December 2013
TH E
BEACON U n i t a r i a n o f
Sunday Services
SoUUper Supper
Including Stranger Share our Fire on December 22
Sign up to bring Soup on Friday, December 6
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Alternatives to Boy Scouts? offered by Jean Helms, Administrative Director
There are many families in our community who are disenchanted with traditional scouting and are looking elsewhere. From this conversation has sprouted two groups that are in the infant stages.
c h u r c h L i n c o l n
Holiday Cookie Project
Winter Lecture Series 2014
Sunday, December 15
Topic: Climate Change
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USA which is an inclusive, co-ed organization. Jennifer adds, "Like most people I am busy, so I enjoy the opportunity to engage with my son and spend some quality time doing something that we can enjoy together!"
Molly Khan has taken the lead with the younger set. She is leading kids 3 to 7 The two groups, broken up years old on nature walks by age range, are meeting As a Navigator, I promise to do my best to every other Friday evening. two to four times per create a world free of prejudice and ignorance. "For me, my goal is month. The co-leaders are inclusion and respect and To treat people of every race, creed, lifestyle quick to add that they are to get the kids out to and ability with dignity and respect. "just getting started and explore nature…", Molly http://navigatorsusa.org looking for people who quips, "they connect with want to help form the each other and the broader future of the groups." The goal is to attract more world around them." The focus, aside from exploring families from the larger community that are looking nature, is on telling stories and doing craft for alternatives to scouting. activities. Molly is looking for more participants and possibly a co-leader (mollykhan05@gmail.com). The group of older children 5 to 11 years old have begun weekly hikes on Saturday mornings. In the future, participants will plan events that Locations are determined by the group and have bring the two age groups together with other included Pioneers Park, Wilderness Park, and nature-based and camping activities. Open to all Holmes Lake. The co-leaders, Jennifer Schellpepper families, not just UU, this has the potential to fill a (jjschellpepper@gmail.com) and Michelle Liebgottvoid in our community for families who do not feel Osinga, are reviewing curricula from Navigators that traditional scouts is the right fit for them.
Stranger, Share Our Fire - Sunday, December 22 • 10:00AM Bring your donations of: •Canned/packaged food for the Eastridge Food Pantry •Warm winter items for Centerpointe and Community Action Program (any and all sizes/adult and kids jackets, scarves, mittens, gloves or hats) •Guest at Your Table money for the UU Service Committee •Household items for Fresh Start Home for Women such as: personal care items (body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), cleaning supplies (trash bags, cleaners, dish soap), linens (towels, XL twin sheets), 20 Ride bus passes !
6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
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December 2013
WO RS H IP A Month of Sundays 10:00 AM in the Auditorium
Sunday, December 1– "To Be Simple" "Simplify, Simplify" coaches Thoreau from Walden. How can we simplify without being simplistic? Leader: Fritz Hudson, Minister Music: UU Flute Ensemble
Sunday, December 8– "Embracing #FOMO and #YOLO" With the rapid ascension of social media, lots of people wonder if their lives are as great as they could be. Do you struggle with a Fear Of Missing Out? Do you embrace life knowing that You Only Live Once? Worship explores the concept of being present to the moment, acknowledging our worries and aspirations, and heeding the call to action. Leaders: Scott McNeill, Minister: 2nd UU Church of Omaha, LauraLee Woodruff, John Atkeison: Worship Associates Music: Early Music Consort
Sunday, December 15 – "In Harmony" ". . .To live in harmony with the rhythms of nature:" - there are teachings, we say, that instruct us in such living. Our living tradition draws upon them as a source. To sing our part, what's the key? Leader: Fritz Hudson, Minister Music: Unitarian Choir Share the Care: Building Committee: “The Big Move”
Sunday, December 22 – "Stranger, Share Our Fire"
SPECIAL SERVICE: Winter Solstice Service Saturday, December 21 • 7:00PM
Midwinter is fast approaching! December 21 is the longest night. In our time we no longer fear that the sun has left us cold in the dark. Celebrate the Return of the Sun as family with Father Yule, music, stories, song, Eagle and Coyote. We will work our magick with our favorite candle lighting ceremony, followed by the Spiral Dance! Bring treats to service to share. Contributions of apple juice in advance would be welcome (make arrangements with the Church Office).
Our time comes again to share light and warmth Leaders: Joanna Fink & Cynthia Blodgett- Griffin with our neighbors near and far. Gather 'round our Mitten Tree. Bring to it your donations of: •Food for the Eastridge Food Pantry •Outer wear for the Community Action Program & Centerpointe •Housewarming items for Fresh Start Home •Money for UU Service Committee's Guest at Your Table. Details on suggested contributions: see page 1 Leaders: Fritz Hudson & Chelsea Krafka Music: Unitarian One-Hour Choir
Sunday, December 29 – "For Auld Lang Syne" "If you could weather any storm and second chances were the norm, would you give it one last shot 'cause it's the only life you've got?" At the turning of the year, we think of old friends and new possibilities. Come share a cup of kindness. Leaders: Kathy Disney, Judy Hart: Worship Associates Music: Chris Sayre, guitar & vocal Post-Service: Irish Coffee Reception !
SPECIAL SERVICE: Xmas Eve Service Tuesday, December 24 • 5:00PM
A service of story, ritual and song for all ages. Leaders: Chelsea Maitland & Fritz Hudson
6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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WO RS H IP Parson to Person:
New Hope offered by Rev. Fritz Hudson
My steering wheel tried on a new trick this morning. It passed on its usual turn onto 'A' Street. Holding steady instead for a mile or two, it took its turn onto Holdrege, then pointed west for a few miles more. 1333 North 33rd Street: What will feel like for this to become my regular destination, I wondered. Time's acomin' soon when we'll all get to try this new trick. (No surprise to the more cosmopolitan among us, I know, but still . . . ) I'm pleased to report: - that the roads on our city's north side are (almost) as straight and smooth as those on its south; - that the parking lot at 1333 has (almost) as many slots as those at 6300 A – with quiet residential streets there also nearby. I saw busy-ness in the building there (for the Diaper Depot & Purple Peacock Clothing Closet with whom we'll share quarters); just as I see busy-ness at 6300 with our own community users. . . and - I saw brand-new playground equipment at nearby Peter Pan park (at least the match of our own) . . . and - I saw the MoPac trail, running just to the south of 1333, calling me to trade in my steering wheel for my bike's handle grips - at least some days in these months now to come. "Ahhh," I sighed. This moving-thing can't be TOO bad. It could even spice up my life, give it "New Hope," beyond just sharing space with a church of that name. Bring on the cold; Bring on the dark, I say. We'll weather them well this month in our old haunts, at 6300. But then, with the new light of a New Year, let's look forward to New Hope. Bring that on, as well! See you in Church
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Worship Arts News offered by Julie Enersen, Worship Arts Director
It's Time for the One-Hour Choir! Dec. 22 • 9:00 AM. The One-Hour Choir is a joyous addition to our multi-generational services. Singers of all ages are invited to come at 9:00 AM – one hour before church – to practice two songs which will be performed in that day's service. Ability to read music is not required. Come and be part of the musical energy on Dec. 22!
Children's Choir begins Our young singers will be rehearsing every Sunday in December in order to prepare for the Dec. 22 service. We hope your family will be involved! The Flicker Choir (Preschool) will learn a song during their RGL time. The Flame and Chalice Choirs (Kdg. Gr. 5) will meet in Room 11 from 11:15 - 11:45. Children should plan to be at church on the following dates in order to learn their music for the Dec. 22 service: Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 - 9 AM rehearsal with One-Hour Choir followed by youth rehearsals at 9:40.
Sing with the Choir The Unitarian Church Choir is open to all of our members and friends. If you like the challenge of reading music and would enjoy singing in the Sunday services, then simply come to our rehearsals in the church auditorium. We're happy to have you join us on a month-by-month basis....there is no obligation to sing for the entire year. Dec. 4 & 11 - 7:00 rehearsals Dec. 15 - 8:30 rehearsal, 10:00 service Jake Bartlett, Assistant Professor of Music at Peru State College, is conducting the adult choir from September through December in order to assist with the Worship Arts Director’s sabbatical. Please stop by and give the group a try!
6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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RELIG IO US G RO WTH & LEA RNING Magic is Everywhere
SoUUper Supper
One of my favorite Christmas stories comes from a holiday version of ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’. In summary, a little boy finds some glitter in a supply closet at his church. He walks through the building with the bottle of sparkly mess and it ends up spilled, entirely covering the floor of the restroom. In his state of wonder and amazement the child shouts out, “There’s Christmas in the bathroom!” This December, there will be lots of magical events happening at our church. December 6 is our annual SoUUper Supper – a tradition of food, stories and singings to ring in the spirit of the season. Look for the sign-up poster in the Gallery after church.
Friday, December 6 • 6:00PM
On December 1, we will have an Ingathering for students K-5th grade where students will decorate ornaments and cards. These holiday greetings will be passed along with the cookies as a part of our annual join up with the Pastoral Care committee to do cookie packing. During this Ingathering, we will talk about how we show that ‘we are a church of helping hands’ within our own church community. The cookie packing day is December 15. Please contact folks on the Pastoral Care Committee if you have more questions. The Youth In Action group was demonstrating our use of helping hands as well as walking feet this last month. The group walked the church’s surrounding neighborhood delivering paper bags with a note attached explaining that we were collecting warm clothing for the local crisis and abuse center called Voices of Hope. We delivered approximately 200 bags and collected about 20 bags. The note also explained that we will be collecting clothing through December and folks are welcome to bring clothing items to the church. We invite the congregation to contribute warm clothing as well. Bags can be left in my office or in the Gathering Place. Wonder and magic can be found almost everywhere this time of year. What else will you be doing to bring magic to your life? In Peace, Faith and Love, Chelsea Krafka
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Come celebrate the winter holidays with us! Our Annual SoUUper Supper event is Friday, December 6 at 6pm, here at church. There will be food, music, crafts, stories and more! Jean Helms will lead crafts again this year and Allan Davis will read another original story. To sign up to bring soup or dessert, or come early to help set up, contact Yvette Davis at atlanteanproductions@gmail.com, or find her in the Gallery before and after service. Look for the big white poster. If you would like to join Allan and Jean in helping to provide entertainment in the form of reading a story, playing music, performing a short skit or anything else your imagination desires contact Vicki Huber at huber@neb.rr.com or catch her at church.
We're Moving! It's time to get serious about packing the RGL wing in preparation for our move to our temporary church home. If you can help, email Yvette Davis for details. atlanteanproductions@gmail.com
December RGL Calendar Preschool Class and Nursery Care are available every Sunday for younger Pre-K children. Dec 1
Ingathering - Cards
Dec 8
Regular Classes
Dec 15
Regular Classes
Dec 22
All Ages Service
Dec 29
Ingathering - Peace Project
6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS THE GUATEMALA “SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT” HAS BEEN A SUCCESS In last month’s newsletter we asked you to consider giving a Guatemalan child the gift of a “becas” or scholarship. We are happy to announce that 10 children have sponsors for 2014. Cesar Geovani, Heidi Elizabeth, Wendy Anae, Roxanna Julissa, Anibal, Melanie, Marisol, Edgar, and Juan Luis, and their families, will receive a $160 “becas” to attend school next year. For many this will mean the difference between having to enter the workforce prematurely as child laborers and entering later with skilled trade. Thank you to all that have contributed already! The Guatemala Project will continue to accept scholarships through December 15 as there are additional students supported by the program. Join others from our congregations who raised $160. You can check out the school and the program at www.pop-wuj.org . Guatemala Project Committee members Duncan Case, Lee Manns, and Jerry Petr will continue to staff the project table following church services through December 15. You may contact Duncan at 402.474.0472 or frankcase4346@gmail.com for further details.
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S UN D A Y S ERV IC E V O LUN TEERS Dec 1
Dec 8
Dec 15
Dec 22
Dec 29
Pulpit Decoration
Linda Ager
Elsie Haack
Barb Brant
Amy Miller
Geri Cotter
Greeters
Shamene & Dan Dixon
Linda Hellerich
Martha Horvay
Gary Colvin
Coffee Hosts
TBA
TBA
TBA
Amy Birky
TBA
Trustees
David Williams
Penny Urwiler
Penny Urwiler
Liz BonneyHeermann
Priscilla Handy
Ushers
Amy Birky, Alex Enersen
Gene & LaVonne Hanlon
Shamene & Dan Dixon
Peg & Larry Pelter
Bob & Alyssa Haack
Audio-Visual
Don Pinkley
Rick Urwiler
TBA
Harry Heafer
TBA
Welcome Table
Ameera & Nick Guenzel
Deb Bevard
Whitney & Adam Gibson
Connie Benjamin
Kay Hoff
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Nick & Ameera Guenzel
6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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EV ENTS A C TIV ITIES NEWS & & ANNOUNCEMENTS ‘Tis the Season offered by Liz Bonney-Heermann, Trustee
Can you believe it’s December? We’ve survived the Thanksgiving feasting, football and time with family (for better or for worse). We’ve conquered the holiday sales and survived Black Friday. The almond bark, chocolate chips, nuts (optional), and anything else found in the delicious baking aisle are just waiting to go in the oven. We’ve made donations to our local charities. Everyone is in the final stretch of the countdown towards their family’s traditional holidays. It sounds like it is going to be another successful holiday season. For the majority of my life, I have spent the months of November and December in just this manner. Holidays are a time to engage in my family’s favorite traditions. We always make almond poppy seed bread for our neighbors. We sing loads of Christmas carols and get together with our friends to make new ornaments for our tree. We deck the halls and make the rounds to see all of our relatives in a 100-mile radius. However, a few years ago, we began to include a few more family traditions, ones that bring a deeper meaning to our holiday season…our UU family traditions. ‘Tis the season for sharing. Each year we participate in “Guest at Our Table” which serves as a reminder to our children that even they can do something to help others less fortunate. My wife loves the Mitten Tree. Watching our UU family work together to decorate the evergreen boughs with thoughtful gifts for complete strangers is a true testament of the holiday spirit. People giving from their heart, there is nothing more beautiful. It is also a season for fellowship, solace, reverence and hope. The SoUUper Supper is a time to share our culinary talents with others as well as laughter and fun with our UU family. (I’m so glad I don’t have to miss it this year!) And, of course, my favorite tradition is the Winter Solstice Service where we embrace the beginning of the Winter Season and pay homage to nature and the universe. It is about the circle of life and all of its rotations. !
So, while you are all exploring your own family traditions, I hope you take the time to include some of our UU family traditions this season. May they bring you all of the love, fellowship, reverence and hope they have brought to me and my family.
Charles in Charge An old adage attributed to George Bernard Shaw says: “If all the economists were laid end to end, they’d never reach a conclusion.” With due respect to my economist friends, Shaw had a point. There is rarely universal consensus regarding money and fiscal matters. That, however, is where we Lincoln Unitarians are an exception to the rule. For example: •We overwhelmingly voted to approve our building expansion and the funding attached. •We authorized a capital campaign to secure necessary resources. •We vote every year upon a proposed church budget and funded line items. We will soon vote upon the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Programmatic priorities will be discussed and determined. This year, of course, is unique in that the building expansion is ongoing. Given this--and that fiscal decisions today impact congregational priorities tomorrow, it is vital we respectfully discuss money with one another. Now and in future years. How a congregation addresses difficult topics-most notably money--says much about its health. Our church not only tackles difficult matters head on, but embraces them. We know money is not a subject to be avoided, and we understand the importance of fiscal sustainability for our continued success.
6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Holiday Cookie project Sunday, December 15
The Holiday Cookie Project will take place on Sunday, December 15 during worship and RGL. Please bring homemade cookies, store-bought candies, nuts, fruits to the Gathering Place/Room 7 before worship Sunday, December 15. Then following the service, please come to Room 3 to pick up some cookie platters to deliver to new church members and households who have experienced a joy or a hard time this past year.
Minister's Assistance Fund Report To continue providing no-interest loans to church members with emergency needs, I've requested new contributions to this fund. I wish to say THANK YOU to the eight who have already responded! Additional contributions are invited. Checks should be made out to "Unitarian Church", with "Minister's Assistance Fund" in the memo line.
Public Relations Does your committee have an event you’d like publicized outside the church? The PR Committee wants to help! We can work with you to get the word out to local media and other organizations, online calendars, and other places you identify. With enough advance notice we can also help with posters, flyers, or ads. Some media have early
deadlines, so as soon as you have details about your event, please contact Lee Manns at Lmanns1@unl.edu.
Nominations Committee Our Mission Statement says: “We each contribute to the work of the church”. The Nominations Committee wants to ‘put a bug in your ear’ about how you can contribute. We are in an exciting period of transition when the Trustees will lead important decisions that will impact our church community for many years to come. Serving on the Board provides opportunity not just for you to have a positive impact on our church community, but to grow yourself. In late February or early March (date TBD) the Nominations Committee will sponsor an orientation and question/answer session for those interested in learning about and hopefully serving on the Board of Trustees. Past and present board members will be there to describe their experiences and answer questions, and we will have materials for you to take home regarding serving on the board. If you are interested or just curious about the Board, please consider attending this session. If you have any questions, talk to a board member, or contact a member of the Nominations Committee: Kathy Johnson, Pam Wakeman, Ed Long, or Lee Manns.
Fair-Trade Holiday Gifts and Cards Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) cards plus Equal Exchange items will be on sale through December 22 in the Gallery. Equal Exchange items include various kinds of chocolate bars and minibars, geobars, hot cocoa mix, fruits and nuts, and yogurt covered raisins. Quantities may be limited so buy early and support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's work in social justice around the world. Equal Exchange items are available through the UUSC Coffee Project and Equal Exchange, a worker-owned, fair trade company based in West Bridgewater, Mass. Equal Exchange sources these goods directly from farmer cooperatives, following the standards and principles of fair trade on 100 percent of its products. This ensures that farmers earn a fair price for their crops, allowing them to better meet their families' basic needs for food, education, and health care — and their long-term security. The UUSC/Equal Exchange holiday table will also provide UUSC membership information and accept donations (to include pennies on up!)
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6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Green Corner: Tapping into Nature’s HVAC System The Green Sanctuary Committee will dedicate the next six Green Corners to delving into the green features being incorporated into our new space. This month, we’re exploring the geothermal heat pump system that will be heating and cooling the new addition and remodeled RGL wing. So, first, what is it? Well, for those of you fearful of a new tunnel being opened for a Journey to the Center of the Earth, I can assure you that it is not magma from our planet’s core. And, for those of you who hold a belief in Hades’ Underworld, it does not draw upon fiery evils or tortured souls. Geothermal heat pumps are designed to use the earth as a heat source in the winter or a heat sink in the summer. While the temperature around us fluctuates with the seasons, temperatures below ground (about four to six feet) are maintained at a relative constant year-round. Geothermal heat pumps, also called round source heat pumps, work by pumping water through circulating pipes down into the earth where it absorbs stored heat from the ground. After the heated water returns back to the surface, an indoor unit compresses the heat and distributes it throughout the building. In the summer time, the system acts in reverse, pulling heat from the building and carrying it down into the cooler ground. Geothermal HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems transfer heat to and from the earth and do not use fossil fuel, although some electric power is used to operate the fan, compressor, and pump. Generally, geothermal heat pumps are four to five times more expensive than conventional heating/air conditioning systems. However, with a relatively low cost of operation and a longer life span of 25 years, they are far more cost-effective over the long run. Next month: Wall Insulation: It’s like putting a jacket on your walls!
P S D & UUA N EWS MidAmerica Regional Assembly 2014: Hunger for Justice Topeka, Kansas • Friday, April 11 - Sunday, April 13 • SAVE THE DATES! The MidAmerica Regional Assembly is a weekend of coming together for enriching fellowship, inspiring lectures and workshops, and deepening worship. The Judy Lecture, "Reclaiming Our Liberal Heritage and Embracing Our Hunger for Justice" will be presented live in Topeka by the Rev. Dr. Paul Rasor. Paul Rasor is Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom and Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Virginia Wesleyan College. Paul has a wide-ranging background that includes religion, law and music. He holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Ph.D. in the study of religion from Harvard, as well as a law degree (J.D.) and a music degree (B. Mus.) from the University of Michigan. He is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, and has served Unitarian Universalist congregations in Arlington MA and Lexington, MA, near Boston.
www.midamericauua.org/events !
6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Winter Lecture Series, 2014 Climate Change: Local, National, and International Responses Hardin Hall Auditorium, 3310 Holdrege Street Free and available parking on the north side of Hardin Hall
(Please note that this series will not be at the Unitarian Church this year due to remodeling.) The series starts on Sunday January 26 and continues on successive Sundays (except for Super Bowl Sunday, February 2), ending on March 16. Each event starts at 7 p.m. with a lecture for about an hour. After a 20-minute refreshment break, the audience is invited back to engage the speaker in a Q&A session that may last until 9 p.m. The series concludes with two sessions of panel discussion. January 26, 2014
Chuck Kutscher, Principal Engineer/Group Manager, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, Colorado. Climate Change: The Latest Findings and What We Must Do. February 9, 2014
Eileen Shea, Chief of the Climate Services Division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Asheville, North Carolina. Responding to a Changing Climate: Challenges and Opportunities in Pacific Islands. February 16, 2014
Jennifer Turner, Director, China Environment Forum, Woodrow Wilson Center, Washington, DC. China's Water-Energy-Climate Conundrum. February 23, 2014
Adriana Moreira, Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank in Brasilia, Brazil. Tackling deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. March 2, 2014
Luc Gnacadja, Executive Director, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Bonn, Germany. Implications of Desertification on the Economic, Social, and Political Landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. March 9, 2014
Panelists: Don Wilhite, Professor, Applied Climate Science, SNR, UNL, Clint Rowe, Professor, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, UNL , Mike Hayes, Director, National Drought Mitigation Center, UNL. Effects of Climate Change in Our Region. March 16, 2014
Panelists: Ken Haar, Nebraska State Senator, District 21, Ann Bleed, Natural Resource Scientist, School of Natural Resources, UNL, Milo Mumgaard, Senior Policy Aide for Sustainability at Mayor's Office, City of Lincoln. Public Policy Issues of Climate Change in Our Region. Sponsored by: Unitarian Church of Lincoln, Humanities Nebraska, and the UNL School of Natural Resources TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - TO BE FINALIZED BY JANUARY 1
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6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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O N - G O I N G A C TI V I TI ES The fellowship activities and discussion groups listed below happen on a regular basis and are open to new participants at any time. Please contact the group’s organizer if you have any questions!
Adult Game Night
Men’s Potluck
UU Meditation Sangha
Generally the 2nd Saturday of the month - NONE THIS MONTH
Second Monday of the month Dec 9 • 6:30 – 7:30PM
2nd Wed. only this month... 7:15PM • 1834 Ryons Street
Taking a December Hiatus. If you would like to consider hosting in the future or simply want more information, please contact the Braziel's 402-489-0916
All men are invited to attend to enjoy good food and conversation. Table service will be provided. Bruce Raymer 402-475-7875 bruce.raymer@gmail.com
Bridge Groups
Moms Group
Intermediate Group
2nd Monday of the month • Dec 9 5:30PM • Preschool/Room 5
When you enter the front door, please leave your shoes in the foyer and come in to the yoga studio through the French doors to your left. Meditation, discussion and fellowship included. Contact LauraLee Woodruff 402-474-3272 holybear47@hotmail.com
Every Tuesday 2:30PM
Advanced group
Moms with young children meet to chat while the kids play. Contact Kim Ziemann 402-464-1179 kaziemann@yahoo.com
Every Wednesday •1:15PM
Newcomers Chat
Coordinator: Earl Kramer krameyer@neb.rr.com
First Sunday of every month Dec 1 • 11:15 AM • Room 2
402-489-8213
Meet with visitors and friends in the Library to watch and discuss a 10-minute film called "Voices of a Liberal Faith.” Contact Karen Dienstbier 402-489-7545 membership@unitarianlincoln.org
Coordinator: Jackie Egan egan@neb.r.com 402-435-6111
Want to join us? Contact us prior to the day of the game.
Coffeehouse Fourth Friday •Dec 27 7:00PM • Gallery
Board games for adults and kids. Open to all individuals. Hosted by the LGBTA Welcoming Cmte. Contact Nathan Woodruff nathanpflag@gmail.com
Men's Discussion Group Second Tues. only this month... Dec 10 • 7:15PM
This is an open group which welcomes new participants at any time. Contact Duane Polzien 402-540-5025 duaneep2000@yahoo.com
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PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Next Meeting Tuesday, Dec 17 • 7:00PM Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 11th & M Streets
The December meeting is the third Tuesday (due to the holiday) and will be held at the new location. Starting in January 2014, we will meet at Saint Paul United Methodist Church on the 4th Tuesdays until the Unitarian Church is remodeled. Confidentiality is of the upmost importance. Please join us or visit us at www.pflagcornhusker.org
Women’s Book Group Every three weeks •10:00AM Gere Library • 56th & Normal Blvd.
For more information, contact Diane Richards dianemn2@gmail.com December 7 - Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: the Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis by Timothy Egan January 4 - Too Close to the Falls by Catherine Gildiner January 25 - A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers
Women’s Brunch Second Thurs. of the month •Dec 12 1:00PM • Braeda 48th & O
All UU Women are invited to join in the dining and conversation. Contact Margaret Brown 402-488-2882
Zen Meditation Every Thursday • 7:00PM • Room 11
We are a small group of UU's who meditate at church each week. Contact Norm Simon 402-435-0225
6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
December 2013
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Thank You’s Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped get the grounds ready for winter. Because of the renovation, there were fewer leaves to rake, but we removed a large amount of woody brush that would have become much more obtrusive by next August. We also encouraged hardwood saplings by removing their competition and transplanted Day Lily's that would have been demolished. Thanks to Becky and Sharad Seth, Barbara Beed, Curt Donaldson and Kathy Disney, the Davis Family, the Hutchings/Skold Family, Bruce Hammond, Tim Johnson, Jim McClelland, Mary Ann Meisner, Adam Sarik, Leslie Ryan, Priscilla Handy, Janine Copple, Mary Sommermeyer and Earl Kramer, Darlene Smith, Tom Ineck, John Atkeison, Terra Rose, Jerry Petr, Tim Hopkins, Penny and Rick Urwiler, Harry Heafer and everyone who contributed energy and food. Special thanks to Jackie Egan who chaired the adept crew that got our potluck lunch ready. There are still some bulbs in the A St. flower bed and they are free for the digging (bulb I.D. not included). - Martha Horvay
Thank you to those who served our congregation during the month of November. Each month committees meet and individuals do their part to make sure that newcomers and new members are recognized and appreciated. We hope that you found their efforts and their service to be of help and satisfying for you. I know that your service is always appreciated by our newcomers and our members! Thanks to everybody who helped support the peace and social justice activities of Nebraskans for Peace and the Unitarian Church of Lincoln by buying the 2014 Cat Lovers Against the Bomb calendar. A total of $482 was raised for this valuable work. A special thanks to Sue Hubbard and Linda Hellerich for helping with this project. – Norm Hostetler Mid –week programming finished up on November 20. It was a fun experience for those who attended. Next time we offer mid-week programming perhaps you’d like to join us. See us in the New Year! – A big thank you to the presenters for the programming they provided. They put in a lot of time and energy to offer the programs – it was much appreciated!
SORENSEN LECTURE COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR HELP The Sorensen Lecture Committee was very pleased with the Church support and attendance at Amy Seidl's 2013 Lecture, "Finding Higher Ground: Responding to the Age of Warming." Thank you. Now we turn our attention to 2014. We need your help in two ways: 1) You are invited to suggest possible speakers and/or topics for the 2014 Sorensen Lecture, to be delivered in Fall 2014. The guidelines of the Lectureship Endowment stipulate that we invite "a person of generally recognized knowledge and distinction to speak on a current political, social, or economic issue of interest to the broad community." Our budget is moderate, but we're willing to try to make dreams come true. 2) Two members will be leaving the Committee next year, and we invite you to consider joining us to help with next year's project. Become involved with selecting and hosting one more interesting visitor to our community. To suggest speakers or to volunteer your service, please contact Jerry Petr, jlmapetr@aol.com, or (402) 483-0188, or via Jean Helms admin@unitarianlincoln.org in the Church office.
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6300 A St. • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
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December 2013
O U R C O M M U N I TY Thank You’s
Milestones, Millstones, Stepping Stones Our thoughts are with Earl Kramer and his family after the death of his brother in November. JoEllen Polzien, who has been a member for over 40 years, had carpal tunnel surgery in November. She would love to receive get well cards at 2808 Ponca, Lincoln, NE 68506. Our condolences to Amy Miller and her family after the death of her father in November. You are in our thoughts. We wish Vicki Treat-Huber well as she recovers from knee surgery.
Another UU friend, Bud Speidell, also had knee surgery in November. We wish you a speedy and complete recovery. We are keeping Grace Maly and her family in our thoughts as she adjusts to life after a recent diagnosis of Type 1 Sudden Onset Diabetes. Judy Cole had a fall in her home and is recouperating in Madonna. Cards are appreciated: Judy Cole, Madonna Rehab Hospital Room 224, 5401 South Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 Marty Powers had cataract surgery in November and is healing well. Let’s all help celebrate 5 years cancer free for Jean Helms and Harry Heafer.
S TA F F & LA Y LEA D ERS
Staff
Fritz Hudson, Minister • minister@unitarianlincoln.org Charles S Stephen, Jr. Minister Emeritus • patandcharles@windstream.net Chelsea Krafka, Religious Growth Dir. • religiousgrowth@unitarianlincoln.org Jean Helms, Administrative Dir. • admin@unitarianlincoln.org Julie Enersen, Worship Arts Dir. • worshiparts@unitarianlincoln.org Karen Dienstbier, Membership Associate • membership@unitarianlincoln.org Christina Strong, Administrative Associate • associate@unitarianlincoln.org
Board of Trustees
Management Team
Charles Coley, President Linda Hellerich Curt Donaldson, Vice-President Bob Haack Lindsay Bartlett, Secretary Christine Starr Davis Priscilla Handy Officers: Cindy Maly Mark Weddleton, Church Treasurer Leslie Ryan Linda Ager, Assistant David Williams Jo Donohoe, Assistant Penny Urwiler Liz Bonney-Heermann Mary Sommermeyer, Stephanie Geery-Zink Capital Campaign Treasurer The Board of Trustees meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Church. Any member or friend of the church is welcome to attend these meetings.
Church Office 6300 A Street Lincoln, NE 68510 Office Hours: Sunday: 9:00 AM—1:00 PM Tues-Fri: 9:00 AM —3:00 PM Closed Monday & Saturday Phone: 402.483.2213 Fax: 402.483.7461 Email: admin@unitarianlincoln.org Website: www.unitarianlincoln.org The Beacon is published monthly. Newsletter subscriptions are $20 a year. This newsletter is printed on 35% minimum post-consumer content recycled paper. It is also available online at www.unitarianlincoln.org/news