Welcome to CUF Links online - August 2007

Internet readers can print this document for future reference by clicking  Print in the menu under File in your browser.  A few print copies will be available at the Fellowship.  We hope you find this satisfactory. Previous issues of "CUF Links" are available at the CUF Links Archive.

Yolan Presley

(clicking on a title will take you to the article)

  • SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE & CALENDAR
  • NEWS FROM ZAMBIA
  • ZAMBIAN NIGHTGOWN PROJECT
  • NEW DAY PRISON MINISTRIES
  • 2007 STEWARDSHIP
  • CUF MONTHLY MEETINGS
  • CUF BYTES
  • CUF CLASSIFIED

    • SUNDAY SERVICES

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

    August 5          Astrid Mosely and Friends: “Spirituality of the Earth”
     
    The twentieth century’s theological branches included a rebirth of interest in earth-centered spiritualities, which come from different sources, including the religions of the Native Americans as well as sources in pagan and Wiccan traditions. Astrid will coordinate this service.
     
    August 12        Bill Sasso: “The Legacy of Gandhi”
     
    Mohandas K. Gandhi was called the “Mahatma” or “Great Soul” for his love and courage he embodied personally and shared with the peoples of India. As the fiftieth anniversary of his assassination approaches, let us reflect on his life and examine what remains of the legacy that he has left to us and to all people.
     
    August 19        “Why I Became Unitarian Universalist”
     
    This service is an annual favorite, in which several members of the Fellowship – usually individuals who joined in different decades – will share the stories of how they came to become a Unitarian Universalist. Bill Sasso will coordinate this service.
     
    August 26        Bill Sasso: “At the Heart of Liberal Religion”
     
    What makes religion “liberal” or “progressive,” as opposed to “conservative” or “orthodox?” What exactly are we trying to do here on Sunday mornings and throughout the week? Can there even be an answer to these questions? Bill will struggle with these and related questions that might bring us closer to a better understanding of “the heart of liberal religion.”
     
    And coming up soon . . .
     
    September 2          Bill Sasso: “Working with Change” 
     

    In times of change, how do we cope? What do we need to hold on to, and what should we learn to let go of? On the Sunday of our Labor Day weekend, join Bill as he explores these questions and their relationship to all of us! And don’t forget – everyone is invited to our Fellowship-wide picnic at Cedar Lake Beach after the service! If you want to, wear your beach outfit to the Fellowship!

    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.

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    OPEN MINDS

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

    August 12, "Privatization: "Black Water, America's Secret Mercenary Army (in Iraq and America, Illinois, and New Orleans)
    Discussion to follow. All  are welcome to our non sectarian programs

    August 19,  "Secret of the Golden Orb" Larry Bernstein, will explain the creative process he uses in "painting from the inside out."
    He will use his painting "Secret of the Golden Orb"(2004) which took approximately 50 years to complete. Bernstein will bring the drawings and small painted sketches which he created as this work of art evolved from his collective unconscious onto canvas.

    August 26,  To be announced

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    THE MINISTER'S MESSAGE

    Where Did the Summer Go?

    Wow! The Carbondale elementary schools begin classes this week, and next Monday the Fall Semester at SIUC starts up again. Where did this summer go?

    Summer here is a time of transitions. Perhaps because of the university, it seems that departures and arrivals tend to cluster in the months of June and July. Whether they have been long-time members of the Fellowship, or have only recently arrived, it’s sad to say good-bye to those whose time here in Carbondale is ending. Even when we know that the move is part of an exciting opportunity for them, we know that we will miss them. Our task is to bid them good-bye with love and a sense of appreciation for what they have meant – and will continue to mean! – as part of our lives.

    But even as some we have come to know and love are called to leave southern Illinois, others arrive. We will see an influx of newcomers to the area, and many of them will visit the Fellowship. I hope that each one of us will help extend the sincere welcome of the Fellowship to all who may visit, taking the time to meet someone new, learn a bit about him or her, and weave a new strand or two in the web of human connections. Do you recall the very first time that you visited this Fellowship? How easy was it to connect with the Fellowship community? If you recall individuals who reached out to you, perhaps now is the time for you pass that gift on by reaching out to another!

    The ultimate form of reaching out may be to invite a friend or neighbor to visit the Fellowship some Sunday with you. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that many of us know someone we really feel would find meaning and community here. If you find someone coming into your mind as you read this, someone you have considered inviting to the Fellowship once as your guest, I encourage you to extend an invitation to that friend or acquaintance! She or he might truly appreciate it, and so might you!

    For many of us, summer is also a time of travel. If you have been on the road, or the river, or the rails, or the ocean, or the sky, I hope that your travels have renewed your energy and enriched your appreciation of this amazing world in which we live. To you, we extend the greeting “Welcome back, travelers!”

    Finally, just in case you haven’t noticed, it’s hot out there as I write this column, with the region entering its second week of triple-digit, near-record temperature. Please remember to take care of yourselves in this extreme heat, drinking plenty of water, staying out of the sun, and doing any necessary work outdoors early or late in the day! Please reach out to others, especially the young and the elderly, to make sure that they are handling the heat as well as possible. During any form of extreme weather – hot or cold, dry or wet – we need to look out for ourselves and each other!

    I hope that you enjoyed your summer and that autumn gets here soon!

    Seasonally yours, Bill S.

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    FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DIRECTOR

    Welcome back.  I hope you enjoyed the summer, and are energized and ready for another year.  The Religious Education program during the summer has been offering Sunday classes.  Well, one-room Sunday school, would probably be a better description.  Various world religions have been studied, led by a wonderful assortment of volunteer leaders and assistants.  The last summer Sunday class will be held August 19.  Thank you so much to those that have helped with the summer Sunday program.  It wouldn’t have been successful without you.

    The beginning of our new school year will be August 26.  This year we will begin with a special project for the classes, and it will involve using recycled clothes to make t-shirts.  The shirts will then be sold to raise funds for a dedicated social action cause (more detail will be available soon). 

    Since you’re making notes in your calendar (right?), note that we’ll have our annual farewell to summer beach get together at Cedar Lake Beach, right after service on September 02.  This has been a great way to say goodbye to the summer, and get reacquainted with those among us for the coming year.  If you haven’t attended, please plan to join us (you don’t have to have kids) for a little while, or bring a lunch and stay until the beach closes.  I might even be persuaded to bring my kayaks to share.

    I know you’re wondering, “How can I help the RE program?”  Easy, just talk to me (687-3118) or someone on the Religious Education Committee.  Currently the committee is Cindy Baer (chairperson), Matt Sronkoski, Kathy O’Laughlin, Abi Cowser, and myself.  And this is probably a good time to say thank you, for many precious years of service, to Carol Kelly and Sandy Charlson.  So, yeah, it’s easy to help.  You can bring a healthy snack, tell a cool story, demonstrate a talent or skill, volunteer to teach or help a classroom teacher, or assist in the development of the holiday play service.  We still need help with the high school class – as of today we only have one person working with these students, and that doesn’t strike me as fair odds. 

    If you’re new, or even if you’re not new, and have a question or suggestion, please see me at the Fellowship or send me a email or phone call.  We’re all in this together, whether you have children or not, and experience has shown that many hands makes for lighter lifting.  So, welcome back, glad to have you with us, and let’s begin another year of our journey, offering a well-rounded liberal religious experience for our children and youth.

    Sincerely, Roy Sumner, DRE

        

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    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

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    Membership Committee News
     
    This year is going to be a fantastic year for the membership committee.  In addition, to the issue of welcoming visitors, look for updated UU classes, to be held in Oct. for recent members and those thinking about membership.  Come join the fun, everyone is invited.  A joining ceremony is being developed and will be a part of a Sunday program in November. And lots, lots more is planned.

    The issue of welcoming visitors was raised during a recent meeting. The discussion was enthusiastic and inspired.  Please give some thought to the following description.

    Common Hospitality - Visitors are greeted with a friendly smile, a perfunctory hello and welcome to the fellowship.  Then off you go having fulfilled your duty.  The visitor will no longer impose on your Sunday morning, as you talk to friends and fellow committee members.    During coffee hour, you didn't notice them, standing alone looking out the window.
    Radical Hospitality - Visitors are greeted with a friendly smile and a warm hello, handshake and perhaps a pat on the back.  You are genuinely glad to see them.  You guide the visitor to the sanctuary and sit next to them during the service.  You invite them to stay for coffee hour and introduce them to others.  You treat the visitor as you would treat a guest in you home.

    Consider sharing some of yourself on Sunday mornings with those you don't know.  After- all, visitors are looking for what we have already found.

    The FY 2007 - 2008 committee members are: Cathy Kline, Chair.  Members - Julie Arendt, Janet and Ban Banerjee, Kris and Joan Juul, Beverly Howie, Joyce Shepherd, Judy Aydt, and Debbie Czarnopsis-White.

    The membership committee is open to any ideas, and issues of concern. Feel free to call me or any other committee member, we are all good listeners and are committed to making difference. Cathy 457-7885

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    Health Ministry Corner

    By Vennie Anderson,RN, MSEd

    RECOGNIZING A STROKE

    By reading this article you could save someone’s life or save him or her from serious permanent brain damage! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Lack of awareness can spell disaster, since a stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage or even death if people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms and get the individual to a hospital quickly.

    A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can often totally reverse the effects of a stroke! The trick is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medical care within 3 hours of the onset.

    A person who is having a stroke may collapse and become unconscious, which, of course, requires immediate emergency attention. However, the symptoms may be more subtle and hard to recognize unless you know what to look for. A person experiencing any of the following episodes could be having the early signs of a stroke:

    • a long pause in conversation, as if the right words won’t come out
    • inappropriate speech (calling an object by the wrong name, a garbled sentence, etc.)
    • suddenly dropping or being unable to pick up an object
    • looking “dazed”, or seeming suddenly confused or lost
    • sudden inability to perform a simple task such as combing hair or brushing teeth
    • sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or an unexplained fall
    • complaint of sudden numbness or tingling in the hands or face

    A bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions. To recall the questions remember the first three letters of the word stroke–STR.
    S * SMILE Ask the individual to SMILE.
    T * TALK Ask the individual to repeat a simple short sentence. For example, “Repeat after me, ‘It is sunny outside today.’” The sentence must be repeated coherently without slurring, hesitation, or missing words.
    R * RAISE Ask the individual to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

    Here’s another sign of stroke. Ask the individual to stick out his or her tongue! If unable to do so or the tongue is 'crooked' or pulls to one side that may also be an indication of a stroke.

    If you are with someone who has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. Stay with the individual until an ambulance arrives.
    (This might be a good article to share with friends and family–and post on the fridge!)
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    Fair Trade Coffee Tea Candy Nuts and Cranberries
    by Janet Harris

    Equal Exchange has been in the business of Fair Trade coffee for 20 years. They have supported small farmer co-ops by buying coffee, etc. at a guaranteed price, whether the market drops or not. They pay the co-ops premiums for raising organic produce. Equal Exchange is a worker owned co-op. It offers a special program for many denominations to buy coffee wholesale. The UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) participates in this program. A percentage of money spent through this program is given to the UUSC.

    In Carbondale and surrounding environs there are many vendors of Fair Trade products. Several churches participate in their own EE programs including the Church of the Good Shepherd. The Neighborhood Co-op sells Equal Exchange coffee and other fair trade products.

    You can also buy Equal Exchange fair trade products right here at the fellowship. CUF has an Equal Exchange buyer’s club that operates through the UUSC. Interested buyers can choose from a long list of different flavors and blends. Choose whole bean, percolator or drip, regular or organic. The buyer’s club orders by the case. Individuals can team up and split the price of the case. Periodically, Equal Exchange products are on sale in the commons after services. (Prices for products sold through the buyer’s club are list; prices for individual items include mark-up that is to be donated to the CUF service committee.)

    I will be ordering for the buyer’s club soon. There will be an order form and a list of products on the table at the back of the commons. I can be contacted at (618) 687-2155 or jelizah1949@yahoo.com

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    Social Action Update:
    By Jess Jobe

    A social action meeting will be held on a Sunday in mid September-please look to future bulletins for information on the date and time. We’ll discuss social action plans for this fall and winter, including the activities of the AIDS in Africa, New Day Ministries and Environmental Concerns subcommittees. We’ll also begin a discussion about how we can best take on the challenge presented by the UUA for all congregations to work on the issues of racism and classism in our congregations and our larger communities. Whatever your areas of interest, talents or time constraints, there is a way to become involved in the Social Action of the Fellowship.

    Invitations to Generosity: CUF Fundraising and Supply Drives
    August, 2007 to July, 2008

    If you have been around the Fellowship for even a short while, you have probably noticed that we do a fair amount of fundraising and supply collections for causes outside the Fellowship itself. Some of these are community causes (e.g., Good Samaritan Ministries), some are Unitarian Universalist ones (such as the UU Service Committee), and some simply serve to help build a better world. Some of us attempt to support each of these drives, while others may have to limit their participation to only some of them, but we appreciate the collective generosity that makes it possible for our congregation to help with each of these efforts.  

    In order to spread out these various requests as evenly as possible throughout the year, a group of our social justice and religious education leaders met recently with Bill Sasso and Fellowship Vice-President George Feldhamer. Together, we developed the following schedule of opportunities to support social justice and social service programs. The Fellowship Board has reviewed this schedule, and now we want to share it with each of you, so you’ll know what may be coming!

    Please do remember that, should major natural disasters occur, the Fellowship may conduct additional special fundraising to assist the victims. An asterisk (*) before the drive/event indicates that it may move to different dates in future years, or may be a one-time event. 

    Again, thanks to each of you for your support of these efforts as you are able!

    August, 2007
                * AIDS/Africa Nightgown Drive   
                            Contact: Deb Czarnopys-White  
                * Canned Food Drive for Good Samaritan Food Pantry
                            Contact: Bill Sasso

    January, 2008
                * Food Drive for the Mosque’s new food pantry
                            Contact: Jesslyn Jobe

    September
                * Fundraising Campaign for Rainbow Café (direct mail invitation)
                            Contact: Bill Sasso

    February
                “Souper Bowl Sunday” (2nd collection for Good Samaritan Ministries)
                            Contact: TBD
                New Day Prison Ministries Supply Drive
                            Contact: Lois Hayward or Karen Swenson

    October
                * AIDS/Africa medicine/vitamin drive
                            Contact: Carla Feldhamer
                * 10/14 UUA Association Sunday (2nd collection)
                            Contact: Bill Sasso
                * 10/20 AIDS/Africa Benefit Concert and Silent Auction
                            Contact: Carla Feldhamer
                10/28 Trick or Treat for UNICEF (RE)
                            Contact: Roy Sumner or Cindy Baer

    March
                Easter Baskets for Women’s Center Children (RE)
                            Contact: Amy Weber

    November
                Spirit of Christmas Gift Program
                            Contact: TBD
                11/17 Guest at Your Table (UU Service Committee)
                            Contact: Janneke Resnick

    April-May

    Fellowship Pledge Campaign (Contact: Mary Campbell)

    December
                Gift Drive for the Children’s Christmas Store (RE)
                            Contact: Roy Sumner
                12/24 Christmas Eve Collection to a local charity (TBD)
                            Contact: Bill Sasso

    		 June
     Social Action Yard Sale
                            Contact: Jesslyn Jobe
      July
                New Day Prison Ministries Supply Drive
                            Contact: Lois Hayward or Karen Swenson
      August
                Canned Food Drive for Good Samaritan Food Pantry
                            Contact: TBD

    If you would like to help organize any of these efforts, or if you have any questions about this schedule, please contact Bill Sasso (529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com), George Feldhamer (feldhamer@zoology.siu.edu or 457-8606), or Jesslyn Jobe (jesj62901@yahoo.com).

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    Sad News From Our Zambian Partners

    Sent by Carla Feldhamer

    Dear Carla, I am sure you will be as distressed as I am at the following news,

    On Friday 29th June at around 4 hours a gang of armed robbers climbed over the back wall (behind the children's centre) and terrorized the caregivers Jane and Dorothy and the security Guard and of course all the patients, they waved guns around, shouting, etc., and commenced to break into the CRS Toyota Landcruiser, cutting the hijack prevention device and alarm, they then drove it in reverse and battened down the padlocked gate. So far the police haven't any news of its recovery. Everyone is devastated by this awful theft, as you know this vehicle is in use all day, on outreach, homebased care, collecting patients, doing the mortuary run, shopping, etc. I have always felt that the hospice was never in danger of this sort of attack, indeed when I am driving the hospice vehicle home after dark I have never felt unsafe as I always thought the services we deliver within Kabwe are valued enough to prevent such actions.
    The only good thing is that apart from the frightening experience nobody was hurt, it would have been disastrous if anybody had been shot.
    I am having a new gate made as quickly as possible and I feel it is now necessary to put some razor ribbon wire on the walls surrounding the Hospice Compound.

    Warmly, Mary

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    Zambian Hospice Nightgown Project

    During August, we will be collecting nightgowns for the ladies of the Zambian Partnership Hospice. Sizes are extra small, small, and medium and soft cotton is the preferred material. In an effort to help this, we will also be looking for people of all talents to help make nightgowns. Two Saturdays, August 11 and 18, have been set aside for sewing days at the Fellowship. People who can donate soft cotton material, cut or learn to cut from a pattern, assemble and sew, and finally iron the nightgowns are encouraged to join in the effort. If you have a portable sewing machine, cutting boards, scissors/rotary cutters, and iron and ironing board that you can bring for any part of the day, please do so. The working day will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and all are encouraged to come throughout the day to help. Please contact Debbie Czarnopys-White, 618-787-2929, or email at bobdebcw@midwest.net to sign up soon.


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    New Day Prison Ministries
    by Lois Hayward

    On August 9, Karen Swenson and I made our first trip to the new Moms and Babies Wing at the Decatur Correctional Center.  (This is the first such living space in an Illinois prison.  During the 5-year planning period officials visited an Upstate New York correctional center that has a highly-regarded 100-year-old Moms and Babies program.)  We were concerned that we might see an old space painted over to look a little more cheerful.  Imagine our surprise when we walked into a bright airy room with a large play space a few steps down from the main living space, with lively murals, soft carpet, and built-in padded benches for mamas and toddlers.

    Private rooms for each mother and baby include a crib, a changing table, a chest of drawers, a single bed, and a little bookcase, all of it plain but sturdy new furniture.  Every room and hall has bright murals, a mobile or two, and space for personal property.  Two young men were holding their babies in a visiting space reserved for family visits.  Older children who come to visit their mothers and their new baby sisters and brothers have a special play space and craft area. 

    All babies are born at the Dwight Correctional Center, then they and their mothers are transferred to Decatur.   At the moment two moms and babies are living in the new wing and two more are on the way.  They expect to have 8 babies by spring.  If all is going well they will add more rooms until they reach top capacity of 20 moms and babies.

    While serving their time in this unit moms must work part of the day and/or go to school.  All new mothers take parenting classes and can participate in a reunification program involving husbands and fiancées. Infant care is available to allow the women to take part in these activities, but basically the moms remain the primary care givers.  The big difference is that these young mothers have the support of a fully committed team.   They will go home realizing how much responsibility they have for their babies and they will know where to go for help. At the same time the realism of this experience may influence young people to limit the size of their families.

    We had a lovely collection of baby things to take with us, thanks to so many of you.  The Moms and Babies program is not only well supplied for the present, but has shelves of items that will carry them through these first crucial months and then some.  But there is another factor.  We weighed in early with our support, as have some other groups.  What this says to Department of Corrections officials is that this program has very strong public support.  This could mean the difference between expansion and no expansion.

    On our way home we compared the head start these babies are getting to what would have happened otherwise.  The Decatur E-Wing is not just a holding pen, but a bright, airy, happy place to begin one's life-up close to and cozy with a mama who is learning how to mother.
    ********
    An officer from Dwight met us at Decatur and we transferred school supplies for 120 children, along with clothes, books, and personals for the inmates, to her vehicle.  (If you happen upon any jigsaw puzzles or board games in yard sales this summer, please keep us in mind.)  Our new project at Dwight will be an anthology of writings by inmates there which we expect to complete in late spring of 2008. 

    As joyful as our trip was, I could not help thinking about the forgotten souls at Tamms.  As New Day enters its third year, I hope we can become more active advocates for crucial changes in our criminal justice and prison systems.  I hope we can host programs on Restorative Justice. 

    Once again, Karen and I want to express our deepest gratitude for all your help.  In the two years our little group has been in existence we have done a lot-much more than would have been possible without you!

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    2007 Stewardship Campaign

    THANK YOU

    This is our first newsletter since  we  completed our 2007-2008  Stewardship Campaign and the Challenge Campaign. Your generosity  made  both campaigns  a success.  We met our annual fund goal at $173,859 and the  Challenge total is $110,534!!!!

    All these persons contributed to the success of the Stewardship drive. Many of them with multiple roles. They are listed in a random order.   Ronda Koch, Miriam Link Mullison, Patsy Maxwell, Stan Aydt, Lois Stewart, Dave Sharpe, Bev Howie, Cheryl Schmit, Kris Juul, Joan Juul, George Feldhamer, Chris Lant, Joe Schmit, Jan Eisenhard, Cheryl Robinson, JoAnn Nelson, Judy Groskind, Ed Phillips, Joyce Shepherd, Astrid Moseley, Kimberly Gregory, Holly Dotson, Nancy Rivka Rose Bowman, Janet Harris, Thelma Herschback, Sally Elms, Red Beckley, Yo Presley, Nillofur Zobairi, Charles Ruffner, Pat Gates, Barbara Lesar, Bob Swenson, Carla Feldhamer, Janneke Resnick, Jerry Molumby, Tami Frank, Kim Asner-Self, Jessica Montgomerie, Judy Aydt, Vennie Anderson, Alan Christensen, Dave Christensen, Dave Clarke, Pat York,  the Women's retreat chorus, Roy Sumner, Bill Sasso, Matt Sronkowski, Joyce Webb, the UFO orchestra, Sadako Clarke, Jodi Ruffner, Amy Weber, Stan Harris, Larry Wheeler, our UUA consultant,  and of course EACH AND EVERY MEMBER OF THIS Fellowship. If I left someone out I apologize.

    I look forward to serving as Co-chair of this committee in 2007-2008. We are recruiting someone to serve as co-chair.  ALL applicants please contact me  or  Jerry Molumby.  Any ideas you have for the stewardship process or event are  welcome.  Thank you again for participation and generosity of all your gifts to the CUF.

    Joyfully yours, Mary Campbell

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    CUF MONTHLY MEETINGS

    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 GROUP. This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month in the Fellowship Commons at 2:00 PM

    August 8, "Grass Roots Activism ": The Path for Civil, Human,Environmental, Animal Rights, etc. as traveled by prominent women activists"  Call Bob Camp, Coordinator

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

    August 22,      Open forum discussion of topics of immediate concern,invited speakers,video presentations, etc. Participants determine the programming for the day. Suggestions are always welcome. Coordinators are Kris Juul, David Christensen, and Bob Camp.

    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

    August 26, Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss, the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Eats, Shoots & Leaves. According to the dust jacket notes, "the queen of zero tolerance [for errors in punctuation] takes on the sorry state of modern manners. 'Talk to the hand 'cause the face ain't listening,' the saying goes. When did the world stop wanting to hear? When did society stop valuing basic courtesy and respect?...Talk to the Hand is a rallying cry for civility." According to the Boston Globe, Truss is "a reformer with the soul of a stand-up comedian," and the book is "hilariously droll.

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


    August 17,       Free popcorn.

    YOGA FOR ZAMBIA.  This group meets on the third Sunday in the Fellowship Commons from 12:30 to 2:00 PM

    August 19, 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.)

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    CUF BYTES

    Voice Recital. Emily Hughes, daughter of Amy Weber and Randy Hughes will be performing a free voice recital on Saturday, August 18, at 7:30 PM at the Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall on the Campus of SIU. This is our last chance to hear Emily before she leaves for college this fall. The program will include works by Mozart, Schubert, and Gershwin. Emily will be accompanied by Kathy Manfredi.

    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).

    Save this Date! The 2008 annual CUF Women’s Retreat will take place February 29 – March 2 at the Methodist Camp on Giant City Road.  The next planning committee meeting will be Sunday, August 19, at 9:30 am in the High School Room.  All are welcome to give their input.

    ImagineNATION Reconstructed T-Shirts is a social action project by the RE program.  The objective is to teach the kids that they can be a part of social change.  The two social action issues addressed will be environmental/recycling and AIDS/HIV in Africa.  The kids will make one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn creations from recycled clothing, keeping these pieces of clothing out of landfills.  The shirts will be sold at local shops, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to The Zambian Project.  Also the kids will participate in a letter-writing campaign to create bonds with the children and teens in Zambia.  Although the kids will play a direct hands-on role in this project, adult volunteers are needed, and no sewing skills are required for volunteers.  If you would like to help with this project, please contact Holly Dotson @ (662) 415-3539 or hollydotson@gmail.com.  

    Program Committee Announcements: The Program Committee is recruiting members!  What programs would you like to see the fellowship's program committee sponsor?  We are looking for fresh approaches and ideas.  The committee meets on an as needed basis so you would not necessarily be committing a lot of time. 
    If you don't feel you can join the committee but you have ideas for community forums,  suggestions for ongoing discussion groups or any other ideas to share with fellowship and the community at large? Please talk to Janet Harris, JoAnne Nelson or Nillofur Zobairi.  (687-2155)

    Advance Notice: AIDS Relief Benefit Concert, At the Fellowship, Saturday, October 20, 2007, 6:30 pmPianist, Wilfred Delphin, (Professor Emeritus of the SIUC Music School faculty) and Soprano, Dr. Valerie Francis, (from the faculty of Xavier University in New Orleans) will perform a concert of operatic arias, art songs, and African-American spirituals. A reception, with a silent auction of African and local art and craft items, will follow the concert. All proceeds will go directly to Ranchhod AIDS Hospice and Orphan Care Center in Kabwe, Zambia (Africa). For more information, please contact Carla at 618-457-8606. Please mark your calendar, plan to attend, and share this information with your faith community, work, and friends. Thank you!

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    CUF CLASSIFIED
    Need a House-sitter? Fellowship member Donna Arenseau's daughter Naomi is available -- contact Naomi at 549-7144 or Donna at 527-3959 for info! FREE older Xerox copy machine and supplies -- needs one gear. Elane 618-985-4549.
    Tastefully Simple easy to prepare, delicious gourmet foods. Specializing in simplicity! New Fall/Winter catalog coming Sept. 1! Call Cheryl Robinson 998-1390. VIOLIN for sale: nearly new, with learning DVD and book, was $250 new, asking $100. Call Vennie at 549-5352 after August 10.
    New/never used and slightly used quilting books for sale.  Types include flowers, rotary-cut, log cabins, birds, creating your family quilt with CD.  Contact Debbie, 618-787-2929, bobdebcw@midwest.net. HANDYMAN and HANDYWOMAN:  Brian Cartrell and Terri Rep are the persons  who keep our Fellowship clean.  They are available to do a variety of jobs, such as painting, carpentry, upholstering, and more, besides cleaning and washing windows.  Their rates are reasonable and are based on the jobs that need doing -- rates are also negotiable.  They can be reached at 618-542-2092 (home) or 618-790-4745 (Cell phone).
    Cement mixer, small, holds approx. 2 bags, electric, $100. Would deliver. Bob Lembcke 549-4064. Why heat up the kitchen?  Kingsford kettle BBQ , utensils, 50 lbs. charcoal, mesquite chips, and chimney starter--all for $25.  Call Janet Levie, 618-833-4971.
    Position opening. Assistant to Director, 25 hrs per week through June '08. Familiarity with culture of churches and higher ed., computers, scheduling, hospitality, organization, errands, flexible scheduling. College deg.or equiv. Call Hugh at the Interfaith Center, 549-7387. PARKING COORDINATOR: Volunteer(s) needed to put up "More Parking at Parrish School" signs for Sunday mornings and other Fellowship events. Call Bill Sasso 529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com) for more info! Thanks!
    EVENT PLANNERS: Volunteers needed to help plan and organize the January, 2008 Carbondale community celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Next planning meeting is scheduled for September 20th. Contact Bill Sasso 529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com) for more info! Thanks! DRIVERS with VANS or TRUCKS: Can you help us deliver the canned food contributions for the Good Samaritan Food Pantry? The pantry is located in University Baptist Church, at Oakland and Mill Streets. Contact Bill Sasso 529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com) for more info! Thanks!

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    Readers of this online newsletter may notice the absence of some personal information.  We are following the UUA Guidelines for Church Electronic Newsletters.  You may read the guidelines at http://www.uua.org/CONG/newsonline.html

    CUF Links Editor: Vacant   Web Editor: Yolan Presley Deadline for the September issue of CUF Links will be August 30th.

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