The SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES ~ 10:00 AM

Transcription

1 120 Park Street, Bangor, ME Tel The Chalice and Chimes January 2014 Newsletter SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES ~ 10:00 AM January 5 Epiphanies The Epiphany celebrates the end of the Christmas season with the coming of the Wise Men to the stable where Jesus was born. But the event is actually a metaphor for those transformational ah-ha s we have in our lives, where wisdom and spirit somehow join together. Let us speak this morning about how we are transformed. Worship Leader: Rev. Becky Gunn; Worship Associate: Phyllis Havens; Lay Coordinator: Vyvyenne Ritchie; Music: Rissa Moore January 12 The Problem With Evil as Duality Existence appears to be only the Singularity of Oneness; we all are the reflection of the total universe---outer and inner. As Human Beings, we are the reflection and generative essence of cosmic dust and earth elements; indeed, we are the Children of Heaven and Earth. In the Wampanoag socio-historic, political framework, KI E TAN is the recognized Source of Life, forming the reality-based knowledge that everything is connected within the realm of NAIYENTAQT, the Great Balance of Life above our Head and below our Feet (free translation). For the Wampanoag, we are the reality of all living Beings, reflected in the meaning of K ciyeašuonk, the Great Family (free translation). There is not one instance for all existence that is not connected to the Source of Life; there is not one time that all in existence is not in the presence of the Sacred. There is no secular reality. The operative existence of everything continues in its realm of relativity, as it has since the beginning of life. Join us as Native American elder gkisedtanamoogk of Indian Island leads us in exploring this topic and sharing the ritual of prayer. Worship Associate: Laurie Cartier; Lay Coordinator: Vyvyenne Ritchie; Music: Nancy Lewis January 19 Martin Let us speak of justice; let us speak of equity; let us speak of prophecy; let us speak of hope; let us speak of commitment. Let us speak of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Leader: Rev. Becky Gunn; Worship Associate: Brenda Bywater; Lay Coordinator: Phyllis Havens; Music: January 26 Quan Yen and Ganesh: Compassion and Wisdom Quan Yen is the goddess of compassion in Buddhism; Ganesh is the god of Wisdom in Hinduism. How do these relate? The inspiration for this sermon comes from a small sculpture that Becky found on sabbatical where Quan Yen is sitting atop Ganesh. Is compassion grounded in wisdom? Worship Leader: Rev. Becky Gunn; Worship Associate: Phyllis Havens; Lay Coordinator: Rissa Moore; Music:

2 Jsnusry 2014 The Chalice and Chimes Page 2 Ministerial Musings One of my New Year s resolutions is to be more resolved in acknowledging that it is not all about me. There are two aspects of this: (1) knowing that I am not the center of things, but rather a part of things; and (2) not everything is my fault. I ll tackle the second issue first. I often feel responsible even when I am not. If something goes wrong at church well, I feel responsible. If the Patriots lose, well, I am at fault. This might be called a savior complex I am the one responsible for saving folks, for fixing things, for always saying the right thing. I sometimes agonize over an issue feeling it is my responsibility when in fact it is shared. I burden myself with unnecessary guilt. I also know that many of you do the same thing we live in a society where perfection is often sought. It, like infinity, will never be reached. My resolution then asks that I let go of this overriding sense of responsibility and do what the spirit leads me to do. I resolve to be less in the should be and more in the moment. Might you resolve the same thing? I somehow believe that this will lead to a more peaceful existence for me and perhaps for those who work with me. As for the first aspect of my resolution: It is not about me as an individual, but rather it is about what impact I might have for the common good. It is not about my success, but rather about if my energy, my effort has helped others. It is somewhat circular in that I understand I will be successful if I do good works, but I should not do good works in order to gain individual success. Rather, those good things that I do need to come from within, from my connection with you and with the world. It is not about me as a discrete entity, but rather being a part of the whole and understanding the complexity of our interactions and the potential for peace and transformation. Thomas Merton, one of my favorite mystics, said what I want to say incredibly well: My successes are not my own. The way to them was prepared by others. The fruit of my labors is not my own: for I am preparing the way for the achievements of another. Nor are my failures my own. They may spring from the failure of another, but they are also compensated for by another s achievement. Therefore the meaning of my life is not to be looked for merely in the sum total of my achievements. It is seen only in the complete integration of my achievements and failures with the achievements and failures of my own generation, and society, and time, and time. These rather obscure, yet central points, are my resolutions for the year. What are yours? To fill your life with love and compassion? To seek justice? To work for spiritual growth? Resolutions, obviously, need not be made at the beginning of the year as each day is a new beginning, but maybe this year we could take the opportunity to think how we might be more whole, more loving. Many hopes for a remarkably wonderful New Year. In UU Faith, Rev. Becky Four Spiritualties: Expressions of Self, Expressions of Spirit Beginning January 19 th, Rev. Becky will be teaching a course based on the book title above by Peter Tufts Richardson. The premise of the book is that based on our personality types, we seek and live a particular kind of spirituality. Using the Myers-Briggs typology, Richardson has developed four types of spiritual journeys. Come and discover your type of spirituality. (The book is available on Amazon if you wish to purchase and read it for the class.) The classes will be held: Jan. 19; Feb. 2; Feb. 16; Mar. 2; Mar. 16 at noon. Please let Rev. Becky know if you plan to participate in the class. If there is a need, child care can be provided, but we will need to know a week in advance.

3 The Chalice and Chimes Page 3 Religious Education As I reflect on the past couple of months I have spent as the acting Director of Religious Education, I am heartened by the growth of our program and the warmth of our community. We have so many wonderful children! There are 77 registered children and youth this year! We have had a lovely semester within our RE Community getting to know our fellow classmates as we spent time together as a part of the greater RE community during our Apple Chapel and within larger church community during our inter-generational Dia de los Muertos service. The fantastic Religious Education (RE) program we have here at UUSB is a direct reflection of the commitment of our volunteer teaching teams. Not only do they come and teach, and teach and teach, but this semester they have gathered a great number of items for our Basket Auction and have also spent all of December working with their students to help prepare them for our annual Pageant learning songs and making costumes. What a team effort! January is a time for trying on new things! With this in mind, have you ever considered trying out teaching in one of our RE Classes? It is an amazing way to experience your faith, meet new people, and be a very real part of the education of the next generation of UU s. If teaching isn t your speed, how about giving back to your community by serving on the RE Committee? This dynamic committee assists the RE program in various ways, including program growth, curricula mapping, and event planning. For more information on joining the RE Committee, please contact Jill Packard at jillpackard@gmail.com. In short, things are moving full steam ahead! If you have any questions regarding our program, please contact me. I try to be available through as many means of communication as possible. You can find me a church on Sunday morning (albeit, dashing about), through , Facebook, drop me a text, or give me a ring. I m here for you! In comm-uu-nity, Karen Childs Acting Director Religious Education NEWS Reported by UU World Writers: Time capsule unearthed from 25 Beacon Street cornerstone Full article by Michelle Bates Deakin, 12/16/13: articles/ shtml? utm_source=n Unitarian Universalists will find out the contents of a time capsule, buried in the cornerstone when the Unitarian headquarters was built in 1926, when it is opened early next year. The engraved rectangular copper box will be opened on February 21 at a special ceremony called the Beacon Benediction, a farewell to 25 Beacon St., which will include a chapel service and reception. Leaders of the Unitarian Universalist Association knew the box was there, and decided to find it before the UUA sells its historic headquarters and moves across Boston to 24 Farnsworth Street. Construction is underway inside the new headquarters in Boston s Seaport District, which the UUA expects to move into in May. Follow the internet link above to read the full article and see pictures of the actual excavation. Pretty cool! January 19, 2014 is World Religion Day The purpose of World Religion Day is to call attention to the harmony of the various religions spiritual principles and to emphasize that religion is the motivating force for world unity. Official website:

4 The Chalice and Chimes Page 4 Report for 11/30/13 REVENUE Actual for 5 Months Budget for 5 Months Actual - Budget Pledge 48,328 44,542 3,786 Endowments 38,107 42,356-4,249 Fundraising 2,900 5,625-2,725 Plate & Non Pledge 3,477 2,458 1,019 Rental 2,375 2, Other Income 2,036 3,458-1,422 Fund Balance - 2,083-2, ,138 97, ,606 (5,383) Revenue over budget (5,383) 615,635 (under) EXPENSES Treasurer s Report Actual for 5 Months Budget for 5 Months Actual - Budget Payroll 63,082 62, Building Operations 7,840 10,990-3,150 Building Maint 12,661 13,900-1,239 Other Expenses 13,463 15,089-1,626 97, ,606 (5,560) Guest at Your Table Program The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's Guest at Y our Table program has started. Place a Guest at Y our Table box where you share your meals and keep it there for several weeks. At mealtime, insert coins or bills into the Guest's box at mealtimes as if sharing with your guest. The collection closing date will be announced in church at some point in the future. If you have not yet picked up your gift box and literature, they are available in the large basket on the table next to the Sanctuary door that goes into the hallway. Please take a box home and participate in this worthy program. Any questions, contact Natalie Norton, UUSB Social Justice Cmte, Expenses over budget (5,560) (under) After 5 months the balance is: 177 Respectfully submitted, Rosemary Parsons Treasurer FUNDRAISING FOR "BUUGS"!! 1. BUUGS is doing their baked bean dinner fundraiser again! See the notice posted in the Dorothy to sign up for this delicious traditional New England Baked Bean dinner, served at your home, for up to 8 persons. One dinner will be made available in each month of January, February, and March. The cost is $100 per meal. Thanks for all your support for our young folks traveling to Guatemala for the Safe Passage Project! 2. BUUGS wants you to 'Keep It Out of the Dump!' Every year we get that 'special' gift at a Yankee Swap party that we just don't know what to do with...the Chia Pet...the Sponge Bob coffee mug...the American Idol calendar... BUUGS would like you to bring in your 'treasures' for them to sell for a donation on Sundays during January, in the Dorothy after church services. One person's trash is another person's treasure...keep it out of the dump! And thanks again for your support for our young folks traveling to Guatemala for the Safe Passage Project!

5 The Chalice and Chimes Page 5 Church Council Corner The calendar says we have started a new year this month. From UUSB s fiscal year perspective, we started our new year back on July 1 st. As we look at the accomplishments for the first half of the year, there are several to highlight in many departments: - Karen Childs became our acting Religious Education Director. -Attendance numbers at Sunday services and registration in our youth RE programs are strong, a testament to our Worship and RE committees ongoing good work with Reverend Becky and our devoted worship associates, Karen Childs, Nancy Lewis and the UUSB choir. - Susan Vernal remains steadfast in her position as our Church Administrator. Susan is responsible for the day-today management of the office, which includes among many duties: the editor of the weekly e-news, preparing weekly orders of worship and the monthly Chalice and Chimes newsletter, handling building rentals, and everything else officey in nature. -Our Religious Education program for our teenagers has been attracting a large number of youth from around the Bangor Community. -We have two teens, Caleigh Grogan and Lydia MacKay, who became full members of our congregation, following a vote at last year s annual meeting to welcome members of all ages. -BUUGS, and our efforts to financially support our teens and advisor who will be going to Guatemala, are doing well, in large part to the CLINK bottle redemption project, and their various other fundraising activities. - Our building continues to be used as a source for community activities, including Monday through Friday noon AA meetings and once a month Contra dances. - Buildings and Grounds has been very busy overseeing our building with major work done on the Sanctuary roof and parapet work on the Dorothy Memorial. - Plans have been underway this fall to update the plans for the UUSB Accessibility Project, primarily an elevator. Once we have the cost estimates, the Council will hold a congregational meeting to discuss the options for funding and call for a vote to recommit to this long deferred project. -Social Justice programs, in particular the free bean suppers and Dorothy Day Soup kitchen meals, continue to provide tasty meals to those in need. -The UUSB strategic plan continues as a beacon to guide us through the next few years. -The Pastoral Care Committee and Reverend Becky provide a source of comfort to our members. - An idea that sprang from a discussion at a UU auction dinner to consider the installation of solar panels on the Dorothy Memorial roof is on hold, as the Buildings and Ground Committee focuses on accessibility as well as other smaller projects in the Dorothy Memorial Hall. We are blessed to have professional devoted staff and wonderful volunteers. We are only 6 months through our 2014 fiscal year. Stay tuned for an exciting second half! This Month s Member Bio Sketch: Teddy Weston As I am approaching my 93rd birthday, I find myself pondering and remembering the many great blessings I have known over these years. The first one has to be a devoted husband whose life I shared for 67 years. Then, I must credit our four children who brought me so much joy and made me proud of them. One s health in a big factor, and I have survived some tough times but here I am feeling well and living in my own home. My doctor agrees with me that a consuming interest is the best medicine. Perhaps my good health today is in part due to my enjoyment in my work with the local historical society. The town of Winterport has a fascinating history, and I have delighted in researching and writing (Photo by Robin Wood) about it. I was a high school math teacher for many years. Somehow, I doubt that many of my students ever developed the same enthusiasm I felt for algebra and geometry, but I loved teaching. Gardening has been a life long pleasure. Nowadays, the work to maintain my flower beds is hard, and I may decide to give up on them. Yet come spring, I know I will start some seedlings and enjoy the fun again. Although I can t play the piano any more, I can enjoy music as much as ever. Singing with the Bangor Community Chorus was a great experience. All in all, I think these interests and many more have contributed to my longevity. My cup runneth over. Don and I discovered the Universalist Church when we lived in Caribou. We transferred our membership to the Bangor church 57 years ago. This church has always been a warm and caring fellowship. We declare that love is the doctrine of this church and so it is. At a low point in my life, I felt buoyed up and strengthened by a very real sense of caring by this church family. Faces have changed over the years. Ministers have come and gone. There have been minor controversies over such things as the color of the rug or the choice of the hymnal and even major difference over political or social questions of the day. But the bond of fellowship has held fast. The warm and caring abides. It has always been there. May it always be so.

6 The Chalice and Chimes Page 6 Membership/Fellowship News Mark Your Calendars!! January 26 will be a Souper Sunday. Souper Sunday is a potluck lunch following the service. People are encouraged to bring a soup, bread or a dessert. Not everyone needs to bring food every time. On average we have 12 soups, lots of bread and several desserts. It is a great chance to break bread together. Fun for All Game Night at UUSB - February 1st Come one and all, 6:00-8:00 in the Dorothy Memorial Hall. Bring a snack to share if you like, and a favorite game. This is an event for all ages. Popular games we usually have on hand BananaGrams, Uno, Apples to Apples. If this night seems a bit fruity, you hit the apple right on the head. It is all fun and no work, so don t miss this great evening of fun for everyone! Spring New Member Class It's never too early to think about our next new member class! Our Spring class will be held on Saturday, March 15 th with the New Member Sunday following on March 30th. As usual, we will have child care available and, in addition to a day of getting to know each other and learning more about our faith tradition and our Bangor community, we will have a sumptuous lunch! So mark your calendars now and be on the look out for the sign-up sheet in the Dorothy Memorial; or, speak to any member of the Membership Fellowship Cmte. UUSB Church Cancellation Guidelines In the case of bad weather, the most important thing is for everyone to be safe. Please do not travel to the UUSB for morning worship if you feel that doing so would be unsafe. UUSB services and events may need to be cancelled due to no lights, no heat, no water, disasters, and other unforeseen circumstances. The decision to cancel worship and religious education will be made by Sue McKay and Laurie Cartier, who will make such decision by 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning. An announcement will be put on the outgoing phone message of the church office ( ), and announcements will also out go out to the local network television and radio stations, and if possible (power permitting), one will be sent out via , on the UUSB Facebook page, and posted on the UUSB website, About Our Newsletter The Chalice and Chimes is published ten times a year (Sept-June). The deadline for submissions is the 14th day of each month. Contributions are solicited and should be sent to the Administrator/ Editor at the church office. An announcement is sent out to all member and friends on the church s database mailing list, when the newsletter has been posted to the church website, where it may be viewed or down-loaded. It is also available in paper format on the table by the sanctuary entrance and by request to the Church Office. Editorial Policy Articles submitted for publication in the Chalice & Chimes must strive to include, in an unbiased way, only that information that is consistent with the UU faith. Articles should deal with issues of a spiritual nature meant to inspire, encourage, educate, or inform. Although every effort will be made to be inclusive, the Editor reserves the right to determine which articles are accepted for publication. The Editor has the right to edit for space, availability, libelous remarks, or unwarranted personal attacks. The Editor also reserves the right to refuse any item that may affect our Tax Exempt Status. About Us Our Mission Statement The Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor is an historically liberal religious community, celebrating diversity and supporting spiritual growth and social responsibility in each child and adult.

7 The Chalice and Chimes Page 7 From the Archives It was thought that there were no pictures of the interior of the previous Universalist Church that was incinerated in the Great Fire of However, we are, in fact, lucky enough to have a picture of the sanctuary that was taken during Floral Sunday on July 1, This picture is actually a stereoscopic card with two adjacent pictures of the same scene. It was taken by C.L. Marston, a well-known photographer in Bangor. We know this much because the information is on the back of the card. Marston was not a member of the church so his services must have been requested for the occasion. Deborah Thompson includes a copy of the picture in her Bangor, Maine, : An Architectural History. She notes in a caption next to the picture that The molded panels at the back of the chancel were apparently trompe l oeil frescoes by Schurtz & Carl, Boston. (p. 347). The sanctuary must have been quite impressive with it s frescoes, stained glass windows, 120 pews, and grand Hook organ. It s unfortunate we don t have more pictures of this imposing room but, thanks to Floral Sunday, we do have at least a small glimpse of the grandeur of the earlier church. Of course the question arises, what was Floral Sunday. A search through church records turned up nothing. However, church news was big news at that time, so I checked the Bangor Daily Whig and Courier for any information on this event, which was important enough to warrant the expense of a photograph by an illustrious photographer. Sure enough on Monday, July 2, 1877, a brief article appeared in the paper and all becomes clear. Rev. Preble is Edgar W. Preble, who was the minister at the church from 1875 to 1880.

8 The Chalice and Chimes Page 8 UUSB Calendar ~ JANUARY 2012 SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT Please check the website for calendar updates! :30pm Knitting Circle 4 9:00am Pastoral Care Team 5 Worship Fellowship 12 Worship (Food Cupboard Collection) Fellowship Sr. OWL 19 Worship (Personal Care Items Collection) Fellowship 11:30am Soc. Justice Cmte 12:00pm Adult RE Class Sr. OWL 26 Worship Fellowship 11:30am SOUPER SUNDAY 12:30pm Beginner Drumming 1:00pm Spirit of Drumming 6 Soup Kitchen Cook n Serve (off-site) :30pm Buddhist Affinity 12:00 noon Office deadline for February Chimes articles Committee on Ministry Shawl Ministry 6:00pm Stewardship Cmte 6:30pm Buddhist Affinity 7pm Shawl Ministry 8 6:00pm Membership Cmte Bldg. & Grds Cmte 15 5:45pm Religious Ed Cmte 6:30pm Council Meeting 22 6:30pm Worship Cmte 9 4:15pm Exec. Cmte 16 7pm 23 7pm pm 10 Budget & Finance Cmte 17 12:30pm Knitting Circle 7:30pm Contra-dance OK, show of hands Who s tired of snow? Then, plan on attending UUSB Game Night, Feb. 1, 6-8pm!! Bag Lunch Prep 3:30pm Bean Supper

9 CONTACTS Church Council Sue McKay, Chair Eric Olson, Vice Chair Rosemary Parsons, Treasurer Michele Caitlyn-Strout, Clerk Charles Boothby Amy Brickel Deb Harvey Chris Packard Church Staff Minister: Rev. Becky Gunn Rev. Becky Gunn has office hours Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to call ahead to be sure she is available, as there are occasional conflicts. Other times available by appointment. Monday is Rev. Becky s day off. uubeckygunn@aol.com; Phone: (church); (home); (cell, for emergencies) Music Director: Nancy Lewis Nancy.Lewis@umit.maine.edu Acting Religious Education Director: Karen Childs uubangorre@gmail.com Church Administrator & Newsletter Editor: Susan Vernal uubangor@gmail.com Phone: (church Tues-Fri, 10AM-Noon) Newsletter Submittals We value your contributions and very much appreciate submittals. When sending contributions to The Chalice and Chimes: uubangor@gmail.com Next Newsletter Deadline: January 14, 2013 at Noon Next issue is February 2014 Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor 120 Park Street Bangor, ME First Class Postage ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED FIRST CLASS MAIL Dated material PLEASE DELIVERY PROMPTLY