The UCH Mission. WE SHARE creative, expressive worship, vibrant religious education, and a commitment to a just world.

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1 Unitarian Church of Hinsdale 17 W. Maple Hinsdale, IL Sunday Services begin at 10:30 a.m. Childcare and education services are available. Minister Pam Rumancik Director of Programs Pam Fodor Director of Operations Linda Liberacki Board of Trustees Julia Beckman, President Liz Reyes, Vice-President Steve Trout, Treasurer Susan Hebble, Secretary Trustees at Large Dan Bennecke Susan Mooney Karen Porter Mike Pabian Editors of The Touchstone Kim Ryan Linda Karlen A quarterly publication of the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale The UCH Mission Dwell in Possibility: Courageous, Compassionate Action Whether your summer has flown or meandered by, we ve reached the end of this easy and laid back season. Time to start thinking of sweaters and warm socks, the brightly colored canopy of turning leaves, and how we will re-gather as a church community. Energized by our time of rest and play, we return to the work well begun last year and look ahead to find out how we might live into the particular call of our lives in this place and time. Last year was a time of exploring: a time of naming who we are, what we do, and why we gather. A great many café and worship conversations led to the adoption of the UCH Mission Statement at the May Annual Meeting. It s a solid statement and a great Rev. Pam Rumancik Fall 2015 The Unitarian Church of Hinsdale is a welcoming, caring community celebrating Unitarian Universalist values. WE SHARE creative, expressive worship, vibrant religious education, and a commitment to a just world. WE INSPIRE spiritual exploration, personal growth, appreciation of diversity, and courageous, compassionate action. platform upon which to move deeper into the call at the heart of our religious institution. I invite you to sit with the statement a little while. Let its phrases wash over you find which calls to your imagination, which draws you in. Are you excited about creative, expressive worship and want to offer your talents of music or voice to the choir? Does vibrant religious education inspire you to teach a class for our kids, or come up with one to offer to us taller, grown up kids? Does commitment to a just world inspire you to participate in one of our upcoming race conversations, attend a Green Sanctuary meeting, or look to our Continued on next page The Touchstone 1

2 Continued from previous page Social Action Committee for new ways to serve the world? Do you want to grow through spiritual exploration within a newly forming small group, or find new ways, which stretch us all beyond our comfort zones, to be welcoming with our intrepid Membership Committee? The phrase which calls to my heart is the finale the one which states that UCH inspires courageous, compassionate action. It is such a rich and nuanced phrase, calling us to be courageous in those things which present themselves to us at home, at work, in the grocery store, in the library. It asks us to ponder what courage looks like; how we can live more deeply into our core beliefs. How can we take those small steps for justice in the places we live while holding onto compassion, understanding and hope for everyone including ourselves? Compassion means opening the heart to understanding and love. It means not judging anyone, even ourselves, because we can never really know the contours of a particular life. Courageous, compassionate action calls us to balance doing with being. It calls us to be our very best selves and to love ourselves - especially when we fail. We begin this church year full of hope, full of wonder, full of all the possibilities that lie just ahead. We trust that we can make a difference if we love not only the world, but ourselves and our companions as we journey forward together. Amen and Blessed be! What s in a Name? The Touchstone Remains the Same Rev. Pam Rumancik After long consideration and many conversations, the communication committee and church staff have decided to retain the The Touchstone as the name of this publication. While Al Fischer made a good case for going back to an earlier title --The Inclusivist--most people we spoke with either had no opinion or felt they didn t want one more change at church. Comments included feeling that the word inclusivist, while trying to convey a welcoming vibe, actually gave the opposite impression in its lack of familiarity. Additionally, while the technical definition of a touchstone is a medieval tool to test the quality of gold, in today s world, people think of it metaphorically as a place to touch base and remember their center; as something to hold onto that reminds us of our deepest commitments and core beliefs. This is the mission of the church newsletter connecting us with one another and with the deepest aspirations of ourselves as humans. We will continue this mission with renewed energy and enthusiasm. There will be a couple changes, however. The Touchstone is changing to a quarterly publication, starting with this issue, and will be published in September, December, March, and June. We are inviting articles of more depth that speak to the current condition of Unitarian Universalism in Hinsdale and beyond. You are invited to submit pieces which reflect your own thoughts, concerns and considerations. Current events will continue to be available on a weekly basis in the online News & Notes, but The Touchstone will be a place for extended views. We ve also heard that many of you prefer hard copy and have been less inclined to read the online version. In response, there will be printed copies of the newsletter for everyone that would like one. Contact Linda Liberacki in the office office@ hinsdaleunitarian.org to let her know, and she will print up copies and have them available for pick up in the Alice Warren Room after church. Mailing is also available by request. While the only constant is change, The Touchstone will be here to offer you food for thought, ways to connect, and a forum for touching base with all the good people who call the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale home. The Unitarian Church of Hinsdale is a welcoming, caring community celebrating Unitarian Universalist values. WE SHARE creative, expressive worship, vibrant religious education, and a commitment to a just world. WE INSPIRE spiritual exploration, personal growth, appreciation of diversity,and courageous, compassionate action. The Touchstone 2

3 I am so excited about the start of the church year! Below is a listing of this year s curricula. I am always looking for enthusiastic adults who would like to share some of themselves with our young people. If you are interested in teaching please contact me. No experience is necessary teaching our youth is really easy and fun! Birth through age Three: Play Group For our youngest children from birth through age three, volunteer parents and paid high school youth will provide an opportunity for the children to learn through play, help build relationships with the church and its members, and have fun during church time. Four Years Through Grade Two: Spirit Play Children ages four years through second grade will be introduced to the magic of Spirit Play. Spirit play seeks to engage children in the questions of life within the context of the Unitarian Universalist faith. The program encourages independent thinking through wondering with an adult who mediates correct answers but truly wonders with the child. It gives children the freedom to choose answers within a structure that promotes a sense of community and develops an underlying sense of the spiritual and mysteries of life. Each week stories are presented through active storytelling followed by a wondering time that opens up the child s response to the story. Time is then allowed for the child is to work directly with that Thoughts from the Director of Religious Ed Pam Fodor story, or another, or respond to the story through art materials. Third and Fourth Grade: Faithful Journeys This curriculum will lead the children on a pilgrimage of faith, exploring how Unitarian Universalism translates into life choices and everyday actions. Through sessions structured around the UU principles, Faithful Journeys demonstrates that our principles are not dogma, but a credo that individuals can affirm with many kinds of action. Over the course of the program, children discover a unity of faith in the many different ways Unitarian Universalists, including themselves, can act on their beliefs. Fifth and Sixth Grade: Toolbox of Faith Toolbox of Faith invites participants to reflect on the qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith. Each of the sessions uses a tool as a metaphor for an important quality of our faith such as reflection (symbolized by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape), and justice (a flashlight). Seventh and Eighth Grade: Coming of Age Our Coming of Age program uses the four elements of rituals, learning, testing and celebration to acknowledge our young people s transition from childhood to youth. The youth meet weekly to tackle life s big questions. Through the year, the youth learn who they are and decide what they stand for and write a faith statement, which is shared with and celebrated by the congregation. Senior High Youth: Senior Youth Group Senior Youth Group youth meet with adult advisors to participate in a supportive environment in which they can explore their feelings about themselves, their world and their religion. The Touchstone 3

4 Policy Governance, A Refresher Course Pam Fodor, Director of Programs Welcome back to another church year! I am really looking forward to our second year with Rev. Pam, working with our Circle Coordinators, and cooperating with the Board of Trustees on writing policies. Attached is a visual version of our polity structure. In this article I will offer a refresher on how this all works. If you would like clarification or have any questions, please call me anytime! Board of Trustees Our Board of Trustees are elected members of our congregation. They meet monthly to look forward and plan for policies to help both paid staff and lay leaders do the work of the church. The board also receives reports from the by-laws committee, the Endowment Committee and the Nominating Committee. Executive Team The Executive Team consists of the Board President, a board trustee, the minister, the Director of Programs and The Director of Operations. This group meets monthly prior to the Board meeting. This group discusses activities, successes and problems of each of the program circles. These discussions help to form the agenda for the board meetings. Program Circles There are seven program circles that hold each of the active committees of the church. Each circle has a volunteer Circle Coordinator who works with and supports the committee chairs. These Circle Coordinators report to and are supported by a paid staff member. Stewardship The Stewardship Circle holds the finance committee, fundraising committee, and the pledge drive and supports the treasurer. Worship The Worship circle holds Sunday services, worship arts, flowers, lay worship, and music. Communications The Communication Circle holds the Touchstone, News and Notes, promotions, media releases, CAUUC, denominational relations, and announcements. House and Garden The House and Garden Circle holds buildings, grounds, gardens, and use of space. Growth and Learning The Growth and Learning Circle holds children s RE, Youth RE, adult RE and programs, Spirituality on Tap, and the Non- Fiction Book club. Social Responsibility The Social Responsibility Circle holds the Social Action Committee, Green Sanctuary Committee, Animal Ministry, and Welcoming Congregation. Community The Community Circle holds the Membership Committee, Caring Circle, Care Shawl Ministry, Coffee/hospitality, ushers and greeters, and Woman s Alliance. All of these circles are nothing without the leadership, support, hard work and dedication of ALL of you! Each and every member, friend, youth, and child add something to the ministry of this church! Use the energy of the new year to get involved! Join a committee, volunteer to teach or be a youth mentor, help with a fundraiser. Have a different idea? Great! Contact me anytime, and I will connect you to others that can help! Looking forward to a fantastic year! Circle Coordinators Caring Circle: Deborah Stillman stilld99@yahoo.com Communication Circle: Paula Sejut-Dvorak psejut-dvorak@sbcglobal.net. Growth and Learning Circle: Jessica Friess jessicab8@gmail.com Stewardship Circle Fred Zimmerman zimmerman5401@comcast.net Social Responsibility Circle: Dave Lloyd davelloyd@mindspring.com Worship Circle: Kathy Salzano ktsalzano@gmail.com Home and Garden Circle Judy Jeske judyjeske@gmail.com The Touchstone 4

5 Organizational Chart for Unitarian Church of Hinsdale Unitarian Church of Hinsdale Polity Growth and Learning Social Responsibility Community Director of Programs Board of Trustees Executive Team Minister Director of Operations Communications House and Garden Stewardship Worship The Touchstone 5

6 My Open Door Rev Pam Rumancik Would you like to chat? Would you like to stop by, lean in, talk over something that s been on your mind for a while? Last year I invited everyone to come in and have a conversation so I could get to know this amazing group of people calling themselves the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. At the same time, you could get to know your new minister. And a whole lot of This is your invitation to come in: know and be known. you took me up on it. It s been wonderful hearing your stories, learning your history, and finding out where the skeletons really are kept! But there are still a lot more folks that haven t shared the gift of gab. This is your invitation to come in: know and be known. Drop me an (minister@ hinsdaleunitarian.org) or give me a call ( ) and set up a time to share a conversation with your minister. Check the website for updated office hours or help find a time with me that works for you. This is your church and whether you ve been here for decades or just found us this summer, I d love to get to know you. Growth & Learning: Small Group Ministry Jessica Friess When you listen generously to people, they can hear the truth in themselves, often for the first time. ~Rachel Naomi Remen Small Group Ministry (SGM) makes space to listen generously to one another and to be heard. The concept, which has been around in one form or another for nearly 30 years, supports creating intimate spaces for connection within larger communities and forming bonds of care and compassion throughout the church. In SGM, groups of 6 10 people meet monthly to explore a common theme. Sitting with readings, quotations, and questions, participants practice deep reflective listening where the goal is not to respond, but to listen one another into a deeper truth. There is no feedback or conversation, but rather an experience of being profoundly present to another human being. Participants often experience a sense of acceptance and connection never before found in church. The gift of presence can be powerful and transformational. In the UU World article Small Group Ministry Creates Sacred Time, Thandeka writes about the different aspects of SGM in greater detail: uuworld.org/articles/smallgroup-ministry-creates-sacredtime The Growth & Learning Circle is featuring SGM as one of this year s new projects for adult faith formation because of the rich experience this ministry offers. While still in the planning stages as of this writing, September will bring news of how to get involved in this life-affirming program. Feel free to contact Pam Fodor or Jessica Friess if you would like to be involved in organizing and planning. The goal is not to respond, but to listen one another into a deeper truth. UCH Lunch Bunch UCH Lunch Bunch was on hiatus in August. Please check announcements in Friday s , News and Notes, from UCH office for next Lunch Bunch date, time and place. Questions contact Cathy G. or Jackie B. The Touchstone 6

7 LIFE IS GOOD, THANK GOD(ESSES) Dave Lloyd SAC Summer Report Kim Ryan As UUs, we can talk about what we don't believe, but we don't always articulate what we do believe. I'm not sure, but if I do believe in something, it's that old-time religion. Not long ago I was feeling grateful--for something, I don't remember--and I wondered, grateful to whom? The universe? The impersonal laws of chance? Certainly not the God of the bible. Even modern Christian theology holds that God does not get involved in the day-to-day events of life. So what address should I send my thank-you card to? Then I thought of the Greek and Roman gods. Now there were some gods you could make a deal with. Their theology was simple: Make a shrine, take care of the god, say the right prayers, make the right sacrifices, and the gods would take care of you. And if it didn't work, you had to be doing it wrong, so go back and try again. So, I went out and got me some gods-- actually, some goddesses. My job requires smarts and wise planning, so I got a statuette of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. I have a lovely wife, who, for some reason, still likes me, and I want to remember to show her the love she deserves, so I got a statue of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. And I grow apple trees, and I want them to do well, so I got a statue of Pomona, the goddess of the orchard. I ask these goddesses for help and thank them when things go well. A couple of years ago, evil monster rabbits chewed through the bark of three of my apple trees. This is usually fatal. I tried a grafting procedure that I found on the Web to try to save the trees, and I asked Pomona for her help. The next spring, two of the three trees had survived, and they are now flourishing. Now, was it the grafting? Did the goddess Pomona work supernatural magic and save the trees? Or are trees just very good at surviving disaster? There's no way to prove one way or the other. So if I "pray" to goddesses, maybe the effect it has is just to get me to stop and realize that I have a job to do if I want results. My statue of Athena is right on my computer desk. She reminds me to turn off the computer games and get to work. Aphrodite is on my nightstand so that I make sure I tell my wife I love her before turning the lights out. And if I'm asking Pomona for help, I make sure I weed and prune and prop up the trees when they need it. Hey, gods help those who help themselves. So do I thank the goddesses for favors granted? Sure. Do I ask my goddesses for their assistance? Well, yes. Do I think that it really helps? I don't know--but it can't hurt. One of the traditions of our church and Social Action Committee has been a monthly Special Collection, and in the years that we ve been sponsoring these charities, we ve collected over $50,000 to assist others in need. This summer, we took it a step further. Over the summer, the special collections went to DuPage PADS. We collected about $400. We also donated our time and energy, volunteering two Saturdays to staff one of the shelters with our members. We had an overflow of volunteers, and the volunteers seemed to really enjoy the experience of being involved with this project. We will be doing this again next year, so keep it in mind. We also met on August 23, 2015, to not only decide which charities/causes would be included in our collections, but also to join the UUA in the call of Black Lives Matter, an end to racial inequality and restorative justice. To open this year, we will be having a panel discussion on The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, our summer read. Please watch for dates in News & Notes. We will also be having conversations and movie nights about racial inequality and restorative justice throughout the year. Join us for lively discussions and conversations, and maybe even learn a thing or two? The Touchstone 7

8 #BlackLivesMatter: Not Your Father s Anti-Racism Work Rev. Pam Rumancik On August 23rd, our UCH Social Justice Committee wholeheartedly endorsed installing a #BlackLivesMatter banner on our property this fall. I am incredibly proud of their courage and grateful that I get to serve this forwardthinking congregation. While not groundbreaking for Unitarian Universalists--many UU Congregations have been displaying these signs since last fall--it will still be controversial in Hinsdale and even within our congregation. It is a courageous example of living our values and making a statement to everyone passing by. Below the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag will be the words: Join the Discussion Here. Admittedly, this statement can raise angst as it invites each of us to examine our personal relationship with race. A common response is that the statement is unnecessary, even wrong, because it privileges one race above others. People often say it should read, All Lives Matter. Yes, and no. Yes, all lives matter. It is the heart of our first principle, which upholds the worth and dignity of every person. And no. In today s society, it is demonstrably and quantifiably real that all lives do not matter equally. We say #BlackLivesMatter not because they matter more but because we are wrestling with the revelation that they have and do systematically matter less. Black lives matter less in our school systems, in our justice system, in the accumulated inequities that have continued to be affirmed by laws disproportionately privileging people of European descent at the expense of people of color. Any member of the congregation who participated in the all-church read of The New Jim Crow has had their heart broken open by the depth of disparity in our criminal justice system. The statement BlackLivesMatter is a wakeup call to first acknowledge this uncomfortable reality and then to gather the moral and compassionate courage to change it. A standard response is that the statement is unnecessary, even wrong, because it privileges one race above others. People often say it should read All Lives Matter. Unitarian Universalists have been on the front lines since early abolitionist days --and it has never been without controversy in our churches. There have ever been those people pointing toward a leading edge, looking out and decrying the current injustices in front of them, and there have been others saying: stop making a fuss, be reasonable, don t make waves or draw attention in ways that might make life uncomfortable. But our seventh principle calls us to step into that discomfort. Our affirmation of the interdependent web of life insists that something that harms one of us, harms all of us. Inequity for any group of people is unacceptable. Staying unaware is not an option for people who want to be awake to the fullness of life. This is not a simple discussion with easy answers. Hanging a banner will not solve the depth of the problem. Opportunities for deepening conversations will be offered throughout the coming year for learning, for growing, for understanding that the reality of life for people born white is different from the reality of life for people born with darker skin. The great civil rights leaders of earlier generations worked hard to create a color blind society a place where everyone was respected for the content of their character, to quote the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. But as we ve moved forward, we have learned that idea hasn t worked. Color is real, and it makes a difference. Claiming colorblindness allows us to remain blind to inequalities it keeps us from challenging our own longheld assumptions. It is important to first look at what is in front of us. We must see the differences in laws, in attitudes, in treatment, and in opportunity. When we see those differences, we will have to work to eradicate them. This is the call of #BlackLivesMatter: as a community, to see the world as it truly is, and to respond in faith. If this work makes you uncomfortable, I invite you into the conversation. This is the work of justice, taking courageous, compassionate action that creates a just society for every person a place where All Lives Matter and no one is left out. View banners here: photos/standonthesideoflove/ sets/ The Touchstone 8

9 Everything Holiday Harvest - Mark Your Calendar Karen McDowell COME ONE, COME ALL! Jay Van Cura, Kate Tannyhill, and Karen McDowell hope that everyone is planning on coming November 21st to Holiday Harvest, our big social event that includes live and silent auctions, plenty of food, and great entertainment. The entertainment will feature the Humphrey-McKeown Band with our own Tony Meadors. Chef Tim Dvorak will again provide scrumptious and abundant cuisine, the loquacious Babe Tipton will be assisted by Dave Lloyd, and everyone will have a chance to come away with some awesome services, hosted events, gift certificates and tickets. Last year, despite our eliminating merchandise from the offerings, the evening proved an astounding success. The community spirit of all who attended was evident in the amazing net gain, nearly tripling what had been hoped for in the annual budget. Your bidder number can be used for the Wine-Pick, but we remind you to bring cash for Split-the-Pot and free-will donations to the bar. DONATIONS: One of the best aspects of the auction is the chance to socialize in small groups throughout the year by winning a place among the hosted events offered by our own members. Services are also greatly sought after and much appreciated. We will post a Wish List of services people desire. Check it out - add your wish and see if you can offer to fill someone else s wish. Personal donations for sign-up events or services can be made online; the live link will be provided in News & Notes. If you have tickets or gift certificates to donate, bring them after the Sunday service to Kate or Karen, and fill out a form there. The deadline for all donations is November 8th. We will again offer a Wine-Pick, and you can donate a bottle of wine worth at least $10 any Sunday up to November 15th. TICKETS: $20 in advance will be sold beginning October 25th. At the door, they will be $25. Child care will be provided at no cost, and you can sign up at the time you buy your ticket, so we can plan food and age-appropriate activities. Doors open at 5:00, with check-out following the entertainment at approximately 9:00. We will distribute winners sheets in the sanctuary, so you will know if you have any winnings to stay and collect. How can you pass up a night out with friends, good food, professional entertainment, and great shopping all for only $20?! THE FUN NEVER ENDS: And before that, starting in October, Kate will be seeking volunteers for the many tasks! Consider where you may be able to lend a hand: selling tickets, assembling wine into bags, setting up/ decorating, acting as kitchen crew, selling wine, working the bar, taking a shift in child care or in Split-the-Pot, entering data, checking out, cleaning up. Hope to see YOU there. The Touchstone 9

10 Caring Circle Deborah Stillman, Coordinator Caring Circle Reminder: In our ongoing efforts to provide support to our church community in times of need, transition and celebration, our Caring Circle is listed here. Our ability to provide support is made possible not only by the many volunteers who offer their time, but also by the information that is provided to us by our members so that we may reach out to those in need. The Caring Circle provides support and coordinates assistance such as phone calls, cards, visits, and . We are able to provide assistance that may include simple errands, rides, meals, and small chores. Caring Circle Captains AREA 1 Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge Deborah Stillman -- (630) AREA 2 Willowbrook, Darien & Westmont Susan Mooney -- (630) Catherine Goering -- (630) Emily Crement -- (708) AREA 3 Indian Head Park, Western Springs, Willow Springs Susan Hebble -- (708) Jazmina Baukys -- (708) Diane Barnes AREA 4 Elmhurst, Villa Park, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Bensenville, Des Plaines Mary Getty--(630) Karen Hays -- (630) Lynn Brackett -- (630) AREA 5 Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wheaton, Lisle, Oak Brook, Oak Brook Terrace Debbi Daniel-Wayman -- (630) AREA 6 Westchester, Brookfield, Lyons, River Forest, Riverside, Chicago, Hillside, North Riverside, Oak Park Nancy Kranz Liz Reyes -- (708) AREA 7 LaGrange Park, LaGrange, Countryside, Hodgkins, Burbank Nancy Weill -- (708) Sara Takash -- (708) AREA 8 Downers Grove Ed & Mary Langbein -- (630) Cathy Zimmerman -- (630) AREA 9 Woodridge, Bolingbrook, Lemont, Lockport, Plainfield, Romeoville, Naperville, Shorewood, Cresthill, Urbana, Grand Rapids, MI Paula Sejut Devorak -- (815) Pam Fodor -- (630) The Touchstone 10