Faith In Action News Archive
Lessons Learned at General Assembly
I'm pleased to report that our Faith in Action program was part of a workshopon social action at GA entitled "Outreach Times Three." The workshop was moderatedby the Rev. Karen Stoyanoff of Orange Coast Church in Costa Mesa, with presentationsby Deena Tuttle of San Diego, Marilyn Giss of Costa Mesa, and me (see photograph).
I was particularly impressed by the innovative social action program describedby Marilyn Giss. She described a model developed in Costa Mesa to commemoratethe 50th anniversary of the founding of their church. The congregation was challengedto increase involvement in social action. They called their program the "50-50-50program" because it called for congregants to commit to volunteering 50 hoursof community service and 50 additional dollars to charity for that commemorativeyear, with the dollar contribution to be matched by the church. Their goal wasto coax 50 of their 240 congregants to participate. The program was so successfulthat 70 congregants volunteered, and the church hired a part-time paid staffmember to manage the volunteer effort. To cover the cost of the paid staff member,the church also competed successfully for $6,000 of financial assistance fromthe UU Social Responsibility Fund.
The lessonfrom the Costa Mesa presentation is that UU congregations may be very generousif you provide appropriate opportunities and the right incentives. Our experiencein Santa Monica with our Generous Congregation Program strongly supports thisconclusion. Since we started donating 15% of each Sunday collection to charity,the net collection for our church, after deducting the 15%, has actually increased.
On September 26 we'll have our fourth annual FIA issues election. We'll reviewthe overall status of our Faith in Action program and will vote to prioritizepotential issues for the future. Personally, I'm hopeful we can develop supportfor our own version of a "50- 50-50" program. Wouldn't it be wonderful becomingeven more deeply involved in our community through more volunteer service andmore charitable giving?
-Charles Haskell Chair, Faith in Action Commission
Should We Hang Banners on Our Church?
On August 1 we'll decide whether or not we should allow banners to be hungon the outside of our church. Personally, I support Interweave's proposal tohang a tasteful banner on our church that demonstrates our support of same-sexmarriage. This month's column will explore some of my reasons for supportingthis proposal.
An attractive banner can be educational. We celebrated our 75th anniversaryas a congregation in Santa Monica with a banner. It was a very nice reminderto our neighbors of our long presence in the community. The banner under considerationnow is a celebration of our denomination's longstanding support of samesex marriage.A public display of our moral stand on this critical issue would help educatethe public about our values and beliefs.
An attractive banner can help us reach out to likeminded souls on this issue.Neighbors and visitors to our part of Santa Monica may not be aware of our standon this moral issue. A banner would serve as an invitation to join us in thepursuit of same-sex marriage as a civil right.
Attractive banners on moral and religious issues could enliven and beautifyour church. This may be especially important as we undertake our major buildingprogram. Banners could provide an interesting contrast to the ugliness of aconstruction site.
I disagree with the argument that a banner on the issue of same-sex marriagewould be an inappropriate expression of a political point of view. From my perspective,any resolution or statement of conscience passed by two-thirds of our membersat an official church business meeting would be fair game for a Faith in Actionbanner on our church. This is one way we define and refine our religious worldview - through the democratic creation of resolutions and statements of conscience.
I disagree with the argument that banners on our church may invite vandalism.If we allow fear to be our guide on hanging banners, what does that say aboutour right to the free and responsible search for truth?
Faith in Action embraces education, service, witness and advocacy. I urge ourcongregation to approve the use of attractive banners as a new way of sharingour religious values with our community.
-Charles Haskell Chair, Faith in Action
As the chair of the Peace and Civil Liberties Committee, I'd like to weighin on some of the issues that were brought up during the congregational meetingof May 16 regarding the display of a banner saying "Civil Marriage Is a CivilRight."
To bring non-attenders up to speed, this debate took place near the end ofthe meeting, immediately following the unanimous vote putting UUCCSM on recordas favoring same sex marriage rights. A second Interweave proposal authorizinga banner outside of the church was then discussed and ultimately tabled untilthe issue could be more fully aired at meetings this summer.
I will begin by stating my forthright support for the banner. I am led to thisposition by the basic tenants of our denomination, my activism as part of Faithin Action, and the courageous lead that UUA has shown in displaying an identicalbanner in Boston across from the Massachusetts State House.
What I would now like to do is discuss each of the counter arguments that wereraised, the first being that those who do not agree with same sex marriage willbe disinclined from visiting our church. The rejoinder to this is why wouldsomeone who opposes civil rights for marriage want to attend a UU church? Ibelieve that such a banner could actually spur attendance. Could there be amore public way of demonstrating that we are indeed a welcoming congregation?
Another more activist argument was Why this issue? and Why not a banner favoringwomen's reproductive rights? I, for one, would support that banner as well.A year ago I would have welcomed a banner opposing the Iraqi war. The issueis that civil rights for marriage is a battle being fought today. Many stateswill have referenda this year seeking to ban same-sex marriage. If George Bushwere to propose an anti-abortion activist for the Supreme Court, then obviouslythis struggle would require both our vocal and public support.
Finally, fears were voiced that a "Civil Marriage is a Civil Right" bannercould inspire vandalism. My answer to this is twofold. One, our church is locatedin what is frequently called the Peoples' Republic of Santa Monica, and two,if we can not display our support for marriage equality now, then when shallwe do so?
Should we display a banner once an issue has been settled, perhaps one callingfor voting rights regardless of sex or racial equality? Our role is, I believe,to lead. Of what value is our unanimous vote in favor of marriage equality ifit is to remain unspoken for fear of reprisal? Our church's history of activismbeginning with Thoreau and continuing through our support of Martin Luther Kingcompels us to publicly proclaim a unanimously held stance on what has becomea critical civil rights issue of our time.
- S. J. Guidotti
We're Working for Economic Justice
Last September, we voted to develop a new program in economic justice. Sincethen, Cathie Gentile has led this initiative and we've hired two Faith in ActionInterns and forged a close working relationship with Clergyand Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) and SantaMonicans Allied for Responsible Tourism (SMART). Our combined effort isfocused on helping low-wage workers in the hotel industry in Los Angeles. Thisinvolves working with hotel management and union representatives as they undertakea new round of contract negotiations.
What have we accomplished so far? First, as part of CLUE's Hungry for Justiceproject, we started collecting food in March for needy hotel workers in caseof a general strike later this spring. Second, we've contributed cash to theworker sanctuary emergency fund. Third, we'll provide educational programs aboutthe issues. The first such program was held at our church on April 7. Futureprograms will feature CLUE's David and Goliath Project, which will help us learnhow to be responsible advocates in the event of a labor action.
The leaders and some of the participants of the program at our church on April7 are shown in the accompanying photograph. 
Theseinclude (left to right) Abby Arnold (member of our church), Cathie Gentile (ourchurch), Vivian Rothstein (SMART), Edith Mendez (FIA intern), Derek Smith (SMART),Mar Preston (our church and FIA intern), Sarah Rubio (hotel worker), Maria ElenaDurazo (vice president at large of the Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees[HERE] International Union and president of HERE Local 11 in Los Angeles), andMichele Prichard (our church). Maria Elena Durazo outlined the background andgoals of the upcoming contract negotiations. Among the concerns were continuedaccess to free family health care, reasonable wages and working conditions,and a contract renewal date in 2006.
A renewal date in 2006 is crucial to the union's strategy. They recognize thatthey are dealing with multinational corporations with very deep pockets. Theyare concerned that having different renewal dates around the country makes itimpossible for the unions to act as a unified national force on behalf of theworkers. They recognize that they must become a national union for their constituents.
More will follow from Cathie Gentile, Mar Preston and Edith Mendez about thisprogram. Please contact one of them if you would like to take a more activerole in supporting this effort.
- Charles Haskell, Chair, Faith in Action Commission
An Evening of Classical Music with Dean Voegtlen
On March 7 the Music Committee and the Faith in Action Commission jointly sponsoreda benefit concert of classical music in our sanctuary. It featured the RussianString Quartet performing Haydn, Bach, and Brahms, with Dean Voegtlenjoining the group for Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet, Opus 115 (see photo below).
Why is an evening of classical music a topic for this column? First, it demonstratesthe power of teamwork in helping our community. Several years ago, we choseto work more closely with StepUp on Second. This is a wonderful institution that works to reintegrateindividuals with severe and persistent mental illness back into society. Wehelp this group in a variety of ways. For example, Lyn Armondo and a team of50 volunteers provide a monthly meal for the residents of Step Up on Second.Now, thanks to the teamwork of Faith in Action, the Music Committee, and ourGenerous Congregation program, we raised $729 for this worthy cause.
The second reasonis personal. I would like to recognize Dean Voegtlen for 40 years of serviceto our church. Dean has served two separate terms as president of our congregation,initially in the 1970s and more recently in the early 1990s. He is known forhis passionate love of music and dedication to our music program. His love ofmusic was kindled by clarinet lessons in the 4th grade. He sustained this interestand was the winner of an all-state solo competition in high school. He laterstudied music at Wayne State University and studied with Angel del Busto ofthe Julliard School Woodwind Department. However, he was not destined to bea professional musician. His career was engineering, but music has been hispassion.
Our community has benefited enormously from Dean’s love of music. Hewas the prime mover in obtaining our organ and a key member of the committeethat found and purchased our Steinway piano. He has been a major financial donorto our music programs, and he was responsible for making our recent concerta charity event for Step Up on Second. Our church covenant calls for us to “dwelltogether in peace” and it states that “service is our prayer.”Dean Voegtlen’s contributions to our community are a demonstration of“faith in action.”
— Charles Haskell, Chair, Faith in Action Commission
The FIA Bulletin is Available Online
The goal of the FIA Bulletin is to publish original stories, essays, letters,poems, photographs, and related material created by church members in supportof the witness and advocacy program of our church.
The views expressed are those of the individual authors. Articles should notbe construed as official position statements of our church unless clearly identifiedas such. Editing is guided by an editorial board consisting of church members.
The first issue of the FIA Bulletin was mailed to everyone on the church newslettermailing list on March 15, 2003. Subsequent issues have been published as electronicdocuments.
Our most recent issue (Winter 2003-2004) was publishedelectronically on February 14. Printed copies may be found on the FIA tablein Forbes Hall.
The lead article in the Winter issue summarizes the results of our annual reviewof UUA/Commission on Social Witness proposals on February 8. Of particular notewas our decision to engage in the Study/Action Issue on penal reform. PatrickJ. Barbush will lead this effort. We also held a straw vote to prioritize fourproposed Study/Action Issues to be considered at General Assembly in June. Aproposal on gay marriage was the strong favorite of those congregants attendingthe meeting.
The Winter issue contains a rich blend of essays, news articles, photographs,and a poem. As always, the issue is dedicated to the original creative workof our congregants, with a strong emphasis on potential witness and advocacyissues. We hope you will find it engaging.
With few exceptions, the FIA Bulletin has been well received by the membersof our congregation with computer access to the Internet. But how do other membersfeel about the FIA Bulletin? Is our current approach to distribution adequateto the needs of our congregation? Are there other suggestions for improvingthe FIA Bulletin? Wouldn't you like to contribute an essay, photograph, or poemof your own for possible publication? Questions, comments, suggestions, andcreative work for publication are welcome. They can be placed in the FIA boxin the church office or sent to me.
--Charles Haskell, Editor, FIA Bulletin, Chair, Faith in Action Commission
Volunteersfrom our church provided casseroles and cookies for 150 homeless men and womenat the Culver City Cold/Wet Shelter on the evening of January 1. First theygathered at the home of Beverly Alison, the coordinator, who providedsnacks and drinks before the whole group delivered the dinners to the shelter.
How would you like to support the Westside Shelter and Hunger Coalition, ourmajor partner in helping homeless adults, children, and families in our community,and have fun as well? Join our church’s team.
What: “SuperBowl-A-Thon VIII” event
Where: At the AMF Bay Shore Lanes
234 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
When: Friday afternoon, January 30
How much: $20 each
Faith in Action has endorsed forming one or more five-person teams for theevent. The three available times for groups of five bowlers are: 1 to 2 p.m.or 2:30-3:30 p.m. or 4 to 5 p.m. There is a registration fee of $100 per teamof five bowlers. Please contact Charles Haskell for more information,or to sign up.
To Serve Humankind in Fellowship
Our church board has chosen “reaching out to our greater community”as one of three major goals for this church year. This fits our covenant “toserve humankind in fellowship.” This month’s column provides a briefoverview and some questions about our progress in reaching this goal.
We have become more generous on Sunday mornings, direct 15% of each Sunday’scollection to a local charity. Sharing our collection has raised thousands ofdollars for charity. This is welcome news, but is it enough? Should we be expandingour generosity beyond the Sunday collection plate? Should we consider includingfunds earmarked for charitable purposes as part of our annual church budget?Should we plan on sharing a percentage of future bequestswith our community?
Hunger and homelessness continue to plague our community. We have respondedto these challenges by supporting the Westside Food Bank with food and assistancewith sorting food, Step Up on Second by preparing a monthly meal, and TurningPoint by providing meals for some holidays. We are becoming more involved withthe Westside Shelter and HungerCoalition (WSHC), which is a consortium of public and private social serviceagencies and faith-based organizationsdedicated to reducing the burden of hunger and homelessness in our community.A major new project of the WSHC is a pair of cold/wet weather shelters for homelesspeople in West Los Angeles and Culver City. Another project is a “VolunteerDay” in early February for faith-based institutions. These two projectshave arisen since our annual issues election in September and both are askingfor volunteer support. How should we respond to this call for volunteers?
The FIA speaker series is open to the public and we are planning two new outreachprograms. One is led by Cathie Gentile and deals with economic justice. Theother is led by Simon Huss, Rachel Donaldson, and S. J. Guidotti and involvesa UUSC program known as the Free Speech Project. Should we do more? Please sende-mail commentson this question to Charles Haskell.
-- Charles Haskell
Chair, FIA Commission
Calling all Food Sorters! You’re needed December 10
The Westside Food Bank again needs our help for a food sort on Wednesday, December10, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Food Bank, 1710 22nd St., Santa Monica. Last December,26 people from our church broke the food bank’s record for sorting —filling 11 pallets with 528 boxes of food weighing 14,400 pounds. We also hada good time organizing the food so that those who need it can receive it. Ifyou can join the food sorters, please contact Paula Bernstein.
November is FIA Month for the Gallery Wall
Faith in Action is responsible for the gallery wall each November. Last year,we emphasized peace andanti-war activities. This year the art wall emphasizes the pictures of peoplewho have led and/or participated in a wide range of FIA activities over theyear.
S. J. Guidotti and members of the Peace Committee have worked valiantly insupport of our church’s statement of conscience against unilateral, preemptivewar in Iraq. Dan Kegel and others initiated study/action related to civil liberties.This work meshes nicely with the thrust of work by the Unitarian UniversalistService Committee (UUSC). For manyyears our representative to the UUSC was Betty McDonald. During the past year,she has passed the mantle of UUSC coordination to Rachel Donaldson and SimonHuss. Max Epstein and a small subcommittee of the Peace Committee have workedhard to bring interesting speakers to our church. The gallery wall providespictures of some of these speakers, as well as a poster promoting FIA speakerseries lectures for November and December.
Charles Haskell and an editorial board of five have published three issuesof the FIA Bulletin. Last year, Julie Hill, Kathy Layton and Marguerite Spearscoordinated food sorts by church members at the Westside Food Bank. This comingyear, Paula Bernstein will coordinate this activity. Our next food sort is scheduledfor Wednesday, December 10. Cathie Gentile, Lyn Armondo, and Janet Goodwin haveled our effort to provide food for the hungry, homeless and mentally ill. Wedo this by donating food to the Westside Food Bank each week and by preparingfood periodically for Turning Point and monthlyfor Step Up on Second.
Judy Federick, Kris Langabeer and Ron Crane of Interweave have led our congregationaleffort to become a Welcoming Congregation. We are reaching out to the greaterwestside community as members of the Westside Shelter and Hunger Coalition.Some of our work with the coalition is illustrated on the gallery wall. We expectto expand this connection over the coming year.
— Charles Haskell, Chair, FIA Commission