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This is the monthly newsletter of the First Unitarian Church of Omaha
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Sunday Services At 9:30 am and 11:15 am
March 3 | Rev. Frank Rivas | Whom Do We
Serve?
An exploration of the mission of the liberal
church... and the mission of our own church.
March10 | TBA
March 17 | Rev. Frank Rivas | Dayenu
Passover doesn’t begin until the 26th, but I
want to reflect on Passover without
confusing it with Easter. “Dayenu,” Hebrew
for “It would have been sufficient,” refers to
a prayer that models gratitude.
March 24 | TBA
March 31 | Rev. Frank Rivas | Anastasis
Emerson wrote that Jesus “spoke of
miracles; for he felt that man’s life was a
miracle, and all that man doth… But the
word Miracle, as pronounced by Christian
churches, gives a false impression; it is
Monster. It is not one with the blowing
clover and the falling rain.” One Easter we
examine the miracle that diminishes all
others.
Anne and I feel blessed to be here.
I laugh even as I write that sentence. Had you asked me earlier in my
life about the possibility of serving a church in Omaha, Nebraska,
“blessed” would not have been the first word that came to mind.
Blessing, however, is always a surprise.
The building and music program are indeed part of the blessing, but
the core of the blessing is the people, who have genuine affection for
one another. Yes, there are the conflicts that all healthy
congregations have: how to set priorities with limited resources
(limited time, limited space, limited energy, limited finances). Only
a defunct institution would not have such struggles.
If we focus too much on these struggles, we risk losing sight of the
big picture. This month, as we conduct our stewardship campaign, I
want to ask again the foundational question, “Whom do we serve?”
It’s a permutation of the question that plays a key role in the Grail
legend.
We must ask the question over and over. We must find the courage
to articulate the answer that is in our hearts.
Blessings and love,
Frank
The Newsletter of First Unitarian Church of Omaha
The Flame March 2013
REV.
ELATIONS
2
The Women’s Alliance will hold its next meeting on Monday, March 11 at 6:30pm in the Common Room
at First Unitarian Church. Our speaker for the March meeting is Emiliano Lerda, Esq., Director of JFON
(Justice For Our Neighbors). Originally from Argentina and now a U. S. citizen, Emiliano knows the
immigrant experience firsthand. He says that he was drawn to America’s Midwest because its agricultural
environment reminded him of his native Cordoba province in Argentina. Mr. Lerda earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa where he was the first international student elected
as student body president. After earning his law degree from Drake University in Des Moines¸ he
worked as government relations manager for the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Emiliano is passionate
about public service and is completing his studies toward an LL.M degree from the University of
Arkansas. He joined JFON as executive director in January 2011.
Our dinner ($12) will be corned beef and cabbage catered by Eddy’s and chick pea stew for our
vegetarians. If this is your first time, please be our guest. Reservations must be made no later than
Friday, March 8 to Janet West: 402-553-3162 or [email protected]. We hope to see you at
the meeting.
First Thoughts on Our Pledge Campaign:
Weaving Our Journeys by Ron and Diane Withem, co-chairs
Women’s Alliance
Please join us March 3 for the “kickoff” or as a previous campaign dubbed it, “Generosity Sunday” of “Weaving Our
Journeys” for our 2013-14 Pledge Drive. There is more information in this issue of The Flame, but let us be the first to
invite you to join us in pledging to build the future of our church and to take part in the all-church celebration to be
held Saturday, March 30 at The Elmwood Towers. This fund drive will be filled with heart-felt words and an artistic
endeavor in which pledging persons will be asked to take part (see Judith Wright’s article on page 10 ). There will once
again be an All-Church party (complete with talent show) which will serve as the culmination of what we hope will be
the First UU’s most successful pledge campaign of the 21st century!
Joining us in this is the most wonderful group of volunteers anyone could ask for—all of whom have offered us their
knowledge, support, and creativity. Jaime Alexander is our honorary chair. We benefit from his inspiration to all
church members from the care he puts into greeting visitors to his smoothing the way for those interested in learning
about our church through UUs and You. Our steering committee includes Tony and Sandy Host, Louise Jeffrey, Lois
Norris, Kim Dunovan, Carolyn McNamara, Anne Rivas, Barb Ross, and Judith Wright. Judith has offered not only this
year’s party location, but her artistic talents to create the beautiful tapestry that we will each take part in weaving as
we turn in our pledges! Each and every member of this committee has offered invaluable input toward getting this
project under way. When you see these people, remember to thank them for the hard work they put in to the
project. Additionally, we have had counsel and input from board president Kate Godfrey. Walt Jesteadt has offered
budget information, and Megan Gustafson and Dave Richardson of the Religious Services Committee have offered help
along with Reverend Frank who has encouraged us and offered his input and vision. As co-chairpersons of this year’s
pledge/generosity campaign, we have discovered why past campaigns have been so successful—each person we have
approached is more than willing to help. It is being a part of this larger community—one woven together with a
diverse set of members and friends—held together by the common thread of our belief in UU
principles—which makes our church and congregation so special.
Join with us in pledging generously this year to help grow our church!
Ron and Diane Withem
3
What’s in a Nametag?
Some of you may have noticed the snazzy new blue nametags that some members have been wearing for the last
few months. The membership team did a pilot of the new nametag design and the feedback was overwhelmingly
positive. So, you might be asking yourself what you can do to get one of these snazzy new name tags.
1. Be a member. If you are already a member you have the option of replacing your nametag using the steps
below. If you want to become a member, talk with Rev. Frank or anyone on the membership team. If you
recently became a member and haven’t received your nametag yet or are planning to become a member in
the very near future, a nametag will be ordered for you by our office admin. The first nametag for new
member for new members is still at no cost.
2. Let us know what name should be on the nametag. You can either send an email to
[email protected] or you can fill out one of the name tag cards in the pews and put it into the
collection plate.
3. Put your goodwill donation into the offering plate or bring it into the office. The name tags have a
cost of $12 to First U. However, we want to be sensitive to individual situations so instead of requiring
everyone to pay $12, we are asking for a goodwill donation to cover the cost. If you can afford $12 to cover
the cost, great. If you can only afford less, great. If you love the idea and want to pay $20 for your nametag,
great. In any case, you can put “Name tag” in your check’s memo line or simply put money in an envelope
and label the front with “Name tag.” We want this to be a positive thing for our community
4. You do NOT have to change. While many people like the new nametags, there is NO requirement to
change. If you prefer the standard black and white nametags or want to forgo a new name tag for any other
reason, no problem at all. This is an option, not a requirement, and we want to respect everyone’s desires.
If you have any questions about this process, you can contact the church office or Ben Wallace at
Example of the new name tag:
Would you like to host Coffee Hour?
Please see our online sign-up by going to this link:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44A9AE29A02-coffee1
Thank you!
3
Rev. John Buehrens, President of UUA from 1993 to
2001, said: “To be human is to be religious. To be
religious is to make connections. To lead a
meaningful life among the many competing forces of
the 21st century, each of us needs support in making
meaningful re-connections to the best in our global
heritage, the best in others, and the best in
ourselves.”
After a two-year trial and changes that have
occurred during that time period, the Board has
determined that the Senior Ministry Team is not the
preferable administrative structure for our church. It
is the Board’s intention to strengthen the committee
structure of the church. There is no “machine” in a church; it is people doing things and making
connections. At its best, committees are mini-
communities within the church. Only by making a
commitment to a community can we hope to build a
community.
Program Council is not a new idea to our church. It
is the Board’s intent that this Council be structured
to help manage day-to-day issues of the church
through appropriate committees. And that there be
an executive board consisting of the President-Elect,
Minister (ex-officio), and two members at large, one
selected by the Board and one by the Program
Council. We hope to have an initial meeting
scheduled for March. Committee chairs will be
notified in the near future. Representation is open to
all committee chairs or their designated
representatives. As with all church meetings, all are
welcome to observe and time will be made
available for public comment.
This should help the Board on communication
with the congregation and provide a forum for
discussion of major church issues. The Board
wants transparency in discussions and
deliberations of the church’s mission and plans.
And we want a strong, vibrant church community.
In faith,
Tony Host
President
Program Council Reforming
4
5
By now you know that this if my last president’s letter. It has been an honor to serve you these last two
years. I step aside due to family health concerns, confident that this congregation will be led by an excel-
lent new president.
Resigning in the heat of a Stewardship Campaign does make me feel a bit of a heel. Rest assured, this
remains our church, and we intend to continue supporting it.
Mission is the one thing I feel I’ve really left undone. We have a lovely mission:
First Unitarian of Omaha strives to be a diverse, liberal religious community with a tradition of open-mindedness
and tolerance. We promote spiritual growth, social justice, and service to those in need in order to affect positive
change in our society and in ourselves.
Though I would choose to phrase it differently:
Seed, Leaf, Flower, Fruit.
Seed: We plant, fostering the future through strong Child and Adult RE, strategic planning, and honoring
our dreams.
Leaf: We grow. Our faith calls us to challenge ourselves, to be open, and to engage in personal evolu-
tion.
Flower: We share. We offer our support through community outreach, pledging, and sharing UU with
others.
We plant, we grow, we bloom, we share.
Yours,
Kate Godfrey
President’s Letter
March
In March we are sharing the plate
with OTOC (Omaha Together
One Community). OTOC is a
local interfaith organization of
which First Unitarian is a founding
member. We encourage you to
learn more about OTOC by
visiting their website:
www.otoc.org.
Share the Plate
The Book Club will meet on
Monday, March 25 at 7pm to
discuss the book Behind the
Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death,
and Hope in a Mumbai
Undercity by Katharine Boo.
Please contact Dave Richardson
for more info at
The Book Club
UU & You classes provide an
introduction to Unitarian
Universalism and our church,
along with an opportunity to
share our religious journeys.
Visitors, newcomers, and the just
curious are cordially invited to
attend on Sunday, March 3. The
class will convene in the Whitney
Young Room 15 minutes after
the ending of the 11:15 service.
That usually works out to a 12:30
starting time. A light lunch will be
served to bolster the always
interesting conversation. Ending
time will be 2pm. If you need
childcare, please let us know by
the Friday before. RSVPs or
questions can be addressed to
[email protected] or call
the church office at 402-345-
3039.
UU & You
6
At Church This Month Check out our calendar at our website: www.firstuuomaha.org
We meet every Thursday in
the Merritt Lounge from
1-2:30pm.
We have begun a discussion of
the Gnostic Book of Thomas.
Join us! We have a great time!
Women’s
Religious Studies
Group
The Metro Equality Rally is
happening Monday, March 25 at
6pm in front of First Unitarian
Church.
On the eve of the US Supreme
Court hearing two national
equality cases, we gather in one
community to be informed, share
resources, and dialogue with our
leaders to promote equality
locally, and throughout the US.
Town Hall Meeting at 7pm that
night in the Common Room.
Check out their Facebook page
for more information:
http://www.facebook.com/
events/528732523824373/
Metro Equality
Rally What used to be known as
Witches’ Tea is now The Spirit
Circle.
This year, The Spirit Circle will
be taking a journey through the
Wheel of the Year. This is an
exploration of the major holidays
that most Pagan or Wiccan
traditions follow.
Come out on Sunday, March 3 at
7pm for our discussion on Moon
Phases.
Spirit Circle
7
At Church This Month
8
In February, YRUU teens enjoyed an overnight event with BeanBoozled, Sardines, Dungeons & Drag-
ons, JayBall, and more. We recently began some great discussions with lesson plans from the Virtue
Ethics curricula set from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Upcoming topics include Integrity,
Compassion, and Courage. A few teens have been stepping up to lead worship activities during the
last twenty minutes of each week's meeting. Some of the favorites so far included music as worship
and guided meditations. Spring is here early, it seems, so we also hope to be enjoying a few activities
outside in the coming months.
We are looking for all teens and parents to join us for an important discussion on March 6 at 7pm.
The ministers of Omaha’s two UU churches will be there and we hope you can join us for this discus-
sion!
Project Interfaith Tour Presents
YRUU by Naomi Solomon
On Sunday, March 10 The Interfaith Architecture Tour Made in America Featuring First U Church will
happen at our church. Check-in is at 1pm. Tour is 1:30 to 5pm. Embark on an afternoon exploring the
architectural styles of our own First Unitarian Church and the Mormon Trail Center (3215 State Street).
The afternoon will conclude with a community reception hosted by the Mormon Trail Center.
This program is open to the public: $5/students and $10/non-students. Pre-registration is strongly
encouraged as space is limited. To register go to www.madeinamericatour.eventbrite.com. This program
is open to the public and intended for educational purposes only.
We honored Black History Month in the U.S. by choosing Lewis Latimer as our person of the month
from UU history. The son of escaped slaves, Latimer became one of the first African American inven-
tors and helped found the Unitarian Church in Flushing, New York. Latimer grew up in Boson. His
family moved from house to house to escape from slave catchers, and he attended only grammar
school before going to work in his father’s barbershop. At 16, Latimer enlisted in the Navy to fight
for the Union in the Civil War, lying about his age. On his return, he landed a job as an office boy
with a patent law firm. Latimer eagerly studied the draftsmen who turned clients’ sketches into draw-
ings for their patent claims. He bought his own tools and practiced at night. In eleven years at the
firm, he rose to head draftsmen—but was paid less than white draftsmen. We learned about Lewis
Latimer and his many accomplishments on Sunday, February 24.
We Honor by Meka Tate, DRE
8
9 9
CommUUnity Night in March
We will meet in the Common Room on Friday, March 1 at 5:30pm.
If you haven't participated before, CommUUnity Nights are a fun, laid-back all-church event. We gath-
er together for a potluck of side items (the main dish will be provided by RE) and we don't worry
about who is bringing what; we may get KFC chicken nuggets, sushi, and guacamole, but we'll have
fun.
We eat together as a group and then just chill. Kids are free to roam and play and run and take own-
ership of their church. We will give the teens the Merritt Lounge as a fortress of solitude against the
chaos of family life. The adults chill, talk, play games, and just enjoy each other’s company.
If you can't bring anything or you are feeling too rushed to grab or make something last minute,
COME ANYWAY!
There is always plenty of food and what we really want is YOUU!"
10
Weaving Our Journeys
A wildly wonderful idea
maybe, hopefully
it could really be possible
to
artistically reach
our
ENTIRE next year’s budget
if
while we all were pledging
we would help create
a
joyously beautiful
“I PLEDGED WEAVING”
Just think of it
every week
more and more
of us
would be pledging
so that every week
the weaving could be growing
more and more too.
So that by the time the all-church dinner
came about
EVERYONE PLEDGED
and our weaving
would be joyously complete!
11 11
Weaving Our Journeys
How will this weaving evolve?
Turn in your pledge
Pick up your “I Pledged” sticker on Sunday mornings in the Common Room
Bring a length of something weave-able and wonderful from your life, no longer
than 50 inches and up to 4 inches wide.
Ideas of things to bring: a scarf, jewelry, a man’s tie, a glove, fabric from your
dress that’s too small, suspenders, a stripe of your favorite tablecloth, a lovely
handkerchief, ribbon, or yarn. These are just suggestions. We welcome your
own selections for this weaving.
If weaving doesn’t tickle your fancy and you have pledged and you want to send
something to weave, you can call the office and it will be picked up. We will
have weaving materials for you to choose from if you do not have something
weave-able.
Wanted: Singers, Actors, Musicians, Dancers, and
Poets
To shine in the Tapestry of Talent at the All Church Dinner on March 30. We need 10 five-
minute performances to showcase the richness and scope of the talent in our community.
Sing, play or read a favorite piece. Or compose something that enhances our Stewardship
theme, Weaving Our Journeys. Or, if the muses of Unitar are so inclined, there may be a ditty
or two about some of the highlights of the church year.
Please share your gifts as only you can. Contact Barb Ross at [email protected] by March 7.
Whitney Young Jr. — Part I
Whitney Moore Young Jr. was born in Kentucky in 1921.
He graduated from Kentucky State University at the age
of 20 and shortly thereafter served in WWII. It was here
as a young lieutenant that he first experienced how to
deal with racial injustice.
In 1950 he and his wife Margaret moved to Omaha when
he took the job as director of The Urban League of
Nebraska. Young’s biographer, Jordan Wankoff, noted:
“Young worked hard in Omaha and achieved a series of
successes. He increased placements in skilled and semi-
skilled professions by tripling visits to Omaha businesses.
With a local interracial group, the De Porres Club, he
brought a new awareness of race. During his time in
Omaha, black teachers began to teach white as well as
black children; minstrel shows and racial incidents
common in 1950 almost completely disappeared; the
Omaha Housing Authority ended racial segregation in
federal housing; and downtown hotels and restaurants
began serving blacks.”
In addition to their tireless work in the community, he
and his wife also signed the membership book at First
Unitarian Church. During his time as our minister in the
late ‘90s, Rev. Dick Benner contacted Mrs. Young, the
widow of Whiney. She spoke of their days in Omaha and
at First Unitarian noting that she was probably more
active in church work than her husband because he felt
the need to maintain relations with African-American
congregations which he often visited on Sunday mornings
as part of his work in strengthening community ties.
12
2019: Tw
o
Importan
t Eve
nts
2019 may seem a long way off;
however, that year is the conver-
gence of two important dates: the
150th anniversary of the founding of
the First Unitarian Church of Omaha
and the 100th birthday of our build-
ing, which was completed in 1919.
In 1960 Young was appointed the chairman of The
National Urban League after serving for a time as Dean
of the School of Social Work at Clark College in Atlanta.
It was during this period that he became a powerful
force in the Civil Rights Movement.
In Part II of this series, we will look at his work during
the tumultuous times of the 1960s. This month the PBS
series Independent Lens will be showing the
documentary on Whiney Young titled “The
Powerbroker.” As they say, check your local listings.
There are numerous current and past members of
First Unitarian Church who have distinguished them-
selves in service to the community, the region, and
the country. The list includes scholars, public serv-
ants, theologians and a US Senator. But none has
had more of a positive and wide-reaching impact
than Whitney Young. The noted Civil Rights figure
Rev. Andrew Young said of him, “He knew the high
art of how to get power from the powerful and
share it with the powerless.”
13
This year’s Annual Cowperson Chili Cook-Off did not disappoint. The
Common Room was crowded with all sorts of western lookin’ folks
who were interested in some serious chili tastin’ and eatin’. Marshall
Elaine Wells got things started by explaining the rules of votin’ for the best chili in both the vegetari-
an and carnivorous categories. Again this year there were so many chili recipes to choose from that a
cowpoke could hardly make a decision much less taste them all. But taste ‘em we did and here’s how
things turned out.
The best vegetarian chili award went to Nancy Scott, while second and third places went to Abby
Cape and Patricia Soto. The top prize for chili with meat went, once again, to Diane Withem (I keep
warning folks about that gal, but nobody listens) while newcomer Julia Thompson took second place.
This year there were so many chili recipes tied for third place that the judges just shook their heads
and decided they couldn’t decide.
In addition to chili votin’, folks were asked to choose their favorite cowboy and cowgirl costumes.
Well, that was a little easier. The prize for best cowgirl(s) went to the Witches of the West, alias
Chloe Coonfare and her pal Anne Gallagher, two of the cutest little gals the Common Room has ev-
er laid eyes on. The best lookin’ cowboy was really a bull by the name of Erik Martin who brought
some of his friends from back East to cheer him on. (They dressed like city slickers, but we let ‘em in
anyway!)
Folks were treated to toe-tappin’ music by Anne Wilder and Dave Olson and even joined in on some
sing-a-long tunes. Folks were also entertained by “spur” of the moment melodies by singers, Elaine
Wells, Mary Bort, Dave Rosser and Joe Schaaf. Thanks to all who made this year’s shindig a success:
Cook-Off Committee members Nadine Keith, Judith Wright, Nellie Chenoweth, Dean Christensen,
Shawne Coonfare, Dave Olson and Dave
Richardson; bartenders Dean, Shawne,
Judith and John Hruska; cashiers Walt
Jesteadt and John Wagner; helpers Steve
Rice and Roger and Julie Nicholaisen; sign
and ballot printer Bill Ross; and the many
folks who baked cornbread or who
stepped in to help with set up and clean
up.
Cowperson Chili Cook-Off
By Carolyn McNamara
We’re On a Roll!
By Jackie Anderegg
Have you noticed the happy surge at First Unitarian? We
want to spread it around. So, we want to invite all
members to become intrigued and involved with our
guests and visitors. Here are some ideas:
Wear your name tag for sure, as it gives members and
new people a way to talk with you and identify you as a
member. We are ordering new name tags in a happy
blue color that are magnetized, and you may have one by
filing out forms that will be available soon and by making
a good-will donation to cover the costs. You may also
choose to keep your old name tag (we all get attached) if
you want. Stay tuned for more info about that.
If you see someone with a temporary name tag, assume
they are a new, or a frequent visitor, and make eye
contact, introduce yourself, volunteer to get them
coffee, ask them if they have been here before and how
they came to visit. No one shows up here because they
want to be more alone.
Be an ambassador! Sign up at our website or contact Bill
Ross. We will also be handing out Ambassador sign-up
cards at coffee hour.
Be a greeter! Just contact Janet West and she will take
care of that for you! It is simple and fun.
At coffee hour or in church, or in the foyer, just look
around for new faces. “No one should be standing
alone.” That has to be the name of a poem somewhere.
Look at Judith Wright and Jaime Alexander for
inspiration about connection with strangers.
Bring relatives and friends to services, social activities,
and any other function you enjoy. Exposure to this
community tells people what they need to know.
Give anyone on the Membership Team your ideas about
what we can do to invite people more fully into our
community here. Team members: Barb Ross, Bill Ross,
Ben Wallace, Carolyn McNamara, Janet West, Jaime
Alexander, Judith Wright, Lana Hammel, Ron Withem,
Stephen Meister, and Jackie Anderegg.
Board
Tony Host, President
Board Members
Dean Christensen, Lana Hammel,
Barb Herring, Louise Jeffrey,
John Wagner, Ron Withem
Trustees of the Capital Trust
Tim Duggan (2013),
Steve Hutchinson (2014),
Sandy Host (2015)
Submit items for publication to
Word limit is 200; deadline is the
15th of the month.
Board meetings are on the
second Tuesday of the month and
are open to all members.
14
We’re On a Roll!
By Jackie Anderegg Adult R.E.
Crystal DiGiorgi
Archives
Dave Richardson
Building (short-term)
Dave Rosser
Caring
Douglas Lee-Regier
Chalice Guild
Kay Lynn Goldner
Community Meals
Louise Jeffery
Fellowship
Nadine Keith &
Judith Wright Finance
Walt Jesteadt
Fundraising
Donna Neff
Garden
Sharon Conlon
Governance
Alex Nather
Membership
Jackie Anderegg
Office
Carolyn McNamara
Partner Church
Council
Janet West
CY-RE Team
Donna Neff &
Kate Wiig
Religious Services
Megan Gustafson
UU Class
Yvonne Price & Jaime
Alexander
Women’s Alliance
Vanessa Timberlake
Young Adult Group
Maria Wilson
YRUU
Ben Wallace &
Shawne Coonfare
15
Ministry Team Leaders Church Contact
Phone: (402) 345-3039
Fax: (402) 346-2662
Staff
Minister
Rev. Frank Rivas
Director of Religious Education
Meka Tate
Office Administrator
Catharine Dixon
Organist
Pat Will
Choir Director
Bob McMeen
Choir Accompanist
Patricia Allender
Custodian
Bobby Medrano
Minister Emeritus
Ronald Knapp
The Flame
Editor
Catharine Dixon
Proofreaders
Scott Kemper, Lana Hammel,
Cyndi Nather
The Flame Mailing Team
Anne Massoud, Evelyn Whitehill,
Howard Bolton, Shelton Hendricks
The Flame 3114 Harney Street
Omaha NE 68131
Religion and Film Discussion Group
Religion & Film Discussion Group: Will meet on Second Sunday of the month to watch a movie with
discussion afterwards try to find the religious/mythological meaning in the movie.
For example: Slumdog Millionaire could be a retelling of the Ramayana or One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest
could be a retelling of the Passion of Jesus. Meeting place in Common Room at 7pm. Childcare will be
provided as some movies may not be appropriate for children.
Dates:
March 10 with an Introduction and History Channel Special: Star Wars, A Legacy Revealed
April 14: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
May 12: Batman Begins
June 9: Jacob’s Ladder
July 14 – Slumdog Millionaire
August 11 – Up (kids welcome for movie but will be moved to nursery for their own discussion)
Bring own snacks (or something to share). As usual coffee/tea pots will be on.
