On this celebratory day of ordination we’ll take a look at how the tension between the individual and community affects our Unitarian Universalist church. It takes just one individual to make coffee, but it takes a community to ordain. What is the role and power of the individual, but when does the community need to arise and take action?

    The choir is singing. Alison Wohler is the pulpit assistant.

    As a congregational polity (how our church community is governed), the members of this church community hold the power to ordain ministers into the fellowship of Unitarian Universalist ministry. Alison has received a Master of Divinity degree and received Preliminary Fellowship into the Unitarian Universalist Association. She asked her home church to be-stow upon her the act of ordination, which the members voted last December to do.

    In tonight’s service the ritual of ordination is undertaken as an act of considered responsibility. Please come and participate as a member of this church, or if you are not a member, you are very welcome to come witness and to help celebrate in this happy occasion.

    Sophia Fahs was the principal figure in the remaking of liberal religious education by the American Unitarian Association in the 1930s. Fahs’ basic approach to education was to emphasize the importance of early childhood education by establishing a pattern of individual growth early in childhood. As we celebrate religious education and thank our teachers in the religious education program, we'll take a look at one of our guiding lights in liberal religious education.

    Feeling pressed for time? Want something to worry about? Why bother with cancer, global warming, plane accidents, Osama Bin Ladin, war and politics? Something much more critical is happening, Earth is getting flatter and time is getting shorter. And you thought you were just imagining time getting shorter!

    According to NASA scientists, the earthquake in the Indian Ocean on December 26, affected the earth’s shape and rotation. In fact, while you may not have noticed this, the North Pole has moved.

    "The ‘mean North Pole’ shifted by about 2.5 centimeters, and the earthquake decreased the length of day by 2.68 microseconds. Physically, this is like a spinning skater drawing arms closer to the body resulting in a faster spin.

    "The quake also affected Earth’s shape. Earth’s oblateness (flattening on the top and bulging at the equator) decreased by about one part per 10 billion," according to a U.S. government web site.

    Okay, put in perspective this may not sound like much. But 2.68 microseconds is still lost time and that in itself is worrisome. And, according to a January 10 NASA press release, ALL earthquakes have some affect on Earth’s rotation. So, this is happening again and again, which probably adds up to at least one full second of lost time ... over several hundred thousand years or so. This is quite affirming to those of us who have perceived the loss of time, particularly as we get older and wiser.

    What may be equally worrisome is the flattening of the earth. (I can probably deal with the movement of the North Pole since I do not frequent it much, unless it finds itself approaching Lake Erie, which might be problematic for beach walking when the water line rises.) Anyway, the flattening of the earth may interfere with some prime real estate, and I was just recently contemplating buying something in the Rocky Mountains, which are for obvious reasons dependent upon their height for spectacular views.

    Seeing as how our lives often revolve around things that we worry about, I thought some perspective might be helpful in easing our tensions.

PS. According to Benjamin Fong Chao of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Mary-land, "Any worldly event that involves the movement of mass affects the Earth’s rotation, from seasonal weather down to driving a car." I would to know just how my driving to Giant Eagle affects the earth’s rotation and how it is considered a worldly event. I’m happy to reduce my trips if necessary, but some explanation is helpful.

    Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Parish House, a Mission Statement process will begin with the Rev. Rod Thompson, our Ohio-Meadville District Consultant. A mission statement asks a congregation to focus on what it wants to be or means to the community within which it exists. Our community is in a good position to ask important questions about its purpose and long term goals.

    The process will finish by December in time for our annual meeting when everyone can vote on it. The Mission Statement will then be used to establish goals, assess our achievement and to evaluate ourselves through time. As many have said over the past few years, we are here for more than just paying the utility bills. What do you think we’re here for? Please call the office and sign up so we know how many are coming, 724-4023.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein

    "I‘m sorry," I said to my friends as my children rushed through their living room shouting and yelling. They smiled and said, "Oh, don’t worry, it’s nice to hear kids in the house." Suddenly, an argument ensued in the adjoining dining room, and I quickly jumped up to take care of the situation. I sat down and apologized again. And then Cullen and Analee burst in again and began touching the walls from top to bottom. "Hey, what are you doing?" I demanded. "They just painted those walls!" "But, Mom, we have to find the door to the other world!" Cullen insisted. A child’s imagination! I love it!

    Recently, I read an article in the UU World entitled Imagination Needed by Meg Riley. She shared her experience of preschool registration day for her daughter. Several parents were concerned about the idea of the children having a two hour uninterrupted free play each day. One parent asked what happens if a child doesn’t know what to do. The teacher responded, "We are seeing a new phenomenon these past few years where kids actually are unable to think of things to play. We link it to the absence of unstructured time in children’s lives and to excessive amounts of time watching television." How sad! I remember when I was a fifth grade teacher I struggled to get students to generate ideas for creative writing. Many of them would write about characters from a video game. Ugh!

    Whenever I talk to one of my girlfriends the conversation inevitably turns to our children and their activities. How he or she has to go to baseball on Tuesdays, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts on Wednesdays, Karate on Thursdays, Dance on Fridays and so on¼ Please understand that I am not against these activities, but I think there needs to be some balance in our children’s lives. There needs to be room for imagination.

    I love to watch my children play! Analee galloping her horses across the coffee table, Cullen racing his match box cars across the carpet, Analee building cities in the sandbox, Cullen running through the paths behind our house. Even I enjoy free play! I crave time in my life to garden, write, paint, read.

    Meg Riley writes, "My prayer for each of us is that we seriously consider how to yoke our imaginations to the common good and to dedicate ourselves to finding ways to put something creative out into the world."

    Enjoy some unstructured free play this week no matter how young or old you are!

    Please see the insert in this issue of the Oracle regarding our RE Teacher Appreciation Brunch.

    All members of the Board (except for two of the Properties triumvirate) were present at the meeting on April 11, 2005.

    Since her last report, Kate conducted four services, had 29 pastoral visits, and met with the Committee on Congregational Ministry April 3. Sandy Stupiansky is willing to be adult RE coordinator. Met with Emmy Boughton and Lee Ann Wester about a small group ministry model for next fall. Held Buddhism class on March 23. Scheduled Salon book discussions, April 19-June 7. Spoke with Youth Group advisors about current pro-gram. Participated in annual community Good Friday service at St. Paul’s, in a play April 8 for Sexual Violence Awareness Month, with help from our Social Action committee (not counted as work time); attended city presentation on the Main Street Program March 22. Attended OMD annual meeting in Akron April 2 with Dave Anderson (met with advisee from Meadville/ Lombard while in Akron); preaching at East Suburban UU church in Murrysville April 17.

    Upcoming: OMDUUPRL re-treat May 2-3 in Akron; UUMA Professional Days and General Assembly June 21-27 in Fort Worth; preaching at Chautauqua July 31. Read several short books on growing, maturing UUism, and the health and well being of congregations. Working with co-author Lee Ann to finish death and dying adult curriculum. Met with the Pastoral Lay Group and disbanded it due to busyness and inertia. She hopes a small group ministry introduced in the fall will replace it.

    The year’s first quarter was mostly on track with budget expectations. For the 3-month period, revenues were just 23% of the full-year budget, but the shortfall reflects timing of fund-raising activities and draws from the endowment. On the other hand, expenditures were 26% of the full-year planned level. Again, utilities. As of now, expenditures that bear watching include phone, repairs and maintenance, public relations, and board expenses. (The PR Committee received two advertising bills from the Meadville Tribune, which Mike T. will investigate.) The Church’s Balance Sheet remains roughly where it was at year-end. The pay down of several liability categories has contributed to a small ($6,800) increase in the Endowment Fund value. In addition, the Capital Campaign shows a fund balance of $20,000.

    Mike reported for Jim Snyder that just under $23,000 has been received, which has been spent down to $20,200. A grant application is due by April 30, for which matching funds are needed, which can be pledge funds. Len Nichols is compiling information for Mary Larson, grant writer, due April 20.

    Dave suggested we pay for repairs out of the general fund and leave the Organ Fund ($2,600) in-tact for now. Agreed by all.

    Dave attended the Annual OMD meeting two weeks ago. It was good to see what we’re a part of and how we fit in; he feels energized. All UU churches are struggling with the same problems we are. He related to the Board president in Kent, a church of our size. In future, he would like to see more of us at the OMD Annual Meeting and would like to host it in 4-5 years.

    Mike M. visited friends in Pittsburgh and discovered that our church is somewhat of a shrine to other churches in the area because of our age and the fact that we begat the Meadville-Lombard Seminary.

    Len Nichols reported that we have received approval from the city and the Museum Commission for the planned church exit, on the east side just in front of the choir stall. We will now turn the drawings into specs, which will be part of the information packet for the grant application.

    Carlin Almes reports that the Tubing party, Pizza and Movie 6:59er, and Circle Supper were greatly enjoyed. At the April meet-ing, plans for Alison’s ordination events are coming along nicely. A Seder will take place on April 29 at 6 pm. The church picnic will be held at Roche Park on Sunday, June 19. The RE Committee is planning a Teacher Appreciation Brunch on May l, which we will help with. We will also work with the Worship Committee for a fundraiser brunch on June 5. Kitchen clean-up work dates are April 13 at 9 am and April 20 at l pm.

    Summer dates for speakers are filling up. Outside speakers will include Alison Wohler and Allegheny College’s chaplain. We are planning fundraisers for the flower fund and the worship fund. We will be "passing the flowerpot" and having a brunch on Flower Communion Sunday. At that time we plan to solicit ideas and suggestions from the congregation for service topics, as well as broaden our volunteer base for ushers and PAs.

    The role of this committee in the ministerial evaluation process was discussed. There will be no active role; the committee will remain in its current role of liaison.

    The first meeting has been scheduled for 7:30 on April 14. Dave said the committee will stick to UUA guidelines as much as possible.

    Membership is at 154. Two more people are to sign the book. Fifty-seven photo sessions for the new Directory were scheduled, or 108 adult members and friends. Bruce Thaeler will do the layout work of the book with candids of church scenes. Greeters for April and May are scheduled. New members are now given a name tag.

    The Properties Committee under Len Nichols has done a wonderful job painting the trim for classrooms. On April 30, teachers and other volunteers will do a final cleanup. Large dry erase boards have been purchased for the walls. Decorating is next!

    Eighteen children attended children’s worship on Easter Sunday. The next children’s worship is Sunday, April 24, featuring the French Creek Project Duckoration. Grades 6-8 visited a Baptist Church and the First Church of God, next is a visit to a Hindu Temple in Pitts-burgh April 16.

    Bruce Thaeler is helping create name tags for all children. An RE teacher appreciation brunch will be Sunday, May l. Also during May, teachers will speak about our RE program to kick off teacher recruitment for next year.

    Recently completed programs were the Game of Life Social March 13, the Mock Rape Trial April 9, and the ADA-compliant, handicap-accessible toilet in the bathroom. The Activism Center will be updated in turn by committee members. We purchased $20 worth of pre-stamped postcards and made labels for all legislators relevant to our area. An Event Calendar is being designed. Sue Fuller volunteered to help revive our contact with our Transylvanian partner church in Romania. Our food pantry is overflowing thanks to all.

    Upcoming: A French Creek Fest Reception April 30 and a Marriage Equality Event, using the film "Tying the Knot."

    Projects completed since Jan. l:

(1) Monthly checks of the exit lights and emergency generator in Parish House and exit lights in Sanctuary.

(2) Ceiling tiles have been repaired in the kitchen, Arthur Room, and entryway.

(3) Exit lights have been checked: seven lights could be replaced, which would eliminate the need for the generator in the basement.

(4) The ceiling in the Parish House entryway, the back RE classroom, and wood trim for the RE rooms have been painted.

(5) The inoperable wall heater in the back RE classroom has been removed and the wall has been patched and painted.

(6) Molding and trim has been started in the RE rooms. It looks really good.

    New construction and capital campaign: Perry Douglass has supplied the necessary architectural designs for the changes to comply with the fire safety regulations: changing the front inside and out-side doors to swing outward with panic bars installed, and the addition of a second egress in the sanctuary, now both approved by the City’s plan review agency and the PA Historical and Museum Commission. He submitted his bill of $1800 (40 hours at a reduced rate of $45/hour). Drawings are available for Board review.

    The Thursday night work crew for the outside grounds will start April 14, weather permitting. All volunteers are welcome.

    Any work needed from the Properties Committee can be requested on the new blue 2005 Needs Assessment forms. These projects then will be prioritized.

    An electric contractor reviewed the church’s electric outlets and found nothing unsafe, but Len thinks we need more receptacles in classrooms, many wall outlets don't work, and the kitchen lighting sys-tem is unpredictable.

    Kate has learned that our marker that was knocked over last month was put up in 1957. Mercer County ARC does the repair work. If the sign is not repairable, they will replace it, in which case we should reword it for accuracy and to show that our church is on the Registry of Historic Sites.

    Before Jerry gave his report, Dave spoke of the connection with this committee’s work and the need to start work on the 2006 budget. He also mentioned that in every offertory, someone should talk of the importance of giving to keep the church doing what everyone wants it to do. Kate suggested that Board members should do this on a rotating basis. Mike T. mentioned that the UU church in Arizona the McDaniels attend has a strong financial request each week, and Jerry mentioned reading that the most important part of money requests was keeping the congregation informed.

    Jerry then distributed his committee’s report. In response to a request from a member to display and sell items during coffee hour, the committee wrote a policy statement, which Jerry asked the Board to review. The Board suggested some emendations, and this policy will be re-submitted at next Board meeting.

    In response to a request from the president of the Board to begin discussion of the 2006 pledge drive and budget requirements, the committee sought Board clarification and understanding of the Finance Committee’s responsibilities re-garding the Annual Pledge Drive process. A policy statement was written for this too, which was also reviewed by the Board. After discussion, it was decided that it too will be resubmitted at the next Board meeting. The Board commended Jerry and his committee for their careful work in formulating these policy statements that so inclusively involve all aspects of fundraising, budgeting, and planning. For example, they are proposing that budgetary amounts be considered for a rolling 3-year plan and process.

    The photos of our members and friends are completed. We will now be working on the design and layout of the directory. Bruce Thaeler is the leader of this part of the project. He wants to get some candids out-side with some greenery and flowers. If anyone has a, or some, nice snaps of the church grounds, you might run them by Bruce to see if he can use them. They can include people, or not.

    More than several people have asked how many persons had their pictures taken. We had 108 members and friends participate. We are planning to have the directories for distribution sometime this summer.

    Many thanks to the many per-sons who have helped our committee with this project so far.

    We have a budding astronomer in our midst! Stu Rothman received a new telescope, and yes it comes with directions. However, there’s nothing like having someone who’s ‘been there done that’ from whom to learn. Stu would be very appreciative if you would share your knowledge of telescopes. Please call 333-3738. Thank you.

    "Hope for the future," said Thoreau, is not found in towns or villages . . . but in quaking bogs." And in the quaking bogs and moss layered rocks and singing loons and crisp clear night skies of Forked Lake, a group of intrepid Meadville campers has found solace and hope for the future each of these past six summers.

    As we now plan for our seventh pilgrimage into the woods, we’re reminded of the words of Saint Bernard in the twelfth century, who said "Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters." It’s worth it, in other words, to stop listening to the ‘masters’ once in awhile and listen to the stones and trees to see what they have to say. Interested in listening this coming first week in August? See Bruce Thaeler or Mark Gorman, who are planning this year’s trip.

Bring flowers of the fairest and food of the rarest,

and gather with CUUPS to celebrate May.

May pole we’ll wind with ribbons so bright,

and stories there’ll be for the children’s delight.

Join in a feast of dishes you’ve brought –

the theme might be springtime (or maybe not).

The ritual of Beltane at six will begin,

Followed by pot luck to welcome in spring.

Come if you’re timid, and come if you’re bold,

come if you’re young and come if you’re old.

Whatever the spiritual path that you walk,

join us for ritual, dining and talk.

May first is the designated day,

For an evening of magic, food, fun and play,

in the Parish House.

    Poets, would-be poets, and secret poets are invited to a free Poetry Workshop, Tuesday, April 26, from 10 to 11:30 am, at the Senior Center, 1034 Park Avenue, Meadville. My friend Sally Saunders from San Francisco offered to give a workshop during her visit here. Sally calls herself the Johnny Appleseed of poetry, for she travels the country giving talks and workshops at community centers, senior centers, churches, libraries, Barnes and Noble, and more. She has provided poetry therapy at Duke University, the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, the University of Louisville, and more. She has received many teaching grants and is widely published. Everyone is a poet, says Sally. Discover the poet within you by getting in touch with your individual spark through easy and nonthreatening writing techniques.

    Break out of your shell! Learn fun techniques of transferring feelings into the written word. Bring poems to share – your own or favorites.

    Shy, brash, fumbling, jealous, furious, troublemaking – these are not traits generally thought of as Divine. But Pagan deities run a strange gamut. This month’s moon group will explore and celebrate the off-beat yet important spirituality often hidden in our most frustrating traits. We’ve all unique contributions to make to community and can do it just the way we are. (The Old Gods think we’re swell warts and all!) We’ll meet Saturday, April 23, 7 p.m. People of all faith journeys welcome. RSVP by April 20. Call Francesca at 337-2490.

    It’s interesting that many Christians vehemently oppose any celebration of Halloween, or Sam-hain as it is called by Pagans, and yet they have embraced Beltane (May Day) almost literally. I talked about Samhain in an earlier column, and now I will introduce you to Beltane.

    The pagan year is based on the agricultural cycle, beginning with Samhain at the end of October. The year of growth is over and the earth rests. Yule comes next at the winter solstice – the sun is reborn. Imbolc, February 1^st, represents the first stirrings of Mother Earth. Ostara, the spring equinox is the time for sowing seeds and the name comes from the birth of young farm animals. Beltane is next with rituals to encourage fertility in the new crops. Midsummer, the solstice, is the busiest time of the year in agricul-tural communities, with early harvestings, weeding, drought, trips to market to sell produce, sheep to sheer. The sun begins its decline now. The harvest festival of Lughnassadh or Lammas takes place in August, and then on to Mabon, the festival of the autumn equinox when "all is safely gathered in". Then back to Samhain. Note: Since I follow a Celtic tradition, the meaning of these sabbats are slightly askew throughout a typical Meadville weather cycle.

    I think Yule and Beltane are my favorites, perhaps because these were the big festivals at the convent I attended. We prepared for weeks for May Day. A May Queen and her court were elected, the may pole was set up and the dances learned. On the Sunday nearest May 1^st the queen was crowned during mass and ruled for the day. Her crown was a wreath of violets and lilies of the valley. And her scepter was a branch from an ancient apple tree. In the afternoon, when the parents arrived, we had a service in the chapel, and then processed around the grounds, placing wreaths on the statues of Mary, the Queen of May. Then on to the may pole – 16 different braids we had from the simplest by the "babies" (K-1) to elaborate weaves by the seniors.

    I’m sure as you have passed Catholic churches on May Day, you have seen the youngsters all in white, dancing the may pole. Add to that "going Maying" – young lovers going to the woods to gather blooming branches and explore their relationships, ladies washing their faces in the pre-dawn dew to ensure health and beauty, Morris dancers and hobby horses, bonfires, with people jumping over the dying fires, and you have Beltane, a word made up of Bel, the ancient sun god and tan meaning fire. The Anglo-Saxon name for the month was Thrimilci – the time when the cows and goats gave so much milk they needed three milkings a day. Foods for the feast included dishes with lots of milk, butter and cream and dishes with flowers. Right now, an éclair made from freshly ground grain, with a rich filling of cream and egg custard, would do me nicely.

    Be a part of the UU Campus Ministry movement by developing relationships with students where you went to school. We’re looking for alumni as mentors, advisors to UU Campus Ministry groups, and financial supporters of campus ministry efforts. It’s easy to sign up – visit the Alumni Network web page at <uua.org/ya-cm/campus/alumninetwork>, or call the UUA Office of Yung Adult and Campus Ministry at 617-948-4273.

    Are you interested in going to India and travelling in a small group of 26 UUs? Join UUs on a unique pilgrimage March 10-26, 2006 to explore and learn about Buddhism and Hinduism. Experience Delhi, Dharamshala, Jaipur, Taj Mahal, Varanasi. This is sponsored by Neighbourhood UU Congregation. Visit <nuuc.ca> or email <bgcarr@rogers.com>.

Do you have an interest in youth programs?

Do you provide programs and services to youth ages 5-18?

Do you hear our young people complaining that there is nothing to do?

Do you have ideas for programs and services that are not being provided now?

If you answer "yes" to any of those questions, the United Way wants to hear from you! You are invited to a Youth Services Forum for an open discussion of the pro-grams and services that are currently being provided and to share new ideas and concepts. Results will help guide future United Way funding of programs and services. Program is April 28, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Days Inn, Meadville. Lunch is provided. Contact 814-337-1251.

    UU Church of Kent in Ohio will present an advocacy training program on May 6, 7-9 p.m. The program is free to the public. Carrie Davis, an ACLU staff lawyer will be making the presentation. Contact Mac Goekler with questions: 330-633-1846.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, April 29, 2005, at 4:30 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 distinguish from spam).  Thank you.