schuetz
- Women’s Alliance – Betty Duquesnoy and
Kathie Brodie
- Addictions
Scientists have discovered that the small, brave act of
cooperating with another person, of choosing trust over
cynicism, generosity over selfishness, makes the brain light up
with quiet joy.
~ Natalie Angier
BOOKSTORE OPEN
F O R H O L I D AY S H O P P I N G !
The First Unitarian Church Bookstore
will be OPEN the following three
Sundays after both services: December
14. We will be offering reduced prices
on many of our current books in order
to make room for exciting new titles so
please join us. Browse! Buy!
Chat! We'd love to see you!
19
BUY
BEACON
BOOKS
When you are
considering gifts for
those near and dear
to you (for holidays,
for birthdays, for
anniversaries, and so
on), please consider
buying books from
Beacon Press.
Founded in 1854,
Beacon Press is the
publishing house
owned by the
Unitarian
Universalist
Association. Beacon
Press publishes books
that reflect our
progressive,
humanitarian values.
You can visit the
Beacon Press web site
by visiting the UUA
Bookstore at
www.uuabookstore.
org or by going
directly to
www.beacon.org/
index.html. Our very
own First Unitarian
Church Bookstore
stocks many books
from Beacon Press.
You can also order
Beacon Press books
by calling the UUA
Bookstore at 800/215
-9076.
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
STEWARDSHIP
(continued)
TO THE POINT: Unitarian Universalist
“Eleva tor Speeches”
Women’s
Alliance
Grants
The Women’s
Alliance of the First
Unitarian Church is
pleased to
announce the
following grants to
the Music Program:
1.Sanctuary
Choir: $600.00
for the purchase
of additional
paperback blue/
green hymnals
2.Music
Committee:
$75.00 for
construction work
to house the
Choir’s folders
among other
things
3.Folk Orchestra:
$300.00 for a
microphone
4.Dance Choir:
$200.00 for
music and
costumes
Quick! What is Unitarian Universalism?
If you’ve been tongue-tied about how
to answer this question, you are not
alone. The UUA has produced a
brochure of brief responses - short
enough for an elevator ride, cashier
line, or sidewalk (or soccer sideline)
chat. We will include one each month
in the Chalice. Feel free to use them as
is, or let them inspire your own
responses. Do you have an elevator
speech about UUism? Send it to Rev.
Robin at [email protected]
UU Elevator Speech #9
“Our denomination is unique because every Unitarian
Universalist has the right to develop a personal philosophy of
life, without being told what to believe. We can learn from all
philosophies and religions, and also from science and the
arts. We explore important life issues in a caring community,
united by shared values rather than by shared theological
opinions. And no matter what we do believe about theology
or philosophy, we try to live a good life and leave the
world better than we found it.”
~ Rev. Chris Schriner
GIANT EAGLE GIFT CARDS
You can provide muchneeded financial support
for First Unitarian Church by
purchasing Giant Eagle gift
cards, which are available
at our table in the Gallery
after church on Sundays. Giant Eagle
gift cards can be used just like cash,
and they can be used to purchase
anything in the store - including gift
20
cards for other businesses!
First Unitarian Church
receives five percent (5%)
of all Giant Eagle gift cards
purchased at our church. Of
course, you do not have to
use gift cards as gifts; you can use
them for your own personal shopping.
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
December 2014
STEWARDSHIP
(continued)
PUBLICIZING YOUR EVENT
Do you have a church event that you would like your fellow church members and
friends to know about? Here are nine ways that you could publicize your event.
1. Newsletter. The Chalice, our church
newsletter, is published at the
beginning of each month. You may
submit items to Communications
Coordinator Jennifer Parsons at
[email protected]. The
deadline is the fifteenth day of the
preceding month. For example, the
deadline for the November
newsletter would be October 15.
2. Order of Service. You may submit
items for the weekly order of
service to Communications
Coordinator Jennifer Parsons at
[email protected]. The
deadline is noon on Wednesday
for the following Sunday.
3. Weekly All-Church Email. If you
would like to have your event in the
weekly all church email, please
email Program Assistant Marlee
Keffer at [email protected]. Events listed in the weekly
email should be relevant to all
church members and friends.
4. Facebook Page. You could post an
announcement on our Facebook
page, www.facebook.com/
firstunitarianpittsburgh. Sayf Sharif
or Christine Milcarek could help you
with this.
5. Program Guide. The
church publishes a
comprehensive
Program Guide for
the Fall, the Winter/
Spring, and the
Summer. You may
be able to publicize
your event in this
way. Please check
with Communications Coordinator
Jennifer Parsons at
[email protected]
about deadlines.
6. Bulletin Boards. You may post
flyers about your event on bulletin
boards around the church. Some
bulletin boards have restrictions.
For example, the music bulletin
board is reserved for music-related
notices.
7. Undercroft Gallery Table. You
may set up a table in the
Undercroft Gallery so that you can
share information about your event
with church members and friends
during the social hour after our
Sunday morning worship services.
8. The Church Website. We have an
on-line calendar embedded in the
church website. Program Assistant
Marlee Keffer maintains this
calendar. If you have reserved
space at the church for your event,
Marlee will most likely include your
event in the on-line calendar. But
you could check with her if you do
not see your event listed.
9. Announcements during Worship
Services. In rare circumstances,
events can be
mentioned by a worship
leader during our
Sunday morning worship
services. Events
publicized in this way
should be relevant to
the entire congregation!
21
CONTRIBUTE
VIA ELECTRONIC
FUNDS
TRANSFER
Please consider
contributing to First
Unitarian Church by
setting up a regular
electronic funds
transfer. This will move
money from your
checking or savings
account directly to First
Unitarian Church. You
can choose to make
your contribution
quarterly, monthly, bimonthly, or weekly.
This option will save
you the trouble of
writing checks and it
will help ensure a level
flow of contributions to
the church throughout
the year.
Please fill out
the Vanco form online
by clicking the
DONATE NOW
button in the left
sidebar at www.firstunitarian-pgh-org.
You can also make your
2015 pledge online by
clicking the PLEDGE
NOW button in the left
sidebar at www.firstunitarian-pgh-org.
December 2014
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
DENOMINATIONAL CONNECTIONS
Did You
Know?
Commissioned
Lay Leader
Program
The Commissioned
Lay Leader (CLL)
Program provides
an opportunity for
committed
Unitarian
Universalist leaders
to deepen their faith
while serving their
congregations in
more significant
ways. Since the
1970’s this program
has commissioned
dozens of lay
leaders,
strengthening
congregations in
the process.
Individuals who
satisfactorily
complete the
requirements and
are approved by the
Ohio Meadville
District Board of
Trustees will have
legal recognition as
a "Commissioned
Lay Leader" (CLL)
for a term of three
years. Learn more
about the program
at
www.ohiomeadville
.org/cllprogram
OHIO-MEADVILLE DISTRICT
WINTER INSTITUTE
February 13-16, 2015
S a l t F o r k S t a t e Pa r k , O h i o
This relaxing, fun, and “schedule-free” weekend is an intimate gathering for UUs
of all ages. There are frosty outdoor activities like sledding, hiking and cross
country skiing. For those who choose to stay in their slippers all weekend, there is
a beautiful lodge with its many cozy corners and fireplaces. The pool and hot tub
are truly a wintertime treat. There will be daily morning and evening casual
worship services, morning water aerobics (after worship,) pre-dinner cocktail hour
in the hospitality suite, and breakfast and dinner meals are included with
registration. There are fellow UUs always ready to play board games or to join in
the community jigsaw puzzle. We have wonderful community worship services and
great conversations. Check in Friday after 3:00PM.
How do I attend?
MAKE A ROOM RESERVATION: Make your ROOM RESERVATIONS directly with
the main reservation number at 1-800-AT A PARK or www.atapark.com. Specify
that you are reserving for Salt Fork and ask for the special Ohio-Meadville
Unitarian Universalist conference rate. The large rooms are scarce, so book early
if you want one. (ROOMS IN THE OMD BLOCK WILL BE HELD ONLY UNTIL
JANUARY 15, 2015).
REGISTER FOR WINTER INSTITUTE: EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION! Save Money and
book before January 6, 2015. The registrar is Beth Casebolt, OMD Administrator.
You can register by mail or online.
Register Online with this link. Note the Registration Deadline is February 6th at
midnight! Early-Bird Registration: $135 for adults; $65 for children 4 through 10
After January 6th: $160 for adults; $80 for children 4 through 10.
No charge for children under age 4.
Your registration covers: breakfast and dinner Friday evening through Monday
morning, common room usage, worship services, use of a hospitality suite for
additional activities, and district fees.
Minors
Any minor who is attending WI without a relative must have an adult sponsor. The
minor's parent or guardian and the sponsor must complete the form, “Permission
for Minor to Attend Winter Institute,” and return the form with the minor's
registration materials.
It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without
packages, boxes or bags!... Then the Grinch thought of something he
hadn't before! “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn't come from a
store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!”
~ Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
22
First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh
A Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association
605 Morewood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2999
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage Paid
PAID
Permit No. 2259
Pittsburgh PA
Address Service Requested
The Reverend Dr. David Herndon
Senior Minister
Rita Gates
Business Manager
The Reverend Robin Landerman Zucker
Assistant Minister
Brady Hunsaker
President
Jennifer Halperin
Director of Ministry with Children and Youth
The Chalice
Connect + Inspire + Serve
Newsletter of the First Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh
Volume 15 Number 11
December 2014
Church Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Telephone: (412) 621-8008
FAX: (412) 621-9011
www.first-unitarian-pgh.org