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The Oak LeafNEWSLETTER OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF OAK CLIFF
S E E T H E O N L I N E C A L E N D A R F O R M O R E I N F O …
Welcome Visitors!We hope you find our services and programs stimulating and interesting.
We extend a warm invitation to you to come often, and hope youwill help us get acquainted with you!
Remember that in addition to after-service discussions, Guided Meditation is offered in the Yoga Room most Sundays.
Please feel free to contact our minister, Mark Walz at (214) 337-2429with any questions you may have.
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 1
IN THIS ISSUE.......................Mark’s Trail p. 2
.................Music Ministry p. 3 .....................Green News p. 4
................Sacred Spaces p. 5.................Member News p. 6
...........Ongoing Activities p. 6...........................Adult RE p. 7
...................Children’s RE p. 8
...................Social Justice p. 9...................CoffeeHouse p.10
COMING UP
Coordinating Council Meeting, 7pmWant to get more involved in the workings of the church? Come to a CC meeting!
August 18
LWCH Vaudeville Night6:00pm - See page 10.
August 23
UUCOC Board Meeting, 7pmWho runs the church? Its mem-bers! Come and see!
August 25
Aug 2009
www.oakcl i ffuu.org
First Tuesday Social ActionFilm, 7pm - See page 9.
September 1
Sunday Services • 10am–11am
August 9th – I’ve Been to the Mountain – Part Deux! Rev. Mark Walz will preach the sermon.
August 16th – Unitarianism and its Heroes in 25 minutes or less Rev. Mark Walz will preach the sermon.
August 23rd – Universalism and its Heroes in 25 minutes or less Rev. Mark Walz will preach the sermon.
August 30th – Unitarian-Universalism – The New Religion Rev. Marcia Shannon and Rev. Mark Walz will each share a homily.
Re-Creating Our Holy Church
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 2
With all that is going on in the world today,I cannot imagine a time when the need for a vibrant religious community based upon open minds, open hearts, and open arms was more needed. We are so fortunate to have our pre-cious Church. It has become a sanctuary where we can bring our authentic selves in safety and share the religion that welcomes our diversity, our unique spirits, and our singular passions. It has become a place where we can bring our families and partner in a spiritual journey that is based upon curiosity and kindness. It has become a church where we can attract new friends because we are living a message of hope and healing for all.
September commemorates the beginning of our new church year with our annual In-Gathering celebration on September 13th. On that day, besides the great fun of shar-ing our ‘holy water’ from our individual summer journeys, we will formally recognize all our new friends who have joined our community since our last In-Gathering. It is an important day.
It is also a very important day because that afternoon we will be changing our after-church activities from our usual pot-luck lunch to an
outdoor picnic. UUCOC Member Geoff Pool had mentioned the idea of a picnic to our President Gene Dailey. Gene brought the idea to our last board meeting, and we realized that In-Gathering would be a perfect time for a pic-nic. What a great day to come together in a spirit of joy and spend the afternoon getting to know each other through food and games, and lazing under our majestic trees. All who know Gene have come to love his knack for finding new ways for us to bond together and share the good news of our church. He brought us to the Labyrinth Walk Coffeehouse, our New Year’s Eve dance and celebration, and he cares deeply about encouraging us to create friendships in our church that will last a lifetime.
So get ready for an afternoon of horseshoes, croquet, and volleyball. An afternoon of games for and with our children. A bounce house for the wee ones, and food, food, food. Gene has asked me to partner with him as the chefs-de-jour, so we will be cooking hot dogs and ham-burgers until you say stop! We will provide chips and soft drinks. But it is a picnic, so if you have special dietary needs or inclinations, or would prefer caviar and champagne, pack whatever you like and come and enjoy the lawns and expanses of our sacred spaces. We are hoping you will provide desserts to share, and I will be hosting an ice cream bar in the Sanctuary after lunch with root-beer floats and ice cream cones.
Gene has recognized that we are growing so fast that we need to take a moment to re-meet each other in conversation and games and form the new relationships that are now available to us all. So consider this your official call to ‘wor-ship’ at the altar of conviviality and generosity that can lead us to a great new church year.
See you Sunday –Mark
Mark’s TrailPlease join me on the journey...
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 3
Altar Art
“Compassion is Job One”Hint: Pink is often considered the color of compassion
What is the symbolism? What do YOU think?
MUSIC MINISTRY NEWS
Aloha! It's time to start up the singing, folks. The UUCOC Traveling Singers will commence practices on Thursday, August 20th, at 7:15pm. This first meeting will focus on re-viewing some tried and true pieces, checking out our voicing, planning a rehearsal calendar, and getting music lined up for special occa-sions. We are eagerly looking forward to see-ing again our “old” members, and we wel-come with open arms all new singers. YES! WE HAVE A SPOT FOR YOU! We look for-ward to singing and laughing together. So let's clear our throats, sing a few “la, la, la” warm-ups, and start tuning up, as only we can!
UUCOC Singers Return!By Glorian Mu#igan-Stratton
Have you seen our church Blog?What is a blog?Etymology: short for Weblog
Definition: Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflec-tions, comments, and often hyper-links provided by the writer; also, the contents of such a site
Look for “Conversations”
under “UU Connections”
on our churchweb site.
Assembled by Pe&y Hookey
“Deeply Rooted ”Sculpture by Marcia Shannon
Update Cap and Trade Legislation: Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, made an appearance on The Daily Show with John Stewart on July 21st and gave some succinct remarks regarding the Waxman/Markey bill that has passed in the House and is cur-rently being debated in the Senate. He said that peo-ple are unhappy at either ends of the spectrum—Lib-erals don’t believe the bill goes far enough and Con-servatives think it goes too far. But passing the bill would show other nations of the world that we are committed to ratcheting-down our carbon emissions and finding a solution. The Nobel Prize-winning scien-tist says there is overwhelming and unequivocal evi-dence that global warming is manmade. He believes that American innovation is the best in the world and that we can successfully meet this challenge. Interest-ingly, he mentioned that painting roofs and roadways white would save energy and cool the earth because instead of absorbing sunlight and heating the earth, they would reflect sunlight, thus cooling it. He says if that could be done nationwide, it would have the re-sult of taking one billion cars off the road for 11 years!
Update Italy G8 Summit: The eight richest coun-tries met in Italy in mid-July and agreed to cut energy emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Later, however, Russia said they would not be able to meet the tar-gets and Canada called the goal “aspirational” rather than realistic. When 40 nations met a few days later, the G-8 leaders couldn’t persuade China or India to join with them in cutting carbon emissions. This does not bode well for the upcoming December meeting to put in place a climate pact to replace the Kyoto agreement, which is due to expire. Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General, called even the cuts proposed by the G8 “not enough.”
Other Countries’ Green Efforts: There was an article in the DMN on 7/9 written by Thomas Fried-man, a New York Times columnist, about China’s new efficient energy program. In the article he tells us to
watch out, “You won’t be just buying your toys from China. You’ll be buying your energy future from China.” I had no idea that China even cared about clean energy. We all saw the thick pollution in Beijing during the 2008 Olympics. China has apparently changed their tune. Their goal is to “reduce the en-ergy intensity of their economy—energy used per dol-lar of goods produced—by 20% in five years.” Ap-parently Germany has also jumped on the band-wagon. This country, according to an article in Parade Magazine, leads all of Europe in “developing and ex-porting green technology, generating $240 billion in annual revenue.” In addition, their Parliament building will soon run solely on green energy.
Books of Interest: Green to Gold, Smart Green, The Green Marketing Manifesto, Greentailing and Other Revolutions in Retail, Clean Car Wars, Green Business Practices for Dummies (Please see the Dramatic Readings page of our web-site for links to these titles. Your purchases can help raise funds for our church!)
Green Investing Opportunities: Perf Go Green Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: PGOG) is the leader in bio-degradable plastics—trash bags, kitchen bags, etc.—products sold in 70,000 stores throughout the country. The company also sells batteries made of recycled materials, totally free of lead, mercury and cadmium. Exchange Traded Funds are comparable to Mutual Funds, only they are thematic. The largest “Green” ETF is PowerShares Cleantech (PZD). Some other themed ETF’s are Solar Energy: TAN, KWT and Wind Energy: FAN, PWND.
Electronics Recycling Centers in Dallas:Northwest (Bachman) Transfer Station9500 Harry Hines Blvd.
Customer Convenience Recycling Center McCommas Bluff Landfill 5100 Youngblood Road
Northeast (Fair Oaks) Transfer Station7677 Fair Oaks Avenue
Southwest (Oak Cliff) Transfer Station44610 S. Westmoreland Road
All are open on Saturdays at least until 5:00 p.m. More info at www.timetorecycle.com
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 4
YOUR GREEN TIP By Dee Stofko Remember to check out my blog at www.drwm.blogspot.com
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 5
Artist’s rendering
Memorial and Meditation Garden
Love Your Labyrinth!Progress is being made—weeds are gradually surrendering! We’re trying for a regular early-morning workday on the second Saturday of each month. Please note, however, that visitors will be walking the Labyrinth on the Free Day of Yoga, September 7. Any TLC between now and then would be wonderful! Contact Kimberlyn (214-339-0585) if you have questions.
Artist’s Rendering
Sweat Lodge RestoredHave you walked back behind the Laby-rinth lately? Just a few weeks ago, only a skeleton of the Sweat Lodge remained (below). Look at it now!
SACRED SPACES
Underbrush is being cleared, and the space is taking shape!
Demo GardenJuly saw the last of the spring produce—and it sure was tasty.
Women's Birthday Dinner 2nd Tuesday at 6:30pm. Next: August 11 at Chubby’s, 7474 S. Cockrell Hill (Cockrell Hill & I-20) www.eatatchubbys.com Please RSVP to Mary K: (972) 891-2830.
Games Night - 2nd Saturday at 6:30pm. Home of Barbara Kalley. Bring a healthy snack!
Munch with Mark - 2nd Wed.at noon. Bring your lunch and en-joy some spirited conversation on August 12. Mark: (214) 755-4315.
Out to Lunch Bunch - All are invited for lunch at a local restau-rant after Sunday service—look for the crowd gathering outside.
A Course in Miracles - Mon-days at 7:30pm in the Faith lobby. Dee Lewis: (214) 337-3946.
Covenant and Activity Groups are a great way to meet people who share a common interest!
Member NewsChelcy Wadell returned to church last Sunday, looking as beautiful and classy as ever! So good to see you back, Chelcy!
Welcome back to Dallas, Rosemary! The last time many of us saw Barbara Kalley’s daughter Rosemary was at least five years ago, when she was the one lone teen in the church. She has now returned with husband Austin Carson—and they will be welcoming their first child in just a few months.
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 6
UUCOC MEMBER NEWSOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY ONGOING ACTIVITIES
NEW COVENANT GROUP!Common ThreadsEvery Sunday after R.E. in the Hope Chapel's rocking chair circle, Kimberlyn Crowe leads explora-tions of the art, science, and therapeutic value of knitting and other activities involving needles and thread. Several members are currently knitting washcloths to donate to a women’s shelter. Call Kimberlyn for info: (214) 339-0585.
David BiehlDon Fielding
Connie FountainKeith GramppJenna Guman
Tom HendersonMary KappesAggie UlibarriJeff Parker
Kate E. ParkerRobin Potts
Zavier Johnson
AUGUSTBIRTHDAYS
Gulf Fritillary enjoying lantana in the garden between Faith and Hope.
Mark Your CalendarIn-Gathering Sunday, Sept. 13 – Ou Annual Water Communion and recognition of new members, followed by a picnic! Please see Mark’s Trail (p.2) for information.
The 2009 Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade is Sept. 20
“YOUR RIGHTS, OUR RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHTS — A Celebra-tion of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans-gender Pride”
NTAUUS (North Texas Association of UU Societies, of which our church is a member) has reserved space in the parade. Interested in participating? Contact Kathy at 972-660-2443 or [email protected].
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 7
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Creating Your Own TheologySunday from 11:15am – 12:30pm, July 12 – October 25, 2009. No meeting on July 26th, August 9th, and September 13, 2009. One additional Sunday will be reserved for any scheduling conflict.
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED for this class, however a second group is planned for the beginning of the year. Watch for a sign-up sheet!
Sunday in the Yoga Room11:15am – noon. No need to sign up — just come!
Exercise Class – On the first Sunday of the month, Tanja Evans, former professional dancer/dance teacher, leads an exercise class. Guaranteed to be easy on joints and muscles!
Singing Bowl Meditation – Songwriter, mystic poet, and spiritual folksinger Heather Hood leads a Singing Bowl meditation the last Sunday of each month. With her lovely voice and white quartz or Tibetan singing bowls, Heather helps create a meditative space filled with love and peace.
Guided Meditation – On the remaining Sundays, Vivian Walz leads a Guided Meditation class.
Study of Sacred Texts: The BibleWhat do a bunch of UUs do in a ”Bible Study” class? Says one participant: “There is no judg-ment of each other, but we do pick apart the words we’re reading, taking meaning where we find it. There is a lot of laughter – but there are serious moments as well.”
The Sacred Texts group meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM in Hope Chapel. Feel free to join the group any time! We just finished reading Matthew, and will be returning to the Old Testament August 12. Please see Mark or Marcia if you have any questions.
July 26 Service: “Meditation lies at our core”
Practicing Chalice Lyter duties.
Marcia Shannon, M.Div. Director of Religious Education
(214) 929-2094 [email protected]
RE Teachers’Planning Meeting
Saturday, Aug. 29, 11am-1pmHope Chapel, UUCOC
CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 8
Practice makes perfect—orat least keeps you from burning
your fingers!
We’ll continue in August with the theme of Chalice-Lyters, defining and practicing roles, and creating the structure for an on-going group.
REMINDERS
2009NorthTexasTeacherTrainingSaturday,August15th
8:30‐4:30FirstUnitarianChurchofDallas
4015NormandyAvenueDallas,Texas75205
RSVPtoMarcianolaterthanSunday,August9
PARENTS: RE Registration Forms are still needed for some children. If your child is attending RE (even sporadically), please complete a registration form and photo release. Thank you!
“Found-object Chalice”
The Teen Group performs an original song for the congregation, led by Volunteer Teacher Rachel Betzen on guitar.
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 9
SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY
1st TUESDAY SOCIAL ACTION FILM
Sept. 1, 2009 • 7pm • FREECosponsored by the Dallas Peace Center
In a world teetering on the edge of self-destruction, award-winning filmmaker Velcrow Ripper sets out on a unique pilgrimage. Visiting the 'Ground Zeros' of the planet, he asks if it's possible to find hope in the dark-est moments of human history. ScaredSacred deftly weaves together stunning footage with haunting memories, inspirational stories, and an evocative soundscape. An exquisite portrait of a search for meaning in times of turmoil.
More info at www.FirstTuesdayFilms.org
THIRD ANNUAL DFW
FREE DAY of YOGAThe entire Dallas-Fort Worth community is welcome to enjoy free yoga clas-ses conducted by local yoga teachers on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2009. Everyone from children to the elderly who are curious about yoga, or who want to experience a particular style or teacher, can do it for free all day! Visit www.freewebs.com/dallasfreedayofyoga to see a complete class schedule.
MORE NEWS YOU CAN USE
Various classes will be held in the UUCOC Yoga Room in the afternoon (see website above), with GUIDED & WALKING MEDITATION in the morning:
Guided Meditation in Meditation Room from 8am until 8:45am. The Labyrinth will be open from 8am until 11:30am for a Walking Meditation. Information about the Labyrinth and Man-tras will be provided for guidance. All levels welcome. Instructor: Vivian Walz Website: www.oakcliffuu.org.
The Oak Leaf • August 2009 Page 10
Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff3839 W. Kiest Blvd.Dallas, TX 75233www.oakcliffuu.org
Board MembersPresident: Gene Dailey(214) 475-0638 [email protected]
Vice Pres: Stephen Betzen (214) 929-3701
Treasurer: Kimberlyn Crowe (214) 339-0585
Secretary: Kathy Grey (972) 660-2443
Trustees: Ed Stofko, Nancy Johnstone,Claudia Klipp, and Vivian Walz
Past President: Connie Fountain
Minister: Rev. Mark Walz Office (214) 337-2429 Cell (214) 755-4315 [email protected]
Director of Religious Education:Marcia Shannon, M.Div. (214) [email protected]
Lost Serenaders
Mark and Judy
Lynn Grayburn
Wahooligans
Heidi Wunder
Jennifer Peal
Dan Gibson
Mardi Garcia
Southern Rains
www.LabyrinthWalkCoffeeHouse.com
A FUN(D)RAISER FOR THE COFFEEHOUSE
Doors open at 5:30pm
Sunday, August 23, 20096:00pm
LWCH is located at the UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF OAK CLIFF 3839 W. Kiest Dallas, TX 75233 (214) 337-2429
PRESENTS
FOURTH ANNUAL
VAUDEVILLENIGHT
!!
Coc krell Hill
West m
oreland
Ham
pto n
W. Kiest
Illinois
N
All tic
kets
$10
Sorry, n
o passes
Tickets
available through
website
Jennifer PealSinger/songwriter
Dan GibsonStoryteller/singer/banjo player
WahooligansComedy troupe
Heidi Wunder
Bellydancer
Lost SerenadersSingers
Mark and Judy
“George and Gracie”
Lynn GrayburnSinger/songwriter
Mardi GarciaSinger/songwriter
Southern RainAcoustic folk group
Oak Leaf Editor: Kathy Grey (972) 660-2443Please send September newsletter info [email protected] by August 26.
Check outthe line-up!
