As American Unitarianism developed in the early part of the 19th century, there were many challenges to overcome and deep human passions. One man significantly influenced the outcome of those challenges with his own passion. William Ellery Channing claimed the name Unitarian as a theology and a social commitment with which to be reckoned.

    On this Memorial Day weekend we’ll follow the strong Quaker tradition of nonviolence and reflective worship. We’ll gather in a modified Quaker style worship with a collection of readings, hymns and silence. As "friends" we’ll allow the space and time to inform our deep inner voice, and into the silence our messages may be respectively spoken.

    Aahhh, sweet spring! The red bud outside my office is bursting out in religious fervency, the apple tree in my back yard is proclaiming its bounty, and the lilacs are announcing their awakening within the deep sleep of the local cemetery. With each blossom I feel my own heart and soul pushing my body to get out there and participate in the glorious declaration of spring.

    I feel like I’m 20 years old again. Not physically, just mentally. I vividly remember spring arriving amidst the nightmare of final papers and exams when in college. My college, located in Denver, was on the quarter system, which meant we didn’t finish until the first week of June. This was torture to the students! So much sunshine, so much green grass and water calling for us to dive into (okay snow melt is very cold water, but it called out to us nevertheless).

    We heaved our pile of books out onto our front lawns, lay our bikini covered bodies on a blanket, rubbed inches of sunscreen over all the exposed pale skin (in Denver at a mile high, only the idiots challenged the sun), and pretended to study. This was pre lap top, but I did see many a typewriter hauled outside.

    But truly the mental challenge is staying focused on the task at hand. Like a child with short term attention span, I hopped from book to conversation to drink, back to another book, and of course the spaced out stare. That was the best and the worst mental challenge: not mentally checking out. Yet the mental "check out" was like the cool water that called out to me. Such mental release was truly soothing to my tired brain.

    And, thus I bet many of us "feel" like we’re 20 years old again, trying to concentrate on the task at hand from within the constricting walls of responsibilities. Alas, some things don't change. So, as your minister, I openly encourage you to take a moment, or two, or several, and mentally "check out." Just stare out into space, and let your mind feel at ease. Let the cool waters of spring, the smells of the blossoms, and the sun in the sky soothe your tired mind and soul.

    Aahhh, sweet spring, here at last.

    All rituals have a first time, and so it is with the Water Ceremony, now so popular in UU congregations. The UUA adopted the Women and Religion Resolution in 1977, and in 1980 women held the first Women & Religion Convocation on Feminist Theology in East Lansing, Michigan. In attendance were approximately 350 women and a few men.

    Lucille Schuck Longview and Carolyn McDade created a worship service for that event, using the universal symbol of water. Women brought water from the desert near Albuquerque, from a mountain lake in New York State, from the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg, rain water from Maryland, from the mouth of the Mississippi, from the Pacific Ocean near Carmel-by-the-Sea, and from the Atlantic Ocean.

    Since that time a water ritual has become a common ingathering ceremony at many UU congregations, usually taking place after the summer holidays as people bring back waters from their travels. Though practices vary, the basic ritual calls for participants to pour the water they have brought into a common vessel as they call out the origin of their contribution and, at the end of the service, for each per-son to take away a bit of the collected waters. As an alternative, the collected waters may be poured into a garden or around the roots of a tree near the meeting place.

    As you begin 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, look, my tooth!" Cullen came running down the hallway of the dentist’s office. He presented me with a small plastic box displaying his first baby tooth. On the way home, I talked about the tooth fairy. Cullen’s eyes grew big as I told the story, and he bombarded me with questions. How much money will I get? How does she get into the house? How does she even know that I lost a tooth? As I answered his questions I began to feel more and more guilty. Should I be misleading my child like this? I thought.

    That night he actually went to bed early! When I woke him up for school the next morning, he immediately reached under his pillow and retrieved his money. He reached under again and then lifted his pillow in a panic. "Hey, where’s my tooth?!" I looked over at Aaron with a "help me" expression. My husband slowly withdrew the tooth from his pocket and set it on the dresser. "Here it is, Cullen," he said. "Why did the tooth fairy put the tooth there?" Cullen asked. "Well, it was probably her way of letting you know that she was here last night," I replied unsteadily. "Well, I would have known she was here when I found the money!"

    Oops. By this time I was feeling really guilty. This whole tooth fairy business was getting out of hand.

    I called my sister-in-law and told her about my tooth fairy deception. She told me about a magician that had visited their church nursery last Sunday and performed some magic tricks. Her daughter was spellbound! Apparently, the magi-cian was going to float around the room next week. Unfortunately, her older brother told her "the truth" about the magic tricks on the way home. She cried and cried. "Children want to believe," she said.

    I reflected on her words for some time. She was right. Children want to believe in magic and fantasy and extraordinary stories. It brings such a richness to their lives¼ to our lives. I love the stories, too. Someday they will figure out "the truth", but for now I plan on celebrating the magic.

    As I tucked my son in for bed that night he held up the plastic container with his tooth. "Hey, Mom, can I put this under my pillow again and get more money?!" I laughed. "Nice try, kid, but the tooth fairy doesn’t work like that!"

{ DATES TO REMEMBER {

{ SUMMER PROGRAM {

    Please mark your calendars for our children’s summer program which will be held on July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7. There will be a culminating service on August 14.

    There will be a sign up sheet for the summer program at the RE display during coffee hour and at the front desk. (I know that summers can be hectic with vacations, but, if possible, please check your schedule prior to registration so you can mark which Sundays your child will likely attend.) More information will follow.

    Board members present were Carlin and Jerry Almes, Dave Anderson, Carolyn Chase, Rebecca Hecking, Wynette Kommer, Mike McGrath, Lenny Nichols, Mike Thomson, Sarah Sargent, and Kate Walker.

    Kate conducted four services and participated in Alison Wohler’s ordination. Approximately 27 pastoral visits/conversations; continuing to sing with the choir. Conducted weekly staff meetings with Venessa and Lee Ann. Met with Fire Inspector for building inspection. Worship committee two meetings; met with Committee on Congregational Ministry; Ministerial Evaluation Committee two meetings; participated in MissionStatement process. Met with Emmy Boughton, Lee Ann, and Sandi Stupiansky about a small group ministry model for next fall; weekly salon book discussion; met with youth group advisor Kathy Zinz, who is not continuing next year. Speaking at AM Rotary club May 12; continuing president of the Meadville Ministerium and President of Women’s Services Board.

    Met with advisee from Meadville/Lombard Seminary while in Akron May 3; attended OMDU/

    UPRL retreat May 2-3 in Akron; attending UUMA Professional Days and General Assembly June 21-27 in Forth Worth, TX; preaching at Chautauqua July 31; preaching at North Hills, Pittsburgh Aug. 14. Weddings May 21, June 13, and Aug. 20. Vacation scheduled July 1-Aug. 7.

    Small group ministries were discussed. Our size brings stresses on the church, for which small groups provide intimacy and spiritual growth. The mode of instruction for these groups will be forth-coming.

    In the first 4 months of the year, Expenditures exceeded income by just over $7,000. Half of this shortfall occurred in April. On the Income side, we fell $4,300 short of the prorata budget expectation. Although both pledge and non-pledge receipts exceeded expectations, fund raising and endowment income draws were far below the average plan amounts, due to timing.

    There were four high-expense areas: utilities, repairs and maintenance, OMD/UUA dues, and Special Programs. These overages were partially offset by lower than expected costs in most other areas, particularly equipment expense. Again, however, except for the repairs to the organ, all of these high-expense categories were due to timing. Consequently, it is anticipated that income will begin to exceed expenses over the next several months, bringing us back in line with the approved budget. We are under budgeted for our new telephone system, but the improvements are worth it.

(1) Mission Statement.

    No congregational feedback has yet been received. Dave suggested that we discuss it at our next meeting.

(2) General Assembly.

    Because of our size, we are entitled to three voting delegates plus the minister to this meeting in Forth Worth. Kate and Josh Searle-White are attending, and Kate is working on funding so that Lee Ann Wester can also go. Someone could use the third ballot as an absentee ballot delegate, but there were no volunteers. Dave thinks our next budget should include registration fees at least for those who will go as delegates next year.

(3) New Member Picnic.

    Will be held June 11, 5 pm, at the home of Kate and Mark, for our 14 new members. All Board members are invited and are to bring a dish.

(4) Public Relations Expansion.

    Jerry Almes reported on talks with PR Committee chair Sarah Sargent about handling the technologic information the church now needs for external and internal communication. With our DSL line, web site, copy machine, software items on Venessa’s computer, etc., more things need to be addressed, including website policy. We need to think about coordinating all this technology for upgrades and compatibility. He said Bruce Thaeler had agreed to document everything; Bill Miller will help with hardware and software; Cheryl Berkey, a web designer, will help. The Board voted to support the PR Committee’s intention and watch how it develops.

    Mike McGrath raised the issue of Board members addressing the congregation each Sunday before the Offertory about our financial need. He suggested that additionally we use this opportunity to honor committee members and heads by briefly naming the members, perhaps describing their work, and inviting anyone interested to join. He volunteered to be the first. It was agreed that Wynette will activate a schedule for this and notify everyone by email.

(1) Fund-Raising Policy. Jerry Almes, chair of the Finance Committee, distributed an amended policy statement about fund-raising activities during the Sunday fellow-ship hour in the parish house. It reads:

    The Finance Committee recommends that, during the fellowship time, only church-sponsored fund-raising events be held in the dining room where 100% of the profits are used to support church-related events and programs.

    All fundraising activities must first complete the "Fundraising Event Planning Form" (available at Venessa’s desk) and submit it to the Finance Committee for approval prior to the event.

    It was noted that for these events posters can be hung and advertising done in the Parish House Times and other venues. After discussion, the Board approved this policy.

(2) Budgetary Process Planning Form.

    Jerry also distributed a form amended from the one he presented at the last Board meeting, to aid committee chairs in their budgeting. The front of the form is a worksheet for projected budget expenses through 2008. To keep church finances at an even keel, it is hoped that budget needs can be calculated on a rolling 3-year plan and process. On the back of the form, Mike Thomson compiled a description of line items from the current budget for each committee to consider. Completed budget forms are due in August to the Finance Committee so the Board can work on them in September when the budget process begins. The Finance Committee will pro-vide help to committee chairs, since this is a big change. Mike Thomson is willing to provide figures for the last 3 years so that trends might be observed. Dave noted that this form would also help in fundraising efforts. A place for income from fundraising efforts is to be added to the form. The Finance Committee meets at 9:30 am on the first Sun-day of each month.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

    The Worship Committee will be soliciting volunteers for summer usher duty during coffee hour on June 5. You can sign up for one Sunday or several. Please check your personal calendar and sign up! If you will not be attending church that day and would still like to usher in the summer, please contact Rebecca Hecking. Thank you!

    Attention Bazaar Committee Members: We are planning a Bazaar Committee Meeting on Wednesday, May 25 at 7 p.m. in the parish house. Please plan to attend and bring any ideas you have for making this Bazaar the success we know it can be. Time is fast approaching, and we need to get our ideas and plans finalized.

Carlin Almes

    Madam Butterfly, by Giacomo Puccini, is coming to Chautauqua on Friday night, July 8, at 7:30 p.m. It is time to order our tickets! This is probably the best loved of all Puccini’s operas. It is the story of an American naval officer whose ship called at Yokohama and how he "married" a geisha girl who had his child and was faithful to him until he returned 3 years later with an American wife. You will recognize many of the beautiful arias in this heartfelt and moving music.

    The Stupianskys have again offered use of their condo at Chautauqua for a potluck supper before the opera. Last year at their house was super! A ticket entitles the holder to enter the Chautauqua grounds free, but there is a $6 fee for parking. Ticket holders can get in as early as 4 p.m., which would allow strolling until the potluck at 5:30. Sandy and Nick invite all to return after the opera for dessert, if wanted, although most people last year opted to start home as it was late.

    Tickets are $20, $40, and $50. I will take reservations until June 5, and must have payment by then as Sandy offered to purchase the tickets at the box office on June 6. Call me at 336-5014 or email me at <whkommer@yahoo.com>. We will carpool as much as possible.

    Operatically yours,

Wynette Kommer

    In celebration of Gay Pride Month, the UU Church of Meadville will be showing Tying the Knot, a film by Jim de Seve, on Sunday, June 5 at 11:45 a.m. On hand will be Scott Safier of The Pennsylvania Freedom to Marry Coalition for discussion of the status of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania and to answer any questions. Entrance is free of charge but donations will be accepted to cover costs with the excess being donated to the PA Freedom to Marry Coalition.

    Three years in the making, Tying the Knot documents the political war between gay people who want to marry and those determined to stop them. When a bank robber’s bullet ends the life of cop Lois Marrero, her wife of 13 years, Mickie, discovers a police department willing to accept the women’s relationship, but unwilling to release Lois’s pension. When Sam, an Oklahoma rancher loses his husband of 25 years, cousins of his deceased spouse challenge his will and move to evict Sam from his home. As Mickie and Sam take up battle stations to defend their lives, Tying the Knot digs deeply into the meaning of marriage today.

    From an historical trip to the Middle Ages, to gay hippies storming the Manhattan marriage bureau in 1971, this eye-opening exploration of the embattled institution looks at rights, privilege and love as gay activists and right-wing politicos lock horns in the fight for marriage.

    The Social Action Committee has created a tool to enable you to contact your political representatives about issues that matter to you. Postcards for Politicians is located in the library and is stocked with pre-paid postcards and the cur-rent addresses of our local and state representatives. Please visit the center and utilize this easy way to voice your opinions to our elected leaders. Watch future editions of the Oracle for specific issues that the UUA is asking congregations to support with letter writing campaigns.

    A Unitarian Golf Scramble and Dinner is being planned for Tuesday, July 12 at Cross Creek Country Club beginning at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $28 per person which includes green fees and cart. If you are a beginner, a scramble is a great way to start since everyone participates in a Team Score.

    Please sign up if you want to play and enjoy a great afternoon and dinner. A sheet will be in the parish house on Sunday, May 22.

    I began teaching Sunday school for all the wrong reasons. I found it boring sitting through a service, I had heard my father’s sermons as he wrote them during the week, and like most 15 year olds, I was rebellious, and there was no class for teens. Since I was expected, as the minister’s daughter to be there on Sundays, my only option was to teach Sunday school – the Littles, as I called them. It was a 5 year old red-headed boy named Peter who got me hooked. He asked questions like, "Is the water in Peacock Pond over God’s head?" and in my father’s absence, "Where’s God today – I guess he’s gone to lunch". His questions were hard, even for my 15 year old mind, but he never stopped asking them.

    It’s youngsters like Peter who have kept me involved through the years. They ask the questions that keep me examining my own spirituality. In Syracuse, I took my 5^th grade class up to meet the "kitchen congregation", a group of people who preferred philosophical discussions and bagels to sermons. When Rachel announced that she was an atheist, they cross examined her – Why? Because your parents are? How do you know? Have you really thought about it? Through it all, Rachel stood firm. Yes this was what she believed, and she decided it for herself. I wondered if I could state my beliefs as surely as Rachel did. Or did I even know for sure what I believed. Over the years I have learned more than I have taught.

    I have watched my youngsters grow up and have taught their children and even grandchildren. And over and over I have heard praise for lessons I taught, and for my support in their crises. Some-times the reward for teaching comes late, but it always comes.

    Since I opted out of the service and began teaching, I have learned an immense amount about religion in general and my own beliefs. I have learned how to question and how to find answers. I have learned patience, tolerance, and how to get the marks of muddy hugs out of my clothes. I have learned that a hug can be strong medicine, a little praise can work miracles in a shy child, and ice cream can be eaten with chopsticks if it’s cold enough. I have learned the joy of wonder, of questions and of being loved. And I wouldn’t trade one day, one hopeful face, one painty handprint, one moment of laughter, one aha moment of the last 57 years for anything.

    It is again time for the French Creek Cleanup organized by the Conneaut Lake/French Creek Valley Conservancy. This annual event, the 13^th, will be June 25, aiming to clean the banks and waters of the creek, beginning in Erie County all the way to Franklin. If you can participate, please complete registration and liability waiver forms, available in the parish house, and send them in no later than June 13.

    If you plan to use a canoe, you must furnish your own craft and transportation. This means leaving a vehicle at your take-out side to transport trash and canoeists as they come off the stream. If you plan to use a Fish and Boat Commission access area, a boat license is necessary. If you plan to walk the banks, the Conservancy can re-commend areas that need extra attention, such as beneath bridges and at boat launch sites.

    The event is also a fundraiser to support the work of the Conservancy. Participants are not required to raise money; those who wish to do so may obtain a pledge form in the parish house and collect pledges. Both per pound and fixed amount pledges are welcome. Prizes will be presented to groups collecting the greatest weight of trash, the most interesting trash, and the greatest amount of pledges for collected trash.

    You are invited to attend a picnic at Bicentennial Park after the cleanup, from 3-5 p.m. There will be food, entertainment and prizes.

    "Life is better lived in a garden" is the phrase that says it all. Rolling Fields has joined the Eden Alternative. Since April 2002 we have been dedicated to transforming our medical model nursing home into a vibrant human habitat filled with living things such as children, plants, gardens, and animals. Volunteers are a very important component of the Eden Alternative. Volunteers give companionship, variety, and spontaneity to our Elders. Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages and can be long or short-term. Opportunities can be customized for each volunteer.

    We are currently looking for volunteers for: garden helpers, sup-port groups, hymn sings, craft classes, sewing and mending helpers, Bible studies, weekly church services, piano entertainment, cooking club – or design your own opportunity!

    For more information please call 814-587-2012.

    Wesbury’s 16^th annual Chicken BBQ and Craft Fair is Sunday, July 17. A special worship service begins at 9:45, and the BBQ and Fair open at 11 a.m. Enjoy live entertainment, home-baked goodies, and unique crafts. For more information, contact Wesbury at 814-332-9000.

    The UUA’s Lifespan Faith Development Department is searching for an Adult Programs Director. Interested persons should apply by May 15, 2005. The basic purpose is to provide faith development curricula and other resources for adults of all ages in UU congregations and certain other UU communities.

    The position requires a Masters degree or equivalent experience. Solid background in UU theology and practice as well as strong writing and editing skills are required. Please inquire at the church office for further particulars.

    Save the date – September 24-26, 2005 – for a Call For Justice Weekend. "We believe that US-sponsored torture, reflected in the grim photographs from Abu Ghraib, is abhorrent to our national values." If you believe this is true, too, join the UUSC STOP (Stop Torture Permanently) Campaign. We urge all citizens, regardless of political, religious or cultural differences, to speak out with one voice on this key issue. Together with our interfaith and human rights partners, all UUSC members and supporters are invited to the following events and activities:

• Saturday, Sept. 24: A series of educational workshops and a panel discussion.

• Sunday, Sept. 25: A formal and solemn Citizens’ Trial of high-level US officials responsible for the current US torture practices.

• Monday, Sept. 26: Advocacy work with national leaders and representatives.

    For more information, call 617-868-6600, or visit website: <www.uusc.org/stoptorture>.

    The Wesbury Foundation is sponsoring a "New England in Autumn" Anderson bus trip to Boston, Cape Cod and New York City October 3-7, 2005. You will enjoy fall foliage, two Broadway shows, a whale watch cruise, a tour of Boston, great food at fun places, plus a visit to Ground Zero and the Viewing Wall at the former site of the World Trade Center Twin Towers.

    It seems early to plan, but initial deposit must be in by June 1. Please contact Peggy VanHorn, Vice President of Development as Wesbury, 814-332-9264. Sounds like a wonderful four days!

• 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.