• SUNDAY SERVICES
• OPEN MINDS
• MINISTER'S COLUMN
• RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
• PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
• THE BUSINESS OF CUF
• A THANK YOU

SUNDAY SERVICES

SUNDAY SERVICES are held in the Fellowship Hall at 10:30 AM.

November 4         Darren Sherkat, Ph.D.: “The Religious Lens and Human Understanding”

How does religion influence our understanding of human experience? Darren Sherkat, Professor of Sociology at SIUC and a member of the Fellowship, will examine its role in forming, encoding, and decoding human knowledge. What aspects of religion encourage an open attitude toward learning over the human lifespan? And which characteristics paint us into intellectual corners? Bill Sasso will coordinate this service.

November 11               Bill Sasso: “Community, Membership, and Meaning”

What does it mean to be a member of this Fellowship? How does it relate to our sense of community on the one hand, and our embrace of freedom as a central value on the other? Come help Bill as he puzzles his way through these questions and others that give us a deeper understanding of the connections we hope to create here!

November 18               Thanksgiving Bread Service (intergenerational)

This annual Fellowship tradition continues, as our children join us for our pre-Thanksgiving Sunday service. Come and be part of the celebration, as we share bread that has some form of special meaning to us in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday. Bill Sasso will coordinate this service, so if you would like to volunteer to bring bread, please contact Bill. There will be no live announcements in the service – please make sure to get your info to Russ Trimble so it can be printed in the order of service!

November 25               Hugh Muldoon: “Gaia Groaning ”

Hugh Muldoon, Director of University Christian Ministries at the Interfaith Center, will share a vision of an integrated spiritual, academic, and natural ecology.  He asks how can we learn and live to be true to ourselves as participants in a living earth system that is struggling for its life. Yo Presley and Bob Swenson will coordinate this service.

And coming up . . .

December 2                 Dave Christensen on “Liberation Theology”

OPEN MINDS

OPEN MINDS meets  in the Fellowship Commons each Sunday at 8:45 AM.

THE MINISTER'S MESSAGE

“Giving Thanks”

     November is the month of Thanksgiving, a holiday that celebrates a powerful human capacity: our ability to thank others. As a holiday, I really like Thanksgiving, even though I am not all that fond of turkey. It’s a holiday that carries a story of arrival of some of the early Europeans and their relationships with the Native American peoples.
      A few months ago, my family visited the Plymouth Plantations in Massachusetts, which uses the motto “Two peoples, one story.” The site includes a replica Pilgrim village (enclosed within a stockade) as well as a replica Native American settlement of several lodges. It also includes a craft shop, where one can see how the two cultures might have made their tools, furnishings, weapons, and other artifacts. In addition to typical modern-day fare, the cafeteria served Pilgrim-era victuals.  Finally, it includes an interpretive center, which I found really interesting. In one of the galleries, there was a presentation on the story of the first Thanksgiving, intentionally telling the story from a different perspective. It’s rather surprising how little we actually know about the event, and the claim was not that this was the story of the first Thanksgiving, but that this was a very different story of that event, as congruent with the few known facts as is the “conventional” story we have all learned.
      We do know that the governor of the Pilgrim colony declared a celebration of thanks for a successful harvest. We know that celebration included some amount of firing of muskets, perhaps a marksmanship contest. We might guess that the Native Americans, already uncertain about their new European neighbors, realized that gunshots could mean trouble. Their leaders, not wanting to receive an unpleasant surprise, might well have called their warriors together and gone to investigate. The Pilgrim settlement, with about forty adult male inhabitants, might suddenly have found itself facing over a hundred armed Native American warriors. After some discussion, in which the Native American leaders could have been convinced that there was no danger, they may have sent some hunters out. The hunters, in turn, might have returned with deer, turkey, and other game to be included in the feast. From here, in the sharing of the Thanksgiving dinner, the contours of the story resemble those of the conventional Thanksgiving story.
      In this alternative version of the story, we can give thanks that the Native Americans took the time to learn, rather than attacking first and asking questions later. We can give thanks that they took the risk of trusting the other. For us, too, there can be a risk to trusting, but it is a risk that we are called to take, lest we extend our society’s cultures of distrust. We need not always agree with each other, but we can trust each other enough to find out whether we agree or disagree.  
      In this season of gratitude, may we give thanks for those who trust us. May we give thanks for the blessings of our lives, large and small. May our lives bless the world, and bring it closer to the beloved community that it has the potential to become.

Yours in thanksgiving, Bill S.

FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DIRECTOR

     “A little woman of middle years requested the clerk to cut 40 yards of pink chiffon for her.  When he asked her what she could possibly want with 40 yards of chiffon, she explained, ‘I’m making a nightie for myself.’  ‘But surely you don’t need 40 yards.  You are not a large woman.’  ‘Yes, but my husband is a Unitarian and he’d much rather look for something than actually find it.’”  (100 Questions That Non-members Ask about Unitarianism and Universalism)  In essence, this is the philosophy of our Religious Education program.
     We strive to create an environment in which children and youth are free and safe to state their opinions without judgment, and mostly, to learn to ask questions. This time of year always reminds me of a class I was teaching years ago, and in which each child was stating what they were thankful for.  The last little boy spoke clearly and firmly, that he was thankful that he was finally old enough to never have to come to church with us again.  After the surprise wore off, it became evident that we had succeeded in creating a safe and open environment, even if the result wasn’t what we might have had in mind.  But that’s the joy of working with children!  If you provide the safety, they will astonish you with their unbridled honesty and cutting curiosity.  And the older they get, the more they note the importance of the 7 UU Principles, like voting.  I would run out of space here describing some of the more interesting votes taken by the high school students, but suffice it to say that like everyone, when it comes to subjects that concern them they can be most astute voters.
     I hope that parents, and others, also have the same sense of safety, that their concerns and opinions are valued and heard.  My hope is that all feel free to ask anything, and that there are no stupid questions.  And like all organizations, things won’t always go according to plan.  When you are disappointed, or wonder why things are the way they are, please speak up because you’re likely not the only one with the same feelings.  The benefit of being together is to practice caring, justice, freedom, tolerance, and to continue to learn together.  And being such a great place to learn, do you know who said, “The Universalists believe that God is too good to damn them, and the Unitarians believe they are too good to be damned”?
     I’m thankful for having found a faith community that feels like family.  I wish you all the time to reflect and give thanks for what you find here, and be thankful for the talents and skills you share with the rest of us. 

With a Thankful Heart, Roy Sumner, Director of Religious Education

FROM THE PRESIDENT

     There is a great abundance in the Fellowship.  There is an abundance of talent, commitment and resources.  This abundance is evident in individuals and collectively, and has resulted in many spectacular results.  On a concrete level, the building that serves as our home is the most obvious example.  The designation of the Fellowship as a Breakthrough Congregation is another example.
     With a beautiful new building, dedicated professional staff and a solid financial base, we can do what this community is destined to do – put our values into action.  We have a growing Religious Education program for our youth, multiple adult education opportunities for adults, a new health ministry and much more. 
     We also have several vibrant social action programs, and more emerging each year.  There is a wide variety of opportunities for participating.  We are putting our values into action.
     I would like to introduce another opportunity for social action.  It is called Social Action Sunday.  This idea is not new and is practiced in several UU congregations, as well as some of the churches in the immediate area.  The Board has asked the congregation to consider approval of a Social Action Sunday program on a trial basis during the winter and spring.  The recipient each month would be an agency carrying out some form of social action.
     Here is a description of how it would work.  On a designated Sunday, the congregation would be informed of the chosen social action for the collection.  The cash collected that Sunday would be counted and that amount would be sent to the social action in the name of the Fellowship. 
The Social Action committee would be asked to coordinate the project.  The congregation would be asked to vote on a list of social action agencies, with the highest ranked being selected to be recipient of a Social Action Sunday collection.  The congregation would receive a report on the experiment at the Annual Congregational Meeting in May, and be asked to make it a regular activity of the Fellowship.
     This is a win-win proposition.  The Fellowship determines the recipients of the collection through a democratic process.  Members participate at the level they choose.  A social action is supported.  We weave one more strand in the web of life.
     If you have any questions, please direct them to Bill Sasso or myself.  We will provide additional information prior to the congregational meeting that should address these questions in detail.
In abundance, Jerry Molumby

Thank You CUF

September, 2007
Dear Unitarian Fellowship Friends,
        Thank you so much for your generous food donations to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry. This is a time of year when our supply of donated foods is always low, so food we receive is quickly used.
        More families also come for help in the summer and fall. This year we had an unusually large jump from an average of 241 families per month (January through June) to 289 families for July and August. We have now helped 5,816 people in 2,022 families in 2007.
        We truly appreciate your support of this vital ministry. Shalom,
Margie Parker, Coordinator

Collections Needed to Take to Zambia

Debbie Carnopys-White and Carla Feldhamer will be visiting Ranchhod AIDS Hospice and Orphan Care Center in Kabwe, Zambia from November 28th to December 11th of this year.  They are asking for donations of supplies to be brought into church for the next three weeks.  There will be boxes labeled Supplies under the literature table and an open suitcase next to the office door. Please help fill this suitcase with vitamins, Advil, Tylenol, antibiotic cream, antifungal cream, children’s vitamins and Advil or Tylenol. Small Bottles are easier to pack. Thank you all!

Needed: For children: Infant and Children's Ibuprofen and Tylenol; Infant and Children's Vitamins; Orajel; Desitin ointment or equivalent
For Adults: Multivitamins; Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aleve; Immodium; Pepcid, Prilosec; Pepto-Bismol tablets, Mylanta tablets, Tums/Rolaids.
Men's Underwear, Women's underwear, Women's nightgowns, (Small and Medium for men and women, Young boys and girl's underwear. 

     Greetings Fellowship! I have completed my first month of employment in the office and one thing that I have learned is that you are a very busy community! I am going to do my best to keep up with you. To be able to run a fairly “tight ship”,  I have spent my time learning and performing weekly tasks along with getting organized and updating various files and directories. I have explored the filing system and I am implementing office procedures that I think will help this congregation. Through this process, I have learned many names and what activities many of you are involved in. Here are a few ways that you can assist me:

     Update any information that may have changed over the last few months:

• New address
  
• E mail address
  
• Home phone/cell phone numbers
  
• Membership status
  
• New committee membership (here at CUF)

     Also, let me know if you are not receiving a weekly bulletin. To cut costs, we are trying to send out all of our bulletins electronically. As you know, many funny things can happen when email is involved. Just keep me informed of any problems you may have concerning these weekly mailings. ~Melanie

The Human Spectrum 

     The Welcoming Congregation Committee invites you to attend an exciting and informative four-part presentation on Gender and Sex Continuums, and how these continuums relate to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) population. We will examine the various continuums of gender and sex and the problems with a system of polarities and absolutes. We will learn more about the differences between gender and sex, as well as those between sexual orientation and sexual identity. We’ll question some of the expectations of our society. For instance, what happens when we assume heterosexuality as the generic sexual orientation? Why is it that we consider male or female the only possible options regarding sex?
     We’ll consider how strict expectations like these fail to acknowledge the variance along any of the continuums; how they restrict and affect sexual and general life behavior as well as natural expression of self; and how they reinforce gender role conformity and heterosexism.
     The series begins Monday, December 3rd, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Fellowship with a program facilitated by Kris Summers. Kris is a new resident of Carbondale, and is pro-active in the Transgender community. For more information, contact Welcoming Congregation Chair Judy Groskind (985-5007) or Bill Sasso (529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com).

CUF MONTHLY MEETINGS

Coming Soon:

The Welcoming Congregation Committee will present "The Human Spectrum," a series of programs exploring the gender and sexual continuums.  Guest speakers will discuss issues that challenge individuals who are Transgender (December 3), Gay (January 7), Lesbian (February 4), and Bisexual (March 3).  The talks will be held from 7 to 9PM the first Mondays of each month and will include time for questions and lively discussion.  Mark your calendars! For more info, contact Judy Groskind or Bill Sasso.

FIRESIDE CHATS: You're invited to two Fireside Chats in November! The first, at 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 1st, will be an informal conversation with Fellowship leaders on our Strategic Plan and what we are doing to achieve its objectives.  The second, at 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 29th, will explain the Carbondale Interfaith Council's upcoming Interfaith Week (April, 2008) and explore what our Fellowship might do in support of this effort. Childcare will be provided. For more information, or if you wish to suggest a topic for a future Fireside Chat, contact Bill Sasso at 529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com -- thanks!

COVENANT GROUPS ARE FORMING! The Fellowship's Covenant Group program, which offers participants the chance to explore important personal experiences and insights and get to know one another at a deeper level, has already begun to form groups. Bright gold sign-up forms are available now in the sermon racks and below the bulletin board -- check it out for more information, or contact Bill Sasso (529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com)! If you're interested, please turn your sign-up form in ASAP! Thanks!

BUILDING YOUR OWN THEOLOGY is a Unitarian Universalist adult curriculum focusing on five major questions: Who am I? How do I know? Who or what is in charge? What is my purpose in life? and What does my death mean? These five big questions form the framework of the course; at each meeting, we will deal with one of these questions. We will meet Wednesday evenings, 7:30 to 9, from November 7th to December 19th (skipping Nov. 21st, Thanksgiving Eve). Registration is required; each session requires advance preparation. To register, or for more info, contact Bill S. (529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com).

Ongoing

THE DREAM WORKSHOP. This group meets the first Sunday of each month in 06 (RE wing) at 12:00ish. 
November 4. This month we invite everyone who is interested in sharing their dreams in a warm and supportive atmosphere to join us.

PSI SYMPOSIUM. This group meets the second Sunday of the Month in Room 06 at Noon  
November 11,   Bring finger foods to share for this monthly meeting. (see workshop announcement in CUF Bytes) If you have questions contact Mary Campbell at 521-0851 or Astrid Mosely at 457-3318.

ROUNDTABLE READERS. This group meets once a month in Room 04 after the Sunday Service at Noon
December 2. (No November meeting.)Discussion of the book: East of the Mountains by David Guterson, author of Snow Falling on Cedars. Anyone interested in joining the group is welcome. For more information, contact Janet Levie at (618)833-4971.

SCIENCE IN SOCIETY. This group meets the some Fridays of the Month in the Fellowship Commons at 4:30 PM.
Please watch the Bulletin and your order of service for November's meetings.

TIBETAN BUDDHISM STUDY GROUP This group meets every Sunday in the Fellowship Commons at 7:00 PM.
November, We are currently studing a teaching by the Dzogchen Ponlup Rinpoche, "Mind Beyond Death".

VIDEO CIRCLE.  This group meets every 1st and 3rd Friday in the Fellowship Commons at 7:15 PM
Continuing with select films devoid of bad language, unnecessary violence, explosions or cruelty to men, women and children. We try to create a few hours away from the trauma of the daily news. We have shown a variety of foreign and domestic films – in short – good storys, good direction and good acting. Free popcorn!
November 2. Academy award winner “Driving Miss Daisy,” with an excellent cast.
November 16. “The Spit Fire Grill.” A film about New England themes of caring, forgiveness and healing.

YOGA FOR ZAMBIA.  This group meets on the third Sunday in the Fellowship Commons from 12:30 to 2:00 PM
November 18, Debbie Czarnopys-White will be leading an hour and a half of Yoga starting at 12:30 after the service and coffee in the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship Commons.  Debbie suggests bringing a light snack and water (also available in the water fountain).  There is a SUGGESTED only donation of $10.00 which will go to the Zambia Hospice Project.  Debbie has mats for those who need them. (Bring your own if you have one.)

Photo Historian Needed: The Fellowship is in need of someone to compile, organize and generate photos of ongoing activities. Interested? talk to Yo Presley: yo(at)astrosleuth.com