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First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit4605 Cass AvenueDetroit, MI 48201Phone 313-833-9107Fax 313-833-0127September 18, 2005 |
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First Unitarian Universalist Church
Organizational Chart 2005 - 2006 Officers Moderator Jim Harvey Vice Moderator Dan Weist Immediate Past Moderator Colleen Dolan-Greene Board Secretary Leonard Zettel Treasurer Dan Secrest Staff Interim Minister Rev. Diana Heath Minister Emeritus Rev. Larry Hutchison Director of Religious Education Jennifer Teed Music Director Todd Ballou Choir Director Lyle Brown Church Secretary Wendi Winston Building and Grounds Joe Brimmer Trustees Lencha Acker Alicia Biggers Jim Brown Linda Darga Carolyn Ludwig Mary Lou Malone Jackie McNaughtonM/I> Irene Schultz Newsletter Irene Schultz |
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It is good to have the new church program year underway, although summer activities, services and programs kept the doors open and active, and underscore that this really is a year `round church. Still, folks who seldom come in the summer are back, and some who presented programs in the summer are taking a sabbatical. My thanks to the many who make our Sunday morning experience so satisfying.
I was asked about office hours, and thought this would be a good time to explain why I have not kept regular office hours. The answer is my role here is different than that of a settled minister. My ministry as a professional interim comes with two parts – parish ministry, though somewhat reduced in scope, and church consulting. The professional interim role means I work with Board, staff, and other leaders in addressing alternative ways of viewing “symptoms” that may point to the problems which allow the symptoms to receive both attention and a feeling of frustration that they have not been “solved”. This also receives time and concentration on the `how’ and `what’ of day to day operations at
Please know I am glad to meet with you, but need to hear from you so that we may schedule a time. I never forget I am here as your minister this year, and want to know of your concerns and desire for ministerial counsel. This is, indeed, a most active place, with many people in and out of the buildings each day, and it is a challenging, and I hope satisfying, interim ministry.
Best regards, Rev. Diana Heath
The autumn season is upon us. We have had the commencement of our regular worship services in the sanctuary beginning September 11. Thanks to Rev. Heath and her predecessor, Rev. Parke, we have had minister led worship services in July and August as well.
The Board met September 12. We spent time at that meeting preparing
for a Board Retreat, which is scheduled for Sunday afternoon October 2.
Part of the meeting was devoted to a presentation by Colleen Dolan-Greene
and Alicia Biggers regarding the church life areas. These areas are the
things that our church does in order to operate as a church. It was no
small list. On the Sunday Morning Experience, we identified worship,
music, aesthetics, ushers/greeters, sound system operation as well as
preparation for Souper Sundays, cookie and beverage preparation for other
Sundays, Summer programs, child and adult religious education, and
intergenerational services. And that only partially deals with the Sunday
morning experience. Colleen and Alicia helped us to recognize larger
categories of Administration, Finance, Building and Grounds, Activities and
Social Justice and Outreach. There are multiple subsidiary categories
under each of these categories. This beginning analysis will allow the
Board to assign specific responsibilities to board members so that the business
of the church is properly handled.
Since Board members also have a stewardship role, part of our meeting was
devoted to a tour of the church buildings so that each of us could be
familiarized with how to secure the building. Dan Kosmowski conducted
this tour and helped us to understand how to lock/unlock the doors as well as
recognizing that closed doors and windows do not necessarily equate to securely
locked doors or fastened shut windows. Good lessons. Thanks, Dan.
Another focus for the Board Retreat will be a discussion
of the "Holy Conversations" book that Colleen had brought to our
attention earlier this year. Diana and Colleen will give a presentation
at the Board Retreat on that topic. I am aware that others beyond the
Board have read the "Holy Conversations" book, and a further
presentation on the topic is anticipated for those who are interested.
Diana has helped to clarify that we need to be calendaring events and
processes so that we do not lose track of the required business that the church
must accomplish within the year. This calendaring process will occur in
October, at a time to be determined.
I am also desirous of keeping the board meetings to a 1 1/2 hour to 2
hour limit. I do want to be respectful of the commitment made by our Board
members by trying my level best to permit them to head home after two hours.
In an effort to streamline the process of Board meetings, I have created
an Executive Committee consisting of Dan Wiest (Vice-Moderator), Colleen
Dolan-Greene (Immediate Past Moderator), Mary Lou Malone (Property Management
Trustee), Diana and me
to determine the agenda for our Board meetings. Generally, the Executive
Committee meets approximately one week before the Board meeting. I have
found that reviewing the agenda in advance in this fashion helps to clarify the
issues for Board presentation and determination. Thus, if you have an
item that you feel needs to be considered by the Board, I would appreciate it
if you would submit this item to me in written format at least one week in
advance of the Board meeting. I expect that part of our Retreat will also
focus on the need for written reports by Board members, and written action
items or motions when possible.
If you have matters for the Board's consideration, please
submit them to me. Jim Harvey
There will be a congregational meeting after services on Sunday, October 23, 2005. The topic will be church finances.
It was another Super September for the volunteer Building & Grounds Committee! As you may recall, last September 2004 the sanctuary windows along the west side of the building were painted. This September 2005, the windows along the north and east were painted along with the bell tower louvers. Thank you Gus's Painting for your hard work and fair price! The windows were in desperate need of preparation and paint to preserve the wood window frames from another harsh winter! And not only will they be preserved, they look great!
The volunteers themselves of the B&G Committee also were hard at work during Super September. Dan Kosmowski, using the painter's work lift, trimmed dead wood from the trees surrounding the sanctuary. Dan also cleaned out the sanctuary gutters 40 feet off the ground using the lift and patched nearly a dozen holes! Dan replaced one downspout that was so deteriorated it peeled apart like a head of lettuce! An inspection of the plastic covering the outside of the Sower Window was performed and a 30-pound electrical component was replaced in a broken light high over the exterior sanctuary door. Earl Harvey and Bob Neale neatly stacked the trimmed branches and swept up the twigs. Jackie McNaughton finished painting three Church House windows. Carolyn Ludwig and Alma King weeded, watered, and fertilized the beautiful flowerbeds. All of this work Dan (who pays rent for his Church House residence), Earl, Bob, Jackie, Carolyn, and Alma perform is free. The payment is walking by our grand building and seeing the beauty we have uncovered!
So, what can you do to help? On Saturday, October 15th, from 9:00 am-12 pm, Earl Harvey is renting a tree chipper. All of the branches stacked on the lawn will be reused as mulch around our flowerbeds! Your help is needed to carry branches to the chipper, move the mulch to the flowerbeds, and sweep up the twigs and leaves. Let's continue to uncover the hidden beauty of our building! Dan
We currently share our space with the following groups and individuals:
Seven people have signed up to be on our team of Friendly Faces to support one-time events in our building. Friendly Faces may provide office support, sound support, kitchen support, security support, and just be generally helpful. More team members are welcome.
The following events need our Friendly Faces:
See Mary Lou Malone to help with any of these events. Join the Honor Roll of Building Use Volunteers.
The Pullman Hall clean-up crew included Keely Robinson whose name was omitted in the last newsletter. Thank you, Keely. Mary Lou Malone
Thanks to Mildred Robinson, Janet Thompson, Carolyn Ludwig and John O’Connor for helping at the last garage sale. We made $360.00 for our church budget. Thanks, also, for the donations of nice items from John O’Connor, my neighbors the Dehauras and the Andrews, Nicole Kozab and Dody Brodersen. Entertainment Books® are for sale during coffee hour at the cost of $25.00 with the church making $5.00 from each book sold. Special thanks to my niece, Nicole Ludwig and the Ann Taylor employees for buying 6 books, thanks to Lance Halsted for selling 3 books, and thanks to all the church members who have purchased books so far. Margaret Beck
Are you new to First U-U or have you moved since the church directories came out last year? Do you have a new phone number or e-mail or did we just get it wrong? Please see Arlene at the membership table on Sunday to make corrections for the supplement, which will be published next month.
Have you noticed? There are lots of new faces at church, and lots of older ones that we recognize but can't always easily connect the face with the name.
Everyone who attends coffee hour is strongly urged to wear a nametag so we can all get to know each other. Please see Arlene during coffee hour to request a new permanent nametag if you have lost yours or if you are a new member or regular visitor. Keely Robinson has graciously agreed to do the calligraphy for these.
Help our youth learn the history of the Underground Railroad. In October the high schoolers want to attend the Underground Railroad Tour in Ohio and Kentucky, highlighted by Cincinnati’s new National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Our young people cannot go without your help. The trip includes two nights’ hotel accommodations, the bus trip and fees for five museums. We will sponsor several fundraisers to entice you to make it possible for them to have this enriching experience.
The first fundraiser is pizza kit sales (now including cookie dough and pie kits), to be launched September 18. We earn $5 per kit sold. The kits must be picked up at church November 4. That date coincides with First Friday to make things easier for you. The kits must be prepaid. The deadline is October 9. If you cannot pick up on November 4, or do not wish to purchase pizza, feel free to pitch in $5 (our profit from one sale) anyway. That way you still help the kids enjoy this great experience.
Thanks, Cindy Hill
Second Story Church is using a world religions curriculum this year. The elementary classroom is in great need of a globe and a world map of recent vintage. If you can donate one or both, please see Jennifer Teed or Cindy Hill. Thank you.
Giant puppets and other 3-D objects are some of the things Danielle Troia will be working with as she begins her new job working with Matrix Theater in a before and after school program with children in Southwest Detroit, many of them who speak English as a second language.
Danielle has lived in Metro Detroit all of her life except for a few years at Marian College in Indianapolis where she majored in Fine Arts and Psychology. It was there that she first attended a U-U Church and fortunately for us, she decided to give First U-U a try when she returned to Detroit 2 years ago.
After signing the membership book, she immediately became very involved in church activities here, joining and eventually chairing the Growth Committee, and serving on the search committees for the last two interim ministers. "Now is the time not to place blame for past failings," she says, " but to develop a plan and act on it so we can be the church we want to be."
In her spare time she enjoys reading, going to movies, and catching up on much needed rest. Danielle is working on her masters in Women's Studies at Eastern Michigan University.
Arlene Teed
On Sunday October 2, 2005, the Women’s Book Club will meet for a discussion of banned books. This is our way of commemorating Banned Books Week, which is from September 24 to October 1, 2005. Each participant is to have read a banned book of his/her choosing.
Please join us October 9th at 8:00 A.M. at Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Woodward & Warren) to help serve breakfast to those in need. All invited! Mark Schwing
The Community Ministry and the Center for Women’s Culture will be hosting a film series starting Sunday, September 25 at 1:00 in the Center for Women’s Culture. The films that we expect to show will include:
And much more! A special holiday show on December 18th will be “It’s a Wonderful Life”. A love offering will cover the cost of snacks and soft drinks. We need 2 or 3 volunteers. Call Barbara Stevenson for more information or to volunteer. A specific schedule will follow.
Sunset Services to begin on October 23rd in the Sanctuary. Our Young Adult Group (post college to 35 – 36 years old, with “honorary” members a little older) will begin offering late afternoon service, hoping to attract college students and others who don’t awake on Sundays until later in the day!
The services will begin by 4:30, with a coffee hour and meet and greet to follow. I applaud their outreach effort and ask for your support, too.
Diana
Sisters, in October 2005 the Center for Women’s Culture will convene UU women and our like-minded friends to explore how we can effectively influence culture and policy in a way that is consistent with our religious values and rewarding for those involved. Our gathering will be a one-day retreat in a peaceful setting. (The date will be determined in consensus.) We would be honored if you would bring your gifts and talents, hands, soul and thinking to the circle. If YOU are interested in sharing your voice on how to bring woman centered energy forward in the context of our faith and spirituality as a ministry, call Gwen Winston at 313-574-8463 or leave a note in the Center’s mail box with a day/date preference and your contact information. P.S. Pass the word.
Dear Mary Lou and the kind souls at 1st UU,
Thank you so much for the use of your beautiful sanctuary for our Road to Detroit event. Above and beyond that, thank you for connecting us to helpful volunteers and community members who helped make it all possible.
As you know, your church is an ideal spot to host a social change oriented event like ours, and we were proud to tell people that our event was at 1st UU.
We hope that the coming year is a fruitful one and that the repairs finish up in good time!
Next time we're in Detroit, we'll be certain to stop bye.
Peace and warm regards,
May Breve on behalf of Road to Detroit
Subject: WARNING ABOUT DEER TICKS
I hate people who forward too many warnings as much as anyone, but this one is important! I hope I'm not too late. "If someone comes to your front door saying they are conducting a survey on deer ticks and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around to shake off the ticks, DO NOT DO IT!!! IT IS A SCAM: they only want to see you naked." I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid now.
Thanks to Rose LaBolle’s determination we will gather for food and fun on Friday, October 7th at 6:30 in McCollester Hall.
We will have a delicious catered Mexican Meal, with Mexican Crafts and games for all ages!
The cost is $7.00 per person, $20.00 for familes
Please RSVP by calling the church office by 10/3
The RE Committee has recognized the need for multiple greeters to be downstairs to welcome children and visitors to our program.If you could help with this from 10:40-11:10 on a Sunday morning please contact Jennifer Teed.
2nd Story Church is looking for …
Our high school youth, Ana Rosa Mendoza-King has been invited to participate in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Ensemble!Ana Rosa plays the Tuba, and after traveling with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp to Europe this summer to perform in 17 concerts, she has decided to share her talents with an audience closer to home. Her first performance will be November 13th!>
RE is responsible for Coffee Hour in October. If your family would like to bring in cookies or other treats one Sunday, let Jennifer know. Thanks!
An educational and inspiring weekend of stops along the underground railroad in Ohio and Kentucky *highlighted by Cincinnati’s New National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Other sites include
Trip includes viewing of the film, Uncle Toms’ Cabin, hotel accommodations for two nights, Friday lunch, dinner, five museum fees and bus fee.
Price of tour $289.00
$260.00 for high school students
To send 10 of our youth we hope to raise $2,600.00 We’ll need your help!
Well the church year is definitely off to a great start! The water communion brought many of our families to church, and over the last two weeks we’ve also welcomed two new friends, Diana and Anna! The elementary Youth have raised $158.74for Hurricane Katrina victims. Church members also donated many items that were needed and through a lot of hard work Cindy Hill found an agency that was very pleased to receive our donations. The Hunger Action Coalition will put our donations in the needy hands of hurricane victims who are temporarily living in Mich. This past Sunday our high school group welcomed newcomer, Anna and welcomed back Caitlin, who we’ve missed greatly! The high school group began to discuss the definition of religion and spirituality, and began their world religion curriculum with Buddhism. Teachers Jim Brown and Jackie McNaughton shared some basic information and to create an experiential program headed outside into our natural environment to look at the leaves. This example of waking up the mind and being in the moment is one of the core practices of Buddhism. Next week the youth will continue their Buddhist study and experience meditation (hmm I’ll have to sit in for that). The elementary children also began their World Religion Curriculum on Sunday. The children shared riddles of children around the world, and looked at a map to see the places the riddles come from. Morrison began to cut out pictures for a future bulletin board, and Marianna, Diana and Grant did a great job of getting people to our Lemonaide Sale in coffee hour! Olivia and Jasmine enjoyed playing with play-doh in the nursery. Maybe next week we’ll convince Olivia it’s okay to wear the smock to paint in, she’s not to sure about wearing a man’s shirt backwards. I’m missing some of you families that I haven’t seen yet and hoping you will be coming soon to hear one of Reverend Heath’s services. We have a great year of classes and extra programming planned for your family. We are beginning the year with only one elementary classroom; however we hope to separate the class into two separate groups- 4-7 years & 8-12 years as more of you begin to come around again.
In Peace, Jennifer A, Teed
Is tentatively planned to begin on October 3rd! Help is needed! If you’d like to help out every Monday or just bring a special skill to share on one Monday we’d love to have your help! We are part of a cluster of churches in the community that has received special funding.
Registration for Children will begin September 26- spread the word to other families you know may be interested!
Call Jennifer Teed for more info or to offer your help!
