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Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MAY 2018
Upcoming Events and Important Dates Ahead*
Saturday, May 5 Men's Group, 9:00 a.m. at UUCL*
Saturday, May 12 LINK--Bring food 12:30; Serve from 1-2 p.m.*
Saturday, May 12 Women’s Group (2:00-4:00 p.m.)* Sunday, May 13 Artist Reception (10:30-11:00 a.m.)* June 20-24, 2018 UUA General Assembly*
*See body of newsletter for more information on all these upcoming events Please also note in the Social Justice section the many Social Justice events scheduled for MAY.
UUCL Serves at LINK Saturday, May 12
Sign up sheet is in the lobby LINK (Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen) serves hot nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment to families and individuals at no cost. Every other month the UUCL provides and serves a meal for LINK. We bring 15 or more meat dishes, two vegetarian dishes and one vegan dish. Homemade desserts are also welcome. Fifteen or so volunteers are needed to help serve and clean up.
Please come join us as we put our UU principles into action to help our community. Food and volunteers need to be at LINK (basement of First Christian Church on the SE corner of 10th and Kentucky) by 12:30 PM. We serve from 1-2 PM, and clean up is usually finished by 2:30. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Gant at [email protected].
UPCOMING 9:30 SUNDAY TRADITIONAL PROGRAMS
May 6 Personal Odyssey of Judy and Ted Wilson
May 13 Family Stories for Mother’s Day May 20 Bobby Patton, "Jesus Christ, the First Humanist,"
May 27 Celebration Sunday
Soul Matters Theme for May CREATIVITY
Creativity is our ability to dream things up and make them happen. — Peggy Taylor
We’re all familiar with that part in the quote about dreaming. Conjuring up new ideas and images is what creativity is all about. Using the building blocks of “what is,” we -almost magically- make the “not yet” appear in our minds. But what about that other part? The part about “making them happen.” When we talk about creativity, that half of the equation often gets short shrift. We celebrate the fun piece about dreaming and leave off the hard piece of making our imaginings real. And it’s not just the hard part; it’s the scary part too. You have to be brave to try new things and fail. Being creative and unique can cause the crowd to cheer and swoon; it can also lead to being laughed at and excluded from the group. Yes, there is joy, beauty and play in creativity, but there is also insecurity, loneliness and self-doubt. Which means that this month is not just about imagination, artistry and self-expression, but also courage Once that’s in view, it’s clear that we also need to talk about “co-creativity” this month as well. Something as daring as creativity is dangerous if we try to do it alone. Indeed, where did we get the silly idea that artists and inventors are isolated, independent geniuses? When it comes to myths about creativity, that one tops the list. We need to remind each other that there is no such thing as a “person of creativity,” only “people of creativity.” The Bible talks of the Holy Spirit appearing when “two or more are gathered.” The same rule applies to the creative spirit! For instance, new ideas come from the clash of debate. New art emerges only after inspiration from those who’ve gone before. Better forms of community are built on the back of those who have toiled and sacrificed long before we put ourselves on the line. Simply put, there are no creators without companions.
It’s all a way of reminding us that the secret to creative self-expression is staying connected to each other. Those sacred sources of inspiration inside us – our imagination, unique voice and inner muses – are like wild animals; they are hungry to run free but are also shy and easily scared away. They want to come out and play but will only do so when coaxed and cared for by the inspiration and support of others. So, in the end, maybe the most important question this month is not just “What do you want to create?” but also “Who are your partners?” With gratitude for all our sources of creativity – those within us and those all around us – let us begin.
WORSHIP SERVICES IN MAY May 6 #Enough: Voices of Generation Columbine Rev. Jill Jarvis with UUCL Youth May 13 Ease on Down the Road Rev. Jill Jarvis May 20 Flower Communion Lara Wilson May 27 The Spirituality of Creativity Rev. Jill Jarvis
SHINING STAR
Shining Star for May is BOB HARPER
Please congratulate Bob Harper, our Shining Star Volunteer for May.
He had several nominations, here is what Lynne Bodle wrote:
Bob Harper has, ever since he and Susan arrived on our doorstep, been uniquely helpful, knowledgeable about MANY things, and going above and beyond what could possibly be expected of him. Not only has he researched and made possible much of our audio-visual needs, he has made them happen (in ways I have NO understanding of, but great appreciation for his abilities.) Bob has chaired the building and grounds team, as well as being a willing member for many years. He designed and made the podium and the matching chalice table. He willingly made copies of programs and worship services for Janney Burgess on request - remembering what I had asked for even when I didn't, as well as copies of other events. In short, the life of UUCL has been enhanced in many ways because of Bob, his talents, and his willingness, and the lives of many individuals within the congregation have been made easier and more enjoyable because of Bob. He is truly a Shining Star.
MESSAGE FROM THE UUCL BOARD CHAIR
April seems to have flown by! Having voted to search for an Interim Minister in our March meeting, the Board has been very focused on activities to move us forward in the process of hiring an Interim Minister. One of our first steps was a review of our financial resources to determine if we could meet the salary requirements for a full time Interim. While we were thrilled to receive a bequest from Dr. Helen Gilles, we also reviewed additional resources that might be needed depending on the outcome of our pledge income for the fiscal year of 2018-19. Potential resources that were identified include using a percent of our maintenance funds and/or some amount of the previous year’s interest income from our Endowment. The Board hosted Pizza with the Board for An Interim Search Update & Conversation for the congregation following the Worship Service on April 8th. After a short update, we moved to our congregational conversation that included some discussion on the role of an Interim, but primarily focused on of the challenges involved with meeting the salary requirements associated with Interim Ministry. A number of ideas and suggestion were offered. These included ideas for fund raising, a suggestion to ask those members who are able to consider increase their 2017-18 pledge by 30% or any amount they can manage - and/or by adding a supplemental donation in addition to one’s annual pledge. Carol Eades concluded our pizza lunch by reviewing our paper Pledge forms and explaining the UUCL web page online pledging process. At this point in time, many of you have already pledged with UUCL’s current financial needs in mind and we are very appreciative! We will be providing you with information as to the status of funds for our 2018-19 budget in the near future. Once we voted to hire an Interim, the Board also began working on the online application form that was made available to interested Interim Ministry candidates on April 17th. Next, we gathered and uploaded the required documents to be made available to interested candidates on April 30th. We invited the following members to serve as the Interim Search Team: Chris Brown, Paul Enos, Barbara Schowen, Amy Frost and Audra Fullerton. The first of three rounds of the search process actually began on April 30 and offers can be made on May 11. The second round begins on May 14th and offers can be made on May 25. If a congregation has not found a match by May 30, offers may be made at any time. If no applicant is identified during the present search, we can participate in this fall’s 2018 UUA Interim Search. This past Saturday evening, April 28th, many of us enjoyed our very successful UUCL annual auction, That’s Amore! We are now looking forward to the UUA General Assembly (GA) in Kansas City from June 20 through June 24th. We are especially proud that, in addition to many UUCL adult members, our wonderful Youth Group members, led by Paul Calnon, will be attending. Hope to see you there!
Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is. (Anonymous) Barbara Thompson, Acting Chair
GA IN KANSAS CITY: June 20-24, 2018 REGISTRATION OPEN
https://www.uua.org/ga/registration
GA will take place at the Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13th Street, The list of programs, events, and workshops is available on the UUA website.
We hope to have a good turnout from UUCL members this year!
FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Religious Exploration
The Soul Matters May theme of Creativity states: "So, in the end, maybe the most important question this month is not just What
do you want to create? but also Who are your partners?”
RE has options to help you create and collaborate. Plan to attend... Sundays: 9:30 am
- OWL K-1 will meet in the children's activity room through June 3. Ann Hamil and Amber Watts Hall are leading. - Nursery is open for children babies through 3 years. - CREATIVITY- Soul Matters sharing circle with Lori Herndon, 1st and 3rd Sundays. - UU parenting with Jeff Hall, 2nd Sunday only. No meeting 5/27. - Spirit play stories about UU sources with Mary Holm 5/6, Jennifer Ball 5/13, Chelsea Vaughn 5/20. - Middle School Youth with Melissa Kelley and Michelle Iwig-Harmon, awesomes and not so awesomes sharing 5/6, 5/13, 5/20. On May 27 Children, adults, and teachers from RE will attend the Program for our end of year celebration. 11:15
- Children 4 to 8 years old attend children's activity with Mary Beth Musick. 12:20
- High School Youth with Paul Calnon. May 6, 2018 worship service followed by pizza theology.
- Second Tuesday of the month (April 10) 10 am to Noon, Spirit of Life sharing circle, members and friends welcome.
OWL facilitator training- There are funds to send a female to secondary training and a male to elementary training. June 18-20, 2018 (Note: this is a Mon-Wed training)
Levels: Elementary (Grades K-1/4-6), Secondary (Grades 7-9, 10-12)
Location: Colonial Church in Prairie Village, KS
Deadline: May 21, 2018
Contact Ann Alexander to apply. The summer RE classes for all ages will be listed in the June newsletter and on
the website. Stay tuned for upcoming events and dates.
SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM MONTHLY REPORT
MAY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM
May 6, at 3pm, debut screening of Voices From Our Neighbors: Immigration Journeys to
Lawrence, at Arterra Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Drive in Lawrence (off W 22nd St and west of
Kasold). RSVP at [email protected]. This is a KU student film project taught
by Marta Caminero-Santangelo, featuring interviews with families served by Centro Hispano.
May 6, Social Justice Team meeting at 12:15 in the library (downstairs). We will have
some snacks to share and will discuss Beloved Conversations, the Poor People's Campaign
and GA, along with other concerns. Welcome everyone!
May 9, KIFA's Annual Dinner (Kansas Interfaith Action) at 6:30pm, with food, music,
awards, and featured speaker Rev. Kristin Stoneking, UMC pastor and former Executive
Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Come to First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage
Blvd. in Topeka. For information and tickets, go to Kansasinterfaithaction.org.
May 12, UUCL serves at LINK. There is a sign-up list at church in the lobby.
May 13, Sunday, 1-3 at the Lawrence Public Library: a community meeting to get
involved on the question of jail expansion and mental health center. Visit
www.KansasAppleseed.org/DougCo.Jail for information. For another viewpoint, see
http://www.betterdouglascounty.com/facts/
June 20-24, 2018. You can register now for UUA General AssemblyJ in Kansas City, at
https://www.uua.org/ga/registration. GA will take place at the Kansas City Convention
Center, 301 W. 13th Street
MONTHLY COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: FAITH IN ACTION Community Connection for MAY: is the Peggy Bowman
Second Chance Fund. Our mission is to assist Kansas
Women in need of financial support to obtain abortion services.
Very simply, we are the last resort for financial assistance to
Kansas Women who are seeking abortion services wherever
they obtain an abortion in the U.S. We are here to help Kansas
women gain control over their reproductive healthcare and to give them a second chance.
AUCTION REPORT
The April 28 auction was a fantastically festive event with wonderful décor, food and drink (serving table shaped like a gondola, “ancient” columns, lasagna and tiramisu, Chris Gehringer’s and Paul Calnon’s Italian margaritas, and beautiful table decorations). Our auctioneers were superb and bidding was lively. The final total of $20,500 exceeded expectations!. Thanks to Brita, Shannon, and their wonderful team. Such hard work for such a good cause—it was much appreciated.
ART IN FOUNDERS HALL
Artist Jane Fortun’s show, “Painting My Life,” will be up through Sunday, June 24. Meet the artist at a reception Sunday, May 13, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The artist says, “For me, painting, particularly ‘Plein Air’ painting (outdoor) is like meditation---everything else falls away, and I am totally present in the Now. A beautiful moment suspended outside of time. Any worry disappears as I become completely absorbed in my work"
Note: On Sunday. May 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in South Park on Massachusetts Street, next to the courthouse, artists featured in our recent shows will be at Art in the Park. Clark Fulton will be selling cards and prints of his work, and our own Celia Smith will offer cards, prints, and original works. Jane Fortun will also be there with her oil paintings.
UUCL MEN’S GROUP The Men's Group has decided to have its regular monthly breakfast at UUCL, (not at Munchers), 9:00 a.m. the first Saturday of each month.
UUCL WOMEN’S GROUP
The UUCL women's group will meet with Emily Russell, Unit G-2 at Presbyterian Manor (1329 Kasold) from 2-4PM on Saturday, May 12. Bring a friend, bring a snack to share if you wish, bring some seeds or a plant to share - it's definitely time to get our gardens growing! Come join us in celebrating a lovely Spring afternoon with friends old and new. Call Lynne Bodle 843-8263 for more information or for a ride.
Recent work by Celia Smith
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence A Welcoming Congregation
1263 N. 1100 Rd. Lawrence, KS 66047, 785-842-3999 www.uufl.net
To contact the NewsTeam, please email [email protected]
Other contact information: Helping Hands Team [email protected] or call UUCL office, 842-3339 This team provides short-term practical assistance, e.g., meals, respite, rides. Transportation Line 785-842-7529 (to UUCL events or medical appointments) Pastoral Care Associates: Rev. Jill Jarvis at 816-853-6530 [email protected] or Deb Russell at email [email protected] This team provides confidential listening for those experiencing bereavement, illness, unemployment, life transitions, aging, loneliness, etc. Minister Office Hours Rev. Jill Jarvis’ hours tend to be variable. It is best to contact her for an appointment 816/853-6530 or mailto:[email protected] Religious Education Coordinator Ann Alexander [email protected]
Administrative Office Hours: Administrative office hours are typically Monday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tuesday 1:00-5:00 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday 1:00-5:00 p.m. Please be sure to call first, 785-842-3339, if coming out during the week, as doors are kept locked.
