November 4, 2012

“Gales of November”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

Election season has brought out the best and the worst of our now-236-year-old fledgling and imperfect democracy.  What can we look forward to after all the votes are counted?

Liturgist:  Debby Lovell

November 11, 2012

“Proud Arminians”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

The Dutch professor Jacob Arminius (1560-1609) was one of the theological forebears of Unitarian Universalism.  Countering the prevailing strictures of Calvinism, Arminius argued that “God’s gift of free will” gave humans the ability either to respond to the gospel or to resist it.  Which shall we choose?

Liturgist:  Neil Hershey

November 18, 2012

"Some of That Old-Time Religion"

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

On this traditional Bread Communion Sunday, we’ll share songs and readings and special music as well as breads from our many traditions.

--  Please bring a small loaf of bread from your particular tradition - family or personal - to share during Bread Communion at this intergenerational worship service.  --

--  You’re also encouraged to attend our  --

--  Transgender Day of Remembrance  --

-- at church this afternoon  --

Liturgist:  Amanda Grippi

November 25, 2012

"Radical Hospitality: Thoughts on

Growing Our Church"
Sabrina Trupia

The Rev. Ellen Cooper-Davis recently tweeted the following: "Radical hospitality is not simply welcoming all comers.  It's being willing to be changed by those who show up".  This sermon will address the themes of radical hospitality, inclusion and "missionary work" as it could apply to UUs individually and collectively.

Liturgist:  Mary Johnson

At 9:30 am

November 4 – Tracey Howe-Koch – The Bible.

This month we will be discussing the Book of Jonah.  How do his struggles to be a prophet mirror ours in evangelizing Unitarian Universalism?  What can we learn from Jonah?  Come and find out. No prior Bible experience necessary - all interpretations welcome!   Questions, please contact Tracey Howe-Koch.

November 11 – Dr. Ron Glossop – American Philosophy.

Our third session on "American Philosophy" will focus on William James (1842-1910), champion of individualistic pragmatism.  Pragmatism, an original American viewpoint, maintains that an idea is true if it works.  James argued for traditional religious views about controversial issues on grounds that ideas such as that there is a God who can answer prayers and that there is a life after death work better for the individual than the alternative views.

November 18 – Eric Johnson – Theology Funshop.  Learn about concepts in Theology in a fun and exciting way, by interactive discussion.  Do you want to learn about Unitarian Universalist theology?  Here's your chance.

November 25 – Michelle Bryant Barbeau – Come explore Earth-based spirituality through ritual, meditation and discussion as the seasons turn from Harvestide to the time of reflection.  How can connecting with seasonal rhythms make positive changes in our lives?  You are invited to discover your own answers in this month's class as we look both around ourselves and backward in time to create our present moments

At 11:00 am

November 4 through November 25

Cheryle Tucker-Loewe – Spirit of Life.  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

Whenever I attend the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association, I make sure I get to the UU Christian Fellowship’s annual Communion service - not necessarily because I consider myself a Christian but because I have good friends there and I usually hear something interesting or challenging.  This past summer in Phoenix was no exception.

I found my way to the room where the service was to be held:  a nondescript convention center meeting room, certainly nothing special.  I greeted a few friends and then sat down in a row of folding chairs among strangers.

A person soon began playing the piano.  I figured it was a good signal that worship was beginning, but the person seemed unfamiliar with the piano or with the hymns or with playing in front of people - it just wasn’t the kind of quality one wants to expect in public worship.  When the liturgist began to speak, she too seemed less than comfortable.  Then the preacher, who started out gang-busters, slipped into rote quotation and cliche.  Nothing about the service stuck out as a reason for me to have bothered coming here.

Clearly, I was in the doldrums, grumpy, critical, and wondering why I even bothered.

When it came time for bread and wine, I decided I’d just go through the motions, so when the invitation was issued to come forward and ‘share in the gifts of God,’ I rose with all the others and got in line to move toward the front. 

Alas, the bread was tasteless, the ‘wine’ a watered-down grape juice.  Perturbed and perplexed, I filed back to my seat among strangers.

When I sat down, I felt an unfamiliar emotion welling up from deep down inside.  I put my head down and leaned forward a little, hoping it would all go away.  To help it pass and to hide my increasing tears, I put my face in my hands, but I was soon sobbing and curling into a ball in the chair. 

I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, then one on my back.  I heard others crying around me.  I felt someone else’s face lean onto my other shoulder, and we all seemed to be suspended in time while we cried out whatever it was we’d collectively brought with us to that convention center meeting room.

I’m not sure how long it was we sat together.  I’m not sure what it was that moved us.  I’m not even sure what it was I personally felt - exhaustion? relief? gratitude? love?

It’s absurd, really, that such a moving experience might happen among strangers, in a bland space, with imperfect music, an unpracticed liturgist, an unprepared preacher.

But I know it can happen, because it happened to me.  And I hope it happens for at least some of our guests, and for some of us in our church community as well. 

See you in church,

Community Outreach Offering

The COO will go to the City of Alton’s Community Christmas Program which provides Christmas to families in our region through the donations and charitable giving of churches, businesses, and individuals. 

In upcoming months, additional suggested recipients are the Alton Crisis Food Center, Meals on Wheels, Transhaven, St. Louis Effort for AIDS, Garden at La Vista shares, Equal Housing Opportunity Council, Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance.

If you have a suggestion for an organization we should support with our Community Outreach Offering, please contact Cheryle Tucker Loewe

New Co-Chair of Building & Grounds

Welcome to Lee Suarez who has volunteered to be the “Building” Co-Chair of the Building & Grounds Committee.  Bob Larson is the Co-Chair in charge of “Grounds.”

Lee has asked that we put her contact info in each newsletter so that if people see something at the church that is in need of repair they can notify her.

Renegade Women’s Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Saturday.

Saturday , November 17 from 12 noon until 2 pm at church.

Contact Beth Bourland for further information.

Parents Seeking Peace Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Sunday.

Sunday, NOVEMBER 18 from 12:15 to 1:30 pm in Emerson Place at Church .
Contact: Diane Thompson or Sayer Johnson.

The GLBT Chalice Circle

The last Sunday of each month.

Sunday, NOVEMBER 25 at 12:15 pm at church.

Contact Staci Bratten.

4^th Saturday Lunch November 24

Trish Botsko is the 4^th Saturday Lunch Coordinator. 

We are planning to have a lunch on November 24 even though our church kitchen will be undergoing remodeling.  We may have the lunch at a neighboring church or other location or we’ll figure out how to have it at our church.

Details about the lunch will be available at church, on UU Friends, and through “This Week at Church” so watch for more information.

The Anna Ds – 1^st Thursday of each month.

The Anna Davenport Sparks Alliance will meet on Thursday, November 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the home of Joan Hashimi in Edwardsville.

It will be a “brown bag” lunch with the option of phoning in your order to the Edwardsville St. Louis Bread Company at 618-659-2350.   You may place your order on Thursday morning, tell them it is with the Anna Ds, pay by credit card, and your lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at Joan’s.  The Bread Company’s menu is available online.

Of course, you may bring your own “brown bag” if you prefer.   Dessert and beverages will be provided.

Let Joan know by Monday, October 29 if you’ll be attending.

Spiral Scouts – Every SUNDAY from 1 to 3 pm.

This program for children and youth includes interpersonal skills, traditional woodland lore, camping, and outdoor living skills.   Please use Amy Eichen's email and our facebook facebook.com/riverdragonspiralscouts, as it will give updated information about what we are, upcoming events and what is going on in our meetings.

Amy Eichen

We will be meeting at the Jacoby Arts Center (627 East Broadway, Alton) at 11 am on Saturday, November 3 for Soup & a Bowl to benefit the Crisis Food Center. The cost is $20 each and, for that amount, you get all the soup you want and a hand-thrown bowl to take home to use while remembering the Crisis Food Center's mission and needs. I hope everyone can come.  We’ll get a table together and plan for future programs.

Sandy Shaner

Men’s Lunch Group

2^nd Thursday of each month

The Men's Lunch Group will meet on Thursday, November 8 at 11:30 am at the Best Buffet & Grill at 615 Wesley, Drive in Wood River IL. Contact Dick Blanton for further details.   All men in our church are invited!

Choir Rehearsals in NOVEMBER

Thursday, Nov. 1 from 7 to 8 pm

Sunday, Nov. 4 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm

Thursday, Nov. 8 from 7 to 8 pm

Thursday, Nov. 15 from 7 to 8 pm

For further information contact Willis McCoy or Joy Hoeft.

Notes from Board Trustee & Newsletter Liaison

Sandy Shaner

At the October 8 meeting the Board continued its focus on finances, building improvements, reports, policies, procedures, schedules and deadlines – all the many facets of governance that will solidify the foundation of this church for the future.  Everyone who attended the October 7 services heard a comprehensive report by Mary Johnson on the capital campaign and building projects, and we took a few minutes to enjoy the progress so far.  We were then able to move on to plans for the October 14 Opportunity Fair providing opportunities for everyone to participate in some way in the day-to-day activities of the church.  Then we had a great discussion of the exciting plans for the Día de los Muertos auction and party on November 3.

            The issue of physical access to the building is more difficult to resolve as construction across the street at Marquette High School seems to be never-ending.  As a result, we want to be sure everyone knows that Khleber has been moving a barricade at both the top and bottom of the barricaded area before services. Sometimes the construction equipment leaves little room for cars, but other times power steering and determination allows parking.  I noted with appreciation on October 14 that drop-off access and some parking were both available.  (This is obviously a stop-gap solution while we discuss access with the City.)  In a related matter, we’re also determined to provide tables and chairs in the Wuerker Room for those who would like to sit and visit.

            Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for future Board discussions.

Welcoming a

Guest at Your Table

Each year at this time, friends and families in our congregation participate in Guest at Your Table — a UU tradition for decades. By bringing home a beautiful Stories of Hope booklet and Guest at Your Table envelope or box, families and individuals learn about how the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee puts our shared values into action in the United States and around the world. Through a potent combination of advocacy, education, and partnerships with grassroots human-rights leaders, UUSC promotes workers' rights, rebuilds sustainable communities, advances civil liberties, and heals people affected by disasters.

Through the Stories of Hope booklet, we connect with leaders throughout the world who are working hard for human rights in partnership with UUSC. In each household, the Guest at Your Table materials are placed in a prominent spot where the household gathers. When family and friends gather to enjoy their blessings, they can reflect on the contributions of these "guests" to the movement for universal human rights — and share generously. Each week, we can choose a different story to read, bringing our guests to life and helping celebrate our own rights.

Sharing our blessings through Guest at Your Table ensures that UUSC's human-rights work continues. Please consider making a contribution that meets membership levels. Since UUSC is an independent organization that receives no funding from any government or denomination, your support and membership are vitally important.

Please be sure to pick up your Stories of Hope booklet and envelope or box. If you prefer, you can make your contribution directly online at uusc.org/givetoguest. We will open our Guest at Your Table program this November!  Any questions, please contact Tracey Howe-Koch

Donations Requested for New Flooring for the Kate Wuerker Room

New flooring for the Kate Wuerker Room was not included in our capital campaign list of projects, although flooring in that room is sorely needed.  We would like to be able to redo the floor about the same time as the kitchen is being remodeled.

The floor will be laid by members and friends of the church, but funding is needed to purchase the flooring.

We have received $1300 in donations so far, but it is estimated that at least another $700 will be needed. 

If you would like to make a donation for the floor, please talk to Mary Johnson or Sayer Johnson.

 “Día de los Muertos”

Fall Fundraiser November 3

Day of the Dead  (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to remember friends and family members who have died.

On Saturday, November 3, starting at 6 pm, we will celebrate the “Day of the Dead” with an evening of storytelling, tarot readings, food, children’s activities, and both a SILENT AUCTION and a SERVICE AUCTION to aid our annual budget.

We will welcome master storyteller and haunted Alton historian Len Adams in our sanctuary for a special one night performance especially for First Unitarian Church Alton and friends. We will also have various tarot readers to entertain and share insights. 

Supper will include chili (several kinds), beverages and assorted sweet treats.

In addition, there will be a fantastic SILENT AUCTION filled with a variety of goodies to take home as well as a small but entertaining SERVICE AUCTION that will include various tasks donated by members of the congregation. (painting, home cooked dinners, etc.)

We are looking for folks to donate themed baskets, and any items of value, such as antiques, baked goods, crafted items, and service items such as massage, reiki treatment, house cleaning, etc.

If you would like to be involved please see Sayer Johnson or Linda Van Zandt.

UUUth (UU Youth)

Children / Youth Choir

The UUUth choir will rehearse on Sunday, November 11, shortly after the second service is over.   We are planning on meeting for one hour on the second Sunday of each month after the second service.   We are looking forward to singing with your kids.   It will be a lot of fun.
Any questions, contact Joy or Ken Hoeft.

Worship Associates Meeting   Wednesday, November 7

from 7 pm to 8:30 pm

Have you wanted to share in bringing new perspectives to Sunday morning worship? 

Would you would enjoy a deeper study of what happens (emotionally, spiritually, intellectually) during worship, and how to make those experiences more meaningful to yourself and the congregation?

If so, please plan to attend the “Worship Associates” Team meeting.   For more information contact: Khleber Van Zandt.

Social Justice Meeting

If you’re interested in working on Social Justice issues, plan to attend the Social Justice Committee meeting at 12:15 pm (during potluck) on Sunday, Nov. 25,   Contact Cheryle Tucker-Loewe for further information.

After sending bid requests to five companies, the Ad Hoc Architecture Committee asked the Board to approve Jun Construction in Godfrey as the company to remodel the church kitchen and install a “Coffee Center” in the Kate Wuerker Room.  Plans are for work to begin on November 19 and it will probably take at least a month.  The kitchen planning committee has selected coffee center cabinets (most of the current kitchen cabinets will be retained), flooring, and counter tops as well as a new stove, wall ovens, refrigerators and dishwasher.

The cost of remodeling our 43-year old kitchen and adding a Coffee Center will be approximately $55,000.  The cost of appliances will add to this amount.  This is about half again as much as our initial “ball park” estimate from over a year ago. 

However, thanks to the generous capital campaign contributions from you, the members and friends of the congregation, we have the cash on hand to pay for this kitchen remodeling work plus the appliances.

November Birthdays

Most people enjoy getting a card, 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.

11/02     Sandy Shaner

11/03     David Weber

11/04     Jennifer Lewis

11/14     Steven Mead

11/06     Bob Larson

11/11     Pat Murrell

11/15     Liz Rogers

11/15     Eilene Taylor

11/17     Diane Herndon

11/17     Alison Reiheld

11/23     Christy Koester

11/25     Maia Dothager, (8)

11/25     John Herndon

11/29     Wade Gibson

11/29     Bob Chapman

11/30     Neil Adams

Our Sympathy is extended to the family of Lois Fischer, who died on Monday, October 15.   Lois and her late husband Bill were part of the Thomas Jefferson Fellowship in Florissant, and Bill later joined our church and served in many capacities.   Lois is survived by 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Rev. Van Zandt conducted her Memorial Service on October 18.
Memorials in Lois’ name may be made to St. Louis Public Radio.

Below is the current list of members of the Caring Ministries Committee.   You may always contact one of them in time of illness, loss, crisis, or other need.   Keep this list of contact people available in case you or your family is in need of pastoral support.

The Caring Ministries Committee is ready to welcome several more members! If you are interested in engaging in conversations with other church friends and getting to know them on a deeper level, please consider joining our group!

Please contact Sharon Johnson.

The Unitarian Universalist Association

COMMON READ 2012-2013

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander has been selected as the ’12-’13 UUA Common Read.  Alexander writes about how the “war on drugs” and the incarceration system fall disproportionately and intentionally upon Americans of color, resulting in lifelong discrimination and disenfranchisement of those who have been branded “felon.”

A Common Read invites participants to read and discuss the same book in a given period of time.  A discussion guide is available online and can be divided into a single 60 minutes session and in a series of three 60 minute sessions.  The book is available from the UUA Bookstore – www.uuabookstore.org.  It is also available as an e-book and in public libraries.

2013 Ware Lecturer Named

Dr. Eboo Patel, founder and Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core, an international nonprofit building the interfaith youth movement, will be giving the notable Ware Lecture at the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Louisville KY next June.

Dr. Patel’s books include “Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice and the Promise of America” and “Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation.” [This latter title was the ’11-’12 Common Read.]

The Ware Lecture is given each year at the UUA General Assembly by an invited distinguished guest.  The Lecture has been a part of the Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist annual meetings since 1922.

To read more about this, and earlier Ware Lectures, go to http://www.uua.org/ga/programming/14600.shtml