Ministerial Thoughts

Jim Bank is in the church office Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to at least 3:00 p.m., but often running into the evening hours. His e-mail address is jmbatmd@aol.com. His personal phone number is 301-633-4274. His home phone is 301-622-6431. Messages also can be left on the office line. Because of meetings and conferences, it is best to call ahead and make an appointment. Jim will be in town a third weekday as well for community events and to visit with members.

Some Days I Need the Pantheon

As Unitarian Universalists, we are supposed to believe in one god—if we believe in a god at all—in order to tow the party line.The Shema of Judaism is supposed to come more quickly to our tongues than the Gloria Patri. But some days, I'd rather have the entire pantheon!

The nice thing about having a whole batch of gods and goddesses (like the Greeks did along with most of the other “advanced” civilizations in antiquity) is that it enables one to approach the right official to get the job done, and if she or he doesn't get it right, you know whom to blame. If there's a really big problem facing you, you form a coalition—get a batch of gods working in concert—and if you fail, they get blamed. Or you can blame their Olympian opposition because it's not that you didn't have friends in high places, just the wrong ones! Consolidate the whole thing on one deity, and failure becomes much harder to handle.

Dealing with evil is even worse. The reason why the devil has almost divine status is that one god makes evil a difficult thing to handle. The chicken(s) comes home to roost on the bad days, in the difficult moments. And sometimes I'd rather just shake my fist at the sky and shout, “Loki! Lucifer! Angra Mainyu! Leave me alone! I'd like to talk with the other guys right now!”

There are times when I don't want justice to flow down like mighty waters or for righteousness to be an ever-flowing stream. I'm afraid I would drown. All I want instead is a little sympathy, to talk with a god who's been knocked around and understands. I don't want to be told to gird up my loins. I want to hear said cosmically, “Gee! Not you, too!”

Like Job, I have come to accept the fact that one god means a god of good and evil. When it really hurts, I'm able to transcend the pair, to find the unity in even these opposites. But when it's just petty pusillanimous problems that wrack my days, I don't feel like dealing with existence on an ultimate level. I'd rather take my problems to one or two gods who won't walk away in a huff when I justifiably chew them out. Those are the times when I need the pantheon!

See you at the Fellowship on Sundays—and during the weeks as well! Jim Bank

From the Co-Presidents

Opening up the Newsletter each month is such a pleasure! Since becoming co-president of UUFE, I have had an opportunity to see newsletters from many other congregations. Ours is by far the best of all that I have seen. Edie Swallow began our newsletter`s march toward excellence when she took over the editor position from Audrey Archer-Shee (one of our founding members) about 10 years ago. During Edie`s tenure, we saw our newsletter grow from a single sheet to a multisheet letter. Edie also began to use computer technology to use a variety of texts and art that enhanced the appearance and made for more lively reading. Edie was committed to the idea that the newsletter is an important tool for communication. She began the practice of including the UUFE Board minutes, joys and concerns, and new member biographies (so richly written by Jean Griffith). She impressed upon us the crucial role that this type of written communication can have in keeping us in touch with one another as we transition from a small to a mid-sized congregation.

During the past church year, Edie began working with Amy Eutsey who had expressed an interest in taking a more active role in the publication of the newsletter. Amy brings enormous skills and years of experience to this important job. This year, Amy has become our senior (and sole) editor. What a joy it is to open the newsletter each month and see how it has evolved since the last issue. Its organization into topical sections helps me find my way through and locate something of particular interest quickly. The writing, graphics, and shading all add to its readability. Each month, tucked in with all the other important information, is a deadline for the next newsletter. Amy has been incredibly patient with those of us who sometime miss that deadline by an hour or a day. I would like to encourage all with items for the newsletter to submit material by the deadline.

Aside from the actual appearance of our newsletter, the content is absolutely breathtaking. When I read the September issue I thought, “Could all of this activity and energy really be happening in this small space?” We have an amazing variety of small group activity covering social, educational, and administrative aspects of church life. We hope that all who read the newsletter will be curious enough to come out and sample one or more of these interesting and rewarding activities.

Finally, a word of thanks to those who currently, and in the past, have helped with the more tedious aspects of getting our newsletter out to members and friends: those who print the mailing labels and help with copying, folding, and stamping. Thank you Edie for mentoring Amy. Thank you, Amy, for taking on such an important task.

Gail Woodall

Gatherings

Spanish-English Potluck, Oct. 6

Please join us the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. for a Spanish-English potluck dinner at the UUFE (Rt. 50, across from the Easton High School football field). We have had a nice turnout each month. Even if you don't speak Spanish, or you want to learn some basic phrases, this is a great way to reach out to other cultures. Participants may converse in Spanish or English, and food may be ethnic or any favorite dish. The group is free and open to all. Please bring a main dish, bread, beverage, or dessert. A Spanish-English dictionary is a good idea! Call Julie Striegel (410-820-5902) for more information or just show up! Hasta la vista!

Dinner and a Movie Night, Oct. 10

This month's movie is "Edward Scissorhands," directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. The food selection is your own Witch's Brew. Costumes or a festive outfit are encouraged. Showtime is 6:30 p.m.

Women's Luncheon, Oct. 9

Isabel's high water got to our favorite Pier Street restaurant in Oxford, closing it for the season. We will gather instead at Mason's (2nd floor) in Easton at noon, where there is a good sandwich menu similar to Pier Street. Please call Anne Lemp (410-822-9370) if you plan to come, so she can reserve a table of the right size. (We can squeeze you in if you can make it at the last minute.)

Men's Lunch Bunch, Oct. 1, 15, & 29

Men from the Fellowship gather promptly at 11:30 a.m. at the Easton Airport Cafe.

Vegetarian Potluck, Oct. 21

Join us at 6 p.m. for vegetarian fare and discussion. We highlight seasonal vegetables, or you can bring salad, bread, or dessert. This month's theme: onion and other alliums. There's always lots of good food, so stop by and sample our cooking. Also, tell your vegetarian friends about our group. Even if you aren't vegetarian, you will enjoy the food and company, guaranteed! Call Dana Keller (410-763-6508) for more info.

Book Discussion Group, Oct. 23

Come at 11 a.m. with your latest read and some ideas for a selection we might all read together next month. Tea and coffee will be available, so bring a brown bag and enjoy the company. Call Anne Lemp (410-822-9370) if you have questions or need a ride.

Pens & Paper Potluck, Oct. 28

Combining food and a writer's group seems a natural, considering how many talented young families have joined our Fellowship this year. After a quick potluck meal, starting at 6 p.m., we will settle the children down with a video while we writers compare notes and encourage each other. We have several professional editors in our midst, so this should be a great group. See Mary Lou for details or just show up!

Volunteer Workday

Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Calling all youth, strong backs, and loyal gray-heads.

We've got plenty to do this fall to spruce up our Fellowship!

Yard and nature trail cleanup k window and

woodwork washing k some painting

There's a job for everyone—big and small, dainty or heavy-duty. Bring the tools that serve your specialty. Soup, sandwiches, and camaraderie provided. Call Crew Chief, Tom Anovick (410-463-1053), and join up today!

UUFE Yard Sale, November 1

Get started on your fall cleaning and bring your treasures (someone else`s, that is) to the Fellowship. Call Patty Joiner (410-770-8836) for more info.

Children’s Religious Education

I have just returned from New York City where Madalen Rubin, Rebecca Moore, Sasha Bank, Amy Eutsey, Dana Keller, and I heard His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak in Central Park. It was awesome. He is so wonderful and inspiring, and I feel blessed to have seen him. He spoke about how we each have the capacity to use brain over brawn, especially to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. He said that war is an outdated concept and that killing each other destroys us all. What I remember best is his concept of a “Peace Team” consisting of the Dalai Lama, President Carter, Archbishop Tutu, and Nelson Mandela who are willing to go to crisis areas around the world and try to convince the factions to search for compassionate, nonviolent alternatives to war. Wow!

Another memorable moment in his speech was when he spoke about violence against the environment and how important it is that each of us takes responsibility to do what we can to minimize our impact on the earth. For example, His Holiness always turns off the light when he leaves a room. Most of us could never aspire to being part of an elite peace-keeping team, but we can all save some energy.

To quote Professor Francis Sejersted, chairperson of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee," in the good fight for peace and reconciliation, we are dependent on persons who set examples, persons who can symbolize what we are seeking and mobilize the best in us." I hope that here at the UUFE we can set examples for each other: to live the way we want our children to remember us.

This year I would like the children to learn more about the members of our congregation. We have many great people here, and most of us have stories we could share about our activism, careers, or hobbies that might inspire children. On special Sundays, about once a month, we will be looking for guest speakers to work with me and one or two teachers to present a special program to the children. If you are willing to share something you are proud of with the children, please let me or a teacher know. You might be the inspiration that a child needs.

Peace be in each of us,

Mary Lou

Multicultural Homeschool Outreach: Exploring the World

The RE Committee is coordinating this event to take place Thursday, October 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We plan to have 6 similar days this church year, each highlighting different regions of the world. October will be Ireland, and November will be New Zealand, so if you have some special expertise or artwork from these areas, please let Mary Lou or Nicole Meehan know.

Youth Group

Youth group meets Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for supportive conversation, CupNoodles, and coordinating of events. Our group is open to all youth ages 14 to 19, so if you know someone who could benefit from a liberal, positive peer group, send them over. Eric Striegel, Tom Anovick, and Mary Lou Keller are the youth advisors, and we could use another woman to round out the group. We are going to a CON in Annapolis, November 14 to 16.

October RE Calendar

October 12	Parent Meeting from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m. All parents, grandparents, etc., are welcome to join us for discussion and pizza (or bring what you want to eat). We have some new resources for parents, so please stop by.
October 14	RE Committee Meeting at 3:30 p.m. Please join us.
October 19	Renaissance Festival fieldtrip after RE. It's fun to go to interesting places in groups. Please join us for this social event, and wear costumes if you wish.

Thank you to all who participated in Crop Walk on September 28!

Member Services

Once again, we celebrate the joys and share the concerns that our members and friends have experienced during the past month.

Thanks to the powers that be that none of us were injured or suffered serious damage in the hurricane. Congratulations to Dan and Jean Higgins who have just celebrated 49 years of marriage. Patricia Ford is happy that her father-in-law and all his sons are taking a trip to Ireland. It's been a lifelong dream of their father and all the sons' wives are jealous. Both Anna Rubin and Elizabeth Stevens are off to college this fall, Anna to St. John's in Annapolis and Beth to James Madison in Harrisonburg, VA. Good luck girls! Hurrah for Laura Terebey who won first place among 185 golfers in the Bay Classic Unlimited in Myrtle Beach. Meanwhile, her brother, Michael Terebey just graduated from St. John's and is off to Korea for a teaching job. Parents John and Jane have reason to be very proud. Both Laura Winne and the Eutsey family have moved into new homes. Check for address changes in the new rosters.

Our loving sympathy goes to Bill Wroten who's wife, Patty, died in September. A music memorial fund has been established in her name. Lavern Webb and Patty Joiner have expressed their concern over close and dear relatives who are very ill. We wish them the best possible. Ellie Urbina announced the death of her grandmother. Here's hoping for a quick recovery for Whitney Ford who has broken her leg. Last, but foremost in our thoughts, is Joe Thome who suffered a stroke on arrival in Walla Walla. He can be reached at St. Mary's Medical Center, Turning Point Rehabilitation Center, Walla Walla, WA 99362. We're thinking of you, Joe.

Adult RE

Oct. 1, Affordable Housing in the Community. In this special interdenominational gathering, we will study the problem of the shortage of affordable housing in our community and discuss means of addressing the situation. Leaders: Mary Young and Ralph Young, Spokesperson, Affordable Housing Group

Oct. 8, Animals as Mirrors. What is the animal in your life reflecting to you? Why have you attracted this animal in your life? How do you communicate with this animal? Come explore these questions: You may be amazed at the answers. Leader: Anne Altvater

Oct. 15, Book Study: Buddha by Karen Armstrong. This book provides a readable biography of one of the most influential people of all time. Because the Buddha fought against the cult of personality, his life story has remained obscure. The author has written a rich, revealing description of a unique time in of history and an unusual man. It provides a good starting point for those interested in the origins and fundamentals of Buddhism. Leader: Mary Lou Keller

Oct. 22, "Bowling for Columbine." There will be no program at the Fellowship this evening so that everyone can attend a special presentation of this movie by Michael Moore at the Avalon Theater in Easton. This viewing is sponsored by P.E.A.C.E. (Peace, Education, And Community Effort). Contact: Mary Lou Keller

Oct. 29, The Haunting Church, or Owning Our Religious Pasts. We Unitarian Universalists often are called “come outers,” having left some other religious tradition to become who we are. This program provides an opportunity for us to look back at our pasts and see how they shape our future. Leader: Jim Bank

Choir and Music Notes

This month, starting October 2, Thursday choir practices will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This change is for a number of reasons, one of which is to better coordinate with work and family schedules. It also is a longer time, better for more fully preparing voices and music. If you've been thinking about being a part of the choir, but the timing was difficult, now you can give it a try.
Singing in choir is a commitment of time and energy, yes, but it also is so many other things. It is enjoying the company of others while working toward an end-result. It is pleasure in the very moment of singing; it is satisfaction when particularly challenging passages or pieces are accomplished; it is recognition of personal growth when your vocal or musical skills grow over time. Singing is being part of the art of combining the meaning of words and the unspeakable meaning of music; it is occasionally recognizing, and perhaps trying to reconcile, the differences between the ideas in the words and music that go through your mouth as well as those that go through your mind. Above all, singing in choir is a gift of service to others who gather for worship on Sundays and deepens the singer's own worship experience.
Now, those of you who might never think to sing in choir and just skipped over the preceding paragraph, please read it again, with this in mind: During every Sunday service, you have the opportunity to sing three or four times,* experiencing all of the above to some degree. Every hymn is carefully chosen for its meaning and its connection to the rest of service and is an invitation to join in exploring those connections. Even the short hymn sung automatically as the children leave for RE is more than a cover for their exit. The accompaniment and vocal leadership, by choir or individuals, are crafted to encourage each person to join in congregational song, to be part of a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Hmm, that sounds like a segue into the seventh principle, for next time….

Patty Rubin

Song Circle, Oct. 13 & 27

Song Circle is now the last Monday of the month.

Monday, Oct. 13's Song Circle will be held on the occasion of Columbus Day, from 6 to 9 p.m. It includes a potluck supper, and weather permitting, we will use the fire circle. Participants should bring food to share, instruments (guitars, drums, kazoos, etc.), songs to share, and flashlights. Contact Dave Moore (410-770-4896) for more information.

Monday, Oct. 27, is the regularly scheduled Song Circle, from 7 to 9 p.m. Interested muscians and singers of all ages and abilities are invited. Bring instruments and songs to share; we usually have extra copies of Rise Up Singing, the source for most of what we do.

Drumming Circle, Oct. 3

Join us at 7 p.m. for drumming circle. Some of the drummers have been taking lessons and are getting to be good leaders, so join us if you want to learn or just have fun. There are always extra instruments. Note: Anyone who has a drum or percussion instrument to donate please call Debra Hathaway (410-770-9057) or bring it to the group.

Youth Jam, Ages 13-19, Oct. 9

Bring your guitars, drums, or other instruments; your voices; and your songs to share. Our jam sessions are the second Thursday of the every month. Contact Dave Moore (410-770-4896) or Del Joiner (410-770-8836) for more info, or just show up.

Introduction to Unitarian Universalism

Saturday, October 18

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Led by Rev. Jim Bank and Rene Bond, this class is helpful for anyone who is new to our Fellowship, whether you've just joined, are considering joining, or would simply like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and our Easton Fellowship. The class introduces the general UU history and theology and, more specifically, our own history, what there is to become involved in, and how we get things done. Participants have the chance to share some of their own spiritual beliefs and get to know others. To register, call the church office at 410-822-8103 or look for the signup sheet on the coffee table after Sunday services. Bring a brown bag lunch if you like. We will provide cookies. Child care can be provided with advance notice.

Social Action

Remember UUAHC #8444 in CFC/United Way Campaigns

The UU Affordable Housing Corporation fund makes loans where conventional lenders will not, helping to create more than 1,220 units of affordable housing in our region. Your pledge will help the UUAHC make livable, inclusive communities available to low-income families and individuals in the Washington/Baltimore region. The UUAHC is our own community development loan fund, founded and supported by UU churches and their members in this area. For more information, contact Gladys Clearwaters at 301-588-5533 or e-mail her at gclearwaters@uuahc.org.

Affordable Housing Seminar

Don't miss this Adult RE program on October 1 delivered by our own Mary and Ralph Young. See the Member Services/Adult RE page in this issue of the Newsletter for details.

InterConnections Lay Leader Web Site

The UUA and Lay Leadership Director Harlan Limpert are pleased to announce the debut of a new Web site created specifically for lay leaders and launched at this year's General Assembly. InterConnections Resources (www.uua.org/programs/layleader) includes four parts:

1. A "QuickStart" section for those new in their lay leadership roles. Lay leaders are provided with the three most useful books, three most useful articles, and three most useful Web links appropriate for their roles. QuickStart is searchable by role, function, and size of congregation.

2. A "Leadership Events Calendar" listing workshops, conferences, and classes offered by districts, headquarters, seminaries, and others that are designed to help develop lay leaders. The calendar is searchable by topic, date, sponsor, or simply by keyword.

3. An easy-to-use list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) in key leadership areas and their answers. The response to this section has been overwhelmingly positive.

4. A link to the online version of InterConnections, the highly acclaimed newsletter for lay leaders that has been distributed in hardcopy to congregational board members since 1998.

Summary of the September 2003 Board Meeting

Minister's Report

Jim reported on the worship calendar and process for the upcoming year as well on as his involvement with the Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Institute as part of his social outreach.

DRE Report

Mary Lou reported on a successful summer program; on teacher training, including incorporating music into the RE experience; on the Coming of Age program planned for the middle school group, and on the homeschool multicultural outreach. She presented the curriculum brochure for 2003-2004 and a child safety policy and procedure, which was approved by the Board.

Financial Report

The checking balance is $21,078. Money not used from the JPD grant ($1,088) will be returned to the JPD. Quarterly pledge statements will be sent out. Several insurance issues will be investigated and decided on. The Board approved establishing the Patty Wroten Memorial Music Fund, a restricted capital fund for purchasing sheet music and other resources for the music program.

Personnel Report

Letters of agreement have been signed by Mary Lou and Jim. Job description and letter of agreement are still needed for the Music Director. Office volunteers are now working weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information needing to be passed on can be e-mailed to UUFE@bluecrab.org.

Retreat Plans

The Board retreat will begin at the Fellowship on Friday evening, Oct. 3, from 7 to 9 p.m., with a timeline constructed, and Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Doughtys, with goal setting for the year. Laverne Webb will facilitate.

Music Director's Report

Patty reported on working with the RE Committee, the choir, and the drumming and song circles as well as on obtaining recommendations from acoustical consultants to report to the Building Committee.

New Business

Gail, Janet, and Rene Bond are meeting with Jim twice a month to provide feedback to him. Jim will

be establishing office hours, and members are encouraged to take concerns about Jim directly to him, or, less preferable, to use Janet or Gail as

intermediaries. Jim has committed to living on the Eastern Shore if called.

Calling Committee Report

The committee is working very well together and recently had a productive meeting, with Dana Keller assisting to better focus the survey tool. The timeline includes finalizing the survey at the next meeting, mailing it out in October to members and friends who have made pledges, conducting small group meetings in October and November, and reporting the survey results on November 16 after the second service.

This meeting was dedicated to Joe Thome.

Calling Committee Update

It's been a busy and productive month for the Calling Committee. After tailoring a generic UUA survey to meet our specific needs, we sent it to all UUFE members. We are happy to report that within 1 week, we have received an exceptionally high rate of returned surveys (thanks for your prompt response, everyone!).

Dana Keller has agreed to develop a process for tabulating and analyzing the survey responses. To ensure confidentiality, he will not handle the surveys directly but will supervise a team of temps not affiliated with the Fellowship; this team will enter the information from the surveys into a database that Dana will then use for his analysis.

In the meantime, the committee is preparing for the second phase of our process: facilitated small-group discussions. These informal events, set in the home of a UUFE member, will provide participants with an opportunity to express and explore what they believe are important aspects of ministry in our Fellowship. A UUFE member serving as a facilitator will attend each discussion to guide the dialogue, as will a member of the Calling Committee who will answer questions and take notes. All participant remarks will be anonymous, and no individuals will be quoted or identified in the final report.

Members and active friends of the Fellowship will be invited to attend one of many discussions arranged between October 10 and 26. We hope that everyone will be able to attend one of these gatherings. If this time frame conflicts with your schedule, please call Dwayne Eutsey (410-820-7971).

Dwayne, Len, Cynthia,

Laverne, Lee, & Gail