The
Flame
A Publication of First Unitarian Church of Omaha
November 2013
Rev. Elations
Newsletter
TIME CHANGE NOVEMBER 3! Daylight Savings ends - fall back!
I left town after the service on October 6 both to spend time with my mother in Chicago and to attend a ministers’ retreat in Racine, Wisconsin.
Many of those who attended divinity school with me are now retired, and new generations of ministers have taken their place.
The retreat was about creating sexually healthy churches. It affirmed the variety of human sexuality while at the same time setting appropriate limits. The workshop was in lecture format and often we separated into small groups to share personal experiences or to act as pastoral counselors with one another. The experience broadened my understanding.
Worship took unexpected forms and was insightful and moving. The pastoral presence was palpable. The shared commitment to ministry was moving. The future of our faith is bright.
What really impressed me were my colleagues.
NOVEMBER SERVICES 9:30 AND 11:15 November 3 “Changefulness” by Rev. Frank Rivas November 10 Henry Lemon Memorial Sermon - by Stephen Meister November 17 “Humility” by Rev. Frank Rivas November 24 “Gratitude” by Rev. Frank Rivas November 26 (6:30pm) Special Intergenerational Service with First Central Congregational Church, with Rev. Jones and Rev. Rivas page 1
One event stays with me. I arrived before opening worship to find a seat. Taking the nearest chair, I sat next to someone I didn’t know. As it was someone I wanted to know better we talked several times in the course of the retreat. Later, this man was inadvertently outed by the speaker, who assumed that everyone in the room knew that he was transgender. I didn’t. After that presentation, I told him I was sorry that he had been outed, but that I liked him when I first met him and still do. It’s amazing how little categories affect our primal response to another human being. May the same be true when we know the category first. Blessings and love,
Frank The Flame | First Unitarian Church of Omaha | www.firstuuomaha.org
President’s Letter TRY, TRY AGAIN By T. H. Palmer
Why, with patience, should not
‘Tis a lesson you should heed,
you?
If at first you don’t succeed,
Only keep this rule in view:
Try, try again.
Try, try again
All that other folks can do,
Then your courage should appear, For if you will persevere, You will conquer, never fear Try, try again; Once or twice, though you should fail, If you would at last prevail, try, try again If we strive, ‘tis no disgrace Though we do not win the race; What should you do in the case? Try, try again If you find your task is hard, Time will bring you your reward, Try, try again
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One of my core beliefs is that life is all about relationships. In the pulpit, candidate minister Shawna Foster spoke about impossible situations and our need (as Unitarian Universalists) to understand our relationship to them. To say “yes” to the impossible situation. She said, “Saying yes means that you feel it. You must feel the pain, the sorrow, the joy, the gladness, the triumph. That connection is made to create relationship.” I want to rise to the challenge laid out before me in Sunday sermons on what actions the church as a community should be taking on.
Many of us in the church feel the same way, that we could be doing more in the community for social justice in addition to people’s individual passions and the small teams leading projects in the church. We need coherent social justice leadership. There are “heroes” and “heroines” out there. There are volunteers ready to follow them. We need leaders willing to come forward and help us as a church act on our faith. As Shawna said, we need hope. “To know the relationship is to look defeat squarely in the eye and say, ‘Yes, I have failed and yes, I will try again.’” I am feeling the call to action. We need a strong social justice leadership team. Please contact me if you feel the same way. In faith, Tony
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November Service Theme: The core of our religion November 3 AT THE CORE: Changefulness By Rev. Frank Rivas
November 24 AT THE CORE: Gratitude By Rev. Frank Rivas
(NOTE THAT DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS TODAY.)
Gratitude for life’s abundance as well as a commitment to share that abundance is at the core of all religious traditions.
Generally when we say that something moves at the speed of church, it’s not a compliment. But religion has always been fluid, always changing from generation to generation. Change was the work of the prophets, of Jesus, of our Puritan ancestors, and change is our work.
November 10 Henry Lemon Memorial Sermon - By Stephen Meister
November 26 Special Intergenerational Thanksgiving Service with First Central Congregational Church The service, led by Rev Jones and Rev Rivas, will be held at First Unitarian at 6:30 pm.
Esteemed member of our Congregation, the late Dr. Henry Lemon once observed, "There is at least one good sermon in each of us." To honor Dr. Lemon's words, the annual Lemon Memorial Sermon is presented by a member of the Congregation. We are pleased that Stephen Meister will present this year's Lemon Sermon.
November 17 AT THE CORE: Humility By Rev. Frank Rivas The great teachers from all religious traditions have practiced humility. The Humiliati, a group of Universalists from the mid-20th century, suggested that we too might benefit from a little humility.
Quilt Showing December 7!
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Religious Education Hope for our Children
Early Morning Social Justice
In October the children were invited to process down the aisle while the choir sang hopes for the young citizens of the world. Our friend, Dave Rosser, helped the children understand that the piece is about how we adults have done our best to pass on a world that is good. We work, we sacrifice, we love, and celebrate. We pass our hopes and dreams to the next generation. Mr. Rosser wondered with them, if they might be important reminders to all of us, of the example they might be for us. We were moved, both by the choir and by the sight of our young citizens. Our middle classroom group, those same kids who processed down the aisle, wrote their covenant. They learned that a covenant is a special promise that we make to each other. They used our UU principles to guide them. As I typed them up, I thought about how sweet and simple they looked. Rose Foster had been the recorder, taking notes in hot pink and spelling phonetically. Nicole Giron, one of their teachers, translated the words for me. They are childlike in their simplicity but how enormously difficult in the application! Over and over again, as I prepare lessons, and see our teachers with our young people, I experience the wonder of going back to our most sacred values. It’s like having a clean slate and expressing only the most basic tenets of purposeful living. These universal themes have existed for millennia, and are expressed in symbols, rituals, teachings, and traditions through art, music, and scholarship. What a privilege to share them with our community, young and old. Jan Wilson, Director of Religious Education dre@firstuuomha.org
From 9:30 - 10:30 youth from all ages gather for a drop-in lesson on social justice and service activity. In September, they put together pew activities for kids for the DOMA Strikedown concert. They learned about how Unitarian Universalism Stands on the Side of Love. In October, they looked at books and literacy as social justice, going through our own church library and building a little free library for the public. This month, they’re learning about our church ministry of Community Meals, baking treats for the Saturday meal, and doing a food drive so that everyone can have a nice thanksgiving. In December, they’ll join forces with other church groups for the mitten tree and also ask for socks as that is something people really need when exposed to the harsh outdoor elements in December. They’ll learn about the complex issues of what causes homelessness. Come January they’ll focus on the change for change program, understand what causes child soldiers and what can be done to help and prevent such things in the Congo. They’ll meet someone from DRC and connect with their JusticeMaker who is reforming the legal system, Justine Mwanaishi Saidi. Youth love this program, and have commented about how it enriches their lives. Liam Wiig has said “I used to think social justice was all about rainbows and unicorns. Now I see it is saying what you believe in.” Thanks to this program by Shawna Foster, our kids will grow up informed citizens ready to stand up for what they believe in at home, in school, at church, in their community and in the world.
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Religious Education Hour at 10:30am We have religious education in between services at 10:30. We encourage all ages to be in the services. We have a nursery from 9:15 to 12:30 for those who haven’t started kindergarten and it may be too much of a challenge to sit during a service. Why take kids to service? Church is one of the last places in society where everyone gathers regardless of typical social barriers. At our church, everyone gathers regardless of belief. And in Unitarian Universalism, currently 90% of the kids raised in it do not become UU adults. While we want our kids to be free to choose, wouldn’t it be wonderful to see all the kids we love today to be coming to services as adults in the future? There are many theories why they leave and one thing is clear: kids need to learn how to worship in a community. Sunday school is tailored to them, and worship is when they learn to be part of greater Unitarian Universalism. They also learn how to read from repeating liturgies, how to read music from the hymnals, and our phrases and songs by heart. These young memories will help them as they get older and face challenges as adults. They may not “get” the whole sermon, but they do “get” how much our community cares for them by attending services. However, in this learning process of being part of a community, parents and kids may prefer not to be in the services from time to time.
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So, we have an all-ages “community hour” during the each service in the (downstairs) Whitney Young room. 9:30am Community Hour - Social Justice See more about what we’re learning on page 9. 10:30 Religious Education Hour At 10:30, when the adults are coming down for coffee hour, children and teens will go to their age-level classes. Here they will meet their team of teachers, and pursue their study of our UU Faith. Our curriculum is derived from the exciting Tapestry of Faith program, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association. 11:15 Community Hour - Art and Music On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, youth choir is taught by Anne Wilder. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays, there are fun art activities. On months when there is a 5th Sunday, we have game day! Register your kids! To make sure we have enough supplies and volunteers, and are aware of your child’s unique needs, please register them at http:// www.firstuuomaha.org/registerre/#!registerre/ c1d0
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New Member News Tina Labellarte became a Unitarian Universalist in 1998 in Topeka, Kansas, where she lived for 10 years before coming to Omaha in 2007. She joined Second Unitarian Church in 2008. After taking one year off from organized religion in 2012-2013, Tina purchased a 90-year-old house in the Morton Meadows neighborhood and decided to join First Unitarian, nearest to her "new" home. She just became a member! Tina acknowledges the social justice and community worship aspects of her Catholic roots that led her "home" to the UU faith. A Chicago native, this is the third time she has lived in Omaha where her son, his wife and her three grandchildren reside. She has an adult daughter who is a nurse in Chicago, as well. Tina is the Executive for the Nebraska/ Southwest Iowa Region of the American Red Cross and has worked for nonprofits for 30 years. She enjoys writing, reading, hiking, and travel. Welcome Tina!
Tina Labellarte
CHURCH DIRECTORY DEADLINE LOOMS! If you are a church member of First Unitarian or a friend who pledges or contributes to the church or a friend who is considered a frequent visitor (you have the upgraded blue strip on your name tag) please send the church office your photograph to be used in the church directory. Email your photo to admin@firstuuomaha.org. In the last year: If you have moved, changed your email address, changed your cell phone number, or changed your name, please email the church office with the new updated information. If you aren't sure the church office knows, go ahead and send a note. Thanks for helping us create a pictorial online directory with the correct information. The deadline for photos and updated information is December 1st. page 6
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Why Join First Unitarian Church? Remember the reasons you joined this church? I walked into this sanctuary a few months after my husband died, knowing that I needed to be in the company of people with whom I shared commonality: a generosity toward other people regardless of their beliefs or ethnicity, a respect for fairness to all disadvantaged people, and a skepticism of any political or religious dogma. I also believed I would share with this community, a trust in the intelligence of human beings in their search for more truth, honesty, generosity, and beauty in human life. Though I had strong relationships with my friends and small family and a career I found satisfying and challenging, I knew I needed a
larger village without having to build it one person at a time. I found it to be a place where smart people can disagree with passion about God, political views, religion, atheism and about the nature of truth. A place where good will can pervade the most fundamental of disagreements and where we try the best we can to avoid getting too self righteous about our own perspective. Though we are not always able to achieve such standards, we challenge ourselves in those directions. You may have joined to find the support of a community, the broader support of religious education for your children that encourages questions and doubts, the experience of a spirituality that is based on principles not
dogma, the broadening of your own intellectual life, and the myriad of other motivations that bring people more into connection with each other. Maybe we feel a loneliness for something larger and more generous than our individual lives can offer. We are on the launching pad of expansion here and we are looking at how to pave the road to membership for people who choose to be in our company. We are developing a brochure to answer questions about the steps involved to become a member. Did you know that we have steps? That we are forming a path? That we have expectations that are clear and specific about membership? I bet you thought we just had folks sign the book? And then announced it? That is changing. Talk to the Membership Team. Ask about the Four P始s. Ask about the Path to Membership. Ask about what is up with UU and You these days. Stay tuned. By Jacqueline Anderegg, Membership Team: Lana Hammel, Deanna Meyler, Barb Ross, Bill Ross, Jaime Alexander, Carolyn McNamara, Janet West, Ron Withem, Ben Wallace, Joe Schaaf, Lois Norris, Judith Wright
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A Spooktacular Success! Thank you to the generous donors, enthusiastic bidders and buyers, and many hardworking helpers who made our Heart & Hand Auction on October 25th such a fun and successful evening. The dust is still settling, but an estimated $12,500 was raised for the church operations budget! It truly was an affair of the “heart” and “hand”—with a record number of 140 items donated for auction, a potluck featuring favorite fall foods, and costumed guests. Check out the Common Room Bulletin Board and church website for party pictures, a calendar of auction events, and a complete list of helpers who made it happen. Congratulations to raffle winners Harriet Major (primo Sunday reserved parking space), Diane Withem (See’s Candy basket), Ellen Shurson (dog goodies), and Jackie Andergg (cat goodies). Lots of lucky winners of door prizes, too. Once again, the highlight
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of the auction was Kate Wiig as our auctioneer! She kept us laughing even as our pocketbooks emptied, assisted by her flock of “turkeys” headed by MC Chris Oliver. Winners of the costume contest were Carolyn
AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS Raised: $12,500 Costume Contest Winners: Carolyn McNamara, Abby Cape, Sharon Conlon Parking Spot Winner: Harriet Major Raffle Winners: Diane Withem, Ellen Shurson, and Jackie Anderegg
McNamara as a “Ghost of Nebraska’s Past”, Abby Cape as a “Robot”, and Sharon Conlon in the “Open” category.
“guest seats” for auction events was generated by generous donors and buyers for lowerincome buyers. The seats are not free, but the price is affordable and the process as anonymous as possible. To find out what guest seats are available and how this works, please contact our Guest Guru: Shawna Foster, UU candidate minister (guestguru@firstuuomaha.org, 402-218-1449). These seats are first come/first served and limited to 2 seats per person. Post-Auction Follow-up: Buyers and donors will receive mailed statements and participant information. Please pay auction bills as soon as possible (saving the expense of more stamps). The Auction Team will be following up to help assure all these wonderful events and items purchases are enjoyed. Questions? Contact auction@firstuuomaha.org or call Donna @ 402-393-5390 or Kathi (402-214-2718). Again-on behalf of the FUNdraising Team and our church budget--THANK YOU to all who participated!
Guest Seats for Auction Events: New this year, a pool of
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Our Caring Congregation The Caring Team maintains a list of people who may need special attention, such as those hospitalized, in nursing homes or home-bound. Please let us know if there are others we should add (dleeregier@msn.com). We mainly send cards to these folks on various holidays, plus poinsettias at Christmas. We also try to provide for such needs as rides to appointments, etc, though our sources are limited; that's when we come to the congregation and ask for assistance. Thus we hope to encompass a caring community of the whole family of First Unitarians and friends. Our current Caring List consists of: Pat Allender, Jack Bourdess, Betty Holloway, Pam Kirby, Ruth Nicklin, Mary Jane (Kop) Ramsey, Barbara Rippey, and Sid Wilson. Please ask us for information if you'd like to join in sending cards to these people.
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November Events CommUUnity Night Friday, November 1 5:30pm CommUUnity night is a monthly pot-luck for people who have kids, like kids, or are still kids themselves. There’s no program but sometimes we play board games and sometimes we have long chats and sometimes we have long chats about board games. Bring your family and your favorite dish! Come relax with us. If you forget your dish - come anyway - we have never been short on food.
Spirit Circle Meets at 6pm on November 3 Continuing through the Wheel of the Year, we've finally come around to the Celtic New Year of Samhain. Samhain is the third and final harvest ritual, in which food is stored away for the winter, the dead are remembered, and people wear guises so that the fairies and spirits can't recognize them and cause further mischief. Please come dressed in your favorite guise and bring a dish to share for the potluck afterwards. Ritual will be held earlier than usual, at 6pm, so that those with younger children can still come and celebrate. Ritual will be held in the common room.
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Women’s Religious Study Group The Women's Religious Study Group is currently reading Zealot: The Life & Times of Jesus Of Nazareth, by Reza Aslan. The group meets Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:30 in the Merritt lounge.
Adult Religious Education - Thursdays in November and December "Approaches to Meditation" will be the topic for Soulful Thursdays in Nov & Dec. The program, after the usual brown bag dinner, 6-7, will consist of a presentation on meditation, 7-8; a time for individual meditation/ contemplation, 8-8:15 and a discussion, from 8:15 til 8:30 or so. Theprograms, organized by Douglas Lee-Regier, will consist of: Nov 7, A Round Table of 1st UU Meditators Nov 14, Universal Sufism with Jan & Richard Potter Nov 21, Yoga-Meditation, Stephanie Watson, Omaha Yoga and BodyWork Center (No Class ON Thanksgiving) Dec 5, A Rational Approach, Shelton Hendricks, UNO, Department of Psychology
Dec 12, Amma, the Hugging Saint, Joyce Lindbrunner, the Omaha Healing Arts Center Dec 19, Open discussion: What works for you? - Moderator, Douglas Lee-Regier
Marvelous FlapJack Feast November 10th Sunday, November 10 at 12:30pm Another Flapjack Feast followed by the thought-provoking Christine Robinson video! This is an all-church event -- come one, come all. We hope everyone can stay for the repeat showing of this remarkable, provocative video about the future of our church. There will be discussion moderated by Tony Host following the video.
Women’s Alliance Dinner November 11th Women from First and Second Unitarian Churches are invited to attend the Women’s Alliance (WA) monthly dinner on Monday, November 11. Our get-together will include socializing and beverages at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and a thought-provoking short program (TBA) at 8 p.m. We ask for $12, which goes to the cost of the dinner and our education fund. If this will be your first time attending a WA dinner, let us know and please be our guest.
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Dinner reservations are required for planning purposes; please RSVP to Janet West no later than Friday, November 8th at jmasonwest77@yahoo.com or 402-553-3162. For those who use Facebook, you are welcome to RSVP to Mary Bort. Please indicate if you prefer a vegetarian dish for your entrée. Babysitting is available for those who notify Mary Bort (KMBB18@yahoo.com; 402-201-0970; or via private message on Facebook) by Wednesday, November 6. We hope to see you on November 11th!
yoU retreat:Nov. 16th
This is quiet time that is free from the daily distractions of life like cell phones and tablets and technology in general. In the rush of our lives, we often don’t take time for ourselves...to breathe...to be who we really are. November 16th, and December 21st. That will round out the 2013 year. If you have questions please contact Royal at 402-575-7006.
Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20th The event will start at 6:30pm in the sanctuary. We will have speakers, names remembrance and invocation. At 7:30pm we will gather in the Common Room for a dessert reception and time to visit with friends and presenters.
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For more info look up: TDOR Omaha on Facebook.
from the bake sale go to the Women’s Alliance education fund.
UU & You New Member Class November 20th
Quilt Showing, Saturday, December 7
Visitors, newcomers, and the just curious are cordially invited to this introduction to Unitarian Universalism class meeting on Wednesday evening November 20, at 7:00 PM in the Merritt Lounge.
In 1898, a group of church ladies decided to solicit donations from area businesses to help raise money for First Unitarian Church which at that time was located at 17th and Cass Streets. Receipts of those donations appear on this quilt — see it for yourself on December 7!
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 class facilitator Jaime Alexander 712 328-7550
The restored quilt is a fascinating historical artifact of 1898 life in Omaha. After this showing, and a service that Sunday, Dec. 8 celebrating women’s work and the quilt as history and art, the quilt will be presented as a gift to the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln.
Women’s Alliance Bake Sale November 24 Be sure to stop by the Women’s Alliance Bake Sale during both coffee hours on Sunday, November 24. You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to buy some tasty baked goods, decoratively wrapped, just in time for Thanksgiving! Great for host/ hostess gifts or to serve at your Thanksgiving table (or to enjoy as soon as you get home from church!). There will be a wonderful selection of breads, cookies, pies and more! This annual event is a favorite – last year we sold every item. Proceeds
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PARTNER CHURCH VISIT Rev Kati, her husband Boti and translator Gabor had a fantastic visit here in the States. The partner church would like to thank everyone for their help! They met many First Unitarian Church members, looked at Nebraska agriculture, visited the zoo and learned how ministry is practiced here in the United States. Rev. Kati preached a moving sermon for us and then went home the next day! What a wonderful gift to have her here. Enjoy some pictures from her visit!
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Thank you to everyone who helped with Community Meals on Oct 5 — our 22 volunteers included cooks, dessert makers, and the kitchen crew (pictured in the Trader Joe's pantry). Trader Joe's came through as always and we were able to send groceries home with 60 of our guests. The chicken tetrazinni we served was a real hit, as was the squash provided by Frances Mendenhall and Alan Vovolka! Being the first weekend of the month our numbers were down a bit - 120 meals served but thanks to your generosity we were able to share our leftovers with Set Free Mission, which provides meals, job placement and housing for those who are post-incarceration or recovering from substance abuse. This is one of the church's most visible community projects and more importantly makes a real positive impact for our community neighbors. Your continued support is much appreciated. Our next scheduled meal is Dec 21. Stay tuned to the eNews for more information on how to help.
COMMUNITY MEALS THANKS YOU! Kim Callaghan; Brian Callaghan; Lois Norris Linda Hruska; Linda Hess; Stephen Meister Dana Meister; Louise Jeffrey; Douglas LeeRegier; Dean Christensen; John Wagner; Carolyn McNamara; Frances Mindenhall; Alan Vovolka; Judi Tornten; Patricia Soto Harold Sanchez; Rae Barry; Julia Thompson Diane Withem; Elfie Crage
FOOD DRIVE As we celebrate our plenty, we remember those who do not have as much and share out bounty. Bring your non-perishable canned or other goods for the kids to donate to the food bank. They hope to get at least 100 cans, so please help them towards that goal! Questions? Contact Shawna Foster,
fostershawna@gmail.com or 402-218-1449
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Annual Holiday Dinner December 14 Social Hour 5:30 Dinner at 6:30pm 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 6. Please put your check and this form in the offering plate or mail both to the church office. You can also call in your reservation to the church office; however, 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 for the kids. 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. *The cost includes tip for the servers and clean-up so that our faithful volunteers can take a much needed break and enjoy the evening.
COSTUME DRIVE The glorious costume of October now needs a home. Why not give it to the church nursery for the kids to use their imaginations with all year round? Bring your costume anytime during the month of November and drop it off in the nursery. There, let the glorious costume live in the lives of our kids! Questions? Contact Shawna Foster, fostershawna@gmail.com or 402-218-1449
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THE BIRTH OF A CONGREGATION By Our Church Historian Dave Richardson
Toward the end of the current decade our church will be celebrating two very important dates in our history. The first of these anniversaries is the Sesquicentennial of our founding in 1869 and the second is the Centennial of our beloved Georgian Revival building. The founding of the First Unitarian Church of Omaha and its early infancy provide us with interesting stories. Although the formal Articles of Incorporation were signed on August 22, 1869 there were several events that anticipated the official founding date. The late Harold Becker, the indefatigable “Omaha-ologist”, and member of the church, discovered in the June 3, 1857 edition of The Weekly Nebraskan a notice that Reverend George W. Skinner, a visiting Unitarian minister, “will deliver two sermons on Sunday June 7th at 3:00 PM and the second at the Assembly Hall at 7:00 that evening. Mr. Becker dubbed this event the “First Unitarian Service in Omaha,” a full 12 years prior to our formal founding. Thus were sown the seeds of Unitarianism in Omaha. In his book Freedom Moves West, Reverend Charles Lytrle , who was himself a minister of First Unitarian of Omaha from 1920 to 1922, noted another event which predated the founding. In 1866, the well known Unitarian minister, Reverend C. H. Brigham, visited and spoke in Omaha. Lyttle suggests that many of the eventual signers of our Articles of Incorporation were on hand to welcome him to town. Among the 26 signers of the Articles were some very prominent citizens including bankers William Davis and the internationally famous architect Thomas Kimball. Our first minister was Henry E. Bond. In 1871 Reverend Bond was successful in getting a small brick chapel built. Unfortunately, the depression during the Grant administration and the grasshopper plague devastated the Omaha economy and it looked as if the nascent church edifice was doomed to close. The church leaders petitioned the American Unitarian Association for aid which was provided, saving the church from foreclosure. Under the twelve year tenure of the Reverend W.C. Copeland the church flourished. The membership rolls included more prominent Omahans including the names of the Joslyns, the Kilpatricks and several officers of the Burlington and Union Pacific Railroad. Dr. Lyttle notes that Reverend Copeland was granted the freedom to preach as he saw fit. He often spoke out for the cause of labor and the struggling farmers with no reprisal from the railroad and banking leaders in the congregation. An addition to the chapel was planned during this time. In a 1944 letter to a church member longtime member E.W. Gannett recalled an anecdote his father had told him from the 1880s during the fund drive to build the chapel addition. William Wallace, a member of the board of trustees and a vice-president of the Omaha National Bank attempted to solicit a donation from bank president,
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SHOP ON AMAZON? If you use amazon.com to shop this holiday season you can help First Unitarian! Simply go to www.firstuuomaha.org and scroll to the bottom. The “a” logo is the amazon logo. Click on it, and you will be taken to amazon.com with our referral code. Every purchase you make gives the church between 4% and 12%! Questions? Contact Kathi Oliver or Donna Neff.
J.J. Millard. Mr. Millard’s reply was “Is that the little church without a steeple and only one God, why they won’t even guarantee to save me, why should I give anything.” Mr. Gannett did note that Mr. Millard eventually wrote a check and often attended services. The first 20 years of our church’s existence gave promise to a bright future. It also gives us a sense of the growth of our church and our community and the nation overall in that exciting time of growth and change. Lyttle noted that “the forward steps of the 1880s became long strides during the ’90s under the ministry of Reverend Newton Mann.”
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Event Calendar Friday, 11/1 CommUUnity Night, 5:30pm Sunday, 11/3 Early Service 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Late Service 11:15am Spirit Circle 6pm Wednesday, 11/6 Choir Rehearsal 7pm Youth Group 7pm Coming of Age 7pm Thursday, 11/7 Women’s Religious Studies 1pm Adult Religious Education 6pm Saturday, 11/9 Membership Meeting 12pm Sunday, 11/10 Early Service 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Late Service 11:15am Flapjack Feast 12:30pm Monday, 11/11 Women’s Alliance 6:30pm Tuesday, 11/12 Board Meeting 7pm Wednesday, 11/13 Choir Rehearsal 7pm Youth Group 7pm
Thursday, 11/14 Women’s Religious Studies 1pm Adult Religious Education 6pm Friday, 11/15 FLAME DEADLINE Saturday, 11/16 YoU Retreat 10am Sunday, 11/17 Early Service 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Late Service 11:15am Transition Omaha 2pm Recital 3pm
Tuesday, 11/26 Intergenerational Service with First Central Congregational Church held at First Unitarian 6:30pm Thursday, 11/31 Women’s Religious Studies 1pm Adult Religious Education 6pm
Wednesday, 11/20 Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil 6pm Youth Group 7pm New Member Class 7pm (UU&YOU) Thursday, 11/21 Women’s Religious Studies 1pm Adult Religious Education 6pm Sunday, 11/24 Early Service 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Late Service 11:15am Bridge Group 12:30pm Bake Sale! Monday, 11/25 Book Club 7pm
The Holidays are coming! Don’t forget to shop using First Unitarian’s Amazon link. Click on the Amazon logo at the bottom of firstuuomaha.org or contact admin@firstuuomaha.org to find out more. First U gets 4-12% of the purchase towards our ministries.
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First Unitarian Leadership Board Members Tony Host - Board President Dean Christensen, Lana Hammel, Lynette Ryder, Louise Jeffrey (president-elect), Stephen Meister, Ron Withem, John Wagner
Trustees of the Capital Trust Tim Duggan (2016) Steve Hutchinson (2014) Sandy Host (2015)
Pastoral Advisory Team Jaime Alexander Joe Schaaf Susan Thomas Alan Vovolka
Staff Frank Rivas - Minister Jan Wilson - Director of Religious Education Catharine Dixon - Office Administrator Pat Will - Organist Bob McMeen - Choir Director Jackie Dross - Nursery Aide Bobby Medrano - Custodian Ronald Knapp - Minister Emeritus Keith Hart - Choir Accompanist Stan Harper - Early Service Pianist
Ministry Team Leaders Crystal DiGiorgi - Adult RE Dave Richardson - Archives Douglas Lee-Regier - Caring Kay Lynn Goldner - Chalice Guild Dana Meister/Diane Withem - Community Meals Nadine Keith, Judith Wright - Fellowship Walt Jesteadt - Finance Donna Neff/Kathi Oliver - Fundraising Alex Nather - Governance Dave Rosser - House and Grounds Jackie Anderegg - Membership Carolyn McNamara - Office Kim Dunovan/Laurie Gift - OTOC Janet West - Partner Church Donna Neff/Kate Wiig - Religious Education Megan Gustafason - Religious Services Shawna Foster - Standing on the Side of Love Mary Bort - Women’s Alliance Maria Wallace - Young Adult Group Ben Wallace/Shawne Coonfare - YRUU (Youth Group)
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Submissions, Deadlines Deadline is the 15th of every month. Editors: Cat Dixon, Shawna Foster. Proofreaders: Anita Horn, Cyndi Nather, Lana Hammel, Scott Kemper Board Meetings Held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month and is open to all members. Contact First Unitarian Church of Omaha 3114 Harney Street, Omaha, NE, 68131 Tel: 402-345-3039
Fax: 402-346-2662 www.firstuuomaha.org
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We will have speakers, names remembrance and invocation. At 7:30 we will gather for a dessert reception. For more information, look up TDOR Omaha on Facebook.
The Flame FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF OMAHA 3114 HARNEY STREET OMAHA NE 68131
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The Flame | First Unitarian Church of Omaha | www.firstuuomaha.org