Quest SUNDAY WORSHIP. Spiritual Freedom Beloved Community Social Responsibility. Activities Fair Welcomes YOU! by Fran Lowe, Chair, Program Council

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1 SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday, Sept. 4, 10:00 a.m. Labor: Personal and Political Rev. Lynn Strauss and UUCR s intern minister, Nathan Ryan, will offer reflections on work and its place in our lives. Sonaria will sing songs from the Labor Movement. Summer RE Nursery is open in Bldg. 3, Rm. 33. RE classes meet in Founders Hall to make lunches for the homeless shelter. Sunday, September 11 10:00 a.m. Water of Life Intergenerational Ingathering Water Communion Service Join us for stories of water and how it moves, how we save and savor it, how we must protect it for it is the source of all life. Deborah Kahn, Director of Religious Education, and Rev. Lynn Strauss will lead the service. The Adult Choir will sing. Intergenerational service. Nursery is open in Bldg. 3, Rm :00 p.m. Interfaith Service of Memory & Hope We will join with other faith groups to reach across boundaries on this ten year commemoration date of September 11, (continued on page 2) Quest The Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, Maryland: A Welcoming Congregation Spiritual Freedom Beloved Community Social Responsibility Volume LIV, Number 23 August 31, 2011 Activities Fair Welcomes YOU! by Fran Lowe, Chair, Program Council Editor: Elizabeth Sullivan Desktop Publisher: Nancy Gregory Attention members and friends, especially those who have been with UUCR for a short while. Participating in activities outside of Sunday services is a fabulous way to get connected with others. Is music your passion? Do you enjoy a cozy dinner with friends? Are you handy with a drill, screwdriver, paintbrush? Do you have an interest in creating meaningful worship services? Are you passionate about the environment? Social justice? Perhaps you want to help assure UUCR s financial future? Wondering what NovemberFest! is and how you can participate? Looking for ways to develop/stretch your leadership skills? Sunday, September 18, after church, is your chance to find out about many wonderful activities at UUCR. Plan to stop by the courtyard. UUCR committees, activities, and social groups will be on hand to help you find the YOU in UUCR. Come, converse, snack, sign up and enjoy! Quest deadline: Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 8:00 p.m., for mailing on September 21, to Alberta Maschal: amaschal@gmail.com August 31, 2011

2 Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville 100 Welsh Park Drive Rockville, MD Quest Staff Minister: Rev. Lynn Thomas Strauss Intern Minister: Nathan Ryan Director of Religious Education: Deborah Kahn Director of Music: Jennifer Rodgers Beach Pianist: Justin Furnia Youth Coordinator: Jennifer Maschal-Lorms Church Administrator: Nancy Gregory Administrative Assistant: Ginny Scher Bookkeeper: Diana Chimes Buildings & Grounds Manager: Thia Beach Nursery Care Provider: Kevin Beins Board of Trustees Marie Reed, President Fran Lowe, Vice President David Lorms, Secretary Marianne Miller, Treasurer Carole Danielson Irene Eckstrand Andy Moore Nancy Blum, Immediate Past President Officers Secretary: David Lorms Treasurer: Marianne Miller Assistant Treasurers: Eric Burch Dick Gilbert Quest Staff Editor-in-Chief/Coordinator: Alberta Maschal Editors: Beth Irikura, Phyllis Leonard, Alberta Maschal, Elizabeth Sullivan Desktop Publisher: Nancy Gregory Proofreader: Nancy Gregory Quest, the regular newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, is published semimonthly at the church 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) Interfaith Service of Memory and Hope What will the world be like ten years from now? How can we use pain and sorrow to begin again in love? Participating in the service will be voices and music from the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Bahá'í, Buddhist and secular communities of Montgomery County. Sunday, September 18, 10:00 a.m. Matters of Life and Death Rev. Lynn Strauss will consider the questions: Why does faith matter? Why does UUCR matter? The Adult Choir will sing. Preschool-fifth grade will gather in Founders Hall for Children s Worship, "Opening Ritual," before classes. Sixth grade, Junior High and Senior High will go directly to their classrooms in the lower level of Building 5. This is the first day of new Religious Education classes. Sunday, September 25, 10:00 a.m. Longing to Know Rev. Lynn Strauss will speak of the human spark of curiosity and on how we all live a question-driven life. Bring your biggest question with you. First Fifteen Preschool-Senior High, teachers, and helpers will gather in the Sanctuary for the beginning of the worship service before classes. Sunday, October 2, 10:00 a.m. Prayer and Fasting Stones of Forgiveness Ritual In the midst of Rosh Hashanah, we will consider prayer and fasting as paths toward forgiveness and reconciliation of the heart. Rev. Lynn Strauss will lead the worship service and the Adult Choir will sing. For the most current information on upcoming events, visit the UUCR church calendar online at At the top of the home page, click on the tab labeled For Members. Click on the link labeled Room Schedule Calendar and you ll be taken to another website where you can view the entire UUCR calendar of events. Quest 2 August 31, 2011

3 DeLynneations Where Were You? There s a line in the book of Job, chapter 38 it is the moment when God answers Job s litany of complaints. Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding. I was reminded of this question as I tried to make sense of the earthquake we experienced last week. Where were you when the earthquake struck? Tell me if you have understanding. People thought many different things might be going on. I thought a tree had fallen on the house. Several people thought the nearby construction site was the cause. Several people living in the same house thought the person upstairs or downstairs was responsible. What are you doing down there! Some people missed it altogether: they had their music turned up, or were in an airplane, or somehow in a world of their own. Where were you? What is your understanding? There s something about a shared trauma that softens the blow we eagerly tell our stories to one another. But there are traumas that we tend to suffer in silence. The extended unemployment, the slow but unrelenting shocks of old age, the family crisis that feels so shameful. Like Job, I often have trouble understanding why things happen as they do why so much suffering and loss seems to touch the lives of those I care about, why our country seems to have lost its moral footing, why the world feels off-kilter. And yet, hope rises with the sun. Something trustworthy and beautiful happens when I least expect it. And most often it happens here within this amazing community of faith. Thank you for the love you share while we journey together through the foundations of the earth. Blessings, Lynn Interfaith Service of Memory & Hope UUCR ~ Sunday, September 11 ~ 3 p.m. Mohamed Norman (call to prayer) Rabbi Baht Weiss (Temple Beth Ami) Luisa Montero (Insight Meditation Community of Washington) Susan Troxel (Bahá'í Community of Montgomery County) Imam Hytham Younis (Islamic Society of Washington Area) Rabbi Fred Dobb (Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation) Rev. Kathryn Woodrow (Faith United Methodist Church) Rev. Sue Hallager (Rockville United Church) Rev. Lynn Strauss (UUCR) Agnes Saenz (Community Ministries of Rockville) Richard Lederman (Montgomery County Interfaith Council) Sue Tucker (Montgomery County Executive s Office) Jake Pittleman (UUCR) Barrett Smith (UUCR) Deanna Zare (IMAAM Youth Organization) Jim Levy (pianist, Rockville United Church) UUCR Adult Choir Jerusalem Mount Pleasant Praise Choir Quest 3 August 31, 2011

4 Internal Musings From the very day I was asked to join you as your intern minister, I ve heard clearly and consistently how strongly the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville identifies itself as a teaching congregation. I ve heard from church members, ministers, staff, friends and even previous interns about how wonderful a congregation this is, and how deep the learning will be. To say I am excited to be a part of your community for the next year is an understatement. I bring with me the enthusiasm of a Texan (I spent the last nine years of my life in Dallas and Austin), a rich Louisiana culture (my family has been in the greater New Orleans area for many generations), and a deep and profound love for our faith. I met my wife, found my calling, learned to cook gumbo and understood myself as a part of all creation within the walls of Unitarian Universalist churches. I spent the last seven years trying to repay some small portion of these great gifts by serving the church as a religious professional in Texas. I was a director of religious education in Austin and a director of lay ministry in Dallas. I first heard my call to ministry when I was only 17 years old. I knew then what is still true for me now: my heart lives in and is strengthened by Unitarian Universalism and its transformative message. I am finally able to live out that call as I finish my seminary work. I am married to a brilliant woman, Lauren, who is interning as an audiologist at Children s National Medical Center in DC. I enjoy cooking vegan and Creole meals. I very much look forward to meeting all of you and serving this church for the next year. I will be in the office Monday through Thursday. I am usually available to meet by appointment. I will hold open office hours Monday and Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nathan Saturday Evening Vespers Services Just Around the Corner! Mark your calendar. Starting October 15, a Saturday evening vespers service will be offered once a month by our intern minister Nathan Ryan. These services will provide a time for reflection through varying styles of worship. This familyfriendly experience will give us an opportunity to be together as the beautiful evening sun shines into our Sanctuary. All services will be from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Save the Dates: October 15 November date TBD December 10 Quest 4 August 31, 2011

5 LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REflections We have been given free will. Any person can become as righteous as Moses or as wicked as Jereboam. We ourselves decide whether to make ourselves learned or ignorant, compassionate or cruel, generous or miserly. No one forces us, no one decides for us, no one drags us along one path or the other; we ourselves, by our own volition, choose our own way. Maimonides, Part II Quotes from UUCR Habitat for Humanity Work Camp Habitat week is a great chance to get to know each other better, meet people of other faiths in a common social cause and do some bread labor. This year, my team of 15 year olds framed and sided a shed from the floor up using blueprints, a tape measure aka "a rule," saws, hammers and hundreds of nails. T. Rowe Thank you to everyone who celebrated UU Henry Bergh s birthday by bringing towels and blankets for the Humane Society and school supplies for Beacon House, and who joined us for food and fellowship and singing Happy Birthday in Founders Hall. Henry Bergh was an interesting man, as many commented, and one who chose to act guided by his compassion and a strong sense of morality. I hope you will learn more about him. September Happenings in Lifespan Religious Education! Children and youth make bag lunches for homeless shelter on Sunday, September 4. Teacher and helper training and orientation on Saturday, September 10, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Choose your level of participation from helping in the class of your choice one Sunday in the coming year to a commitment of one Sunday a month to serving on a teaching team. The best thing you can do for your own religious education is teach! Please contact me at dkahn@uucr.org or for more information. Wednesday, September 14, 7:30 p.m. Presentation about General Assembly Exciting Time in Our Denomination! The Maimonides quote above is from a UU church meditation practice that one of our members learned about in a GA workshop. Plus, how we might prepare for our first Justice GA next June. And, coming in October UU History Rocks on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, after-church classes for adults beginning on Sunday, October 23. Blessings, Deborah Quest 5 August 31, 2011

6 Board Talk 1: The Roof Over Our Heads by Marie Reed, President, Board of Trustees CHURCH WORKS Exciting news: UUCR is getting a new roof! In mid-september, contractors will be replacing the roofs on buildings 1, 2, 3 and 4. The new shingles will be a lighter color (making us more energy efficient in terms of air conditioning) and have an Energy Star rating. We have been wanting to replace the roofs for several years and now, through the prudent stewardship of our resources by staff and committees and Board policies adopted with the guidance of the Finance Committee led by Kent Hancock, we have sufficient funds to pay for this rather large expenditure (~$100K)! We are fortunate that our stewardship leaders think ahead! Many thanks to the conscientious leadership of Dan Pierce, member of the Building and Grounds Committee, who obtained and reviewed proposals from a variety of contractors. Thanks also to Mark Corfman who gave his professional expertise to the evaluation process. A special shout-out to UUCR members and friends interested in energy efficiency who weighed in with their thoughts. The Board is pleased that we could find a shingle alternative within our budget that is in line with UUCR s Green Sanctuary program efforts. Our congregation is committed to energy conservation, and we are excited to be on our way to being a Green Sanctuary! Board Talk 2: A Sign for the Times by Marie Reed One of my personal goals as your Board president is to have UUCR s name affixed permanently on the front of our Sanctuary, eliminating the oil cloth banner that we have been using for awhile. To do that, it would be helpful if we came to a decision about whether to change the C in UUCR from church to congregation. That issue was raised and discussed in the church year, but a final decision was deferred. The current Board has decided to bring this question to closure. Here is how we intend to go about making this decision: The Board will prepare a summary of the results of the previous discussion ( ) pros and cons of name change, survey results, and selected excerpts from comments received by the Board. The summary will be distributed prior to the Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, September 25, either via Quest or . Hard copies will be available in the workroom. Discussion of the topic at the Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, September 25. Congregational vote at Town Hall/Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 20 or at the Mid-Year Congregational Meeting on January 29. We are still working on the procedures for the vote, but are considering following River Road s process of an initial vote on congregation or church, followed by a vote to support the (super-) majority preference. If you have thoughts you d like to share on the proposed procedures (or on the name change), please contact Marie Reed or Carole Danielson, Board members. Quest 6 August 31, 2011

7 UUCR Choirs Starting Up Come Sing! by Jen Rodgers Beach, Director of Music SHARING THE MINISTRY September means the start of our UUCR "Season" and our choral program dives into a new year of music! All of our groups are open to interested singers and encompass a diverse range of ages, musical experiences and backgrounds. The Adult Choir (open to both senior high youth and adults) rehearses on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The choir sings in the Sunday service 2-3 times each month and for a few additional occasions. Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 1 and will start with a welcome social from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. Please contact Jen Rodgers Beach (jrbeach@uucr.org or ) for more information! The Children's Choir will also begin rehearsing in September - most Sundays from 11:20 to 11:50 a.m. The group sings 4-6 times each year and is open to children from Pre-K through 6th grade. They have a hoot-hollerin' good time under the direction of Barbara Weis and Julie Graf. Please contact Barbara for more information at dyetotie@verizon.net. Sonaria, our folk-centric women's ensemble, has been singing through the summer and is a warm and welcoming group! They rehearse a couple of times each month for an hour after the Sunday service. Contact Cynthia Thurston (awe4@aol.com) for more information. If you sing, would like to sing, or have been meaning to find your way back to singing you are very welcome to come and experience one of our choirs we'd love to have you! Save The Date: A Group Called Seneca Concert by Mike Holmes A Group Called Seneca will be returning to UUCR on Friday, October 7 at 8:00 p.m. to do a concert for the benefit of the Montgomery Housing Partnership. The Group has a very lively and entertaining approach to gospel music. They performed for us a couple of years back and were a big hit! Quest 7 August 31, 2011

8 SHARING THE MINISTRY NovemberFest! News by Sue Hedges Planning continues for our new NovemberFest! fundraiser, to be held on November 12. One thing we want to do differently this year is line up many volunteers as early as possible. Even if you are not 100% sure you will be available on November 12, please sign up if your intention is to help out that day. In the past, planning has been difficult because too many members and friends waited until late in the process to commit their time. For an event this large, we need to know we have the folks to pull it off. Even if a few of you turn out not able to make it, most of you will. Click that link right now! Just need your name, contact information, and any preference you have as to where to work. The UUCR Craft Group is looking for donations of your extra colored glass ball Christmas ornaments to turn into fancier glass ball ornaments. They need these sooner rather than later so they can get to work. Please bring your spares to the donation area in the lobby near Founders Hall; we ll look for them there and collect them. Now would also be a great time to donate any spare bikes you can part with. Contact novemberfest@uucr.org to let us know what you have, and we ll arrange to take them off your hands. Book donations have been coming in steadily; keep up the good work! Remember to ask your family and friends if they have books, CDs and DVDs to donate. Please note, though, that we are not selling videotapes or audiocassettes, so we will discard any of those we receive. Contact info.: Sue Hedges at novemberfest@uucr.org or s.hedges126@gmail.com, or Art Show by the Prince George s County Art Association by Laura Huff Members of the Prince George s County Art Association (PGCAA) will showcase their work at UUCR from September 11 through October 30. A reception will be held on Sunday, September 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The predominantly African American and African members have shown their work extensively throughout Prince George s County and Washington, DC. Venues include the PGC icon, Annie's Gallery (established in the late '50s to honor Leon Durham's grandmother), the courthouse and Maryland Federation of the Arts in Annapolis, and most recently, the prestigious Driskell Center at the University of Maryland. In Washington, they have exhibited at the NBC Gallery, the Sumner School, and the Duke Ellington Performing Arts School. Several of the artists also teach at schools, including Howard University. At the Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, some members have been guest artists and teachers. Among the group are also published writers. The PGCAA began in 1964 with some serious amateur artists. Since then, it has developed into a professional art and teaching organization. They welcome all media, all religions and philosophies. Bonnie Latterner is the coordinator for this show. Quest 8 August 31, 2011

9 Thinking of You Coordinated by Ethel Gilbert and the Caring Committee THINKING OF YOU Pat Kaeser was in the hospital but is now back home at Riderwood with in-home care as well as help from her son. She would love to hear from her friends at UUCR. Congratulations to Daniela Brigatti who achieved the black belt level in karate this summer. And these words from Rev. Lynn Strauss: Happily, many of our members who have had summer health challenges are recovering well with support from both family and UUCR caring. Everyone seems to have come through the Northeast Earthquake without serious trouble. We ask for good thoughts and compassion for the UUCR members and friends who are among the ranks of the unemployed. If you would like your announcement included here, please contact Ethel Gilbert. Town Hall Meetings are Back! by Marie Reed, President, Board of Trustees Town Halls are a special opportunity to learn about important issues facing UUCR and to provide wisdom, input, and feedback to the Board of Trustees. Five Town Halls and/or Congregational Meetings have been scheduled for the upcoming church year, and the first one is coming up soon. Be sure to put this one on your calendar! What: Town Hall Meeting 1 When: Sunday, September 25, 11:30 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. Who: All UUCR members and friends Where: Founders Hall Why: Discussion of important issues facing UUCR Topics: UUCR's name, strategic plan, and more (e.g., How can we have more fun? What's on your mind?, etc.) More: Childcare and snacks will be provided Special request from your Board president: Please do not schedule other activities or meetings at UUCR during Town Halls and Congregational Meetings. Quest 9 August 31, 2011

10 Quest Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville 100 Welsh Park Drive Rockville, MD NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROCKVILLE, MD PERMIT NO. 121 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED August 31, 2011 DATED MATERIAL Our Vision The vision of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville is a strong, vibrant, and loving religious community actively engaged in nurturing spiritual freedom and working for social justice. Our Mission The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville is to engage one another in a free and inclusive religious community that encourages lives of integrity, service and joy. We aim to: Nurture, sustain and challenge people to grow spiritually and find meaning in their lives through worship, religious education, social and creative opportunities; Grow together as a multi-generational, diverse and inclusive community; Lead social justice, community service and outreach activities to positively transform our community.