Congregation established 1836

Newsletter of the

First Unitarian Church, Alton, Illinois

www.firstuualton.org

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt, Minister

December 3rd

“ Belonging ”

Dr. Ronald Glossop, Professor Emeritus,

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

One of our greatest human needs is to belong, to be part of a family and/or various kinds of communities.   Ron will discuss this universal need and its implications for how we feel and behave both individually and collectively.  He will also address how all of this specifically relates to religion and our religious community.

December 10^th

“Family Holiday Service”

Jamie Gross and the children.

Family Holiday Service: This is our annual intergenerational holiday service.  It will be a sharing of songs and stories of the season.

December 17^th

“The Gift”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

In this darkest time of year, Hannukah recalls God’s gift of miraculous light in the temple and Christmas celebrates the coming of new light into the world.  While we’re running to and fro’ in the dark gathering up gifts for everyone else, we need to take time to notice the light, and the gift that is ours for the taking.

December 24th

“The Joy of the Love Song”

Greg Kehl Moore and Tanya Moore

The holiday season is a time of joy, and one of the greatest sources of joy is love. This program will be a musical journey exploring love songs through the decades. Singer Tanya Moore and pianist Greg Kehl Moore will perform and discuss love songs and the different ways they express the joys of love.

Dr. Greg Kehl Moore is an Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the Music Department of the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Tanya Moore graduated from UW-Superior and performs professionally in the Superior/Duluth area both singing and teaching. Greg and Tanya have performed on previous occasions at the Alton UU Church in the last three or four years.

December 24^th

Christmas Eve evening worship - 7:30 p.m.

“Angels We Have Heard”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

A traditional Christmas Eve service - we’ll come in from the cold and read the ancient birth narratives, sing some old hymns, and celebrate a season of hope together by candlelight.

December 31^st

“Here We Stand”

Dr. Ronald Glossop

The words “Here I Stand” or “Here We Stand” have been used again and again by those committed to new principles when they are confronted by large numbers stubbornly committed to the past.  Dr. Glossop discusses how the basics of modern Unitarian-Universalism differ in crucial ways from the views of others more tied to traditional Judaeo-Christian views about religion.

December 3^rd – Semi Annual Meeting begins with breakfast at 8:30 a.m.  Usual Adult Religious Enrichment programs will resume next week.

December 10^th – 9:00 a.m.

Ongoing Series: The Welcoming Congregation Workshop. The workshop is designed to help congregations develop individual and institutional strategies in order to become more welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families. 

December 17^th – 9:30 a.m.

Forum:  “ Talking about Religious Views.”

For example, what is the difference between a theist and a deist, between a pantheist and a polytheist, between an agnostic and an atheist, between being resurrected and having immortality, and so on?

December 24 – No Adult Religious Enrichment programs.

December 31 – No Adult Religious Enrichment programs.

A First Glance

Okay, I’ll admit it: I love Christmas.  The whole season pulls at my  heart.  The beginning of cold weather and the return of eagles to Alton.  Frosty mornings and chances of snow in the forecast.  Strings of colored lights on homes and tableaux of kitschy decorations in yards.  All those sappy Christmas songs my sister and her partner send me from New Mexico, and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto and Handel’s Messiah once again on the radio.  The hustle and bustle and running around, getting ready for holiday gatherings of all kinds. 

Even rampant consumerism rarely dampens my spirits.

It wasn’t always thus.

In my younger days, I usually felt overwhelmed and under-prepared for the American version of this holy time of year.  No matter how I tried, I knew I could never measure up to others’ expectations of gift-giving; working all year just to keep children fed left little extra to be spent on the major-league monetary blowout the culture had led me to believe was the whole point of the holiday.  It did indeed feel like what songwriter Loudon Wainwright III calls “retail eternity” - those seven weeks from Halloween to Christmas when we’re supposed to shop ‘til we drop in order to keep the corporate economic engine primed and pumping.

I can’t remember being more depressed than I was every year as Christmas once again loomed on the calendar.

This gives me pause in my holiday reverie, for I know there are many, many people who still feel the way I did - struggling to feed their children or to keep a roof over their own heads, living far from family (if they have any), lacking access to the most basic of services, unable to pay attention to or derive any joy from the sights and sounds of the celebration of the season.

It is in the midst of the crowd that we can feel most lonely, and in the most joyful of seasons that we can most acutely feel the pain of existence.

As we partake of the spirit of the holiday and await with heightened expectation the birth of something miraculous, let us hold in our hearts those who struggle, those who’ve never seen a star in the East, and those who can’t quite find hope in the eyes of a child.

A very Merry Christmas to you and yours,

See you in church,

Let’s Get Acquainted

This month we’re getting to know The Stacy family who joined the church in October, 2005, and the Wiseman family who joined the church in March, 1956.

Hello, I am David Stacy, and I'd like to tell you a little bit about myself and my family.   I am a native of Granite City, and graduated from high school there in 1987.   After 5 years of working at Schnuck's and attending college part-time, I joined the Air Force in 1992 as a Communications Computer Systems Operator, training in San Antonio-TX, and Biloxi-MS, followed by a year in Kunsan, South Korea, and 2 ½ years in Charleston-SC, where I met my wife, Deanna (pronounced Deena). After leaving the Air Force in 1996, we moved here to be close to my family.  I am now a freight train conductor/brakeman for Norfolk Southern railroad based out of their St. Louis terminal.  My interests include reading, outdoors (camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting), history, travel, and hockey.

Deanna Stacy is a native of Florida, growing up mostly in the Jacksonville area, graduating from Middleburg High School in 1989. After high school, she lived in Atlanta, and Charlotte-NC, attending college in both cities, before moving to Charleston-SC in 1993 (one month before David arrived there).  For the past 9 years she has worked for Dicom, Inc., a marketing firm in west St. Louis County, as a Media Planner/Buyer.  She is currently attending Southwestern Illinois College, working toward a degree in Elementary Education.  Her interests include outdoor activities (camping and hiking), reading (especially Stephen King novels), and hockey.

Marissa Stacy was born November 11, 1996.  She recently turned 10 and is in 5^th grade.  She loves to read, plays flute in the school band, plays for a soccer team on a league in Collinsville and is active in Girl Scouts.

Dylan Stacy was born April 13 (the day after Deanna's birthday), in 2000.  He is an active 6 year old and is in Kindergarten.  His main interests are cars, Spongebob, Pokemon, and Avatar.  He is really looking forward to Boy Scouts in first grade.

Audrey Wiseman writes, In Upper Alton, at home, I was born and welcomed to a pair of older parents who believed they had completed their family ten years previously, and to a brother and two sisters.  Times were much simpler then.  The accommodations were close to ideal. Our house had a history of at least fifty years with an attic and basement to browse in, a relaxed mother who relied on my judgment about where to play, and when to come home. All schools were within easy walking distance. Even college just three doors up.  A church and a shopping district were about five blocks away. My brother at varying times had a pet rabbit, guinea pigs, white mice and banty chickens.  The family usually had a family dog. These made up my early life.

In high school chorus I "met" David when during the initial roll call David's name was called and he spoke up and simultaneously winked at me.  Wow! I winked back, and that was that!  Of course, there were other people in our lives, other schools, but we did go to the same college and married about five years later, a few days after he graduated.  David's family was Jewish.  Mine was Baptist, (I think because that was the closest church.)  Our engagement was quite a topic of interest to the teachers and students at the college because it was Baptist sponsored.  A kindly minister-teacher who taught Marriage and the Family told us that he thought it would be wise for us to look into the local First Unitarian Church.  We did and were favorably impressed.  We were married here and have been here ever since.

David worked in a family bottle-gas business for a year and then got a job teaching - and just in time, too. He was drafted and our first child, Sarah, was born. Because teachers were badly needed then, and because he was a father, he was deferred. I was a "stay at home" mom. Laurie and Eric put in their appearances in the following six years. They had many cousins who were the same ages so there were many family socializings.

Eventually I enrolled at SIUE and graduated with a BA in art.  David got his masters degree in counseling, there, and two of our children graduated from there. Sarah graduated from University of IL.  Our family and church family are integral parts of my life. I love reading, doing some watercolor from time to time and living the "good life" in the woods with David.

David Wiseman writes, The First UU church of Alton has been for over 50 years our second family. While we enjoy bird watching, flowers, reading and writing, we like the companionship of UU's and the talks, discussions and friendships we have.

Here are the names of church members and friends who are celebrating birthdays this month.  If this is ‘your month’ and your name didn’t get included, we’re sorry.  For future months please let Mary Johnson know the day and month of your birth.

  3 December – Isaac Nalick

  5 December – Benjamin Hoeft (2002)

  7 December – Mary Weber

  8 December – John Dunphy

11 December – Zac Folk (1996)

16 December – Linda Van Zandt

18 December – Layne Simpson

19 December – Virginia Russo

20 December – Mary McGowan

23 December – Britney Brunner (1986)

30 December – Lisa Alton

31 December – Rasool Hashimi

Beverages Available

We have soda and bottled water available in the refrigerator for 50 cents for those of you who would like to have it for potlucks, coffee hour, meetings, etc.  Please remember to put your money into the basket on the refrigerator door.  If there is a flavor you would like that is not there, leave a note in the basket.  The soda is provided as a convenience and as a small money-maker for incidental items needed for the kitchen.

After drinking your soda, please rinse the can and put it into the recycle bin next to the frig, then we can get more money for turning them in!

If you would be willing to take over the task of stocking the soda or of doing the recycling, please contact Pat Moore.

Sunday Pot Luck Lunch

There will be no monthly POTLUCK lunch in December.

Anna D. Sparks Women’s Alliance

The Anna. D. Sparks Women's Alliance December meeting will be at G.C. Cuisine or The Garden Chef in Edwardsville.  We will gather there at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 7^th for an order-from-the-menu luncheon.  All women from the church are welcome.   Reservations should be called by Monday, Dec. 4^th to Ruth Shaw at rshaw75@aol.com or for the location of the restaurant on Highway157.

Video Tapes and CDs Available to Borrow

Gerry Gilman has available for free loan the following Video Tapes and CDs.  The tapes and CDs are from the Great Courses in Teaching Company.  This is the same company that produced "The Search for the Historical Jesus", which some of you have viewed this year during the Adult Religious Enrichment programs. These are very complete programs and are taped from College and University Course presented in some of our best schools.  If you are interested in more details as to what is covered in any of these taped lessons I will be glad to provide this information.  I assure you they are very thorough and comparable to actually taking a legitimate university course. A list of these tapes is as follows:

Great Minds of the Western Intellectual Tradition. (Video)

The World of Byzantium (Video)

Religions in the Ancient Mediterranean World (CD)

Philosophy of Religion (Video)

My Favorite Universe (CD).  This one gives the Astronomical Scientific view of how the Universe began and supposedly how the end of our planet will occur.

There are study guides with each set.  Please feel free to call or e-mail me if you would like to use this information.   Gerry Gilman

Please Welcome

Our Newest Members

Darin Dunphy joined the church on September 24^th.

Ruth Maskowjoined the church on October 22^nd.

Dee Smith joined the church on November 19^th.

RE NEWS

Dear Parents and Friends,

The Holiday Season is upon us, and this is a very busy time for everyone.  Church is no exception.  We have many events this month that you need to be aware of.  On December 1^st, there will be a church decorating potluck and party at the church.  This is the time that the children traditionally put up the mitten tree in the foyer.  Donations of warm clothing for the mitten tree can be brought in at any time after this until December 17^th.

December 3^rd is the Children's Holiday Gift Shop.  The children are asked to bring in a donation for the morning of shopping.  The money donated will later be counted and the children will be able to select the charities that will receive the money.  The Gift Shop will open at 9:00 a.m.

December 8^th is our Christmas Pageant.  It is a Friday evening performance that will begin at 7:00 p.m.  This will be followed by a cookies and punch reception.  All are invited to attend.

December 10^th is our annual Holiday Intergenerational Service.  This will be a sharing of seasonal songs and stories.  There will be no RE classes on that day, but childcare will still be available for the youngest among us.

December 17^th is the day that the children process the donations from the mitten tree.  They get to decide which items will go to the Salvation Army Shelter and which items will go to the Oasis Women's Center.

On Christmas Eve morning we will have a special RE activity for all ages combined.  It is important to note that if there is any day that 9:30 a.m. church activities are cancelled, that includes RE activities and classes that are held at that time as well.  Regular RE classes will resume for all ages in January.

This year we have also asked to adopt a family from the Oasis Women's Center.  Wish lists should be arriving, and they will be posted in the Kate Wuerker room for shopping options when they do.

I have an update on the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF project that was held on October 29^th.  Our total donation to this worthy cause was $268.67.

I have been thrilled to see many new faces during these past few weeks, and I am always available for any questions or comments that anyone may have.

Thank You, Jamie Gross

Social Justice

The Immigration Project at 1950 State Street, Box 753, in Granite City will sponsor an Open House and Fundraiser on Thursday, December 14^th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Staff members will be present to discuss immigration issues as they affect clients in this area. Snacks will be provided.  A suggested donation of $10.00 for each person is requested.  The Immigration Project is a nonprofit organization and any contributions are tax deductible. For further information contact Jane Harlan at the Immigration Project at (618) 452-7018.

Next Building and Grounds Work Day

Please save the date of January 27^th for the next Building and Grounds Workday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  We will concentrate on indoor cleaning, repairs, and painting.

Remember – we’re all members of the Building and Grounds Committee.  Have anything to suggest for Building and Grounds?  Put a note in my mailbox or the suggestion box or email me at patjimmoore@charter.net.  Pat Moore

COME SING WITH US!

CHOIR REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Thursday, Dec.   7^th – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday,   Dec. 17^th – 9:45 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 21^st – 7:00 p.m.

Contact Willis McCoy for further information.

wbmccoy@charter.net

New Spot for UUs in South Florida!

Due to major renovations, the Southeast UU Winter Institute in Miami (SWIM) will actually be held in the historic West Palm Beach area.  SWIM's annual intergenerational retreat for UUs and like-minded people of all ages happens every year from December 26^th through Jan 1^st.  SWIM offers South Florida sunshine, outdoor adventures (including tours, hikes, paddling), workshops (including spirituality and personal growth), programs for families, singles, youth, teens, and young adults, fantastic food, and a new community of friends from across the continent.  Play, laugh, sing, and celebrate New Year's Eve at SWIM! Join UUs from all over North America for a week of fun in the sun! It's a beautiful time of year to be in South Florida.

This year's theme: Sacred Space.  See more online at http://www.swimuu.org

SWIM is a member in good standing of CU2C2, the Council of Unitarian Universalist Camps & Conferences, an Independent Affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

BEGINNERS CHESS CLASS

FOR ALL AGES

Starting Dec. 3^rd.

Interested in learning chess?

Learn how to set up the board.

Learn how the pieces move.

Learn how to attack your opponents King.

Learn how to win!

Sign the signup sheet on the counter.
Classes will be held after church, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Jim Elliott

 “A Prairie Home Companion”

Garrison Keillor will be bringing his live radio show to the Fox Theater on Saturday evening (4:45 p.m.) January 20^th.   Tickets go on sale at the Fox Box Office or through Metrotix on Dec. 2^nd.

For those unfamiliar with his show, heard on KWMU-FM (90.7) live on Saturdays and repeated on Sundays, most every program will include jokes or comments about Unitarians – providing great publicity for UUs.

There will not be a lunch group meeting in December.  If you have an idea for an interesting place for lunch, or would like to plan one month’s outing please contact Cathy Tade.

cathytade@msn.com.

In Memoriam

William (Bill) Dittmann, a long-time member of the First Unitarian Church, passed away on Wednesday, October 25^th.  He signed the membership book on June 6^th 1937.  He and his wife Catherine were energetic and loyal members of the church.   About seven years ago they were both honored (Cot posthumously) for their long service to the Church by being made members of the Church's Wall of Fame.  More recently, Bill had presented the Church with a piece of art done by one of our previous minister's wife which hangs in the Wuerker Room; and we also glory in the music of the Baby Grand Piano that he had refinished and moved to the church from his home.  Bill was a quiet and gentle man but with his business acumen and enthusiasm had led the Church to higher levels of success.  He will be sorely missed.  Rev. Van Zandt officiated at a private graveside service at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.   Midge Hallett

Word has also been received of the death, on November 5^th, of Francis Jones of Allen, Texas.  Mrs. Jones joined the church in 1933 and moved to Texas a few years ago to be nearer to family. 

A graveside service was held on November 10^th in Alton City Cemetery and was done by Francis' daughter Fran Collins, presently of Dallas, Texas, and was attended by family members, Lorli Nelson, and Khleber Van Zandt.

Memorials for Bill Dittmann and Francis Jones may be made to the First Unitarian Church.

Food Pantry Contributions

Our donations are needed for December food baskets. Cash donations are being accepted for the purchase of hams and the following items will be included in the baskets: canned sweet potatoes, vegetables and fruits, cake mixes and icing, brown sugar, oatmeal, and drink mixes.  Please bring these non-perishable foods (or a monetary contributions) for the Food Pantry to church by December 17. 

A basket for your food donation is always available in the RE Foyer.  Thank you for supporting this community agency.

"It Came upon the Midnight Clear."

Edmund Hamilton Sears

(April 6, 1810-January 16, 1876)

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold;
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From Heaven’s all gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Sears, a Unitarian parish minister and author, was understood in his day to be conservative and not in sympathy with either "broad church" or "radical" Unitarians. He wrote a number of theological works influential among liberal Protestants, inside and outside the Unitarian fold. Sears's fame is due to his composition of the quintessentially Unitarian Christmas carol, "It Came upon the Midnight Clear."

Read about other interesting Unitarians at these websites:

Dictionary of Unitarian & Universalist Biography

http://www.uua.org/uuhs/duub

Notable American Unitarians

http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/unitarians