October 3^rd

9:30 and 11 am

“Rightly or for ill?  The Ethics of Remembering and Forgetting”

Alison Reiheld

What we remember and forget can do great harm to others, ranging from putting them at risk to hurting their feelings and even to creating a situation in which future harm is more likely to be done.  Consider all that an engineer must remember in design decisions, how we feel when those close to us forget dates or commitments important to us, and what is included in constructions of collective memory such as the post-apartheid South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  And yet, all too often, we do not think of memory as ethically important, as something for which we can be held morally, not just practically, blameworthy or praiseworthy. 

Alison joined the First Unitarian Universalist of Alton in 2009 after a search for a church home that welcomed freedom of thought and yet provides a good moral foundation for families in the church community.  She lives in Edwardsville with her husband, Bert, and her two children, Robbie and Alexander Gus.  Alison teaches applied ethics and focuses her research on medical ethics at SIU-Edwardsville.  She works to extend philosophy outside of the college classroom into the community for both young people in pre-college settings and adults in the larger community.  In keeping with this, she has happily joined the RE program here and is looking forward to working with Spirit Play this year for the youngest members of our congregation.

October 10^th

9:30 and 11:00 am

 “Get on the Bus!:  Honoring our Past and Creating a More JUST Future!”

Rev. Chris Long

Rev Chris Long will join us to share in honoring our past Social Justice activities here at First Unitarian Church of Alton.  We will also explore what going even more deeply into our community could mean today!  Come!  Let’s explore, sing, and dream together.

Rev. Chris Long graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry (Berkeley, CA) in May, 2009, and was ordained at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland (CA) in June of that same year.  He is now in search within the Unitarian Universalist Association to determine what may lie ahead for him on his journey into Parish Ministry.  He has been to as many as 40 Unitarian Universalist Congregations throughout the country.  Ask him about his travels!

October 17^th

9:30 and 11:00 am

“The UN at 65:  Successes and Disappointments”

Dr. Ronald Glossop, Professor Emeritus, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

The United Nations was created 65 years ago in the wake of World War II.  What is its structure? How has it evolved?  What has it done of significance?  What are the UN's main difficulties?  What can we expect and hope for in the future?

[Worship Services Continued from front page]

October 24^th

9:30 and 11 am

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

“Buon Giorno!”

My sabbatical in Italy is a gift from this congregation to Linda and me for which we are grateful.  On our return, I hope to share whatever insights I have gained.  And maybe even a few travel photos as well.

October 31^st

9:30 and 11:00 am

“A Thinning Veil”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

In this time of Samhain, All Souls, and Halloween, as the veil between the living and the dead seems less palpable, we can find ourselves reminiscing about those who have gone before and pondering that ultimate boundary we will all cross one day. 

Chalice 

            Circles

Renegade Women’s Chalice Circle

Saturday, October 16^th – at Church – 2 – 4 pm.

Contact: Marcia Custer.

Parents Seeking Peace Chalice Circle

SUNDAY, October 17^th – in Emerson Place at Church – 12:15 to 1:30 pm.
Contact: Diane Thompson or Sayer Johnson .

Belleville Chalice Circle

THURSDAY, October 21^st – at the home of Jan and Don Allen in Belleville – 7 pm. Contact: Don or Jan.

Men's Chalice Circle

TUESDAY, October 26^th – at Church – 7 pm.

Contact: Khleber Van Zandt.

Oct. 31^st – John Herndon – Ethical Eating, the latest Statement of Conscience being considered for adoption by the UUA, has been introduced with the following statement:  Religious organizations throughout the world have discussed the production, distribution, and use of food. Some people enjoy many food choices while others remain hungry. The food industry produces wealth, but small farmers and farm workers are often poor. Food production and transportation contribute to many environmental problems.

A First Glance

Over the past few months, I’ve picked up the habit of listening to music through headphones as I ride my bicycle around the park every morning.  Come to think of it, I’m also plugged in while gardening and cleaning and whatever else.  The technology that affords one such a luxury is downright amazing to someone whose first ‘radio’ was a little red plastic gizmo that, if clipped to any metal object, would faintly pick up a couple of AM radio stations.

Then a couple of weeks ago, as I was getting used to the gift of ever-present, personalizable surround sound, a friend bemoaned “all those people who exercise with earphones on so they can’t hear anymore.”  And I stand convicted.

While I was trying to get a handle on a risk-benefit analysis of my questionable behavior, I read a piece in which writer and theologian Rodney Clapp recounted a story about his grandmother.  It seems his Grandma Adams had become more and more hard of hearing over the years, while her longtime companion, Bob, had become nearly blind.  As Grandma and Bob sat in a restaurant one evening, a man approached the table like an old friend and stood talking to them for several long minutes.  Grandma and Bob nodded and smiled appropriately the entire time.

When the man said his goodbyes and stepped away, Bob asked, “Who was that man?”  Grandma replied, “I don’t know.  What did he say?”

Bob’s physical challenges notwithstanding, truly listening to another person seems a talent in short supply.  When was the last time you felt listened to, and like you’d really been heard?  Grandma Adams had a hearing issue rather than a listening issue - she sounds as though she may have been a great listener in her own way, even with a diminished capacity to hear.

Of course we put great stock in our ability to see, and rightly so.  But even in our creation myths, sound comes before sight.  “In the beginning,” say the first words of Genesis, “God created the heaven and the earth… And God said, Let there be light.”  In that seminal text, light - the ability to see - comes only after the sound of God’s voice.

As we begin another year together, come to church.  Come to see your friends.  But come to listen to them, too.  And to feel yourself listened to, as well.

See you in church,

The theme for the 2010 Central Midwest District Assembly was “Becoming a Religion for Our Time.”  I’ve been thinking about this phrase and wondering what it means to me, and I thought I’d invite you to explore it with me.  What does this idea mean to you?  How is our congregation helping Unitarian Universalism to become a religion for our time?  How are you helping Unitarian Universalism become a religion for our time?  How is our religion making a difference in the lives of people today, in our time?  How has it made a difference in your life?  How does it make a difference in your life today?   

In the UU&You classes we share a bit of our own religious and spiritual journeys, and we learn a bit about the history of Unitarian Universalism.  I’ve participated in many of these classes, and for a long time I found these two sections of the class to be very distinct and unrelated.  Eventually, though, I began to realize that they are inextricably connected. 

How did those who came before us pave the way for the liberal religious movement as we know it today?  First, they thought for themselves.  They didn’t settle for the common, popular beliefs of their time.  Then, they took their thoughts one very important step further.  They had the courage to act on the truth as they knew it.  For some of them, this resulted in the loss of status in their careers and in their society.  For some, it distanced them from their families and friends.  And for some, it even cost them their lives. 

So what does any of this have to do with our personal religious and spiritual journeys?  Well, I think it’s important to recognize that these historical figures were individuals who thought for themselves and stood up for their beliefs.  Yes, their ideas and actions over the centuries combined to create what we now call the liberal religious movement.  But at the time, they decided as individuals to do something in the name of truth and justice. 

From what I’ve heard a lot of people share in UU&You! classes, many of us began our own individual journeys by realizing that what we thought and believed differed from what we were taught.  And many of us have decided to act on our personal beliefs, even when they are not popular stands to take in today’s society, even when our families and friends don’t understand.    

We are very fortunate, I think, to have a church community to support us as we seek our own truths today and as we act on the truths we find.    As we think about what it means to become a religion for our time, let’s remember that it takes each of us as individuals to have the courage to stand up for our beliefs.  And let us be ever thankful that today we don’t have to do it alone. 

Thanks for being here,

Cheryle Tucker-Loewe

UU&You! Extended Updates

This fall, we’ll begin to ‘go live’ on higher-level extensions of our orientation class, UU&You!  Called UU&You! 2.0 and 3.0, these classes will deepen your understanding of what it means to be a member of First Church and to call yourself a Unitarian Universalist.

UU&You! 2.0

7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, October 27^th, November 3^rd, and November 17^th (skip Nov. 10^th).  In UU&You! 2.0, we’ll use the Forrest Church/John Buehrens book, A Chosen Faith, to explore Unitarian Universalist history, attitudes, and traditions.  The book is arranged as a commentary on the sources of our faith:  the experience of transcending mystery, the lives of prophetic men and women, and wisdom from the world’s religions including Jewish, Christian, Humanist, and Earth-centered religious teachings.  To get the most out of this class, you’ll want to order A Chosen Faith from a website like Amazon or borrow a copy from church, and then read Parts 1 and 2 for the first class, Parts 3 and 4 for the second, and Parts 5 and 6 for the last.  Sign up on the clipboard in the Kate Wuerker Room or contact the church office to let us know you want to attend.

UU&You! 3.0

7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, January 19^th, 26^th, and February 2^nd.  For UU&You! 3.0, we’ll follow John Buehrens and Rebecca Parker’s A House for Hope to further deepen our understandings of current topics in UU thought.  Since the book is arranged to correspond with six parts of Parker’s ‘theological house’ concept, our three classes will cover two parts in each class:  for the first class, the garden and walls;  for the second, the roof and foundation; and for the third, the rooms and the doorway.  Again, find the book online or borrow from church, and register at church or with the office.

COME TO THE MOVIES!

Saturday, October 9^th

6:30 pm

Ratatouille (2007)

A computer animated film.

Plot:  Remy is a young rat in the French countryside who arrives in Paris, only to find out that his cooking idol is dead. When he makes an unusual alliance with a restaurant's new garbage boy, the culinary and personal adventures begin despite Remy's family's skepticism and the rat-hating world of humans.  The movie won an Oscar plus earning many more awards and nominations.

Bring a beverage and snacks to share.   Questions: contact Janice Joiner.

Wedding Bells Rang for…

Sharon and Sayer Johnson

on August 28^th

and for

Michelle Bryant & John Barbeau on September 4^th

Remember to bring canned and non-perishable food donations to support the Alton Crisis Food Center.   The collection bins are in the RE Foyer.

Meet Susan Schnirring

Susan has been a member since November 15, 2009.  She saw our sign, checked us out on the Internet and liked what she found here.  She currently lives in Wood River, but is originally from Iowa.  She is a registered nurse and a certified healing touch practitioner. 

She has many hobbies and interests - reading, movies, embroidery, alternative medicine, Native American culture and drumming. 

Susan is the mother of five and grandmother of ten. She is also the adopted mother of a stray cat who further gifted her with three kittens.  She would like everyone to know that she would consider giving the kitties up to a good home.   One final little fact about Susan; her unusual last name comes from German and is translated as “Ring on a String.”

Written by Mary Weber

Michelle Hudson

CHURCH COMMITTEE NEWS

Program Council – 12:15 pm, Sunday, October 3^rd

Church Board Meeting – 7 pm,

Wednesday, October 13^th

Pastoral Care Team Meeting –

6 pm, Thursday, October 28^th  

“Now Let Us Sing …”

The Choir usually sings at least once a month for morning worship services.

Choir rehearsals are held the first three Thursday evenings in each month from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.  EXCEPT in October there WILL NOT be a rehearsal on October 7^th.  October’s rehearsals will be on October 14^th and 21^st.

If you enjoy singing, please consider coming to a choir rehearsal to learn how much fun you can have and what a contribution you can make by being part of the choir.

New Choir Members are welcome at any time.

For further information contact Willis McCoy.

POT LUCK LUNCH
Sunday, October 24th

The congregation shares in a Pot Luck Lunch on the 4^th Sunday of each month.  Please plan to share food and fellowship following the 2^nd service.

If you can, bring something to serve 8 to 10 people and PLEASE help with either set-up or clean-up.  We don’t want anyone to have to work alone in the kitchen doing dishes after everyone else has gone home.

A through Mc will do SET-UP

Me through Z will do CLEAN-UP

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 October – Tori Chapman (2004)

  6 October – Freya Wolff (2000)

  8 October – Nancee Magilson

  9 October – Melissa Prado

11 October – Becky Green

11 October – Lorli Nelson (will be 93 in 2010)

17 October – Laura Southcombe

17 October – Noah Hudson (2000)

18 October – John Tade (1999)

20 October – Mandy Beneze

22 October – Julian Hudson (1999)

22 October – Kelley Crone-Willis

24 October – Ken Hoeft

24 October – Roland (Kit) Schoenborn

25 October – Bob Timpe

28 October – Pat Moore

28 October – Annie Darek Morgan

30 October – Peg Flach

4^th Saturday Lunch

October 23rd

Watch for a signup sheet at church and emails requesting volunteers to provide food and help.

Our lunch buffet line opens at 12 noon.  We ask that if you are bringing food that you arrive at least by 11:45 am.  Set-up help is welcome anytime after 10:30 am and cleanup help is always needed after lunch is over.

You are also welcome, and encouraged, to stay and have lunch with our guests. Usually we have between 30 and 40 guests, including children ranging from toddlers to teens.

The 4^th Saturday Lunch program is under the auspice of Food Ministries, headed by Kathryn Chapman.

Treasurer’s Note

Total budgeted income for August 2010 was $16,392.34; this was 9.87% of our annual budget.  Total budgeted expenses for August 2010 were $10,596.03; this was 6.38% of our annual budget.

I want to mention a way that many of you can help the church financially without spending an extra dime of your own money. Schnucks Markets has a plan with an outfit called eScrip whereby Schnucks will donate 1% of the money you spend on groceries at their stores to a charitable organization of your choice. You just get a plastic eScrip card, register it online, and specify our church (Id No: 164501344) as your designee. Then when you pay for your groceries at any Schnucks store, present your eScrip card and they will keep track of your purchases and donate 1% of your monthly total to the church. Better still, if you spend more than $300 in a month, the percentage donated increases. We currently have about 40 people contributing in this way, but it hasn't been mentioned in a while, so many new people don't know about it. I have some unused eScrip cards in my mailbox at church or you can pick one up at the customer service desk at any Schnucks store. 

Jerry Johnson, Treasurer

United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM)

(Our church is one of the 20+ faith communities that make up the United Congregations of Metro-East)

Sunday, October 10^th

4:00 – 5:30 pm

First Presbyterian Church of Granite City

2160 Delmar, Granite City IL

“Justice is what loves sounds like when it speaks in public.” (Michael Eric Dyson)

UCM calls friends, allies, and the public to assemble with elected officials to present solutions to injustices in our communities and to ask for commitments of their support.  The issues being addressed are: 1) jobs and training for local, low-income workers, minorities, and women; 2) affordable housing;

3) Responsible state budget.  UCM believes that, by working in faith and fellowship, members can transcend their differences to call forth into the world peace, justice and equity for all.  UCM is an affiliate of the Gamaliel Foundation which “… teaches ordinary citizens to unleash the power within themselves to collectively impact social, political, environmental, and economic decisions affective their lives.” 

 Dr. Ron Glossop Reports on his Trip to China to Teach Esperanto

During five weeks in August and September Ron traveled to China to teach Esperanto and to talk about Esperanto in seven cities.  He participated in an 11 day seminar in Taijuan and also taught students in a local elementary school.  He was interviewed in Beijing by China Radio.  He went to Dandong to participate in the 6^th Northeast China Esperanto Convention which was attended by 150 people from 11 provinces and cities.  He also traveled to Harbin to teach Esperanto intensively to students in the Heilongjiang Institute for Science and Technology.  He also lectured in Shanghi and then traveled to Changzhou to teach Esperanto and English at an elementary school.   Please talk to Ron to learn more about his travels in China.

Church Members Receive Award

Cindy Mayhew and Delores Ele, members of the First Unitarian Church in Alton, received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty award from the 2^nd Mile in My Shoes Conference held on September 10^th.  The award was given for the creation and publication of The Recovery Times newsletter, edited by Delores, and put out by the Consumer Leadership Council of the Region 5 network of the Illinois Department of Mental Health.  Cindy accepted her award on behalf of the Consumer Leadership Council.  Delores’ award plaque is on display in the Kate Wuerker Room.

In accepting her award, Delores said:  “… anyone who has been labeled with one of the mental illnesses, or even one or more of the physical disabilities, are individuals each endowed with unique strengths and weaknesses, each an expression of their Creator.  We do not choose our conditions, we don’t have these conditions to be an affront to parents or society, we have these things in order to enhance the world.  We are not throw-away people.  Please don’t judge us, yourselves or anyone else until you have walked a mile or two, or how many it takes, in our shoes.”

“Dreams”

by Delores Ele

Dreams are the hope

That bring thought into Reality

The drive to achieve

Invent, paint, write, cure

Dreams are what makes

Us more than just

People swinging in the trees

But flyers among the stars

Without our dreams, we are nothing

So be something:

Dream, dream, dream.

Community

Outreach Offering

The C.O.O. on October 10^th will go to the annual UUA Association Sunday fund as the Unitarian Universalist Association looks towards 2011 in  recognizing the 50^th anniversary of the merger in 1961 of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist.

Proceeds from this year’s Association Sunday special collection will go to ensuring that our faith thrives for generations to come. Beginning in spring 2011, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) will embark on an in-depth strategic review of leadership and growth in order to develop an action plan to strengthen our community for future generations.

“We want congregations that are spiritually deep places where strong and enduring relationships can flourish, and that are engaged in their communities as sources of moral vision and effective action. We want our religious homes to be truly multi-generational and reflect the racial and cultural diversity of the wider world. And, we want professional religious leaders who are visionary, spiritual,

innovative, and diverse.”

—The Rev. Peter Morales, President of the UUA

If we did not raise enough in September to make our $600 commitment to the Unitarian students in India our C.O.O. on October 24 will go toward our commitment to support the education of our three chosen Unitarian students in the Khasi Hills of India. (See elsewhere in this newsletter for a letter from one of our Indian students.)

Last May one of our Community Outreach Offerings was sent to support the UUA Tennessee and Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.  Our church office recently received the following letter from a UU who was helped through that Fund.

Dear Friend,

            My home sustained significant damage from a devastating flood this year. I received assistance from Unitarian Universalists (UU) through the Tennessee and Kentucky Flood Relief Fund and have worked on a “thank you” ever since.

            I am struck by the intensity and quantity of causes from which we humans choose to donate our time and financial resources. The needs are astounding of the world, nations, communities, families, and individuals. I compare my needs with the needs of others, and I seem to fall short of qualified. Yet as sure as I sit and write this, I would not have survived this spring and summer without the help of others. My gratitude and relief are unmeasurable.

            The support of my local congregation and UUs across the nation fills me with awe. I always believed contributing to “those in need” (never considering I would be one myself), but this experience has shown me that those of us who receive are truly touched. Each gift is so significant and meaningful.

            During the early days after the flood, I realized that during many of my “thank yous,” I was saying, “You saved my life.” At first I felt I was overdramatizing, overusing a cliché, but finally I realized those people who helped me did, in fact, save my life.

            I extend my eternal and humble gratitude to UUs across the nation and to my local family congregation, Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (GNUUC). Thank you.

Sincerely,

Lenore Rankin, Member of GNUUC
Nashville, TN

Interest Group Gatherings

Anna Ds Women’s Alliance

The Anna Ds will meet at 11:30 am on Thursday, October 7^th in the Rendezvous Room at Methodist Village – 5201 Asbury Ave. in Godfrey, IL.

Please pay for your lunch at the reception desk when you enter the main building.  The cost for the lunch is $6.50.

Lorli Nelson is this month’s host and would appreciate receiving your RSVPs by Monday, October 4^th.  

All women in the church are invited to attend these monthly Anna Ds luncheons.  Dues in the Anna DS are $10 per year.  Meetings are held in members’ homes, or at the church, or at a restaurant, depending on what the host wishes to do. 

Hosts for the upcoming months are:

Nov. – Pat Moore; Dec. – Mary Johnson; Jan. - ?;

Feb. – Marcia Custer; March – Brynda McCoy;

April – Audrey Wiseman; May – Lorna McElhone;

June – Joan Hashimi.

Spiral Scouts

The recent SpiralScout camping trip was held at Duncan Youth Tent Camp at Pére Marquette Park in Grafton. The Fireflies and SpiralScouts made considerable progress toward earning a variety of badges including, camping, fire tender, knife bearer, direction finder, and knot tier. It was a lot of fun to watch the kids catch frogs, toads, and butterflies. The children ran and played for hours and enjoyed lanterns, campfire light, spiral dances, and songs. The Scouts even got to make yummy pancakes for breakfast on the griddle over an open fire.

Spiral Scouts will have a parents’ meeting on Sunday, October 3^rd, 2010 from 1-3 pm at First Unitarian Church. For further information about Spiral Scouts, contact Stacey Wolff .

Men’s Lunch Group

All Men in our Church Family are invited!

The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at 11:30 am on Thursday, October 14^th at the St. Louis Buffet, 672 Wesley Dr., Wood River, IL. Contact Dick Blanton for further details.

Confluence Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS)

Contact Kristen O’Steen or Jimmy Christodoulou for meeting information.<

Below is the list of members of the Caring Ministries Committee.   You may always contact one of them in time of illness, loss, crisis, or other need.  Since Khleber will be in Italy until mid October it is especially important that you keep this list of contact people available in case you or your family is in need of pastoral support.

Marcia Custer

Sharon Johnson

Pat Moore

Ronnie Schoenborn

Cheryle Tucker-Loewe

Audrey & David Wiseman

Khleber Van Zandt

Some of you may remember the story of Casey, the puppy mill rescue dog.  Patrick Murphy [a member of our church since 2009] rescued Casey and he was quite a challenge to say the least.  Casey came from a puppy mill and was so badly matted he had to be shaved to the skin …  What a sight he was!!   Shaved with a leg that was so badly injured, it was medically necessary to amputate the leg.  When Pat took on Casey, he really took on a big commitment!  Pat has been very active in campaigns against puppy mills.  Missouri has A LOT of puppy mills and Pat and others felt very passionate about shutting down these disease-ridden factories of misery and suffering.  They are a real black mark in humane work and education.  Well, Casey became quite the star as he visited nursing homes and libraries so children could read to him.  It was mutually beneficial to both Casey and the elderly bedridden nursing home residents.  Casey was in the limelight!!  Since Casey is such a special needs dog, he gets a lot of specialized medical treatments that have come into play because of his early mistreatment and the injuries he has sustained. He even had a rock band named after him, "The Three Legged Dog Band" and he is their special mascot.   Pat has been a strong proponent in shutting down puppy mills.  Please take a minute or two to read about Pat's latest efforts.  The following is an article that was in the "Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation" Newsletter on August 18, 2010.

On Friday, August 13, a Cole County [Missouri] Circuit Court Judge upheld the initiative's ballot title ("Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act") and ruled that the language drafted by Secretary Carnahan for the petition summary was "neither insufficient nor unfair."  The petition summary is the actual question that voters will see on the ballot in November.  This decision is a huge relief to all who have worked so tirelessly on this campaign.  When Missouri voters go to the polls in November, they will finally have the opportunity to vote in favor of stopping numerous abusive practices that occur in puppy mills around the state.  The Act will require large-scale breeding operations to provide each dog with adequate food, water, exercise, veterinary care, enclosure space, and protection from the elements.  Wire cage flooring will no longer be allowed, and dogs will have free access to outdoor exercise areas. For more information on the initiative, check out missourifordogs.com. 

A Letter from

Diamond

in the Khasi Hills of India

Diamond Kharbithai is a college student in India whose education is being supported by our Community Outreach Offering. A card and letter was recently received from her expressing “heartfelt gratitude” for the help we’re giving her.

She writes: “ … I live in Kharang Village.  I have two sisters and two brothers and I am the eldest … My mother is a school teacher … I am studying in Class XII (Science) in Lady Keane College in Shillong … I am taking physics, chemistry, biology, maths, Khasi, English, and environment.  My aim is to become a doctor …

 I am very thankful for the First Unitarian Church Alton for sponsoring me … for now I am able to continue my studies and it lessens my mother’s burden. 

Now [this was written Sept. 2 and received Sept. 17] we are preparing for the celebration of “Unitarian Day” which is celebrated every year on the 18^th of September in the North-Eastern part of India … We are all very happy for the Day is nearly coming.

As I am studying in Shillong I attend the Nongthymmai Unitarian Church and sometimes go to my own church in Kharang.  My mother’s grand-mother, my grand-mother, and my mother’s grand-father are the founders of the Unitarian Church in Kharang.  Next year (2011) the Unitarian Union of North East India (UUNEI) Youth Congregation will be held in Kharang.   I hope that you can come and join with us …

Once again, thank you very much for your help.

Yours sincerely,   Diamond Kharbithai”

Chalice Circle Update

On Saturday, September 18, 2010, eight Chalice Circle members from the Alton Unitarian church joined more than 30 other members from Eliot Chapel of Kirkwood, Emerson Chapel of Ellisville, and First Unitarian of St. Louis at First Unitarian of St. Louis for a day of sharing and fellowship, food and fun.  We exchanged information on successful gatherings, solving problems, and recruiting members.  We gathered into temporary chalice circles with our new friends and discussed thorny issues.  Everyone came away from the meeting looking forward to another cooperative gathering in the near future.

Chalice Circles are a type of small group ministry within our congregations.  They are made up of 6 to 11 members who meet regularly, usually monthly, but it could be more frequently, like biweekly, if the group desires.  A trained facilitator will be present, but the group discussion is shared by all in most cases. 

At Alton, we currently have five groups;  the Belleville group led by Don and Jan Allen, the Renegade Women led by Marcia Custer, two groups of Parents Seeking Peace led by Diane Thompson and Sayer Johnson, and the Men’s group led by Don Allen.  Any of these groups welcome new members, so talk to the leader if you’re interested, or if you would like to start a new group with some of your friends, see Don and he will help you get one organized.