august 2012 eflame
DESCRIPTION
The monthly newsletter of the First Unitarian Church of OmahaTRANSCRIPT
August 5—The Rev. Canon Tim Anderson from the Episcopal Tri-Faith Ministries August 12—Tim Sully, Development Director of Siena/Francis House homeless shelter will speak to First UU on Sunday, August 12. He will focus on Siena/Francis’s approach of unconditional acceptance in their service to the homeless in our community. August 19—Philosophy's Fist: Poems of the Sacred and the Profane Todd Robinson James Joyce believed that poetry “speaks of that which seems unreal and fantastic to those who have lost the simple intuitions which are the tests of reality.” Poet and UNO Professor Todd Robinson will grapple with the ancient dialectic of poetry’s appraisal of the real and its capacity for
imaginative transcendence, reading new work and selections from his recently published book, Note at Heart Rock, a collection saluted by Steve Langan for “allowing us to believe in our uniqueness and our preservation.” August 26—Welcome Home! Rev. Frank Rivas The entire community― children, youth, and adults―gathers to celebrate the beginning of our church year with fun for all ages. Balloons, a story from the Tohono O'odham, a mercifully brief reflection on that story, and an ice cream social afterwards. B there or
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The Flame Newsletter
August 2012 | Vol. 12: Issue 3
Highlights
Article by Rev. Rivas
Page 2
Choir Update
Page 6
Religious Education
Update
Page 11
Join us for Sunday Service at 10:30am
Ahead Check out our online
calendar:
www.firstuuomaha.org/
community/calendar
August 5, Witches’ Tea, 7pm
August 9, Spanish Conversation
Group, 6:30pm
August 12, Bridge Group, 12pm
August 12, Seven Jewish
Children, 6pm
August 12, Creative Art Group,
7pm
August 14, Board Meeting, 7pm
August 15, Flame Deadline,
noon
August 17, Private Wedding
Rehearsal, 5pm
August 18, Private Wedding,
5pm
August 19, Teacher Meeting,
11:30am
August 19, Board Talk Back,
12pm
August 19, Transition Omaha,
2pm
August 26, Ice Cream Social,
11:30am
August 26, Bridge Group, 12pm
Rev. Elations By Rev. Frank Rivas
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At last! It was great to spend the month of April with you, and odd to return to Minnesota for May, June, and July. Our time in Minnesota was necessary, however. Anne and I have prepared our house for sale, but we’re still waiting for the right person to say, “This is the house of our dreams!” We realized that we couldn’t afford to buy a house in Omaha before selling this one; so we drove down to find a rental that would accept dogs. No easy task, but there was a surprise ending, an extraordinary offer from a member of our church. In addition, we have been saying some difficult goodbyes. There is much to catch up on when I return. Although the list is long, I’m committed to keeping the big picture in focus:
What are we here for? What do we need to accomplish this year? How can we use our limited resources most effectively?
If we had a bishop or some higher authority, we could rely on that person to answer these questions for us. Alas, our polity is congregational. It is we who must address―and continually readdress―our mission, our goals, and our priorities. Presented abstractly, the questions may not seem all that interesting, but as we make decisions about worship, about religious education, about children and youth, about welcoming others, about our music program, and about our involvement in the broader community, the questions become more urgent. They challenge us; they help us to clarify our assumptions. We have work to do―good work to do―together. Anne and I look forward to saying hello again, to beginning this new adventure, to sharing our lives with you. Blessings and love, Frank
Something is happening .
Save these dates:
Be sure to do something
August Update By Kate Godfrey, Board President
Congratulations! You are one of less than 30% of
our Flame subscribers who are reading this (the number who read my letters may be far, far smaller…alas). This monthly newsletter, produced by our talented office administrator, Catharine Dixon, is one of the methods we use to communicate as a congregation. The office sends out weekly e-news to keep folks up to date, as well as posting events on Facebook (for the internet-inclined). We also work hard to include important information in your Sunday Order of Service.
For all of our attempts at good communication
through various media, the written word can be incomplete. Various sources report that communication is between 70% and 90% nonverbal: vocal inflection, facial expression, pauses, and gestures work in concert as we speak to weave meaning far more complex than the lines on the page. That is the difference between reading the words of Shakespeare and being transported by a stage production. There is no substitute for the human experience of connecting, in my opinion.
In August, as you begin to turn back from summer
activities and journeys, I’d like to invite you to consider how we as a congregation might increase opportunities for those lovely, personal communications throughout our church. Each conversation I have, every smile I receive, enriches me immeasurably—and I find myself wanting more of that, for all of us.
Looking forward to seeing you! Kate Godfrey
Ahead
August 27, Mythological
RoundTable, 5pm
August 27, Book Club, 7pm
Join us every Sunday at 10:30am.
Remember: we don’t go
back to two services until September.
Don’t be late (or early) to church!
We return to services at 9:30am and 11:15am on
Sunday, September 9
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In December 2011, the congregation approved spending an additional $13,560 as part of the ministerial transition plan. This money was to come from discretionary non-budget accounts. At the May 2012 annual meeting, I announced that we would need less than half that amount. We were on budget through March, but I was expecting a deficit as a result of having Rev. Frank Rivas with us for the month of April. Now that we have closed the books for the church year that ended April 30
th, we know that we ended the year with a
surplus of $153 without use of any discretionary non-budget funds! We were also able to absorb several deficits in non-budget accounts. Despite having some problems during the year, we ended the year with record high contributions and the first balanced budget in many years. Our challenge this year is to do as well financially as we did last year. Pledges for this year were actually lower than our contributions for last year, so we are going to ask for additional pledges in the fall, when Rev. Frank is here to lead the campaign in person. Statements showing current pledges and contributions through mid-July will be sent out by July 20.
On Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 6pm members of Nebraskans for Peace are performing "Seven Jewish Children" at the First Unitarian Church in the sanctuary. It is a short dramatic reading conveying the struggle parents face when raising children in conflict zones, which erupt into violence. Although written by Caryl Churchill in response to Israeli’s attack on Gaza in Dec. 2008 - Jan. 2009, the poetic reading covers historic conflicts starting with the Holo-caust in Germany and coming forward to 2009. The discussion following the performance will include some writings entitled “Seven Palestinian Children”. A free-will collection will be taken for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Finance Matters By Walt Jesteadt
Sunday, August 12—Seven Jewish Children Special event at First Unitarian Church
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Wing Squad By Barb Herring
Have you looked at the RE Wing lately? Really looked at it? If you were a first time visitor to our church, what impression would you have of our congregation after touring the RE Wing? How does the sixty-year-old building compare to our beautiful sanctuary? Is the building fitting the current needs of our congregation? Will it be able to meet our future needs? If we had a ‘perfect’ RE Wing, what would it look like? How would it be used? What would it encompass? These questions and more are what your board would like to have answers to. In May, your Board of Trustees authorized up to $8,000 of the Holland Fund Development money to be used to begin the discernment process. TACKarchi-tects, a locally owned architecture firm was hired to help us begin the process of studying the future use and needs of the RE Wing building and to study the feasibility of a possible upgrade. A small group of non-architectural professionals representing a cross segment of our congregation, will initially meet with the architects to start envisioning the possibilities. The architects will then take the ideas and work on design concepts based on the information they have gathered. The architects will then hold ‘Dreaming’ town hall meetings for the greater congregation to add input. An ad hoc building committee of the board, affectionately called The Wing Squad, has been formed. A small group of non-architectural professionals representing a cross segment of our congregation, the Wing Squad is made up of two board members—Louise Jeffrey and Barb Herring, Rev. Frank Rivas and five congregational members. The Wing Squad committee will start the ‘dreaming’ process with the architectural firm. Additionally, they will help with facilitating the ‘Dreaming’ town hall meetings with the broader congregation. It’s an exciting time. Our future looks bright. Next time you are at church, take a moment and visit the RE Wing and start dreaming. Dreams do come true.
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Choir Update By Bob McMeen
I can't wait! Choir rehearsals will begin on Wednesday, August 22, at 7pm. What a great group of people and what wonderful voices. This is the best time for new members to join. I don't audition new members, new members audition me and the choir. If present or potential members have questions contact me at [email protected] or 402-572-0434.
Únase con nosotros en el grupo de conversación Español! By Ben Wallace
Please join us as we continue our Spanish Conversation Group at First Unitarian Church! This is a group for Spanish speakers of all levels. Our goal is to come and learn the Spanish language and take part in conversations as we all work towards becoming Spanish speakers or improving our current Spanish speaking abilities. Our next meetings will be on July 26 and August 9 at 6:30pm at First Unitarian Church in the Common Room. We will have a facilitator at both of these meetings who will be helping us as we continue on our Spanish speaking journey. For more information, please contact Ben Wallace at [email protected] or 402-680-6226.
Check out the opposite page for information about our Spanish Conversation Group!
Witches’ Tea
Whatever your interest in earth-centered spirituality, whether Native American (or other) Shamanism, Celtic Druidism, African Diaspora, Wicca and Witchcraft or other tradition or path, come and enjoy conversation, fellowship, and the occasional earth-centered experience with others who resonate with the UUA's Sixth Source of Spirituality. This meeting is held on the first Sunday. We meet on Sunday, August 5 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge.
Women’s Religious
Study Group
The Tao does nothing, yet leaves nothing undone. Together we unravel the mysteries of the paradoxes found within the Tao Te Ching, or "the way and its power." The Women's Religious Study Group meets Thursdays from 1 to 2:30pm in the Merritt Lounge.
Joseph Campbell Mythological RoundTable
The Omaha Mythological RoundTable is an “emerging” chapter of the Joseph Campbell Foundation's (JCF.org) program to promote the study of mythology and the works of Joseph Campbell. We gather on the fourth Sunday of every month at First Unitarian Church of Omaha from 5 to 7pm for a one-hour video plus a one hour discussion. Topics include the structure of myth, sacred stories, Jungian psychology, dream interpretation, comparative religion, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring a light snack to share. Donations for First Unitarian Adult RE and the JCF are welcome, but not required. Contact [email protected] details. This month we meet on August 26 at 5pm in the Whitney Young Room.
Church Events Witches’ Tea, Women’s Religious Group, Joseph Campbell RoundTable
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Share the Plate
The Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Each month the church selects an organization that reflects our views and then we give half the cash collected that month to the organization.
Bridge Group
The Bridge Group will meet each second and fourth Sunday at noon in the Whitney Young Classroom. This month the Bridge Group meets on August 12 and 26. If you want to learn, teach or play bridge, you are welcome to attend. The more, the merrier!
Ice Cream Social August 26
Join us after the Sunday service on August 26 as we celebrate coming back together and share ice cream and treats. This intergenerational ice cream social will be a good time for all!
At Church This Month Share the Plate, Bridge Group and Ice Cream Social
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Share the Plate Every month, half of all the cash collected in the offering plates goes to a ministry
of First Unitarian Church or to a cause that is aligned with our church values.
Want to meet new people? Join us at our Book Club Meeting. See above.
Book Club
The Book Club meets on Monday, August 27 at 7pm. The book selection is Imagine: How Creativity Works by Jonah Lehrer. The runner-up is Re-Imagining Milk: Cultural and Biological Perspectives by Andrea Wiley which will be our September 24 topic for discussion. Thanks to all who participated. We hope the number of voters reflects how many folks will be at our discussions. Questions? Contact Dave Richardson at [email protected].
Creative Art Night
August 12
Need some quiet time to paint, write, crochet, sew, or need to feed your artistic soul? Join us on the second Sunday of the month. This month we meet at 7pm in the Whitney Young Classroom.
Church Events Continued Book Club Meeting, Weddings, and Creative Art Night
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Weddings and
Holy Union
Interested in having a
wedding at our church?
Know someone who just got
engaged? Email the church
office for a wedding packet.
Find out why First Unitarian
Church is called “The Wedding
Church” in Omaha. With lovely
interior and exterior, it is the
best spot for your wedding or
holy union. Book your date
today!
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On exhibit in the Worcester Gallery in the Common Room for the month of August are original images by local photographer G. Thompson Higgins. Higgins grew up in Baraboo, Wis. The natural beauty of the area inspired him towards a life-long passion for nature photography. In 1992, after a career in military intelligence as a Russian linguist, G. Thompson and his family settled in Omaha. There he attended Creighton University studying Theology. G. Thompson's emphasis in photography continues to be nature, focusing on the Great Plains and its environs. See his website: www.gthompsonhiggins.com.
We are thrilled to announce that Unitarian Universalist singer/songwriter Peter Mayer, the writer of "Blue Boat Home" and "Holy Now," will perform live to support the growing ministries of Second Unitarian Church! Peter’s music has touched many people and as part of the Unitarian Universalist hymnal “Singing the Jour-ney” we have shared his poetry and music in worship. Circle this date on your calendar: Saturday, September 22, 2012, at 7pm. To accommodate the people we expect, the concert will be presented at First Unitarian Church of Omaha, 3114 Harney. Tickets will be $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and will be available mid-August See the church website, 2uomaha.org/mayer for the latest information
Peter Mayer Concert
In the Art Gallery: G. Thompson Higgins
Soulful Thursdays for the Fall are on the way! Curiosity? Burning Passion? Teachers needed! We are looking for instructors or facilitators for our fall Soulful Thursday programming. Please bring us your ideas. We are planning a dynamic fall program for the congregation, and would love to incorporate more ideas and classes. Please contact our DRE Meka ([email protected])
Religious Education News By Meka Tate, DRE
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Summer Sundays in Religious Ed
August 19
Art with Eddith
The kids will paint with acrylics with our own fantastic artist, Eddith Buis.
August 26
TBA
August 5
Gardening
August 12
Omaha Poetry
Slam with Cat
Group lessons in poetry writing and poetry presentations. Our own Cat Dixon, a UNO creative writing instructor, will lead the group.
New Member News By Carolyn McNamara
Please note: the protest
scene film shoot has been
postponed until mid-August
and that we will publicize it
as soon as we have a date
confirmed.
For more info: http://
www.flyovermovie.com/
This movie has filmed
scenes in our Common
Room and Sanctuary. We
are excited to be a part of
this creative project!
Flyover Country Update By Ben Wallace
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Kathryn “Kathi” Lewis first visited First Unitarian as a guest of church member Chris Oliver. He brought her to the “Wild About Harry” service in 2011 knowing that she is a big fan of Harry Potter. Although she had not attended any church service for over 15 years, she was hooked! She started attending regularly and found that she really likes us. She became a member on July 8.
An Omaha native, Kathi has a degree in marketing and works as a store manager at Things Remembered. She loves to read, enjoys scrapbooking and various craft projects, and is a movie buff of both current and classic films. She is also an avid bowler with an average of 187 and a highest score of 286! Kathi is a member of our Young Adult Group and enjoyed assisting with both of its recent fundraisers— the Election Day Bake Sale and the Bases Loaded Tailgate for the College World Series.
Kathi and Chris plan to be married soon and they share a belief that spending time with family is of utmost importance. They also share a love of Bandit, their Boston terrier.
When asked what we would be most surprised to learn about her, Kathi reported that she has four tattoos (a dragon, bowling pins, ladybugs, and her nickname in Tengwar script), which represent who she is. Please welcome her to membership (and ask about her tattoos!)
The First Unitarian Float. Thanks to everyone who donated
time, talent and passion towards this project! We couldn’t have done it without each and everyone of you.
Pride Parade in Omaha June 30 2012
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Board
President Kate Godfrey
Board Members Dean Christensen Tony Host (President-Elect) Barb Herring Louise Jeffrey John Wagner Ron Withem
Trustees of the Capital Trust Tim Duggan (2013) Kenneth Deffenbacher (2014) Sandy Host (2015)
Senior Ministry Team Kate Godfrey Walt Jesteadt Carolyn McNamara Rev. Frank Rivas Ben Wallace
Submit items for publication to [email protected]. Word limit is 200; deadline is the 15th of the month.
Board meetings are normally on the second Tuesday of the month and are open to members.
Pride Parade Continued
Thank you to the photographers who
gave us these photos including Chris Wiig and Kathleen Mullen.
The Float Construction Team
Staff Phone: (402) 345-3039
Fax: (402) 346-2662
Minister Rev. Frank Rivas
Director of Religious Education Meka Tate
Office Administrator Catharine Dixon
Organist Patricia Will
Choir Director
Bob McMeen
Choir Accompanist Patricia Allender
Nursery Aide
Justin Deffenbacher
Custodian Bobby Medrano
Minister Emeritus Ronald Knapp
The Flame
Editor Catharine Dixon
Proofreader
Scott Kemper and Cyndi Nather
The Flame Mailing Team Anne Massoud, Evelyn Whitehill,
Howard Bolton, Jeanette Ryan
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Ministry Team Leaders
Adult R.E.
Crystal DiGiorgi Archives
Dave Richardson Building (short-term)
Dave Rosser Caring
Douglas Lee-Regier Chalice Guild
Kay Lynn Goldner Community Meals
Louise Jeffery Fellowship
Nadine Keith & Judith Wright Finance
Walt Jesteadt Fundraising Donna Neff
Garden Sharon Conlon Governance Alex Nather
Green Sanctuary Ken Deffenbacher & Glenn Pollock
Membership Barb Ross
Partner Church Council Janet West R.E. Team
Nicole Giron Religious Services Megan Gustafson
UU Class Yvonne Price & Jaime Alexander
Women’s Alliance Bev Fleckten
Young Adult Group Maria Wilson
YRUU Ben Wallace & Shawne Coonfare
eNews
The Flame is published monthly, but a lot happens between issues. We offer a weekly email service to update you on church news sent directly to your inbox. If you would like to receive our eNews please contact the Office Administrator at [email protected]
The Flame First Unitarian Church of Omaha 3114 Harney St. Omaha, NE 68131 August 2012
International Cowperson
Chili Cook-Off January 21 - 6pm
Food Friends Music
Costumes
Welcome Home!
Sunday, August 26 at 10:30am
Fall Kick-Off
Join us for Sunday service followed by an ice cream social.