Welcome to CUF Links online - January 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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SUNDAY SERVICES are held in the Fellowship Hall at 10:30 AM.
January 7 Bill Sasso: “The Evolution of the Bible”
There’s more than one
version of the book that we know as “The Bible” today, and each version has
been developed in its own evolutionary process. That story began with the first
five books of the Hebrew Bible, known as “Torah” and attributed to Moses.
Join Bill as he reviews the evolution of our culture’s most basic scripture,
and what we might learn from its development.
January
14 Bill Sasso: “Dr. King’s
Predecessors”
While Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., played a unique role in the civil rights movement, there were several
others who deserve to be recognized as “setting the stage” for his arrival
and accomplishments. Join Bill as he explores the impact of two of Dr. King’s
predecessors: Vernon Johns, who preceded Dr. King as Pastor at the
January
21 Bill Sasso:
“Nonviolence and Peacemaking”
In time of war, talking of
peace may seem unrealistic. In times of peace, it may seem unnecessary. In times
of fear, it may seem irresponsible, or even dangerous. Yet peace does not
“break out” by accident; it requires intention and effort. The 2006
Unitarian Universalist General Assembly has invited congregations to study the
peacemaking process, beginning with the peace that we, as individuals, can make
with ourselves and with those around us, in the hope that it can spread outwards
to change the world.
January
28 Bill Sasso: “The Impact of
Listening”
In today’s busy world, it
can be hard–sometimes very hard to find the time to stop and truly listen to
each other. That’s perhaps especially true when we are troubled by our own
concerns, and when the others around us don’t seem to pay enough attention to
what we wish to say. While it’s not uncommon to fall into a cycle of
“you’re not listening,” it’s also possible to break out of that cycle.
Join Bill to see what he might have to say about how we can do that!
And don’t forget . . .
January
14, 4 P.M.
“Different Times, Same Struggles: MLK Program”
Please plan to attend the
Carbondale Community Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., at the
OPEN MINDS meets in the Fellowship Commons each Sunday at
8:45 AM.
January 7 “A
Growing Epidemic: Issues of Domestic Abuse, Violence, and
Sexual Assault.” We will be
joined by the Women's Center’s representatives
Elissa Johnson and Sarah Beck, who will present a video and conduct
an informational meeting. The Women's Center, recipient of the Jimmy and Roslyn
Carter Partnership Award with SIUC, has been very important to
January 14
“Overpopulation: Prelude to Calamity.”
Overpopulation and dwindling natural resources are leading contributors
to declining global health. David Christensen will discuss both by providing insight,
commentary, and possible global solutions outlined and described in
David's new book, hopefully to be published in January 2007.
January 21 “Round
Table Planning for 2007.”
Bring ideas, readings, issues for discussion, creative problem
solving, and conflict resolution. Our continued success depends on the
creative ideas and topics provided by the group.
January 28
“Evolution: Extinction.”
Evolution is a journey into where we’re from and where we're going. Last month
we were treated with “Great Transformations.” Our program this
month will be “Extinction.” Are humans next in line for extinction? What
does evolutionary theory seem to predict? Bob Camp
will coordinate this program.
Resolutions for a New Year
Yes, 2007–the New Year–is now upon us. Some of us, as each new year begins, consider making new year’s resolutions. Whether you’re one of those who usually makes the conventional kind of new year’s resolutions (or not), and whether you usually keep the resolutions you might make (or not), there’s something that I want to encourage you to consider as you think about the year to come. What I’m inviting you to do is certainly important, because it may well make a difference in our children’s lives. But I hope it will be fun as well.
You may be aware that the June, 2006, General Assembly (GA) of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) passed a “resolution,” a Statement of Conscience expressing concern about the impact of Global Warming and Climate Change. The statement calls on individual UUs (like you and me), congregations (like our Fellowship), the UUA, and our elected governmental representatives to take action to reduce carbon emissions and to do what we can to reverse the cycle of climate change. Copies of the statement are available in the sermon racks in the Fellowship coatrooms (look for the green paper). So my invitation to you and your household is this: why not make an environmental resolution for 2007? Why not spend some time, with the other members of your household (if any), considering what steps you might take as a household to reverse climate change.
Here are a few suggestions, from the
Statement (with a few of my own adaptations):
Can your household reduce its use of
energy, and/or reduce its consumption of manufactured goods that become
waste?
Can you eat and serve more energy-efficient food that is either locally produced or “low on the food chain” or both?
Can you choose appliances that are rated
energy-efficient (e.g., by the EPA Energy Star Program), and choose products
and materials that are made from renewable resources and can be recycled at
the end of their usefulness?
The statement contains more of these
suggestions, but it might be more fun to come up with your own ways to reduce
your household’s consumption of energy (or other resources, like water) and
your production of waste. Why not ask your children, or your neighbors, for
their ideas? Why not put a chart on your kitchen wall, and measure this year’s
energy consumption against last year’s? Why not see what a difference your
ideas make when put into practice? And if you share your results with me. I’ll
see what I can do to help share the ideas that appear to have the most impact
throughout the Fellowship and the community. Maybe we’ll even have a prize!
Some of us–like me, for instance–might
have better luck with this if we were to meet regularly (perhaps monthly?) with
a group of people who were also working towards one or more self-determined
goals, and who were willing to help support each other in this challenge. If
there is enough interest–and I hope there will be, because it’ll make a
difference to me!–let me know and we’ll form one or more of these groups.
If you’d like to make a new year’s
resolution like this, and you’re willing to let at least a few others know
about it, please contact Debbie Czarnopys-White, Stan Harris, or me. The three
of us want to do what we can to help anyone willing to try this!
With best wishes for a joyous and fulfilling 2007, Bill S.
FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DIRECTOR
When you read this it will be 2007.
I don’t know about you, but 2006 was a great year for me.
Far too many wonderful events to recite here for you, but a couple
highlights include a cross-county road-trip that landed me in among other
places, the Redwoods of California. My
middle daughter, Tara, graduating SIUC and finalizing plans to move to
The Fellowship also added many wonderful memories. The first thing the Religious Education committee did in the fall was put out a cry for help. Having grown so much, with so many younger kids, we needed a bump in help from all sources. While there are still a few teaching spots unfilled, it was heart warming to see the out pouring of support and involvement, and I thank you.
While we have accomplished a lot, our mission should be seen more as a process than a destination. Recently joined, and brand new, members with children are slowly but surely finding ways to embrace and become part of our Fellowship. I realize it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out how things work here, and where best to match their time and talents with the opportunities within the Fellowship.
So, while we accomplished much in 2006, there are constant and ongoing efforts to make our community and our region benefit from our mission to make life better for all. For those of you that have been with us a while, please don’t be shy about saying yes to tasks that you might be asked to help with. I’ve heard it repeatedly said by those that accepted a responsibility, that the experience brought them closer to other’s in the Fellowship. Being involved is exactly what we mean when you hear the phrase, “building community.”
And if no one is asking you for the benefit of your talent, take the initiative and volunteer, especially in areas where you seen nothing, or too little, being done. This is your Fellowship, where your voice can be heard, and should be heard. As my old sports coaches repeatedly told me and my teammates, “You only get out of it what you put into it.”
Welcome to 2007, and may it be a year of challenges and rewards. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely, Roy Sumner
Communication. When it is done well, it is so good, and when not done well, not so good.
In the last several weeks we have had two congregational meetings, one informational and the other to conduct business. Both provided a forum for discussing critical issues facing the congregation. I was pleased that many felt comfortable enough to speak what was on their minds. It showed that we have a community that wants to grow together. It also demonstrated a need to do a better job at communicating.
This congregation has seen so much growth over the last several years–a minister, a new building and a near doubling of the membership. There were many congregational meetings that have kept everyone informed as we made difficult decisions in the past. We managed to communicate effectively so that everyone was as informed as humanly possible. (CUF Links, cottage meetings, handouts, large meetings, exhibits.)
It is time for us to return
to that level of communication. Every member needs to have a clear
picture of where we are, where we are going and how to get there. The
Board of Trustees is charged to provide a vision for growth. The
One of the miracles of this Fellowship is the commitment of its members. When there is a need, some talented member takes up the challenge and does what needs to be done. I have witnessed this over and over during the last 10 years. For example, the Membership committee did not have leadership through October. Judy Aydt stepped forward, Cathy Kline agreed to co-chair and 14 others, at last count, joined the committee. We have important work to do in the membership area, and now we have the commitment of time and talent to do an outstanding job. Thank you, Judy, Cathy and the rest of the members.
A similar need emerged from
the Social Action committee. Carla Feldhamer is chair, but with her
involvement in the AIDS in
These are just a few examples of our dynamic community. There are many other miracles happening below the radar and on a day-to-day basis in all parts of the Fellowship. I trust that you will soon be aware of all the great things we do. I trust that you will soon be involved in one or more of these great things.
Let healthy communication be our standard. If you have a question, please ask. Contact myself or any board member and we will find the answer or direct you to the person who can. If you have a concern, communicate with the person directly. If you need help with this, contact someone on the board, who will find the right person to assist. One of the principles of conflict resolution is, “Be hard on the problem. Be gentle on the people”.
Jerry Molumby
New Day Prison Ministries Project
By Karen S.
On November 29th Lois H. and Karen S. made what is becoming
a semiannual trip to deliver our collection of items to
What we are, and you as a congregation should be, most
proud of, however, are the 477 cloth bags so many of you helped to sew or donate
fabric for! And several of you sewed a remarkable number of them! They
were bright and cheerful and ready for inmates to fill with toys they select
from donations by others. Can you imagine what it must feel like for these women
to be able to have a gift for their children for Christmas?--and in such a
cheerful wrapping? Thank you all for your time and effort and donations.
They are so very appreciated by the women of Dwight. In fact, we are already
planning how to do this again next year!
There are other events happening as well. After the Art Contest at Tamms
Supermax Prison a year ago, Larry B., one of the judges, wrote comments on the
work of all the winning drawings. Lois and Larry have had those drawings
framed and have worked up a presentation in which Larry discusses the aesthetic
qualities and Lois talks about the men behind the drawings. They are
willing to do this presentation free of charge for any interested group in
There will be more information later regarding a light lunch meeting of all members and interested parties on Saturday, January 13th, so put it on your calendar.
By Carla Feldhamer
The
following supplies are needed for our African Partnership. Nightwear and
underwear should be new, not used.
Children's and preschool-size boys and girls underwear
Ladies nightgowns in size small or medium
Men's pajamas in size small or medium
We do not need any more empty medicine containers at this time.
Thanks!!
Celebrating the Gifts of Our Community
By Mary Campbell, Chair
Greetings
to you all. I feel privileged and honored to be the chair of the combined
Annual Fund Drive and the Capital Campaign, and since some of you may not know
me, I'd like to begin by introducing myself briefly. I joined the Carbondale
Unitarian Fellowship in 1984. During this time I was on the board, chaired
committees, represented the Fellowship on community boards and was involved in
the St. Louis Area Council and the Central Midwest District Board. I moved to
Our campaign theme is "Celebrating the Gifts of Our Community." This year we have two opportunities to support our hopes and dreams for the Fellowship. Why two? First, we have the annual fund drive, which makes possible our congregation's on-going work to transform our mission and vision statements into reality. Second, we–the members of this Fellowship–voted last May to accept a challenge from a generous benefactor who has offered up to $100,000 if matched by special contributions made to reduce the mortgage. This "Capital Campaign" matches each dollar we contribute with another dollar, offering us a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the base on which our Fellowship stands.
I see our Fellowship as a tree. Our roots are strong and solid from more than 50 years of nurture and care by our members' gifts of time, talents and financial support. With our current multi-talented members, these roots grow stronger, deeper and extend to new and wider ground. The trunk represents our core values, expressed in our Seven UU principles, our Vision our Mission Statements, and our new Strategic Plan. These core values become real through the branches of the tree: our programs and services. Some of these branches operate in spiritual dimensions, some in music, in education, fun and recreation, some in social action, and some in our offerings for children, youth, and families. You get the picture. The branches keep growing as members share their gifts by putting out new branches and working to help them grow. The blossoming tree is the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship.
Our Annual Fund Drive/Capital Campaign event will take place the evening of March 31, 2007, so mark the date on your calendar now!!! We sing, play, eat, and have fun. It is a time to celebrate your gifts of time, talent and financial support to the Fellowship for the 2007/2008 budget.
Our campaign leadership team is in place, and we have begun planning the process. There will be opportunities for all to share ideas about how our Fellowship might blossom in the next year. And the campaign will offer many opportunities for us to share our time and talent: opportunities to work with and have fun with a community of GREAT people where talent is appreciated. To offer your services (on an ongoing basis, or for just one afternoon), contact me at mspurple1999@yahoo.com or call 457-7206 evenings. I'll help you find the team that feels right for you. This is the time to let your little light shine.
I’m joyfully looking forward to serving you as your campaign chairperson.
"A Conversation on Leadership." Join Bill
Sasso and other Fellowship members in this informal discussion on the topic
"What models of leadership resonate within you?" Thursday, January
18th, 7:30 to 9 PM, at the Fellowship. We will also identify topics of interest
for subsequent discussions. Everyone interested is welcome to participate. For
more information, contact Bill Sasso (529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com).
"Owning Your Religious Past." This five-session workshop will help the individual explore his or her own religious experiences and influences, coming to a deeper understanding of one's current religious identity and how that has been shaped. We will meet Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9 PM, beginning on January 24th and concluding on February 28th (we won't meet on Valentine's Day). Registration deadline is noon, January 21st. For more information, or to register, contact Bill Sasso (529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com).
GANGAJI VIDEO SATSANG. This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month in Room 06 at 7 PM.
January 17, You are invited to a join us as we listen to American teacher and author, Gangaji, as she responds to spiritual questions wiith compassion, clarity, and humor. Meetings begin at 7 PM with a short period of silence. We then watch a one-hour video and enjoy another short period of silence. All are invited. For more information, contact Matt Denis. Learn more about Gangaji and her message at www.Gangaji.org.
HUMANIST GROUP. This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month in the Fellowship Commons at 2:00 PM
January 10, “Immigration: Open or Closed Borders” Stuart Fischoff, Emeritus Professor of Media Psychology, and Media Chair for the American Psychological Association will coordinate the program and discussion of “Immigration: Open or Closed Borders.” All welcome
HUMANIST ROUND TABLE. This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Fellowship Commons at 2:00 PM
January 24, Open discussions/media presentations on issues of current concern .
KALEIDOSCOPE. This group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month in the Fellowship Commons at 7:15 PM In January 2007 we will begin meeting on the second and fourth Thursdays.
January
11, “Born
Into Brothels:
January 25, Foreign Movie. My surprise choice is an Iranian movie "Leila." An Iranian woman shortly after marriage discovers that she can't have children. Her husband doesn't mind, but her mother-in-law insists that she agree to let her husband take a second wife, or "Taste of Cherry" or "Ten."
PSI SYMPOSIUM. This group meets the second Sunday of the Month in Room 06 at Noon
January 14, "The PSYCH-K Process." Please bring a gift to share. The speakers will be Yolanda Comiskey and Dennis Massa. Yolanda Comiskey will present information on the PSYCH-K process. Subconscious beliefs can sabotage your relationships, self-esteem, prosperity, your connection to spirituality, even your health. Through the PSYCH-K process you can discover your subconscious, limiting beliefs and change them to benefit your life. A short film will be shown. To read more about this process go to: www.psych-k.com. More information will follow in the Sunday bulletin.
ROUNDTABLE READERS. This group meets once a month in Room 04 after the Sunday Service at Noon
January 21, What’s the Matter with
VIDEO CIRCLE. This group meets in the Fellowship Commons at 7:15 PM
January 5,
"Tea
with Mussolini." Franco Zefferelli directs an all star cast that
includes Maggie Smith, Joan Plowright,
January 19, "Strangers in Good Company," a National Film Board of Canada Production. This is a charming story about a group of women bus travelers that are stranded and turn an escapade into an adventure. They discover new things about their fellow passengers. The cast are all unknowns, but each gives a sensitive and memorable performance.
The deadline for submission of material for the next CUF Links Newsletter is January 20th.
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: Anne Sharpe Web Editor: Yolan Presley
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