The Communitarian Newsletter of the Community Unitarian Universalist Church November 2016

Transcription

1 Newsletter of the Community Unitarian Universalist Church November 6 "At the Intersection of Psychology and Spirituality " Speaker: Rev. Doak M. Mansfield, D.Min. Reflections on coping, meanings, and the challenge of balanced and healthy living. Worship Associate: Donna Brown Musicians: Mike & Shannon Truex Time Change: Daylight Savings Ends Souper Sunday follows our service; please bring a dish to share W. Sylvester Street, Pasco, Washington Sunday service at 10:30am Reverend Doak Mansfield Minister@CommunityUU.org Minister Hours 10:00am - Noon Tuesday and Thursday other times by appointment office@communityuu.org CommunityUU November 13 "Voices from World War 1" Speaker: Rev. Katie Larsell World War 1 was America's first modern war. American vets came home from that war with all kinds of experiences and wrote and spoke of it. They changed what we thought of war. Worship Associate: Alex Emig Musician: Ellen Fillion Rev. Katie Larsell is the executive director of Oregon Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice, the only statewide UU organization dedicated to connecting congregations for justice work. She believes that social justice and Unitarian Universalism are made for each other. November 20 "Thanksgiving: Obligation or Opportunity?" Speaker: The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield, D.Min. Stress-filled obligation of family expectations and spiritual shaming (feeling of ingratitude) or something else? Worship Associate: Virginia Tomlinson Musician: Ellen Fillion and the CUUC Choir November 27 Gifts We Share Speaker: CUUC Members The individuality and gifts we each bring to our church enriches our community. Today, we ll celebrate through the sharing of some of these gifts. Worship Associate: Pauline Schafer, Mike and Shannon Truex Musicians: Mike and Shannon Truex Joy and service right here! Right now!

2 Notes from the Journey The Reverend Doak M Mansfield I experienced, on your behalf, one of the best five hours of my life as a Unitarian Universalist minister on the afternoon of Sunday, October 9. I lead nine folks from Community Unitarian Universalist Church on a community outreach effort. It was hands on October 1: Iman Muhammad of The Islamic Center of the Tri-Cities asked me for our help with three new refugee families relocated here recently. I accepted his invitation as a tangible continuance of our concern expressed in our Welcoming the Stranger Vigil in December. I made an appeal for basic furniture at our Sunday service the next day as well as through social media the following week, on our church Facebook page and on my personal one. Our folks responded wonderfully as well as several new friends in the larger community. It was a gracious and generous engagement by caring folk. We nine met, welcomed, and delivered donated furniture and household items to three new refugee families, one from Iraq and two from Syria, with 8 kids under 11, and one child on the way. Iman Muhammad introduced us and facilitated/translated our visits. It was a most humbling experience of unconditional hospitality and blessings from those who have emerged from hell to hope. We got a very brief introduction to these families and their stories of displacement and escape with a dignity as vibrant as their appreciation for our concern and welcome. It was powerful for me to express warm regards and offer them affirmation as your agent. I trust these new neighbors, in a strange place with limited language skills and precious little awareness of safety and compassion, have some better sense of the good in America and the reality of their being good Americans. Nice work if you can get it, don't ya know? Thank you! Stay tuned to this channel. The folks at the Islamic Center have worked in settling seven refugee families in the last year. We may have opportunity soon to walk our talk again. I spect we are able. The holidays, which can feel like the horror-days, approach. Be gentle with yourself, those you love, and those you must deal with. It is good for you. Through Love, Hope - Doak Tri-Cities Interfaith Alliance Potluck and Program Saturday, November 5 at 6:00 pm at Islamic Center of Tri-Cities, 2900 Bombing Range Road, West Richland, WA Panel discussion question, "How does my understanding of the 'Golden Rule' influence my behavior as a citizen of the United States?" Take advantage of Presidents Day weekend to engage with UU women from around the world at the Third International Women's Convocation, Asilomar Conference Center, CA, February 16-19, Connect, share, grow, celebrate, and empower in the unspoiled surroundings of this tranquil retreat. Registration is $350. Bring one, two (or ten!) friends from your church and you qualify for a group discount of $50 off each! An additional $50 discount is available for UU ministers. Young adults aged can register at a special all-inclusive package rate. If you are interested in offering a workshop, please fill out our workshop request form online. Visit IntlWomensConvo.org for all details.

3 November2016 Presidents Message By Alex Emig A couple of years ago, the idea of the seven day church was floated - a church with activities going on seven days a week. CUUC is well on our way to achieving that. In just the past month, CUUC has hosted a Labor & Religions meeting and a Faiths Engaged meeting. Two Chalice Circles are continuing to meet. Relationships new and old are strengthening. Saturday morning yoga is also a fun activity. It frames my week nicely - yoga on Saturday morning and an inspiring church service on Sunday. Next month, we'll start hosting a LGBTQ youth night one Thursday (third Thursday) a month. More info will be coming - check for the . Also, CUUC participated in Columbia Basin College's first annual National Coming Out Day resource fair. It was a fun & inspiring event. I was reminded of why I do outreach to LGBTQ youth. I hope to see you all at the various activities scheduled in November. Alex Greetings From the Board By Barb Tarasevich We ve decided to start a newsletter column to give you information about the activities of the church board. This news will be at a high level with not a lot of detail but intended to give you a feel for how the board works to serve the church. For the month of October we had our annual board retreat which involved meeting at a member s home, sharing food, and getting to know each other a little better. This meeting tends to involve talking about the bigger picture as well as regular board business. This year we focused on the health of the church committees, how they are doing, committees needing help, and areas where we thought we needed a committee but didn t have one (eg. finance and buildings & grounds). This discussion is a continuation of discussions we ve had over the past year on how to best utilize the time and energy of church members with a balance between formal committees and less formal task-oriented projects. You are welcome to join us at the next board meeting at the church on Tuesday, November 1st, 6:30 pm where we will continue discussions on the review of church by-laws and the video policy, among other topics. It's time to update our CUUC directory We are looking for some camera volunteers who want to take pictures during November so we can issue a new directory in December. Everyone, please check the directory and give us any updated address and contact information that needs to be included. You may send updates to office@communityuu.org. There will be further announcements for scheduling photos or you can send us your selfies. If you have any question or want to help, contact Scott Wilson by phone or text or at scottwilsonuu@gmail.com.

4 ANSIL Team Notes by Leiloni Mahoney Beginning in October, the ANSIL Team suspended holding regularly-scheduled all-team monthly meetings. At this time, our time and efforts are best used toward the various active, targeted projects in ways that best fit the schedules of the project groups. New volunteers are always welcome to join our efforts. Connect with the following leaders about supporting one or more active projects: Hygiene Center (laundry & shower facility) volunteering Peggy Owens-Mansfield GED/Ed Center reopening (Saturdays, Sundays) volunteering Dion Sunderland ANSIL Alternative Gift Fair table support (December 3) Marla Marvin Sunday Service (early 2017) Natalie Huggins Hall High School resident tutoring and mentoring, college application support Leiloni Mahoney th Annual Alternative Gift Fair Please make time to come help us make #10 the best! Because we have a lot of momentum behind us--over $140,000 for local & national charities in 9 years-- because it would be wonderful to keep on giving this year--and because it is one of the best things we do each year. (Because it's fun, too...) We NEED: 2 PEOPLE to help Denise at the check-out table. (Even though she's amazing, she can't do it alone). BAKE SALE Bring your goodies to sell! (the proceeds help next years fair and also the hospitality committee). Help to prepare the baked goods for the sale the day before. Help out at the table the day of the fair. There is a sign up sheet at the back of the sanctuary. VOLUNTEERS for the day of the fair: Greeters welcome guests at the door and hand out the necessary forms they will need to make donations to all the worthy charities. Floaters help with the kids art project, or spell the charity volunteers who may need a break, help at the bake sale table or wherever needed. There are lots of ways that make the day work. (And as a bonus, there's music, art and goodies while you help!) There is a sign up sheet for the time slots we need to fill. AN ART PROJECT PERSON If you like doing fun and creative activities this is a great way to benefit the day. There will be helpers so that you don't need to spend the entire 4 hours. Call Teri Robertson with any questions or

5 Religious Education News By Pauline Schafer The middle school class continued their discussions of right and wrong in October, and explored the topic with an episode of the Twilight Zone. In November, the topic turns towards Unitarian Universalist views of right and wrong, with the topics listed below. No middle school plans yet for November 27, but I will keep parents updated. In the elementary class we ve used stories to dive into the subject of love, to show that love is accepting and eternal. We all enjoyed the interactive service on art therapy, using the time together to color along with the adults and making spirit jars to help with calming and centering. The children all look forward to the Harvest Fair at the end of October, and enjoy seasonal games and goodies together with the adults of the congregation. Upcoming Elementary Classes November 6 Love of Learning November 13 Love for All Creatures November 20 Love and Gratitude November 27 From Anger to Kindness Upcoming Middle School Classes November 6 The First U November 13 The Twilight Zone November 20 The Second U November 27 to be announced Help is always welcome with teaching and enriching our classes, and with playing with our youngest in the nursery. Contact Pauline to find out how you can help with our program: education@communityuu.org. Fellowship & Spiritual Practice Women s Luncheon All women of the congregation are invited to lunch on the second Monday of each month for fellowship and fun. This month s luncheon is Monday, November 14 at noon We ll be gathering at the church for a potluck; bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Diane Reed at ladybookww@gmail.com. Men s Dinner The CUUC Men's Group meets on the third Friday of the month. Do not be afraid to be fashionably late! We are now primed for thought provoking debate. The world has turned, it s time to expand the conversation and get our creative juices flowing. The topics are often "out of this world." Our next meeting is November 18 at 5:30pm at the church. fred.dunhour@mindspring.com. with questions. Our Community Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24 11:30 am set-up, dinner at noon at the church. We ll share in a common meal for Thanksgiving, turkey and ham provided. Sign up for dishes in early November. Guests encouraged. Exploring Ideas with the Minister Exploring Ideas with the Minister is an opportunity to expand ideas shared on Sunday morning as well as perennial topics in spirituality, faith, and human history with our minister, The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield. The style is casual and interactive. Bring a brown bag supper, coffee and juice provided. The next Exploring Ideas with the Minister will be Wednesday, November 9 at 6:30 pm. Three Rivers Folklife Society holds a monthly concert at Community Unitarian Universalist Church on the third Saturday. This month: Heidi Muller and Bob Webb on November 19 at 7:30 pm. Visit for more information.

6 News from the Vault By Denise Pitts The following is a new quarterly treasurer s report on the state of CUUC s finances. This information is for Fiscal Year 2017, which runs from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, and covers July, August, and September Please contact me if you have questions or comments. Accounts as of 9/30/2016 Savings $ 14, Mo CD $ 5, Mo CD $ 5, Alternative Gift Fair $ 1, Checking Account $ 12, Total $ 39, FY17 First Quarter Balance Brought Forward $ 13, Income $ 20, Expense $ (22,224.86) Remaining in checking account $ 12, Amount Pledged $ 77, Pledges paid through 09/30/2016 $ 19, Total income including pledges paid through 9/30/2016 $ 20, % paid FY17 Budget $ 83, Fiscal Year to date expenses $ (22,224.86) 26.5% spent Remaining Budget $ 61, % Remains

7 CUUC Contacts Minister: Reverend Doak Mansfield Secretary: Gayle Wilde RE Education: Pauline Schafer Board of Trustees: President: Alex Emig Vice President: Mark Painter Treasurer: Denise Pitts Secretary: Barb Tarasevich Member-at-large: Larry Bolan Member-at-large: Gail Taff Member-at-large: Virginia Tomlinson Committees Worship Mike Truex, Alex Emig, Donna Brown, Virginia Tomlinson, and Diane Reed are the current members of the worship committee and work with Reverend Mansfield to provide Sunday services for CUUC. A key element of our effort is collaborating with Reverend Mansfield in support of his Sunday services. We also discuss, plan, and bring in a variety of outside speakers throughout the year. We work within the congregation too, having members of the congregation lead or participate in Sunday services. Our activities include preparing each week for the elements of the Sunday service. It s quite rewarding to participate on the committee and to be involved in the genesis of service ideas and with Sunday service programming. While it may seem daunting, we have a good system in place and Reverend Mansfield is a steady guide for our efforts. If you have questions or interest in joining the committee, please contact Mike Truex at mike.shannon.truex@gmail.com. minister@communityuu.org office@communityuu.org pauschafer@hotmail.com alexemig79@gmail.com jadeendynion@gmail.com denapit@hotmail.com juntarasevich@gmail.com lebolan2@gmail.com gataff@charter.net tomlinvm@gmail.com Hands & Heart The Hands and Hearts Committee would like to remind you that we are here to help, not just for big events where we all cry or laugh, but also for the little things as well. We are here to help you out in any way we can. You can seek us out at church (our name tags have the heart stickers) or call us up at home. (If one of us doesn't answer, keep on trying other numbers). If you know of somebody who needs looked in on, or if you want to discuss your own situation, please give us a ring. Bev is our card person, if you know someone who needs to receive a get-well card, sympathy card, etc. please contact her. Denise Pitts Jennifer Comstock Marla Marvin Bev & Bryan Schroeder Gail Taff Peggy Owens-Mansfield Buildings & Grounds The Building and Grounds Committee can always use a little help. We find joy in sharing the wealth... the wealth of our service to our CUUC home and our community of users. We are focused on the day-to-day maintenance and incremental improvement of our lovely CUUC facility. We seek new committee members to lend a hand, whether you're a crafty do-it-yourselfer or a born organizer, we would love for you to have just a small share of our joy and service through the Building and Grounds Committee. Please contact Fred Dunhour at fred.dunhour@mindspring.com with your questions or suggestions.