A monthly offering from the Green Sanctuary Committee on implementing the UUA 7th principle in our daily lives.
"Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part."
Save money for other uses and decrease pollution by decreasing your electricity usage. Most of our power plants still burn polluting, nonrenewable fossil fuels.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I Am From...
By Brenda Stetson
I am from wringer washers and arrowheads
And
Parsnips and maple trees.
I am from crunching contentedly on a freshly picked icicle,
Tasting grit I missed as I hurriedly wiped it on my shirt tail,
Feeling safe and secure under an umbrella of shade
Held by my tall, strong, rough-skinned guardian.
I am from warm homemade bread and hand-cranked ice cream.
I am from “lend a hand whenever you can” and “what you sow you shall also reap”.
I am from learning to let go when those you love dearly become too tired and need to move on.
I am from the Rock Run branch of “Cox’s army”
And
The “shoutin’ Bowie’s” of Bond’s Creek.
I am from soft, green moss of hills and hollers
And
Stones worn smooth by country creeks.
I am from wringer washers and arrowheads
And
Parsnips and maple trees.
I am from crunching contentedly on a freshly picked icicle,
Tasting grit I missed as I hurriedly wiped it on my shirt tail,
Feeling safe and secure under an umbrella of shade
Held by my tall, strong, rough-skinned guardian.
I am from warm homemade bread and hand-cranked ice cream.
I am from “lend a hand whenever you can” and “what you sow you shall also reap”.
I am from learning to let go when those you love dearly become too tired and need to move on.
I am from the Rock Run branch of “Cox’s army”
And
The “shoutin’ Bowie’s” of Bond’s Creek.
I am from soft, green moss of hills and hollers
And
Stones worn smooth by country creeks.
Hello and Welcome to Jean Smith
New UU member, Jean Smith's special interests are cooking and ceramic painting. She loves making desserts and taking them to our coffee and conversation time.
She has a daughter Jeanie, her partner Roger, and a grandson, Billy. At home Jean has a spoiled rotten Pappillion named Freckles, a very overweight and loving Norweigan Elkhound named Sandy, and a highly protective and helpful
German Shephard named Scooby-Doo.
Jean takes care of her grandson, who is autistic, when he is not in school.
She also takes care of him on Friday nights and Saturday to give her daughter a break. Some of her time is spent volunteering at Harmar Elementary School for a friend who does not have any assistance in her class of children who have trouble reading. Jean goes every Tuesday afternoon and listens to them read stories and helps out with the class parties.
Jean went to several churches in the area, looking for a congregation who
would be accepting of her friends and family. She states that she "was raised Church of Christ and they do not accept people who are gay or who live together. My neighbor told me the only church that would meet my expectations was the Unitarians. So I tried and stayed. Everyone here accepts me (and my short comings) with love and kindness. I hope I can show half the love I receive from the UUs to everyone I meet."
Jean participates on the Membership Committee. She says she gets depressed when she misses church for any reason. "When I attend UU church, I always leave feeling peaceful. The music, the people, the speakers, all of these combine to make my time at church one of the most wonderful times I have during the week. The peace stays with me the entire week. I will never be able to thank everyone at UU for all they do for me."
She has a daughter Jeanie, her partner Roger, and a grandson, Billy. At home Jean has a spoiled rotten Pappillion named Freckles, a very overweight and loving Norweigan Elkhound named Sandy, and a highly protective and helpful
German Shephard named Scooby-Doo.
Jean takes care of her grandson, who is autistic, when he is not in school.
She also takes care of him on Friday nights and Saturday to give her daughter a break. Some of her time is spent volunteering at Harmar Elementary School for a friend who does not have any assistance in her class of children who have trouble reading. Jean goes every Tuesday afternoon and listens to them read stories and helps out with the class parties.
Jean went to several churches in the area, looking for a congregation who
would be accepting of her friends and family. She states that she "was raised Church of Christ and they do not accept people who are gay or who live together. My neighbor told me the only church that would meet my expectations was the Unitarians. So I tried and stayed. Everyone here accepts me (and my short comings) with love and kindness. I hope I can show half the love I receive from the UUs to everyone I meet."
Jean participates on the Membership Committee. She says she gets depressed when she misses church for any reason. "When I attend UU church, I always leave feeling peaceful. The music, the people, the speakers, all of these combine to make my time at church one of the most wonderful times I have during the week. The peace stays with me the entire week. I will never be able to thank everyone at UU for all they do for me."
Worship & Music Notes
Last month we enjoyed presentations from Rebecca Phillips and Brand Bond celebrating Evolution Sunday. Thank you. We are also grateful to Ernie and Nancy Novak for their extensive research into the art and architecture of our historic church building. Their presentation was very informative. It was a pleasure to host Mary Grigolia as a guest speaker on congregational singing. About 15 people also participated in an engaging afternoon workshop on singing meditation. If you are interested in learning more about her you can visit www.marygrigolia.com. As always, we extend a big thank you to everyone who contributes to the sound, music, speaking portions of our Sunday services. Thank you to Randall Kidder for his excellent music and to the beautiful contributions of the choir. All of your contributions are very much appreciated.
In March we are looking forward to a service on March 7th led by Kerry Blair on the topic “Why is this your Chosen Faith?” We are excited to have Melissa Cox and her band, Mythica as a special musical guest in the March 14th service. From March into May the RELIGIOUS EXPLORATIONS discussion group will be using the book, A Chosen Faith, to explore our liberal religious faith and specifically the six sources of it articulated in our Unitarian Universalist Association covenant. This series should be very helpful to newcomers and long time members alike. The discussions will be helpful and effective on a stand-alone basis, but we do encourage participants to participate in as many of the sessions as they can. The purpose of the book and this series of discussions are perhaps best expressed by a quote from its preface: “If you are a Unitarian Universalist, this book can help speak your faith. I promise that you will find it an exhilarating experience… If you are not (or not yet) a Unitarian Universalist, you will learn more about who we are, and why we are, from these pages.”
In March we are looking forward to a service on March 7th led by Kerry Blair on the topic “Why is this your Chosen Faith?” We are excited to have Melissa Cox and her band, Mythica as a special musical guest in the March 14th service. From March into May the RELIGIOUS EXPLORATIONS discussion group will be using the book, A Chosen Faith, to explore our liberal religious faith and specifically the six sources of it articulated in our Unitarian Universalist Association covenant. This series should be very helpful to newcomers and long time members alike. The discussions will be helpful and effective on a stand-alone basis, but we do encourage participants to participate in as many of the sessions as they can. The purpose of the book and this series of discussions are perhaps best expressed by a quote from its preface: “If you are a Unitarian Universalist, this book can help speak your faith. I promise that you will find it an exhilarating experience… If you are not (or not yet) a Unitarian Universalist, you will learn more about who we are, and why we are, from these pages.”
Announcements and Events for March 2010
March Birthdays:
Margaret Brown (3/6)
Maggie & Steve Meyer (3/22)
Hannah McMichael (3/10)
Byron Daniels (3/14)
Matt Fitzpatrick (3/17)
Galen LeRoy McCarty (3/17)
Anna Prince (3/18)
Henry Burton (3/19)
Cathryn Dobson (3/26)
Karin Olander (3/26)
Wayne Waldeck (3/27)
Shannara Stetson (3/31)
This year's Empty Bowls will be held on Saturday, April 24, at the First Congregational Church. This project, started by our church, has outgrown our facilities, but we still organize it and assist in the serving of soup, collecting bowls and soup, publicity, and making cookies and soup. It's never too early to sign up to help.
Circle Supper - Elin & Arthur Jones will host the March 6th Circle Supper at their home.
If you would like to attend, please contact the church office @ 740-373-1238.
Mark your calendars....March 14th! Melissa Cox - & Mythica will return. They will participate in the Sunday Service, and after the service we will have an all church potluck. At 1:30, there will be a concert in the Sanctuary. Suggested donations of $5.00 will be accepted. Half of the proceeds will be used for Haiti relief. Bring your friends and neighbors for a great time!!!
The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, March 21st, after regular Sunday Services. Annual Reports should be sent to the office soon.
16TH Great Paper Airplane Contest Sponsered by the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Marietta. Sunday March7,2010 at 1 pm in the church. Open to all ages and prizes will be given for distance, time in air and accuracy. You may bring your own plane or make one at the church. A donation of canned food or money will be collected to help the OLD MAN RIVERS MISSION in Parkersburg WV. All are welcome to play or watch. If you have any planes or pictures to share we would like to see them. Contact John Maddox for more information.
Sunday Services Schedule- March 2010
March 7—“Why Is This Our Chosen Faith” - Worship Leader, Kerry Blair
March 14—“A Religious Crossroads” -Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker
Worship Associate, Jim Rapp
March 21—“Our Living Language of
Democracy” - Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker
Worship Associate, Diana Bonnell
March 28—”Wonderful Worship that Works” - Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker
Ohio Meadville District-Annual District Assembly—March 26-27, 2010 Ohio University Eastern Campus
St. Clairsville, OH. Speaker Rev. Meg Riley “Standing on the Side of Love”
Growing Branches, Strong Roots, Transformational Living
Margaret Brown (3/6)
Maggie & Steve Meyer (3/22)
Hannah McMichael (3/10)
Byron Daniels (3/14)
Matt Fitzpatrick (3/17)
Galen LeRoy McCarty (3/17)
Anna Prince (3/18)
Henry Burton (3/19)
Cathryn Dobson (3/26)
Karin Olander (3/26)
Wayne Waldeck (3/27)
Shannara Stetson (3/31)
This year's Empty Bowls will be held on Saturday, April 24, at the First Congregational Church. This project, started by our church, has outgrown our facilities, but we still organize it and assist in the serving of soup, collecting bowls and soup, publicity, and making cookies and soup. It's never too early to sign up to help.
Circle Supper - Elin & Arthur Jones will host the March 6th Circle Supper at their home.
If you would like to attend, please contact the church office @ 740-373-1238.
Mark your calendars....March 14th! Melissa Cox - & Mythica will return. They will participate in the Sunday Service, and after the service we will have an all church potluck. At 1:30, there will be a concert in the Sanctuary. Suggested donations of $5.00 will be accepted. Half of the proceeds will be used for Haiti relief. Bring your friends and neighbors for a great time!!!
The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, March 21st, after regular Sunday Services. Annual Reports should be sent to the office soon.
16TH Great Paper Airplane Contest Sponsered by the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Marietta. Sunday March7,2010 at 1 pm in the church. Open to all ages and prizes will be given for distance, time in air and accuracy. You may bring your own plane or make one at the church. A donation of canned food or money will be collected to help the OLD MAN RIVERS MISSION in Parkersburg WV. All are welcome to play or watch. If you have any planes or pictures to share we would like to see them. Contact John Maddox for more information.
Sunday Services Schedule- March 2010
March 7—“Why Is This Our Chosen Faith” - Worship Leader, Kerry Blair
March 14—“A Religious Crossroads” -Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker
Worship Associate, Jim Rapp
March 21—“Our Living Language of
Democracy” - Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker
Worship Associate, Diana Bonnell
March 28—”Wonderful Worship that Works” - Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker
Ohio Meadville District-Annual District Assembly—March 26-27, 2010 Ohio University Eastern Campus
St. Clairsville, OH. Speaker Rev. Meg Riley “Standing on the Side of Love”
Growing Branches, Strong Roots, Transformational Living
Something Old , Something New
by Ralph Olander,
President, Board of Trustees
March marks the end of winter and the end of our fiscal year and that means change is in the air. As we welcome the balmy breezes of springtime, it is time to attend to the nuts and bolts of our Society.
Our annual Congregational meeting is slated for March 21 after services. Two major items of business are to be addressed at that meeting: the approval of a new budget and election of new members of the Board of Trustees. About the first, we will be seeing something new: in order to to bring our fiscal year into alignment with both the UUA and the Ohio-Meadville District, we will be shifting our fiscal year from April through March to July through June. That will mean that the budget presented for approval to the Congregation by the Finance Committee will cover 15 months: April 2010 to June 2011.
As to the election of Trustees, there will be three vacancies to be filled: Kevin Morey, and I will be leaving in addition to the vacancy left by the recent resignation of Eric Richendollar.
Another issue to be decided is the proposal I advanced to replace the old facade of organ pipes in the front left of the Sanctuary with a scroll of sayings from other religious traditions to balance the Judeo-Christian scriptures at the front right. Numerous comments have been received about the proposal and it deserves an open hearing in order to get a consensus on such a major change.
In order to minimize the amount of discussion and questions that this issue and the budget might elicit, we will continue the practice of the last couple of years and hold an open forum on Sunday, March 7, after services to air out the concerns. We will also have available the Annual Committee reports for review and will entertain questions on those. Please be sure to attend if you have opinions on these matters.
Oh, and please pledge generously during our annual canvass so that we can plan the budget more accurately.
Become a Chalice Lighter—A program that is not new but you might not have heard of for a while is the Chalice Lighter program. This program is UUA-wide but administered by each District and it provides grant money four times a year to congregations that apply. The money comes from the donations of individuals who sign up as “Chalice Lighters” by agreeing to donate $10 when one of the four “calls” goes out. That means you are liable for a maximum of only $40 per year. Our Chalice Lighters deal directly with the OMD and can donate online through the OMD website or by sending a check. FUUSM was the beneficiary of this program when we had the flood a few years ago but there are only two Chalice Lighters among us now. I hope many of you will join me in volunteering for this worthwhile program. There are brochures in the Fellowship Hall and there is also information on the OMD website: www.ohiomeadville.org/steward/chalight.html
The Last Word—As I depart after my second stint on the Board, and my one year as President, I want to thank everyone for supporting the other trustees and me in our work and making my service a most rewarding time.
President, Board of Trustees
March marks the end of winter and the end of our fiscal year and that means change is in the air. As we welcome the balmy breezes of springtime, it is time to attend to the nuts and bolts of our Society.
Our annual Congregational meeting is slated for March 21 after services. Two major items of business are to be addressed at that meeting: the approval of a new budget and election of new members of the Board of Trustees. About the first, we will be seeing something new: in order to to bring our fiscal year into alignment with both the UUA and the Ohio-Meadville District, we will be shifting our fiscal year from April through March to July through June. That will mean that the budget presented for approval to the Congregation by the Finance Committee will cover 15 months: April 2010 to June 2011.
As to the election of Trustees, there will be three vacancies to be filled: Kevin Morey, and I will be leaving in addition to the vacancy left by the recent resignation of Eric Richendollar.
Another issue to be decided is the proposal I advanced to replace the old facade of organ pipes in the front left of the Sanctuary with a scroll of sayings from other religious traditions to balance the Judeo-Christian scriptures at the front right. Numerous comments have been received about the proposal and it deserves an open hearing in order to get a consensus on such a major change.
In order to minimize the amount of discussion and questions that this issue and the budget might elicit, we will continue the practice of the last couple of years and hold an open forum on Sunday, March 7, after services to air out the concerns. We will also have available the Annual Committee reports for review and will entertain questions on those. Please be sure to attend if you have opinions on these matters.
Oh, and please pledge generously during our annual canvass so that we can plan the budget more accurately.
Become a Chalice Lighter—A program that is not new but you might not have heard of for a while is the Chalice Lighter program. This program is UUA-wide but administered by each District and it provides grant money four times a year to congregations that apply. The money comes from the donations of individuals who sign up as “Chalice Lighters” by agreeing to donate $10 when one of the four “calls” goes out. That means you are liable for a maximum of only $40 per year. Our Chalice Lighters deal directly with the OMD and can donate online through the OMD website or by sending a check. FUUSM was the beneficiary of this program when we had the flood a few years ago but there are only two Chalice Lighters among us now. I hope many of you will join me in volunteering for this worthwhile program. There are brochures in the Fellowship Hall and there is also information on the OMD website: www.ohiomeadville.org/steward/chalight.html
The Last Word—As I depart after my second stint on the Board, and my one year as President, I want to thank everyone for supporting the other trustees and me in our work and making my service a most rewarding time.
On Ethical Leadership
by Anthony Underwood
Too often the idea of leadership is reduced to simply convincing others to do what someone wants or needs to be done; leadership as coercion or trickery. Our values suggest otherwise.
In defining leadership let us consider “where” exactly people should be lead. We can do so by looking at the work and life of Viktor Frankl. Born in 1905 in Vienna to a family of Jewish civil servants, Frankl would go on to found the third great school of Viennese Psychological therapy.
After completing studies in both psychiatry and neuroscience, Frankl specialized in suicide prevention, and went on to lead a suicide treatment center for women where he treated over 30,000 patients between 1933 and 1937.
In 1938 Nazi Germany annexed Austria and shortly thereafter began instituting their anti-Semitic and so-called racial purity policies. First, Frankl lost his leadership position, then the right to work at the suicide center, and then the right to work on “Aryans,” as the Nazi elite styled themselves.
In September of 1942, Frankl along with his wife and parents were sent to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Once there he and other medical professionals established a clandestine medical practice for prisoners that focused on the treatment of depression and prevention of suicide.
Instead of losing his will to live or becoming hopeless, Frankl did exactly what he knew how to do best. Even in this most grave of circumstances, this most absurd and surreal environment of pure evil, surrounded by pointless and nearly random violence and brutality, life never lost meaning. He treated patients; composed lectures, and wrote his greatest work on therapy, using only his memory and precious scraps of paper.
On April 27, 1945, Frankl was liberated by American troops. He was to learn that of all the members of his family who had been interred in Nazi concentration camps, he was the only one to survive.
One year after his rescue, he published his most famous work; Man's Search for Meaning (editions of which have been published by the UUA’s Beacon Press). As recently as 1997, the New York Times called Frankl’s work one of the 10 most influential in the U.S.
In the book, Frankl identifies what he sees as the central truth of human life. Freud had proposed that it was the “will to pleasure”; the pursuit of pleasure, avoidance of pain and the taming of that impulse. Adler suggested that the real cause behind human action was the “will to power”; that is, achievement, ambition and striving to reach the highest possible position in life, and overcoming feelings of inferiority.
Warning against "...affluence, hedonism, [and] materialism. Frankl boldly declared that the true motivational, essential drive in life, the underlying cause for all of humanities otherwise nebulous choices, is the “will to meaning”; the quest not to find the one, true meaning of life (as such didn’t exist) but to determine for yourself the meaning of your own life on an ongoing basis.
Frankl stated that his personal experience in concentration camps and in treating holocaust survivors revealed to him that:
1. Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones, and that therefore all human life was deserving of dignity.
2. And that we have inalienable, undeniable freedom to find that meaning.
Frankl further noted that one’s meaning cannot be can be found by isolating one’s self from the world and its experiences; that contrary to popular myth hermits gain no wisdom by isolation in a cave. Rather he held that a person’s meaning is forged:
1. by creating a work or doing a deed;
2. by experiencing something or encountering someone; or
3. By the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering.
However, it is important to realize, as did Abraham Maslow, that it is unlikely
for a person to reach the point where they can pursue their own life’s meaning if they are chronically hungry, or tormented by emotional abuse, or without shelter, or medical care or undereducated, or lacking in some other basic psychological or physical necessity.
This is where leadership exists. It is an important personal milestone to become self aware; to accept final responsibility for the course and meaning of your own life. However, it is the very essence of leadership, to work to create the environment and the opportunity for all persons to successfully navigate the journey that we all must make from the pleasure principle to narcissism to true self-awareness.
First Century Gnostic writer Valentinius wrote in the Gospel of Truth that it was the duty of spiritual leaders to “Make firm the foot of those who have stumbled, and stretch out your hand to those who are ill. Feed those who are hungry, and give rest to those who are weary. Raise up those who wish to rise and awaken those who sleep”. I believe this is the essence of all true leadership.
Too often the idea of leadership is reduced to simply convincing others to do what someone wants or needs to be done; leadership as coercion or trickery. Our values suggest otherwise.
In defining leadership let us consider “where” exactly people should be lead. We can do so by looking at the work and life of Viktor Frankl. Born in 1905 in Vienna to a family of Jewish civil servants, Frankl would go on to found the third great school of Viennese Psychological therapy.
After completing studies in both psychiatry and neuroscience, Frankl specialized in suicide prevention, and went on to lead a suicide treatment center for women where he treated over 30,000 patients between 1933 and 1937.
In 1938 Nazi Germany annexed Austria and shortly thereafter began instituting their anti-Semitic and so-called racial purity policies. First, Frankl lost his leadership position, then the right to work at the suicide center, and then the right to work on “Aryans,” as the Nazi elite styled themselves.
In September of 1942, Frankl along with his wife and parents were sent to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Once there he and other medical professionals established a clandestine medical practice for prisoners that focused on the treatment of depression and prevention of suicide.
Instead of losing his will to live or becoming hopeless, Frankl did exactly what he knew how to do best. Even in this most grave of circumstances, this most absurd and surreal environment of pure evil, surrounded by pointless and nearly random violence and brutality, life never lost meaning. He treated patients; composed lectures, and wrote his greatest work on therapy, using only his memory and precious scraps of paper.
On April 27, 1945, Frankl was liberated by American troops. He was to learn that of all the members of his family who had been interred in Nazi concentration camps, he was the only one to survive.
One year after his rescue, he published his most famous work; Man's Search for Meaning (editions of which have been published by the UUA’s Beacon Press). As recently as 1997, the New York Times called Frankl’s work one of the 10 most influential in the U.S.
In the book, Frankl identifies what he sees as the central truth of human life. Freud had proposed that it was the “will to pleasure”; the pursuit of pleasure, avoidance of pain and the taming of that impulse. Adler suggested that the real cause behind human action was the “will to power”; that is, achievement, ambition and striving to reach the highest possible position in life, and overcoming feelings of inferiority.
Warning against "...affluence, hedonism, [and] materialism. Frankl boldly declared that the true motivational, essential drive in life, the underlying cause for all of humanities otherwise nebulous choices, is the “will to meaning”; the quest not to find the one, true meaning of life (as such didn’t exist) but to determine for yourself the meaning of your own life on an ongoing basis.
Frankl stated that his personal experience in concentration camps and in treating holocaust survivors revealed to him that:
1. Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones, and that therefore all human life was deserving of dignity.
2. And that we have inalienable, undeniable freedom to find that meaning.
Frankl further noted that one’s meaning cannot be can be found by isolating one’s self from the world and its experiences; that contrary to popular myth hermits gain no wisdom by isolation in a cave. Rather he held that a person’s meaning is forged:
1. by creating a work or doing a deed;
2. by experiencing something or encountering someone; or
3. By the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering.
However, it is important to realize, as did Abraham Maslow, that it is unlikely
for a person to reach the point where they can pursue their own life’s meaning if they are chronically hungry, or tormented by emotional abuse, or without shelter, or medical care or undereducated, or lacking in some other basic psychological or physical necessity.
This is where leadership exists. It is an important personal milestone to become self aware; to accept final responsibility for the course and meaning of your own life. However, it is the very essence of leadership, to work to create the environment and the opportunity for all persons to successfully navigate the journey that we all must make from the pleasure principle to narcissism to true self-awareness.
First Century Gnostic writer Valentinius wrote in the Gospel of Truth that it was the duty of spiritual leaders to “Make firm the foot of those who have stumbled, and stretch out your hand to those who are ill. Feed those who are hungry, and give rest to those who are weary. Raise up those who wish to rise and awaken those who sleep”. I believe this is the essence of all true leadership.
Remembering Roly
by Reverend Kathryn Hawbaker and Darryl Ting
Rev. Dr. Roland Fredericks was a centerpiece of this area community,
serving the First Presbyterian Church for 11 years. As he retired, he continued to serve the wider community, and sometimes ministered to our congregation for memorial services, pastoral care and preaching. It was a privilege for me to get to know Roly & Margaret. In my first year, Roly invited me to a Rotary luncheon as his guest, as a way to meet members of the community beyond the congregation. Roly was a colleague and a friend, who has been a blessing to me. Many gathered on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2010 to mourn his passing, celebrate his life and honor his legacy of work for peace and justice. Members and friends of FUUSM generated over $500 for the Marietta Community Foundation Fund which will provide for future projects which Margaret and the Fredericks family identify in service to the community.
Many people knew Roly as a passionate, thoughtful leader and teacher,
a tenacious advocate, and a tireless worker for social justice and peace.
But he was much more than that to me. You see, for me, Roly was and will continue to be my personal inspiration for a life well lived … a model of how to BE in this world.
I never told him that. Frankly, I was more than a bit in awe of the man. I was certain that, modest as he was, he would have tried to talk me out of it. But I know what I know.
Roly LIVED what he believed in. What he preached we SHOULD do, he DID. What we PRAY to do, he DID. That is what I find so inspirational about Roly.
That he lived his truth, and he did it so well.
And Roly did it with such joy. Maybe it was his natural disposition:
his ever present smile and laugh
his sense of humor and the twinkle in his eyes.
But I think it was because his life was so full of love; That it’s natural consequence was joy.
I continue my struggle to live my truth.
I remember Roly and how he lived.
I remember, and I have hope.
Roly THOUGHT LOVE.
Roly SPOKE LOVE.
Roly DID LOVE.
Roly WAS LOVE.
Thank you, Roly.
Rev. Dr. Roland Fredericks was a centerpiece of this area community,
serving the First Presbyterian Church for 11 years. As he retired, he continued to serve the wider community, and sometimes ministered to our congregation for memorial services, pastoral care and preaching. It was a privilege for me to get to know Roly & Margaret. In my first year, Roly invited me to a Rotary luncheon as his guest, as a way to meet members of the community beyond the congregation. Roly was a colleague and a friend, who has been a blessing to me. Many gathered on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2010 to mourn his passing, celebrate his life and honor his legacy of work for peace and justice. Members and friends of FUUSM generated over $500 for the Marietta Community Foundation Fund which will provide for future projects which Margaret and the Fredericks family identify in service to the community.
Many people knew Roly as a passionate, thoughtful leader and teacher,
a tenacious advocate, and a tireless worker for social justice and peace.
But he was much more than that to me. You see, for me, Roly was and will continue to be my personal inspiration for a life well lived … a model of how to BE in this world.
I never told him that. Frankly, I was more than a bit in awe of the man. I was certain that, modest as he was, he would have tried to talk me out of it. But I know what I know.
Roly LIVED what he believed in. What he preached we SHOULD do, he DID. What we PRAY to do, he DID. That is what I find so inspirational about Roly.
That he lived his truth, and he did it so well.
And Roly did it with such joy. Maybe it was his natural disposition:
his ever present smile and laugh
his sense of humor and the twinkle in his eyes.
But I think it was because his life was so full of love; That it’s natural consequence was joy.
I continue my struggle to live my truth.
I remember Roly and how he lived.
I remember, and I have hope.
Roly THOUGHT LOVE.
Roly SPOKE LOVE.
Roly DID LOVE.
Roly WAS LOVE.
Thank you, Roly.
Kat’s Korner for March 2010
by the Reverend Kathryn Hawbaker
After another busy holiday season, through the grey days of winter, we may feel fatigued. We are certainly tired of the demands we feel, all the people in need, all the justice undone, peace unmade, and progress to pursue. Despite all that threatens to overwhelm us, we still do care. It is in our nature to care about ourselves and those around us. When disaster, earthquakes, or tragedy strikes, we care and want to respond to those in need. These good impulses and intentions must be matched with good planning and structures that help us to work together in an organized way.
Our congregation is a voluntary association of people who care about each other, our communities, and the future of this world. It is our mission to nurture a diverse community devoted to spiritual growth and freedom of thought for the benefit of all. Because we care about providing a warm and welcoming space for all our activities, and for the community, we are continuing the renovations to Fellowship Hall (Phase 2 begins in March). The nursery space is getting an early spring cleaning & sort, (thanks to Elin, Sara & Cindy).
We are people who care about our congregation. We certainly are a community of people with diverse interests, views, and experiences, and proud of it. I have found our people to be devoted and dedicated to their own growth and development, and to our collective advancement, as well as being a voice for progress in our wider communities. We cherish our freedom and democratic process for the results it yields and the principles it upholds, although at times it is not the easy route. As we remind our children, “everyone should have a voice and a vote about things that concern them.” All that we do as a religious congregation has at its core, the benefit of all, not just what we individually want, although that is where we each begin. We began this year with a Congregational Assessment, managed by the Committee on Ministries with the blessing of the Board, because we care about what you think and how people invest in and experience our congregation. The Long Range Planning Team has worked with the committees to outline some shared goals and action steps for the next five years because we care about our future.
We are people who care about Unitarian Universalism and our larger movement. I am really proud of our increasing engagement in UU campaigns and programs. In recent years, we became an “Honor Society,” a fully Fair Share Congregation and have financially supported the larger association in many ways beyond paying our dues-with hundreds of dollars given to the various campaigns: Association Sunday, Standing On the Side of Love, UUA Veteran’s Day Appeal and the UUSC -Guest At Your Table program. I hope that money and increased awareness will go hand in hand. The Ohio Meadville District Annual Assembly is being hosted by the Southern Cluster in St. Clairsville, OH. (March 26-27) and offers numerous opportunities for training and networking.
For our FUUSM congregation, we continue to practice good stewardship and planning through our budget process and committee work. May this next year be one in which our words and deeds join the cloud of witnesses working for justice, equality, peace and freedom for all. Outreach efforts are an area in need of leadership and engagement if we are to raise our voice, gather our resources and make a difference in the world. We are better able to accomplish this, not because we have made a New Year’s Resolution, but because we have a Long-Range Plan to promote our priorities, shape our programs, and measure our progress toward our goals.
We are people who care about our neighbors. Compassion for our community neighbors is manifested through the Secret Santa program, the Community Thanksgiving meal (through Gilman Methodist), the Community Garden and local Food Pantry, the 12th Night Concert, and the Great Community Airplane Contest (March 7,2010). Many of our people are also active with Habitat for Humanity, Restore, the Recycling Center, E.V.E. Shelter, Humane Society, and Harvest of Hope. Some families have been involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, 4H, and Key Club. Our people are active in numerous educational programs, international student exchange, and local arts programs. People get involved because they care and want to make a difference. I’m always interested in the network of service organizations that our members and friends support.
Opportunities for partnership and mutual aid have always been part of our UU heritage, and First UU Society of Marietta has a proud history to uphold. This Spring, there will be a renewed effort to address and organize our archives.
We are people who care about the earth. We study reports and labels, and learn where our food comes from and how to be responsible consumers. We work with the Green Sanctuary (UUA program) and advocate for ethical eating, recycling programs and environmental justice. We see that many social issues and oppressive structures and attitudes are linked and interwoven, and we endeavor to dismantle the systems of injustice wherever we can. Yes, we can make a difference.
We are people who care. Because someone cares, the heat is turned on (Joe, Dan, Ron, Rhea, Kevin & Elin), the sidewalk shoveled (Bud & Roger), the coffee made (thank-you, Diana), cookies shared (thank-you Jean & Neva, and many others) and a warm welcome is at the door (Adeline, Darryl & Cynthia, Kerry, Nancy, Tanya, Don & Beth, Jim, LeRoy and many others), and the outside lift makes our sanctuary accessible. The sound engineers (Eric, Gil, Ralph, Mike & John) help all to hear, and worship leaders (Rev. Kat, Martha, Rebecca, Debra, Kerry, Carolyn, Jim & John) and musicians (Randall, Nancy, the Choir, Steve & Chase) stir our spirits with comfort and inspiration. Our teachers (Jay, Cindy, Chris, Martha, Kevin, Rachel, Stassa & Robin, and other helpers) connect with our young people, and committee members (everyone) plan for our best programs. Nursery care is provided for our youngest folk and elders are remembered. The office (Chris) and website (Ralph) help us to get our work done and communicate with one another in our efforts. We care about each other much more than the work itself. It is our caring that directs our congregational priorities which are people centered. We are a caring congregation because you care enough to make a difference. Thank-you for all you do, and the many ways you care.
After another busy holiday season, through the grey days of winter, we may feel fatigued. We are certainly tired of the demands we feel, all the people in need, all the justice undone, peace unmade, and progress to pursue. Despite all that threatens to overwhelm us, we still do care. It is in our nature to care about ourselves and those around us. When disaster, earthquakes, or tragedy strikes, we care and want to respond to those in need. These good impulses and intentions must be matched with good planning and structures that help us to work together in an organized way.
Our congregation is a voluntary association of people who care about each other, our communities, and the future of this world. It is our mission to nurture a diverse community devoted to spiritual growth and freedom of thought for the benefit of all. Because we care about providing a warm and welcoming space for all our activities, and for the community, we are continuing the renovations to Fellowship Hall (Phase 2 begins in March). The nursery space is getting an early spring cleaning & sort, (thanks to Elin, Sara & Cindy).
We are people who care about our congregation. We certainly are a community of people with diverse interests, views, and experiences, and proud of it. I have found our people to be devoted and dedicated to their own growth and development, and to our collective advancement, as well as being a voice for progress in our wider communities. We cherish our freedom and democratic process for the results it yields and the principles it upholds, although at times it is not the easy route. As we remind our children, “everyone should have a voice and a vote about things that concern them.” All that we do as a religious congregation has at its core, the benefit of all, not just what we individually want, although that is where we each begin. We began this year with a Congregational Assessment, managed by the Committee on Ministries with the blessing of the Board, because we care about what you think and how people invest in and experience our congregation. The Long Range Planning Team has worked with the committees to outline some shared goals and action steps for the next five years because we care about our future.
We are people who care about Unitarian Universalism and our larger movement. I am really proud of our increasing engagement in UU campaigns and programs. In recent years, we became an “Honor Society,” a fully Fair Share Congregation and have financially supported the larger association in many ways beyond paying our dues-with hundreds of dollars given to the various campaigns: Association Sunday, Standing On the Side of Love, UUA Veteran’s Day Appeal and the UUSC -Guest At Your Table program. I hope that money and increased awareness will go hand in hand. The Ohio Meadville District Annual Assembly is being hosted by the Southern Cluster in St. Clairsville, OH. (March 26-27) and offers numerous opportunities for training and networking.
For our FUUSM congregation, we continue to practice good stewardship and planning through our budget process and committee work. May this next year be one in which our words and deeds join the cloud of witnesses working for justice, equality, peace and freedom for all. Outreach efforts are an area in need of leadership and engagement if we are to raise our voice, gather our resources and make a difference in the world. We are better able to accomplish this, not because we have made a New Year’s Resolution, but because we have a Long-Range Plan to promote our priorities, shape our programs, and measure our progress toward our goals.
We are people who care about our neighbors. Compassion for our community neighbors is manifested through the Secret Santa program, the Community Thanksgiving meal (through Gilman Methodist), the Community Garden and local Food Pantry, the 12th Night Concert, and the Great Community Airplane Contest (March 7,2010). Many of our people are also active with Habitat for Humanity, Restore, the Recycling Center, E.V.E. Shelter, Humane Society, and Harvest of Hope. Some families have been involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, 4H, and Key Club. Our people are active in numerous educational programs, international student exchange, and local arts programs. People get involved because they care and want to make a difference. I’m always interested in the network of service organizations that our members and friends support.
Opportunities for partnership and mutual aid have always been part of our UU heritage, and First UU Society of Marietta has a proud history to uphold. This Spring, there will be a renewed effort to address and organize our archives.
We are people who care about the earth. We study reports and labels, and learn where our food comes from and how to be responsible consumers. We work with the Green Sanctuary (UUA program) and advocate for ethical eating, recycling programs and environmental justice. We see that many social issues and oppressive structures and attitudes are linked and interwoven, and we endeavor to dismantle the systems of injustice wherever we can. Yes, we can make a difference.
We are people who care. Because someone cares, the heat is turned on (Joe, Dan, Ron, Rhea, Kevin & Elin), the sidewalk shoveled (Bud & Roger), the coffee made (thank-you, Diana), cookies shared (thank-you Jean & Neva, and many others) and a warm welcome is at the door (Adeline, Darryl & Cynthia, Kerry, Nancy, Tanya, Don & Beth, Jim, LeRoy and many others), and the outside lift makes our sanctuary accessible. The sound engineers (Eric, Gil, Ralph, Mike & John) help all to hear, and worship leaders (Rev. Kat, Martha, Rebecca, Debra, Kerry, Carolyn, Jim & John) and musicians (Randall, Nancy, the Choir, Steve & Chase) stir our spirits with comfort and inspiration. Our teachers (Jay, Cindy, Chris, Martha, Kevin, Rachel, Stassa & Robin, and other helpers) connect with our young people, and committee members (everyone) plan for our best programs. Nursery care is provided for our youngest folk and elders are remembered. The office (Chris) and website (Ralph) help us to get our work done and communicate with one another in our efforts. We care about each other much more than the work itself. It is our caring that directs our congregational priorities which are people centered. We are a caring congregation because you care enough to make a difference. Thank-you for all you do, and the many ways you care.
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