[Visitors] April UUFT Beacon Newsletter

Wed Mar 26 15:58:13 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

            April 2008

A Month of Sundays . . .

April 6 - Inquiring Minds Want To Know.  It's time for the annual Question Sermon! Rev. Lisa Schwartz will answer submitted questions about the meaning of life, Unitarian Universalism, other religious, social or environmental questions, and even philosophical musings like whether God can make a rock so big she can't lift it. And there are always a few foolish surprises at this energetic celebration of laughter, so come prepared - wear funny hats if you have 'em. And if you have a burning question, a ticklish quandary, or simply want to "stump the chump," please submit your queries and questions to minister at uuft.org.  THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING QUESTIONS IS TUESDAY, APRIL 1st.

April 13 - Building a Personal Theology.  Building a personal theology has been a UU tradition since the 1970's when Richard Gilbert, a UU minister, began facilitating personal theology study groups and wrote the guide book "Building Your Own Theology." Fellowship member, Don Jacobs, will outline this process and point out the benefits from such an adventure of discovery.  Program Contact - Don Jacobs. The Second Sunday lunch follows the 11:00 service.

April 20 - When Lightning Strikes.  On a mountain hike late in the summer of 2007, Rev. Michael Nelson and his life partner, Chuck, were struck by lightning. Their lives have never been the same since. Michael says, "Each of us has moments when we see our lives flash before our eyes and we have a sense of just how little we control in the world. These moments of humility bring us to our connection with all that lives and dies." The Rev. Michael Nelson of the Manhattan UU Fellowship will talk about the universality we experience when what it means to be alive becomes illuminated.

April 27 - Death, Mortality, Rebirth.  On this, the date of Easter for the Orthodox Christian Church, Rev. Lisa Schwartz will revisit old metaphors of life, death, finality, and rebirth. Death is associated with words like final, end, mourning, and loss. But what does it mean to die? And how is it that, in the midst of death, so many find hope and new life? Come hear this "belated" Easter sermon and explore the issues. 

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

UFT GARAGE SALE APRIL 5th  to Benefit the Capital Campaign Fund Drive

Please bring your items beginning Thursday, April 3, 5-8 p.m. and  Friday, April 4, 5-8 p.m.  Pricing of your items at home would be greatly appreciated.  Pick up can be arranged by contacting Joanne Roudebush.  Please sign up to help at the Sunday service or call Joanne Roudebush. The Fellowship is having a media sale June 14 to buy a data projector. Please save CD, DVD, VHS, Books for that sale. Workers are needed Thursday, Friday and all day Saturday. Many hands make light work and it's fun, social and a great way to earn money for the building expansion.  Contact person:  Joanne Roudebush, visburns at hotmail.com, 221-0390, 478-9019.

Kathleen Baughman to be Ordained a UU Minister

The Board of Trustees joyfully requests the honor of your presence at the Ordination of Kathleen Ann Baughman to the Unitarian Universalist ministry.

Date:  Saturday, April 12, 2008

Time:  2:00 p.m.

Place:  UUFT - Scanland Hall

Reception to follow the ceremony.

Kathleen is a former member and president of the Board of the UUFT.  All UUFT members and friends are invited to attend.

Capital Campaign Steering Committee

The minutes of the 3-22-08 Steering Committee meeting are available for review on the UUFT website at UUFT.org.

Steering Committee members are all listed in the minutes and you can contact any member directly with any questions about any aspect of the campaign.

Dinner for Eight 

The April Dinner for 8 will be held on the 19th. As per usual, the hosts of each dinner are responsible for providing time & location, main dish, side dish assignments and contacting group members. 

Hosts:  Jeanne Tomiser/Greg Monaco  

Liz/Pete Siemers  

Lou/Rod Hoover  

Jim Tuchscherer/Sylvia 

Debbie Scanland  

Hosts:  Mary Gallagan/Allan Foster  

Bill/Linda Lucero  

Deb Kirmer  

Duane Johnson

Rick/Sylvia Crawford  

Hosts:  Bobbi/ David Schaeffer  

            Shannon Roy  

Bob/Richie McDaneld   

George Paris  

Nancy Kloetzli  

Brad/Katarina/ Hunter Brown 7 

Hosts:  Maegan/ Matt Heindel  

Don/Vicki Chronister/George  Bruce Henrikson/Saundra Snyder  

Bailey/Justin Marable 

April 22 and May 13 Seeker Suppers

There will be Seeker Suppers on Tuesday, April 22 and Tuesday, May 13 at the Fellowship for all those interested in Unitarian Universalism. They will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and involve a free supper, child care and a chance to interact with Fellowship members. Minister Lisa Schwartz will give a tour of the Fellowship and be available for any questions. Contact Don Jacobs at 267-6245 or jakelnd1 at aol.com if you wish to attend.

UUFT Wins a "Green Star" from the Prairie Star District!

Green is the color of growth! Green Star congregations are the top ten District congregations in either the percentage growth or absolute number of new members in the last year. The UUFT won a Green Star because we're on both top ten lists! We added 32 new members in 2007, and grew by 27%! The District is honoring our congregation at the Annual Conference in Omaha. When our beautiful banner joins the parade of congregational banners in the opening ceremony, it will be decked with a green star to celebrate our growth.

UUFT Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Board Attendees:  Beth Foerster,  Deb Kirmer, Joanne Roudebush, Joe Silsby, Judy Sasser, Linda Williams, Lisa Schwartz, Liz McKamy, Matt Benaka, Amy Selm and Mike Wilson.  

Other attendees: Mike Maude, Consultant, and Duane Johnson, Janine Silsby and Jim McHenry Jr. from the Financial Consultant Committee.

Call to Order - Mike Wilson

Opening Words - Lisa Schwartz

Presentation by Mike Maude, Fundraising Consultant - Mike M. gave a brief overview of his written report.  Board agreed to provide the report to all UUFT members via its website.  Board Secretary deleted the names of all interviewees and survey participants as requested by the Board.  The Board also requested that the Secretary place notice on the UUFT website.  The attached information was provided to the UUFT Webmaster:

Report of a Capital Campaign Study for UUFT Now Available

"The following report was commissioned by UUFT from the Topeka-based consultant group Partners in Philanthropy, Inc.  The intended purpose of the report is to provide feedback from the Fellowship's membership and friends regarding its plan to expand and/or remodel its current facility.

The Report was presented to the Board at its meeting on Wed., December 19th, 2007.  The Report will be the basis for a special Congregational Meeting to be held at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2008.  A limited number of hard copies also will be available at the meeting for those members who do not have internet access.  Questions regarding the Report should be directed to Mike Wilson at president at uuft.org.  The names of members interviewed for the report and survey participants have been deleted for reasons of confidentiality."

Approval of Minutes from November 14 Meeting and December 2 Business Meeting. Joanne moved to accept the minutes, Matt seconded.  Both sets of minutes were approved unanimously.

Minister's Report - As attached.

(Continued on Page 3)

New Horizons

By Rev. Lisa Romantum Schwartz

            Much is said at the Fellowship these days, and rightly so, about increasing our financial capital in order to expand our facilities. This is an essential conversation for us to have in these growing times. (The UUFT has received a "green star award" from the PSD for our phenomenal growth; over 27% in the last year. See the article elsewhere in the Beacon for details about the award.) 

            There's another essential conversation we need to have as we grow, too. Namely, how to increase our "leadership capital" in order to care for the community we cherish. 

            The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, like all UU congregations, is a lay-led enterprise. Most UU churches and Fellowships enter into a covenantal relationship with a minister, but that doesn't mean that the professional minister becomes the driver of the organization. George W. Bush's famous "I'm the decider" statement wouldn't have an authentic ring to it coming from the lips of a UU minister, or a board president.

            In UU congregations, both the minister and the board are accountable to the congregation that called or elected them. And according to our bylaws, the lay leadership must change each year (though, thanks to staggered terms of service, never all at once). That makes it especially important for the members of the congregation to be well-informed, and to develop their own leadership skills.

            It's exciting for me to see our Fellowship grow, both in numbers and in vitality, and to see new people stepping into leadership roles. That's a really effective way for us to expand our ministry, within our Fellowship and outside our walls. I encourage all members, and especially those who can envision themselves in a leadership role, to consider attending the Prairie Star District annual conference in Omaha April 11-13 (info is available at http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2008/AnnualConference2008), or General Assembly in Fort Lauderdale June 25-29 (info is available at http://www.uua.org/events/

generalassembly/). Limited scholarship money may be available for General Assembly, through a generous grant program of the UUA.

            And finally, there are great opportunities for personal growth at Midwest Leadership School, an intense week of workshops, discussions, intimate small groups, worship preparation, personal theological exploration and growth, held on the campus of Beloit College in Beloit WI, July 20-26 (info is available at http://www.psduua.org/mwls/). 

            If you're interested in any of these opportunities, talk to me or any member of the board (those friendly faces pictured on the "board board" in the back of Scanland Hall). Together we can invest the considerable leadership capital we have at UUFT!

Lisa

December 19 UUFT Board Minutes 

(Continued from Page 2)

DLRE Report - As attached.

Treasurer's Report - As attached.  Beth moved to accept the report, Matt seconded.  Approved unanimously.

Committee Reports/Business

Green Committee - Beth Foerster noted that the committee has completed its request to obtain Green Sanctuary certification from UU Ministry for Earth, which sponsors the Green Sanctuary Program.  UU Ministry for Earth is an independent affiliate program of the UUA.  The committee also noted it has lots of new members and will be sponsoring a monthly Movie Night starting January 27th.  These movies will highlight environmental issues that we feel are important.  

Old Business - None

New Business 

a.       Review building clean up /rental policy and fees - Issue was postponed until Jan 16th Monthly Board meeting.  Mike W. and Joe S. to draft a specific proposal regarding setup and cleanup fees.

b.       Discussion of Congregational meeting to take on 1/13/07 at 12:15 to coincide with Second Sunday lunch: A SPECIAL BOARD MEETING IS PLANNED FOR WED, JAN 9th at 7pm to plan the details of the Jan 14 congregational meeting.  Board members who are not able to attend should contact Mike W. directly.

Adjournment - Motion made by Matt and seconded by Linda W.  Approved unanimously.

Next Scheduled Meetings:

                Wednesday, Jan 9th at 7pm- Special Board Meeting to Plan Congregational Meeting on Jan 13.

                Sunday, Jan 13th at 12:15 - Congregational Meeting to discuss Report of a Capital Campaign Study for UUFT.

                Wednesday, Jan 16th at 7pm - Regular Monthly Board Meeting.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka

January 16, 2008 Board Minutes

Board Members Present: Mike Wilson, Joanne Roudebush, Matt Benaka, Joe Silsby, Linda Williams, Beth Foerester, Liz McKamy, Rev. Lisa Schwartz.  Board Members Absent: Amy Selm, Chris Moody, Deb Kirmer, Judy Sasser 

Call to Order: Mike Wilson, President, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., and made note of the unanimous vote of confidence from the Congregation regarding the Capital Building Campaign.

Chalice Lighting and Opening Words: Rev. Lisa Schwartz opened the meeting with a reading. Chalice lighting followed.

Minister's Report: Rev. Lisa Schwartz summarized her written report, and made note of the successful launching of "Rise Up and Call Her Name" groups and enrollment.

DLRE Report: Written report was reviewed. Special appreciative note made of Dennis Blackmore's initiative taking down fallen tree limbs around the property. Success of the OWL training program was noted.

Treasurer's Report: Written end of the year Treasurer's Report not available. Joanne summarized the 12/31/07 report, noted receipt of pre paid '08 pledges, and reported that various big expense items (i.e., dues, FICA and Medicare insurance) have been paid. Joanne also noted that Martin Weisaar is working with Joanne in preparation for taking on role of Treasurer. The Board members'appreciation of Joanne was heartily expressed.

Capital Campaign Report: Mike and Lisa reported that our good news is traveling fast; Prairie Star district fastest growing district in US at present time. Campaign Steering Committee has been formed (including both Fundraising and Building Committee co-chairs): Mike Wilson, Beth Foerster, Joanne Roudebush, Martin Weisaar, Pastor Lisa, Stan Williams and Phil Roudebush, Janine Silsby and Duane Johnson meet Saturday, 1/19.

Old Business:

Building setup and rental fee policy: Joanne made motion that a $40 custodial fee be put in place for building rental. Motion seconded by Joe and approved. Building committee will further review fee situation and report back to Board.

New Business:

Social Justice Committee request for Board approval $400 attendee to UU Allies Racial Equality Training 2/08 and $1500 to support 2 adult, 3 youth UU-UNO in NYC Spring '08: Joanne moved to approve; Matt seconded. Motion passed.

Kathy Baughman request for UUFT funding assistance for her 4/19 ordination discussed: Joanne made motion that UUFT sponsor Kathy's ordination ($1500); motion seconded by Joe. Request approved.

Adjournment: Linda made motion to adjourn meeting; seconded by Matt.

Next Scheduled Board Meeting: February 20th 7 p.m.

UUFT Social Justice Committee

Monthly Business Meeting Minutes

February 4, 2008

Present: Laura Burton, Chuck Fantz, Vicki George, Jennifer Gray, Bobbi Schaeffer, Lisa Schwartz

Jennifer led the meeting in Jean's absence. The meeting was called to order by Jennifer at 7:00 pm

Opening from Bobbi, an encouragement to attend the upcoming caucuses.

Agenda review and modifications: No modifications to agenda.

Calendar review and modifications: No modifications to calendar.

Secretary's Report:  Amendment to January minutes: adopted families did not receive bonus money.

Chuck/Bobbi motion to approve January minutes as amended passed unanimously. Laura reported the following correspondence: solicitation letters from the American Diabetes Association (3), thank you letters from the YWCA Battered Women Task Force, Alternative Gifts International, Mother to Mother, UUAC for the quarterly recipient donation to the New Orleans UUs and information from Doorstep regarding Operation Soup Line on February 6, American Cancer Society regarding Daffodil Days and the Equal Justice Initiative regarding their juvenile justice programs.

Treasurer's Report: Chuck reported the following balances: Fair Trade: $972.96, El Salvador $0, Quarter Recipient: $142.75, Global Village Bazaar: $304.55, total: $1400.26. Petty cash for child care $40.  Laura/Vicki motion to receive Treasurer's Report passed unanimously.

Ministerial Minute(s): Lisa reported she continues her involvement in the RACE committee and is still working on the discussion groups. She also reported that there is a DVD, The Wilderness Journey, on race and the UUA during the 1960s and 1970s, she is planning a sermon in March about the controversy and asked permission to purchase it. Laura/ motion to approve the purchase from local projects passed unanimously. 

Old Business

None.

New Business

Social Justice Sunday: Jennifer reported the Social Justice Sunday will be March 30 and the topic involves the cost of the Iraq War and tradeoffs. The topic a bit unfocused but may be able to limited for a more concise message. One message might be the issue of war profiteering, with a skit to explain people in power's roles. A subcommittee of Vicki and Jennifer will work on the service. Laura will send out an invitation to the congregation to help.

Subcommittee Reports

2nd Sunday Lunch: Vicki reported that she needs more quiches. Laura reported that Dennis from Stone Nature Center will be on hand and may be able to give a brief description of the organization at the end of service with permission from Jeanine Silsby and Bob McDaniel (Laura will call and ask). 

Fair trade: Chuck reported that fair trade is doing well and had a recent deposit.                                                                

Talpetates: Vicki reported that she has not heard from anyone interested in going to Talpetates but she will put an announcement in the March newsletter.

Anti-Racism Team (ART): Jennifer reported that Glenda Overstreet attended the recent meeting and gave good information to the group. She also reported the Allies for Racial Equity Convention was interesting and she got a lot of new resources, particularly on the subject of white privilege.  

Criminal Justice: No report.

Global Bazaar: Russell and Andrea will be co-chairs for next year's bazaar.

Liaison Reports

KEC: Laura reported the KEC Equality Day will go on at the Kansas statehouse on February 13 and people who stop by during the day will get a change to meet with KEC members from around the state. This year's legislative agenda includes hospital visitation, keeping registration and adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the Kansas Anti-Discrimination Amendment

United Nations: Chuck reported that two teens, Emily Jefferies and Krista Jobst, have applied to attend the Intergenerational Spring Seminar and Emily's mother, Kris Roberts, has offered herself as an adult chaperone. Chuck proposed the SJC help fund the two teens' trips at $400 each, the Laura/Bobbi motion to that effect passed unanimously. Chuck reported that a new executive director for UUUNO will be starting soon and will hopefully improve the financial outlook for the organization.

UUSC: Vicki reported that the project finished up and that UUFT sent $721.42.

Habitat for Humanity: no report. The SJC discussed some difficulty in getting into volunteering with Habitat for Humanity as a group that doesn't constantly volunteer.

Closing from Bobbi. Meeting adjourned at 8:43pm

Next UUFT SJC meeting on March 3 at 6:55pm, Laura will do opening and closing

Minutes submitted by Secretary, Laura Burton

      April Calendar of events

              1
           Rise Up Classes, 6:30-9 p.m., Scanland Hall

              2
           OWL Facilitators, 7-9 p.m., Darwin Room

              5
           Capital Campaign Garage Sale, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., UUFT

              7
           Social Justice Committee Mtg, 6:55-9 p.m., Darwin Room

            12
           Ordination of Kathleen Ann Baughman, 2 p.m., UUFT

            14
           Program Committee Mtg, 7-9 p.m., UUFT

            15
           Rise Up Classes, 6:30-9 p.m., Scanland Hall

            16
           UUFT Board Mtg, 7-9 p.m., UUFT

            19
           Dinner for Eight, hosts will provide time and location

            22
           Seeker Supper, 6-8 p.m., UUFT

            29
           Rise Up Classes, 6:30-9 p.m., Scanland Hall

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