This is our annual Guest At Your Table Sunday to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. This year we’re looking at the world wide issue of food distribution and access to fresh water. Both issues are critical as the world population grows and more and more people don’t have enough to eat or drink. Do they have a basic human right to eat and drink? Do the leading industrial countries have a moral obligation to help them?

    The Choir will be singing, with music by Jon Abrams. Lee Ann Wester will be working with the children to cook up soup for lunch.

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    This intergenerational service draws its inspiration from Psalm 137, which has been sung as a gospel hymn, a reggae song, and a contemporary folk anthem (By the Waters of Babylon). We will go on a musical journey through the tradition of Negro spirituals, New Orleans jazz and contemporary music to connect the experience of displaced people through the ages: from the exile of the Jews in ancient Babylon to the enslavement of Africans in America; from war refugees in the Persian Gulf to hurricane evacuees in the Gulf Coast. Stories and songs will encourage us to find our voices and to find hope in troubled times.

    All announcements for this service should be submitted in writing on the Monday before the service so that they can appear in the program. Otherwise we ask that announcements be sung!

    At a recent board meeting as we checked in the majority of folks mentioned time as a critical element in their lives. More specifically it was the lack of time, or the crunch of time, or the way too many things do to in the given amount of time at hand. All of these a common syndrome in our troubled times.

    Emily Dickinson said "Forever is composed of nows." An excellent insight on the makeup of time, but gosh darn, how does one remember the now when the list of things do to keeps us in a constant perpetual motion forward into the forever zone?

    The more appropriate quote comes from Ralph Richmond, who said "Take time before time takes you." That one hits us square in the mortality zone. It is inevitable that with time, we shall all die. It is most always too soon, despite the absolute knowledge of death’s eventual approach. How do we function knowing we shall someday pass along into the unknown eternity? We bury ourselves into the depths of denial through the avenue of a fast paced, high stress life.

    "A life that has never an idle moment must have many a tense one," said David Riesman. Yup, that seems to be true. So, how do we decide which ball to drop? How do we decide which project can’t be finished, which task does not get crossed off the list? That’s called triage. For example, I recently only cleaned half my bathroom, the dirtiest part.

    Once we triage, the next best thing to do is laugh! Find something, anything funny, and let a big gut ripping bellow out. Maybe it’s the absurdity that we continue to believe we can get it ALL done, that we find humorous. Maybe it’s the image of wearing a super man or super woman costume that provides the necessary levity (that recently worked for me!).

    How about this one: "When a man retires and time is no longer a matter of urgent importance, his colleagues give him a watch." R.C. Sherriff.

    That's funny!

    On Sunday, August 28 I entertained questions from folks at my annual Question Box Sunday. For the first time I wasn’t able to get to all the questions, not because of my inability to manage time, but because there were so many people attending church that morning, many with great questions. So, as promised here are my answers to those I missed.

    Small covenant groups, or small group ministry program, helps create a deeper sense of community through personal interaction. Members share with others through facilitated conversation on a variety of topics. Groups vary in size from 6-12 people, and branch off into another group when they get too big. They are facilitated by a leader who works regularly with me to learn how to facilitate and for support.

    The groups may have a commonality, such as young adult, or knitters, or writers, or by geography. Or they may be general topic with nothing in particular tying them together other than everyone being a UU. Once a year the groups do a project for the church, to ensure their connection to the church, so they don’t wander off becoming a separate social group. Once a year they are asked to do a social justice activity in the larger community so members are reminded of our UU values and commitment to social justice work. When, where and how often the groups meet depends on the facilitator.

    When we do sign ups for the groups, this will most likely dictate which group people can participate in.

    Facilitators are needed. Please think about if you would like to do something that is totally different from committee work, and may help your life become more meaningful and thoughtful. Many participants in other churches have reported that while they were hesitant at first because of another time commitment, once involved they found themselves deeply committed.

    Circle suppers are multiple dinners held on the same night in different locations. Just sign up, you’ll be assigned a host, who will call you and ask you to bring something to share for the meal. It’s a great way to meet other people in the church. The next one is Jan. 14.

    This is a tough one to answer because the answer is unique for every person. Each discovers the way we grieve, whether it’s someone we know well, or an acquaintance. What ever reaction we have is the "right" one, in the sense that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. There is only the necessity of taking the time to grieve.

    There are periods of mourning, anger, fear and acceptance, and they do not come in any particular order or they may not come at all. I do recommend talking to people, and not stuffing the emotions deep in the heart. Releasing our grief is critical to our long term health, both mentally and physically.

    How do we deal with death? Gracefully if possible, tearfully, and inevitably.

    Our mission is to offer a welcoming and safe community that reaches out to and receives spiritual seekers. We provide a voice for religious diversity and encourage personal transformation as we strive toward a better world.

    Our covenant is to be a loving, joyful community that nurtures spiritual growth and promotes compassion, service and social responsibility in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

    Was it just a week ago that I saw the trees laden with golden yellows and burnt oranges? Every year I try to inhale the autumn season knowing that the experience is always so brief. Thus, last week I threw away my to do list and took Cullen and Analee hiking at Pymatuning Lake. On that warm afternoon we kicked through leaves, drew in the mud with our walking sticks, and played Three Billy Goats Gruff on each bridge we encountered. We walked down to the lake, threw stones in the water and collected tiny mussel shells hidden in the rocky crevices. Beauty was everywhere on that day; in the crunchy leaves, in the gray water, in the balmy wind, in my children’s faces, and in myself. A peace settled inside me on that day that I have not felt in a long, long time. It was a peace found in the present moment, a peace found in the beauty of the season.

    And now this week I find myself walking amidst naked gray trees vibrating from a freezing wind. Yet somehow I still feel the peace from last week. I look up and watch the clouds and sunshine create spectacular sculptures in the sky. Yes, there is still beauty in this season. It just takes on different forms. I pull up my collar and await the inevitable snow flakes.

    Thanksgiving approaches. My children bring home turkey hands, Indian headbands, pilgrim hats, and lists of things they are thankful for. I see the beauty of the season and the gift of the present moment. I hear my ancestors whispering to me to take stock of my harvest, my blessings. And I am listening this year, making no demands upon myself, simply at peace to be.

    May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 20

    Mark your calendar for our annual Guest At Your Table celebration. Again, our RE program will be providing a delicious soup, corn cake, and salad for the entire congregation following the service on Sunday, November 20. Donations will be collected for the UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee).

« HARRY POTTER «

« December 2 «

    Join us for a night of Harry Potter at The Movies. A party room has been reserved for the UUs of Meadville on Friday evening December 2 at 7:10 p.m. There will be a cost of $10.00/person which includes a medium drink, medium popcorn, and, of course, the movie! There will be a sign up sheet at the front desk in the Parish House. A note to parents: the movie is rated PG-13 so all children under 13 will need to be accompanied by an adult.

    Inner Voices writing group will be meeting at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. Because of Thanksgiving, the next meeting will be held on the last Wednesday of the month, November 30. Bring a pen/pencil and a friend.

Prompt from the jar: A favorite photo, painting, print or sculpture; or, write on a topic of your own choice. We will also be exploring the topic: What makes an ideal writer’s group for you?

    Eight years ago my husband and I began attending worship services at this church. However, during the first few months it was difficult getting connected to others in the church. We didn’t live in the Meadville community and coming up once a week for Sunday services didn't give us enough of an opportunity to really get to know others. It wasn’t until I joined the writer’s group that things began to change. This covenant group (which is an earlier form of small group ministry) allowed me to develop more personal relationships with others. It became a kind of spiritual support group. Looking back I know that this group helped me to move into a deeper commitment to Unitarian Universalism.

    I’m very excited to be a part of the Adult RE Committee launching the UU Groups in January. I know that these UU groups can help form close relationships and provide a support circle for each of us. These groups can move us into a deeper level of commitment with each other, the church, and Unitarian Universalism.

    UU Groups will be forming soon!!! If you have any questions please contact an Adult RE Committee member: Sandy Stupiansky, Kate Walker, Emmy Boughton, Hannah Cosdon, and Lee Ann Wester.

    The Social Concerns Committee is asking everyone to bring food donations to the church from now through November 20. We are in need of dry goods, canned foods, and other nonperishable to restock the church’s food pantry. A shopping cart will be placed in the Sanctuary and a drop box is also located in the Parish House to collect the food donations. These donations will serve needy persons in the Meadville community throughout the year. Thank you!

    "For 30 years, Unitarian Universalists of all ages nationwide have come together each fall to give thanks by giving back. Through this special tradition, Unitarian Universalist communities celebrate the worth and dignity of all people and learn how to put these values into action. The Guest at Your Table experience of families learning together has built lasting connections to UU values for generations of UU youth." – UUSC Website

    This year our local Meadville annual Guest at Your Table service is being held on Sunday, November 20. We have many exciting new plans and activities planned this year, so we hope that you will join us. A special collection will be taken during this service to support the social justice work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. In addition our children in the RE program has a special educational brunch of soup to be served in place of our normal coffee hour but we will have coffee and tea being served to those who are not able to stay for the brunch. Please consider attending this important event and learn about threats to our right to food and water.

    This date is important for two reasons. The first reason is that following the 10:30 a.m. worship service the Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held. The second reason is that following the Annual Meeting there will be a lovely Open House Event. There will be two homes hosting this event—the home of David and Stephanie Gallogly at 19700 Cyrus Lane in Meadville; and the home of Miriam Bowman at 375 Jackson Park Drive in Meadville. All members and friends of the Meadville UU Church are invited to share in this early Holiday Celebration of the Season. All are urged to visit both homes that day to greet your fellow UUs and friends and enjoy a comfortable setting to ring in this holiday season with delicious food and drink. The event will begin immediately following the Annual Meeting and end mid afternoon.

    The Fellowship Committee will be meeting soon to set next year’s schedule for coffee hour hosting. Committee Chairs are urged to make early plans for any fund-raising events that would take place during coffee hour so that we can get them on our schedule.

Also, any members and friends who would like to choose a specific date or time of year for coffee hour duty are urged to contact the Fellowship Committee prior to December 5 so that those requests can be honored when we meet to draft next year’s coffee hour hosting schedule. We understand that it is difficult to impossible to know as much as a year ahead of time what your personal schedule will be, but any guidance you can give us as to the most convenient times for your hosting would be appreciated.

    The dogs have been given their breakfast and instead of following me to the door, they have crawled back under the covers. I give them the parting speech, put on my pedometer and head out the door. It’s a cold, but beautiful clear day, and the bus is due in about 15 minutes. It isn’t till I get my paper from my box across the street that I realize the bus won’t be along for another hour – time change! I have three choices: Go back and snuggle into bed with the dogs and have to repeat the whole routine over again in an hour; wait for the bus; start walking and hope someone will stop and give me a lift.

    With the pedometer reading 112 steps, I head off. There’s almost no traffic, so I can walk on the smooth pavement instead of in the grass and gravel at the side. At 1200 steps, a doe crosses the road ahead of me, stops and watches me for a bit, then heads on down Clarke Street. The grass is silvered with rime frost, and the fallen leaves are copper, bronze and gold.

    1800+ steps. The road ahead begins to rise again. Should I turn down here to Main which is flat, or stay on Liberty with a better chance of getting a ride? The sun is shining on the hills to the west, showing off the colors of the trees. I’ll stay on Liberty. An oak tree has spread a prodigious pile of acorns along the side of the road, and within a block, my pockets are filled with shiny horse chestnuts. A pair of birds are flying patterns together. I don’t need a ride.

    2300: Church bells are ringing from all directions for early Mass. Jimmy, who lives in the apartment above Mason and Mason law offices has taken in all the lovely plants that bloomed there all summer and fall. The porch looks barren. There is a woman standing in front of St. Brighid’s waiting for the bus. I tell her of the time change, and that the Sunday bus doesn’t stop at that corner. We walk a bit together, chatting pleasantly, and I turn down Chancery Lane.

    3100: I am standing under the maple tree between the Parish House and the church. It is fully in the sun now, and breathtaking. The remaining mums from yesterday’s clean up are like thousands of tiny suns. What a glorious walk this has been. What a truly spiritual experience.

    3193: I am sitting at the church computer with a cup of cocoa. I had to share this experience with you.

    Friday November 18 will be the next date to serve at the Soup Kitchen. We will meet at Stone U.M. Church at 10 a.m. Volunteers welcome! Please call 425-3397 (Stewarts) for information.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, November 25, 2005, at 4:30 p.m.

    Hear the roar! Feel the mist! See the mighty Falls! July 16-29, 2006.

    Come experience the wonder of Niagara Falls including some great educational opportunities while being taken care of like royalty. The UU Church of Niagara is conducting a four day UU Niagara Experience which is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the Falls up close from every prospective, even safely riding beneath a tethered balloon. Spend four days with us exploring the rich historical and natural wonders around the Falls. For information visit our web site: http://www.uunex.net/ Email : info@uunex.net Telephone : (716) 791-4453

    Jerry Almes gave a quick report on the success of the recent bazaar. As of Sunday morning (before the after-church sales commenced), the net profit was $4359.80. This compares favorably with the 2003 bazaar which netted $5803.61; however that year included a rummage sale and books/CDs/etc which we split off from the bazaar this year. Those split-offs will be in 2006.

    The fortunate, and very happy, winner of the quilt is Kim Lethco. May she enjoy it for many years to come!

    A college student at a recent USC football game challenged a senior citizen sitting next to him, saying it was impossible for their generation to understand his.

    "You grew up in a different world," the student said, loud enough for the whole crowd to hear.

"Today we have television, jet planes, space travel, man has walked on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars, we even have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with light-speed processing ...and..uh..."

    Taking advantage of a pause in the student’s litany, the geezer said, "You’re right. We didn’t have those things when we were young; so we invented them, you little twit! What the hell are you doing for the next generation??"

    I love senior citizens...