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Anne Sharpe and Yolan Presley

Sunday Services

Open Minds

The Minister's Message

From the R.E. Director

From the President

2007 Stewardship Campaign

Health Ministry

The Nominating Committee Needs You!
Sisterhood of Stitchers
Build Your Own Theology
Community Forum on Civil Rights
Nonviolent Communication
CUF Monthly Meetings
Newsletter Deadline

While a student in theological school, Bill realized that he didn’t believe in the concept of “sin,” but he did sometimes encounter experiences that he was willing to describe as “evil.” What is evil? And what do we learn when we study the reactions of people to the presence of evil? Plan to be here to help Bill as he delves into these questions about the range of possible human responses to this disquieting topic.

March 11 Mary O’Hara: “‘Let It Fly’: the Legacy of Helen Bass Williams”

Daylight Saving Time begins today, so turn your clocks ahead to make sure you’re not late for this inspiring story! Mary O’Hara, a faculty member at John A. Logan College and recipient of the 2007 “Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.” community service award, will share the story of Helen Bass Williams, a native of rural southern Illinois whose work in the civil rights movement has made a difference in our region. Bill Sasso will coordinate this service.

Dave’s interest in stories as an element in the development of religious community has been stimulated in part by Susan M Smith, who said: “Faith communities use these images (e.g., concepts about our values) to teach about that in which they have faith. So what must we teach? We must teach stories.” She goes on to point out that Unitarian Univeralists tend to shy away from stories, especially when they are viewed as myths. Dave will also add insights from other sources as he investigates the stories we share.

Before doing prison work Lois had no idea how complicated forgiveness is, how many different faces it has. For example, one life inmate at the prison in Tamms has saved the life of a guard, protected other guards by such actions as wrestling a smuggled gun away from an inmate, and broken up fights between inmates. He has studied for and received an Associate Degree, taken correspondence courses in religion, earned a barber's certificate and a small engines maintenance certificate, and he has a unique talent for drawing. But he recently was again turned down for parole. What makes forgiveness so difficult? Join Lois as she explores this question. Bill Sasso will coordinate this service.

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

March 4, “The People's Doctor: A Day in the Life of a Peaceful Warrior.” Our presenter will be Dr. Yolanda Huet-Vaughn, a medical doctor, a former Captain in the U.S. Army, and a dedicated professional who still makes house calls. Her practice focuses on the health care needs of the Kansas City, MO, Hispanic immigrant community and others struggling for survival in “the other America.” Huet-Vaughn will describe her daily routine and address some of the issues and situations she regularly encounters. Dr. Huet-Vaughn will address questions following her presentation.

March 11, “Lives Per Gallon.” A presentation and discussion by Paula Bradshaw of Terry Tamminen's book Lives Per Gallon: The True Cost of Our Oil Addiction. Tamminen takes a hard look at health, environmental, and national security costs hidden in every barrel of oil.

March 18, “Belief, Faith and Knowledge.” A presentation and discussion by Terry Bowman. The word “faith” is commonly used by secular people to refer to belief in an idea that isn't supported by a majority of evidence. People of faith disagree with their last ounce of breath. Both will support their beliefs, claiming that their beliefs are supported by a perceived majority of evidence. Would you agree or disagree with the claim that all beliefs/knowledge based on faith is a misconception.

March 25, “Consciousness: Can It Be Defined?” Does consciousness even exist? or is it just the sum total of a persons' experience. (cognitive processing) Can it be altered by nerve enhancing agents (drugs, Buddhist practices etc.)? Jack Stewart will use video, research, and personal experience to facilitate this program.

Sometimes it can seem hard to explain what this Fellowship is. It’s a religious community, but it’s a different kind of religious community. To a large extent, our focus is on questions rather than answers, differences rather than similarities, freedom to explore rather than conformance to proclaimed truth. We don’t seem to fit the standard model of a religious community, and when we fall into the habit of explaining what we are not, we can sometimes lose sight of what we are.

Because it’s hard to explain the nature of this community, it can seem intangible or even ephemeral. It might seem like it’s really not that important—but it is! There’s something precious here—perhaps even something unique! It’s tangible, and if it’s temporary, that’s only true in that it’s alive and dynamic. What is it, you ask? It’s the opportunity to discover and to express your true self, unconstrained by the strictures of conventional religion. It’s the opportunity to travel the journeys of life and self-discovery in authentic community with a complex and wonderful set of companions. It’s the opportunity to listen to many different voices, and to construct from their disparate wisdoms the elemental truths that give meaning to your own life experiences. It’s the call to the free and responsible search for truth and meaning, and it’s more than that. It’s the strong conviction that your life is not only about you, but also about the way that your life can make a difference in the lives of others. It’s the presence of caring friends and the touch of human compassion when you face the trials that every human life includes. Whatever else may be true of your life, I hope that the Fellowship is one place in your life where you find these opportunities, these challenges, and these resources.

Soon we will enter the season of our Fellowship’s annual fundraising drive. Soon many of us will begin to think about our resources and our ability to contribute in support of the Fellowship. It’s natural, as part of that process, to think about how important the Fellowship is in your own life, and in the lives of those you love. I am confident that you will think about those questions, but I encourage you to consider some other questions as well.

Our collective generosity makes this Fellowship possible, and this Fellowship makes a difference. It makes many differences—a difference in each one of our lives, and in the lives of many, many other people. One of our offering readings expresses the impact of our support in these words: “In contributing to the life of this community, we support our own growth, we affirm this Fellowship, and we make possible its efforts beyond these walls.”

Please accept my sincere thanks, in advance, for your generosity in support of the Fellowship and the complex, wonderful, and important work that we undertake together!

Unfortunately, last week none of our 2^nd–3^rd grade teachers were going to be able to attend. Fortunately, I was available, so I prepared for a Sunday with this class. We were going to be learning about the birth of Buddha, and how it’s celebrated, and how his birth is like the students’ own births.

Before we started the lesson we took turns sharing comments about whatever interesting had happened to us in the past week. I mentioned that I’d gone ice skating, and actually ice skated for the first time since I turned 100, and I didn’t fall. Clever kids, they didn’t believe me, about the not falling part that is!

Next, we noticed something truly amazing . . . we all had blue eyes. What are the chances? Pretty cool how observant kids can be, don’t you think? Next time you are in a crowd, and get introduced to someone, turn around afterward and try to remember what color their eyes are. Kids know, because when they talk to you they look you in the eye.

It was said that one of the things done to celebrate Buddha’s birthday, was to bring tea, because it was said that when Buddha was born it rained sweet tea. I wasn’t sure how we were going to demonstrate this, but one of the kids simply put a picture of Buddha in the bottom of a baking pan, and we took turns ladling tea over him. All were pleased.

We also learned that among other things Buddha taught, he taught the importance of “inner peace.” We discussed this, then practiced a moment of “inner peace.” OK, it might have only been a brief moment, but I did detect a simultaneous moment of “inner peace.” Then we jumped up and decided to do some yoga poses and stretches, because you remember, these are 2^nd and 3^rd graders, meaning you have to move some. They especially liked the “Warrior” pose.

Next we decided that we’d make a shrine for Buddha, because that seemed to be a pretty common thing for people to have in their homes. The kids shared what they thought a shrine was, and decided that a shrine is a place or thing that honors someone. Fun to watch them discuss and come to an agreement.

I had searched before class, and I had an assortment of items I thought could be used to make a shrine (you know, from the curriculum book). Nah, not what they wanted for their shrine. They decided that they’d make flowers, instead. So, as I read the birth story of Buddha, they worked on their flowers. By the end of class we had a nice offering of flowers, each with their unique touch, to offer the Buddha shrine, and we experienced Peace.

I thought you might enjoy hearing how a class went. I certainly enjoyed it. If you’d like to join us sometime, you’re most welcome.

Eleven years ago, I met Rem Stokes. He was sent to work with the Fellowship to have our first formal canvass. We requested assistance from the Central Midwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. JoAnna Johnson was the chair of the Canvass.

Rem brought handouts and provided training for members to conduct their first canvass visit. He shared that he provided this consultation as his contribution to the Unitarian Universalist movement. The result of his work and our response was a pledge level that reflected the tremendous generosity and strong commitment of Fellowship members. It also was the beginning of a period of growth in the Fellowship that continues to this day.

The preparation for the Canvass was great, but the message changed my life. He helped me see money as a means to express my values. I was impressed by his advice to “give until it helps, not until it hurts.” I was impressed by the story of a man who saved 10% of his income for the time when he wouldn’t be working (retirement) and donated 10% to charity as a contributing member of the larger community. I have tried to incorporate these principles in my own life, and it has made a difference.

The Fellowship is conducting the Annual Stewardship Campaign, in conjunction with a Challenge Campaign. We use the term Stewardship rather than canvass to reinforce the connection between member’s commitment to the Fellowship and support for its work.

“The image of stewardship draws together the many threads of this web: the earth upon which we live, the elements of community we value, and the institutions that forward our values and provide services we think are important. Stewards are caretakers with a forward vision. They hold something in trust. They ensure that it will be there in the future for the benefit of others. Successful stewards not only protect, but help something to improve and grow. Their actions are empowering. This is true regardless of whether we are stewards of the earth, institutions, people, or our Unitarian Universalist faith.”

We are a Breakthrough Congregation because we are good stewards. Many Fellowship members give freely of their time, talent and treasure in so many ways. Bulletins get printed and sent. Sermons get written and spoken. Musicians get lined up and play. Discussion groups are planned and led. Lessons are prepared and shared with the children. Plans are made for the next trip to Zambia and fundraisers are conducted. Donations are collected and delivered to female prisoners and the Food Pantry. Deposits are made, checks are written, balances reconciled, financial reports reviewed, budgets drafted. Congregational dialogues are planned and conducted. Committee and board meetings are planned and conducted. And so many more activities seen and unseen!

I am impressed by the amount of time committed by Fellowship members. I am intrigued by the wide variety of interests pursued and offerings within the Fellowship. I am impressed with the variety and quality of talent within the Fellowship. I am amazed by the generosity of the members. Most of all, I am in awe of how this commitment of time, talent and treasure comes together to create one awesome community. How about you?

This creative community of ours is moving into high gear as we approach our annual Stewardship campaign. It takes the time, talent and finances of our members to provide all the spiritual, personal growth, nurturing, social and community opportunities this Fellowship offers. There are many Fellowship members who are involved in the Stewardship campaign. I thank each of you for your contributions and dedication. I especially thank your family, partners, any significant person in your life who is supporting your sharing of your time and talents with our Fellowship community.

The Stewardship campaign will include a person-to-person visit. Why? We are asking all members and friends this year to participate in person-to-person meetings because we want to enrich the sense of community at CUF. In person-to-person visits we get to know each other better, and share our dreams for the Fellowship. Each member or friend will be contacted by a visiting steward. Your visiting steward is a volunteer. Each has their own personal reasons why the Fellowship is important to them. They believe enough in the mission of the Fellowship to be a visiting steward. You will receive a packet containing a letter from me, the invitation to the kick-off event (March 31, 2007), the Stewardship brochure, the Fair Share Giving Guide, and a Challenge Campaign flier. You will have time to review this information before your visit. If you have any questions about the information before the visit contact me at mspurple1999(at)yahoo.com or evenings at 457-7206.

The training for visiting stewards is Saturday March 10, 2007, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend. If you will need child care contact me at mspurple1999(at)yahoo.com. REMEMBER Sunday March 11, 2007, begins Daylight Saving Time. On that Sunday I will give my testimonial on why I love this community and your importance in my life. Until then, thank you to all members of the Stewardship team and our supporters.

There is a new program on the horizon at CUF. For now it is being called Health Ministry. We are currently exploring how this new program can work to help the members of our Fellowship. Our Fellowship’s insurance company provided a wonderful summary of “typical responsibilities of a health ministries program,” which I am summarizing below.

Typically Health Ministry programs in churches are staffed by nurses, the majority of whom are volunteers. Some of you may be familiar with the older term “Parish Nursing,” which has been replaced by the term “Faith Community Nurse.” In our planning process we are currently using the term “Congregation Nurse,” adopted from an active Health Ministry Program at the Orange Coast UU church in Costa Mesa, California. I have had several helpful conversations with Adair Small, RN, the nurse who coordinates that program.

For some time Southern Illinois Healthcare has been very supportive of church Health Ministry programs in Southern Illinois . Along with other support, SIH underwrites a large portion of training workshops for Faith Community Nurses. I will be attending such a workshop over two weekends this March.

We hope to kick off our Health Ministry program by offering blood pressure screening after a Sunday service in late April or early May. If well received, this could become a monthly program. Watch for more news about our Health Ministry program. If you have questions now or you want to help in the planning process, call Vennie Anderson, 549-5352, or email me at vanderson(at)midamer.net.

The Nominating Committee wants your help in building leadership in our congregation. One way that you can help is to suggest members whom you think would be good candidates for the Board of Trustees, and who would like to serve. Our goal, as always, is to have a Board that represents this congregation well.

Six members of the Board of Trustees will complete their terms this year, and these positions will be filled by the congregation at the Annual Meeting in May. We need nominations this year for President (one-year term), Vice President (one-year term), Treasurer (two-year term), and three Trustees (each for a two-year term). Some current Board members are eligible for re-election, while others have served for two consecutive terms, as allowed in the By-Laws.

Make your recommendation(s) in writing (e.g., email) to one of the members of the Nominating Committee listed below.

Also, the congregation will nominate and elect three members for two-year terms to the Nominating Committee at the Annual Meeting. Nominations are made from the floor, and each nominee must agree in advance to being nominated (Two members elected last year, Susie Phillips and Mary Campbell, will continue. Sandy Charlson and Miriam Link-Mullison are eligible for a second term.) Confer with members whom you would wish to represent you on the Nominating Committee. Members can find the details of this process in the CUF By-Laws on the CUF Web site, or consult with a member of the Board or Nominating Committee.

The 2007 Nominating Committee: Mary Campbell, Sandy Charlson, Miriam Link-Mullison, Susie Phillips, Dave Sharpe

The first meeting of crafters was held on February 13, 2007. There were five people in attendance. At that meeting it was decided that a stitching day would be held weekly in the Fellowship Commons on Tuesdays, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, with a brown-bag lunch. Weekly attendance is not a requirement and participation is open to all interested persons of all skill levels—knit, crochet, tat, embroidery, sew, etc. The first project is to knit or crochet preemie hats for Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Karen Swenson volunteered to be the archivist for various patterns. Africa may also be a recipient of various items. At stitching sessions, time will be allotted for sharing "Tips & Tricks" and books. Contributions of yarn, lightweight cotton fabric and money kindly accepted.

At the February 13 meeting, a proposed name was Carbondale Unitarian Stitching Society (CUSS). Upon further reflection, at the February 20 meeting a name more expressive of our goal of helping others was chosen: SOS (Sisterhood of Stitchers).

At this time Elaine Seymour has volunteered to be the group’s contact. For additional information contact Elaine, 618-985-4549, sefar(at)midwest.net; for patterns contact Karen, 618-549-0338, karey2(at)gmail.com.

Bill Sasso will facilitate a six-session BYOT program from 7:30 to 9 PM on Wednesday evenings, beginning March 21st. Within a structured discussion, participants will explore questions like “Who am I?” “Who or What is in charge?” “What's the purpose of my life?” and “What does my death mean?” Participants must register by noon, Sunday, March 18th. For more information, or to register for the program, please contact Bill at 529-2439 or bsasso@juno.com.

Community Forum on Civil Rights. Tuesday, March 6th, at the SIUC Student Center. Rick Garcia, of Equality Illinois, will discuss how recent Illinois state legislation can improve the GLBT community's rights. This event is co-sponsored by the Welcoming Congregation Committee of the Fellowship. For more information, contact Paulette Curkin at pcurkin@siu.edu or 453-6804.

“Introduction to Nonviolent Communication.” A free lecture, Thursday, April 5, 2007 (7:30–9:00 PM) at Kleinau Theatre, 2nd floor, SIUC Communications Bldg. Learn to create a quality of connection in your communication where everyone's needs, even in conflict situations, are met through compassionate giving, without the use of punishment, coercion, force, or any form of violence. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is the concrete set of skills—energized by a spiritual consciousness of universal needs, abundance, and emotional empowerment—that help us to transform conflict, create harmony in our relationships, and build a world where everyone’s needs are satisfied peacefully. For more info, contact Suzanne at daughton@siu.edu or 453-1887.

“Foundations of Nonviolent Communication: For Beginners.” Friday, April 6, 2007 (6:30–9:30 PM) SIUC Communications Building, Room 2012 (next door to Kleinau Theatre). This event is designed for beginners and open to all learning levels, and serves as a foundation for Saturday's day-long workshop. Experiential in nature, participants will see real life conflict situations modeled and have an opportunity to practice NVC skills on a situation in their own lives. $35/person Friday only; $100/person Friday and Saturday; open to public. A 25% discount for Unitarian Fellowship members. For more info, contact Suzanne at daughton@siu.edu or 453-1887.

“Nonviolent Communication Workshop.” Saturday, April 7, 2007 (9:30 AM–5:30 PM) at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship (co-sponsored by the CUF Program Committee). Discover how the powerful and elegant process of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) can create more understanding, peace and harmony in your relationships, as well as alert you to the most common forms of communication that alienate others and lead to the breakdown of goodwill and connection. This program is designed for people who attend Friday's introductory workshop, or who have some previous exposure to NVC. $85 Saturday only; $100 Friday & Saturday; 25% discount for Unitarian Fellowship members. For more info, contact Suzanne at daughton@siu.edu or 453-1887.

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GANGAJI VIDEO SATSANG. This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month in Room 06 at 7 PM.

March 21, 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

March 14, “Culture Blocks: An Important, but Often Overlooked, Factor in History.” A presentation and discussion by Dave Christensen. Culture blocks are resisters to change. Are there solutions?

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

March 28, Humanist Round Table. Discussion, debate, and informal presentations on issues of global, national, regional and local concern. At times the group may decide that action is necessary to promote or confront a specific issue.

KALEIDOSCOPE. This group meets the 4th Thursday of each month in the Fellowship Commons at 7:15 PM

March 22, “Community Forum/Kaleidoscope.” The Sierra Club and other organizational friends of the environment will co-sponsor a week-long series of programs in different locations in the Carbondale area that will collectively address the issue of Global Warming. For our contribution to this series, Kaleidoscope will show the movie “Kilowatt Ours,” conduct panel and focus group activities to generate appropriate responses to this critical issue.

PSI SYMPOSIUM. This group meets the second Sunday of the Month in Room 06 at Noon

March 11. We start with a pot luck lunch at noon. This month we are viewing the DVD “The Secret.” This movie has only been released on line. It has been the topic of two Oprah shows. “The Secret” reveals how to apply powerful knowledge to your life in joy, health, wealth, success and relationships. It costs no money as we each have the power within us. The movie will last about two hours. For more information go to www.thesecret.tv.

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

March 25, A Strong Minded Woman: The Life of Mary A. Livermore, by Wendy Hamand Venet

March 2, “The Postman.” The academy award winning Italian film is set in rural Italy in a small village near the sea. The postman, Mario, is too shy to tell a young lady, Beatrice, that he is in love with her. When a famous poet moves into town, he helps Mario find the right words to win Beatrice's heart and saves the day in this delightful romantic tale.

March 16, “The World’s Greatest Lover,” written and directed by Gene Wilder, is a brilliant satire on the old clichés of film making, full of sight gags and slapstick humor in moderate good taste. If you haven't cared for Gene Wilder movies in the past, give this one a chance. It's hilarious.

The deadline for submission of material for the next CUF Links Newsletter is March 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