September 2017
The Flame
The Monthly Newsletter of First Unitarian Church of Omaha
Page 2
Pages 4 & 5
Pages 8 & 9
Sunday Services this Month
Church Events
Heart & Hand Auction
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Sunday Services Sunday, September 3 at 10:30am Bathing the Wounds of a Broken World: A Unitarian Universalist Water Blending Ceremony Throughout history, water has been seen as both symbol of and pathway to healing, wellness, and tranquility. Please consider how you might take action to bring those much needed qualities forth in these unstable times. If you choose, please bring a draught of water symbolizing how you plan to help bathe our common wounds. Sunday, September 10 at 10:30am "Welcome Home” Rev. Frank Rivas We begin the new year by celebrating new lives and new life. Sunday, September 17 at 10:30am “A Service of Memory and Hope” Rev. Frank Rivas Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest time in the Jewish calendar. The liturgy includes recognizing the deaths of those whom we love and recognizing our own mortality. For a culture uncomfortable with death and grief, the ritual is especially important. Sunday, September 24 at 10:30am “Symbolic Violence” Rev. Frank Rivas French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu offered a stunning paradigm that rings true in Trump-era America.
Parking Parking is directly west of the church in the surface parking lot or on the street. Please save the surface parking lot for those who need to park closer. Free parking for three hours is available in the Midtown Crossing Parking Garage to the west of the church parking lot. The entrance to the parking garage is on Farnam Street. See this webpage for more info: http://www.firstuuomaha.org/directions
Sunday Forums Forums will begin again Sunday, September 10. Forums are held at 9:30am in the Common Room. If you have a topic you would like to share, please contact the Forum Coordinator Bebe at forum@firstuuomaha.org. Sunday, September 10 at 9:30am Small Group Ministry With Katrina Schmidt Come and learn about the various listening circle topics offered this year and find out how to get involved.
Sunday, September 17 at 9:30am Wakonda School With Mark Loscutoff For the past two years, a group of volunteers from First Unitarian have been tutoring kids at Wakonda Elementary. Many Wakonda students live in poverty and underperform their more privileged peers academically. Find out how it has been going from the volunteers themselves. Sunday, September 24 at 9:30am Open
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Rev. Elations
Monthly Column from our Minister, Rev. Frank Rivas If ever there was a time when we need church, when we need a safe place to express that which is deepest in us, when we need a safe place to hear other points of view, if ever there was a time when we need a retreat from shrill, certain voices and from ears that don’t hear, if ever there was a time when we need to recall that each of us is called to justice, to mercy, and to walking humbly—yes, humbly—with that which we call sacred, this is it. If ever there was a time to teach our children what matters in life, to remind ourselves that we are connected one to another across race, across class, across sexual identity, across education level, across party lines, that we are called to treat each person with dignity and respect, this is it. If ever there was a time when we need to remember that life, all of life, both struggle and joy, is blessing, this is it. We begin a new church year as our nation grapples for direction and as many of us examine our calling in these tumultuous times. We begin knowing that at least one whom we love may not be with us much longer, and we begin by recognizing a handful of new lives who have entered our community. We begin in hope, hope that once again we will find that which is sacred as our imperfect lives affirm our connection one with another and with the greater life, of which we are a part. Welcome to a new church year. Our work is cut out for us. So is the joy we receive from sharing, from engaging, from laughing together. I am honored to be here with you. Blessings and love, Frank
A Note from the Church President By Alan Vovolka
As most of you know Wendy Hessler will be leaving Omaha and moving to Moscow, Idaho (which has a Unitarian church) where her husband, Alan Kolok, has accepted a position with the University of Idaho. Wendy has done a wonderful job as President-elect and stepped in to chair the July board meeting while our president (me) was out of town. I would like to thank Wendy for her service to the congregation and encourage others to do likewise. The Nominating Committee usually takes the summer off but rose to the occasion to fill this leadership gap. Convened by Jackie Anderegg and using suggestions from the entire church membership, they elected Maria Wallace to the President-elect position and Geoff Erickson to complete Maria’s position on the Board of Trustees through May 2018. Maria and Geoff have the full support of the board in their new jobs. I am grateful that (mostly in my absence) the leadership of this church demonstrated that it can deal with challenges as they arise. In fact, as I have some vacation remaining for later this year, if any of you anticipate an impending crisis, please notify me right away so that I can schedule some time out of town. It seemed to work well in this case.
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CommUUnity Night Friday, Sept. 1 at 5:30pm in the Common Room. This casual potluck is open to everyone. Games, conversation and hanging out! Join us! First UU Young Adults Group Sunday, Sept. 3 after the service in the Merritt Lounge. This group welcomes everyone ages 18-35 from all over the Omaha Metro. We’ll begin our new series: "Becoming: A Spiritual Guide for Navigating Adulthood." People’s Film Festival Monday, Sept. 4 at 7pm in the Common Room. We’ll watch A ccidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America. Musician Daryl Davis likes to meet and befriend members of the Ku Klux Klan– something few black men can say. In his travels, he’s collected robes and other artifacts from friends who have left the klan, building a collection piece by piece, story by story, person by person in hopes of eventually opening a “Museum of the Klan.” In A ccidental Courtesy, Daryl’s journey takes him across the country, from DC to California, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Alabama, from old friends who have left the klan, to friends still active in the organization, including a current Imperial Wizard of the KKK. Blessing Bag Day Friday, Sept. 8, 9am to noon in the Common Room. See page 6 for details. Seguin Baby Shower Saturday, Sept. 9 at 10am in the Common Room. We would like to celebrate Caitlin and Tom's baby girl to be born in October. Please join us for their baby shower! They are registered at Amazon and Target for your gift-giving convenience. POPs (Parents of Preschoolers) This event scheduled for Sept. 9 has been cancelled. Our next event happens on Oct. 7. Contact Sarah at seades.hamilton@gmail.com for information.
Church Events
Sign-Up Fair for Small Groups Sunday, Sept. 10 during coffee hour. Learn about the many discussion groups and Listening Circles happening in our church. Find the right group for you! Group leaders will be available during coffee hour to introduce you to what they are all about. Need more info? Want to participate? Contact Katrina at Katrina.Schmidt@gmail.com. Women’s Alliance Monday, Sept. 11 at 6:30pm in the Common Room. Women, and those who identify as women, are invited to attend this gathering. Our first program for the year will be presented by Dave Richardson of the Heritage Task Force. He will present the “History of Women’s Alliance” in honor of the 100th anniversary of First Unitarian Church. He will provide us with a PowerPoint presentation with a look into the history of WA and its relationship to the church. We ask for $15 which goes to the cost of dinner, the Merritt Education Fund, and the Partner Church scholarship. If this will be your first time attending a WA gettogether, please be our guest. Dinner, provided by our newest kitchen team members Sheri Conner and Louise Jeffrey, will be a harvest bounty dinner, meatless, but rich and elegant. Please RSVP via the Facebook event page on First Unitarian’s page, or by emailing Jeri Thurber at jeri.thurber@gmail.com no later than September 5th. YRUU—Youth Group Wednesdays at 7pm in the Common Room. First meeting: Sept. 13. See page 10 for information about our weekly youth group at church. AHA: Atheists, Humanists, Agnostics Discussion Group Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7pm in the Common Room. The program is called: Loren Eiseley, Humanism, and the Sense of the Holy. “Ironically, I who profess no religion find the whole of my life a religious pilgrimage,” wrote Loren Eiseley in his essay on “Science and the Sense of the Holy.” Ron Knapp will give a presentation, readers will share some of Eiseley's wonderful gems of wisdom, and there
will be discussion of what Eiseley means by “the sense of the holy.” Doors open at 6pm for those who wish to bring their own sack dinner and have some time for informal conversation. Program begins at 7pm. Centennial Cornerstone Celebration Saturday, Sept. 16 from 4-8pm at the Elmwood Park Pavilion. This is a potluck. Sign up to bring an item at coffee hour on Sunday. See the flyer on page 7. Salsa Sunday Sunday, September 17 during coffee hour. Colombian salsa provided by the Patricia Soto. Celebrate tomatoes! First Steps: A Class for Visitors Sunday, Sept. 17 at 11:45am in the Whitney Young Classroom. New to First U? All are welcome to attend this session. See page 17 for details. People’s Film Festival Monday, Sept. 18 at 7pm in the Common Room. We’ll watch JUNCTION '48 which is inspired by the true story of Tamer Nafar, who single-handedly created the Palestinian hip hop scene from scratch. Nafar serves as a role model for young Arabs across the globe. Examined Life Group Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge. This is a group determined to become democratic with each participant presenting a topic related to how we assess ourselves personally and as members of society. The ultimate aim is to foster mutual understanding among ourselves and the others attending. Now we meet once a month. Interested? Contact Jack at jackheidel@yahoo.com. The Women’s Religious Study Covenant Group Thursday, Sept. 21 at 1pm in the Merritt Lounge. We will read “The Seventh Step How Little We Know” from Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong. Our facilitator will be Pat Will. We welcome all selfidentified women. If you are interested, please contact Harriet Major at hmajor323@cox.net.
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Church Events Continued...
Young Adult Game Night Friday, Sept. 22 at 6pm in the Common Room. All are invited to join the Young Adults for this event. Board Talk Back (4th Sunday) Sunday, Sept. 24 at 11:30am in the Common Room. The church board wants to hear from you and discuss issues that are important to you.
Mystic Sojourn CUUPS Sunday, Sept. 24 at 6:30pm in the Common Room. Please join us for our Mabon Ritual. Mabon is the midharvest festival. We take a few moments to honor the changing seasons and celebrate the second harvest. We will observe the balance of dark and light as the wheel of the year turns to the Autumnal Equinox. The Ritual will begin promptly at 6:30pm. Please arrive between 6:00 and 6:15pm for discussion prior to the ritual. A potluck will be held after so please bring something to share. Childcare will be provided. Book Club Monday, Sept. 25 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge. The book hasn’t been selected yet. Email suggestions to Dave at drichardson821@gmail.com. Taoism Discussion Group Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6:30pm in the Common Room. Join us to discuss anything and everything related to Taoism! As Taoism is best understood through practice rather than theory, the goal of this group is to provide a participatory space to explore how Taoism is applied in daily life, with an emphasis on experience. With our direct experiences as a reference point, we can then delve into the main texts of Taoism. This group will be led by Geoff Erickson: gerickson03@gmail.com. Recurring Events NAMI Connections Meets every Wednesday at 1pm in the Whitney Young Room. This is a peerrun group for persons living with mental health challenges. This group will meet every Wednesday at 1pm. If you have questions, please email Terri Lynn at quburrt77@outlook.com.
Women's Religious Studies Group This group meets every Thursday, except for the 3rd week of the month at 1pm in the Merritt Lounge. This group explores a wide range of religious beliefs through reading, study, and discussion. New members welcome. We’re reading The Essence of Shinto: Japan's Spiritual Heart by Motohisa Yamakage. Contact Neva at hansen.cozine@gmail.com. Lunch with the Minister Every Thursday at noon in the Common Room starting Thursday, Sept. 14. Bring your own lunch and join us! No RSVP required. Dungeons and Dragons Group Meeting Meets the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month in the Whitney Young Room at 12:30pm. All D&D role players are invited. Questions? Contact Roman at RobertmNoriega@gmail.com, 402-769-4260. Bridge Group Meets the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month in the Conference Room at noon. If you've played before, come for some entertainment and time at the game table. Novices welcome too. Contact Scott Kemper at scott.kemper@gmail.com.
Tai Chi Class Tuesdays at 5pm in the Common Room. The instructor is Linda Gabriel, PhD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist. Your first class is free and then for UU members and friends the charge is $5 /class. Nonmembers are welcome and the charge is $10. For more info: www.TailoredTaiChi.com or contact Linda at taichiomaha@gmail.com. Ways You Can Get Involved Centennial Cornerstone Celebration: Potluck Picnic Volunteer s Wanted! Idea: to have people volunteer in advance to assume the role of some important person from church history. The "character" would wear a sign saying who they are and an "ask about me" badge. Are you interested in playing a part? Please see page 16 for all the details.
Community Meals See page 12 for details about this outreach program. Future Events Pathways Class Sundays in October: 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th at 11:45am in the Whitney Young Room. This four-week class will take a more in-depth look at what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist and to be a member of First Unitarian Church of Omaha. RSVP to Carrie, Membership Coordinator at coordinator@firstuuomaha.org. Listening Circle Group Focused on Racial Justice for Youth Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30pm in the Merritt Lounge. First meeting: Thursday, Oct. 12. Through readings and careful listening we will reflect on our beliefs and biases as they pertain to race, Whiteness, and working in beloved community. The group is facilitated by Dr. Kerri Wingert, an educator who focuses her teaching around compassion and equity. We especially encourage people who tutor or want to volunteer with YES (Youth Emergency Services) to attend. We will talk a lot about our experiences. Sarah Joslyn Luncheon Sunday, Oct. 22. This luncheon celebrates those who have given a bequest to the church. See page 12 for details. Heart & Hand Auction Friday, Oct. 27 at 6pm. See pages 8 and 9 for more information. Sunday, November 5: Team Fair This is our traditional team fair that happens every fall. Teams represented will include: House & Grounds, Fundraising, Garden, Membership, Fellowship, Partner Church, Hospitality, Office, and more. Contact mtc@firstuuomaha.org for more information. Holiday Dinner—Save the date! Saturday, December 9 with social hour at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:30pm. More information will be available soon!
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Blessing Bag Day Friday Sept. 8 9am to 12pm Common Room
Help us assemble the bags! Contact the church office: admin@firstuuomaha.org or join the Facebook event: https:// www.facebook.com/ events/125207568100630 Thank you!
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We'll provide Frankfurter roast and buns and everyone brings a side dish, drink, or dessert. Sign up during coffee hour.
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Party! Pumpkins! Potluck! Purchases! Put your “Heart” and “Hand” in our service auction! Save the date: Friday, October 27th, 6-10 p.m. (at the church) is our Halloween Heart & Hand Auction Party! This is our major fall social event and FUNdraiser for the church operating budget. The “heart” part of the auction is when donors offer “seats” for sale for social activities throughout the year, or donate classy items for purchase at the Auction itself. The “hand” part is when donors offer their skills and time through lessons or help with projects. Of course, both “heart & hand” are involved for the many helpers needed to pull off this big event! Now is the time to ponder donations and volunteer to help. What might you offer to pep up our social lives, jump start a new hobby, or tackle a project on that endless “to do” list? What intriguing items might you donate to tempt partygoers into a shopping frenzy? As donations are received, they are posted to our on-line Auction Catalog, so monitor it frequently. The Auction Party itself features delicious food (Fall Favorites potluck and desserts), a cash bar, door prizes, crazy costumes (for those so inclined), a room full of silent-auction delights, and a fun live auction run. Free childcare (by reservation) provided for infant through 5th grade, with Halloween fun there, too. Our operating budget calls for $17,000 from FUNdraising to balance, most of which comes from the Auction. Luckily, these Auction parties are as fun as they are successful! Last year we had over 155 items auctioned and met our goal thanks to the many generous donors, buyers, and auction helpers who supported our church. With your help, this year’s Auction will be equally fun and successful! NEW: Look for family friendly goods sold *exclusively* on-line. Places to go for Auction information and action: the Auction flyer in this Flame on the next page, the Auction Table at church (starting Sept 10), the on-line Auction Website (access through the church website or directly at www.auctria.com/auction/HHAuction2017), email auction@firstuuomaha.org or call Donna (402-699-3183) or Katrina (402-916-9741). See you October 27th!
Welcome Our New Choir Accompanist J. Gawf is an accomplished pianist, collaborative pianist and a highly trained vocal coach in musical theater and opera. He earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Music degree in Opera Coaching/Piano Accompaniment from Temple University in Philadelphia. J. has collaborated with Opera Saratoga, Michigan Opera Theater, Augusta Opera, New Jersey Opera Theater, Center City Opera and numerous international musical theater and opera singers. He continues to work regularly with the Omaha Symphony and was previously the Music Director at Opera Omaha.
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Notes from Religious Education By Jan Wilson
Many new programs are beginning this Fall. YRUU will have its organizational parent’s meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 7pm in the Common Room. We will introduce new advisors Geoff Erickson and Justin Short, as well as returning advisor Carolyn Miller. Come hear about the plans for this year! Contact me at dre@firstuuomaha.org for more information. The Spielbound Sunday morning program took a hiatus in the month of August to review curriculum and plan a course of study that will be productive for our youth. We know our elementary kids have just begun their new school year. As families fall into the routine that school brings, we hope that the routine involves our Sunday School program. We’re studying the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We’re learning about the many commonalities of these traditions as well as the unique rituals, language, and customs of each. Please stop by our classroom to see our objectives posted on the bulletin board. We thank the many devoted teachers who taught throughout the summer to make our learning so rich. Even with vacations, we have had enthusiastic attendance. Here’s to another great fall!
YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) Young Religious Unitarian Universalists is a combined group of youth from First and Second Unitarian Churches. Youth are in 7th—12th grades. Our youth love the acceptance and belonging this group provides. Youth are free to be themselves in a truly supportive and fun community. Adult advisors guide them in the areas of community building, social action, worship, learning, leadership, and congregational involvement. The youth group meets September to May every Wednesday at 7pm in the Common Room at First Unitarian Church. The Young Adult Committee (YAC) meets once a month on Wednesdays at 6pm. Any youth or parent may attend these planning meetings. Have a teen that wants to join? Contact the youth group leaders at yruuomaha@gmail.com. Please attend our first youth and parent meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 13 at 7pm in the Common Room.
Outside Event: A Free Personal Document Shredding Event will be held Satur day, Sept 16th, 9am to 1pm, sponsored by the AARP Information Center, SHRED-IT Co. and Firstar Recycling. Location: East parking lot, top level of Center Mall, 42nd and Center Sts. Enter at 40th and Center. Volunteers will unload. Call 402-398-9568 for more info.
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Listening Circles Now Forming! What is a Listening Circle? A small group of individuals – friends, visitors, or members of UU who listen and discuss various topics. Both the topics and format of discussion are designed to encourage active listening, which strengthens and deepens relationships.
What Can Listening Circles Do For Me and Our Community? A listening circle develops and enhances relationships of participants, builds trust, strengthens listening skills, and develops a safe space for everyone. These skills and relationships will improve all First UU activities as we grow and connect with one another.
What Kind of Topics Will We Discuss? Both challenging and fun topics are explored. Currently we have prepared these topics: play, living simply, justice, forgiveness, expectations, endings, confronting evil, aloneness, and addictions.
How Often and For How Long Do Groups Meet? Groups will meet twice a month for an hour to an hour and a half either at church or in homes.
What Does a Meeting Look Like? A clear format is used for listening circles to ensure everyone is heard. We read several quotes on a single topic, followed by a short period of contemplation, and then discuss the quotes in three rounds. Round 1: Each member shares impressions without response. Round 2: Discussion. Follow up on ideas expressed, question, and expand. Round 3: Final thoughts shared by each individual. Did your viewpoint change from the conversation?
What if I Want to Facilitate One Meeting or More?
Great! The set format for listening circles makes guiding easy. Facilitators do as much or as little as they would like and have the opportunity to receive a vast amount of support. Minimally, just bring the topic of the day. Before your first meeting, you will receive a quick 5-10 minute one-on-one orientation, a manual with suggestions and topics, become a part of an on-line facilitator’s community, and have the option of attending a group training meeting.
What Do You Expect of Me if I Join? We ask that you be committed to attending and let the facilitator know if you cannot. We ask participants to listen and share deeply, be aware how much time they are taking to share, welcome new members, avoid cross talk, avoid judging, avoid giving feedback, avoid “fixing” people, and keep stories shared confidential.
We Want You! We would like to grow and learn with you in small groups. We hope this will bring together people who may not normally interact with one another, and we hope to strengthen our community. Please email listeningcircles@firstuuomaha.org or go to http://www.firstuuomaha.org/circles to fill out the online form. Listening Circles will begin in October. Please sign up today!
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Hope in Action
Our church believes in community, and that is what Hope in Action, a sub-team of the Caring Team, is all about. Any one of us might need assistance, and we want to make it easier for you to ask for support and easier for you to offer support when others are in need. WHO IS SERVED? Church members, friends, regular attendees and their spouses are eligible for assistance from Hope in Action.
WHO CAN HELP? Everyone! Hope in Action is an opportunity for everyone in our church community to support each other by sharing knowledge, skills and resources. Hope in Action will use church communications, including the enews, to let our church community know when help is needed to respond to a request for support. And we will report back to the church community about how we were able to respond. All communication will be done in a manner that maintains the degree of confidentiality requested by the person seeking assistance. WHAT SUPPORT CAN BE EXPECTED? Hope in Action is there when people are dealing with a medical problem, need transportation or help around the house, can use assistance with referrals to social service agencies or just need someone to talk to about the ups and downs of life. Our response will vary depending on the type of support that is needed in our church community and what resources we have available. Although Hope in Action is not able to respond to emergencies, short-term financial assistance may be available for lodging, food, clothing, medication, transportation and utilities. Financial disbursements are not made directly to the person making the request for assistance.
HOW TO ASK FOR SUPPORT CHANGE FOR Requests for assistance must be made CHANGE directly by the person needing help. Hope in Action does not respond to any Each week generous people put change in the collection plate. This anonymous or third-party requests for change goes to the Sunday School assistance. kids who decide what to do with the money. In the past they have helped Here are the ways you can ask for support from Hope in Action. You may Community Meals and International Bridges for Justice. The kids are send an email to hopeinaction@firstuuomaha.org or use now donating this change to the Neighborhood Ministry Team, the Hope in Action link on the church website. Or, you may simply complete which purchases bus tickets and food cards and gives out blessing a Caring Card, located in the church bags to people who come to the pews and place it in the offering plate. church door from our area. Your change makes a difference! Thank WHO DECIDES WHAT you for your generosity! SUPPORT WILL BE OFFERED? Hope in Action will use a team approach, so at least three members of SARAH JOSLYN Hope in Action must participate in determining the nature of the LUNCHEON response. Save the Date for October 22nd It's not too late to become a member of The Sarah Joslyn COMMUNITY MEALS Society and secure your place at the Community Meals, which serves meals annual luncheon, scheduled for October 22nd. Each year at this to our neighbors, will have their dates fun event, we look forward to set starting in October. We will have welcoming our newest members details of dates, times, and meal plans then. We would love to see some differ- and honoring everyone who has made a commitment to leave a ent volunteers—perhaps youth, team bequest to the church. leaders, hospitality teams. I welcome As our founder, Dixie Lemon, any suggestions. We plan to feed 75always reminds us, "You'll never 100. Contact Diane Withem for more miss the money." Contact Deb at information. Call: 402.679.8916 debduggan1117@gmail.com or Email: dianewithem@gmail.com (402) 553-5477 for more information.
SHARE THE PLATE
Each month one-half of the loose currency collected in the offering plate is donated to a local cause that advances important principles of Unitarianism. In the month of September we share the plate for Project Everlast. Go to this website for more information: http://www.projecteverlast.org/
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New Mission, Vision and Covenant At our Annual Meeting in May, the congregation approved new statements. Mission Fostering the Whole Person, Compassion, and Justice Vision An inclusive Community that Listens, Engages, Inspires, and Acts We covenant to: Listen to understand and grow Seek and value all voices Model respect and kindness Assume good intentions Resolve conflicts directly and compassionately Contribute time, talent, treasure Respect people’s time Celebrate, support, appreciate
Women’s Alliance File Brigade
This past summer some of the members of Women’s Alliance met to comb through the archives of the Women’s Alliance. This team, known as the File Brigade, found hundreds of documents, yearbooks, scrapbooks, photos, by-laws, meeting minutes, and recipes over the past 100 years of Women’s Alliance. Over the course of this year I will be submitting monthly Flame articles for your enjoyment about the history, women, and parties of WA, and possibly a recipe or two. Below are a few photos of what this team has been organizing and what we have found in our many boxes of historical documents. If you are interested in helping sort and re-home these documents, please contact Catherine Plumlee or me for meeting dates and times. I hope you enjoy these articles. We have found some interesting documents and can’t wait to share our findings with the current members of First Unitarian and the women’s alliance group. Sincerely, Kathi Oliver, Publicist WA 2017/2018
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Elders for the Earth: 2017 Retreat in the Spirit of Chautauqua The retreat will take place October 1-4, 2017 at Mahoney State Park. First Unitarian Church is proud to be a sponsor of this retreat. The kick -off event on Sunday afternoon will be a public lecture by State Senator Tony Vargas on Environmental Justice. The plenary speakers will address environmental issues from five vantage points: lifestyle choices, education, public policy, economic decisions, and advocacy. In addition, the retreat will feature workshops in three different categories: practical left-brain workshops chock full of facts and information; right-brain playshops for art, music, poetry; and outdoor activities in the beautiful park overlooking the Platte River. Food will be locally sourced as much as possible, and mostly homemade. There will be plenty of time for relaxation and getting to know likeminded peers. This retreat is geared to senior Nebraskans, but all adults are welcome. The retreat organizers believe that elders have a great deal to offer the climate justice movement, and by educating and inspiring them, we can make a difference in the most serious, worldwide crisis of our lifetime.
To find out more information and to reserve your spot, go here: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/elders-4-theearth-a-retreat-in-the-spirit-ofchautauqua-tickets-36594590405
Gender Revolt! Film Streams Series
NAMI Nebraska Picnic in the Park
Film Streams and UNO Women’s and Gender Studies Department is proud to present Gender Revolt!: A celebration of queer cinema from August 26 – September 27. This series features ten extraordinary films that revolt from traditional representations of gender and sexuality on screen, each exploring in different ways the expression of queerness in a heteronormative world. Special thanks to UNO Gender and Sexuality Resource Center! First Unitarian Church is proud to partner with other businesses, churches and nonprofits to promote this series.
Sunday, Sept 17 at 11:30am at the Elmwood Park Pavilion. Come support NAMI and have a fun afternoon in the park with friends and family.
To see a complete listing of the films that will be shown during this series, go here: http://www.filmstreams.org/ film_series/gender-revolt/ Special event on 9/17 at 6pm at Muglife (2452 Harney St): UNO Women's and Gender Studies Program is partnering with Nebraska Writer's Collective, Muglife, and Film Streams to celebrate queer voices in Omaha by hosting Gender Revolt! Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic night. This event is in anticipation of the screening and post-film panel of "Pariah," at Film Streams on Sept. 19th. Coffee, tea, light snacks, and limited adult beverages will be provided. The Facebook event can be found here: www.facebook.com/ events/150178422200609/.
Highlights:
Branson vacation raffle Picnic lunch Learn more about NAMI Music Free!
Bring a chair or blanket. RSVPs requested by 9/8 to tadams@naminebraska.org or 402-345-8101. To learn more about NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) go to: https://naminebraska.org/
General Assembly (GA) happens near Omaha in 2018 Do you plan to attend? The MTC wants to hear from you. We'd like to send a big group to participate in next year's GA. June 20-24, 2018 Kansas City, MO. Website: http://www.uua.org/ga. Email admin@firstuuomaha.org if you are interested in attending GA 2018.
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Sedition in Nebraska, 1917-2017 CHANCELLOR: A university is famous for people with opinions. This is not the time for opinions. SCHRAG: But, surely, freedom of speech and academic liberty affect the university most profoundly. CHANCELLOR: That’s very grand, but I hardly think that you, personally, carry the mantle of intellectual freedom on your shoulders, do you? Not when the opinion of the people is arrayed against you. This is the Chancellor of the University of Nebraska, where Andrew Schrag is a Professor of German. The time is 1917-18, and the dialogue is from “Sedition,” by playwright David Wiltse, Professor Schrag’s grandson.
The Angels Theatre Company plans to present two or more readings of “Sedition” in fall 2017 to commemorate the centennial of the events it portrays. One reading will be part of its 2017-18 salon reading series along with other plays on the theme of free speech. Another reading will be the basis for the fall 2017 annual membership meeting of the Academic Freedom Coalition of Nebraska. First Unitarian Church plans to have a reading of this play in the near future at church. Watch the enews and website for more information. SCHRAG: Every man is free to voice his view on any folly—just as I am free to dispute it. It’s called freedom of speech. I hold it precious. [PROSECUTOR] MEGRIM: I couldn’t agree more. Nothing is more precious than the freedom of speech—except the freedom of this country. We are here today because of the possibility of sedition. And what is that but the misuse of freedom of speech? At each reading of the play, AFCON will provide historical background concerning the 1918 University of Nebraska professors trial, in which a dozen professors were put on trial before the Board of Regents for not being sufficiently loyal and anti-German as the U.S. went to war with Germany. In addition to Andrew Schrag, victims of the 1918 professors trial included Harry K. Wolfe, who got his Ph.D. in Germany and brought the new scientific psychology back to Nebraska in the 1880s; George Washington Andrew Luckey, an expert in child study and pedagogy, who founded and led what became the College of Education; and Clark Persinger, a staunch defender of academic freedom who headed the Department of American History. A century later, questions of academic freedom in times of patriotic fervor and ethnic hysteria remain as relevant as ever, and not just in higher education. Most Nebraskans don’t know that every Nebraska school district is required by a 1949 law to have a “committee on Americanism” charged with monitoring the history and civics curriculum to ensure the production of a “patriotic citizenry.” LB 308, a bill introduced in January 2017 in the Nebraska legislature, is designed to activate these committees. CHANCELLOR [to SCHRAG]: What would happen if everyone went around practicing his “freedoms”? The average man doesn’t know what his freedoms are and doesn’t exercise them. He worships the gods his parents gave him and agrees with the loudest voice he hears, he does what he’s told and he’s happy to do so—it relieves him of the burden of thinking. If everyone said and acted as he wished, authority would be forced to sit upon us like a stone on an egg. We have freedom only as long as we don’t exercise it. We hope the presentation of “Sedition” will increase historical awareness and spur useful discussion about the exercise of freedom in 1917 and 2017. If you have suggestions or would like to get involved in planning these events, contact AFCON Board Member, Linda Parker, at lparkerlib@gmail.com.
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Are There Nuts in This?
(We are talking about food, not members of the congregation.) By Evy Rosser, Vegan Linda Parker, Omnivore Our First Principle emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person. This principle applies to everything we do, including the food we serve at church events. Let’s examine two examples that involved safety issues. In one incident, a child with allergies ate unlabeled food. The child had a severe reaction requiring hospitalization. The church was liable for the incident. In another incident, a dessert was served at a church event. The food was properly labeled when it was first served. The leftover item was properly stored and served later at coffee hour. However, the food information label was not present when the dessert was served again. A person with allergies consumed the food and had a reaction. The above examples describe serious safety issues. But there are also serious issues regarding respect for food choices/lifestyles of vegetarian/vegan individuals. Are we truly respecting the needs of vegetarians and vegans who are part of our church community? We have observed a pattern of marginalization of non-meat eaters. To illustrate, at this year’s annual meeting, there was a concerted effort to provide delicious vegan food in sufficient quantities for the attendees who do not eat meat. The food was labeled to indicate the vegan choices. Unfortunately, most vegans were not able to enjoy the food made specifically for them because many non-vegans ate the designated food. In addition, vegans/vegetarians frequently choose not to attend events because they have learned that their food needs will not be met. These are just two examples of the pattern; these situations happen over and over at our church-hosted events. So what do we do now? What are we willing to do? Here are a few thoughts offered by an omnivore and a vegan. In the interest of safety, label all food items with their ingredients. This step is important because allergy triggers are not always obvious in the name of the dish. Make sure that labels remain with leftovers. If the item has no label, it should not be served. Just as we have separate tables for desserts, salads,
and drinks, have a separate table for vegetarian/vegan food. Clearly label the table as vegetarian/vegan. Vegetarian/vegan food is so delicious that it appeals to everyone; however, let’s give the vegetarian/vegan eaters sufficient time to make their choices before others start to sample items from the table. Keep in mind that many vegetarians/vegans may not be able to get in line immediately because they have church responsibilities to complete before being free to begin eating. Let’s operationalize our Mission and Vision statements:
Fostering the Whole Person, Compassion, and Justice An inclusive Community that Listens, Engages, Inspires, and Acts
Centennial Cornerstone: Volunteers Wanted
Idea: to have people volunteer in advance to assume the role of some important person from church history for our potluck event on Sept. 16. The "character" would wear a sign saying who they are and an "ask about me" badge. Dave Richardson will write up a brief 3X5 card size bio for each of the roles so volunteers can have a "cheat sheet.” Are you interested in playing a part? If so, contact: drichardson821@gmail.com. When you email Dave, let him know which person you wish to portray. If more than one person requests a role, the earliest postmark gets the role and other options can be offered. Here is the list of possible roles (other suggestions are welcome): - Newton Mann (early minister), - Rowena Morse Mann ( famous Unitarian minister and internationally known scholar), - Grace Holdrege ( 19th and early 20th century key figure in the Church and the Alliance), - William Howard Taft ( former president and UU leader ), - Louise Henderson ( first woman minister at First U. worked as assistant pastor and RE director in the 1920s), - Sarah Joslyn (philanthropist and church leader), - Whitney Young (key Civil Rights leader and member of First U. in the 1950s), - Vester Vanstrom (first U minister in the '60s and '70s social activist - marched in Selma).
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New to our church? Join us for an informal introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our community. The First Steps Class will take place on Sunday, September 17 at 11:45am in the Whitney Young Classroom (downstair s on the west side of the church by the nursery). If you are interested, RSVP to Carrie at coordinator@firstuuomaha.org or stop by the Welcome & Engagement Table (in the Common Room downstairs) on the 17th and we’ll get you to the right room. Grab a cup of coffee and we will see you there!
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Minister Frank Rivas minister@firstuuomaha.org Director of Religious Education Jan Wilson dre@firstuuomaha.org
Meet Our Leaders Board Members Alan Vovolka (President), Maria Wallace (President-Elect), Joe Schaaf (Secretary), Linda Parker, Catherine Plumlee, Floyd Prine, Donna Tubach-Davis, Geoff Erickson board@firstuuomaha.org
Membership Coordinator Carrie Helmberger coordinator@firstuuomaha.org
Trustees of the Capital Trust Evelyn Whitehill (2018), Dean Christensen (2019), Daniel Byrd (2020)
Church Administrator Catharine Dixon admin@firstuuomaha.org
Committee on Ministry Collin Hatcher and Donna Tubach-Davis
Organist Pat Will
Ministry Team Council Rev. Frank Rivas, Nellie Chenoweth, Maria Wallace, Diane Withem mtc@firstuuomaha.org
Choir Director William Miller choirdirector@firstuuomaha.org Choir Accompanist J. Gawf Pianist Stan Harper Minister Emeritus Ronald Knapp Nursery Coordinator Jenny Hastings childcare@firstuuomaha.org Nursery Aide Gale Callaghan Custodian Bobby Medrano Nominating Committee Molly Dewell, Dave Olson, Kathy Oliver, Carol Ramsey, Marie Sedlacek, Ben Wallace
Ministry Teams and Team Leaders Archives/Heritage Task Force—Dave Richardson and Carol Cronin Black Lives Matter—Rene Harper Caring—Louise Jeffrey Chalice Guild—Kay Lynn Goldner Community Meals—Diane Withem Fellowship—Judith Wright, Nadine Keith & Nellie Chenoweth Finance—Walt Jesteadt Forums—Bebe McCammond Fundraising—Donna Neff and Katrina Schmidt Hope in Action—Kim Dunovan Hospitality Teams—Carolyn McNamara House and Grounds—Pierce Carpenter Listening Circles—Katrina Schmidt Membership—Mike McAtee and Janet West Midtown Helping Hands—open Office—Carolyn McNamara Omaha Together One Community—Janet West Partner Church—Janet West Social Justice—Lori Schaaf Wayside Pulpiteer—Kim Dunovan Women’s Alliance—Catherine Plumlee Worship Arts Team—Maria Wallace Young Adult Group—Collin & Becca Hatcher YRUU—Geoff Erickson and Carolyn Miller
THE FLAME
Deadlines are the 15th of each month. Word limit: 200. Send submissions to admin@firstuuomaha.org.
Editor/Designer: Cat Dixon Proofers: Lana Hammel, Scott Kemper, Lois Norris, Debbie Hunsberger Flame Mailing Team: Debbie Hunsberger, Lois Norris, Linda Hruska, Kim Callaghan
First Unitarian Church www.firstuuomaha.org 402-345-3039
Newsletter cover photograph by Sarah Hamilton
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CommUUnity Night Friday, Sept. 1 at 5:30pm in the Common Room. See page 4. First UU Young Adults Sunday, Sept. 3 at 11:30am in the Merritt Lounge. See page 4 for details.
Church Events
CUUPS Book Study Group: 12 Wild Swans Sunday, Sept. 17 at 11:30am. See page 4.
People’s Film Festival Monday, Sept. 18 at 7pm in the Common Room. See page 4 for details.
Future Events… Pathways Class Sundays in October: 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th at 11:45am in the Whitney Young Room. See page 5.
Church Office Closed Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 4
The Women’s Religious Study Covenant Group Thursday, Sept. 21 at 1pm in the Merritt Lounge. See page 4.
Listening Circle Group Focused on Racial Justice for Youth Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30pm in the Merritt Lounge. First meeting: Thursday, Oct. 12. See page 5.
People’s Film Festival Monday, Sept. 4 at 7pm in the Common Room. See page 4 for details.
First UU Young Adults Game Night Friday, Sept. 22 at 6pm in the Common Room. See page 5.
Sarah Joslyn Luncheon Sunday, Oct. 22. See page 12for details.
Blessing Bag Day Friday, Sept 8, 9am to noon. See page 6 for information.
Board Talk Back Sunday, Sept. 24 at 11:30am in the Common Room. See page 5 for information.
Heart & Hand Auction Friday, Oct. 27 at 6pm. See pages 8 and 9 for more information.
Book Club Monday, Sept. 25 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge. See page 5.
Team Fair Sunday, Nov. 5 during coffee hour. See page 5.
Taoism Discussion Group Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6:30pm in the Common Room. See page 5 for details.
Holiday Dinner—Save the date! Saturday, December 9 with social hour at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:30pm. More information will be available soon.
Private Wedding Saturday, Sept. 30 at 2pm.
CALL FOR PHOTOS!
Private Wedding Sunday, Sept. 3 at 5:30pm
Seguin Baby Shower Saturday, Sept. 9 at 10am in the Common Room. See page 4. Sign-Up Fair for Small Groups Sunday, Sept. 10 during coffee hour. See page 4. Women’s Alliance Monday, Sept. 11 at 6:30pm in the Common Room. See page 4. Board Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7pm in the Common Room. YRUU Parent/Youth Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 7pm in the Common Room. See page 10. AHA Meeting Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7pm in the Common Room. See page 4. Flame Deadline Submit your newsletter articles to admin@firstuuomaha.org by Sept. 15 at noon. Centennial Cornerstone Celebration Saturday, Sept. 16 at Elmwood Park. See page 7 for information. Salsa Sunday Sunday, September 17 during coffee hour. See page 4 First Steps: A Class for Visitors Sunday, Sept. 17 at 11:45am in the Whitney Young Classroom. See page 17.
Recurring… Lunch with the Minister Every Thursday at noon in the Common Room starting Thursday, Sept. 14. See page 5. Women’s Religious Studies Group Meets most Thursdays at 1pm in the Merritt Lounge. See page 5.
Dungeons & Dragons Group Meets the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. See page 5. Bridge Group Meets the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. See page 5. Tai Chi Class Tuesdays at 5pm in the Common Room. See page 5. NAMI Connections Meets Wednesdays at 1pm in the Whitney Young Room. See page 5.
Like to take pictures? If you capture a great photo of the Sunday service or the garden outside or an event in the Common Room, please send your photo to the church office at admin@firstuuomaha.org. We are always looking for new photos we can share in our newsletter, on the church website and social media. Thank you!
SOCIAL MEDIA AND FIRST U Like our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/FirstUnitarian-Church-of-Omaha158134657609262/ The church creates Facebook events for Sunday services and often for other church events. This is a public page meaning if you post to the page, anyone on Facebook can view that post. Join our closed Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/77808136080
Centennial Cornerstone Celebration: Potluck Picnic September 16 See page 7
First Unitarian Church of Omaha 3114 Harney St. Omaha, NE 68131 www.firstuuomaha.org