The Unichord
Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin - November, 1999
MONTH OF
SUNDAYSNovember 7:
-Simple Steps to Wholeness.There are a number of rather simple things we can do to increase the odds that we experience greater integrity and wholeness. In this service we will examine a few of those. Service led by the Rev. Dan Brosier.
November 14
: UU Christianity.We Unitarian Universalists claim to respect religious diversity. We do this fairly well until it comes to the faith out-of-which our religion grew and many of us were raised in--Christianity. This service examines our relationship to Christianity and what it means to be a UU Christian. Service led by the Rev. Dan Brosier.
November 21
: Music Sunday. Music Sunday.Come join us for our semi-annual celebration of the music of this church. This is an opportunity to sit back and enjoy the talents of those who fill, inspire and comfort us with their gifts. Service led by the Rev. Dan Brosier.
November 28
: Hear This: The Jury Is Still Out!The Rev. Paul Bicknell, past minister of our church, 1957 - 1972, will preach this Sunday. Paul says this will NOT be a critique of the U.S. system of justice, however much we may have endured of questionable legal decisions in this last decade of the century. It will be, instead, a recounting of his personal experiences in trying to encourage and maintain a religion of the free spirit. Led by the Sunday Service Committee.
ALL SERVICES BEGIN AT 10:45 A.M.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.
Markings
This prayer was written by the Rev. Beth Graham after learning of the death of a colleague.
What would you do if you woke up and knew that this was your last day on earth?
Would the Sunshine seem a bit brighter? Would the sky above look a lot bluer? Would the trees’ breathing around you be more obvious? Would the ground feel any firmer?
I bet you would remember to say "I love you" to those who matter most. I bet you would let go of your anger at those who hurt you most. I bet you would reprioritize how it is you spend your time. I bet that things on your "to do today" list would seem less crucial and would probably just be left undone.
What would you do if you woke up and knew that this was your last day on earth?
Would you curl up in creation’s hand, like a babe in the womb, preparing yourself for what is next? Or would you stand boldly, arms above and outstretched, bring the heavens into your heart? Would you sit quietly, waiting and watching one more day unfold? Or would you plod on through these 24 hours, as if you had all the time in the world?
What would I do if I woke up and knew that this was my last day on earth?
I wonder. I wonder might we be brave enough to pause long enough to ask ourselves this very questions.
And then, might we understand how blessed we are to have each day we have been given.
Amen.
It is the season of Thanksgiving. Let us take some time to pause and give thanks for our blessings.
Dan Brosier
Flaming Chalice Window Decal
If you are interested in purchasing a flaming chalice window decal for $2.00 each, see Dan Brosier.
Kudos
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.
New Option on Pantry Sunday
Remember to pick up non-perishable food items, paper goods, toiletries and infant needs for Pantry Sunday, November 7, when you shop .But, if you forget to do this, you now have the option of donating cash to support the Interfaith Pantry. Containers for your cash donations will be by the collection baskets in the entrance areas on Pantry Sunday. Henny DuBois
Quilt Raffle
Please remember to sell those quilt raffle tickets! The drawing is the first week of December.
Pre-read Book Sale
Although our church library is still but a dream pending completion of the second floor, the library committee is ready to begin our ongoing used book sale from our new rolling book cart. Paperbacks will be sold for $.50 and hardbacks for $1.00. Proceeds will be used to defray expenses and to purchase books for the church library.
We are now accepting donations of quality fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. (Whether books will be offered for sale on the cart or saved for the rummage sale will be left to the discretion of the committee.) Books may be left in the coat closet off the front entrance hall. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Andrea Schmidlin. Other members of the committee are Alice Macy, Roberta Nauman, and Kathy Underwood.
Earth Wisdom Labyrinth
The Earth Wisdom Labyrinth is open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours. Groups wishing to walk the labyrinth are asked to avoid Sunday mornings. If a group is interested in using the building as well, contact the church office for rental information.
Religious Education Department
Our first full month of the new church year has come and gone, and I’m glad to say that everything has run smoothly so far. With fall registration completed, we have 36 students enrolled this year. We had several families move over the summer, which accounts for our lower enrollment.
As of this writing, we are all looking forward to the Halloween party on the 30th. We will be taking pictures and displaying them in November, so be sure to check them out.
This month, the preschool class will be learning about hearing and touching, and what it means to say "Thank you." The Kindergarten-2nd grade class will be exploring the mystery of God and the things that God made. In the 3rd-5th grade class, they will be exploring the holidays of Maulid al-Nabi, Dussehra, and Divali. The 6th-8th grade students are continuing to learn about Hinduism, and the YRUU group will be exploring our UU principles through Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. They are also planning their annual trip to Chicago on November 28th.
There will be a Music Sunday Intergenerational on November 21st, so there won’t be any RE classes. The nursery will be available if anyone needs it.
Looking ahead to December, we will be having two intergenerational services this year since Christmas falls on a Saturday. Our traditional Winter Intergenerational will be on the 19th, and Dan will be doing a special service on the 26th. If you would like to help out in any way, please let me know.
It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is just around the corner. I am truly thankful for all of the help and support I have from our community. It makes my job easier and much more enjoyable! Who could want more than that?
Happy Thanksgiving,
Kathy Underwood
Director of Religious Education
November
01 Adam Sheesley
02 Henny DuBois
Zachary Benson
06 Dinna Johnson
Mary Alice Masonick
07 Kay Kummerow
09 Jana Mirs
10 Noreen Halberstadt
12 David Brooks
15 Andrea Schmidlin
16 Susan Sitter
17 David Phillips
18 Jeffrey James
20 Louise Molitor
21 Patty Moskoff
22 Samantha Merritt
24 Cathy Braun
26 Norm Wilkinson
27 Betsy Olson
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.
- December 3 Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. At the home of Dotty Carringi.
- January 7 The Reader by Berhard Schlink. At the home of Shirley Wolen.
- February 11 The Moor’s Last Sigh by Salman Rushdie. At the home of Barbara Sugden.
The Great Chili Cook Off
On November 13, 1999, come one, come all to the Great Chili Cook Off. You may or may not remember that at the auction people bid on preparing their chili for a cook off. This will be held on November 13 at 6:30pm at the UU Church multipurpose center. WE NEED PEOPLE TO EAT THIS CHILI! The charge is $5.00 per person and chili, bread and salad will be provided. Please rsvp Cathy Braun.
Financial Note
With 50% of the church’s fiscal year elapsed as of September 30, only 34% of pledge income has been received. Consequently our operating fund shows a deficit of $14,722, which we must cover by borrowing from other funds (such as the building fund and savings.) If it is possible for you to bring your pledge up to date it would be very helpful.
Wheel of Life
We are saddened by the news of the death of Sam Macy, husband of Alice Macy.
New Member
We are pleased to announce that Lisa Kerpoe signed the membership book in October.
November Calendar
SA 02 7:00pm EICA
SU 03 7:00pm Barn Bells
TH 04 7:00pm Publicity Committee
SU 07 9:00am Unichord Rehearsal
9:30am Meditation/Reflection
Endowment Meeting
12:30pm Sunday Services Committee
Dance Rehearsal
M 08 7:00pm Committee on the Ministry
TU 09 7:00pm Anti-racism workshop
7:00pm Adult RE
W 10 7:00pm Barn Bells
TH 11 7:00pm Aesthetics Committee
SA 13 6:30pm Chili Cook Off
SU 14 9:00am Unichord Rehearsal
RE Council
9:30am Meditation/Reflection
12:30pm Islam & the Koran
Dance Rehearsal
TU 16 7:15pm Church Council
W 17 7:00pm Barn Bells
SA 20 6:30pm Circle Supper
SU 21 9:00am Unichord Rehearsal
Social Justice Committee.
9:30am Meditation/Reflection
12:15pm Welcoming Congregation.
Story Telling Program
TU 23 7:00pm Board of Trustees
W 24 7:00pm Adult RE Meeting
7:00pm Barn Bells
SU 28 9:00am Unichord Rehearsal
9:30am Meditation/Reflection
12:30pm Dance Rehearsal
TU 30 7:00pm Anti Racism Workshop
