the newsletter f u church pittsburgh the … newsletter february... · chase away your mid-winter...

THE NEWSLETTER OF FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF PITTSBURGH FEbruary 2018

Volume 19, No. 2 Inside this issue:

Worship 3

Connect

5

Inspire 10

Serve

12

Learn 14

Governance 15

As you may know, because of budgetary challenges, our Board of Trustees has reduced my salary by thirteen percent (13%) for 2018. Here are some of the practical adjustments I will be making in response to this change. (I will add that the Board generously opted to keep my benefits going throughout the year despite the drop in salary, and for that I am grateful!)

First, I will essentially be on unpaid leave for about six weeks during 2018. (Six weeks is about thirteen percent of a full year of fifty-two weeks.) I will do my best to schedule these weeks at times when they will not interfere with regularly-scheduled responsibilities.

Second, I will arrange for more frequent guest speakers on Sunday mornings, both from the congregation and from the larger community. (If you are interested in presenting a sermon, please see the adult faith development class described elsewhere in this newsletter called “The Shared Pulpit: A Sermon Seminar for Lay People.”)

Third, I will seek to strengthen the lay leadership of the ministry teams I work with so that these teams can continue to function even when I may not be available.

Fourth, I will plan further ahead with program staff members so that they can continue with their responsibilities even when I may not be available.

Fifth, I will communicate clearly with the congregation about times when I would not be available.

Six weeks of unpaid leave in 2018 means that I would be off the clock for one week every two months. With a little patience, forbearance, and resourcefulness, I’m sure we can all find a way to manage that.

Your part-time minister (seven-eighths to be more precise),

Rev. David

THE CHALICE CCC O N N E C TO N N E C TO N N E C T + I+ I+ I N S P I R EN S P I R EN S P I R E + S+ S+ S E R V EE R V EE R V E

W W W . F I R S T - U N I T A R I A N - P G H . O R G

F R O M O U R S E N I O R M I N I S T E R ~ The Rev. Dr. David Herndon

Rev. Dr. David Herndon

Senior Minister Contact at:

412-621-8008 x102 dherndon@first-

unitarian-pgh.org

THE NEWSLETTER OF FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF PITTSBURGH February 2018

2

People cry not because they are weak. It’s because they’ve been strong too long. ~ Shane Koyczan

This morning I have been pondering a nearly forgotten lesson I learned in high

school music. Sometimes in band or choir, music requires players or singers to hold a note longer than they actually can hold a note. In those cases, we were taught to mindfully stagger when we took a breath so the sound appeared uninterrupted. Everyone got to breathe, and the music stayed strong and vibrant… So let's remember the advice of music: Take a breath. The rest of the chorus will sing. The rest of the band will play. Rejoin so others can breathe. Together, we can sustain a very long, beautiful song for a very, very long time. You don’t have to do it all, but you must add your voice to the song.

~ Michael Moore So, have you been strong too long?

It’s not the usual question when tackling the topic of perseverance. Most often, we’re asked, “Are you ready to be strong?” The standard recipe is well known: Buck up! Grin and bear it! Keep pushing! Keep moving forward! Dig deep; you are stronger than you know! But maybe Koyczan is right. Maybe this typical roadmap isn’t the path to perseverance; maybe it’s just the path to breakdown.

And when we combine Koyczan’s quote with Moore’s invitation to breath, we suddenly see that balance plays a bigger role in perseverance than we often assume. As a people of perseverance, we are being called not just to grit and strong wills, but to gentleness and self-care. Constantly pushing ourselves without also giving ourselves the gift of pause gets us nowhere. Digging deeper without making time to deepen and fill our wells is a recipe for self-inflicted pain.

All of which is to say that maybe vulnerability is the real secret to perseverance. Maybe admitting you’re tired and asking for help is the real strength that gets us through. That dominant myth of Sisyphus pushing his rock up that endless hill hasn’t done us any favors. We assume that Sisyphus is suffering because his work is endless, but maybe it’s his isolation and lack of a place to rest that is his true torment.

So, friends, this month, let’s not torment ourselves. We don’t have to give up those pep talks about digging deep and being stronger than we know. But right

O U R S P I R I T U A L T H E M E F O R F E B R U A R Y : P e r s e v e r a n c e

Keep your

faith in

beautiful

things;

in the sun

when it is

hidden,

in the Spring

when it is

gone.

~Roy R. Gibson

W O R S H I P C E L E B R A T I O N S


3

alongside that, let’s make sure we’re also doing the more tender work of propping each other up and reminding each other to breathe.

Rabbi David Wolf tells a story that we all should carry with us this month:

A boy and his father were walking along a road when they came across a large stone. “Do you think if I use all of my strength, I can move this rock?” the child asked. His father answered, “If you use all of your strength, I am sure you can do it.” The boy began to push the rock. Exerting himself as much as he could, he pushed and pushed. The rock did not move. Discouraged, he said to his father, “You were wrong. I can’t do it.” His father put his arm around the boy’s shoulder and said, “No son. You didn’t use all your strength – you didn’t ask me to help.”

What a gift to remember that perseverance isn’t a solo act. May that be the gift this month gives us all.

O U R S P I R I T U A L T H E M E F O R F E B R U A R Y : P e r s e v e r a n c e ( c o n t i n u e d )

The day is ending,

The night is

descending;

The marsh is

frozen,

The river dead.

Through clouds

like ashes

The red sun flashes

On village

windows

That glimmer red.

~ Henry Wadsworth

Longfellow, Afternoon

in February

W O R S H I P C E L E B R A T I O N S ( c o n t i n u e d )


4

A M O N T H O F S U N D A Y S : Wo r s h i p S e r v i c e s i n F e b r u a r y

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4. Stephanie Pawlowski. “Perseverance

of Prayer.”

We welcome to our pulpit this morning Stephanie Pawlowski, our Commissioned Lay Minister candidate.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11. Religious Education Sunday. Erica

Shadowsong, Emily Pinkerton, Rev. David Herndon

Chase away your mid-winter blues at this multigenerational worship celebration where we will focus on what we mean by “Lifespan” when we say “Lifespan Faith Development.” We will debut our very own, custom-made folk art for “Spirit of Life!” Thanks to artist-in-residence Ellen Gozion for teaching our adults and children how to make a “crankie.”

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18. Kathy Parker. “Ohio River Unitarian

for Truth: Mordecai De Lange.”

We welcome to our pulpit this morning our own Kathy Parker. Kathy is the author of Here We Have Gathered: The Story of Unitarian Universalism in Western Pennsylvania, 1808 – 2008, which contains the definitive history of First Unitarian Church. Kathy serves on the board of the Unitarian Universalist History and Heritage Society and is editor of their publication, The Journal of Unitarian Universalist History.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25. Rev. Don Rollins. “Stories from

Church: Growing Up Evangelical.”

We welcome to our pulpit this morning Rev. Don Rollins, interim minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the North Hills. He will be sharing some original stories about life in the Appalachian church of his youth. The similarities between that tradition and our own are greater than you might think!

P.S. Rev. Herndon will be preaching

at the UU Church of the North Hills this morning.

W O R S H I P C E L E B R A T I O N S ( c o n t i n u e d )

SUNDAY CELEBRATIONS

COMMITTEE

Chrisie Ambrass Logan Bialik Louise Jencik

(chair) Brian Junker Ward Kelsey

Stephanie Pawlowski

Michael Safran Mary Schinhofen

Scott Smith


5

Staff: Rev. David Herndon

C O N N E C T

Hospitality Ministry - Connections Team (Joan Harvey) - Community Table Team (Shelley Ross) - Sanctuary Preparation Team (Rev.

David Herndon) - Social Events Team (Raeann Olander-

Murray and Christy Decker) - Ushers and Greeters Team (Rev.

David Herndon)

Pastoral Care Ministry - Marion’s Purse (Rev. David Herndon) - Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program (Jim Reitz)

- Pastoral Care Team (Rev. David Herndon)

Small Group Ministry - Addictions Ministry Sharing Group

(Jim Pashek) - Covenant Group Team (Jim Reitz) - Gathering of Men (Jim Reitz) - Transitions Gather-In (MR Kelsey and

Bob Sullivan) - Unitarian Universalist Christian

Fellowship (Chris Beregi and Alice Lieb)

- WomanSpirit (Pat Schuetz) - Women’s Alliance (Annie Stunden) - Writing Salon (Melody Platz)

Connections Council - Lay Leader: Joan Harvey - Staff: Rev. David Herndon

Wan February

with weeping

cheer,

Whose cold hand

guides the

youngling year

Down misty roads

of mire and rime,

Before thy pale

and fitful face

The shrill wind

shifts the clouds

apace

Through skies the

morning scarce

may climb.

Thine eyes are

thick with heavy

tears,

But lit with hopes

that light the

year's.

~ Algernon Charles

Swinburne,

A Year's Carols:

February


6

C O N N E C T (continued)

P A T H T O C O N N E C T I O N A N D M E M B E R S H I P


7


Please consider taking these three steps if you would like to explore what it would mean for you to become part of First Unitarian Church. You could take these steps in order – Step One first, Step Two next, and then Step Three – but you are welcome to skip around if that would work better for you.

STEP ONE: GETTING TO KNOW UU New to First Unitarian Church? Come and get acquainted! The next “Getting to

Know UU” will take place on Sunday, February 4, starting at 12:00 noon in the Schweitzer Room and concluding at 12:45 PM. Our minister, Rev. David Herndon, will make a brief presentation about First Unitarian Church and about Unitarian Universalism, and then there will be time for questions. There is no formal registration process for this forty-five minute session, but if you are planning to attend, it would be helpful to let Rev. Herndon know at [email protected].

STEP TWO: UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM AS A SPIRITUAL PATH “Unitarian Universalism as a Spiritual Path” will take place on on Saturday,

February 10, 2018 from 10:00 AM to noon in the Priestley Room. This gathering will include (1) opportunities for personal spiritual exploration; (2) an overview of the basic spiritual affirmations of Unitarian Universalism; (3) an introduction to our groups and activities; and (4) information about how to become an official member of First Unitarian Church.

STEP THREE: BECOMING A MEMBER: COVENANTING WITH FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH

Please attend this twenty-minute gathering if you are ready to take the step of becoming an official member of First Unitarian Church! “Becoming a Member: Covenanting with First Unitarian Church” will take place from noon to 12:30 PM on Sunday, February 11, in the Schweitzer Room. We will briefly review our mission statement, our behavioral covenant, and our hopes for your membership. We will also discuss stewardship and the new member welcoming ceremony. The membership book will be available to sign along with financial contribution forms. There is no formal registration process for this twenty minute session, but if you are planning to attend, it would be helpful to let Rev. Herndon know at [email protected].

In the coldest

February, as in

every other

month in every

other year, the

best thing to

hold on to in this

world is each

other.

~Linda Ellerbee

O U R P A T H T O C O N N E C T I O N , C O M M U N I T Y , A N D M E M B E R S H I P


8


W O M E N ’ S A L L I A N C E D E L I V E R S T O P O W E R

Happy New Year! The Kwanzaa Sankofi bird is tweeting (happily, whew!) in my ear to tell everyone about the recent gift-giving visit of the Women’s Alliance to the Swissvale location of POWER. POWER is the Pa. Organization for Women in Early Recovery; their “mission is to help women reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction to alcohol and other drugs, and to reduce the incidence of addiction in future generations.”

On Friday, Dec. 15, five WA members, Annie Stunden, Becky Studer, Margaret Stephens, Delia Parks and Denice Galpern took the gifts donated by our members (and other church members, I think), sweets, and juice to share with the women currently living at POWER. We, along with Betty Duquesnoy, had wrapped the presents in an open-faced-sandwich manner, so that the women could make their own choices. Sweaters, jackets, pajamas, blankets, hats, scarves and gloves were among the gifts and all was very well received. At the suggestion of Karen Clark, POWER’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, we also similarly wrapped our smaller gifts to be distributed to the out-patient clients. The WA has given financial donations to POWER in the past, and collected toiletries, other personal items and journals for writing, (which plays a big part in the recovery program). Another year, we had collected gifts at Christmas time, but not delivered them personally.

We stayed over an hour sitting and talking, all having the treats and juice that we had brought. One surprise was that the sour cherry and peach-topped fruit cake which Margaret had brought was a recipe of both a resident’s and Margaret’s grandmothers. The resident happily told Margaret that she had not had it in 20 years. Denice sat with one bubbly woman who had just arrived the previous day, as well as with another who was looking forward to a pass to be with her parents on Christmas – not at her own suburban home with her husband who “still uses.” We also heard one woman’s story of a life with virtually no alcohol until she had trouble coping with a difficult divorce two years ago.

It felt meaningful to be there. Hopefully we can do this again next year – when Denice imagines making a fuller (but simple) introduction of how we hoped to support these women in this step of their journeys – not just saying where we were from – and that we had brought gifts from our group.

The word February comes from the Roman festival of purification called Februa where people were ritually washed. There is a Roman god called Februus, but he is named after the festival, not the other way around. Other months, like January, are named after Roman gods.

The interesting linguistic story, though, lies in England. Before we adopted the Latin name for the second month, Old English used much more vibrant names to describe it. The most common Old English name was Solmonath, which literally means “mud month.” It is pretty clear what they were describing. A lesser-used term was Kale-monath, which meant “cabbage month.” We can imagine that the English were eating a lot of cabbage in February in the 1100s. www.dictionary.com/

e/february/


9


W O M E N ’ S A L L I A N C E

Womanspirit is the evening women’s group at First Unitarian Church. We meet on the second Wednesday of every month for a pot-luck dinner in a member’s home. Dinner is usually followed by a group discussion focused on what we value in our lives, or how we can improve our own lives or our communities. We welcome new

members and friends of First Unitarian. A Womanspirit dinner is an entertaining and low-impact way to meet other women of a broad range of ages and interests.

To receive regular notice of our monthly dinners, contact Pat Schuetz at [email protected] or 412-731-1429.

W O M A N S P I R I T ~ S e c o n d We d n e s d a y s

F I R S T U N I T A R I A N Q U I L T E R S F i r s t S a t u r d a y s ~ 1 0 : 0 0 a . m .

We meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Everyone is invited to our gatherings which start with coffee at 10am.

Bring your lunch!!

The February programs of the Women's Alliance will be Mary Denison speaking about her efforts to build a local Raising A Reader chapter, on February 1, and representatives from Global Minds and ARYSE, both groups with programs to

support immigrant and refugee youth in Pittsburgh, on February 15. All are welcome.

Questions about Women’s Alliance? Contact Naomi Crain, co-chair, [email protected], 412-441-1926.

We usually gather on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at Stunden Studios in Point Breeze. We quilt together, talk together, and we help newcomers learn how to make

quilts. For more information, send e-mail to Shelley (ross.shelley2@ gmail.com) or Annie (annie.stunden@ gmail.com)

“Transitions Gather-In”, a group of folks talking about life transitions, the challenges we face as we get older, as we want to down-size, as we find living in our homes harder, as we just want to

T R A N S I T I O N S G A T H E R - I N S e c o n d M o n d a y s ~ 1 0 : 0 0 a . m .

make our lives simpler, meets once a month on the second Mondays of the month. Please come if you would like to talk about these life issues with us.

M��’� G��

Wednesday, February 14

Our leader will be Fred Hansen who will show a power point and lead a discussion on the topic: “An oyt is two connections to other oyts; are oyts sufficient to describe our universe?” What is that all about? Come and learn. Direct any questions to Jim Reitz at [email protected].


10

I N S P I R E

Staff: Rev. David Herndon and Emily Pinkerton THE SHARED PULPIT:

A SERMON SEMINAR FOR LAY PEOPLE

Have you been yearning for a chance to present a sermon at our church? Do you have a story you really need to tell? Do you have a spiritual insight you would like to share with others? Do you have something personal you would like to say to our congregation?

Now is your big opportunity! You will have an opportunity to learn how to write and present a sermon using a curriculum developed by UU minister Erika Hewett. You would then present your sermon on a Sunday morning in the summer of 2018. The class will be taught by Rev. David Herndon and Commissioned Lay Minister candidate Stephanie Pawlowski.

Enrollment is limited to eight people. If you would like to be one of the participants, please contact Rev. David Herndon at [email protected]. This class is open to church members, friends, and newcomers.

Six Tuesday evenings: March 6, 20, April 3, 17, May 1, and 15 - 7:00 to 8:45 p.m.

- Recorder Ensemble (TBA) - SongSpace Team (Brian Junker) - Tapestry Team (Madeline Izzo) - Unitarian Universalist Quilters (Annie Stunden)

Inspiration Council - Lay Leaders: Louise Jencik and Brian Junker

- Staff: Rev. David Herndon and Emily Pinkerton

Worship Celebrations Ministry - Sunday Celebrations Team (Louise Jencik)

Music and the Arts Ministry - Art Committee (Ali Masalehdan) - Dance Choir (Mary Pat Mengato) - Folk Circle (Brian Junker) - Joyful Noise (Emily Pinkerton) - Music and the Arts Team (Brian Junker)

- Music Endowment Committee (Jeri Spann)

I n t h e U n d e r c r o f t G a l l e r y C R E A T I V E S F O R C L I M A T E

Undercroft Gallery will host the first Creatives for Climate art exhibition in February organized by Kirsi Jansa. Creatives for Climate (C4C) artists Niffer Desmond and Ann Rosenthal present projects focused on endangered species through a coloring book and urban nature through a community-based ecoliteracy and art program. Visitors are invited to make their own climate pledge and become part of this interactive display to join the rapidly growing movement of people who are creating a more sustainable narrative for the Earth.

Creatives for Climate (C4C) is a Pittsburgh-based collaborative of artists, designers, architects and climate communicators and educators. C4C organizes events where people from all walks of life can learn about climate change and get ideas and hands-on experiences about climate action and climate solutions.

Niffer Desmond is an artist, author, and Earth advocate based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Her artwork promotes global consciousness and instills a sense of wonder and stewardship for the natural world. Niffer’s recent efforts include the Nikola Tesla Coloring book and Last Chance Earth endangered species project, blending art, science and spirituality in an interdisciplinary movement toward a more conscious and sustainable world.

Ann Rosenthal brings to communities 40 years’ experience as an artist, educator, and writer. Her work examines the intersections of nature and culture through timely issues, including climate change, nuclear waste, biodiversity, and biophilia. In 2016, she initiated LUNA (Learning Urban Nature through Art), a community-centric ecoliteracy and art program funded through The Sprout Fund.

C4C and its partner organization DearTomorrow (www.deartomorrow.org) invite UU members to make their own climate pledge--a promise to take climate action-- in the C4C Climate Pledge Booth and become part of this interactive project. All the climate pledge photos submitted to Kirsi, [email protected], by February 19th will be included in the exhibition from February 23rd till February 28th. How to make a climate pledge: visit the Climate Pledge Booth at the exhibition.


11

I N S P I R E

The shortest day

has passed, and

whatever nastiness

of weather we may

look forward to in

January and

February, at least

we notice that the

days are getting

longer. Minute by

minute they

lengthen out. It

takes some weeks

before we become

aware of the

change. It is

imperceptible even

as the growth of a

child, as you watch

it day by day, until

the moment comes

when with a start of

delighted surprise

we realize that we

can stay out of

doors in a twilight

lasting for another

quarter of a

precious hour.

~V. Sackville-West,

"Over winter's hump"


12

Habitat for Humanity

On February 18,

Keonda Crawley

will discuss the

benefits of being

a Habitat

homeowner

during the

service. This is

your chance to

hear directly

from a real

Habitat

homeowner. She

will discuss the

joy of owning

her very own

home. First

Unitarian is

partnering with

Habitat in

Homewood to

build four new

homes in 2018.

S E R V E

Staff: Rev. David Herndon Social Justice Ministry

- Green Sanctuary Team (TBA) - PIIN/UUPLAN Bridge Team (Sarah Benson and Kathy Miller)

- Social Justice Endowment Committee (Melissa Bell)

- Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (Kathy Parker)

Social Service Ministry - Alternative Gift Market Team (Cindy Kirsch)

- East End Cooperative Ministry & East End Cooperative Ministry Bridge Team (Mary Denison)

- Habitat for Humanity Team (Marty Lieb)

- Khasi Hills Partnership Team (Karen Litzinger)

Service Council - Lay Leader: TBA - Staff: Rev. David Herndon

Today is the first of February, snowy, brilliant, but dripping with the sound of spring wherever the sun lies

warm, and calling with the heart of spring yonder where the crows are assembling. There is spring in the

talk of the chickadees outside my window, and in the cheerful bluster of a red squirrel in the hickory.

~Dallas Lore Sharp, The Atlantic Monthly, February 1908


13

Our School Celebrating Golden Jubilee and Growth – We were so excited to share with you during a church service in October that our Annie Margaret Barr School in Kharang is celebrating 50 years this year! We have played a significant role in their growth. When we started sponsoring them in 2003 enrollment was 96. This past year’s enrollment was 381! What a privilege to be able to make such a difference.

UU Travels to India – We are pleased that Lois Hurt will be traveling to India for the almost annual Khasi Hills Pilgrimage along with other UUs from across the country. Our school is arranging the opening of the Golden Jubilee celebration to coincide with the pilgrimage visit. We all wish Lois safe and happy travels!

Pen Friends - Since we are now sending letters with Lois, you can still turn in your Pen Friend letter. Mail to Karen Litzinger, 1709 Miriam Street, Swissvale, PA 15218 by February 10.

Teacher Greetings and Sponsorship Update – We would like to share a few lines from the fall letters of the two new teachers we have been supporting at the Higher Secondary School (grades 11 and 12) that we helped build in 2016. From Altresha Marbaniang: “I hope that you are in good health under the blessing and caring of God…for the last eight months I have experience a good environment in the school as a new teacher. The students are very sincere, obedient, creative and hardworking where as my colleagues are very friendly and helpful in time of need.” From Headingson Warlarpih: I am happy to be part of this school so in return I would like to express my thankfulness for your generous support towards our salary and development of this school.”

For this current church year we have contributed $4832 for teacher sponsorship. We hit our baseline goal of sponsoring one teacher’s salary for the year at $4800. When we learned in November 2016 that they needed a second teacher we generously raised an additional $3630 last year, and we hope to continue to support both new teachers, Altresha and Headingson.

If you have not yet contributed please do consider doing so as whatever level you can. For details including where to send the contribution, click here for the link to our church website.

K H A S I H I L L S P A R T N E R S H I P U P DA T E

S E R V E (continued)

Social Justice

Calendar Homeless Shelter

Meal Preparation: First Sunday each month.

Green Sanctuary

meetings: First Sunday each month.

PIIN/UUPLAN

Bridge team: Fourth Wednesdays.

Collection for

EECM Food Pantry: Any Sunday


14

L E A R N

Staff: Erica Shadowsong Learning Ministry for Children and Youth

- Children’s Library Team (TBA) - Endowment for Ministry with Children and Youth Committee (Amy de Chicchis)

- Religious Education Team (Maria Lauro)

Learning Ministry for Young Adults - Campus Ministry Endowment Committee (Keith Bryner)

- Young Adult Steering Team (TBA)

Learning Ministry for Adults - Adult Faith Development Team (TBA) - Adult Library & Adult Library Team (Mary Schinhofen)

- Bookstore & Bookstore Team (Mary Schinhofen)

- Sunday Morning Forum Steering Team (Kim Francis)

Learning Council - Lay Leader: TBA - Staff: Erica Shadowsong

O U R

M I S S I O N

The mission of the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh is to . . .

Connect deeply in

community Inspire reverence and

spiritual growth Serve each other and the

world We connect deeply in

community by . . . gathering together in fellowship in a safe space

listening with empathy and without judgment

warmly welcoming everyone who enters our doors

We inspire reverence and

spiritual growth by . . . celebrating and exploring the moments of awe we experience in life

encouraging each other along our journeys toward truth and meaning

fostering humility in the pursuit of wisdom and understanding

We serve each other and

the world by . . . providing support to those experiencing hardship or distress

working for social justice by standing on the side of Love

being active stewards of our environment


15

Board Members 2017/2018

Audrey

Masalehdan,

President (2019)

Alison Schwartz,

Vice-President

(2019)

Becky Studer,

Secretary (2018)

Claus Makowka,

Treasurer (2020)

Sarah Benson

(2020)

Joan Harvey (2018)

Cathy Rohrer

(2019)

Martin Schmidt

(2020)

Randy Weinberg

(2018)

Board Contacts:

board@first-

unitarian-pgh.org

Audrey Masalehdan,

President H 412-362-5397 C 412-266-2997

ajgeerm@ gmail.com

‘Fostering Safer Congregations’ will begin late in January; if you have any interest in becoming more informed in this area, contact LRED Erica Shadowsong.

Current pledges toward the 2018 Budget total $409,000 from 187 pledge units. Getting there! The membership number we will report to the UUA for certification in February is 296, down from 307 last year. We will be convening a ‘Think Tank’ to reconsider how best to do the Annual Budget Drive (and encourage a yearlong emphasis on generosity) and reconstitute a new ABDC. Creative people welcomed! Contact Randy Weinberg if you can help with this important work.

Good News! We have a small Budget Surplus at the end of 2017 - this hasn’t happened for many years. Thanks to prudent use of funds by staff and continued generosity of our members, we are finally in the BLACK! Let’s keep it that way.

With the roof leaks repaired, we approved repair of the ceiling in the garden lobby. We will soon see this improvement in the appearance of our Church.

David was ill and unable to attend the meeting, but we reviewed his Report for December submitted before our meeting.

Another milestone - we finished the meeting ON SCHEDULE! Many thanks to Al Schwartz, VP, our timekeeper

Randy Weinberg’s opening words were from a 1965 speech from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King addressing “Courage vs Cowardice.”

We are looking forward to a celebration of our new HVAC system. Bob Mitchell will coordinate, and he is seeking willing volunteers to help him put together the program and manage the celebration after church on Earth Day, April 22.

Cathy Rohrer led a discussion of the VIM group’s draft of our 3-year Rolling Long Range Plan. We discussed the different elements, and how they have been derived from the conversations with the congregation last spring and fall. They will be communicating the elements of the Plan to you as soon as it is examined by Staff and Board, and approved by the Board. The VIM Charter was submitted and approved, and will become part of our new Board Approved Policy and Procedures Manual.

The revised Governance Manual was distributed to the Board for comment and further corrections; input will be collated, and a further revised version brought back to the Board for final approval.

The Safe Congregation Policy initiated by Steven Mead last spring was brought back for further Board comment; one small area still requires clarification, and we hope to have the final document approved in February. A CERG web series

F R O M Y O U R B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S

G O V E R N A N C E


16

HOW TO SUBMIT

ARTICLES TO THE

CHALICE

The Chalice is published monthly (except August) by the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. Our editor for The Chalice is Jennifer Parsons.

Newsletter Deadline: Submissions to The Chalice are due by the 15th of the prior month. To submit your article, complete and submit the “Publicize Your Event” form located on the church website: www.first-unitarian-pgh.org/publicize-your-event-form by the deadline. Be sure to select “The Chalice” under the “Where to Publicize” section.

The very best way to contact our newsletter editor, Jennifer Parsons, is through email: jennifer.parsons@ outlook.com

G O V E R N A N C E ( c o n t i n u e d )

F R O M Y O U R B O A R D O F T R U S T E E S ( c o n t i n u e d )

The Board’s next regular Meeting will be on Feb. 21, 7 PM in the Schweitzer room. All are welcome to attend.

Becky Studer,

Board Secretary

and all Board members for efficient use of our time together.

Items on the Consent Agenda (Minutes of the Dec. Board meeting, Nomination of Michael Shanley to the Music Endowment Committee, Connections Team Report and Agenda for their Jan. meeting) were unanimously approved after brief comments.

First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh A Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association

605 Morewood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2999

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid

PAID

Permit No. 2259 Pittsburgh PA

The Chalice C o n n e c t + I n s p i r e + S e r v e Newsletter of the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh Volume 19 Number 2 February 2018

Address Service Requested

Church Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Telephone: (412) 621-8008 FAX: (412) 621-9011

www.first-unitarian-pgh.org

The Reverend Dr. David Herndon Senior Minister

Rita Gates Business Manager

Audrey Masalehdan Board President

the newsletter f u church pittsburgh the … newsletter february... · chase away your mid-winter...

Documents