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, social responsibility, and service in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

    Have you ever thought about what holds Unitarian Universalists together considering our diverse beliefs? What is the glue that bonds us? Without a creed, what is at the center of our faith? The Unitarian Universalist Association’s Commission on Appraisal published a carefully researched book last year on these questions. The book has sold out because the question is so important to UUs across the country. We’ll take a look at what answers were discovered and what I believe holds Unitarian Universalists together in our diversity.

On this Memorial weekend, we’ll take some quiet, reflective time for a Quaker-style service in honor of those who have died in battle, as well as listen intently for the sounds of peace.

    Mark and I have spread the word that we are adopting a baby from China, so, be forewarned my columns and sermons have a whole new source for material. The adoption process itself is quite the event. It takes 2-3 months of paper work; forms to fill out for the INS, Child Abuse check, FBI background check, social worker interviews for a home study, collecting of documents and picture taking, medical tests, affidavits and references to be collected.

    Take a look at just one document for an example of the process. I need my birth certificate. I have had one since I was born but I can’t use that one. The birth certificate has to be issued within the last three years. I have to request one from the Clerk of Vital Records in California, where I was born. Then I have to send it back to the California Secretary of State for it to be certified, then it has to be notarized, and then it has to be authenticated by the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C. But wait there’s one more step, my birth certificate then has to go to New York City to join the rest of the paperwork that has been certified, notarized and authenticated, before being sent to China.

    The Chinese will translate it and then comes the wait. Currently adopting parents are waiting 10-11 months for a match with a baby. We checked the 0-18 months box, so we we’ll probably get a baby girl in the one year old range, but birthdays are not known, so no one knows the true age of the baby. It seems the process is a bit of a test to see if the adoptive parents can handle the toddler age. There’s no test for the adolescent age – no one could replicate that! Fortunately, Mark and I are both comfortable with paper work, having experienced plenty of it in our lives at various points. So far, we’re not daunted.

    This morning a member of the church told me about a friend of hers who has had both her own biological children and adopted children. She reports that the gestation for both her biological children and the adopted children went through similar processes. Lots of waiting, anticipating, imagining and frustrations. I guess the part I get to miss are the stretch marks and the hormone swings. Mark gets to miss that part too!

    During the month of May our children will be raising money to purchase a "living" gift through Heifer International. Below is a time line for our project.

• They are now busy gathering sponsors and reading, reading, reading! Friends and members from our congregation are asked to help sponsor our children during coffee hour each Sunday until May 28.

• On Sunday, May 28, the children will tally their reading time and begin collecting money from their sponsors.

• On Sunday, June 4, the children will gather together in their RE classes and discuss what kinds of animals they would like to purchase.

• All money needs to be collected by Sunday, June 11, and turned into Lee Ann Wester.

    On Sunday, June 11th, our 8th graders celebrate their move into youth group and our graduating seniors celebrate their move into young adulthood. During the service there will be a very special ceremony in which we as a congregation will bless our young people and they in turn voice their commitment to the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Please plan to attend this event to support the faith of our young people.

    Also during the service on Sunday, June 11th, we will honor our youth group advisor of 15+ years. Laura Parker has given of her time, talents, energy, and faith for many, many years. We will honor her dedicated service with a special presentation during the service and a follow up potluck brunch in the Parish House. (There will be a sign up sheet for the potluck brunch at the front desk in the Parish House.)

    And, finally, on Sunday, June 11th, we will be leading the youth conversation following the potluck brunch.

    The Unitarian Universalist Association is embarking upon on a two-year process to revitalize and strengthen youth ministry. Our congregation's engagement in the process is essential to its success. We will hold a meeting following the potluck brunch on Sunday, June 11th. During this meeting there will be an opportunity for listening, dialogue, visioning, and strategizing about our youth program. The results of our conversation will be sent to our district and the larger UUA.

    EVERYONE! The effectiveness of this conversation will depend on the participation of our congregation. Our children are our future!

Sunday, June 11th, is a very important day at our church! Please make every effort to attend and show support for the future of our faith!

    We would like to thank Cynthia Burton for her untold time and effort in helping make our G&S Auction a success again this year. Although our bidder turnout was a little sparse, we nevertheless had great items to offer, both in the silent and live auctions, which brought in a little over $4,200 toward our annual budget. Venessa Summerlin did a great job gathering together hors d’oeuvres to sample prior to the auction, Sandi Stupiansky and Susan Hegel managed the silent auction items and we enjoyed having Nathan Nicholls as our live auctioneer.

    We still have a few unsold items, which are listed elsewhere in the Oracle, that you may want to browse through and place a bid. Not only will you enjoy the items you purchase but your bid will also add to our bottom-line for this fundraising event.

    Thanks again to all who donated to, attended, purchased and supported our G&S Auction 2006. Our next G&S Auction will be held in 2008.

    A special thanks to Nathan Nicolls, of Nicolls Auctions, who donated an evening of his time to be our auctioneer on April 29th. He even purchased some items and said he would be happy to do it again.

    If you wish to make purchases from this list, Send a list of items desired, price each, how many, and total due with a check made out the the Unitarian Universalist Church for the amount due to: Cynthia Burton, 160 Spring Street, Meadville, PA 16335.

    * Community Picnic at the Snyder’s House. July 11, 2006

$5 per adult, $3 per child. Enjoy all the picnic fixings for a community dinner, take a dip in the pool, enjoy a fire under the full moon. Children are welcome. Jim and Cindy Snyder.

    * One hour of Math or Chemistry tutoring (grade school through college) from Alice Decker or Mike McGrath. $5.00 per hour. 7 hours available.

    * An Evening of Spirit Photography. Rob Sharp and Michelle Robinson; $50 per person. 9 places still available. Talks on aspects of the digital camera for spirit photography, presentation of spirit photographs, field trip to take photographs around Meadville and surrounds. Coffee and snack provided after field trip as we look at our results. Late night finishing around 11 p.m.

    * Dowsing Instruction Seminar donated by Rob Sharp and Michelle Robinson. $25 per person. Dowsing using a pendulum and a dowsing stick. Explanation of auras and energy, how do we open and close our energy? What should we be aware of before and after dowsing? What can you dowse? Demonstrations of dowsing and thought transfer in dowsing. How accurate is dowsing? Coffee and snack provided.

    * Goal setting Seminar: Rob Sharp and Michelle Robinson. $50 per person. Why do we need goals? How to set goals? Why do they need to be in writing? Who can help you achieve your goals? And more ¼ Talk and discussion with coffee and light snack provided. This will be given at the church at a mutually agreeable time and last about 2 hours.

    * Investment Property Seminar. Rob Sharp and Michelle Robinson. $50 per person. The "pros" and "cons" of investment property. How do you decide what is a good property and the risks involved. Property values, expenses, costs, income and maintenance. Simple calculator provided on CD to input criteria for property selection. Talk and discussion with coffee and light snack provided. This will be given at the church at a mutually agreeable time and last about 2 hours.

    * Basic Cooking for Kids. Donated by Deb Lehman. $8 per child. 6 spaces left. Does your child only know how to microwave? I will spend a half day teaching basic techniques to expand your hunter/gatherer’s repertoire!

    * Eight Hours of Skilled Labor from Lenny Nichols. $250. Use between Sept-Dec 2006. Len will consult with your about what is a feasible project to do, about what materials will be needed (your expense) and any other concerns. He will donate 8 hours of labor for this project.

    * Woods Walk and Aussie BBQ. $40.00 per person. 11 spaces left. June 18th, Sunday afternoon, beginning around 3 p.m. Take a walk on our property, tour the former Foundation church manse, walk with the Great Dane, brave the ravine, then enjoy a good old Australian style BBQ. Donated by Rob Sharp and Michelle Robinson.

    * English Tea Party. $35.00 per person. 5 spaces left. Saturday June 3, 2006 3 p.m. at the home of Kate Walker. High Tea with scones and jam, finger sandwiches, cake, and champagne.

    * Live Music by Standard Time. 2 hours. $100.00. 1 left. Add a touch of elegance to your party, reception or other festivities. Standard Time is a piano/percussion duo that performs jazz standards. Donated by Carie Forden and David Perry.

    * Dinner with the Stars. $25.00 per person, 2 spaces left. Donated by Rebecca and Patrick Hecking. You will enjoy a vegetarian feast served in our Greenville home. After dinner, you will enjoy a tour of the night sky using eyes, binoculars, and telescope.

    * Gold level ticket to "Patriotic Review" at Barrow-Civic Opera, Franklin, PA, Sunday night, July 2, 2007 at 8 p.m. Price $15 per ticket. 2 seats available.

    * Music by Beth Etter: 2 hours of piano music for your special occasion. $100.00. 1 service available.

    Your Membership Committee started, a couple years ago, the tradition of writing blurbs in the Oracle on new members, as they joined the church. Unfortunately, we were momentarily sidetracked for over a year or so in producing the Photo Directory, and are now just getting back to the matter at hand. So in this issue, and the ones that follow, we will try to catch up.

    To those that have not only joined the church, but are now serving on various committees, or even the Board itself, and have not yet been so recognized, we offer our sincere apologies. We only mention now that we are trying to catch up.

    Perhaps, instead of referring to them as New Members, we should recognize them as Valued Members of our Church Community.

    Jack is retired, a former vocational rehabilitation counselor. His talents include music and sailing.

    Jennifer is a social worker with UPMC/Northwest, where she deals with mediation and crisis intervention.

    Together they share a love for sailing, music, and camping. Both have participated in the Forked Lake experience, where their presence has enhanced our feeling of fellowship .

    Between them, they have six children and eight grandchildren, scattered about NY, CA, and CO.

    Both share a concern for the working poor and the uninsured, the shrinking middle class. Jennifer is currently the co-chair of Fellow-ship, while Jack has been voted a Nominator for the next slate of officers to be presented to the congregation at the next Annual Meeting.

    Belatedly, we welcome them both to our congregation.

    Kim Lethco’s smiling face is often seen in the thick of things around our Meadville UU Church. She is currently serving on the Membership Committee, is on the Nominating Committee, and was Co-chair of crafts for our last bazaar. Prior to that she and Sue, her partner, worked outdoors helping Properties with the grounds.

    Kim and Sue have three children: Sharlyn Daughenbaugh, Danny Miller, and Dean Miller.

    Kim is a retired caregiver. She currently keeps very busy by sitting her grandkids. Her special talents are cooking and canning. Hobbies include showing horses, grand-children, entering canned goods in the fair, and NASCAR. She also enjoys camping and working with horses.

    Her greatest social concern is gay rights for married couples or unions.

    We’re glad you found us Kim, and thanks for your many contributions.

    If you see Sue, chances are Kim will be found right next to her. Sue and Kim pitched right in when they joined our church two years ago and they haven’t stopped yet. Sue, like Kim, has served on Properties, stepped into the chairmanship of Crafts for our last bazaar, and currently works with the Membership Committee.

    Sue’s "day-job" is Chief Meter Reader at Penelec. She is in charge of routing and loading routes to be read.

    In her spare time, Sue enjoys wood working and building things such as cabinets. Sue, like Kim, likes showing horses and working with them on the farm. She also likes to camp, fish, and hunt.

    Sue and Kim have three grand-children: Devan Daughenbaugh, Bailey Miller, and Carletta Daughenbaugh.

    The social concern that is most important to her is the issue of gays and lesbians being able to pass life insurance benefits on to their partners.

    Thanks Sue for being an active member.

    The church camping trip to Forked Lake, originated at the turn of the century as the ultimate 6:59er party, was to replace the prior ultimate 6:59er, the now infamous Roman Orgy of the 70's. (This is true.)

    The idea was to gather together various souls of our church in a remote location for an entire week to form bonds of love and sibling-hood. Not just a one night stand, this would be serious: a grand communion of the spirit.

    And so it was that the tradition started; and it bloomed and prospered. Those that chose to participate returned with a renewed feeling of community with their fellow congregants.

    But how did the date get set to the first week in August? There would be those that would say that the trip was planned when nothing much else was going on in Meadville. Or that this was a slow time in the workings of the church. Or that this would mark Kate’s return to active service, after expending her prerequisite vacation time.

    But nothing could be further from the truth, as Da Forked Lake Code reveals. This was to be a 6:59er event. And when 6:59, commonly thought to represent hours: minutes, is converted to months: days, it becomes 6 months and 59 days, or 7 months and 29 days, or July 29, which is the day that Cooler Campers must start loading their cars and trucks in anticipation of this glorious event. So become a part of history; decide now to come with us in this most glorious of events.

    As you may be aware, we hold both the G&S Auction and our Yard & Rummage Sale on the off-year of our Bazaar fundraiser. So this year the 2006 Yard & Rummage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, July 22nd at the Parish House. Venessa Summerlin has agreed to chair the event and Jennifer Schneider has agreed to be co-chair. So now is the time to begin separating those items from your closets, attic, basement and garage that you would like to donate to this years Yard & Rummage Sale.

    We will be having announcements both in the Parish House Times and future Oracles as to when you can begin bringing your items to the Parish House. If you need someone to come and pick up the items please notify Venessa or Jennifer and we’ll make arrangements to come and pick up your items the week of the sale.

    We’ll need lots of help in handling, arranging, displaying and pricing all the items, so if you’re available to help a few days prior to the sale or on that day please let Venessa or Jennifer know.

    Remember that famous saying, "what’s one person’s junk is another person’s treasure", or something like that – I don't know who the famous person was who originated that saying but he/she certainly may have been a UU. Also the Fellowship Committee is thinking about selling a few food items during the Yard & Rummage Sale to assist in adding to this fundraiser. So don’t delay, begin sorting through your items today.

    Thanks again for all your support,

    Flower Communion Sunday is June 4th, and the Worship Committee, together with our Sunday flower angels are asking for your help. Again this year, we will be taking a second collection that day to supplement the flower fund. Please drop in a little extra when we "Pass the Flower Pot" on that day. Your help is very much appreciated.

    Also, a brief form will be available in the Order of Service on Flower Communion Sunday as well. If you would like to reserve a specific Sunday for the upcoming year to honor a special occasion, remember a loved one, or simply celebrate a season, please fill out the form and reserve your Sunday. Simply place the form in the flower pot when it comes your way at collection time and one of our flower angels will contact you at the appropriate date. You do not need to pay for your flowers when you reserve the date, but feel free to donate to the general flower fund "pot" when you turn in your form. If you are unable to attend the June 4 service, feel free to use the form included and place it in the basket in the Parish House. Again, thank you for your help.

    The Fellowship Committee is trying to focus its energies on providing a monthly fellowship activity that members and friends of the church can enjoy. We feel that it is important to have activities that are not costly and that encourage all who wish to attend. Since fellowship is such an important part of this church’s ministry, we try to provide opportunities for varied types of get-togethers; and welcome suggestions for types of fellowship gatherings.

    In the past, we think that other groups in this church have assumed that any activity related to food preparation or the kitchen has meant that the Fellowship Committee should be involved with set-up and clean-up. The Committee has perhaps even perpetuated this by indicating willingness to help. As we try to shift our focus, however, we are asking you not to make this assumption. Any groups planning their own activities should plan to utilize their own resources rather than enlisting the help of the Fellowship Committee. We are sure you can easily see that if Fellowship is involved in each activity planned by church groups we would quickly reach the "burned out" stage and find it difficult to enlist members.

    We are, indeed, searching for new members and want to assure them they are not the pot washers of the church; and while we are grateful for every dirty dish that symbolizes a feast well enjoyed, we are getting dishpan hands and really think it appropriate to share the joy of camaraderie in the kitchen.

    This certainly does not mean that individual members of the committee are not willing, occasionally, to help with activities other than the ones specifically planned by the Fellowship Committee. All we ask is that you don’t assume Fellowship Committee help with all church functions.

    The Fellowship Committee is loving the beautiful weather and we have picnic fever. The annual UU picnic has been scheduled for July 9^th after the regular Sunday service. We will meet at Roche Park, pavilion #2. Bring your table setting (plate and utensils), a dish to share, the whole family, friends and a desire to have fun! The Fellowship Committee will provide the main course (fried chicken anyone?), lemonade and coffee.

    Mark your calendars – come picnic and play. Contact Carlin or Jennifer with questions or comments. Thanks!

    All are invited to join the Master Gardeners in a terrific community project – planting the summer flowers in DeArment Park. This Park presents Meadville at its finest – and it portrays the true spirit of a public garden – planted and maintained by those who wish to share the beauty of flowers with all. Even thirty minutes of your time will be appreciated, and your efforts will help to create a triangle of peace in the midst of traffic!

    The planting is easy, and the company is great. If it’s your first time, you’re bound to meet somebody you know, and maybe you’ll even plant seeds of future friendships!

    We’ll be getting dirt under our fingernails on Saturday, May 20^th, beginning at 9:00 AM (torrential rain date is Saturday, May 27^th). Hope to see you there!

    Since I’ve been back from Las Vegas, the most frequently asked question – even before "How’s the baby?" is "How much did you win or lose?" People seem to have an image of Vegas based on a very small area, about 5 miles long and a few blocks wide. It’s sort of like taking an area bounded by Water Street and the Diamond on one axis and Poplar and North on the other axis and saying "That’s all there is to Meadville, folks."

    Most visitors to Vegas never notice the many neighborhood parks and ethnic markets. I attended an international festival where I had the opportunity to sample food, music, dance and arts from over twenty countries, each well represented in the city, including Basque, Assyrian, Jamaican, African, Hawaiian, as well as the more familiar foods from China, Japan, Ireland and the Philippines. I age in a Philippine buffet (as though I actually knew what I was eating), and shopped in the grocery store next door.

    I walked in several of the parks scattered over the various areas of the city, including one with waterfalls, a crowded duck pond and a state of the art playground. All of the parks have bocce, tennis and horseshoe courts, and brightly canopied picnic shelters. Even as the developments increase, the green spaces between them proliferate. Just outside the city, I visited two water reclamation cum bird sanctuaries and added a number of species to my life list (my biggest win!).

    Las Vegas is shaped like a bowl and rimmed with mountains. Until the temperature went up just before I left, thee was still snow on top of Mt.Charleton, and the sunrises, sunsets and for a few days, the full moon were spectacular. The stars were large and bright overhead. I spend one day out of each visit on the Strip, and then, only to shop in my favorite unique shops. There’s too much else to do and see, and David’s patio and bushes to tend to.

    But isn’t this one-sided view of the city based on a small section somewhat the way we often look at people? Do we see only the surface – the image they project – or do we take the time to explore, to get to know them better? What’s behind the façade? Perhaps that person in the designer clothes and flashy jewelry is just bursting with wonderfully creative ideas, but is too shy to share them. The person in the grubby jeans and torn tee shirt may care more about the plants he is nourishing in his garden than he is of the fact that his knees are muddy. The stern woman with the sharp features and the permanent brow wrinkles may be really sweet when you get to know her, and could turn out to be a best friend if you can reach through her loneliness.

    We all wear "travel folders" with one sometimes misleading message. Look beyond the flash or the walls and find the blooming gardens within. Reach to the spirit growing there and you will find treasures, both in cities and in people.

    Saturday, July 15^th at Cross Creek Resort, Rt 8 South of Titusville. Tee times begin at 1:00 P.M., foursome scramble format, so you don’t have to be a ‘pro’ to have fun. You can sign up as a single, a couple or a foursome. The cost will be $31 each player, this includes green fees and cart. Then we’ll have dinner in the dining room after playing 18 holes. The cost of dinner is up to you, depends on your appetite. There will be a sign-up sheet in the church office, or contact Gus Rylander or Jerry Almes. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun – nothing serious!!!

    Ah, a negative, the Greek "a"! So we seem to have a term, theos, with no referent, no experience to give the word usefulness. Does that leave us with humanity, the earth, the solar system, our Milky Way galaxy, the universe: with all the parts & interrelationships? Can we call the totality "Grand Old Doings"? Then abbreviate to G.O.D.? Then drop the periods: GOD?

Harmony YOGI

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, May 26, 2006, at 4:30 p.m.