The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron

Green Faire Press Announcement

2008-04-12T15:02:00.003-04:00

If you haven't heard, the Green Faire is coming up. Here's the press release that went out this week:
Unitarian UniversalistChurch of Akron to Host Annual Green Faire

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron will hold its third annual Green Faire on Sunday, April 27, 2008 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Green Faire, is part of the church’s celebration of Earth Week along with the annual Interdependence Day worship service. The Faire promotes environmental awareness by offering staffed displays from area vendors of green products and agencies with environment-oriented missions. This year presenters include The Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Esperanza Threads organic clothing company, Dovetail Solar and Wind and Friends of the Crooked River. The Green Faire also includes music, food and children’s activities.

Details:

Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Ave, Akron, 44333

When: April 27, 2008, 11:30-1:30

Admission is free. All are welcome.

-30-

UUs in Congress

2008-02-08T22:14:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post/Newsweek web only "On Faith" published a fact sheet on the religious affiliations of members of Congress. Currently the House and Senate each have one member designated as "Unitarian." Presumably UU. They are Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA). With .04% of total members of Congress we exceed slightly our reported .03% of the general population.

In numbers we equal Buddists, as well as AMEs, Disciples of Christ and a number of other Christian denominations. We exceed Quakers and Muslims (one each) and Hindus of whom there are currently none.

A little something for this election season.

h/t Street Prophets.

Stuff We Learn in Church

2008-01-21T19:01:00.000-05:00

Sunday the Social Action Committee showed The Story of Stuff, a documentary about the consumer/waste stream. If you missed it you can catch the full video on the website (though that requires a certain amount of stuff -- recent vintage computer, broadband connection, etc.) Alternatively, you can find it chopped up and posted on YouTube (again, stuff required.) Below is the first segment:

As acknowledged in the sardonic parentheticals above, moderating one's consumption of stuff is tricky business. Me, I love my stuff. That stuff I don't love I'd like to replace with better stuff. The Story of Stuff unblinkingly calls out us stuff lovers, especially we whose religious principles call on us to take care of the planet.

Here are a couple of ideas for those of you looking for further inspiration. Colin Beaven set out to reduce his family's environmental footprint to zero and became No Impact Man. The experiment is over, but you can read the experience and his continuing adventures on his blog. Dave Chameides is undertaking something similar this year -- a year of throwing nothing away to learn about his place in the waste stream. Closer to home, Akron-based Terra writes a blog on environmental news and tips.

Half of Guarding Religious Liberty Is Showing Up.

2008-01-09T21:50:00.001-05:00

This evening Rev. Mary and Susan Davis sent out an email alert. The Richfield Village Board of Zoning Appeals was hearing an appeal regarding the proposed Sree Venkateswara Hindu temple. The proposed temple on Brecksville Road just off 77 has generated considerable controversy among some residents of Richfield. They claim it will generate traffic, noise and "the influx of strangers into the residential neighborhood." Stop me if you've heard this before.

Last month the Richfield Planning and Zoning Commission granted the temple a preliminary permit. Temple developers are working on tweaking the plans to ultimately get what's called a conditional use permit that would allow them to proceed with construction. Our congregation has been following the issue through our involvement with the Akron Area Interfaith Council, with special interest, given our own history with zoning and church construction.

We learned tonight that a group of residents styling themselves Concerned Richfield Homeowners is seeking to overturn the decision of the PZC. They simultaneously filed appeals with the Court of Common Pleas and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

That set up tonight's hearing. Happily, on a couple of hours noticed, between 12 and 15 members of UUCA showed up to offer support. Even more happily, our support was not necessary. The BZA dismissed the appeal based on an opinion of their law director that they do not have jurisdiction. Instead, the proper route to appeal the decision of the PZC is to the Court of Common Pleas, which the unhappy homeowners have done.

It should be noted that the issues are different in this case than in our case. In our case we had a nonconforming use -- that is our church is not a use permitted under the current zoning code, but was permissible at the time it was built. Expanding a nonconforming use is always a contentious issue and offers opportunities for decision makers to make judgement calls. Not so the Temple's case. As I read the accounts, it appears they are in conformance with the zoning code, so the only question is whether the Commission can put reasonable conditions on (things like landscaping and drainage) to ensure the facility doesn't disrupt surrounding properties.

What absolutely is not at issue, at least at this point, is any constitutional question. The court first has to decide if the Temple fits into the zoning scheme. If it does, the case is done and construction proceeds. If not, then the Temple may raise some Constitutional questions.

But I digress into legalisms. The big story here is our little church doing our part to ensure that everyone has freedom to worship as they see fit. It was a night well spent.

Zach Coming to Java Jive

2007-10-30T21:59:00.000-04:00

Jenni of the Lifespan Growth Committee sends the following:

You can read up on Zach at his website or his MySpace page. He always puts on a good show and it is for a good cause. Go if you can. And if you can contribute baked goods, so much the better.

A Gentle, Advertising People

2007-10-28T22:38:00.001-04:00

Our Association, if you haven't heard yet, is advertising. The UUA has launched a print ad campaign, the first example of which you see at right. I personally have a couple misgivings, which I'll get to in a moment.

In addition to running a couple of print ads in Time Magazine, the Association is paying for what they call "advertorials." I can't tell exactly what all the advertorials include, but they definitely include sponsoring Time.com/ReligionPages, a collection of stories from the Magazine about matters of faith.

I tried in vain to find the religion section from the Time homepage, to no avail. To find the pages, it appears you have to know where to look. The page currently runs an online poll asking readers' beliefs. The choices are: that there is an all-powerful God, that a spirit pervades all experience or that science explains everything. Right n0w, with 233 responses "spirit pervades" has over half the votes. Clearly UUs are swamping the poll.

So I'm all for anything that raises the profile of Unitarian Universalism outside the church. I am concerned, however, that the campaign does little to address one tension within a church comprised of theists and non-theists. Sometimes it seems that the only UUs who don't think the church is too Christian are those who think it's not Christian enough. We lose members who are looking for a spiritual home and find the church insufficiently nourishing and we lose members looking a community of Humanists who find too much God talk.

This tension is the great challenge of the church, made more challenging because it is difficult for the church to be neutral about matters of faith. And pretty much impossible to be perceived as being neutral. Hence, my misgivings about the ad. Some, in and out of the church, surely perceive the ad as being anti-theist/pro-Humanist. As such, how welcome will UU Christians or other theistic UUs continue to feel in the church? How well with the ad attract people who believe in something divine, but are uncomfortable in mainline churches? Happily, the online part of the church doesn't show much of a backlash yet, but we need be sensitive how the ads are playing.

The tagline for the "advertorial" linked to on the UUA website is "Find us and ye shall seek." This better summarizes what we are about. The church's great strength is its ability to welcome diverse spiritual seekers. That's also it's greatest challenge. Our ad wizards should bear that in mind.

UPDATE/CORRECTION: I'm wrong about that last bit. The mock-up advertorial pdf on the UUA website shows that the tag is the old "Seek and you shall find." I saw "find and you shall seek" on a UU blog, but now can't find it again. Personally I like that version better -- witty and descriptive. It'd be great if that could wend its way to UUA and make it into the campaign at some point.

Gun Violence Program Reminder

2007-10-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

Remember that our church is co-sponsoring a program about gun violence.

Also, a programming note: Sen. Tom Sawyer, once on the bill, is unable to attend. Susie, the Social Action Committee and the co-sponsors have put great effort into putting this together. And it looks like a great program. If you can make it, to support the work of the church and learn more on this timely topic, please be there.

Sunday Morning Worship Services for September

2007-09-01T01:34:00.000-04:00

Sunday Morning Worship will return to a 10:30 am start time begining September 9th.

September 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Being a UU in Today’s Working World
Speaker: Pam Garn Nunn
There are many ways in which we can “live” our faith, and one is in our daily lives with our fellow workers and colleagues. It’s not necessarily what we do for a living but how we do it that can make a powerful statement. Join us as we explore the possibilities and celebrate this unique holiday created to honor work and working people.

Please note the service time change as summer ends and the 135th church year begins! There will be a potluck following the service – please bring a dish to share!

September 9 at 10:30 a.m.
A “Moving” Ingathering
Service Leaders:
Rev. Mary Moore, Interim Minister and Rich Roberts, Director of Religious Education
On this festive morning, we’ll all gather briefly in the Memorial Garden area before joyfully proceeding into the sanctuary for the service. Expect some of the old, some of the new – lots of music, some time for readings and reflection – and maybe even a few surprises! A time for all ages to reconnect with familiar faces and to welcome the new folks among us. See you at church!

September 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Gifts from Youth
Service Leader: Rev. Mary Moore
On this, the opening Sunday for UUCA’s Religious Education program, when we’ll be “dedicating” the already very-dedicated teachers in our RE program and affirming all the people in our church “village” who take part in raising our children, we’ll be lifting up the gifts young people offer that enrich our congregation, the larger community, and the world.

September 23 at 10:30 a.m.
Gifts from Elders
Service Leader: Rev. Mary Moore
Assistant: Pam Gar-Nunn
This will be a special morning as we recognize those who have been newly included in the UUCA Circle of Elders this year. What a good time to celebrate the gifts elders give to church, community and world – and together we shall celebrate on this day!

September 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Why I am a Unitarian Universalist Christian
Speaker: Al Lasher
Find out why and how someone who is essentially a Deist and a skeptic regards himself as Christian and enthusiastically participates in the activities of the UU Christian Fellowship.

Sunday Midday Worship Services for September

2007-09-01T01:19:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of the Midday Service and its emphasis on offering a variety of worship experiences, some new options for worship will be offered during the 12:30 pm hour this fall. An open Small Group Ministry session, a Healing Service, and a UU Christian Communion service will start this month. In addition, a Music Worship involving guest musicians and some theatrical presentations will begin in October. Please check the website, the Reporter, or Memoranduum (in our weekly Order of Service) for future service descriptions.

All Midday Worship Services take place on Sundays at 12:30 pm.

Also consider coming early for Fellowship Hour which takes place in our Fellowship Hall between the Morning and Midday Services!

September 16
Sample Small Group Ministry Session
The Purpose of Small Group Ministries, which has been revised for the coming year, is to provide an opportunity for members and committed friends of the UUCA to connect more deeply with themselves and others through reflection, conversation, and service. Groups led by trained facilitators meet regularly throughout the year. If you are uncertain about committing to a full year, this is the perfect opportunity to explore what SGM is all about!

September 23
Healing Gathering: Group Meditation, Prayer and Healing
Group prayer and meditation will be followed by a time when individuals may receive the loving touch of Reiki practitioners and other energy workers for the healing of body, mind and spirit. If you are not able to attend, please feel free to stop by and leave the name of any people you might wish to receive such energy or contact Frances Pake.
(You may also leave names with me at uuakron@hotmail.com and I will assure they are passed on)

September 30
Unitarian Universalist Christian Communion Service
On this Sunday, we’ll be celebrating the first of our once-a-month brief UU Christian Communion Services. Everyone is welcome!

Unitarian Universalist Church of Blanchard Valley, Ohio Needs YOUR Help.

2007-09-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

The following message is from Rev. Joan Van Becelaere, Ohio-Meadville District, District Executive.

Friends,

Our sister OMD congregation, the UU Church of the Blanchard Valley, in Findlay, OH, was heavily damaged by the recent floods in that part of the state.

They lost their piano, sound system, chairs, all of their RE curricula, books, and supplies in the flood waters. Checks could be made out to UU Church of Blanchard Valley, or if you can help with a donation of funds or in-kind materials, please contact:

(Please email me at uuakron@hotmail.com for Rev. Beth Marshall's Contact info.)

Please note that Rev. Marshall's phone is being used as the primary way to contact the church during this time. The old church phone number no longer works. I'm told that the congregation was able to save their pulpit, chalice, most of their hymnals, and the coffee pots. (The minister, says she finds a bit of ironic humor in the fact that the coffee pots were salvageable.)

Rev. Marshall also notes that her congregation deeply appreciates any assistance you can give. She said: "It's easy to feel isolated out here, and yet I know that there are good colleagues and congregations out there we can depend upon."

Thank you all for your help in this time of need.

Blessings,
Joan Van Becelaere
OMD District Executive

For more on the flooding click here.
For the church's website click here.

Don't miss songwriter Jim Scott, Sept. 15th 7:30pm

2007-08-28T16:06:00.000-04:00

Acclaimed acoustical guitarist, Jim Scott will perform an evening of his songs of peace and the environment.

With insight and more than a little humor, Jim makes his case for harmony in the world with jazz, world folk music styling and some great guitar technique in accompaniment.

Guitarist, performer, educator and prolific writer of songs, Jim Scott first achieved notoriety as a member of the Paul Winter Consort and as co-composer of the celebrated “Missa Gaia” - Earth Mass and many other pieces, including his “A Song for the Earth,” recorded live at the United Nations.

Several of Jim Scott's hymns, most notably #347 Gather the Spirit, are included in the Singing the Living Tradition hymnal and Singing the Journey supplement.

A suggested $5 dollar donation will be accepted at the door.
Snacks and Beverages will be available in our Fellowship Hall after the concert.

Saturday September 15, 2007 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron
3300 Morewood Road
Akron, OH 44333
330-836-2206
http://www.uuakron.org/

Morewood Road is located off West Market street, directly across from Summit Mall.
Click here for location details

UU Christian Fellowship News

2007-07-31T22:06:00.000-04:00

Bob Fabre is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron and on the Board of the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship. Used with Permission.

At the recent General Assembly of Unitarian Universalists (UU), the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF), and many other religious-oriented groups, was denied independent affiliate status. In a response to an inquiry as to the ramifications of this decision, Pacific Southwest District Board member Tom Laughrey said, among other things: "the UUA is an association of congregations and that affiliations must serve congregational needs" and "Independant Affiliattion status gave [these groups] nothing to begin with [and] there was nothing to take away". UUCF Board member Peg Bartel then wrote the following letter to the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations Board. While the sentiments expressed therein are her own, many UUCF members feel the same, yours included.- Bob Fabre

I am writing in regard to the recent decision to deny the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship independent affiliate status with the UUA...While I am not surprised, I am disappointed. From a practical point of view it will have little obvious impact on the UUCF. We will continue our activities. Any financial impact will be offset by members such as myself, who now find themselves a member of two faith families instead of one and will adjust my pledge to my local congregation accordingly. But this is not a practical issue—it is a matter of the heart, of how a faith community defines itself and what it sees as central to its faith. In that regard, I have been a little dismayed to read some of the responses made by some trustees in response to inquiries—pointing out that affiliation with the UUA meant nothing in practical terms except perhaps slots at GA. Of course this perspective misses the issue entirely. It is not about benefits, it is about being part of a larger whole—of belonging.

I understand that the UUA wants to focus on congregations. But what is the religious life of a congregation, if not the religious life of its members and friends? The roots of Unitarian Universalism draw deeply from many religious traditions. To have groups lose their status because they are following a particular path is indeed disheartening. These groups, not just the UCCF, are comprised of people who are deeply involved in their faith tradition as expressed in and through Unitarian Universalism. They are the stimulus in their congregations for small study groups, religious education and other activities that feed the religious life of the congregation.

I will always be a Unitarian Universalist. It is my preferred faith. A faith that dares to be free of doctrine and creed and yet remain faithful to the life of the spirit is powerful indeed. But this recent decision by the UUA reminds me of the luke-warmness of much of the UUA. The fear to be religious. The focus on tolerating each other as a goal rather than the glorious celebration of our differences. The mush of commonality rather than the beauty of the mosaic. No—this decision by the UUA has no practical implication for the UUCF, but it reveals a great deal about how the leadership of the UUA views the religious life of the congregations and their members. That is what is truly disheartening.

Our Midday and 2nd Service

2007-07-30T19:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Midday Service Attendees and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron Community:

Midday Service will be taking a longer hiatus than originally planned. With the arrival of Rev. Mary Moore and the limited availability of those coordinating services, the coordinating team has determined that now is a good time to step back, reflect, and allow for a period of discernment.

Originating as the 4:30pm 2nd Service in January 2006, The Midday Service has been an experience important to many of us in this church community and has been possible in large part due to the loving support and creative participation of many of you. We believe the 2nd and Midday Services have made significant contributions to the ongoing creative evolution of what worship looks like at UUCA. We thank you for your role in this, and we invite you to join the upcoming discussions.

With gratitude,
The Midday Service Coordinating Team
Ellen Carvill-Ziemer, Rev. Nancy O. Arnold, Sarah Culver, and Warren Brown

Worship Services in August

2007-07-30T16:40:00.000-04:00

Sunday, August 5 at 9:30 a.m.
Remembering Hiroshima

Service Leader: Jamie Goodwin
Assistant: Elaine Young

On August 6, 1945, the nuclear weapon Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima by the crew of the American Enola Gay, directly killing an estimated 70,000 people. To this day many Americans struggle with the guilt and sadness associated with this attack, while others see it as necessary and even life saving event that ended the war. Please join us this Sunday as we commemorate and remember the lives of the people of Hiroshima and explore the destruction we are all capable of leaving behind.

Emanuel Bells, a local bell choir, will perform today. Please join us for this amazing treat and experience sacred music in a whole new way.

Sunday, August 12 at 9:30 a.m.
It’s About the Going

Service Leader: Rev. Mary Moore
Assistant: Elizabeth Reilly

As we proceed along the path of transition, what can and should we expect – both of the interim ministry and of ourselves? How can we rise to the opportunities as we walk together on the path, making ours a holy pilgrimage in which we find our own “heroic way?”

Sunday, August 19 at 9:30 a.m.
The Lord's Prayer in Aramaic

Service Leader: Claire Tessier
Assistants: Warren Brown and Margaret McConnell

Jesus spoke in Aramaic. Connect to the deepest truth of Jesus’ teaching of the Lord’s Prayer by hearing the Aramaic words and learning the meaning of these words. Most of the English translations of the words from Jesus come from Greek, a language that differs greatly from Aramaic. As stated by scholar Neil Douglas-Klotz in the book Prayers of the Cosmos, “When Jesus refers to the “kingdom of heaven,” this kingdom is always both within and among us. Likewise, “neighbor” is both inside and outside, as is the “self” that we are to love to the same degree as our “neighbor.” Unlike Greek, Aramaic presents a fluid and holistic view of the cosmos. The arbitrary borders found in Greek between “mind,” “body,” and “spirit” fall away.”

Sunday, August 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Gaia People

Service Leader: Kevin Carr
Assistant: Lorie Lerner

Kevin will speak about taking care of earth as being essentially the same as taking care of ourselves and the rest of the planet. He’ll do this in conversation with Dr. James Lovelock's book, The Revenge of Gaia-Why the Earth is Fighting Back and How We Can Still Save Humanity. Women's Equality Day will be a part of the message and part of the service as well.

Emanuel Bells

2007-07-29T15:31:00.000-04:00

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron is proud to welcome Emanuel Bells, who will perform at the upcoming morning service, August 5th, at 9:30 am. Emanuel Bells is a local bell choir, performing at many churches and events throughout the area.

Handbell Choir music is beautiful and unique. Please join us for this amazing treat and experience sacred music in a whole new way.

Once again that's August 5th at 9:30 am.

Come Celebrate With Us

2007-07-02T17:05:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY, JULY 27 AT 6:00 P.M.
IN THE UUCA FELLOWSHIP HALL

Please join us in a celebration for Nancy Arnold to recognize the past 13 years of her ministry with the UUCA.

PLEASE RSVP TO THE CHURCH OFFICE BY FRIDAY, JULY 13.
Babysitting will be provided, so indicate the number and ages of children.

Our own Blame Mama band will be performing!
Bring a side dish or salad to share for a potluck dinner.
In honor of Nancy’s favorite food, a Sundae Bar will be provided! YUM!

Introducing Our New Interim Minister

2007-07-02T17:02:00.000-04:00

Rev. Mary comes to us after a two-year, highly successful interim ministry at Westside UU Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has training for accredited interim ministry and tells us that “I am now convinced that my skills and interests are best suited to interim ministry.” As a former parish minister, hospital chaplain, student, spouse, and current mom, Rev. Mary brings us a wide range of personal and professional gifts and interests.

Former colleagues describe her as outgoing and caring, with a definite sense of humor. She is regarded as a dynamic and focused speaker. She likes to work with “folks of all ages who are excited about their church, enjoy each other’s company, and look forward to working
together toward a common future.” Rev. Mary believes strongly in the importance of lifelong religious education and in creating worship that is varied and inspiring. Rev. Mary is excited about many of the programs we already have in place, including Worship Assistants, Pastoral Care Associates, and our nursing ministry.

Rev. Mary sees herself as a “vision caster,” working with lay leaders and staff to form a leadership team together. As a supporter and professional guide to our lay leaders and congregation, she hopes to foster “good communication, collegial and open exchanges, sharing and collaborating.” She is strongly committed to accomplishing the “Five Tasks of an Interim Year” as envisioned by the UUA. And, her experiences with conflict management, behavioral covenants, and stewardship and budgeting will be assets as we determine exactly where we are and where we want to go.

Theologically, Rev. Mary describes herself as a “UU Theist” who has served a variety of
congregations with members of many different backgrounds. She comes to us with hopes for a
productive, growing, and caring experience. As she says, “I fully want to be able – even encouraged – to bring ALL that I am to this new interim ministry.” (And then reminds us that we should include some FUN along our journey together!)

Sunday Midday Worship Services for July

2007-07-02T17:01:00.001-04:00

Sunday Midday Services will be on hiatus for month of July.

Keep an eye out for The Reporter (our monthly newsletter) and online for future Midday Services.

Sunday Morning Worship Services for July

2007-07-02T16:55:00.000-04:00

Morning Services during the Summer begin at 9:30 am, all services take place in the Sanctuary.

Sunday, July 8 at 9:30 a.m.

American Spirit
Service Leaders: Margaret McConnell and Sarah Culver

Terry Tempest Williams writes: “In the future, brave men
and women will write a Declaration of Interdependence that
will be read and honored along side the Declaration of
Independence….” In her Open Space of Democracy,
Williams urges us to engage in our democracy, take risks,
share ideas, and deeply listen. Today we will consider the
spirit that lies at the foundation of our country's democracy
and ask: Are we honoring that spirit now, and how do we
honor that spirit in years to come?

Sunday, July 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Connections to the Continent
Service Leader: Ellen Carvill

This morning’s service will be reflections on the business
and event of the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalist
congregations called General Assembly, which happened in
late June. Come hear what happened this year and how these
happenings affect UUCA.

Sunday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m.

Living the UU Life
Service Leader: Warren Brown

What can Unitarian Universalism bring to our lives? We
come to services on Sundays and get involved in church
activities, but how does Unitarian Universalism really
impact us on a daily basis? How does it improve our lives?

Sunday, July 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Miracles Happen
Speakers: Elaine Young & Frances Pake

Every day of our lives miracles happen. Miracles are
natural. Ordinary everyday miracles. If we pay attention
we’ll find them everywhere. It’s our choice to "Believe it or
not."

Midday Worship Services for June

2007-06-10T17:44:00.000-04:00

Midday Services during the Summer begin at 11:30 am,
all services take place in the Sanctuary.

June 17
Celebrating Pride!
Service Leaders: Jamie Goodwin and Maia Beatty
The Stonewall Riots, ONE Inc., Harvey Milk… If you
recognize these names you may already know some of
the history of Pride in the United States. Join us for this
service as we celebrate Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian,
Transgendered, and Queer history and look to the future
of Pride movement.

June 24
Celtic Spirituality
Service Leaders: Warren Brown and Patty O’Shea
Special Guest Musician: Trish McLoughlin
Come enjoy this Celtic-themed musical service featuring
Irish melodies.

Morning Worship Services for June

2007-06-10T17:39:00.001-04:00

Morning Services during the Summer begin at 9:30 am,
all services take place in the Sanctuary.

June 17
Summing It Up
Speaker: Rev. Nancy O. Arnold
Worship Assistant: Pam Nunn
In this, my last sermon with you as your minister, I’ll
reflect on some of this life we’ve shared together. Parent
and Child Dedication for the Horvath family will be part
of the service.

June 24
VIPs
Speakers: Barb Beller and Elaine Young
We all know people who touch others with their
generosity, their caring, their hard work. VIPs all; people
who live their lives doing good, expecting no fame,
fortune or even a simple thanks. People who carry in
themselves the spirit of god, and it shows. These people
are indeed Very Important People. They can also be Very
Invisible People.

A Year In The Life

2007-06-10T17:35:00.000-04:00

This Reflection was offered at the Morning Worship Service of The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, June 10th 2007, by Jamie Goodwin

About a year and a half ago I was sitting in a meeting when I heard the Nominating Committee Chair say something like “We are having a hard time filling openings in the board, and we are running out of time.”

Cool I thought, I mean I haven’t been here at this church for all that long, less than 5 years, but I know a lot of people. I am really active in the online UU community. At that time I was on about 7 mailing lists, a blogger, and a member of the Church of the Larger Fellowship, which is a national congregation of Unitarian Universalists. Not to mention I was newly elected onto the Ohio-Meadville District board. Although I would have never admitted it at the time, I was thinking to myself… come on, you know this stuff, show up and blow them all away.

Suffice it to say, that is probably not the best attitude to take when starting out on a board of trustees. That is not to say my experience didn’t help. I like to think I brought insights and ideas to the board others might not have. I like to think my national and district connections have enabled me to look at issues with a scrutiny I might otherwise have not. But in the last year I have learned a few humbling lessons that I would like to share with our new board, with whom I will be working with in the next year, and all of you.

First of all, everyone on that board, everyone… in fact I would venture to guess nearly everyone in this congregation… knows this stuff. We all come from different perspectives and experiences and passions, but we know this stuff. We carry with us the hopes and dreams of what our future will be, and for each of us those hopes and dreams are a little different.

Which brings me to the second lesson I had to learn, our hopes and dreams may not be quite the same, what we each envision our tomorrows to look like will not be identical, and that is ok.

That is ok, because, the whole point of what we are doing here in this wonderful and sacred place, is trying to show the world that people are not required to believe alike, or to love alike, in order to live in peace and strive towards a better tomorrow.

A few months ago heard someone say, I have thought about serving on the board, but I have heard so many horror stories that I am afraid to. That makes me a little sad. Now I am not going to stand here and sugar coat it for you, being on our board takes a great deal of time, a strong commitment to this church, and a passion to help shape that “whatever that tomorrow will be”, but it is not a horror.

For me it has literally the most profound opportunity for growth that I have ever experienced. I have learned to say “I don’t know” and “I cannot”. I have learned that sometimes being a leader means, letting go. Letting others take the lead, and trusting their vision, their passion, to do the work.

So to those of you who are leaving our board, I want to say thank you, you have literally changed my life. Your passion and drive have been an inspiration.

And to those of you who are joining us now, I commend you and am honored to get the chance to work with you.

And to the rest of you I just want to say; being a leader in this church is not about knowing all the answers, or having the best connections, it is about living our faith. It is about standing up for that better tomorrow. If you go, I will follow… I encourage you all to share your knowledge, your strengths, and your passion. We are in it together.

May it be.

We have an Interim Minister!

2007-05-19T15:36:00.000-04:00

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that we entered a contract for interim ministry with the Rev. Mary E. Moore. We and Rev. Moore are very excited about our relationship. May we walk together in a holy space as we chart our future.

Once the contract was signed and accepted by the Board, the Interim Task Force’s duty of strict confidentiality as to the candidate’s name and information ended. Rev. Moore is currently the Interim Minister at Westside Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, TN. She is warm, enthusiastic and committed to celebrating who we are and helping us move closer to our vision of who we can become. We will be sending more information to members about her in the very near future, but wanted to share the good news as early as possible!

Evangelicals Unite Against Slavery

2007-04-02T23:33:00.000-04:00

From Reuters:

U.S. evangelical Christians are divided on global warming, the minimum wage and other issues, but they are united behind a new campaign to end modern slavery around the world.The article is just OK, but worth a click-thru and read. Also odd that they don't make the obvious tie-in to the beginning of Passover.

A couple thoughts. First, understand that one reason evangelicals are is . . . abortion. Anti-choice conservative Christians see links between their work against abortion and the abolition movement against slavery. They also argue that the Roe v. Wade decision was flawed in the same way the Dred Scott decision was. I don't agree with the abortion/slavery link and their reading of Dred Scott is entirely off base (for reasons that would constitute an entire post by themselves.) Not to say that the link to abortion invalidates the campaign, but we should keep it in mind moving forward.

So what are UU's doing about international slavery? Browsing around I found a World article from '04 announcing the formation of a UUs Against Slavery organization. Unfortunately, the website looks pretty much dead.

Pho on UUCA blog

2007-04-02T21:52:00.000-04:00

Since announcing my joining this blog, my posts have totalled, let's see here, zero. Nada.

Partly that's being busy, but partly it's also my tendency to try to write long, big ideas posts that take forever to finish. I have tons of half-done long posts.

I'm rededicating myself to this blog. I'm going to try to post smaller stories -- quick news items relevant to liberal religion with just one or two takes. Also, there's a vital Unitarian Universalist blogging community and I'll highlight some of the more interesting discussions there.