While religious fundamentalists worldwide are trying to make exclusive claims on God, Christian fundamentalists here at home are trying to make exclusive claims on how the Bible should be interpreted. In this sermon, Todd will examine some of the abuses of fundamentalist misinterpretation as well as explore some reasons why the Bible is relevant to modern UUs and why UUs and other liberal religions should not concede the Battle for the Bible to the Fundamentalists.

² ² ²

Musical ponderings of some of life’s core issues.

    On Friday, October 7, Mark and I celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary. Now, I know there are folks who are counting decades of anniversaries and may have a very different perspective than I. But all things are relative to one’s perspective. I waited until I was 37 years old to get married, that gives me a different perspective.

    For one, every day I appreciate this man in my life. I waited until I was truly ready, emotionally, spiritually and professionally. And I waited until I was absolutely sure that this was the guy for me. I had long decided that I would rather be single than married to someone for whom I had settled. I have such appreciation for his presence in my life, that it carries me through the inevitable rough waters of relationships.

    I also appreciate how hard it is to be in a daily relationship. Even in my young growing, free and independent years, I knew myself well enough to acknowledge I needed someone who would put up with my diverse interests, high energy, intense curiosity, independence, need for personal space as well as intimacy, and my liberal interests. Bottom line, I needed someone very different than me, so I wouldn’t get bored, yet complementary, so I’m balanced. I knew I would never want someone just like me, that would not only be boring, but truly obnoxious. I needed someone with strength, calm presence, intelligence, commitment to similar values and sexy!

    Along comes my love, just in time to go on dog walks and capture my heart. Thomas Kempis wrote, "Love ofttimes knows no measure, but is fervent above all measure." This has been my experience of being in a loving relationship. I find my love continually grows deeper and stronger. I am continually amazed at my inability to express my love, and yet, my ability to carry it in my heart and soul. Shifra Stein said, "There are no words for love, only moments." Yes, this rings true.

    Marriage has taught me how to love in a way I never thought possible, or had even been able to imagine. Being in an intimate relationship is as much as about giving love as about giving up one’s inhibitions, discovering truth and honesty, and facing fear. It’s also about accepting love and letting it carry me through the day.

    My prayer is that everyone experiences the strength of love in all its diverse ways and in all its forms. "Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds," wrote one who showed love in its many fashions." – William Shakespeare.

From October 15-22, Kate and Mark are in Orlando establishing Mark’s son, Michael, in college. Prayers are accepted.

    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. Recognizing that some questions could inspire a sermon, I will attempt to be as succinct as possible.

    Spiritual represents ephemeral experiences in life. These fleeting, transient experiences are often beyond words of description yet affect us in profound and sometimes strange ways. We may fear these experiences because they may be unfamiliar, yet we crave them at the same time. They leave us feeling good, positive, whole and connected to life. Spiritual is that which we seek, yet, rarely have clarity on where, why or how we achieve. They lift us up and carry us through times of serious doubt, trauma and anguish. They sustain us.

    For me, religious is close in definition to spiritual, often overlapping as it also connotes a positive experience. Yet religious takes on a more theological connotation. It implies an ultimate reality or deity, and even carries with it the context of an institution, or ritualization of "religious" acts.

    For love, see my above reflection on my marriage with the added statement that "Where love is, there is God". – Leo Tolstoy.

    Sure, if that is what the church members want to do. This may be something the Social Action Committee wants to look at. This winter or spring I’ll be looking at the history of prisons and issues around crime and punishment over a couple of Sundays (it’s my minister’s study topic this year). I’m hoping the Social Action Committee will offer a supporting program.

    From the report of the Commission on Appraisal of the UUA 2005, ‘Engaging Our Theological Diversity.’ "Conclusion and Recommendation: We need to take theology seriously and find ways to engage theological issues rather than avoiding them out of sense of fear or anxiety over offending others."

    I’ve been reading the Commission’s report this past week, and am impressed with their questions and results. I believe the UUA is in a period of growth and transition, perhaps shifting out of adolescence and into young adulthood. We’re less inclined to self identify through what we do not believe in, and looking for ways to name what we do believe. The Commission’s recommendation to find ways to engage in theology is right on the point as far as I’m concerned. The Small Group ministries that have been developing in UU churches across the country is an excellent way for theological discussion to happen in a safe and comfortable environment. I’m delighted that our church is going to launch small group ministry this January (see article from the Adult RE Committee in this Oracle issue).

    Addressing theological issues is something I’ve done from the pulpit throughout my ministry. Whether it’s about how the bible is interpreted, how to define being a Christian, the meaning of salvation, the role of suffering, the meaning of evil, how to cope with forgiveness, or feminist theology, I hope to stir conversation amongst people, but may only get deeper personal reflection without dialogue. The problem is, and has been, the lack of opportunity for dialogue in a safe environment. Committee meetings and circle suppers are not good venues for deep theological discussion. In addition, UUs have never ventured into how we engage. Our fear of offending someone is real because so many UUs have experienced being offended. Once again, I’m hopeful that the small group ministry program (called UU Groups) will offer the opportunity as well as the how to.

    The Adult Religious Education Committee is pleased to announce that in January 2006 we will begin launching UU GROUPS offering spiritual growth, fellowship and support. UU GROUPS of 6-12 adults will gather regularly with leaders who are trained by Kate Walker in small group ministry. Some UU GROUPS may be organized around a special interest such as the ongoing Writer's Group, while other UU GROUPS may choose a more open-ended path of exploration. Still other groups may form by gathering members with similar demographics. All UU GROUPS can take advantage of a small group ministry curriculum which has been successfully used by other UU churches.

    Participating in a UU GROUP enables members to make deeper connections with fellow UUs, to engage in spiritual reflection, to share personal support, and to continue life-long learning within a safe, caring atmosphere.

    Please direct your questions or ideas about UU GROUPS to Kate Walker or any member of the Adult RE Committee (Emmy Boughton, Lee Ann Wester, Sandi Waite-Stupiansky, and Hannah Cosdon). We will be providing more details about how to join UU GROUPS in the weeks ahead.

    How well do you know your neighbor?

    Neighborhoods seem to be a thing of the past. In this fast paced technological age our "neighbors" are now all over the world, and, as a result, the next door neighbor remains a stranger to many of us. Do we realize what we are missing?

    Last week I walked passed my elderly neighbor’s house and admired her garden. She is almost ninety years old and has become a grandmother figure to my children and myself. Inevitably, our bike rides or walks lead us to her back porch. My children immediately go to her kitchen drawer full of sweets, and they love to climb the steep steps to the attic. We talk about the weather, our gardens, our families, and even politics. (I usually catch her watching the evening news!) I especially love her stories about her childhood. She lived on a small farm down the street. Analee especially loves to hear about the many animals she raised. The sheep were her favorite. Amazingly, she lives alone, tends her own garden, mows her yard, harvests apples from her orchard, drives and attends a weekly quilting group. She loves to read and listen to Garrison Keillor on her radio.

    My thoughts returned to the present and I stopped walking to look at her garden. She had had a good harvest this year, and the only remaining plants were large colorful dahlias and marigolds. Suddenly, I saw a man approaching from my right. It was another neighbor, and he had the misfortune to inform me that my beloved elderly neighbor had gone into the hospital last night, and "it didn't look good". I choked back tears on my way home and memories of our visits flooded my vision. I suddenly realized how much richness she has brought to my life. She is a remarkable woman, and I feel honored to be a part of her life in some small way. I am especially thankful for the opportunity to get to know my fellow neighbor. Let's not forget to take care of the ones who live closest to us.

    Our RE program has begun, and in preparation of the new year, I will be highlighting curriculum for the 2005-2006 year.

T Youth Group (grades 9-12) T

    This curriculum is designed for our youth in high school. Since the youth are already in a highly structured classroom environment during the week, this program is not text-book based. Our high school youth are dealing with many issues at this time in their lives. The program, therefore, provides a safe place to deal with these issues. Each year the youth group develops a social action project, leads a spring worship service, plans field trips and over-nighters.

    This year is a transition year for our youth group. Laura Parker-Mc-Glynn will be completing her final year as youth group advisor, and Bill and Sue Fuller are coming into the youth group as new advisors. The Fullers have a lot of experience with high school youth as they have welcomed a high school age foreign exchange student each year into their home for the past eleven years. Early in August they attended a youth advisor training workshop led by our OMD RE Consultant Karen Lapidus.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Maher for his time and talent in creating a new RE brochure. It looks great!!! Our brochures will be available in the pews at church and at the RE display during coffee hours. They are also included in the new member packet put together by the Membership Committee. Thanks, again, Chris!

    On Sunday, October 9, there will be an RE Committee Meeting following the service in the Parish House.

    On Sunday, October 30, there will be no regular RE classes. How-ever, there will be Halloween activities for the younger children during the service in the Parish House. More information will follow.

    Our Annual Gathering this year will be held in both the Parish House and the Sanctuary of the church. We will begin our evening with an appetizer and dessert buffet that will be available at 6 p.m. and continue through 7:45 p.m. At that time we will adjourn to the church sanctuary where we will be treated to a concert by a wonderful singing group called "Pieces of East". Several church members have had a chance to hear their demo CD and all agree that they will be a special addition to our evening. A free-will offering will be taken to help with the expenses. Please make plans now to be a part of this very special celebration!

    Our last Bazaar was held November 14-15, 2003 and since then we have many new members and friends who have never experienced this very important fundraiser. For many years we held our Bazaar and Rummage Sale together and alternated them each year with our Goods & Services Auction. After our 2003 Bazaar it was decided to split the Bazaar from the Rummage Sale and hold them separate; holding the Rummage Sale the same year as the Goods & Services Auction, and then holding the Bazaar on the off year.

    So our main fundraiser for this year of 2005 is the Bazaar. We will be setting up the departments, displays and items on Wednesday and Thursday, November 9 and 10, then our Bazaar will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12. Our hours of operation will be Friday, November 11 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, November 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A luncheon will be served on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a brunch will be served on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

    How do we raise money from the Bazaar? This is where we really count on each of our church members and friends. We count on each of you donating several items to be sold at the Bazaar. The public comes expecting to find unique items made by or donated by members and friends of our church. We have been known, in our past Bazaars, for the fine and unique items we offer for sale.

    The different departments we are allotting space for are:

    You can see that we are really counting on all our members and friends to assist in this fundraiser. All the items we offer for sale in each of the departments will come from you, our church members, families and friends. We have others already working on advertising and publicity, arranging for and setting up displays, and of course tearing down and cleaning up.

    But, we are counting on you for that which you do best and enjoy doing the most. Using that unique talent that only you may know – we’re counting on you to "come forth" with those items to donate to the success of our 2005 Bazaar.

    We’ll be doing some phone canvassing as time draws near, but you can beat us to the punch by letting one of department chairpersons know that you want to help in their department. We’ll need lots of willing souls on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

    If you have questions or need further information please contact either of our 2005 Bazaar Chairpersons: Carlin or Jerry Almes, 814.676.2902 in Oil City, or via e-mail: carlin@jalmes.com or jerry@jalmes.com.

    Remember, it’s your Bazaar, your church, your fundraiser; we can’t be successful without each of you.

    A Bazaar committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Arthur room of the Parish House. This meeting is for all committee members and workers who are responsible for the various departments and activities involved with our November 11-12, 2005 Bazaar.

    We want to discuss and plan for your department’s staffing and setup requirements, and get an update on securing items to sell during the Bazaar.

    Bring your questions, suggestions, ideas and information to share with all our committees and workers so we can have another successful Bazaar experience. Following our October 6 meeting we’ll have five weeks to pull everything together so let’s all plan, if at all possible, to make this planning meeting. If you're unable to make the meeting please make sure either Carlin or Jerry Almes receives your information to share with the committees prior to the meeting. Our phone number in Oil City is 814.676.2902 or our e-mail addresses are: carlin@jalmes.com and jerry@jalmes.com.

    The Country Cupboard gang is relying on all the good cooks and bakers [you know who you are!] to start planning what to bring to our table Friday & Saturday November 11 and 12.

    In past years cookies, brownies, breads, muffins, pumpkin rolls, jams, jellies, pickles, fudge & other candies have all been extremely well received. It’s a joy to have all these home baked goodies for sale to offer the community as they attend our Bazaar.

    As in previous years we ask that you bring your treats either the day before [Thurs. Nov.10] or on each Bazaar morning and that you have them ready to sell on disposable plates or dishes. Suggested prices for items are welcomed.

    Fall is in the air and we are looking forward to having the community at large attend our biannual celebration of Bazaar & luncheon.

    Just a reminder that there will be an antiques and collectibles booth at the bazaar. Jewelry such as earrings and necklaces are always a great favorite as well as serving items for the table and flower vases.

    Please look around your home and in your drawers to see if there are any interesting items you think would be suitable for sale at this year’s bazaar. Joyce Milberg will be "manning" this booth this year with the able help of Mary Ann Kirkpatrick White. Questions and donations should be directed to either Joyce or Mary Ann.

    First discussed was an ad hoc committee appointed by Dave Anderson, president, to make recommendations concerning the minister’s compensation package. This Ministerial Compensation Committee consists presently of experienced and competent people: Jerry Almes, Amelia Carr, Fran Smith, Cindy Snyder, and Kate. Fran was present to report to us. She said the goals of the meeting were to (1) agree on a fair salary and housing package for the minister, and (2) plan longer-range recommendations to get somewhat in line with the UUA guidelines through a 3-year rolling budget.

    The Recommended Salary Ranges for UUA Congregations chart was used as a basis for the Review. Factors to consider were the size of our church, the length of service, satisfaction of the congregation, and the benefits of having an experienced professional guiding the ministry of the church. It was agreed the committee would consider Salary and Housing. Pension, life and health

insurance, and professional expenses would be separate.

    Currently the minister’s housing and salary is $38,148. To come closer, over several years, to the UUA-recommended compensation, the committee recommends an increase of 5% per year for the budget periods 2006-2007-2008. Therefore, the current salary and housing plus 5% would be $40,055 for 2006.

    Kate requested health insurance, so the committee recommends an 80/20 split, according to UUA guidelines. That is, the church pays 80% and the minister pays 20%. Jerry said that the Finance Committee felt that the minister’s health insurance needed to be competitive, so Peggy Bell was asked to investigate possible policies. The Board may have to vote on health insurance. A general policy is needed in regard to health insurance for a minister’s dependents. Lastly, the committee recommends that the Compensation Committee continue each year and that an up-do-date covenant (job description) be developed.

    Treasurer’s Report. August income was the weakest of the year. Total receipts came to just $4577.75. August expenditures were also smaller than expected, because the annual copier maintenance fee of $900 was held up until the copier replacement decision is made. –Mike Thomson

    Minister’s Report. (Routine monthly duties of the minister will no longer be listed in order to save energy —Clerk). Attending Fellowship 6:59er Sept. 16; arranging Good Luck party for Alison W. and Milt H. for Sept. 28; arranging photo archive session with senior members Oct. 1. Completed all staff compensation meetings with a member of the Personnel Committee either present or consulted. All five staff (music, choir, administration, DRE, custodian) are at UUA Fair Compensation guide-lines. Met with five committees; received a letter from Hannah Cosdon, resigning from the Committee on Congregational Ministry to serve on the Small Group Ministry. Participated in prayer worship service Sept. 7 at Allegheny College. Attending OMD/UUPRL retreat Sept. 26-28 in Akron. The need for a job description was reiterated.

    The Bazaar and Lunch and Brunch is Nov. 11 and 12. "Open House" Sunday is being planned for Dec.4. One more volunteer to have a "host home"’ is needed, so that this can be a very special day to celebrate the season. These Open Houses are tentatively planned to immediately follow the Annual Meeting. –Carlin Almes

    Membership Committee. The photo directories are now available at the office. One is free if you had a picture and $5 for others. Reserve directories will be given to new members as they join. We plan a short membership encouragement article for our Order of Service pamphlet. Kate’s new plan for her "New U.U. Class" will include the responsibilities of becoming a member. Our meeting date is now the first Tuesday of each month. -Carolyn Chase

    Public Relations. A general brochure about the church is being planned. We have been discussing the relative merits of a Risograph versus a copier machine. Our copier lease is up in January. We plan to get complete cost information before making a recommendation to the Board. Bruce is investigating digital duplicators and Jerry, copiers. –Sarah Sargent

    Religious Education. RE teacher training and orientation was Sept. 19, with 18 teachers and committee members. The RE Packet, designed and assembled by Lee Ann Wester, is thorough, innovative, and extremely helpful to all teachers and should make future recruitment easier. RE classes began Sept. 11 with a bang! 3l students registered. –EmilyBoughton

    Worship Committee. We raised $246 at our fundraiser brunch Sept. 11. This gives us a comfortable cushion for holiday expenses. Usher signups through mid-January have begun. We distributed an ongoing survey regarding preferences for Christmas Eve service times. No change will be made unless a clear and strong desire for it expressed.

    We are busily wrapping up 2005 and preparing for the new year. Guest speakers will include UU minister Todd Strickland and our own Len Nichols in October, along with Han-nah Cosdon who will lead a group service later in November. Mary-Lib agreed to do a service on Sunday, Dec. 25, for which we are especially grateful. –Rebecca Hecking

    Social Action Committee. Tracy Smock’s committee held only one meeting, which was to plan the Guest at Your Table activity.

    Pledge Campaign. Mike McGrath said the church service October 2 would be a celebration of community. Pledge cards would be given out the next three Sundays for return by October 2. He hopes for a 75% re-turn; after that, he will contact people. If $1,250 is received from each pledging unit of the church, we will make our budget without having to go into the endowment.

    Carlin requested input on asking for contributions for Coffee Hour. The Board recommended that the committee put out a basket as needed and will leave it up to the Fellowship Committee when and how to do it.

    At the Board meeting on Nov. 7, Committee chairs must have their Annual Report for the Annual Meeting. These reports have to be sent to the congregation two weeks before the December 4 Annual Meeting.

    At the Annual Meeting, the congregation will approve the agenda, the final budget, committee reports, and Bylaw revisions. Bruce Thaeler will write up any motion to change the Bylaws.

    As of today, there is only one date reserved for flowers for church services for the coming year! We need your support! You may honor someone with a bouquet of flowers that will be used for the service on a specific Sunday and acknowledged in the Parish House Times, then brought home to enjoy for the week. You may do the flowers yourself, or ask us to do them. If we do them, the cost is $25.

    Please contact Miriam Bowman at <mgbowman@earthlink.net> or Mary Larson at 724-5952 or <marniel@alltel.net>.

    The Fellowship Committee is seeking brass items for use in decorating for the Annual Gathering on October 22. Candle sticks, tea pots, trays, anything brass would help us with the theme. If you have items that you would be willing to lend to us, please contact Pat McDaniel @ 814-425-7613 by October 1. Thanks for your help.

    If you had your photo taken and haven’t picked up your directory, please do so at the Parish House desk. You can also buy extras there (one for upstairs?) for $5.00. If you did not have your photo taken you can buy a directory.

    I am aware of several mistakes in the directory, the church phone number, and two member’s names. While we went over and over our submissions, we could not control what happened once our mock-up got to Olan Mills. I apologize to those affected and hope that the directory is helpful none-the-less.

    This month’s moon group will meet Sunday, October 23 at 7 p.m. People of all faith journeys are welcome. RSVP by October 19: call Francesca De Grandis at 337-2490.

    CUUPS of Mead (Covenant of UU Pagans) will be celebrating Samhain (the Pagan New Year) on Friday, October 28. There will be a ritual at 6:30 in the parlor, followed at 7-ish by a pot luck supper.

    Samhain (pronounced sah-win) is the time when the connections between the mundane world and the spirits is strongest, and is traditionally a time to honor the dead. The Christians translated it into All Hallows Eve (the eve of All Saints Day, and two days before All Souls Day). People take flowers and in some places even picnics to the graves of the deceased family members. In Mexico, candies and cakes shaped like skulls are popular. Masks and dancing in the streets add a bit of mystery to the day, and prayers to saints and ancestors add a note of solemnity.

    We will have a memory tree to which people can add leaves with the names of the family members and pets who are no longer living. There will be a non-scary story for the children, and, as with all my rituals, something to take home. Some ideas for the pot luck: anything made with apples (cider, pie, salad, etc.) as apples are an important part of the traditions; whole grain breads, muffins, pasta dishes; squash and pumpkin dishes; anything you want to bring.

    People of all ages, genders, lifestyles and spiritual paths are welcome. Come and bring friends. Wear a mask and/or a costume, if you wish. There will be some supplies to make your own mask.

    The next date for the soup kitchen is Friday Oct.14 at Stone UM Church at 10 a.m. Volunteering at the Meadville Community Soup Kitchen, which takes place at Stone UM Church every weekday, has been a time honored effort supported by our UU Church. Our turn comes up the second Friday of every month when we try to get a team of 6 or 7 people together to help cook and clean up after lunch provided for anyone in need of a meal at 11:30 a.m. each day.

    The hours worked are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. but any block of time between would be welcomed. New volunteers are always appreciated so if you are available at these times please call 425- 3397 (Stewarts) for more information.

    Inner Voices will resume its regular schedule on October 19. At that time we will try to set up a schedule that fits everyone (anyone know how to do magic?). Assignment: Write something bold, funny, eerie, magic, reminiscent, spiritual, silly, about Halloween – poetry or prose. Or write about whatever you want.

    There was a vendor at Pagan Pride who sold ritual objects from a variety of religions, both Eastern and Western. Her statues were beautiful and her prices remarkably low. On a chair at one end of her table was a pile of tarnished silver chalices with a sign, "$1 for a chance on the holy grail." When a woman asked her where to get the ticket to take a chance, the vendor replied that it was not that kind of chance. For $1 you could buy a chalice with the chance that it might be the real holy grail. The one I bought sits on a table by my bed, still unpolished.

    Of course I know it won’t be the real thing. What ever the grail is – the cup Jesus drank from, Mary Magdalene, a vision, or a quest devised by Arthur to keep his knights from getting bored – it is not the chalice by my bed. People over time have paid fortunes and even resorted to crime to find the real grail. The closest any of the knights got was a vision. That vision is available for free. It is the hollow between two mountains filled with molten gold at dawn or twilight. It is the enfolding arms of a loved one. It is cupped hands holding water from a cold fresh spring, a cup of chamomile tea at bedtime, a hole dug in the ground to fill with new seeds, a lone tree in an open field, a warm quilt on a winter night, a moment of laughter, a moment of deep spiritual awakening.

    People have searched their whole lifetimes for some dramatic revelation, when it’s all round us if we look close enough. And you don’t even have to pay $1 for it.

    For pet lovers, a donation in their name to www.noahwish.org will help provide food and other help to stranded animals. Purina has shipped 150 tons of food and litter products through this organization.

    Farmaid will assist affected farmers – www.farmaid.org.

    For a book lover, a $5 donation to www.firstbook.org will provide books to displaced children.

    Hospice of Crawford County is offering its annual fall grief educational/support program entitled "Living Through Loss". The 6-week program will be held Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. beginning October 5 through November 8. These will be held at the Hospice office at 448 Pine Street, Meadville. Each session will explore a different aspect of the grief process. This program is offered free of charge to anyone who has lost a loved one in the past year.

    Hospice is also offering its annual "Coping with the Holidays" bereavement support group on Tuesday, November 15 at 6 p.m. in the Red Room at the First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville. The Red Room is located on the sanctuary level of the church. This event is designed for people who are mourning the loss of a loved one. The focus of the evening will be on ways to cope with grief during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. This program is offered free of charge to anyone.

    For further information and to pre-register for either of these programs, please call the Hospice office at 333-5403.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, October 14, 2005, at 4:30 p.m.