Circle of Fellowship Newsletter

The First Universalist Society of Central Square

A Unitarian Universalist Congregation

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the First Universalist Church of Central Square is to be a welcoming, diverse congregation, which values spiritual growth and service to the local and world community.

February 2007

MINISTERIAL MUSINGS

Dear Friends,
   Change is in the air... and in the church. We will be having Bring A
Friend to Church Sunday on February 18. An orientation session is scheduled for
Saturday, March 3, which will be helpful to people who are thinking of joining the
church, but anyone is welcome to attend; just sign up in advance. A New Member Sunday
is scheduled for March 18 (let me know if you plan to join then).
   And then there is the case of the rooms... we will be setting up a
church office in what was previously designated as the nursery (the large back room
overlooking the parking lot); the room in which the lift comes up to the second floor
(previously the teen room) will be gated off and made into a nursery. The room where
the couches are will remain the adult programming room (video-discussions,
chanting and meditation, men’s group) and will double as the teen room on Sunday
mornings. Hopefully we’ll upgrade the furnishings in the near future. If you have an interest in donating to that cause, let us know. Kate Stanton has agreed to organize a painting party to help us transform and update these rooms; please help
out as you are able.
   And then there is the case of the piano... We had a congregational meeting recently in which we heard some of the pros and cons of digital and acoustic pianos. We decided to borrow a digital piano for a 30-day free trial period, and then decide whether to purchase a digital or acoustic piano. So, I hope that many of you will listen to the digital piano as it is used in worship services during the month of February, so that you can help make an informed decision at the next congregational meeting. As someone pointed out at the congregational meeting, whatever instrument we end up purchasing, may it be the one which serves our church the best over time.
   As I was contemplating all the change that is happening, I realized
that we always have the choice to go inside, to that place of inner stillness, and
to experience peace amidst the seeming chaos. From that place of inner peace,
we gain a new perspective. May it be so.
   With love and respect,
   Margaret

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, TIM HART

The groundhog didn’t see his shadow which is supposed to mean that we will have a shortened winter (let’s hope he is correct). As usual, good things have been happening at our church. Mike DiGiovanni and the music committee have been quite busy researching possible instruments for us to purchase to replace our aged piano. Many thanks go to Mike, Nancy Haskell, Judy Linder, and Rita or their investigatory work on this issue. At the recent congregational meeting we decided to have a digital piano for a trial period during the month of February. Then we will schedule another congregational meeting for a vote on what type of piano to purchase. My hope is that all of us will accept the majority decision with grace, and compassion for those who are somewhat disappointed by our choice. It is very important for all of us to keep in mind that regardless of the type of piano we end up purchasing, our church will end up with a very fine instrument. The music
committee is also trying to find an interim musician to help us out while Rita is unable to play.

Special thanks goes out to Nancy Haskell, Jody Brown, and Mike DiGiovanni for volunteering their time and talent to play piano and organ for us while Rita Thornton, our regular musician, is feeling “under the weather” (our thoughts and prayers are with you Rita).

The Board requests that Committees meet in February to develop goals for the
next 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. We ask that we receive your goals by the first
Sunday in March so we can become familiar with them before the upcoming extended Board meeting on Saturday, March 31 (9-noon).
Upcoming Events: On February 18 we will be celebrating Bring a Friend to Church Sunday.
Think of what our church means to you, and what a gift it would be to share with your
friends. It would also be great for you to call someone you haven’t seen in church
recently, and invite them to attend this special celebration.
Herkimer Diamond collecting trip on Saturday, April 14th.
Lifetime Screening on Thursday, May 17.
Tim Hart, Board President

SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The SJC met 1/21/07 and spent most of our time discussing the UU Green Sanctuary Program. This is an ongoing process promoting our 7th Principle, Respect for the interdependent web of our existence of which we are apart.

There are 5 main goals and a manual providing strategy to accomplish them.

1. To build awareness of societal environmental issues among UU's

2. To generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes

3. To motivate UU's to community action on environmental issues

4. To build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness

5. To build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices

After criteria have been met, we will qualify for accreditation with the UU Ministry for Earth. The first step is to form a Green Sanctuary Committee. The SJC is spearheading this proposal, but the entire church will need to participate. This is to benefit each one of us, as individuals, as well as our congregation, and our community. Next we will conduct an environmental audit and create an action plan. The whole process to accreditation takes one to two years, but is then ongoing. Much information is available @ www.uuministryforearth.org I have the manual, audit and pamphlets at church. I also have National Green pages, from Co-op America that lists socially responsible products and services.

Please checkout the poster in the dining room, How to Build a Community. This month’s focus is to ~ BAKE EXTRA AND SHARE

Next meeting is 2/11 @ 9:30, before church service. All are welcome to attend.

In Peace, Nancy

COFFEE AND CHAT

The coffee and chat group will meet as usual at 9:15 on February 21^st. This is a chance for the women of the church to join together for conversation in a casual setting. Please contact Nancy Haskell for more information at 635-2594 or email at nhaskell@twcny.rr.com Hope to see you there!

Several of the men have decided to get together for coffee at that time, too. Check with Chet Perkins if you are interested in joining them at 668-6719 or at marychet@earthlink.net

EVENTS SPONORED BY THE ST LAWRENCE DISTRICT OR BY THE UUA

March 10 ~ Growth Workshop for Mid Sized Congregations (Amherst, NY)
Linking Purpose to Possibilty: Finding Your Untapped Potential to Thrive
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Sam Trumbore of the First UU Society of Albany
Flyer and Registration on line

March 17 ~ Social Justice Workshop: Being the Change We Want to See (Utica) Flyer/Registration on line

March 23 – 25 ~ Multicultural Religious Education Renaissance Module (Canton)

Flyer, Registration on line

April 27 – 28 ~ St Lawrence District Assembly/YAC Meeting (Utica)

June 20 – 24 ~ UUA General Assembly (Portland, OR)

Plan now to join your friends at the DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

hosted by UU Church of Utica. Join in thought provoking workshops and panel discussions. Keynote speaker, Gary Kowalski, author of Science and the Search for God, tackles the question: Which is more dangerous: science or religion? For more information, click on the SLD icon above or go to http://www.sld.uua.org/

An open letter to George W. Bush, from the Reverend William G. Sinkford, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association http://www.uua.org/president/070111.html

Unitarian Universalists Join Anti-War March on Washington http://www.uua.org/

CHALICE LIGHTER REMINDER CALL

The potential goal of the Chalice Lighter call for Saratoga Springs and Cortland is $14,350 from 589 Chalice Lighters. To date the SLD office has received $8530. We know with the busy holidays it was easy to overlook the November Chalice Lighter Call. Please help us reach our goal by sending your pledge to the district office, if you have not already done so. The SLD Growth Committee thanks you for all you do to share Unitarian Universalism in our district. Our recipients thank you.

Eileen Hamlin for the SLD Growth Committee

Make your check payable to the St Lawrence District and mail to:

St Lawrence District

695 Elmwood Ave

Buffalo, NY 14222-1697

Note ~ Chalice Lighters - SS/Cortland on your check memo

CNY CUUPS

The CNY Chapter of CUUPS wishes to graciously thank all who attended the Imbolg Service on January 28th. FYI, we hold business meetings on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 7-9PM in the Parlor of First UU in Syracuse. We usually have a topic for discussion as well as taking care of business. To access our elist, please go to CNY-CUUPS@yahoogroups.com. As usual, for any further information, please contact Jody Brown at 476-0447.

Please submit you newsletter articles on or before noon on Saturday, March 3 to

mjgarlow@aol.com . Earlier copy would be appreciated. Thank you for your cooperation.

FROM THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

A visitor’s packet which includes UUA pamphlets, information about our church and the latest newsletter is being prepared. It also could be sent to anyone that you think would like to know more about our church. We would like to thank Sean, Ann, Ellen and Janie for volunteering to serve as greeters and/or hostess for the coffee hour during February. A hostess is needed for February 25 and greeters for February 18 and 25. See Chet if you would like to volunteer.

Don’t forget to give our guests a warm welcome to our church and get to know them better during coffee hour. Do you have friends or neighbors to invite to Bring a Friend Sunday, February 18?

A NEW INSTRUMENT FOR OUR CHURCH

As many of you know, the Board has asked the members of the Music Committee to research information regarding a new piano for our church. This is a very important project, as music is a crucial part of our Sunday services. Music allows us to express emotions of joy, sorrow, hope and love, and helps to tie in the messages we hear from the pulpit each weekend.

There are two styles of pianos we have looked at, digital and acoustic. Both bring their own unique positive aspects to the church, as well as negative. Many opinions have surfaced regarding which type of instrument to purchase and how that decision will impact our Music program, the membership, and our services. The following is a synopsis of information shared at the Congregational meeting on January 25 regarding the search for a new piano.

In terms of an acoustic piano, the pros are as follows:

1. The sound of an acoustic piano is uncompromising and reacts to the player

2. The instrument is a Solid asset. Depreciation is minimal and its value does not diminish

3. With correct care, the instrument will last at least 75 to 100 years

4. Aesthetically, an acoustic piano matches our church décor and is a natural fit

5. Upon purchase, the warranty for an acoustic instrument will last between 5 and 25 years, depending on the dealer and instrument brand

The cons for an acoustic are:

1. Cost. Generally, an acoustic may be more expensive

2. An acoustic piano would need a yearly maintenance budget of about $150 for tuning once every six months

3. To keep the piano in the correct environment would mean keeping the church sanctuary heated at 62 degrees at all times, up from the current temperature of 55

In regards to a digital piano, the pros are:

1. Cost – Some models are less expensive than an acoustic

2. Maintenance would be virtually eliminated as the digital instrument would not need to be tuned

3. Higher quality digital instruments have features such as a recording option and pre-programs rhythms

4. Other options for most digitals include “sounds” other than a piano, such as an organ, harpsichord, strings, and wind instruments

The cons for a digital instrument are:

1. The sounds heard are recordings or created, meaning you are hearing manufactured notes

2. Because these instruments are made so easily, there is little value in a digital instrument once you take ownership

3. These instruments also would require the church to review the heating policy, as malfunctions could occur with contacts and other components

4. According to salespeople we spoke to, these instruments will only last approximately 20 to 30 years and the manufacturer’s warranties last between 2 to 5 years.

The congregation decided to try a digital piano in our church. At the Music committee’s suggestion of a digital piano to test, A Kawai CP-115, which we could purchase for $3,400, is on loan from Martin’s Pianos until the end of February. I encourage you to attend services and form your own opinion on this instrument.

The acoustic piano that the committee is most interested in is currently in stock at the Great Northern Mall’s Piano and Organ Center. It is a Petrof upright studio piano and is available to us for $3,995. I encourage you to visit the store and ask for Wayne Skinner to demonstrate the instrument.

While it is a great opportunity to test the digital piano, unfortunately we are unable to directly compare this instrument to a new acoustic piano. Therefore, I am organizing a group trip to the Piano and Organ Center on February 18^th after our Sunday service. The store will be open exclusively to our members on this day and I strongly encourage everyone to join us in this group visit. We will have the ability to listen to, and directly compare both digital and acoustic instruments.

In conclusion, the purchasing decision that our membership makes will impact our church’s music program for many years to come. It is an issue that I hope you will think about seriously and form your own opinions. There are additional materials on the East Room table for you to review, and if you have any questions regarding this, please speak with a member of the Music Committee, which includes Rita Thornton, Nancy Haskell and myself, Mike DiGiovanni at 695-4383 or digiovanni_mike@yahoo.com .

RE INFORMATION AND NEWS

Some of our usage of rooms in the RE area is being reconsidered. The Teen Room is starting to be a little too small for the number of teens who have been in attendance. The Nursery has hardly been used and the Minister’s Office would work better in a different room. Therefore, there will be some shifting of rooms. The Minister’s Office will be moving to the last (end) room on the left, overlooking the parking lot. The Teen Room will be moving in the former Minister’s Office / Conversation Room. Ronna’s Children’s Room will stay where it is. We do not at this time have a definite idea for the room at the top of the elevator.

The RE Committee will be instituting a Background Screening of those of us who will be working with our children and youth. The main reason for us to do this is that we will help us to give assurance to potentially new members of our congregation, with children and youth, that they can be confident that we have made every effort to guarantee their safety. It will require a small effort and expense on our part to be able offer to
new members this piece of mind. You may here more of this in the future.

The teens have been discussing ways in which they can act on their social concerns. For example, they have a sum of money, raised from recycling used computer ink cartridges, to use for some project. One idea has been to make a contribution to the HEIFER PROJECT, where gifts of animals, along with environmentally-sound training, are given to families or communities, with the goal of ending hunger by helping people to feed themselves. Recipient families "pass on the gift" by sharing one or more of their animals' offspring with other struggling families. Each recipient becomes a donor. If the group does decide to contribute to this organization, then they will be deciding on the specific gift to contribute the money toward.

Two other possible projects that have been mentioned in the Teen group are:
One is having more involvement with the highway cleanup the church is responsible for (US Route 11, north from the intersection with NY Route 49). The other is to build and put up bird houses in the area (especially blue bird houses). I am sure that we will be discussing these options in the coming weeks.

Since the Teen group is becoming more organized, it is suggested that the teens think about instituting some ceremonies that will help us all feel part of a unified community. (This is why we meet on Sunday mornings and have certain things that we do in each meeting: to join together in the same activity, with continuity with our past and our future.) There are some suggestions to be found on the UU website and also on Church of the Larger Fellowship website. These would include ceremonies for each meeting and ceremonies to welcome new participants.

A historical note:
Because there was so much fighting about religion in his country, King John Sigismund of Transylvania decided to hold a great debate, encouraging the Catholics, Lutherans, Calvinists and Unitarians to argue publicly about which version of religion was right. It would, the king felt, be much better to have people stand up and tell the reasons why they believed as they did, rather than fighting, and treating others in a prejudiced way, or even killing them because of their religious differences. So January 6-13th 1568, there was a big debate held, with Francis David arguing for the Unitarians. In fact, he won the debate, giving the most compelling arguments for the Unitarian point of view. But winning the debate didn't mean that King John Sigismund declared that everyone had to become Unitarians. Instead, he embraced the ideas of Unitarianism, and said that people were entitled to their own religious beliefs, and that no
one was entitled to hurt another person or treat them badly because they practiced a different version of religion. So, in the month of January, more than 400 years ago, the first ever law of religious tolerance was born.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please speak with me on Sunday mornings, or contact me at ihlow@Oswego.edu

Imagination is something that sits up with Dad and Mom

the first time their teenager stays out late. Lane Olinghouse

ONE OF OUR OWN HONORED FOR TEACHING EXCELLENT

Adjunct professor at Cornell University, Robert Emborski accepts the award for his course, Managing Information Systems Projects. Students were impressed by Emborski’s ability to create global connections in an asynchronous learning environment.

We are proud of you, Bob!!! 5

VIDEO AND DISCUSSION GROUP

The Video and Discussion Group will meet at the church on February 16 at 7 PM. We will be viewing the 2000 award winning film, The Eyes of Tammy Faye. A documentary look, mostly through the eyes of Tammy Faye Bakker Messner, at her rise and fall as a popular televangelist with her husband, Jim Bakker. The film is 79 minutes. All are welcome.

LIBERAL RELIGIOUS HOUR NOW AVAILABLE AS PODCAST at www.uuradio.org.

THE UU BED AND BREAKFAST DIRECTORY

Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to provide directions and advice for their area?

The UU bed and breakfast directory UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings) can fulfill your dream. For 27 years, we’ve provided a network of hosts in the United States (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people.

Host listings on the UU’re Home website at www.UUreHome.com are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added. The paper edition is published every year in April (and has many listings different from those on the website). For a copy of the 2007 directory, please send a check for $20 (or $25 and your e-mail address for both the book and a year’s access to the website) to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.

CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME

A B&B experience will be hosted by Cedar Lane UU Church on the Washington DC beltway during the National Cherry Blossom Festival (night of April 13- thru afternoon of April 15). Transportation to and from the airport, the Metro subway entrance, and church service on Sunday is included. A brief city tour (or Metro pass), reserved seats at the Annual Cherry Blossom Parade and a dinner at church Saturday evening are also all part of the festival package. (Participants will receive a package of tour materials and recommendations, including Metro maps, designed to make any spontaneous touring on your own easy.) Cost: $250/single; $500/couple. Registration form must be received by March 19, 2007, accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total cost. A flier with registration form is posted on the bulletin board or www.cedarlane.org/cbfestival.pdf.

IMPOTRTANT NOTICE

There will be a special congregational meeting on Sunday, March 4, 2007 immediately following church services. During this meeting there will be two issues decided upon:

The first issue will involve a vote on the purchase of either a digital piano or an acoustic piano. During the pervious congregational meeting on this issue it was decided that the church would spend up to $4200 for the purchase of a piano with half of the funding coming from church funds and the other half coming from a find raiser. We currently have a digital piano on loan at the church so you are encouraged to listen carefully during services and compare for yourself with the acoustic pianos we are all familiar with. Rita Thornton, Mike DiGiovanni, Nancy Haskell and Judy Linder have also been doing research for the Music Committee on different brands and types of pianos so if you have questions they may be able to help you.

The second issue will involve a vote on carpeting for the downstairs dining area. Information and price quotes will be presented at this meeting so the congregation can make an informed decision.

All are encouraged to attend this important meeting. Your input is valuable

All members 18 years or older shall have the right to vote.

RITA THORNTON wants to thank everyone for their out pouring of love and concern. She hopes to be back in church soon. Cards and get well wishes can be sent to Rita’s home: 8043 Trina Circle, Clay, NY 13042.

MORE CARES AND CONERNS

Sheila Emborski has pneumonia. I know your prayers, cards and get well wishes would be appreciated. Send them to 6485 Long Point Rd, Brewerton, NY 13029

Betty Figie is scheduled for a hip replacement on February 19 at Community followed by rehabilitation at BirchWood.

Our prayers are with Reilly Mumpton and Pat’s Dad for speedy recoveries.

We miss you in church, Reily!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ~ UU CIRCLE DATES

February 11….Snow shoe outing at Amboy Center at 2:00 PM.

One dollar per person plus

One dollar for snow shoe rental or bring your own.

February 25….Pot Luck Luncheon immediately following the Sunday Service

UU Circle members will present some of their ideas to the congregation

and welcome your feedback. Pot lucks are always fun and all are welcome.

April 22………UU Service Auction immediately following the Sunday Service

This is our major fundraiser and is truly a FUNraiser.

There is a donation form below for you to check out.

Start thinking about what it is that you may want to donate.

May 6…………Canvass Luncheon immediately following the Sunday Service

UU CIRCLE AUCTION APRIL 22

The UU Circle auction will be held on April 22 after the Sunday Service.

Refreshments will be provided. The auction is a lot of fun!

We will start the advance bidding on Sunday, April 15.

Please get your donation forms in by Sunday, April 8.

Donations that have been popular in the past were food items (prepared meals, breads, desserts), handyman or home repair labor, services such as computer work, car detailing and window washing, musical performances, outings (bird watching, rock hounding), gift baskets and handcrafted items. Other items that might be of great interest are computer instructions/help, rental of sporting equipment, boat rides, fishing trips, specialty dinners, lawn mowing, yard work, child care, garage and basement cleaning, gardening help, have truck-will haul and nature walks.

Most local businesses will donate gift certificates. Please ask your local businesses if they would like to donate.

UU CIRCLE AUCTION DONATION FORM

Name _____________________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number______________________________________________________________________

I/We would like to offer the following services /items:

Suggested minimum bid (optional)_______________________

____Check if you want your service/item offered only to the immediate church family.

Thank you for your contribution!