The Annual Church Picnic will be held at Roche Park on Sunday, June 19. This year the morning worship service will be held at the church at the regular time of 10:30 a.m. Those who plan to attend the picnic are asked to come to Roche Park, Pavilion Number 1, immediately following the worship service. Please bring a well-filled picnic basket to share and your own table service. A soft drink from McDonalds and coffee will be provided, but no meat will be provided this year. Come and enjoy the lovely park, the walking trails, and lots of good fellowship with other members and friends of our UU Church.

    Did you know there are Unitarians in Nigeria? Sri Lanka? Russia? Pakistan? These are just a few of the countries of the almost two dozen where we can find fellow Unitarians. The winter newsletter of the ICUU (International Council of Unitarian Universalists), reports on some of their world wide activities such as the ICUU annual meeting being held in Spain next November, the Leadership Training Conference for Latin America last January, a new UU group in Cuba, the Socinus Conference in Poland last September (Faustus Socinus was the architect of the emerging Unitarians in Poland in the 16th century), and the 50th anniversary of UUs in the Philippines this past April.

    The ICUU was begun 10 years ago to help coordinate, support and complement Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists around the world. They are a membership of associations, not individual members, but individuals are what keep them going. More than anything else they remind groups and individuals they are not alone. Even when there are only three people, as in a new group in Norway, they have support. It’s always nice to know we’re not alone, whether we’re in North America with our 1100 member churches, or three people in Norway. Being in Meadville it is easy to fall back into feelings of isolation with our closest church 45 minutes away in Erie. In Pittsburgh there are six UU churches in the area. But think of the UU churches out west, where the closest church may be a day’s drive (such as Texas, Montana and Idaho). The Mountain Desert District with 45 societies is the biggest geographically, covering several states from the Canadian border to Mexico! Compare that to the Massachusetts Bay district with 56 societies which is just the Boston area.

    According the UUA 2005 directory there are 217,970 UUs worldwide (that’s adults and those enrolled in RE). Compared to other denominations, we’re pretty small. But I’ve always felt we pack a powerful punch. Incidentally, that number doesn’t include the three new UUs in Norway.

    Next time you’re feeling isolated, think about the other 217,973 UUs around the world who are also striving for religious liberalism in their lives. And then think about attending next year’s General Assembly, June 21-25 in St. Louis, MO. There you’ll find around 4000 UUs from all over the U.S. and the world, and just maybe someone from Norway.

When life seems heavy and dark, and you feel very sad –

Light a candle!

When life seems light and wonderful, and you feel like hugging the world –

Light a candle!

Let this flame represent precisely the candle you need to light at this very moment.

Når livet synes trist og mørkt -

så tænd et lys!

Når livet synes let og vidunderligt, og du har lyst til at omfavne alverden -

så tænd et lys!

Lad denne flamme symbolisere det lys du har brug for at tænde netop nu.

    I will be attending the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly June 21-27 in Forth Worth along with Josh Searle-White and Lee Ann Wester. I will be on vacation July 1 through August 7, which puts me back in the office on August 8. In case of emergency during these times, I can be reached through Venessa Summerlin (724-4023), Dave Anderson (337-5542) or Mike McGrath (336-2480). Have a great summer, Kate.

    As you enjoy your summer adventures, please make a note for yourself to collect a small sample of water from your travels. At the September 11 service, we’ll collect all the waters from our returning members and friends during our worship service.

    "Mom, can I say a joy and concern for our cat today?" asked Cullen.

    "Sure, Cullen. What do you want to say?" I responded.

    As we practiced the words on our way up to church, my mind flashed back to the previous week.

    Analee had found our black and white kitten, Dottie, lying in the garage with a 6 inch gash in her side. Ana began crying hysterically and screaming for me. As soon as I saw the cat, I grabbed the phone and called the vet. I gently placed the animal in her cage, and we were off. Through the entire episode I wasn’t worried about the cat. Even though the cut was massive, it was clean and the muscle underneath had not been harmed. A simple yet lengthy stitching job would easily right the wrong. As for my daughter, she was frantic. Crying uncontrollably she asked again and again, "Will she die?"

    Unfortunately, Analee had experienced death too many times in the past few months: her grandmother, her rabbit, her hamster. I spoke calmly and tried soothing her. "She'll be fine. The vet will fix her right up." And just as I had thought, Dr. Jeff came out and told us that after some stitches she would be fine. Analee finally relaxed and on our way home I had to explain again and again exactly how the vet was going to help her beloved cat. Later, when Cullen got off the bus, Analee dramatically shared the whole story. By the time she was done reliving the nightmare, they were both anxious. I called the vet and arranged a short visit to help put the children’s minds at ease.

    Why am I telling you all of this? Well, that Sunday morning, Cullen finally shared his first joy and concern with the congregation. Many of you had no idea of the emotion behind his one sentence. This had been a major event in my children’s lives, and he felt the need to share it. Afterwards, several people came up and asked Cullen and Analee about their cat. I could tell that they felt important and this sharing helped them deal with their feelings.

    The sharing of joys and concerns is the one time when our children can be active participants in the worship service. Small things (losing a tooth, the health of a pet, the weather, a new toy.) can be big things to children. This sharing also helps them to see that they are part of a larger community of compassionate people. Next time listen closely to the joys and concerns of our children. Follow up with them during coffee hour. Your interest in their well being will never be forgotten.

    As mentioned in my previous article, the sharing of joys and concerns is so important for our children. It provides an opportunity for active participation in the worship service and helps them understand the importance of community. In order for children and adults to have a positive experience during joys and concerns I offer the following suggestions:

• Before the service each Sunday talk to your child about the sharing of joys and concerns.

• If they have something they want to share, help them to rehearse their words.

• Remind them that they do not have to share a joy and concern every Sunday, because everyone needs to take a turn.

• Remind them to listen to others during joys and concerns and perhaps approach others during coffee hour to ask about their joy and/or concern.

    Hopefully, these simple suggestions will help make the sharing of joys and concerns a worthwhile experience for everyone.

    Dear friends in the UU Church of Meadville. So much has been happening in my life lately! First was my (very private) marriage to Milt Harris on March 3. Then you, as a congregation, took part in my ordination to the ministry on April 24. You have my deepest appreciation for your part over the last five years in supporting and encouraging my path toward ministry. Thank you also for your generous contributions at my ordination toward the Living Tradition Fund which is used to support students for the UU ministry as well as UU ministers who may be experiencing financial hardship at some point in their careers. We were able to send them a check for well over $600.

    My latest good news is that I have been chosen as their candidate for minister by the search committee of the UU Society of Amherst, MA. The official vote will follow my sermon to the Amherst congregation on June 19 so I will be able to give you the really good news on June 26 when I preach in Meadville. Milt and I are going up there this weekend to look for housing. Given what we’ve already seen of the expensive real estate market in Massachusetts I think our most often repeated phrase is going to be "We’re not in Meadville anymore!"

    One more thing to mark on your calendars: I will be preaching for the UU Fellowship of Chautauqua, NY, on July 17. This has always been one of my dreams, to preach at the beautiful Hall of Philosophy, and now it is coming true. I sure hope to see some of your there that morning (9:45 am).

    I hope you each have a healthy and happy summer.

    Some people find God in nature – in the singing bird and laughing rain. Some find God in community – in the smile of a friend and the story of a stranger. Some people see the Goddesses and Gods of nature and wonder at the rhythms of Life coursing through the world and their bodies. Others, tending from any notion of a God or Goddess, find completeness in the natural world – in the force and majesty that binds all things to each other and make the universe whole. Still others simply enjoy existence from moment to moment.

    Whatever the journey, we can all capture a glimpse of the meaning that makes us whole at a place called Forked Lake – a peace-filled, community-enlivened, nature-blessed campground in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Join our intrepid group of UUs and friends who have made this sacred pilgrimage each year during the first week in August.

    Campers typically trek up to the state campground on the first Sunday in August (actually this year on July 31) and stay the week, but others have opted to come later or leave sooner. During that week you’ll find plenty of friendly banter, laughter and story-telling, great moments around glowing campfires, terrific food and beverage, peaceful waters, calling birds, dancing fish and so much more. There is no need to own camping gear, because there is plenty to be borrowed ahead of time from fellow campers. If you’re ready to take the plunge, then you can reserve a beautiful camp site online by going to <reserveamerica.com/> and picking Forked Lake Campground in New York State, for the days you want (remember, it’s Sunday, July 31 through Saturday, August 6). See Bruce Thaeler or Mark Gorman for details.

    After the movingly spiritual poetry reading and meditation at Francesca’s book signing, a father brought his son up the speak to Francesca. The only witches he knew about were the fictional ones with green faces and pointy noses, and he was afraid. She assured him in her gentle way that she was, indeed, a witch and smiled at him. I could see the tension go out of his face as he smiled back. What a wonderful teaching moment for the 1st, 3rd and 4th Principles.

    So what is a witch, really? Certainly not the Halloween cartoons.

    In the Burning Times of the Middle Ages, some were on the fringes of Christianity – splinter sects that were considered heretics; some were people who challenged the power of the Church or the King (remember Joan of Arc?); some were Jews; most were women who knew the healing power of herbs, including contraceptives and herbs to cause abortions in girls who had been raped by their lords who were looking for a bit of fun. Most were burned alive at the stake in fires fueled by bundles of sticks (faggots) or homosexual men (hence the derogatory term for gay men). In Italy, over a hundred women joined hands and walked into the sea to avoid the agony of the flames. By the way, owing a cat was sufficient evidence to convict a woman. The cat, of course, would be burned too.

    In our own country, 19 men and women were hung as witches, and over a hundred others falsely confessed to avoid the death sentence. In a repressed puritanical community, some pre-adolescent girls were caught having a bit of fun. In their fear of severe punishment, they acted up, and accused the slave woman with whom they hung out of being a witch. One name is never enough for the judges, so they offered up a poor woman who begged from door to door, and a woman who was not too choosy of her bed partners. After that, no more names were given until Anne Putnam Sr., mother of one of the girls. After that, names came fast and furiously – people who had opposed the Putnams in the hiring of the minister, people who owned property the Putnams wanted, but had refused to sell, people the Putnams just didn’t like. No green faces and pointy noses!

    So what is a Witch? A man or woman who has a close spiritual connection with the earth and its seasonal changes; someone whose beliefs forbid harming any person or animal, who believes in respecting every one and treating them with fairness and kindness, even when they disagree with them, who respects every one’s religious paths, and who pray or do spells for a world of peace, justice and freedom. Wicca grew out of the agricultural practices that go back to prehistory. Life depended on a good harvest so they studied the patterns of the seasons and determined that certain times were better for some things than others – planting by the signs, they called it. (You can, too – just check the Old Farmer’s Almanac). Witches use the things the earth provide – herbs for healing, fresh vegetables in season, for instance – and avoids such things as pesticides which harm the earth. Celebrations include the solstices, harvest, the beginning of spring, the honoring of the dead, and the equinoxes – all times that relate to the changing of the sun and the seasons.

    Witches are usually happy and laugh a lot, and are occasionally even silly if the situation calls for it.

    The words witch and Wicca are derived from early words meaning wise. Pagan is from the Latin for people who lived in the country, and Heathens were people who lived on the heath.

Happy Litha (Summer Solstice).

    We send a big thank you to all who signed up for summer usher duty on June 6. The response was wonderful!! We now have ushers scheduled until September 18. Perhaps it was the threat of being chased down and cornered by Rebecca and her notebook? Perhaps it was sheer joy at the thought of ushering? Perhaps it was a bunch of very kind and supportive people who are the finest bunch of UUs on the planet stepping up to do what needs to be done? Yup. I think it’s the last option. Thank you!!

    If you cannot be there for your week, please recruit a substitute. If this proves impossible, contact Rebecca Hecking or another member of the worship committee.

June 12: Jill Hyatt and Laurie Parendes

June 19: Sarah Sargent and Sue Lethco

June 26: Ray and Margaret Stewart

July 3: Carlin and Jerry Almes

July 10 and 17: David and Cheryl Burkey

July 24: Carlin and Jerry Almes

July 31: Wynette Kommer and Jeanne Templeton

August 7, 14, and 21: Ginny Crowe and June Kleeman

August 28 and Sept 4: Jim and Cindy Snyder

Sept 11: Hannah Cosdon and Kathy McQuiston

Sept 18: Ray and Margaret Stewart

    On another note: Thank you (wow... we keep saying that!! It must be all you wonderful people) to all who filled out a worship committee survey. We have a nicely expanded pool of potential pulpit assistants and speakers. Thanks for volunteering. We will be contacting you in the coming months. Thanks also for service topic ideas! These will work their way through the great and grand idea pipeline and will emerge at a future service. Special thanks to those who told us they did not wish to speak in public. It makes our job easier. We really appreciate knowing your preferences.

    Enjoy your summer! We wish you pleasant weather, cool breezes, good company, safe travel, no sunburn, tasty BBQs, and sunshine. Be blessed!

    Please consider taking action on one or more of these items. You may want to utilize our "Postcards for Politicians" located in the library. There you will find convenient prepaid, pre-addressed post-cards to send to your elected officials.

    In early May, two committees in the House of Representatives blocked the administration’s plans for a new nuclear weapon called the nuclear "bunker buster". While this is good news, we now need the Senate to follow suit. The full Sen-ate is expected to take up the matter soon.

    ACT NOW! Please contact both your senators today! Urge them to eliminate funds for the bunker buster. Tell them that new nuclear weapons will not make the world more secure. Developing new nuclear weapons sends a message to the rest of the world that nuclear weapons are usable. This undermines U.S. security.

    Although the votes of all senators are important, our own Arlen Specter (R-PA) is considered a key vote.

    Background: The Bush administration has renewed its effort to develop a "bunker busting" nuclear bomb that would penetrate the ground before exploding in order to destroy underground targets. The administration is asking for $4 million in the Energy Department budget to develop this new nuclear bomb, also known as the "Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator." The administration is also asking for $4.5 million in the Air Force budget for non-nuclear tests that would evaluate the bunker buster’s ability to penetrate into the earth before exploding.

    On May 18, 2005, the House Education and the Workforce Committee marked up H.R. 2123, the School Readiness Act of 2005, the legislation to reauthorize Head Start. The bill, as amended, was approved unanimously.

    The House bill is being publicized as a bi-partisan effort despite reports that the chairperson of the Committee, Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), is expected to offer an amendment to the bill on the House floor that would strip civil rights protections from current law. The amendment would create an exemption for religious organizations running federally-funded Head Start centers to allow them to discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion or religious proscription (adherence to teachings).

    The UUA opposes all religious discrimination with federal funding and we are especially concerned with the possibility of such discrimination in Head Start. Head Start is not only an education program, but an anti-poverty program as well. Parents are encouraged to volunteer with their children’s classes and are often hired as teachers – in addition to participating in decision-making and providing program oversight – all of which have been hallmarks of the Head Start program since its inception.

    TAKE ACTION! Tell your Member of Congress: I urge you to vote NO on any amendment seeking to roll back years of civil rights protections in hiring on the Head Start reauthorization bill, H.R. 2123. If this bill is to be truly bi-partisan and reflect the hard work of all involved, there should NOT be such a controversial amendment offered on the floor. If such an amendment is passed, I urge you to vote NO on final passage of the reauthorization bill.

    For further information on these issues, visit: <uua.org/uuawo/new/>.

    The Climate Stewardship Act (CSA), which sponsors Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joseph Leiberman (D-CT) are expected to reintroduce in 2005 (as are the sponsors of a similar bill in the House) deals with Global Warming.

    The CSA calls for a reduction in emissions of heat-trapping gases to 2000 levels by the year 2010, and creates a market-based system of tradable allowances to achieve this reduction. See the following website for detailed information: <www.climatenetwork.org/csa>.

    Reverend William Sinkford, President of the UUA, is encouraging other UUs to join him on a virtual march on Washington to stop global warming. See <stopglobalwarming.org/campaigns/sgw/bio/reverend_sinkford/>.

    Ginger Hill UU Congregation of Slippery Rock is proud to host the initial meeting of Equality PA (SW Region) on Wednesday, June 22, 7 p.m. at its meeting place, 174 S. Main Street in Slippery Rock. Equality PA, a member of the Statewide PA Rights Coalition (SPARC), is a grass-roots organization that partners with other local groups with the common goal of promoting equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. Local area groups planning to participate are Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and the Butler Diversity Council.

    Equality PA will continue to meet at Ginger Hill UU on the 4^th Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.

    The Ginger Hill congregation will host Dr. Ahmed Abdelwahab, President of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, to speak at its service at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 19. Dr. Abdelwahab will discuss Sharia Law and other issues regarding the integration and acceptance of Islam and Muslims in North American society.

    Please contact Reid Ahl at 724-735-4407 for details and additional information about each of the above.

    Everyone is invited to a Neighborhood Carnival at First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville, on Saturday, July from 2-5 p.m. Admission is 50¢/person, and proceeds benefit the church’s Jr. High mission trip to Canton, Ohio in July.