uuaa april 2014 newsletter

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AprilNewsletterApril1,2014-Vol10,Issue4

Worship@UUAA

QuickLinks

CalendarofEventsStandingontheSideofLoveUUA.orgUUAA.orgMidAmericauua.org

Servicesandclassesforchildrenareat

9:30am&11:30am.

April6,2014

"JUSTICESUNDAY:LearnandEngage!"

CarolynMadden,KateWarner,withRevGailR.GeisenhainerLocalvoicesspeaktonational,Michigan,andpersonallearningandengagingwithEconomicJustice.ThisisJusticeSundayfortheUUSC.org.TheUnitarianUniversalistServiceCommitteeadvanceshumanrightsandsocialjusticearoundtheworld,partneringwiththosewhoconfrontunjustpowerstructuresandmobilizingtochallengeoppressivepolices.Wearepartofthis.Eachoneofuscanhelp.April13,2014

"Grace"

Rev.MarkEvensGraceisunearned,unmeritedgoodnessthatarrivesunexpected.Wecannameit.Wecanbegratefulforit.Wecanhelppassiton.April20,2014BRINGaFlowertoshare!

"EarthDay,Easter,andFlowerCommunion!"

AMulti-GenerationalCelebrationofOurEarthin

Spring.Rev.GailR.GeisenhainerwillbeassistedbyreadersfromourSpiritualGrowthandDevelopmentleadershipteams.Winterispast!Let'ssailonthisbeautifulblueboatwecallhomeandcelebrateourearth,ourCongregation,andHopeintherebirthofspring.Ithasbeensaid,"Tobereligioustodayistoactonbehalfoftheplanet."Bring<lowerstoshareandcelebrate!April27,2014

"TheWelcomeTable:AccessandAbilities"

Rev.MarkEvensWhatwoulditmeantobeacongregationthattrulyandeffectivelyincludesallwithoutregardtoabilityordisability?OurAccessibilityTeamhasbeenaskingthisquestion

UUAA April 2014 Newsletter https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_preview.jsp?age...

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assessingthecurrentstateofourwelcomeandimagininga"largertable."

FromOurStaff

GleaningsRe7lectionsfromRev.GailR.Geisenhainer,SeniorMinister

AnnualReportsaredueMay1st.Theycanseemlikedrudgerytowrite.Andtheyhappenyearafteryearafteryear.Whydowebother?Attheirbest,AnnualReportsareanopportunitytocaptureourheart'sdesire;whatwedreamedtodo,whatweencounteredontheroadtoourdreams...,andhowwewereabletoengageourheartsdesires,whatweactuallyaccomplished,experienced,andlearned.MyownunderstandingofAnnualReportshaschangedabruptlythisyear.AsIworkwiththe150thAnniversaryPlanningTeam,Ihavefoundarenewedappreciationforthefolkswhowrotethingsdownacenturyandahalfago.Whatmayseemlikecommonknowledgetous,here,now,willbeatreasuretobeuncoveredbythosewhostewardourreligionandourchurchinthecenturiestocome.Insteadofapproachingthewritingwithanexpectationofdrudgeryorasenseofdread,thisyearI'vegotafeelingofadventure.AnnualReportscanbewrittenasalovelettertoourco-religionistsofthefuture.Sixorsevengenerationsfromnow..,whatwouldyouwant

themtoknowabouttheministryyouengagehereatUUAA?Whatareyourhopesforthefuture...,theirdistantpast?Whatwouldyouhavethemunderstandofthestrugglesyouface,thechallengesthatcallyoutotheministryyouoffernow?AndIhopemanyofyoucanjoinintheministriesofhospitalityaswewelcomeourpartoftheUUAMid-AmericaRegionAnnualAssemblyhereSaturday,April12th.WeareoneoffoursitesintheRegiontohostanAssemblygathering.It'sachanceforustopracticeourroleasSouthEastMichigancluster's"greatpumpkin."ComeandenjoypreachingandsocialwitnesswithfellowUU'sfromourarea.Pleaseseewww.midamericauua.orgfordetails.Ihopetoseeyouthere.Mylovetoeach,Rev.GailSAVETHEDATE:Planningwayahead,pleasesavethesedates:September21-22,2014.Rev.MichaelDowd,authorofThankGodforEvolution:HowtheMarriageofScienceandReligionWillTransformYourLifeandOurWorldwillreturntoourpulpitonthatSunday.Thenextnight,Monday,hewillofferapubliclecture,"TheFutureIsCallingUstoGreatness:ComingHometoReality."Markyourcalendarsandinviteyourfriends.Michaelisalivelyspeaker.Hehasdevotedhislifetopreachingwhattheawarenessofthehopeandchallengeofevolutionarysciencemeanstoreligion.Pleaseseehiswebsite,too.www.thegreatstory.org.{Rev.Gail}TRAVELINGFORSPRINGBREAK?PleasebringbackcopiesoftheOrderofServiceyou<indfromanyUUchurchesyoumightvisitinothercities.Andenjoythetrip!{Rev.Gail}NEWS!Justasthisnewsletteris"goingtopress,"therehasbeenalotofupheavalandchangeinMichiganaboutMarriageEquality.Pleasestaytuned.Wehopetogetre<lectionsgatheredfor


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theMayNewsletter.{Rev.Gail}

MusingsRev.MarkEvens,AssociateMinister

TalkingtotheFutureSundaymorningswegatherintheSanctuarytosharesometimere<lectingonwhatmakeslifegood.Wegathertoremindoneanotheroftimelesstruthsandtoreinterpretourhumanneedsinthelightofnewunderstandingsofourworldandchangesinhowtheworldworks.OutsidetheSanctuary,ourSundaymorningsareakeytimetoconnectourselveswiththevariousprogramsandopportunitiestheCongregationprovides.Wemeetpeopleface-to-faceatreservedtablesintheSocialHallandlearnaboutSocialJusticeprojects,ethicaleating,supportivespiritualpractices,andotherprograms.Inalargechurchsuchasours,therearemanyoptions.Andforaneventorprogramorganizer,theavailableandnecessarycommunicationchannelsmayattimesseemjustasnumerous.Thereisanarttocommunicatingwellinalargecongregation.Userofmultiplechannels,clarity,andthoughtfulrepetitionareessential.BesidesconversationsintheSocialHall,othercommonchannelsofcommunicationincludepostersonbulletinboard,<lyersfortheSocialHallInvolvementTable(nearthedoortothehallway),theWeeklyBulletininsertedintheOrderofServiceeachSundaymorning(sentoutelectronicallytoover1,100peopleeachweek),theelectronicMonthlyNewsletter,andthewebsite.Socialmediaisperhapsthenewestcommunicationmethod.Socialmediaisusedbypeopleofallages,butperhapsmostheavilybytheyoungercongregantsandpotentialparticipantsinthewiderworldwhoarethefutureofthisCongregationandUnitarianUniversalism.

WhataboutrequestingthatGailorIsayafewwordsfromthepulpitintheSanctuary

duringworship?GailandIhavesometimesmentionedeventsorprogramsfromthepulpitinparttoillustratethebreadthofopportunitiesavailable,and,inpart,tohelpencourageparticipationinspeci<icsigni<icantevents.WehavedonethissparinglyandselectivelytopreservetheessentialqualityofourtimeintheSanctuaryasfocusedonbeingtogetherinthemomentforre<lectionandrenewal.Weplantocontinuethispractice.Toencourageeffective

communicationeffortsusingallappropriatechannels,wewillbeaskingthatrequests

forpulpitwordsaboutprogramscometouswithacopyofyourcomprehensive

communicationplanfortheevent.Whilecontinuingtolimitprogrampromotionduringworship,wewillbemorelikelytoaccommodatearequestforapulpitmentionifitcomestouswithawelldesigned,comprehensiveplanthatmakesgooduseofalltheotherchannelsofcommunication.Requestsreceivedwithcommunicationplansthatincludesocialmedia

willgetgold"talkingtothefuture"starsandspecialconsideration.Wewillendeavorintheweeksaheadtoprovideatemplatefordevelopingandsubmittingsuchcommunicationplans.Thankyouforalltheworkyoudotoplanrich,rewardingprogramsforourCongregationandmakethemavailableforourbene<it.

SpiritualGrowthandDevelopment(SGD)inActionSandyGarges,DirectorofSpiritualGrowthandDevelopment

ThispastOctober,IhadtheopportunitytomeetwithReverendKathleenMcTigue,directorofthenewlyformedUnitarian


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UniversalistCollegeofSocialJustice(UUCSJ).TosayIwasamazinglyinspiredbyReverendMcTiguewouldbeanunderstatement.SheisleadingtheUUCSJwhichwascreatedin2012throughapartnershipwiththeUnitarianUniversalistAssociationandtheUnitarianUniversalistServiceCommittee(UUSC).Bywayofbackground,theUUAistheumbrellaorganizationofUUcongregationsandtheUUSCistheorganizationthatbringsusthewonderfulchocolatesandcoffeeintheSocialHalleachSundayandsponsorstheannualGuestAtYourTableprogram.ThebroadgoaloftheUUCSJistoserveasacatalystfordeepersocialjusticeworkinourcommunities.Itpromotesincreasedsocialjusticeengagementinthreeways:service-learningtripsforallages,socialjusticetrainingforhighschoolyouth,andinternshipsforyoungadults.Itisnotaformal"college"but,instead,offersprogramsbasedondirecthands-onexperiencejoinedwithreadings,re<lections,anddiscussion.TheUUCSJoffersvariousprogramsthroughouttheyear.Forexample,thisJulytheUUCSJis

sponsoringaMississippiCivilRightsBusTourinrecognitionofthe50thanniversaryof

FreedomSummer.Thistripisopentoadultsand8th-12thgradeyouth.Participantswilllearnfromveteransofhistoricstrugglesandwillalsoaddresstheconnectionbetweenthesepriorstrugglesandthechallengeswefacetoday.Thetourincludesmanystops,amongthemtheNationalCivilRightsMuseumattheLorrainMotel,siteoftheRev.Dr.MartinLutherKingassassination,MedgarEver'shome,ameetingwithmembersofthehistoricMt.ZionUnitedMethodistChurchandavisittotheUniversityofMississippiwhere,in1962,thedesegregationoftheuniversitybecamea<lashpointforthestate'sresistancetocivilrights.TolearnmoretheUUCSJanditsprograms,visittheUUCollegeofSocialJusticewebsite:http://uucsj.org.IfyouareinterestedindiscussingwaystobringthisprogrammingtolifehereatUUAA,Iwelcomeyourconversation.Withcare,Sandy

ProgramNotesMariaThomas,ProgramsCoordinator

AS-UU-perSummerProgramisplannedforchildrenand

youth!TheSpiritualGrowthandDevelopment(SGD)summerprogrambeginsonSunday,June15,andwillcontinuethroughAugust31.Duringthesummer,twogradelevelsareoffered:aK-3classanda4-8class.ClassesmeetintheFahsandJacksonChapels,althoughtheyoftenmoveoutdoorstoenjoygoodweatherandtheUUAAgrounds.Thisyear'scurriculum,"S-UU-perPlays",promisestobelotsoffunandfullofactivity.Eachweek'slessonfeaturesashorttheaterscriptcenteredonUUprinciples,questions,andchallenges.Forexample,July6'sskitiscalled"Fireworks",anditexploresthemeaningsofdemocracy,howweagreeanddisagree,andhowwejointogether.Anotherscript,"Dizzy'sTale",<indsthefamilycatarguingincourtformorefreedom."BrainGame"depictsthechallengesfacedbyalosingbasketballteam,andhowtheteamcreatesachangeinattitude.ThescriptsarewrittenbyUUAauthorRichardS.Kimball.UUAA'sownDebraGoldenhas


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addedtheatergames,warm-ups,andotheractivitiestofullyengageallages.Therearealsoplentyofbehind-the-scenesrolesforthosewhoprefernottotakecenterstage.CallingallS-UU-perVolunteers!DoesthisS-UU-percurriculumsoundlikefun?Thenpleaseconsidervolunteeringasasummerteacher!TheSGDProgramisseekingadultcongregantswhohaveattendedUUAAforatleastoneyear,andwhocanmakeacommitmentofeitherleadingorassistinginclassesforfourtosixSundays(morearealwaysappreciated!).Allclasseshavetwoteachers,onetoleadandonetoassist.Noteachingexperienceisrequired.TheCongregationoffersprogrammingforchildrenandyoutheverySundayoftheyear.Thiswouldnotbepossiblewithoutthesupportofvolunteerteachers.Pleaseconsidercontributingyourtimeandyourselftoouryoungestcongregants.Ifinterested,contactme,MariaThomas,[email protected].

PastoralCareNewsMeredithLey,PastoralCareProgramCoordinator

TheJobSeekersGroupwasstartedin2009withtheintentofassistingcongregantsandthosefromthecommunitywhowerelaidoff,terminated,orwantingtochangecareers.Overthelastsixyears,thegrouphasevolvedandassistedmanyfolksin<indingwork,exploringpersonalinterestsandskills,emphasizingtheneedforfocusinlookingforanewdirection.Guestspeakers,fellowattendees,andthefacilitatorshavebeensomeofthewayswehaveaddedsupport.Thegrouphasabalanceofinteractivesupportandpracticaltraining.

Thegroupmeetsthe2ndand4thMondaysfrom9:30-11:00amintheYoungRoom.ThegroupisfacilitatedbyMeredithLey,pastoralcarecoordinator,andPaulAlman,avolunteerwithextensiveexperienceasanexecutiverecruiter.Thegroupisverybalancedandmuchofthecoachingisbetweenparticipants.Eachbecomesanadvisorinsomeaspectofajobsearch.Iinviteyouoranyoneyouknowwhomaybene<itfromthissupporttojoinusonceorforlonger.Ifyouareorthinkingofmakingashiftinyourwork,contemplatingacareerchange,orexploringwhatwouldbetheidealworksituation,Iencourageyoutovisitand<indoutwhatwedo.Thefollowingtestimonialsbestspeaktowhatthegroupcanoffer:"IstronglyrecommendtheJobSeekersgrouptoanyonewhohasemployment-relatedquestionsorconcerns.Theleaders,MeredithLeyandPaulAlman,areincredibleandtheirinsightsandexperiencesinHumanResourcesandRecruitingareunsurpassed.Thisgroupisparticularlyhelpfultothosewhoareactivelyseekingemployment,consideringacareerchange,orreturningtotheworkforce.IhighlyrecommendJobSeekers;thediscussionislivelyandallinattendancebene<itgreatly"."UUJobSeekersGroupisanenormoussourceofsupportandinformationaswellasabi-weeklyanchorwhileIjobhunt.PaulAlmanandMeredithLeyareacollaborativepowerhouseofencouragementinkeepingourheadsfocusedandpositive,ourstrengthsuppermostinourendeavors,andinhelpingmanagethecommonchallengesweallfaceduringtransition.Bothfacilitatorshaveincredibleinsightintohowtohelpjobseekersgetoutoftheirownwaybyusingnewapproachesto<indwhatwillreallybeagood<itintheirnextjob."


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[email protected].

ActivitiesandEvents

SeniorDinner*Wednesday,April2

Comeat6:00pmtoGourmetGardenforgoodfoodandconversation.Sinceit'sthedayafterAprilFool's,youknowwe'renotkidding.Questions?ContactMarieDukeat769-0467oromaduke7@gmail.com.

Plant-StrongPotluck*Saturday,April5

CometoaveganfamilypotluckintheFahsChapelfromnoon-2:00pm.Bringaplant-basedvegandishwithoutmeat,<ish,eggs,dairy,honey,orotheranimalproducts.Enjoythecompanyoffellowmindfuleaters,shareinformation,andeatdeliciousfood.Bringtableserviceandservingtools.Questions?ContactDonnaEstryat734-484-0913orestry@umich.eduorJennyMcKillopat<[email protected].

LeadershipDevelopmentTeam*Saturday,April5

Allareinvitedtoexplorethetopicofdiscernmentinathree-hourexperientialworkshopintheJacksonChapel.Therewillbecoffeeandalightbreakfastat9:00am.Theworkshopbeginsat9:30am.LeadershipDevelopmentTeamwillsponsor"What'sDiscernmentGottoDoWithIt?AToolandSpiritualPracticeforCovenantalCommunities".Discernmentisaprocessforindividualstoassisteachotherindevelopingspiritualdirectionandunderstanding.Theprocessisdifferentfromandcontributestogooddecisionmaking.How,can,andshoulddiscernmentbeusedinourcovenantalreligiouscommunity?TomDarnton,BeckyHoort,andJanellaJameswillleadtheworkshop.Toregister,[email protected].

AdultSGD&PastoralCareWorkshop*Sunday,April6

"EndofLifeResourcesatUUAA"isaworkshopofferedbySpiritualGrowthandDevelopment(SGD)andPastoralCareonSunday,April6from1:00-3:00pmintheFahsChapel.UUAAfamilieswhoareanticipatingorexperiencingadeathare"incovenant"withtheCongregation.Oneofthecorevalues,"Community",emphasizeshowwecareforeachother.Thisworkshopwillexplorethewaystocarryoutthiscorevalueintheendoflifecontext,withillustrationsfromthreebasictopics:memorialservice,dispositionofremains,anddistributionofproperty.TheprogramwillbefacilitatedbyTerryMaddenandMeredithLeyandpresentedbyRev.MarkEvens,JohnErdevig,andTomDarnton.Theworkshopwillbeginwithadiscussionaboutplanningfordispositionofproperty,movefromtheretoplanningamemorialservice,andconcludewithaconversationaboutdispositionofremains.EmphasisinallthreesegmentswillbeonresourcesavailablewithintheCongregation.Questions?ContactTomDarntonattdarton@me.com.

RoundRobinDinner*Friday,April11

Joinothersinsmallgroupsofadultsforaneveningoffood,conversation,andcongeniality.ThenextRoundRobindinnerwillbeonFriday,April11.ThisisawonderfulwaytogettoknowafewUUsatatime.Questions?ContactSallyPrestonatsally@pctraining.netbyThursday,April3,ifyouareinterestedinparticipating.


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ThecampusoftheUnitarianPrimary

SchoolatMawkisyeim.Inthisphoto,

takenin2006,thecurrentchurch

buildingisjustabovethewhitebench.

Thelargerbuilding,totherightofthe

bench,housestheclassroomsandof<ice.

KhasiHillsSponsor-a-StudentProgram*Sunday,April13

TheKhasiHillsSponsor-a-Studentprojectbeganin2002whenthenassistantminister,EvaCameron,returnedfromasabbaticalstayamongtheKhasiUnitariansinnortheastIndia.ThisCongregationsharesaspecialconnectionwiththembyvirtueofthefriendshipinthelate-1800sbetweentheirfounder,HajomKissorSingh,andUUAAministeratthattime,ReverendJabezSunderland.InanefforttofurthereducationandbuildunderstandingwithstudentsandfamiliesintheKhasiHills,theSponsor-a-StudentProjectlinksdonorsfromUUAAwithindividualelementaryschoolstudentsfromtheMawkisyiemUnitarianLowerPrimarySchoolintheKhasiHillsofIndia.Eachannualdonationof$50givessupporttothestudentandhis/herschool,helpingtoprovide:*Alivingwageforteachers.*Books.InIndia,parentscommonlybuyallbookseveryyear,oftenpresentingobstaclesineducatingthesechildren.Abook-lendingprogramhelpsprovideequalaccesstonecessarytextbooks.*Asafeandhealthyenvironment.Theschoolfacilityisverysimpleandfrequentlyinneedofstructuralrepairs,upkeep,andnewconstruction.*Ayear-endgiftpurchasedinIndiaandprovidedforeachchildandteacherasatangiblereminderofyourfriendship.Whatdoesasponsorreceiveinreturn?*Aphoto(whenavailable)ofthestudent(s)sponsoredandayearlyletterfromthestudent(s).*Periodicupdatesontheschoolandtheproject.*AconnectionwithayoungKhasistudentwhowillbene<itfromknowingthatsomewhereintheworldthereisaUnitarianwhocaresespeciallyforhimorher.Thisisthetimeofyeartorenewandinitiatesponsorships.Ifinterested,plantoattendtheforumandlunchat1:00pmonSunday,April13forakick-offtotherecruitmentdrive.Or,visittheKhasiHills/BigHearttableduringSocialHouronSundaymorningslaterinthemonth.Questions?ContactCathyDohertyatmysarina@aol.com.

IntrotoOUUrFaith*Saturday,April19

AnintroductiontoUnitarianUniversalism(UU)fornewcomersandlong-timememberswillbetaughtbyRev.MarkEvensandaboardmember.TopicsincludethehistoryofUUandthisCongregation,governanceatUUAA,howtogetinvolved,themeaningandresponsibilitiesofmembership,andparticipants'ownspiritualjourneys.Thisclasswillbeheldfrom10:00am-2:30pm.SignupbySunday,April13.Spaceislimitedto20participants.RegistrationformsareavailableattheInvolvementTableduringSocialHour,intheNewcomerWelcomeRoom,andinthefrontentranceliteraturerack.Forchildcaretobemadeavailable,atleasttwofamiliesmustsubmitarequestbyFriday,April4.


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Forquestionsorhelpregistering,[email protected].

AlphaHouseServiceWeek*April21-27

Over100UUAAvolunteerscompletedasuccessfulserviceweek

atAlphaHouseinFebruary.Manysaytheygetmoreoutoftheir

experiencethanwhattheygive.

TimWhittemore,oftenfoundattheAlphaHousetableduring

SocialHour,reports,"Wehadagreattimemakingbreakfastat

AlphaHouseonSaturday...Thekidswerehungryandcameright

inatnine,butsomeoftheadultscameabitlater.We'lldothis

againnextround,providednooneelsesignsup."

JustinPolinerhadagreattimeentertainingatoddler.Hesays,"Everyoneshouldtryto

volunteeratAlphaHouseatsomepoint...Isigneduptoplaywiththekids.Whileitmayappear

intimidatingtointeractwithkidsyou'venevermet,it'sreallyeasy.Theyunquestionablytalk

toyouandaskyoutoplaygames.There'snobetterfeelingthantobeapositivein<luenceon

thesechildren."

ThankyoutoallFebruaryvolunteers:DeeDishon,DeniseandDavidFrick,CarolCramerand

ThomasLongworth,KimClugston,AudraEddy,DelphineBenard,EileenWright,KatieKyndely,

NancySchewe,JohnSepp,GingerLuke,RobertTreadway,MonicaCochran,SandySimon,

JennieLofgren,BrandySinco,CathyMuha,CarolMaccini,TerriandSpencerWilkerson,Kirsten

andJohannahMogbo,CindyKrueger,GraceDreyer,JustinPoliner,LaraBrown,PaulLalinsky,

GretchenRidenour,BeccaManery,JoAnneDiehl,FranDew,TriciaSmith,LindaSprankle,Janet

Duncan,CherylandVeyValentine,EdieHough,JoyShannon,MargaretPekarek,Diane

Connaughton,LouiseKazarinoff,KristanandMarkeetaGraban,AnnBrennan,JoeandKatie

Krushelnik,Edward,Carolyn,andPatrickNorton,RebeccaHardin,CareyAllen,Bridget

Laundra,SaraMathews,BethanyRamirez,DavidTumbarello,TerryKress,Lisa,David,Tim,

andSamKohn,FredandNataliaStelson,TerryButcher,DianeFead,TimWhittemore,Lora

Girata,CarolGirata,JohnandRosemarieRussell,SharonGuyton,KateBurkhardt,Gina

Boldman,LorraineGutierrez,RobertKropf,MichelleandJamesDunnum,AngelaMenegay,

BruceandChantelleShields,RoenMontalva,KateHutchens,PaulineLoewenhardt,Susan

David,KatlynCameron,BetsyReitbauer,TimRichards,MadelineGoodson,SandyEyl,Melissa

Villanueva,MarleneMcGrathandJeffKahan,LarryJunck,StephanieSurfus,andtheComingof

Ageclass.SpecialthankstoPatHerbstforhiscontinuingdedicationtocoordinatingtheAlpha

Houseserviceproject.

ThenextserviceweekwillbeMonday-Sunday,April21-27.Findouthowtohelp.Gotothe

AlphaHousetableduringSocialHourortheUUAAwebsiteandclickonAlphaHouse.

Questions?ContactCherylValentineatcherylnatzmervalentine@gmail.com.

FolkSongJamAlong*Tuesday,April22

JoinamusicalEarthDaycelebrationonTuesday,April22at7:00pmintheSanctuary.Eachyear,EarthDaymarkstheanniversaryofwhatmanyconsiderthebirthofthemodernenvironmentalmovementin1970.Learnmoreat

www.earthday.org.


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Bringafavorite"Earthy"poem,quote,orshortreadingtosharewiththecircle.AllagesarewelcometosingintheEarthDay"Sing-for-the-Earth"Choir.Tolearnsomeofthesongs,chants,andharmonypartsaheadoftime,joinintheFahschapelat6pmonThursdaysApril3,and17.You'llbethe"folkstofollow"inthisimpromptuchorus.Questions?ContactLoriFithianandJeanChorazyczewskiatfolksong.jam.along@gmail.comorcallLoriat734-426-7818.

InterweaveCircle*Saturday,April26

Interweave,SocialJusticeCouncil,andChallengingRacisminvitetheCongregationtothe3rdannualspringretreat.JoinonSaturday,April26from1:00-9:00pmforworship,discernment,smallgroupsharing,goodfood,music,andfellowship.RegistrationbeginsonSunday,April6attheInterweavetableduringSocialHour.Childcareandscholarshipsareavailableuponrequest.ChildcarerequestdeadlineisSaturday,April12.Foranevent<lyerwithmoreinformationclickhere.Questions?ContactLeighRobertsonatleigrobe@umich.edu.

MECForum*Sunday,April27

MindfulEatingCoalitionwillsponsor"TheNewFoodPhilosophyforHealth"from1:00-2:30pmintheFahsChapel.PaulKrause,presidentofVegMichiganandapharmacist,willspeakonhowfoodchoicesaffectnotonlyhealth,butalsothewelfareoftheplanet.Thiseventisfreeandhealthfulsnackswillbeprovided.Questions?ContactDonnaEstryat734-484-0913orestry@umich.edu.

SGDTeachersAppreciationBrunch*Sunday,April27

Eachspringholdsatraditiontohonorandthankthosewhoserveasvolunteerteachers,assistants,androversintheSGDChildrenandYouthProgram.TheTeacherAppreciationBrunchwilltakeplaceonSunday,April27,from10:30to11:30aminFahsChapel.Thispotluckbrunchisawaytoexpressgratitudetotheprogram'svolunteerswhocommittheirtimeanddevelopmeaningfulrelationshipswiththiscommunity'schildrenandyouth.Parents,caregivers,andothercongregantsareinvitedtocontributeadishorhelpwithset-uporclean-up.Sign-upatSignUpGenius.com/go/30E0D4AA8A922A46-teacher3.Questions?ContactcoordinatorsAlezaMerkelataleza3@[email protected].

FolkSongJamAlong*Monday,April28

JoinintheSocialHallat7:00pmforafunnightofcommunitysingingtowelcomebackspringandsunshine.Singandharmonizetosomeoldfavoritesandlearnafewnewones,too.Lyricsandchordswillbeprojectedontoascreen,sobringstrummyinstrumentstojamalong.Grabafriendandcomesing.LedbyLoriFithianandJeanChorazyczewski.

Questions?Contactfolksong.jam.along@gmail.comorcallJeanat734-223-2847.

AnnouncementsandNotices


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150thAnniversaryCelebration

OnMay14,1865,theFirstCongregationalUnitarianSocietyofAnnArborwasfoundedby40peoplewhoundoubtedlywouldnotrecognizethisCongregationnow.Nextprogramyear,fromSeptember28,2014throughMay17,2015,wewillcelebratetheCongregation's150yearsaswe"reverethepastbuttrustthedawningfuturemore".Markyourcalendarsforakick-offcelebrationandanall-CongregationphotoonSept28.TheServiceofCommemorationofourFoundingwillbeonMay17,2015.HumanrightsadvocateRev.WilliamSchulz,presidentandCEOoftheUnitarianUniversalistServiceCommittee(UUSC)willbetheguestpresenteratthe150thAnniversaryCelebrationKleinLectureonSundayOctober12.BillSchulzisaformerpresidentoftheUnitarianUniversalistAssociation(UUA)andservedfor12yearsasexecutivedirectorofAmnestyInternationalUSA.Ifyouhaveabrief(lessthan500words)storyaboutaconnectionwiththeCongregationorhaveagoodmemoryofasigni<icantevent(whetherit'sfrom50yearsor50daysago)pleaseshareit.Nextprogramyear,thestoryoftheCongregation's150yearjourneywillbetold.Wewanttoaddyourpersonalstorytothemix-whetheritisspiritual,humorous,pithy,orjustmakesyousmile.TheHistoryDetectives"StoryCatchers"willgatherthesestoriesintoamemorybook.SomemaybepostedonthewebsiteorFacebookpage.EmaileachstorytoStoryCatchers@uuaa.orgorsignupattheInvolvementTabletotellyourstoryorallytoaninterviewer.Questions?ContactTerryMaddenandSandySimonatbirthday150@uuaa.orgorgotowww.uuaa.org/150..

DenominationalConnectionsTeam(DCT)

TheCongregationalStudy/ActionIssue(CSAI)for2012-2016,"ReproductiveJustice:ExpandingourSocialJusticeCalling",aseriesofmonthlydiscussions,withtopicsfromtheUUA'sCommissiononSocialWitness'srecommendedCSAIcurriculum,willhavethelastsessiononWednesday,April16entitled"Conclusion:MovingForward"[email protected]."HungerForJustice"isthethemeforthe2014MidAmericaRegionalAssembly(RA).UUAAisoneofthehostsitesonSaturday,April12.Itwillbeadayofcomingtogetherforfellowship,inspiringlecturesandworkshops,anddeepeningworship.KeynotespeakerPaulRasorwilldelivertheArthurM.JudyMemorialLectureliveinTopekaandstreamedtoUUAA.Anyonemayattend.Ifyouareinterestedinbeingadelegateorattending,signupintheSocialHallattheDCTtableorcontactRobertaAllenatbert71allen@gmail.com.GeneralAssembly(GA)istheannualmeetingoftheUnitarianUniversalistAssociation(UUA)ofCongregations.GA2014willbeinProvidence,RhodeIslandfromWednesday-Sunday,June25-29.Attendeeswillworship,witness,learn,connect,andmakepolicyforUUAthroughademocraticprocess.Anyonemayattend.Thethemeis"LoveReachesOut".DelegateswillselectthenextCongregationalStudy/ActionIssuefor2014-2018.Ifyouareinterestedinbeingadelegateorattending,sign-upintheSocialHallattheDCTtableorcontactRobertaAllenatbert71allen@gmail.com.


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TheDenominationalConnectionsTeam(DCT)servesasaconduitfortheexchangeofinformationbetweentheFirstUnitarianUniversalistCongregationofAnnArbor(UUAA)andthewiderUnitarianUniversalist(UU)community,providingourCongregationandthedenominationwithavibrantmeansofco-operatingtogetherandstrengtheningouridentityasUUs.

QUUestPoetryMonth

AprilisPoetryMonthatQUUestBookstore.Poetrylovers,checkoutourgreatcollection.Therewillbeachancetowinanewpoetrybook.Thisyear'sselectionisPoetryinMichiganinPoetry,acollectionofMichiganpoetryandphotographsthathasalistpriceof$40.Thisanthologygathersanintriguingrangeofpoetsandartists,theirvisionsandvoices,andexplorethevariancesinMichiganlandscape,shoreline,liveslivedinthecity,town,andcountryside,ouruncommon

diversityofcultures,pointsofview,concerns,celebrations,losses,andhistories.Stopbytolookatthebookand<illoutanentryformonanySundayinApril(oneformperpersonplease).Thebookwinnerwillbeselectedat1:00pmonSunday,April27.Questions?Contact:[email protected].

ChallengingRacismEvents

AcceptReverendMark'schallenge:SupportandlearnmoreaboutDetroit.JoinAfrican-AmericanHistoryandCultureTourofDetroitonSaturday,May3andThursday,July10from9:30am-5:30pm.CelebrateDetroit'sblackpastwithstopsathistoricmarkersimpactedbyCouncilmanErnieBrownin1971.StopsincludeNegroBaseballSite,TyreeGuyton'sHeidelbergProject,ElmwoodCemetery,BlackBottom,ParadiseValley,theTuskegeeAirmen'sMuseum,andmore.LunchonyourownatSteve'sSoulFoodonFranklinStreet.ThetourleavesfromtheWestminsterChurchat17567HubbellinDetroit.

Google"WestminsterChurch"fordirections.Cost:$35.RSVPbyTuesday,April1withpaymentbySaturday,April12.MakechecksouttoStewartMcMillin,2136Seminole,Detroit,MI,48214.Hecanbereachedat313-922-1990,[email protected],May3,[email protected]:Saturday,May17from1:00-4:00pmfortheshowinganddiscussionofInequalityforAllintheFahsChapel.Questions?Contact:[email protected]@umich.edu.

UUSCCoffeeProject

Awin,win,win,winendeavor-that's4wins.ThesmallfarmercooperativesthatgrowourproductsareguaranteedfairpricesbyEqualExchange(farmerswin.That's#1win)andEqualExchangedonates20centsforeverypoundofproducttotheUUServiceCommittee'ssmallfarmerfund,whichpartnerswithothercooperativestobuildsustainablelivelihoodsforsmallfarmers,manyofwhomarewomen(theUUSCandfarmerswin.That's#2).Plus,theChurchreceivesapercentageforsellingequalexchangeproducts($3000lastyear).(UUAAwins.That's#3)Theproductssoldaretopqualityandguiltfree.(Youwin.That's#4)Checkoutthe


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HalBreidenbachmadeanddonated

thisstorage-displaycabinetforthe

UUSCCoffeeProject

tableeverySundayduringSocialHour.Questions?ContactCathyBreidenbachatCathie@breidenbach.net.

SocialJusticeCouncil(SJC)

MinimumWageCampaign:StopbytheSJCtable(ortheMindfulEatingtable)tosignpetitionstogettheminimumwageissueontheNovemberballot.Takeapetitionhome,get12signatures,andbringitbacktotheSocialJusticetable.UUsstatewidehavecommittedtogetting4,000signaturesfortheballotinitiative.StopbytoseeeventsthatSJCwillco-sponsorinthecomingmonths.Sunday,March30:ICPJAnnualMeeting,RestorativeJusticepanel/readerstheatreat7:00pm.Saturday,April12:MidAmericanRegionalAssembly-RaisingtheMinimumWageat3:30pm.Saturday,April26:InterweaveAllCongregationRetreat-PanelonChickenortheEgg:UUandSocialJusticeat2:00pm.CropWalk:SJCispleasedtoannouncethatJamesToddwillbeleadingtheCropWalkFall2014forUUAA.Foroversixdecades,ChurchWorldServicehasbeenworkinginsolidaritywithpeoplearoundtheworldtoeradicatehungerandpovertyandtoworkforpeaceandjustice.InAnnArbor,theInterfaithCouncilonPeaceandJusticeorganizesthelocalCROPWalk.CROPstandsfor"CommunitiesRespondingtoOvercomePoverty".GuestatYourTable:TheSJC,UUSCcoffeeproject,andSGDispleasedtoannouncethat$1099wascollectedforGuestatYourTablethisyear.InformationabouttheseopportunitieswillbeontheSJCtableduringSocialHour.Questions?ContactCarolynMaddenatcgmadden@gmail.com.

RenewableEnergyinAction

ThreeMarcheventsrelatedtotheCongregation'sleadershipinrenewableenergyareworthnoting:(1)Rev.GailGeisenhainerprovidedtestimonytotheStateSenate'sEnergyandTechnologyCommitteeurginglawmakerstocreatepoliciesthatexpandcleanrenewableenergyproduction;(2)visitorsfromEdgewoodUnitedChurchinEastLansingcametolearnaboutoursolar&windprojectinhopesof<inalizingaplanfortheirfacility;and(3)DTEapprovedanincentivepaymenttoUUAAifitisabletoaddanadditional5.0

kilowattsofsolarwithinthenext10months.ThoseinterestedinhelpingtodrawupaplanforpresentationtotheChurchtoaddthissolarareinvitedtoconactDaveFriedrichsat


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Dozensofcolorfulsweaterswere

amongthosedeliveredin2011,

whenseveralmemberstraveled

tonortheastIndia

dave@homelandbuildersgroup.com.AmeetingtodiscussthepossibilitywillbescheduledinApril.

Ofspecialnote,inFebruary,theChurchpassedthe$12,000markincashsavingsonelectricity-since<irstinstallationofPVpanels(andthesmallturbine)3-yrsago.

AccessibilityTeam

UUAAjoinswithnineotherUUchurchesacrossthecountrytoexaminetheaccessibilityoftheChurchtopeoplewithdisabilities.JoininMaytohearsixmemberswhohavedisabilitiesdescribetheirexperiencewithaccessibilityintheChurch.TheywillsharethewaysthatChurchPolicies,Churchstructureandenvironment,communications,andattitudessupportorhinderaccessibilityinallChurchactivities.ThemeetingwillbeheldonSaturday,May3from2:00-4:00pm.Questions?ContactPaulineLoewenhardt,DisabilityPaneldiscussionco-coordinatoratloewenhardt@sbcglobal.net.

AnnualReports

ItisthattimeoftheyeartoprepareanannualreportthatwillbesharedwiththeCongregationattheAnnualMeetinginJune.Individualrecognizedcongregationalgroupsareaskedtoincludetheelementslistedbelowineachannualreport:

Therecognizedministryname.Theauthorofthereport.Abriefdescriptionofthegroup.AdescriptionofhowUUAAcorevaluesweremetbythegroup.Highlightsofactivitiesthattookplace.Goalsreached.Namesofactiveparticipantsintheministry.Describefutureideas,plans,andgoals.

[email protected],May1at5:00pm.Earlysubmissionsarewelcome.Contactyourgroup'slayleaderorstaffliaisonwithanyquestions.

KhasiHIllsSweaterProject

SinceOctober2011,96hand-knitsweatersfrommembersandfriendsweredeliveredtothevillageofMawkisyiemintheKhasiHillsviamanyinterestingroutes.TheMawkisyiemUnitarianPrimarySchoolisapartnerwithUUAA.Enrollmenthasbeenrelativelysteadyforseveralyears,withnearly100newstudentsenteringtheschooleachFebruary.Wewillkeepknittinganddeliveringaslongasthereareinterestedsweatermakersonourend,studentswhohavenotreceivedasweaterontheirend,andwillingfolkstomakedeliveries.Ifyou(orafriend)wouldliketoknit(orcrochet)forthisprojectyoucanlearnmoreaboutitattheKhasiHillstableduringSocialHouronSundaymorning-orontheproject'sFacebookpage:KnittingUpaStorm.www.facebook.com/pages/Knitting-Up-a-Storm/261128913912663?ref=hl.

NewMembers


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WelcomeNewestMembers

Extendawarmwelcometoournewestmembers.Formoreinformationonhowtobecomeamember,contactwelcomeministriescoordinatorHannahHotchkissathannah@uuaa.org.

CindyHegg-Krueger

"I'vebeeninvolvedwiththisCongregationsince1987,butjustneversignedthebookcementingmycommitment.SoooooooUU,right?!IhadneverevenheardoftheUUChurcheswhenImovedtoAnnArbor.OneSundayIwenttocheckitout,andrealizedveryquicklyitwastherightplaceforme.Mostrecently,IhaveenjoyedteachingintheSpiritualGrowthandDevelopmentProgram,asourchildrengrowupinit.ItookahiatusfromtheChurchfrom1994-2006orso,workinginWisconsinforseveralyearsandstartingmycareerasamother.Theirdad,MarkKrueger,andIco-parentourtwogirls,Grace(13)

andJessica(16).Myothercareeristhatofanatomic/cytopathologist.Oflate,myhobbiesareskiing,biking,andgardening."

ErinKrajcik

"IamsodelightedtojointheUUAA.Ifeelverywelcomedandathomehereandlookforwardtofurtherinvolvementinthiscommunity.IwasbornandraisedinSavannah,Georgia,whereIgrewintheUUChurchofSavannah.ImovedtoAnnArbortenyearsagoandlivewithmypartner,Michael,andchildrenJuliet(11),Elise(7),andMaggie(5).IbelievethatmyUUupbringingledmenaturallytomyprofession,SocialWork.TheUUPrinciplesnotonlyinformmymajorlifedecisions,butmypractice,perspectivetowardslife,andinteractionsonadailybasis."

LouandCarolMaccini

CarolandLougrewuparoundBoston,eventuallymeetingeachotheratBostonCollege,whereCarolmajoredinEnglishandLouinEconomics.TheymarriedaftergraduationandmovedtoChicagosoLoucouldattendNorthwesternUniversity.CaroltaughtEnglishinaninnercityhighschool.ThentheymovedtoBaltimore,whereLoutaughtEconomicsatJohnsHopkinsfor44years,servingasdepartmentchairfor15years.Carolgotapairofmaster'sdegreesinLiberalArtsandPublicationsDesign,thentaughtEnglishatvariouslocalcolleges.Theyraisedtwochildrenthere.ItwasalsoinBaltimorethattheyjoinedaUUchurch.Unfortunately,theirsondiedyoung.Theirdaughtermarried,movedtoAnnArbor,andhadtwochildrenofherown.Whenitwastimetoretire,itseemedlikeano-brainertocometoAnnArbortobeclosertofamily.

ThomOmarandKateVanHorn

TheOmar-VanHornshavebeenAnnArboritesformanyyearsandareveryhappytobefullmembersoftheUUAAcommunity.ThomandKateliveintownwiththeirtwogirlsGracieandMolly,whoare


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inkindergartenand<irstgraderespectively.KateisasmallbusinessownerandentrepreneurwhileThomhasspentmanyyearsintheservicesector.Thefamilylovescamping,hiking,andmanyoutdooractivitiesandsports.Also,thefamilylovesvolunteering,crafts,andenjoyingmusicandtheatretogether.TheOmar-VanHornsareveryexcitedtobecomemoreinvolvedwiththeUUAAinordertogrowandcreatelastingrelationships.

ChurchOf7iceNews

BuildingHours:

Sundays,8:00am-9:00pm

Mondays-Thursdays,9:00am-9:00pm

Fridays,CLOSED

Saturdays,9:00am-5:00pm

TheChurchOf7iceisopenMondays-Thursdays,9:00am-5:00pm

Telephone:734-665-6158

Fax:734-665-7895

GeneralEmail:[email protected]

CommunicatingatUUAA:ThedeadlineforsubmittingUUAAevent,news,andprogramnoticesforinclusionin

UUAA'sWeeklyBulletinis5:00pmeachWednesday.Sendsubmissionsto

[email protected].

ThedeadlineforsubmittingUUAAevent,news,andprogramnoticesforinclusionin

UUAA'sMayNewsletteris9:00amonMonday,April21.

Sendyoursubmissionstonewsletter@uuaa.org.Layandstaffprogramleadersmaysubmitchanges,additions,orupdatesforthe

website(www.uuaa.org)towebtech@uuaa.org.FormoreinformationabouthowtogetthingsdoneatUUAA,refertotheLayLeader

AdministrativeGuide.(clickhere).

Building&Of7iceTeam:

ThomBales,ExecutiveDirector,[email protected]

DebbyCasamatta,Of7iceAdministrator,[email protected]

VenusGregory,WeekendBuildingAttendant,[email protected]

ArthurWhigham,Custodian,[email protected]

DewonLewis,WeeknightCustodian,[email protected].

Forward email


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uuaa april 2014 newsletter

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