First Unitarian Universalist Society

Kat’s Korner: To Make the World More Beautiful

2010-05-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

This phrase comes from one of my favorite books- “The Lupine Lady” which tells of a woman who scatters flowers seeds around town to carry out the legacy of her grandfather.

“The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss would also be included in my personal canon of classics. I highly recommend the reflective exercise of reviewing what you would include in your personal canon of stories, parables, and art. The trouble with a canon is that it is limited, and while some are chosen, others are excluded. That just doesn’t seem to fit with my faith tradition and values. Art appreciation and so many things, is a matter of personal taste. We can strive for a definition of “classic” that verifies the impact on society of a specific work of art.

Gardening is one way to make the world more beautiful. In some Native American traditions, Beauty is not just what looks good. It refers to what is true and right and just, that which is in harmony with nature is seen as the highest good. It is a continuation of the idea that you leave the world a better place for the next generations. This is the primary way we honor what has been given to us and continue a legacy of right living.

Art is a big part of that, for when we put our creative energy into something, we put our heart & soul into it. It is something of value, which can be rare in a materialistic, throw-away society.

Homemade gifts and tokens are special and prized, not just for their artistry, but also the relationship embodied in the shared gifts. Music is more vibrant when it expresses our life force- our yearnings and passions and stories. We put something of ourselves into what we create. Photographs can capture something transcendent or a fleeting moment, drawing us into the story or image, and triggering our own memories. Religious community is like a homemade gift, for it is shaped by the quality of relationships over time, it wears well though it is often less than perfect or polished. Its value endures over time and in the sharing it means even more. Bright Blessings, Kathryn

Earth Day, Every Day with the UU Youth Ministry

2010-05-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

The First UU Society of Marietta was a strong participant in the Community Earth Day Celebration in Marietta's Muskingum Park on Sat. April 17, 2010. The Green Sanctuary Committee had a vibrant visual display booth which featured a clothesline of positive choices we can make in terms of home cleaning products, food and other essentials.

We gave away green clothespins with magnets to help remind people to make green choices when shopping. Following our presence in the park on Saturday, we recruited 40 people on Sunday to participate in the popular UU-Ministry for Earth "40-40-40" challenge and have engaged many people is stepping up their efforts to Go-Greener!

The following weekend was our local Empty Bowls luncheon, a cooperative community effort which raised $3,000 for the local food pantry on Saturday.

The Sunday Worship Service raised concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and then several families of all ages went to our Community Garden plot for a "Blessing of the Seeds" (with the visual aid of a parachute) which provides fresh produce to area food pantries. Our raised beds and organic techniques are a visible public witness to our values. Following the leadership of our Green Sanctuary Committee and with the support of our minister and congregation, we strive to make Earth Day -every day.

UUA – The Wider World

2010-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

General Assembly

Annual Program Fund-Celebrating the Commitment of Congregations!

At the close of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s fiscal year 2009, contributions to the Annual Program Fund made by your congregation, alongside those of more than one thousand others, totaled $6,863,537 in essential operating income. A portion of these funds are used to directly benefit your District through grants that are based on congregational giving within each District. Your congregation’s impressive level of generosity ensures that core programming and services offered by the UUA continue to be available, expanded, and refined so each of us may grow in the depth and breadth of our liberal religious faith movement.

Despite the economic uncertainty that many of our 1047 member congregations faced over the past year, 696 came through as Honor (Fair Share) Congregations and 121 are recognized as Merit Congregations, having increased their giving by 20% or more since fiscal year 2008. For affirming your congregation’s connection to its larger Unitarian Universalist faith, for recognizing your common bond with congregations throughout the country and around the world, and for the financial support of the Association’s work, we sincerely offer our profound appreciation.

To learn more about the Annual Program Fund, congregational contributions made during fiscal year 2009, and how this generosity continues to support the work of our Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, please visit: http://www.uua.org/giving/annualprogram/

Marietta Garden Tour 2010

2010-05-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Marietta Garden Tour will be held on Sunday, July 11, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. This event is a major fundraiser for maintaining our historic Unitarian Church building, so we are counting on help from the congregation.

We will need volunteers with a few hours to give on July 11, as well as gardeners to donate plants and bakers to donate cookies. Those gardeners among you should start potting up your extra plants now to be ready for July 11.

Special Events, May 2010

2010-05-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Special Events

May -Art in the Amazing Month of May

May 9 (Mother's Day). Special Guest: Michael Dowd (author of Thank God for Evolution) Evening Presentation - public welcome.

May 14-15 Universalist Convocation (Rochester, NY) see: http://nmuc.org/Convo/

Sat. May 15 Wonderful Worship Workshop

May 30 Memorial Day. Afternoon Vespers (4pm) -in the Memorial Garden

June 6 The UU Fellowship of Athens invites you to attend their Ordination Ceremony of Evan Young.

June 20 Multicultural Fest & Church Picnic in Parkersburg City Park, Shelter #7

SOCIAL JUSTICE IDEAS & OPPORTUNITIES

Equality Ohio -Local Training Team

May 6 (5:30-7:30pm) Athens Public Library

Lobby Day Wed. May 19th

North Unitarian Universalist Congregation (NUUC.ORG) in Lewis Center, Ohio contacted us about joining in a letter writing campaign concerning House Bill 176. “Many of our members are planning to attend Lobby Day, Wednesday May 19th, to talk to our Senators and let them know we support the Bill and request that they support it too.

If you have any questions or request more information, please feel to contact me or go to the following web sites, www.dowhatsrightohio.com and www.equalityohio.com. To register for Lobby Day go to the Equality Ohio web site to register.

Ohio Meadville District News

2010-05-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

A 'Greener' Ohio-Meadville District

"In a world that is getting hot, flat and crowded, the task of creating the tools, systems, energy sources, and ethics that will allow the planet to grow in cleaner, more sustainable ways is going to be the biggest challenge of our lifetime." (Thomas Friedman, Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution and How It Can Renew America.)

Many of us believe that Thomas Friedman is correct and we are thinking of new and creative ways to meet this challenge. Your Ohio-Meadville District staff and committees are also looking for ways to live out our ethics of sustainability and shrink our carbon foot-print where possible. In the coming months we will try various methods, from holding online webinar conferences to video conferencing for committee meetings to utilizing our electronic and internet-based communications systems to their fullest potential.

One immediate change coming in February will be to start a monthly electronic congregational packet. This means that District monthly communications will be more timely and efficient, reach more people, eliminate wasted paper and postage, and become more economical - all in one single move.

Congregations will be able to forward items electronically via their own email networks as well as print out hard copies of items they want to post on their bulletin boards or print out items that their committees or congregants request. There will be a full text version of items on the OMD website for those who want to cut and paste particular items to use in congregational newsletters or announcements or quote in letters or sermons. And we plan to increase the extent of our OMD email network as well.

More timely, relevant, accessible, efficient, effective, greener and broadly distributed -- these are our goals.

Of course, some of our smaller congregations may still need paper copies and we won't forget these needs. Just let the OMD Office know if your situation is such that a paper packet is needed and we will accommodate your request. (Please be aware that the formatting will be plain text for hard copy versions.)

Please give us your feedback as we move forward in finding new ways to live our ethics of sustainability.

That's how we will all learn to new ways to change effectively and ethically.

OMD Highlights

OMD-Summer Institute July 11-17, 2010 Our Stories, Ourselves, Seeking....Registration is open.

May 14-16 Youth-Adult Committee Spring Conference at First Unitarian Church, in Columbus, OH.

Registration for all events is now available on line.

UNIVERSALIST CONVOCATION 2010, May 14-16, 2010, First Universalist Society of Rochester, NY.

Keynote: The Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, “Dragged Kicking and Screaming to Heaven”.

For more information please go to nmuc.org/Convo

Announcements and Events for May 2010

2010-05-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

May Birthdays:

Jill Inabnet (5/2)

Caitlin Harrison (5/2)

Kate Wooley (5/4)

Roger Kalter (5/12)

Caroline Putnam (5/12)

Betsy Kalter (5/17)

Empty Bowls Thanks—Three cheers and several tigers for all of you who helped at Empty Bowls 2010. The grand total isn't in yet, but I estimate we made $3,500, a new high for Empty Bowls.

We - the three churches, the potters, the restaurants, the school children -provided an exciting colorful event and really helped Feed The Hungry, our aim. - Stassa, Anna, and Caroline

The Athens UU youth group wants to invite interested youth to our SECOND ANNUAL 6-day Environmental Work Camp in Athens, OH. Dates: June 20st - June 26th. Contact Susan
Young at youngs2@ohio.edu.

UU Nursery Attendant Position Available—Provide childcare for children between the ages of birth and pre-school in Nursery between 10:00 AM and Noon Sunday mornings. You will provide a save environment and stimulating activities for children in your care. Qualifications—Must be experienced working with children, especially infants. Must have personal transportation and phone. Must pass Sheriff's background check. Must be at least 18 years old. Compensation- $20.00 (10:00-Noon Sunday morning) Please apply to Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker

740-373-1238

Sunday Services Schedule– May 2010 (See the Blog for more details)

May 2 May Day – International Worker's Day -Rev. Hawbaker

Worship Associate- Kerry Blair

May 9 “Thank God for Evolution” – Special Guest: Michael Dowd

Michael Dowd shares the "good news" of a mainstream evolutionary worldview, as presented in his book, Thank God for Evolution, which has been endorsed by 6 Nobel laureates and other science luminaries, including noted skeptics, and by religious leaders across the spectrum.

Outreach Opportunity- Invite your friends and neighbors. Special Public Presentation – Monday May 10th 7pm

“Thank God for Evolution” – Michael Dowd—Science and the Sacred: An Inspiring Vision of Humanity's Future

May 16 “Life is a Work of Art”

Worship Associate-Jane Tumas-Serna

Committee on Ministries (Greeters)

May 23 “A FUUSM Mosaic” New Member Welcome -Rev. Hawbaker

Quilts, puzzles, collages and mosaics are all forms of art that bring diverse parts together in a new and interesting whole. The Choir will sing, and we will welcome our newest members as we celebrate the tapestry woven out of our shared gifts of ministry. Worship Associate-Jim Rapp

May 30 “Memoirs & Legacies "Memorial Day -Rev. Hawbaker Personal stories are the treasure of any archive.

Join us for a Vespers Service in the Memorial Garden of the Courtyard (4pm).

April Worship & Music Notes by Sara Lamb

2010-05-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who contributed to the April worship services. We enjoyed beautiful music from Randall Kidder and the choir. Thank you also to Carolyn Waltzer for playing hymns for us one Sunday. The “green testimonials” were very inspiring and informative. We appreciate Carolyn Waltzer and Jim Grecni sharing their perspective on the importance of water conservation, responsible eating choices regarding seafood and the beauty and benefits of growing food in your yard. Thank you to Ron Tepley for sharing his fossils and story of geological time. We also appreciated Cindy Burton’s rendition of the Velveteen Rabbit, Jane Tumas-Serna’s background on the Harvest of Hope and Mike Bailey’s information about the UU plot at the community garden. Thank you to all who added their voices to the services. We appreciate everyone’s contributions.

We are looking forward to some special events in May. We will have a special focus on art and artists as we celebrate “Art in the Amazing Month of May.” We are looking forward to seeing all the art that members and friends bring in to share around our sanctuary and fellowship hall. On May 9th Michael Dowd, the author of Thank God for Evolution will be a guest speaker at our Sunday service and will also offer a lecture open to the public on the following Monday evening at 7 pm. We hope you will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to hear this widely traveled speaker. Don’t forget that we will have a special afternoon vespers service on May 30th at 4 pm in the Memorial Garden (the church courtyard). This is a calm and reflective time to remember loved ones.

If you have idea and suggestions for summer service topics or speakers please contact any member of the worship committee. We would welcome your input.

Kat's Korner: April Agreements

2010-04-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Relationships and communication are fraught with complexities and challenges, even when we speak the same language.

"If we agree in love, there is no disagreement that can do us any injury, but if we do not, no other agreement can do us any good." (-Hosea Ballou)

Mutuality is an aspect of any commitment of equal partners, as in a marriage, civil union or partnership. While the terms have connotations, as in a business "partnership," they are forms of contract that spell out the relationship between two parties. Even with a contract there is a grounding of trust, and in a marriage or union, trust is vital. Trust is also an investment fund which can protect and sustain the future of an organization, and we are greatly blessed to have one for our church.

With any agreement, writing it down and spelling things out can be a way to increase clarity and provide for regular review. Living Wills and End-of-Life decisions are difficult but important conversations for partners and families. By addressing wishes and concerns, these written documents can provide a framework for the final transition.

The religious connotations of "covenant" bring a sacred dimension or imperative to what might otherwise be just an equation or list. The human dimension calls for both high expectations and provisions for failure, redemption or forgiveness.

Email is fine for sharing information, but often inadequate for sharing feelings. As with many things, I've learned this the hard way by experiencing and seeing the damage that can be done, and the hurt which is not easily healed. Between speaking the truth and letting things slide is a very slippery slope. To speak the truth in love, is a spiritual discipline. I recall this inspiration in a covenant written by James Vila Blake, and used by many congregations.

Love is the spirit of this church, and service its law. This is our great covenant:

To dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.

Our FUUSM Behavioral Covenant is an agreement for a conflict mediation process. Before conflict ever arises, certain expectations should be discussed and decided upon. They may even be articulated in a covenant (as in Covenant of Board Members) or policy (Code of Ethics for Adults working with Youth). There are codes of conduct for our religious professionals as there are with most professional organizations. There is also a mutual promise in the Letter of Agreement between the congregation and the called minister.

In addition to these noted explicit agreements, there are several ways in which this plays out in congregational life. There is often an expressed commitment for confidentiality in our group settings and assurances for protecting private personal and financial information. We are careful to ask permission before sharing things in the Worship Service -Joys & Sorrows, or the newsletter and other modes of communication. [See the FUUSM Communications Policy and other documents on the website]

A final example of agreement is the annual pledge for the budget. This is both a tool for determining the budget and a measure of engagement. It formulates one aspect of the mutual commitment between the individuals and the congregation as a religious organization. It is based on a sliding scale intended to maximize freedom and recognize different circumstances. I remember well the pride I felt when I first made a formal financial pledge and fulfilled it, although I had always identified as a Unitarian Universalist since childhood. There were many years when service and time was what I could offer as I completed my studies and prepared for the ministry. I regret that I never was invited into full and formal membership as a youth or young adult, although I availed myself of many opportunities for participation.

Being a Fair Share congregation means we are doing our part to contribute to healthy budget planning and shared resources. Paying fair is just as important as playing fair. I am very proud that with the shift to a new fiscal year, we are not shirking our financial obligation, but bringing it up to date, in line with the July 1-Fiscal Year of both the OMD & the UUA. It is part of our commitment to clear communication and transparent operations.

Hymn #402 "From you I receive, to you I give, together we share and from this we live."

May we all continue to do our part as we are willing and able, for the common good, for a stronger liberal religious voice in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and a greater vision of Unitarian Universalism in our changing world?

Bright Blessings, Kathryn

Blog Extra: Kat's Korner Extras

2010-04-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Annual Program Fund (APF) dues to the Ohio-Meadville District ($21.50) and the Unitarian Universalist Association ($56) are based on our certified membership numbers each year (2010 FUUSM= 110), as are the number of delegates for each congregation. Rates are recommended by the boards and approved by congregational delegates at the District & General Assembly.

Acronyms and lingo can have a way of excluding people when they don't know what you're talking about. The language we use is part of our culture and it is a hot topic for reflection in our congregation, the UU World magazine and the wider Unitarian Universalist movement.

Words matter. They have power and meaning that is projected upon them, in addition to explicit definitions. I strive for consistent references in our guiding documents and common usage. I also refer to general UUA standards and programs in order to keep us in current conversation with the broader movement. For example, the UUA and Ohio Meadville District define youth as a specific age range as it relates to Youth Group. (It used to be 14-20, now we refer to 9-12th graders or the equivalent in home schooling.) *See Working Group recommendation noted below.

There has been continuing work toward being in right relationship with individuals and groups at all levels of our UU Association. Commitments to being anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and multi-cultural are an expression of both informal and formal agreements. Self-identification is an important aspect of respectful interaction, as in use of inclusive language and gender neutral pronouns. It marks the historical progression of culture as in the shifts through terms like negro, colored person, black, african-american and person of color. There is some variance in personal preferences, and so I have found it is better to ask, and also allow for mistakes with an attitude of humility.

Blog Extra: Techtonics

2010-04-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

It is said that 99 percent of all species that ever lived have gone extinct. Earth, it seems, is a tough place to call home. Our planet has gone through Ice Ages and global warming trends, it has been hit by comets and asteroids (leading, in one case, to a mass extinction that felled the mighty dinosaurs), and the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere has risen and fallen over time. Our planet is always in a state of flux, and life must adapt to these changes or die.
It is a known geological fact that CO2 released into the atmosphere is primarily caused by tectonic activity. According to Sasselov, Earth's mass helps keeps tectonics in action. The more massive a planet, the hotter its interior. Tectonic plates slide on a layer of molten rock beneath the crust called the mantle. Convective currents within the mantle push the plates around. For smaller planets like Mars, the interior is not hot enough to drive tectonics.
Continents bang together, forming mountains, only to be later torn apart. Islands grow from underwater volcanoes, and elements are liberated from rocks when they are melted beneath the crust.
While all this geologic activity makes us literally stand on shaky ground, scientists have come to believe that tectonics is one of the key features of our planet which makes life possible. If not for tectonics, carbon needed by life would stay locked within rocks.
The fear today is that too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will lead to global warming. Yet too little carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would make Earth a much colder place, and the photosynthetic plants and algae that rely on CO2 would perish. The demise of these oxygen-producing organisms would leave us all gasping for breath.

Blog Extra: Fascism

2010-04-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

In an essay coyly titled “Fascism Anyone?,” Dr. Lawrence Britt, a political scientist, identifies social and political agendas common to fascist regimes. His comparisons of Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Suharto, and Pinochet yielded this list of 14 “identifying characteristics of fascism.” (The following article is from Free Inquiry magazine, Volume 23, Number 2. See how familiar they sound.

Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.

Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of “need.” The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.

Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

Supremacy of the Military
Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.

Rampant Sexism
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.

Controlled Mass Media
Sometimes the media are directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media are indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.

Obsession with National Security
Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.

Religion and Government are Intertwined
Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.

Corporate Power is Protected
The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.

Labor Power is Suppressed
Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed.

Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.

Obsession with Crime and Punishment
Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations

Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.

Fraudulent Elections
Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.

This list will be familiar to students of political science. But it should be familiar to students of religion as well, for much of it mirrors the social and political agenda of religious fundamentalisms worldwide. It is both accurate and helpful for us to understand fundamentalism as religious fascism, and fascism as political fundamentalism. They both come from very primitive parts of us that have always been the default setting of our species: amity toward our in-group, enmity toward out-groups, hierarchical deference to alpha male figures, a powerful identification with our territory, and so forth. It is that brutal default setting that all civilizations have tried to raise us above, but it is always a fragile thing, civilization, and has to be achieved over and over and over again.

Selected Notes from the 2010 Annual Meeting

2010-04-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary design

Ralph Olander discussed the proposal to replace the left front side of the sanctuary where the pipes for the organ are. His proposal was to update the sanctuary with other religious and philosophical traditions. The pre-meeting generated additional ideas and the following was proposed to the congregation.

Various traditions will be drawn upon including:

Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

The Decorating and Design committee will oversee this project and members are encouraged to contribute their ideas or join the committee. Final implementation will be subject to approval by a vote of at a congregational meeting.

Fiscal year change

A bi-laws change is needed to change the fiscal year. All were in favor of changing the fiscal year to July 1 to June 30 .

Vacancies

Rev. Kat presented Jim Grecni to the congregation for approval to serve on the Committee on ministry. The congregation approved the recommendation.

Kevin Morey nominated Debra Miller for the nominating committee. The congregation approved the recommendation.

Debra Miller representing the nominating committee presented Jim Rapp to serve on the Board of Trust Governors. The congregation approved.

Jim Rapp from the nominating committee presented three names to fill vacancies to the Board of Trustees, Virginia Henthorn, Diana Bungard and Jessie Hyde. The congregation was in favor of the nominations and approved.

Other items

Ron Tepley asked how many members FUUSM has and Ralph responded that our last count by membership committee was 110.

Jay Phillips recognized Ralph and Kevin for their work on the board over the last year.

Elin Jones recognized Jim Rapp for the great job once again on decorating the church for Christmas.

Empty Bowls 2010 PSA

2010-04-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

Empty Bowls 2010 will be held on Saturday, April 24^th at the First Congregational Church, 318 Front Street , in Marietta. Donations to Empty Bowls, will be entirely donated to the Marietta Community Food Pantry The luncheon will start at 11:00 AM. sharp. The silent auction will start at 10:30 AM and end at 1:00 PM. Hand made food-safe bowls, with or without lunch, will be ten dollars, the lunch alone will be five dollars. The event is sponsored by the First Congregational Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the First Unitarian Universalist Church and area potters. For more information call Caroline Putnam at 740/373-4510.

Upcoming Special Events April 2010 - Looking forward to the summer.

2010-04-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

May -Art in the Amazing Month of May

May 2 -May Day. There will be a May pole dance in the courtyard at the close of the service.

May 9 (Mother's Day) Special Guest: Michael Dowd (author of Thank God for Evolution) Evening Presentation - public welcome.

May 14-15 Universalist Convocation (Rochester, NY) see: http://nmuc.org/Convo/

Sat. May 15 Wonderful Worship Workshop

May 30 Memorial Day. Afternoon Vespers (4pm) -in the Memorial Garden

June 20 Multicultural Fest & Church Picnic in Parkersburg City Park

New Mindful Meditation begins. If you have thought about trying meditation in a group setting for support and shared exploration, plan on joining us in a newly forming/reforming group.

We'll begin on Wednesday evening. April 7th @ 7pm in the sanctuary.

The best night for regular meetings will be determined at the first session.

After a time of shared silence, reflections will be based on readings from "The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hanh. No previous experience necessary, just an open mind and positive intention. Contact Rev. Hawbaker or Rhea Bockhorst if you're interested.

Announcements and Events for April 2010

2010-04-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

April Birthdays:

Libby Bennett (4/7)

Courtney Bills (4/10)

Roger Patterson (4/13)

Monica Wilson (4/15)

Ernie Novak (4/17)

LuAnna Maddox (4/18)

Marlene L’Abbe (4/19)

Eileen Wooley (4/20)

Will Mullen (4/24)

Bruce Henthorn (4/29)

Rachel Hyde (4/16)

Circle Supper - The April Circle Supper will be held on April 3rd (the first Saturday). Vickie and David Earl will be the hosts. The Circle Suppers are small group potluck dinners and are purely social affairs. They are a great way for people in the congregation to get to know each other better in a much quieter, relaxed setting than our sometimes boisterous Sunday coffee hours. They are especially good for newcomers as a way of expanding the circle of familiar faces within the congregation. You are cordially invited to welcome spring (yes, we’re being optimistic) with a cozy and enjoyable evening of good food and interesting company. If you would like to attend, please contact the church office @ 740-373-1238.

Sitter Wanted—Looking for a part time Nanny/Sitter for 13 month old. Approx. 2 days a week - 4-5 hours a day Erin Toohey

There will be a bake sale following church on April 11. Everyone is invited to donate ANYTHING that's been home baked. If you would like to donate or help out contact Erin Toohey 373-3885.....100% of the proceeds will go to Brother's Brother Foundation for Haiti Relief. Their mission is to provide international health & education through efficient distribution of donated medical, educational & agricultural resources, Please pass the word on to all friends & family who may like to help out AND fill their bellies with yummy goodness!

Ready to move beyond being a visitor? Then you are invited to attend the *Spring Newcomers Orientation on Saturday, April 10th, 7 PM, at the Tings. The Membership Committee will explain how you can become more involved in our congregation and provide a packet of reference material. All followed by dessert & refreshments and time for discussion & socializing. To attend please contact Chris at the church office (740-373-1238).

Sunday Services Schedule– April 2010

Theme for Sunday Services in April: Earth

The promise of Spring may be summed up in "April showers bring May flowers". With enough rain, the flowers may come to bloom in bright colors. All life needs the nurturing water, and in return there is growth, which feeds other life in the great cycle of nature. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence means we understand our interconnections with other forms of life. "The earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth." (attributed to Chief Noah Sealth) It is the fundamental relationship of cause and effect in our environment.

April 4 "Easter for the Earth" All Ages Service -Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker Everyone is invited to bring a decorated egg for the Easter Egg Exchange. Worship Associate: Jim Rapp

Springtime wakes again in the ancient cycle of death and rebirth. Resurrection is found in many stories, and is the central theme in the life story of Jesus. His teachings and our experiences of Nature will be our guide. There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children after the service.

April 11 "Earth Memories" – -Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker Worship Associate: Martha McGovern

Many memories are tied to a sense of place and a connection to the land. When we return to these places we connect the memories with lessons learned and they reside as touchstones to earlier times. Our spirits can be bound or nourished by these memories.

April 18 "Will the Earth Move Under Our Feet?" Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker The Green Revolution is underway and it is a movement that is changing lives. Information about our carbon footprint can help us to walk more lightly on the earth. But what about the earth itself? Some feel that global climate change and earthquakes are signs of the end of the world. Do you think so? *See blog for article on tectonics

Sat. April 24 Empty Bowls April 25 "Blessing Seeds" Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker Plan to visit the community garden after the service for an on-site blessing. Stories bear truths. There are ancient stories full of metaphors and exotic place names, and simple stories which offer just the facts, and humorous stories that lighten our hearts with laughter.

Worship & Music Notes for April 2010 Issue by Sara Lamb

2010-04-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone for helping make the March Melissa Cox and Mythica concert a HUGE success! So many people pitched in and we put on a great concert. We raised $800 for Haiti relief and were also able to compensate the band. We can be really proud of this! Diana Bungard and Erin Toohey headed up the kitchen crew. You worked very hard and made the potluck so nice for all of us. Jim greeted and took donations. Rev. Kat was our MC. Gil ran the sound. Adeline took care of publicity while Jane Tumas-Serna, Diana and Erin helped put up posters. Friends at the Congregational church also helped spread the word and a number attended from there. This was an opportunity to invite the community to our church to enjoy lively music together and contribute to a worthy cause. Many others contributed in the kitchen and with set up and clean up upstairs. All your efforts are recognized and appreciated. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed.

On April 4th Easter Sunday please bring a decorated egg for an egg exchange. On April 11th after the service there will be a bake sale in the fellowship hall with proceeds going to Haiti relief. On April 25th we will celebrate our efforts in the community garden with a Blessing of the Garden service.

We will be starting to plan our summer services soon. Please contact me or anyone else on the Music and Worship Committee with any topics you are interested in exploring this summer. We truly value your input and ideas and hope to put together a summer program that reflects our diverse interests. (sara.kevin.lamb@sbcglobal.net)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World by "Iz"

2010-04-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Song referenced by Rev. Kat at the March 27, 2010 service:

A LESSON ON 7 - March 2010

2010-02-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

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.

I Am From...

2010-02-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Hello and Welcome to Jean Smith

2010-02-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

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."

Worship & Music Notes

2010-02-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

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.”

Announcements and Events for March 2010

2010-02-25T16:05:00.001-08:00

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

Something Old , Something New

2010-02-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

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.

On Ethical Leadership

2010-02-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

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.

Remembering Roly

2010-02-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

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.

Kat’s Korner for March 2010

2010-02-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

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.