January 6. Upcoming Sunday Services:

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1 2016 June 16, 2015 Upcoming Sunday Services: December 11, 2016 A Misunderstanding of Fences Rev. Douglas Taylor Robert Frost said Good fences make good neighbors but he didn t mean it like that. But the misunderstanding raises a worthy question, When are boundaries important to keep and when are they important to cross? This is also Santa Lucia Sunday. December 18, 2016 Christmas Menorah Taylor and Kadlecek Through story, song, and reflections for all ages, let us consider the lessons the winter holidays offer in today s world. We bring a tale of tolerance and compassion based on true events. December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve services 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm Our 7:00 pm service is our family service with carols and lessons, candle lighting, a story, and our choir. Our 9:00 pm service is quieter and more contemplative. We have candle lighting, carols and lessons, as well as a sermon and special music. All ages are welcome to either service. Bring a plate of cookies to share or come enjoy an abundance of cookies between the services. December 25, :15am only Quiet Christmas Gifts Gail Schmick Join us for organ music, readings, and silence as we welcome Christmas Morning. (no childcare available on this day) January 1, :15am Listening for the Way Forward Rev. Douglas Taylor This is a single worship service at 11:15 (in effect, we only doing what we call second service. ) A New Year, a new day; what shall we do for our souls and for our world? Listen for the new beginning even as things end around you. January 8, 2016 TBA Jean Rose Klein UUCB Art and Gift Sale this Weekend December 10 and 11 Don t Miss it! Details inside! Minister: Reverend Douglas Taylor Director of Lifespan Faith Development: Ann Kadlecek Ministerial Intern: Jo VonRue President: Lauri Thomas President -Elect: Lynne Theophanis Music Director: Vicky Gordon Office Administrator: Karen Armstrong Membership Coordinator: Ron Clupper Office Hours: 9am to 1pm Mon-Fri, but closed on Wednesdays. Worship Services: Sundays at 9:30am and 11:15am 10am beginning May 29 for Summer Children s Programs at 11:15am Nursery Care during both services HOW TO CONTACT US: 183 Riverside Drive Binghamton, NY Phone: Fax: office@uubinghamton.org TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE: Please to the office address, or a leave a hard copy on the office desk by the deadline printed below. Please include your name & phone number. THE NEXT BEACON DEADLINE is January 6

2 Reverend Douglas Taylor, Minister Reverend Taylor is in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but it is best to set up a time to meet with him ahead of time. He can be reached at and by at dtaylor@uubinghamton. org. we will continue to hold our Mission and Vision close as we move through these conversations together. I will begin my column with good news. I give joyful thanks that the Army Corp of Engineers has denied the permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline. The community at Standing Rock and those downstream have won a victory. My colleague Craig Schwalenberg was there on Dec 4 and reports that there was celebration and relief (along with a multitude of other emotions.) As December rolls along let us attend to any follow up questions, but for the next few days let us savor the message of solidarity and persistence having a positive impact. In another corner of good news, I celebrate with Jo VonRue. She has been to see the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) and has received a yes to her ministry. She needs to complete her internship with us (until June) and her final semester at Meadville Lombard (this spring) along with a few other things, but clearing the MFC is a singular and significant step toward becoming a Unitarian Universalist minister. I am proud of her and of our congregation s part in helping her formation. I would also like to share our progress with the three aspects of vision and change. (Remember the Dragons and the Crows?) Back in October we created three focus groups on the topics of Renovations, Social Justice, and Faith Development and Sunday Experience. We are aiming toward an Alignment Meeting of some sort in the next few months when the three groups can share with each other what details have arisen in the plans. The goal for that is to allow each group s work to support the others. So we end up all pulling in the same direction rather than at cross-purposes. However, to get to that Alignment Meeting (which is not yet scheduled but we are looking at January or February) we need each focus group to make some plans, lay out a course, set some direction. We can make course corrections if we are not moving yet! The Faith Development and Sunday Experience group has met a few times and has significant staff involvement. We have a plan for a four-month experiment (January through April) of a different style of faith development. Ann Kadlecek has more information about this in her column. The whole congregation is invited to pay attention and give feedback as we go through this experiment. The Social Justice group has not met yet, but the leads in that group (Lynne Theophanis and Jeff Donahue) have spent some time planning a launch event for Saturday Dec. 17 from 9 am to noon. The event is intended to help shape a structure for how we do Social Justice in the future. The invitation is open to all, but the people listed in the focus group have been particularly invited and will participate in the follow work from that meeting. The process is at the early stages, but I think we will move quickly from how do we organize our social justice work? into more participatory question of what work shall we do? The Renovations group has held several meetings, about two a month for several months! Wes Ernsberger and Gay Canough are the lead people for you to be in touch with. Their next meeting is Monday Dec 12 at 6:30 in the Library. The people in the Renovation focus group are all specifically invited to participate in the meetings, and the meetings are open so anyone can attend. The group is planning for a Town Hall meeting in February with a draft list of renovation recommendations. Watch for that invitation! So much is open and under construction at this time. Through it all, we will continue to hold our Mission and Vision close as we move through these conversations together. -douglas

3 Jo VonRue, Ministerial Intern The Path to Ministry On Friday December 2 nd, I stood before the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) and represented my ministry to a panel comprised of a mix of ministers, lay people, and a psychologist. In preparation for my interview I prepared a packet that is about 140 pages long of various documents including but not limited to; essays, evaluations, recommendations, competencies etc. Each member of my panel reviewed my packet in its entirety and came up with a list of questions that they were interested in asking me. The questions could have to do with my childhood, internship, chaplaincy, any book from the extensive required reading list, or any of the 16 competencies which included subjects like UU history and polity, world religions, worship arts etc. I meet with the panel for one hour, in that one hour I preach a short sermon, and then sit for questioning. After that hour is up, the panel deliberates about my fate. They write a letter in that short time (which actually feels like FOREVER), and then invite me back into the room to give me the results. After they read the letter to me, they then read a list of words that they came up with to describe me, and at the very end, each of them give me personal affirmation of my ministry and their time with me. Ultimately the committee welcomed me into preliminary fellowship with the UUA, and after I complete a few requests from them I will be cleared to search for a congregation and to be ordained as a UU minister. This process is really hard, really scary, really exhausting, and also somewhat wonderful. I know I would not be the minister I am today without this congregation and Douglas. Douglas has taught me the ins and outs of being a minister, when to push, when to relax, when to worry, and when to celebrate. It is because of him that I will lead with confidence in any congregation I am called to serve. Douglas has also invited me to grow in ways that I did not believe were ever possible, he has been there for me every step of the way and I am so thankful for that. This congregation is so lucky to have such a wonderful minister. It is this congregation that has taught me how to love with my whole self. Because of you, I now understand the strong bond a minister has to their congregation, I understand the pull of my heart to serve each of you, to love each of you. Each of you has taught me valuable lessons that will not only sustain my ministry, but that are life giving as well. This congregation has given me so much joy. YOU have grown me into the minister I am today, the minister that was able to show up at the MFC with confidence, authority, and a strong passion for ministry. Thank you, Jo We are on TV: Our Sunday services are broadcast on Timewarner cable public access channel 4 Sunday at 1:30pm and Tuesday at 7:00pm. The Joys and Sorrows portion of our service is not part of this broadcast. Our annual Christmas Eve services w ill be on Decem ber 24 at 7pm (more family oriented), and at 9pm (more traditional). You are welcome to bring some cookies to share in between the services for our social time if you would like to.

4 A Note from your DLFD about Children and Youth Programming in December and January With the holidays in December, and some experimentation planned for January, some Sundays over the next two months may look a little different. The overall plan is listed below, under upcoming events, and includes a mix of multigenerational (all-ages) worship services, traditional classes and one Sunday with an alternative format that combines worship and educational programming for all. Within the multigenerational services, we ll be trying some different approaches, so there will be some variety there, as well. And many classes in January will follow the monthly theme of listening so that all ages can explore similar topics on Sunday morning. More information about this experiment will be available shortly watch for an informational brochure coming very soon! The goal of this experiment is to figure out how we can best support and encourage faith development at UUCB - what will help us to adapt to ongoing changes in the congregation and the world? These changes are complex and multi-faceted, but they show up here in very concrete ways, such as: Our children s programming continues to be based on a model that requires a large number of volunteers, even though that level of volunteering no longer exists; Changes in families and society have resulted in inconsistent attendance for many children and teachers - this presents challenges for continuity and community-building; Many parents are looking for multigenerational community and action for their children, not just agesegregated classroom experiences. Working with these and other new realities isn t easy; congregations are taking different approaches as each explores what will work for them, and I don t know yet how this will play out at UUCB. As we experiment and try new things, I would love to hear from you about anything that we do, or don t do what works well for you? What else would you like to see? And, most important, why? Your feedback and insights matter please share your thoughts with me. In faith, Ann Contact the Director of Lifespan Faith Development - Ann s regular office hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30am-1 is also available at other times by appointment. To arrange a time to talk, Ann at DLFD@uubinghamton.org, or leave a the office phone. Upcoming Events for Children and Youth See the calendar for upcoming events, including: Dec 11: Santa Lucia ritual in both services; regular classes and youth group follow the ritual at 11:15 Dec 18: All-ages services at 9:30 and 11:15 Dec 24: Christmas Eve family service at 7pm Dec 25: One service, no RE classes Jan 1: One worship service for all ages, no RE classes Jan 8: Regular classes and youth group at 11:15 Jan 15: All-ages services at 9:30 and 11:15 Jan 22: Regular classes and youth group at 11:15 Jan 29: One extended, alternate-format service at 10am

5 Classroom Volunteers Thank you and Opportunities As we finish our fall programming, I would like to thank all the prek-grade 6 classroom teachers for their work so far: Cary Fox, Sharon McGuinness, Steve Kresge, Stacy Wright, Michelle Maine, Ipek McAuley, Pat Kissick, Lora Timonin, Cecily O Neil, Karen Stanley, Lisa Sienkewicz, Sarah Getchell, Barb Nordstrom, Kathleen Cooke, Janet Landow and Maddy Parker. Some of these teachers are not available to continue into the rest of the year, and more teachers are needed. And one thing you might notice about the list above: all but one are women. Our young people would benefit from the chance to learn from a group of adults that better represents the congregation as a whole. Can you help? For grade 7&8, our OWL teachers Catherine Rosso and Alex Compton-Monell are continuing into January. So are the youth group advisors Christine McWhirter, Tracy Hollands, Juris Ahn, Scott Clarke and Christine O Donnell. Their ongoing dedication to these programs makes such a difference to our young people and this congregation. Thank you. Family Library We have many books in our library about child development, parenting, family issues, and Unitarian Universalism for all ages. The books are in the DLFD office and may be checked out. They are not yet well-organized, but Ann can help you find books related to a topic of interest. Faith in Action This past month, UUCB children had several opportunities to act on our UU Principles, and make a difference in the world. They prepared ornaments for the Adopt-a- Family gift tree and made soup bottles for the fundraiser for our adopted families. They also created care packages for four UUCB young adults who are away, with food, a chalice and good wishes expressed in notes and drawings. Thank you to Julie Boyd, who organized the work for our adopted families, and Sidra Taylor and Michelle Maine for leading the care packages project and for their help with the soup bottles. Adopt-A-Family This holiday season we are again supporting families in need through the Handicapped Children s Association (HCA). The soup sale fundraiser is over, but there are still two other ways you can contribute: Gift Tree - Also in the Social Hall, you are invited to choose a tag (created by UUCB children), purchase, wrap and tag the suggested gift, and return it to UUCB. HCA will deliver the gifts to our adopted families. There are just a couple of tags left! Contribute financially to the December 11 Special Collection in the worship services. These donations support our adopted families and HCA s work. There will be a memorial service to honor the life of long-time member Claire Burkhardt on Saturday, December 17 at 2pm in the sanctuary. All are welcome. Santa Lucia Cookies needed this Sunday! Cookies are needed for Sunday December 11. If you have not yet signed up, but are planning to bring cookies, please let Ann know. Children and youth who want to participate in the procession and cookie distribution, please meet in room 9 at 9:15 and 11:00. There will be children s corner activities for children who participate in the 9:30 service. ANNUAL HOLIDAY ART AND GIFT SALE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY DECEMBER 10 & 11 We will have many local artisans and opportunities for your holiday shopping and gift giving as well as our tasty concession stand. Would you like to help out with this festive event? We need cashiers, concession stand workers, help with set-up, clean-up and donations of food items. Contact Lynne Theophanis at ltheophanis@gmail.com or sign up athttp:// go/10c0e4ba5ab23a3f94-holiday

6 Social Hour Changes: You can sign-up easily to help with social hour in the social hall on Sundays or by calling our social hour coordinator Steve Kresge. Our Vision Our Congregation will become a beacon in the larger community, demonstrating our Unitarian Universalists values and principles through our actions. We will embrace a diversity of people, inspiring us all to think of the world in new ways. As we explore different perspectives and share our freedom to think and feel, we will work together with others for a social and environmental justice. Celebrating our differences and the whole of life, we will foster a personal and spiritual growth to help people become their best selves. We begin this new column with our UUCB Vision as a call for all of us to become a beacon in the larger community and for each other. Thank you to those who have sent quotes, poems or verses to inspired us. You may send pieces written by you or others to Jo Ann Freer (joannf1000@gmail.com) Donations: We are always taking donations of used printer cartridges which we can turn in to Staples for office supplies credit. It really makes a difference. So put your in the box in the coatroom. We also collect personal care items for local homeless shelters and food pantries to give out to folks who need them. Please put items in the box in the coatroom. JOIN US! Our Famous Annual Yankee Swap Holiday Party Friday December 17, 2016 Potluck dinner at 6pm in the Social Hall Gift exchange ($10.00 limit) at 7pm in the Fireside Room Everyone is invited! REIGNITING SOCIAL ACTION How do we as a congregation take action on social justice issues? Come help us envision a new way for UUCB to do social action. Using the World Cafe technique, we'll work in small groups to generate creative ideas of how our congregation can offer a coordinated social justice environment with and for our larger community. "Reigniting Social Action," Saturday, December 17, 9:00 AM - Noon in our Social Hall. What to do now: RSVP by ing Jeff Donahue, sign up on the bulletin board, or respond to our Facebook event invitation. Seasonal Grace Thursday, December 8, 6:30-9pm A mini retreat for the soul. A time to contemplate the coming "season of light" which is followed by a long dark winter. This session we consider ways to make these times personal and meaningful. Led by Douglas Taylor and Jo Ann Freer. Please sign up on bulletin board or speak with one of us. Anneliese Heurich s small group celebrated Evalyn Seaver s birthday on Friday, Dec. 2

7 SERMON DISCUSSIONS: Did you ever notice how often Douglas and Jo s sermons provoke personal thoughts and recollections? You might want to explore a topic further, or add something to what has been said? Several times throughout this year, UUCB will hold a sermon discussion during coffee hour after the second service. Watch for the notice in the Order of Service and our newsletter and plan to attend. CUUPS Craft Night! (DATE CHANGE) Wednesday, December 7th from 7pm to 9pm. Curious how the Yule log tradition came to be? What exactly are the pagan roots of this holiday tradition? Join CUUPS as we decorate Yule logs and discuss the symbolism and history behind this folk custom. Make one to take home and enjoy community and conversation in the Fireside Room. Bring your own log and supplies or some can be provided. Please give advance notice if you will need a log so we know how many to have on hand! As usual we will have a potluck, please bring a dish to pass. All ages and people of all traditions are welcome. (focal point provided by Suzanne Sullivan on November 13, 2016) Focal Point: Have you signed up to pr o- vide a Sunday focal point yet? It s fun and you get to be creative! You can use your own supplies or you can use ours. GREEN MATTERS A Leaf Raking Thank You Our Nov 19 leaf raking party was a lot of fun and all the leaves are now where they should be. A big THANK YOU to all took part: Jim, Tom, Dolores, Joe, Ron, Scott, Barb, Steve, Cecily, Scott, Wes, Renee, Sammie (puppy), Rachel, Allie, Jordan, Jay, Michelle, Maci, Flynn, Maddy, Kathleen, Dylan, Rebecca, and Jenna. This is a wonderful family event that we look forward to each fall. Stand with Standing Rock The Oceti Sakowin Camp at Standing Rock is a historic gathering of tribes, allies, and people from all walks of life standing in solidarity to halt the Dakota Access Pipeline. Their cause is just, they are brave and determined, but they need our support. Visit standwithstandingrock.net to learn about three things we can do. Living Lightly Living a low impact lifestyle asks that we choose to eat less meat and dairy products. Many of us make the choice to move toward eating all or mostly vegetarian meals out of concern for our health but there are ever so many additional benefits. Check out this link that will astound you with the ethical, social justice, and environmental aspects of consuming meat and dairy products: tinyurl.com/ meat-dairy-10 Green Quote "The freedom of simplicity is found in relationship and social solidarity. For those who live simply, freedom of choice and action grow up through social influence and community connections. Pleasure and security in living are enlarged not through consumption but through social cooperation, sharing, and interdependence." - Mark Burch

8 Christmas Eve Services at UUCB December 24 at 7pm and 9pm Garden Tours Primary Business Address Your Address Line 2 Your Address Line 3 Your Address Line 4 Phone: Fax: someone@example.com PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE 183 Riverside Drive Binghamton, New York RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED We offer a spiritual home where we explore, celebrate and cherish our interconnectedness, encourage growth and transcendence, and act with justice and compassion.

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