The Monthly Newsletter of Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church

Transcription

1 A Community of Open Hearts, Inquiring Minds, and Helping Hands February 2019 Edition 641 The Monthly Newsletter of Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church Sunday Services The theme for February is, What does it mean to be a people of Trust? It is easy to convince ourselves that life is a foe. Our faith communities can restore our faith that life is ultimately a friend. We need the reassurance. We need to know that when we fall, we can count on being picked up. 3rd The Bravery to Trust Rev. Jeff Trust as a noun commits us to little, especially if that trust is never tested. Trusting as a verb, however, commits us to a way of being to a state of openness, even vulnerability. How can we accept such vulnerability, even embrace it? We will also welcome new members into our church community. 10th The Way Leads On Barbara Webber Even when the future is unclear, there are discoveries to be made and gifts to find along the journey of our lives. In this time of uncertainty as TJUC begins its search for a new settled minister, we will explore the path forward. What can you expect of yourselves and this congregation? What might you discover? What treasures might be uncovered? Barbara Weber will be serving as TJUC s Transition Coach from the MidAmerica Region and the Ministerial Transitions Office of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She will meet with Board members today to outline the Search Process recommended by the UUA and will work closely with our Ministerial Search Committee throughout the Search. Barb has been a member of Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Dayton Ohio for 30 years and has served as Director of Religious Education and Board Chair there. She has been consulting for the MidAmerica Region (previously Heartland District) for many years. She has a Master of Social Work and retired last year from her mental health practice. 17th Borderlands Rev. Jeff What does it take to explore the unknown, to venture into the frontier? Courage, determination, and persistence. But also trust trust in your own abilities and the willingness to trust your own instincts. Rev. Jeff will just be returning and will share experiences during a weeklong Mexican Border Witness program. 24th "Where Courage and Compassion Reside: Foundations for Justice Allying" - Rus Ervin Funk with special guest Spoken Word Artist Lance Newman Courage and Compassion reside in all of us. Compassion call us to act, and courage propels us to act in those ways that are often scary or intimidating. That place in us all where courage and compassion reside, then, becomes the launch pad for justice allying. This inter-generational service will provide an opportunity for folks to experience where courage and compassion resides in them.

2 Pulpit Ponderings Coming here as your Interim Minister last August felt a little like signing up for a literature course that started with War and Peace followed by a test after two weeks. Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church has a rich history of accomplishments, of unique and talented people, and of serving the liberal religious needs of the eastern suburbs of Louisville. In the past several decades, TJUC has grown into a full program church with an attractive physical plant, solid financial resources, and talented professional staff. One of my tasks here is to help you recognize and know your story as a religious community. Sociologist Peter Berger says human life is rooted in narratives allowing us to shape our world into grounded homes of memory. Stories are universal, bridging cultural, linguistic and age-related divides. I believe we have done good work achieving that task in the past six months. Soon, we will move into the next phase of this important work. Once you know your story, I want to help you learn how to tell your story. Now, good storytelling is not easy. Simply reading words off a page does not constitute quality storytelling. Good narration requires interaction with the audience, evincing the unique textures and depth of the tale. Being able to tell your story well will help enormously in the quest to find the best candidate for your next called minister. But this work goes far beyond this transitional period in your history. As a growing and vibrant church, the demands on each of you to be good stewards of this community will grow. And I want to help each of you become part of the next chapter of the TJUC story. Some of this work will entail more self-examination and review of traditional ways of being that are perhaps overdue for change. The Living Tradition of Unitarian Universalism thrives on such change and progressive thought and action. Our history abounds with explorers, paradigm shifters, and revolutionaries who led us to be the faith we are today. Now is our time to be the movers and shakers, the stewards of a vessel continuously plowing through the waves of the unknown toward a new land grounded in the light of Truth, the power of Justice, and the warmth of Love. Rev. Jeff COMMUNITY SHOPPING NIGHT FRIDAY, FEB PM To benefit EACM JUST CREATIONS in Crescent Hill 2722 FRANKFORT AVE. LOUISVILLE, KY Find one-of-a-kind gifts and unique home décor sourced from 45 countries, and support EACM at the same time! 15% of sales will be donated to EACM's Multicultural Community Services program. This program provides English classes, support groups, and workshops for immigrant families. 9:30 am - Adult Religious Education 11:00 am - Sunday Service 11:00 am - Children /Youth Lifespan RE debbie@tjuc.org

3 Capital Improvement Projects Underway Projects Completed to Date Roofing: Replaced Sanctuary and church roofs. HVAC: Replaced heating and air conditioning units in the Sanctuary, Welcoming Space, kitchen, and offices. Kitchen Appliances: Replaced refrigerator and freezer with new commercial units Nurturing Our Flame: Paid campaign expenses for consultant assistance and publications. Insulation and weatherstripping: Added to hallways and storage spaces in the church Projects in Progress rogress Remodel of administration wing restrooms to be handicap accessible with on-demand hot water. (February) Lighting for TJ sign and 8 new lights around the church and farmhouse to improve safety and security. Audio-visual improvements to upgrade the sound system, add a large screen and digital projector to enable streaming of services on the Internet. Currently seeking bids. Do you know of a supplier? Phone System with private voice mail boxes, Solar panels to bring our kilowatt hours up to the 30 allowed under net metering. The Justice Center OUR MISSIONThe Justice Center OUR MISSION The Justice Coordinating Council has created a Mission Statement for the Center, and is continuing to plan its operations. No expenditures have been made yet. The mission of the Justice Center at TJUC is to build the capacity of TJ congregants individually, the TJ community collectively, and the surrounding communities to seek and achieve justice. The Justice Center does this through education, training, networking, advocacy and community organizing. Capital Campaign Pledges Needed As more money comes in, we are able to do more. Please continue to send in your pledge dollars. With many thanks...the Priorities Team InterFaith Coffee The Temple WRJ/Sisterhood will hold its Annual Interfaith Coffee from 9 to 11am on Monday, Feb. 4 in the Heideman Auditorium and main sanctuary. This year the theme is "Jews Around the World." Pastries will be served, followed by the programs presented by the rabbis. Call to RSVP

4 Sunday Mornings at 9:30 Adult Sunday Morning Class, 9:30 to 10:45 February First Sunday Current Issues Louisville Metro Government Renewable Energy Resolution The Green Sanctuary committee has endorsed this resolution which is before the Metro Council: Be it resolved that Louisville Metro government will support a city operations goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 and a community-wide goal by Since that resolution was introduced, the Mayor has announced a goal of an 80% reduction in Greenhouse Gases emissions from Louisville by We will discuss how these two goals are complementary, how they are different, and what possible actions TJUC might take in response. All other Sundays Sci-Fi: Science Fiction as Philosophy The science fiction genre has become increasingly influential in mainstream popular culture, evolving into one of the most engaging storytelling tools we use to think about technology and consider the shape of the future. Along the way, it has also become one of the major lenses we use to explore important philosophical questions. The 24 lecture series focuses on sci-phi films including Star Trek, Firefly, The Matrix, Twilight Zone and many others to help us ponder various philosophical questions, such as: Do humans truly have free will? Could machines one day be conscious? Or be sentient? Could we actually be living in a simulated world? How will humanity confront a future of diminished resources and advancing technology? Are science and religion compatible? When, if ever, is war justified? How do we know what information to trust and what to dismiss? Relationships Between Atheists and Believers Dick Heifner will present Ideas from two recent books by well-known British atheists, who criticize the new atheism of Dawkins, Dennett, Grayling and others. In The Meaning of Belief: Religion from an Atheist s Point of View, Tim Crane encourages atheists to better understand and tolerate religious belief. In Seven Types of Atheism, John Gray asserts, among many things, that secular humanism makes sense only if it continues ways of thinking that have been inherited from monotheism. Bob Schulz and Bob Lippman will add insights on atheism and humanism based on their studies and experience. There will be ample time for the audience to discuss implications for humanists and for ourselves. Humanists of Metro Louisville 7:00 PM February 11th Everyone is welcome!

5 Open Campus Classes for Winter 2019 Classes begin February 6. Check out the nine weeks of classes and times below. Sign up for classes by going to the church s website and clicking on the applicable link, or by contacting Alan Godsave at agodsave1@gmail.com. Open Campus Schedule: February 6 April 3. Drop-ins are welcome. 7:00-8:30 Wednesday & Thursday Evening Classes (sign-up is requested to help plan classroom spaces and assist with facilitator-participants communication). Sources of Our Living Tradition. Rev. Jeff, Facilitator. Wednesday evenings. Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13 (this class will also be offered on-line in real time) Men and #MeToo: Men s Experiences of and Responses to the #MeToo Movement. Rus Funk, Facilitator. Thursday evenings. Feb 14, 21, 28, Mar 7, 14, 21 Banned Books. Lisa Austin, Facilitator. Wednesday evenings. Feb 6, 20, Mar 6, 20 Downsizing The Family Home. Diana Devaughn and Marilyn Snyder, Facilitators. Wednesday evenings. Feb 13, 27, Mar 13, 27 Basic Watercolor. Jill Baker, Facilitator. Thursday evenings. Feb 28, Mar 7, 14, 21 (NEW) Humanism and Its Powerful Influence. Bob Schulz, Joe Brennan, and Glenn Glasgow, Facilitators. Wednesday evenings. Mar 20, 27, Apr 3 PLEASE NOTE: The class Sight Reading which was previously being offered for Winter 2019 Open Campus has been cancelled. Basic Watercolor is now being offered in its place. Weather Policy: If Jefferson County school is canceled due to weather conditions, please see the TJ website for information about a possible cancellation of the Open Campus dinner or classes. LGBTQ People in God s Promise What Do Jewish and Christian Sacred Texts Really Say About Homosexuality? Sunday, February 3rd (3-4:30 p.m.): The Christian perspective, presented by Kevin Karl (LCSW) Sunday, February 10th (3-4:30 p.m.): Bringing our communities together, discussion led by Rev. C.J. Wright (Rainbow Spiritual Education Center)

6 Traveling Chalice Program: You may have heard of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants but have you heard about the Community of The Traveling Chalice? Well, that s just what TJUC will become as the Family Ministry Program at TJ kicks off a Traveling Chalice Program in the month of February. The purpose of the Traveling Chalice Program is to deepen our understanding of one of our most familiar Unitarian Universalist symbols. The light of the chalice connects us all together and is a sacred element of our beloved community. The chalice may also be used as a symbol of hope when one is feeling in need or experiencing a sense of darkness. This program offers an opportunity to learn about its history and to deepen your daily practice of living into our Unitarian Universalist tradition. Each week, a household will take home the Traveling Chalice Box. Who can participate? Everyone! Family with children or youth, couples, singles- EVERYONE! What is included in the Traveling Chalice Box? A handcrafted wooden chalice made from a tree that once stood on TJ s grounds, several decorative cloths, a battery operated tealight, a votive with a wax candle, a Traveling Chalice Journal and pen, a booklet of chalice lighting readings, and a book titled A Cup of Light: All About the Flaming Chalice by Pamela Baxter. What activities are suggested? You may want to use the chalice during your meals, family meetings, or as a bedtime ritual. Choose a reading from the materials provided or create your own. The chalice might be a focal point for a meditation practice. Take a photo of the chalice in use in your home and post it on the TJUC Facebook page or send it to DLRE Barb at barb@tjuc.org Record your experience in the included journal. How did the chalice enrich your experience? In what ways was the chalice used? Did you discover a favorite chalice lighting reading or learn something new? If you created your own reading, you may share it in the journal. How long does a household keep the Traveling Chalice? One week will be the typical length of time. Bring the box and all of its contents back to church the following Sunday so that the next household may use it. Sounds great! How do people sign up? A signup sheet will be located in the Welcoming Space at the Family Ministry Program table. You may also sign up by sending an message to barb@tjuc.org Please like our page: Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church/Louisville, KY It s important to Share TJ s Facebook Events and Timeline posts. Every time you share with your friends, they pass it on to others who learn about our great programs and special events! Please help us spread the word and Share it! See how many found us: Bridge Anyone? Every TUESDAY night 7:00 pm All levels welcome. Just drop in!

7 February 2019 Friday, February 1, :00 AM - 02/03/19 Justice Con Saturday, February 2, /01/19-02/03/19 Justice Con 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM New Member Luncheon Sunday, February 3, /01/19-08:00 AM Justice Con 09:30 AM - 10:45 AM Current Events Discussion 12:45 PM - 02:15 PM Music Committee Meeting 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM Transition Team 01:30 PM - 04:00 PM Our Whole Lives Monday, February 4, :00 PM - 01:30 PM Men's Group at Bob Evans 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM Women's Group at Bristol 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Rental Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 5, :00 PM - 09:00 PM Bridge Group 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday, February 7, :00 AM - 12:30 PM Membership Committee Meeting 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Women's Choir Friday, February 8, :00 PM - 11:45 PM OWL overnight Saturday, February 9, :00 AM - 11:30 AM Adult RE Committee Meeting Sunday, February 10, :30 AM - 10:45 AM Family Group 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Aesthetics Committee 12:45 PM - 02:15 PM Caring Ministry Meeting 12:45 PM - 02:45 PM Covenant UU Pagans 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM Board of Trustees Monday, February 11, :00 PM - 08:30 PM Humanist Grouip Thursday, February 14, :00 PM - 08:30 PM Women's Choir Sunday, February 17, :15 AM - 10:30 AM Social Justice Meeting 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM Promotions Commiottee 12:45 PM - 02:00 PM Sunday Service Planning Meeting 12:45 PM - 02:15 PM Family Ministry Meeting 12:45 PM - 01:15 PM Conversation with Minister 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM Board Meeting (Closed) 01:30 PM - 04:00 PM OWL Tuesday, February 19, :00 PM - 09:00 PM Bridge Group 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, February 20, :00 PM - 02:00 PM Brownbag Book Group Thursday, February 21, :00 PM - 07:30 PM Hospitality Committee Meeting 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Women's Choir Friday, February 22, :30 PM - 04:30 PM Chalice Circle Sunday, February 24, :15 AM - 10:30 AM Green Sanctuary 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM OWL Tuesday, February 26, :00 PM - 09:00 PM Bridge Group 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday, February 28, :30 PM - 08:30 PM Women's Choir The next Tapestry Deadline is February 22nd 2019 Tuesday, February 12, :00 PM - 09:00 PM Bridge Group 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

8 EACM Spring Fundraiser Saturday, March 2, 6:30 pm UofL Shelby Campus, Founders Union The emcee will be Andy Treinen, VP of Frasier Historical Museum and former WHAS 11 News Anchor. New This Year! 9 Travel Packages will be available for silent auction, procured by AmFund. Destinations include New York, France, Alaska, Ireland, Spain, and more! Wine Pull - $25/pull, you win a bottle of wine valued between $20 and $100. Church Basket Raffle $50 for a roll of tickets. Available in advance and on-site. Silent Auction premium items available 50/50 Raffle $20/ticket, the winner splits the total ticket sales with EACM, 50/50. TJUC is a member church of EACM, and one of the ways we support it is by participating in their Annual Fundraiser. You can do so by: Purchase Tickets to the event: Individual Tickets are $75 Table of 8 Tickets are $525 *Order tickets at EACMonline.org Sponsor the Event; Your business or individuals can become a sponsor at one of the levels as follows: $ Presenting Sponsors Swag Bag Premiere Ad Package: full print (program), full social media/digital, signage $1500 Supporting Sponsors Ad Package: full print (program), full social media/digital $1000 Sustaining Sponsors Ad Package: full print (program), full social media/digital $500 Contributing Sponsors Ad Package: full social media/digital *Contact info for sponsorship is Julie Richardson, EACM Development Manager, at jrichardson@eacmonline.org or Ambitious people climb, but faithful people build. Julia Ward Howe

9 Friendship Dinners (Pot Lucks) coming soon... One way to make new connections at TJ is through Friendship Dinners. Unlike Chalice Circles which are on-going discussion groups that meet monthly, Friendship Dinners meet only once. We gather those who are new, along with established members who may be new-to-each-other, for a pot luck meal. We ask that these meals be organized by TJ Neighborhood so that we can intentionally gather with those we don't already know well. We do this intentional mixing to build and extend the community that we all rely on and value. February Dinners: Jane and Ron Gross, North East Neighborhood, February 16, 6pm Kathi Peterson, Middletown Neighborhood, Feb 23, 5:30 Our dinners will be held in February, March and April. The sign up sheets are on the door to Weston Hall near the water fountain. New Member Bio Heidi Howe Heidi grew up in the Presbyterian church, later became a member of Unity church and now considers herself to be an agnostic who believes in science, although she doesn't love labels. She came to TJ to meet like minded adults, to learn new things and to be in community with others. She plays music for fun and money, and she likes taking on creative projects. Heidi has a teenage son which makes her (almost) reconsider prayer. At the time of this bio, she shaves her head. Please welcome our new member! The Nominating Committee wants you! NEEDED! Persons to serve on TJ's four elected standing committees: Board of Trustees, Endowment Fund Board, Nominating Committee and the Stewardship Committee If you have an interest in being a member of one of these committees, please let Ernie Weill, Chair of the Nominating Committee, know. YOU may have the perfect talents and interest that are needed!! It is courage the world needs, not infallibility. Wilfred Grenfell

10 Joys and Concerns Kathi Peterson announced that her daughter Lynn finished her Masters Degree and is now a Family Nurse Practitioner. Joanie McGuire shared that while she was with her best friend, Robin, who has Parkinson s and lives in a nursing home she became aware that when patients aren t compliant nursing home staff often talk to them as if they are children. She would like to see that model of interaction change. Jane Gross shared that Linda Beldon has had shoulder surgery and is participating in rehab at the Swope Rehabilitation Center. Rose Wood announced that her grandson has gotten his first paycheck as an occupational therapist. Pat Redden celebrated her 90th birthday. Sonya Goff had unexpected knee surgery and the procedure proved difficult Dawn Moretz s friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Kevin Mitchell has new hearing aids. Sahil Egbert has been accepted to arts school. Debbie Horvay s 92 year old mother has recoved nicely from the flu and pneumonia Sandy Nickley has developed spine compression and needs help. Rus Funks book What s Wrong With This Picture? has been published Sariena Sampson is now an Assistant Principal The Khleaf family from Iraq that the church sponsored is prospering very well. Ernie Weill s friend has been murdered in Venezuela Susie Pasikowski s son-in-law is from Venezuela Debbie Sublett and Sheila Ward are coming home from Kenya after working with the children we sponsor. Kathy Wilson took a fall and will need extensive dental work. Linda Marks-Morgan had knee surgery Karen Roberson s father died. Rick McChane broke his pelvis in a bicycle accident and has a long road to recovery. Toni Hardin had emergency back surgery. Phil Young had a shoulder replacement. Mixed Chopir Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Just drop in if you are interested or contacfrank Richmond at frank@tjuc.org Women s Chopir Every Thursday at 7:00 pm. Just drop in if you are interested or contact Linda Marks Morgan at linda@tjuc.org

11 When I Was A Little Lad Glenn P. Glasgow December 22, 2018 (Glenn was asked to share this by others after the Intentional Sharing service at the end of December) and apple or an orange, and take it out, wave it about, and always hope for more! But there was another gift there beneath the Christmas Tree, a gift I could not see, the gift of love my parents had, the love they had for me! When I was a little lad long, long ago On Christmas morn I would rise and to the window go and look down to the ground to see if there was snow. And look to see if there were sleigh tracks in the Christmas snow. Now I am an old man, my bones creak and pop! Even coming down the stairs I often must stop. Down the stairs I would creep, quiet as a mouse! So as not to wake all asleep in the house. But still the gift is there, I still can plainly see, if I look carefully, beneath the little Christmas Tree. And I would see a Christmas Tree all beautiful with lights, shining in a darken room O what a lovely sight! The gift of love from years past remains in my heart. I open it each year, a gift that never stops. And beneath that tree, just for me were toys everywhere! A drum set, a wagon, maybe a teddy bear. It keeps on giving year after year until the end of time. It is an eternal gift, it will always be mine! The Christmas Tree is smaller now, the packages are few, there is no sock, no candy canes, nothing I can chew! Caregiver Support Group Jewish Family & Career Services located at 2821 Klempner Way, Louisville Phone number The first Tuesday of the month at 4:00 pm. (February 5th) Susie Pasikowski will be facilitating our group and Naomi Malka will be in our group as counselor. If anyone has questions call Susie at We want to help as many people as possible who are in a caregiving situation. What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver And on the mantle, hung so high there was a bright red sock, stuffed with treasures, candy canes, and other things I have forgot. I would take it down, look all around, and dump it on the floor, and plunge my hand deep within, to see if there was more! And in the toe I would find CONVERSATIONS WITH THE MINISTER Are you new to TJ or to Unitarian principles and beliefs? Join Rev. Jeff in the Fahs Room at 1 pm (On the Third Sunday of each month)

12 Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church 4936 Brownsboro Road Hwy. 22 Louisville, KY Return Service Requested February 2019 Edition 641 I Can Feel the Suffering of Millions by Anne Frank I can feel the suffering of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think it will all come right, and that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again. In the meantime, I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the time will come when I shall be able to carry them out. from The Diary of Anne Frank in Day by Day, ed. Chaim Stern (Beacon Press) Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church 4936 Brownsboro Rd (Hwy 22) Louisville, KY Rev. Jeff Liebmann, Interim Minister - call for an appointment Barb Friedland, Director of Lifespan RE 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM Tuesday through Friday to Barb@tjuc.org Messages may be left for her outside of these hours at (502) Frank Richmond, Music Director Janet Taylor, Membership Coordinator Debbie Horvay Administrator/Newsletter Editor Monday - Friday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Ellen Wade, Rental Coordinator Weddings and Rentals Call the office. Office hours: Monday thru Friday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

13 What Does It Mean To Be A People of Trust? In religious circles, trust talk most often revolves around having faith that life will look after us. We UUs tend to have a perspective of trusting a Love that will not let us go. This call to trust Life s support comes to us as a gift and helps to restore our faith that life is ultimately a friend. But what about being pushed? Don t we need to count on that too? A Love that won t let us go is essential, but isn t it just as important to have faith in a Love that won t let us get too comfortable? This is especially important during this time of interim ministry when we need to come to terms with the idea that the disturbance that comes with change is where growth ultimately resides. And just when that call to trust seems to be the call we all need to listen to, another voice adds itself to the mix. This one telling us to trust that it s not all up to us. That sometimes it s ok to rest. That doesn t disturb but instead assures us that we can let go. That tells us to trust that we can - for a while - put the work down because others are ready to pick it up, knowing that we will be there to pick it up when rest calls to them. Here s a list of questions to consider. The goal of these questions is to encourage figuring out what our monthly theme means for you and your daily living. Instead of trying answer each one, you are invited to find the question that is calling to you. Which one contains your desire to explore? Who has taught you the most about risking trust? What have you trusted since childhood? What have you never lost faith in? How have you changed your mind about trust? Are you trusting or ignoring your gut right now? What would happen if you trusted life enough to let go? What would happen if you trusted that you are right where you are meant to be? That life is exactly what you need right now? Have you ever been surprised that someone was willing to trust you? When broken trust left you broken-hearted, what voice in your head or word from a friend helped you pick up the pieces? Have you ever felt betrayed by your country? What would it mean to trust people to be who they are rather than what you wish they were? You re worried about how this thing in front of you is going to work out. Might it be possible to trust that you will be fine either way? What have you learned about trusting grief, rather than trying to make it go away? Has it ever been hard to trust that your children will find their way? What s your question? Your question may not be listed above. As always, if the above questions don't include what life is asking from you, spend the month listening to your days to hear it.