JUNE 2015
TH E
BEACON U n i t a r i a n o f
C h u r c h L i n c o l n
Sunday Services
New Interim Hired
Kids Drama Service Sunday, June 21
Two WayStation The Task Force has been hard Concerts
General Assembly Comes to Us!
at work with great success!
June 1 and June 3
Experience GA from afar
Page 5
Page 6
Page 9
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Breaking New Ground
the help of George Maly. In addition, we planted five viburnums on our east border as a living fence, and a flowering dogwood, a gift from Linda Ager, in the Memorial Garden.
Offered by Becky Seth
As you all realize, our church grounds were significantly impacted by our renovation project. The weather has not made progress easy. The south and southwest was graded and grass seed planted in early May. Unfortunately, we experienced a heavy rain event soon after and so some of the seed was carried into bunches. We will have to re-seed bare areas in the fall. You may notice two areas purposely left unseeded. The one to the west of our entrance walk will be a fenced-in preschool nature-oriented playground. The area near the front walk on the A Street side will be a raised-bed pantry garden coordinated by Megan McGuffey.
Big Dig helpers: Karen Heafer, Curt Donaldson, Amy Miller
In consultation with two landscaping firms, a plan has been developed for planting native and other drought tolerant species. A generous donation from Sandra Ashley is helping us pay for plants. The A Street Big Dig helpers: Kristi Wamstad-Evans, foundation shrubs were put in with Julie Enersen, Martha Horvay
A detention pond that will slow water from large rain events will be dug as soon as the ground is dry enough to do so. Headed by Curt Donaldson, volunteers dug the trench (the “Big Dig”) for the pipe carrying water from the pond, through our neighbor’s yard and to the street. Once the detention pond is in place the rest of the final grading will be completed and we will proceed with planting as we can. It is impossible to convey the amount of planning and labor that Martha Horvay has contributed to our grounds. She deserves gratitude beyond measure, but perhaps even more, our generous help. If you can pitch in once or on an ongoing basis, contact her to get on the email list MarthaHorvay71@gmail.com .
6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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WO RS H IP A Month of Sundays 10:00 AM at 6300 A Street
Sunday, June 7 Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman
WORSHIP ARTS NEWS Drama Club This Month Sign up now!
Speaker: Randy Springer
For the past few years, we’ve offered our children the chance to use drama, music and art to perform a skit and create a service based on a child-friendly theme. This year, the Drama Club will once again be based on a Vacation Bible School model. Students in grades K - 12 will spend several hours every morning for a week doing theatre games, learning lines, making music and creating the artistic elements of the service. Here’s the schedule:
Music: TBA
June 15 - 19: Rehearse at church 9:00 AM -12:00 noon
Share the Care: LGBTA Welcoming Cmte
June 21: Perform at 10 AM service
Music: Morgan Beach, singer/songwriter
Sunday, June 14 Worship Leader: Worship Associate
Sunday, June 21 - Drama Club Service Worship Leaders: Church Youth Speakers: Church Youth Music: Church Youth
Sunday, June 28
The cost for each K-5 student is $10 to cover supplies. Middle and high school students will serve as assistants and musicians and do not need to pay the participation fee. We already have a dozen children signed up and it’s not too late to have your children involved! Simply contact Worship Arts Director Julie Enersen at worshiparts@unitarianlincoln.org if you’d like to register one or more kids for this fun, UU-centric worship opportunity.
Worship Leader: Worship Associate Speaker: TBA Music: TBA Share the Plate: Lincoln Bike Kitchen
ANNOUNCEMENT RECEPTION OF THANKS FOR REV. DR. JUSTIN OSTERMAN Sunday, June 7 following the Service Practice your “Good Good-bye” skills as we thank Justin for the gifts he is leaving us with. Bring your favorite snack, munchies or dessert. Cake and drinks will be provided. 6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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WO RS H IP
THE HEART OF THE MATTER During a recent interview, a lay-leader in another congregation asked me, “How will we know if your interim ministry with us has been successful?” I answered, “You will know whether I have been effective in about ten years.” My job here in Lincoln has been to prepare the way for an unknown colleague who will arrive as your settled minister two years from now, and their success will speak to my effectiveness. Like so many things in life, a congregation gets out of an interim ministry whatever it puts into it. I’ve introduced some changes to the congregation, made some observations, and asked some challenging questions. What happens as a result of my ministry here is entirely up to you. Your successful capital campaign and renovation of the church is a tremendous achievement. I hope that this major success becomes a springboard for still greater accomplishments. I believe that the Unitarian Church of Lincoln can emerge as a leading force for social justice in
Nebraska, a guiding light in Unitarian Universalism, and a seat for spiritual enrichment in countless lives. It has been my privilege to serve as your interim minister for the past ten months. I am grateful to all the volunteers and paid staff whose dedicated service has brought the ministry to life this year. In particular, I want to thank the Transitions Team – the committee chosen by the Board of Trustees to work with me this year – for their support: Evelyn Weymouth (chair), Jerry Petr, Wesley Botham, Becky Seth, and BJ Wheeler. This team will be hosting a reception following my final Sunday service on June 7th. I hope that you’ll join us. Blessing upon you all and best wishes for grace, peace, success, and happiness in all your lives. Yours in faith, Justin
NEBRASKA TOP TEN offered by Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman
In honor of the “Late Show with David Letterman” closing its home office in Wahoo, Nebraska, on May 20th, I offer this list of “Top Ten Things about My Ten Months in Nebraska”:
10. Meeting lovely people both in- and outside the church.
6. Teaching the Bible for Beginners Class at church.
9. Learning new things, personally and professionally.
5. Seeing my good friend Baxter for the first time in seven years.
8. Visiting Nebraska’s historical sites and natural attractions.
4. Seeing the Sandhill Crane migration.
7. Going to a Huskers game with my friend Bill.
2. Visiting my great-grandparents’ farm and graves.
3. Riding in Orvis Wall’s Model T Ford.
1. Misty’s prime rib. 6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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RELIG IO US G RO WTH & LEA RNING What I Learned From This Last Year As the end of our Religious Growth and Learning church year approaches, I am inspired to think about what has happened over the course of our church year. A dear friend who always challenges my thinking and for whose perspective I am grateful, reminded me that it is important to think about what I have learned over the past year. I offer you some of my thoughts... •Our children and youth missed our 'home' - our physical church building at 6300 'A' street. As much as we talked about how home is more about the people than the space - our children and youth claim ownership of their environment in our own classrooms and felt displaced in the rented space at Faith United Methodist church. •Our church community is incredibly lucky to have such dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. Our church teachers and assistants have maintained reliability and consistency throughout these changes - have been willing to be flexible through a change of environment - and have been the stability for our children and youth through our moves. •Our church community is also incredibly fortunate to have have volunteers who were willing to physically move our RGL supplies and classroom furniture back. This was demanding work. We owe them a lot of gratitude. •Signage is important in the RGL wing. Visitors come to our church and what they see on our walls says a lot about us. •Reverend Dr. Osterman has challenged us to embrace change and to not keep doing things because it's what we've always done. I am now thinking about the difference between what is tradition and celebrated and what is habit and repetitive. •On this note - some of our traditions have been part of the glue that has held us together through so much change over the last year. Our children and youth were happy to have familiar activities such as: our decorating of pumpkins for UNICEF and card making along with the Pastoral Care committee.
•I am appreciative of having an interim minister who can challenge our perspective. •I am grateful for the phenomenal group who have been the RGL committee this last year. They helped so much with these transitions and stepped up during my maternity leave. We can put leadership in the hands of volunteers and trust them to do a fabulous job •I am thankful for the support of those who are not volunteers in our program but help lift up RGL programs in other ways. •We can face conflict with one another and still be in loving relationship. •We can face change and yet maintain our identity and sense of community. •Our new RGL wing is AMAZING and has so much potential. We can dream BIG and see our dreams come to fruition. What an exciting lesson to teach our children and youth! Thank you all for a wonderful year. There were challenges - there were obstacles - there were successes and celebrations. I am incredibly excited about what next year will bring to us. Peace, Faith, and Love, Chelsea
Help young UUs learn about our faith! We are looking for helpers this Summer for our Sunday class. Assistants help facilitate discussion but do not lead the lesson. They help prepare snack, assist students with activities, and are our second adult in the room as per our safety policy. Please contact Chelsea Krafka if you are willing to assist even one day this Summer. We invite Middle and High School students to be assistants and to sign up as well! A great chance to get in volunteer hours!
JUNE RGL CALENDAR Preschool Class and Nursery Care are available every Sunday for younger Pre-K children in the Preschool Room. June 7
Last Day of Regular Classes
June 14
Summer Class
June 21
All Ages Service - Drama Club
June 28
Summer Class
6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS New Interim Minister Hired Molly Klocksin, Interim Task Force
By now, you’ve probably heard the wonderful news that we will have a two-year contract in place for our next interim minister. The July newsletter will feature a front-page story introducing our new interim minister, Rev. Gretchen Woods, to the congregation. We believe that she will inspire us with thoughtful sermons from a range of faith traditions, positively engage the church staff and Board of Trustees, and respectfully challenge and support our congregation as we all prepare for a settled ministry. www.revgwoods.net The selection process was fast and furious. On May 4, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Transitions Office supplied our congregation with the names of four potential interim ministers in the first of three potential rounds. The hymn “Bring Many Names” played in my head when I saw the names of four imminently qualified candidates. From that list of three women and one man, Interim Ministry Search Task Force members Lindsay Bartlett, Curt Donaldson, Priscilla Handy, Reed Maly, Christine Starr Davis and I reviewed resumes, watched sermons, and checked references, keeping in mind some of the qualities congregants expressed that they were seeking in our next interim minister. We whittled our choice of interviewees from four to two, interviewing them via Skype. On May 15, we offered the position to the candidate we felt best suited our congregation’s needs at this time. Fortunately, Rev. Gretchen Woods accepted the position immediately and enthusiastically, saying Lincoln is where she believes she will do her best work.
In the Interim offered by Wesley Botham, Interim Team
At our most recent meeting, the Interim Team decided not to hold Congregational Conversations through the summer months. Church attendance drops significantly over the summer, so we take this break to ensure that everyone can be included in these vital discussions, as well as to permit our incoming interim minister a chance to share her
input (allowing, of course, time to settle in and get up to speed on our congregational life). You can look forward to these church-wide meetings resuming in the fall. The work of the interim process doesn’t have to stop, however. I encourage you to seek out conversations with your fellow UUs on the many important issues we are charged with exploring during the interim. Discuss your identity as Unitarian Universalists in Nebraska. Share your hopes and fears for our future. Review our mission statement and see how it fits with your personal vision. Uncover our strengths and confront our shortcomings. And above all else, give others the gift of your quiet attention as they do the same. In particular, we on the Interim Team invite you to seek out any of our members (listed below) for these conversations over the summer months. You can find us after church during coffee hour and our contact information is available through the office or the membership directory. We would love to hear your thoughts, answer your questions, and continue to navigate this challenging but rewarding interim period by your side! And one last thing before you go... The Interim Team will host a reception for Reverend Justin Osterman immediately following his final service on June 7. We hope to see you there! Interim Team: Wesley Botham, Jerry Petr, Becky Seth, Evelyn Weymouth, B.J. Wheeler
7 Principles in Word and Worship You are invited to join in a discussion group about the 7 Principles. We will read the book the 7 Principles in Word and Worship and discuss two or more of the principles each week. Join us after Service June 14, June 21 and June 28. The book is written so that a different minister discusses each principle. This will give us a multifaceted view of the principles. Please plan to join us for the discussion! Childcare will be available and a light lunch will be served. There will be a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Table or you may contact Karen Dienstbier membership@unitarianlincoln.org
6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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NEWS NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Capital Campaign Report
Waystation Concerts presents:
by Mary Sommermeyer, Capital Campaign Treasurer
Most of the building project bills have come in and have been paid, costs are still being incurred, primarily related to the detention pond and landscaping. As of the newsletter deadline, the balance in the capital campaign fund is $13,891 and liabilities for the project are: Closing costs - Union Bank line of credit
$9,380.00
Other funds drawn from the line of credit and not yet repaid Member loans Total
209,665.50 430,000.00 $649,045.50
The liabilities will increase if it is necessary to draw more funds from the line of credit to cover bills. The liabilities will decrease as proceeds from the sale of the house on Eldon Drive and future payments of capital campaign financial commitments are used. Capital campaign payments are scheduled to be completed in January 2016 and will likely be used up paying bills and Union Bank by the time it is necessary to start repaying member loans in December 2016. Through 2014 interest on the project liabilities was paid from mortgage pledge payments. In 2015 the mortgage pledge payments will not be sufficient to cover the interest costs, which will be paid from mortgage and operating budget pledge payments.
SUMMER OSBORNE -
WITH
OPENING ACT SARAH MCCRACKEN
June 1, 2015 at 7:00pm $15 suggested donation; $10 students; children under 10 free Summer is a singer-songwriter who entertains audiences with her magical brand of melodic and lyrically potent genre-jumping performances. She masterfully amalgamates the human condition, spirituality, truth, love and healing. summerosborne.wordpress.com
MONROE CROSSING
How will we pay off the remaining liabilities? Possible sources: •Donations to the capital campaign by people who were not able to make commitments at the time of the campaign or who have joined the church since then. You too can be part of the wonderful legacy provided by those who helped purchase Eldon house and contributed to the capital campaign! •Proceeds from sale of two cemetery spaces donated to the church. If you might need one or both spaces, contact me or Christine Starr Davis, Property & Finance Coordinator.
June 3, 2015 at 7:00pm
•Dollars raised at special “Burn the Mortgage” fundraisers.
Suggested donations: $17 adult; $15 member/ friend, $10 student, $5 children under 10
More details about the Capital Campaign Fund and expenses paid are available on the church website (www.unitarianlincoln.org) in the“Members Only” section. You can also contact me at 402-489-8213 or sommerlaw@neb.rr.com.
“...for anybody who hasn't seen Monroe Crossing perform, I will vouch that it's one of the most entertaining, crowd-pleasing acts in the bluegrass music genre at this time.” — Larry Kuhn, CA Bluegrass Association
6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Green Corner Unitarian Church Named Runner-up in National Cool Congregation Challenge The Unitarian Church of Lincoln was recognized as a runner-up in the “Renewable Role Model” category of the 2014 Cool Congregation Challenge sponsored by Interfaith Power and Light. It was recognized for its recently completed renovation and expansion building project which featured a geothermal heating and cooling system, photovoltaic system, replacement of all windows, added insulation and LED lighting. From the IPL press release: “In celebration of Earth Day 2015, Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) has announced its annual Cool Congregations Challenge winners — exemplary faith communities modeling climate solutions and Earth stewardship in dozens of inspiring projects across the nation. The winning faith communities represent many different religious backgrounds, but all share a common mission — to respond to the threat of climate change by taking concrete actions with tangible carbon reductions. The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, founder and president of Interfaith Power & Light, says, “It’s very inspiring to see so many congregations stepping up in response to climate change, especially this year as global leaders prepare to meet in Paris to discuss the reduction of global carbon pollution and the climate crisis. IPL’s Cool Congregations are
leaders. They’re not waiting until 2030 or 2050 to make a difference — they’re showing us that cutting emissions by 50% or more is not only possible now, but many have even gone carbon neutral.” On average, winners and runners-up saved $8,000/year on their energy bill, and prevented 58-metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere (per congregation). Challenge winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions have been awarded in five categories that include: Energy Saver, Renewable Role Model, Sacred Grounds Steward, Community Inspiration, and Cool Planner. Final entries were received in January and judged by a panel of experts from Interfaith Power & Light, EPA’s Energy Star, the U.S. Green Building Council, and Nature's Friends Institute.
UUA BOOKSTORE HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH: ETHICAL CHIC: THE INSIDE STORY OF THE COMPANIES WE THINK WE LOVE, by Fran Hawthorne It's difficult to define what makes a company hip and also ethical, but some companies seem to have hit that magic bull's-eye. In this age of consumer activism, pinpoint marketing, and immediate information, consumers demand everything from the coffee, computer, or toothpaste they buy—good price, quality, organic ingredients, and worker benefits. In Ethical Chic, Fran Hawthorne uses her business-investigative skills to analyze six favorites: Apple, Starbucks, Trader Joe's, American Apparel, Timberland, and Tom's of Maine. More than a how-to guide for daily dilemmas and ethical business practices, Ethical Chic is a blinders-off and nuanced look at the mixed bag of values on sale at companies that project a seemingly progressive image. Direct order from the UUA Bookstore for $16.00 : www.uuabookstore.org
6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS If Our Walls Could Talk, Part I offered by your Management Team
Anyone who has ever moved into a new space has faced the only thing scarier than a blank page. Blank walls. In our newly renovated space, we have been mindful about that emptiness on our walls and tried not to rush to fill it. Like the silence in a Sunday service, we sometimes need to just “be” before anything else is taken in. Anyone who has ever moved into a new space also knows that it is a chance to rethink whatever was in the old space, to relocate items that had been in place for so long we stopped considering why. And, sometimes, we get rid of things that no longer serve our needs or might be better appreciated with a new home or purpose. Recently, for example, we relocated the wood sculptures, “The Mandala of the Holy Ones” by Candice Knapp of Houston that had been dedicated in our church in 1988. For those moved by the artist’s intent of embracing religious diversity, taking these out of our church was a loss. For those uninspired by the work, it was a welcome change.
The management team has policies that help to guide our decisions on such matters, with regard to both past acquisitions and future ones. Policies are really just a way to codify and share with all members, our best intentions as a community. The interim is a good time to revisit our policies in order to clarify them and/or reconsider them. And, as questions arise, new policies can arise too. One such question arose recently about the Welcoming Congregation banner that once hung in the bookstore area. Our minister wondered why a marching banner would be hung indoors. Good question. We’ve been thinking quite a bit about our internal focus – how we keep telling ourselves what we believe when maybe we ought to be telling the Lincoln community. Thus, we began to consider how we are known outside our walls as a welcoming congregation and how we might want to witness our position not on our walls but on our grounds. Interesting idea! It is tempting to put everything back the way it was. That feels comfortable and normal. Yet, if we give ourselves a chance to consider other possibilities, we might just come up with something that improves on what we thought was perfect.
Notes from the Bookstore Ladies: We are now three. Denise Dickeson is aided and abetted by Carol Kendrick and Marty Powers. We are also part of the Friday work crew that helps with the Orders of Service. We accept books and only books. No magazines, audio or video material. Just books. And speaking of books, we only take books in good shape. If they have been marked in, have bad binding or any hint of mildew, we can't use them and they are recycled. Neither do we take text books or workbooks. Bring us your lovely, your readable, your "good enough for your living room" books! These books will go on to lead happy lives with new readers. Our outreach projects are the prison ministry and Lancaster Manor (large print books). Your books and purchases go to support our church. Keep reading!
6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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REG IO NA L A ND NA TIO NA L UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMES TO US!
Synergy Building Worship
General Assembly (GA) is in Portland, Oregon this year but you don’t need to go any further than our own sanctuary to enjoy the inspiration and energy of our largest UU gathering. We will be live streaming the following events on the big screen in the sanctuary. Snacks will be provided.
Fri, June 26, 7:30-9:00 pm
Come be in community with our larger community! Opening Celebration and General Session Wed, June 24, 8:00-9:30 pm
GA officially begins with a brief business session where the rules are adopted and new congregations are welcomed. This is followed by a joyful, worshipful opening celebration with inspirational music and speakers.
This is a transformative, multigenerational worship. Come be inspired and illuminated at a celebration of treasured worship elements, rites of passage and brilliant contemporary musical performances.
Ware Lecture: Dr. Cornel West Sat, June 27, 8:00-9:00 pm
The 2015 Ware Lecturer is Dr. Cornel West, prominent and provocative democratic intellectual. Most recently, he has been involved in the Black Lives Matter protests. Cornel West has a passion to communicate in writings and orations, through film and music and solidarity with groups and faith communities committed to justice in order to keep alive the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. - a legacy of telling the truth and bearing witness to love and justice.
Learning Network
Examples of How Congregations Might Embody This Covenant:
"MidAmerica as a Learning Network of Faith Communities" passed as a Covenant of the MidAmerica Region, UUA and was approved at the April 18 MidAmerica Annual Business Meeting.
•Collaborate with geographically close congregations, virtually or in person.
In summary, the delegates did covenant to: •explore new opportunities of learning, collaboration, innovation and action within our Region. •engage those new opportunities through a process of dialogue, consultation, experimentation, and democratic decision-making. •strive to work together to support and nurture our congregations and our larger movement within and beyond MidAmerica. •encourage congregations to affirm a congregational version of this covenant, and actively explore new opportunities possible in our region. •welcome the participation of noncongregational UU groups situated within MidAmerica.
•Engage in learning opportunities such as workshops at the MidAmerica Regional Assembly and UUA General Assembly, webinars and other educational options. •Create “Board-to-board” meetings the leaders of two or more congregations share insights and experience related to issues of governance or mission. •Organize or participate in a social action initiative with another UU congregation or as part of a larger (e.g., statewide) social justice effort. For more information, go to www.MidAmericaUUA.org/RA or contact the acting chair of the Denominational Outreach committee, Kathy Disney kedisney@hotmail.com
6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
JUNE 2015
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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 2nd Sat. • June 13• 6:30/8:00PM 6300 A Street • Gathering Place
Come join us for potluck dinner at 6:30PM and board/card games at 8:00PM. Come for one or both. All welcome. Contact: Leona Braziel 402-489-0916 windflower@aol.com
Bridge Groups Intermediate Group Every Tuesday • 2:30PM 6300 A Street • Gallery
Coordinator: Jackie Egan egan@neb.r.com 402-435-6111
Advanced group Every Wednesday • 1:00PM 6300 A Street • Gallery
time. Contact Duane Polzien 402-540-5025 duaneep2000@yahoo.com
Men’s Potluck 2nd Monday • June 8 • 6:30PM 6300 A Street • Gallery
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
Men’s Reading Group 1st & 3rd Tuesdays • June 2 & 16 7:00PM • 6300 A Street • K/1 Rm
The book we are reading is “Fire in the Belly” by Sam Keen. Duncan Case 402-202-9152 frankcase4346@gmail.com
Newcomers First Sunday Chat
Coordinator: Earl Kramer krameyer@neb.rr.com
Sunday, June 7 • 11:15AM 6300 A Street • Library
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 Newcomer Chair Megan McGuffey marie.megan@gmail.com
Want to join us? Contact us prior to the day of the game.
Coffeehouse 4th Friday • June 26• 7:00PM 6300 A Street • Gallery
Board games for adults and kids. Open to all individuals. Hosted by the LGBTA Welcoming Cmte. Contact Deb Hope debra.a.hope@gmail.com
Men's Discussion Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays • June 9 & 23 7:00PM • K/1 Room
This is an open group which welcomes new participants at any
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays 4th Tuesday • June 23 • 7:00PM 6300 A Street • Gallery
The LGBTA Welcoming Committee sponsors PFLAG which meets at our church. Confidentiality at each meeting is very important. Please join us or visit us at: www.pflagcornhusker.org
Tai Chi Every Wednesday • 6300 A Street Gallery • 5:30PM Beginners, 6:30PM Intermediate
All UU Members and Friends are invited. No experience necessary. Contact Karen Dienstbier 402-489-7545
UU Meditation Sangha 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 7:00PM 6300 A Street • Music Room
We gather at 7:00 and begin a short meditation promptly at 7:15PM. Then we have discussion time followed by another meditation period. We end with fellowship time over hot tea. Contact LauraLee Woodruff 402-770-9382 holybear47@gmail.com
Women’s Book Group Every three weeks •10:00AM 6300 A Street • Library
For more information, contact Diane Richards dianemn2@gmail.com May 30: The Art of Heartbeats, by Jan-Philipp Sendker June 20: One Book, One Lincoln Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Zen Meditation Every Thursday • 7:00PM 6300 A Street • Music Room
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
JUNE 2015
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TH A NK Y O US Hospitality Team
RGL Thanks you!
Thank you to the Sunday Hospitality Teams for the month of May! You all make a BIG difference in how welcoming we are perceived to be! Keep up the good work.
A huge thank you to Renee Burchell and Liz Bonney Heermann for coordinating Secret Friends, Trish Lanning for planning the luncheon and the whole RGL Committee for their support.
We each contribute to the work of the church. Many thanks go to all of the former and new coordinators:
Much appreciation to Trish Lanning for sewing the flag for the Global Peace Project
Ushers: JoAnn Lanning outgoing, Barbara Pearson incoming usher coordinator Welcome Table: Karen Heafer outgoing, Jan Buffum incoming welcome table coordinator Pastoral Care: Jackie Egan & Brooke Downing outgoing, Wendy Hines, Linda Brown & JoAnn Lanning incoming. Contact one of them if you have a Pastoral need or question about how it works.
Fresh Start Monthly Dinner We had great food and conversation again last month with the residents at Fresh Start. Once a month on a Sunday evening volunteers prepare food for the women at Fresh Start and then have a sit down meal with them. If you would like to join us once or on an ongoing basis, just contact Michael Reinmiller at avdude@me.com.
S UN D A Y S ERV IC E V O LUN TEERS May 31
June 7
June 14
June 21
June 28
Pulpit Decoration
Vicki Treat
Becky Seth
Janine Copple
Barbara Pearson
Cyn Monohon
Greeters
Jack & Carol Carlson
Bob & Alysa Haack
Mary Jane Gruba, Megan McGuffey
Stacy Skold, Nick Guenzel
Tim Johnson, Amy Birky
Coffee Hosts
TBA
TBA
Becky & Sharad Seth
TBA
Lindsay Bartlett
Trustees
Penny Urwiler
Liz BonneyHeermann
TBA
Penny Urwiler
Leslie Ryan
Ushers
Les & Lee Manns
Marty Powers, Mark Weddleton
Brooke Downing, Bruce Raymer
Gary Colvin, David Williams
Jerry & MaryAnn Petr
Keith McGuffey
Don Pinkley, Rick Urwiler
Roger Geery
Michael Reinmiller
TBA
Welcome Table
Kay Hoff, Connie Benjamin
Pam Forster, Kay Hoff
Chalice Lighters
None
None
Audio-Visual
Don Pinkley,
LauraLee Woodruff, Jan Hostetler, Mary Tim Johnson Sommermeyer None
None
Sandy Scott, Denise DeBose None
6300 A St • Lincoln, NE 68510 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
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JUNE 2015
O U R C O M M U N I TY Thank You’s
Milestones, Millstones, Stepping Stones Long-time member Don Gibson passed away on Monday, May 25. We will celebrate Don’s life on Saturday, June 6 at 11:00AM. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts. Cards may be sent to: 5610 Pioneers Blvd Apt 290, Lincoln 68505 J. Eileen Durgin-Clinchard is recovering from knee replacement surgery in May. She plans to have the other one done in a few weeks! Cards may be sent to: 638 N 25th St, Lincoln, NE 68503. Potential visitors are invited to call first: 402-617-5558
Thank you to our three retiring Board of Trustees Priscilla Handy, Cindy Maly, Curt Donaldson. We appreciate your service to our community. Welcome to our three new Board of Trustees Jamie Radcliffe, Kristi Wamstad-Evans, Amy Birky. We look forward to working with you. Mary Sommermeyer and Earl Kramer celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on May 25. Please no cards.
S TA F F & LA Y LEA D ERS Staff Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman, Interim Minister • dro@unitarianlincoln.org Fritz Hudson, Minister Emeritus • fhudson@uuma.org Charles S Stephen, Jr. Minister Emeritus • patandcharles@windstream.net Chelsea Krafka, Religious Growth Dir. • religiousgrowth@unitarianlincoln.org Jean Helms, Administrative Director • admin@unitarianlincoln.org Julie Enersen, Worship Arts Director • worshiparts@unitarianlincoln.org Karen Dienstbier, Membership Associate • membership@unitarianlincoln.org Christina Strong, Administrative Associate • associate@unitarianlincoln.org
Board of Trustees
Management Team
Christine Starr Davis Lindsay Bartlett, President Reed Maly, Vice-President Bob Haack Molly Klocksin, Secretary Kathy Disney Liz Bonney-Heermann Officers: Leslie Ryan Hess Dyas, Co-Treasurer Penny Urwiler Linda Ager, Co-Treasurer Kristi Wamstad-Evans Jo Donohoe, Assistant Jamie Radcliffe Mary Sommermeyer, Amy Birky Curt Donaldson, Immediate Capital Campaign Treasurer Past President 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 Hrs June 15 - August 14: Sunday: 9:00 AM—1:00 PM Tues-Fri: 9:00 AM —1:00 PM Closed Monday & Saturday Phone: 402.483.2213 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