The Oracle

"You need not think alike to love alike." Francis David, 1568

This is an annual service recognizing the international social justice work done by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. A special collection will be taken for the Service Committee. The choir is singing.

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What the Thanksgiving hymn taught the Dutch in the 17^th century and what it teaches us today about religious community, religion and politics, family and friends – and Thanksgiving.

    Over the past few weeks the topic of how often I preach has come up with church members. Some folks are wondering why I preach three Sundays per month? It is a good question, particularly for those folks who were not around seven years ago when the congregation, after much discussion (so I’ve been told), chose to have their new minister preach three times per month.

    While in search for a new minister, this congregation chose to not have a minister for two and a half years, relying instead on a selection of lay people and occasional guest ministers. The burden was heavy upon the worship committee to schedule all the guest speakers, but the variety of topics and quality of speakers was enough to sustain the congregation throughout that period.

    When the congregation voted to call a new minister, they chose to have the settled minister preach three times per month (there were some who advocated only two times per month), so that the variety of guest speakers could still be heard. This is not unusual for Unitarian Universalist Churches. In fact, I don’t know of any UU ministers who preach every Sunday.

    I understand that in other denominations the senior minister, or an associate minister, if it is a larger congregation, speaks every Sunday. The difference is in our Unitarian Universalist tradition (not just Meadville’s), there is a history dating back to the early 20^th century of having lay people speak from the pulpit. Some UUs feel very strongly about maintaining access to the pulpit for lay people because it allows access to the power of the pulpit.

    In our congregation, as in most UU churches, the minister is responsible for the speakers who are guests in the pulpit. That does not mean the minister schedules all the speakers (although I know a few ministers who do), but if the quality of a speaker is low, the minister is ultimately the one responsible. Therefore the minister works closely with the worship committee in selecting guests. Fortunately, our Worship Committee has established itself as very trustworthy and responsible in choosing guest speakers for their excellence.

    I hope this helps clarify for those who have been wondering about the frequency of my preaching. The benefit for me, and therefore for the congregation, is I’m less likely to burn out by early spring. Most years, I can make it through the end of June, just in time for vacation.

    I encourage all of you to come to me with questions if you have any. I’m available throughout the week for a cup of tea, that’s the best time for conversations.

    Here are some more of the responses to the survey conducted by the Committee on Congregational Ministry last spring from 45 respondents.

    Name three things you like about our congregation: 29 people specified the worship services, 20 of whom specified either Beth Etter-Owen, the choir or Kate Walker and sermons.

    Name three things you believe need improvement about our congregation: 8 people named worship, and specified better training of lay leaders, limit to one hour, use of wider variety of hymns, the choir. One specified more heart/spirit, and another specified more intellectually challenging.

    It is the job of the Committee on Congregational Ministry to serve as the eyes and ears of this congregation in order to determine if there exist any concerns that should be addressed by the Minister, the Board or the Congregation itself. Earlier this year we administered a Congregational Survey that asked general questions about various aspects of Congregational activities. We summarized these results for the Oracle, and we have a detailed analysis of these results available in the Parish House for anyone who wishes to look at them. As we reported earlier there were no glaring problems identified, but there were some individual concerns raised. However due to the nature of this paper and pencil survey, it was difficult for us to follow up on specific comments.

    Recently all members of the Congregation have been contacted as part of the pledge campaign. These personal contacts have offered individuals a chance to express their feelings about the general health of this Congregation in more depth. While most interviews went quite well, a few individuals mentioned some specific concerns to the person who was canvassing them. Our Committee is extremely interested in hearing about each of these concerns. To facilitate this, members of this Committee have started to meet individually with anyone who has expressed some concern so that they can be sure that their voice is being heard. These discussions are confidential, and no names are being associated with any comments unless the individual wishes to be so identified. We have been pleased to learn that in a few cases the concerns have been greatly reduced or eliminated once some misinformation has been cleared up.

    Nevertheless we know that will not be true in all cases, and we are certainly not offering any guarantee that each individual’s concern can be easily resolved. Instead we promise to bring their concerns back to our Committee for a fuller discussion and eventually to the appropriate party, whether that be the Board, a Committee Chair, or the Minister.

    Thus far we have only been meeting with individuals who have told their canvasser that they would be willing to meet with members of this Committee. I would like to take this opportunity to expand this activity, and I ask anyone else who would like to be interviewed to contact any member of this Committee so that we can get a full and complete picture of the Congregational health.

    For your information, the present members of the Committee on Congregational Ministry are Amelia Carr, Hannah Cosdon, John Fox, Sue Fuller, Herb Klions and Mike McGrath

    SALON has met two times now and the discussions about oppression and the other "isms" have been great. Now it is time for a new subject. On November 23, Kate Walker will facilitate a discussion about Jesus and his teachings, which seems a fitting topic as we approach the Christian celebration of his birth. Do we really need to turn the other cheek? Do we HAVE to walk the extra mile? And why are we told to hand over our coat?

    The topic builds on our previous discussions on oppression, but looks at how Jesus responded as a spiritual leader to his oppressors. According to theologian Walter Wink, Jesus gave a radical new response to the Romans that was not violent nor passive. Instead it relied upon humor and humiliation using the social context of his day. Might it work in today’s culture? Alison and Kate have led the first few meetings of SALON. The purpose, however, is to involve more of YOU in the planning of topics as well as the facilitation! Some suggested ideas for future evenings of conversation might be global warming (our UU study action issue for the next two years); is UUism dying? (based on questions about our current core identity, if that can even be narrowed down, and how far we have strayed/evolved from our more traditional beginnings); science and religion (ethical questions, perhaps ... this is such a huge subject it would need to be narrowed down); process theology, humanism, pantheism, or any number of specific theological topics; major world religions; non-violence; ministry (forms, responsibilities, expectations); or perhaps a session where everyone brings some of their favorite religious or philosophical quotes. If you have an idea or would like to lead a discussion about one of these suggestions, let Kate know.

    SALON is a series of discussions, meeting every other Tuesday evening throughout the fall and winter from 7 to 9 p.m. in the parish house, with a variety of both topic and facilitative leadership. Copies of suggested advance readings can be found in the church office. If you will have child care needs please let the office know one week in advance. For questions, call Kate Walker at 814-724-4023.

    The annual Community Thanksgiving Day Service will be held on Wednesday, November 24 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street. The service will be led by the Meadville Ministerium, including our Kate.

    "For life today in America is based on the premise of ever-widening circles of contact and communication. It involves not only family demands, but community demands, national demands, international demands on the good citizen, through social and cultural pressures, through newspapers, magazines, radio programs, political drives, charitable appeals, and so on. My mind reels with it. What a circus act we women perform every day of our lives. It puts the trapeze artist to shame. Look at us. We run a tight rope daily, balancing a pile of books on the head. Baby carriage, parasol, kitchen chair, still under control. Steady now! This is not the life of simplicity but the life of multiplicity that the wise men warn us of. Plotinus was preaching the dangers of multiplicity of the world back in the third century." – Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift From the Seas.

    I sighed and put my book down. Boy, could I relate to that! Even my six year old son is dealing with national issues. Several weeks ago he came home and asked me, "Hey, Mom, are you voting for George Bush or the other guy?" (I think I need to have a talk with his Social Studies teacher!) Our daily demands in life are sometimes staggering, overwhelming, mind boggling. Lately, I find myself getting stuck. Everyday when I turn on the television, hook onto the Internet, or listen to the radio I am reminded of how much information is out there. Several years ago, when I was a public school teacher, I remember that paralyzing feeling at the beginning of each school year. There was so much to accomplish in my classroom each year, and I felt the responsibility of trying to do it all. I bought a poster one year that read: No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. I tacked that sign above my desk, and every time I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders I looked up and read those words. It helped. Now, I think many of us feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. So, what do we do?

    Each morning I wake up and my to do list begins scrolling through my mind. I stop, take a deep breath, and remind myself I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I take a few silent minutes in the morning to pause, light a candle, close my eyes, reflect, pray, read, and meditate on my list. I ask myself: what is really important? Sometimes, this is not an easy question. It requires a still mind and an open heart. It takes self discipline. I become vulnerable, defenseless, and unguarded. I ask for guidance. My morning ritual helps me to find simplicity in the multiplicity of life.

    Remember, each day is a blank canvas, and you are the artist. There are infinite possibilities, but you must choose your subject. What will you paint today?

Guest At Your Table this Sunday!!!!

    On Sunday, November 21, Kate Walker, the Social Concerns Committee, and the Religious Education program will celebrate Guest At Your Table. Stories about the UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) will be shared during the service, and donations will be collected to support this organization. Following the service the RE program will be serving a brunch in the Parish House for the entire congregation. Join us and show your support!

    Mark your calendars for a day of family fun!!!!

    On Saturday, December 18, we need families to come celebrate the Christmas season. We will be decorating the church and Parish House (children 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.

    Our church will be adopting two families from the Center for Family Services this Christmas!!!!

    The Center for Family Services is in the process of finding families who need Christmas gifts this season. Next week I will receive more information about our families and the kinds of gifts and sizes they will need. Please stay posted for more information!

    Theme is Let There be Peace on Earth. Anyone wishing to donate towards the Christmas flowers and decorations to honor a loved one, please send checks made out to Unitarian Church. Please mark 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. Deadline is December 13; suggested donation is $10, or more.

    Are you willing to donate a string of small white lights? – we never have enough to light the tree. You can leave them in the parish house, marked for the tree. Thanks you for your donation.

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

    The children will be signing Silent Night during this year’s Christmas Eve Services, as well as singing Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let It Begin with Me. Rehearsals, under the guidance of Cindy Snyder and Marylou Brunner, begin December 5.

    The Fellowship Committee is planning a Christmas Gathering for all members and friends of our UU Congregation on Saturday, December 11 from 2 to 4 in the afternoon in the Parish House. The gathering will take the form of a Tea Party where our church members and friends can come to relax and enjoy the company of others for a couple of hours during the often hectic times of the Christmas Season.

    We will have a sign-up sheet at Venessa’s desk this Sunday, November 21. Please sign your name and the number of people that will be attending. We also are asking for your phone number in the event that weather or other circumstances might cause a cancellation. If we have your phone number, we can easily reach you with that information. Please come join us for a quiet afternoon of fellowship, conversation, and a few tasty treats.

Administration/Staff: Weekly staff meetings with Venessa and Lee Ann; met with choir director re progress.

Board/Committee relations: Met with Worship Committee Nov. 9; met with Snyder, Anderson, and McGrath; met with Committee on Congregational Ministry Nov. 14.

Religious Education: Salon adult education discussion group Nov. 9 with Alison Wohler. New member introductory class Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and 14, great discussions on UU history, polity, and theology.

Continuing Education: Attended UU ministers’ study group Oct. 18-21 in Dayton. Lots of sermon ideas already infiltrating my sermons.

Officiated at a wedding Oct. 23; attended a friend's wedding in Boulder Oct. 14-17.

Mike Thomson distributed the October Income Statement and Budget Report. These figures will be used for his annual meeting report Dec. 5.

(l) Ice melt bags have been ordered from Desantis at a discount. Cost is about $120/year.

(2) Peggy Bell resigned as Fellowship Chair owing to allergic reactions to the parish house environment. It was moved that Carlin Almes be nominated to replace her. Motion carried.

(3) Annual Meeting. Dave reminded that the agenda for this has to be published in the next Oracle to meet the deadline of two weeks before the meeting. He, Mike, Jim, and Kate discussed a Q&A session to give people a chance to submit questions at the meeting. Alison's ministerial ordination must be presented to the meeting. Annual Committee reports must be delivered to Venessa by Nov .15.

(4) Kate reported that during the weekend of Jan. 21-23, the Historical Society wants to feature our church and the Meadville theological school that used to be here, with John Fox to give the history Friday eve, a special organ concert Saturday, and a special church meeting Sunday. Since the events will be open to the public, Mike T. suggested we review our insurance policy.

(5) Jim Snyder announced the asbestos tile flooring in the Arthur Room has been removed, and he and Miriam Bowman selected new carpeting and a fake wood border from Foulk’s, where a good price of $2,350 including installation was obtained as Foulk’s is moving. The money will come from the capital fund.

(6) Margaret Stewart spoke up about her feeling of being left out of some Board actions and she feels misgivings should be addressed. Some other Board members concurred. Dave said the style of meetings will change next year. Mike McGrath said his committee has heard of disgruntled people. Sometimes the cause is simply misinformation. He hopes his letter (in this Oracle) will help.

(7) Mike Thomson reported that he received a check from June Kleeman for $619, the proceeds of a food stand at Peg Anderhalt's auction. The Board voted to send a letter of thanks to all involved. June said those who helped wish the money to go toward remodeling the counter in the office. Ray Stewart and Lenny Nichols will work on this project, which is being designed.

Nominating Committee: Jim said the slate for new Board officers is in place, except for one spot, to be presented to the Annual Meeting. Lenny Nichols is not sure he will be able to keep up his end as co-chair with Nick Stupiansky, but Jim assured him it would work out OK.

Pledge Drive: The figure for 2005 is incomplete, with l0 pledges outstanding, but the total so far is $83,663, with 83 units pledging.

Handicap parking: Wynette wrote to the Traffic Review Committee about the possibility, as directed by the city, and the answer was that this committee will next meet Dec. l. Stay tuned! Kate talked to the Marquette Bank manager, who said it was OK for church members to park in their slots behind the church on Sunday mornings, but not evenings or weekdays.

Membership: Inactive members were contacted about their intentions, resulting in several names being struck from the rolls, to balance the 9 new members gained since September 2004. The Board agreed to the deletion following the Committee’s review. Two members have not yet been contacted, so the total is either 152 or 154 members. When figures are final, Venessa will make a new directory. Carolyn urged all Board members to be aware of newcomers to the church and make them feel welcome. She also stated her committee needs new members.

Religious Education: Emmy Boughton reported that the RE rooms were painted Saturday with the help of many, especially Aaron Wester and Len. Expenses were paid out of the RE budget.

Budget. Dave said the Executive Committee met last Sunday after church to discuss what to do since the projected budget was over the projected income. They saw that to balance the budget, $18,000 must be taken from the endowment and $2,000 plus cut in Expenses. With these changes in place, the budget balances, with $110 over. Cuts included $1,000 from OMD/UUA dues; some cuts in RE; and in publicity and advertising. Dave clarified that money not spent in 2004 does not roll over; it simply would be money not taken out of the endowment. Dave wants Board members to be able to explain the budget if anyone asks.

Miscellaneous. Jim said the Capital Drive is slow but will pick up now that the pledge drive is over. Mike T. reminded financial planners that May is the deadline for applying for grant money and that the grant must be received before spending any money. The next meeting is at the Anderson home Dec. 10, 7:00 pm, for the new and old Board members.

The Board Retreat will be Jan. 7, 2005.

    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. Phone: 967-4762, e-mail chasrupe@mdvl.net. Let’s all be on the lookout for visitors to make them welcome.

Food Pantry

    In response to local needs, Social Concerns 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.

EPA Pesticide Study

    A proposal mentioned in the Oracle last month to study the effects of pesticide exposure in children to be run by the US EPA has been suspended in response to growing controversy inside and outside the agency. In exchange for participating in the study – i.e., allowing their children to be exposed to pesticides – families in Duval County, FL, would have received $970 each, plus a camcorder and some clothing. "Since the study was announced last month, many have raised concerns, including scientists within EPA. We want to be responsive to those concerns," said EPA spokesperson Cynthia Bergman. The agency will convene a panel of independent experts to assess the study, though it’s already been approved by several such panels. Says Jeff Ruch of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, "Regardless of the number of reviews, paying poor parents to dose their babies with commercial poisons to measure their exposure is just plain wrong."

    These days, who needs ten lords a-leaping? Here’s a host of more affordable, greener gift choices for the holidays (and even for church committees looking to act sustainably). The Social Concerns Committee will list the first four this edition, and then four more in each of the next two Oracle editions.

    One Water-Efficient Shower-head – The average four-person household uses 146,000 gallons of water per year. If you replace a standard 4.5-gallon-per-minute (GPM) showerhead with a 2.5-GPM head, you’ll save 20,000 gallons of water per year! 2.5ers range in price from about $5 to the deluxe, super-efficient Oxygenics Showerhead, which starts at $29.95. Available at www.old-fashioned-values.com and www.smarthome.com.

    Two Certified Organic or Humanely Raised Chickens – Unlike conventional birds, the following were not confined in cages or fed growth hormones and antibiotics. Diamond Organics: $5.95/lb. (www.diamondorganics.com), Murray's Chicken: $2.59/lb. (at grocery stores), Whole Foods: $4.50/lb. (www.wholefoods.com).

    Three Organic Fair-Trade Coffees and Teas – In 2003, Americans spent nearly $3 billion on coffee, our largest food import, of which we consume more than the citizens of any other nation. By buying "Fair Trade Certified" coffee and other products, we help farmers receive fair prices and protect worker welfare.

Coffees: Dean’s Beans: $8.99/12-oz. bag at Whole Foods or $6/8-oz. bag at Mamas Earth (www.mamasearth.com); Equal Exchange: $18/2-lb. bag (www.equalexchange.com)

Choice Black or Green Tea: 1 box (16 bags) $3.10-$4.10 (www.choiceorganicteas.com) or 1 box (24 bags) $4.00 from Equal Exchange Choice Herbal Tea: 1 box (16 bags), $3.10-$4.10

    Four Sustainably Harvested Wood Kitchen Tools – Worldwide, 680 billion board feet of wood are harvested annually. Sustainable practices help preserve forests and communities. These hand-carved kitchen implements are made from sustainably harvested madrone by the Tarahumara Women's Cooperative in Cusarare, Chihuahua, Mexico: serving spoon ($12), bowl ($30) and bean masher ($12) (www.nativeseeds.org). Give or get a handmade Smartwood-certified maple cutting board 10 X 10 in. $30 (www.citilogs.com, 877-CITY LOG).

    It’s the time of year when I watch the weather reports carefully, waiting for clues that winter is almost here. I have been bringing my herbs in at night, and the last few nights they have stayed indoors in the morning. I also carefully watch those that will winter over in the garden to make sure nothing untoward happens to them. I have planted Sheffield pinks, which I have been told will bloom through the snow. By the time you read this, new bulbs will be in the ground – tulips, daffodils and hyacinth.

    I have bought both versions of the Farmer’s Almanac for comparison. The Almanac for Farmers and City People has temperature and precipitation below normal in November and December and January and February above normal. The Old Farmer’s Almanac (my fave), however, has November a bit cooler and rainier, with occasional snow, but a milder December, alternating sun, rain and snow, an above average January and a cold, snowy February.

    Other prognosticators, most notably the wooly bear caterpillar, is equally ambiguous, opting for a variety of marking widths, leaving those dependant on them totally confused. Perhaps they have developed a system of micro-mini-climates that they carry on their backs.

    Whatever turns up, I’m prepared. Today I bought yeast, molasses, unbleached flour and all the other ingredients needed to make bread (I prefer oatmeal bread) on the day that first big snowstorm hits. It’s an old New England tradition, but I discovered in Syracuse that it’s a tradition there, too – just try to buy yeast during the first big snow-storm! Does your family have 1^st snowfall traditions?

    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.

    As noted in the Board Highlights, the Board wishes to thank all the people who made the food stand at Peg Anderhalt’s auction such a success. June Kleeman ran with the idea and planned it with Ginny Crowe and the help of Peggy and Ross Bell. Many people prepared and delivered delicious desserts to sell. Others stocked the booth for a steady stream of customers on a beautiful day. Dorothy Miller was the cashier (did that man ever come back for the change to his $20 bill?). Many children helped out. Some items sold out, necessitating trips into Meadville for restocking.

    Everyone who participated is much appreciated, and the Board thanks all heartily. And thanks to Peg Anderhalt who first told June about the opportunity.

    Meadville native Don Skinner will sign copies of his book, In a Valley Surrounded by Hills: Stories of Growing Up in a Pennsylvania Town, on Saturday, November 27, 2004, at 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Tattered Corners Bookstore, 247 Chestnut Street, Meadville.

UU Niagara

    Give yourselves an early Christmas present and an experience to look forward to next year. Experience the mighty Niagara Falls with knowledgeable, local UUs as your personal guides.

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara (within walking distance of the Falls) is conducting a 4-day tour of various aspects of the Falls and its environs. UUs will provide home hospitality, or guests can choose motel accommodations for the same price.

    Total cost is $450/person. This includes everything – 3 nights accommodation, all meals, all entrance fees, local transportation, and guided tours. A $100 deposit will reserve your place.

    Send check to: UU Niagara Experience, c/o Event Chair Diachun, 2073 Lake Road, Youngstown, NY 14174

    For more information, visit website <www.uunex.net>; or email info@uunex.net; or phone 716-791-4453.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, November 26, 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). Phone: (toll-free) 877-580-3760. Thank you.