The Flame Join us for Sunday Services at 9:30am or 11:15am
March 4—Back to the Future Rev. Frank Rivas From our past—from our affirmation of life, from our commitment to free inquiry, from our work in the community, and, yes, from our struggles—together we shape a vision for First Unitarian Church. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers with special musical guest Celia (see page 9) ; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender. March 11—Guest Speaker: Sister Maryann Stevens. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist. March 18—Fear and Prayer Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss will draw from her own journey with the
March 2012 | Vol. 11: Issue 10 www.firstuuomaha.org
Our Monthly Newsletter
hope of opening up a larger conversation about the use of prayer to tend to those fragile, innermost needs of ourselves, of those we love, and of those we fear. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender. March 25—From Delight to Wisdom: Reflections on the Poetry of Robert Frost Rev. Ronald Knapp, Minister Emeritus Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: organist, Patricia Will.
Spring Forward: Daylight Savings Time Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, March 10. We spring forward on Sunday, March 11.
Highlights President’s Letter
Page 3
Welcome Rev. Frank Rivas
Page 2 and Page 11
Holland Lecture Series Continues This April
Page 4
www.firstuuomaha.org
Ahead For more info on any of these events, contact admin@firstuuomaha.org call 402-345-3039, or visit our website at www.firstuuomaha.org March 1, 6pm Soul Full Thursday—one night only March 4, 12:30pm-2pm Meet & Greet Lunch with Rev. Frank March 4, 2pm Private Recital March 4, 3:30pm Film for All Ages: Azur and Azmar March 4, 7pm Celia Concert March 10, 12:30pm Results: Conference Call March 10, 1pm Solar Buying Coop Meeting March 11, 1pm Bridge Group March 11, 7pm Creative Art Night March 12, 6:30pm Women’s Alliance March 13, 7pm Board Meeting March 15, noon Flame Deadline March 16, 5pm Pledge Party
Welcome, New Minister! At First Unitarian Church Exciting news! Our Search Committee and the Board of Trustees are unanimous in the choice for our new Developmental Minister, Reverend Frank Rivas. Many of you will remember Frank serving us as a temporary minister while Reverend Rohde was recovering from knee surgery several years ago. His wonderful sermons, collegial style, and positive attitude were gifts to our congregation, and we feel very fortunate to expand this relationship into a Developmental Ministry. Reverend Frank will be visiting us and preaching the weekend of March 4th. There will be time to chat between services, and lunch will be provided after the late service so that everyone may settle in and get to know him. We hope that many of you can come! Frank will be serving us in the month of April, and beginning his ministry officially as of August 1st. Questions you may have: What is a Developmental Ministry? A Developmental Ministry is an extended Interim Ministry of three to five years, and falls under the description of a consulting minister. It is goal-driven. The major goals have been chosen by the Board and are based on communications we have received from the congregation over the last year. These goals are: Healing and creating healthy patterns, Leadership Development, and Membership support and growth. The Board feels these are vitally important to the future of this church, and have included them in next year’s Vision of Ministry. Please follow the link below for further information on Consulting/ Developmental Ministry. (the section starts around page 13) http://www.uua.org/documents/mpl/transitions/transitional_ministry.pdf Why so fast? The search process for a Developmental Minister is similar to one for an Interim: very brief. Often, three candidates are examined before a selection is made by the Interim Search Committee. In our case, due to our previous positive experience with Reverend Rivas, the Search Committee spent their time just focusing on Frank. Since our pulpit was vacated mid-year, the Board wanted to move quickly to secure an excellent minister! Why didn’t I get to vote? As described above, a Developmental Ministry is an Interim Ministry. It is not a called (or settled) ministry. There are good reasons for this. A Developmental Minister, like a regular Interim, is hired by the Board, which allows that minister the freedom to work towards his goals with less congregational pressure. Additionally, the Developmental Ministry program allows congregations to get a long-term minister in place without the time commitment and expense of the usual search. The Developmental Ministry program has a built-in requirement for yearly evaluation and course correction. The Board will be encouraging ongoing feedback on this ministry—and the congregation’s input will help to shape a healthy ministerial relationship. At any time after 30 months, the congregation is free to call the minister permanently through a congregational vote. We cannot think of a better process to assure the right fit than this experience! In the event the Ministry is not fulfilling the needs of the congregation, in communication with the minister, the contract can be nullified by either party, without the stress of a negotiated resignation. Your Board of Trustees welcomes your questions and concerns. This is a big step, and a new program for us, and we are excited to speak with you about it! We would like to express our thanks to the members of the Search Committee: Jaime Alexander, Nellie Chenoweth, Larry Goeser, Lynn Mills, Lois Norris, Jack Round, Susan Thomas, Ron Withem. 2
Ahead
President’s Letter
(continued)
By Kate Godfrey, Board President It is 11 degrees as I draft this letter. Snow blankets the ground and clothes the trees and rooftops. The sky is a bright, clean blue. I have grown tired of winter—what little we have had of it. However, each shivering journey to the mailbox rewards me with a gardener’s herald of Spring: catalogues. Mouth-watering tomato varieties or lovely flowers splash across the pages, leading to grand fantasies of a lush landscape. In reality, plants struggle in my yard. The soil is poor. Each year, we amend the soil to build a better place for plants to thrive. It is a neverending task, but the potential is great. This is very much like our church. We have our soil—the beautiful building; and we have many, many gardeners tending—all those who volunteer. The plants are our programs: RE for Children and Adults, Fellowship, Membership, Caring, Finance, etc. We have the makings of bounty. Imagine our congregation a lush landscape of vibrant programs and blooming growth. One thing more is needed: water. The water for our First Unitarian garden is the pledge income we receive from our members. Our theme this year, Building the Dream, is a reflection of heartfelt dedication to our congregation and its future, expressed by many members and friends over this last difficult year. I find it so very appropriate to hold our Pledge Drive in the Spring. Each year, we make ourselves anew. We covenant through our pledges to support and nourish this congregation. We grow by giving what we can. This year, as we ready ourselves to welcome a new minister, our family is really talking about our pledge for the first time in many years. Normally, our conversations have been “How about $__?” “Sounds good.” But now we are really looking at the value we receive from this wonderful community, how we want it to succeed, and what our responsibility to our church family really is. It is a much more intentional process. And that feels really good! I thank you for being a part of our pledge campaign, for considering, for giving. This all makes me want to roll up my sleeves—we’ve got a Dream to Build Together!
Something is happening .
Will you join me? Warm fuzzies, Kate Godfrey
Save these dates: Be sure to do something 3
March 17, 5pm Pledge Party March 18,12:30pm UU & You Class March 18, 1pm Board Talk Back March 18, 2pm Transition Omaha March 22 Soul Full Thursdays March 23 Chalice Guild Kitchen Clean-up March 25 Stewardship Sunday March 25,12:30pm UU & You Class March 25, 5pm Mythological Round Table March 25, 7pm Creative Art Night March 26, 7pm Book Club March 27, 9am Archives Party March 29 Soul Full Thursdays
Join us at lunch on Sunday, March 4th to welcome Rev. Frank Rivas to our church!
Building the Dream By Louise Jeffrey
As spring and a new church year approach and as we welcome a new minister to fill our pulpit, we also look forward to our annual stewardship drive. If you are a member, friend, or regular visitor of First Unitarian Church, you will shortly receive an invitation to a party at which you can make a pledge of planned financial support of the church and its mission during the next year. This year we are looking toward a balanced budget while fulfilling all of our commitments to our Religious Education, Music, and other programs and to our outstanding staff. Stewardship drive materials will shortly arrive in your mailbox, explaining our goal and plans for the church year, and requesting your support. Pledge materials will also be available at church from March 4—March 25 for your convenience. If you are a visitor and wish to receive an invitation to a pledge party, please contact Louise Jeffrey at 402-393-5158 or at louisekjeffrey@hotmail.com. Please carefully consider this important commitment, and be generous in helping all of us in Building the Dream.
Regenerative Medicine the Focus of 15th Holland Lecture Dr. Alan J. Russell Scientist, entrepreneur and medical futurist Dr. Alan J. Russell will present the 15 th Holland Lecture, Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30pm at the Holland Performing Arts Center. He will share his vision of how the growing field of regenerative medicine impacts society in his lecture entitled Regenerative Medicine: Where Science, Politics, Theology and Media Collide. Dr. Russell is a pioneer in the field, which uses specially grown cells, tissues, organs and artificial materials to treat injuries and disease. This new way of healing promises to restore health more cheaply yet pushes cultural and religious boundaries. He is the founding director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, has started three companies, and is currently a distinguished professor at the University of Pittsburgh. FREE tickets for this reserved seating event are available starting March 26. First and Second UU members and friends will receive invitations with information about how to obtain tickets from Ticket Omaha (402-345-0606) or the box office at 13th and Douglas streets. The Holland Lecture Series, hosted by the First Unitarian Church of Omaha with the generous support of Dick Holland, brings world-class speakers to Omaha in an attempt to generate community discussion of universally important ideas and concerns. The next lecture is October 24 with speaker Fred Wertheimer, director of Democracy 21 and previous long time head of Common Cause. Click here to visit our site. 4
2012 Nominations Unitarian of the Year Award &
E lec t ed Pos i t io ns The Nominating Committee wants YOUR input!
Do you know a Unitarian of the Year? The Unitarian of the Year Award honors a member of our congregation for significant contributions to our church community this year. Please take time now to submit your nominations for one or more individuals deserving of this recognition. To submit a nomination, use the tear-off forms at church on the Nominating Committee bulletin board, send email to nominations@firstuuomaha.org, or call Shelton @ 402-990-6630. The UU of the Year Award is presented at our Annual Membership Meeting in the Spring. Below is a list of previous awardees:
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS OF THE YEAR窶認IRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF OMAHA 1975: 1976: 1977: 1978: 1979: 1980: 1981: 1982: 1983: 1984: 1985: 1986: 1987: 1988 1989: 1990: 1991: 1992: 1993:
Leslie Wilson Ruth & Dave Nicklin Alice Blackstone, Hilma Lathrop Grace Scudder Jack Perry, Lisle Williams Ken Dinning, Laurence Edris Barbara Rippey Marie Helms, Richard Carter Inez Coppom, Dan Sullivan Eddith Buis Carol Christensen, Ethel Kucera Lisa Lemble, Eula Belle Reed Karen Hutt, Lynn Wells Jackie Keil, Gene Price Jack Heidel, Fran Vogel Barb & Bill Ross John Hruska, Jack Perry Kay Lynn Goldner, Doug Lee-Regier C.J. Cullinan, Bob Slaughter
1994: Richard & Sandy Langdon; Dixie & Henry Lemon 1995: Christina & Roman Noriega; Kim Dunovan & Jerre Tritsch 1996: June McMillen, Bob Perrin 1997: Pierce Carpenter, Nancy Scott 1998: Yvonne Price 1999: Bill & Sandi Bruns 2000: Donna Neff 2001: Charmayne Harper 2002: Joe Hoagbin and David McCracken 2003: Mary & Richard Holland 2004: Bruce Godfrey, David Rosser 2005: Lois Norris 2006: Dean Christensen, Jaime Alexander 2007: Judith Wright 2008: Carolyn McNamara 2009: Pat Will 2010: Walt Jesteadt 2011: Louise Jeffrey & Kate Wiig
Are you ready to serve in an elected position? Or do you know someone who would be an excellent candidate?
The Nominating Committee is looking for church members who are willing to serve in elected positions. We welcome self nominations if you are interested in serving. We also welcome your suggestions of others you think are good candidates. Serving in an elected position is a valued gift to the church of your time and talents. In return, you are likely to deepen your personal connection to the church and better understand its importance in the lives of many of our members and our community. You will form new relationships and develop new leadership skills. Positions to be filled include the President-Elect, Members of the Board of Trustees, and a Trustee of the Capital Trust, and members of the Nominating Committee.
Overviews of the positions up for election are on the back of this sheet.
Membership in First Unitarian Church of Omaha with a history of supporting the Church both financially and as a volunteer is required for any position. Members elect positions at the Annual Meeting in the Spring. To submit nominations for elected positions or for more information: contact any member of Nominating Committee, email Nominations@firstuuomaha.org or the Nominating Committee bulletin board at church, or call Shelton @ 402-990-6630. President-Elect - 1 member is elected to serve a 2 year term as President-Elect / President. This is a respected position in our congregation. Although it requires considerable commitment of time and energy, the rewards are incalculable. Members appreciate your leadership, you will learn many new skills, and your appreciation of our church and congregation will deepen. You will also have the opportunity to formally represent the congregation at General Assembly and district events. The president-elect serves on the Board of Trustees, the Board Executive Committee, and prepares to serve as the president in his/her second year. The time commitment is more than the 10-14 hours a month expected of a Board member, but variable depending on issues before the congregation. The president compliments and works in cooperation with the ministry team. Aside from the necessary communication and managerial skills, the president needs the broad perspective to lead the Board as it focuses on the long-term vision and mission of our Congregation. Board of Trustees — 3 year terms Our Board of Trustees and our Ministry Team work in partnership to serve the mission of the Church. Board members will be focusing primarily on the long-term vision, mission, and well being of our Congregation, not on administrative detail. This change in Board focus is a key element of the new governance structure. The day-today management of the Church will be the responsibility of the Ministry Team. The Board provides the Ministry Team with the goals that it needs to guide its work and also monitors and evaluates its performance. Board members should honor and respect confidentiality, work cooperatively, put the interests of the church’s mission ahead of personal interests or the interests of any constituency, and be willing and able to regularly engage in formal and informal conversations with Congregation members and participate in church activities. A normal month will require approximately 10–14 hours of active work to prepare for and attend regular monthly board meetings (currently held on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m.). Additionally, Board members have required training for the position (normally ½ weekend day early in each church year) and attend the Board’s annual planning retreat (normally 1 ½ weekend days). From time to time Board members also serve on ad hoc Board Committees exploring special topics.
Trustees of the Capital Trust Fund - 1 member will be elected to serve a 3-year term as a Trustee. The Capital Trust was established to hold and invest certain funds of the church. You will monitor investments and make investment decisions within the guidelines established by the trust. The Trustees provide reports to the Board of Trustees and the Congregation. Nominating Committee - 3-year terms Members of this Committee become knowledgeable about people in our congregation and the church’s goals to effectively recruit officers, and to support nominations for district and congregational awards. Nominating Committee members may interview members of the congregation, prepare written summaries of candidates or award winners, participate in leadership-growth activities and in decision making processes in-person and electronically.
Submitted by the Nominating Committee: Georgia Barber, Bob Hess, Tony Host, Kerry Case, Lynette Ryder, Judith Wright, and Shelton Hendricks (convener).
Church Events
Get involved in our Book Club, Creative Art Group and other programs! Book Club
Creative Art Group
Witches’ Tea
The Book Club meets Monday, March 26 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge to discuss the book titled Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain.
Need a little quiet time to feed your creative impulse? Bring your passion—writing, painting, journaling, quilting, drawing, etc., and work without interruption.
Contact Dave Richardson at drichardson@westside66.org to be added to the Book Club email list or for more information.
Join us March 11 and 25 at 7pm in the Whitney Young Room. Please call or email the church office for the contact information for this group.
A quiet monthly evening of fellowship is offered at our church for anyone interested in earth-centered or pagan spirituality. Instead of our usual Witches' Tea meeting, we encourage you to attend the Celia concert in the First Unitarian Church Sanctuary at 7pm on March 4th. See page 9.
Have you ever attended Women’s Alliance? Be sure to come to our March meeting. See next page for all the details. If it’s your first time joining us, dinner is on us!
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At Church This Month
Share the Plate, Partner Church Pilgrimage & Women’s Alliance Share the Plate This month we share our collection plate with OTOC, a broad-based, multiethnic and interfaith organization. Members are institutions, mostly congregations and OTOC exists to recreate community. Visit their website for additional information: http://www.otoc.org/.
Partner Church Pilgrimage
Women’s Alliance
May 13 to June 4, 2012
Our next meeting is Monday, March 12 at 6:30pm in the Common Room. Douglas LeeRegier, massage therapist (LMP), English teacher, and long-time Unitarian will present some talk and some demos on massage for wellness. Douglas specializes in myofascial release, reiki and craniosacral therapy. He will attest to the benefits of massage as more than “getting a good rub” or even “feels-good relaxation.” He will also speak on his own journey toward wellness in body, mind and spirit. Dinner is $10 and will be a “Traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dinner.” Vegetarian option will be available. Please RVSP to Janet at jmasonwest77@yahoo.com or 402-553-3162 by Friday, March 9.
Estimated travel costs per person: $2,800 for 21 days including airfare ($1,200). For the proposed itinerary and to receive more information, please contact Janet West at 402-553-3162 or jmasonwest77@yahoo.com.
Our Alliance Outreach Project for the month of March will be gathering non-perishable items for the First Lutheran Church food pantry. Please be generous to those in need.
Share the Plate Every month, half of all the cash collected in the offering plates goes to a ministry of First Unitarian Church or to a cause that is aligned with our church values.
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Church Events Continued
Questions about these events? Contact the church office! Bed & Breakfast Network A comfy spare bedroom and breakfast can earn money for the First Unitarian Church while you meet interesting UUs from across the United States (and maybe the world). Modest or elaborate, all metro Omaha locations are desired. You set the parameters and the Omaha B&B network will handle the requests. UU’s could be coming for the College World Series, Olympic Swim Trial, concerts, the zoo, business trips, and more. Want to learn more? Click here or contact Marie Sedlacek, Eddith Buis, or Janet West by emailing them at: BedBreakfast@firstuuomaha.org or reach them directly.
Celia in Concert Sunday, March 4 at 7pm Singer, Songwriter, Comedienne All the way from Arizona, Celia is a cross between an earthy Enya, Joan Baez, and … Tina Fey. Celia dishes up the most delicious concoction of the silly and the sacred. Tickets: $10 (advance), $13 (day of the show) Tickets available at http:// celiainconcert.eventbrite.com celiainconcert.eventbrite.com. 20% of ticket sales will go to the First Unitarian Church. She will also perform Sunday, March 4 at the 9:30am service. Don’t miss it!
Bridge Group The Bridge Group will be meeting each second and fourth Sundays after the second coffee hour for about two hours. We will meet in the Whitney Young Room. The Bridge Group meets on March 11 and 25. If you want to learn, teach or play bridge, you are welcome to attend. The more, the merrier! Contact the church office if you need more information.
Join us on Facebook and Twitter Search First Unitarian Church of Omaha on www.facebook.com and “like” us! On Twitter go to @firstuuomaha and Follow us!
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More Events! Yoga Class THE TEACHER: Liz has studied Iyengar yoga with advanced level certified teachers since 1998. She began teaching in Evanston and Chicago, IL, as an apprentice and continues to work toward certification. WHO SHOULD COME: This beginning-level course is open to all students and will focus on proper alignment, the use of props to accommodate all body types, and sequencing to progress students in standing and seated poses, safe inversions, twists and reclining postures.
Women’s Religious Study Group Taoism is a belief in living life in each moment as it unfolds. To practice it involves reflection, balance & a deep connection to the earth. Unity is found in balancing the contradictory nature of yin & yang. Followers seek a middle ground in life & work with what emerges. An ancient sage once said, "Tao is the pointing finger and at the same time, the direction." The Women's Religious Study Group meets every Thursday from 1:00 to 2:30. We invite you to join us in the Merritt Lounge!
TIME: 5:15 to 6:45pm Wednesdays beginning March 7-March 28, 2012 [subsequent courses will run 8 weeks] Common Room COST: $56 for 4 weeks; $112 for 8 weeks. To reserve your spot or for questions: Liz Carvlin Fuesel, ecarvlin@gmail.com.
Joseph Campbell Mythological RoundTable The Omaha Mythological RoundTable® is an “emerging” chapter of the Joseph Campbell Foundation's ( JCF.org ) program to promote the study of mythology and the works of Joseph Campbell. We gather on the fourth Sunday of every month at First Unitarian Church of Omaha from 5-7pm for a one-hour video plus a one hour discussion. Topics include: the structure of myth, sacred stories, Jungian psychology, dream interpretation, comparative religion, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring a light snack to share. Donations for First Unitarian Adult RE and the JCF are welcome, but not required. Contact OmahaMRT@gmail.com details. This month we meet on Sunday, March 25th.
Sign up for Soul Full Thursdays TODAY! Join us for dinner and then take a class! See next page for more details!
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Welcome Rev. Frank Rivas Four years ago I served First Unitarian Church of Omaha briefly while Rev. Kate Rohde was recovering from surgery. I knew immediately that I was working with an extraordinary congregation; the longer I stayed, the more deeply I recognized your gifts. When I received a call from Kate Godfrey to ask whether I would be interested in being considered as a Developmental Minister, I was at once excited at the opportunity and disappointed that the church had experienced such a difficult relationship with Rev. Rohde. After consulting with several colleagues, I went with my gut:
We are kicking off the first Soulful Thursdays on March 1st. This will be a one-time class given by Rev. Sarah Voss that you won't want to miss!! There will be a break for meditation and contemplation then the next set of classes will begin on March 22nd-April 26th. A six-week program consisting of a meal and classes FOR ALL AGES. Activities for children from birth through 6th grade will be offered during the entire program. Youth in 7th-12th grades are encouraged to participate.
yes, I would love to serve the church. I have experienced your openness, your commitment, and your generosity of spirit. I know that we have serious work ahead of us: healing the brokenness, reaffirming constructive patterns of communication, recreating a congregation that welcomes others into its midst. However, I can’t imagine a congregation with whom I would rather do this work. Our work will not be easy. Together we will address sensitive issues and name our own shortcomings. In the course of this work, I too will fall short. Moving forward requires that I trust in the good faith that I have already
See enclosed flyer or visit our Soul Full Thursday webpage. Sign up for dinner which starts at 6pm. Sign up for the class of your choosing. Childcare is available, but we need to know in advance that you need it. Deadline to sign up for classes and dinner for the session March 22-April 26 is Sunday, March 11. Questions? Contact Meka at dre@firstuuomaha.org.
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witnessed among you and that you trust in my good faith. Our work will also remind us that life is blessing, that while each names the blessing differently, each of us celebrates something meaningful—even transcendent— about life on this planet. I am sorry that struggle brings me back to you, but I am delighted that soon I will call your church mine. It feels like coming home. Blessings and love, Frank
Reservations are required for meals, classes and childcare.
Special People By Bob McMeen, Choir Director I hope most would agree that First Unitarian has an outstanding music program. Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers provide excellent music for the early service and Pat Will, organist, and the choir, accompanied by Pat Allender, provide wonderful music for the 11:15 service. Should one choose to attend both services on a given day, he or she would see those who choose to take part in the music of both services. I'm speaking of Skip Ciulla, Deanna Meyler, Dave Olson, David Rosser, Shay Valentine and Maria Wilson. Then, if one should come
early to choir practice or stay after rehearsal you would see these same people coaching, accompanying, recording, practicing solos, and putting equipment away, etc. While I respect all the choir members for their consistent attendance and devotion to the choir, the above mentioned musicians are fantastic in their talents and willingness to serve others. We are so fortunate! Photo of our Choir from last year!
What Are My Options for Giving? By Dixie Lemon Since no one asks how much you are leaving to the church or what form that gift will be, the only information I have is what people have mentioned in passing. More than one member has made the church the beneficiary of some life insurance. Maybe you have a little policy hidden away in the back of a drawer, a policy that you hardly even consider when you think about your net worth. That would work. It would not entail the writing of a new will or even a codicil. All you would have to do is change the name of the beneficiary with the insurance company.
Another has chosen to gift an investment. That may prove to be very beneficial to the church or, on the other hand, the investment may be completely worthless upon the death of the donor. That makes it kind of exciting. I know of one person who is making the church the beneficiary of a retirement fund from a place where she worked some time ago. One member has even decided to leave a house to the church! However, I would guess that for the majority of benefactors, the 12
assets are liquidated upon death and the proceeds distributed according to the will of the deceased. To discuss your possibilities contact Dixie Lemon (402-3932882) or any member of the Finance Committee.
First Unitarian Church Stars From the Nominating Committee
Annually the Prairie Star District invites member congregations to offer nominations for various PSD awards. The Nominating Committee proudly presents the following as this year's nominees from First Unitarian Church of Omaha, with thanks to everyone who helped in this process with suggestions and preparation of materials. Betty Gorshe Heritage Award: For significant contributions to preserving, understanding, and celebrating our Unitarian Universalist history: DAVE RICHARDSON Ellie Morton Award: For outstanding achievement and excellence in religious growth and learning: SHAWNE COONFARE
Keeping the Faith Award: For keeping the UU faith alive in the community and touching the lives of congregation and community members in a positive way: MARY LEIDY Social Justice Award: For witnessing to the ideals of social justice and responsibility so important to our UU heritage: SHAWNA FOSTER Unsung Unitarian Universalist Award: For a lifetime of actions that inspire, support and express Unitarian Universalism: LANA HAMMEL For nominee highlights, visit the Nominating Committee bulletin board in the Common Room.
PSD Conference Promises to Be Engaging On Many Levels This year's Prairie Star District Annual Conference will be held in Bloomington, Minnesota on April 1315 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. The theme, Lessons From War and Peace, will be addressed by two phenomenal speakers—the Rev. Jim Eller, who will talk about his years of experience with reconciliation, and Tom Weiner, who has written about the Vietnam War draft. In addition, you will have a choice of 30 workshops that reflect many other types of battles as well--for justice, for inner peace, for marriage equality, for immigration rights. You will find the opportunities rich and rewarding on a personal, spiritual, and community-building level. Please check out the website, and if you can join us, please register as soon as possible! Registration cost goes up after March 14th, and rooms may no longer be available at the discount rate. Although you can register at the conference, the cost will no longer include any meals. Don't let that happen to you! Check this out: http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2012 13
We Are Engaging the Dream: Ministry Team Forum Recap
Board
By Ben Wallace
President Kate Godfrey
Board Members Joe Schaaf Kim Dunovan Barb Herring John Wagner Maria Wilson Ron Withem
Trustees of the Capital Trust Kenneth Deffenbacher (2014) Tim Duggan (2013) Jack Heidel (2012)
There was a great turnout at the Community Forum held on Feb. 18th focused on the theme “Engaging the Dream, Turning Dreams into Reality.” More than 50 people turned out to discuss what programs and efforts we can implement to grow a more engaged community. From the Ministry Team Fair to small group discussions to an open forum, the common theme among people’s comments seemed to be clear: “We want people to feel like they matter, we want to feel spiritually fulfilled, and we want to be a part of making our community a better place.” Besides gathering innovative ideas for church programs and talking about how to better engage new visitors, the group also looked through a list of “Dreams for our Church” (gathered at a sermon earlier this year), talked about the current organization and efforts of the newly formed Senior Ministry Team, and heard from each other regarding ideas for ensuring that our community members had a way to voice their opinions. Look for more information in the near future regarding the feedback gathered at the event. If you weren’t able to join us but have ideas to add to the list, you can send an email to suggestions@firstuuomaha.org.
Nominating Committee Shelton Hendricks, Convener Georgia Barber (2012) Lynette Ryder (2012) Bob Hess (2013) Judith Wright (2013) Kerry Case (2014) Tony Host (2014) Board meetings are normally on the second Tuesday of the month and are open to members. Holland Lecture Series Committee Steve Hutchinson, Chair
January 2012 Preserve Our Building Fund Drive Report Results from the January 2012 Preserve Our Building Fund Drive again reflect our congregation’s commitment to this cause. By the mid-February deadline for the March Flame, contributions have totaled over $2900. The POB account balance is now nearly $31,000. In our January 1 solicitation letter we asked you, our congregation, to continue supporting it. Once again you have been generous. Additional contributions are always appreciated. Mail a check to the church or place it in the Sunday offering plate. Make the check payable to the First Unitarian Church of Omaha with “POB” on the memo line. A sincere “Thank you” from POB Drive co-chairs Louise Jeffrey and Jaime Alexander goes to all of you who contributed to the January 2012 Preserve Our Building Fund Drive.
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Ministry Team Leaders Adult R.E. Crystal DiGiorgi Archives Dave Richardson Building (short-term) Dave Rosser Caring Douglas Lee-Regier Chalice Guild Kay Lynn Goldner Coffee Hour Roman Noriega & Charmayne Harper Community Meals Louise Jeffery Fellowship Nadine Keith & Judith Wright Finance Walt Jesteadt Fundraising Donna Neff Garden Sharon Conlon Governance Alex Nather Green Sanctuary Ken Deffenbacher & Glenn Pollock Long-Term Maintenance Ellen Shurson Nursery Patricia Soto Partner Church Council Janet West R.E. Team Joan Benziger & Nicole Giron Religious Services Megan Gustafson Women’s Alliance Bev Fleckten YRUU Ben Wallace & Shawne Coonfare
Staff Phone: (402) 345-3039 Fax: (402) 346-2662 Director of Religious Education
eNews
Meka Tate dre@firstuuomaha.org
Office Administrator
The Flame is published monthly, but a lot happens between issues. We offer a weekly email service to update you on church news sent directly to your inbox.
Catharine Dixon admin@firstuuomaha.org
If you would like to receive our eNews please contact the Office Administrator at admin@firstuuomaha.org
Bob McMeen
Organist Patricia Will
Choir Director Choir Accompanist Patricia Allender
Early Service Musician/ Coordinator Donovan Johnson
Nursery Aide Justin Deffenbacher
Custodian Bobby Medrano
Minister Emeritus Ronald Knapp
The Flame Editor Catharine Dixon
Proofreaders Scott Kemper, Cyndi Nather
The Flame Mailing Team Howard Bolton, Shelton Hendricks, Anne Massoud, Jeanette Ryan
Submit items for publication to admin@firstuuomaha.org. Word limit is 200; deadline is the 15th of the month. 15
The Flame
First Unitarian Church of Omaha 3114 Harney St. Omaha, NE 68131 March 2012
International Cowperson
Chili Cook-Off January 21 - 6pm
Food Friends See page 4 about our Annual Stewardship Campaign that begins inMusic March. Costumes
SOUL - FULL THURSDAYS Kick Off March 1st from 6pm until 8:30pm And March 22nd-April 26th 4:15-8:30pm First Unitarian Church
3114 Harney Street, Omaha, NE 68131
We are kicking off the first Soulful Thursday on March 1st. This will be a one-time class given by Sarah Voss that you wont want to miss!! There will be a break for meditation and contemplation then the next set of classes will begin on March 22nd-April 26th. A six-week program consisting of a meal and classes FOR ALL AGES. Activities for children from birth through 6th grade will be offered during the entire program. Youth in 7th-12th grades are encouraged and heartily welcome to participate in the scheduled classes with the adults. Reservations are required for meals and classes. If you did not make a reservation and find that you will be able to attend one of the six scheduled nights, please call the church office BY NOON ON TUESDAY to see if a meal and/or space in the class of your choice is available.
SOUL-FULL THURSDAY SCHEDULE March 1st (one night only) March 22nd - April 26th 2012 The Sanctuary will be open from 5 to 6pm for those wishing to sit in silence before dinner Dinner served from 6 to 6:30pm DETACH FORM HERE
Soul - Full Thursdays Meal Registration Form Please detach this section and return it to First Unitarian Church no later than Sunday, March 11 (for class A please return before Sunday, Feb. 26). NAMES of ALL participants, including the ages of children & youth: 1.______________________ 2. ___________________________ 3.______________________ 4.____________________________ 5.______________________ 6.____________________________ Yes, I / WE would like to attend the dinner on: March 1st _____ # of reservations for persons OVER 10 _______ # UNDER 10 March 22nd _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 March 29th _____ OVER 10 years of age _____ under 10 April 5th _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 April 12th _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 April 19th _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 April 26th _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 Number of People requesting VEGETARIAN MEALS _____ OVER 10 _____ UNDER 10 YOU MAY PAY FOR YOUR MEALS EACH THURSDAY NIGHT or IN ADVANCE BY ENCLOSING A CHECK FOR THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT WITH YOUR REGISTRATION (OVER age 10 = $8.50 per person per night , UNDER age 10 = $3 per night) $18 maximum per family. Please make checks payable to First Unitarian Church
SOUL-FULL THURSDAY SCHEDULE March 1st and March 22nd - April 26th 6:30 – 8:30pm: A.) New Moral Math—one night only—March 1st facilitated by Sarah Voss Come to dinner and then join Sarah for thinking outside the box with Moral Math. Moral Math refers to ideas culled from mathematics which can benefit social behavior. In this 2 hour seminar, you'll learn ways of thinking about conflict and cooperation based on ideas drawn from complexity theory, nonzero sum game theory, and more. Participants engage in interactive and "user friendly" exercises (e.g., the Dollar Auction, "Chicken" for Groups, Self-Organizing Emergence, and Equitable Cake Division), then apply these math-based ideas metaphorically to various social situations. No mathematics expertise is required. This class meets one night only. You must RSVP for this class and dinner this night by Sunday, Feb. 26.
B.) “The Body Sacred: Celebrating our bodies and Exploring our beauty” facilitated by Kerry Case March 22nd-April 26th Session 1 “The Fall From Grace” During this class session we will discuss the things that we DON’T like about our bodies. We will let it all hang out, and together we will create a picture that defines our thoughts about how we look. Session 2 “The Reflection” When we look in the mirror, what do we see? There is nothing more powerful when it comes to the ways we feel about ourselves, than our own reflection. Session 3 “The Mother” In this session, we will explore our own relationships with our mothers, as well as our relationship with our own “inner nurturer.” Session 4 “The Healer” What is health? What is Wellness? What is the difference between the two? Tonight we will discuss how we treat our bodies, and discuss ways we can improve how we treat ourselves on a day to day basis. Session 5 “The Dancer” Too often, exercise is more of a chore than something we actually enjoy doing. In this class, we are going to talk about “the dance” and ways to find our own movement. Session 6 “The Wise Woman” We will discuss the topic most of us don’t like to bring up….the idea of aging. We will discuss our fears about aging and where they come from.
C.) Forks Over Knives facilitated by Deanna Meyler and Heidi Fencik March 22nd-April 26th Want to learn more about how to lead a more healthful life? This class will start by watching the inspiring documentary "Forks Over Knives." As the weeks move forward the class will explore easy ways to eat and live more healthy with veganism as the goal. Accessible information, recipes, and even a few cooking demonstrations promise to help everyone think more about how easy healthy living can be.
4:15-5:30pm: D.) Other Religions in the Ancient World facilitated by Crystal DiGiorgi March 22nd-April 26th We will continue the DVD series by studying other religions in the ancient world. The DVD series comes from the Ancient Civilizations collection: Dreamtime of the Aborigines (Australia), The Great Sphinx: Guardian of the Pyramids (Egypt) ,The Pagans: Lost Tribes Revealed (Europe), Passage to the Mayan Underworld (Americas), Angkor Wat: The Eighth Wonder (Hindu/Buddhist temple in Cambodia), Stonehenge: Secrets of an Ancient Monument (England). These documentaries are 45-50 minutes long and there will be discussion afterwards. E.) Supervised Nursery play plus art activities for kids in first through sixth grades provided (6:30-8:30pm).
Soul - Full Thursdays CLASS Registration Form Please register ALL AGES for the individual SOUL-FULL Thursday classes below.
Names: _________________________, ___________________ , and _______________________ (Please indicate the number of teens & adults attending each class) 4:15-5:30pm: D) Other Religions Ancient World: _______ 6:30 – 8:30pm: A) New Moral Math: _______ B) The Body Sacred: _______ C) Forks Over Knives: ______
E) Activities for children through 6th grade– NAMES & AGES: ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________
Please make dinner reservations separately on the other side of this form.