December 2011 UUSD Newsletter - Unitarian Universalists of

DECEMBER 2011
‘Tis
the
Season
uusd
UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALISTS
OF SOUTHERN
DELAWARE
February 20102011
UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALISTS
OF SOUTHERN
DELAWARE
—• DECEMBER
ON THE COVER...
UPCOMING
Sermons
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
On Sunday, January 3rd, 2010, the
Moorings.......................................................... 3
UUSD Lifespan Faith Development
DECemBER
4 — FIND YOUR GREATNESS
program put on the Nativity Story
Thanksgiving at Church..................................2 3
-Rev. Smith addresses what the Rev. Vanessa
during service with audience partici- Moorings
Southern
the reclamation
of fierce unrest
pation. calls
See more
about this great
President’s Column.......................................... 4
in aperformance
broken world.
on page .
Presidents Colum
3
Finance Update................................................ 4
Report
4
DECEMBER 11 — “ Living A Peeceful Treasurer’s
UUSD
Committee
Updates.
.
............................
5
SERMONS
FOR
Community”
- Each
of FEBRUARY
us has a role to play in
Feb. 7thour
- The
Beloved Community
Faith Development
News News.......................................5 5
keeping
community
as loving and trusting
Partner Church
Photo taken by Leslie Lesko.
Rev.
Martin offers
as Rev.
we’dDeborah
like it Mero
to be.discusses
Barbara
Barnette
Luther King Jr.’s vision of a completely
Land and
Building Committee .......................5 6
some
observations
and insights
onand
how we
can Paegant
Nativity
Photos
integrated
society, a community
of love
accomplish
thishelofty
goal.
justice, wherein
saw brotherhood
as an
The Cloud Society............................................ 6
actuality in all of societal life. Where are we
Visiting Minister Biographies
6
now? Is it possible to realize King’s dream?
Communications
Committee.
.
........................
7
DECEMBER
18 — Annual Nativity Pageant!
Feb. 14th - Rainbow Sunday
Social Justice
Committee
News .....................................7 7
(see
story on with
page
Personnel
Committee.
In conjunction
the10)
UUA’s “Standing on
the Side of Love” campaign, the Bethany
Covenant Group presents a celebration of our
status as a “Welcoming Congregation” and of
Love. Join us for an uplifting celebration.
Moxy
Vote........................................................
Membership
Committee
News
88
Building Fund.................................................. 8
DECEMBER
24 —
A CHRISTMAS
Transylvania Partnership Committee News
8
Feb. 21st - What
is the
Meaning of LifeREFLECTION
and
Why Can’t
I Do Anything
- Rev. Smith
speaks
to Christmas’
past and
Gold Event Thanks........................................... 9
With
My Hair?
present, and
future
Stewardship Committee News
9
Board & Committee Meeting Schedule......... 9
Rev. Elizabeth Ellis discusses the two conflicting stories of creation in the book of
Community
News& Announcements...............................
99
Genesis. We might summarize that by sayEvents
ing that we are created from dust or from
divinity; we are innately flawed or marvelLifespan Faith Development News.................
Did You Know?
11 10
ously blessed. This has certainly influenced
our western culture, and perhaps reflects
Casting Call!..................................................... 10
archetypes in our own psyches. Well
ONcertain
THE COVER…
News
You
Can Use
12
look at those creation stories and at what
UUSD
members
and
friends
celebrate
Thanksgiving
UUSD
Adult
Education
Classes.......................
11
they mean in our daily human lives.
p
together: (from top) Kris and Lee admire the decorated
Dec. 28th - Climbing Over Barbed Wire
Nominations
Committee
13 12
Social
Justice Update......................................
Sanctuary; Kathy Idziak contributes to the sumptuous
presents a few
sideRev.
dishNancy
buffet;Bouchard
Steve, Karen,
Vincent and Lora enjoy food
thoughts about the spectrum of how we
Friday Film & Book Club..........................
Events andFirst
Announcements
19 13
andtake
friendship.
See
page
3.
things personally and how we have become callous about the things we say to others.
Do You Know?.................................................. 14
Vision, Mission and Contacts
20
Many thanks to Rev. Bodor, Joel Bastow and the Ackers for
Vision, Mission & Contacts.............................. 15
this month’s photographs.
MOORINGS
REVEREND D. MICHAEL SMITH
December 2011
I gave a reading at this
year’s Native American
Thanksgiving, presented
by the Lewes-Rehoboth
Association of Churches.
I want to share it with
you. The author is
Martin E. Marty, an
American Lutheran
religious scholar.
“If I think that belief in creation simply means
finding God in my inner parts, enjoying a beautiful
sunset, marveling over a hummingbird, pondering
a child’s birth, being thankful for blessings on
Thanksgiving Day or admiring a sonata – all good
things to do – nothing ‘humbling’ or ‘terrifying’
occurs. I am missing something – terror. If I
examine my limits, or recognize that the sunset
signals not only the end of the day but the end of all
things, terror threatens. If one sees only the beauty
of nature or the wonder of childbirth and cannot
anticipate the horror of what happens to children
in a warring world, there is only illusion. And more:
Being thankful for is not the point of faith; being
thankful to is. This demands humbling faith, not a
warm Thanksgiving Day glow. And admiring that
sonata can easily lead on to be content with awe for
human achievement without leading one to think
back to its source. A modern French treatment of
La Creation by R. Guelly has it right: ‘To believe in
creation is to see someone behind all things – to see
the world as a gift.’”
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Church
Lee Summerville
The dinner was spectacular with a scrumptious
menu of food made by the best Delmarva
Unitarian Cooks.
At 4 p.m. on Thursday 30 people gathered to
give thanks read by Joel Bastow and to eat
together. The church as usual was transformed
into a beautiful restaurant. The guests talked,
laughed and ate to their hearts content.
The turkey was tasty, the vegetables prepared
to perfection, the cranberry dishes were
special and the dessert was out of this
world. We must thank all of the great cooks.
I realize that for us “someone behind all things”
may not work; perhaps, you find something else to
replace it. But I do see, nevertheless, the world and
all that is in it a gift.
May the season bring you many gifts, especially that
of love.
In faith,
D. Michael
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
JEAN CHARLES
Your Board of Trustees spent
Saturday, October 22, at Betty
Kirk’s house learning more
about each other and our
individual dreams for UUSD. It
was a beautiful, crisp, fall day
and everyone arrived filled with
excitement and wonder for the
future of our community. As
elected officials, we all were in
agreement that our first and
foremost job was to make wise
and compassionate decisions for
we are also open to hearing about those things
you think we have done well!
BOT GOALS/PRIORITIES
Create a more trusted, transparent and accepting
environment according to our covenant.
Promote more active listening.
Develop a broad PR Campaign
membership.
to increase
Prioritize 2 or 3 projects important to outreach and
social justice.
Continue building on the dream of a future home.
UUSD.
Celebrating Winter Solstice/Yule
After much discussion, we agreed on the following
goals/priorities for this church year (July 1, 2011June 30, 2012). We feel our “final 5” are in line with our
mission and vision statements. Hopefully, you will
agree these are important goals to work towards.
For some Unitarian Universalists who have
reservations about Christmas, the Winter Solstice
(Dec. 21) has become the focal point of the winter
holiday season. This day has become important to
both humanists and pagans, who can find common
ground in celebrating this occasion. Themes can
include light amid darkness; the death of nature
and the cycle of life; the darkness just before the
dawn; and the miracle of every birth.
Please keep in mind that every Board member (Betty
Kirk, Darlene Lehr, Chuck Herbert, Lori Reading,
Margaret Keefe, Allan Cairncross, Rev. Mike and
myself ) is open to listening to AND hearing your
concerns on church matters. Along with the negative,
“For everything there is a season—a time to die and a time to be born. With the
arrival of winter’s low dark sky, communities around the world look to the miracle
of light as a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. We celebrate the promise of new
life and recommit ourselves to the protection of everyone’s right to his or her own
radiant humanity.” (UU World)
9
FINANCE UPDATES
UUSD’s finances look good, although
some pledges are outstanding. If you find
yourself in a spot and need to adjust your
pledge amount (up or down) please talk
with Darlene Lehr. The end of the year is
approaching so you may want to give extra to benefit your tax situation.
UUSD Fundraiser News
The Holiday Art Benefit raised a total of $1,145
at the Saturday event. Twenty percent, or
$229, is donated to the Children’s Program at
the Rehoboth Art League and UUSD received
$916. Thanks are due Gabriel Zapecki for all
her work and dedication and, of course, to all
who attended and bough great artwork!
UUSD COMMITTEE UPDATES
UUSD Tordatur Partnership News
Tom Toth on behalf of the Partner Church Committee
These are exciting times for our Partnership. Tordatur had its Partnership Service honoring us on
Oct. 9th, 2011. During their service several hymns
were sung including “Find the Stillness.” There was a
prayer said, followed by the Our Father. Rev. Bodor
gave a sermon entitled: Courage, Wisdom, and
Friendship. Julia, a ninth grade student who attends Janos Zsigmond Unitarian
High School and was confirmed as a Unitarian two years ago, read two quotations
from Sri Chinmoy in English and Magyar. The two quotes are: “ Friendship needs to
be cherished by two great and good friends as God’s divinely blessingful and supremely fruitful gift” and “Friendship is
the butterfly-play in the life-dance of today’s Truth-seekers and tomorrow’s God-lovers.” After the sermon there was a
silent prayer and then members of the congregation had the opportunity to light a candle in memory of somebody or
something. Rev. Bodor lit a candle for our long lasting and fruitful friendship. As part of their service Rev. Bodor chose a
candle lighting ceremony because she knew we lit a chalice each
Sunday during our service and she and her congregation wanted
to honor us in a similar manner. They do not light a chalice. Candles
are only lit in Transylvanian Unitarianism the four weeks before
Christmas, one candle each week. Several pictures of their
service are included in this article. We thank Rev. Bodor for
suggesting the idea of having a Partnership Service for each
other. We feel the Partnership Services were very meaningful
and brought us closer to each other.
Rev. Bodor and her congregation received the banner that was presented to them during
our Partnership Service. They are very appreciative and thankful for the gift and will
cherish it, and we all thank Gabriel Jules and Kelley Jewett for doing a magnificent job
designing, creating and sewing it. The Tordatur Congregation received a grant from the
Romanian government to renovate their church and as soon as
the renovation is completed, the banner will be hung in the sanctuary. We are all very happy
for Tordatur.
Rev. Bodor has invited our congregation to visit Tordatur numerous times. Let’s think ahead
and make a Unitarian Pilgrimmage to Transylvania and Tordatur in the future. Rev. Mike
provided you with information in last month’s Beacon at the Beach about some possibilities
for visitation in the future.
Rev. Bodor has also indicated to us that she and her husband Marton would like very much to
visit us. TPC will be meeting on January 15, 2012 to begin planning for their future visit. We
look forward to having both of them visit UUSD.
We are pleased to announce that Sally Crouch recently joined TPC. We are always looking for new members.
UUSD COMMITTEE UPDATES
Land and Building Committee
Allan Cairncross, Member, Board of Trustees
This new committee, The Land and
Building Committee (L&BC), was
approved by the Board in November
and the Future Home Committee
discharged with thanks. The Board
is asking all committees offer
nominations of potential members
and will select a representative
group to start up L&BC. All members
are also invited to submit their
nomination to the Board. The charge
of this committee is below.
The initial charge of this committee
is to do research and provide
continuous input to the BOT, CCC,
LRPC and Congregation for the
purchase of property; either land
for construction of a new church
building or property including a
building that can be made suitable
for the needs of UUSD.
The L&B Committee will learn
about property availability, costs,
financing and determine the
attractiveness of the locations
taking into account current
membership location, political,
economic
and
educational
demographics and the potential
for green space. This information
will be invaluable to the CCC in
raising capital.
Next, the L&B Committee, subject
to BOT and Congregational
approval, will be in charge of all
activities related to purchasing
land, building or renovating a
church of our own.
This committee should continue
until UUSD has moved into a
building of its own. This means
that it must work closely with the
BOT, CCC, LRPC and Congregation
to make well informed, responsible
decisions to raise money, select
and make offers on property,
design and build or renovate a
building of our own.
The L&B Committee should select,
with BOT and Congregational
approval where needed, experts in
the form of consultants, architects,
interior design experts, engineers,
mortgage
bankers,
lawyers,
appraisers, building contractors,
land use experts, etc. as needed to
evaluate and purchase property
and design and build a new
building or renovate an existing
building. All costs for these will
come out of Capital Funds/
Building Funds, grants or loans.
The L&B Committee should assist
the UUSD in applying for a UUA
First Home Grant and other grants
as appropriate.
A L&B Committee should
be available to guide the
Congregation through future
renovations and additions to
the original building of our own.
This may mean periods of low or
no activity and a rebirth as need
arises. The Building Committee
shall be a permanent committee
of UUSD. The Chairman or Cochairs of the L&B Committee may
be nominated by the committee
and/or BOT and will serve with the
approval of the BOT.
THE CLOUD SOCIETY
Dan Payne, Chair
At the General Assembly
in Charlotte a number of
members of THE CLOUD
SOCIETY were interviewed
and videotaped by the UUA’s
gift and generosity staff with
an intention of publishing the
interview in a newsletter or
magazine.
We each were asked what
motivated us to designate
UUSD as a beneficiary in our
wills or life insurance policies.
While the answers were all
different the overarching
theme was the importance of
the church in each person’s life
and the desire that it continue
on a sound financial footing
after one is gone.
The video of the interview will
be shown on January 15, 2012
at the installation ceremony of
our newest members to THE
CLOUD SOCIETY.
Everyone is welcome to attend
whether or not you are a
CLOUD member. If you have
any questions about how to
join, ask me or any one else
whose name is on a leaf on THE
CLOUD SOCIETY plaque.
UUSD COMMITTEE UPDATES
News From the
Communications Committee
The Personnel Committee: Taking Care of Those Who Serve
Dan Payne, Co-Chair
Just as it takes an entire village to raise a child, it is only through the
combined efforts of UUSD’s friends and members that our church
remains healthy, strong, and growing. From managing the congregation’s
finances and overseeing its fundraising efforts to organizing New
Member Luncheons and lay services, the efforts of UUSD’s committees
have a direct impact on our visitors’ and members’ worship experiences.
Under the aegis of our Committee,
Kathy Idziak, Betty Kirk and
others have completed a booklet
entitled ALL ABOUT UUSD–
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.
Denise Denny
This booklet—in addition to
providing information about our
history, the seven principles and
our covenant of good relations—
is a ready source of data regarding
church activities, celebrations
and ways to support us. There
is also a Contacts at a Glance
list at the back of the booklet
which reflects data about Church
Committees and administration,
including the Board and Staff.
We would now like to introduce you to another, relatively unknown UUSD
Committee: the UUSD Personnel Committee! The Personnel Committee
serves as UUSD’s Human Resources department, and works with the
congregation’s paid staff and Board of Trustees to ensure that UUSD staff
members are treated and compensated fairly and in accordance with
UUA and Board of Trustees Policy Guidelines.
The booklet is directed to
members and friends and
anyone else who would like more
information about our church. It
can be used at events such as the
Auction, Emma’s Revolution and
the Art Show where many nonchurch members attend.
Due to the sensitive nature of its subject matter, the Personnel Committee
is a small committee by design. Its four current members are Linda
Marsden (Chair), Ron Schaeffer (Secretary), Carol Bruce, and Denise
Denny. Please feel free to contact any one of us to see our Committee
Charge, ask questions, or learn more.
Kathy Idziak will be updating the
booklet periodically to reflect
changes so please contact her at
[email protected] for additions,
updates and suggested changes.
Also, you can contact her or any
member of Communications for
copies.
We are also working on other
products for a wider public
audience that can be used at
other events and distributed
more broadly.
One of the Personnel Committee’s current projects is the review of
the Minister, Lifespan Faith Development Director, Music Director, and
Nursery Teacher position descriptions to ensure they accurately capture
Reverend Smith’s, Peggy Smith’s, Marcie Schiff’s, and Sabina BeaverKepner’s responsibilities. The Committee’s long-term goals include
creating a comprehensive UUSD Personnel Policy Manual.
Covenant Group News
Lin Schmidt, Milton Covenant Group Member
“Got Balance?”, a lay service delivered on November 13th by the Milton
Covenant Group, was first discussed a year ago. For several months prior to
that, we realized that our lives weren’t going as well as they should for a variety
of reasons. We had heavy burdens and knew that we were each out of balance
in some way.
So we set about taking on issues with our partners, families, friends, coworkers,
jobs, volunteer work, health (exercise and diet), etc. in a fairly straightforward
way. So, say, May would be a “Family” discussion. We each prepared and each
shared. Along the way we each made significant changes. We were so inspired
by what we had experienced and learned that we really looked forward to
sharing with our church family; hence the service, which seemed to be very
well received. I must say that we are thrilled about that and we thank you
very much for being so responsive! The entire script of the service is available.
Contact me at [email protected] for a copy.
UUSD COMMITTEE UPDATES
Moxy Vote-Proxy Voting Your Values
Margaret Keefe, on behalf of the “GA 21 of 2011” UUA has a new tool available to congregations
and members who would like to vote their proxies
at corporations and to make sure those votes
are in line with UU values. UUA employs a proxy
voting consulting service that creates voting
recommendations consistent with UUA values.
Congregations and members who own stock can
take advantage of that research and vote with the
UUA through Moxy Vote. Moxy Vote is a free online
proxy voting platform that allows shareholders to
vote their proxy ballots electronically. In addition to
voting proxy ballots easily online, Moxy Vote users
can align their votes with UUA and encourage public
companies to change their business practices.
The way Moxy Vote works is simple. Using the
control number on a proxy statement, users can vote
individual ballots online. Or, rather than receiving
statements in the mail, UUA members can have their
proxies automatically delivered to Moxy Vote.
Resolutions which UUA submitted to corporations
this year covered such social justice topics as climate
change, employee non-discrimination, human rights
and political spending. UUA encourages members to
vote alongside them and keep current about ballots
and resolutions. If you register at moxyvote.com,
you not only support UUA’s resolutions but Moxy
Vote will make a donation to UUA for every user who
signs up and supports them on the site. Go to http://
www.moxyvote.com/support/uua and check out
UUA’s page and then register to use the site. If you
have any questions or comments, you may direct
them to Jessica Clarke at [email protected].
Grocery Store Gift Cards
UUSD will be collecting gift cards in any
demonination from grocery stores in
the area. Rev Mike will be in charge of
dispersing them. Please remember those
in our church who need help. There will
be a container on the back table for your
cards. Thanks for helping. Any questions
see Anne Pikolas or Jean Charles.
UUSD Members and Friends,
The Board of Trustees recently approved the establishment
of the Land and Building Committee, which will research
the availability, price, and possible purchase of property,
either land for construction of a new church building or
property including a building that can be made suitable
for the needs of UUSD. This is a big step toward getting a
home of our own in the future!
You may not know, but we have taken a big step already
toward our future home by raising over $30,350 from
eleven UUSD members and friends through cash
donations, and from another 41 people who donated gold.
We want to continue to build this fund as we prepare to
eventually launch a capital campaign program to gather
funds for an eventual down payment, which could be
about $300,000 or more.
Even though a full-blown capital campaign could be a
few years away, we are encouraging others to join the 52
members and friends who have already demonstrated their
commitment. As we approach the end of 2011, many
of us begin to plan our federal and state tax obligations.
Contributions to charitable and non-profit organizations
are often used to reduce taxes while providing financial
support to selected organizations. Initial cash donations to
our Building Fund have varied between $30 and $2,500,
and the average gold donation was $320.
In summary, we are off and running. Future home
planning is underway, and we already have $30,353 in
hand. Can you add to this building fund? Can you make a
donation of any size by the end of the year? Please consider
a year-end donation to the UUSD Building Fund. Join
“the 52” now to help move us closer to our goal of a future
church home.
Lee Summerville
Gary Colangelo
Co-chairs, Capital Campaign Committee
If you have tax-deferred retirement account like an IRA or
401(k) and are 70 1/2 or older you can distribute a donation
directly to a qualifying charity [such as UUSD] for 2011 (Qualified Charitable Distributions under the Pension Protection Act
of 2006). These qualified charitable distributions are federally
tax-free up to $100,000, but you should discuss tax implications
of any distribution with your tax advisor.
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
UUSD’s GOLD EVENT:
Thanks from Walt and Pam Smith…
When USSD members
have a dream and they
see a way to accomplish
the goal, they really
know how to respond.
And respond YOU did!
The opportunity to grow our Building Fund was
presented to you and your response was overwhelming.
On September 25th, we held a “Gold Event”. The
premise was simple. Without taking any cash
out of your pockets, you were asked to look
around your house for any unwanted, unloved,
unused or even “special” pieces of gold or silver,
such as rings, chains, broken jewelry to donate
to our Church. The donations were then sold
with the proceeds to go directly to our Building
Fund.
By the end of day on Sunday, with all the donations evaluated, the results were tallied. There
were 32 individual baggies contributed representing 41 members. That’s 38% of our membership participating. The average contribution was $320 with two donations worth over
$1000. Walt even cut two rings off live fingers
with no damage to the fingers.
The gold buyer said that was one of the best
participation rates he has had.
The final total was $10,221.00, more than doubling the Building Fund!
The following donations were made “In Memory Of” Special Persons of church members:
Jacob Charles, father of Jean Charles; Virginia
& Julian Colangelo, parents of Gary Colangelo;
Audrey Staats, mother of Nita McVeigh; J. Robert & Joanne G. Lamade, parents of Anne Pikolas; Evelyn R. Pope, mother of Pat Rocket; Walter
& Edith Smith & Mary Gorman, parents of Walt
& Pam Smith; Martha Gaylord, mother of Lee
Summerville; and James Toomey, father of Carole Toomey.
Thank You and congratulations to all who contributed and made the Gold Event such a great
success and helped our Building Fund grow.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
All UUSD members are welcome to attend BOT meetings and
Committee meetings. Meetings are open to all members; please
contact the President of the Board or respective Committee
Chair if you would like a copy of the meeting agenda or to
request to be added to the agenda. Below is a list of regularly
scheduled meetings, all held at UUSD unless otherwise indicated.
Board of Trustees - monthly, first Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Jean
Charles is the President.
Lifespan Faith Development Committee monthly, second Sunday
at 11:15 a.m.; Kris Acker chairs.
Membership Committee - monthly, third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
The Co-Chairs are Carole Toomey and Kelly Jewett.
Music Committee - monthly, second Saturday, midday (location
TBA). contact Linda Bennett.
Social Justice Committee - monthly, third Wednesday at 7 p.m.
The Chairs are Dan and Kris Acker. Green Sanctuary sub-committee is chaired by Joe Farrell.
Worship Committee - monthly, first Wednesday (location TBD).
Lin Schmidt and Jean Charles co-chair.
First Sunday Lunch meets after services except during the summer months. The location is announced at service and in the
OOS.
Lunch Bunch - Annual Christmas Luncheon
December 19 at noon, Bear Trap Golf Course outside
Bethany Beach. Restaurant needs a count so please give
your name to Darlene Lehr ([email protected] or 302424-7879 if you plan to attend.
New UU Class If you are curious or are seriously considering
membership with UUSD, this is the class that is required before
you sign the membership book. No pressure – simply ask your
questions, get the answers and make your own decision. The class
can last as long as YOU need it to. Feel free to go when you are
satisfied. We discuss budgets, finance, committees and simple
nuts and bolts of the church. Please email me to express your
interest – [email protected] – I need to make sure I have
enough handouts for the class. Class is held at 11:30 am after
services at UUSD. For more information or to express your interest
in attending such a class, please contact Jean Charles, 947-1779
or [email protected] (so she can contact you when one is
scheduled and have enough handouts).
f
LIFESPAN FAITH DEVELOPMENT NEWS
PEGGY SMITH
There are many activities and events coming up
during the holiday season for the whole family. We
hope you will be able to join us for some of them!
On November 20th we began a new curriculum
called Small Group Ministry Adapted for Children.
The first half of the class is a service where our children are learning songs and readings that are often
used in UU churches. If any of your children play an
instrument there are opportunities each week for
them to help by playing our prelude.
Many of you are probably aware that UUSD has
five Covenant Groups for Adults. The second half
of our curriculum is a covenant group for our children. The first week the children wrote a Covenant
about how they believe people should act toward
one another. You will be very proud of their beliefs!
Ask your child to show you the rainbow bracelets
we made to help us learn the 7 UU Principles.
We learned about the Pagan festival of Samhain a
few weeks ago and learned about the ancient holiday which Universalists called All Souls Day. It is
a day when we remember those whom we have
loved who have died. We mark this holiday to remember that each of us has times of sadness, and
each of us has times when we grieve the death of
someone close to us. It is in coming together, in
shared sadness, in knowing that others understand
our feelings and miss their loved ones too, that we
are comforted. On Sunday, November 27, the children had a service to name those people or pets for
whom they grieve.
Also for your information, our annual Incredible
Christmas Pageant will be Sunday, Dec. 18th and
we would love to have all of the children take part.
Please start talking about what character they and
you would like to be! If you have taken part in this
wonderful event in the past you know how much
fun it is! Rehearsals will be Dec. 4 & 11th when all
important fittings for the costumes will take place.
On Saturday, December 24 there will be a traditional Christmas Eve celebration with carols, stories,
and refreshments. This is a very special evening for
the whole family. Hope you can attend!
10
CASTING CALL
for our third annual
Intergenerational Christmas Pageant. “The Nativity Pageant” is intergenerational service
for December 18. We have assembled many
of the costumes and are working on the final
touches. This play is for adults and children of
all ages. Our narrators will guide us through the
actions.
This is a casting call for adults to play
shepherds, stars, angels, wise(wo)men, and
many animals.
Do not expect a conventional rendition of the
story with just three wisemen...we may have
many.
Do not expect animals that were present in
Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. We will have
butterflies, birds, turtles, and elephants, bunnies,
and many more.
No memorization! You will not have lines to
say.You will choose parts ahead of time. There
will be some last minute choices who will quickly
put on simple costumes, and take your spots on
stage for our Nativity Pageant!
What can you do to make this play a rousing
success? Feel free to come dressed in a
costume of your own. Most of all, come to
enjoy!
The dress rehearsal and costume fitting
for adults and children will be Sundays,
December 4 and December 11.
The incredible performance will be held on
Sunday, December 18.
Please show your support by attending even if
you are not a character in the play. We will all
provide the musical accompaniment for the
show. Those who have attended in the past will
tell you this is a “must see” event!!!
UUSD Adult Education Classes – 2011-2012
Below are the next classes scheduled for the 2011 -2012 year. Each course costs $5, a portion of which covers administrative costs; the balance
helps the church fund continuing and new offerings of our Lifespan Faith Development program overall. There will be a sign-up sheet at the back
of the sanctuary for each course offered. All classes below are held in the UUSD RE room unless otherwise noted.
Owning Your Religious Past
This class offers Unitarian Universalists an opportunity to
reckon with their religious upbringings and integrate them
into their current religious lives. The program’s exercises invite
participants to revisit religious spaces and people from childhood in a way that promotes greater self understanding and
personal peace.
Facilitator: Reverend Michael Smith
Date/Time: Friday evening, 7 to 9 p.m., December 9
and Saturday, December 10, 9:30 a.m .to 5:30 p.m.
Place: UUSD Religious Education room
History of Unitarian Universalism
Unitarianism and Universalism have deep roots in the history
of religious evolution in Western Society going back two thousand years. But many UUs are not fully aware of this history
and its connection to our denomination today. We attempt
in four 2-hour sessions to connect the development of Unitarian and Universalist thinking to the issues that gave rise to
religious dissent and change over time. There will be readings
and preparation for each session. A booklet containing most,
but not all, of the readings will be provided at the first session
to all participants. Other readings will be recommended in advance of their discussion. The actual sessions will be interactive with question/answer periods with the goal of minimizing one-way lecture. The specific goals are listed below. This
will be, at best, an overview course. For those interested in
more depth, additional readings can be recommended.
Goals
1.
To understand the historical evolution of Unitarian Universalism
in terms of the issues, disputes, themes, and enduring concepts
that have shaped our liberal religious view
2.
To appreciate the struggles, contributions, and sacrifices of
many individuals who have kept our movement alive
3.
To develop a sense of pride in Unitarian Universalism, and to
understand the issues and challenges for the future
4.
To help you clarify and strengthen your own faith and religious
journey
Facilitator: Ron Schaeffer
Dates/Times: Thursdays, 6 – 8pm; Jan. 5, 12, 19 and
25.
A signup sheet will be at the back of the sanctuary beginning December 1.
Coming in February:
Practicing Your UU Faith Every Day – Kathy Idziak and Betty Kirk
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News from the Delmarva Cluster
There was a brief review of the
UU Revival on October 9, with
participants offering comments
from their churches and personal
experience at the service.
Attendance was 294, with 39 kids
in the RE program. The offering
brought in $3,227. A tentative
date of October 14, 2012 was set
for next year, and the tentative
location is somewhere in New
Castle County, with the northern
DE churches hosting.
Important dates: April 13 -15,
2012 in Arlington, VA, at Key Bridge Marriott –
JPD 2012 Annual Assembly. November 29, 6:30
pm in Dover at Alta Porterfield’s home – next
Delmarva Cluster meeting. Tentative date for the
next meeting after that --- January 12, possibly at
Chester River church.
UPCOMING EVENTS Joseph Priestly District (JPD) of the UUA
For District conferences, obtain complete registration flyers, information and Registration
Forms via the JPD website
http://www.jpduua.org/
Links to UUA and Cluster websites
http://www.uua.org/
http://www.uudelmarva.org/
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UUSD SOCIAL JUSTICE UPDATE
Kris Acker, Co-Chair, Social Justic Committee
UUSD has had a very busy November showing support for Civic and Green issues. On Saturday, November 5, UUSD
members participated in “Occupy Rehoboth“ at the bandstand in downtown Rehoboth Beach. It was an energetic
peaceful event with speeches, drumming and chanting. We
were encouraging our government to tax the 1 percent, prosecute the financial institutions who have put the world economy in peril and stop the attack on women . There were about
175 people who participated and 20 of them were from UUSD.
Great representation!
On Sunday, November 6, Anne Pikolas, Joe Farrell and Kris
Acker went to Washington, D.C., to participate in “Hands
around the White House “ This was a peaceful demonstration to protest the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline
proposal— put forward by the State Department—was
to build a pipeline in Canada going through some of
Canada’s most beautiful untouched areas and then down
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through the center of our country and over our
largest aquifer. We were coming to say to President Obama “say no to this pipeline, it’s time to
stop jeopardizing or natural resources in the
name of oil and the money should instead be
used for alternative energy solutions. “ Organizers had anticipated five to six thousand people
and approximately twelve thousand people arrived for the demonstration. It was an absolutely beautiful day in Washington and after music
and speeches we were separated into groups
and began to surround the White House. We circled the White House not once, but three time!
Very satisfying for all involved. Then, early the
next week our President Obama announced he
was sending the plan back to the State Department which means the deal is off –the plan has
been rejected.
First Friday Film
December 2, 2011
Book Club
December 5, 2011
?
POTLUCK to Choose Next Year’s Books!
Bring a dish and some books to propose for next
year’s monthly Book Club. We will meet on Monday
Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. for our annual potluck and book
selection for the coming year. Each person is asked
to bring a few books to present. New members are
always welcome.
Book Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. at UUSD. For
more information, contact Bobbi Dunham
[email protected]
q
Avatar (2009)
In the epic action adventure fantasy, Avatar, James Cameron, director of the film,
Titanic, takes us to a spectacular new world beyond
our imagination. On the distant moon Pandora, a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption,
discovery and unexpected love as he leads a heroic
battle to save a civilization.
Many people have likened the views in this movie to
Unitarian Universalist principles. The following blog
by Conservative writer and blogger Ross Douthat
published in a New York Times op-ed convinced us to
screen this as a First Friday Film.
“Like the holiday season itself, the science fiction epic
is a crass embodiment of capitalistic excess wrapped
around a deeply felt religious message. Avatar is
Cameron’s long apologia for pantheism -- a faith that
equates God with Nature, and calls humanity into religious communion with the natural world.”
Come to the church at 6:30 p.m for the potluck or at
7 p.m. just to view the film. There is usually a short
group discussion following the movie. The FFF is a
joint presentation of the Social Justice Committee
and Lifespan Faith Development. For further information, call the UUSD church office at 302.645.6334.
Handel’s
Messiah
at Cape Henlopen
High School
Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.
and
Dec. 11 at
Del Tech at 3 p.m.,
which will be a sing-a-long-some rental scores available.
Tickets are $20 and $10 for students with ID’s.
They are available from
Linda Bennett (302-644-1116)
or online –
southerndelawarechoralesociety.org.
The Rainbow Chorale presents
“Home For The Holidays”
Saturday, December 10, at 3 p.m.
at
Epworth Methodist Church, Rehoboth.
Tickets in advance $15 or $20 at the door.
Get tickets at TheRainbowChorale.org.
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DO YOU KNOW?
December Celebrations
There are religious celebrations in every month
of the year, but clearly December has the most
significant ones for those religions in the Western
world. It is the last month of the year in the Julian
or Gregorian calendar (actually, it had been the
last and tenth month in the original Roman
calendar). Many of the special celebration days
are from Pagan- based festivities, associated
with the Winter Solstice, when we experience
the shortest day of the year (generally falling on
December 21 or 22). Christmas, or the celebration
of the birth of Jesus by Christians falls on the
25th, but is generally felt by historians to have
been tied to popular Pagan celebrations back
in that early era when the Christian religion
was developing. For example, in addition to the
Winter Solstice celebrations in late December,
there was Saturnalia starting on December
17—the seven day feast when Romana, or
Neopagans, worshipped the ancient Gods of
Rome. And then a whole host of other
Christian celebrations sprang up in
December, such as, St. Nicholas Day
(International) on the 6th, The Virgin
of Guadalupe (Mexico) on the 12th,
Santa Lucia Day (Scandinavian) on
the 13th, and Las Posadas (Mexico)
on the 16th to 24th, all with their own
local reasons and stories.
But other religions also have
celebrations in December. Ashura,
the Islamic commemoration of the martyrdom
of Husayn ibn Ali, which is particularly significant
for Shi’a Muslims, falls on the 5th. Also the
Islamic month of Ramadan, which is part of a
lunar-based calendar, can fall in November or
December. This is the holiest period in the Islamic
year, honoring the lunar
month in which the
Qura’n was revealed
by God to humanity.
Buddhists
celebrate
Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)
on the 8th, the day
the Buddha achieved
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Enlightenment. The Jews celebrate Hanukkah, or the
Festival of Lights, on the 21st to the 28th this year.
Some ancient religious celebrations still continue,
such as when many people in
Iran (Zoroastrians) celebrate
Zartusht-no-diso,
or
the
anniversary of the death of
Zarathustra, on the 26th.
And some people in Egypt
will celebrate the Day of the
Return of the Wondering
Goddess (Kemetic Orthodoxy –
supposedly one of the early
religions in Ancient Egypt) on
the 22nd.
And there are cultural and secular holidays in
December. People throughout the United Kingdom
celebrate The Day of Good Will on December 26 (used
to be called Boxing Day), when businesses put gifts in
boxes for employees, or people are given the day off
work. Also, Kwanzaa, an African-American
celebration is on the 26th. And the Japanese
celebrate Omisoka on the 31st, a year-end
event in Japan where families clean up the
home together to start fresh in the New Year.
And a fairly recent secular holiday started by
some Atheist and Agnostic groups, Krismas,
celebrating the myth of Kris Kringle, which
includes gift giving, decorating of trees and
the home, but does not include the story of
Jesus’ birth.
This list is representative of the substantial diversity
of religious and cultural celebration throughout
the month of December. As UU’s we may have our
own preference, but we try to respect and honor
all these celebrations even if we are not involved
with the specific religious or cultural organization.
Celebration is about joy, and that should be our
focus. December is (potentially) a month of joy and
happiness arising from all this celebration. So “Happy
Holidays” everyone, and much joy to all!
Submitted by Ron Schaeffer,
UUSD’s resident UU history buff
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS OF SOUTHERN DELAWARE
33739 Marsh Road, #2, Lewes, Delaware 19958
302-645-6334
www.uussd.org
VISION: Creating a diverse spiritual world community that celebrates and fosters the search for meaning, connection and acceptance.
MISSION: UUSD is a welcoming congregation proudly providing a liberal spiritual home for people of free faith through worship,
education, community, outreach, and social and environmental justice.
UUSD Staff & Officers
Minister
Reverend D. Michael Smith302-684-5662
[email protected] or
[email protected]
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Peggy Smith 302-362-2771
Adult Education Coordinator
Betty Kirk
UUSD Committee Chairs
Awards: D.R.Gray
Capital Campaign: Gary Colangelo & Lee Summerville
Cloud Society: Dan Payne
Committee on Ministry: Gabriel Zepecki
Communications: Dan Payne & Jay Liesener
Denominational Affairs: Ron Schaeffer
Facilities: Tom Evans
Finance: Dan Payne
Fund Raising: Barbara & Paul Barnette
Nursery Teacher
Sabina Beaver-Kepner
Land and Building Committee: (TBD-see article inside)
Youth Advisor
Eric Standifer
Lifespan Faith Develpment: Kris Acker
Music Director
Marcie Schiff
Board of Trustees
Jean Charles, President717-413-5648
Betty Kirk, Vice President/Church Council Chair
Darlene Lehr, Finance Officer
Chuck Herbert, Secretary
Allan Cairncross
Margaret Keefe
Lori Reading
Acccountant
Ron Schaeffer
Newsletter Staff
Jay Liesener, Editor/Art Direction/Layout
Dara Schumaier, Editor at Large
Contributing Editors:
Jane Germain
Pam Smith
Patricia Williams
Leadership Development: Pat Schaeffer
Long Range Planning: Allan Cairncross
Membership: Kelly Jewett & Carole Toomey
Music: Linda Bennett
Partner Church: Tom Toth
Pastoral Care: Rev. Smith & Dianne Conine
Social Justice: Dan & Kris Acker
Green Sanctuary Subcommittee: Joe Farrell
Stewardship: Jean Charles & Paul Barnette
Worship: Lin Schmidt & Jean Charles
uussd.org Webmaster: Jay Liesener
Website Monitors: Anne Pikolas & Peggy Smith
UUSD has a YahooGroup: groups.yahoo.com/group/UUSD
Moderators: Dara Schumaier, Peggy Smith
UUSD is on Facebook.
Moderators: Peggy Smith & Jay Liesener
CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS? Please notify Ron Schaeffer or Jean Charles
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