The Flame The Newsletter of First Unitarian Church of Omaha
Rev. Elations As I write this column, I look at two red maples, and I am reminded of a passage from Charlotte’s Web: The crickets sang in the grasses. They sang the song of summer's ending, a sad, monotonous song. “Summer is over and gone,” they sang. “Over and gone, over and gone. Summer is dying, dying.” The crickets felt it was their duty to warn everybody that summer time cannot last forever. Even on the most beautiful days in the whole year― the days when summer is changing into fall― the crickets spread the rumor of sadness and change. Everybody heard the song of the crickets. Avery and Fern Arable heard it as they walked the dusty road. They knew that school would soon begin again. The young geese heard it and knew that they would never be little goslings again. Charlotte heard it and knew that she hadn't much time left.
November 2012
Sunday Services At 9:30am and 11:15am November 4 | Rev. Frank Rivas | Let Justice Roll On Like a River Faith cannot be separated from commitment to justice, a commitment expressed in our votes, in our individual lives, and in the work of our church. November 11 | Rev. Frank Rivas | Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There All religious traditions value stillness. We briefly examine Islamic text as well as its correlates in Buddhism and Judaism. Then we actually practice stillness. November 18 | Rev. Frank Rivas | Giving Thanks We gather as an entire church—children, youth and adults—to give thanks for life in all its complexities. November 25 | The Partner Church Team | Our Transylvanian Spiritual Cousins One service only at 10:30am.
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Sunday, November 18: the debut of our children’s choir. You won’t want to miss this!
Calendar November 2, Private Wedding Rehearsal, 6pm
Rev. Elations Continued...
November 3, Private Wedding, 3:30pm November 4, RE Council Meeting, 10:30am November 4, Discussion: Jim Crow, 6:30pm November 4, Witches’ Tea, 7pm November 9, Private Wedding Rehearsal, 4pm November 10, Private Wedding, 2pm November 11, Discussion: Jim Crow, 6:30pm November 12, Women’s Alliance Meeting, 6:30pm November 13, Board Meeting, 7pm November 15, Flame deadline, noon November 17, Women’s Alliance Bake Sale Set-Up November 17, Private Recital Rehearsal, 3pm November 18, Women’s Alliance Bake Sale, after both services November 18, Board Talk-Back, 10:30am November 18, Private Recital, 3pm November 22-23, Church Office Closed November 26, Book Club, 7pm November 28, UU & You, 7pm 2
Mrs. Zuckerman, at work in the kitchen, heard the c rickets, and a sadness came over her, too. “Another summer gone,” she sighed. Lurvy, at work building a crate for Wilbur, heard the song and knew it was time to dig potatoes. “Summer is over and gone,” repeated the crickets. “How many nights till frost?” sang the crickets. “Good-bye, summer, good -bye, good-bye!” The sheep heard the crickets, and they felt so uneasy they broke a hole in the pasture fence and wandered up into the field across the road. The gander discovered the hole and led his family through, and they walked to the orchard and ate the apples that were lying on the ground. A little maple tree in the swamp heard the cricket song and turned bright red with anxiety. What a glorious season autumn is, and what a poignant one. How appropriate to gather in order to give thanks. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the whole church community will gather to celebrate with word and music. The service will include the premier performance of the children’s choir as well as contributions from our youth. Blessings and love, Frank
A Letter of Thanksgiving In my faith tradition, this is the new year. The earth has carefully tidied herself away and lay dormant and expectant in the quiet time. I find a great deal to consider this time of year, taking walks in the crunchy leaves or sipping tea in my bathrobe...trying not to get too caught up in the holiday bustle. With Thanksgiving on the way, I find much to celebrate. When the Board of Trustees put out a call to fill in the gap in our budget, the congregation answered. Happily, we have enough to run our programming for this year. We thank you for stepping up. The Board and Senior Ministry Team have been working in concert to revitalize our membership program. Some observant congregants have asked about the Board’s participation in what is supposed to be a Ministry Team task. It is a Ministry Team task—and they have been doing a wonderful job of keeping this church running. We are simply lending a hand. Once we have a system running, the Board will step away. On October 6, there was an open workshop/discussion about membership, and a great number of folks showed up. With this level of commitment and care for our church, I have every confidence Membership will be humming along well. I feel gratitude for each one of you. Thank you all for being a part of this beloved community. Kate Godfrey
A Visitor’s Comment By Jaime Alexander After entering the sanctuary shortly before the service would start, I paused a moment to say hello to a visitor sitting alone and wearing a neatly written paste-on name tag. Later at coffee hour I noticed the visitor standing with a blue coffee cup by the snack table, alone. I went over, rejoined our earlier conversation, and introduced a few passers-by and others from nearby clusters. During our conversation I asked how the visit was going. Here is the reply, paraphrased. “I was a greeter at my former church so I am glad you asked. Thank you for introducing me. I’ve been having trouble meeting people here because so few are wearing their name tags.” I looked around. The first six people I saw did not have a name tag. The inner me sighed. Please remember to wear your name tag. Also, be sure to say hi to newcomers. Let’s encourage our guests to come back again by being our friendly selves.
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Our new Sarah Joslyn Society members: Ellen Shurson and Larry Goeser.
Women’s Alliance
Sarah Joslyn Society
The Women’s Alliance will meet on Monday, November 12 at 6:30pm in the Common Room.
On Sunday, October 14, the Sarah Joslyn Society welcomed its newest members at the annual luncheon in the Common Room. The
This month we will be entertained by our very own First UU musicians: Skip Ciulla, Anne Wilder and Maria Wilson. Together, S-Anne-M have brought their own individual personalities together to create a fantastic blend of music. Their inspiration draws from almost any source you can think of, and turns into a sound that is a meld of folk, country, indie, pop and more. We are all in for a real treat!
Society, which was started by Dixie Lemon in 2004, recognizes those members who have made the decision to remember First Unitarian in their wills. This year, members toasted Ellen Shurson and Larry Goeser as they joined the ranks of those who have committed to leaving a bequest to the church. The delicious meal, prepared by Louise Jeffrey, Deb Duggan and Sandy Host, included salade nicoise with salmon and a variety of tasty breads, followed
Our meal for November will be catered by Eddie’s, a Women’s Alliance favorite. We will have the choice of roast beef or a vegetarian lasagna. When registering please indicate your choice. The cost of the meal is $12. If this is your first time, please be our guest.
by a cream cheese pumpkin roll with butter pecan ice cream. Ellen and Larry were welcomed as members and presented with a commemorative slate. If you would like to learn more about how to join this distinguished group, please contact Dixie
Reservations must be made no later than Friday, November 9 to Janet West (402-5533162) or jmasonwest77@yahoo.com. We hope to see you at the meeting.
Lemon at 402-393-2882 or dixielemon2@cox.net.
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Annual Holiday Dinner Saturday, December 15 Social hour at 5:30pm — Dinner at 6:30pm in the Common Room Another fabulous, delectable menu prepared by Attitudes on Food (vegetarian and vegan selections included) Cost is $21 per person Please make your reservations by sending your check to the church. The check needs to arrive in the office by December 7. Please put your check and this form in the offering plate or mail both to the church office. Your check is your reservation. Please circle what you are able to bring: Wine
Appetizer
Dessert
Name(s): ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Please make your childcare reservation when you RSVP for dinner. Pizza and all the fixings will be provided. Yes, I will need childcare ___ # of children ____ Ages and names ________________________________________ Please note: We want everyone to be able to come and celebrate. However, if confidential financial assistance would make it possible for you to attend, please contact Rev. Frank Rivas.
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At Church This Month After Thanksgiving
Bridge Group
Share the Plate
UU & You Visitors, newcomers, and the just curious are cordially invited to this introduction to Unitarian Universalism class meeting on Wednesday evening the week after Thanksgiving, November 28 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge. UU & You classes provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our church, along with an opportunity to share our religious journeys in a theologically diverse “safe� place. Conversation will include some history of Unitarian Universalism and our church, what the church does, how it functions, and opportunities and paths. RSVP or questions can be addressed to uuclass@firstuuomaha.org or call the church office, 402-3453039.
The Bridge Group meets each second and fourth Sunday at 1pm in the Whitney Young Classroom. This month the Bridge Group will meet on November 11 and 25. If you want to learn, teach or play bridge, you are welcome to attend. The more, the merrier!
The First Unitarian Church of Omaha's Share the Plate program selects an organization each month and donates half of our weekly nonpledged offering plate proceeds with them. Our Senior Ministry Team selects the monthly recipients based on 2 requirements: 1. That the recipient is a non-profit organization with a local presence. 2. The organization's official efforts have a direct impact in our local community. Our Share the Plate recipient for November is Community Meals. Every Saturday a meal is served to our neighbors at First Baptist Church. To find out more about Community Meals, contact Louise Jeffrey.
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Witches’ Tea Whatever your interest in earth-centered spirituality, whether Native American (or other) Shamanism, Celtic Druidism, African Diaspora, Wicca and Witchcraft or other tradition or path, come and enjoy conversation, fellowship, and the occasional earth-centered experience with others who resonate with the UU's Sixth Source of Spirituality. This meeting is held on the first Sunday of each month. We meet on Sunday, November 4 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge.
Book Club We will meet at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge on Monday, November 26. The book for our next meeting is Reimagining Milk by Andrea Wiley. This is a fascinating look at the historical and cultural impacts of milk. If you would like more information about the Book Club, please contact Dave Richardson at drichardson@westside66.org.
Joseph Campbell Mythological RoundTable The Omaha Mythological RoundTable is an “emerging” chapter of the Joseph Campbell Foundation's (JCF.org) program to promote the study of mythology and the works of Joseph Campbell. We gather on the fourth Sunday of every month at First Unitarian Church of Omaha from 5 to 7pm for a one-hour video plus a onehour discussion. Topics include the structure of myth, sacred stories, Jungian psychology, dream interpretation, comparative religion, and more. Contact OmahaMRT@gmail.com details. This month we meet on November 25 in the Whitney Young Room.
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R.E. News by Meka Tate, Director of Religious Education In October the kids learned about St. Francis of Assisi. They had a lot of fun making dog treats and playing games to help teach them the 7th principle, which is that we are all interconnected with each other and nature. The children also made vegan pizza with our guest teacher, Deanna Meyler. Not only did we have pizza, but we learned about making healthy desserts. A yummy time was had by all! The teenagers started the Popcorn Theology, which is a lesson plan using movies to learn the UU principles. The teens have coffee rap section to discuss issues that are important to their lives. This has gone well. Soul Full Thursdays continues until November 8. The first three weeks of Soul Full Thursdays have gone well, and had a great turnout on Thursday, October 18. Please join us for the Islam class which will feature different speakers each week. It’s not too late to sign up. Go to: http://www.firstuuomaha.org/education/adult-classes We need guest teachers in R.E. for Sunday mornings. Are you interested? Contact Meka at dre@firstuuomaha.org.
Do you have an idea for Religious Education? Meka would love to hear from you. Just email her at dre@firstuuomaha.org. We are always looking for new ideas.
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Can you be a guest teacher one Sunday morning? Contact Meka at dre@firstuuomaha.org — we would love to hear from you!
Let’s Get RE-Organized The RE (Religious Education) Council sets the “big picture” mission and short-term goals of First UU’s RE program for children and youth, and provides support for our Director of RE, Meka Tate, to implement these goals. This group also helps Meka organize social events for families and recruit RE volunteers. If you are interested in RE for children/youth, please join the RE Council! An organizational meeting will be held Sunday, Nov. 4 at 10:30am (between services) in the middle RE classroom on the second floor. (Let us know you’re interested even if you can’t attend.) Parent members are especially needed to assure the RE program meets their needs. Currently, Kate Wiig and Donna Neff have agreed to be INTERIM co-chairs, but neither can continue long in this role, given other church commitments. Consider serving as RE Council chair or co-chair! Contact Meka, Donna or Kate to get details on what is involved and how Council members will help you divide up the tasks. We really need a strong RE Council to partner with our DRE and minister to strengthen and build our RE program. Contact information: Meka Tate (dre@firstuuomaha.org), Kate Wiig (Barbara.wiig@ops.org); Donna Neff (neffd@cox.net)
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The New Jim Crow: A Call to Action Sunday evenings from Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the Merritt Lounge. Join Kim Dunovan, Meka Tate and Sandy Host as together we learn about The New Jim Crow and develop a plan of action. Since the civil rights movement of the 1960s and ‘70s, many of us have been sleepwalking and disengaged, unaware those hard-fought victories are being dismantled by the government’s “war on drugs.” Whether by design or unintended consequence, government policy the past thirty years has resulted in the mass incarceration of African Americans has created a new racial caste system, much like the old Jim Crow. UUs need to get involved in this new human rights movement to level the playing field again. You can read Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow, or see and listen to the author at this link on the UUA website: http://www.uua.org/multiculturalism/ga/200393.shtml The book is available from The Bookworm at a 20% discount by mentioning you are from First Unitarian Church. The book should also be available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in paperback and electronic versions.
Even if you haven’t read the book, please join us for the discussion. Childcare can be arranged by calling the church office (402-345-3039) or by emailing Meka at dre@firstuuomaha.org.
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The Halloween Heart & Hand Auction Just Days Away! Don’t Miss the Auction Action Friday, October 26 6-10 pm! Haven’t RSVP'd to attend the party or the potluck? No problem--we’d love to see you! Don’t plan to buy anything? No problem--come hang with friends! Can’t be there by 6pm? No problem--come any time and enjoy plenty of food and different parts of the auction. (Childcare reservations are required.) EAT, PARTY, and SHOP at this major FUNdraiser for our church. COSTUME CONTEST with prizes! RAFFLE! DOOR PRIZES! FABULOUS FOOD! Kick off the eve with a potluck of favorite fall foods, plunge into the live and silent auctions, then cap it off with cookies, special coffees and cash bar. FANTASTIC AUCTION OFFERINGS! Check out the Auction Catalog online at www.firstuuomaha.org.
Can’t be at the auction? Arrange for a proxy bidder to be guided by your instructions. Team up with friends and bid as a group for big items like lakeside vacations! Remember—all this fun is for a good cause, so be generous and enjoy! Questions about anything auction-related or last-minute childcare requests? Email auction@firstuuomaha.org or call Donna (402-699-3183). 11
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Moving Forward While Looking Backward
About this Article This is the first in a series of monthly sketches of our church’s rich history. In the longer term we are looking toward two important commemorative dates. The first is the 150th anniversary of the founding of the First Unitarian Church of Omaha in 1869. The other is the 100th birthday of our building, which was completed in 1919. 2019 may seem a long way off; however, with the convergence of two such important dates it is important to get started in the process of honoring the people and events that have nourished and contributed to our church.
By Dave Richardson Reverend Newton Mann 1836-1926 Rev. Mann is probably the most significant figure to occupy our pulpit. He served as minister of First Unitarian of Omaha from 1889 to 1910. The bas-relief plaque on the west side of the south wall of the sanctuary is a tribute to him and his work. He was the first minister of any denomination to accept and advocate from the pulpit Darwin’s theory of evolution. In his landmark sermon titled "Of Science and Religion” he noted; The modern period is marked by an absence of the old interest in church doctrines. … The truth is, the physical discoveries of the last 400 years have made certain fundamental principles of the old theology untenable and relegated them to the rank of myths and fables. These were bold and prophetic words, although spoken in the 19th century they inform the 21st. Reverend Mann was born in Cazevonia, N.Y. in 1836. He was 12 when his father’s death thrust many family responsibilities on him. At the outbreak of the Civil War he served as a commissioner in the Western Sanitary Commission, the precursor of the American Red Cross.
Reverend Newton Mann
At the time of his arrival in Omaha in 1889, American culture was involved in a controversy over the teachings of Charles Darwin. His most significant contribution to this church, to the Unitarian ministry in general and to American theology is his early advocacy of Darwin’s theory from the pulpit. In addition to his work on the theory of evolution, he also wrote several books on a variety of theological, historical and literary topics including a book discussing the role of the Bible as a work of literature, not as a source of “revealed” truth. Rev. Mann occupies a place of honor in our church’s history.
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Finance News By Walt Jesteadt, treasurer
Fall is a time for successful supplemental stewardship campaigns and the World Series. These things both bring to mind the Yogi Berra line, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” The reason I associate that line with stewardship campaigns is that pledges do not really benefit our budget unless they are paid. Most members and friends pay close attention to their pledges and some are very concerned when they fall behind. We always urge those with genuine problems to tell us to lower their pledge because we do not want paying a pledge to result in financial hardship or falling short to result in guilt. On the other hand, we have some people who do not appear to have financial problems, who pledge, but never get around to paying anything. With typical Unitarian restraint, we generally send out contribution statements showing the pledges and amounts paid and leave it up to everyone to do whatever they wish. Since many members who routinely pay their pledges in full have agreed to contribute more this year to address our budget problems, it might be time to remind those who forgot to pay last year that they should do that and should commit to paying this year’s pledge on time. Those making one-time contributions should make their contributions well before the end of the church year (April 30, 2013), so we know where we stand as the year comes to an end. If everyone pays their pledge who is able to do so, we will be able to pay our denominational dues and fully support our programs while maintaining a balanced budget for the first time in many years. It would be déjà vu all over again!
Don’t miss Sunday Services on November 18. The First Unitarian Children’s will perform for the first time.
Reminder: We only have one service on Sunday, November 25. The service is at 10:30am.
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Board President Kate Godfrey President-Elect Tony Host 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) Senior Ministry Team Jack Perry, Walt Jesteadt, Carolyn McNamara, Ben Wallace, Rev. Frank Rivas Submit items for publication to admin@firstuuomaha.org 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.
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New Member News By Carolyn McNamara Bethany Murphy and Ryan Cook visited various UU churches before finding First Unitarian two years ago. They enjoyed the open-minded community they found here and stayed because of all the friends they have made. When they signed the membership book and became our newest members on October 7, it was because they wanted to get involved in our church community. They are active in the Young Adults Group and enjoy getting to know people close to their own age. Bethany is also the pianist for our new Children’s Choir. Bethany was born in Grinnell, Iowa, and is currently a student at Iowa Western Community College studying to be a sign language translator. Through the Iowa Western’s Sign Language Club, she also assists with activities for the Iowa School for the Deaf. In her spare time, she enjoys art from the Deaf culture. Ryan hails from Kansas City, Missouri, and currently works in the research department of Bank of the West. According to Bethany, his only hobby is being a full-time nerd! Both Bethany and Ryan are passionate about gay rights. They share their home with canine friends Gypsy and Zen, and with feline friend Frejya. After dating for nine years, they are now engaged and plan to marry at First Unitarian in two years. Please say “Hello” and welcome them to membership.
Ministry Team Leaders Adult R.E. Crystal DiGiorgi Contact Phone: (402) 345-3039 Fax: (402) 346-2662
Archives Dave Richardson Building (short-term) Dave Rosser
Staff Minister Rev. Frank Rivas minister@firstuuomaha.org
Caring Douglas Lee-Regier Chalice Guild Kay Lynn Goldner
Director of Religious Education Meka Tate dre@firstuuomaha.org
Community Meals Louise Jeffery
Office Administrator Catharine Dixon admin@firstuuomaha.org
Fellowship Nadine Keith & Judith Wright Finance Walt Jesteadt
Women’s Alliance Vanessa Timberlake
Fundraising Donna Neff
Young Adult Group Maria Wilson
Garden Sharon Conlon
YRUU Ben Wallace & Shawne Coonfare
Governance Alex Nather
Organist Pat Will Choir Director Bob McMeen Choir Accompanist Patricia Allender Nursery Aide Justin Deffenbacher Custodian Bobby Medrano Minister Emeritus Ronald Knapp
Membership Barb Ross
The Flame Editor Catharine Dixon
Office Carolyn McNamara Partner Church Council Janet West R.E. Team Donna Neff & Kate Wiig Religious Services Megan Gustafson UU Class Yvonne Price & Jaime Alexander
eNews Catch up on what’s happening at the church on a weekly basis by subscribing to our eNews, a weekly newsletter sent to your inbox. For more information, contact the church office at admin@firstuuomaha.org.
Proofreaders Scott Kemper, Lana Hammel, Cyndi Nather The Flame Mailing Team Anne Massoud, Evelyn Whitehill, Howard Bolton, Jeanette Ryan, Shelton Hendricks
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The Flame First Unitarian Church of Omaha 3114 Harney St. Omaha, NE 68131 November 2012
Women’s Alliance Bake Sale The Annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale is on Sunday, November 18! How about a little help with your Thanksgiving preparations? Women's Alliance will be holding its annual "Pre-Thanksgiving" Bake Sale on Sunday, November 18 in the Common Room after each service. Please stop by after church and purchase some delicious baked goods and other home-made items! Proceeds will help support the Merritt Scholarship Fund. Be ready for a grand assortment of coffee cakes, muffins and breads. See you there!