OUUF Newsletter – April, 2015 - Oberlin Unitarian Universalist

The Oberlin
Unitarian
Universalist
Fellowship
The Chalice
April 2015
355 E. Lorain St.
Oberlin, Ohio 44074
Volume3 Issue 4
“MARY’S MUSINGS”
Phone: 440-775-0355
www.ouuf.org
Sunday Service: 10:30am
Minister:
Rev. Mary Grigolia
mary@marygrigolia.com
Minister Office hours:
Tuesdays: By appointment
Religious Ed Director
Joanne Rahn
joannerahn@aol.com
Hours: By appointment
Music Director
Katie Cross
crossk_connect@yahoo.com
Newsletter
editor@ouuf.org
Inside this issue:
Minister’s Musing
1
Service Schedule
2
Getting to Know You
3
CYRE News
4
OUUF Community News
5-6
7-8
OUUF Wider Community
News
Board of Trustees / Kudos 9
& Kind Thoughts
Where 2 or more are gathering, there is _______.
What Fills in the Blank?
Did you know the Fellowship has a Behavioral Covenant? In
2004 and again in 2009 members of the Fellowship reflected
together on the intentions, attitudes and actions that help create a culture of trust, to connect, care, serve, celebrate and
transform. The covenant reads:
Because I am committed to the well-being of Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and its members, I willingly enter into this covenant:
To make the Fellowship a safe, open and welcoming place
To treat each person with respect and compassion
To treat the institution and its processes with respect
There is a Biblical saying, “When two or more are gathered, there is ______.”
What fills in the blank? For some, it is God or Love.
At some point, early Christians called it, ‘the body of Christ’ – not the physical body, but the church embodying Love, presence to one another and service to the world.
No matter what your philosophy, what fills in the blank is something we
can’t measure: the felt sense of transformative community, connection. And
that takes vulnerability. We all share the need to belong; we are vulnerable to
one another. We care what others think of us. No one is born with the capacity to be vulnerable without defensiveness. We are prone to misunderstanding, disappointment, and reactivity. We have to learn trust. Like all congregational cultures, ours is sometimes imperfect. My hope is that as a congregation we commit ourselves to create a culture of trust with one another. We
create the process together. Step One presents our Behavioral Covenant as a
living document and explores what we already know about living in a culture
of trust. Step Two is a learning series on skillful communication. My hope is
that many in the congregation will learn what behaviors break covenant,
what responses are helpful, and will respond to behaviors that erode trust. I
hope in the near future, we experience the Fellowship as a culture of trust. I
hope you join the process.
Here’s what we’re planning so far:
BUILDING TRUST: A workshop on our Behavioral Covenant, Sunday,
April 12, 12-1:30 – Exploring our covenant. Anything missing? Listening to
what we already know about trust. Playing trust games!
EMPOWERED COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, 6weeks video-based training (dates to be announced) with Rev. Cathleen Cox.
Using techniques and insight from Nonviolent Communication (pioneered by
Marshall Rosenberg), to differentiate needs from strategies. When we know
one another’s needs, we help each other.
The OUUF Chalice
Page 2
April Sunday Services Schedule - Community Dimension: “TRANSFORM”
Why are we here? ….Why are we here? We want our neighbors to know what makes our community
different from other congregations: We are a religious tradition drawing wisdom from many
sources. Our Sunday services schedule illustrates that diversity where this month we will focus on
Standing on the Side of Love. CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Sunday Services at 10:30am
All services are recorded!
APRIL 5TH - “The Resurrection, and what would Jesus say about Unitarian
Universalism” - Rev. Samuel Prince
Even with the Early Christian controversy of QuartoDeciman (Nisan 14) and the ambiguity of
Easter by Unitarian Universalist, still suggested that what draws Christians and today’s Unitarian Universalists to church on Easter are not contradictory as you might think.
APRIL 12TH - “ART OF COMPROMISE” - Dave Clements, Ministerial Student
Compromise is a part of each of our lives. Think how these great pairs have compromised: Anthony & Cleopatra: Wilbur & Orville: Roosevelt & Churchill: Butch & Sundance: Thelma &
Louise: Cheech & Chong: Proctor & Gamble: Siegfried & Roy; Lucy & Desi; Ben & Jerry; Gin &
Tonic; Lewis & Clark; Barack & Michelle; Masters & Johnson. How do you look at compromise? To you embrace it as a blessing and realize the unique challenge or do you get caught up
in thinking why me/?Why do I have to give up something? Come and learn together about the
“Art of Compromise” and how it can be a blessing in your life
APRIL 19TH - Edie Fuchsman
As people are part of the interconnected web, we seek balance between independence and codependence. We need one another, yet also need a sense of self. Our service leader Edie
Fuchsman negotiates such balance personally and professionally.
APRIL 26TH - “CELEBRATING EARTH DAY: Reason for Hope ” - Rev. Mary Grigolia
Although much has been lost, women, men and children around the world are creating new
paths to sustainability. What are we called to do together? Service led by members of the
Green Sanctuary team and Rev. Mary Grigolia.
A light lunch and discussion with Sean Hayes, Executive Director of the Oberlin Project, will
immediately follow the service.
Monday April 13th, @7pm.
Page 3
The Chalice
Getting To Know: “Regionalization”
Past blogs in CERGing Forward and some in Better Together have outlined a number of the reasons that factor into our discussions about regionalization: a desire to live our theology of interdependence, our covenant responsibilities within the tradition of the Cambridge Platform, a
desire to forgo duplicative efforts, the need to streamline communications, a desire to create
new structures to meet the needs of our ever changing social context, the need for coordination and team effort to better support our congregations and their ministries, and more. Look
at the past blogs and you will see a number of these reasons discussed.
Unfortunately, there are also several other stories going around about why we are moving to
regionalization – stories that may contain some fact but are mostly fiction. Let me outline a
couple of these that seem to be spreading in parts of our region.
1. Fiction — We are moving to regionalization because one or more of our districts are going
bankrupt. Fact – Two of our districts are smaller than the others, but none are going bankrupt. All of the districts in the Central East Region (JPD, MNY, SLD and OMD) have areas
of strength to share with the others and we are stronger when we bring these strengths together. And all have weaknesses that we can help alleviate when working as a team. We
are much better together.
2. Fiction – Regionalization was a plan recently developed by the UUA president and administration to save money. Fact – Folk in our Central East Region started talking about sharing
staff and resources and working as a team more than seven years ago. And our districts
began to put these ideas into practice about five years ago with our initial staff sharing arrangements. This inspired other districts and regions to change the way they work as well.
3. Fiction – No matter who came up with the idea, the goal is still to save the UUA headquarters money. Fact – It is not planned that our regionalization efforts will result in saving
money. Yes, we plan to reduce redundancies. And eliminate duplicative efforts and expenses. But the plan is to then reallocate savings in those areas to increase support for our
congregations and their leaders. And we hope to use any savings to develop new ways to
support emerging UU groups and multisite efforts and other new congregational ministry
efforts. Regionalization won’t save any money. Actually, we hope that congregations
will become more generous with their Fair Share as they see what all of us can accomplish
when we work together. And this increased sharing will enable CERG to increase its support for congregational efforts to an even greater extent.
4. Fiction – UUMA Chapters and LREDA Chapters will have to merge. Fact – UUMA and
LREDA Chapters are not part of district governance structures. They are separate entities
of the UUMA and LREDA. There is nothing that would make them change their current
configurations. It is hoped that chapters might find value in reaching out to one another
and find areas where they can positively collaborate. But that is entirely up to the LREDA
and UUMA members.
There are a number of stories out there about regionalization. These are just few that have
been repeated to me. I hope that if you hear something that is questionable, you will check it
out with one of the district Board members or one of the CERG staff folk so we can separate
fact from fiction. - Rev. Joan Van Becelaere, Congregational Life Staff and CERG Staff Lead
The OUUF Chalice
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CYRE (Children & Youth Religious Education) News
Our Children’s Religious Education Mission ~ “To nurture children and youth to develop
a commitment to religious freedom, critical thinking, ethical action, and individual responsibility. We achieve this through experiential learning and developing appropriate curricula
in keeping with UU principles and tradition”.
Youth Programs: Expanding, Exploring,
Providing Opportunities
At this year's OMD Youth Social Action Con more than
80 youth explored speech/first amendment rights, racial
justice/police practices, and food access. In addition to
youth run workshops, youth attended a talk by local
young ACLU lawyers about civil rights including: issues
in the Cleveland criminal justice system, and the problems with privatized prisons. Some youth worked at the
Community Greenhouse Partners which helps inner city
Cleveland communities learn to how to garden and grow
their own produce. Youth helped set up the greenhouses
and move mulch! Other youth learned about the complex
issues surrounding police-civilian interactions and visited the site where 12 year old Tamir Rice was shot last
year by Cleveland Police and did some painting for the
rec center there. We are proud of our youth and YAC
community for tackling such important issues head on.
Multicultural Leadership School
Apply Now for the UU Youth and Young Adults Multicultural Leadership School.
July 10-14, 2015 in Boston, MA
A Gathering for Unitarian Universalist Youth and Young
Adults of Color (ages 15-30).
Applications are live—apply now! Application deadline
is April 15, 2015—space is limited so apply early. The application requires brief essays and a recommendation. Preview
the application (PDF) so you have everything you need
when you start filling it out!
Religious Education Team
Next meeting April 10th - 9 am at Fellowship.
The Chalice
OUUF Schedule
of Events
4/2
Escalating Inequality
4/5 SUNDAY SERVICE
4/6 Shamanic Journey
4/8 Covenant Group
4/7 Meditation: Every
Tues Afternoon & Evening
4/9 Meet & Eat
4/10 RE Meeting
4/12 Sunday Service
4/13 Board Meeting
4/15 Cakes for Queens
4/19
4/19
4/22
4/23
4/23
4/26
4/30
SUNDAY SERVICE
POETRY SLAM
COVENANT GROUP
POETRY SLAM
MEET & EAT
SUNDAY SERVICE
ESCALATING INEQUALITY
GREETERS
make a difference. We need
a few more
Greeters for our services..
Contact to volunteer:
bafuchsman@oberlin.net
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OUUF Community News
“ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION &
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT”
COVENANT GROUP: UU
HUMANIST VISIONS
Promotes listening, sharing, and discussion.
Moved by curiosity, participants explore a variety of topics. The Covenant Group usually
meets twice a month on the second and fourth
Wednesdays of the month April 8 Marge
Diamond's at 245 George Street, Elyria -- April 22 Diantha Paré's at 100 Kendal
Drive, Oberlin at 3:30pm.
Everyone interested are welcome!
SHAMANIC JOURNEY
GROUP
Shamanic journeying is a time-honored
tool for accessing an altered state of consciousness, much like a dream state, for
spiritual guidance and healing. The meeting time is the first Monday of the
month, April 6th, 2015 at 7:00pm. Location: OUUF—355E. Lorain St.,
Oberlin. Everyone interested are welcome!
Contact: edie@plumcreekassociates.com
UU HISTORY: LONG
STRANGE TRIP
With many wonderful programs at the Fellowship this
month, we are continuing
UU History videos in May.
POETRY Worship to prepare for the
Poetry Slam, facilitated by Nancy Boutilier, April 19th, 2-4 p.m.
POETRY SLAM
highlighting prophetic words and
deeds (your own
or others’) speaking truth to power.
Thursday, April
23rd, 7-8:30 p.m.
MEET AND EAT:
Informal sharing builds a sense of community. Oberlin UU’s gather to break
bread together every second and fourth
Thursday at a local restaurant—no program, no preparation.
Thurs., April 9: Rose Cafe at Lakeview
Park, Lorain.
Thurs., April 23: Pappy Bob's BBQ,
14858 Hwy 58, Oberlin.
Contact Elizabeth, tobymccall@yahoo.com for any questions. All
are welcome!
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE
WEDNESDAY EVENING, 7-9PM,
APRIL 1, OBERLIN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP, 355 E.
LORAIN St. (NEXT TO IGA)
We all "just want to be happy," but the reality is that life throws us curve ball after
curve ball. If our goal is happiness, we
will fail much of the time. This workshop
will focus on the goal of resilience instead:
How can we stay motivated, curious and
optimistic even in the face of life's challenges? Resilience is defined as the ability
to recover quickly from illness, change, or
misfortune.
Decades of research show that resilience
can be cultivated and increased. In this 4week workshop, participants will learn
strategies and practice techniques that
help to build mental, emotional, social,
and physical resilience.
For more information, contact Cindy
Franz, cindy.frantz@oberlin.edu
PThe OUUF Chalice
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OUUF COMMUNITY NEWS
.
Rev. Mary facilitates weekly sessions drawing from many
teachers and traditions. This year our themes include neurospirituality (how meditation shapes your brain), the Buddhist
precept of Right Speech, aging, and a potpourri of other voices. Some instruction given. All are welcome
TUESDAY AFTERNOON MEDITATION
We meditate together on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. at
the Fellowship. This month, April 7th and 21st; next month,
May 5th and 19th.
TUESDAY EVENING MEDITATION: New Schedule! We meditate together on the 2nd and 4th
Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. at the Fellowship: April 14th and 28th; next month, May 12th and 26th.
As part of our covenant
with one another, OUUF
.
members have made a
commitment to live our values in the world through
Causes of the Month, which we support
through our offering. The cause for April
2015 is LCRC.
Lorain County Rape Crisis (LCRC), a service of the Nord Center, provides free and
confidential support and advocacy 24/7 to
men and women of all ages in Lorain
County who are survivors of all forms of
sexual assault. The program assists survivors with the aspects of assault aftermath
including legal and medical advocacy and
referral for psychological needs. LCRC also provides educational services to survivors, service providers, and the larger community. Emphasizing empowerment,
LCRC is committed to cultural sensitivity
and diversity.
Family Promise Benefit Concert
Sunday April 19th, 3:00pm, First Church in
Oberlin.
The Cleveland Orchestra's Amici String
Quartet — Takako Masame and Miho
Hashizume, violins, Lynne Ramsey, viola,
and Ralph Curry, cello — joins forces with
double bassist Mark Atherton and pianist
James Howsmon to play a benefit concert for
Family Promise of Lorain County on Sunday,
April 19, 2015. The concert will be held at
3:00 pm in the Meeting House of First
Church Oberlin, UCC, at the corner of Main
and Lorain Streets in Oberlin, Ohio. The concert is free and open to the public; donations
to support Family Promise will be accepted.
Refreshments after Service
Every member and friend is asked to sign up
to furnish simple refreshments after the Sunday service. You may also do this with another person if it is easier to share expenses.
Sign up and choose the Sunday that is most
convenient for you. Thanks.
Ask for the Hospitality Co-Chairs,
Virginia Erdy and Jo Huber
The OUUF Chalice
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OUUF WIDER COMMUNITY NEWS
Religion in University Education
HUULTI is Flipping
the Classroom! Room
still available.
Across America & At Oberlin
Thursday / APRIL 9 / 5PM
Craig Lecture Hall
CERG (Central East
Regional Group) has
changed the format of
UULTI (UU Leadership Training Institute)
from an expensive residential leadership
training to a Hybrid/online training for
the OMD District. The District is encouraging all leadership to consider interest in
participating in this new format of connections, flexibility, deep and team-building
format. Please get in touch with the District (www.cerguua.org/HUULTI) or your
own congregation member, Samuel Prince.
Drawing on conversations with hundreds of
professors,
co-curricular educators, administrators, and
students from institutions spanning the entire
spectrum of American colleges and universities, the Jacobsens illustrate how religion is
constructively intertwined with the work of
higher education in the twenty-first century.
No Longer Invisible documents how, after decade when religion was marginalized colleges
and universities are re-engaging matters of
faith--an education development that is both
positive and necessary.
DON'T MISS THIS CHANCE TO HEAR
MORE ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON
THE NATIONAL SCENE AND WHAT
OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS ARE SEEING
AT OBERLIN!
.
Sunday, April 19, 12-1 p.m., “The Food We
Eat”
Do you really know what’s in your food?
If a vegetable is looks fresh do you assume
it’s full of good nutrients?
Food activist, Glenn Gall will explore the
nutrient quality of food.
Glenn Gall is an activist, a writer, and a farmer
living in Oberlin. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Huntington University, and has training in permaculture and grazing techniques. He
proposes the use of natural systems as a multidimensional approach to the problem of climate
change.
The OUUF Chalice
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OUUF WIDER Community News & Events
You are invited to come share in the ritual and
celebration of Passover at Peace Community
Church on Saturday April 4th from 6pm9pm. The seder will be lead through a social
justice lens and will use the story of passover to
connect broader themes of oppression and resistance. We will also sing!
Please bring a dish to feed 6-8 people. As is
the custom of the holiday, please do not bring
dishes with wheat in them (i.e. bread, pasta,
etc). There are many interpretations of the food
restrictions set forth in the Torah and this is
how we are choosing to honor those intentions.
Also, please LIST INGREDIENTS so everyone can know what dishes contain.
RSVP to Dave Sokoll at dusokoll@gmail.com
or 617-816-3786.
This event is organized by Dave Sokoll and
hosted by PCC. Peace Community Church is
located at 44 E. Lorain St. in Oberlin. Handicapped access available in the rear of the
church, as well as parking. Middle School parking lot also available. If you come and drive,
please do not block access to the pass-through
to the Middle School Parking Lot!
UU KENDAL GATHERING, RITES
OF SPRING: Why do the Norse God
Odin and Jesus the Jewish teacher suffer
the same fate? What is the underlying
human need expressed across culture
and religion in spring rituals? What
does it have to do with UU’s in 2015?
Program led by Rev. Mary. Wed, April
15th, 4:15-5:15 at Kendal in Heiser Auditorium.
Interfaith Service Day Spring
2015 Registration
Come join us on Sunday, April 12th, from
1:30-6:30 p.m., for the Annual Spring Interfaith Service Day, a campus and communitywide service event! The goal is to engage
Oberlin students, faculty, staff, and community members from a variety of perspectives
in interfaith service and reflection. This event
welcomes people of all religious and secular
identities!
This year's service day will include nonreligious work at sacred sites in both Oberlin
and Cleveland. Service will be followed by
an interfaith reflection and dinner (with vegetarian and vegan options!) at each of these
sites. The aim of Interfaith Service-Learning
is to work towards common goals while intentionally engaging with diverse perspectives. Please invite your friends to sign-up,
too!
The OUUF Chalice
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OBERLIN
UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALIST
FELLOWSHIP
Phone: 440-774-0355
Email: editor@ouuf.org
To cancel your OUUF
Chalice, please call
or email the editor.
355E. Lorain St.
Oberlin, Ohio 44074
www.ouuf.org
Oberlin Unitarian
Universalist Board of
Trustees:
Kudos /Thanks & Kind Thoughts to:
Stephanie Gibson
Board Chair
■ Cal Frye—appointed to the Ohio Meadville District as Treasurer
Diantha Pare
Vice Chair
■ Samuel Prince—appointed to the Ohio Meadville District Nominating
Committee
Judith Patterson Sellers
Secretary
Lee Drickamer
Treasurer
Marge Diamond
Trustee at Large
Rev. Mary Grigolia
Minister