[Visitors] May UUFT Beacon

Sat Apr 26 22:41:25 EDT 2008

            Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka
            4775 SW 21st Street  .  Topeka, KS  66604  .  785-272-9233  .  www.uuft.org

            Proud to be a Welcoming Congregation

            May 2008

A Month of Sundays . . .

May 4 - Teach Your Children Well.  The great goal of religious education, according to William Ellery Channing, "is not to stamp our minds upon the young, but to stir up their own." Each year we honor the proud tradition of Unitarian Universalist religious education by celebrating the men and women who teach our children to be thoughtful, curious, justice-seeking, morally discerning people. We will honor the graduating High School seniors at this service as well, and a cake and punch reception will follow the 11:00 service. Service Contacts: Rev. Lisa Schwartz and Judy Sasser

May 11 - Arise, Women of this Day!  The Unitarian Julia Ward Howe (the author of the famous poem, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic") saw first-hand the devastating impact of the Civil War on the bodies and minds of soldiers, on the economy, and on the very fabric of society. She was an adamant anti-war crusader and feminist who believed that women had the power and the responsibility to shape society at the political level. In the hopes that women could unite to bring about peaceful solutions to international and domestic conflict, Julia Ward Howe proclaimed Mother's Day in 1870. Service Contact: Rev. Lisa Schwartz

May 18 - Wilderness Journey: The Struggle for Racial Justice in the UUA.  When the Unitarians and Universalists merged in 1961, they brought together over a century of diligent work for racial justice. In 1965 a UU minister, James Reeb, was martyred in Selma, one of many UU ministers and lay leaders who had joined Dr. Martin Luther King on the front lines of the battle for civil rights. Yet in 1969 Unitarian Universalism was almost destroyed by a conflict that led most of the black delegates to General Assembly, along with many white supporters, to walk out in protest. Many of the African Americans who were part of our fledgling denomination never returned, and our organization has never completely healed from the wounds. Rev. Lisa Schwartz will explore the historic triumphs and tragedies, and envision where we might go from here.

May 25 - Of Life Immense: The Prophetic Vision of Walt Whitman.  Walt Whitman saw himself as writing a new bible, as inaugurating a new religion. Of Life Immense, an inspiring new book by the Rev. Ron Knapp, Minister Emeritus of the First UU Church of Omaha, may well be the most comprehensive attempt to evaluate Whitman as a religious prophet and to describe the major doctrines of his faith. Guest speaker Ron Knapp will discuss Whitman's vision and its relevance for our lives today. Service Contact: Melanie Kitchner

Services begin at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Annual Business Meeting

In the democratic process of conducting our Fellowship business we will be having our annual business meeting on Sunday, June 1st after an abbreviated second service.

Agenda items will include the annual election of officers and trustees, reports by committee chairs, and hopefully a vote to approve the new building design.

In order to be a voting member you must have signed the membership book at least 30 days prior to June 1, 2008 and made a contribution of record within the past twelve months.

Please join us and participate in this annual democratic ritual.

Mike Wilson, President

Garage Sale was a HUGE SUCCESS!!

The April 5th Sale raised $1,900 for the Capital Campaign!!

Thank you for making this a successful fundraiser.  Many members and friends contributed through donation, working, cleaning up, and hauling off the remains.  The RE committee provided concessions which raised $145 of the total amount.

Donation forms are available on the table in front of the sunset wall to provide documentation of your gift for tax purposes.

THANK YOU for a fun and profitable project!!

Joanne Roudebush, event coordinator

Knit Wits, Sunday, May 4, 2-4 p.m.

The UUFT women's needlework group, the Knit Wits, will gather on Sunday afternoon, May 2 from 2-4 at Linda Lucero's house, 1176 SW Warren. All needle arts are welcome. Women of all ages, teen through elder, are welcome to participate. Snacks and drinks are provided. There's usually knitting, crocheting, and quilting or sewing going on, plus lots of laughter and sharing. If you have questions, call Linda Lucero at 232-5958. Or just drop by and experience the power of UU sisterhood.

Special Event for Newcomers: Seeker Supper, Tuesday, May 13th

It's challenging to meet many people at a Sunday service. Often a smaller setting is more comfortable, and offers a better chance to get your questions answered, too. One of the best ways for new people to get acquainted with the Fellowship, get to know a few people, and find out some basics about Unitarian Universalism is to attend a Seeker Supper. A couple of longer-term members host the dinners, and Rev. Lisa and Director of Religious Education Judy Sasser are on hand to give an overview of UUFT, and Unitarian Universalism in general. All participants, including the "old timers," have a chance to discuss the spiritual journeys that brought them to the Fellowship. 

The next Seeker Supper is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th from 6-8 p.m. at the Fellowship. Dinner is provided at no charge and childcare is free by request, but reservations really help out the dinner hosts and the babysitter!! Please call the Fellowship office at 272-9233 to reserve your spot or to request childcare, or email office at uuft.org.

UUA President Rev. William Sinkford in Lawrence, May 18th, 4-5:30 p.m.

The Rev. William Sinkford, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, will be speaking at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18th at the Lawrence High School Commons. Rev. Sinkford is a distinguished African American clergyman and a nationally recognized leader on social justice issues.

The event will begin with a brief, rousing musical program by the I-70 chorus, a combined choir from several UU congregations in Kansas. Rev. Sinkford will raise the voice of progressive religious values, speaking especially as regards the role of liberal religion in the 21st Century. And following Rev. Sinkford's address, light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have a chance to meet and greet this honored guest. (Lawrence High School is at 1901 Louisiana St. in Lawrence.)

Pastoral Care Volunteers Needed

The UUFT Pastoral Care Committee would like to compile and maintain a list of members and friends who are willing to provide various types of help to others in our Fellowship, as needs arise and time permits. The more willing folks we have the better we will be able to share and help out. Please check as many of the following pastoral care activities that you might be willing to assist with from time to time. I realize everyone is very busy! 

______ Provide food for health crises or for memorial services.

______ Help with memorial services/serve meals.

______ Home visits (sick or shut-in individuals).

______ Sending cards or notes as needed for special occasions.

______ Participate as part of a "phone tree" for special communications and needs.

______ Become a member of the Pastoral Care committee, and share ideas/plans.

______ Other _______________________________________________________.

Please complete this form and send to PastoralCare at UUFT.org.; or give to Liz McKamy, or leave on the back table as you leave Fellowship.  Thank your for your help!  Your efforts and willingness to be a part of these activities will greatly strengthen the caring interconnectedness of all the members and friends of the Fellowship. 

Appreciatively, Liz McKamy, PC Chairperson

Your Name:_________________________________________________

EMail/Phone:________________________________________________

Your Preferences about contact, activities, anything else: ___________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

New Horizons

By Rev. Lisa Romantum Schwartz

            It seems like just a couple of months ago that we were meeting and talking about the dreams of our hearts regarding the expansion of our Fellowship building. Oh, wait--it WAS just a couple of months ago! And it's so exciting to see our dreams becoming reality in such a short time.

        Yes, I know we've been working towards this goal for over 10 years now, and I'm grateful for the work of many dedicated people who didn't let the dream die. But in the past few months we've accomplished a lot of work: Voting to move ahead with the capital campaign in January (with a rare unanimous vote), launching our "fund the dream" efforts in February, and meeting our initial pledge goal of $450,000 in less than 3 months. Meantime we selected an excellent architect, and by the time you read this you'll probably have already seen the two exciting plans we get to look at, and customize.

        So, pat yourself on the back! Pat each other on the back! We've got a ways to go before we walk into our new and improved Fellowship building, but we're building foundations that are every bit as important as the concrete we'll start pouring this summer.

Lisa

Dinner for Eight

The May Dinner for 8 will be held on the 17th. As per usual, the hosts of each dinner are responsible for providing time & location, main dish, side dish assignments and contacting group members. Please, please, please- if you are unable to come, contact your host immediately. If you cancel within 48 hours of the dinner, please still provide the dinner with your assigned dish. 

Note to all UUFT members and friends: the May dinner is the last regularly scheduled small groups dinner of the season. Please make a note on your calendar to attend as many of the 3 summer "Dinners for All" potlucks to be held June 21st, July 19th and August 30th. More news about them in forthcoming newsletters.

Hosts: Bruce Henrikson/ Saundra Snyder  

Jeanne Tomiser/Greg Monaco  

Bobbi/ David Schaeffer   

George Paris 

Debbie Scanland  

Host: Duane Johnson  

Mary Gallagan/ Allan Foster  

Deb Kirmer  

Lou/ Rod Hoover   

Brad/ Katarina/ Hunter Brown 

Host: Dennis Blackmore  

Liz/ Pete Siemers  

            Rick/ Sylvia Crawford  

Bob/ Richie McDaneld  

Stephen Hildman  

Hosts: Don/ Vicki Chronister/George  

                        Shannon Roy  

Toni Scalia  

Jim/ Sylvia Tuchscherer 

Jean Ryan  

                        Judy Sasser   

Nancy Kloetzli  

Hosts:   Bill/ Linda Lucero  

                        Maegan/ Matt Heindel  

Andrea/ Russell Burton  

Bailey/ Justin Marable 

Return of Media Madness

Media Madness is returning June 14th. If your library of books, DVDs, tapes and software is overflowing, load 'em up and bring them to UUFT beginning June 8th. Please do NOT wait until Saturday to bring your contributions.

Want to get first crack at the selection? Show up Wednesday or Thursday evening on June 11 or 12th between 7 and 9 or on Friday beginning at 10 am to help sort and display. We'll also need booksellers on Saturday and clean-up teams on both Saturday and Sunday. The Green Team has committed their help this year, but the more helpers we have the more we can increase the salability of our wares. As previous volunteers will attest, the work is pretty easy and it is THE best way to take your time and see what's available to buy. 

Saturday "Store" hours will be 9 am to 3 pm and on Sunday following services. Unsold proceeds will go to Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library for their sale. 

This year's proceeds will go towards the purchase of a video projector. Video projectors are the newest and best way to show videos and computer presentations to large groups. They accept input from television, DVD & video players and computers.

Contact Liz Siemers at 228-2572 for more info. Signs to post at work and other gathering spots will be available soon.

Fair Trade Products

Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate will be available for purchase on the second Sunday in June (June 8th) instead of the usual first Sunday of the month.

UUFT Board Meeting Minutes

February 20, 2007 (amended)

Attendees:  M. Wilson, L. Schwartz, D. Kirmer, B. Foerster,  L.McKamy, C. Moody, L. Williams, M. Benaka, J. Silsby, A. Selm,  J. Roudebush,  and J. Sasser

Approval of Minutes from January and December Meetings:  Motion was made by J. Roudebush to accept the minutes from the Dec 19th board meeting, Jan 8th prep meeting, Jan 13th Capital Campaign Presentation and Jan 16th board meeting.  Motion was seconded by B. Foerster and approved unanimously.  Minutes from the Dec 19th, Jan 13th and Jan 16th meetings are to be posted in an upcoming UUFT newsletter.

Minster's Report - as attached.  In addition to the report, Lisa requested Board approval to use UUFT letterhead for a "letter to the editor" she had drafted.  C. Moody made a motion that Lisa, acting as the Fellowship's minister, has the Board's consent to use UUFT letterhead to submit a letter to the editor of the Topeka Capital Journal opposing the Holcomb coal-fired power plant.  D. Kirmer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

DLRE Report - as attached.  Reminded Board that UUFT will be hosting a Youth Con meeting at the Fellowship Feb 29 - Mar 2nd.  All participants were to sign a covenant outlining agreed upon behavior during the meeting.  Judy requested additional assistance during overnight hours. 

Judy also informed the Board that she will be on Medical Leave beginning Feb 25th for hip replacement surgery.  Her report included an overview of arrangements she has made to cover certain activities during her absence. 

Treasurer's Report - see attached.  Motion was made by L. Williams to approve the report, which was seconded by C. Moody.  The motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports/Business

a.       Building Committee - see attached SOW (Scope of Work).  Reviewed by Board.  Suggestion made to include language on handicap accessibility under needs and requirements section of the report.  Agreed that SOW should be posted on UUFT website.  Board extended its thanks and appreciation for the work of the committee on the SOW.

b.       Capital Campaign Fundraising Committee - M. Wilson reported that the committee had developed a trifold brochure and had begun to set up one-on-one meetings with members and Friends.  Their goal is to use the month of March to make most of the direct appeals to members and Friends for pledges to the Capital Campaign.  Committee also is considering sending a fundraising letter to former members.  Next steering committee meeting was set for 2/23.

c.       Green Dream Fundraising request - M. Benaka reported that TerraCycle also has developed a foil wrapper collection system.  Motion was made by J. Roudebush to have Matt put UUFT on the wait list to participate in the program.  The motion was seconded by L. McKamy and approved unanimously.  

Liz Siemers inquired about using UUFT for 2008 Media Sale with assistance/support from Green Dream Committee members.  Board requested that Liz formally request use of the fellowship with proposed dates.  Board also would like to know where (or for what project) the money is being raised.  B. Foerster agreed to follow-up with Liz.

d.       Pastoral Care Committee opening - Liz McKamy volunteered to take the open position on the Pastoral Care committee.

Old Business

a.       Building set up and rental fee policy - J. Silsby noted that information regarding the $40 fee for use of UUFT facilities for non-UUFT members has been added to the Website.

b.       Ed Kies coverage - Due to his recent open heart surgery, UUFT's custodian will be on medical leave for at least 8 weeks.  Board members have been asked to sign up each week to cover basic housekeeping duties performed by Ed.  J. Silsby and D. Blackmore have volunteered to be available for snow removal as needed.  Mike Wilson will communicate to Ed that he is required to provide the Board with a medial release form from his doctor prior to returning to work.

New Business

a.       Treasurers housekeeping requests - J. Roudebush noted that the UUFT accountant Ken Elder will be filing a form 999 related to transactions in 2007.  She also noted that IRS filing requirements under form 941 that relate to electronic withdrawal of funds for monthly deposits of FICA, medicare, etc. also will be covered by Ken Elder.  Motion was made by J. Roudebush to have Ken Elder coordinate the monthly filing of such deposits to the IRS/US Treasury on behalf off UUFT.  C. Moody/J. Silsby seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously.

Adjournment

Next Scheduled Meeting

Regular UUFT Board meeting moved to Mar 12th at 7:00 pm.          

      May Calendar of events

            4
           Knit Wits, 2 p.m., 1176 SW Warren

            13
           Seeker Supper, 6 p.m., UUFT

            17
           Dinner for Eight, hosts will provide time and location

            18
           UUA President Rev. William Sinkford speaks, 4 p.m., Lawrence High School Commons

            June Calendar of Events

            1 
           Annual Business Meeting, after second service, UUFT

            14
           Media Madness, 9-3 p.m., UUFT

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