Every Wednesday6:30pm – 7pm • Ingathering

7– 7:50pm • Children’s/Adult RE8pm – 8:30pm • Vespers

Childcare is available 6:30–8:30pm

SUNDAY SERVICES10am – 11am

11:15am – noon:Religious Education

Choir RehearsalGuided Meditation

Meet & Greet

Childcare available 10am–noon

New RE Program…………… p.1Editor’s Corner…..………… p.2Leadership Reports……...… p.3 New Book Review Column..p.4Benefit Concert…………..… p.4Social Justice Activities…….p.5RE Skypes Amy……………. p.6

IN THIS

ISSUE:

January 2012

Kathy Grey, Editorkmgrey2@tx.rr.com

UUCOC • 3839 W. Kiest, Dallas, TX 75233 (214) 337-2429 www.oakcliffuu.org • Rev. Mark Walz, Minister (214) 755-4315

Volunteer Opportunities…… p.6Sacred Spaces Work Day… p.6NTAUUS Luncheon………… p.7Peter Mayer Workshop……. p.7Women’s Conference……… p.7Oak Cliff Ethicurians………. p.8Calendar of Events………... p.8

The Oak LeafNEWSLETTER OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF OAK CLIFF

JANUARY SUNDAY SERVICES

Architects of FaithOur new year begins with a reminder that our theologies are not handed to us like creeds. They come from our unique journeys and are highly personal. But build them we must if we are to design a significant presence in the world for the religion we now share. Our theologies must drive our commitment to the Unitarian Universalist Religion, and our religion must compel us to the creation of a welcoming and justice-seeking Beloved Community. We are the Architects of our Faith and our future.

January 1 – We are the Unitarians! To create a personal theology for a new century we must know the religious DNA that we build on. From Europe to the New World we have come with a rich theological past- much of it Biblical. Can it still inform our future? Rev. Mark Walz will preach.

January 8 – We are the Universalists! American Universalism lives in sympathy with Unitarianism, which is why we were able to merge them 50 years ago. But Universalism is significantly different. Today we look to our Universalist past to compare and contrast these differences and learn the guideposts of mutuality. Rev. Mark Walz will preach the sermon.

January 15 – yoU + yoU = > 2 Over the past 50 years our Unitarian and Universalist traditions have compelled us in new directions. We have become more than just one or the other and much more than both. On the strength of these two noble faiths we have begun to create something even stronger for the future. Rev. Mark Walz will preach the sermon.

January 22 and January 29 – Our Ministries of Worship and Social Justice will announce exciting Sunday Worship for the remaining January schedule soon. Look for them in coming Orders of Worship and our January E-Blasts!

All children, teens and adults are invited to meet in the Hope Cafe for a Tapestry of Faith Program entitled “Gather the Spirit.” This workshop introduces stewardship and water as critical at every level of being, from self to universe. We’ll meet from 11am to noon, January to March. Registration is necessary for attendance. Please see Director of Lifespan Religious Education Rev. Marcia Shannon (uucoclifespanre@gmail.com)

MULTIGENERATIONAL RE

“Gather the Spirit”January to March

An introduction toStewardship

and theCritical Role of Water

(Attention parents/guardians: Registration forms must be completed annually for anyone under 18 participating in Religious Education.)

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 2

EDITOR’S CORNER Observations and opinions from your Oak Leaf editor — Kathy Grey

CELEBRATING OUR WONDERFUL MEMBERS Anita Mills

While personal setbacks (medical, economic, and…well, everything seems to fall into those two broad categories!) have plagued many of us this past year, it feels to me like the church is heading into a great, healthy new year. Our Mission/Vision Statement is complete and all of our open board positions have been filled. We lost our congregation president before the end of her term, but we had a very capable VP ready to step up, and we’re moving forward without missing a beat. (Get well soon, Kimberlyn, and THANK YOU, Anita!) Ministries that had been stalled for several years are being revitalized, thanks in no small part to the passion and energy of new members.

I eagerly anticipate a new covenant group, the Oak Cliff Ethicureans (OCE), which should begin meeting in January. An outgrowth of the Ethical Eating Class, it’s a chance to take what we’ve learned and apply or adapt it to our “real world” lives. How does one eat ethically on a budget? How can we simplify our lives? Is it too late to learn to cook and garden? I know there is a lot we can learn from one another. (See page 8 for details.)

We can also look forward to new (and dare I say exciting?) fundraising opportunities. New Treasurer Heather Hood has lined up a benefit concert for January with Jim Scott, whose songs you’ll find in our hymnal (including Gather the Spirit). She’s scheduled a Talent and Service Auction for May. Not only are events such as these fun, but they address the fact that different people like giving differently. While one member may happily pledge an amount for the year, and diligently place a check in the collection basket weekly, another may like nothing better than having the winning bid at an auction—and be thrilled to plunk down $200 for a home-baked pie. (See page 4 about our Angel Tree.)

Just a few words about the newsletter… Note that we have a new contributor! (page 4) People are now asking to write articles! (So much nicer than twisting arms!) While we don’t have a “Letter to the Editor” this month, space is always available for one. We’ve had a few controversial letters lately — and that’s OK! Anything that gets people talking (civilly) about tough subjects is good. And though it is my nature to try to avoid conflict and shy away from controversy, I’m the first to admit that’s not very healthy. I’m working hard to embrace these two popular quotes:

“If everyone likes you, you’re doing something wrong” and “Well-behaved women rarely make history.”

(No that wasn’t a threat—just recognizing one of my “growing edges”!) On that note…HERE’S TO A GREAT 2012!

Harry Jones Award, 2011— Harry Jones was a founding member of this congregation and passionately put his heart and soul into the then Fellowship for many years. Harry innovated as well as helped keep this congregation moving forward. He maintained the trails through our five acres and drafted a map of them. He mowed the grounds for many years. He researched and arranged for the purchase of devices for the hard of hearing, and he designed the symbol with an oak leaf backing the flaming chalice. He was part of the glue that holds a church together.This year's Harry Jones Award goes to Kelley O'Conan. Her passion is contagious, and her focus on organizing the various parts of our critical communications functions will put this church on the map (and more)! She is actively leading/facilitating RE and social justice discussion groups. Most importantly, she's not afraid to ask questions and move us forward on our mission.

Sally Jones Award, 2011 — Long-time member Sally Jones was a giving person who seemed always to be there, doing whatever needed doing. She organized and worked fundraisers, picked up litter on the grounds, cleaned the place, greeted new members, filled the pulpit, sang in the choir and, of course, brought us the idea for the Labyrinth and organized its construction. She was flexible and eager to participate.Therefore, this year, the Sally Jones Award goes to our very gifted and talented music director, Glorian Mulligan-Stratton, who motivates and leads with a firm but gentle hand. She's flexible and takes in stride incredible challenges of limited practice time and voicing parts—never fully knowing in advance who will be there to sing, she pitches in and sings whatever part or harmony is missing. She has a delightful sense of humor and is always there and prepared for Wednesday Vespers and Sunday services. Her spirit is pure joy. Glorian embodies the principles of our religion and never stops giving.

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 3

LEADERSHIP REPORTS

DID YOU KNOW…?

RECAP OF BOARD MTG OF DEC. 20, 2011

Board Members Attending: Bert Vandenberg, Pat McAfee, Mike Cipolla, Heather Hood, Vickie Johnson, Anita Mills

Congregation Members Attending: Terry Batza, Mari Vega, Jay Vega, Don Watkins, and Bill Owens

Congregational Comments:

Caring Ministry – Mari presented a plan in which volunteers would be recruited to provide aid for other members. For example, if a member needed help with yardwork, housework, pet bathing, etc., volunteers would spend an afternoon helping that member. The bylaws provide for a Caring and Crisis Ministry, and discussion centered on how this could be handled under one umbrella. Marcia and Mark are discussing a training workshop for members who wish to participate in crisis ministry.

The Board suggested that a more detailed description be developed, along with an action plan.

Cleaning of Hope – Don stated that there is a critical need for regular cleaning in Hope, and the only solution is to hire it out. Need to obtain an estimate for (initially)monthly cleaning. In the meantime, Don offered to donate floor cleaning, with a general cleaning party either the 7th or 14th of January (prior to the NTAUUS meeting on January 21st).

Board Business:

Vickie Johnson was appointed to the vacant Trustee position to serve until 6/30/13.

Update from Treasurer Heather Hood: A laptop has been donated by Geoff and Heather, loaded with QuickBooks 2012.

A volunteer CPA will conduct an internal audit of the accounts and books after the first of the year. She asks that another person work with her—they do not need to be an accountant, but it would be helpful if they were familiar with bookkeeping and/or accounting, as well as be detail oriented. The Board was asked to nominate possible persons for this.

The Board approved two NTAUUS grant applications: for (a) DRE $4,000, and (b) ESL/Outreach Program $5,000.

Vickie Johnson and Terry Batza were officially appointed as co-chairs of the Social Justice Ministry.

RECAP OF COORDINATING COUNCIL MEETING OF DEC. 13, 2011

Attending: Mark Walz, Marcia Shannon, Scott Grey, Vickie Johnson, Dee Stofko, Ed Stofko, Heather Hood, Kelley O’Conan, Stephen Bentzen, Rachel Bentzen, Don Watkins, Mari Vega, Jay Vega, Pat McAfee

Pastoral (Mark): Working with Worship Ministry, Vespers Ministry and Marcia, should have 60% of services planned for 2012 by 1/1/12.

Religious Education (Marcia): Developing job descriptions for RE tasks in anticipation of an RE Committee. Must address cleaning of Hope. Sacred Spaces Ministry chair Don Watkins will present a proposal to the Board. Marcia prepared the Blue Christmas Service which, though not well attended, was very well received. Plans: repeat next year with more advertisement and grief resources.

Finance Committee (Ed): Finance Ministry will meet in January now that the church has a treasurer. Two-fold focus: select chairperson for Pledge Drive and discuss process used to count Sunday offertory.

Membership (Dee): Needs Word doc from which the Visitor Cards are printed. Pat MacDonald has offered to be an official Greeter.

Communications (Kelley): Working on possible interviews. Will coordinate press releases with Scott to update website. December newsletter went out on time. Decisions need to be made regarding church stationery and brochures now that the Mission & Vision statements are completed.

Social Justice (Stephen): Vickie Johnson & Terry Batza are new Social Justice Ministry co-chairs. Social Justice Film Festival and silent art auction is scheduled for January 3rd. Film schedule is set through March; suggestions requested for beyond that. Karen Refugee clothing/money drive set for Jan 8–29. Dee Stofko is contact person. Guest at Your Table boxes need to be returned to the church on January 8th. Mari is hoping to revitalize the Caring Committee and will present proposal to the Board.

Grounds/Plant: Don has developed a platform for projects and volunteerism for Sacred Spaces Ministry. He and Scott are clarifying division of duties. Scott is getting estimates for flooring and AC.

Labyrinth Walk Coffee House: Will cut back to every other month in 2012: Feb 25, April 28, and Oct 27. Jazz Under the Stars: June 23 and July 28. Vaudeville Night is Aug 25.

Leadership development (Kathy KinKaid): Provided list of UU Volunteer Opportunities for announcements and website.

Fundraising (Heather): Planning fundraising events for the 4th Saturday on months LWCH is dark. January 21st: Jim Scott, UU poet and troubadour. March: Sean Madden (tentative). May: flea market. Sept: service auction.

Roy’s Market Bizarre will remain in Faith, but acquire a table and sign indicating that it’s a fundraiser for the church. Also discussed: need to emphasize the Board policy that fundraising for any group other than the church requires permission.

Other items: Kelley requested that one person from each group that uses AV be trained by Scott. Marcia, Anita, and Kelley are writing a proposal to move the Immigration Project along. Mari presented an idea of forming a group to help others in need. She suggested a job fair to identify special skills available among members. Mari and Angelo will research and bring report to next CC.

Submitted by Anita Mills, UUCOC PresidentSubmitted by Pat McAfee, UUCOC Vice President

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 4

Many of us might not be able to do as author Barbara Kingsolver and family did, but most of us can incorporate some strategies used during their year-long journey of investigating food sources, growing their own food, buying locally what couldn’t be grown or raised, canning, freezing and preserving, and making their own bread and cheese.

Written in an engaging style, sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, A Year of Food Life is a small, easy to read encyclopedia of all things related to food. Kingsolver reviews the associated costs involved in the food we buy, the use of fertilizers and insecti-cides, and genetically modified produce and the companies that control that produce. A range of topics from Slow Food to Community Supported Agriculture are covered; her list of organizations and references is inexhaustible.

Facts and figures abound. For example, garden seed inventories show about 5,000 nonhybrid vegetable varieties available in 1981 catalogs but only 600 in 1998—after Monsanto acquired Seminis, which con-trolled about 40% of the U.S. vegetable seed market.

On a lighter note, “Zucchini Larceny” is one chapter anyone who successfully—or too successfully—grows zucchini must read. Some sidebars are written by Kingsolver’s husband, Steven L. Hopp, and some by her daughter, Camille Kingsolver, who enjoys sharing recipes including 30-Minute Mozzarella and Eggplant Papoutzakia.

Animal is available through Amazon.com which can be reached through the link on the UUCOC website, resulting in a percentage of the purchase going to the Church. (See www.OakCliffUU.org. On the home page, scroll down until you see the Amazon log on the lower left side.)

Reviews of books relevant to our lives as UUs

A GOOD READ

By Judy Watkins

NEW COLUMN!

Jim Scott has brought his contemporary and multicultural music to more than 500 UU Churches over 27 years. His much-loved Gather the Spirit and a number of others are included in the UU hymnbooks. Former co-chair of the UU Ministry for the Earth, Jim was involved in creating the Green Sanctuary program. He was awarded a grant from the Fund for Unitarian Universalism to compile and arrange the Earth and Spirit Songbook, a collection of over 100 songs of earth and peace that has been acclaimed as a great resource for worship and RE programs.

In concerts and Sunday services, Jim speaks with passion on ecology, justice and peace, and often works with choirs, inspiring singers to new levels of expression. His lyrical poetry and stories are calls to action, full of hope and gentle wit. Though Jim is often brought in as the “speaker,” his services are always very musical. As song leader he lifts joyous participation from congregations.

In his years with the Paul Winter Consort, Jim co-wrote their celebrated Missa Gaia/Earth Mass and sang their signature song, Common Ground.  His eco-anthem A Song for the Earth was recorded at the United Nations. Jim has gone on to create an extensive body of work including PBS soundtracks, award-winning choral works and seven CDs of original music. On his new CD, Gather the Spirit, Jim is featured leading choral arrangements of his songs from the UU hymnbooks and other new creations. He’s taught courses at such prestigious schools as Oberlin College and been an artist in residence in many schools and universities.     

Further info can be found at www.JimScottMusic.com

BENEFIT CONCERT

Jim ScottUU Composer, Poet,

Performer, and Activist

Saturday, January 217:30pm

UUCOC Sanctuary Tickets $10

UUCOC FUNDRAI$ING

UPDATES:

Roy’s ChallengeRoy Delay’s December challenge to the congregation raised almost $4000 for the church! Thank you to everyone who contributed!

UUCOC Angel TreeThank you to all who selected a “wish” from the our Angel Tree. The gifts are already coming in! But have no fear—there are plenty of items left, from $ to $$$. Look for the tree in the lobby.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE CONCERT!Opportunities include (but are not limited to) baking goodies to be sold, selling refreshments, setting up tables, and selling raffle tickets. Contact Heather at UUCOC.Treasurer@gmail.com (preferred) or (978) 335-5797 if you can help.

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 5

1st Tuesday Social Justice Film Festival to feature silent art auction — January 3rd

Social Justice Ministry Meeting

January 8, 201212:15pm

A note from outgoing Social Justice Ministry chairsRachel and Stephen Betzen:

We have loved serving as co-chairs of our Social Justice Ministry for these past 5-6 years. What began as a small committed group has truly blossomed into a Ministry that fuels social justice through all the ways that we do church together.  It has been a blessing to see new leaders develop and initiate projects, and for the Ministry to grow strong and hold a life of it's own.

As we step down as Social Justice co-chairs and welcome Vickie and Terry into the leadership of our group, we will definitely be around to contribute in a new way. There are no shoes for them to fill, as they have their own and will lead in their own way.  There are no footsteps to follow in, for our future has not yet been trod, and only holds possibilities. We are confident they will do well and add to the woven tapestry of leading for justice in our church.

We can't wait to see where this exciting ministry will lead us next!

Thank you for Celebrating "Guest at Your Table" with us and the Unitarian Universalist Service Com-mittee (UUSC)! You are making a difference in the lives of people in our country and around the world.

All donations should be turned in by January 8th. Stephen Betzen and Mari Vega will be collecting the boxes.

Through our gifts, the UUSC is promoting democracy and tolerance in Egypt, environmental justice in Kenya, shelter and basic safety in Haiti, and worker's rights in Arkansas.

Online donations for Guest at your Table can also be made at http://tinyurl.com/guest-table

Guest at Your Table donations due January 8

SOCIAL JUSTICE / OUTREACH

We welcome new co-chairs Vickie (left) and Terry (right)

Exit Through the Gift Shop is the inside story of Street Art—a brutal and revealing account of what happens when fame, money and vandalism collide. It follows an eccentric shopkeeper turned amateur filmmaker as he attempts to capture many of the world's most infamous vandals on camera, only to have a British stencil artist named Banksy turn the camcorder back on its owner with wildly unexpected results.

This is an important movie for artists who struggle with being artists—perhaps the complex issues surrounding selling their work, or maybe the struggle to remain authentic and free, or all of the above.

Come enjoy the screening of Exit Through the Gift Shop, participate in our silent art auction (benefitting the Film Festival), and join in the discussion. Artists are agents of social change and need to be empowered—community helps.

See you Tuesday, January 3rd at 7pm in the Faith Sanctuary. FREE TO ATTEND!

Open to all!

Winter Clothing Drive for Karen Refugees begins Sunday, January 8th, and runs through Sunday, January 29th. This is a great time to make room in your closets for your new Christmas gifts. Please bring gently used items to the church, folded neatly and marked Karen Clothing Drive. Items can also be dropped off at the home of Dee & Ed Stofko at 1618 Five Mile Court. Please contact them at (214) 317-1361 to coordinate. Monetary donations are being collected also to help the Karen with specific needs. Thank you for your generosity with the canned food drive last month―let’s make this drive even better!

GLBT & Allies Service GroupThis service group is returning after a hiatus. The next meeting will be February 5 at 12:15pm in Hope Chapel. Contact Vickie Johnson with any questions you may have: vickiejohnsonlcsw@gmail.com

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 6

UPDATE

Since member Amy Williams is serving with the Peace Corps in Armenia, the UUCOC RE Youth and their adult advisors have been very interested in making microloans to that country. Here’s an update on one loan:

Harutyun Petrosyan paid off his Kiva loan according to schedule. He spent his third Kiva loan on spring and summer clothes and sleepwear for his business. He sold that merchandise with good profit and invested the money in his business. He sends his thanks to Kiva lenders for their support.

DID YOU KNOW…?

Did you know that there are at least 23 ways to get involved with UUCOC? We couldn’t “make church” without our volunteers, and it’s a great way to get to know people with similar interests. Check out the following list:

UUCOC OPPORTUNITIES FOR U (and U)

Children’s Religious Education

Adult Religious Education

LGBT

Ethical Eating

Meditation

Sacred Spaces

Social Justice

Music

Labyrinth Walk Coffee House

Vaudeville Night

Communications

Green Sanctuary

Worship

Finance

Membership

Event Planning

Construction

Office / Administration

Writing

Cooking / Hospitality

Gardening

Photography

Technology

Leadership

Please contact the Leadership Development Committee if you see something that resonates with you—or if you have any questions: Kathy KinKaid—Chair (214) 517-8098, Elaine Wildman, Mary Kappes, Chris Snively, and Mari Vega.

NO WAITING!VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

SACRED SPACES WORK DAYwith Don Watkins

10am - 1pm, January 7(pizza provided)

Company’s coming & we need to get ready!

LATE-BREAKING NEWS…

On January 1, DRLE Marcia Shannon successfully connected with Amy Williams via Skype during RE. Kids and adults enjoyed a live chat for over 30 minutes. 11:30am here is 9:30pm in Armenia, so we caught Amy just as she was wrapping up her day. While it was very interesting to hear about life in Armenia, cultural differences and job challenges, it was AMAZING AND WONDERFUL just to talk to Amy—on the other side of the world!

*Skype: A VOIP (voice over internet protocol) service that allows users to make free phone calls to anyone anywhere in the world, using a microphone and an Internet connection.

WE SKYPED* AMY!

CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Submitted by Kathy Grey

Read details of Amy’s experiences in the Peace Corps in Armenia on her blog: www.amyinarmenia.wordpress.com/author/amyinarmenia

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 7

January 21, 2012Social: 12:30pm Lunch: 1:00pm

Unitarian Universalist Churchof Oak Cliff

Guest Speaker:Rev. Ellen Cooper-Davis

“Occupy Your Faith”Rev. Ellen Cooper-Davis is in her fourth year of ministry with Northwoods UU Church in The Woodlands. A graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School, and Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, Ellen is also trained as a Spiritual Director.

FEATURING:NTAUUS Recognition Awards

andGrants to the congregations

Tickets for the luncheon are $15 and can be purchased from your NTAUUS representative or

via PayPal at www.northtexasuu.org

AROUND THE DISTRICT

AROUND THE DISTRICT

UUCOC NTAUUS Rep Kelley O’Conan reports:

It is with great joy I congratulate Scott Grey! He is one of five recipients of the NTAUUSMarty Robinson Award for 2011!!!

Presentations of the awards will be made at the NTAUUS Luncheon being held at our very own UUCOC!

Way to go Scott—well-deserved!

2012 NTAUUSAwards Luncheon

Editor’s Note:

This is a great opportunity to meet other North Texas UUs over a good meal, support hardworking staff and volunteers, and show appreciation for the NTAUUS grant program.

The Awards Luncheon is coming to UUCOC after being held for a number of years at First Unitarian. I hope we have a great turnout.

The NTAUUS Board will be meeting in Hope prior to the Luncheon, which will be held in Faith. Want to help get us ready for company? See page 6.

Southwest UU Women's Conferencewith speaker Meg Barnhouse

SAVE THE DATE!February 24 – 26, 2012

Clear Lake City, Texas

www.swuuw.orgwww.SWUUW.org

A WINTER RETREAT

WHO IS THIS CONFERENCE FOR? ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN THE WAYS WE NURTURE FAITH

AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN OURSELVES, CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULTS. LAY LEADERS INCLUDING TEACHERS, PARENTS, YOUTH ADVISORS, RELIGIOUS

EDUCATION (R.E.) COMMITTEE CHAIRS, DIRECTORS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. MINISTERS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND PARISH MINISTERS ARE ALL INVITED!

EVERYTHING IS HOLY

JOIN LAY LEADERS & RELIGIOUS PROFESSIONALS FROM THROUGHOUT OUR REGION FOR THREE DAYS OF

INSPIRING MUSIC, HANDS-ON TRAINING, SOULFUL WORSHIP & TIME ENOUGH TO TAKE IT ALL IN.

FEBRUARY 10-12, 2012 FRIDAY, 7:00 P.M. UNTIL SUNDAY, NOON

HOLIDAY INN SELECT NORTH DALLAS, TEXAS

WORKSHOP INFORMATION & DETAILS TO FOLLOW REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN HERE:

http://fd8.formdesk.com/swuuc1/WintCon12

WITH SINGER-SONGWRITER

PETER MAYER

http://fd8.formdesk.com/swuuc1/WintCon12

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 8

Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff3839 W. Kiest Blvd.Dallas, TX 75233

!

Please check the online calendar for updates:www.oakcliffuu.org/calendar

January 31st Tuesday Social Justice Film & Silent Art Auction 7pm, Faith (See p.5)

January 7 Sacred Spaces Work Day 10am to 1pm (See p. 7)

January 8Social Justice Ministry Meeting12:15pm, Hope (See p.5)

Guest at Your Table boxes due (See p.5)

January 8Gather the Spirit –11:00amNew Hope Cafe (See p.1)

January 10Coordinating Council Meeting 7pm, Hope

January 15Oak Cliff Ethicureans 12:15pm, Hope Chapel (See this page)

January 21NTAUUS Board Meeting10am – Hope Chapel

Awards LuncheonFaith – Social 12:30; Lunch 1pm (See p.7)

Jim Scott in Concert7:30pm – Faith (See p.4)

January 24UUCOC Board Meeting7pm, Hope Chapel

JANUARY AT UUCOC

Deadline for February Newsletter submissions: January 22. Send to kmgrey2@tx.rr.com

Every Sunday:

Worship – 10am (See p.1)

Tapestry of Faith: Gather the SpiritMultigenerational RE11am – New Hope Cafe (See p.1)

Every Wednesday: Vespers – 8pm – Sanctuary

OUR COMMUNAL GARDEN

Texas summers may be brutal, but if the trade-off is TWO growing seasons…. Photos above were taken just before Christmas.

Oak Cliff EthicureansAn ethicurean is a person who enjoys good food and at the same time makes ethical food choices. The term comes from two ideas. The first is epicurean, one who has a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink. The second idea is ethical eating, choosing foods and processing methods that are healthy and do not negatively impact others. Over a three-month period last Fall, an ethical eating forerunner course explored the effects of food modifications and chemical additives, and investigated the environmental impact on the land and the social impact of laborers used in producing various food products. The group looked at how difficult it was to obtain healthy and tasty food in Oak Cliff and other “food dessert” areas of Dallas. Finally, budgetary considerations were discussed.

The Oak Cliff Ethicureans will continue to explore these topics while considering possible solutions. Members will test ethical recipes with an eye to accessibility and budget. The group will look into community gardening, locally grown food sources, community supported agriculture shares, and other options. Potluck lunches will be enjoyed during the meetings.

The potluck meetings will be held the third Sunday of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff, 3839 West Kiest Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75233. The group is open to everyone and there is no charge.

Contact: Kelley O’ConanOak Cliff EthicureansTelephone: 361-788-3442

ANNOUNCING A NEW COVENANT GROUP