Letter from Sandra

“Today I am going to change the world. I am going to make it a safer place, a more hopeful place, than when I woke this morning. By sunset I will have done all I can to bring love to this small corner of the universe that has been entrusted to me. I will be mindful of all I can do to help and heal where I live, praying that others are doing the same where they live. Together we can change the world.”

~Steven Charleston (24 Jan 2023)

I am a Consultant through the Guild of Interim Religious Educators and recently joined the leadership on the Steering Committee. We are in an intentional time of discernment regarding our ministry and the ways our knowledge and skills are serving Unitarian Universalism.

We are personally and collectively in a place of discernment regarding our values and the evolution of Unitarian Universalism in the larger context of congregational life. At our last meeting we instituted an intentional method of checking on our values called Process Observation. At each meeting one of us serves as the Process Observer and we focus on these four questions:

How was the energy and focus of the group?

How was conflict or dissent handled? Specifically, how were minority perspectives heard and considered?

Was business conducted and decisions made in a way that honored differences in style amongst members?

Did the agenda include items which addressed issues of racism, sexism, ageism, and oppression, both internally and in the larger society?

We hope for two experiences in this process. The first is that we are living our values and the second part is that this process leaves a legacy to the next generation who are called into this faith. We are aware of the shift away from the Sunday School Model for children and youth, handed down through many generations. We are also aware how unsettling it is to many that there is a shift away from this. The last three years have deepened this feeling.

The implementation of Process Observation, a process put in place by many Boards at the congregational and denominational level, is a way for our team to find our center, keep the balance, and stay connected to our values. The implementation of this process into our governance reminds us of the “love we bring to our small corner” so that our young people can live in brave space in this new world.

This is what I understand you’ve asked me to do in our time together. I’ve been asked to partner with UUCH to revitalize the faith formation ministry of the children, youth and families with a structure that meets them where they are now. Finding a way to stay balanced and centered, accepting there is great change, will make for a safer place, a more hopeful place, so that together we can change the world.

In faith,

Sandra Greenfield (my pronouns are she/her)

RE Transition Consultant living on the tribal lands of the Cocheco in NH

[email protected]

Annual Chili Fest on Saturday, January 28th

Our Annual UUCH Chili Fest is scheduled for Saturday, January 28th in the UUCH Fellowship Hall. The supper begins at 6:00 pm. You are encouraged to bring your own personal version of chili, whether it’s red, white, spicy, mild, vegan, vegetarian, or meaty. You can help with decorating and/or clean up, as well as bringing side items such as cheese, cornbread, etc. by signing up on the poster in the Fellowship Hall or by going to our SignUp Genius here.

There will be an Open Mic for those who want to perform; please contact [email protected].

Sign up before the event is not required

Sponsored by the Hospitality Committee

Resources for Meditation and Book Study Reminder

https://www.rickhanson.net/meditation-talk-loving-freely/

I am a big fan of Rick Hanson. He’s a psychologist who is interested in personal well being, psychological growth and contemplative practice. Check him out. Also, if you have resources that you’d like to share with our church community, please feel free to send them to me.

Also, a reminder that the Shambhala group that meets in our church will begin their study of Pema Chodron’s book, “The Places That Scare You” this Saturday at 9 a.m. Meditation is offered from 8-9. If you need a copy of the book, please contact me.

Teri Thomas

[email protected]

Sponsored by the Adult RE Committee

Calling All Plant Lovers

Calling all plant lovers: February is prime time for seed starting in Zone 8, so Property Chair & Gardening Intern Paul Weiland will lead a free workshop on growing plant starts inexpensively indoors. The main goal is to start popular vegetables for our community garden, but we should have plenty of starts for folks to take home. No fancy equipment is needed, but if you have packets of seeds, extra plastic garden pots or yogurt cups waiting for recycling, bring them along.

It’s a great activity for plant-loving kids. Please RSVP to LaDawn Edwards at 319-431-7461.

Sponsored by the Property Committee

Circle of Candles

Bryan Walls lit a candle of Joy: "I am thankful for all those who helped host the celebration of life for Ken Chisolm this past Saturday."