Quest SUNDAY WORSHIP. DeLynneations

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1 SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday, July 12, 10:00 a.m. Flipping Religious Freedom on Its Head Many states have recently passed Religious Freedom Restoration laws that allow people to carry their religious prohibitions into their civil transactions. Rev Doug McCusker will discuss the boundaries of religious freedom in our increasingly pluralistic society. Glenn Griffin, voice and guitar, and Bronson Hoover and Justin Furnia, piano, will offer special music. Our Summer Religious Education program continues with the theme, "People Around the World." Preschool-2nd grade will meet in Building 3 to learn about Spain; 3rd-6th grade will meet in Founders Hall to talk about China s food and culture; and the Junior and Senior High youth will meet in Room 50 to learn about Peru. The nursery will be open in Bldg. 3, Rm 33. Quest The Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville: A Welcoming Congregation Spiritual Freedom Beloved Community Social Responsibility Volume LVIII, Number 11 July 8, 2015 DeLynneations Amazing Grace Editor: Elizabeth Sullivan Desktop Publisher: Nancy Gregory Many of us were moved and inspired by President Obama s eulogy for the eight congregants and their minister who were killed by a white supremacist in their church in Charleston, South Carolina. Many of us in Montgomery County were moved by the unity of the June 24 prayer vigil in Silver Spring. We were motivated by the thoughtful words of our County Executive, Ike Leggett, and by the diversity of faith, race, and class that had gathered to pray together. And, many of us were moved to tears of joy by the Supreme Court decision that makes marriage an equal right for all couples across the land. Could it be that we are at a moment of amazing grace a moment of turning as a nation, a turning toward peace and justice and inclusion of all people? Could this moment be one of new beginning? I am so glad I m here with you in shared ministry at UUCR! What transformation might we wrought in the year ahead, in our own hearts and minds, in the culture of our society, in the lives of so many people, in the future of our children and grandchildren? Sunday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. Freedom and the Ties that Bind What does it mean to be free when we are in covenantal relationships with a partner or in a congregation? How are we free when family traditions, expectations, and culture impact us and require us to participate in them? Are we ever truly free? Is being free a spiritual experience? (continued on page 2) Thank God, thank the Spirit of Life and Love, that we are here together, ready to walk the bending arc of justice with those who may appear different, or practice a different form of prayer, or use unfamiliar words to describe the wonder of this new beginning. Let us hold close the words sung in Charleston words that touched all hearts, the sweet, sweet words, Amazing Grace. Blessings, Lynn Quest deadline: Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 8:00 p.m., for mailing on August 19, to Beth Irikura: beth.irikura@verizon.net. July 8, 2015

2 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville 100 Welsh Park Drive Rockville, MD Quest Staff Minister: Rev. Lynn Thomas Strauss Assistant Minister: Rev. Doug McCusker Interim Director of Religious Education: Andrea Spencer-Linzie Director of Music: Jennifer Rodgers Pianist: Justin Furnia Church Administrator: Donna Taylor Director of Communications and Membership: Nancy Gregory Youth Coordinator: open Religious Education Assistant: open Facilities Coordinator: Bryant Taylor Board of Trustees Terrie Barr, President Ellen Rohan, Vice President See-Yan Lam, Secretary Julie Robinson, Treasurer Adriana Brigatti José Clemente Bill Newhouse Cynthia Bauerle, Immediate Past President Officers Secretary: See-Yan Lam Treasurer: Julie Robinson Assistant Treasurers: Eric Burch Barbara Harrison Quest Staff Editor-in-Chief/Coordinator: Alberta Maschal Editors: Beth Irikura, Alberta Maschal, Elizabeth Sullivan Quest, the regular newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, is published monthly at the UUCR office at 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, and distributed without charge to members, guests, and friends. Postage is paid at Rockville, MD. All rights reserved. Postmaster: Send address changes to Circulation Manager, Quest, 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD Sunday Worship (continued from page 1) On Sunday, July 19, join our Interim Director of Religious Education, Andrea Spencer-Linzie in exploring these questions. The barbershop quartet, The Glen Echoes, will offer special music. Summer Religious Education continues with the theme, "People Around the World." Preschool-2nd grade will meet in Building 3 to learn about Guatemala; 3rd-6th grade will meet in Founders Hall to talk about Columbia; and the Junior and Senior High youth will meet in Room 50 to learn about responsible farming in Costa Rica. The nursery will be open in Building 3, Room 33. Sunday, July 26, 10:00 a.m. Weaving a Tapestry of Love Beloved Community is created out of the transformative relationships that shape our lives. In Rev. Doug McCusker s last sermon at UUCR, we will explore a theology of relationship and how creative interchange connects humanity with the divine. Our women s quartet, Wildberry Jam, will offer special music, with Dick Gilbert and Justin Furnia on piano. Our Summer Religious Education theme, "People Around the World," continues. Preschool-2nd grade will meet in Building 3 and 3rd-6th grade will meet in Founders Hall. Both classes will learn about Tibet. Junior and Senior High youth will meet in Room 50 to talk about renewable energy and the economy in Iceland. The nursery will be open in Building 3, Room 33. Sunday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. Exploration and Learning To kick off our August theme of Exploration, UUCR member, Cat Goodyear will explore the meaning of Exploration, and Jim Blue, Chair of the Worship Arts Team, will explore what he's learned since retiring. Steven Lapham, cello, and Andy Zatman, piano, will offer special music. Our Summer Religious Education program continues through August with classes in Building 3, Founders Hall, and Room 50. The nursery is open all summer in Bldg. 3, Room 33. (continued on page 3) For the most current information on upcoming events, visit the UUCR calendar online at uucr.org. At the top of any page, click on the light blue box labeled Calendar. Quest 2 July 8, 2015

3 Sunday Worship (continued from page 2) Sunday, August 9, 10:00 a.m. Science, Atheism, and Humanism What motivates a person to do good when god is not a factor? What do atheists believe happens after we die? What s the difference between atheism and humanism? We will explore these and other questions through the viewpoints of Peter Bishop, a member of the Washington Ethical Society, and Dominic Russoli, a member of UUCR s Worship Arts Team. Peter is a life-long humanist who received his PhD in computer science from MIT, and spent 30 years in high-tech in Silicon Valley. Dominic is a 25-year Unitarian Universalist who was raised Catholic, and who came to atheism while traveling the world as part of a US military aircrew providing support for the President and other government leaders. Steve Einhorn, voice and guitar, and Dick Gilbert, piano, will offer special music. Sunday, August 16, 10:00 a.m. Landscapes of Our Lives Rev. Lynn Strauss will explore the influence and resonance of the mountains, prairies, rivers, and skylines that define our inner landscape. Is there a place that calls to your heart, that you long to see again, that you imagine will fulfill your dreams? What is it in the soil, flora, and weather of a place where you once were your happiest, or saddest, self? How have special places changed you? What place is vivid in your memory? Greg Yoder, voice, Justin Furnia, piano, will offer special music. Sunday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. Moving from Furious to Curious Anger (and fear) can shut us down in interpersonal situations, such that we miss countless opportunities for understanding, growth, and relationship. Today s sermon, by our Guest Minister, Rev. Rob Keithan, will explore how an attitude of curiosity plus a little courage can open up new possibilities. Rev. Keithan is a faith organizing and training consultant specializing in reproductive health, rights, and justice issues as well as congregational social justice programs. He served as UUCR s Sabbatical Minister in 2011 and is an affiliated minister of All Souls Church Unitarian in DC. Sunday, August 30, 10:00 a.m. Our August Worship Theme: Exploration Lay Leader, Julie Graf, and other members of UUCR s Young Adults Group will lead the service with music, readings, and reflections. Sunday, September 6, 10:00 a.m. Spiritual Sounds Have you ever considered "sound" to be part of a meditative or spiritual practice? Some people think more about finding silence rather than sound in a spiritual experience. How many times has the music at UUCR given you the chills, or the rustle of the wind through the trees made you take a breath and express gratitude for all of creation? Worship Arts Team member, Christin Green will share her own journey back to music after injury as well as some reflections on the everyday sounds around us. How might a practice of mindful listening improve our lives? Samuel Mejia, saxophone, Sonaria, Laura Congdon, Native American flute, and several members of the UUCR Drum Circle will offer special music and sound experiences. Quest 3 July 8, 2015

4 Wondering Out Loud...About Farewell I can t believe that it has been almost a year since I arrived at UUCR to be your first Assistant Minister. The time has flown by quickly and yet we accomplished a lot together in such a short period of time. I cherish all the relationships that I formed with congregants and staff. You all are a warm, energetic, and loving community that welcomed me with open arms. As this was my first year as a minister, you accepted my inexperience in certain areas and taught me more than I will ever realize. We broke bread on numerous occasions, sang, prayed, laughed, and cried as events outside of our walls broke our hearts. We explored spiritual topics, shared our deepest longings, and told countless stories. It was such a pleasure to walk with you all among these hallowed grounds that you beautifully nurtured into a sanctuary of peace and serenity. As I move on to become the minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, I take with me indelible memories of beloved community. I will never forget the Honest Conversation Between a Cop and a Minister in the wake of the grand jury decision in Staten Island regarding the killing of Eric Garner. The degree of honesty and respect that was displayed while we engaged in a difficult conversation about race, law enforcement, and violence was astounding. I will never forget the visual image of the candlelight Christmas Eve service when I looked out the windows and saw an infinite array of candles, stretching out to the horizon. I will never forget the beautiful mandala deconstruction ritual that completed an inspiring Mind-Body-Spirit Fair. I will never forget the time that I spent with the 6th graders talking about their personal and collective beliefs. But most of all, I will never forget you. I will be at UUCR through July and will have the honor to lead worship with you all two more times. Stop by if you are able so I can tell you personally how much I appreciated being with you this year. I leave with a full heart enriched by all the experiences that we shared. I wish this congregation all the best as you move through current and future transitions. May you continue to live into your vision of Spiritual Freedom, Beloved Community, and Social Responsibility. Rev. Doug Farewell and Thank You to Rev. Doug McCusker ~ Sunday, July 26 Join us to share in Rev. Doug s last worship service with us and to celebrate his ministry at a reception following the service. Doug had the groundbreaking opportunity to be our first Assistant Minister. We are grateful for his time with us, particularly for the work he has done with our Adult Faith Formation and Small Group Ministry programs, and his presence in worship. We wish him well as he begins his called ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, Virginia. And, we thank him for helping us set a strong foundation for our Assistant Minister position at UUCR. Blessings and best wishes, Lynn Quest 4 July 8, 2015

5 RE Ruminations LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION If one is to do good, it must be done in minute particulars. William Blake I don t know if the above quote is universally true for everything, but I do think it is true for most things. It is certainly true of the work of the Religious Education Transition Team (RETT).** This small group of people have been working since October 2014, developing processes and gathering data in pursuit of a proposal to the Board of Trustees regarding the best possible staffing team structure for UUCR s RE identity, goals, and programs. The Interim Director of Religious Education Start-Up in March 2015 provided a foundation of understanding the history of UUCR, and particularly that of its RE program, which over the years has been a strong and steadfast presence in the congregation. Many congregants parents, teachers, youth, leaders, members participated in focus groups, sharing dreams, history, and challenges in RE. All their input was recorded and analyzed. Members of the RETT have visited other congregations and talked with their staff and members about their congregations and RE, their programs and staff structure. We ve spoken to UUCR teachers and helpers one-on-one as well as in panels, and gathered input via surveys. Both Rev. Strauss and I have been active participants in the RETT processes and deliberations. The RETT is now in the stage of analyzing all the data that we have collected over the last six to eight months. The analysis of data is a pain-staking process, and we are mindful of how important our job is in analyzing and interpreting the results. We will be working with RE teachers in the important task of interpretation. We will be sharing this data with the congregation and the Board of Trustees. This data all comes in as minute particulars, that together will tell a larger story about where we ve been, where we are, and where we may go in the future. The RETT will present its proposals for RE staffing structure (to begin in the summer/fall 2016) to the Board of Trustees in October I am immensely grateful to the many members and friends of this congregation who participated in focus groups, conversations, and surveys. I especially appreciate the members of the RETT in their dedication and service to this congregation, and their attention to the minute particulars, upon which great things will be built. Andrea **RETT members: Fran Lowe (Chair), Erika Pied, Gwen Rowe, Len Taylor, Beth Vann, and Karen Whitesell Quest 5 July 8, 2015

6 Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Events LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Building a New Way: Reflections from General Assembly 2015 by UUCR Attendees Sunday, July 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. ~ General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association. The theme for GA 2015 was Building a New Way. Join some of the UUCR members who attended this year s GA for a discussion of the exciting and challenging events that happened there. Lay Minister, Steve Eckstrand will facilitate, and we ll meet in Room 51 (in the lower level below the Sanctuary). Landscapes of Aging and Spirituality (a collection of essays edited by Kathleen Montgomery) Sundays, August 16 and 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (You don t need to attend all sessions in order to participate.) ~ Join Rev. Lynn Strauss in Room 51 for a discussion of these essays by Unitarian Universalist ministers and lay people on how they experience aging as a deepening of spirit. An essay by Rev. Strauss titled, A Woman of Worth, is included in the collection. Landscapes is on sale for $12 at the Lifespan Religious Education table in Fellowship Hall after the Sunday service. Video Report on the 2015 UUCR Habitat for Humanity Work Week in Oakland, Maryland Sunday, August 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 12: 45 p.m. ~ This brief, but packed, multi-media report will include a variety of interviews, pictures, and videos documenting the work of the various beneficiaries, organizers, and 20+ builders of this year s Habit for Humanity work week from July 26 through 31. It will also include the beautiful, near-by nature, buildings, gatherings, meals, and music enjoyed. Tim Francis will present the video and lead the discussion. Refreshments will be provided and we ll meet in Room 51 (in the lower level below the Sanctuary). Child care is available for infants through 5th grade for all Adult Faith Formation events. Sign up for child care at the Lifespan RE table in Fellowship Hall by the Sunday before the scheduled program. If you need to cancel your request, please notify us no later than 24 hours prior to the event. Text or call Interim Director of Religious Education, Andrea Spencer-Linzie at Thinking of You On behalf of the Pastoral Care Team THINKING OF YOU Sympathies are extended to Robbie Leftwich-Vann on the death of her father, James MacDonald ( Mac ) Leftwich, who passed away on Friday evening, July 3, surrounded by his loving family. He was 83 years old. A memorial service was held at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas on July 8. We continue to keep Audrey Koch in our thoughts as she recovers from a fall and injury to her arm. Audrey would greatly appreciate calls and visits from UUCR friends. Quest 6 July 8, 2015

7 SOCIAL JUSTICE Black Lives Matter by Rev. Lynn Strauss After the killing of nine worshipers in the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, many of us at UUCR feel the need to deepen our commitment to the work of racial justice. In our 59 years as a congregation, UUCR has participated, at various levels of intensity, in antiracism, multicultural education and action. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has kept the issues of systemic racism, gun violence, and the need for Beloved Conversations about race in the forefront for decades. And, at the just-concluded UUA General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, delegates overwhelmingly approved an Action of Immediate Witness entitled, Support the Black Lives Matter Movement, saying, in part, "The 2015 General Assembly calls member congregations to action, in order to become closer to a just world community..." Last week, on June 30, UUA President, Rev. Peter Morales issued a statement in the wake of news of several African American church burnings. It said, in part: Where we choose to worship is sacred space. To violate that space is unconscionable. In less than two weeks, we have witnessed that violation again and again now, with suspected arson at a number of African American churches in southern states These acts of hatred, oppression, intimidation, and violence are meant to shake that center of African American life. And we must harness the healing power of love to counter these acts in support and solidarity with these communities We must not just proclaim black lives matter. We must also engage and act with love and compassion. It is the only way to stop the hatred from spreading. We can make a difference, and we must. It is a matter of life and death. Black lives matter. (You may also read Kenny Wiley's "A Unitarian Universalist 'Black Lives Matter' Theology" at Now is the time for UUCR to re-commit to this work. We begin by displaying a Black Lives Matter banner as a visible sign of our intention to further education and action on this important issue of our time. The decision to display the banner is supported by our Social Justice Committee, Lay Ministry Council, Worship Arts Team, and Board of Trustees. If you would like to serve on the coordinating team to help develop a plan on how we will move forward on education, conversation, and action on racial justice at UUCR and beyond, please contact Rev. Strauss at lstrauss@uucr.org, Alonzo Smith, Chair of the Social Justice Committee, at asmith8955@aol.com, or Bennett Rushkoff, Lay Minister for Social Justice, at brushkoff@aol.com. Let us create new ways to live our first Unitarian Universalist principle the affirmation of the worth and dignity of every person. Quest 7 July 8, 2015

8 SOCIAL JUSTICE New Green Team Blog by Julia Santerre, Co-Chair, Green Team UUCR's Green Team has a new blog where members will share tips, updates, and upcoming events to help us all live more sustainably. Please take a look! You ll find the blog at UUCR is committed to implementing sustainability measures and encouraging members and friends to make environmentally-friendly choices. The Green Team meets in Room 53 (in the lower level below the Sanctuary) at 11:30 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month. All are welcome to attend. Contact Green Team Co- Chairs, Matt Beyers and Julia Santerre at greenteamchairs@uucr.org to learn more. SHARING THE MINISTRY Two Great Opportunities for Women s Spiritual Growth on Saturday, July 18 UUCR s open Women s Spirituality Group has been meeting for many years in Room 44 in Building 4. This group does not study any literature or discuss any specific topics. It is open to all women who would like to attend and there is no commitment necessary. The members of the group just enjoy UUCR and sharing their spirituality. The next meeting will be on Saturday, July 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please call Carole Danielson at before coming, and to learn more. Those women wishing to join a new and more structured group are invited to the second meeting of the Women's Spiritual Exploration Group on Saturday, July 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The group is open to women of all ages, and young adults and new mothers are especially welcome. The goal is to deepen spirituality, with a focus on exploring the feminine divine. A typical meeting consists of the following: brief introductions, overview of the topic, guided meditation, creative exploration and expression with group discussion, and closing. Topics will be elicited by and rotated among the members. The Women s Spiritual Exploration Group also meets in Room 44 in Building 4. To learn more, contact Sahar Dawisha at sdawisha@gmail.com or Diane Baillie at diane.baillie48@gmail.com. UUCR Drum Circle All Are Welcome! by Jennifer Rodgers, Director of Music The UUCR Drum Circle will gather in the Sanctuary from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays, July 19 and August 23. All are welcome to this communal music-making and meditation event no experience necessary! We'll have some percussion instruments available and you are welcome to bring your own. To learn more, contact Jennifer Rodgers at jrodgers@uucr.org. Quest 8 July 8, 2015

9 CONGREGATION WORKS Summary of the June Meeting of the Board of Trustees by Terrie Barr, President, Board of Trustees The UUCR Board met for its monthly meeting on June 16. We reviewed regular reports from the Treasurer and Minister. Rev. Lynn s report included this update from the Assistant Minister Selection Team: We have had applications from four qualified people for our 25-hour-per-week position. We have interviewed three of the applicants. We lost one applicant to a full-time assistant interim position in our area. We are excited by our top applicant and expect to have an announcement by mid-july. The Leadership Development workshop, held on May 30, had 27 attendees, including presenters, with a good mix of long-time and new members. Thanks to the Lay Ministry Council, ministers, and staff for leadership on this important effort to provide experienced, new, and emerging leaders with tools and perspective on church leadership. The next Leadership Development workshop will be held on Saturday, September 19 please save the date. The Board approved a rental policy change authorizing the Church Administrator, rather than the Board, to approve free rentals for events co-sponsored by a UUCR committee. The Religious Education Transition Team (RETT) provided their every-other-month Board update. The team has been collecting data. The Board asked the RETT for an analysis of the survey of teachers and the focus groups at the August Board meeting. Marie Reed, Lay Minister for Buildings and Grounds, updated the Five-Year Capital Maintenance and Renovation List. Marie presented information on what has been completed and what remains to be done. She also presented a list of the Buildings and Grounds Committee s Capital Improvement Fund critical items. We discussed creating a larger vision for the building renovation as part of the next strategic planning effort rather than pursuing the options presented at the Annual Congregational Meeting in May. The Board approved the use of up to $22,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund for sharing the cost (with the two nursery schools renting space from UUCR) of painting and replacing flooring in Building 2 and Building 3. This will also help cover the cost of storage rental for this summer project. On June 28, Vice President, Ellen Rohan will lead a brainstorming session for creative ideas for our new fall fundraiser. The Board approved the payment of an additional $2,134 for Joseph Priestley District (JPD) dues, making us a "fair share" congregation for FY14-15! Our own Dennis Wellnitz is President of the JPD Board, representing 71 Unitarian Universalist congregations in five states and the District of Columbia. Quest 9 July 8, 2015