As I was pushing my muscles to their limit with a 35 pound weight, and feeling the power of my own anger (sometimes it helps to get in touch with my inner demon), I was struck by the acceptance from the viewers as well as the disc jockeys that this was "normal" albeit stupid behavior. There was a sense that a certain level of anger was acceptable, even when it resulted in a broken lawn mower. We all have these moments they lamented, and we do stupid things because of it.

    These moments I took to be uncontrolled rage, which resulted in lashing out at inanimate objects. What happens when it is not an inanimate object? Serving on the board of Women’s Services, our local women’s shelter, has taught me a lot about uncontrolled rage. Accepting it and normalizing it by dismissal have been a part of our culture for far too long.

    Certainly the more recent phenomenon called road rage is a symptom of our culture’s issue with rage. I witnessed this too often while living in Denver, where traffic problems are a constant issue, whether it is rush hour or not. I often arrived home either terrified, furious or both, by the barrage of aggressive drivers.

    To some degree, the DJs are correct in surmising that everyone has the potential for rage. Stress in our lives is the usual culprit, and how we deal with stress is critical to how we treat our loved ones, as well as strangers, never mind our car. Our world appears to be increasing in stress level with busy schedules and increased responsibilities. Whether or not this is true or just perception is for the social scientists to determine, but we are responding as if it were true. However, we are not handling our stress very well.

    I know I have bouts of rage. I’ve thrown a cup or two, and have even slammed a door once or twice. But, I have yet to shoot my car or throw a brick into the television. But I also go to the gym for my stress release, note the above about lifting weights. I do Yoga, get plenty of sleep and eat well. When was the last time you felt a wave of rage overwhelm you? How is your stress level? Please don’t take it out on anything or anyone.

    This past April she would have been 62, and one glorious sunny afternoon I sat among her budding tulips and wondered. If she had known of her impending death would she have planted them? With that question floating in the breeze, my daughter came up to me with several buds held tightly in her hand. She offered them to me. I took them.

    Yes, of course, she would have planted them. In spite of her stubborn words, I know that my mother did not plant those flowers for only herself. My daughter had shown me that the flowers were for all of us.

    I, too, planted tulips last fall, and as I sit among my flowers I think about their meaning. Although unlikely, I, too, could have died before seeing the flowers. Would I have planted them? My daughter approaches with more buds and offers them to me. I smile and immediately know the answer to the question. "Thanks," I say, "but those tulips are for you."

Calling All Hearts: Stand on the side of love with our children

    The Social Action Committee is celebrating the one year anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriages in Massachusetts with several special events in June. Our children’s program will support these events by decorating paper hearts during coffee hour on May 22. They will be decorated with special messages such as standing on the side of love, celebrating all families. The hearts will be on display during these special events.

    This idea comes from many California UUs which sent out 3,800 valentines this past February to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger hoping to persuade him to vote for marriage equality. Also, more hearts were collected for the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in Massachusetts to help decorate the UUA chapel during the one year marriage equality celebration. We hope our children can continue this new tradition and actively live their faith through this activity.

    The next opportunity for our church to serve at the Soup Kitchen will be on May 9, 2005. We meet at Stone UM Church at 10 a.m. This will be our last effort until September, in order to allow other groups to have a turn serving during the summer.

    Please call 425 -3397 (Stewart’s) if you would like more information. We always welcome new volunteers and value their help.

    This is a great way to contribute to the Meadville UU Church. Your time and effort certainly will be appreciated. Thank you.

    History: I’m really excited about my new book coming out and want to celebrate it with my new UU community. But it didn’t feel right to focus one event on the book (don’t ask me why). So I asked Kate what I might organize to serve the community, and she said "community". Perfect! That feels like a celebration of a book on spirituality for teens, somehow.

    So, think poetry slam meets ceremony meets UU self expression. I’m very excited that, though I’m the organizer, a zillion other UU members, including Inner Voices, are involved putting this on. This is fun!

    After the ceremony, my new book, along with other books and tools for fostering community, will be on sale. And I’ll be available to sign books, if you like that sort of thing – that’ll also be a celebration for me.

    If, in addition to attending, you want to be a presenter, call Venessa at the church, 724-4023 by May 10. Teen and adult writer, musicians, jugglers with a message, etc., welcome. We also need help with set up and/or clean up: call Carolyn at 967-4762. Donations of cookies also appreciated! Tell Carolyn you’re bringing them.

    In fellowship,

    Lost and Found: A black umbrella was left on my desk the night of Alison’s ordination. Please claim in the Parish House office.

    Also on the night of the ordination, a woman’s black, full-length raincoat with removable lining was left in the Parish House. The name on the label is "Gallery" and it is a size 1. One out of town guest that evening lost an identical coat, except that hers is a size 12. It looks like the coats were accidentally switched so if you own a coat that fits this description please check the size. Thank you.

    Bumper stickers are now available in the church office proclaiming our liberal UU faith! These attractive blue bumper stickers have the UUA’s website and our chalice symbol, along with snappy statements about our faith:

Available for $1. See Venessa in the office.

    Please reply to (215) 840-6656 or <minister@uurestoration.us> and indicate if you are planning to attend. Look for further information in our newsletter, on our web-site and in the mail about the Restoration Bed & Breakfast program.

    Locally savvy UU guides will drive you to selected wineries, historic sites and mountain trails with breathtaking views. You will stay in UU homes for good conversation, good breakfasts and warm hospitality.

    Our offer is limited to June, July and August. Plan three nights with two days of touring. Our fees are well below market rate for similar services. All proceeds benefit our Fellowship. We have limited openings, so contact us now for details. Tom Wilson (707) 254 7443 twilson9@sbcglobal.net.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, May 13, 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.