The Unichord

Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin - October, 1999

MONTH OF SUNDAYS

October 3 - Forgiveness

Is forgiveness always 'divine', or are there some things which are truly unforgivable? We'll consider the nature and value of forgiveness in our lives. Service prepared by the Sunday Services Committee.

October 10 - Scholarly Views of Jainism

Two religions arose as heresies to Hinduism--Buddhism and Jainism. Over the years we have heard quite a bit about Buddhism, and little about the Jains. This service is an introduction to the latter. Service let by the Rev. Dan Brosier

October 17 - A Personal Understanding of Jainism

Mahesh Shah of the Shraman Society will be our guest and deepen our understanding of the Jain religion. Following the service will be a vegetarian potluck in which all are invited to participate. Service led by the Rev. Dan Brosier

October 24 - The Power of Humility

Many spiritual traditions realize that there is great power in humility. In this service we explore the connection as it might benefit our lives. Service led by the Rev. Dan Brosier.

October 31 - What Shall We Save From the Twentieth Century?

The congregation will be encouraged to consider everything from scientific discoveries to the common experiences of everyday culture. Service prepared by the Sunday Services Committee.

Markings - Rev. Dan Brosier

P art of me still operates out of the fantasy that for most issues a solution can be found which will resolve it cleanly-that if we are faced with a problem we can do something to fix it once and for all. I wish the world operated that way. Unfortunately most issues are not resolved so completely by any one action. The truth is most issues have to be worked on over time, that a variety of things need to tried in the hope of making small improvements until sufficient progress has been made.

This is true for some of the simplest of issues as well as the complex social issues we face as a community. For instance, we are on our fourth donation box for the labyrinth. The first three were destroyed or stolen, so we have changed how we ask for donations. We are not sure whether the new system will work, but we will try it and see. If not then we will try something else.

Then there are the big issues we struggle with-racism, homophobia, religious intolerance, and living our principles-it is absurd to think that any one thing we do will "resolve" any of these. What we can and must do, though, is to continue to sincerely move step by step towards our goals. We can and must forget about hitting the home run or throwing the knock out punch, and instead figure out where we want to go, outline some reasonable steps on a reasonable time-line, and then take them on. We are limited by time, resources, fear, and ignorance-even so, we can move ahead.

This Fall we offer a workshop on anti-racism. It isn't the solution to the problem of racism in our community, but it is a way of being intentional about it. This Fall the Welcoming Congregation Committee will resume their work on helping us become more aware about Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues. Given the widespread prejudice, ignorance and fear surrounding this issue there is no way it will be "resolved" in the near future, but we can make progress. This year those envisioning the restoration of our prairie will begin the transformation of some of our acreage. This will take years of patient small steps, but in the end we will have an environmental jewel outside our front doors

We can make a difference-we can effectively address the issues we face. We have tremendous potential in our midst. To succeed, though, we have to be passionate, committed, organized, and persistent. We must, as well, be able to celebrate the small successes which build our dreams.

Flaming Chalice Window Decal

If you are interested in purchasing a flaming chalice window decal for $2.00 each, see Dan Brosier.

Youth Jobs Around Church

If you are a Jr. or Sr. High Youth or a BT2K member and would like to earn some money by doing some work around the church see Dan Brosier. The work can be done after church on Sundays or during the week by arrangement. Those who put in good honest labor will receive $10.00 an hour.

Anti-Racism Workshop

We will offer a four session workshop focused on becoming an anti-racist congregation on the following Tuesday evenings: October 12, November 9 & 30, and December 14. If you are interested in participating in this workshop sign up on the designated clipboard in the lobby. The sessions will begin at 7:00 PM and will be led by Dan Brosier.

Littering and Vandalism

Last year we had several incidents of late-night partying on our property and some vandalism. This has cleared up over the summer, but if in the future any evidence of such activity is discovered please report it to Dan Brosier.

   Kudos

• to Paul & Suzanne Hanifl for the new microwave oven,
• to Adam Sheesley for setting up the RE registration table, and to Amy Schmidlin and Kyle Underwood for their help with the balloons,
• to Frieda Anderson for coordinating the annual Art of the Soul service, and to Elise Wall and troupe, Tim King and Margot Cusimano for their contributions to the service,
• to Dinna Johnson and Adam Sheesley for pulling weeds around the playground.

Becoming a Member

Our community warmly welcomes those who wish to join. There is nothing particularly difficult or mysterious about becoming a member of our church, in fact it is quite straight forward. After a person has visited with us a number of times and is interested in learning more about membership that individual should contact the minister to set up a meeting. When the decision to join is finally made and the individual is ready to make a commitment, they then sign our membership book. This commitment of membership includes sympathy with our covenant and principles, participation in the events and committees of the church, and financial support. If you would like to join or want more information contact Dan Brosier.

Pantry Sunday - October 3

Get back into the Swing! Please bring your donations for the Interfaith Pantry on Sunday, October 3, of non-perishable food items, paper goods, toiletries and infant needs and deposit them in the basket/area in the multipurpose room.

Yes, do get back into the swing! Last month's collection was quite meager. Henny DuBois

Religious Education Department

And how are the children? Are they well? The first two weeks of the new church year have been exciting. The classes all met for the first time on the 19^th of September. We had three newcomers too: Alexander and Mitch joined the nursery, and Pete met new friends in the preschool class. Welcome to them and everyone!

As of this writing, there are 25 students enrolled, with one week remaining for Fall Registration. If you haven't registered yet, please do so as soon as possible.

This semester our teachers are:

• Laurie Kiesewetter and Chris Davis - Nursery
• Andrea Schmidlin - Preschool
• Todd Underwood and Deborah Webster - Kindergarten - 2^nd Grade
• Tim Davis and Joe Masonick - 6^th -8^th Grade
• Cathy Braun, Roberta Nauman, Doug Pratt, and Liz King - YRUU

I'd like to thank Liz King for volunteering to help with the YRUU group. This is her first time teaching in the RE program. Andrea would also like a teaching partner, so please let us know if you'd like to help her out. Next time you see a teacher, give him or her a big hug and thank you! Without them, Sunday services would be quite different.

Our big event this month will be the Halloween Party on October 30 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

All the children are well?

Kathy Underwood

Director of Religious Education

October

• 06 Joyce Becker
• 08 Charlie Schmidlin
• 11 Mary Oberhart
• 12 Laurie Kiesewetter
• 15 Lynn Adema
• 16 Chris Davis
• 17 Shirley Wolin
• Jim Hermann
• Joseph Guritz
• 18 Amy Schmidlin
• 19 Betsy Thrasher
• 21 Kimberley Guritz
• 30 Emma Brosier

Book Group

You are warmly invited to join the members of the Book Group at any of their upcoming meetings, which begin at 7:00p.m.

• Oct. 29 A Widow For One Year by John Irving at the home of Denise Benson.
• Dec. 3 Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver at the home of Dotty Carringi.
• Jan. 7 The Reader by Bernhard Schlink at the home of Shirley Wolin.

Circle Suppers

It's that time of the year to sign up for Circle Suppers. Circle Suppers are potlucks hosted in homes and are great ways to meet and get to know people better. For the others you are asked to bring a dish for eight. The dinners can be as formal or informal as you wish. They are all fun. We have to get this all organized early, so if you don't want to get left out, sign up now as a regular or substitute on the clipboard in the lobby. For further information, call Shirley Wolin.

CROP Walk

This year the CROP Walk will be on Sunday, October 24. Scott MacDuff of the Social Justice Committee has agreed to chair this event again this year. It is time for the rest of us to decide in what way we will support this important fundraiser to combat hunger in the world and our own community.

Last year we had more walkers than the previous year and this year we hope even more individuals and families will walk. Those who cannot walk can sponsor those who do. Plan now how you can be a part of this nationwide effort to share what we have with those in need. Look for registration and pledge forms in the downstairs foyer or get them from Scott.

Leadership Retreat on Conflict Management

Reminder to all committee chairs and Board members that we will be holding a leadership retreat on October 9 on the topic of conflict management. Dr. Helen Bishop, Congregational Services Director for the CMWD will be leading the workshop. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity. Coffee & snacks are available at 89:30AM and the program begins at 9:00AM. Please RSVP with Joyce Becker.

Need a Name Button?

If you need a button with your name on it, write your name on a piece of paper and give it to Edythe Nagler. She will prepare a pin for you.

Volunteer Opportunities

For those of our church community who are looking for ways to "act locally" on the conservation front as well as enjoy a couple of hours in an exquisitely beautiful Kane County forest, fen or prairie, here are some volunteer opportunities. Activities include collecting seed, managing invasive exotic plants and monitoring butterflies, vegetation and birds.

• Bluff spring Fen (east side of Elgin): Saturdays, October 2 and 16, 9:00 am.
• Burlington Prairie (just west of Burlington): Saturday, October 16, 9:30am.
• Poplar Creek (east side of Elgin): Fridays, October 8 and 22, 1:00 - 4:00pm.

For more information, call Mary Alice Masonick or see the forest preserve's publication "The Tree Line."

Bully Pulpit - October

"We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote:"

As a member of the UUA, the UU Church of Elgin promises to maintain that seven principles are true and to advance these principles.

• A covenant is more than a simple promise. It is a binding agreement, a compact.
• An affirmation is more than a simple statement of belief. It is a positive declaration of truth.
• In agreeing to promote these principles, the Church commits to contribute to the growth of these principles. The Church will advocate the adoption of these principles by others.

"We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin, come together because of our common belief in the principles of: … 
"We hereby covenant to create an open and supportive community where we can … act according to our principles in the local and world communities."

As members of the UU Church of Elgin, we share the same belief in these principles. We promise to act according to these principles. As a group, we constitute the Church that has covenanted to affirm and promote these principles. Our agreement commits us to act accordingly among ourselves and in the wider community.

"the inherent worth and dignity of every person;"
"the inherent worth and dignity of the individual;"

We believe that every person deserves esteem and respect by others. Each individual is born with a value to the community. They must be held in favorable regard by others, not due to any reason other than their existence. This worth and dignity is an essential characteristic of life and does not have to be earned or granted by others.

Our Church affirms this principle in the way we treat each other in Church each Sunday and in all Church activities. Our Social Justice Committee promotes this principle by supporting programs that treat people with worth and dignity. The Welcoming Congregation Committee promotes this principle by working with the congregation to become more welcoming to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals. The Board and Committee on the Ministry promote this principle by adopting policies and procedures that protects the worth and dignity of our employees and volunteers. In fact, all our Committees and Councils affirm and promote this principle in their activities.

Does the UU Church of Elgin fulfill its covenant with the UUA?
Do we fulfill our covenant to the UU Church of Elgin?

After all, these are not just nice things to do. The Church and its members agree to affirm and promote this principle, as if it were a written covenant, a binding agreement. This is not the only principle that we covenanted to act upon in the local and world community. We can examine each principles in turn. How are we doing on this principle? Are we Fulfilling the Promise?

Jim Hermann
President - Board of Trustees

October Calendar