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• MEMBERSHIP NEWS
• HEALTH MINISTRY CORNER
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SUNDAY SERVICES

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

September 9          Water Communion Service (intergenerational)
Where have you been this summer – the beach at Cedar Lake, a drinking fountain at Morris Library, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., a tributary of the Amazon, or a glacier on the side of Mount Everest? Whether you have been collecting water from the places that have been part of your summer experiences, or want to use some of our “magic water” as representing your summer, plan to be with us as we share our experiences in community, and celebrate our connections in this intergenerational service. Bill Sasso will coordinate this service.

September 16       Bill Sasso: “20th Century Liberal Theologies: Humanism”
Continuing the series on great liberal theologies of the 20th century, Bill will celebrate the contributions of Humanism, a theology which focuses on the human being – acting both individually and collectively – as the central agent of change and progress in this world. Join Bill as he attempts to unravel this powerful and creative movement!

September 23       Shane Koch: “A Theology of Recovery”
How can we, as compassionate individuals and as a Unitarian Universalist community, support the recovery of those who have abused drugs or alcohol, and are now struggling to recover? Fellowship member Shane Koch, on the faculty at SIUC’s Rehabilitation Institute, will share his insights about how our attitudes and actions can make a difference. Bill Sasso will coordinate this service.

September 30        Bill Sasso: “Personal Growth in Service to Others”
What happens when we undertake a role of service to others? Do we change? If so, why? We’ll explore how some roles change us, and others may not, as we attempt to learn from the lives of some Unitarian Univeraslists who chose to put service to others at the center of their lives.

And coming up . . .

October 7                 Ken Starbuck:  “The Plight of Mental Illness”  
On this first Sunday of Mental Illness Month, Ken Starbuck will talk about Mental Illness as it affects our own personal jouney and relationships in the family and larger community.  Ken was a psychotherapist and Director of the Adult Outpatient Program for many years at Franklin-Williamson Mental Health Human Services Inc.. Some of the material is a response to interaction with the Open Minds Group on July 1, 2007.  A number of vignettes will be used to illustrate mental health issues.

OPEN MINDS

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

THE MINISTER'S MESSAGE

We're Part of a Larger Movement

Just as we are part of this Fellowship, formed as a community of individual members, our Fellowship is, in its own turn, part of a larger body formed as a community of congregations. That larger body is the Unitarian Universalist Association (also known as the UUA).

The UUA provides many valuable services to its congregational members and their individual members. These range widely, from the development and publication of curricula used in the education of both children and adults, to the credentialing of professional religious leaders, to the coordination of our annual General Assembly, to publication of UU World, our UU hymnals, and many other resources that support our liberal faith. The UUA maintains an office in Washington, DC, working to make our values visible to our nation's leaders, and it provides funding for significant efforts to help our movement grow and to programs that represent UU values applied to the cause of greater social justice. For instance, our Fellowship has received UUA funding to assist us in making the transition to professional ministry and in support of our Rainbow Cafe ministry to GLBT youth in the region. Beacon Press, the UUA publishing house, publishes both works of liberal religion and many other works of true social significance. For example, it published the first American edition of Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, and the first complete edition of The Pentagon Papers. And these are only a few examples of what the UUA does - our association works hard to assist us in many different ways!

Of course, it takes resources to accomplish all of this. The UUA receives income from several major sources, including grants, endowment revenue, contributions from individuals, and contributions from congregations, based on their size. The UUA manages, fairly successfully, to fulfill all these objectives within the limits of that income. But every ten years or so, in order to accomplish something outside its ordinarily extraordinary functions, it turns to its member congregations for help.

Given our Unitarian Universalist practice of congregational polity - that is, the principle that the congregation itself is the ultimate authority - the UUA cannot tell us to do anything. But when it requires our support, it can certainly ask us for help. And it has done so. The UUA has asked us, as it has asked every one of its member congregations, to participate in a special, one-time fundraising program called "Association Sunday." Some of you may remember "Ministry Sunday," a similar UUA-wide fundraising effort in 1995, which raised millions of dollars in support of ministerial training and assistance to retired ministers in serious need.

The funds raised for Association Sunday will be dedicated to supporting efforts to help our movement grow. One part of the plan is to fund a nationwide campaign increasing UU visibility by underwriting National Public Radio. Other funds will be available to support local and regional initiatives to increase the growth of Unitarian Universalism.

In recognition of the importance of this goal, and in appreciation of the many forms of assistance that our Fellowship has received from the UUA and our larger movement, our Fellowship's Board agreed in June to support this important effort. We will celebrate our association with the UUA on "Association Sunday," October 14th. Our service that day will include a second collection for the "Association Sunday" program. I hope that you will consider joining me in contributing as generously as you can in support of this worthy goal. Thanks!

FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DIRECTOR

The Religious Education Committee has been asked a good question, to which we'd like your input.  How do our children and youth identify themselves religiously?

What do they call themselves?  What rites, rituals, celebrations, acknowledgements, accomplishments, tests, etc., should we confer on our children and youth?  What role should they have in determining how they are identified?  What should parents', teachers, and the Fellowship do to help define what is appropriate?  What don't we want to happen?

Before the RE Committee proceeds any further in addressing this pertinent issue, we'd like to receive your thoughts and feelings about this.  It would definitely be better if your thoughts and feelings were put into writing so we don't misconstrue what we might hear, but it's not required.  You should know that this is going to be a process, and that every idea, suggestion, or opinion will be considered, but may not ultimately be included in the final product. 

We would also suggest that parents talk with their children about this question, because we intend to include them in this discussion.  How do they feel, what do they want, and what don't they want?

While we are not in a rush to reach a conclusion to this issue, we do intend to proceed with diligence.  Therefore, if you have an opinion or suggestion, it is better to get this information to us sooner rather than later.  You (meaning anyone) are encouraged to give your input to any member of the RE Committee, who include Cindy Baer (chairperson), Kathy O'Laughlin, Matt Sronkoski, and me.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Roy Sumner, Director of Religious Education

FROM THE PRESIDENT

At the General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship was recognized as a Breakthrough Congregation.  We were one of 4 recognized out of a population of over 1000 congregations.  On Friday morning, June 26, 2007, a 14 minute video created by the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship was shown to those assembled.  We presented a workshop the previous evening to over 150 people, all interested in what this mid sized congregation did to achieve so much, so well, so quickly.

It finally struck me while sitting on stage, that we had done something really special.  The audience responded with applause, laughter and a standing ovation.  UUs came up and asked a specific question and another took information to follow up at a later time.

We have built a church!  We have built a community!  We are a dynamic faith community.  We have something special.

By taking the time to first build community, we were able to call our first minister and to build a beautiful building.  Through the use of the democratic process, we have been able to channel our energy to all pull in the same direction.  With a commitment to strategic planning, we created a shared vision of the future.  Through the many talents and interests of our members, we have been able to provide a diversity of programs to meet a very wide variety of needs, both educational and spiritual.

So, what is next?  We already have several social action projects, large and small, local and international.  We also have many opportunities for discussion and personal growth. 

The Board of Trustees will be holding a retreat Thursday, August 8th, at the Fellowship.  The Board will do some team building and develop a covenant for working together.  It will look at the challenges facing us, the goals from the Strategic Plan and the structure needed to efficiently move us forward.  It will also develop a calendar to assure that events are spread out for careful consideration by the congregation. Details will be provided in the September issue of CUF Links.

We will continue to be a Breakthrough congregation.  The collective talent of this community assures this.

Jerry Molumby

Health Ministry Corner

By Vennie Anderson,RN, MSEd

FOOD AS MEDICINE?

That's the way The Today Show nutrition expert Joy Bauer sees it in her new book Food Cures (Rodale, 2007). According to Bauer, if we feast on healthy foods we can enhance overall wellness while treating many common health ailments.

Each chapter in Bauer's book focuses on a common health concern, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, migraines, mood swings, and more. She goes into detail on the reasons why each food is recommended for the particular health concern 

While not promising food to be a cure-all, Bauer maintains her food plan will not only improve your health concerns but may even eliminate the need for some medications. Some of the health concerns Bauer addresses in her book and the foods she suggests to fight or manage them are:

• Overweight--High fiber cereal (look for brands that include 5+ grams of fiber and 120 calories or less per serving); cucumbers, egg whites, sugarless gum (to appease your sweet tooth), and hot skim milk café latte-because it's hot, you'll sip slowly, feel fuller and the milk and caffeine give you an energy boost.
• Diabetes-Wild salmon, turkey breast, soybeans, nonfat yogurt, and Swiss chard.
• Cardiovascular Disease-Wild salmon, bananas, brussels sprouts, oatmeal, and sunflower seeds.
• Migraines-Omega 3-fortified eggs, beans, skim milk, ground flaxseeds, and spinach.
• Arthritis-Red bell pepper, carrots, berries, oranges, and pumpkin.

More and more research is showing the relationship between the food we eat and the status of our health.  Energy levels, sleep patterns, skin and hair condition as well as weight, blood pressure, heart health and cancer risk all are directly affected by our diets.

Even if you don't buy a book and follow a specific plan, the foods listed above are healthy. You can't go wrong by adding or increasing them into your overall food intake.

Does Ms. Bauer recommend any foods to avoid? No surprise here: excess alcohol, refined sugar, and high fat foods.  So, more fruits and veggies, low fat meat and dairy and whole grains, and ditch the sweets, extra alcohol and fatty stuff. It's not exactly rocket science, but I guess we can't hear it too often.

Ranchhod Hospice News

Sent by Carla Feldhamer

Moses
On 29th may 2007, Moses aged 2years and 7months, was brought to the hospice by his mother who was worried about his condition. She was also carrying a newborn baby and accompanied by Gladys, the 4-year-old sister.
Moses was very small for his age and was unable to walk or even stand and he cried continuously. On examination he presented with all the signs and symptoms of severe Protein Calorie malnutrition.  His weight was 7.2Kg.His abdomen was distended, his face was puffy and discolored and his feet were swollen. His temperature was 38degrees. He was also anemic. His initial hemoglobin was 6.2. He also had genital herpes .We learned from his mother that she was HIV positive but so Far Moses had not been tested.
Moses was put to bed in a side ward, which included a bed for his mother, so that she could stay with him. He commenced on oral rehydration fluids, a high protein diet, starting with small frequent meals of soya porridge. He was also given Septrin Syrup 250mgs twice daily, Acyclovir 50mgs 6 hourly, Fansidar one-half tablet stat, Tylenol Syrup 6 hourly, PRN multivitamin and Ferrous Sulphate with Folic Acid daily.
His parents gave consent for Pediatric Counseling and testing for both Moses and his sister Gladys, the father also agreed to testing. Moses, his father and his sister all tested positive.
It was decided with the parents to enroll Gladys at the Day Center Preschool.
Over the next weeks the parents were counseled on many occasions and were linked to ART (anti retroviral therapy). Gladys is very well and it was felt she did not need ART at this time and as she would be attending the school daily her health would be constantly supervised.
Moses did not make very much progress over the first two weeks in the hospice. He continued to have frequent diarrhea and had a troublesome cough. His chest was X-rayed to rule out Tuberculosis. He was commenced on Ciprofloxin, as there were signs of respiratory tract infection. He remained fractious and sickly. He developed a rash on his thighs, which was treated with Clotrimazol cream, and oral thrush was treated with Nystatin syrup.
Slowly, slowly there were signs of improvement: his appetite improved, he was less miserable and, on occasion, smiled briefly.  His sister spent time with him after school until her father collected her at 18hours.
On the 15th of June Moses commenced base line tests for ART, (anti-retroviral therapy) now walking and much better, his weight was 9.2 kg and his appetite was very good. His hemoglobin had increased to 10.8 His CD 4 count was 16. He went to the ART clinic on 22nd June for a booking date. He will return on 18th July to commence treatment.
His condition continued to improve and he joined his sister at the preschool everyday for a few hours where he was very happy. Most of his medications had finished, except for antibiotics and multivitamins.
By now we felt it was time for the family to move back home. On June 27th Moses was discharged home. He has been enrolled at the day Center, to ensure a continuation of the nutritious diet and observation of his progress. On discharge he weighed 19kg.
On July 18th he attended the ART Clinic at Kabwe general hospital and commenced on ART. As of the 20th of July 2007, Moses has continued to come to the daycare center daily. His appetite remains very good; he is given the opportunity to sleep during the morning and again in the afternoon.

CUF MONTHLY MEETINGS

New for Fall

PRINCIPLE BY PRINCIPLE: Did you know that our seven Unitarian Universalist principles are "up for review?" The UUA's Commission on Appraisal is undertaking a study about the current set of principles, which date from the mid-1980s, to determine how well they serve our movement and our world today. If you'd like to explore how each of these principles touches your own life and the experience of our UU community, please join Bill Sasso for a series of seven Wednesday evenings, September 5th through October 17th. Each week we'll look at one of the principles in some detail, and we'll share our conclusions with the Commission. For more information, contact Bill (529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com).

LIVING BY HEART is a structured personal spiritual discipline designed for those who face the challenges that today's world presents. It includes connections with nature, community, family, and art as elements in ongoing experience of personal appreciation and renewal. Bill Sasso will lead this workshop, Saturday, October 13th, 2 to 4:30 pm, at the Fellowship. To register for this workshop, or for more info, contact Bill (529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com). 

"THE STATUS AND IDENTITY OF OUR CHILDREN IN THE FELLOWSHIP": Bill Sasso,Roy Sumner, and other congregational leaders invite you to a fireside chat to talk informally about this important aspect of our Fellowship. We'll host this "chat" by the fireplace on Thursday evening, October 4th, at 7:30 pm. For more information, contact Bill (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. 
September 2. This month we invite everyone who is interested in sharing their dreams in a warm and supportive atmosphere to join us.

HUMANIST ROUND TABLE. This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Fellowship Commons at 2:00 PM
September 26. to be announced

PSI SYMPOSIUM. This group meets the second Sunday of the Month in Room 06 at Noon  
September 9, Annual planning meeting. Bring finger food to share.  Come with ideas of what we want to explore and study this year. Please contact Mary Campbell 521-0851 or Astrid Mosely 549-7843  if you have questions or are unable to attend and have programs suggestions.  

ROUNDTABLE READERS. This group meets once a month in Room 04 after the Sunday Service at Noon

VIDEO CIRCLE.  This group meets every 1st and 3rd Friday in the Fellowship Commons at 7:15 PM

YOGA FOR ZAMBIA.  This group meets on the third Sunday in the Fellowship Commons from 12:30 to 2:00 PM
September 16 , 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 on Sunday, August 19th.  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.)