Jun-06
From Our Minister:
We'vehad a year of transitions, with changes inour office staff, a substituteminister for four months during my sabbatical,and now some significant changes in our Board ofDirectors. Throughout this time the congregationhas held steady and strong. Much credit should goto our outgoing leadership for all they have contributed.
Carol Kerr has concluded three years of service aspresident. She has done an extraordinary job, leadingus through the purchase of the house next door,the sale of the 17th Street property, and receivingthe large estate gift from Earl Morgan - tasks thatmight have overwhelmed anybody other than a brilliantbusiness lawyer, but luckily for us, that's whatCarol is. With her legal experience and willingnessto give us hours of her time, we sailed through thesetransactions. Carol has led the board and our congregationwith her sharp mind, her good heart, andher keen sense of humor. I'm looking forward to herongoing contribution as past president.
With Carol serving for three years, Jerry Gates hasbeen our longest-tenured past president. We haveall marveled as he has navigated not only manyfreeways but also many airports to come to ourmeetings, fitting board service into his busy schedule.
Somehow church work cannot be quite as compellingas saving the world from AIDS, but Jerry hasalways made important contributions to our communityin many ways. I have valued his commonsense, his independent thinking, and his loyalty toour church.
We also say goodbye to board members CarolAgate and Daniel Teplitz. Carol is stepping down totake up other church activities - and we knowshe'll find them, fortunately for us. Daniel Teplitz isleaving for college. Daniel's Tuesday nights with theboard must have been late ones, as he juggledhomework, college applications, and music with hischurch commitments.
We now have an excellent new president, CharlesHaskell, new board members Bronwen Jones, PhyllisKory, Dayla McDonald, and Pat Parkerton returningfor service, with many challenges and opportunitiesahead of us. As we go forward, we will continue tobenefit from the generous contributions of our pastleaders.
Be sure to thank them when you see them atchurch.
- Judith Meyer
Featured Articles:
Annual Choir Concert Stirs a Desire for Peace
The choir sang, the string quartet played, movingtexts were read, soloists took their turns, and SteveWight coordinated and conducted a stirring "Let Therebe Peace on Earth" choir program held Saturday night,May 6, to an enthusiastic capacity crowd in our sanctuary.
Midway through the first half of the program, LouisDurra took his turn in a solo role, singing WoodyGuthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." The congregationjoined him in the choruses as he sang the verses,including the last verse which is often left out andincludes the lyrics: "And some are grumblin' and someare wonderin'/ If this land's still made for you and me."
The tone had been set been set from the start, withsongs that included the haunting "Will You HarborMe" and the beautiful lament "Cuando El Pobre"(When the Poor One) arranged by choir member RimaSnyder. Blended into these opening songs was a seriesof texts read by Patrick Meighan and Amy Thiel thatincluded Edna St. Vincent Millay's stunning poem"Conscientious Objector," words by Martin LutherKing, and the statement Bartolomeo Vanzetti deliveredshortly before his execution.
The talent of the choir shone brightly all throughthe concert. Bronwen Jones arranged two songs writtenabout the senseless World War I battle at Gallipoliin Turkey, the Australian song "The Band Played'Waltzing Matilda,'" which she sang, and the Turkishsong "Canakkale Icinde," that the choir sang. JudySchonebaum sang the traditional "Mrs. McGrath," asong about a mother's son coming home from a warwith his legs blown off. Jeff Greenman sang a depression-era song "Money is King," written by The GrowlingTiger, and then sang "Blowin' in the Wind" withTom Ahern, with the audience joining in and trying toremember all the words.
Among the many other high points in the concertwas Steve Wight's joyful arrangement of the Beatles'"All You Need Is Love." Steve channeled John Lennonon piano and vocals, accompanied by string quartet,keyboard, choir, and audience. The concert endedwith the beautiful "Let There Be Peace On Earth / AndLet It Begin With Me."
Afterwards, musicians and audience both enjoyedfellowship, food and drink in Forbes Hall.
- Nels Hanson
Note: The choir and the Music Committee would like toexpress gratitude to Sue Moore, who donated hertime, resources, and considerable culinary skills tomake the Dining for Dollars concert reception possible.
New Workshop Offered
Sustainable Works is a non-profit environmentaleducation organization sponsored by the City of SantaMonica. They provide workshops with hands-on,interactive educational experiences in our community.Ferris Kawar will be leading a series of six classesdesigned to help families learn about important topicssuch as water, energy, waste, chemicals, transportation,and food and shopping.
During the six weeks, those who attend can expectto learn how to:
News & Announcements:
Come Hear Judith Preach Via the Internet on Thursday, June 22
The Rev. Judith Meyer has been honored by beinginvited to give the sermon at the "Service of the LivingTradition" in June. That solemn ceremony, a highlightof the UUA General Assembly (GA), is beautiful, withbanners, robes, and fine music, and it pays homage toministerial leadership. This year's GA is in St. Louis.
On Thursday evening, June 22, we will gather inForbes Hall to watch and listen, via the Internet, toJudith's sermon and be ever so proud of her. Bring apotluck dish, or just your own dinner, to Forbes Hallstarting at 5:30 p.m., so we can settle in around a bigscreen for the 6 to 7:30 service. We'll even join insinging the hymns. Everyone is welcome. Please bringsome board games, books, and toys for kids to enjoy bythe sofas.
I am grateful for the technical expertise of GregWood, Catherine Farmer, Liz Fuller, Dan Kegel, andMelinda Ewen, plus Website Manager Julie Albanese atthe UUA. You can catch a variety of GA events liveonline at uua.org, where there will also be postedreports and photos of many activities at the annualgathering of several thousand UUs. Another prominentevent available online is the Ware Lecture by poet MaryOliver, on Saturday at 7p.m. Streaming video is bestviewed with high speed Internet, and you will need aRealVideo
Faith in Action News:
Faith in Action Commission Welcomes a New Leader
Faith in Action was created in 2000 as a new way ofengaging our entire congregation in witness andadvocacy issues such as peace, civil liberties, socialjustice and homelessness. We developed a set of proceduresand policies that wereendorsed by the congregationand the board. One of thosepolicies called for two-yearterms for the chair of the Faithin Action Commission.
It has been my privilegeand pleasure to have servedtwo terms as chair. Now, it istime for new leadership. Itgives me great pleasure toannounce that the new chairis Cathie Gentile.
Cathie was a foundingmember of Faith in Action andhas played a variety of leadershiproles in our witness andadvocacy program. She helpedus choose and manage hungeras the primary issue of congregational concern. She hasbeen instrumental in establishing our relationships withthe Westside Food Bank,Turning Point and Step Up onSecond. She played an importantrole in our involvement ineconomic justice, workingwith our Faith in Actioninterns involved in helpinghotel workers in Los Angelesobtain a better contract. Morerecently, she has been our liaison with the UnitarianUniversalist Legislative Ministry in California.
Cathie's new position as chair was endorsed by the Faithin Action Commission and the Board of Directors at theirMay meetings. We are fortunate having such a dedicatedand qualified leader.
- Charles Haskell
Unequal Marriage Rights Amendment is Headed to the Senate on June 5
The personal milestones that we celebrate withinour families and as a society - graduations, marriage,the birth of a child - resonate deeply for all of us.When these milestones are marked, we are oftenwarmly inundated with validations and blessings forthe growth we have accomplished and the growth thatis expected to follow. And most of us take these milestonesfor granted.
Unfortunately for some of us, however, the milestoneof marriage and the more than 1,000 legal rightsof a civil marriage are denied us. Frankly, the fact thatmy society does not allow me, as a lesbian, to marrythe woman I have been committed to for 20 years now,tells me that I am not considered fully human. Howelse can I be denied participation in one of the mostbasic and life-changing of human rituals?
Yes, hearts and minds are changing on this issue,but we have many battles ahead.
Around June 5, the U.S. Senate will again voteon the Marriage Protection Amendment (S.J. Res. 1),which would amend the U.S. Constitution to bansame-sex marriage nationwide and, most likely,invalidate existing state domestic partner and civilunion laws.
Many argue that such an amendment is needed toprotect the "sanctity," or holiness or sacredness ofmarriage. We need to send a message to the Senatethat same-sex relationships are holy and sacred andthat our families need the protections that only civilmarriage can confer.
To take simple and quick action against S.J. Res. 1,visit these Web sites: Human Rights Campaign(hrc.org), People for the American Way (pfaw.org), orAmerican Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org). Also, pleasecontact family and friends in other states to urge theiraction on this issue.
How can love not be holy? As UUs, we stand on theside of love (see uua.org).
- Kris Langabeer
Splinters from the Board:
Charles Haskell chairedthe meeting. After the minuteswere approved MelindaEwen, Church Administrator,reported that churchmembership is now 457.
The board approved the newsletter policies asproposed by the editorial team, and the appointmentof Cathie Gentile to replace Charles Haskell aschair of the Faith in Action Commission.
Melinda reported that Chuck Craig has acceptedour offer to be the church's office assistant and thatwe bought out his contract with the agency. He willbe working 30 hours per week.
Warren Mathews presented a budget summarythat, in keeping with the recommendations of PeterHenrickson, shows the expenses on a functionalrather than a chart-of-accounts basis. It also treatsinvestment earnings as earnings, with only enoughto balance the budget transferred to income. Thebudgeted income from Dining for Dollars was$24,000 and the anticipated actual income is$27,500. Leslie Reuter's "So Much to Do, So LittleTime" auction added $5400. A big increase inexpenses is attributable to the parking attendantcosts, which were transferred from the building fundinto operating expenses. Facility maintenance costsmay be higher than currently estimated if we needtenting for termites.
There was discussion of the annual meetingagenda, including the question of whether all or aportion of the Art Wall should be converted to a bulletinboard. This question will be presented to thecongregation for non-binding discussion.
Melinda reported she is getting bids for tentingfor termite treatment, pointing out that we were inerror not to continue the contract after the tentingin 2002. Warren Mathews suggested that shecontact the organ people to make sure there is no problem with tenting.
Carol Agate reported thatwe are allowed nine delegatesand nine alternates tothe UUA General Assembly.The board approved appointment of Bonnie Brae,Karen Patch, Jacki Paddock, David Denton, andCarol Agate. Carol is authorized to add to this listother members who ask for delegate or alternate status.
The Rev. Judith Meyer reported that the LifespanReligious Education program continues developmentin coordination with Catherine Farmer, Directorof Religious Education. The committee workingon the program for adults now includes Leon Hendersonand Nicole MacLennan. A planning session isscheduled for June 3, and launch is planned for September.
Catherine reported that after the inspiring Comingof Age Sunday, plans are under way for the BridgingSunday service on June 4, in which we will honorthis year's high school seniors' transition into youngadulthood. These seniors are Nathan Gates, EmilyHero, Chris Marten and Daniel Teplitz.
Plans for the summer program include exploringa different Dr. Seuss story each week for thepreschool and first grade classes, and a course in"The Senses," exploring a different sense each weekfor the older children, with a discussion of intuitionand humor rounding out the program.
Steve Wight reported on the success of the choirconcert for Dining for Dollars. He also reported thatseveral new and not-so-new soloists are beingscheduled for summer services. A violin/cello/pianotrio headed by Paula Yoo will play both for morningservice and for an evening music event co-sponsoredby the music committee.
- Gerrie Lambson
Other UU News & Events:
See Alaska from the Perspective of Alaskan UUs
Five Alaskan UU fellowships invite other UUs to their eco-cultural programsin June, July, and August. It's an opportunity to experience the real Alaska,staying in the homes of members of congregations in Anchorage, Seward, Fairbanks,Juneau and Sitka.
Visitors will see wildlife in their natural habitats - humpback and killerwhales, sea lions, seals and sea otters, bears, wolves, moose, caribou, Dallsheep, eagles, murres, auklets, puffins, and other birds in some of North America'smost beautiful scenery. Four National Parks are on the itinerary: Denali, KenaiFjords, Skagway, and Sitka. Native American and Eskimo art, dancing, and storytellingare featured in "living museums," and there is an optional trip to Barrow, thenorthernmost Inupiat village on the continent.
For a complete description including the cost of each trip, go to wuurld.org.
If You Will Be Heading East Here's How to See Chicago
The congregation of Countryside Church Unitarian Universalistinvites you to join us for a weekend getaway to the city of Chicago, June2 to 4.
For the two nights of your stay you'll be hosted in the northwest suburbs bymembers of Countryside's friendly and welcoming congregation. Your weekend includeshearty dinners with entertainment, breakfast at your host's home, and a full-dayvisit to the city.
The highlight of the weekend is the city's celebrated architecture. Countrysidehas arranged for guests to enjoy two of the best architecture tours the cityhas to offer. See the soaring towers of the downtown area, acclaimed landmarks,and the new Millenium Park, which features the work of world-renowned architects,planners, artists, and designers. After a busy Saturday in the city, you'llappreciate the peaceful setting of Countryside's award-winning building andprairie garden.
For details on this unique opportunity, e-mail ccuu@ccuu.org.
RE News:
From Our DRE
Summer is almost upon us,believe it or not, and theRE Council and I have beenbusy planning our program for next fall. Nextyear, RE kids up through 5th grade will be exploringthe sixth and seventh UU Principles - the"Goal of World Community with Peace, Libertyand Justice for All" and "The Interdependent Webof All Existence of Which We Are a Part." We alsowill offer, for the third year, the "NeighboringFaiths" comparative religions curriculum for6th and 7th grades, "Coming of Age" for 8th gradeand our senior high YRUU youth groups at each service.
Now we have a question for all of you: howhave you engaged the UU principles lately?Could there be a better way to learn and live yourUU principles than by teaching and learning withour youth and children? Presenting stories tothem and listening to their efforts to interpretand understand can be a wonderful way toexplore these the principles for yourself. Over thenext few weeks, we will be searching for more"RE Shining Stars" to help us create a vibrant REprogram next year with our children and youth.To fully staff our fabulous programs, we're lookingfor more than 50 members of our congregationto volunteer to teach for one to two Sundaysper month.
Think about how sad a place UUCCSM wouldbe without our enthusiastic kids. Consider thewonderful energy there is in an intergenerationalcommunity - a model that is increasingly rare.And we need you.
Think about it. Think about teaching RE.Without teachers, interesting curriculum is of novalue. Then visit the RE table in Forbes Hall duringcoffee hour on Sundays this month to hearabout our program in more detail and let usknow how you'd like to be involved. Help usbring our vision for RE to life.
Summer RE at UUCCSM
SUMMER OF SEUSS
Preschool to Kindergarten - Children in thisclass will be exploring a different Dr. Seuss storyeach week, with activities, games, crafts andsnacks to match!
THE SENSES
First Grade and Up - Join us for a different"sense-sational" celebration each week: sight,hearing, taste, touch, smell, intuition and humor!
All classes will be staffed by volunteers whowill sign up to lead or assist for one Sunday.Grownups, we need your help! Do you have afavorite Seuss story or a great idea for how to celebrateone of the senses or just want to join thefun? Please consider helping out for one or moreSundays this summer. Signup sheets will be availableat the RE table in Forbes Hall. For moreinformation or to sign up, contactme at Catherine@uusm.org
- Catherine Farmer
RE Star: Linda Van Ligten
I imagine that many of you have already metLinda Van Ligten, since she has volunteered in almostevery capacity imaginable. She has been an RE teacherfor a decade, since her owndaughter, Alyssa, was inkindergarten. She hastaught nearly every agelevel, and in the comfortand safety of her carekids always feel athome.
In the interest ofhelping to create adynamic vision ofRE, she has servedfor several yearson the RE Council.Recognizingthe importance of helpingour youth make informed choicesabout how they experience their sexuality,she volunteered early on for training to become ateacher in our OWL program ("Our Whole Lives"). Forthe past five or six years, she has taught OWL tokindergarten/1st grade and 4th & 5th grade kids (she is currentlyteaching both in the regular RE 11 a.m. preschool classas well as the K/1 OWL class). During the first year of"Way Cool Sunday School," when we added the SocialJustice curriculum, Linda was part of the team helpingour kids to envision the role they can play in understandingand helping the wider community we live in.
Linda has also put her faith in action by volunteeringmany holidays at Turning Point shelter. She has servedas camp nurse at many de Benneville camps for kids.She is currently a member of the Nominating Committee.She even helps her husband, Greg Wood, when heneeds an ushering partner. Truly the volunteer thatkeeps on giving, Linda Van Ligten is the consummateadvocate for others, especially our youth. When a jobneeds doing, Linda is often the "go-to" person. For themyriad ways she gives to our children and to our community,we honor her this month as our RE Star. Linda,you rock!
- Janet Goodwin