Congregation established 1836

Newsletter of the

First Unitarian Church, Alton, Illinois

www.firstuualton.org

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt, Minister

March 2^nd

“In Grateful Praise”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

As we reach the middle Sunday of our Annual Pledge Drive, it’s important to remember that our responsibility to each other and our neighbors isn’t the first reason to pledge: our promises to share the burdens together should come primarily from thankfulness and hope.  First of all, our giving must be a grateful response to having received, and second, we give because we want to help share with others the hope we’ve found ourselves.

March 9^th

“Transformation:  Becoming What You Always Have Been”
– Todd Eklof

Minister of Clifton Unitarian Church in Louisville Kentucky .
(Read about Todd Eklof on page 2.)

Some pursue spiritual interests in the hope of escaping this life, either because it's considered sinful and mundane, or because it's often painful and difficult.
But what if the opposite is true?  What if we are meant most to find contentedness in being who we are, and meaning in living life here and now?  Perhaps real transformation isn't about becoming someone else, doing something else, living somewhere else.  Perhaps it's more about being ourselves in this moment and in this place.

March 16^th – Palm Sunday

“The Garden at Night”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

The night in Gethsemane must have been a long one - perhaps you’ve spent one or two like it.  Even if we can’t tell the future precisely, surely we can have some inkling of what’s likely to come when we choose the more difficult path.  Which we will, won’t we?

March 20^th – Tenebrae Service Thursday Evening  – 7:30 pm

“We Remember Them”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

Tonight, we’ll recite the names of those who have died recently, read from the Passion narratives by candlelight, and partake of Communion in the Socinian tradition: bread and wine shared in silence at a table open to all. Please gather in the Kate Wuerker Room before the 7:30 hour so we can enter the worship space together at the appointed time.

March 23^rd – Easter Sunday

“Alive Again”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

Easter comes early this year.  Thank goodness.  But will we be able to catch glimpses of the crocus by then?  Will the roses bloom? The trees bud?  Never fear, spring is on its way.

March 30^th

“ Mind the Mules: Theology and Justice in the Food Chain”
– David Breeden

DuBois Ministerial Intern, Eliot Unitarian Chapel, Kirkwood, Missouri

There’s an old saying, “Don’t mind the mules, just load the wagon.” We have been doing just that on U.S. farms for a long time now, and the consequences to animals, environment, and human health is staggering. It’s time to give the mules some consideration and develop a healthy, sustainable agricultural economy.  It’s where we live and what we eat, and it is an act of social justice.

March 2^nd – The Experience of Abbeville.  Some members of the work crew that went to Abbeville, Louisiana in February will informally discuss their experiences and insights into ongoing concerns of the Gulf Coast region.

March 9^th – Non-Theist Humanist Roundtable.  What is the meaning of faith for humanists and non-theists; does it only relate to a belief in a God or can we have faith in the natural order and still be ethical beings? Discussion leader: John Herndon

March 16^th – Forum: "The Parts of Philosophy"

(like Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Social Philosophy, Logic, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Education, etc.).

Leader:  Ron Glossop.

March 23^rd – A DVD Series: “From Jesus to Constantine: A History of Early Christianity.” 

Facilitator:  Rev. Khleber Van Zandt.

March 30^th – Non-Theist Humanist Roundtable.

Discussion Leader:  John Herndon.

A First Glance

On a cold, grey winter morning in February, as I drove across the short expanse between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, I counted fourteen bald eagles perched high in a stand of leafless trees along the edges of a calm backwater pool.  I’ve never seen so many eagles in one place before, so I’m guessing some of our efforts at conservation must be working, at least for our national symbol.

I can remember driving great distances to try to spy one of these magnificent birds in the wild.  I’m told that, in years past, one might see two or three at a time at Pere Marquette Park up the Great River Road from the church.   For myself, though, whenever I took the time to go there to hike and bird-watch, I never saw more than one on any given day.

And now, from the warmth of my car, I see more than a dozen in one small area.

What did it take to bring these birds back to the strength they now have?  Someone must have had the vision to see that a few small changes in the environment can make a huge difference, and then a financial commitment had to be made on the part of many to see that those changes would stay in place and keep working to make the world better.

It’s Pledge Drive time at church.   We’ve had another fine year working together.  Many of our programs are doing well and providing for the needs of the many people we serve.  We’ve donated resources to local community organizations and others who share our values and who are doing work that complements our own.  The vision of once again becoming a beacon of liberal religion in the Bi-State area continues to inspire us to greater things.

 There have been times in the past when our vision failed us, times when we thought we had nothing important to say, times when we couldn’t bring ourselves to imagine that our work mattered to anyone else.  But that’s changed.  Like the eagles, there are more of us.  We’ve woken up, spoken up, and gotten more active.  And now we see evidence that our message - which for too long seemed on the endangered list - is just what many folks need to hear. 

And yet a few small changes could still make a huge difference.   Consider a financial commitment that will keep the light of hope lit and the beacon of liberal religion shining.

And then see what a huge difference your generosity can make.

See you in church,

Mark Your Calendars:
       A Quick Guide to this Month’s Happenings

Church Kilowatt Usage Down 18%

Last fall, Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) were installed in most of the light fixtures in the church building.  A comparison with kilowatt usage of a year ago shows that having CFLs in place has reduced our kilowatt usage by 18%.  However, this doesn’t mean our electricity bills are any less due to Ameren’s significant rate increase last year.  However, without the CFLs in place our electric bills would have been higher still.

Chalice Circles

The GLBT Chalice Group will be meeting the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays after church at Eliot Chapel in Kirkwood, MO.  Lunch is at 12:15 pm at Kaldis on Lindbergh, near Eliot Chapel.  The Chalice Group meets at the Chapel from 1:15 to 3:15 pm.  Contact Layne Simpson layne3030@hotmail.com for more information.

Renegade Women

Saturday, March 15^th – 3 to 5 pm at Church

The Renegade Women Chalice Circle meets at the church from 3-5 pm on the 3^rd Saturday of each month.  Members include women across adulthood and we invite you to explore with us.  Sessions include personal sharing of life experiences, discussion of a program focus, and light refreshments.  Program leadership is rotated among members and topics covered over the past year include such areas as: Mystery of Healing, Holidays, Deep Listening, Discussions from the “World” magazine, Enlightenment through travel, Book reviews, and Beginnings. For more information contact Marcia Custer; Circle Facilitator (mcuster@siue.edu ).

Third Sunday Chalice Circle

Sunday, March 16^th – 11:45 am to 1 pm at

Church

Contact:  Sandy Shaner sarapolarbear@hotmail.com

This is a “general” chalice circle welcoming all.

Parents Seeking Peace Chalice Circle

Sunday, March 16^th – 12:00 to 1:30 pm in Emerson Place at Church

Contact: Diane Thompson at dianeelizabeththompson@gmail.com or

Cheryle Tucker-Loewe at chtucke@siue.edu.

Men's Chalice Circle

Tuesday, March 25^th – 7 pm at Church

Contact: Khleber Van Zandt kvanzandt@uuma.org.

All Men in the Church Invited to the Men’s Lunch Group

Anna Ds

Community Outreach Offering

The collection on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays is given away to charitable causes. The money donated does not include pledge checks or monies otherwise earmarked by the giver.   The Outreach Offering only includes “cash offerings” or checks indicating that they are to be included in the donated funds. 

In January and February $833 was collected to support the efforts of the Southern Mutual Help Association and the volunteers from our church going to Louisiana

The March 9^th offering will be given to the First Unitarian Church of New Orleans to support their rebuilding program. The March 23^rd offering will be given to the local Salvation Army.

CHOIR    PRACTICE    SCHEDULE

You don’t have to be able to attend each choir practice to join the choir.  Practice is held at 7 pm on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of each month and at 12 noon on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of each month.

March Rehearsals:

Thurs., March 6^th

Sun., March 9^th

Thurs., March 20^th – no rehearsal – Tenebrae Service

Sun., March 23rd

Contact Willis McCoy for further information.

wbmccoy@charter.net

Eliot Unitarian Chapel Women’s Weekend

April 19 – 20, 2008 at the Pallottine Renewal Center in North St. Louis County. [the Renewal Center is about 10 miles from our church in Alton.] Please put Women`s Weekend on your calendar now. Registration forms and online registration will be available in early March.

You have a choice to spend one night or stay just for the day.  Women`s Weekend is a great time to relax, participate in exciting workshops, meet new people and more

Happy Birthday

Most people enjoy getting a card or email or phone call on their birthday.   Below is the list of church members and friends celebrating birthdays this month.   If you don’t think the church office has your birthday on file, please contact Becky Green ( church@firstuualton.org) and give her that information.

  3 March – Jerry Johnson

  5 March – Eowyn Wolff (2004)

  7 March – Dennis Nalick

14 March – Emily Sutton (1992)

15 March – Pam Loucks

16 March – Avery Myers (1996)

17 March – Megan Gross (2003)

25 March – Gerry Gilman

28 March – Emma Ray (1993)

All God’s People –

March 4^th

This interfaith group meets regularly at our church on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm.  A meditation time, led by Mary Lu McManus begins at 6:00 pm and is open to all whether or not they stay for the 6:30 gathering.

CARE AND CONCERN

Please keep sending cards to Davona Paul to let her know she’s being remembered.  Visits by friends would also be welcome.  Davona’s address is Rosewood Care Center, 3490 Humbert Road, Alton IL 62002.

Are You Using Your

e-Scrip Card?

We have 42 supporters signed up and received $60 in February based on the $5,666 our e-Scrip users spent in November.   If you have an e-Scrip card please use it when you shop at Schnucks or pick one up at the store and talk to church treasurer, Jerry Johnson if you need help in getting the account set up online.

A UU Elevator speech

What would you tell someone about Unitarian Universalism if you had a short five-floor elevator ride with them?

Here’s what Jamie Gross would say.  “In Unitarian Universalism, the Spiritual Journey one travels is more important that the Path one chooses to take on that Journey.”

Coming in April to a City Near You –

the UU Central Midwest District’s Annual Assembly – April 25^TH - 27^th

The Church Board is making available four $50 scholarships to help four people finance attending this meeting.  The total registration fee is $155.  Contact John Herndon herndonj@wudosis.wustl.edu or Jerry Johnson jerrygjohnson@mindspring.com before March 11^th to apply for one of the scholarships or for further information.

We have the opportunity to attend the UU Central Midwest District’s (CMwD) Annual Assembly without having to drive to some distant part of the District.  The Annual Assembly will be held in St. Louis County at the Hilton Hotel in Frontenac.

The CMwD is one of 20 Districts of the UUA and covers all or part of five states and serves 71 congregations and 10 emerging congregations with a total of over 12,000 members.

The theme of this year’s Assembly is “Church for the 21^st Century: Shaping Our Religious Future.”  Registration begins at 3:30 pm on Friday, April 25^th with the Opening Celebration starting at 7:30 pm.

Saturday morning includes a worship service, and two keynote presentations, followed by lunch.  There are also morning and afternoon programs for children (up to the age of 12).  The afternoon program includes the District Annual Business Meeting and two sessions of workshops, with 10 workshops to choose from in each session.  On Sunday there is a breakfast buffet and worship service, ending at 10:30 am.

The registration fee for the entire weekend is $155 (if registering prior to April 4).  A 25% discount is available to those who are accepted as volunteers.

For a copy of the Assembly Brochure:

http://www.cmwd-uua.org/content/images/pdfs/dabrochure08.pdf

To register online

https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=131778

Print copies of the brochure will be available at church sometime in March.

Building and Grounds News

Our next Building and Grounds Workday will be on Saturday, March 8^th.  

We will plan to work from

9 am to 3 pm. You are welcome to come for all or part of the day.  Childcare can be provided if you let me know ahead of time.  Jobs to be done include general cleaning, yard cleanup, and interior painting. 

Mary Johnson and I have completed the painting of the paneling in the Wuerker Room.  Hopefully it looks cleaner and brighter. We are looking for some racks for storing the tables and chairs and for some new furniture.

Thanks to John Dunphy and others, the dirt floor in the cellar is now almost completely covered with rugs.

Mary Johnson is in the process of obtaining a compost bin for the church.  We will then be able to compost our food scraps and some of our yard waste.

Pat Moore

Building and Grounds Chairman

CHURCH WORK TRIP TO

LOUISIANA

As the newsletter went to print several vans and cars filled with adults, youth, children, and tools, drove down I-55 towards Abbeville, Louisiana.  Our crew will spend a week in this area working to help put families back in their homes.  Reports of the trip will be included in April’s newsletter and at the March 2^nd Adult Religious Enrichment program at 9:30 am.

From UUA President Rev. William Sinkford

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1272/t/4696/signUp.jsp?key=3070

Last March, and again in September, I sent Congress a Moral Balance Sheet outlining some of the human consequences of our outrageous war spending.  The calculations were horrific then, and our deficit has only gotten worse in the year since we first began witnessing to the true cost of the war.  Unitarian Universalists demanded government accountability in what proved to be the deadliest year ever for US troops in Iraq.  In October, I delivered to the Senate and House Leadership more than 13,000 of your signatures on a petition calling for "an end to the war in Iraq, an end to our reliance on violence as the first, rather than the last resort, and an end to the arrogant unilateralism of preemptive war."

And now, nearly a year later, Congress again is asking us to support this unjust war - to support it both morally and financially. President Bush recently submitted his 2009 federal budget, which includes $515.4 billion for the Pentagon, an increase of 7.5% over 2008 and the highest percentage since WWII.  And the human cost also continues to mount.  We are likely to lose our 4,000th soldier sometime this March.

But hope is still alive.  Last year we saw the administration engage in diplomatic talks that included Syria and Iran.  We also saw US forces in Iraq form partnerships with local populations, many of whom were previously considered "insurgents." These diplomatic achievements are widely acknowledged as a major contributing factor to the temporary decrease in violence.  But we cannot rest. We must work to make the decrease permanent, and we must not stop until the bloodshed in Iraq ceases all together.

This March, I invite you to recommit yourselves and your congregations to building a peaceful world by participating in our campaign, "March to Peace."  Upcoming opportunities to take action include the March 7th Interfaith Witness for Peace (where I will be speaking), observations of the 5th Anniversary of the start of the Iraq War, and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's annual Justice Sunday on March 30th.  We are also nearing the mid-point of our four-year commitment to the Congregational Study/Action Issue of Peacemaking.  There is much we can do to educate ourselves and to speak truth to power.

We have listed additional ways to March to Peace on our webpage, and we expect to share many other efforts by UUs working for peace.  We have set a goal of 25% participation throughout our movement - that's 250 congregations.  We would be happy to exceed that goal, but in order to do so we need you to visit our webpage and join our March to Peace.  Please take action today.

In Faith, Rev. William G. Sinkford, President

RE NEWS

Dear Parents and Friends,

Many religious traditions have rituals that are carried out in the home.  While Unitarian Universalism does not have specific in-home rituals for families to carry out, many families like the idea of sharing their religious values with one another by carrying out family traditions.

According to “The Book of New Family Traditions” by Meg Cox there are ten good things that rituals do for children.

1. Impart a Sense of Identity
2. Provide Comfort and Security
3. Help Navigate Change
4. Teach Values
5. Pass on Ethnic or Religious Heritage
6. Teach Practical Skills
7. Solve Problems
8. Keep Alive a Sense of Departed Family Members
9. Help Heal from Loss or Trauma
10. Generate Wonderful Memories

  One example of a ritual that is good for this time of year comes from the same Family Traditions book.  To celebrate the first day of spring the Suks family, of Evanston, IL, have a picnic.  They pack a picnic style lunch and head for the nearest park, regardless of what the weather is doing.  Sometimes they have to pack mittens and scarves and eat in the car, but they always manage to play the first family game of baseball of the year. 

Another possible way to welcome spring is to celebrate Big Bird’s Birthday.  Every year on the first day of spring, Big Bird turns 6.  You could make a cake and have everyone in the family take turns sharing their favorite memory of Big Bird or any other Sesame Street character.  

I invite any of you to share rituals that you may carry out in your own families that I may use in future articles.

Thank You, Jamie Gross

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water

Distributed by the

Environmental Task Force of Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice

http://www.uusforsocialjustice.org

1448 E. 52^nd St., Box 144, Chicago, IL 60615

Tap water is held to more stringent quality standards than bottled water, and some brands of bottled water are just tap water in disguise.  Bottled water manufacturers’ marketing campaigns capitalize on isolated instances of contaminated public drinking water supplies by encouraging the perception that their products are purer and safer than tap water.  What’s more, our increasing consumption of bottled water – more than 22 gallons per U.S. citizen in 2004 according to the Earth Policy Institute – fuels an industry that takes a heavy toll on the environment.

Environmental impact

Fossil fuel consumption.  Approximately 1.5 million gallons of oil—enough to possibly run 100,000 cars for a whole year—are used annually in the United States to make plastic water bottles, while transporting these bottles burns thousands more gallons of oil.

Water consumption.  The growth in bottled water production has increased water extraction in areas near bottling plants, leading to water shortages that affect nearby consumers and farmers.  In addition to the millions of gallons of water used in the plastic-making process, two gallons of water are wasted in the “purification” process for every gallon that goes into the bottles.

Waste.  Only about 10 percent of water bottles are recycled, leaving the rest in landfills where it takes thousands of years for the plastic to decompose.

The Simple (and Cheaper) Solution

The next time you feel thirsty, forgo the bottle and turn to the tap.  You will not only lower your environmental impact but also save money – bottled water can cost up to 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water.  Because the U.S. EPA standards for tap water are more stringent than the FDA’s standards for bottled water, you will be drinking water that is just as safe as, or safer than, bottled.

If you don’t like the taste of your tap water or are unsure of its quality, you can install an inexpensive faucet filter to remove trace chemicals and bacteria.  If you will be away from home, fill a reusable bottle from your tap and refill it along the way.  Travel bottles with built-in filters are also available.  Finally, limit your bottled water purchases for those times when you are traveling in countries where water quality is questionable.

Summarized from information provided by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

For further information

www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/faq.html;

www.earth-policy.org

www.commondreams.org