April 1, 2012 - Palm Sunday

“Keep Dancing”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

Having never been to the Middle East, I assume that all roads to Jerusalem run through the desert at some point.  As we dance along our own metaphorical roads toward Jerusalem, we're bound to find ourselves in bleak circumstances from time to time.  And we keep going because of - or in spite of - our knowledge of the destination.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Tenebrae Service at 7:30 pm

“As Shadows Fall”

 Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

During this ‘Tenebrae’ - a service of shadows - we’ll read from the Passion narratives, recite the names of those who have died recently, and partake of Communion in our 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 and we’ll enter the worship space together at the appropriate time.

April 8, 2012 – Easter

"Bunnies and Blessings"

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

Easter, both the holiday and the name, is said to derive from ancient Pagan tradition wherein the goddess Eostre returned each spring, accompanied by hares bearing the lights of dawn.  Other symbols of rebirth and regeneration may have been attached down through the centuries, but it's still a great season to announce, "We're back!"

April 15, 2012

"To the Manna Born"

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

If you've seen PBS's ‘Downton Abbey’ at all, you know it doesn't take long to become thoroughly uncomfortable with its portrayal of the hierarchical nature of English society.  Our Universalist forebears where driven from England, possibly because they preached that we would all end up in the same place.  Today, a further examination of our Universalist traditions.

April 22, 2012 – Earth Day

"Concerning Safety"

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

Of course we want to feel safe, and we want even more for our children to be safe.  But none of our traditions or our sacred texts offer promises of safety.  Living in a universe that can be both beautiful and horrific, how shall we cope?

April 29, 2012    –    Title and Speaker to be announced.

9:30 am – in Emerson Place

April 1 – Philosophy – Ron Glossop

The first of our two sessions on the very influential Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) will focus on his effort to preserve traditional religious views on "God, Free-Will, and Immortality" while accepting the scientific views of Isaac Newton and merging the Rationalist and Empiricist schools of philosophy.

April 8 – Bible study – Tracey Howe-Koch

April 15 – Introduction to Paganism – Michelle Bryant-Barbeau

April 22 – Sharing Your Faith – Eric Johnson Uncertain about how to share Unitarian Universalism to a colleague or friend?  Want to develop an "elevator speech?" (A speech about Unitarian Universalism in the time it takes to go up in an elevator. )  Do you often say to yourself "Geez, they would make great UU's!" but choke at the opportunity to invite those friends to church?  Then this is the class for you! 

11:00 am –

Every Sunday in April

“Spirit of Life."   Various leaders.

Spirit of Life classes seek to bring meaning, beauty, inclusivity, and growth to Unitarian Universalist adults as they deepen their spiritual awareness and connections.

A First Glance

When I was driving around Texas for a few days in March, I stopped in Dallas and called a friend of mine who is on staff at a big church there.  That church recently built a new building, courtesy of a $9M capital campaign, and he was singing their new RE wing's praises.  However, now that the building is a couple of years old, he said, they're already jockeying for more space.

Wow.  Needing more space to accommodate continuing growth - we agreed with one another that this is a great problem to have.

One thing my friend lamented during our wide-ranging conversation:  he said he hoped that they were done with change for awhile.  He said for the last five years his congregation had seen constant growth and shifting programming, and he was ready for things to calm down some because, he said, "Constant change is hard."

Then he thought for a minute and added, "But it sure is exciting."

I've seen a translation of the I Ching that begins, "Life is change, change is hard, life is hard."  Depending on how long you've been with our congregation, you may be feeling like enough is enough and like you wish things would settle down for awhile. 

If you joined fifty years ago, you've certainly seen the ups and downs and the shifting fortunes of this place. 

If you've been a member for seven or eight years, you've also seen some ups and downs and ins and outs. 

If you joined last week, I bet you'll feel like things are different when you come to church again this Sunday.

No matter how long you've been with us, you know it's been an interesting time in the life of this church.  And with the recent growth spurt and constantly shifting programming, you may have found yourself - like my Dallas friend - wishing for some calm.

There's a quote attributed to the 17th-century French author Francois de la Rochefoucauld (whose name I can write but can't say) that may actually go all the way back to the early Greek philosophers: "The only thing constant in life is change."

What was true so long ago remains true today. We are in fact constantly changing, and whether it feels like the change is for the better or not, change can be hard.

And whenever it gets to feeling that way, I'm going to remind myself, "But it sure is exciting."

See you in church,

“Restoring the Future”

Capital Campaign 2012

“Restoring the Future,” is a major, three-year (2012 – 2015), $400,000 to $500,000 Capital Campaign to raise funds to make renovations and repairs that cannot be made by using annual pledge drive funds.  Those funds go toward daily operating expenses.

Elsewhere in the newsletter you’ll find an entire page listing proposed projects that the Ad Hoc Architecture Committee is investigating to help make our building and grounds more accommodating, attractive, accessible, and energy efficient. 

On April 1 at 12:15 pm, and on April 22 at 11 am, you will have the opportunity to attend a Town Hall meeting and have a conversation about the projects being proposed. 

As the Campaign begins, we have received two very generous pledges of $50,000 each.  One is a matching gift pledge.  That means that every dollar paid on a pledge (not just pledged) will be matched, up to a total of $50,000. 

The Capital Campaign kicked off in mid-March, in tandem with the Annual Pledge Drive.  From early donors we have received pledges totaling $196,650.

Over the next few weeks, the church Stewardship Team will be contacting everyone in our church community – either in person, by phone, or by mail – asking them to make a financial commitment to the Annual Pledge Drive, PLUS asking them to make a three-year pledge to help in “Restoring the Future.”  Please seriously consider your commitment to our church and pledge accordingly.

Board President Sayer Johnson says, “Now is the time to make our physical space as truly welcoming as is our spiritual and emotional space.  It is time to nurture and renew our space and continue to be a beacon for change and social justice.”

Talk to any of the Ad Hoc Architecture Committee listed in the next column if you have questions or concerns about the proposed projects.

Ad Hoc Architectural Committee Members

Marty Johnson

Mary Johnson

Sayer Johnson

Pat Moore

Diane Thompson

Lee Suarez

Khleber Van Zandt

618-520-0567 / 314-223-0551

Spring Work Day

April 14 – 9 am to 3 pm

Bob Larson, the Grounds Committee Chair, invites you to enjoy a few hours outdoors and help beautify our church grounds at the same time. 

The unseasonably warm weather has everything coming up earlier than usual – including the weeds, ivy on the church walls, wild grasses, invasive plants, vines, etc.  Our flower beds are blooming and need tending.  Shrubs need trimming.  Some areas where there are rocks need to be “re-rocked.”  Window wells need cleaning out and the yards need a general sprucing up.

Bring gloves and personal yard tools if you have them.  Come for a couple hours, or for the whole day.  Bring your lunch, or join those who send out for lunch.

If you’re not into working outside, there are indoor tasks that need doing – washing windows (inside and out), straightening up closets, cabinets, drawers, etc. and general “spring cleaning.”

Choir Rehearsals

Help contribute to the joy of our Sunday services by singing in the choir.  All voices invited! 

We practice after church two Sundays each month and on two Thursday evenings each month.  This schedule allows people who can’t come out at night, or who can’t stay after church on Sundays to have more opportunities to rehearse.  The choir usually sings for services one Sunday each month.

Sunday – April 1 – 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Thursday – April 12 – 7 to 8:00 pm
Thursday – April 19 – 7 to 8:00 pm

For further information contact Willis McCoy.

Chalice Circles

Parents Seeking Peace Chalice Circle
Every 3^rd Sunday.

Sunday, April 18 from 12:15 to 1:30 pm in Emerson Place at Church.

Contact: Diane Thompson or Sayer Johnson.

Belleville Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Thursday.

T hursday, April 19 at 7 pm.   Contact Don or Jan Allen for the location.

Renegade Women’s Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Saturday.

Saturday , April 21 from noon to 2 pm.

Contact Beth Bourland for further information.

The GLBT Chalice Circle

The last Sunday of each month.

Sunday, April 29 at 12:15 .  Contact Staci Bratten.

April Birthdays

Most people enjoy getting a card or email or phone call on their birthday.  Below is the list we have 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 at church@firstuualton.org and give her that information.

4/02                 Michelle Bryant Barbeau

4/04                 Maggie McCarthy, (12)

4/05                 David Wiseman

4/06                 Cathy Tade

4/07                 Martha Arnold

4/10                 Don Allen

4/10                 Corinne Hawkins

4/12                 Lily Tarbell, (18)

4/14                 Ethan Grippi, (8)

4/14                 Brynda McCoy

4/16                 Dennie Lightle Jr., (14)

4/20                 Ian Herndon, (17)

4/22                 Linda Walker

4/23                 Gayle Borman

4/24                 Stacy Hull

4/27                 Lucas Koch, (8)

4/27                 Virginia McCall

4/28                 Sophia Hull, (4)

4/29                 Bennett Hershey, (4)

4/29                 Catherine Hershey, (4)

Wright, Kassia* & Amanda*

Easygoin84@gmail.com (Amanda)

Dimick, Brigham* & Erin* Vigneau Dimick

bdimick@siue.edu  (Brigham)

evigneaudimick@sbcglobal.net (Erin)

Women's Weekend

April 21-22

Pallottine Renewal Center in Florissant

www.EliotWomensWeekend.com

Theme : A Single Branching Tree

The long tradition continues - Eliot Chapel sponsors a time to retreat, relax, and find community among other women.

Please join us at the Pallottine Renewal Center located in Florissant, MO.  You have a choice to spend one night or just come for the day. The theme, "A Single Branching Tree," brings women together in one community.  Rev. Terry Davis will lead the Sunday worship service in the beautiful chapel at the center.

This retreat is open to all UU women and friends including Alton, Emerson and First UU St Louis.

Register on-line at www.EliotWomensWeekend.com in

February or call Carolyn Burke at womensweekend@eliotchapel.org.

What are you doing on your

Summer Vacation?

How about spending a week (July 1 through July 7) with other UUs at the Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly (MUUSA)? This annual gathering is held at the YWCA Trout Lodge, located 75 miles southwest of St. Louis near Potosi, Missouri.

This week is for families, youth, singles, couples.  There are many morning, early and late afternoon, workshops ranging from Choir to Sea Kayaking, Contra Dancing, Living Longer, Yoga, Social Class Issues, Genealogy, New Testament, Beginning Photography, Sufi.  You can also take excursions to Onondaga Cave or take a float trip on the nearby Huzzah River.  There are morning and evening worship services, and evening “coffeehouse” activities

There are various housing choices – in the lodge itself, in cabins, tent camping, or people have stayed in motels in Potosi and commuted to the Lodge.  Meals are included in the price of lodging at the Y.  

This year’s theme is “Once Upon a Time: The Stories Deep Within Us,” featuring Rev. Keith Kron.

Registration and housing/meals costs vary.  For all the information about MUUSA go to www.muusa.org

Community Outreach Offering

Cheryle Tucker-Loewe has been named Chair of the church’s Social Justice Committee.  If you have ideas regarding how our church may become more involved in social justice work, please talk to Cheryle.

On Tuesday May 22, and possibly on Thursday, May 24, about 12 friends and members of the church will help build a home for a low-income family in East St. Louis.  We will be working with East Side Heart & Home, an East St. Louis collaborative formed in 1995 to improve housing opportunities for low-income families in East St. Louis.  Their vision is to "build a neighborhood;" each of the families in their 17 (soon to be 18!) homes is screened for their ability to maintain homeownership and provided ongoing support. 

If you are interested in supporting this work, please talk to Diane Thompson. No prior construction experience is necessary.

Homeowners' Support Network

The church has launched a new social justice project to help homeowners facing foreclosure.  Trained volunteers will meet with homeowners facing foreclosure to help them assess their options for avoiding foreclosure.   Diane Thompson is the coordinator of this effort.

Homeowners’ Support Network at the First Unitarian Church of Alton:

• (618) 208-3780
• saving_homes@firstuualton.org
• http://www.firstuualton.org/HomeownersSupportNetwork

4^th Saturday Lunch – April 28

Trish Botsko is now the 4^th Saturday Lunch Coordinator. 

Many thanks to Kathryn Chapman for her many months of work as Lunch Coordinator.

Also, thanks to Lucy Bouton who faithfully each month distributes the lunch announcement flyers to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Alton Food Pantry, Oasis Women’s Center, Guardian Angel Pantry and several churches that work with the homeless or people in need.

This month’s Lunch is being organized by Robyn Berkley who is having a “Breakfast for Lunch” theme.  There will be a food signup sheet in the Kate Wuerker Room.  Please consider coming to church to share a meal with our guests who may be in less fortunate situations. Helping at our 4^th Saturday Lunches are a way you can contribute your time and talent and also share life stories with our guests whom you might otherwise never meet.

At these Lunches we also give out personal care items such as toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, etc.  So please consider donating some basic need items.  Sabrina Trupia organizes the distribution of these items.

Melba McAdams Memorial Service

April 28^th

Melba McAdams and her husband, Henry Harold McAdams, were very active members of our church.  A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the church on April 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm when the family will gather from around the world to honor Melba and to say their final goodbyes.

The ANNA Ds

(Women’s Alliance Group)

The Anna D's WILL NOT be meeting on their regular meeting day.  Instead, on TUESDAY, APRIL 24 they will be the lunch guests of the Women’s Alliance of First Unitarian Church in St. Louis.   Please contact Sandy Shaner by Wednesday, April 11, if you plan to attend.   Carpooling from Alton and Edwardsville will be arranged.

Fifty-Plus (50+) Forum

1^st Saturday of each month

The “Fifty Plusers” will meet on Saturday, April 7 from 10:30 am to noon in the Kate Wuerker Room. 

Afterwards, as always, those who can will continue the discussion over lunch. The Fifty-Plus Forum is coordinated by Sandy Shaner, Pat Murrell, and Mona Hebert.

Spiral Scouts

2^nd Sunday of each month

Spiral Scouts will meet on April 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.   The SpiralScouts youth program includes interpersonal skills, traditional woodland lore, camping, and outdoor living skills. To check on meeting times or for additional information you may contact Amy Eichen, Primary Contact for RiverDragon Circle 254.

Men’s Lunch Group

2^nd Thursday of each month

The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at 11:30 am on Thursday, April 12 at the St. Louis Buffet, 672 Wesley Dr., Wood River, IL.  Contact Dick Blanton for further details.  All Men in our Church Family are invited!

PROPOSED PROJECTS

Capital Campaign 2012  “Restoring the Future”

To help make our building and grounds more accommodating, attractive, accessible, and energy efficient,
the Ad Hoc Architecture Committee is investigating the following projects.

The flat ROOF over the Kate Wuerker Room and the Religious Education (RE) Wing can no longer be repaired.  Consideration is being given to replacing it with an Energy-Star-quality roof. Cost Estimates:  $15,000 to $35,000.

The RE WING, built in 1969, has single-pane windows and uninsulated walls that are not energy efficient.  Installing new energy-efficient windows throughout the RE Wing and covering the non-stone existing façade with an insulating acrylic are two projects being proposed. Cost Estimates:  $85,000 to $105,000.

A paved driveway across the park area and four or five HANDICAPPED PARKING spots near the entrance to the Wuerker Room, plus a new entry at the Wuerker Room entrance with a covered walkway out to the parking spaces, is being considered.

Cost Estimates: $100,000 to $125,000.

Due to increased church attendance and social justice activities, our 40-year-old KITCHEN is overtaxed.  We need remodeled kitchen work space as well as replacements for older appliances that have become a safety concern.  Adding a COFFEE CENTER in the Wuerker Room, with cabinets and a counter, would free up additional space in the kitchen and make coffee service more efficient.  Cost Estimates:  $30,000 to $40,000.

An upgrade to our HEATING AND AIRCONDITIONING system is needed.  Cost Estimates:  $12,000 to $20,000.

Many of our STAINED GLASS WINDOWS are in need of repair.  Some are bowed and collapsing on themselves; some have cracks or small holes.  All the windows need to be professionally cleaned, re-leaded, and re-supported.  Cost Estimates:  $60,000 to $70,000.

Our children need a SAFE OUTDOOR PLAY AREA in the yard behind the church.  The cost would primarily be for secure fencing and gates.   Cost Estimates:   $15,000 to $20,000.

Proposed SANCTUARY RENOVATIONS include an enhanced sound system, as well as movable chairs to increase the sanctuary seating capacity and make the room multi-functional.  Cost Estimate:  $7,000 to $35,000.

An ELEVATOR to the lower level of the RE Wing would allow children and adults with mobility challenges to participate fully in our church programs in keeping with our mission to be welcoming and inclusive.   Cost Estimate: $100,000 to $140,000.