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The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 1
FEB 2014Kathy Grey, Editor
[email protected] Oak LeafNEWSLETTER OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF OAK CLIFF
We, the Unitarian Universalist Church ! Oak Cliff, facilitate individual spiritual growth and manifest our shared values through action with the greater community.
Re-CreationTwelve years ago we took a bold step by changing the name of our congregation from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dallas to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff. “Bold” because it required us to leave the comfort of the Fellowship movement, accept the more formal responsibilities inherent in the name “Church,” and seek a stronger presence in the religious conversation of North Texas. The intervening years gave witness to our transformation. Together we have achieved a Fearless Spirituality. Today we stand confident in our ability to embrace our neighbors and welcome their journeys into ours.
February 02 – We Are the UnitariansTo honor our prophets like the great Pete Seeger, to create a personal theology for a new century, we must know the religious DNA that we build upon. From Europe we have come with a rich theological past—much of it Biblical – in search of a new way to be religious in the New World. Rev. Mark Walz asks if it can it still inform our future.February 09 – We are the Universalists! American Universalism lives in sympathy with Unitarianism, which is why we were able to merge them 53 years ago. But Universalism is significantly different. Rev. Mark Walz looks to our Universalist past to compare and contrast these differences and learn the guideposts of mutuality for our spiritual future.
February 16 – We Are the Unitarian-UniversalistsThis is not your grandparents’ Unitarian Universalist Faith.This is a Faith firmly set to the promise of modeling the American Experience. A faith capable of showing the world how a multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-generational, multi-religious journey can bring the peace and prosperity that our ancestors sought when they ventured to the new world. Rev. Walz will preach the sermon.
February 23 – Standing on the Side Of LoveIn public debates on immigrant justice, LGBTQ equality, and more, we stand on the side of love and call for respect, inclusion, and compassion. What does it mean to you? Several members of our congregation will share their thoughts. This service is presented by your UUCOC Worship Ministry team.
SUNDAY SERVICES10am – 11am
11:15am – noon:
Youth Religious Education Adult Religious Education
Choir RehearsalMeet & Greet
FEBRUARY WORSHIP SERVICES
SHARING THE PLATE On the second Sunday of each month (usually!) non-designated cash in the baskets is donated to a local charity. Checks may also be written to UUCOC with a notation of the charity's name so that it can be passed along. This month’s beneficiary will be the The Innocence Project of Texas, and the collection will be February 9. See page 2 for information.
For money intended as pledge fulfillment, just write “pledge” in the subject line on your check, or on the envelopes provided for cash. Only cash or checks NOT designated for the church will be donated to the charity.
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UUCOC Covenant of Right Relations:
We honor each individual’s spiritual journey.
We celebrate life’s abundance in service to each other,
our community, and the world.
We connect with each other in love, respect and acceptance.
Thus do we covenant together.
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UUCOC • 3839 W. Kiest, Dallas, TX 75233 (214) 337-2429 www.oakcliffuu.org • Rev. Mark Walz, Minister
“Cha
lice”
by
Tom
Wel
lman
IN THIS ISSUE
Sharing the Plate p.2
Editor’s Corner p.2
February Fundraisers p.3
CoffeeHouse p.4
Earth Day p.5
Coordinating Council p.6
Yoga Returns p.7
Social Justice p.8
The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 2
SHARING THE PLATE • February 9
The Innocence Project of TexasThe Innocence Project of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to securing the release of those wrongfully convicted of crimes in Texas and educating the public about the causes and effects of wrongful convictions.Currently there are over 150,000 people in the Texas prison system. Even at a modest 1% wrongful conviction rate there are over 1,500 men and women behind bars at this very moment who do not belong there. We receive over 100 letters a week requesting our assistance and have over 500 cases in line for investigation.
Why should you give to the Innocence Project of Texas?• I.P.O.T. does not charge inmates or their families for our services.Your
donation will help cover the cost of case investigations.• We receive thousands of letters from inmates each year and we take
every claim of innocence seriously. Your donation will allow us to process these requests for assistance.
• The cost to unravel a wrongful conviction can be significant. A single DNA test can cost upwards of $5,000, and sometimes multiple rounds of testing are necessary to prove an individual’s innocence. Your donation will help us fund DNA testing.
• The more resources we have, the more innocent people we can reach. Your donation will make sure the wrongfully convicted have an organization that is willing to speak out on their behalf.
• I.P.O.T. works diligently to educate the public about wrongful convictions. Your donation will ensure that we can continue our outreach programs in an effort to raise awareness about the wrongful conviction problem in Texas
I do hope you all take the time to read the newsletter — we have a LOT going on! I HATE hearing someone say that they would have enjoyed [fill in the blank] if they’d only known about it! If the newsletter is late, we make a point to include timely information in an e-blast to members. Not getting these email reminders? Make sure you’ve signed up at www.OakCliffUU.org/email. Note that you must respond to the email subscription request (you will receive from our system) to complete the process. If you are still not receiving emails, contact Scott at [email protected]: The Labyrinth Walk Coffee House brings FREE Jazz to the campus every second Sunday, is lining up performers for Jazz Under the Stars (twice in May) AND embraces its folk roots with a an encore performance by singer-songwriter Andrew McKnight next month. Even those of us who “can’t carry a tune in a bucket” understand — and appreciate — the power of music!ADVENTURES IN YOGA: Curiosity trumped fear, and I attended this class two weeks ago. Since I have trouble moving in general, I was concerned that I would be wasting everyone’s time in a class that’s all about movement. And of course I didn’t want to embarrass myself! But the instructor immediately put me at ease and my classmates were equally non-judgmental. It was GREAT! And though it doesn’t seem like one “mindful movement” yoga class could provide lingering pain relief, I was able to skip pain meds for the next three days! Do we need that standard disclaimer of “your results may vary”? I don’t know — I just can’t wait for the next class. Please read the article on page 7.
EDITOR’S CORNER Not-quite random thoughts …
VISION STATEMENT #1Exploring Spirit with Joy: We celebrate our spirituality through teaching, learning, laughter, song, dance and love.
Why is this important to Dallas?Texas DNA Exonerations by County:
Collin County: 1Dallas County: 24Ellis County: 1El Paso County: 1Harris County: 8Lubbock County: 1McLennan County: 1Montgomery County: 2Navarro: 1Smith County: 1Tarrant County: 2Travis County: 4Uvalde County: 1Williamson County: 1
More info at www.ipoftexas.org
– Kathy Grey, Oak Leaf Editor
The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 3
Auction preview…
It’s not too late to donate services or merchandise!See Elaine, Alicia, or Don or email [email protected]
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
February 22, 2014, 2-4pmTwo hours of bowling with shoes included. Cost: $20 adults & $15 children Location: USA Bowl10920 Composite Dr. Dallas 75220Contact: [email protected]
VISION STATEMENT #2Reinventing Community: We expand community by sharing our gifts of energy, time, food, talent and wealth.
FUNDRAISINGBOWL-A-THON
Where else can you bid on everything from jewelry to a sermon by Mark to two hours with a drinking buddy?!A few more samples:
Galaxy Tab3 • Framed Print from Musée d’Art • Estate planning/Wills • Bicycle with Helmet • Kid’s Camera • Dinner for 8 • GPS and much more!
It’s not too late to donate a service or mer-chandise to the Auction! See Elaine, Alicia, or Don or email [email protected] you can submit donations online www.oakcliffuu.org/events
The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 4
LABYRINTH WALK COFFEE HOUSE EVENTS
February 9 , 5-7pmRelax, sing along, and maybe even do a little dancing —
either on your feet or in your seat. Bring your wine or beer and goodies to enjoy an evening of jazz!
Spring Equinox Celebration March 20 Enjoy the ethereal music of Sound Oasis (in the Gazebo), walk the candle-lit labyrinth, and decorate the Earth Loom. Bring a blanket/lawn chair, cooler of wine or beer, and snacks. Admission will be $10. A number of psychic readers will be available (for additional charge). Mark your calendar for the evening of March 20, and watch for more info!
Singer/songwriter and guitarist Andrew McKnight's five CDs and captivating performances showcase his engaging collection of songs and stories celebrating the lives and landscapes of rural American people with warmth and humor. Since permanently leaving his corporate environmental engineering career in 1996, the award-winning folk and Americana artist has traced half a million miles of blue highways and backwater towns, and earned critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan response. His music and messages are always compelling, infused with his literate prose, eye for intriguing detail, and soundscapes that span haunting blues, feisty anthems, rustic folk, and a bit of swing.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and only $10 for students with ID and UUCOC members. (Tickets available via PayPal at www.LabyrinthWalkCoffeeHouse.com)
Andrew McKnightMarch 1, 2014
8pm
Opener: Emmeline
“With a voice reminiscent of Don McLean, McKnight traverses
from old-time Appalachian tunes to contemporary folk and blues, all backed
up by his dead-on guitar playing.” - The Boston Globe
Inaugural Jazz Jam
Jazz Under the Stars returnsMay 11 with the E-Flat Porch Band
UUCOC MEMBER & FRIENDS:We will be asking for volunteers
to help with this event(which means free admission) AND for donations of baked
goods to sell. See Gene or Judyif you can help. THANK YOU!
The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 5
TO APPLY: www.ntuuc.org/scholarships
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014 at Lake Cliff ParkThe event runs from 11am to 5pm. Setup begins at 9am.We’ll need folks to help plan, prepare, and staff the booth. Watch for notice of a planning meeting, and look for the sign-up sheet in the lobby. Questions? Email Kathy at [email protected]
OUR GREEN CHURCH
VISION STATEMENT #4
Empowering Through Love
to Transform Lives:
We challenge ourselves to extend
our loving community beyond the
bounds of our congregation by
affirming fair and responsible
treatment of every living thing.
Spotted in our parking lot…
The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 6
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITYCOORDINATING COUNCIL NOTES • January 14, 2014
1. Attending: Mark Walz, Don Watkins, Scott Grey, Kathy Grey, Ian Grey, Ed Stofko, Anita Mills
2. MINISTER’S REPORT: Mark shared his schedule through March. He’d heard that Brother ChiSing has been diagnosed with cancer and will be reaching out to him. Ian confirmed and said that survivors had encouraging words during the TalkBack.
March 5 is Ash Wednesday; Ian will be handling a Stardust Communion service on March 9.
3. WORSHIP MINISTRY: Renee was unable to attend, so Ian gave the report. February Share-the-Plate recipient will be the Texas Innocence Project. WM made a decision to hold a service review the Sunday before a volunteer from the congregation is scheduled to take the pulpit, in order to rehearse and make sure everything is in place. The group is re-ordering the first part of the service when the Worship Ministry is conducting the service: Welcome, Covenant, then Joys/Sorrows, followed by the Call to Worship.
On March 30 we are probably going to host a ministerial candidate for Live Oak UU. The candidate needs to give a sermon off-site and be observed by members of their ministerial committee.
BOARD: Although the sermon is being delivered pro bono, Mark suggested that it would be nice for us to offer an honorarium.
4. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Ian proposed that we look into starting a YRUU (ages 14-18) and do our own style of youth RE with service projects, trips, etc. Ian was invited to attend the RE Advisory Committee in order to present his proposal. Ian said he had sent a message to Lillian Braddock at First Church, as to how to do it.
The issue of chaos with the kids was briefly discussed – but the issue is better suited to RE Advisory. We had 15 kids on the 5th and 18 on the 12th. Mark said he would be bringing up an idea (from First Houston Unitarian) at the RE Advisory meeting.
Kiva: Ian reported that there is $404 ready to lend and will use it as a project for youth next Sunday.
5. FINANCE: Ed presented a chart and data for the first six months of the 2013-14 fiscal year. He is also going to pull a comparison of the first six months of the last fiscal year. We were in the black by the end of December – in spite of having missed a Sunday (12/8 was the ice storm). Don noted that the pledges are on track with what was projected. Ed mentioned that this year during the campaign more people signed up for automatic withdrawals. Kathy noted that the Share-the-Plate Sundays did not seem to detract from ordinary giving.
Ed suggested that the Pledge Campaign kickoff start at the Valentine’s Day Dance. Ian suggested that we review the Time/Talent aspect of pledging and make it known that this is also a way to pledge.
6. MEMBERSHIP: Dee reported through Ed that we have 93 members – consisting of 66 pledging units at the end of December.
7. COMMUNICATIONS: Kathy is snowed with work, but is working on two booklets – one for the first time visitor, which tells who we are – and the second a booklet for new members/interested friends which tells how to get involved. She is revising text and laying out the booklets, but does not have a time frame for completion.
8. SOCIAL JUSTICE: Scott reported the NTUUC Social Justice workshop attracted about 40 people from around the cluster. Presentations will be detailed on the NTUUC blog. Chosen areas of concentration: Avoiding the (school to prison) Pipeline, Campus ministry, Education reform, Phoenix Program for prison releasees to transition to society, Compassionate City, Pride Parade, Voter Registration, and Stories from Raible Place. BOARD: UUCOC needs a Social Justice Ministry chair – a task for the Leadership Development Team.
9. SACRED SPACES: Don voiced need for organized storage space – the attic is overutilized and the shed is underutilized. Discussion centered on use of the Hope chapel for library/work/archives vs. yoga room (now being used by Yoga Warriors). Mark volunteered to assist in clearing the shed of unneeded items; we may need a second shed (the last one cost about $1500).
Hope has working smoke alarms in the nursery and in the chapel. Need to take an inventory of fire extinguishers. There are two in Faith in the back, one in the kitchen in Faith and one in the Hope kitchen.
Scott reported that the alarm system controller needs replacement due to continuing malfunctions. He has located a controller compatible with the rest of our components, including keypad and sensors as well as having internet access so that it can be interrogated for what is going on when it goes off. BOARD: The cost of a new controller is approximately $425.
10. COFFEE HOUSE: Good feedback on Solstice and folks were looking forward to next year. First monthly Jazz Jam was a hit with 9-10 musicians and about 20-25 people. Andrew McKnight is coming to the Coffee House in March.Continued on next page
Classrooms cleaned and organized! Bring on the kids!
The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 7
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
Yoga Warrior at UUCOC — Sundays 1:00pm to 2:15pm Charity Building - Meditation Room
Humanity Moves co-founders and yoga instructors Jon Greuel and Suzie Verdin offer a trauma-sensitive “Mindful Movement” yoga class every Sunday from 1-2:15 PM. The curriculum is informed by the Yoga Warriors curriculum, which was developed to help military veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors use breath, posture, and positive affirmations to manage the symptoms of PTSD. The yoga class is also influenced by research in mindfulness and by frameworks used in expressive movement, such as body/space relationship and Laban Movement efforts.
This class offers a non-judgmental space to practice safe, mindful movement, and is open to all persons, with or without yoga experience. It is appropriate for anyone open to using mind/body exercises and positive affirmations as a way of managing stress and anxiety. There is no fee for the program — contributions are voluntary and no one is turned away.
The Instructors*Jon Greuel (Major, USAF Ret.) has been teaching yoga to active duty military personnel and veterans since 2005. His effort to document the healing power of yoga and mindfulness culminated in his collaboration as the principal investigator of the recently published study, The Effects of Sensory Enhanced Yoga on Symptoms of Combat Stress in Deployed Military Personnel (AJOT Jan, 2012). … Jon has presented at civilian and military healthcare conferences where he discusses his unique perspective regarding the mind-body connection, combat stress and PTSD. He currently serves as a Teacher Trainer for Lucy Cimini’s Yoga Warriors International. In 2013, he completed a Professional Certificate in Mindfulness Studies from Lesley University. With his wife Suzie Verdin, Jon launched a
nonprofit, Humanity Moves, to continue their work teaching artists, yoga instructors and various at-risk populations including youth, prison parolees, veterans and their families. From a diverse set of experiences that span from yoga studio owner to Iraqi Combat Air Advisor Instructor Pilot, Jon teaches yoga and mindfulness from a place of understanding and compassion, especially for those veterans with PTSD.
Suzie Verdin graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 1998, with a concentration in Hispanic Studies. At Harvard, she co-founded the Crimson Dance Team, and was active in student dance companies and independent choreographic projects. …A lifelong student of dance and movement education, Suzie continued to teach, perform, and collaborate with community-focused artists with a passion for providing access to quality arts education to people of all ages and abilities. In 2008, she traveled to Peru to lead a dance workshop for women imprisoned in the Ayacucho Prison. From 2009 to 2010, she organized creative movement workshops for the children of Casa Hogar Elim, an orphanage in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. After receiving her Masters in Art in Education from the Harvard Graduate
School of Education, Suzie was selected to be an Artist-in-Residents at Project Zero, an education research organization affiliated with Harvard. During her residency, Suzie worked with thirteen HGSE educators from diverse movement-arts backgrounds to form the Interdisciplinary Movement Ensemble from which to explore physical inquiry from various academic, artistic, and somatic viewpoints.
11. FUNDRAISING: Don reported that the FUNdraising Ministry is meeting weekly to organize the Valentine’s Day Dance on February 15. It is not labor intensive – no dinner to be served, just finger food, wine, etc. Auction items are being solicited.
12. GREEN SANCTUARY: The group agreed that we need to have a presence at Oak Cliff Earth Day (a booth is $15 this year). [Update: we are now registered.—ed.] Pat will announce our participation from the pulpit and we’ll have a sign-up sheet on the greeter table for those who wish to work on the booth.
13. Bathrooms: After concerns were expressed regarding gender-specific restrooms, Scott pointed out that the women’s restroom is the only one in Faith that is ADA compliant, therefore it must also be available to men. Much passionate discussion ensued, with the consensus that it is primarily for women — if and when a man in a wheelchair is in attendance, then he can use it – otherwise, it is not to be used by men. [Editor’s comment: It was the requirement for ADA accessibility that prompted the remodeling of that restroom a number of years ago. The women’s room was chosen because it could be made compliant without rebuilding the entire area.]
Submitted by Anita Mills/Updated & edited for length by K.Grey
COORDINATING COUNCIL NOTES continued
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
* Bios from http://www.yogawarriors.com/jon-greuel and http://humanitymoves.browning-services.com/suzie-verdin/
The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 8!
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ABOUT A BOY
SOCIAL JUSTICE
PLANNING MEETING for NTUUC’s participation in the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade (AKA Dallas Pride Parade) is at 7pm on March 4 at First Unitarian – Dallas. The parade isn’t until Sept. 20, but (obviously!) the earlier we plan, the better. (Yes, the meeting is the same time as the Social Justice Film AND the parade is the day after JazzFest. - oy - )
HELP NEEDED identifying the visionary UUs in this photo. So far, we have Flo Archer, Ken Sambell, Bob Archer, Liz Loper, Derian Kilgore, Lois (last name?), Ken Gjemre, Jim Lyons and Doug Torre. If you can help, please email [email protected]
What was Raible Place? NTUUC (then NTAUUS) was founded in 1969 to build affordable housing using a federal subsidy. Raible Place was the first racially-integrated complex in North Texas, and the very model of what HUD was attempting. In 2003, the property was sold, with the $2.5 million in proceeds used to establish the NTAUUS Endowment.
VISION STATEMENT #3Inspiring Justice & Responsibility: We champion civil, economic and environmental justicein our community
and the world.
FIRST TUESDAY SOCIAL JUSTICE FILMCosponsored by the Dallas Peace
Center
7pm • March 4, 2014UUCOC Sanctuary
A BETTER LIFE“Ready for the other side?”
Pride Parade 2013
A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give him the opportunities he never had. This film is uncommon among Hollywood productions in that it is set in a Hispanic community and features an almost entirely Hispanic cast.
PLEASE NOTE:The Dallas Peace Center
will be our March 9SHARE THE PLATE
Beneficiary
