The Oracle

October 4, 2004

The Role of the U.S.: Bully or Savior?

The U.S. is the current world leader in might and fright. Others have come before us, how did they do with their power and responsibility? Are we as a country ready to take on such massive responsibility of power, and what part does the church have in international relations?

Guest speaker

    In one recent week I received two different emails from young men excited about discovering Unitarian Universalism. One found us on the internet and is investigating his long time interest in ministry. The other was brought to our church by a friend, and is relieved as well as excited that there is a place he can feel at home, and not leave a religious service angry and oppressed.

    What a delight it is for me to receive their emails, and be reminded that Unitarian Universalism is an important religious home for those seeking deeper meaning in their life. D. H. Lawrence wrote, "A person has no religion who has not slowly and painfully gathered one together, adding to it, shaping it; and one’s religion is never complete and final, it seems, but must slowly be undergoing modifications."

    When people come into our doors they are presumably in the midst of slowly and sometimes painfully gathering their religion. We don’t offer answers in the form of theological dogma, but we do offer a spirit, a method and a purpose. In the 19th century, William Channing Gannett offered the underpinnings of liberal religious movement in this brief statement: "Freedom is our method in religion; reason is our guide in religion; fellowship is our spirit in religion; character is our test in religion; service is our aim in religion."

    With these underpinnings people in our religious community are free to wonder about – even doubt – the existence of God, the nature of God, the validity or effectiveness of prayer, the worth and value of the Bible, the possibility of immortality, and not be totally alone and isolated in their quest. People are free to explore all the world’s religions and the vast literature that evokes a meaningful connection to life.

    But the hardest part of this religious quest is not necessarily to answer, investigate or explore these questions, it is to get from Monday to Sunday. Each week we are faced with the daily task of living our religion. Of the underpinnings, freedom, reason, fellowship, character and service, I suggest that character and service are the most important in living our daily lives. Our character helps us with our intimate relationships and our service reminds us to constantly reach out to the stranger in our lives. May your religious journey be filled with passing the character test and finding the aim of service.

    What is the Unitarian Universalist definition of sin? A discussion group where everyone agrees with each other!

    Salon: a living room, or front parlor where guests are welcomed. A salon is also a place of welcome for discussion. Throughout the 19th century, many leading progressive writers and theologians, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller, attended salons where discussion of the critical issues of their day were held. For the past twenty years there has been a resurgence of the salon concept, as people have sought a welcoming place where ideas and opinions can be shared and heard. Discussion is facilitated by rotating leaders who are responsible for the topic and for ensuring everyone that agreement is not necessary. Indeed, diversity of creative ideas and reflections are encouraged.

    Beginning 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 26, a bimonthly salon will begin in the "Salon" of the Parish House. Alison Wohler will facilitate the first couple of evenings. The beginning topic will be about our Association’s important call for intentional study and action around the issues of anti-racism, anti-oppression and multiculturalism. More description will follow as well as advance readings that will be available in the church office closer to our starting date.

    The Salon will meet to discuss a diverse range of subjects every other Tuesday at least through the fall and winter, perhaps longer. Please indicate your interest in this adult education opportunity by signing up in the church office. If you will have child care needs, we will need one week's notice.

    The Sunday Morning adult education program and discussions are a forum where we can discuss current issues, theological questions, and in a manner of thoughtfulness find out what other UUs think in an informal setting. The next session on October 10 will be a speaker from the NW Pa. Rural AIDS Alliance who will share his personal perspectives about HIV/AIDS. This topic has health, social, and theological questions and we hope that we can explore an update on these issues. The Youth Group and any parents that wish to come will be invited as well. The time will be at 9:30 a.m., fifteen minutes earlier than our previous sessions and we will meet in the parish house lounge. For questions call Fran Smith at 814-337-2822.

Religious Education at Home

    Sacred ground.

    About a month ago Josh and Lisbet Searle-White led a worship service about coming in contact with sacred ground. I think about this as I walk with my dog Dragster on the Shenango Trail. It is a glorious autumn morning complete with that mystical blue sky that appears in late spring and early fall. I clear the path of wispy silk threads and tip toe over wobbly rocks through flooded areas. I contemplate stripping off my socks and hiking boots in order to come in direct contact with Mother Earth. However, due to the thick and oozing mud, I feel safer with the solid tread of my shoes. My husband introduced me to this trail 12 years ago, and I make my way to the familiar wooden bridge located just beyond the ancient remains of the Erie Canal. I wipe off an accumulation of dead leaves and settle myself onto the edge of this bridge.

    I clear my mind and gaze beneath me at the earthen floor: rocks, mud, decaying leaves, green moss, clear water. I hear the rhythmic drum of a woodpecker, and I feel myself floating to another place. The trees, the water, the hills and valleys around me fade. In its place is an endless prairie, a circle, and the beating of tribal drums. I see the blur of feathers and a flourish of color. I hear bells jingling and steady pulsing chants. An older white haired Benedictine Sister beckons me to join her. I stand and cautiously step into the circle. I am self conscious of my awkward step and hop dance. Sharp pebbles poke my feet, and I am aware of the soft skin barrier of my new moccasins. As the dance continues the drums and chants become hypnotic. I slip into another dimension. I no longer feel out of place and separate. I let go. I step, hop, twirl, step, hop, twirl. I hear my own primitive voice blend with the others. I am one with the drum, the chant, the dancer, the ground, the sky, the universe.

    An impatient bark returns me to the present. Slowly, I stand and stretch my legs and back. Dragster and I return to our journey on the trail, and I am grateful for the memories of my past in South Dakota where I danced on sacred ground.

Religious Education at Church

    This past Friday marked my one year anniversary as your Director of Religious Education. As many of you know, this job means a lot to me and has become one of my passions in my life (along with family, writing, and roller coasters).

    Recently, our Rev. Kate R. Walker, our RE chair Emmy Boughton, and myself sat down together to complete my evaluation as Director of Religious Education. During this meeting an official list of DRE job responsibilities was reviewed and revised. As the meeting ensued we clearly could see that this job consisted of a very long list of duties ranging from de-tailed record keeping (students, teachers, curriculum, and inventory) to effective communication (with the minister, teachers, students, committees, the custodian, the congregation, the district office.). If you are interested in acquiring a copy of the DRE job description please see Venessa at the main desk in the Parish House. In addition, I am also working toward becoming a Level Two Certified Director of Religious Education which requires continuing professional training and half-time status.

    Whew. O.K., with that said, I also want to add that I absolutely cannot do all of this on my own, and I must turn to many volunteers throughout the year. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you that have helped to make RE a strong and healthy program. One thing that I have learned since taking this position is that this UU church places Religious Education high on its list of priorities.

    At the August Board Meeting, I shared all of the above information. I also wanted everyone to know that I was hired to work 10 hours per week; however, I find that I am working approximately 13-15 hours per week. In addition, there are a few items that I would like to add to my list of responsibilities: a more active role in the youth group and adult religious education program. These are items that our minister, RE committee, and myself feel are an important and integral part of Religious Education. As a result, during the September Board Meeting the RE Chair presented a budget for next year which included an increase in my hours in addition to an hourly raise (which would be closer and yet still under the UUA guidelines). Also, my professional expenses would increase so I could attend more training in pursuit of my Level Two Certification.

    So, as the pledge drive continues, I hope to see your continued support for our Religious Education Program and my position as Director of Religious Education. If you would like more specific information regarding this issue you can contact our minister Kate R. Walker, our RE Chair Emmy Boughton, or myself.

    Thanks, again, for your support!

    On October 31, November 7 and 14, at 12 p.m. in the Parish House, Kate will facilitate a new member and visitor orientation that includes some history of Unitarian Universalism, how UUs are governed, what we teach our children, and answer the question of "Why did the UU cross the road," and "How many UU’s does it take to change a light bulb?" These are fun and informative sessions for anyone interested in learning more about UUs or have simply need to upgrade their UU history.

    Our church has 155 members. Programming for Congregational Growth states that there are certain sizes of UU churches that put up walls of resistance to further growth. Churches of approximately seventy members face this, as do congregations of about 150 and 350 members. Churches of our size are advised to behave as if they are larger. Growth will follow from that behavior. The article details eleven recommendations. I will briefly relay three.

    Develop objectives to accomplish in three years. Based on the article, I would think three would be about right for our congregation. They should be specific enough that it will be easily seen when they are reached.

    Develop an idea for our particular congregation’s identity and purpose. The article suggests concentrating on two to three areas of church life that we do well. No church can do it all. The areas can then be promoted in the community and used as touchstones of identity for us.

    Do what you do well. Quality is the most important aspect in promoting growth. It is emphasized that we should not feel that we have to do it all, but what we do take on, needs to be done well.

    If you are interested in reviewing the complete article for yourself, I’m sure that Venessa would make a copy for you. Next time – a little about attracting and keeping new members.

    The Committee on Congregational Ministry is charged with overseeing the overall spiritual and emotional health of the congregation. They conducted a survey last May: Under the section asking, "Name three things you like about our congregation", there were many comments about the church and its members, such as: We stand for liberal religion in the community; friendliness; variety of creativity, spirituality and lifestyle; willingness to pitch in when necessary.

    Here are a couple of comments under "Name three things you believe need improvement about our congregation": More attention to the world situation; accepting conflicting points of view; instead of focusing on what we don’t do or believe, focus on the positive of what we do; lack of openness to different political beliefs.

    A basic report on the survey was printed in the newsletter in July. The full verbatim report on what people said, and the statistical results are available in the office, just ask Venessa. All board members have received copies of the comments made on the survey and the statistical results. Anyone who has questions or concerns are encouraged to speak directly with members of the Committee on Congregational Ministry: Mike McGrath, Sue Fuller, Amelia Carr, John Fox, and Herb Klions. Please note, if you believe something is wrong, or right with the congregation, tell one of them!

    We are now officially a Merit Society! A letter and certificate were received recognizing the members of our church for their increased giving during the 2003-04 UUA Annual Program Fund. Our members increased their giving by at least 20% more than in 2002-03, helping the association expand and enhance their programming, services and resources available to all of us as well as all member congregations throughout the country. Over $601,000 is being returned to the Ohio Meadville district for programming, services and staff. All of our donations increase our strength and effectiveness as an association.

    An update from Carlin and Jerry Almes; "Yet a year away and many things are already happening." Many positions are getting filled but more good workers are still needed. If you see an opening you would like to volunteer for – just contact Carlin or Jerry.

Dates: Nov. 11-12, 2005

Friday hrs: 9am – 9pm, Luncheon: 11am – 1pm

Ch: John Fox, Co-Ch: Peggy & Ross Bell

Dining Room Chairperson: Emmy Boughton

Saturday hrs: 9am – 3pm, Brunch: 10am-12:30pm

Ch: Carolyn Chase, Co-Ch: Cindy Snyder

Ch: Miriam Bowman

    This year's quilt will have a traditional motif – Pennsylvania Amish, to be exact – inspired by the "Roman Stripes" block. Twenty-five different fabrics have been selected, cut into inch-wide strips and combined into groups of six strips each. The color spectrum includes greens, blues, purples and reds; as with many traditional Amish quilts, black ties the whole thing together. The quilt was designed and executed by quilt artist Mary Spicer.

Ch: Mike Thomson

Country Cupboard & Baked Goods:

Ch: Pat McDonald, Co-Ch: Margaret Stewart

Ch: Wynette Kommer, Co-Ch: Tracy Smock

Ch: Kim Lethco,

Co-Ch:

Ch: Joyce Milberg,

Co-Ch:

Ch:

Co-Ch:

Ch: Peg Anderhalt,

Co-Ch:

Mrs. Santa’s Penny Shoppe:

Mary-Lib Whitney

Ch: Gus Rylander, Co-Ch: Ray Stewart

Ch:

Co-Ch:

    Of course we will be looking for many workers to assist with each of the committees. That will happen later, but now we want to get the leadership positions filled so we can begin planning early for another successful bazaar.

    By the way, if you have any photos of past bazaars please let Carlin or Jerry know so we can put together some great memories from the past.

    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.

    A couple folks have mentioned that the DVD they picked up at church recently doesn’t work. Here’s the scoop, as best I can tell.

    These DVDs were copied to DVD+R media. Most DVD drives, whether connected to a TV or a computer, will play this format; but there are some that will play only DVD-R discs. For you older folks, this is akin to the VHS vs. Betamax problem with video tape back in the ‘70s, except that most, but not all, manufacturers of DVD drives have built into their units compatibility for both formats.

    My burner can write to both formats, but I don’t have any DVD-R blanks at the moment. So ... If the thing doesn’t work, try it on some-one else’s player if you can. Or, let me know and I’ll try to pick up some -R blanks and copy to them.

    Let me know what’s happening; will try to help.

    The next date for Soup Kitchen is October 8 at 10a.m at Stone UM Church – volunteers are welcome and needed so if you have a morning free please come join us! Call Stewarts for info.

Suburban sprawl is bad for your health.

    Not only is suburban sprawl bad for the environment – encouraging car use and overly large, energy-inefficient homes, paving paradise to put up a parking lot, etc. – but it’s bad for the folks who live there as well, according to a new study to be published in the journal Public Health. Based on data from more than 8,600 Americans in 38 metropolitan areas, researchers found that the higher the level of sprawl, the more likely residents were to report ailments from arthritis to asthma to heart disease, even when factors like age and economic status are taken into consideration.

    The study is largely in line with previous studies that found reduced physical activity and increased obesity in the ‘burbs. "This is still a very new field of research, but every significant study that has come out so far has reached a similar conclusion," said Don Chen of Smart Growth America. Oddly, the study found no correlation between sprawl and mental-health issues, indicating that while suburbanites are getting fatter and sicker, we don’t seem very upset about it. (P.S. To those of us driving into Meadville to work and church: there are plenty of nice homes for sale in town!)

    It had been an emotionally exhausting week. It began with the presentation by Theocracy Watch, after church on Sunday. At Allegheny, I went to see a film called Unconstitutional, about the Patriot Act, presented by the campus ACLU. Of course Friday, it was Fahrenheit 9/11 (which, by the way, was promoted by a number of large ads paid for by people connected with the Academy, as well as people in the community). Just as I was getting ready to sell my house and move to Canada, I picked up the Friday papers which I hadn’t had time to read earlier.

    The Meadville Trib had a half-page article on Hilary Hoffman, pictured with a bundle of garlic in hand and an expression that showed his love for the land. You’ve but to go to the Market House on a Tuesday afternoon or Saturday morning, when over 30 farmers sell their produce fresh from the garden. It is clear that they have respect and care for the land on which they grow their produce, and as the sustainable agriculture movement grows, the earth begins to heal. The smile on Hillary’s face in another picture says it all. Well, maybe I’ll wait a bit before I start packing. At least till growing season is over. Besides, there are all those herbs I just planted.

    Next was the Erie paper, which surprised me with a third of a page interview with Harmony. The smile half hidden behind his beard and the look in his eyes reflect his answers to the questions, full of optimism and evidence of a very deep spirituality. He is true to his political beliefs as well as his spiritual ones, and has been very actively working in churches and the community to share both.

    What an ending to a difficult day! There is hope, and people who are working each in their own way to make it better. Just look around our pews on Sunday morning, and in our classrooms. Maybe I won’t move to Canada after all.

    CHAPS (Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program) is presenting a free 12 week educational course about mental illness; the course is for family and friends of people coping with illness. Classes are at Meadville Medical Center at Grove Street at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Class registration is open until October 6. If you need further information, contact Sally Frye at CHAPS, 814-333-2924, ext. 233.

    Salvation Army presents the 11^th annual benefit auction at 6 p.m. on October 13, 2004. Many new and used items are already donated. Gift certificates for food, services and new items are available. Refreshments will be served. Auction donations will be accepted at the Salvation Army office at 1087 Park Avenue in Meadville, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, October 15, 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. Thank you!