The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Easton, Maryland

7401 Ocean Gateway, PO BOX 1162, Easton, MD 21601, 410-822-8103, www.uufeaston.org

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: Amy Eutsey, 410-820-7971

Two Sunday Services With Child Care, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., Sunday School, 11:00 a.m.

We’re Going Back to Two Services Starting June 10 @ 10 a.m.

April Sermons

Apr. 6, “Reaching Out by Reaching In”: This morning’s sermon is meant to be meditative – yet active, as well. It asks what we do with what bit of enlightenment we can find: how illumination expresses itself in a darkened world.

Apr. 13, “Let There Be Peace,” a Principled Sermon: How dare we, in this world of war and rumors of war, think of peace? Yet the goal of world community with Peace, Liberty and Justice for all is a principle of our denomination.

Apr. 20, “A Spring Festival”: Let us join together in readings and song to welcome Spring once more!

Musical Service

Apr. 27, “The Seasonal Change." Leaders, Betsy Jo Angebranndt and the Choirs of the UU Church of Annapolis and UUFE: They're back! The UU Annapolis choir gives us a marvelous gift each spring--a musical service. This year, our own choir will join them, as they explore in dialogue and in music the glorious arrival of spring.

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.

War

None of us is pleased with the situation in which our nation and our world are presently to be found. Because of the fast-paced nature of any combat today, it may well be that the war in Iraq is over by the time you read this article. Pray God it is! And if it is not, let us pray that this war ends quickly! But the nature of war is such that as quick as we may have made its passage through the use of our super weapons, the period of recovery takes much longer--stretching out into hundreds of years of distrust and misgiving.

I worry for our people and all other people as a result of what has happened. How can we say to others that preemptive battle is inappropriate? How can we mediate for peace between belligerent neighbors? How can we guarantee any nations, who have lost their confidence in us, that they are not the next to be invaded? What does our condemnation of weapons of mass destruction mean when we ourselves have used so many in so brief a period of time?

Surely we have not been good stewards of the power that history has bestowed upon us. I used to think we were, but cannot any longer. “Today I weep for my country,” Sen. Robert Byrd said to an almost empty Senate chamber on the eve of this war. “No more is the image of America one of a strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper….Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned….We flaunt our superpower status with arrogance [and] after war has ended…will have to rebuild more than the country of Iraq. We will have to rebuild America`s image around the globe.”

There is a passage in the Hebrew covenant`s book of Micah that is so important that it also is repeated in Isaiah. It was a favorite of Dr. King and was used by the Soviet government for a statue given it by the United Nations. It says that the day will come when God “will judge between many peoples and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

I find myself longing for that day to come. I look at my youngest and wonder what this world is that we will give as an inheritance to her and her peers. I wonder that a nation so conceived as our own could lead the world to so dangerous a point. I long for a new perspective shared by the multitude in all nations that will make Micah`s prophecy finally come true.

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

From the President

Mark Your Calendars…

…for two important congregational meetings coming in May.

Feasibility Consultant’s Report, May 11, 10:10–10:55 a.m.

Annual Meeting and Potluck Lunch, May 18 following second service

As I write, the United States appears just hours away from launching a preemptive strike against Iraq. Many of us continue to wonder how our country ended up in this troubling predicament. Peace Action Education Fund (www.paef.org) suggests that the problem extends well beyond Iraq to encompass our entire foreign policy. Peace Action makes a compelling case that U.S. foreign policy must more closely reflect American values if we are to enjoy enduring peace and security at home.

Here at the Fellowship, we remain actively engaged in participatory democracy. Every voice adds to our collective wisdom and helps to shape our collective future. Over the next 2 months, some key decision points include the following:

· April 11–13: Feasibility Study Weekend: Consultant Kami O`Keeffe will meet individually with a representative sampling of members to assess our congregation`s ability to conduct a capital campaign. Although Kami can`t interview everyone, she will provide extra copies of her questionnaire and encourages anyone who chooses to fill one out and mail it back to her anonymously. (Please refer to the insert for more details about the feasibility study, and please contact me if you`d like a written questionnaire and return envelope.)

· May 11 (between services) Feasibility Report: Kami will return to present her findings and answer any questions we might have.

· May 18 (after second service): Annual Meeting and Potluck Lunch: Plan to join us for a rollicking good time as well as for discussion and votes on some pivotal issues. In addition to electing the officers and board and approving our 2003-2004 annual budget, we`ll consider Kami`s recommendations for a fall capital campaign and charge a new committee with developing a comprehensive process for calling UUFE`s minister.

Please mark your calendars now, call 410-745-2365 or e-mail ejones@toadmail.com with any questions, and look for more details over the next few weeks.

Thanks,

Beth Jones

What’s Going On

Spanish Dinner, Apr. 1

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). Last month, nine people ate together, including Hispanics from Peru, Mexico, and Guatemala. Even if you don`t speak Spanish or 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. After a dinner all are welcome to stay for music and more conversation.

The group is free and open to all. Please bring a main dish, bread, beverage, or dessert. A Spanish-English dictionary, favorite latin music, or musical instruments also are also welcome. Call 410-763-6508 for more information or just show up! Hasta la vista!

Drumming Circle, Apr. 4

The first Friday of April (and most months) there is a drumming circle at 7 p.m. Some of the drummers are 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 (770-9057) or bring to the group.

Dinner and a Movie Night, Apr. 11

This month’s Dinner and a Movie will be “West Side Story,” starring Natalie Wood as Maria. It won Best Picture in the 1961 Academy Awards. We will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Fellowship. Please bring a food dish that is Spanish in origin or goes with a New York theme.

Family Potluck, Apr. 13, 12:15 p.m.

All are welcome to join us for a discussion on parenting in these troubled times. The children can play, and the parents can compare notes and commiserate. Bring a child-friendly dish. We could use a few nonparent volunteers to monitor the children while the parents look for answers. See Mary Lou Keller if you can stay for an extra hour—we’ll feed you! We’ll try to make this a monthly event, so please let us know if this is of interest.

Vegetarian Potluck, Apr. 15

Join us on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. for vegetarian fare and discussion. This month features Cheap Eats—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.

P.E.A.C.E. Vigil, every Thurs., 5–5:30 p.m.

Now more than ever we need to come together as a community and take a stand against violence of any sort. For a 1/2 hour after work, come stand in silence with your neighbors outside the Talbot County Courthouse to promote peace within our community and around the world.

Get Ready for May!

Multicultural Festival, May 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Many of us in the Fellowship are involved in organizing and supporting this annual event at Idlewild Park. Ethnic food, entertainment, and resources are highlighted. Facepainting, multicultural games, and lots of activities for children of all ages are available.

Our youth group is serving of food, with Dana Keller making his famous beans and rice and overseeing their efforts. Mary Lou Keller is the Master of Ceremonies and DJ and is looking for helpers. If you can help set up or break down tables, you are especially needed. It`s not too late to join the 28 other organizations that have displays or oversee activities. Hope to see you there!

All-Fellowship Retreat, May 30–June 1

Mark the dates of May 30 to June 1 for our first All-Fellowship Retreat at Camp Mardela. This will be a weekend of fun, spirituality, beauty, and fellowship. We are looking for workshop leaders, so let me know if you would like to lead a 90-minute workshop. There will be camping available, so it should be affordable for families. Semi-private rooms and dormitories also are available, so everyone will be comfortable. Stay tuned for details in the May Newsletter.

Music Notes

What kind of music do you like to sing or to listen to at the Fellowship or at home? Results of a song survey collected in 1999 from those attending UUFE services gave interesting and useful information. A new song survey will be distributed in May. Both specific feedback about particular songs or hymns and general opinions about types of music will be appreciated.

Cathy Miller and I went to a community sing in northwest Washington, DC, on March 23. We gathered with at least 150 folk in an informal space and learned songs in four-part harmony through oral tradition techniques, listening and repeating a new song every 20 to 30 minutes. Watching Ysaye Barnwell, who led the singing, was as much fun as singing with her. The next sing is April 23. See the bulletin board or contact me for more information.

On April 27, the Annapolis UUC choir will be leading both the 9 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services. Their always-wonderful offering was even more amazing last year when the UUFE choir joined in for several pieces, making almost 40 choristers in our humble space. If you find this hard to imagine, mark your calendars for that Sunday because we`re doing it again!

Patty Rubin

Member Services

The next meeting of the Member Services Committee will be on Wednesday, April 9, at 3:00 p.m.

Thank You!

Many thanks to David Manning for his generous offer to donate a new television to replace the one that recently broke. We know many programs and committees that use it for fun and for trainings will appreciate it.

Thank you to everyone who brings in items for the four donation boxes that are under the table in the foyer. The boxes are labeled as follows: Food Items for the Neighborhood Service Center, Cosmetics and Personal Care Items for the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence Safe-house, Used Greeting Cards for use in craft projects at the Adult Day Care Center, and Books for donation to the Talbot County Jail. Please continue to fill the boxes and volunteers will continue to deliver them to each agency.

Joys and Concerns

Members and friends of our congregation experienced a number of joys as well as sorrows during the past month.

Joys

Anna Rubin was offered a full scholarship to Goucher and an acceptance at St. John`s College in Annapolis. Stay tuned for more news from Anna as the spring progresses. We are so pleased to hear from Ann Ford, our administrative assistant, that her husband is recovering well following the amputation of his leg early in March. He is currently working very hard with the professionals at the rehabilitation center in Salisbury. Cathy Miller has made some major decisions regarding life after retirement (2 years from now), and to make those plans a reality, she will begin an 18 month course of study in therapeutic massage in Baltimore in July. Classes will be held every weekend, so we will see much less of Cathy than we would like during that time. Tineke Tan has experienced a return to her usual good spirits following a long struggle with surgery and the effects of pain and postoperative recovery challenges. Spring is the season of birth and rebirth, and it is in evidence in our Fellowship. The following people are expecting or have recently welcomed newcomers to their families and extended families: Mary Lou Keller became a great aunt; Steve Suttles is anticipating the birth of a godchild, and Jim Bank will become a great uncle

later this year.

Concerns

Len and Ella Janssen are mourning the death of their dog, Marika, a long-time companion. Eric Striegel`s uncle suffered a stroke, and Eric and his family are awaiting news of his uncle's expected prognosis. Lew Evans is saddened by the serious illness of two important people in his life--his brother and a dear friend. Collective concerns were expressed throughout this month regarding the grave state of our world.

Children’s RE

s I sit down to write this month`s column, the war on Iraq has just begun. My mind is a bit numb, I have a headache, and I just want to climb into bed and stay there for a few days. My life is very busy and has continued as usual—except that I feel sick a lot. My biggest question now is how to protest the policy and support the soldiers? I have a brother in the Air Force and a nephew in the Navy, and both have been deployed. My nephew has a 10-day-old son, the first of his generation in my family. My brother`s family includes two young children. I want them to know that I support their actions, that I believe they are performing a valuable service, that if they die it was not in vain. How do I do that when I publicly disagree with the policy that got them there?

My son is fearful that he will be drafted and that we will not be able to prevent him from serving in what he thinks to be an unjust war, that he will be asked to kill someone. Even our repeated assurances that we would do anything in our power to prevent that have not quieted his fears completely. What else can I say to reassure him?

Recently, I hosted a baby shower for one of my English as a Second Language students from South Korea. Her country is in imminent fear of a war on its soil, with many of her loved ones still there. Her baby is being born into a whirlwind of threats and terror. What do I say to comfort her?

The world seems such a dangerous place today. Yet, we must continue to celebrate the arrival of new children and the joys of community. Life goes on, and we struggle with the big questions as we go about our lives. I draw strength from my faith that things will change. That this is a down moment and that peace will be restored. That love will prevail over hate, as it has always done. That I can surround myself in a cocoon of love and stay there until the worst is over.

Remember to cocoon yourself and your loved ones, and be especially gentle with everyone. Come to the Fellowship and share your feelings; it helps to commiserate and just be together in a loving place. We will have a family potluck on Sunday, April 13, at 12:15 p.m. to work on parenting in these tough times. Please join us.

I hope that by the time this is published the anxiety will have diminished and the answers to some tough questions have been resolved. I hope my family, friends, and everyone are safe and unharmed. I hope the world finds its way back to peace soon.

Peace, Mary Lou

Secret Friends

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Secret Friends program. I heard great things from most children and adults and know some long lasting bonds were formed between the generations, strengthening our community.

Social Action

March 8th was our RE Social Action field trip. Twenty-four of us went to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to help plant 20,000 trees! It was a great day. The next day we followed up by cleaning up our nature trail during RE, and the weather provided us with the perfect outlet for our cabin fever. Everyone got really dirty and wet and we even picked up some trash!

Homeschool Program

Starting in April we will be sponsoring a special monthly outreach to area homeschoolers based on exploring different cultures in a creative and unique way. The idea is to showcase a country for the whole day - from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Preregistered children will be split into three “family groups”: one will do food, another entertainment, and the third daily life. When we gather, children will see a short video on the country then go with their group to prepare a meal, plan entertainment, or study the aspects of daily living. Our first country will be Uganda, and we will be using some resources from the Heifer project. Anyone who has any resources on that country that you could lend us please let Mary Lou Keller or Nicole Meehan know. If anyone has been to Uganda or a neighboring African nation, we would love your help.

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. Fifteen teens spent the night on March 14, and they would like to thank the Fellowship for the space and support. Also, thanks to Nancy Dimond, Dave Moore, and Dana Keller for chaperoning. We also may try to take a group to the JPD Spring Conference in Timonium, MD, the first weekend in April, or a Con later that month.

Adult RE

Adult RE meets most Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. All are welcome!

Apr. 2, Trying the Belief-O-Matic

We will examine our first UU Principle (see last page of this newsletter). We covenant to affirm and promote our UU Principles, but how easy or difficult is it? This one, in particular, is hard to practice in daily life. Leader: Nancy Orr

Apr. 9, The Seventh Principle

Our seventh UU Principle celebrates the interdependent web of life (see last page of this newsletter). We'll explore individual actions, promising programs, and governmental initiatives that can shape our environmental legacy for our children. Leaders: Beth Jones and Chris Shelton of Town Creek Foundation

Apr. 16, The Growth of God or the Growth of Humanity?

Join in on a discussion of whether the human concept of God has gown through time or whether God herself has grown and grows as time goes by. Leader: Jim Bank

Apr. 23, Complementary Medicine: What Is It, and How Can It Help?

We'll discuss some of the popular techniques of complementary medicine, including its usefulness in treating specific conditions. In addition, we will discuss how the principles behind natural healing methods are relevant to spiritual growth. Demonstration of acupuncture. Leader: David Mercier, LAc, Manager of Shore Health's Center for Integrative Medicine and Buddhist Monk in Sri Lanka between 1975 and 1977

Apr. 30, Celebrating Spring