THE
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP AT EASTON, MARYLAND
7401
OCEAN GATEWAY
P.
O. BOX 1162, EASTON, MARYLAND 21601
PHONE
410-822-8103
www.uufeaston.org
----------
March 2003 ----------
Minister:
Rev. James M. Bank, 301-633-4274 or 410-822-8103
President:
Beth Jones, 410-745-2365
Dir.
of Religious Education, Mary Lou Keller, 410-763-6508
Choir
Director, Patty Rubin, 410-745-2000
Minister
Emeritus: Daniel G. Higgins, Jr. D. Min., 410-745-3462
Newsletter
Editor: Edith Swallow, 410-745-5170
_________________________________________________________________________________
Two
Sunday Services with Child Care, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Sunday
School, 11:00 a.m.
March Sermons
Mar. 2,
“Searching for the Truth, a Principled Sermon”: The fourth Unitarian Universalist Principle honors “a free and
responsible search for truth and meaning,” which can be no easy thing. For what
truth is cannot easily be stated. Yet this Sunday we will try.
Mar. 9, “First
You Need To Break a Wall”: This sermon is about
buildings and what happens when you “lay hands on them violently” as one might
say we plan to do with our Fellowship building.
Mar. 16,
“Scripture Revisited”: As Unitarian
Universalists, by honoring all scripture—Jewish, Christian, Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist,
and so forth—do we lessen the impact of all as well? And what of the false
doctrine that may be in any? This is the sermon that was cancelled out last
month because of the great snow that fell.
Mar. 23,
“Democratic Faith”: Our fifth Unitarian Universalist Principle
deals with the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within
our congregations and in society at large, which is where all of our stated
principles come from and where they will some day go to.
Mar. 30,
"Hidden Biases and How They Hinder Our Relationships.” Speaker, Len
Janssen: How many times
have you “assumed” something about someone and acted accordingly only to find
out later that the assumption was wrong? Have your expectations of people
prevented you from seeing them as they really are? Len will use experiences
from his journey to explore these issues.
UUFE Raised $4,200 at the Service
Auction!
Thanks to all who donated,
tallied, and purchased items at our Valentine`s night Service Auction. We`ll be
enjoying new scarves, group dinners, and the exchange of myriad services over
the next 12 months. Special thanks to Eric Heath, Patty Joiner, Julie Streigel,
Bob and Gail Woodall, and the other generous donors of desserts and wine. Extra
special thanks to Janet Pfeffer for preparing the catalog for the 7th
astounding year and to Tom Anovick for spirited auctioneering: "Hey folks, this is a fund-raiser!”
Ministerial Thoughts
Jim Bank is in the church office Tuesdays and Wednesdays
beginning at 11:00 a.m. and trying to stay till 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 301-445-0159. Messages also can be left on the office line.
Because of meetings and
conferences, it is best to call ahead and make an
appointment.
See You at the Fellowship!
When my dad became
pastor of a run-down congregation in the center of Pontiac, Michigan, some 55
years ago, he found himself saddled with a number of tasks that were needed to
help build up that congregation’s esteem and its ability to take significant
strides forward in its church life. One of the things that he did was to put a
banner between the columns of the church newsletter that said “See You In
Church Sunday!”
It’s the reason why I
always put similar words at the end of my newsletter articles every month. I do
it in a sort of private homage to my dad and all the things about ministry that
he taught me over my growing years. For Dad succeeded in encouraging that
congregation to become, once more, one of the significant religious
institutions of the area. And he succeeded, as well, in showing me the
importance of the relationships that developed in the process.
I don’t think that his
newsletter mantra was the cause of all the good things that happened, but I
have always thought that its proclamation helped. In one phrase, he caught the
community spirit he was trying to inspire—the reciprocal nurture and connection
that encouraged members to devote themselves to their own spiritual growth, to
each other, to the congregation, and to those in need about them. With all the
things he did to encourage growth and understanding, and with this little
phrase, membership grew in numbers and in self-esteem.
And here we are so many
years later, in our own unique time and setting. Our Fellowship seems to be
taking one right step after another—making decisions that will help us toward a
more valuable life in days to come—not only as we decide about a new building,
but also as we do good for each other and our community. And month by month,
the same words come onto the page at the end of my newsletter note to you.
See you at the
fellowship on Sundays—and during the weeks as well!
Jim Bank
From the President
As
we grapple with how we want UUFE to evolve, my own faith in the democratic
process continues to grow. When our congregation votes, we agree to follow the
will of the majority. In this latest round, 51% opted to set the goal of using
best quality materials in our building expansion.
Yet
I firmly believe that each member’s opinion—dissenting as well as
affirming—clarifies the issues and contributes to our collective wisdom. For
example:
·
One
member questioned whether a full complement of programs and services (e.g.,
full-time ministry) shouldn’t precede any building expansion. Although Jim Bank
has graciously set his own cap of three-quarter-time ministry this year (believing
that we need to address our building limitations), the question remains a
critical one: A successful annual canvass must underwrite UUFE’s program
expenses before we dare undertake any capital campaign.
·
A
few members also questioned why we needed to fix on a price tag (option A, B,
or C) before we knew how much money we could raise. Other members responded
that the vote did not signal a go-ahead for construction. Rather, it allowed
the congregation to clarify its ultimate vision for the building—a necessary
step in planning for any capital campaign. After the campaign takes place,
adjustments will be made, and the congregation will vote again on final design
recommendations.
·
Another
member who voted by absentee ballot questioned the wisdom of launching a
capital campaign now, with the economy teetering toward recession. And indeed,
it would be foolhardy to undertake a campaign that might either fail or drag on
indefinitely. So setting the right campaign goal (or choosing to delay a
campaign) will be crucial.
Recognizing
this reality, an overwhelming majority (91%) voted to engage UUA fund-raising
consultant Kami O’Keeffe to conduct a feasibility study this spring. Kami will
conduct confidential interviews with up to 25% of our congregation (carefully
selected to represent our diverse ages, interests, and incomes). Extrapolating
from that information, she will recommend whether to proceed and what campaign
goal we can expect to achieve. We’ll vote on Kami’s recommendations at our annual
meeting on May 18.
Stay
tuned!
Beth
Jones
What’s Going On
New Monthly Event, Mar.
4
Starting in March, the UUFE will be hosting a Spanish Dinner, beginning at 6 p.m. This event will be
monthly and presents a great opportunity to eat a variety of Central and South
American foods as well as a chance to "bone up" on your Spanish. Born
from the desire to get to know the Spanish-speaking people of our community
better, this dinner will be open to the public. Bring a dish of your own
"Spanish" influence, and feel free to stay after the dinner for some
music and singing. Hasta la vista!
Drumming Circle, Mar. 8
The first Friday of March (and most months) there is a drumming circle at
7 p.m. 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, so stop by. Note: Anyone who has a drum or percussion
instrument to donate that would be appropriate for this group please call Debra
Hathaway (410-770-9057) or bring to the group.
Women's Luncheon, Mar.
13
Another change of date and time. They are going to start meeting at noon
on 2nd Thursdays in an attempt to better fit the lunch into their busy lives.
This month, they will gather at Eagle Spirits at the Easton Club off Oxford
Road. Call Anne Lemp (410-822-9370) if you can come.
Dinner and a Movie
Night, Mar. 14
The dinner and a movie night movie will be "Monsoon
Wedding," starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fellowship. Bring a food dish
consistent with food from India.
Vegetarian Potluck,
Mar. 18
Join us on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. for vegetarian fare
and discussion. This month features Foods You Love--any favorite vege dish or
specialty or bring a salad, bread, or desert. There is always lots of good
food, so feel free to stop by and sample our cooking. Please tell your
vegetarian friends about our group: All are welcome! Call Dana Keller
(410-763-6508) for more info.
Volunteer Needed
Every year about this
time, we wish for a wee sprite to pop out of the woods and chop down those
ornamental grasses under our road sign. It's a nasty job and requires some
powerful hedge clippers, or eve a chain saw, but it must be done. They should
be taken almost to the ground and the dead stuff discarded. Maybe if we squeeze
our eyes shut and say the magic words....Any would-be sprite can call Carol
Kabler (410-745-9255) for further directions.
Music
Notes
Small items of note as we hum about our business this month:
· Dave Moore, Cathy Miller, and Patty Rubin attended the JPD music and
worship festival Feb. 22 at UUCA. About 100 JPD folk involved in music and
worship attended, up from 65 last year. It's always fun to hear new ideas, sing
new music, and bring some back to share; it's even more rewarding to connect
with area UUs and exchange news and experiences.
· Welcome to Whitney Ford, who is accompanying the 9 a.m. service!
Whitney is a junior at Easton High School and comes to us with cheerfulness,
commitment, and the praises of her piano teacher. We are happy to have her
services on our road to new growth as well as happy to nurture a young
musician's growth.
· Choir practice is still Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m., but we're discussing
the possibility of starting later to accommodate those who are not back from
work at that time. Please let me know if you'd be interested in singing with
the choir if we did start later. The easiest way to contact me is at snug@intercom.net,
or you can leave a message at 410-745-2000 or nab me as I'm flitting about
before or after service.
If you'd like to give me feedback or ideas on any aspect of music at
UUFE, please contact me any of the ways above. My primary aim is to enhance
worship experience through participation in musical expression by supporting
the congregational hymns, providing opportunities for musicians to share their
expressions of musical ministry, and offering another facet through which to
explore the service theme. If it looks like we're just having fun, well, we're
glad to share that, too!
Patty Rubin
Member Services
The next meeting of the Member Services Committee will be on Wednesday,
March 12, at 3:00 p.m.
Recycle Greeting Cards!
Please bring used greeting cards and place them in the identified box
under the table in the foyer. They will be used for many projects at the
Delmarva Adult Day Care Center. Cards can be placed in the box whole or with
the fronts cut off.
Joys and Concerns
Members and friends of our congregation experienced a number of joys as
well as sorrows during the past month.
Joys
A group joy is the very successful service auction that we had at UUFE on
Valentine`s evening. We raised over $4,000 and in the process had a wonderful
time filled with laughter and good fellowship.
Concerns
Our thoughts are with Cynthia Quast as she attempts to offer support to
her sister who is struggling with a serious illness.
Children’s RE
Secret Friends
March starts a busy spring season for children`s religious education. All
month, the “Secret Friends” program continues, with adults providing clues to
their identity and children trying to guess which adult is contacting them each
week. March 30, there will be a potluck where Secret Friends are revealed to
one another and get a chance to deepen their bond. Adults—bring your childhood
favorite dish. We`re going to keep it simple because the weekend before there
will be a Family Gala with games, storytelling, and music sponsored by the
Stewardship Committee. This Gala will
be an opportunity to show our support for our community and all we share here.
Social Action
Saturday, March 8, will be a special RE Social Action field trip. We will
be going to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to help plant 30,000 trees. We
will meet at UUFE at 9 a.m. to travel together, or you are encouraged to show
up throughout the day to help as much as you can. Blackwater is located in
Cambridge: Turn left at the Walmart on Rt 50 and follow the signs. Be sure to bring
gloves and rubber boots or old shoes, clothing appropriate to the weather, and
lunch (drinks, snacks, and restrooms will be provided).
Sunday, March 9, we will
follow up by cleaning up our nature trail during RE (weather permitting—wear
old clothes and boots in any case).
Calling for Teachers
March is also the time to start planning for next fall. We need to line up who will teach, and what
curriculum they will use. Ideally,
every adult who is able will take a turn teaching every 5 years, and every
parent will volunteer every 3 years. Teaching is simple and fun and brings many
benefits.
Homeschool Outreach
Coming in April we will be sponsoring a special outreach to area
homeschoolers based on exploring different cultures in a creative and unique
way. Stay tuned for details on what we hope will become a monthly event.
All-Fellowship Retreat
In late May we are planning an All-Fellowship Retreat at Camp Mardela.
Mark the dates of May 30-June 1 for a weekend of fun, spirituality, beauty, and
fellowship. We are looking for workshop ideas, so let me know if you would like
to lead a 2- or 3-hour workshop.
Spring brings so much beauty and a renewed sense of growth and
fruitfulness. Together we can do meaningful work and enjoy the tasks more
because of the company. We are very
fortunate to have so much to give, and a community to share.
Calling All Homeschoolers
We are planning to organize an
event that will appeal to area home schoolers for this spring. We will have an organizational meeting during
our regularly scheduled RE committee meeting on March 11 at 3:30 p.m. Please
let Mary Lou know if you are interested or know someone
I should contact.
Youth Group
Every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the teens meet on the RE porch for
conversation, a light dinner, and planning. New youth are always welcome.
February plans were shortchanged due to the blizzard, but March promises to be
great. An overnight is planned for Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15,
with gaming, movies, and fun. March 28-30, there is a district Spring CON
(teen-led weekend with workshops and little sleep) in Cherry Hill, NJ. We also
may try to take a group to the JPD Spring Conference in Timonium, MD, the first
weekend in April.
Peace,
Mary Lou
Adult
RE
We are back on track after having had a slight disruption of the Adult
RE-scheduled classes to allow for those who wanted to attend Arun Gandhi's
lecture at Salisbury University last Wednesday evening. The following is the
rearranged schedule.
Creating a Just Economic
Community
The three part series, “Creating a Just Economic Community” is as
follows:
·
Feb. 19,
Economic Equity. We will view and discuss a video by Bill Moyers titled, “Free
Speech for Sale.” Leader: Gene Goll
·
Feb. 26,
Global Village or Global Pillage? A look at how economic globalization affects
certain parts of the world`s population negatively. Leader: Jim Richardson
·
Mar. 12,
Building Alliances for Social Change. This session will identify allies in
building effective relationships that promote justice and equality in economic
systems. Leader: Dan Higgins
Mar. 5, Hosea Ballou
and Atonement: A UU History Presentation
The program on March 5 remains the same as
previously publicized in the Adult RE brochure. Hosea Ballou was arguably the
first Unitarian Universalist in our movement. Jim will talk of Ballou and his
book, The Treatise on the Atonement. It may sound like a strange topic
today, but it captivated the public two centuries ago. Leader: Jim Bank
Mar. 19, Mindfulness
Meditation 101
Mindfulness is a core practice of many
Buddhist and Hindu sects. Through dedicated practice, one can gradually find
greater self-understanding and tranquillity and, ultimately, a transformation
of the nature of the ego. This introduction will provide instructions on mindfulness,
a brief practice period, and time for questions. Leader: David Mercier, LAc,
Manager of Shore Health's Center for Integrative Medicine, was a Buddhist monk
in Sri Lanka between 1975 and 1977.
Mar. 26, The First
Principle
We will exam the first UU principle, "The inherent worth and dignity
of every person." We covenant to afirm and promote our UU Principles, but
how easy or difficult is it? This one, in particular, is hard to practice in
daily life.
We hope many of you will be able to join us for these interesting
programs. The time for all the remaining Adult RE programs is from 7:00 to 9:00
p.m.
Adult RE
Chair: Laura Lathan. Committee Members: Gene Goll, Gail Woodall, and Jim Bank
Stand
Up for Peace and Justice on
International
Women's Day
Washington, DC
Saturday, March 8, 2003
“Join thousands of women and men from all walks
of life for this amazing
women-led peace convergence” (www.unitedforpeace.org)
11 a.m. Rally at Malcolm X Park located at
16th St. between W and Euclid Sts., N.W.
1 p.m. March to encircle the White House
Speakers