CUUC Newsletter, January, 2010

Editor, Steven Botts,

WE COVENANT TO PROMOTE:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equality, and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning ;
• The right to conscience and the use of the democratic process;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; and
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Schedule of Events
2. Announcements
3. Upcoming Services
4. Articles and Reports
5. Affinity Groups
6. Directory

Note to contributors and readers:

Be advised that the newsletter deadline is the first Sunday after the second Wednesday of each month, and is printed in 12 point Times New Roman font.

#1

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

December 22

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7 PM

December 24

Christmas Eve Service

December 26

Work and Maintenance Party, 10 AM

December 27

Morning Service

Fourth Sunday Soup Lunch

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

Men’s Group, 6:30 PM

December 28

Women’s Group, 7PM

December 29

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7: PM

January 3

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

January 5

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7: PM

January 10

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

Second Sunday Culinary Food Exchange

Men’s Group, 6:30 PM

January 11

Women’s Group, 7PM

January 12

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7 PM

January 13

Committee for the Ministry, 4-5 PM

January 17

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

Social Capital Group, 6:30 PM

January 18

Committee for the Ministry, 4-5 PM

January 19

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7 PM

January 24

Morning Service , 10:30 AM

Fourth Sunday Soup Lunch

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

Men’s Group, 6:30 PM

January 26

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7:00 PM

January 25

Women’s Group, 7 PM

January 30

Work and Maintenance Party, 10 AM

January 31

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

#2

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

Rev. Phil Schulman

Performers wanted for the Christmas Eve service. - Please sign up early. This will help me arrange the service. This year's theme is the miracle of the Christmas spirit. We are not looking for a discussion on what it means to you. Rather, we are asking you to consider "the miracle of Christmas spirit." Then with an appreciation of this spirit (as you understand it), choose a song, story, poem, dance or other creative expression and give this to the community as a Xmas present.

Social Capital Group

Peter Van Dusen

The next meeting will be the third Sunday of January

Member Care

Glenna Jones-Kachtik

Mary Beth Romeo is taking it easy. She has no immune system right now, so, no visitors, and she reports that she is now infectious again. She is looking for her doctor to recommend her to the Mayo clinic to see if they can isolate and take care of this bug. I am sure she would enjoy e-mails and cards. 5903 Babcock #1203/78240. 694-5233/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

June Kachtik – Many of you may have noticed that June has not been her usual chipper self lately. She has a diagnosis of Diverticulitis, although not flared up and just found out she has a kidney infection as well as an even more whacko thyroid. Keep her in your thoughts.

#3

UPCOMING SERVICES

December 20

“A Chaparral Christmas Gift”

Mary Grace Ketner

"A Chaparral Christmas Gift." How is it that the magic of Christmas, with its message of peace on earth, penetrates the hearts of even non-believers? O Henry gives one answer in his Christmas story set in his adopted home of south Texas.

December 24

Christmas Eve Service

Rev. Phil Schulman

The first 12 people who sign up will have the opportunity to share a performance offering expressing the miracle of the Christmas spirit. Performers are welcome to a liberal interpretation, and may draw on any source. And those who give will need people to receive. So give us the gift of your presence and receive the gifts of song, music, poetry, and story.

December 27

Morning after the Morning after

Rev. Phil Schulman

Christmas is over. Besides New Years, what now? Whether in relief or mourning, there is transition in the air. How do we fill the void? UU's have more than one answer. Question for the day: "Where is the love now?"

January 3

A Spiritual Solution for Every Problem

Rev. Phil Schulman

As we begin a new year, let's consider putting this horse before our cart. What is our spirituality and how could we use it for the basis to face all of life's challenges?

January 10

Joys and Concerns Service

Peter Van Dusen

Sharing joys and concerns is a regular part of our weekly liturgy, but today we’ll have the opportunity to take a longer view of the pleasures and sorrows of life that have visited us in the past year or so.

January 17

The Reasons for Reason. The Reasons for God. The Reasons for Church.

Henry Halff

Unitarian-Universalists are nothing if not rational. So we are out after the truth of the matter when it comes to such things as God. We might do better by asking ourselves not just what is true, but also what we need.

January 24

Transforming Pain to Power

Rev. Phil Schulman

Transforming Pain to Power and Peace

Often we arrange our world to try to avoid things that trigger our pain. It ends up blocking us from embracing live's deep joy and fulfillment. As we begin a new year, let's consider some ways to make peace with the events or parts of ourselves we would lke to banish. When we come home to ourselves, we will find freedom and unleash our creative power.

January 31

The Kindness of Strangers

Congregational Panel

Sometimes we get help from people who are not friends or family, and have absolutely nothing to gain from what they do. They may even go to considerable trouble on our behalf without expecting reward, and even refusing it when offered. Come to hear more about this aspect of human nature.

#4

ARTICLES AND REPORTS

From Our Pastor

The following is a slightly edited version of the Report that I submitted to the CUUC Board of Trustees on 12/6:

Dear Board,

Your term thus far has seemed to me to be a very trying and challenging one. When you began, you anticipated a $6K shortfall. Subsequent stewardship efforts and requests of the congregation resulted in sufficient pledging to close that gap. I was amazed and grateful for this efforts and the success. Similarly, I'm grateful for many other volunteer efforts that I've witnessed.

I celebrate the many victories we have achieved together. For example, CUUC had a record number of people attending the Fall Conference this year. We've seen new energy in some places, and there have been a few new people stepping forward to take on leadership (eg. Robert and Heather, Pierce and Kelly, Stephanie Sepaugh). There have been moves toward "best practices" including some continued advances in worship leadership, and a increase in interest in understanding and participating in our wider UU movement. Most importantly, people here have accepted challenges placed before them, have grown in UU faith and in their ability to experience and express our values.

Despite these advances, the lack of new members and visitors, combined with continued vacancies in key leadership positions has had many of us concerned. At the "Future of the Church Meeting" I mentioned that when a team isn't winning, a new general manager is usually chosen, and that when a corporation doesn't show a profit for several periods, a new CEO is hired. It was my way of letting you know that I was considering if the time for me to go was at hand. My colleagues all tell me that there is an art to knowing when it's time to hang in there, and when it's time to move on.

On December 2nd, I communicated with board president Peter Van Dusen telling him that I did not intend to renew my contract after this church year. I told him that I would stay around and continue to serve for the duration of this year if it seemed that would be useful to the congregation. I want to do what I can to help CUUC celebrate its accomplishments, grieve its losses and determine its future course.

Successful leadership depends upon the support and cooperation. For a church to thrive it takes a unity of vision, values and agreement as to how to carry these out. I have found that much of my/ our energy is spent due to a lack of unity and agreement. I don't see it serving the congregation or myself to continue to do the same thing and hope for different results.

By listening to the congregation, to my training and my faith, I hoped to be able to provide vision that would unite us. At times I've expressed frustration. However, any frustration I've expressed must be understood in perspective, and should not overshadow the reality that I am grateful for the opportunities to serve here. I expected to be able to expand the size of the membership, and there is pain in disappointment. However, this pain doesn't change in the least my certainty of the value of the ministry that we have shared together.

Three things will make a huge difference in the days to come: 1) appreciation for the people and relationships that make up the CUUC congregation 2) valuing of the larger UU movement of which CUUC is a part and 3) willingness to face the challenges with dignity and respect.

Thank you for the generosity of spirit I have come to know will be present. In whatever time I will have with you, I trust that there will be learning, spiritual growth and faith development for all of us willing to the congregation as well as me.

Sincerely,

Phil

RE NEWS

Glenna Jones-Kachtik, DRE

Stephanie Walls, RE Chair

Here it is, it’s Christmas time again; with all the magic that the Season brings. Carolers caroling; presents wrapping; gift buying, Santa and his Elves and all the Christmas shows – that we have watched since our children who are now grown are showing up again… There is Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer & who could forget the Grinch??? For Christians, it is the beginning of the Greatest Story Ever Told - the story of the Birth of Jesus. For Unitarian Universalists, who may or may not believe in Jesus – this is about welcoming strangers and helping others. (At least I would like to think that as UUs we would welcome a Mary & Joseph and accord them hospitality – not say that there was no room in the inn.

Last Sunday, 12/13, the RE class held a pageant called the Light of Life. It showed how light plays an important part in this Season of Miracles and Giving. Laura Presley brought the “light” and illuminated Yule – handing off to Michael Parmley who lit all 3 candles (red, white & green) on our Yule Log. Then she carried the light to Divali – where Mark lit the Diyas and the kids banged on pans and threw colored paper. Next the light was carried to Hanukkah where Crystal lit 2 candles in the Menorah. That was followed by Elly lighting 2 advent candles and the tree/wreath in the Sanctuary and the children set up the Nativity. Last but not least, the light was carried to Kwanzaa where 1 candle was lit (even though Kwanzaa doesn’t begin until 12/26). Every religion has its own Festival of Lights.

On 12/20, the children will have a Christmas Party during the RE hour. We will be making cards, gifts & playing games & eating!

Next year with the first Sunday in January, Religious Education will be making some changes.

Every 1st Sunday of the Month will be Children’s Chapel. Children & Youth will gather in the Fireplace Room for their own service. They will have opening words, a chalice lighting, joys & sorrows and a story. Then the older kids will stay in the fireplace room in 2 groups for story related activities & discussion. Kane will be with Laura & Joseph will decide if he wants to participate in the story or just spend the hour playing with his sister.

2nd & 3rd Sundays of the Month will be curriculum Sundays. Classes will be held like they are today: Amazing Grace/Christianity Quest; World Religions; Pre K K & Childcare.

4th Sundays will be Social Justice Sundays. Children will again meet in the fireplace room, after participation in the beginning of the service. They will hear a story about a social justice related idea. There will be discussion of social justice ideas and perhaps some social justice type of projects. Again, Kane will be with Laura & Joseph can decide if he wants to participate or be in Childcare with Lena.

5th Sundays will be Arts/Crafts Sundays. All children will participate in Arts & Crafts.

We are hoping that these changes will make better use of our parents.

We are sorry to see the DeKings leave; but rejoice in the fact that Eric is now working, even if they do have to move to CT. We will certainly miss them.

Thanks to Steph & Mark for their excellent help with the Pageant, to Kelly & Pierce for “bringing” the bearer of the Light & the Ringer of the Bell and special thanks to Vicki for all the arranging and setting up she did in helping us get ready last Sunday. RE wants Stephanie & Peter to know how much we appreciate their playing for the Light of Life and the Congregation for their wonderful singing!

Happy 2010 to everyone!

Glenna Jones-Kachtik

Social Justice

Glenna Jones-Kachtik

We are right in the middle, so to speak, of Guest At Your Table. By now, I hope that you have had a chance to read some of the Stories of Hope. Story 1 tells of the triumph of Daw San, a widow in Myanmar who survived Cyclone Nargis. UUSC partners provided help in rebuilding her house…and then there is the story of Guadalupe Nunez and her quest for clean water – not overseas in some 3rd world country; but right here in the USA –in California. There is also the story of Abdul Khan, a schoolteacher in Afghanistan, who fights for human rights. Last, but not least, is the story of Jacinta who is a tailor in Kenya who got a small business loan.

UUSC also has Justworks Camps for specific tasks such as: helping Katrina victims repair their homes; helping farmers in Guatemala produce coffee; and working alongside Native Americans in Clinton OK to repatriate burial remains…The provide rights in times of Humanitarian Crises such as helping the women of Dafur against the Janajaweed; Helping with survivors of hurricanes and Tsunamis, floods and with drought. UUSC defends civil liberties; promotes the rights of workers & defends the right to clean, safe drinking water.

Please remember to think of the people UUSC helps and either place money into the GAYT box throughout the Holidays or put it directly into an envelope and send it to UUSC.

Again, this Christmas seek out ways to make a difference. Adopt an animal at the SA Zoo; Support Heifer International. When you shop, be sure it is a fair traded item. Just as you do when you buy vegetables or meats keep in mind the production methods and how it got from farm./field to table. Support UNICEF by buying their cards and gifts. Support your local markets. Give the gift also of your time and talents. Support Elf Louise, Toys for Tots, Angel Trees & Blue Santa. Be sure and take your unwanted items to the SAMMs shelter or volunteer to serve food in a soup kitchen or Under the Bridge.

‘Tis the Season to be giving.

Glenna Jones-Kachtik

Mary Beth Romeo

#5

AFFINITY GROUPS

Socrates Cafe

Marilyn DeKing

The Brown Bag Socrates Cafe will meet at 12:15 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at Community Unitarian Universalist Church. Bring your lunch and join us for a satisfying philosophical session.

At the beginning of each session, participants submit and vote on the question to be discussed. Resolution is not the goal of the discussion. We usually end with more questions than we began with.

Everyone is welcome to participate in Socrates Cafe or to visit and see what it is about

Women's Group

Jean Halff

The Women's Group is open to CUUC women and friends of the church. We meet every 2 weeks, on a Monday night at the church, starting at 7 p.m. and usually finishing before 9 p.m.

Each woman usually talks for about 10 minutes about anything she wishes.

However, you don't have to talk if you would rather not. What is divulged is kept confidential unless otherwise stated. It is a great way to get to know the women in the church on a more personal level in a safe environment. We invite you to come and join us and let us get to know you.

Men's Group

Steven Botts

The CUUC men's group meets every second and fourth Sunday from 6:30 - 8:30 PM All CUUC men or male visitors are welcome to join us.

Group leadership rotates from meeting to meeting in alphabetical order of the members. . The leader for each meeting is also the host, and he is responsible for furnishing snacks and drinks.

We usually start off meetings with a clearing, in which each member is allowed to talk about recent events in his life, if he wishes to, for as long as he sees fit. Next, the facilitator introduces the topic for the evening. This may involve a short reading - a poem, an article or other text. The subject could be just about anything that the facilitator would like the group to address: What's going on at CUUC, religion, economics science, health, family, friendship, etc.

Around 8:30, we wind things up by deciding who is going to facilitate the next meeting, declare this one finished, clean up, and leave.

#6

DIRECTORY

Officers:

President -Peter Van Dusen, 210 - 724 -1614 – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Member At Large - Mary Beth Romeo- 210- 694 5233 – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Treasurer - June Kachtik, 210-342-0135 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Secretary – Pierce Presley- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Member At Large, Veronica Gard, 210 - 499 4118 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Coordinators:

Programs Committee - Nancy White, 210 - 650 4785 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Member Services - Mark and Stephanie Walls 210 - 681-8188 -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Operations Committee - John Bradshaw, 210-341-8506, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and Mary Beth Romeo, 210 - 694 5233 -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Staff:

Minister - Phil Schulman, 210-614-2014, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Director of Religious Education, Glenna Jones-Kachtik, 956-451-5925,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Church E-mail Addresses

Messages to the Board of Trustees may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Calendar additions and changes should be submitted to Glenna Jones-Kachtik at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Suggestions for and comments on the worship program may be sent to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Requests for special assistance and pastoral care may be sent to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Requests for use of the church facility and reports of maintenance problems may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Changes of address, other membership information, and newsletter subscription or unsubscription requests may be sent to

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it