The Flame
AUGUST 2013
In This Issue:
THE NEWSLETTER OF FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF OMAHA
NEW RE DIRECTOR RE HOUR CHANGES EVENT CALENDAR PRESIDENT’S LETTER
What Do We Share In Odyssey? REV. Elations
The Odyssey does not simply recount Odysseus’ itinerary from Troy to Ithaca. Rather, it narrates life-changing experiences that he had along the way. Some of those experiences will inform the life he resumes with Penelope; some will always be anomalous. So it is with us. One of the things I love about our church community is that we are willing to share our own spiritual odysseys. I am moved again and again by stories of how we came to our current theological position. This year I am inviting us to broaden what we share in an odyssey. One option is to share what moved us to our current position. Another, to share an experience that moved us, but does not integrate easily into our current theology or
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cosmology. Yet another, to share a personal experience that ignited our passion for justice (I think of Obama’s recent sharing of personal experiences that call him to confront racism). As always, we do not ask others to agree with us, but only to hear the events that have shaped our lives. Whether you are a great orator should not be a consideration. Sharing who we are with one another is what makes a church community. If you would like to share an odyssey, but have some discomfort, please speak with me. I’m willing to read drafts or to listen as you practice from the lectern. We each have much to give to and much to learn from one another. I am looking forward to our second year together. Blessings and love, Frank
Join us on Sundays at 10:30
Aug 4 - Rev Ron Knapp - Doubtless There are Other Roads: The Little Poems of Stephen Crane Aug 11 - Rev Frank Rivas - E Pluribus Unum Aug 18 - Nancy Combs Morgan on: Youth and Young Adult Ministries August 25 - Welcome Home Celebration - DRE Jan Wilson + Rev Frank Rivas
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Board’s 5 Year Vision for First Unitarian
- Membership at 300 - A budget that supports increased membership - A renovated RE wing - An RE program that covers the life span of members, works with 100 youth, has a strong reputation in the community such that it becomes a gateway to the involvement of others, and prepares our youth the be knowledgeable outside the church and long to return to a UU environment - Social justice and ministry. Be a public and leading voice in the community that elicits a mentality of “here come the Unitarians” that always speak up for issues that align with Unitarian principles - Celebrating the 150 year anniversary of the church and 100 year anniversary of our sanctuary; An active teaching church that helps train ministerial interns - Strong leadership of the minister, membership, volunteers, and Board.
August Sermons August 4: Doubtless There Are Other Roads: The Little Poems of Stephen Crane - Rev. Ronald Knapp, Minister Emeritus Over the years, in my eclectic wanderings through the world of poetry,I have now and then come across one or another of the insightful little poems of Stephen Crane.Each time I said to myself that I need to give a sermon on this subject. This Sunday is my attempt to do just that. Here is the title poem: The wayfarer, Perceiving the pathway to truth, Was struck dumb with astonishment. It was thickly grown with weeds. “Ha,” he said, “I see that none has passed here In a long time,” Later he saw that each weed Was a singular knife. “Well” he mumbled at last, “Doubtless there are Other roads.”
August 11: E Pluribus Unum - Rev. Frank Rivas
As summer draws to a close, we are invited to share recent events that have informed our lives―anything from standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon to a death in the family, from attending a conference to reacting to the Zimmerman verdict. From our experiences we grow; in sharing, the community grows.
August 18: Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Honor our special guest Nancy Combs-Morgan, the Mid-America Coordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, by listening to her sermon about the future of these important ministries in our faith tradition. August 25: Welcome Home! - Rev Frank Rivas and Jan Wilson Children, youth, and adults, we celebrate together the beginning of a new church year. We celebrate in story, in song, and with lots of enthusiasm. You don’t want to miss this.
Let Us Introduce Jan!
Our NEW Director of Religious Education, Jan Wilson! Let Me Introduce Myself I am pleased to accept the responsibility of being your new Director of Religious Education. It was almost immediately, that I discovered that I would not be alone in this role. I have been welcomed enthusiastically with every kind of help a person could have. Frank has been so genuinely supportive. The RE team, notably Donna Neff and Kate Wiig, have given me every inch of guidance to start me in the right direction. Cat, in the office, has facilitated a smooth transition. I will depend on them, and all the other dedicated friends, that bring such intelligence, creativity and dedication, to our education program. When my son and daughter were in the RE program, I worked with astounding church members to write curriculum, and plan events. I found it very rewarding. How great to be able to repeat history and to meet this generation of families. I invite anyone to talk with me about your hopes for religious education, either in person, or in writing. I want to have your insights, whether or not you have children in the program. You might reflect on the strengths of your children’s experience in RE, or on what has been meaningful from your own childhood or youth. You can send me an email at dre@firstuuomaha.org. With joy, Jan Wilson
By Donna Neff CY-RE Team (Child-Youth Religious Education) is delighted to welcome Jan Wilson as our new DRE! To Jan’s warm (but modest) introduction, here is some background on why it is exciting to have her on board. Jan brings a long history of UU experience: as a church member (since the late 1970s), as a UU parent (her adult son and daughter grew up participating in RE), and as a teacher and leader in the RE program for many years. While serving as Chair of RE Council, she helped hire and guide Cheryll Wallace as DRE, who then served our church for many years. Added to her passion for UU RE programs, Jan brings a wealth of professional teaching and administrative skills. She has a master’s degree in education and 33 years of experience teaching K-6 grade art (first at Brownell Talbot for 3 years, then Omaha Public Schools for 29 years (retiring in 2009). She has received many awards and held leadership positions. Because one of my grown children is the same age as Jan’s daughter, Jan and I go “way back.” She is fun to work with and brings energy and laughter to every task. Please welcome Jan and support her in her new role as our DRE!
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BIG Changes in our Religious Education! ONE Religious Education hour in between services! Starting September 8th! 10:30-11:30am RE Hour! RE Hour is when our volunteer teachers will lead age-appropriate, curriculum-based classes for pre-school through high school. During each service (i.e., flanking RE Hour) there will be “Community Time” in which adults will guide the children and youth in a variety of quality activities. The plan includes having any children present be part of the beginning of each service. Why do this? Your Child-Youth RE Team feels this new format has several potential advantages: 1. It gathers all the children/youth at one time (optimal for both kids and teachers). 2. It satisfies children/youth’s desire for time to build friendships with each other. 3. It offers opportunities for social justice and other projects during Community Time. 4. It provides quality, adult supervision for both church services and middle coffee hour, allowing adults an RE-neutral choice for which service they attend. 5. Teens (especially) and children can be encouraged to attend church with their families as they are interested and able. Here are specific examples of how this would work: Attend Early service + RE Hour: Start service together with your children/youth in sanctuary. They will be “sung” out to Community Time followed by their RE Hour. Adults enjoy coffee hour until RE dismissal at 11:30. Attend only RE Hour: Bring children directly to classrooms by 10:30. Adults Enjoy coffee hour until RE dismissal at about 11:30 (children/youth go to service with teachers the last 15 minutes of class). Attend RE Hour + Late Service: Bring children to RE classrooms by 10:30. Adults enjoy coffee hour, then go to Late Service. Children/youth will come to the first part of the service with their teachers, then will be “sung out” to their Community Time. We ask for your patience and support as we launch this exciting new venture. We hope it will strengthen our RE program. Questions or concerns? Please contact Jan Wilson, DRE, or any of us co-chairs for CY-RE (Kate Wiig, Donna Neff, Sheri Conner).
Brush - Up Nebraska - Paint-A-Thon August 17! First Unitarian is painting a home and beautifying our community! Alan Vovolka, Deanna Myler, and KayLynn Goldner are heading up this year’s team. Plan to start at 8am on August 17! For more details, contact Alan at alan.char@cox.net or call the church office at 402-345-3059.
The Garden as Metaphor
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By Jan Wilson, Director of Religious Education I’ve spent the last few months joyously digging in the dirt. After a winter of gray and dormant, the garden teams with life. The weeds have their own team, and I think they are mostly in the compost heap now. My potting bench and deck are lined with pots, small and large, with tiny little plant-lets. I’m propagating the plant pieces that will find their place in the sun, independent and well rooted. Every morning, I check for signs of new life. Is there a sprout; a shriveled, twisted plant part that wants to be a leaf? I water. I watch. Silently, nature has been working on those weeds. They are in the compost, drifting down into the micro organisms, bugs and worms. Thanks to their help, at the bottom of the pile, is the most delicious soil you will ever find. It feels like baking flour as you run your fingers through it. It is making the food that will help my new plants thrive. I will be gardening in RE, metaphorically speaking. I will be watering, watching, fertilizing, pruning. I will be taking counsel with master gardeners, whose care has kept the sprouts alive. Together we will nurture our garden, to sustain the life of our sprouts, large and small. With joy, Jan
Omaha Spirit Circle Honors Lughnasadh / Lammas on Sunday, August 4 at 7pm Omaha Spirit Circle will be hosting a ritual in honor of Lughnasadh/Lammas, the first harvest. We will be feasting with a potluck after the ritual. Meet us on Sunday, August 4th, in the common room at 7pm. If you happen to be a gardener, please bring a part of your first harvest to share! 5
members
NEW MEMBER NEWS - THE MONTHLY COLUMN FEATURING OUR NEW MEMBERS
Returning Members Marcia and Cy Leise re-joined on May 5 of this year.
A Chance To Meet Our New Members, Marcia and Cy Marcia’s Comments: It is so great to be back to First Unitarian! The music is phenomenal, the sermons are inspiring, and the people are warm, friendly, and welcoming. Every week is an uplifting experience to give motivation for positive attitudes and actions. As a member of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, I attended conferences learning about the relationship between food and health. This interest in phytonutrition expanded to include concern for farm workers, animals and environmental issues as I was a facilitator in the 2008-2012 UUA Congregational Study/Action issue Ethical Eating: lorem ipsum dolor met set Food and Environmental Justice. nunc parum Itquam was exciting viewing the discussion and approval of the 2011 Statement of Conscience via live streaming from the General
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Assembly at Charlotte, North Carolina. Besides creating plant-based recipes to share with our kids and grandkids, I enjoy gardening, dancing, photography, Tai Chi, rock and mineral collecting, and simply being around our feline companions Kisha and Gracie.
From Cy: First Unitarian is always a welcoming place with its bright sanctuary, meaningful services, beautiful music, and social warmth. Having First Unitarian as a church community provides a centering influence for life and for many opportunities for growth and service. As an educator at Bellevue University I learned to value the process of learning more than the outcomes because understanding how things work is lasting. The UU seven principles are processes
that are central to personal and community growth. The recent Soulful Thursday series that we attended on Transcendentalist authors Emerson and Thoreau was an engaging example of how First Unitarian nurtures spiritual growth in ways that are consistent with UU principles. Among my interests are reading, gardening, dancing, cooking, and being in nature. Staying in touch with our two daughters and their families is a daily source of satisfaction. Marcia and I enjoy being together whether for daily activities in our garden and kitchen or for special events. I am looking forward to more involvement in church activities and in getting to know everyone better.
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Joslyn
THE FIRST OF THREE ARTICLES ABOUT THE LIFE OF SARAH JOSLYN
Sarah Josyln, Omaha Philanthropist and First Unitarian Member By Dave Richardson When members of First lorem ipsum met set Unitarian hear dolor the name quamJoslyn nunc we parum Sarah usually think of her gift of our magnificent Aeolian-Skinner organ or perhaps we think of the Sarah
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Joslyn Society founded by Dixie Lemon to encourage bequests and memorials to the church. As citizens of Omaha we think of our wonderful Art Museum and the opulent Joslyn Castle which was their home and remains one of our landmarks. But her legacy to our church and our community at large go far beyond even those iconic reminders of her generosity. She and her
husband were involved in the founding and support of Omaha University (now UNO), The Omaha Humane Society, Ak-Sar-Ben, The Omaha Community Playhouse, The Visiting Nurses Association and The Child Saving Institute which was one of Sarah’s most passionate pursuits. Her story requires more than one installment so this is the first of three Flame articles about the great citizen and benefactress who left such a rich legacy for us. This first installment will look at her life through the first decade of the 20th century. The Joslyns were the richest and most prominent Omaha family in the latter part of the 19th and early 20th century. In many ways their story is a classic American success narrative of (continued on page 8)
Joslyn (Sarah Joslyn article con’t) “The Gilded Age”, an era of vast fortunes amassed by enterprising men and women who moved west to, as editor (and Unitarian) Horace Greeley said, “grow up with the country.” Sarah and George hailed from Vermont. They were married in 1872, moving to Omaha in 1880. In 1892 he rose to ownership of a printing business which he expanded and renamed the Western Newspaper Union a business which provided newsprint and stories to many daily and weekly papers all over the country. He was one of the first of the “media moguls” as we now call them. The Joslyns quickly became the premier family in Omaha society. Their impressive Scottish Baronial style home on 39th and Davenport designed by
John McDonald (also the architect of our church) was the site of many gala events. One such event was a fundraiser for First Unitarian featuring world-renowned organist Eloise West McNichols. Although the Joslyns had no biological children of their own, they adopted and raised a young girl named Violet Carl. Her sixth birthday party was an extravaganza held on the lawn of the Joslyn Castle. Reverend Newton Mann gave her a picture book inscribed with his poem to her “Six years old today my pet Dearest little Violet Here are pictures for you now Bird and Horse and Sheep and Cow”
Succeeding installments will look at Sarah’s increasing involvement in charitable and social justice work.
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Thank You Pat Allender! Pat Allender, the long time choir accompanist has officially resigned. Pat joined First Unitarian in 1997. She accompanied the choir through Charlotte Sheild's directorship and Bob McMeen’s. A note from Bob:
Summer Soul-Full Thursdays!
Our Summer Soul-Full Thursdays will consist of a Great Courses lecture series called Science and Religion. This excellent DVD lecture series is presented by Lawrence M. Principe who is a professor of both the history of science and of chemistry at John Hopkins University. Two 30 minute lectures will be presented with discussion time afterwards. Lectures will cover the following topics: 1 Aug: Lectures 5 (Church, Copernicus, and Galileo) & 6 (Galileo’s Trial) 8 Aug: Lectures 7 (God the Watchmaker) & 8 (Natural Theology & Arguments from Design) 15 Aug: Lectures 9 (Geology, Cosmology, and Biblical Chronology) & 10 (Darwin and Responses to Evolution) 22 Aug: Lectures 11 (Fundamentalism and Creationism) & 12 (Past, Present, and Future)
Soul-Full Thursday will start at 6pm with a brown bag lunch and fellowship followed by the lectures starting at 7pm. Please contact Crystal DiGiorgi at adultre.firstuu.omaha@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to sign up.
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My affiliation with Pat Allender goes back to 1966 when I began teaching at Central High School. She and I worked together for 21 years. I have never worked with a more professional and sensitive musician. She breathed with the soloist or choir and was totally involved in the performance. In rehearsal, she would occasionally suggest an error in my ways, but always in a professional and caring manner. I will miss her. We may find another accompanist, but Pat Allender can not be replaced.
All Church Picnic! Our ALL church picnic potluck is happening at Halleck Park in Papillion on Sept. 7. Please mark your calendars now! Activities will start at 2pm. Dinner at 6pm.
Community Meals
Did You Know...? By Louise Jeffrey
First Unitarian is one of about fifteen churches that has or does participate in Community Meals serving a hot lunch to anyone who wants one every Saturday at First Baptist Church (just two blocks east of our church at Park Avenue and Harney). Each participating church buys and prepares food for the community. Our church pays for its food through Share the Plate funds and through the generosity of an anonymous donor in our congregation. First Unitarian prepares and serves lunch at Community Meals four times each year, providing between 200 and 250 lunches each time we serve. We next serve in September and the coordinators for this project are Diane Withem and Dana Meister. Neighbors United, the parent organization of Community Meals, spends its entire budget of $5,000 every year to provide paper plates, cups, plastic silverware, napkins, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, coffee,
sugar, creamer, salt and pepper, and exterminator services to the kitchen at First Baptist Church in support of Community Meals. First Unitarian is a member and financial supporter of Neighbors United, but not all of the churches which cook at Community Meals are members. Some of the churches which cook and serve lunch are not from the Park Avenue area, but from Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, or west Omaha. Neighbors United is an all volunteer organization that organizes the Community Meals program and keeps it running. First Unitarians who work on this project most Saturdays (and between Saturdays) include Kay Lynn Goldner, Matt Dewell, Linda Hess, Terri Lynn Brewer, Dean Christensen and Louise Jeffrey. Trader Joe’s provides meat, dairy products, produce and bread every week so that 60-80 of our neighbors can leave the lunch at Community Meals with a pantry bag of groceries. Matt Dewell picks up these donated products at Trader Joe’s and
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transports them to First Baptist Church every Saturday morning. A component of the weekly meal has been a crafts table for pre-school and elementary school aged children who attend the meal (usually 4-12 kids). Since the death of our Unitarian of the Year, Mary Leidy, this project has not had a regular coordinator or regular volunteers.
Women’s Alliance Meets Monday, September 9th
We're back and looking forward to this new church year! Women from First and Second Unitarian Churches are invited to attend the Women's Alliance (WA) monthly dinner scheduled for Monday, September 9. Childcare will be available. Details about the dinner, how to make reservations and This is a good volunteer job for a small team of adults or teenagers, because the children's how to sign up for childcare will be provided in future e-broadcasts in August parents are present and volunteers do not and in the September Flame. In the have to assume responsibility for child care. Hours are from 11am to 12:45pm every meantime, if you would like to be added to Saturday and "non-church" community service our contact list or want to find out more hours are available to high schoolers who about WA, please let me know. You can need them for graduation. Mary provided all contact me on Facebook (personal message of the materials needed for several years of to "Mary Bort"), via craft projects before her death, but people email(KMBB18@yahoo.com) or call are needed to take turns organizing and 402-201-0970. WA is a great way to get to implementing things. Contact Louise Jeffrey know women in our churches and build (louisekjeffrey@hotmail.com) or lasting friendships. We hope to see you in Kay Lynn Goldner (klgoldner@cox.net) for September! more information.
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Wine Down Wednesday! A fundraiser for our Partner Church
Pictures For Partner Church
Happening on Wednesday, July 31! This event will help support our Partner Church Team. Our Partner Church minister is traveling to visit us in October. We are helping raise money for the travel expenses. NO artist talent is needed to participate in this event. Come paint a canvas, enjoy some snacks, and drink some wine (other beverages available as well) at Village Canvas and Cabernet at Aksarben Village. Registration for painting is $45 and $15 of each painting will be donated back to First Unitarian Church to use toward our Partner Church visit. Drinks can be purchased the day of
Good News! Rev. Kati Visits October 7! Rev. Katalin Csery (Rev Kati) and her husband, Boti, Will be visit Omaha October 7 through October 14 by Janet West
Boti, Rev. Kati’s Spouse
Gabon, Translator
As you probably know, Rev. Katalin Cserey is the minister of the Unitarian Church in Firtosmartonos, Transylvania, Romania. This church is First Unitarian’s partner church. The relationship between the two churches was started in the early 1990s a few years after dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was deposed and assassinated. Romania had been politically and economic depleted under Ceausescu. The Unitarian churches had hardly survived the time under Communist dictator. American Partner churches provided financial, professional, and emotional assistance to Romania Unitarian churches. Many from 1st Unitarian Church have visited our Partner Church and those who live in the village of Firtosmartonos. Rev. Kati is not only the minister at the Firtosmartonos church but also is the minister at a Unitarian church in the nearby village. This church’s Partner church is the UU church in
Corvallis, Oregon. 1st Unitarian Church has teamed up with the Corvallis church to bring Rev. Kati and Boti to the Corvallis and Omaha. Tickets have been purchased and visas have been acquired. Rev. Kati and Boti will be leaving from Budapest on September 26. They will fly through Amsterdam to Portland. Viki Shilaos, the chair of the Corvallis Partner Church Committee, will pick them up in Portland and drive them to Corvallis. The visitors will stay in Corvallis until October 7 when they will fly to Omaha. While in Omaha, Rev. Kati and Boti will be busy meeting members and friends of our church and becoming familiar with Omaha and Nebraska. The scheduled events are a potluck dinner in the Common Room on Friday evening October 11. On Sunday, October 13, the services will include a sermon presented by Rev. Kati. Other activities for our visitors will include a visit to the zoo, a trip to Lincoln to the state capitol and the quilting museum, and a visit to a Nebraska farm (Boti is a farmer). Members and friends of 1st Unitarian Church will have many opportunities to interact with our visitors.
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the event. Snacks provided by First Unitarian. Village Canvas can only accommodate 40 people so reserve your spot today! Plus, we will display the painting created at this
event in our art gallery during the month of August. You can register online by going to this link: http:// canvasandcab.com/event-registration/? regevent_action=register&event_id=336.
Questions about the Event? Contact Kathi: kathryn.lewis.kl@gmail.com Want to know more about our Partner Church? Contact Janet: jmasonwest77@yahoo.com
Fundraising to Bring Rev. Kati to Omaha It is estimated that it will cost both the 1st Unitarian Church of Omaha and the UU Church in Corvallis $2500 to bring Rev. Kati, Boti, and Gabon to Omaha. Ron Knapp donated $50 as a challenge to those in our church who have visited Firtosmartonos. As of the writing of this article, Ron’s challenge has collected $1200. The Partner Church Travel Fund has been designated as the Share-thePlate organization for September. When you write a check for the Fund, be sure to write Partner Church Fund in the Memo Line. There will be a special envelope in the pew holder for your donation the Partner Church Fund. All money collected will be used to pay for travel expenses for Rev. Kati and Boti and/or the regular quarterly support of the Firtosmartonos church and parsonage and scholarships
for students in Firtosmartonos. The upcoming visit will be the first visit by a minister from the Firtosmartonos church to the Omaha. Rev. Kati, Boti, and Gabor, as well as the Partner Church Team, are excited and looking forward to October.
Transylvania Unitarian Church Crest Images:
Rev. Kati Page 13
Omaha Together One Community By Kim Dunovan First Unitarian Church is a long-time member of Omaha Together One Community (OTOC), our Share The Plate recipient in July and August. OTOC was created in 1992 when twenty Omaha congregations committed to work together to make Omaha a stronger community that works for all its citizens. OTOC leaders learn about issues through research teams and house meetings and then act. Over the years, OTOC has taken action to increase funding for libraries and youth enrichment programs, support community policing practices, collaborate with leaders of refugee organizations on issues of common concern, encourage investment in employment readiness training and make demolition of condemned buildings a priority. Over 300 people gathered at the OTOC candidate accountability session this year to hear from mayoral and city council candidates. OTOC currently has five action teams: Just Immigration, Workforce Development and Job Training, Refugee, Education and Youth Enrichment and Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization.
As a member of the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Action, I have helped organize press events, met with city council members and city administrators, and made some amazing friends from other congregations! If you are interested in getting involved, or want more information, contact me at kdunovan@cox.net.
Share the Plate This Month’s Beneficiary is OTOC! Share the plate is when we give half of the cash in the plate to a great non-profit!
YOU Retreat Saturdays 10am - 12pm August 17 October 26 November 16 December 21 For more information contact Royal at 402-516-2759 Peace and quiet seem out of place in our current culture and society. We will mute noises to hear. Close eyes to see. Still minds to be nourished. We will share time and space to be present with each other.
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Monthly.... Saturdays. 10am -12pm. Common Room.
provided.... Tea. Water. Quiet Time. Space. Instruction. Happy Time. “Time-Out” Time. YOU time.
what to expect.... Welcome ritual and greeting. Group practice of being in quiet. Therapeutic group activity (art, music, message, writing, journaling...). Group practice meditation. Opportunity to share 5 words. Closing ritual and goodbye.
notes.... Sorry, there is no room for computers, pagers, or cell phones, ipads or similar devices.
Sarah Joslyn Society and Me By Harriet Major I joined the Sarah Joslyn Society (SJS) soon after becoming a member of our church by making arrangements through my attorney to have a bequest made to First Unitarian. I am hoping that through the SJS the many blessings I have received from membership in the church will continue to be there for future and current members. Thanks for Dixie Lemon. When I enter the sanctuary on a Sunday morning, I am in awe. I see the light—sometimes with the sun blazing and at other times with the clouds gently overhead—streaming into the beautiful interior. I like the idea of having the light come into our sanctuary as it is symbolic of the openness of Unitarian Universalism. As the congregation gathers, I realize that I am a member of a community. A community which I have come to love and respect. These are the people with whom I am comfortable, who have examined their lives and found them worth living. I want to be like them. They are thoughtful of their beliefs, but not evangelical so I am free to believe what I have chosen without being judged or criticized. Each Sunday our ministers have given me food for thought which I find myself reflecting on throughout the week and even for several weeks or months. I leave the church wondering and thinking
about these ideas/ I’m stimulated and often want to learn more. I love to sign the hymns as loudly as I can, even if off-key. Our choir and accompanying organist or pianist, like our ministers, are inspirational. Their efforts fill in the words and thoughts of our ministers like the mortar between bricks of our beautiful building. The opening music invites me to welcome the service and the stirring closing selection offers the joyful opportunity to begin the next week. It seems like I could spend all my days participating in the interesting activities that are part of my church—Soul Full Thursdays, Sunday Meditation Group, Women’s Alliance, Covenant Group with its promise of deeper relationships, Holland Lecture Series, and of great importance to me the Women’s Religious Studies Group. These are but a sampling of activities in which I have participated. And there are so many more. Through my SJS bequest, I’m hoping that those who follow me at First Unitarian Church will benefit in some small parts as I have –with joy, comfort, blessings, fellowship, and intellectual gifts.
Book Club We meet on August 26th at 7pm. For more information on the book, contact Dave Richardson, drichardson@westside66.org
DOMA IS DEAD! NOW WHAT?? It’s Time To Celebrate ALL FAMILIES!
September 14th, 3pm at First U DOMA, the “Defense of Marriage Act” was federal legislation that defined marriage between a man and a woman only. It was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Justice Kennedy’s opinion centered on how DOMA hurt families. Now, there is a chance for all families to be recognized in Nebraska. How has the DOMA strikedown affected your family? Do you have questions about what federally recognized benefits mean for you or for other families? What does it mean for couples in Nebraska vs. couples in Iowa? We don’t have all the answers join the greater Omaha community to celebrate and hear what others have to say about how the strikedown affects them. This family friendly event will feature songs that everyone can sing, kids’ activities, a videographer to capture stories, and state senators sharing how they are taking the charge to make Nebraska a great place for all families. We need church volunteers to help with this community event. If you can donate your time or food for this event contact Shawna Foster at fostershawna@gmail.com Page16
FlapJack Feast Sunday, August 25 at 9:15am in the Common Room Celebrating all the contributions of young adults to our congregation! Our Membership Team is hosting a breakfast for the yoUUng adults and their friends. The Membership Team would like your help to brainstorm ideas about having young adults participate in activities such as ambassador or hospitality functions. Plenty of food will be provided, including pancakes, fruit, and possibly even bacon! If you are concerned about your dietary needs, feel free to bring your favorite dish or let us know what you need.
Youth Group PIZZA and COVENANT! Friday, August 16 at 6pm The foundation of the youth group, called the young religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) is the covenant. This youth group combines youth from First and Second Unitarian Church, and youth in grades 7 - 12 love this ministry of our churches! Our covenanting session will be held on Friday August 16th from 6-9pm at First Unitarian Church in the lower level common room. Pizza will be provided for dinner. Parents and youth are welcome for this youthgroup kick-off event!
We will be having Nancy Combs-Morgan from the MidAmerica Region Staff facilitate the creation of a YRUU Group Covenant. The purpose of the Covenant is to establish how we will work with each other, what we expect from our Youth Group, and how we can create a UU experience that is meaningful for our youth while continuing to fulfill the vision and needs of each of the Church communities. We look forward to bringing everyone together again to discuss the future of YRUU!!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us at omahayruu@gmail.com.
Events
august
events
calendar
Repeating Events:
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Women’s Book Study Thursdays, 1pm
5:30pm CommUUnity Night
7pm Spirit Circle
11:30 Welcome Jan Wilson! 11:30 Bridge Group
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6pm YRUU Covenanting Session
8am Brush Up
5pm Choir Event
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10am Teacher Training 12pm Membership Team Meeting
9:15 Flapjack Feast for Young Adults 12:30 Bridge Group
7pm Book Club
Soul Full Classes Thursdays, 6pm (no class on the 29th) Prayer Group Sundays, 11:30 Choir - Starts the 21st Wednesdays, 7pm Stay up to date by checking out the calendar on the website:
www.firstuuomaha.org
Nebraska 10am YoUU Retreat
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Green Sanctuary Our sanctuary may look white...but it’s actually green! That’s because we became a certified greensanctuary in 2011, meaning our congregation has “greened” our church and community! Join the Green Team by contacting admin@firstuuomaha.org
August President’s Letter Your Board held a one day retreat on June 29th that was led by Deanna Meyler, PhD. In reviewing the previous church year, we felt that our strengths included: enthusiasm; active Board; attendance/ membership/involvement increase; sermons/minister; quiet; peace; young; Early Morning Risers/Choir music program; administrator; positivity; covenant groups; members returning; budget was better; empowered; odyssey; events. We want to build onto the strengths that inspire others. We also discussed areas of improvement and possible threats to the congregation. We are discerning and planning for the future. We developed a draft revised mission statement that incorporates how we feel about our youth and our community. We would like to hear your ideas. Either work from this or start anew. This is the beginning of a process. The revised draft mission we came up with is: First Unitarian Church of Omaha strives to be a welcoming, liberal religious community with a tradition of open-mindedness and tolerance, which is reflected in how we live our lives. We are committed to introducing our youth to the breadth of religious thought and to helping them responsibly discern
their own spiritual path. We promote spiritual growth, social justice, and service to affect positive change in our society and in ourselves. Within the next five years we would like to see the following changes: Membership at 300; A budget that supports the increased membership; A renovated RE wing; An RE program that covers the life span of members, works with 100 youth, has a strong reputation in the community such that it becomes a gateway to the involvement of others, and prepares our youth the be knowledgeable outside the church and long to return to a UU environment; Social justice and ministry. Be a public and leading voice in the community that elicits a mentality of “here come the Unitarians” that always speak up for issues that align with Unitarian principles; Celebrating the 150 year anniversary of the church and 100 year anniversary of our sanctuary; An active teaching church that helps train ministerial interns; Strong leadership of the minister, membership, volunteers, and Board. We are excited about the future. I hope you are also. Please think about the above and share your ideas and thoughts with us. We are on the journey together. In faith, Tony Host Page 18
First Unitarian Leaders Board Staff
Tony Host Board President
Frank Rivas Minister
Bob McMeen Choir Director
Dean Christensen, Lana Hammel, Lynnette Ryder, Louise Jeffrey, Stephen Meister, Ron Withem Board Members
Jan Wilson Director Of Religious Education
Justin Deffenbacher Nursery Aide
Tim Duggan (2016) Steve Hutchinson (2014) Sandy Host (2015) Trustees of the Capital Trust
Ministry Team Leaders
New Covenant Groups will be forming this Fall and will meet every 2-3 weeks for approximately 6 months. While we anticipated getting the Covenant Groups up and running in the Spring, we received feedback that Summer schedules would be disruptive to getting things organized.
Ronald Knapp Minister Emeritus
Pat Will Organist
Covenant Groups! By Ben Wallace
Bobby Medrano Custodian
Catharine Dixon Office Administrator
The Covenant Leaders agreed to hold of starting the Covenant Groups until the Fall. Look for a schedule of Covenant Group times to be posted in the weekly announcements later this month. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Ben Wallace at 402-680-6226 or bmwallace@gmail.com.
The Flame Submissions, Deadlines Deadline is the 15th of every month. Word limit 200. Editor Shawna Foster, Proofreaders Catharine Dixon.
Board Meetings Held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month and are open to all members.
Contact FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF OMAHA 3114 HARNEY STREET OMAHA 68131 TEL: 402.345.3039 FAX: 402.346.2662 WWW.FIRSTUUOMAHA.ORG
Crystal DiGiorgi Adult RE
Louise Jeffrey Community Meals
Alex Nather Governance
Megan Gustafason Religious Services
Dave Richardson Archives
Nadine Keith, Judith Wright Fellowship
Jackie Anderegg Membership
Shawna Foster Social Justice
Dave Rosser Facilities
Walt Jesteadt Finance
Carolyn McNamara Office
Vanessa Timberlake Women’s Alliance
Douglas Lee-Regier Caring
Donna Neff, Kathi Oliver Fundraising
Janet West Partner Church
Maria Wilson Young Adult Group
KayLynn Goldner Chalice Guild
Sharon Conlon Garden
Donna Neff, Kate Wiig Religious Education
Ben Wallace, Shawn Coonfare YRUU (Youth Group)
In this issue.....
The Flame
August sermon line-up includes Minister Emeritus, Rev. Ron Knapp, Nancy CombsMorgan, MidAmerican Coordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and our new Director of Religious Education, Jan Wilson! Learn more about our new Director of Religious Education! Meet new members Marcia and Cy, and learn about famous members, Sarah Joslyn! Check out our events, including paint-a-thon, church picnic, community meals, community organizing, DOMA strikedown, and our partner church minister coming in October all the way from Transylvania! Important updates about Religious Education and Youth Group start-up! Spiritual retreats, inspirational images, and so much more in this August issue of The Flame!
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF OMAHA 3114 HARNEY STREET OMAHA NE 68131