We’ll explore the depths of one poem through music, dance and words in this experiential worship service.

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In this service celebrating our liberal religious community we’ll seek answers to some of our unique problems, such as: Are we trying to be all things to all people? Can we really not offend anyone and still be successful? The Choir is singing. Mike McGrath is the pulpit assistant.

    The news reporter was standing in the light rain with his wind meter held up for a reading, "Twenty five mile per hour gusts!" he screamed into his microphone. He has the camera pan behind him to show the white caps on the water, the flag poles vibrating and the flags flapping. He was doing his utmost best to portray the excitement of the pending category five hurricane, Katrina.

    Most anyone knows that white caps, flag poles and flags will react to 25 mph wind. And so will people to hyperactive news reporters screaming into microphones. "As you can see the flag pole is vibrating and the flag is whipping around in these vicious wind gusts."

    I watched the television reports with both horror and mild irritation of what was to come as hurricane Katrina bore down on the Gulf Coast. The horror was the truly massive onslaught of this storm, the irritation was all the reporters trying to make the story even bigger than it had yet to become. I lament the calm tone of news reporters whose job is to report the news without drama. Alas, the days of sensationalism are as embedded as reporters in the military.

    I remember studying sensationalism when I was in the undergraduate program of Mass Communications. This was before the days the mainstream news media turned to the style of the "National Inquirer." But that was over 20 years ago. Back then Walter Cronkite informed us of the world’s events: "And that’s the way it was," he signed off on his nightly newscasts. There wasn’t any screaming into microphones, no constant barrage of blood, bombings and bad guys out to get us. "That’s the way it was," and that’s what we got.

    Even our own Meadville Tribune is not immune to this, as witnessed by their fear-based headline of our poetry reading last June, hosted by Francesca De Grandis. The hysterical headline that a witch was in town provided just what some folks wanted: panic.

    Sensationalism is not the same as reporters allowing themselves to be emotionally affected by their story. Certainly some of the reporting we’ve witnessed since Katrina hit, has helped portray the incredible devastation and the immediate need for relief funds. Their subtle and powerful emotional reaction helps add depth and meaning to the story. Hopefully reporters will also help this country face the issues around poverty and racism that have been uncovered as the waters washed away homes and support services.

    Yes, Katrina was truly awful for everyone living in the Gulf, but the storm itself was sensational. We don’t need the reporters hyperventilating in dramatic hysteria in order to add to the pictures we could see with our own eyes. Like an artist over-doing a painting, sometimes the final product is all the titillating we viewers need. Perhaps a few more people evacuated because they watched the screaming reporters, but I suspect more people felt the crushing blows of fear when they really needed to stay calm and think clearly. Thumbs down to sensational journalism.

    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.

    The following is a question that I did address on the 28th, but upon further reflection want to comment on again:

    I indicated on Sunday that I have no problem if someone wants to dance naked in front of others. I stand by that. On many levels our society can get hung up the human body. Some churches have a theology that the body is the cause of much sin. I also said, I would not be a customer of the new dance club. Hey, it’s not my thing to dance naked in front of people, nor to watch it.

    However, and this is my further reflection, humanity also has a long history of objectifying women and degrading them through patriarchal laws and oppressive values. For many, exotic night clubs are a form of objectification of women, and which can lead to and may actually cause violence against women. If exotic dance clubs were just dance clubs, with fully consenting adults, there can be some fun for all. However, the reality is violence against women is directly connected to objectification and diminishment of value.

    Having said that, there is some argument that women have freely chosen nude dancing, as well as prostitution, for centuries as a line of valuable work providing a service to society. Many women say they enjoy it and see no harm in such a choice. But the problem with this argument is it neglects the values of a larger society, how we treat women and our bodies, and what we are teaching our children. Sometimes an independent decision has larger ramifications than our own private lives. In addition, the women may not recognize they are not truly free to choose their profession, if the problem is they lack skills and education to choose otherwise.

    Okay, this question is obviously leading toward a sermon ... and some good discussion.

    I love this question! No, I do not think UU is becoming extinct. Our theology of one God (unitarian) has been around for several millennium. Universal salvation (universalism) has been around since the dark ages, and is still needed to counter some still lingering hell and damnation theologies. While these historic theologies do not directly guide our weekly worship services anymore, they do underlie our interaction in the world, and our UU values.

    In fact, I believe our message is on the cusp of expanding further than we have ever been able to do before in history thanks to the most recent technological growth and our ever increasing world community. The only thing holding us back is our deep reluctance to speak boldly and clearly what we stand for and believe in. Particularly after experiencing General Assembly this year in Forth Worth, I feel very strongly that we are on the verge of learning how to articulate our faith using both new and old religious language. We just need to build our confidence!

    Another great question. I believe we give and indeed seek meaning for our lives. There are several theories that there may even be a genetic drive to seek meaning, but that would be hard to prove at this point in the game. However, even if we didn’t think about it, our lives may still hold meaning for others who interact with us. Thus meaning is also derived simply by being alive and being in community with others. If we fail we see and recognize the meaning others find in us, it is a sad loss. But this happens all too often, only to have the meaning of our lives spoken at during our memorial service.

    I need help from long time members! We have a collection of photographs that need organizing and more importantly identifying! Please join me for an hour or so of reminiscing on Saturday, October 1 at 10 a.m. in the Parish House. I’ll supply the tea and cookies!

    You are invited to a "Good Luck" party for Alison Wohler and Milt Harris as they complete their final packing to move to Amherst, Massachusetts. This is a casual dessert party, so stop by as you’re able. They really don’t need any more stuff to pack, so please just bring yourself and some good luck. Children are welcome.

    People will go to their storage closets and pull out fall and winter clothes. Now, think about the Clothes with Character booth at the Unitarian Bazaar November 11 and 12 and decide what fine clothing you’d like to find a good home for. Put the garments aside, or we can store them for you. Call Wynette at 336-5014.

    "Mom, we won’t get any hurricanes here, right?" asked my daughter.

    "No, Analee, you’re safe. Hurricanes only come off of the ocean," I explained again.

    My daughter has needed continual reassurances lately. And no wonder. As much as we try to shield the atrocities of Hurricane Katrina, the children somehow figure out that something is terribly wrong and people are suffering. My son talks about the victims of the disaster regularly. "They don’t have homes, huh, Mom? Where are they going to go then? They don’t have food either. What are they going to eat? They have to drink clean water or they’ll die, right, Mom?" I patiently answer his questions sometimes answering with, "I don't know, Cullen. Sometimes things just don't make sense." I know that many times during the last month I have felt powerless and a mental paralysis has come over me when I see the devastation on television. What can I possibly do?

    Last week we spent some time at my dad’s house, and his neighbor came over with their 6 year old son. They wanted to go around the neighborhood and collect money for the victims. They asked Cullen and Analee if they would like to help. So the three of them circled around the neighborhood asking for donations and Analee responded with a big "thank you" at every house. I felt proud, and I could tell that they felt good, too. This little good deed gave them a sense of power over something that seems so uncontrollable. And we’ve seen many stories like this one on the television where children have collected money or boxed up supplies. One child has collected stuffed animals to help children of the hurricane feel safe. I have to remind myself over and over that even a small deed can go a long way in helping others. It is amazing that in times of crisis, I find the answers in our children. They don't see the politics, the anger, the debates. They see the faces of the people and the need to reach out and help in their own little way. If only some of our leaders could look through a child's eyes!

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

T Coming of Age Curriculum T

(Grades 6-8)

    In the fall the Coming of Age class uses the Traditions With a Wink curriculum. This curriculum focuses on teaching Unitarian Universalist traditions. The children learn about our UU community, UU services of celebration and memory, the UU tradition of good works, UU music and hymns, UU purposes and principles, our place within science and religion, and our UU roots in Judeo-Christian culture. At the end of this process students will create their own personal belief statements. They will also complete a social action project during the Christmas holiday. In the spring the Coming of Age class learns about and visits 3 places of worship. As a culminating activity the class prepares a Coming of Age ceremony which celebrates those junior high students moving into the youth group next year.

    I would like to express my deep thanks for my 2005-2006 RE teaching team for attending the annual teacher training and orientation last Saturday, September 10. It was a day filled with enthusiasm, positive energy, and fellowship. I know our program will be filled with inquisitive children and excellent teachers this year. Speaking of excellent teachers, I would like to welcome the following religious educators for this new year:

Chalice Children (grades PreK-K): Jennifer Schneider, Susan Hegel, and Jill Hyatt

Pathfinders (grades 1-3): Tracy Smock, Hannah Cosdon, and Kathy McQuiston

Travelers (grades 4-5): Deb Lehman, David Perry, Carie Forden, and Laurie Parendes

Coming of Age (grades 6-8): Mark Wickenheiser, David Burkey, and Sarah Sargent

Youth Group (grades 9-12): Laura Parker-McGlynn, Bill and Sue Fuller, and Nathan Temple

    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.

    The Fellowship Committee has arranged for a wonderful musical group called "Pieces of East" to be a part of our Annual Gathering on October 22. They will also be a part of our Sunday morning worship service on October 23. As part of that arrangement, we need volunteers to provide home hospitality (accommodations and meals) for 4 people (3 male, 1 female, of which 1 male and 1 female are a couple). Please contact Carlin Almes at 814-676-2902 or e-mail carlin@jalmes.com if you are willing to provide either the overnight accommodations or help with the meals for the two days of October 22 and 23. Thanks from the Fellowship Committee.

    Our volunteers for September 9 were:

    We had to hustle – the college kids weren’t available and Gary McNulty (a faithful volunteer who serves three times a week) also was absent. So five UUs "stepped lively" and rose to the occasion. Beverly told us that we need a couple more volunteers. Anyway, 60 people were served goulash, veggies and applesauce and dessert – with quite a few seconds.

    Every one of the volunteers survived – even though we were all tired.

    Next date to serve will be October 14. Stone UM Church is the place at 10 a.m. Please consider joining us if you are available for 3 hours that Friday morning. Call Stewarts at 425-3397 for more information.

    Imagine people chanting and dancing barefoot circles on the grass, toddlers and young children silhouetted against a bonfire as they spun, jumped and skipped around it, 150 people with no arguments or unpleasantness, boxes to collect food for the Erie Safe-Net and money for Katrina victims, workshops on a variety of topics, and storytelling for adults and children. Although there were many differences in beliefs and ways of worship, there was one great feeling of togetherness. Everywhere you looked, you could see our UU Principles in action.

    No, it was not a UU event, it was the first annual Pagan Pride Day at a park in Erie. There were Wiccans, Druids, members of the Temple of Bast (a Middle Eastern dance troupe), solitaries and eclectics and even someone who signed the book thanking Jesus for providing this opportunity to enjoy the fantasy. Merchants sold hard-to-get herbs, ritual items, jewelry, incense, books, CDs, shawls, bumper stickers (from "warning: invisible dragon on back seat" to "don’t steal – the government hates competition").

    A surprise to me was a group that I had never heard of – the Officers of Avalon. They are an international organization of pagan police, fire fighters and rescue people who go to disaster areas to bring both physical and spiritual help. It was they who were collecting money for a trip to the Katrina stricken gulf coast. Every where, in workshops, merchants, and especially rituals, there was evidence of caring, for that is at the heart of pagan beliefs.

    Notes to myself for next year: Bring brownies or something sweet for dessert; don’t dance barefoot under oak trees during acorn season.

    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:

• 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.

    UU Rowe Camp & Conference Center in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts has released their Fall and Winter Calendar for 2005-06; copies available from the church office. Programs are offered on relationships, drumming, laughter play and all-out fun, natural dog training, nonviolent communication, authentic writing, dreams, mysticism, shamanism, tracking, and more. Quite a variety!

    Please contact the UU Rowe Camp & Conference Center, Kings Highway Road, Towe, Ma 01367 for more information; or call 413-339-4954.

    You may know someone who would enjoy the Church of the Larger Fellowships, a congregation that provides a ministry to isolated religious liberals around the world. CLF, the congregation by mail and cyberspace, offers a spiritual home within the UU movement for all kinds of people

    For more information, contact CLF at 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108; phone 617-948-6166.

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