Steepletalk. New to UU Class March 5 See page 2

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1 Winter 2017 Vol. 23 No S. Fourth St. Louisville, KY (502) Steepletalk The Newsletter of First Unitarian Church Spring RE Classes Descriptions: pages 7-8 Adult: firstulou.org/lre Children: firstulou.org/cre RE Calendar page 6 New to UU Class March 5 See page 2 Interim Minister Search Plans See page Grade OWL! Participants are guided by trained facilitators through an engaging curriculum that addresses topics most important to young adolescents, including those typically excluded from sexuality education and health classes. For, more information, including a link to a detailed list of topics, go to page 6. Child Dedication January 29 In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, children are usually formally named and welcomed into the religious community in a ceremony known as a "child dedication." Learn all about it on page 6. Please contact Linette Lowe at dre@firstulou.org if you are interested. For more information and to sign up, go to page 2. Photo of Window by Del Ramey

2 Contents 2 FYI 4 Calendar Events 4 Ministry Reports Connections 4 Mission & Outreach 5 Religious Exploration 6 Resource Ministry 9 Worship Group Reports 14 Photos Potluck and Game Night Friday, January 20 6:00-8:30 Need a break from the news? Got the January blues? Bring a dish to share and your favorite game, and join friends and families at First U for an evening of fun. Sign up with your dish here: New to UU Class Sunday, March 5 at 12:30 pm You are invited to pick up your lunch in the social hall and bring it to the library so we can eat together and begin class. The class usually lasts 2 ½ hours. During the class, we discuss some history of Unitarian Universalism, as well as information about First U and membership. Childcare available. If possible, please contact Claudia Runge or the church office to let us know you plan to attend so we can have enough prepared materials. (Walk-ins also welcome!) Brownbaggers Are For the Birds February 14 Yes, Brownbaggers will hear our own Roger Ohlman tell us about the Louisville Nature Center and his work there on Tuesday, February 14 at 12:00 Noon. Join us or send a tweet. ROMEOS (Retired Older Men Eating Out) Looking for New (and Old) Recruits Yes, if you are an older (available during the day) male and would like to enjoy pretty good food and very good conversation come join us on the first Wednesday of each month at the Golden Coral on Taylorsville Road at 1:00pm. Bring your appetite and a good story. See you February 1 and March 1. Recycle Broken Tree Lights Do you have broken Christmas tree lights or maybe planning to replace them with LED lights? The Solar Array Project will be happy to take your old light strands and sell them for scrap metal. They can be put in the Solar Array trash can in the courtyard. See Joe Kremer for more information First U Hikers We'll start the New Year with a hike on January 22, starting at 3:30pm at E.P "Tom" Sawyer park. We'll do the Goose Creek nature trail, a 1.25 mile loop trail rated easy. This is a family-friendly opportunity to enjoy the winter landscape. For a map and description of the trail, click here: -sawyer/trails.aspx?id=320 February 26 and March 26 locations will be announced. This group made 11 hikes in 2016 in diverse settings: Cave Hill Cemetery, Caperton Swamp, Shippingport Island, and more. No experience is necessary to join, and our hikes are always family-friendly. We are enjoying connecting with the natural beauty of our world, as well as connecting with each other. Contact Roger Ohlman for more information: rohlman@twc.com.

3 Black Lives Matter Vigils What are our monthly BLM vigils accomplishing? The stated goal as articulated by the sponsors, Women's Alliance, is to create a space for connection, for reflection, and for conversation. On the second Sunday of each month, earnest people gather after the Celebration of Life to stand in front of church holding BLM signs for 30 mins, in rain and cold and wind and heat. We are joined by congregants of Spiritual Israel and Its Army. We talk. We wave to passing motorists. Pedestrians stop to ask questions. Bus passengers give us a thumb s up. Drivers stop and take a photo. Children sometimes chase each other and play, and their parents snap a photo of them with our banner in the background. Sometimes people shout as they pass, "All lives matter". In essence, we are visible, and we are affirming, and we are learning and we are teaching. Come join us Sundays February 12 and March 12. Central Louisville Community Ministries Hold Onto Your Hats! Sunday, April 23 Hold the date for this spring fundraiser. Tickets go on sale in April for this delightful afternoon of live entertainment, food and drink, awesome people and a chance to support a great cause that is near and dear to our hearts. To All of You Wonderful "Secret Santas" Thank you so much for your generosity this year! Members and friends of First Unitarian Church provided Christmas gifts for 20 Coleridge-Taylor students. In addition, over $600. was donated via gift cards or cash to provide assistance to additional Coleridge- Taylor families who are struggling. Your generosity provides so much more than food and gifts - it truly lifts the spirits and brightens the world for folks who often feel overlooked. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your time and your trouble!! February 25 Hold the Date! Join us for our annual soup competition fundraiser to benefit the Blessing Bags project. More details to come! CC Interim Minister Search Plans Board Update! The Board is now beginning its search for an Interim Minister. By UUA Polity, the Board is responsible for hiring the new Interim Minister. Over the next 3 months we will be collecting much paperwork, and filling out applications to submit by the March 30th deadline. If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of the Board members or a member of the Transitional Team Thanks, Devi Pierce, Board President Rally to Protest Kroger Closing Saturday, January 21 at 11am The food desert continues to spread in the area as the neighborhood Kroger joins the list of closing food sources. Metro Council members, David James and Barbara Sexton Smith are holding a rally at the Kroger parking lot on Saturday January 21 at 11am to protest the store closing. Check out this article from The Courier- Journal: Council Members to Hold 'Keep Kroger' Rally Healthy Communications Team The HCT is available this week in the social hall. They are available on the second week of each month. They will collect whatever feedback you may have for First U leadership. Join us on Sundays, February 12 and March 12.

4 Calendar Events For a complete listing of all activities at First Unitarian, see the online calendar at firstulou.org/calendar. January 20 Potluck and Game Night 29 Child Dedication Imbolc Ritual CUUPs February 5 First Sunday Lunch Grade OWL Retreat at TJ 25 Soup for the Soul March 5 New to UU Class 19 Ostara Ritual CUUPs 31 Women s Alliance Retreat Merci! Gracias! Many Thanks! Many, many thanks from the Connections Ministry to everyone who brought special treats for the reception following Vespers. We had an abundance of delicious food, thanks to your efforts and generosity. I d love to identify all of you, but some folks just crept into the kitchen quietly, hid their treasures in a corner, and stole away without even identifying themselves. So thanks to all of the unknown elves and a special thank you to Kathy Kremer, Joe Kremer, and Debbie Hess, who provided a variety of labors behind the scenes. It is so great when the folks who know what needs to be done just step up and do it. You are the best! Maureen Taylor For the Connections Ministry New to UU Class Greetings, I'm happy to welcome you to First Unitarian Church, and I want to provide some information for you about the next New to UU class. We typically hold these classes two or three times per year and generally schedule them on a first Sunday of the month. That allows us to share a lunch together and to make childcare available for class attendees who need it. Our next class is scheduled for Sunday, March 5, at 12:30 p.m. (after the service). We pick up our lunch in the social hall and bring it to the church library so we can eat together and start on time. The class usually lasts 2 1/2 hours. During the class we try to provide some history of Unitarian Universalism, as well as history of First Unitarian and information about membership in our church. A new member service will be scheduled for later in the spring, but the New to UU class is not designed to recruit members. The decision to become a member would be entirely up to you. Our student minister, Christe Lunsford, or our Director of Religious Exploration, Linette Lowe, will be happy to discuss membership with you if you wish further clarification or have questions after attending the class. I hope you can join us on March 5. If possible, please let me know via a return or by calling the church office ( ) if you plan to attend so we can make certain that we have materials for everyone who is attending. If, however, you can't commit right now but realize on March 5 that you can make it, please don't hesitate to join us anyway. We will be happy to welcome you. Best wishes for 2017! Claudia Runge Connections Ministry

5 Mission and Outreach Ministry The Rally to Move Forward 10am to 12noon, Saturday, January 21 Louisville Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson Street The Rally to Move Forward is a gathering of community groups meeting to celebrate diversity, tolerance and working together to maintain our values in the current social environment. Local speakers include Louisville Showing Up for Racial Justice (LSURJ) speaker Carla Wallace. Web link: Uniting a Mighty Kind Coalition 11am to 6pm, Saturday, January 21 Tim Faulkner Gallery, 1512 Portland Ave. Uniting a Mighty Kind Coalition, a free gathering of people, music, workshops, good vibes to celebrate our Mighty Kind community. Drop in after the above Rally. Mighty Kindness is an outreach arm of Clifton UU. Web sites: and Kentucky Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense The Louisville Group at First U: February 19 The Louisville Group of the state chapter will be meeting on the third Sunday of each month, alternating between Thomas Jefferson Unitarian and First Unitarian. The February meeting will be at First Unitarian on Sunday, February 19 th at 4:00pm. The February Agenda will include planning for Advocacy Day in Frankfort, which will be on Wednesday, February 22. It begins with program in the Rotunda from 9am-11am. See Trish Ramey for more information. Louisville Planning Input Opportunity Please join the Team during the RE hour on Sunday, February 26 from 9:45-10:45 in the Social Hall to give your input! Louisville Metro Government is seeking the help of local groups in updating the city s Comprehensive Plan. A Comprehensive Plan, which goes through a large update every 20 years, establishes a framework to guide future growth in the community. The document describes the community s direction for future development and growth while also recommending policies and projects to achieve desired results. While the plan does not mention specific developments or neighborhood plans, it provides the policies that will be used to ensure connectivity, health, authenticity, sustainability and equity of the community. This is an important document for Louisville s future. Metro needs the input of all residents, businesses and community organizations. Because this plan affects the entirety of Louisville Metro, the Comprehensive Plan Team is meeting with any group, large or small, to get their input about the future of our community. Having a group meeting at First U gives us an opportunity to share our hopes, dreams, and suggestions for the future. Please attend and give your support. Del Ramey Mission and Outreach

6 Religious Exploration Ministry The Goal of Religious Exploration First Unitarian Church Religious Education nurtures both roots and wings; the roots of community and shared values, and the wings of the free mind and creative spirit. Liberal Religious Education can lead each person into living a life loyal to their deepest faith, toward wholeness and ultimate commitment. 7-9 Grade OWL! OWL models and teaches caring, compassion, respect and justice. It helps adolescents address their attitudes, values and feelings about themselves, their sexuality, and others' sexuality. Participants are guided by trained facilitators through an engaging curriculum that addresses topics most important to young adolescents, including those typically excluded from sexuality education and health classes. Orientation is January 15. For a detailed list of topics and more on OWL, visit Please let Linette know if your youth will be participating! Sessions will meet most Sundays at Thomas Jefferson Child Dedication January 29 In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, children are usually formally named and welcomed into the religious community in a ceremony known as a "child dedication." The child dedication comes primarily from our Universalist heritage; as early as 1770, Universalist John Murray saw no justification for baptising babies, and instead chose to create a naming ceremony in which the congregation dedicated children to the highest ideals. Child dedications have now taken on several interrelated meanings: We welcome children into the world, and into the religious community; We dedicate children to the highest ideals of life; The congregation dedicates itself to supporting the parents/guardians and the child/ren, as the child/ren grows up; We rededicate ourselves to creating a more sane and just world, a world in which all children are wlecomed and may thrive. Children and youth of all ages can be dedicated at this annual ceremony. Please contact Linette Lowe at dre@firstulou.org if you would like your child(ren) dedicated during the service. Religious Education Calendar January 15 9:45-10:45 RE resumes! 12:15-1:30 RE Ministry Rm :30-4:00 7 th -9 th Grade OWL orientation at Thomas Jefferson 20 6:00-8:30 Potluck and Game Night 22 1:30-4:00 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL First U 29 11:00-12:00 Child Dedication in the service 1:30-4:00 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL TJ February 05 12:45-2:00 RE Ministry Rm :30-4:00 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL First U pm-10:30am 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL Overnight at TJ 12 9:45-10:45 One Room Schoolhouse Generosity 19 1:30-4:00 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL First U 25 Time TBA Soup for the Soul 26 1:30-4:00 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL TJ March 05 12:45-2:00 RE Ministry Rm :30-4:00 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL First U 12 9:45-10:45 One Room Schoolhouse Renewal 1:30-4:00 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL TJ 19 1:30-4:00 7 th - 9 th Grade OWL TJ 26 No OWL

7 Children s Religious Exploration Classes 9:45-10:45 Nursery (Sprouts) Nursery care is available during the RE hour (9:30-11:00) for children infants to Preschoolers in Room 214 every Sunday. Nursery care continues during the service as well, though all children are welcome in the service. Infants and toddlers in the nursery will be engaged with an age-appropriate chalice-lighting, story, activity and snack each week, as well as ample time for play. Elena Meeks, NaQueesha Puckett and Evvie Cooley, Leaders. Room 214. Preschool-First Grade (Explorers) Picture Book World Religions and Picture Book Bible Tales The Picture Book series of curricula for young UUs uses timeless picture books and engaging hands-on activities to introduce participants to Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism as well as classic Bible tales our UU children should know. Christina Roberts and Friends, Leaders. Room 212. Second Fourth Grade (Seekers) Love Will Guide Us In this program, participants learn to seek guidance in life through the lens of our Unitarian Universalist Sources, with an emphasis on love. Together we ask questions such as, "Where did we come from?" "What is our relationship to the Earth and other creatures?" "How can we respond with love, even in bad situations?" "What happens when you die?" Sessions apply wisdom from our Sources to help participants answer these questions. Participants will learn that asking questions is valued in Unitarian Universalism, even as they begin to shape their own answers. Rae Cobbs and Jozi Uebelhoer, Leaders. Room 207 Fifth Eighth Grade (Padewans) Jedi Academy The world of the Jedi has inspired real-life practices of spirituality. The philosophies of Star Wars have been explored, examined, and adopted by many. The Jedi believe in the 'Living Force', a spiritual presence that surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds all the matter in the universe together. If the program were summed up in one word, it would be Mindfulness. The Jedi students learn to pay close attention to their experience of themselves and the world around them. This curriculum has been described as a Coming of Age program for Middle Schoolers. Danielle Rogers-Candee, Daniel Candee, and John Cooley, Leaders. Room 202. High School (Apprentices) Individual apprenticeships High School Students will meet with the DRE to discuss what area of church life or spirituality they would like to apprentice in, and a suitable apprenticeship will be arranged individually. One Room Schoolhouse Once a month on second Sundays, children and youth Preschool and older gather together for multi-age One Room Schoolhouse during the Celebration of Life. Our themes follow the church's monthly ministry themes. Gift at Your Table Thank you for your support. With your help, we collected money to fill our Guest at Your Table boxes. This is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's (UUSC) annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about our work to advance human rights. This year s program theme was Defying Hate. Photo by Del Ramey

8 Adult Religious Exploration Classes 9:45-10:45* *Hindsight, Humor, and Hope meets 12:30 2:30 Poetry Readings: Gather to read favorites by African Americans, women, and environmentalist poets to celebrate Black History month, Women s History month and Earth Day. The class will explore the beauty of language, how poetry can convey another s point of view and the lyrical expressions of the seven principles. Linda Berry and Elizabeth Fairhead will lead. First Sundays in Room 101 (Parlor). Popcorn Theology: James Jeffries will present feature-film excerpts to explore issues of theology and ethics for Unitarian Universalists. Selections suitable for 18 and older. Second Sundays in Room 103 (Library). Spirit in Practice: Jane Martin Buckley and Richelle Johnson continue the series on different approaches to spiritual practice first and third Sundays, Room 103. Justice Readings: Participants will explore issues of racial justice through discussions of the UU Common Read The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Division and Hate by The Rev. Dr. William Barber II and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (Beacon, 2016) and conclude with a discussion of director Ava DuVernay s documentary film 13th. Third Sundays in Room 101 (Parlor). Writing and Journaling Group: Writers of all ages are invited to share discussions of the creative process and read from draft works, if comfortable. Creative writing prompts and journaling topics will be available to get you started. Fourth Sundays in Room 103. The Garden: Bill Van Rooy and friends will facilitate this weekly discussion group using the metaphor of a garden to jump-start conversation on our collective and individual journeys of growth. Weekly in Room 203. Coffee and Social Justice: This participant-led group discussion of social justice topics focuses on how our UU values lead us to respond to the world. Weekly in the Social Hall near the windows. Hindsight, Humor and Hope: Who Me, an Elder? This UUA program helps people as they begin to redesign their later years into a time of reflection, discernment, soul stretching, and new life possibilities. Jeff Matthias will lead from 12:30-2:30 on January 22, February 5, 19, March 5, 19, and April 2 in Room 103 (Library). January 29 During the RE Hour NOMMO PRESENTS: Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks Presented by Michael Tee and Linda Berry NOMMO Presents is a communications company that incorporates presentations about underrepresented figures in American history and culture through poetry, prose, and story-telling. This year's offering offers a dramatic recitation of some of the writings of Frederick Douglass and a short play written and developed by the presenter that depicts the life and times of Rosa Parks. Although the two subjects represent two different centuries, their lives and work show the continuing thread of individuals whose whole lives are committed to justice and liberation of both African- Americans and women. This presentation will be concluded with a brief talk-back session, in costume in which audience members can query the characters about remaining questions.

9 Religious Exploration Ministry Chalica Challenge First U was very generous with the Chalica Challenge, bringing our decorated bags back full of food, hats, gloves and socks for our neighborhood food pantry and clothes closet. We are acting out our principles and being the change we want to see in the world! For more information about Religious Exploration Contact Linette Lowe, the Director of Religious Exploration. She is usually at the church on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. dre@firstulou.org or call (502) Resource Ministry The work teams which make up the Resource Ministry are: House and Grounds team Churchyard Friends team Aesthetics team Kitchen Wizards team These work teams never run out of projects! Some recent and/or ongoing projects include: drywall repairs, sanding and painting throughout the church; replacement of signs; repair of kitchen cart; installation of downspouts; replacement of receptacles and air filters; repair work on Courtyard gates; replacement of lights in Sanctuary; repair work on Wayside Pulpit light; assistance with rearranging Sanctuary furniture as needed; clearing of leaves from courtyard and sidewalks; organizing, cleaning and decorating for seasonal services and festivities; cleaning and organizing kitchen; and on and on..if you re interested in joining the fun and pitching in to help with any projects, please contact Mary Ballard at ballardmb2@bellsouth.net or (502) From the Aesthetics Team of the Resources Ministry Our members are Bev Daly, Carol Tobe, Laurie Clark, Kris Philipp and Kathy Thackeray. One of our responsibilities is to manage the art and like things in our church. We decide where art and like things go in the church and we try to take care of the art and manage what is given to the church. For example the church has been given awards for installing solar panels and continuing to add to the array, we are deciding how to mount the awards and place them so all can see. So please understand these items were given to the church officially. These items are to be photographed and noted as items of the church. These items are taken care of by the Aesthetics Team, and often with the help of other Ministries. So if you think the church needs some piece of art or a plant or planter, please notify the Aesthetics Team. It is our task to decide if in fact it should be kept and cared for by us. If you leave things at the church without identification or telling one of us first please understand the Aesthetics Team will try to find out who left the item at church and if not we will find a new home for it. There is not a lot of wall space in our church and we have a large task keeping the clutter under control. We thank you for your help and understanding.

10 Worship Ministry We will continue to base each month's services around a theme. The theme in in January is Non-Violence. We wish it were not so relevant. We will examine some of the progress made by nonviolent movements, and talk about how to resist personally with non-violent talk and action. In February, the theme is Generosity. We will examine generosity with our time, talent and treasure in the church, the community, and with ourselves. March is spring - a time of Renewal. We will celebrate International Women's Day with the traditional Women's Alliance service the first Sunday in March. The pulpit will be graced with new faces - two Unitarian Ministers who have agreed to give us their insights on renewal. Please join us for reflection in this new year. The Vespers Team thanks all those who helped make the 2016 Vespers a beautiful, spiritual and special service. A number of years ago when I was on the Worship Ministry I made the statement "Vespers is just another service"! Every one in hearing distance just looked at me like I was crazy...and I was. Now I say that "Vespers is a service on steroids". All the Ministries (Worship, Connections, Resources, Mission and Outreach and Religious Exploration) participate in a big way. So thank you to all who said yes, to usher, decorate, plan the actual service, participate in the service, sing in the choir, light candles, set sound equipment, bake cookies, design the Order of Service, fold the Order of Service, play the piano, lead the choir, play the flute, move the platform, set and reset the chairs, polish the candelabra, set up the reception, give to the ministers discretionary fund, participate in the Guest at Your Table, prepare the individual candles, author and deliver the homily, the family that lit the Chalice, the reception servers and punch makers, the child care staff, our custodian and you! So thank you all for the part you played in the 2016 Vespers. Happy New Year! Kathy Thackeary and The Vespers Team:, Linette Lowe, Christe Lundsford, Trish Ramey, Mary Ballard, Maureen Taylor and Pam Middleton.

11 CLOUT What is CLOUT? Citizens of Louisville Organized & United Together (CLOUT) is an organization of religious congregations and groups which work together to solve critical community problems. We are not a service provider, but a grassroots, direct action, multi-issue organization, which has come together to be a powerful force for improving the quality of life in our communities. Presently, First Unitarian Church and 21 other congregations & groups with over 12,000 members are members of CLOUT. CLOUT comes from all parts of Louisville Metro and represent a diverse mix of races & ethnicities, as well as different religious traditions. What is CLOUT s Mission? CLOUT s mission is to build the power of religious congregations to solve community problems by holding systems accountable. What is CLOUT s Vision? CLOUT s vision is a city of justice where its systems assure that all people are treated fairly. This year CLOUT is focusing on Affordable Housing and Mental Health/Chemical Dependency issues. 'You may well ask, "Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches, etc.? Isn't negotiation a better path?" You are exactly right in your call for negotiation. Indeed, this is the purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and establish such creative tension that a community that has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored... I have earnestly worked and preached against violent tension, but there is a type of constructive non-violent tension that is necessary for growth.' Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Next Steps (for interested CLOUT Network members) See Jane Martin Buckley or Trish and Del Ramey if you have questions or would like to participate. We now have a bulletin board in the Social Hall that displays CLOUT info for all interested. Upcoming CLOUT dates: Rally: Tuesday, March 7 6:30pm, Location TBD [this prepares Team members for the big Rally] Nehemiah Action Assembly: Tuesday, March 28, 6:30pm, Location TBD [probably Memorial Auditorium on 4th Street] Investment Drive Training: Tuesday, April , 6:30pm, Location TBD [for people that go on Corporate "Asks" for donations] Justice Ministry Celebration: Tuesday, May 23, 2017, Location TBD Regional and National DART ALTIs [Advanced Leadership Training Institute] Clergy Conference: Wednesday, February 8-Friday, February 10, 2017, Orlando, FL Investment Drive ALTI: Thursday, May 11-Saturday, May 13, Location TBD Justice Ministry Orientation: Tuesday, July 11-Thursday, July 13, Location TBD Listening Process ALTI: Thursday, July 13-Saturday, July 15, Location TBD

12 CUPPS: Covenant of UU Pagans The Covenant of UU Pagans or CUUPs continues to meet on the first and Third Wednesday of the Month at 7PM in the church library. We hold discussion classes about a number of topics. Upcoming classes are as follows: January 18 February 1 February 15 March 1 March 15- Discussion on Imbolc and how it fits into the Wheel of the Pagan Year Discussion on the Law of Attraction and Video on "The Secret" Hermetic Principles and how it relates to Magick Creating Sacred Space Stones and their energies - Bring your favorite Stone and share knowledge about these gifts from the earth. The discussion classes are open to all and are a great place to learn about topics from an Earth Centered perspective. Public Ritual Celebration will be held on Sunday, January 29th as we celebrate Imbolc "the time of having faith in what you cannot see." Doors open at 5:30 PM and Ritual begins at 6 PM. There is no one to watch the door after 6 so please be on time in respect to those in Ritual. A potluck dinner will follow the Ritual so please bring a dish of food to share with others. Hello Fellow Readers, First U Book Club The First U Book Club gathered Monday, December 12th to discuss our future reading selections. Thirty one titles were suggested as candidates to be read through August 2017, eight were chosen. Following is a list of those books and the date when they will be discussed. January 9 Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie. Discussion leader Rita Sasse February 13 When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Discussion leader Kathy Rogers March 13 Cloudsplitter by Russell Banks. Discussion leader Jill Sampson April 10 Hidden Figures: the American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. Discussion leader Del Ramey May 8 Degrees of Elevation by Charles Dodd White. Discussion leader Jill Sampson June 12 Victoria: The Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Ruled an Empire by Julia Baird. Discussion leader Henry Lieberg July 10 Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Discussion Del Ramey August 14 Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. Discussion leader Trish Ramey. We meet in the Parlor on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Please join us. Kathy Rogers

13 TAKE THAT ONE NEXT STEP Reduce, Reuse, Recycle From the First Unitarian Church Solar Array Project PAPER PLATES Have you ever wondered what s generally better for us using paper plates that don t need washing and people power, or washing and reusing china dishes? It s a tricky question because there are many factors. In a 2011 article, Jade Wang, a graduate student at MIT, compared the production, transportation, usage, and care differences between paper and china plates and their effects on air and water pollution. Jade writes that it takes water and energy to produce both kinds of plates, energy to transport both from the manufacturer to stores and buyers, and water to wash the dishes (and people to wash them). But to protect the environment, reusables win over paper plates, which need pulp from forests, logging roads that disrupt wildlife, numerous fume-emitting tankers and trucks on hardscape highways to deliver them, bleach (to make them white), and landfills. If you care about saving money, reusables win again just by cutting out those repeated trips to purchase plates that will only be used once. As for finding people willing to wash and put away the dishes maybe more of them are out there than you know REDUCE: REUSE: RECYCLE: Solar Array Project Use china plates more and paper plates less Find those folks who ll wash dishes! If you have to use paper plates, look for the ones made from post-consumer waste or biodegradable compostable sugar cane plates. Source: Wang, Jade. Green Dinner Parties: Nitty-gritty. Women s Alliance The Women's Alliance annual Pie Sale on November 20 was a grand and delicious success - the $400 proceeds were donated to Central Louisville Community Ministries. Thanks to the talented bakers who donated pies, and the generous purchasers who supported this work. Women's Alliance recently held an appreciation breakfast for escorts at the EMW Women's Clinic at First U on Saturday January 14. Weekend Retreat March 31-April 2 And save the date! A weekend retreat will be held at Hopscotch House in Prospect KY March 31- April 2. Hopscotch House is an historic home managed by the Kentucky Foundation for Women. WA went through an application process, and won approval for the retreat in recognition of WA's efforts to support organizations working on behalf of women and families, as well as our social activism. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with each other, and engage with the natural environment. More details to come, so stay tuned! Can't travel to Washington DC for the Women's March on Washington? The Women's Alliance invites you to join the local effort, The Rally to Move Forward, this Saturday Jan 21, from 10am-noon at Louisville Metro Hall. We can meet at church by 930 to carpool, or meet up at the rally, 527 W Jefferson St in downtown Louisville. You can wear your Standing on the Side of Love Tshirts over a sweater or jacket so we can be easily identified as a group. RSVP to Kathy Gapsis if you'd like to be part of the First U contingent! kgapsis@gmail.com More info here:

14 122 Years Ago This Month On January 12, 1895, Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt spoke at First Unitarian Church. This was a stop on their southern tour promoting women s suffrage. Anthony s speech on gender equity and political action was given in the church s Sunday school room. Twentyfive years later women were granted the right to vote. Capital Campaign Celebration December 4, 2016 Through your generosity we fully repaid our endowment loan. We did it and did it on schedule! We marked this milestone in the life of the church. After presenting the final payment during the service, we gathered for a celebratory luncheon afterward.