Bellringer. October 2018

Transcription

1 Bellringer Instead of telling you what to believe, we thought you might have a few ideas of your own. SUNDAY PROGRAMS Sunday, September 30: Affirming our Deathright. Working with people at the end of life, hospice chaplain Kathleen Dowling Singh observed what she called our 'deathright'. We seemed 'wired' to open beyond a narrow sense of self into vast awareness, remembering who we are: One with the mystery. This Sunday, our Time for All Ages will include a Water Service to remember our pets who have died and to share the names of pets who are beloved family members today. You are invited to bring a picture of your pet for the front table. At 1:00 pm, Molly Grazione from Ohio End of Life updates us on death with dignity laws in Ohio. Sunday, October 7: Forest Bathing. Have you ever wondered why you feel so good after walking in a forest? The Japanese call such walks forest immersion or forest bathing. They have done studies that show such walks can reduce blood pressure and pulse rate, lower blood sugar levels, increase the count of the body's natural killer cells, lift depression and improve memory. Emily Williams just finished participating (as a walker of other people) in a similar study done in the Cleveland metro parks that involved people walking on city streets and in forests to see if the results would be different. We'll listen to music and meditate. Emily hopes to encourage us to deepen our connection to nature. This is our Potluck Lunch. Please bring food to share and bring to be donated to Urban Hope. Sunday, October 14: TED Talk: Hamilton vs. Madison and the Birth of American Partisanship.'The divisiveness plaguing American politics today is nothing new. Harvard University School of Law professor Dr. Noah Feldman says it dates back to the early days of the republic. A dispute between Alexander Hamilton and James Madison led the two Founding Fathers to cut ties and form the country's first political parties. Things escalated so quickly that two close friends soon became bitter political enemies, and the result was the birth of the country's first political parties. Join us for some fascinating history of American factionalism - and a hopeful reminder about how the Constitution has proven itself to be greater than partisanship. Our TED Talk will be led by Kay Potetz. Sunday, October 21: Bein' Have. A commonly held belief is that human behavior is the result of rational decision making based on available information. A closer look into the science of behavior reveals the powerful role our emotions play in our decision making process. We will look at our own behavior and how we make commitments in life, including our commitment to justice, using Jonathan Haidt's analogy of an elephant, a rider, and a path. Rev. Van Becelaere will stay after the service to talk about UUJO and Ohio Issue 1. The Rev. Joan Van Becelaere spent over 11 years as the District Executive of the Ohio-Meadville District and then Staff Lead for the Central East Region. This past year, she retired from the UUA and is the part-time Executive Director of UU Justice Ohio (UUJO). Sunday, October 28: Samhain. We have no choice but to be haunted. Long after a loved one or friend dies, we still have undelivered messages for that person. This service, drawing on pre-christian traditions of the Celts, addresses that unmet need. Our service leaders will be Lisette and David Burwasser from the Oberlin UU Fellowship. Note: Rev. Mary is on vacation (Oct ) and study (Oct ) and reading sporadically. In case of a pastoral need, contact the church office at office@olmsteduu.org. 1

2 Religious Education ABOUT OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM Caitlin Chapman, Director of Religious Education This month, in our Religious Exploration classes, we will continue to learn more about our own Unitarian Universalist religion. Last month each child enjoyed creating his/her own chalice. This month we will learn about our 7 Principles and ways to put them into practice. Here at OUUC we have group classes, with each child learning at his/her own pace. Babies through pre-school will continue to meet and play in the Nursery. We treasure each individual little person! 2 If you are new to OUUC, on most Sundays, children over 5 will attend the beginning of church in the sanctuary with their parents. After that, they may remain with their parents or leave for their RE activities

3 MARY?S MUSINGS UU PRINCIPLES AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Our 2nd Principle Oct 3-9: This week, I focus on justice: As I go through my day, how do I experience issues of justice playing out in my life? In my family's life? In my community? How am I feeling about what I experience? Oct 10-16: This week, as the country observes Columbus Day (or Indigenous People's Day), I will imagine and inquire what equity might look like for those who lost their homes to conquerors. Oct 17-23: This week, I shall open my beautiful heart to compassion, starting with myself. I'll watch how I move through vulnerability, uncertainty, not knowing, failure. Can I keep my heart open to myself? Oct 24-30: This week, I open my beautiful heart to compassion for those close to me. I'll notice when my heart is open and when I inadvertently close down. What closes me down? I will intentionally open up again. Oct 31-Nov 6: This week, as we move toward an important practice of democracy, I open my beautiful heart in compassion to my fellow citizens, even those with whom I don't agree politically. What do I notice? May your shared UU spiritual practice go well! Rev. Mary For October, we continue a shared UU spiritual practice, using our 7 UU principles. Moving on to 2nd UU principle: We affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations. How it works: read the intention for the week. Each day, decide when you'll engage the practice: Perhaps first thing, before getting out of bed, or over breakfast; or in the middle of the day, over lunch; or at the end of the day, before going to bed. Keep a journal or make notes on your computer or phone of what you notice, what was hard, what was easy, how it affected you, what you're learning. We stay with one intention per week, because it takes practice (and sometimes we forget or get distracted). (Finishing up September's focus on the 1st principle): Sep 26-Oct 2: This week, I'll focus on a body-based reflection practice for the first principle: Today, I'll explore body motions and positions that affirm inherent worth & dignity - my own and others. 3

4 A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE CAPITAL FUND TEAM AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Let's keep the Raccoons out of our building! Much as they can be adorable, they can also be messy and destructive. In the past we have replaced the vinyl panels and those clever little critters with those sharp toe nails simply pulled the panels down again. The contractor to improve and repair the soffits of our beloved building is busy today making repairs and improvements to seal off access to our building despite the efforts of those pesky fellows. The next step for us is to insure the contractor does a good "raccoon resistant' job. Then we need to remove the messes the raccoons have left behind in our attics. The total cost of the soffit repair, clean-up, sanitation and re-insulation will cost the congregation $13,000. We need to raise that money in order to restore our building and make it a safe and pleasant space for our worship, meetings and fellowship. Please help! Make your contributions today We need to raise $13,000 this fall. We had to start this project before colder weather when raccoons start looking for a good winter home, and we hope to not offer them such a space this year. That is why the contract to seal the building has already begun before the capital campaign. But now we need to get the funds to complete the job. Please contribute generously - we will complete our special capital campaign by December 31st of this year, Give the Church a Christmas present this year! The Capital Fund Team and the Finance Committee will send you a packet with financial information about the needs and the repairs scheduled along with supporting information and a document on which you can make your financial commitment to the Capital Funds campaign. This Sunday, September 30, 2018, that form will be available at coffee hour. Again, the entire packet will be mailed to you as soon as possible. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Please contact any of us for additional information. THANK YOU for your careful consideration and, hopefully, your generous contribution. Jim Carney, Finance Chair - signing for the Capital Funds Team (Jim Carney, Brian Warren, Homer Farr and Cathy Ross). P.S. From our Director of Religious Education Director and our children - be on the lookout for two legged raccoons among us. VERY OCCASIONAL SINGERS At OUUC, we have not heard from the choir (aka The Occasional Singers, since they didn't sing every week), ever since Mike Carney became Music Director at First Unitarian Church. Many people have said they miss the choir. Now there is hope for a revival of choir music! Our wonderful pianist, Bob Perry, has offered to 4 accompany a choir, if we could assemble a group of volunteers. At least six people have stepped up. We're sure there are more singers out there! If you would like to sing at a Sunday Service at least once in a while, please come to a brief meeting after church on Sunday, October 7. You don't have to be an expert, just enjoy singing in a group.

5 Wine Pairing Event ANNUAL FALL FUND RAISER: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018, 6:00 PM TICKETS $50 person; $95 couple Join us for an evening of good food, great wine and soft jazz with vocalist Lily B. MENU 1st Course Assorted smoked and local cheese w/ tapenades Bruschetta w/ toasted croutes Mascarpone prosciutto croute Stuffed dates w/ Monchego cheese and Applewood bacon - Sauvignon Blanc - Chardonnay 2nd Course Assorted flat bread pizza Grilled shrimp skewers Italian beef sliders w/ horseradish dill sauce Fresh gnocchi w/ roasted red pepper sauce - Red Blend - Cabernet Sauvignon 3rd Course Mini gourmet desserts Fresh fruit - Iced Riesling - Terra D-Oro Port Zinfandel All food and wine provided by Italian Creations in Lakewood, Ohio 5 Only 50 seats available. Make your reservations now. Contact Kay at kpotetz@aol.com or Bottled wine will be available for sale at the event

6 SOCIAL ACTION NEWS At OUUC, we try to live our principles in many ways, and work together as we are able to make a difference in the world. The Social Action Committee supports organizations that help people (and sometimes animals and the earth) in our greater Cleveland community. We do this in many ways: helping to provide meals at Urban Hope UU Community, supporting the March of Dimes Walk for Babies, collecting food for the North Olmsted Food Pantry, supporting the Homeless Standdown, and many others. Jane Semple coordinates all these projects and more. You can reach Jane at drjane@bright.net. There will be Social Action Committee meeting on the first Sundays of November and April after the service. Come on November 4 if you are interested in joining this action team. Jane says: "We are a doing committee, not a meeting committee." Also see the Coe Hall bulletin board for news about these projects. This committee also decides on offertory shares for all of us. Another part of social action is social justice, which focuses on larger issues nationally and internationally such as equal rights, and environmental concerns. Marianna Carney coordinates this arm of the committee. Reach her at mcarney@oh.rr.com. We as a church are a member of Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio (UUJO), a statewide coalition of UU churches. The Director of UUJO is Rev. Joan Van Beceleare, and she will speak at OUUC at the Sunday Service on October 21. She is a dynamic speaker, don't miss her presentation. Right now there is a major concern about voting rights and access to the polls. Watch the e-bellsound for more information about UUJO and events the weekend before the election. Our church also supports the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), an international organization concerned with human rights globally. You will hear more about their work at the Sunday Service on November 25. Again, see the Coe Hall bulletin board for updates. You are welcome to join the work of the Social Action Committee, doing what you are able to support our UU values. THE BOOK GRUUP This fall, the combined OUUC-Oberlin Book Group has chosen 'Daring Democracy', a book by Frances Moore Lappe and Adam Eichen. It is a UUA Common Read, very readable and relevant for our current political climate. The book cover summarizes: "Americans are distruaght by a feeling of powerlessness and the fear that standing up for democracy is futile. With riveting stories and little-known evidence, (the authors) demystify how we got here, exposing the well orchestrated effort that has robbed Americans of their rightful power. But at the heart of this unique book are solutions. Even in this divisive time, Americans are uniting across causes and ideologies to create a 'canopy of hope' the authors call the Democracy Movement." Everyone is welcome. Please read Chapters 1 to 6 and join us on Wednesday, October 3 and Chapters 7 to 9 for November 7. Both meetings at 7 pm at Olmsted. Contact Marianna Carney with 4questions: mcarney@oh.rr.com or

7 Adult Programming Tuesdays Tuesday Meditation at Oberlin UU (355 E. Lorain St.) Meditation from the beautiful heart; drawing on many traditions. Led by Rev. Mary. (Normally meeting on 1st, 3rd, & 5th Tuesdays, 1-2 pm; 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-7 pm). 1-2 pm, October 2, 16 & 30; 6-7 pm, October 9 & 23 Care-Givers Support Group - Tuesday, October 9, 2:30-3:30 pm at Oberlin UU (355 E. Lorain St.). Do you care for a spouse, partner, parent, friend or child? Join us. Led by Rev. Mary. (2nd Tuesdays, drop-in, meets monthly, all are welcome) Wednesdays BOOK GRUUP - October 3 (and 1st Wednesdays) at 7 pm at Olmsted UU; with the UUA's common read, 'Daring Democracy' by Frances Moore Lappe and Adam Eichen. Read Chapters 1-6 if you can. Co-facilitated by Stephanie Gibson (from Oberlin UU) and Marianna Carney (from Olmsted UU). UU Monthly Kendal Gathering - Wednesday, October 17 (and 3rd Wednesdays) at 4 pm, Kendal Heiser Augitorium: " Seeking sanctuary". John Gates and Kendal resident Ann Eldeer, members of the Ad Hoc Sanctuary committee of first church in Oberlin, UCC, tell us what it means for communities of faith to offer sanctuary. They will outline the steps taken by First Church to become a "sanctuary church." All are welcome. Yin Yoga - October 24, 10:30-12 noon, at Olmsted UU. Yin yoga uses gravity to let ligaments stretch, joints regain fluidity and participants feel more vital. Yin's longer holds help us cultivate patience, awareness and self-blessing. Mary Baird, instructor. Suggested donation, $15. Thursdays Thursday Morning Meditation - October 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:00-11:30 am at West Shore UU Church, Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. Drawing from many sources. Facilitated by Rev 7 Mary and members of the group. Dream Gruup - Thursday, October 4, 2:00-3:30 pm at Olmsted UU. Exploring dreams as spiritual practice. Have you had an interesting or perplexing dream or dream snippet? Write it down and bring it. All are welcome! (Note: usually 1st Thursdays, 2:00-3:30) WISE Women - Thursday, October 18, 2:00-3:30 pm at Olmsted UU. Exploring and journaling our embodied knowing; using John Prendergast's In Touch. Facilitated by Mary Noble and Emily Williams. Fridays Qigong - Fridays, October 5 & 19; November 2 & 9 at Olmsted UU. The core of workshop leader Michaels Stadul's tesaching is the "Lift Chi Up, Pour Chi Down' method of Chinese Medical Qigong. Through time patiend and committed practice one can cultivate inner strength, balance within, and the abolity to prevent or heal ailments. Free will offering. Info and registration: or mws24153@att.net. Sundays Meditation with Mudras - Sunday, October 21, 12:45-1:45 pm at Olmsted UU. Bringing meditation practice into the body with accessible hand positions and movement. All are welcome. Facilitated by Emily Williams. Committees & Teams Membership / Growth & Vitality meets on Wednesday, October 3, 4:00 pm to help create a vital and inviting faith community. Adult Program Team (APT) meets on Thursday, October 4, 3:45-5:00 in Rev. Mary's office. All are welcome. Religious Education Committee meets on Sunday, October 7 at 9:30 am to support Religious Education for our children. All are welcome. Sunday Services Committee meets on Sunday, October 21, at 9:15 am. All are welcome.

8 October Calendar Thursday, October 18 10:00 Meditation at West Shore UU** 2:00 WISE Women Friday, October 19 6:00 Qigong Sunday, October 21 9:15 Sunday Services Committee 11:00 Worship Service with Rev. Joan Van Becelaere 11:00 Religious Education 12:00 Stone Soup 12:45 Meditation with Mudras Tuesday, October 23 6:00 Meditation at Oberlin UU* 6:30 Board of Trustees 6:30 The Mankind Project++ Wednesday, October 24 10:30 Yin Yoga Thursday, October 25 10:00 Meditation at West Shore UU** Friday, October 26 6:00 pm Gourmet Wine Pairing Sunday, October 28 11:00 Worship Service 11:00 Religious Education 12:00 Coffee Hour Tuesday, October 30 1:00 Meditation at Oberlin UU* Wednesday, October 31 - Halloween! Tuesday, October 2 1:00 Meditation at Oberlin UU* Wednesday, October 3 4:00 Membership/Growth & Vitality 7:00 BOOK GRUUP Thursday, October 4 10:00 Meditation at West Shore UU** 2:00 Dream Group 3:45 Adult Programs Team Friday, October 5 6:00 QiGong Sunday, October 7 9:30 Religious Education Committee 11:00 Program led by Emily Williams 11:00 Sunday School 12:00 Potluck (bring extra for Urban Hope) 12:30 The Occasional Singers meeting Tuesday, October 9 2:30 Care-Givers Support at Oberlin UU 6:00 Meditation at Oberlin UU* 6:30 The Mankind Project++ Wednesday, October 10 7:00 UU Sources????????????? Thursday, October 11 10:00 Meditation at West Shore UU** 8:00 Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, October 13 10:00 Wedding Sunday, October 14 11:00 TED Talk led by Kay Potetz 11:00 Religious Education 12:00 Coffee Hour Tuesday, October 16 1:00 Meditation at Oberlin UU* Wednesday, October 17 4:00 UU at Kendal*** * Oberlin UU Fellowship: 355 E. Lorain St., Oberlin * * West Shore UU: Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River *** Kendal, Heiser Auditorium, 600 Kendal Dr. ++ Non Olmsted UU program Deadline for the November issue of 'The Bellringer' is Monday, October 22. OLMSTED UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION Minister: Rev. Mary Grigolia - mary@marygrigolia.com Director of Religious Education: Caitlin Chapman - dre@olmsteduu.org Office Manager: Cathy Ross - office@olmsteduu.org 5050 Porter Road, North Olmsted, Ohio office@olmsteduu.org 8