OUUF Newsletter – June, 2015 - Oberlin Unitarian Universalist

The Oberlin
Unitarian
Universalist
Fellowship
The OUUF
Chalice
355 E. Lorain St.
Oberlin, Ohio 44074
The OUUF Chalice
June 2015
Volume 3 Issue 6
“MARY’S MUSINGS”
Empowering Our Communication (2)
Phone: 440-775-0355
www.ouuf.org
Sunday Service: 10:30am
Minister:
Rev. Mary Grigolia
[email protected]
Minister Office hours:
Tuesdays: By appointment
Religious Ed Director
Joanne Rahn
[email protected]
Hours: By appointment
Music Director
Katie Cross
[email protected]
Newsletter
[email protected]
Inside this issue:
Minister’s Musing
1
Service Schedule
2
Getting to Know You
3
CYRE News
4
OUUF Community News
5-6
OUUF Wider Community
News
7
Board of Trustees / Kudos 8
& Kind Thoughts
On six Monday evenings (May 18 through July 6), 23 members
login to an interactive video series with Rev. Cat Cox. At our
first session, Rev. Cat asked us why we’re doing this, what we
hope will be the outcome (in ourselves and in the Fellowship).
As a facilitator, she felt responsible to reflect back to us whether
our hopes and expectations are realistic. Here’s [a sampling] of what we said
we hope for:
“Doors might open”
“Deep listening”
“Treating each other respectfully and honestly”
“Not being afraid to name the conflict and step up to it”
“Listening deeply and coming up with good compromises”
“Coming to understanding so there’s not tension between different element of
the congregation”
“Learning communication skills so we might bring conflict out in the open
Developing my skills to help others talk to each other”
“Learning ways to explore differences without ripping the Fellowship down
the middle”
“Accepting that tension is good and working with it in ways that create
community”
“Learning better communication within the Fellowship and becoming
a
better listener”
“Seeing past the words we hear people say and finding out the deeper mean
-ing”
“I’m excited that we’re all ‘face-to-face’ with each other. It’s easy for rumors to
get started, rather than talking directly with each other about issues.”
“Understanding our community better”
“Separating personalities from issues”
“I’m pondering if what we get past what we think people are saying to what
they are actually saying.”
“Establishing common goals which we all follow”
“Learning to listen more effectively and speak more effectively”
“To dialogue. Let’s go!”
“It was moving and hopeful to hear our responses. (And to revisit them here
for you!) And empowering to hear Rev Cat’s response: “That all sounds realistic. I’m confident we can make progress together.” Me, too. (cont’d on pg.5)
The OUUF Chalice
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JUNE Sunday Services Schedule - Community Dimension: “SERVE”
Why are we here? ….Why are we here? We want our neighbors to know what makes our community
different from other congregations: We are a religious tradition drawing wisdom from many
sources. Our Sunday services schedule illustrates that diversity where this month we will focus on
Standing on the Side of Love. CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Sunday Services at 10:30am
All services are recorded!
JUNE 7th - “LEARNING TO FALL” - Rev. Mary Grigolia
In all martial arts (and sports), you have to let yourself fall, to go with the flow (and not get
hurt!). Explore the spiritual gifts beyond control.
JUNE 14th - “THE FIFTH PRINCIPLE” - Cal Frye
"In our religious lives, the democratic process requires trust in the development of each individual conscience—a belief that such development is possible for each of us, as well as a commitment to cultivate our own conscience. We could call it a commitment to the value of each
person. In the words of Theodore Parker, ‘Democracy means not “I am as good as you are,”
but “You are as good as I am.”’
JUNE 21st - “TBA” - Damaris Davis
JUNE 28th — “BUILDING A NEW WAY”— REV. MARY GRIGOLIA
Explore what’s coming emerging in the UU Universe, with video-streaming from
General Assembly in Portland (June 24-28).
The OUUF Chalice
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Getting to know “UUJO (Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio”
UUJO is a 501c3 statewide action network for the 38 UU Congregations in Ohio and their more than 5,000 members – 27 churches and
fellowships in the Ohio Meadville District of CERG and 11 in the
MidAmerica Region.
Mission: Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio organizes justice seekers statewide to promote education, service and advocacy consistent
with Unitarian Universalist liberal religious principles and to witness with and on behalf of marginalized groups and individuals.
The UUJO Board of Directors met on Saturday, May, 30th and discussed the following eight
identified issues and justices: Immigration, Criminal Justice & Race, Economic, Environmental, LGBT Equality, Reproductive Justice, Peacemaking and Voting Rights. And of these eight
issues, the focused in the coming year will be Racial Justice and Economic Justice.
As the voice for Justice in Ohio, congregations are being asked to partake and engage in these
justices work and to be trained in meetup4justice legislative and organizer trainings, and other
form of activism.
Click on the link to read the Newsletters and to learn more about UUJO: http://
ohiomeadville.org/uujo/?page_id=1088
LISTENING TO EACH
OTHER, CLEARING THE
AIR, ENERGIZING THE
FELLOWSHIP
Join in another open conversation at the Fellowship this
Friday, 7-10p.m.
Facilitated by Rev. Elaine
Strawn (UU minister from
Wooster), it welcomes all
members to explore the issues
facing us as a congregation.
The OUUF Chalice
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Children & Youth Religious Education News
Our Children’s Religious Education Mission ~ “To nurture children and youth to develop
a commitment to religious freedom, critical thinking, ethical action, and individual responsibility. We achieve this through experiential learning and developing appropriate curricula
in keeping with UU principles and tradition”.
Youth Programs: Expanding, Exploring, Providing Opportunities
Like a small but beautiful jewel in an exquisite setting, the OUUF Youth led a very Earthcentered worship service in the Fellowship Garden on the evening of Thursday, May 21st,
with youth, Ella, Maya, Dorian and youth advisor Mike
Frye leading about a dozen adults in worship. Shepherding
us into a circle on the lawn surrounding the central boulder, the youth brought us into touch with our senses and
with the Earth through our senses and through expressive
action suitable for older adults. We then went back into the
sanctuary and an exercise in really noticing one another. A
small Chalice was lit in each setting. Both exercises evoked
an intense sense of the sacred. Refreshments were serve
June is
Service Learning Month
The Elementary children have elected two
projects for the Sunday’s in June ~ The
class wanted to help homeless families
and homeless animals. The donations
and activities will divided between
Family Promise
&
Oasis Shelter for Dogs
Please support their efforts by making a
donation during social hour:
June 7th – Cookies – vegetables & dip
June 14th – Taco Bar
st
June 21 – Cheese & crackers – popcorn
June 28th – Assorted breads and spreads
Ice Tea & Lemonade along with coffee &
teas d in Fellowship Hall.
Service Learning Month is an opportunity to
inspire, equip and mobilize youth to take action that changes the world and themselves
through service.
Service Learning is a teaching and learning
approach that integrates community service
with academic study to enrich learning,
teach civic responsibility, and strengthen
communities."
National Commission on Service Learning
Service-learning allows learners to apply
classroom theories to authentic and practical
situations by connecting it to the needs of
the local and global community.
Goals of Service-learning:
- involves collaboration
- addresses significant community need
- enriches the traditional classroom learning
- provides structured time for stud Refletion
- fosters the development of civic and social
responsibility
The OUUF Chalice
OUUF Schedule
of Events
6/1 Shamanic Journey
6/1 Empowering Comm.
6/2 &16 Meditation: Tues
Afternoon
6/7 Sunday Service
6/7 UU History
6/7 Cookies Dip
6/10 Covenant Grp
6/11 Meet & Eat
6/11 UU History
6/14 SUNDAY SERVICE
6/14 TACO BAR
6/21 SUNDAY SERVICE
6/24 COVENANT GROUP
6/25 MEET & EAT
6/25 UU HISTORY
6/28 SUNDAY SERVICE
6/28 UU HISTORY
OUUF Community News
COVENANT GROUP: UU
HUMANIST VISIONS
Promotes listening, sharing, and discussion.
Moved by curiosity, participants explore a
variety of topics. The Covenant Group usually meets twice a month on the second and
fourth Wednesdays of the month.
June 10: at 245 George Street, Elyria
June 24 at 189 E. College St at 3:30pm.
Everyone interested are welcome!
SHAMANIC JOURNEY
GROUP
Shamanic journeying is a time-honored
tool for accessing an altered state of consciousness, much like a dream state, for
spiritual guidance and healing. The meeting time is the first Monday of the
month, June 1st, 2015 at 7:00pm. Location: OUUF—355E. Lorain St., Oberlin. Everyone interested are welcome!
Contact: [email protected]
GREETERS
make a difference. We need
a few more
Greeters for our services..
Contact to volunteer:
[email protected]
UU HISTORY: LONG STRANGE
TRIP
Watch the video and join the discussion of Unitarian Universalism, the
final DVD in our history series:
Thursday, June 11 and Sunday, June
7th
The Hundred Year Waltz,
Humanism, Liberal Religious
Education, The Merger
June 25th and June 28th
The Theology of Social Justice, Inherent Worth and Dignity, International UUism,
reviewing the Long Strange
Trip
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“ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION &
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT”
MEET AND EAT: Informal sharing
builds a sense of community. Oberlin
UU’s gather to break bread together
every second and fourth Thursday at a
local restaurant—no program, no preparation. Thurs., June 11: , Lorenzo's,
Oberlin, on the patio, weather permitting. Thurs., June 25: Sterk's of Oberlin, 580 W. Lorain St. This Vermilion
catering family has moved to the former Presti's location to run a restaurant
as well as their catering service. — Contact Elizabeth, [email protected]
for any questions. All are welcome!
(cont’d from pg.1)
DIMENSIONS OF COMMUNITY:
Serve!
Reflection questions for the dimension
of the month: from Rev. Mary: As we
move toward summer:
How are you called to serve?
How are you serving your deepest wisest self?
How are you serving friends and family?
How are you serving the Fellowship?
How are you allowing yourself to be
served?
Which social justice need(s) do you
serve?
How are you helping others serve?
PThe OUUF Chalice
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OUUF COMMUNITY NEWS
.
Rev. Mary facilitates weekly sessions drawing from many
teachers and traditions. This year our themes include neurospirituality (how meditation shapes your brain), the Buddhist
precept of Right Speech, aging, and a potpourri of other voices. Some instruction given. All are welcome
TUESDAY AFTERNOON MEDITATION
We meditate together on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. at
the Fellowship. This month, June 2nd and 16th.
TUESDAY EVENING MEDITATION: New Schedule! We
meditate together on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. at the
Fellowship. This month, June 9th and 23rd.
As part of our covenant
with one another, OUUF
members have made a
.
commitment to live our values in the world through
Causes of the Month, which
we support through our offering. The
cause for June 2015 is OCS Churches Helping Others Fund.
The Social Justice Team has chosen for its
June Emergency Distribution the Churches
Helping Others Fund of Oberlin Community Services, a responsive community organization that provides direct assistance,
referrals and other services to our Oberlinarea friends and neighbors who need help
meeting their basic needs. This fund has
traditionally relied on our support as well
as that of other Oberlin area churches. We
send members of the greater community
who come to us for help to OCS for such
emergency assistance as utility payments,
shelter, gas cards or prescription purchases.
Refreshments after Service
Every member and friend is asked to sign up
to furnish simple refreshments after the Sunday service. You may also do this with another person if it is easier to share expenses.
Sign up and choose the Sunday that is most
convenient for you. Thanks.
Ask for the Hospitality Co-Chairs,
Virginia Erdy and Jo Huber
The OUUF Chalice
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OUUF WIDER COMMUNITY NEWS
HUULTI is Flipping
the Classroom! Room
is Coming in the Fall!
CERG (Central East
Regional Group) has
changed the format of
UULTI (UU Leadership Training Institute)
from an expensive residential leadership
training to a Hybrid/online training for
the OMD District. The District is encouraging all leadership to consider interest in
participating in this new format of connections, flexibility, deep and team-building
format. Please get in touch with the District (www.cerguua.org/HUULTI) or your
own congregation member, Samuel Prince.
From voting rights to
mass imprisonment to
police brutality and
Black Lives Matter
protests, racial justice
issues in the United
States have a new sense of urgency. This urgency is bringing communities together across
boundaries of race, faith, and geography in solidarity with movements as diverse as immigration, economic inequality, LGBTQ equity, and
climate justice.
We invite Unitarian Universalists of all ages and
backgrounds to share their hopes and dreams
for the role that UUs can play in the coming
years in advancing racial justice in the United
States. Responses are anonymous.
This survey will help UUs describe a shared vision for how we can support racial justice in the
United States in the next few years. Together we
can help end systems of racism in our society
and create a more just and compassionate
world.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/uuaracialjustice
The survey will remain open through June 15,
2015.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Please share your thoughts on how Unitarian
The Green Team of The First Church in Ober- Universalists can and should engage with racial
lin (UCC) is sponsoring a community-wide
justice.
"Climate Conversation" on Wednesday, June
10. Potluck supper at 5:30 p.m., program at
UU KENDAL GATHERING
6:30 p.m. The program will be conducted by
staff of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light to
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
"connect the dots between climate change, our 4:15 pm, Kendal's Heiser Auditorium
values and religious traditions, and our acSpeaker: Anthony Wilgus, Associate Profestions." Members of all faith traditions and
sor of Social Work at the University of
"spiritual but not religious" individuals are
Findlay.
cordially invited!
The OUUF Chalice
OBERLIN
UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALIST
FELLOWSHIP
Phone: 440-774-0355
Email: [email protected]
To cancel your OUUF
Chalice, please call
or email the editor.
355E. Lorain St.
Oberlin, Ohio 44074
www.ouuf.org
Oberlin Unitarian
Universalist Board of
Trustees:
Kudos /Thanks & Kind Thoughts to:
Stephanie Gibson
Board Chair
■ Our Board Chair, Stephanie, on a successful surgery. Good Health!
Diantha Pare
Vice Chair
Judith Patterson Sellers
Secretary
Lee Drickamer
Treasurer
Marge Diamond
Trustee at Large
Rev. Mary Grigolia
Minister
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