The Oracle

 August 23, 2004

The parish house office will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 6.

Fortunately, I read an article that very week, by an international journalist who described his battles with jet lag. Through his affirmation of my feelings of depression, I was able to move through my emotions by acknowledging them and talking about them with my family. They were understanding as usual, and supportive, particularly if I stopped being depressed.

Returning to work has been very different. The week before coming back to work on August 1 and for the following week, I dreamed about being back at the church. They were good dreams full of purpose and meaning, and a great deal of energy. I enjoyed the dreams. Returning from sabbatical has been easier than I had feared – things in life often are – as I’ve felt welcomed and loved by many who greeted me with open arms. I’ve felt immediately needed and missed. My energy is great and my enthusiasm strong, both of which feed my creativity.

A year ago I was feeling burned out only two weeks after returning from vacation. Not only were my energy and enthusiasm running very low, my creativity was like a dry well. I was worried whether I would make it through the fall. I did, although I wasn’t very impressed with some of my sermons. Fortunately, I’ve had no issues with "jet lag" upon returning to work. However, I can’t help but wonder if there are some church members who are feeling resentful that I was gone. As well as still wondering why I had a paid sabbatical anyway? I realize I talked about the sabbatical before I left, but I’ve had a couple of conversations with members about resentment and confusion, indicating to me there may be others feeling the same way.

First, I want to encourage anyone who has a concern about my actions or things I’ve said, to come talk to me directly. It is the healthiest although not necessarily the easiest thing to do. I welcome open conversation about all sorts of things, including criticism. Second, I think it is absolutely normal to feel resentment that I was gone. Some of you have told me that while you understand that a sabbatical is something almost all UU ministers take, you still don’t like it.

I suspect there were times when your life was hard, and you may have wanted to speak with me. Or even if life wasn’t hard, the fact that I wasn’t in my office may have felt like not only wasn’t I doing my job, the church was without leader-ship and was in danger. There are any number of reasons for resentment. Feeling resentful about my absence tells me that I’m an important part of your life, at least I hope so. If you’re feeling resentful, come tell me about it, I’ll listen. If you’re not, but feeling something else, come tell me about that, I’ll listen.

Sabbaticals are important to help with burn-out and enable continued study. I can now person-ally attest to this. Once in a while, people ask what ministers do, particularly other than on Sunday morning. It’s an important and valid question. Without going into a whole new article, I will say we work sometimes long, and always erratic hours. If you want more detail, ask me or take a look at one of my monthly board reports where I attempt to condense my work life onto one page.

It’s great to be back at work. I look forward to reconnecting with each and every one of you.

It was day 3 of a 4 day camping trip at Hershey, PA. I had spent the past 3 days in very close proximity to my husband, my mom and dad, and my 6 and 4 year old. Lack of personal space combined with a constant stream of whines and com-plaints from my children brought me to the brink of insanity. Finally, after yet another whine from my son about going down to the game room, I snapped, "Go, Cullen, go! Here is one dollar. Now, go!"

He looked up at me wide eyed and shocked. "Go by myself?" he asked incredulously.

A look of disbelief and then delight crossed his face. I froze. Wait a minute. What was I thinking?! I looked down the road and over the hill to the top of the large red barn that housed the camping store, laundry room, restrooms, and game room. I watched as the large shuttle bus lumbered past our camp site. Strangers of all ages were scattered throughout my viewing area: camp sites, playground, pool area.

"Um, yeah, I guess you can go by yourself," I replied hesitantly. "But you have to remember a few rules. Don’t talk to anybody except the people behind the counters at the store. And if someone tries to grab you, you scream."

His look of delight turned to one of wariness.

"Lee Ann, stop it! You're scaring him!" my mom reprimanded me.

"O.K., O.K." I replied. I just couldn’t help myself. I guess I’d seen too many 20/20 and Dateline episodes! "Be careful, Cullen."

His smile returned, and he took off down the hill waving his dollar bill in front of him.

"Cullen, slow down! Watch for cars!" I called behind him.

I returned to my camping duties. I scrambled the eggs for breakfast, mechanically set the picnic table, and poured the coffee. The entire time I kept thinking about my missing son. Suddenly, my mom started laughing at me. "You know, Lee Ann, when you were little, you spent hours by yourself. We would drop you and your brother off at the kiddie land at an amusement park while your dad and I rode the bigger rides! Can you imagine doing that now?"

No, I couldn't. Times seem so different now. Now, you don’t dare let your child out of your sight for a second, especially in a crowd.

Well, my son returned safe and sound. He was full of stories about kids he met and talked to in the game room. His face radiated the pleasure of his independence, and suddenly he seemed older and wiser.

I don’t have any answers about letting go, about what’s right or what’s wrong. Do you instill fear in them or trust? At some point children need to experience life on their own. That I do know.

"Hey, mom, can I have another dollar?" Cullen asked eagerly.

I smiled and handed him an-other dollar. "Yes, Cullen, but be careful," I replied. Too late. He was already off and running.

Letting go.

*Saturday, September 4: RE Teacher Training in the Parish House from 9:00-2:00.

*Sunday, September 5: Inter-generational service Lessons from a Tree and RE registration following the service in the Parish House.

*Sunday, September 12: First day of RE classes.

Our RE classes resume on Sunday, September 12, and I am very excited to have such an excellent teaching team this year! I would like to take this opportunity to share our teaching staff for this upcoming year.

Our Chalice Children

PreK-K class

Hannah Cosdon, Susan Hegel and Michelle Parcetic

Grades 1-3

Rebecca Hecking, Janet Hutchinson and Laurie Parendes

Grades 4-5

Jane Anderson, Deb Lehman, Sarah Sargent, Tracy Smock and Mary-Lib Whitney

Grades 6-8

John Brautigam, Alice Deckert, Mike McGrath and Mark Wickenheiser

Grades 9-12

Laura Parker-McGlynn and Kathy Zinz

I am looking forward to working with our wonderful group of students and teachers in this next year!

Mark your calendars for the next discussion on September 12, a theological discussion which is featured in the JULY/AUGUST UU World. It was written by Forrest Church under the Reflections column and is entitled "Choosing your enemies carefully", and the discussion will be on evil and enemies. Can "sin" be a meaningful term in your religious understanding? Meeting time will be 9:45 a.m. in the parish house.

Mike is the senior minister at the 900+ member Arlington, VA church. Terry, now Emilie, is in the process of writing a trilogy on women and quilting, the second of which she said was due to come out this week.

Betty Richmond

I will be ordering up to six, at $10.47, new, paperback. Dates and times to be decided by participants.

Betty Richmond

Treasurer’s Report.

July was a typical summer month with revenue collections far below expenses. However, thanks to very strong non-pledge donations and early fund-raising receipts, on a year-to-date basis total revenues are tracking with budget expectations. At $8,700, July expenditures were $600 below the average monthly budget amount of $9,300. Mike was informed that Ashley Porter’s report on the satisfactory conclusion of the renovations to the sanctuary had been received, so that the $12,300 we put out can be restored to the endowment. Mike proposed that the Board consider providing Alison Wohler an honorarium for her contributions during Kate’s sabbatical. After discussion, Brad moved that Alison be given $1,000 (roughly $200 per month). The money will come from a surplus in the general funds. Motion carried. Worship Committee will send a check with a letter written by the clerk on behalf of the congregation.

Kate asked Mike about the minister’s discretionary fund amount, which she noted was cut in half in his Budget Report. Mike checked – the figure is $250. Carolyn asked the purpose of the discretionary fund. Kate said she uses small amounts for people in need who have nowhere else to turn. Kate asked what became of the choir director’s salary? It was moved into Beth Etter’s column as organist. If a choir director is hired, it will have to be moved back.

Finance Committee.

Members of the committee will be appointed for 3-year terms. Permanent members are the Finance Director and the Treasurer. Those appointed are Gus Rylander and Joyce Milberg (term expires 2005); Jerry Almes and Peggy Bell (term expires 2006); and Mary Larson and Mark/Debbie Salerno (term expires 2007). Responsibilities of the committee include fundraising, managing Church investments, auditing books, submitting grant proposals, and establishing long-term goals and strategies related to financial issues. [Committee consideration of the Capital Campaign and Pledge Drive are covered in these Highlights under Old Business.]

Long-term Planning Issues:

(A) The Finance Committee can serve as a canvassing committee to raise awareness of the importance of pledging throughout the year. Peggy Bell suggested that different committees of the Board might take one Sunday each month to do some informational activity.

(B) Last year’s budget process highlighted the desirability of a longer-term look at the budget, in order to consider priorities independently of the immediate financial situation of the church. Mark Salerno suggested that we move toward a 3-year budget plan, to begin that process with the 2006-2008 budgets, and follow our normal process for the upcoming budget for 2005.

In addition, Brad was asked whether electronic payment of pledges was possible. He re-searched that it would cost us $20 per month total plus 12 cents per transaction. This will be discussed further. He said the endowment total is $288,000 as of the end of June. The sanctuary roof has a leak; Properties has enough money in their budget to repair it and they are so instructed.

Public Relations.

Nothing to report, everything is moving smoothly.

Religious Education.

Nothing to report.

Membership Committee.

The committee is updating the membership list. People will be asked their opinion regarding moving the membership badge board from the parish house to the sanctuary. Jim asked to be provided with the names of the people who are no longer members before the pledge drive starts.

Social Concerns Committee.

Tracy Smock reported the con-current Peace Vigil, and a blood drive that will take place the end of August. A scrapbook detailing the committee work is being prepared; it will be kept in the Library.

Minister’s Report.

Kate said she has begun itemizing her duties to give a broader picture of what she does. Conducted worship services on June 20, 27, July 4 (N. Hills, Pittsburgh), Aug. l and 8 (First Unitarian, Pittsburgh). Had over 28 pastoral visits and/or conversations (lost count); attended Auction din-ner at Thomson/Milberg home June 26; attended 5-day Church camping trip at Forked Lake, NY; attending Fellowship event at Chautauqua on Aug. 20.

Administration: Conducted weekly staff meetings with Venessa and Lee Ann; did employment re-views for Venessa and Lee Ann; ran ad for Choir Director position, received one answer and one more possible. Either Beth Etter-Owen or Jim Snyder will direct the choir until the position is filled. Inter-views will be held in the next month with choir members, membership committee, and Beth.

Board/Committee relations: Hosted the annual new member picnic on June 19 and welcomed new members on June 20; met with 3 Board members; will meet with Membership Committee on Aug. 30.

Religious Education: Attended a daylong retreat for RE mission and long-term planning June 15; conducted two slide shows on Chinese religions; met with 2 Youth Group leaders.

Local Involvement: President of the Meadville Ministerium; still serving as President of Women’s Services board (has been nominated for another 2 years as President); Vice-Chair of the Drug and Alcohol Commission (term as vice-chair ends in August, term on Commission ends in December.

UUA/OMD: Will be attending OMD minister’s retreat Sept. 27-28; still treasurer of local ministers’ chapter.

Continuing Education: Attend-ing a workshop on grief in Erie Sept. 21; attending a UU ministers’ study group Oct. 18-21 in Dayton on "Science, Religion, Darwinism, Evolution, and All That Wonderful Jazz."

Continuing Clergy Duties: Officiated at 3 weddings, has one more and a union scheduled; will officiate at informal memorial service for Millie Rhodehouse Aug. 15.

Personal: On vacation July 5-30 (4 of the 5 weeks allotted); will attend a friend’s wedding in Boulder Colorado Oct. 14-17.

Worship Committee.

Church sermons are finalized till the end of the year – there is still a need for pulpit assistants and ushers. Regarding services in the parish house in July, approval was not 100%. It was an experiment to see whether a change would be welcome and whether people felt cozier with a smaller attendance in the summer.

Fellowship Committee.

Peggy Bell, committee chair, has resigned from the Board.

Jim reported that the Properties Committee is prioritizing a list of where money is needed among the parish house, church, and grounds for the capital campaign, and there will be budget prices in this list. For example, it has been discovered that the furnace in the parish house needs repair; it is presently completely shut down.

Jim would like to present the list to the congregation on September 12, at a meeting being called to ask whether the congregation wishes to embark on a capital campaign. He will emphasize that the Campaign will not start until after the pledge drive, perhaps six months later. He plans to ask individuals for challenge pledges. Jim hopes the campaign would bring in $25,000 per year in a 5-year operation.

Pledge Drive.

The Pledge dinner is tentatively set for October 23 in the Parish House, and Jim would like the pledge drive to be over by then. He will develop talking points. He has figures from the Treasurer regarding average pledges, some guide-lines for pledging, etc.

New Business.

Lee Ann Wester reported that her first anniversary as the Children’s RE director is next month. She has a quarter-time position of l0 hours, but she finds she is averaging l3 hours a week, and this during the summer and overseeing K-8th grade only. She would like to be involved with the Youth Group and Adult RE, but she doesn’t have enough time for helping with either. She asked whether the Board would consider making her position half time, starting in January.

In discussion, it was noted that any church position over 19 hours per week requires that benefits be paid, which are 21-22% of salary. A half-time RE director may be a great way to grow the congregation. Jean suggested we increase Lee Ann’s pay, for 13-15 hours per week. No action taken.

Upon adjournment, Mike re-minded everyone that budget re-quests for next year should be in his hands the week before the next meeting, which is September 13. There will be full-Board meetings for the remainder of the year.

At the meeting we will present a list of proposed work items with budget bids. The mandated changes to the entrance (and additional exit) from the sanctuary, roof on the parish house, furnace system for the parish house, wiring and plumbing in the parish house, entrance re-pairs/modifications to the parish house, exterior painting, storm window repair, finishing the lighting work in the sanctuary, and other items will figure prominently on the list. (For those of you strongly advocating for it ... there will be a line item to cover the pew cushions with a new color.)

A plan for raising pledges for a five year donation time table will be presented. If approved by the congregation, the plan would be to run the campaign during the winter months of 2005. "Snow birds" and others would be canvassed before leaving.

Please plan to attend and vote!

And, of course ... there will be time for discussion ....

So ... how do we accomplish that goal? We run a yearly pledge drive. Ideally, every one of us would take turns as canvassers. Then we would all have first hand knowledge of the budget and what it takes to bring in enough pledge money to make the budget a reality.

Before I go on ... our ideas here are just that: thoughts and ideas. We all know every one will decide for themselves what their pledge amount will be. The pledge drive committee asks that you consider the following issues/ideas/thoughts while you decide what you will pledge this year.

Our president, Dave Anderson, has asked if we would consider not using the endowment in this year’s budget. It is do-able. There are discussions to be held, but, for the sake of this article, let’s assume a proposed budget of $120,000 for the coming year. This would allow for the increases in utilities, and bring us more in line with R.E. needs. We have approximately 100 pledging units. If you divide it out, an average pledge would be $1200 for the year. To some this will make sense. It will give them an idea of what their fair share of the budget actually is.

In reality, a $1200 pledge is unrealistic for some. Luckily, we have a number of wonderful and generous individuals, highly committed to our church, who donate above this level. But even with their generosity, we have never yet attained this type of goal.

Another strategy would be to ask everyone to consider raising their pledge by 20%. We know this seems like a huge amount to ask for. But if you take out the highest handful of pledges, our current pledge average becomes roughly $500 a year. Asking those individuals for an additional 20% is to ask them for an additional $2 per week. Those pledging $750 now, an additional $3 per week, and so on. This is something we can do, if we choose to.

The pledge dinner is slated for late October. We wish to finish the canvassing process by that time. November is devoted to finish the final budget before the December Congregational Meeting.

Canvassers are needed. Please see or call Jim Snyder if you are willing to help.

There will be on-going articles and talks during the Sunday service to provide further information on our budget, the pledge drive, and why it is important to pledge.

THANKS!!

Our minister has volunteered to talk to anyone who does not wish to have a canvasser call on them. Or, you can contact Jim direct.

It is so vitally important to our church family.

Precious urban freshwater is being used by the millions of gallons – in some cities two-thirds of available freshwater goes on lawns. Native plant species are being displaced! Birds are being poisoned! Angels are losing their wings! So maybe the next time we ask "what can I do; I'm just one person?" we can quit or reduce our lawns. Or at least go organic.

Relying on cell phones charged by car batteries, and going by foot to one another’s homes, area Uni-tarian Universalists quickly sprang into action. District UUs have coordinated overnight housing for families in Naples and Venice whose homes are awaiting repairs, and members of congregations in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa areas are offering their assistance in local clean-up efforts. In a letter to UUA staff, Joan Lund, UUA trustee for the district, com-mented on the importance of the trauma-response team that is being assembled, "Once people have had some time to process what has happened in their lives, much ministry will be needed."

How can you help? The Florida District office is coordinating a relief fund for congregations and members affected by the hurricane. Checks may be made out to "Florida District UUA," noted for the Florida District Disaster Fund. Please mail checks to:

Florida District UUA, 1901 E. Robinson Street, Suite 18, Orlando, FL 32803

Volunteers are warmly invited to come join us, if your schedule permits, at 10 a.m. Stone Church where we promise to have a good time serving the citizens of Meadville.

Questions? Contact Ray or Margaret Stewart.

As I look at today’s youth from the height of my 64 years that have passed since that day, I see that same glow in their faces as they go out to dinner with families in celebration. Whether they believe they have actually partaken of a bit of Christ’s body, or just a symbol; whether a wafer or a square of bread, there is a pride and a glory in the celebration. They have worked for months for this day, and will re-member it all their lives, even if it no longer (as in my case) has the significance that it had then.

Imagine, then, being told afterwards that it was not valid because the communion wafers must be of wheat and eating wheat may cause you severe harm. What a devastating experience it must be for a young child – to be denied the "holy of holies" – not because of something you have done, but be-cause you have an illness. Jesus invited the children to "Come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." He did not say except for the lame, the halt and the blind.

This is not just to single out one religion, but all, including UUs, who do not take the time to help every child experience the wonder and deep spirituality of their own beliefs, and who deny them access for whatever reason to that spiritual expression. When children are baptized or dedicated, they are welcomed into the church community, and that community agrees to sup-port them in their spiritual growth. When the church stops being a spiritual home for children, then it violates the base on which it is built.

Thank you.

Venessa

Plan to come to Marian Terwilliger’s house. Bring lunch, and watch and analyze a video of The Sopranos.

"Our members have resoundingly endorsed this radical trans-formation," said newly elected President Nancy Van Dyke in her address to the General Assembly. "From an organization people sup-port in return for direct services, to a UUWF foundation which members join to support grant-making and advocacy work. This is our blueprint for the future," she added.

For more information:

<www.rutlanduu.freeservers.com>;

Email: <uufoliagevermont@yahoo.com;

Phone: 802-775-1350;

Write: UU Church of Rutland, 117 W. Street, Rutland, VT 05701

<mthaeler@zoominternet.net>; or leave items in the folder on Venessa’s desk in the parish house. Thank you!

A little girl had a box in the parking lot of the Catholic church with a sign that read, "Catholic kittens – Free to good homes." The following week she had the box in front of the Baptist church with a sign that read, "Baptist kittens – Free to good homes." The next week she had the box at the UU church with a sign that read, "UU kittens – free to good homes."

The minister went over and asked her, "Are these the same kittens that were Catholic two weeks ago and Baptists last week?" The little girl said "Yes they are!" The minister asked why they were UUs this week, and the little girl answered, "This week they opened their eyes."