may 2015 - welcome to the unitarian universalist church of ... filestaffer conducting a joint...
TRANSCRIPT
May 3
Training the Puppy Rev. Don Garrett
What can we learn about life and love from our pets? Let’s find out .
May 10
Mother’s Day
Rev. Don Garrett
Dedicated to the nurturers in our lives.
May 17
Growing Together Rev. David Pyle
If we are truly to live the vision of an Interdependent Web of All Existence, then perhaps we should begin by building upon our connections between congregations. Rev. David Pyle, District Executive of the Joseph Priestley District, will explore with us the vision of the first and seventh principles in relation to our congregations.
May 24
Keeping faith With
Past and Future Rev. Robin Capoor
Does honoring those who’ve died for their country necessarily mean that more of the same is our only heritage to future generations?
May 31
Pure Imagination
Rev. Don Garrett
Can you imagine?
May 2015
DonSense – by Rev. Don Garrett
Our Theme for May: Imagination
In his book, The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life, Thomas Moore says, “We
tend to consider imagination too lightly, forgetting that the life we make,
for ourselves individually and for the world as a whole, is shaped and
limited only by the perimeters of our imagination. Things are as we
imagine them to be, as we imagine them into existence.”
We sometimes forget about imagination. People often say things like:
“I’m not creative” or “I’m not one of those imaginative types.” But I don’t
believe them. Indeed, our Unitarian Universalist faith doesn’t either. Even if
we don’t often use the word “imagination” in our churches, it is clearly at
the center of how Unitarian Universalism sees the world and understands
“salvation.”
So this month, we wrestle with the concept of salvation through
imagination. As we take a closer look at our lives, we notice that
imagination is the thing that helps us see ourselves as connected to the
greater whole. It makes it possible to bring empathy and compassion into
our lives. It helps us to trust and assume good intentions of others, even
when that feels difficult to do. We can use our imagination to paint a
picture of a better world that inspires us to work for that better world. We
can imagine what we might become and then work toward that goal of a
transformed self and a new life.
One of the most precious gifts others give to us is when they use their
imagination to paint a picture of what’s possible and talk us out of all those
negative voices in our heads that tell us “things will never change.” When it
comes to imagination, we often need to be reminded of how deeply it is
woven through the fabric of our lives, even our daily living.
Let’s use this month’s reflections to help us step back and take another
look at imagination. We can notice how imagination has made us who we
are, and in doing so inspire us to live more fully.
I hope that we may receive the gift of imagination, the gift of noticing
that nothing is as limited or set in stone as we sometimes believe. To say
that, “things are as we imagine them to be,” is an incredible reminder of the
power we all have to see that life can be so much more than we sometimes
imagine.
See you in church.
– Don
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FROM THE PRESIDENT On April 10-11 -- along with Rev. Don, Ellen
Bell, Chris Davis and Tom Repasch -- I had the
pleasure to represent the UUCLV at the annual
assembly of the Joseph Priestly District, held at
the beautiful ACE Conference Center on the outskirts of
Philadelphia. I'd like to report on one of the two primary
themes of the assembly, "The Power of Congregational
Connections."
First, though, it was a thrill to witness the
presentation of the JPD's Outstanding UU Youth award to
Emma Finkle.
The JPD -- as well as the Central Eastern Region
(CER) and the UUA itself -- are promoting the concept of
inter-congregational cooperation and interaction,
potentially benefitting individual congregations as well
as the hierarchy within the UUA.
At its simplest level, "congregational connections"
can involve occasional joint activity such as workshops
and training, combined choir performances, youth events,
retreats, worship, or a meeting of leadership to exchange
ideas. The potential advantages of such interchanges to a
congregation like ours are obvious: we might have fun, or
learn something, or make new friends etc. etc.!!!
One way to implement "congregational connections"
on a somewhat more formal level is to participate in a
congregational "cluster." Within the JPD there are
several successful clusters, but we have not been
involved in one to date. However, "the times they are a-
changing"; Rev. Don and the Board have begun to look at
opportunities. For example, a cluster arrangement with
the Pocono congregation and the congregations in
Hunterdon and Somerset counties, NJ, might be
appropriate for us. Clustering would not in any way
entail loss of our identity as the UUCLV.
A benefit of clustering, from the other direction, is
the availability of support from JPD/CER. For example, a
staffer conducting a joint workshop or training session
for several congregations reflects a better use of
resources than repetitive sessions for the individual
congregations -- for which congregations ultimately bear
the expense directly or indirectly.
Please "stay tuned" as your leadership explores
"congregational connections," including potential
participation in a multi-congregational cluster. Your
Board would welcome your thoughts and ideas.
Thank you to Tom Repasch for his input to this column.
Cheers! -- Jan Phillips, Board President
The UU-Link is published and mailed monthly, and is also available on our website.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley
424 Center Street, Bethlehem PA 18018
Office Phone: 610-866-7652
Office Email: [email protected]
The Link email: [email protected]
Sunday Bulletin & OOS: [email protected]
The eNews: [email protected]
We’re on the web at www. uuclvpa.org
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING—JUNE 14 Please plan to attend the annual congregational meeting on June 14. Among the agenda items will be:
Election of Officers, Board Members and Committee Chairs for 2015-16
Approval of a budget for 2015-16 Approval of one or more proposed Bylaws
revisions Adoption of a resolution regarding death penalty
moratorium in Pennsylvania Appointment of delegates to the UUA General
Assembly
Details will be forthcoming in the eNews and otherwise as the meeting date approaches.
$20,000 FOR WHEELCHAIR LIFT Good News!! The Joseph Priestly District Growth
Committee has awarded UUCLV a “Chalice Lighter”
grant of $20,000 toward the cost of the proposed
wheelchair lift system. Thanks to the Capital Projects
Team and the Finance Committee for their work on the
successful application.
THE FLOWERS THAT BLOOM IN THE SPRING (TRA LA) We now have, posted on the CR bulletin board, a
"Flower Chart." If you would like to bring flowers,
purchased or from your own yard, either write your
contact information on that chart in the appropriate
slot, or call Margo Dixon at 610-419-0219 or e
mail [email protected] to let us know how to
dedicate those flowers in the Order of Service. "If
winter's here, can Spring be far behind?"
Page 3 T h e L i n k M a y 2 0 1 5
MAY BREAKFAST FORUM
May 3
May Worship Theme: Imagination
Rev. Don Garrett, Facilitator
There will be a brief presentation, followed by a small-group
discussion format, reuniting to share what we’ve learned on
the topic of “Imagination.” Join this adventure in speaking,
listening, thinking, reflecting and sharing together in a new
way; another way to live our values of compassion, nurture,
and justice in our beloved community.
May 10
Other People’s Religion
Erol Ulucakli Presenter
April is when two important events took place in the aftermath
of World War I and in the collapsing Ottoman Empire. In the
West, Turkish armies defended Galipoli, in 1915 preventing
British and French navies reaching Constantinople and ending
the Ottoman Empire. In the East, Russian armies progressed.
Armenians living in the Eastern Anatolia were expelled for
allegedly helping the Russian Armies. One to two million
Armenians died during their trip to Southern Anatolia and
Lebanon. Armenians claim genocide, but Turks reject the claim.
We'll discuss both views of this controversial issue.
May 17
See Spring With New Eyes
Marilyn Hazleton, Presenter
Participate in a haiku and tanka gathering. Please prepare
by enjoying Spring. May 24
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation:
Beyond Limits
David Lyons, VP Development, Good Shepherd, Presenter
Featuring Robin Miller’s film “Venture of Faith”, portraying the
leap of faith by Good Shepherd founders John & Estelle Raker
to establish a “home for crippled children and old people” in
Allentown in 1908, which evolved into today’s Good Shepherd
Rehabilitation Network. The organization recently opened
“Beyond Limits,” state of the art rehabilitation programs
bringing patients to their personal maximum recovery levels.
May 31
Masks of Eternity
Dan Hazleton, Presenter
In his sixth and final interview with Bill Moyers in the
acclaimed PBS series “Joseph Campbell and The Power of
Myth” Campbell provides challenging insights into the
concepts of God, religion and eternity, as revealed in
Christian teachings and the beliefs of Buddhists, Navajo
Indians, Schopenhauer, Jung and others. – DVD
CHAPERONES NEEDED FOR PROM! Chaperones! The Haven prom
needs at least 20 adults to
chaperone our youth at this
year's event. The prom is
Saturday, May 16, 7 to 11pm at
the Banana Factory, 25 W. Third
Street, Bethlehem. Being a
chaperone just means keeping an
eye on the kids, helping serve the
food, making sure no one is off in
the corner sobbing, and seeing
that everybody is okay. If you can't stay for the whole
four hours, come for a little while. The theme this year
is "Superheroes." Please see Pete Pellegrino or Ilse Stoll
Zinnes at church to volunteer, or email Pete at
[email protected]. Thanks in advance for your support.
THANK YOU, SERVPRO The UUCLV is usually on the giving end of community
service so it is a great surprise and pleasure to be on
the receiving end. In April, Serpro VP Stephen Davis
gave us a pump out of a flooded subsurface window
well on the north side of the church.
Most of the window wells on that side of the church
had been water logged for the winter but when Serpro
arrived to inspect, only one still held water and Serpro
did the job gratis . The problem is not solved, but this
act of kindness kindled a strategy to keep moving on
solving the drainage problems in these window
wells. Thank you to the company which makes its
money by solving fire and water restoration problems
in the Lehigh Valley.
UUCLV TRIP TO NOCKAMIXON
Spring is finally here! And what better way to enjoy it
than with your church family! We are planning a trip
to Nockamixon State Park to enjoy the outdoors on
Saturday, May 9th (rain date of May 23rd). Plan on
meeting at the UUCLV on May 9th at 12 Noon to
carpool, or meet us at Nockamixon State Park, Boat
Rental area at around 12:30pm. Row Boats, canoes,
and kayaks are available for rent. Boats and canoes cost
$25 per hour– up to 3 occupants. You are welcome to
bring a snack or beverage to share with everyone
afterwards. Please stop by the Welcome Table during
coffee hour for more info and to sign up for the trip!
Page 4 T h e L i n k M a y 2 0 1 5
FROM THE LIFESPAN EDUCATION COORDINATOR
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE) FOR
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
May is our last month of RE classes until the fall. I thank
all the teachers, assistants and advisors that contributed
to a successful RE year. There will be a more tangible
thank you on May 31, when the RE Committee will host
the Teacher Appreciation Breakfast at 9:00 in the gym. I
hope all RE volunteers can make it.
To recap our year, the RE program has grown in
numbers by about 20 students. Our nursery is now run
by an experienced child care staff. Jeanie Burd, who
became a member of our congregation this spring, has
joined the RE Committee. Our Spirit Play teachers are
more comfortable with the structure and philosophy of
the program and the children enjoy their time spent in
the classroom. Both the Amazing Grace program for 5-6
graders and the Our Whole Lives program for middle
school youth enjoyed consistent and enthusiastic
participation by the students and teachers alike. Our
senior high youth group, although smaller this year,
produced a truly memorable worship service and are
ready to welcome next year’s group of incoming 9th
graders. We are well into the process of complying with
the new PA Child Protection laws that went into effect
last January (see the message below about mandatory
safe Congregation training).
As in summers past, we will offer a single class for
children, ages 4 to 12 (except for July 4 weekend and
Labor Day weekend). We’ll be focusing on famous
Unitarian Universalists this summer. The children will
gather directly in room 208 (no story for all ages in the
sanctuary) for worship, joys and sorrows a story, and an
activity. We will try to go outside as often as possible,
weather and time permitting.
Congratulations to Emma Finkle for receiving the
Joseph Priestly District Outstanding UU Youth Award, in
recognition for her accomplishments as a worship
leader, organizer and general go-to person on both the
congregational and district levels.
Thanks to Elizabeth Griner for donating a collection of
stuffed rabbits to the RE program.
Follow-up to Safe Congregation Training for RE
volunteers:
All volunteers who interact with children (teachers,
classroom assistants, youth advisors and mentors) must
receive training on the new PA mandated reporter laws.
If you missed the training on April 19th, or are a new
volunteer, there is a free on-line training available. It is
three hours long, but can be viewed over time. The link
is https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu. You will need to
register first. On completion, please print out a
certificate as proof you have completed the course, and
give it to Jansen Wendell. If you have any questions,
contact him at [email protected].
In faith,
Jansen Wendell, Lifespan Education Coordinator
ADULT RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION CLASSES:
FAITH EXPLORATION FOR NEW UU’S
(Sundays, May 3 and May 17 from noon to 1:15)
This class is a follow up to the New UU class, but is open
to anyone, whether you attended that class or not. We
will meet after the worship service to explore our
religious past and present beliefs, find out about
Unitarian Universalism and explore ways you can get
involved here. Child care will be provided. COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION:
Based on Principles of Non-Violent Communication, this
class, or practice group, meets weekly to learn and use
the four simple steps developed by Marshall Rosenberg
in the 1960’s. It is led by Anthony Gazzillo. Contact him
at [email protected] or Robin Capoor at
[email protected] or 973-632-3211.
MINDFULNESS PRACTICE GROUP
(Tuesday evenings at 7pm in Room 304)
Time magazine reports that even a single day of a
mindfulness meditation practice can down-regulate a
gene that codes for inflammation – one of the greatest
drivers of aging. Health, happiness, clarity and
effectiveness have all been shown to benefit from
mindfulness practice. Come, join our group and claim
those benefits for yourself and for those you love!
OTHER PROGRAMS:
There are many opportunities for faith development for adults, including the Breakfast Forum, Book Discussion Group, Men’s Group and others. Consult Programming for Adult Enrichment for details.
Page 5 T h e L i n k M a y 2 0 1 5
OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW BANNER! We have a new beautiful, bright
quilted welcome banner in our
sanctuary. Many thanks to
Nancy Weston for creating the
banner and to everyone
involved in the planning and
hanging of this colorful addition
to our space. The quilters who
planned the banner are Wendy
Bookhultz, Lorraine Bujnowski,
Nancy Butow, and Nancy
Weston. John Williamson and
Rick Poltarak, our Sexton,
assisted in hanging the banner,
insuring it was ready for Easter
Sunday. Thank you all!
Marie Tweed - on behalf of the Worship Committee
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP Please join us for our next book discussion on Sunday,
May 10h, at 12:00 noon in the RE Library. The book is
This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate,
by Naomi Klein. It addresses the current version of
capitalism, which keeps us from managing our
environmental problems adequately. Klein is the winner
of the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for nonfiction.
The book for June is Book of Ages: The Life and
Opinions of Jane Franklin. The youngest sister of Ben
Franklin, a mother of twelve children, Jane was a gifted
writer and surprisingly shrewd about the political scene.
For information: [email protected].
MAY SHARED PLATE: UU-UNO
The UU-UNO is engaged in international advocacy work
at the UN based on Unitarian Universalist (UU) values.
The UU-UNO participates in meetings, conferences, and
committees at the with key UN bodies such as Office of
the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Department
of Public Information (DPI), the Department of
Peacekeeping Operations, the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP), and the World Bank to
discuss how they can act in the interest of creating an
accepting, just, and compassionate world community.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR:
May 3: Story for all ages followed by regular RE classes
May 10: Mother’s Day multi-gen service or festival
May 17: RE Committee meeting, 9:00 a.m. in room 212; Story for all ages followed by regular RE classes
May 24: Festival (Memorial Day weekend)
May 31: Teacher appreciation breakfast 9:00 in gym; Story for all ages followed by regular RE classes (last day of RE classes)
June 7: End-of-year party in the gymnasium
June 14: RE Committee meeting at 9 a.m. in room 212;
Multi-gen Worship Service & Flower Communion
June 21: 1st day of summer RE; children grades preK-6 go directly to room 208.
June 28: Summer RE continues
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST MID- ATLANTIC COMMUNITY (UUMAC)
There are many vacations that are fun, but not many
that have the potential to change your life. This
experience of intentional all-ages community springs up
at DeSales University for one short week each July.
Based on the principles of Unitarian Universalism,
campers of all ages have an opportunity to play, learn,
worship and create together while enjoying the luxury
of A/C dorms, good food, and vacation atmosphere.
Activities are plentiful and include a variety of
workshops, children’s and teen
programs, morning and evening
worship services, a theme
speaker, a carnival, off campus
trips including whitewater rafting,
and more on campus fun. Shared
babysitting allows parents to
participate in evening activities after children have gone
to bed. Scholarships are available as are opportunities to
defray your cost by volunteering for a staff position. Do
all of it or just relax, you will be transformed by this
amazing community. For more information visit
www.uumac.org. UUMAC 2015 takes place July 12-18,
2015. The Theme for the week is "Building Beloved
Community, Beyond Partisan Division", co-lead by Rev.
Anya Sammler-Michael and Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael.
Questions? Contact Tara Stephenson, a member here at
the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley
(484) 896-8027, who has been part of UUMAC since 1993.
Page 6 T h e L i n k M a y 2 0 1 5
CALLING ALL HANDS!
The Property Committee is offering another opportunity
for fun and togetherness. On Saturday, May 16th
starting at 9:00am we’ll form a work force to further
beautify our lovely UUCLV church facility. On the docket
for the morning are the following items:
General cleanup of the outside areas (This is in
addition to what our sexton has already done;
Washing the Wall Street and the Center Street
doors;
Sanding and painting the handrails leading to the
Wall Street and Center Street doors;
Identifying and marking items in our basement
which need removal to the trash or should be taken
by an outside hauler;
Other items which will reveal themselves by
Saturday, May 16th.
Please say YES, you want to be a part of this project on
Saturday May 16th. We will have light lunch and
refreshments available.
Respond to: [email protected]. Or call Pat
Herring at 610-965-6776.
NATIVE PLANT SALE
Yes. The annual Native Plant Sale is the first 2 weekends
in May, Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 3pm. We will
have over 1000 plants available of 60+ varieties, all
native to this area and all needing less fondling such as
watering and fertilizing. At the same time, planting
native means you are giving food to the local pollinators
and thereby need no pesticide—as the birds will eat the
insects or feed them to their young.
So put May 2 and 3rd and 9th and 10th on your
calendar. These native plants will make a great Mother’s
Day gift as well.
We will need volunteers for help with the big setup
at UUCLV on Thursday, April 30, from 4-6pm. We will
also need more volunteers for each 3 hour shift on May
2, 3, 9 and 10th from 9-12, and again 12 to 3pm. To help,
please contact Ilse Stoll at [email protected] or 610-
868-2153
FOURTH FRIDAY FILM SERIES
The 2015 FFF Series is presented by the Social Action
Committee of the UUCLV. The website for the film series is
www.FFFInfo.blogspot.com.
The 2015 series has a strong emphasis on promoting the
common good as it relates to saving our environment,
reversing economic inequality, and repairing our democracy
so it works for everyone. The Series takes place in the
Community Room at 7pm.
May 22 - SHADOWS OF LIBERTY This film reveals the extraordinary truth behind the news
media: censorship, cover-ups and corporate control.
Filmmaker Jean-Philippe Tremblay takes a journey
through the darker corridors of the US media., where
global conglomerates call the shots. For decades, their
overwhelming influence has distorted news journalism
and compromised its values.
June 26 - BROKEN ON ALL SIDES This project began as a way to explore, educate about,
and advocate change around over-crowding of the
Philadelphia county jail system. The film has come to
focus on mass incarceration across the nation and the
intersection of race and poverty within criminal justice.
July 24 - FED UP
Narrated by Katie Couric, Fed Up blows the lid off
everything we thought we knew about food and exercise,
revealing a 30-year campaign by the food industry -
aided by the U.S. government - to mislead and confuse
the American public. Exposing the hidden truths
contributing to one of the largest health epidemics in
history, the film follows a group of families battling to
lead healthier lives - and reveals why the conventional
wisdom of "exercise and eat right" is not ringing true for
millions of people struggling with diabetes, childhood
obesity and other serious conditions.
August 28 - THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING Based on the book by Naomi Klein about climate change
problems and solutions. The film hallenges the dominant
fear-based narrative that tells us that acting on climate
change is a threat to all that we cherish. The film argues
that making the changes we need to avert climate chaos
is our best chance to build the more equitable, livable
and healthier societies that we want and need.
Page 7 T h e L i n k M a y 2 0 1 5
JUNE 20 IS ANNUAL UUCLV NIGHT AT THE IRON PIGS
It's never too early to reserve your tickets for the 2015
UUCLV Night at the Iron Pigs—and the deadline is
coming up fast! . Our date this year is Saturday, June
20 against the Scranton-Wilkes Barre team, the AAA
affiliate of the New York Yankees. The deadline for
ordering tickets to the June 20 UUCLV Nite at the
Iron Pigs is May 17 The game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Tickets cost
$10 and are also good for $2 off at most stadium
vendors. There is a small parking fee. For more
information or to sign up, please contact Frank Claps
at [email protected] or 610-346-7629. We
have 60 tickets ordered.
2015 UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: PORTLAND General Assembly 2015 is July 24-28 in Portland, Oregon. The Ware Lecturer will be Dr. Cornel West. Housing bookings for GA opens at 12noon EST on
March 2. Hotels near the convention fill up in minutes.
Registration is available at a reduced rate through
April 30. After that date, adult registration goes
from $350 to $405. Housing information can be found
at UUA.org/ga/housing. Please see uua.org/ga for
more information.
In addition to the hotels in the UUA's housing
block, a limited number of dormitory rooms at Portland
State University will be available as a 5 night package
for $395 per room (two guest maximum per room).
Local Portland congregations are also seeking host
families for Home Hospitality (B&B style with local
UUs). More information will be posted when available.
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