Ministry

From the Minister

Thank you to members of this congregation who donated $1,364 to support the first gathering of UU leaders on the African continent! I share with you here parts of a letter of thanks from the President of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, the Rev. Brian Kiely, written upon their return from the ICUU Leadership Training Conference in Nairobi , Kenya :

“…These Unitarians were hungry for what we had to offer and hungry to meet with other African Unitarians to start building networks of support. In the past few weeks we have daily received e-mails thanking the ICUU for putting on the leadership conference in Kenya a few weeks ago.  Here are two examples:

Olufemi Matimoju, lay leader of the 1st Unitarian Church Lagos, Nigeria writes:

Brian, do you know that you people are so wonderful for putting the Kenya programme together for African UUs. It is history in the making because never has such been put together before…All the session throughout the programme are very interesting, educative and wonderful that left me thinking about how wonderful and lucky l am to have such religion that preaches love, peace, indiscriminate and unity till this moment and forever will l remain a Unitarian Universalist. I pray everyday for my children to embrace same religion and believe.

Josphat Mainye, a member of the local organizing committee, from Nairobi , wrote:

Now we have a broader understanding of ways to execute our services effectively, while ministering. We also look forward to having a well co-ordinated UUism across Kenya , Africa and the world after learning sooo much in that conference. Once again I want to say THANK YOU.

…As most of you know, the ICUU operates on a budget smaller than a good many mid-sized churches in the US . We received a small start-up grant to start us towards the creation of this Leadership Conference, but since then we have spent many months raising funds from congregations in the US , Canada , and the UK . The response has been fantastic. So far, nearly 50 congregations and individuals, plus the delegates at the ICUU Council meeting in November, have contributed and pledged more than $22,000. Several donations are still expected. With this support, we expect to exceed our goal of paying for the conference and to be able to start planning for program development with African groups and for similar leadership training in the Philippines and Indonesia . A simple thank-you cannot express the depth and breadth of our appreciation for your help and support of this work. Please let all who have helped know that their help has made and will continue to make a difference.

On behalf of Conference Dean Jill McAllister and all the conference team, please accept our deep thanks and appreciation.  –Brian Kiely”

You do great things, and I am proud to be your minister.   -Kathryn

Sad but true!! Debra Bennett will be retiring from the Grove Street Book Shop on Sunday, June 1, 2008 after 13 years of service.

Under Deb's watchful eye, supervision, and hard work, the GSBS has grown from a small stack of volumes to a major fundraiser for UUCGL. The bookstore also serves as a more intimate space for conversation after service, an informal spot for newcomers to get acquainted, and as the site for monthly knit-ins.

Deb's knowledge of her customers' reading tastes along with her expertise on books in general have driven the bookstore's growth. Her excitement and love of books have encouraged many both to read more and to share their favorite books with others. We will miss her expertise but mostly we will miss Deb's welcoming, friendly smile and manner!

Thank you, Deb! We will miss you in the bookstore!

Thanks also to Tina Griffin and Ann Holmes, who will be continuing on. This transition has been discussed at the Program Council and Board level. If you have energy to put into the bookstore or ideas for its continued success, please speak to Tina, Ann, or any Board member.

Membership Always Open

If you feel at home in our midst; if you are willing to share in the responsibility of our religious community and to work toward good in the larger community; if you are willing to participate in our decision-making processes; and if you are willing to make a financial commitment according to your means . . . we invite you to become a member of this church. If you have been a friend of UUCGL for some time or a member of another UU church, or if you have taken a New UU Class and would like to sign the Membership Book, we welcome you into our congregation. You may sign privately in Rev. Bert’s office or wait until the next Membership Book signing service on Sunday, June 1. Let us know which you prefer at office@uulansing.org or 351-4081 x 2#. 

            The next New UU class, which offers information about our church and Unitarian Universalism in general, will be held on Thursdays, May 8-22 at 7:00 p.m. Sign up after Sunday services at the Activities Table or call the church office at 351-4081 x 2#.

- Membership Committee

Lifespan Faith Development News & Views

Mark your Calendar:

June  1     Sundae Sunday

We’ve organized a new Summer RE program for preschool-11-year-olds! In Nature’s Hands begins on June 15 with the planting of our new flower and vegetable gardens. We’ll tend to the garden all summer, experience some environmental science, and host a few “guest stars.” The last day is August 24, and we’ll celebrate our bounty. Go to the RE Table in the Fireplace Room for details and to join us! Older youth and adults are welcome to join us as assistants.

RE Summer Program Wish List

For the summer program we need a few supplies. If you have extra of the following items or old ones you intend to replace, we’ll put them to use. Just bring them to the RE office, Room 202, or to the RE Table on Sunday.

Hand tools – trowels

Umbrellas

Kid size watering cans

Spray bottles for watering

Worm or compost bin (one)

Extra Seedlings – bring to church June 1 or after

Register your children for Fall Religious Education Now! Yes, registering in spring is new this year, and the RE Committee expects it to help with our planning. RE Committee members will be roaming on Sundays looking for parents. Please register your children, see what we’re offering, and volunteer. Don’t forget: We’re cooperative!

Children and Youth, Sundae Sunday will be here soon. On June 1 we’ll play outside and, of course, make and eat ice cream sundaes.

Thank you to everyone who so graciously contributed to our outstanding Passover Seder. One hundred nine people filled the Assembly Hall. The youth choir, under Marcy Christoff’s direction, sang beautifully, and the potluck was impressive. The organizing team of David Hill, Colleen McNeilly-Murphy, Marge Weldon, Elizabeth Fedorchuk, and Scott Rosenfeld as the Seder leader, masterfully attended to every detail. Thanks to all the folks who helped in the kitchen with cooking, scullery duty, and putting the Assembly Hall back into place. We couldn’t have done it without you! 

While I’m adventuring down under in New Zealand , the RE program is in the capable hands of Gretchen, the RE committee, Diana, and the church staff. My ever-grateful thanks goes to them! I’ll be back just in time for RE Sunday.

Teresa

Sunday Services

Upcoming Services List

Morningsong at 9 and 11 a.m.; Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.

May 11

Rev. Kathryn A. Bert

Wheel of Life

A special collection will be taken to support

Claude McCollum. See page 9 for details.

May 18

Teresa Putnam & Rev. Kathryn A. Bert

Religious Education Sunday:

We’re in Charge of Our Own Celebrations

Youth Choir sings at both services.

Adult Choir sings at the second service.

Starting May 25, there will be ONE service only at 10:15 a.m.

May 25

Cheryl Bartz & Michele Root-Bernstein

Global Warming

June 1

Rachel Alexander, Stuart Foster, & Rev. Kathryn A. Bert

Music Sunday

Choir sings at the ONE service at 10:15.

June 8

Rev. Kathryn A. Bert

Flower Communion

Choir sings at the ONE service at 10:15.

Service on Climate Change

Are you interested in helping shape a Sunday service on climate change? 

If you are concerned about climate change, have ideas on what should be included in the service, or want to participate in the service, please contact Cheryl Bartz. The climate change service will be Sunday, May 25. Input from children and youth is especially invited.

Activities and Classes

Archives Committee

Current Needs

Do you have photographs piling up around your house or filling your home computer's hard drive from church related activities? Or maybe old 8mm films, videos, or newspaper clippings related to our church, members, and friends? Or maybe a box of materials from a church related committee or group sitting in your garage or basement? We're also interested in preserving items from the All Souls Church of Lansing. If so, contact the Archives Committee regarding transfer/gift guidelines and ways to get these items to the church archives.

We are also looking for a Super 8 movie projector that plays sound. We have some film we would like to check for the presence of an audio track. If you can help, please contact the Archives Committee.

Next Meeting

The Archives Committee's next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 15 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. in Room 105. The first hour and a half will be a work session followed by the regular monthly meeting. Church members and friends with an interest in our church history are welcome to join us. It's a great opportunity to learn about our church and meet new people. You can also find a brief history on our church website. 

Watch for the Archives Committee display the last Sunday of each month. We plan on displaying identified photographs as well as soliciting help on others.

History in Stained Glass

Have you ever wondered about the handsome stained glass window that sits on the mantle in the Fireplace Room? It came from the second building owned by the Universalist Church in Lansing . It was on the side door in the Church of Our Father at the corner of Capital Avenue and Ottawa Street . The building was built in 1893 on land deeded to the church by Sarah Vandervoort Emery.

The window was produced by William J. Blenko, an Englishman who came to this country in 1983 and started a glass factory in Indiana . Two other windows that did not survive the demolition of the building were a rose window dedicated to Emery and a window with Masonic symbols.

The window has been changed over the years. Red glazing was not used in the early Blenko windows, and the wooden frame that holds it has been upgraded. It continues to be a reminder of our church’s history.

                                                            - Archives Committee

Lettuce Knit in Communknitty

(Crocheters welcome!)

It’s a simple process: Make a dishcloth (a.k.a. warshrag). Attach your name and anything we should know about your creation. Drop it by the bookstore by the end of the service on Sunday, June 1 (note the new date). On that date, everyone who donates one will get another. Beginners welcome.

Pretty Good Book Group

The Pretty Good Book Group meets on the first Sunday of each month (except 4th of July weekend) at 7:00 p.m. in Room 105. We welcome everyone to join us on a regular basis or whenever you can for an interesting discussion. Our next meeting for 2008 will be on Sunday, June 1 to discuss Wild Swans by Chang Jung. Lists of all upcoming book titles, authors, and meeting dates are available on the Fireplace Room bulletin board.

Yankee Springs Memorial Day Retreat

May 23 (4:00 p.m.)-26 (10:00 a.m.)

The UU Church holds a rustic retreat at Long Lake Outdoor Center , Yankee Springs , Michigan over the Memorial Day weekend. Activities include hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, music, a cook-out, a special church service, stuff for kids, and lots of quiet time for relaxing. Facilities include small cabins, a communal kitchen, and bathrooms with hot showers. The cost is about $10 per person per day plus meals. Sign up at church after Sunday services. Contact Marcus Cheatham

Barb Barton’s 50th Birthday Bash and Coming Home CD Release Concert

Come to the concert of the year on Saturday, May 17. Join Barb Barton and guests Kitty Donohoe, Pat Madden, Rachel Alexander, Terri Stangl, Kathy Morris, Carol Levack, Dave Fuest, Zack Holmes, and many others as Barb celebrates the release of her 5th CD and her 20th year in folk music. The first set will be selections from the CD, and the second will be a musical jamboree with the area’s finest performers. Sliding scale $10-$20. Showtime 7:30 p.m.

Building Your Own Theology

How do you explain your UU beliefs in a few short sentences? This 6-week class is designed to help you explore, develop, and articulate your personal theology. The class will be held on Monday evenings beginning June 2, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It will be taught by Irene Leland, Alice Erickson, and Kelly Gruner. Interaction with others and short “homework” assignments help you create your personal credo. Consistent attendance enhances the experience, and pre-registration is requested. A book will be used, which costs $15. If you have questions, ask Irene at irenel@tir.com. You can sign up at the Activities Table at church or by calling the church office at 351-4081 x 2#.

Prayer Beads with Eleanor Wiley

Free Talk on Prayer Beads

Friday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Eleanor Wiley will give a free talk, sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee, about the history and use of beads in the spiritual traditions and cultures around the world. She will tell us how to use beads as a tool for present moment practice and the variety of reasons why people create contemporary prayer beads.

Contemporary Prayer Beads Workshop

Saturday, June 21 from 9:30-3:30 p.m.

Local artist Jane Rosemont and yoga instructor Cherie Ferro are thrilled to bring this amazing woman to the Lansing area. The workshop fee is $75. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, e-mail yogawithcherie@att.net

Memorial Garden – Help Needed

There will be a work party in the Memorial Garden on Saturday, May 10, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Please bring your own tools.  We will weed, cut back ivy, prune, re-seed, mulch, and put in pea gravel and landscape rocks where needed.  If you want to come at other times, contact Margo Smith to arrange  and to find out what tasks need to be done. 

Men’s Support Group – Date Changes for May

The Men’s Support Group will meet on the first and third Sundays in May due to the observance of Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.  We will return to the usual second and fourth Sundays in June.  Meetings are at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome.

Social Action Spotlight

Friday Potluck and Movie

The next Friday evening Social Action potluck and movie is scheduled for Friday, May 16. Plan to join other UUs and friends for an evening of good food, a thought-provoking film, and a lively discussion. Childcare will be provided if requested by the preceding Sunday.

Interfaith Candlelight Reception for Claude McCollum

You are invited to join the UU Social Action Committee, Journey Toward Wholeness, and other faith communities to welcome and support Claude McCollum, a Lansing resident who was wrongfully imprisoned for crimes that he did not commit. Mr. McCollum, now exonerated and released, faces significant challenges in overcoming this injustice, rebuilding his life, and rejoining our community.

            The interfaith candlelight reception will be hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing on Tuesday, May 20 from  6:30-8:00 p.m. Refreshments provided.

            As an expression of compassion and support, the 2nd Quarter Social Justice Collection Plate on Sunday, May 11 will be donated to Mr. McCollum. 

            Donations may also be mailed to: Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, Note: McCollum donation. Contact Arlene Teed, Andy Quinn, or Michelle Weemhoff if interested in attending.

 - Arlene Teed, co-chair 

Social Action Committee

Social Action Task Forces

UUs throughout Michigan are actively involved in several Social Action Task Forces: Health Care, Poverty, Environment, Prison Reform, and Peace in the Middle East . These groups meet monthly via conference call. If you would like to join one of these task forces, please contact Arlene Teed   or Network Coordinator Randy Block.

StUUardship

Endowment Earnings

Do you remember hearing, when the church purchased the comfortable chairs we’ve been enjoying for the past year or so, that they were paid for with earnings from the Endowment Fund? The Investment Committee, which manages the Endowment, recently made $9,000 in spendable earnings available to the Board for the current year.  Of the total amount, $4,000 went to pay off the second installment on the three-year loan for purchase of the chairs. The balance of $5,000 will go primarily for professional and lay leadership development not covered by the budget, such as Heartland and General Assembly registration for delegates, additional Heartland and GA expenses within guidelines to be created by the Board, stewardship training, other leadership training, office staff training, or music training.

            The Endowment Fund comprises the accumulation over the years of special gifts and bequests from members who have chosen to invest in the future of the Church. The principal is never spent, but rather invested. A portion of the total return is reinvested to compensate for inflation…to preserve the purchasing power of the Fund. The balance of the Fund’s earnings are spendable: they are used to address special needs and opportunities not covered by the budget, especially for things that will benefit the church over time. We’re the fortunate beneficiaries of donors to the Endowment Fund, whose names appear on the plaque in the hallway near the front door.

                                            - Marjorie Porter, Chair

                                                Endowment Committee

Service Auction a Huge Success

Thank you to Gabi Mayer and all her helpers (too numerous to name) with the May Day-themed Service Auction that took place Saturday, May 3, at church.  Besides earning $11,000 for the church (details next newsletter), the event was great fun.  The food was delicious.  The energy was high.  Thanks to all who helped make this event the stunning success that it was.

Thanks from the UUSC

Charlie Clements, President and CEO of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, thanks members of our congregation for a Guest at Your Table gift of $866.58. Clements writes, “Since 1939, supporters like you have helped UUSC become a leading voice in advancing human rights worldwide. We pledge to honor your commitment to us through our efforts to defend the human right to water, to abolish U.S.-sponsored torture, to ensure workers’ rights, and to preserve the rights of vulnerable people after disasters.

            “You can learn more about our work, our courageous program partners, and ways you can become involved in the struggle for human rights at www.uusc.org.

            “Thank you again for your generous contribution to our work promoting human rights and social justice. Your support will make a real difference in the lives of people in the United States and around the world.”

Sunday Flowers

Sundays are available to donate flowers on a first-come, first-served basis. Call or e-mail the office by the Wednesday before the Sunday you have chosen. Dedications may be placed in the Order of Service. 351-4081 x 2# or office@uulansing.org.

Church Business

SMART Church

Saturday, March 8, our church hosted a Heartland District workshop on Systems Thinking and Healthy Congregations. 45 attended from 13 churches in the district, including 17 from our congregation. Unfortunately, it was so full that at least three people from our own congregation were unable to get in. Those who did, however, were treated with a great deal of information adapted by Barbara Childs and Nancy Coombs-Morgan from Alban Institute consultant Speed Leas. Among the information shared were tips for managing congregational conflict (which they say is inevitable and inherently neutral, and occurs when two or more organize to achieve goals.) In times of conflict (which by their definition is pretty much all the time) they encourage the following behavioral guidelines:

•            Check out assumptions, expectations, fears.

•            Speak only for yourself, not for others.

•            Stick with “I” statements rather than “you” statements.

•            Avoid “us” and “them.”

•            Accept your right to disagree or have a point of view different from the one that seems to be getting general support.

•            Let the other know you have heard and understood his/her point of view before expressing yours.

•            It’s all right to express genuine emotion but not fake emotion.

•            Take some explicit responsibility for your part in the situation.

•            Stick with concrete statements, not abstractions and generalizations about what “always” or “never” happens or what somebody “always” or “never” does.

•            Stick with the here and now instead of going over and over the past, which people are likely to remember differently.

•            Show willingness to change.

•            Ask explicitly for what you want. Don’t expect others to read your mind.

Pretty good advice, whatever the situation, which is why I print their words here…

-Kathryn Bert

Assembly Hall to Be Painted

Artist Jane Cera has designed a painting scheme using light blues and greens to brighten the Assembly Hall and complement the occasional displays of art. The design is simple, abstract, and will symbolize the Tree of Life behind the podium. The remaining walls will fade through various shades of light blue and will symbolize an airy sky. The Program Council, Aesthetics Committee, and Building and Grounds Committee have all seen the plan and approve. Painting is scheduled to be done in May.

Splinters from the Board

April 2008

Our Centering/Chalice Lighting focused on a quote by Frederick Buechner: “The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

Our Think Tank item was an article entitled “How Responding to People’s Needs Hurts the Church.”   At first, the title seems to contradict what our Sunday Board Welcome says: “our mission is to care for one another and the world.”   But when considered more deeply, just what it means to care for is at issue, as well as the limits on exactly what needs of any individuals we can meet without jeopardizing the good of the whole community.  A critical conclusion reached is that one of the ways we can meet the needs of individuals who are in pain and in need of healing is to help those individuals discovers ways they can reach out to others in need.  Emphasizing spiritual gifts is a way to move beyond needs mentality because it reminds people that they have much to give.

Information and Discussion Items

            Fall 2007 Pledge and Survey Analysis    

            UUA Fair Compensation Guidelines and our progress in meeting them

            Building Repair Priorities to be funded from Challenge Funds

            Committee and Policy in Preparation for Sabbaticals (both Kathryn and Teresa,

                        but not at the same time)

            Proposed changes to the 2008 budget

            Open Leadership Positions: Treasurer; Fall Canvass Coordinator

Anyone interested the further details regarding these items is welcome to stop by the church office and review the entire packet of Board handouts.

Next Meeting: May 28th  

Planks from the Program Council

April 2008

The Program Council met on Wednesday, April 9.  With schools on spring break, there were only seven people in attendance. Nonetheless, we covered a variety of topics, including completion of the Church’s annual report, which is available now to all who didn’t get a chance to pick one up at the annual meeting April 20.

            The church sent eight delegates plus the Rev. Kathyrn Bert and Teresa Putnam to the Heartland District Meeting. Highlights were discussed.

            A key vacancy that is emerging in the church is a “coffee coordinator.” Judy Olson has been graciously doing the duties for quite some time but is now turning her full attention to responsibilities associated with VP of Finance. If you are willing to take on this small but important job, please contact Shawn Riley, Sheila Ording, or any other church officer, or stop by the coffee table on Sunday.

            Another issue discussed was the Grove Street Book Shop with Deb Bennett stepping out of the leadership role. Deb has grown the store over the years and will be sorely missed. See the front page for more about Deb and GSBS.

            Strategic Planning will be holding a series of focus groups on growth issues in the church. Please stop by to provide input into important decisions around growth. Watch for dates and times in May.

            On Sunday, May 11, Social Action is planning to use the plate money as a special collection for Claude McCollum and is also planning a special event for later in May for Claude. See page 9 for details.

            Journey Toward Wholeness is planning a visit on Sunday, May 18 to St. Stephens church. Everyone is invited! See Arlene Teed if interested.

            Religious Education for the summer will be revolving around an exciting theme of gardening. Classes will be rotating outside every other week, with special guests lined up for the weeks in between the gardening activities. This promises to be educational for the students. What could be better than interacting with nature while adding to the aesthetic appeal of the church through its gardens? RE will be providing programming for children and youth all summer starting with Sundae Sunday.

            A proposal for painting the Assembly Hall was presented and discussed. A computer-generated prototype or plan was reviewed. The Program Council members liked the plans and asked the artist, Jane Cera, to take the plans to the Aesthetics Committee and Building and Grounds Committee for their opinions. (Note: Those committees have approved, the Board has been informed, and the painting is expected to begin sometime in May.)

- Shawn Riley

Next Newsletter Deadline

Submit your articles for the June newsletter to office@uulansing.org or drop them off at the main office by Sunday, May 25.

Weekly Digest