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First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit4605 Cass AvenueDetroit, MI 48201Phone 313-833-9107Fax 313-833-0127May 16, 2004 |
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First Unitarian Universalist Church
Organizational Chart 2003 - 2004 Officers Moderator Colleen Dolan-Greene Vice Moderator & Strategic Planning Jim Harvey Immediate Past Moderator Lynda Smith Board Secretary Kathe Stevens Treasurer Bob Lauer Staff Minister 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 Administration and Human Resources Mark Bendure Building and Grounds Janet Thompson Canvass & Finance Dan Secrest Development Gwen Winston Growth and Membership Joe White Religious Education Carolyn Ludwig Social Justice Linda Darga Worship Kathleen Rock Newsletter Irene Schultz |
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Newsletter Deadline The next deadline is Sunday, June 6, 2004, no later than 12:30 P.M. Newsletter Articles Please leave legible contributions in the Newsletter box located outside the church office. Please include your name and a contact number should there be any questions.Articles may also be emailed to me, by the deadline date and time, at ieschultz1945@yahoo.com Please do not write articles on little pieces of paper or contribution envelopes, the ones that don't get lost are very hard to read. |
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Two major events have happened in the life of First UU since the last Newsletter. The first is that the Governing Board has approved the appointment of David B. Parke as our interim minister for a one-year term, August 2004 - July 2005. He will be in Detroit briefly next week. Please join us at an informal opportunity to meet him while sharing desserts on Monday, May 24 at 7:30 P.M. in McCollester Hall. David is an Accredited Interim Minister (AIM) with the UUA. His career includes being an author, an editor, a faculty member, a settled minister, and since 1988, serving a variety of UU congregations as an interim minister. He received a B.A. in history from Antioch College, a B.D. in ministerial studies from Meadville Theological School/University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in American church history from Boston University. His personal interests include walking, hiking, swimming, singing, movies, classical music and travel, especially to visit his far-flung family during holidays and vacations. Since he has six children and eight grandchildren it is easy to imagine that it would take some traveling to see all of them!
The second event was our annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 16, 2004. Annual reports were distributed from the Minister, Director of Religious
Education, Music Director, Moderator, Trustees, and committee Chairs. Extra
copies of the package of reports are available in the office if you didn’t get
one. During the Congregational Meeting, the annual election was held for
Trustees, RE Committee, Nominating Committee, UUA General Assembly Delegates
and Heartland District Delegates. Allison Parks provides the results of this
election elsewhere in this Newsletter. The budget was approved for next year
and if you missed the meeting you missed some spirited discussions. I was most
impressed with the positive ideas and challenges to members and friends of 1st
UU presented by a number of members of the congregation about ways to improve
our financial situation. Dan Secrest, Finance and Canvass Trustee, began the
budget discussion by reporting that pledges for next year are behind where they
were at a comparable time last year. He speculated on a number of reasons for
this (see his annual report). Dan ended by challenging each of us to make a
significant pledge for next year or consider increasing any pledge for next
year already made. In addition, he stressed the importance of completely
paying this year's regular pledges and boiler pledges. Bob Lauer, Treasurer,
presented a balanced budget for the 2005 Church Fiscal Year July 1 2004 - June 30, 2005, of $233,944.00 revenue and expenses. That figure is slightly
below this year’s $234,390.00 because revenue is expected to be flat. Bob
asked that any proposed amendments to an expense item include what other
expense item would be adjusted to offset the proposed change to an expense
item. It was during the spirited discussion that followed that many positive
statements and members and friends of First UU presented ideas. We hope to
share those ideas with you as we work now and in the next church year to build
a stronger First UU. The budget was approved by a large majority of members
present with only one amendment. The amendment reinstated partial funding
toward our UUA and Heartland District dues to be
offset by finding an alternative to paying Wayne State University for the use of the Social Work (SW) parking lot on Forest during
services.
Again, if you were unable to attend the Congregational Meeting, copies of the report packages, the proposed budget and other handouts are available in the office. [webmaster note: they are also available here].If you have ideas to share about how to increase First UU revenue or reduce our expenses, please let me know. Also, please come to McCollester Hall on Monday, May 24 at 7:30 P.M. to meet our interim minister, David Parke.
Colleen Dolan-Greene
Moderator, 2003-2005
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Board of Trustees - 3 year terms
Charlotte Allen
Irene Schultz
Dan Weist
1 year term - Ruth Seifert
Religious Education Committee
Allison Parks
Carolyn Reed
Rhonda Rodgers
Barbara Stevenson
Youth Member - John Evans
2005 Nominating Committee 2005
Sally Borden
Alma King
Mary Lou Malone
Bill McKnight
Allison Parks
David Robinson
Arlene Teed
General Assembly Delegates
Charlotte Allen
Joe Samples
Heartland District Delegates
Sally Borden
Gene Perrin
Danielle Troia
Congratulations to everyone.
If you
enjoy singing and want to have a good time, the choir is the place for you. There
is no need to audition, just show up at the dates and time listed below. All
rehearsals begin at 9:30 A.M. and are usually held in Memorial Hall. The
rehearsal and performance schedule is as follows:
May 30 - Off
June 6 & 13 - rehearsal
June 20 - rehearsal with performance
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Garage Sales...We can use some donations of items and also some help on Fridays and Saturdays. So far $575.00 has been raised for the church. Thanks to Dody Brodersen and Carol Bendure for helping last Saturday. Thank you also to Dody and Carol for contributing items and anyone else I missed.
Over the year, my niece and nephew have contributed huge amounts of rummage - several hundred dollars worth. In appreciation, I would like to tell you about my nephew's painting business. He also does drywall. Please see me during coffee hour for information
Membership & Growth
First Friday - June 4 - We will be honoring Rose LaBolle which means she has a say in the menu. Reservations must be made by the 2nd before noon please.
Women’s Alliance
Save the special date of June 9 (2nd Wednesday) for the "Musical Enjoyments" to be heard at the Women's Alliance meeting in Memorial Hall. We are pleased to have Celeste Headlee as soloist. Make reservations for the noon luncheon preceding the program by phoning the church office at 313-833-9107 or Eiko Takemoto at 313-869-6389 by noon Monday, June 7. The cost of the luncheon is $6.00. After summer vacation watch for announcements of the next meeting which will be in September.
Women's Book Club
. The book for June 6th will be Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik. Our September selection will be Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. The July and August choices will be announced at a later date. Please contact Maria Majer at 313-899-1694 for more information.
Work Wanted!
Do you have light housework that you really will not get to in a century? Do you have a family member who needs a companion? Do you have washing and ironing that you hate? Is there anything else around the
house or shopping you would like SOMEONE ELSE to do for you?
Call me! I'll do it and will not charge you an arm and a leg.
313-393-3982 or cell phone 313-804-0065 or email me.
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A retirement party for Rev. Larry is in the planning stages. The date for the party is Sunday, June 20th at 2 ish. We are having the first of two meetings on May 30th at 1:00. Please join us. Barbara Stevenson, Jonathan & Irene Schultz – Co-Chairs
SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UU
Linda Darga
For many who attend First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit on Sundays, this is our spiritual home where we gain respite from our work and our responsibilities, gain inspiration from what we hear, both spoken and musically and feel replenished to carry on for another week. We are extremely fortunate to have diversity among our Congregates. As with any return home, we delight in seeing our church family and share our joys and sorrows during services and conversations. In so doing, we gain strength and fortitude to meet the challenges of life, its losses and its victories. To make this experience reverential and meaningful for all, we must feel comfortable and safe in our physical environment and in our interactions with each other. We must feel safe to be and to express ourselves, as well as safe from harm. To enhance the feelings of serenity and safety for everyone, we need to cooperatively and sensitively respond to a situation that makes many people, for many reasons, feel uncomfortable.
We aspire to make Sunday, the entire day, a day when people feel particularly secure. We have long had a Church policy that no individual or group can sell items or collect funds on Church property without the explicit approval of the Church's Moderator. We are building on this policy to make it clear that no churchgoer should be approached for money or other handouts, either inside or outside the Church buildings, or anywhere else one might find a church member on Sunday. Some people, here for the first time, or even the first time in a long time, may feel that there is some danger or element of coercion in such requests. It also may trigger feelings of needing to do something for the asker while creating unwanted conflicts in the person being asked.
But the responsibility is not only on the person making the request to stop. It is everyone's responsibility to end these types of intrusions by letting anyone asking know that requesting money on Sunday is not allowed in or outside this Church. Anyone who experiences such a request should immediately decline and refer the person to the Social Justice Trustee or a trained member of the Pastoral Care Committee. These individuals are trained about services available in the community and the best ways to help individuals in need to receive assistance. We should all respond with respect and caring concern. But our response must always be "No, I cannot give you any money on Sunday, and our Church does not give money either." This will discourage anyone from returning whose only interest in us is a handout. It will allow us to welcome those who may be poor, but come to First UU seeking a spiritual home. Ask a member of the Board who is on the Pastoral Care Committee.
Happy Spring
An Open Letter to our Congregation
This belated acknowledgement of your kindness to me, during the dark time of John's (Strauther) passing from us, comes not from ingratitude, but because I have found myself in a situation that has not been very kind. You know that my fellowship with all of you has been a fulfillment in my life as well as my love for John.
It has been difficult for an 86 year old single woman to pick up the shattered pieces of my life and put them together to function again and I regret that I have to say "thank you" collectively. But please know that saying will be replaced by doing whatever I can for the church.
It will not only be in memory of John, but in gratitude for the great joy he took in the fellowship with all of you.
Sincerely and gratefully,
Ellen Sibley
June Birthdays
4. Margaret Beck, John Angry
7. Matthew Malone
10. Jim Milford
12. Sandra Thottakath
16. Ann Harvey
20. David Robinson
23. Ardith Dickason, James Robinson
25. Virginia Thornthwaite
26. Ruth Crawford, Carolyn Ludwig
29. Dan Secrest
On May 9 we celebrated Mother's Day as Julia Ward Howe first suggested. In this intergenerational service, with special music by Julie Beutel, Lee Thume and Nancy Hutchison we rededicated ourselves to standing and acting for peace. In the service we sang Love Is.- a song written by Lee Thume. We didn't however have time for another song she wrote, which does a beautiful job of summing up the holiday:
If someone asks, "Why Mothers' Day?" An answer
we may give
Is so that moms can teach another way,
a peaceful way to live:
That we may solve our
problems with no fighting and no fuss
And even learn
to love and live with folks that aren't like us.
For we are all one family, underneath the sun,
And what hurts you hurts me, for we are really one.
We may not look the same, or cook the same,
Nor are our books the same,
But underneath you see we're really truly one.
Yes, we are all one family, Brothers, sisters we,
And what is good for you is also good for me.
We must provide for all and help each other when we fall
For we're all family, Earth's children one and all!
I am saddened to announce that Katie Orloff will be unable to provide our nursery care next year. As it is always important to have someone to consistently care for our little ones, this position pays 20.00 a week, The time is from 10:45-11:15. The number of children ranges from 1-5. If you or someone you know may be interested in this needed role please contact me.
The ACTS afterschool program that we cosponsor with 4 other area churches is offering a program that will pay parents to train them to better assist their children with their homework Please call (313) 831-4310 for more information. Also keep in mind that the ACTS afterschool program is free to attend and meets at CAMP Detroit 2 days a week.
As a full time student I don't find time to read much for fun anymore. However in my position I'm often obtaining books that I would like to preview or have previewed before I officially add them to our RE library. If you would be interested in reading books at the jr. high - young adult level please see me.
This past Sunday Bob Neale gave me a newspaper article about "The Da Vinci Code". This book claims "Christianity was founded on a cover-up- that the church has conspired for centuries to hide evidence that Jesus was a mere mortal, married Mary Magdaline and had children whose descendants now live in France." This would make a great discussion for our high school group. Is there anyone who has read this book or who would like to and then lead a discussion with our high school youth?
If you are unable to get your child/children to church on Sunday mornings please contact me as I have a few church members who have offered to pick children up. Consistent attendance is not only important for your child, but also to the children who look forward to their presence.
May 23- Service Sunday- we will be serving breakfast at The Cathedral of
St. Paul. We will meet there at 8:00 am
(comer of Warren and Woodward).
May 30- Please bring a friend and a flower
to this service. Youth will attend the first part of the service.
June 4 - 1st Friday. Come one and all to this
evening of family fun! High school students will host their 2nd Coffeehouse / open mic.
June 6 - RE SUNDAY. Join us for recognizing our graduating seniors, and all
the people who have helped with RE this year!
We have a lot of great things planned for the fall as well! The RE Committee is also excited to welcome new members : Allison Parks, Rhonda Rodgers, Barbara Stevenson and Caroline Taylor, and anxious to hear what kind of ideas they have!
One thing we are beginning to organize is Religious Education for Adults. If this is something you are interested in, please take a minute to fill out the information below and return to DRE, Jennifer Teed.
| Check all areas in which you might be interested in taking a class or group next year: | |
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| _____Arts & Crafts
_____Conflict Management Skills _____Earth-centered & World Religions _____Parenting Skills _____Social, Economic & Environmental Concerns _____Theological Concepts _____World Events |
_____Bible
_____Current Films & TV Shows _____Gender Studies _____Religion & Science _____Spirituality _____Unitarian Universalism _____Other |
I would be interested in co-leading:
a class or group on ___________________________________________________
a monthly forum or sermon "talkback" on _______________________________
a weekend workshop or retreat on ______________________________________
I suggest_____________________________as a leader for____________________
| I prefer that classes or groups be scheduled: | ||
|---|---|---|
| _____Sunday Morning
_____Weekday Morning _____Saturday Morning |
_____Sunday Afternoon
_____Weekday Afternoon _____Saturday Afternoon |
_____Sunday Evening
_____Weekday Evening _____Saturday Evening |
I have _____have not _____ participated in adult educational activities during the
past year.
If not, what would have influenced me to take part?___________________________________
I would _______1 would not_______be interested in serving on a planning committee for
adult religious education.
I am a member ____ friend __________of the congregation.
I have been involved with the Congregation:
1 year or less____1 to 3 years_________3 to 5 years_______ over 5 years__________
Name___________________________________________________________
As both the Annual Meeting and Strategic Planning Report have suggested Growth is key to the survival of our church. Growth begins with small steps. Here are some small steps we can all start with:
We hope this question, as well as people losing these pens will help to spread the word about our church. We have purple 1st UU pens available for $1.00 each. Please see Sally Borden or Danielle Troia.
The Growth Committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 6:30. Please join us for our next meeting. If you are concerned about the growth of our church and are unable to make Monday meetings talk to Jennifer Teed. There are other ways you can help ... We are looking for people to make follow up phone calls to visitors, work on newspaper and other advertising, becoming new member buddies, street team publicizing and greeting visitors.
We have chosen a t-shirt design! Sumarah Smith's drawing will appear in our next newsletter. Thank you to the few people who provided entries. We hope to have T-shirts available in June.
Voter's registration and education is of the out most importance in this election. We need your help! Justine has provided opportunities for us to register people at local businesses. Please contact her at (313) 832-7069. If you'd prefer to work alone or organize your own efforts we encourage you to "Walk Your Block". Justine and Hillard have registration forms if you need them.
We'd like to thank Kacy of The American Friends Service Committee, for coming out on Sunday May 9 to share info regarding the Faith Action Network's conference for people of all religions in creating communities affirming of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, identities and families. The conference was May 21-22 at Eastern Michigan University, if you attended please consider writing a brief article for our next newsletter.
Remember the Social Justice Surveys we filled out last year? Well they're back... We didn't want this to be a survey that went unused. WE are in the process of putting the Information In a database. WE will be contacting people as projects that may interest them occur. For those of you that havn't had the chance to fill on out or think your interests may have changed- please look for them at the Social Action table In McCollester Hall. You may leave completed forms In Hillard Williams! box.
Our next meeting is June 6- we need all the help we can got! Please join us for a social justice movie on May 23.