February 2006

Sermon Schedule:
February 5          Guest Speaker: Tom Moor
February 12        TBA
February 19        You Can't Always Tell What Is Going On
February 26        TBA

MINISTER’S MUSINGS     

    Do you know what lasts from Wed June 21 thru Sun June 25? Do you know where there will be a UU bookstore, UU chalices and jewelry, great tee shirts and bumper stickers?

    Just try to imagine - 5000 Unitarian Universalists coming soon to a city near you!

That city is St. Louis. And that event is the UU General Assembly.

    Representatives from congregations all over the US will gather to set policy and justice directions for the UUA as well as attend lectures and workshops and dances, shop and just have fun.

    If you haven’t been – it is not to be missed. And this year it is close enough to drive. You might even consider going for one day or the weekend. With a little thought and planning the congregation might rent a van or get car pools together and perhaps people might want to share rooms to ease the cost.

    I am bringing this up now because it is good to register by the end of April to get a reduced rate – and it is imperative that you book your rooms in March – if you want to get rooms anywhere near the convention. (You can always cancel the rooms if you don’t want to go).

    Lincoln & Lucille Christensen, Jack & Alice Carden, Mollie Pharo, Nancy Higgs, Isabel Lavens, Jan Steinmark and Susi Feinberg can all give you first hand accounts if you have any questions.

    There is childcare for young children and day programs for elementary age and also overnight camp for kids 9-14.

    The program and speakers are not finalized yet but this information should all be available soon and if you want you can watch for it on the UUA website www.uua.org

    I plan on attending GA again this year and I hope to see you there.  But mostly I hope to see you in church.

Blessings

Julie

A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT 

    I wondered how our church worked until I was asked to be on the Board. For most of you that have served in one function or another you are aware of things like the board meets the first Monday of the month and is open to any and all to attend, the financial status of the church is available to all members and is in a folder in the board room, etc.

Those are just a couple of things about this fascinating organization that come to mind.

    We at the board are constantly working on how to make the church work better for us all. One of our needs is to make our committees stronger and more functional. I will attest that the time you give to your church is paid back in dividends that are akin to compound interest. We all attend this church because we are in the process of seeking or because we have found a place where we feel comfortable. If we pull together we can make this a better place for us all.

    Also there are many opportunities to expand our participation outside of our UUCE walls. Some of them include:

·    Leadership Development at First UU of Ann Arbor, MI. Open to any youth or adult who wants to get involved with the Heartland District or in their own congregation to build and maintain a strong youth program. Feb 10-12

·    Several volunteers are needed at the Heartland District. For more info the Heartland District office can be reached at (888) 948-4883 or contact me.

·    The Heartland District has a newly updated web site at www.heartlanduu.org

·    The annual meeting and spring conference of the Heartland District of UU will occur in Indianapolis from April 7-9. The theme will be "Sharing the Ministry, Sharing the Dream".

·    The Heartland District's Fall Training Institute "Raising the Roof" will be October 13-15 at Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN.

·    The Heartland District offers several programs to it's congregations even though they are running a deficit. If you can help, please do at www.heartlanduu.org or see me for a "Friends of HUUD" gift program form.

·    The Heartland District's "Chalice Lighter" program continues to be a success. If you would like to be involved with or find out more about it ask a board member or me.

·    Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is sponsoring "Justice Sunday" on Sunday March 26th this year. The theme is for us to "stand together for labor rights and the right of people to earn a living wage "

·    I am sorry to report that we didn't get awarded the Chalice lighter grant that Rosie Weatherwax worked so diligently on. Thanks Rosi.

Your Board President,
Ben Sizemore
"Laughter is always good"

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parent’s Group Potluck followed by discussion. We will meet at 11:30 on Feb 12 Newcomers always welcome. Parents and children eat together and then kid’s go off to play (childcare provided) and adults spend an hour on that days theme. For the next several months we will be following a curriculum called being a UU parent. We will be meeting on the second Sunday of every month.

CAJE update

We are anticipating that the next CAJE action will take place on Mon. March 13 – so save that date.

New UU

Have you been visiting this church for a few weeks and find you are curious about it and have some questions. This is the adult class for you. Come join with others for 3 weeks – share your spiritual journey and questions you would like answered and learn a little about UU history and this congregation in particular. We will meet on three consecutive Tues evenings from 6:30 – 8pm. Feb 21, 28 & March 7.

Evensong 1 will begin in March. This is an eight week session of deep listening. Each week we share our thoughts about a selected theme and have the opportunity to be listened to.  People who participate usually rate it a great experience. If you think you would be interested [please let Julie know]. If there is enough interest we could have both day and evening sessions. (474-1704)

Evensong 2 – if you have completed Evensong 1 and would like to be part of an Evensong 2 group – please let Julie know by Feb.  – so she can plan when to start. (Topics include story, prayer, fear, generosity, hospitality, being alive, and beliefs)

UUCE Is Moving Into The 21^ST Century!

     If you would like to help cut down on paper and printing costs by receiving the Compass via email and not snail mail please  sign up on the sheet in the lobby.  See Chris Norrington for more information. 

Social Justice Kids:

    On Sunday, February 5, the children in our Religious Education program will be writing notes and making small gifts for a soldier in Iraq.

Social Justice Committee:

     This month's Social Justice Project is a collection for PFC Joseph Fluty who is currently serving in Iraq.  PFC Fluty writes: “if anything, could you send me a board game? Risk, just something that I like and takes a lot of time to play it. If you like to know some items I would ask for are Gillette Mach 3 razors, gel deodorant or things like that nature. Thanks again for your thoughts. Joe”

    Items collected by the church will be sent to him.
If you would like to send him a card or email his address is: joseph.fluty@us.army.mil  or
PFC FLUTY,J
511 MP CO
APOAE 09334

Coffee & Chocolate

    Fair Exchange coffee and chocolate bar order forms are available in the foyer or contact Chris Norrington at cnorrington@hotmail.com.  Please place your order by the 25^th of each month.

PIDG

    The Pagan Interest Discussion Group meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the church. This month's topic is Imbolc. All are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Talley at xgj36@hotmail.com.

UUCE Birthdays!

    Be sure to wish these UUCE members a Happy Birthday this month!

Joey Simms- February 6
Jean Pharo- February 11
Kate Heil-Rawlings- February 15

HOW WELCOMING IS OUR CONGREGATION?

    What is your opinion about the Welcoming Congregation movement?  How would you classify your attitude toward bisexual, gay, lesbian and/or transgender persons?

    Some people would say that we are a tolerant congregation already and that we openly accept bisexual, gay, lesbian and/or transgender persons into our community.  After all, we have a history of "those" people not only as members of this church but as part of the leadership of our church.  What else do we need to do?

    Consider your personal comfort level and your attitude toward bisexual, gay, lesbian and/or transgender persons.  Do you feel differently about gay persons than you feel about lesbians?  How do you feel about bisexuals?  How would you describe your feelings about transgender persons?

    The UUA's Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Concerns (OBGLTC) describes six unique levels in a continuum of attitudes regarding bisexual, gay, lesbian and/or transgender persons.  The levels are: repulsion, pity, tolerance, acceptance, support and appreciation.  I won't go into the attitudes of repulsion and pity here because I consider these terms most appropriate for extremists and conservative religious groups.

    The idea of tolerance implies that one believes that bisexual, gay, lesbian and/or transgender persons have always existed and that we must tolerate them in our community even if we object to their lifestyle.

    An attitude of acceptance implies that bisexual, gay, lesbian and/or transgender people are fine as long as they mind their own business, keep to themselves, and don't flaunt their lifestyle or ask for "special privileges" such as civil rights or open acknowledgment

    A supportive attitude would indicate that bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people deserve the same rights and respect as everyone else. A supportive person might say: "I still may be uncomfortable, but I believe discrimination against bisexual, gay, lesbian and/or transgender people is wrong."

    An appreciative attitude would consider bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people as valued members of the community and a valid part of the diversity of our community.  An appreciative person might say: "My life is enriched because there are openly bisexual, gay, lesbian and/or transgender people in my community."

    Do you think being considered “welcoming” would be classified under support or appreciation?  Do you consider your own personal views to be supportive or appreciative?

YMCA PANCAKE DAYS

    The 18th annual YMCA Pancake Days is scheduled for February 17,18,19.  The three day event will offer food, fun and fellowship for the whole family.  Friday and Saturday hours are 6:00 am- 1:00 pm.  Sunday hours are 8:00 am- 1:00 pm.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at the YMCA or at the door during serving hours.  Adults are $4.00 (13 and over), youth are $2.00. Under age 3 eat for free.  Price includes milk, coffee, juice, sausage and all the pancakes you can eat.  Questions?  Contact the Y at 423-9622

AARP

    Are you 55 or older?  If you are, you may qualify for an income earning assignment that can help you learn new skills.  The AARP Foundation's Senior Community Service Employment Program helps older job seekers obtain the skills, training and work experience needed to compete in the workforce today.  This is a free Department of Labor program offered as a community service for those seeking part-time or full-time work.

    If you are eligible, AARP Foundation Senior Employment can immediately place you in a temporary position- typically 20 hours a week earning minimum wage.  Interested job seekers please call AARP Foundation Senior Employment in Evansville at (812) 422-3910.  (Benefits such as paid training, holidays and sick leave are included.)

Newsletter Editor: Beth Heil
March Newsletter info due to me by midnight February 20. Thanks.
email: uuceeditor@hotmail.com