As we come to the end of this week that began with such tragedy, I have been asked by some members of our congregation to offer up some comfort. I am unsure of how to do that. I am not your minister; I am a mere Director of Operations. I can tell you that our Society is more prepared than most churches. I can tell you that we have a plan...a written plan...a plan that we have practiced. We do have that plan. If that can give you some level of comfort this week, I offer that to you. If knowing that your minister will be back next week provides you with comfort, I offer that to you. I am at a loss for what else I can offer; my words seem inadequate at most. So I offer you words from the poet I look to for comfort, John O'Donohue, and hold you all in my heart.

Peace,

Christina

 

Beannacht  ("Blessing")

By John O'Donohue

On the day when

the weight deadens

on your shoulders

and you stumble,

may the clay dance

to balance you.

And when your eyes

freeze behind

the grey window

and the ghost of loss

gets in to you,

may a flock of colours,

indigo, red, green,

and azure blue

come to awaken in you

a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays

in the currach of thought

and a stain of ocean

blackens beneath you,

may there come across the waters

a path of yellow moonlight

to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,

may the clarity of light be yours,

may the fluency of the ocean be yours,

may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow

wind work these words

of love around you,

an invisible cloak

to mind your life.

Martha Dallas, Director of Religious Education

Upcoming Sundays for prescho ol through 7th grade:

November 12:   Scheduled Classroom  Sunday is replaced by special surprise activities for Martha's Goodbye Party. 

As you know, Rev. Mara has been on sabbatical since mid-August. I would like to thank everyone who has stepped up to make this time without our leader successful. The wonderful news for us (maybe not for Mara) is that her sabbatical is just about over. Rev. Mara will be in the Sanctuary with us on Sunday, November 12 to say hello to everyone and to join us in celebrating Martha's time here at FUUSB. Her first day back in the office will be on Tuesday, November 14.  

Although we've asked everyone to refrain from emailing Mara while she's been away, I have a sneaking suspicion that her inbox may be quite full. She is planning to spend most of next week plowing through email and catching up on everything that's happened these past three months.  Rev. Mara's first  Sunday back in the pulpit will be on November 26. I know you all join me in welcoming her back!

Please note that due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no eNews on November 23. If you have an announcement that needs to be published before Thanksgiving, please be sure to send it to [email protected] by Monday, November 13 to be included in the eNews on the 16th. Thank you!

On November 18 the New UU Getting Acquainted class will be held from  8:45 to 9:45 a.m., followed by the New UU Getting Connected class from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Getting Acquainted provides an overview of Unitarian Universalist history and beliefs. It's a great introduction to UU-ism and also a good way to meet other new people.

New UU Part 2: Getting Connected provides information about activities, programs and Ministry Teams here at our First UU. It also includes time for getting to know each other better, and an overview of the process for becoming a Member of the congregation. 

You may sign up for these classes by adding your name to the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the Parlors or by e-mailing Nina at  [email protected] . It's helpful to know how many people are attending, but it's also okay to drop in even if you have not signed up.

The COTS Annual Winter Phonathon is coming up again. FUUSB will be helping out on Interfaith Night on Thursday, November 30. (If not convenient you can volunteer November 27-29 or December 4-5). Both mail room volunteers and callers are needed. Calls are made only to previous contributors who are happy to hear from us (no cold calling). We've had a core group of volunteers but would like to get new recruits. It's actually a fun evening, as we cheer when big donations come in, and hopefully win raffle prizes. Orientation and pizza is at 5:30 p.m. and calling is from 6-9 p.m. at COTS, 95 North Ave. Please contact Bruce Brown at [email protected] or 760-9427.

 

We are so very pleased to welcome our new Developmental Director of Family Ministry, Andrea Spencer-Linzie. Andrea began work here on November 1, and will be spending most of her time in early November learning the ropes from Martha Dallas.  

Andrea's first Sunday here will be on December 3, but she is planning to attend several meetings between now and then. Please make a point to say hello and introduce yourself. Be on the lookout for a full introduction article in the December Steeple and eNews. You can reach Andrea at [email protected]  or 862-5630 ext. 28 .

 

Dear Friends and Members of FUUSB,

This note is to say a last goodbye and a final thank you for your warm welcome.  I was honored Mara asked me to come again and I loved having the opportunity to be your sabbatical leave minister.  And, I love your wonderful gift - the beautiful hand-painted sun catcher. It will hang in a place of honor catching all the warmth, light and energy of the sun and bring me only good memories of my time with you.

Blessings dear friends and thank you.

Phyllis

Many of you have been contacting me with tales of website links that will not work, a members page that won't allow you access (even with the correct password), old and out of date content, etc. I am here to tell you YES, our website is falling apart as we speak. Basically, we are only able to make updates to a few pages. And certain pages only seem to work sporadically. It is a very sad state of affairs for sure. But I am here to say, Take Heart! A new and improved website is close to being ready. I have hired our own Lori Roberts of Perfect Circle to finish the updates to the new site that began last year. We are making as many updates as we can, knowing that many more will need to be made after we launch the site. 

 

So for now, you can find upcoming service information, the Meal Train link, links to our publications and a link to our calendar all on the home page of the current website,  www.uusociety.org. Note: Scroll down to the bottom of the page to reach the link to the calendar and a link to our Blue Sheet to schedule space.

 

Keep your eyes on the eNews for announcements about the launch of our new site! And thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

Christina

Are you or your UU group creative?  We are looking for individuals and groups to create a banner/wreath/wall-hanging/ textile representing the spiritual theme for each month. Each piece will hang in the arch above the pulpit for its designated month. 

The theme word can be incorporated into the item if that makes sense for the piece, but it's not necessary. The size is roughly 3' x 4' to fill the space proportionately and there needs to be a well-connected wire/string to hang it on an existing hook.

Spiritual Themes are: 

November - Abundance,  December - Hope,  January - Intention,  February - Perseverance,  March - Balance, 

April - Emergence,  May - Creativity,  June - Blessing.

Please contact Sarah Forbes with questions or for a project outline!  [email protected]

It is that time of the year for the Annual FUUSB Holiday Bazaar, on Saturday, December 2. There will be books, jewelry, attic treasures, silent auction items, handmade crafts and homemade food items. There will also be a variety of fresh wreaths and greens just in time for the holidays. In addition, the Women's Alliance will be hosting the pie table and the 6th grade class will be hosting the toy room. A delicious lunch will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for $8.

If you have things that you would like to donate, the hours for drop-off at the basement level are Wednesday, November 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, November 30 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday, December 1 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Certain items such as clothing, bedding, furniture, large appliances and baby things cannot be accepted. 

We are also looking for volunteers to help on the days of the drop-off and the day of the bazaar. Also needed are baked goods such as brownies, cookies, lemon bars, etc., that can be served for dessert with the lunch.  There is a signup sheet on the bulletin board outside the main office as well as in the Parlors after each service.

Seeking vendors of cards, artwork, jewelry, crafts, and handmade items for  the FUUSB Holiday Bazaar on 

Saturday, December 2,   from   9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

We have 10 tables available to rent to those who would like to sell their crafts during this busy and fun community event that fills our building with holiday cheer. Tables will be 6'-8' long, and are $30.00 or 10% of your proceeds (whichever is less).  We will be downstairs in the large double classroom off the Community Room where the crowds flock to find all sorts of goodies and gifts. Elevator access. Setup is from  

8 to 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. 

 

If you would like to donate to a table where all proceeds will go to the FUUSB, please email Carol Czina with what you are offering and when you can deliver those items to her at the FUUSB (before  Saturday, December 2, if possible, please.)  Please contact Carol for sign-up or questions at  [email protected]  or  864-0242 .

SAVE THE DATE:  Sunday,  December 10,  12:30-1:30 p.m. 

Please join us as we continue to share our personal experiences with economic injustice.  For more information, contact Gene Bergman at 

[email protected]  or 598-3602.