Health insurance has been an important topic in our country for well over 100 years, yet we are the only western advanced country that does not have publicly funded health coverage for all citizens. A look at some possible reasons why not, and should we have something to cover the estimated 45 million uninsured Americans?

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    The masses of college students might be on to a good idea. On this first day of spring we’ll let the growing verdancy of the land help us find and release some of our inner spring wildness.

    As Easter approaches with Passover on its heels, I’ve been pondering salvation. This is not an easy concept for Unitarian Universalists. We’re not really sure what we’re being saved from, by whom, and for what purpose. As usual, if we can’t get our reasoned heads around it, then we don’t think about it.

    Today, at the Lenten lunch held at Stone United Methodist Church, sponsored by the Meadville Area Ministerium and the Soup Kitchen, Father David Findlay did a nice job of reflecting on salvation. Father Findlay, a man I’ve come to respect a great deal, offered salvation in the context of reconciliation. We sin against each other and against God, but reconciliation or redemption, comes only when we offer our sincere and humble contrition to those we have wronged.

    Since the Second Vatican this has been spelled out to include reconciliation with the community, not just with God. Salvation is the reward when one is no longer in bad relationship with a loved one, the community and with God.

    The Easter story is at the heart of Christianity and must be recognized as such for it is profoundly a story of salvation. However, while Jesus’ sacrifice brought eternal salvation from original sin, the Christian is not off the hook. The believer must still seek reconciliation with each other, their community and with God, throughout life.

    The Jewish concept of salvation includes the same reconciliation process: reconciling with individuals and the community before reconciling with God. In the Jewish calendar this happens during the High Holy days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but the theme of salvation is picked up again in the story of Moses and Passover when Moses leads the Jews out of Egypt.

    Whether I were to call myself Christian, Jewish, generic theist or atheist, I believe the act of reconciliation and the reward of salvation is a universally human experience. If I snap at my husband, which I’ve been known to do now and then, it is my responsibility to offer my sincere and humble apology to him. To hurt another person is a sin in my book. And to not right that sin, is to continue the sin. It means I’m in bad relation with that person, and with whatever deity I call God. The salvation comes from being back on the right path, or in good relation-ship, which can only happen through sincere contrition.

    The hard part for the poor beleaguered ego is to offer the apology even if I feel I am justified in my sin. Self righteousness only accumulates sin, it does not clear it. I must offer my apology for my sin, and not expect an apology or even forgiveness in return. I may or may not get anything, but I must not expect anything, otherwise the apology is conditional, and lacks sincerity. That’s why humility is important, it tempers the angry ego.

    Christianity and Judaism offer formal liturgical processes for re-conciliation and salvation. They constantly remind people about the importance of right relationship through regular religious practice. I can’t help but wonder if more people were regularly reminded about the importance of salvation through reconciliation that we might have a little less war and hatred in this world? After all, from the UU perspective, salvation is from one self, done by one self, and for the purpose of a more meaningful and truthful life.

    Are you familiar with the children’s story entitled Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day? Well, I was having one of those days. Nothing was going right, and it reached a crescendo when Cullen came running into the kitchen screaming about his sister. "She hit me!" Immediately she retaliated, "He hit me first!" "Enough!" I snapped. "Both of you sit at the kitchen table. It’s lunch-time." With angry faces they climbed onto their stools and slammed their elbows onto the table. I set out their milk then turned to fill their plates with macaroni and cheese. Too late! I heard a splash and looked around to see Cullen’s cup tipped over and milk running down the side of the kitchen cabinet. My temper was raw. "Cullen! Go to your room! Now!" "But, Mom, it was an accident!" he insisted. I was relentless, "I don’t care! Go! Now!" He started crying and quickly retreated to his room. Analee quietly consumed her lunch and then headed for the safety of her own room. Later, after cleaning up the mess, I sat on the kitchen floor and cried. I was having a terrible horrible no good very bad day, and, unfortunately, I had taken it out on my children. After a few minutes I took a deep breath and climbed the stairs to Cullen’s room. I knew what I had to do. I slowly entered his room and sat down next to him on the bed. He wiped his tears on his sleeve and continued to glare at me. "It was an accident, Mom!" he choked on a sob. "I know, Cullen, and I’m sorry." I told him about my rotten day, and I apologized again for my behavior. We hugged and smiled then laughed. We were o.k. again.

    Later in the week, Cullen experienced his own terrible no good day, and he lashed out at me. I sent him to his room to cool down. As I sat on the couch reading a book, I caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye. Just as I was about to chase him back to his room he squeaked out, "Hey, Mom, I’m sorry. I’m having a bad day." He climbed onto my lap and told me about his rotten day. We hugged and smiled then laughed. We were o.k. again.

    What role models we are to our children! My apology and confession showed my son that we all make mistakes. Yes, even parents make mistakes. From that experience he was able to take the lead in his own apology later in the week. And I realized that actions really do speak louder than words.

    So, I take this opportunity to apologize to the congregation. Last week, when I was a pulpit assistant, I made a comment about democrats and republicans. My mouth was going faster than my brain, I’m afraid. On behalf of all UUs, democrats and republicans and all of those in between, I’m sorry. When you see me again, please give me a hug, a smile, and a laugh so I know we are o.k. again.

    Barbara Marshman, a famous UU religious educator, wrote, "¼ the worship experience is the real kernel (the life giving seed) of our religious education program. It is the time when we verbalize our heritage and celebrate it; when we underline the concepts and values presented in class experience; when we express and affirm what our religious group stands for; when we feel wonder as a larger community."

    I am very excited to offer our first children’s worship service. On Easter Sunday, March 27, children from grades PreK-8 will meet in the Arthur Room at 10:30 for a children’s worship service. The theme for this service will focus on rainbows and the UU principles. After children’s worship, the annual Easter Egg Hunt will commence!!!!

    I am hoping to plan a children’s worship service once a month. These services will be geared for younger children and focus on a particular theme/topic. Each service will incorporate UU worship traditions such as a chalice lighting, joys and concerns, music, meditation, stories, poetry, readings, and a short children’s sermon. Mark your calendars, tell your children, and I hope to see all of our young people join in celebration!!!!

    It would be wonderful if all of our children could have their own nametags! Parents, please consider ordering a nametag for your child (please order clip-on tags for the younger children). Order forms are at the front desk in the Parish House, and you can return them to Venessa. If you have questions about cost please contact Lee Ann Wester.

    Michelle comes to our church from Jamestown, Pa. She is a secretary, mother, and wife, but not necessarily in that order. We are happy that she finally signed the book after looking us over for a year and a day!

    Michelle has two children, Tracey and Colton. She is skilled with the computer, formerly owning a typing/graphic design business. Her hobbies include reading, archery, and tarot. She enjoys reading, leading cub scouts, teaching and dancing. Civil rights and religious tolerance are important to her. She would like to learn more about UU principles, history and world religions. Welcome, Michelle!

    Melody M. Harris joined the church a couple weeks ago, making her one of our newest members. She has two children, Evan Harris (age 11) and Josephine McHugh (age 5). Melody is currently a student at Edinboro University and will graduate this May with a BFA degree. Not surprisingly, her talents run in the world of art and music. But she also enjoys reading, cooking, and dancing; though not necessarily in that order.

    The social concerns she finds most important are racism, sexism, gay rights, child abuse, drug and alcohol awareness, and poverty.

    Now for a few particulars you might want to write down somewhere. She lives at 217 E Erie Street, Linesville, PA 16424. She can be reached at home by phone at 814.683.4202 or by email at mmharris@surferie.net. Welcome to our church family, Melody.

    The Membership Committee has met with our Olan Mills representative and we are set to begin our new directory project. The directory will help us to connect names with faces.

    Please participate! All we ask is that you have your picture taken by the professional photographer and meet with a portrait consultant at Huidekoper Hall, aka Parish House. For three Sundays between now and April 12, we will be making appointments at coffee hour. Please sign up as soon as possible to get the best appointment to fit your schedule. Every participating family/household that selects a pose for the directory will receive a free directory and a complimentary 8 x 10 Custom Natural Portrait.

• You will come to Huidekoper Hall only once for photography and for portrait viewing.
• The program is available at no cost to the church budget.
• You will have the opportunity to order additional portraits during your scheduled appointment time.
• If you wish to purchase extras, the portraits come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
• Whether you dress formal or casual, you will want to make the most of this opportunity.

    The scheduled dates for photography and portrait viewing are: March 17 and April 12, 3-9 pm. If you have questions, please contact Carolyn Chase.

    We look forward to seeing everyone in the directory. Our new pictorial directory just won’t be complete without you!

    Stu Rothman has announced his candidacy for Crawford Central School Board. If you would like to sign his petition and have not, and are a registered Democrat or Re-publican AND reside in the Craw-ford Central School District, please contact him at <skrothman@zoominternet.net>, or see Hannah Cosdon (Democratic petition) or Paul Koehler (Republican petition). Filing deadline is March 8, so all petitions should be completed by the 7^th.

    David Miller, who attends our church, and can be contacted at <dmiller@allegheny.edu>, is also running and could use your support. Both Stu and David, along with three other new or incumbent candidates (who hope to attain a simple majority on the school board), sup-port keeping our neighborhood elementary schools, supporting small class size and parental involvement, supporting our teachers, and spending tax dollars wisely, with "education first" (as opposed to excessive spending on buildings or athletic fields).

    What a Gay world we are living in, or so the Far Right would have us believe. Several years ago, Teletubby Tinky Wink was outed. He wore purple, had a triangle on his head and carried a purse (for his magic tricks, his pockets being non-existent). Having thus discovered that we had a hero in the preschool crowd, we all rushed out and bought a toy. We made a big seller of a rather uninteresting creature. Did the toddlers he was created for even have a clue what all the fuss was about?

    After a 10 year or so break, I thought that sort of nonsense had died down, but along came Spongebob Squarepants. He held hands with his friends as they sang a song. I seem to recall we hold hands in church during the closing. As one of my gay friends said, Spongebob couldn’t be gay – no self-respecting gay man would be caught dead in those clothes. I guess the real problem lies in the message – celebrate diversity. Somewhere along the line celebrating diversity came to mean forcing gay marriage on every one.

    The next to fall was Buster Bunny. If you’re not familiar with Buster, he is a friend of Arthur the Aardvark who has been a major activist in encouraging children to read books. This season, Buster went traveling around the world. In each place he stops, he meets children of that culture. He learns from them, plays with them, eats their style of food, plays their games and visits their families. He makes video tapes to send back to Arthur, and Arthur shows them in his classroom. In February, Buster went to Vermont for their special spring treat – maple sugar on snow, pan-cakes with warm syrup and all the other foods that go along with this springtime ritual. Yum. Real Nor-man Rockwell – or is it? It seems that two of the kids he meets have two mothers each. The new Secretary of Education demanded that PBS remove this episode and PBS said OK. Fortunately there was another way to get the program, and WQLN will be showing it this month.

    None of these are earthshaking. After all, they’re all about kids, most of whom don’t know what’s going on anyway unless it’s called to their attention. Now, however, the big guns are coming out. AARP, which represents almost everyone over 55, has come out against the privatizing of Social Security, and the folks in the White House are mad. One corporation has donated $10 million for a Swift Boat Veterans style campaign against AARP. Word is already out that AARP promotes gay marriage and is denigrating our soldiers in Iraq. I read their literature regularly, and perhaps I’m missing something – I missed those events.

    I talk often with my gay friends in Syracuse, most of whom are extremely politically active and aware. They have never noticed these things until they are brought to their attention in the media. If it was so obvious, how could we have missed it?

    This month’s Moon Circle will celebrate the heroes we may not recognize in ourselves, as when we give to others in often unsung ways. Be filled with magic, moonlight, and self-acknowledgment! The group meets Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m. People of all faith journeys welcome! Please R.S.V.P. By March 23: call Francesca at 337-2490.

    Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to pro-vide directions and advice for their area? The UU bed and breakfast directory UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings) can help you fulfill your dream. For 25 years, we’ve provided a network of hosts in North America (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people. The directory is published every year in April. For a copy of the 2005 directory, please send a check for $18 to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.

    UU’re Home has just launched a new web site at <www.UUreHome.com>, which includes about half of the listings. Entries are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added.

    Bumper stickers are now avail-able 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:

Available for $1. See Venessa in the office.

    The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron will host the 41^st Annual Meeting of the Ohio-Meadville District on April 1-2, 2005. The theme is Small Group Ministry: a Roadmap to Spiritual Growth, Supportive Relationships and Healthy Congregations. The theme speaker will be the Rev. Calvin O. Dame from Augusta, Maine. Brochures with details of registration, voting, ballots, etc. will be arriving in the parish house soon.

    April is Sexual Assault Aware-ness Month. To increase the aware-ness of sexual assault, several events will be presented throughout the month.

    Women’s Services, in con-junction with Meadville Community Theatre, will host A Mock Rape Trial, "I Think Something Happened Last Night", April 8, at 8 p.m. in Courtroom 1 at the Craw-ford County Courthouse.

    April 9, 7 to 11 p.m., Allegheny College Campus Center presents Rock Against Sexual Violence, featuring bands as well as survivor art and poetry

    Men Against Sexual Violence will have a Pledge Signing asking men to make a commitment against sexual assault – April 19 at 12:15 at Diamond Park in Meadville.

    Community Good Friday Ser-vices will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1070 Park Avenue in Meadville, on March 25. Noon to 1 p.m. features a Tenebrae Service in the Sanctuary. A Labyrinth Moving Meditation in the Fellowship Hall will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Rev. Joanna McDermott and Rev. Steve Aschmann will share a Service of Healing in Henderson Lounge from 2 to 3 p.m.

    The sanctuary will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. for personal meditation. The Labyrinth will be open after the formal activity until 6 p.m. These worship experiences are meant to accommodate a variety of spiritual disciplines for Good Friday.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, March 18, 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 me find it more easily). Thank you.

    Civilization is a stream with banks. The stream is sometimes filled with blood from people killing, stealing, shouting and doing the things historians usually record, while on the banks, unnoticed, people build homes, make love, raise children, sing songs, write poetry, and even whittle statues. The story of civilization is what happened on the banks.

Will Durant

    We are the miracle of force and matter making itself over into imagination and will. Incredible. The Life Force experimenting with forms. You for one. Me for another. The Universe has shouted itself alive. We are one of the shouts."

Ray Bradbury