The Oracle

December 13, 2004

    It is said they were following a star, those faithful of so many years ago. Was it a star of hope? Or perhaps a star of joy, announcing redemption yet to come? Maybe they were following their dreams for a land of peace, free of oppression. The stories tell us it was more than just a star to them.

    Perhaps it was only an astrological phenomenon, a distant star having reached the end of its life. If this is so, nothing more than a star exploding in a fiery, brilliant death, then perhaps there is hope after all.

    Each of us finds hope when a life is born, but it is much harder indeed to find hope in death. We hold death as destructive, yet that star died in a fiery blast ... a brilliant eruption of light for all to see for perhaps thousands or even mill-ions of years. Upon seeing that light, hope was instilled in hearts long oppressed.

    Some say it is our human quest to find hope even when all seems lost and death is imminent. A light may be all that is needed. It was eight days of light that gave hope to the Maccabees. It was the light of the sun rising on the horizon that gave hope to those lost in the dark of winter.

    Those who followed the star so many years ago, followed hope. They found it in a birth, and the brilliant light of a life well lived. When death came in a fiery storm of controversy it left a light still felt two thousand years later.

    Passing through eons of time and space, how long did it take for the light to arrive in the eyes of the wise men and shepherds on that cold night so long ago? Hope is best found when the light is bright. May our own light, found in how we live our lives, be bright enough to light the way toward hope for others.

Happy Holidays

    "Mee Mee is really sick," I painfully explained. Feeling helpless my tears began flowing again. Immediately, Cullen ran from my bedroom. I grabbed a tissue and dabbed at my eyes. He returned shortly clutching his teddy bear. Reverently, he handed it to me with the explanation, "Here, Mom, this will help you." I smiled through my tears and thanked him. "Yes, Cullen, this does make me feel better." He climbed on my bed and hugged me close. I nuzzled his little neck and breathed in the smell of little boy, of outside air, of young life. Somehow the heavy burden of anguish I had carried all day lightened. Earlier that day doctors had found more cancer in my mother. Her cancer has spread to her bones, pancreas, and liver.

    The next day I told Cullen we would stop at the store to buy some flowers for Mee Mee. "I'll write her a note to go with the flowers," he said. Busily, he gathered the paper and pencil from the drawers and sat down deep in concentration. Later, he picked out a purple rose (my mom's favorite color) and placed his note between the delicate stems. When we arrived at my parent’s house he jumped out of the van holding flower and note high above his head. He delivered his treasure to Mee Mee with a smile and a hug. She opened the note and read it aloud:

Dear Mee Mee,

I am sad that you are sick. I am happy that you are feeling better. I love you. Love, Cullen.

    Her voice cracked, and she gave him another hug and thanked him. He smiled and ran off to play.

    That evening during dinner while Aaron and I talked about my mom a fly buzzed into my husband’s drink. Cullen watched carefully as Aaron fished it out and lay it on the table. Then he took the tip of a pen and squished him. Suddenly, Cullen screamed out and began sobbing uncontrollably. "How could you do that?!" he demanded. "Now the fly can’t go back to his family!!!" My husband looked at him in shock. "What's wrong with him?" he asked. "Shhh," I snapped. I stood behind Cullen and hugged his shoulders. Both of us cried in the face of death.

    This holiday season proves to be a difficult time for my family. My only holiday wish is to be with family and friends and celebrate the one thing that can never die – love.

    Christmas is a time of giving and sharing and loving...

    This year our church is adopting 3 families for Christmas from the Center for Family Services, Inc. Each family consists of one parent and one child. Below is a description of each person and their wish list for this holiday season.

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*female age 44: shirt (1X), pants (1X), jeans (22 average), fantasy books by David Eddings, kitchen gadgets, contemporary Christian music, movies

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*female age 10: shirt (women's medium), jeans (11 junior), shoes

(9 ½ women's), playstation 2 games (Princess and Pauper), Barbie, board games, music

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*female age 48: shirt (2X), pants (22), any crafts-painting, embroidery...

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*female age 18: shirt (XL), pants (18), body sprays, Aussie mousse

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*female age 40: shirt (W 28/30), pants (4X or 30), any type of book

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*male age 11: shirt (men's large), pants (33/short), Playstation 2 game (Budaki III), Yu-Gi-Oh trading card tins

    All gifts need to be turned in to the front desk by December 15. Please gift wrap each item and place a tag on it telling which age and gender the gift is intended. If you have any questions please contact Lee Ann Wester. Thank you so much for your generosity!!!!

    On Saturday, December 18, we need families to come celebrate the Christmas season. We will be decorating the church and Parish House. There will be activities for children, and they will even get to decorate their own tree. Spend the day with fellow UUs, listen to holiday music, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy lunch together. There will be a sign up sheet located at the front desk of the Parish House.

We have had a number of new members sign the membership book in the past few months. They bring a wide variety of talents and interests to enhance our community. Pictures are enclosed with their profiles so that you can put names with new faces and begin to get to know our newest members.

In 1997 the family moved back to Meadville, where Judy currently works as a mobile therapist/behavior specialist consultant at Creekside.

Judy says her ongoing journey has brought her to the UU Church, and we welcome her warmly.

Victor enjoys running, playing guitar, and reading, as well as many outdoor activities, such as camping, cycling, climbing, and sailing. His special talents include writing and carpentry. As you might guess from his hobbies and occupation, Victor’s social concerns include education and the arts.

He can be reached at vsusol@csonline.net

    At the last Salon all enjoyed a delightful evening of stories like the Gift of the Magi, How Come Christmas, Charlie Brown’s Christmas and stories written by Mary Lib Whitney. We’ll take a break over the holidays. The next meeting of the Salon will be in January. Watch for future topics and schedule.

    The Membership Committee would like to carry on the Mentoring Program begun a few committees back. We think it a good idea to have an older (established member) assist a new member in becoming acclimated to our church. It would involve minimal assistance: inviting new member to a forum, church event, etc. that you are attending; introducing new member to someone new to them at coffee hour; "checking-up" on the new member every other month, say, for the first year.

    Many new members have already jumped in, so need very little, if any, encouragement. We would like your assistance in this. If you would be interested in doing this, please contact Carolyn Chase, e-mail chasrupe@mdvl.net.

The recent congregational meeting resulted in the unanimous election of board members for 2005. They are:

• President: Dave Anderson

• Vice-President: Mike McGrath

• Treasurer: Mike Thomson

• Finance: Jerry Almes

• Secretary: Wynette Kommer

• Properties: Len Nichols, Nick Stupiansky and Mark Wickenheiser

• R.E.: Emmy Boughton

• Worship: Rebecca Hecking

• Membership: Carolyn Chase

• Fellowship: Carlin Almes

• Public Relations: Sarah Sargent

• Social Concerns: Tracy Smock

• Youth Advisor: Laura Parker McGlynn

• Mike McGrath

• Stu Rothman

• Sue Fuller

Our newest Trustee is Pat McDaniel.

Our newest members were also formally welcomed:

• Patrick Hecking

• Rebecca Hecking

• David Burkey

• Cheryl Burkey

• Tracy Smock

• Janet Hutchinson

• Amy Miller

• Bill Miller

• Venessa Summerlin

• Sue Mallick

    What a great surprise at Soup Kitchen on December 10! Debbie Salerno came a second time and brought along Mark and Louise (mark’s mom). We had three young and enthusiastic helpers: Hannah Cosdon, Cheryl Burkey and Laurie Whitney who popped in for the first time, much to our delight.

    Our crew served 47 guests with hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes, corn with peaches or applesauce, bread and dessert, and coffee, tea or punch to drink.

    Next date for Soup Kitchen is January 14, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Stone U.M. Church. Volunteers always welcomed and needed. Call Stewarts at 425-3397 for information. Many thanks to all of you, and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year!

    Anyone wishing to donate to-wards the Christmas flowers and decorations to honor a loved one – please send checks made out to Unitarian Church. Please indicate on the checks that they are for the Christmas flowers and include who the donation is to honor. These dedications will be listed in the Christmas program. Suggested donation is $10 or more, and the deadline is December 13.

    We will be decorating the church on Saturday December 18 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Please join us.

    Mrs. Santa’s Penny Shop will be open for business the Sunday before Christmas. Most items $1 or less. A great Christmas shopping opportunity for kids to shop.

    In response to local needs, Social Actions has set up a box in the entryway of the Parish House for non-perishable food donations. Kate says that people stop by the church quite often in need of food. Please consider bringing a box or can when you come to church on Sundays or during the week. Thank you.

    Folks are increasingly turning to green products, and saving greenbacks in the process. It’s still widely believed that eco-friendly products are more costly than their not-so-eco-friendly counterparts, but that state of affairs is changing. Carpet made of recycled plastic or organic natural fibers, and floor boards composed of wood pulp can now be acquired for less than traditional carpet and wood floorings, for example.

    Says Scottish architect Douglas Murray, "Of course the reasons people compromise on their environmental principles are invariably financial, but you really can build a ‘healthy’ house without spending a huge amount more." Architect Kristi Ennis of Boulder, Colorado, agrees: "It’s an emerging market and the costs for these [green] products are coming down because people are asking for them."

    These days, who needs nine ladies dancing? Here’s the last of three sets of more affordable, greener gift choices for the holidays. The Social Concerns Committee wishes you a sustainable holiday season.

    Nine Safer, Greener Plastic and Paper Household Items: Not all plastic is the same. Reynolds Wrap is made from PVC, which can leave traces of phthalates on your food. The products we recommend have not been shown to leach any carcinogens or hormone disruptors. As a rule, stick with products marked #2, #4 or #5 and avoid #3, #6 and #7. Available at most supermarkets and natural-foods stores.

1) Plastic Wrap: BestYet, Glad Cling, Saran Cling Plus

2) Plastic Bags: Ziploc bags, Glad Freezer bags, Ziploc Double Guard freezer bags

3) Sandwich Bags: Glad sandwich bags, Hefty OneZip bags

4) Trash and Kitchen Bags: Recycled Seventh Generation plastic trash bags,$4 ; kitchen bags, $3-$4

Choose these recycled, chlorine-free paper products: Landfills are approximately 40 percent paper. The newspapers alone that are thrown away each year are equivalent to 30 million trees. Help save them and reduce chlorine bleaching, which releases toxic dioxins into the environment. Available at natural-foods stores.

5) Napkins: approx. $2.50 for 250, Seventh Generation <www.seventhgeneration.com>

6) Paper Towels: $1-$2 per roll, Seventh Generation or Whole Foods 365 brand <www.wholefoods.com>

7) Bathroom Tissue: $3-$4 for a 4-pack, Seventh Generation or Whole Foods 365 brand

8) Facial Tissue: about $2 a box, Seventh Generation

9) Coffee Filters: $2.50-$3.50 for 100, If You Care

    Ten Local or Organic Products in Season: Buying locally supports small farms. As organic produce gains ground nationally, chains like Whole Foods, where we found these products and prices, are beginning to offer local produce in season at prices that give conventional foods a run for their money. Even more reasonable: The farm stands at your local green market. Here are some late-autumn foods to buy fresh and locally now:

Organic Potatoes, $1.49 lb.

Organic Carrots, 2-lb., bag/$1.79

Organic Bartlett Pears, $1.98/lb.

Local Apples, $0.98/lb.

Organic Parsley, $0.98/bunch

Organic Onions, $0.98/lb.

Organic Celery, $2.49/bunch

Organic Kale, $1.79/lb.

Organic Yams, $1.69/lb.

Organic Turnips, $1.49/lb.

    Eleven Organic Staples: Since the packaging makes up much of the cost of food, you can buy organic for less money when you buy bulk and reduce packaging waste as well.

1) 1 lb. Organic Rice (bulk), $1.25-$2

2) 1 lb. Organic Flour (bulk), $.60

3) 1 lb. Organic Oatmeal (bulk), $ .75

4) 1 lb. Organic Peanut Butter (bulk), $3-$5

5) 32 oz. Unrefined Organic Sugar, $2.89, Florida Crystal

6) 1/4 lb. Sea Salt, $7.50, Fleur de Sel de Guerande <www.splendidpalate.com)>

7) 16 oz. expeller-press organic canola oil, $2.69, 365 Organic

8) 1 qt. Organic Mayonnaise, $4.99, Spectrum

9) 1 can Organic Tomatoes, $1.99, Muir Glen

10) 16. oz. Organic Pasta, $2.19, Bionature

11) 1 loaf Organic Whole Wheat Bread, $2.89

    Twelve Organic Cotton Napkins: These napkins, a bit of a splurge, will add elegance to your holiday table, just as their day-to-day use will save money as fewer paper napkins are consumed. 3 sets of 4 Organic Cotton Sateen Napkins, $42 <www.chemsenlvng.com> 3 sets of 4 napkins, $42, Natural American Home <shop.store.yahoo.com/naturalamerica>

    In her service on December 5, Kate challenged us to answer the question, "What Fills Me". Without even thinking about it, I jotted the word "magic" on my order of service. "Why," I asked myself as I tried to explore the word, then I remembered a moment about 18 years ago when I overheard two young people talking in the hall outside the social hall. They didn’t know I was there, and I was discussing the meaning of life, or how to cut peanut butter sandwiches, or some other profound issue, when I heard my name. Julie, a teenager, was asking Rachel, a fifth grader who her Sunday school teacher was. "Mary-Lib," said Rachel. "We’re learning about lots of different gods and goddesses." "You’re so lucky," replied Julie. "Wherever Mary-Lib is, there’s magic."

    That’s the kind of magic I mean. Not tricks like pulling a card from a desk, or illusions like changing a lady into a tiger. The magic I’m talking about is inside. It’s the look on children’s faces when they finally "get" the concept we have been struggling with. It’s re-finding a dear friend who has been out of your life for a long time. It’s digging in an archeological site and finding a lovely shard of china with an intricate design, and making a connection with the woman who poured tea in that cup a century ago. It’s climbing a mountain you didn’t think you could, and suddenly seeing the view of ponds, waterfalls and other mountains, or waking up at dawn halfway up and watching the sun rise. It’s walking up a long flight of stairs and seeing for the first time the baby that would be mine.

    It’s making 4.0 in two classes at the age of 70; writing a column that comes from that special place inside me; waking up in the morning to find Gumball curled up in my arms. It’s full moons, eclipses, spectacular sunsets and the sound of surf on the stern and rockbound coast. It’s backrubs and hugs. It’s making friends with someone whose life so incredibly echoes your own, in so many ways, as though we were made from the same blueprint.

    The first time I went to Star Island, the fog was so heavy we got lost not too far out from shore. It got later and later, and we were sure we had passed the Island. Then suddenly the fog lifted and, like Brigadoon, there was the Island glowing in the afternoon sun. When we left at the end of the week, we had no sooner left the harbor than the fog closed in again, and the island disappeared into the future.

    In her service on December 5, Kate challenged us to answer the question, "What fills me?" and I wrote down the word "magic". Thank you, Kate.

    Bumper stickers are now available in the church office proclaiming our liberal UU faith! These attractive blue bumper stickers have the UUA’s website and our chalice symbol, along with snappy statements about our faith:

• The Uncommon Denomination.

• Different People. Different Beliefs. One Faith.

• Searching for a Liberal Religious Home?

• A Different Trinity: Respect. Freedom. Justice.

• Room for Different Beliefs. Yours.

Available for $1. See Venessa in the office.

    It’s no news that Unitarian Universalists are avid readers! We rely on written information – our books and other publications – to keep us informed and connected. But some people cannot read regular printed materials, and the UUA is committed to making more resources available in alternative formats. Please share this information with people you know who cannot read this.

The following UUA materials are available, or can be made available, in alternative formats:

• The UUA website is designed to be accessible to people whose computers have speech or Braille output.

• The magazine, UU World, is available, at no cost, on audio-cassettes for people with print impairments. Contact Simona Munson, 617-948-6475 for a subscription.

• Singing the Living Tradition is available in large print and also in Braille.

• The pamphlet We are Unitarian Universalists is available in Braille. It can be ordered through the UUA Bookstore.

• The Massachusetts Association for the Blind will tape books for individuals who have print impairments. There is a charge of $18-36 per book; their services are available to people in any state. They also have a catalog of books-on-tape that can be purchased by individuals. For available titles, see their website at <mablind.org/books_on_tape>.

• The Library for the Blind and Dyslexic has over 100 Beacon Press books on tape for people who have print impairments. The UUA is not currently a members of this library but will consider becoming a member if sufficient need is expressed by UUs who have print impairments and who would like to read Beacon books-on-tape (individual subscriptions are available as well). Their website is <www,rfbd,irg/>.

    Print impairment includes people with dyslexia, some people who have had strokes, as well as those individuals who are blind or have low vision because of diabetes, macular degeneration and other health-related conditions.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, December 24, 2004, at 3:30 p.m. You may email your articles to: <mthaeler@zoominternet.net>; or leave items in the folder on Venessa’s desk in the parish house. It would be helpful, when you email material, to write "oracle" in the subject line (helps me find it more easily). Thank you, Marty Thaeler