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Anne Sharpe and Yolan Presley

Continuing our inquiry into how aspects of religious experience have evolved and can change, we look at the question of personal, individual religious experience. Whatever you call it--faith, spirituality, human potentiality, mindfulness or _________ (your term goes here)--how have you developed in this dimension of your life? We’ll see if there may be some common trajectories, within our own Fellowship and beyond its walls. In conjunction with the Super Bowl, this service will feature a special “Souper Bowl” offering on behalf of Carbondale ’s Good Samaritan Ministries.

The great literature and art of Western culture are full of examples about how the earthly and heavenly kingdoms play out in our lives. Ken will use examples from Edgar Allen Poe, Anna Akhmatova, and an encounter between Bach and Frederick the Great, to illustrate the tensions and interplay. This material will be related to the significance of understanding religion and interfaith dialogue in the 21st century. Music for the service, including the hymns, will be mostly from the repertoire of J.S. Bach.

We Unitarian Universalists claim a lot of famous people. Is it possible the architect Frank Lloyd Wright is one of them? If so, how did he express his Unitarian faith? Would we recognize him as a Unitarian Universalist today? The Rev. Bill Haney has served as minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, MO, since 1989. A graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, his prior calling was to architecture. Bill Sasso will coordinate this service.

This intergenerational service will take us on an action-packed journey through the religious territories explored by our children’s religious education classes, so bring your sense of adventure and your theological hiking shoes! Please note that this service will not include spoken announcements, so please get your announcement information to Russ Trimble for inclusion in the printed order of service. Bill Sasso will coordinate this service.

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

February 4, “Carl Sagan, ‘Cosmos: The Shores of the Cosmic Ocean.’” Bob Camp will coordinate the program. “Volunteers” may be recruited to participate in a panel discussion following the video.

February 11, “Nobel Prize: RNA interference (RNAi).” This opens a new Open Minds series. Andrew Z. Fire and Craig C. Mello shared this award in physiology in 2006. What is RNAi? What is the purpose of gene interference? How does it work? Why is RNAi an important discovery. Casually drop some terms at your next party. Joe Schmit, SIUC Medical School , will present the program and Q & A session.

February 18, “Joys, Trials, and Tribulations 101: My Life as a Public School Social Worker.” Jan Eisenhard must wear a wide variety of hats in her work with children, parents and teachers. How do you teach parenting skills to invisible or reluctant parents? How can a rejected child with minimal social skills become accepted. How is physical or emotional abuse handled? Will I get to eat lunch today? The list continues as Jan describes a typical day(s) in her chosen profession of helping children (others as well). Discussion will follow her presentation.

February 25, “Curtiba: Nature's Primer for Urban Redevelopment.” A video documentary of a southern Brazilian city that is considered to be one of world's the greatest examples of using the natural terrain in a total urban transformation. The ten-year project designed by an architect /mayor demanded a total commitment, citizen input and labor, etc. Bob Swenson, SIUC School of Architecture, will offer commentary and lead the discussion following the video.

As you may suspect, I am in our Fellowship building at many different times of the day, so I get to see it lighted in many different manners, based on the time of day, the weather, the season, and even the building’s own lighting. The Fellowship Commons–the fireplace room–is an especially fascinating space, with its skylights, fireplace, and several different internal and external sources of light.

On an overcast late afternoon, the room often evokes the calm and soothing sense of twilight, with enough light to see yet not enough to read. On a sunlit morning, the room can be filled with light, so much so that one can turn on the lights without noticing a difference. In mid-day, when the sun is out, brilliant shafts of light from the skylights pierce the room, creating a fascinating patchwork of light of differing intensities. In the evening, after a meeting ends and lights are extinguished, the room is lit very delicately and gently by the lights on the terrace outside. And sometimes, on a late winter afternoon, a powerful stream of narrowly focused light floods in from the window beside the southwestern door by the storage room.

In each of these lights, the room appears to be different, but it is, of course, the same room. Another way to say this is to suggest that each different angle of light shows us a different aspect of the space. Each angle highlights certain things, and de-emphasizes others. For instance, it was in the powerful late afternoon light that I noticed a set of cobwebs in a space that I walk by hundreds of times each month. They were pretty well established, so they had probably been there for some time, yet I had not noticed them before. But with that particular angle of light calling my attention to them, I couldn’t help but notice them.

Part of our task as a religious community is to shift the light from one angle to another as we consider an issue or topic. In doing so, we come to see different aspects of the situation and begin to develop a more complete understanding. Our different individual experiences, insights, personalities, and perspectives enable us–or perhaps force us!–to bring these different angles of light to bear. Together, we develop a deeper and more encompassing form of comprehension than any one of us can create alone.

The Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, a Unitarian Universalist minister (and, curiously enough, a former folk dance colleague of mine), expands these ideas when he writes:

“The central task of the religious community is to unveil the bonds that bind each to all. There is a connectedness, a relationship discovered amid the particulars of our own lives and the lives of others. Once felt, it inspires us to act for justice.

“It is the church that assures us that we are not struggling for justice on our own, but as members of a larger community. The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen, and our strength too limited to do all that must be done. Together, our vision widens, and our strength is renewed.”

We are soon to embark upon a season of community dialogue and decisions about the future we share. As we enter this season, let us commit ourselves both to share the light that we possess, and to open ourselves to the light that others may have to offer, even–especially!–when it comes from a different angle!

Last month I asked what love means to you, and I shared what some children said when asked that question. I find in the course of a day, or week, it’s not unusual for me to get distracted by insensitive and inconsiderate behavior around me. Fortunately, I run across articles like the one examining kids thoughts about love, or I have discussions with friends that get me focused again on what I think is important. Recently a friend shared a story that ended with a reminder of the “five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred, 2. Free your mind from worries, 3. Live simply, 4. Give more, and 5. Expect Less.”

The rules listed above were the conclusion of a story about an elderly, widowed man entering his nursing home room for the first time. He had declared that he loved his room, before even seeing it, and explained it this way. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged . . . it’s how I arrange my mind. When I wake up, I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.” I like these stories, as they help me remember how simple it can be to live a happy life. But I don’t live this happy life in a vacuum, so I rely on a related, but different set of guidelines when I join others to meet a challenge. These other guidelines that help me are the seven UU Principles (and I’m admittedly fonder of the children’s version).

As a Fellowship we’ll always have challenges, and I feel it’s important how we treat each other when addressing them. I find the Children’s Version of the Principles (each starts with WE BELIEVE) can be a helpful source when “arranging our minds” before discussions, which we will be offering soon. Principle 1. Each and every person is important. Principle 2. All people should be treated fairly and kindly. Principle 3. We should encourage one another to learn together. Principle 4. Each person should be free to search for what is true and right in life. Principle 5. All persons should have a say about things that concern them. Principle 6. Work for a peaceful, fair and free world. Principle 7. Care for our planet Earth, the home we share with all living things.

If I made New Year’s Resolutions, one would be that every child would not only be able to recite the seven Principles, but to also have an understanding of what they mean. I wish us all well, as we pull together to meet the goals we have set as a Fellowship. And as we do so, perhaps it would help you to know how our children describe our Fellowship each Sunday morning, when they recite the following during chalice lighting in their rooms: “We light this chalice, to celebrate Unitarian Universalism; This is the church of the open minds; This is the church of the helping hands; and, This is the church of the loving heart.”

On Thursday, January 11th, the Board of Trustees met in retreat for 5 hours. They discussed the nature of our membership, relationships among different groups within the Fellowship, leadership and goals for the coming year. They then met as a board in the evening and started laying the foundation for the coming months.

Larry Wheeler, our UUA consultant, was with us on Saturday, January 20th. All Fellowship members were invited to meet with Larry from 8:30 to 10 AM, and this resulted in a lively discussion around the needs of the Fellowship. Larry then met with the Stewardship team to review progress and provide consultation on how to be successful in our efforts. The Membership committee co-chairs, Judy Aydt and Cathy Kline, then outlined newly formulated plans for more effectively addressing the needs of new members. Finally, team captains for the stewardship campaign arrived and discussed their role in the upcoming campaign.

On February 4th, we will have a congregational dialogue. Our consultant commented that the reason people join a church is for “help, hope and home.” On the 4th, we will discuss, “Help, Hope and Home: How can this Fellowship excel?” The information gained from this dialogue will help the Board and Membership committee set a course for the future.

There will be another congregational meeting where the congregation will discuss the goals for next year. The board will draft goals for the congregation’s review and comment, along with the estimates prepared by the Finance committee.

The Stewardship campaign is under the direction of Mary Campbell. It is well organized and designed to provide a positive experience for all Fellowship members. The use of the word “stewardship” is intentional. Stewardship challenges us to commit to and support that which is of value. We have a strong community doing great things. Mary has more details about the campaign in another article in CUF Links.

We have accomplished much, and we can accomplish much more. By inviting every member to fully engage in community, we will have the talent, energy, time and resources to do whatever we set our minds to do. We will build community and the necessary resources will appear.

On Sunday, February 4, the Carbondale Interfaith Council is holding its annual Souper Bowl Sunday. The second Fellowship collection on February 4 will be for the Souper Bowl. This is a national event to raise funds for local charities. It is turning our nation's biggest weekend of Super Bowl football into its largest weekend of giving. In our community this collection supports Good Samaritan Ministries, a project of the Carbondale Interfaith Council. The Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship is a member of the Council and our own Bill Sasso is currently serving as Council President. Please give generously to this local event.

Be sure to attend the CUF Annual Membership Potluck Bier Garten on Saturday, February 10, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall and Commons. We will welcome and celebrate our newest members. Bring a dish to pass and drinks (a keg will be provided). Come eat, sing, polka, and waltz. Be ready to dance your lederhosen off!

The UU Global AIDS Coalition is delighted to announce that the application of your congregation to become a Red Ribbon Congregation has been approved by the UUGAC board effective 11th January, 2007.

We started the Red Ribbon Congregation program to recognize and publicize the work of congregations that have provided leadership in addressing global AIDS issues and could serve as a model for other congregations considering deeper involvement. What you do at Carbondale is a wonderful example of how UUs can work together to make a difference in the devastation caused by AIDS in the lives of those impacted. Not only has your work brought hope to the people of Kabwe in Zambia but also, because your whole congregation has been involved in various ways, you have built a bridge of caring and compassion which unites your two communities.

Congratulations to Carla Feldhamer for her leadership and to all of you at Carbondale for what you have done and continue to do. We will be sending you a Red Ribbon Congregation banner as a visible way to recognize your efforts.

Since writing my January column, we have held several meetings. They have been open, sharing and lively discussions. They have generated ideas and one new graphic!!

The Stewardship Campaign is in full swing. The process of the Stewardship Campaign is:

Step One - Committees, Board, and Congregation discuss and define our objectives/dreams.

Step Two - the Finance Committee drafts an annual budget to fund the objectives/dreams.

Step Three - the Kick Off Event celebrates our dreams in a joyful way. It will be held Saturday, March 31, 2007. Details will follow. Look for information in the bulletin and other places. If you have a creative way to get information out, let the committee know. You will receive a written invitation to the event.

Step Four - a visiting steward will visit privately with you. At this time you will be asked to make a financial pledge of support to continue and grow our dreams.

The Challenge Campaign is a campaign to match a $100,000 gift to reduce the mortgage. We removed "Capital" from our second campaign to clarify that We ARE NOT building nor have current plans to.

Many members of the Fellowship are already part of the Stewardship Campaign team. They will be recruiting more members to participate as visiting stewards. On March 10, 2007, Larry Wheeler will conduct a workshop for all members of the Stewardship Campaign team from 9:00 AM to12:30 PM at the Fellowship. Child Care will be provided. This training is open to ALL members of the Fellowship and everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Stewardship team can use assistance with many area of this process so please share your time and talent. If you want to participate contact me and I'll find the team that feels right for you. You may email mspurple1999(at)yahool.com or phone 457-7206 evenings.

Thank You to all members of the Stewardship team and the many members who have participated so far. The CUF community benefits from your energy and support and as chair I look forward to working with all of you.

On Saturday March 10, 2007 Larry Wheeler will be conducting the Stewardship training workshop. It will be from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. All fellowship members are welcome to attend. Child care will be provided.

On Saturday March 31, 2007 the Annual Pledge Drive kick off event will be held. The particulars are not set but child care will be provided. More information on both events will be made available as it is developed.

It's time for a review and critique of CUF's bylaws—which are located on the CUF webpage. Are you aware of existing language that (a) requires us to do something you don't believe is correct; or (b) prohibits us from doing something you would like to? Or, do you know some other reason for a change? If so, please contact one of us by the end of February so we can get your input. Thanks!

Toby Saken, Joe Schmit, Ed Phillips

A few weeks ago I traveled to St. Louis with a woman I don’t know well. We had four hours in the car together to talk. Of the many things we found to talk about was faith and our faith communities. My acquaintance shared with me aspects of her faith journey and I shared with her as well. She is a devout Catholic and very involved in her church. I am a still new Unitarian and just getting started in my involvement in the life of this Fellowship. My acquaintance lives in Carbondale and was aware of some of the activities of the Fellowship. She asked me, more or less, whether Unitarians have a Sunday church service and Sunday school, or whether we “just do good things.” I told her about our diverse Sunday services and about our religious education program.

I was struck by the “just do good things” part of her question though. For one, it’s obvious to me that many in our local community are aware of the social action and community involvement that many Fellowship members are so actively involved in and I think we should all feel proud of the role our Fellowship plays in making Carbondale and the world a better place. Moreover, the “just do good things” part is what first brought me to the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship. I, too, had seen so many Carbondale Unitarians involved with projects and issues that matter to me. And in the moments when I wonder whether I fit in here and whether this will become my true “church home,” it is the “just do good things” part that keeps me here.

So, I agreed to co-chair the social action committee this year with Carla Feldhamer. Carla’s been doing good things in our community and definitely in the world for some time now, much of it under the auspices of the Fellowship. I hope to learn from her and from others here who are working to make our world better, more just and more hopeful. I hope to bring some of my own ideas and hear yours too. We will never run out of good things to do in this world and I’d like to be a part of the good that happens here.

I hope you’ll join us this year. We have opportunities for ongoing social action projects, like AIDS in Africa , New Day Prison Ministries, Rainbow Café, as well as opportunities for more episodic volunteering, such as working on community cleanups, “adopting” a Spirit of Christmas child or countless others. We have room for new ideas and for new people and everyone from the youngest to the oldest among us is a part of the social action commitment we make in this Fellowship. Look to future issues of CUF Links and in the bulletins for information about Social Action activities and feel free to contact Carla (hospice88(at)aol.com) or me (jesj62901(at)yahoo.com) with your ideas for doing good.

February 10, 2007, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM in Room 6, PSI Symposium will be offering a workshop, The Voice of Intuition, guided by Rhonda Leifheit. Rhonda is Director of The Source Life Enrichment Center in St. Louis , MO. She has been teaching classes in personal and spiritual growth for 30 years. Intuition is a natural expression of our higher nature. It can be developed with practice, and is enhanced by our heartfelt desire to assist others. This highly experiential workshop will give participants opportunities to develop their intuition in an atmosphere of play.

Fee $75. To register: make checks payable to Rhonda Leifheit and Mail to: Denise Massa, P.O. Box 337, Ava , IL 62907 . If you have any questions you can also contact Mary Campbell.

Sunday, February 26, 4:30-6:00 PM at the Fellowship. Chair Yoga, led by Sallie Schramm, Phoenix Rising Yoga Teacher, is suited for those who due to age or physical limitation welcome the support of a chair, as well as folks who are desk/computer bound and would like to learn techniques to rejuvenate their bodies and minds. Debbie Czarnopys-White, Registered Yoga Teacher, will lead easy-to-follow yoga poses, breathing techniques and impart knowledge for improving one's health. This class is open to all levels of ability. Your tax deductible donation of $10 or more will support our partnership in Zambia .

"Out of Chaos, Hope" (Katrina Relief): The First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale invites interested members of the Fellowship to join them in their third disaster assistance mission trip to Gauthier, MS, to help in recovery efforts there. Trips are scheduled for March 11-17 (SIUC’s Break Week) and June 10-16. Participants from earlier trips will
speak briefly as part of our February 4th Sunday service, and will be available after the service to answer questions and provide further information. If you are unable to be at the service that Sunday, please contact First Presbyterian Church at 549-2148 or 1stPres@globaleyes.net for more information.

CUF Family and friends camping trip outing will be on June 8th & 9th! Mark your calendars now for the most fun outdoor weekend of the summer! Lake Glendale on the Shawnee National Forest is a favorite place to enjoy each other's company and build memories. It has a large shelter for gathering/eating, swimming beach, bike/hiking trail from the campground, and night time "scary" walks. Camping gear is a' plenty, so don't worry if you don't have tent, etc. Day visits are also welcome! Fliers and sign up sheets will have more detailed information, or you can contact Pat York.