OCTOBER 2014
THE
BEACON U n i t a r i a n o f
Sunday Services Including “To Live an Authentic Life” Oct 26
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OWL (Our Whole Lives) Awareness
New Members
Raising money for education
Join us in welcoming Kathie & Wayne
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Interim Update offered by Evelyn Weymouth
Welcome to a new column brought to you by the Interim Team (formerly known as the Transition Team.) Each month, one of the team members will share questions, comments and come-ons about Interim activities. This month's column is of the latter type. I sit and write this after having attended the first Congregational Conversation – “What is Interim Ministry?” It was attended by over 60 people and was filled with good questions and thoughtful answers that helped us better understand the Interim purpose and process. Whether you participated in this conversation or missed it, make sure to mark your calendar for the next one – “What’s the Story?” on Sunday, Oct. 12. Interim Ministry is a breathing time between settled ministers. It is a time to look at where we have been, where we are now, and where we want to go. All this introspection is in preparation for searching for the next settled minister. How do we know what we want if we don’t know where we are going? The first step on the introspection path is to explore our past – ancient and recent, happy or troublesome. To this end we (Rev. Justin and the Interim Team) hope to enlist the help of the entire congregation in creating a timeline of the history of this church. We want all of you to enter your own personal time machine and think about past events, large and small, that, for you, make up our story. Then join us for “What’s the Story” after service on Sunday, Oct. 12, in the Sanctuary. We will have a timeline posted on the walls surrounding the Sanctuary and will ask everyone to put their memories and history knowledge on sticky notes to put on the timeline.
C h u r c h L i n c o l n
How We Welcome People Connections matter!
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2014 Sorensen Lecture Sunday, October 19, 2014 7:00pm Hardin Hall, 33rd & Holdrege
Lecturer: Honorable Douglas Bereuter "Can the World Feed 9 Billion People: Implications for Nebraska" Doug Bereuter, Nebraska's First District Congressman from 1979-2004, is also President Emeritus of the Asia Foundation. He recently served as co-chair of a Chicago Council on World Affairs task force that published a major study, "Advancing Global Food Security in the Face of a Changing Climate," in May, 2014. The annual Sorensen Lecture honors early 20th century Nebraska political leader and long-time Lincoln Unitarian, C. A. Sorensen. This year it is co-sponsored by the UNL School of Natural Resources.
Free and open to the public.
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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W OR SHI P
A Month of Sundays 10:00 AM 1333 N. 33rd Sanctuary
W OR SHI P AR T S NEW S
Sunday, October 5 Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman Music: Unitarian Choir
Sunday, October 12 Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman
Sing With the Choir!
Music: TBD Share the Plate: Voices of Hope Post-Service: What’s the Story?
Sunday, October 19 Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman
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 Sanctuary.
Music: Gopher Baroque Share the Care: Building/Grounds Cmtes Post-Service: Building Construction Update
Sunday, October 26 “To Live an Authentic Life” The LGBTA Welcoming Congregation Committee will guide us in exploring how one lives an authentic life in spite of the masks we might don across our life span.
We invite any and all singers to join us: Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 - 7 PM rehearsals Oct. 5 - 8:30 AM rehearsal; 10 AM service Oct. 22 and 29 - 7 PM rehearsals Nov. 2 - 8:30 AM rehearsal; 10 AM service
Worship Leader: Jamie Radcliffe Speakers: TBD
Dec. 3 and 10 - 7 PM rehearsals
Music: LGBTA Committee & Friends
Dec. 14 - 8:30 AM rehearsal; 10 AM service
Please Note: Future newsletters will identify the worship leader and musicians for upcoming Sunday services, but not necessarily specific sermon titles and descriptions.
Willingness and enthusiasm are the two major requirements! And it's also helpful if you know how to read music. But don't rule yourself out because you're "not a very strong singer." We need all kinds of voices in our group and yours is most certainly welcome here.
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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W OR SHI P
THE HEART OF THE MATTER My first two months in Nebraska have been fascinating. I am reminded each day of all that I don’t know and don’t understand, but that only fuels my curiosity. In my non-church exploration, most of Lincoln remains to be seen, but I’ve made some fun excursions. I toured the southeastern corner of Nebraska and followed the river as far west as North Platte, taking in the state fair at Grand Island on the way. I haven’t been to a Huskers game, but I’m open to invitations.
have a special after service interactive sharing about the congregation’s history. Your participation is important to me, because each one of you has a piece of the story that will help me understand the “when and why?” of the congregation. In my sermon “What’s the Story” (7 September) I said, “The stories we tell about ourselves contain valuable information; both what we include in the story and what we choose to leave out. Sometimes we need to revisit our history . . . so that our narrative is expanded, enhanced, and enriched by a fuller understanding of who we are, what we have accomplished, and what we might be capable of in the future.”
My exploration of the church continues as well. I’ve read the church’s bylaws and policies, and met with many of the principal groups in the church, so the organizational structure is coming into focus for me. This is all part of In my short time with you, I’ve the “who, what, where?” phase of discovered much that is good and Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman, learning the church’s organizational praiseworthy about the church, and Interim Minister structure that I mentioned in last I still have much to learn. This I month’s column. With an increasing know: a full understanding and grasp of “what is,” I’m ready for the appreciation of our past allows us to “when and why?” phase of learning about the see our present circumstances clearly, and with church, which involves understanding “what was.” such clarity of vision the future can be brought into focus. Some of “what was” is documented in books, but most is stored in human memory and shared See you in church! through stories. On Sunday, 12 October we will Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman
Congregational Conversation
WHAT’S THE STORY? Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman and the Interim Team SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 11:15AM • SANCTUARY The Congregation’s first Developmental Task is Coming to Terms with History. Please come and participate in this interactive process.
DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS The Congregation’s Tasks during Interim 1. Coming to Terms with History 2. Discovering a New Identity 3. Leadership Changes during an Interim 4. Renewing Denominational Linkages 5. Commitment to New Directions in Ministry
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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R E L I GI O U S GR O W T H & L E A R NI NG NEAR TIME FOR MATERNITY LEAVE
OWL AWARENESS MONTH
The clothing has been sorted and washed. The blankets have been folded. The stock-pile of diapers has been purchased. The birth classes were attended, and diligent notes were taken. Everything is coming together slowly but surely for the soon-to-be arrival of our son.
Well, it is Our Whole Lives awareness month at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln. After service on October 5 and 19, you can find out more about the Our Whole Lives curriculum, upcoming classes, and how you can support the program. Just look for the OWL table in the coffee area!
However, the crib has yet to be assembled. The car seat has yet to be installed. The house is still a mess. The cats and dog are wondering about all of the changes to our home. Perhaps I could never fully be physically ready for this baby to arrive… but my heart is ready. Many of you have been so kind as to ask me how I am feeling recently. Besides the exhaustion from the late night dance parties my son feels inclined to begin once I’m ready to lay down for bed, I have been doing very well. Thank you for caring. Many of you have also asked about what will happen while I am on maternity leave. In short – members of the Religious Growth and Learning Committee and the Worship Committee have very graciously offered to help take care of various aspects of my job. Volunteers will be covering duties ranging from helping to respond to e-mails, to being the ‘Acting Religious Growth and Learning Director’ on Sunday mornings and checking in on classes, to covering the ‘Time for All Ages’ during services. You can look forward to a newsletter article or two written by Kathy Singh in the near future. The Religious Growth and Learning Committee members, Program Council, Management Team, and church staff have been fully informed about the detailed plans. Many hands are making for light work – and I am eternally grateful. If you have any questions before I leave, please feel free to contact me. If you have questions while I am way, the co-chairs of the Religious Growth and Learning Committee – Kathy Singh and Ashleigh Fuson will help answer to the best of their ability.
From the website http://www.uua.org/re/owl/ : "Our Whole Lives is a series of sexuality education curricula for six age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, young adults (ages 18-35), and adults. Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, ageappropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives not only provides facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality." The Unitarian Church of Lincoln is building the future of our OWL program by sending four UU members to teacher training this year! By training more teachers, we can offer more and better OWL sessions for all ages. These new teachers will be attending a full weekend of training, Oct. 17-19 in Lawrence, KS. The RGL committee is supporting their volunteer efforts by raising funds to cover registration and fuel. This is a real investment in the future of our church. Please consider a donation, either at the OWL table in October or by giving a check in the UU office with "OWL training" in the memo line.
Thank you for your support. This time away with my son as a first time mom will be precious. I am forever grateful for everyone who will be pitching in to help make my leave possible. Peace, Faith and Love, Chelsea
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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NEW S & ANNOUNCEM ENT S RGL NEEDS PUMPKINS
Assessing Climate Change Lecture
Please bring a pumpkin to donate to the Religious Growth and Learning program between now and the morning of Oct. 12. This year we will again be decorating pumpkins during an Ingathering and putting them up for an 'at will donation' to raise funds for UNICEF. Pumpkins will be collected upstairs in the 2-3rd grade room.
OCTOBER RGL CALENDAR Preschool Class and Nursery Care are available every Sunday for younger Pre-K children in the Nursery on the First Floor.
Thursday, September 25• Innovation Campus 2021 Transformation Dr, 3:00pm reception, 3:30pm Lecture "UNDERSTANDING AND ASSESSING CLIMATE CHANGE: IMPLICATIONS FOR NEBRASKA"
Donald Wilhite, Emeritus Director and Professor of the National Drought Mitigation Center The Green Sanctuary committee encourages you to attend this lecture presenting recent study findings compiled by UNL experts followed by a panel discussion. The event is sponsored by the Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). It is free and open to the public.
LGBTQA History Month Dinner Oct 5
Regular Classes
Oct 12
Ingathering - UNICEF Halloween
Oct 19
Regular Classes
Oct 26
Regular Classes
Wayside Pulpit offered by Aura Lee Furgason
The Wayside Pulpit on A Street was erected 13 years ago in October 2001. The first posting was the same as was shown outside our building on H Street—Unitarians Stand for Freedom, Reason, Tolerance. The sign reminds us, and passersby, of these principles each October. The muddy ground during this year’s renovations brought some challenges to changing the sayings. Thirteen years of Nebraska weather has brought some wear and tear on the structure. The Wayside pulpit remains an effective voice from us to Lincoln’s A Street travelers.
Thursday, Oct. 30 • Cornhusker Hotel Drinks with Outlinc at 5:30pm, Dinner at 7pm Keynote Speaker: Gloria Bigelow.
“Subtle, disarming and witty- Gloria Bigelow is a comic … with issues of sexuality, race, and gender at the forefront of her work…” The LGBTA Welcoming Committee is organizing a table (or two) to increase our visibility in the community. Tickets are $30 (add $5 for a scholarship contribution if you can). Some full and partial scholarships will be available, just ask. See Deb Hope in church or e-mail at debra.a.hope@gmail.com. Make checks payable to Unitarian Church, put “LGBTA dinner” in the memo section and drop in the church office.
Growing Beloved Community Book PREFACE AROUND,
TO CHAPTER AND AHEAD
7: LOOK BACK,
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of a splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. - George Bernard Shaw
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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EVENTS ACTIVITIES ENT S NEW S & & ANNOUNCEM Interfaith Housing Groundbreaking A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday, 23 September 2014 for initiating the $8 million renovation of the Ambassador & President lowincome housing project. The Interfaith Housing Coalition (IHC) was started as a collaboration of the Unitarian Church, First Plymouth and Saint Paul United Methodist of Lincoln in 1991 to provide low income housing to residents in the apartments across from the state capital. We have just initiated a second major renovation to redo plumbing, electrical heating & cooling, roofs and remodel to provide 71 units. Each church has 2 or more IHC board members. Some key with Excel Development Group to acquire tax credit financing and other grants to plan and finance reconstruction, which is just getting underway. It will take approximately 16 to 18 months to complete. The city of Lincoln is still being patient with the $862,000 in loans that they have provided for previous renovations like windows and heat pumps. We are reducing the number of units from 84 to 71 by converting some studios to one bedrooms and enlarging kitchens. The resident population is pretty stable and being cooperative by accepting temporary moves to empty units as each floor is renovated. As board members, Mary Ann Meisner, Bob Lange (President) and I (Rick Goodman) thank you for your ongoing support through the Social Action Network and as a congregation. We also recognize previous board members; Julie Poyko-Post, Gail Linderholm and Orvis Wall for their dedication over the years.
New Members: Kathie Court and Wayne Mixdorf Kathie Court and Wayne Mixdorf joined us in membership in August. They began coming to church in 2013 when Wayne’s job brought them to live in Lincoln. He works for the City of Lincoln as the Parking Manager (Kathie says NO he can’t fix tickets). Kathie teaches at Doane College in the Business Division and is a member of the Lincoln chapter of the American Association of University Women. Through her job they have met Les and Lee Manns. Before moving to Lincoln they belonged to a Unitarian Universalist church in Towson, Maryland where they were active participants in church life. Kathie was active on several church committees over the years. They have decided to join us in membership because they have found us to be a welcoming community in which they hope to make friends and to grow spiritually. They have lived in many areas of the country and are pleased to be in Lincoln. They look forward to getting to know more church members and to becoming involved in church activities. For right now they’ll be concentrating on learning about us and taking part in social activities that will help them to make new friends. They are signed up for the 6300 Club, and they have attended the Game Night. And Wayne may checkout the Men’s Potluck group and the Men’s Discussion group in the future. In her free time Kathie likes to sew clothing, bake cookies, and to read. She has offered to make cookies for events at church. Wayne enjoys golf, bowling, and reading. Please look for Kathie and Wayne during coffee hour and welcome them to our church community.
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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NEW S & ANNOUNCEM ENT S Help LES Start Solar Project – Donate to SunShares As Unitarian Universalists we understand that climate change is the ultimate threat to the interdependent web of life and that it is imperative that we reduce fossil fuel emissions drastically. Perhaps we don’t all know that currently over 75% of Lincoln’s electricity comes from burning coal or that each of us has a chance to reduce that percentage right now. LES is hoping to install a community solar project in or around Lincoln. However, it needs customer support in the form of a donation of at least $3 per month on your electricity bill. The program is similar to the one that was used to erect the two wind turbines north of town – a project that laid the foundation for the far larger contract for wind power LES recently signed. While solar power is currently more expensive than coal generation (if one does not take into account the harm that generation is doing to our health and that of the planet), solar is an investment in the future of our children. You can sign up to make a SunShares donation at https://www.les.com/savings-energy/solar-netmetering/learn-more. You can call LES at 402-475-4211. Or, you can wait for your September bill stuffer. But it’s important not to delay. Donations made before October 1 will determine the size of the project. It is my understanding that the NUMBER of customers responding may be more important to LES than the amount raised since it will indicate the level of customer support for renewable resources. This is an opportunity we each have to do a bit to combat climate change. Becky Seth, chair, Green Sanctuary Committee
Hike to Help Refugees October 11, 2014, 2:00 p.m. Holmes Lake Park
Registrations for H2HR have been coming in at a nice rate, with over 100 already enrolled. Registrations can be made up to the time of the event by sending your name a check (or cash), and a phone # or email address (to be notified of postponement) to: Robert Haller, 7445 Kentwell Ln, Lincoln NE 68516 Entry fees are $15 for Students, $25 for Adults, with a Sustaining level of $40 ($15 to support of Model United Nations at UNL and Hastings College, and in the schools). Additional donations gladly accepted. All entry fees and all additional donations (which will be gladly accepted) go to the US Association for UNHCR . UNA’s cosponsors include Nebraskans for Peace; Unitarian Church of Lincoln - Social Justice Network; UNL Model United Nations students; Amnesty International local group #173; Waverly High School Global Classroom Students; Bethany Christian Church; Center for People in Need; Catholic Relief Services; Lincoln unit of Church Women United; Northeast United Church of Christ.
2015 Nebraskans for Peace Calendars The 2015 Cat Lovers Against the Bomb calendars produced by Nebraskans for Peace will be available for purchase in the Fellowship Hall for four Sundays beginning October 12. Nebraskans for Peace is a statewide advocacy organization working nonviolently for peace with justice through community building, education, and political action. In addition to its original antiwar focus, Nebraskans for Peace is now involved in such activities as environmental responsibility and anti-bullying in our schools. Proceeds from calendar sales are divided between the Social Justice Network of the Unitarian Church of Lincoln and Nebraskans for Peace and support the peace and justice activities of both. Calendars will be $10, or $9 each for two or more, sales tax included.
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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NEW S & ANNOUNCEM ENT S Guatemalan Scholarships
Tire Recycling
This is the second year of the “Becas” program at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln. Last year 12 families and youth helped raise over $2000 for 15 children and their families. Please consider the gift of a “Becas” for the Holidays. Give a Guatemalan child the gift of a scholarship to go to school. Without this assistance these Guatemalan children are likely to drop out of school to help the family earn money by working in the fields or selling produce in the market. A “becas” or scholarship allows the child to remain in school and provides the family with some of their lost income. The cost of one Becas is $160. That is for an entire year.
Emerald SID #6 is hosting a scrap tire collection event is on Saturday, October 11 from 7 am to 6 pm at 6601 W Fletcher Avenue. This event is not open to businesses. For more information, call 402-742-5502.
Join people like Marya from our own congregation who raised $160 and purchased a scholarship for “Norma” when she was a sophomore in high school. Norma was 8 when she got the scholarship. She is now 14 and still in school. Join the many families from our church who plan to continue their support in the coming year. The “Becas” program is sponsored by the Guatemala Social Action Project of the churches Social Justice Network . Members include Duncan Case, Lee Manns, and Jerry Petr. Visit us at our activity table in the fellowship room following the services in October and November or contact Duncan Case at to learn how you can make a contribution. frankcase4346@gmail.com
Appliance Recycling LES Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program
Lincoln Electric Systems (LES) is offering refrigerator and freezer recycling services to customers with working appliances until October 31, 2014. You will receive $35 from LES for recycling your appliance. If your refrigerator or freezer is between 10 and 32 cubic feet in size, you can call (866) 444-9160 to schedule a time for JACO Environmental to pick it up. For more information visit www.les.com and click on the Savings & Energy tab at the top of the screen.
SAFE QUARTERS On October 12, over a thousand volunteers will try to visit every Lincoln household, collecting “safe quarters” for victims of domestic violence seeking shelter, support and advocacy at Friendship Home (www.friendshiphome.org). Church members have participated in this effort for several years. We had lots of fun in 2013, and hope that you would consider joining us this year! We will be walking in the area of Faith Methodist (our temporary church home) after service on Sunday the 12. Even giving an hour makes a huge difference. Please contact Debbi at debora.barnesjosiah@nebraska.gov or call her at 402-310-0419. And if you can’t join us, please save up your change for the volunteer who comes to your door!
Camp Wednesdays Postponed Mid-week programming will be held over until next spring. Because of all of the activity around getting ready to return to our church home on A St it is thought that holding off on trying to have the mid-week programming this fall would be the better way to proceed. We’ll plan to hold it in March next year in our new updated facility. Watch for more information on it as we begin our new year.
Building Construction Update If you missed the September building construction update, you'll have a chance to see even newer photos of the construction progress on October 19 starting at 11:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Our move in day is quickly approaching (expected to be December 1 at this writing) so come to hear the latest on the construction and the need for volunteers to help pack up things at Faith and unpack at A Street.
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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NEW S & ANNOUNCEM ENT S How We Welcome People Don Skinner says: “At the top of the list is how we welcome people. Welcoming may be the most powerful thing we do. It’s so powerful that nearly every person I talk with who has been a “come inner” to Unitarian Universalism can actually name the person who welcomed them when they stepped into their first UU building. I know I can. Thank you, Harry Burkholder, for being there that Sunday in Costa Mesa, California. I’ve learned from all of you that welcoming works better if it’s not delegated to a few people, but if everyone does it. Welcoming is also made easier if we remember that visitors––I like the term “guests”––are a friendly lot. They’ve pretty much all been to our websites before they visit. They know what they’re getting into. They’re ready to like us. They’re just wanting to find out how welcoming this particular congregation is. They’re looking and listening for the hum and the buzz of the place, and watching how their children are made welcome. (And if the bathrooms are clean that’s a bonus!) One of the themes of InterConnections has been the power of one person to change a congregation. For good or ill. One person can plant an idea and then gather support for it. One person can encourage someone else. If I could recommend one book of all the books that InterConnections has mentioned over the years it would be this one––Articulating Your UU Faith, by the Rev. Barbara Wells and the Rev. Jaco B. ten Hove. That’s because I believe that one reason we aren’t growing is that many of us still aren’t comfortable explaining our faith. If we were, we’d talk it up more with neighbors, coworkers, and others, and then invite them to church. It matters that we share this faith so that it can change other peoples’ lives as it has changed ours.” Don Skinner was Editor of InterConnections newsletter which was discontinued after 17 years of growing leadership in Unitarian Universal congregations.
In his parting words Don Skinner the Editor of the InterConnections newsletter has hit upon a few points that I think are worth repeating. He has published the newsletter for the past 17 years for the leaders of Unitarian Universalist Congregations. Over those years I and many other have found tidbits of information in Don’s newsletters to share with our own congregations to help us get better at welcoming those who come to us looking for friendship, encouragement and a church home. I have chosen to highlight several of the truisms for this newsletter because I think that they are truisms that we can learn from and hopefully take to heart. And they fit in with Justin’s way of having us welcome our visitor, newcomers and guests during our church services. I hope you’ll take a minute to read what Don Skinner and I know to be true as your Membership Associate. And please do look for newcomers, visitors, and guests during our services and welcome them. Invite them to join you for a cup of coffee in Fellowship Hall following the church service. You may be greeting your next best friends!
In Faith, Karen
WELCOMING
REQUIRES ATTENTION,
INTENTIONALITY AND PRACTICE!
"We had greeters at the doors, a welcome table for visitors, nametags, packets we mailed to people and lots of activities for adults and children. Extroverts can pretty easily find their way into our community. But when we heard from two different visitors that no one talked to them when they came, we realized we weren't as friendly as we thought. It's no comfort to know, from visiting other UU [Unitarian Universalist] churches, that we're not alone in finding this a challenge." —Sharon Blevins, All Souls Unitarian Church in Kansas City. [Excerpt above is from the page “Membership Matters” on the uua.org website.] Here is the link: www.uua.org/growth/newcomers
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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ON-GOING ACTIVITIES 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 Discussion Group
Tai Chi
2nd Saturday •October 11
2nd & 4th Tues. • Oct 14 & 21 7:00PM • 1333 N 33rd St. CoWorkers Room
Every Wednesday •1333 N 33rd St Fellowship Hall • 5:30PM Beginners, 6:30PM Intermediate
This is an open group which welcomes new participants at any time. Contact Duane Polzien 402-540-5025 duaneep2000@yahoo.com
All UU Members and Friends are invited. No experience necessary. Contact Karen Dienstbier 402-489-7545
Come to the Braziel home at 1809 Pinedale Ave for potluck dinner and card/board games. Dinner at 6:30 and games at 8:00. Come for one or both. Everyone welcome. Leona or Brice 402-489-0916 windflower@aol.com
Bridge Groups
Men’s Potluck
Intermediate Group
2nd Monday • Oct 13 • 6:30PM 1333 N 33rd St • Fellowship Hall
Every Tuesday • 2:30PM 1333 N 33rd St • CoWorkers Room
Coordinator: Jackie Egan egan@neb.r.com 402-435-6111
Advanced group Every Wednesday • 1:00PM 1333 N 33rd St • CoWorkers Room
Coordinator: Earl Kramer krameyer@neb.rr.com 402-489-8213 Want to join us? Contact us prior to the day of the game.
Coffeehouse 4th Friday • Oct 24 • 7:00PM 1333 N 33rd St • Fellowship Hall
Board games for adults and kids. Open to all individuals. Hosted by the LGBTA Welcoming Cmte. Contact Deb Hope debra.a.hope@gmail.com
UU Meditation Sangha 2nd, 4th (and 5th) Wednesdays 7:15PM • 1834 Ryons Street
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
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. Contact LauraLee Woodruff 402-770-9382 holybear47@gmail.com
Newcomers Chat
Women’s Book Group
Sunday, Oct 5• 11:15 AM 1333 N 33rd St • CoWorkers Room
Every three weeks •10:00AM Gere Library • 56th & Normal Blvd
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
For more information, contact Diane Richards dianemn2@gmail.com
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays 4th Tues. • Oct 28 • 7:00PM St Paul Methodist Church, 11th & M
We will meet at Saint Paul’s until the UU Church is remodeled. www.pflagcornhusker.org
October 4 Dear Life by Alice Munro October 25 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Zen Meditation Every Thursday • 7:00PM 1333 N 33rd St • 2/3 Classroom
We are a small group of UU's who meditate at church each week. Contact Norm Simon 402-435-0225
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
OCTOBER 2014
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T H A NK Y O U S Sunday Hospitality Thank you to our Sunday Hospitality Team members for welcoming us with loving hearts, and kind words each Sunday during the month of September. In finding a spiritual component in the work that we do on Sunday mornings we feed our own souls and give back to the larger world at the same time. It means that we open our hearts to others and offer a welcoming place to those who come to worship with us. The Sunday Hospitality teams are open to any who would like to join us in this important work.
Grounds Cleanup Many thanks to the Mens Discussion Group for spending an evening gathering and piling up brush, and to Debbi Barnes-Josiah who graciously hauled the pile to the city collection point to be ground into mulch. I would also like to thank Bud Speidell who has helped identify many of our trees and shrubs, both cultivated and volunteer, and given me valuable information about their management. Thanks to Tim Johnson for mowing the large area not disrupted by construction. Mark your calendars for Fall Cleanup on November 8. There will be plenty to do!
SUNDAY SER VI CE VOL UNT EER S
September 28
October 5
October 12
October 19
October 26
Pulpit Decoration
Molly Klocksin
Barb Brant
Janine Copple
Becky Seth
Cyn Monohon
Greeters
Linda Hellerich, Linda Ager
Amy Birky, Stacey Skold
Carol & Jack Carlson
Connie Benjamin, Evelyn Weymouth
Mary Ann &
Coffee Hosts
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Trustees
Lindsay Bartlett
Reed Maly
Priscilla Handy
Penny Urwiler
Liz BonneyHeermann
Ushers
Gary Colvin, Wesley Botham
Sandy Scott, Marty Powers
Jackie Egan, Chelsea Lemburg
Amy Birky, Leona Braziel
Peg & Larry Pelter
Audio-Visual
Michael Reinmiller
Don Pinkley
Michael Reinmiller
TBA
TBA
Welcome Table
Kay Hoff
Kathy Stastny
Mandie & Andy Schadwinkel
Sandy Scott
Gene & LaVonne Hanlon
Jerry Petr
1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org
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SEPTEMBER 2014
OUR COMMUNITY Thank You’s
Milestones, Millstones, Stepping Stones Church Member John Atkeison will be having surgery for Prostate Cancer on October 16. He will be recuperating at this address: 4751 So. 18th, Omaha, NE 68107. We will be thinking of you! Our thoughts are with the Lanning family after the passing of JoAnn’s brother Larry Dean Crear on September 17. A Memorial Service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman October 4.
Congratulations to Joanna Fink and Tom Winter on celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 7, 2014. Bushels of thanks for your visits, cards, calls, and flowers while I was recovering from hip replacement surgery. It was comforting to know that others were thinking about me. I am doing well and feeling grateful to have friends, medical insurance and the services of good medical people. Thanks, UUs. Joan Anderson
ST AF F & L AY L EADER S 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 Curt Donaldson, President Lindsay Bartlett, Vice-Pres Liz Bonney-Heermann, Sect Priscilla Handy Cindy Maly Leslie Ryan Penny Urwiler Charles Coley Reed Maly Molly Klocksin
Management Team Christine Starr Davis Bob Haack Kathy Disney Officers: Mark Weddleton, Co-Treasurer Linda Ager, Co-Treasurer Jo Donohoe, Assistant Mary Sommermeyer, 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 temporary location 1333 N. 33rd St. Office Hrs August 15 - June 14: Sunday: 9:00 AM—1:00 PM Tues-Fri: 9:00 AM —3:00 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