December 2, 2012 – 1^st Sunday of Advent

“Wait Here”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

UU author John Taylor writes, “If there were no Advent, we would need to invent one.”  Even as we honor this season of darkness, we light candles of hope and begin the long wait for the return of the light.

Liturgist:  Nancy Conniff

December 9, 2012 - Hanukkah

“A Candle for the Maccabee”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

The celebration of Hanukkah reminds us to recognize everyday miracles:  we are instructed by the ancient story to maintain an awareness of the gifts we receive and to dedicate ourselves to becoming the best we can be and to making the world the best place it can be. 

Liturgist:  Sandy Acharya

December 16, 2012 - Solstice

“A Pathway Well Lit”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

We honor the winter solstice in song and story, and celebrate the journey into the dark.

Liturgist: Michelle Bryant-Barbeau

December 23, 2012

“Giving In to Christmas”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

In the midst of such a hectic season, it can be difficult to remember any reason to celebrate.  Let’s gather on a quiet Sunday morning, adjust our exorbitant expectations, and allow the joy of Christmas into our hearts.

Liturgist:  Matt Koch

December 24, 2012

–  Christmas Eve, 7:30 in the evening  –

–  an intergenerational worship service  –

“The Shepherd and the Wise Man”

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

Shepherds watching their flocks by night, wise men traveling great distances on the strength of a strange prophecy:  the ancient myths challenge reason and are difficult to fathom by daylight.  This traditional candlelight worship service celebrates mystery and the birth of new hope into the world.

Worship schedule continued on page 2

December 30, 2012

 "What Is Meant by the Word 'God'?"

Dr. Ronald Glossop, Professor Emeritus,

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

What is meant by the word "God"?  People answer that question in various ways.  We will consider some (polytheism, monotheism, deism, atheism, agnosticism, pantheism, humanism) plus the naturalistic view of 20th Century UU minister Henry Nelson Wieman that God is "the process of creative interchange."  I will conclude with my own view that "God" should be defined as "a force working for good."

Liturgist:  Jerry Johnson

At 9:30 am

December 2 – Tracey Howe-Koch – The Bible.

Please join us for a discussion of Paul (Saul) and his conversion on the road to Damascus.  We will be focusing on Acts 9:1-30.  We will be discussing his role in spreading Christianity and what we might take from his experience in evangelizing Unitarian Universalism.  Everyone welcome!  Questions, please contact Tracey Howe-Koch.

December 9 – Dr. Ron Glossop – American Philosophy.

Our 4th session on "American Philosophy" will focus on Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914), scientifically grounded theoretician of the philosophy of publicly oriented pragmatism.  He deals with questions such as what is a reliable way of moving from doubt to true belief and what does it mean to say that a belief is true.

December 16 – Eric Johnson – Theology Funshop.

December 23 – Michelle Bryant Barbeau – Earth-based Spirituality.

At 11:00 am

December

Cheryle Tucker – 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

Back in mid-November, I attended the annual meeting of my ministers’ study circle, otherwise known as Prairie Group.  Founded in 1951, this band of now 45 souls has been assembling each year to explore topics of sometimes-interest to at least a few UU clergy.  Over that time, the personalities have certainly come and gone, and some of the personality of the group has shifted as well – if only because of our grief over losing an increasing number of those who came before. 

This year, we memorialized three beloved former members:  Jack Hayward, Rupert Lovely, and Ed Harris – all guiding lights and lions of the faith in their own unique fashions.  Each of those who has crossed over will be greatly missed.

The stated purpose for gathering each year is to present papers on a topic chosen by vote of the members at the previous year’s business meeting.  Papers are scheduled to be presented each fall by five members, and five other members are chosen to prepare and present formal responses.  After each paper and response, the floor is opened up to discussion.  Most often, the conversation has been scholarly and intellectual; whatever emotion bubbles up is applied in fierce argument over debatable facts or questionable theory.

But some of that focus on fierceness may be changing.

One of the newer members this year took a moment during discussion after one of the papers to say how tired he had been lately, and that he felt worn out by the stresses and strains of parish ministry and daily immersion in the work of the church.

He related how he had found himself one evening sitting on his front porch, holding his very young son in his lap while they blew bubbles together.  The bubbles were being lifted in the air and carried up over the porch roof and far out of sight.  In this moment, my colleague said, he realized how much he loved his new child and how much he wanted to be able to always hold him, wrapped up in his arms and safe from the world.

A few days later, he said, he had sat with a counselor and, telling the story again, the intense feelings of love had come flooding back.  And when he was done telling the story, the counselor had asked a simple question:  “Can you imagine yourself being held in that way and being loved that much?”

I hope you can feel that kind of embracing, supportive, all-encompassing love.  I am most able to feel it when I am with people – my family, my friends, my church community. 

If you cannot yet feel it, then we have more work to do together.

See you in church,

Community Outreach Offering

The COO will go to the Alton Crisis Food Center.  The Center is on Alby Street two blocks from the church and serves hundreds of people weekly.  Each family or individual coming to the Center is given a five day supply of food.  Clothing and household goods are also available at the Center.

Besides giving money, you can also give food.  There is a donation basket in the RE foyer for non-perishable food items.  Especially in this holiday season, such things as cake mixes, canned fruit, and items that could go toward a special meal would be welcome.

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

drinking fountain installed!!

Thanks to the financial generosity of Lucy Bouton, Char McAllister, and Lee Suarez we once again have a working water fountain in the hallway.

It’s been a number of years since the water fountain worked and we just “got used to it.”  Now we can get a drink of water without going to the kitchen for a glass.

Lee Suarez and her friend Cathy Allen spent a day installing the water cooler.  So, please thank all these people mentioned, and go get a drink from the fountain!!!!

Your ATTENTION is Needed to
Maintain the Church Building

If you notice something in the church building that needs attention or repair, please contact our Building Co-Chair

Lee Suarez

Lee’s report

Building Maintenance REPORT

Eight people signed up at the Opportunity Fair to help with building maintenance.  The first workday was the morning of October 27, planned to coincide with the 4^th Saturday Lunch.  The following individuals spent the morning:  Jim McKeever, Brian Bennett, Sayer Johnson, Mary and Jerry Johnson, Angie Payne and her kids, and Pat Moore.

Thanks to everyone’s hard work the following items on the “to do” list were completed:

1. Glued the crib rails.

2. Replaced light fixtures in nursery and women's bathroom

3. Adjusted closer on women's bathroom door

4. Change furnace filter

5. Straightened up furnace room

6. Applied lemon oil to the pulpit

7. Checked smoke alarms and installed 2 CO alarms

8. Repaired black pipe in back of building

9. Repaired church office light switch

10. Examination of fireplace in Kate Wuerker Room and considered alternative fuel sources.

11. Put in 2 outdoor cigarette disposal units

The church now has a pre-paid card at Lowes, resolving the problem of members having to pay for needed supplies “out of pocket” and waiting to be reimbursed.

On Oct. 26 the old furnace heating the Kate Wuerker Room quit functioning and could not be repaired.  In early November Barrett Heating replaced the furnace at a cost of around $4300.  This money was taken from the capital campaign funds as HVAC improvements were one of the approved campaign projects.

Renegade Women’s Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Saturday.

Saturday , December 15 from 12 noon until 2 pm at church.
Contact Beth Bourland For further information.   Note Beth’s new email address.

Parents Seeking Peace Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Sunday.

Sunday, DECEMBER 16 from 12:15 to 1:30 pm in Emerson Place at Church.
Contact: Diane Thompson or Sayer Johnson.

The GLBT Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Sunday

Sunday, DECEMBER 16 at 12:15 pm in the 7^th grade classroom downstairs at Church.

Contact Staci Bratten.

Sandy Shaner

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 my email and our facebook, as it will give updated information about what we are, upcoming events and what is going on in our meetings.

Amy Eichen

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

The Anna Davenport Sparks Alliance will meet on Thursday, December 6 at 11:30 am at Rizzo’s Restaurant in Florissant, Missouri – 1839 Dunn Road.  Rizzo’s is in a small strip mall called “Waterford Plaza.”

Getting there is easy.  From Illinois take I-270 westbound to the West Florissant Exit (#29).  Exit onto Dunn Road (the service road) and continue going west on Dunn Road, paralleling the highway for about one mile.  Waterford Plaza will be on your right.

All women from the church are invited to Anna Ds luncheons.

Let Mary Johnson know by Monday, December 3 if you’ll be attending or contact Brynda McCoy.

4^th Saturday Lunch December 22

Trish Botsko is the 4^th Saturday Lunch Coordinator. 

Due to the timing of the renovation of the church kitchen we are uncertain where the 4^th Saturday lunch will be held in December.  November’s lunch was at the First Presbyterian Church.

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

Join the Party!

Decorate the Church

on Sunday, December 2

right after church.

Stay and share the joy

and excitement in seeing

the church transformed.

We will order Subway sandwiches

chips, fruit and drinks for all the

Holiday Helpers.

Worship Associates Meeting

TUESDAY, December 11

from 7 pm to 8:30 pm

The proposed discussion topic for this month’s meeting is “What is the role of silence in the worship experience.”

If you are interested in talking about “Worship” – in the abstract or concrete – or learning more about what goes into making a worship service – or sharing how you think or feel about “worshipping.” Then, in the words of Rumi, “Come, come, whoever you are;  Wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving … Ours is no caravan of despair … Come, come again, come.”

For more information contact:

Khleber Van Zandt

Choir Rehearsals in DECEMBER

Sunday, Dec. 2 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm

Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 8 pm

Thursday, Dec. 13 from 7 to 8 pm

Thursday, Dec. 20 from 7 to 8 pm.

For further information contact Willis McCoy or Joy Hoeft.

By the time you read this, the kitchen remodeling project should be started.

On November 12, twenty people (adults and kids) worked for several hours to totally remove everything moveable from the kitchen and pantry.  The refrigerators were cleaned out and one will be sold; the much older one, hauled away.  The dishwasher will be sold.  The two 43-year-old stoves will be hauled away.  The pantry shelving units were moved into the closet in the Wuerker Room and loaded with boxes.  Silverware, utensils, glassware, pots and pans, and a lot of miscellaneous “stuff” were boxed.  The china plates and cups were loaded onto a table in the Wuerker Room and covered with a cloth.  Most things will be inaccessible until the remodeling is finished and everything put back into place.

The Kitchen Planning Committee was certain that we wanted a Hobart LXI commercial dishwasher to be able to get dishes done quickly.   Costs of new Hobarts ranged from $3900 to $5500 or higher.
In our budget we had planned for the high cost of a Hobart.  However, a 6-year-old used Hobart was found online with an asking price of $750.   It had been used for one year and in storage for five.   The seller said that if for some reason it did not work when we tested it, he’d refund the $400 down payment we paid him.   The Hobart is now sitting in the Wuerker Room waiting for the day we can turn it on!

December 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 do not think the church office has your birthday on file, please contact Becky Green at church@firstuualton.org and give her that information.

            12/02      Jason Dothager

12/05      Benjamin Hoeft (10)

12/05      Cody Wucher

12/07      Mary Weber

12/16      Linda Van Zandt

12/18      Layne Simpson

12/23      Marty Moore Johnson

12/23      Wendy Moore Hershey

12/28      Willow Christodoulou Monroe (12)

12/31      Eric Johnson

Please continue to invite a "Guest At Your Table".  See November's newsletter article for more information.  If you did not receive a box, there are plenty available in the Wuerker Room.  We will be collecting them mid-January. 

This holiday season, please consider compassionate consumption! Visit shop.uusc.org to discover how our merchandise program helps us make intentional, informed choices as consumers. UUSC’s store selection is built around the highest ethical standards—considering fair labor conditions, environmental impact, and mission focus before producing any product. Many products are sourced from our program partners and areas where our human rights programs are helping create sustainable livelihoods.

To learn more about the UUSC program partners, please read the Stories of Hope included with the GAYT box or visit www.uusc.org  Questions? Contact Tracey Howe-Koch.

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.

Directory Update

Beth Bourland’s new email address:

juneau17@cat@att.net

Central Midwest District of UUA Presents

Winter WomanSpirit 2013 Conference

Hosted by Unitarian Universalist Church West ( www.uucw.org)

13001 West North Avenue, Brookfield, WI 53005

There Is Something About The Women:

The Art of Activism

Featuring

Holly Near

Dates:

February 1st – Conference Opening Ceremony

February 2nd – Workshops, Lunch Included and Closing Ceremony

February 3rd – Sunday Worship Service

Holly is an entertainer, teacher and activist whose career as a singer has been defined by her passion for human dignity. She is a skilled performer and an outspoken ambassador for peace whose portrait hangs at The Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio along with those of other social change artists including Paul Robeson, Marion Anderson, Pete Seeger, Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte and Woody Guthrie – www.hollynear.com

Holly will present Saturday morning’s keynote speech and will lead a workshop on the Art of Activism Saturday afternoon. Holly is the pulpit guest on Sunday morning.

Conference Cost includes Friday Opening Services,

Saturday Workshops & Lunch

Early Registration: 140.00 through 12/31/12

Late Registration: 155.00 through 01/31/13

At the Door: 175.00

Saturday Concert: 35.00

Register at http://www.womenandreligion.org

Lodging

Radisson / (414) 257-3400

2393 Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Use code Woman Spirit Conference when registering

$94.00 / night – reduced rate through 12/31/12

Alton Community Christmas

Once again, we will be participating in the Alton Community Christmas program that provides Christmas to families in our region through the donations and charitable giving of churches, businesses, and individuals.  Fourteen local agencies have been chosen by the program’s sponsors – the United Way and the Alton Telegraph – to receive the toys and clothes you donate.

There will be a donation box in the Kate Wuerker Room through December 12.

Items requested include:  toys, new coats, non-perishable food, new socks, underwear, blankets stocking caps, gloves, mittens, or new clothing. 

Monetary donations are also accepted, but if you are donating money please don’t put it in the donation box but give it to Cheryle Tucker who will see that it reaches the Community Christmas program organizers.

Final Report on the

Homeowners Support Network

Last spring, First Unitarian Church kicked off a foreclosure-assistance program.  Diane Thompson, together with Clarissa Gaff of Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and Linda Jun, the Madison County Foreclosure Mediation Coordinator, trained 18 volunteers from First Unitarian Church and several other area churches to provide assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure.

Almost immediately after the program launched in March 2012, St. Louis University’s legal clinic began providing students to assist Madison County homeowners facing foreclosure.  As a result, the need for lay advocates in the foreclosure mediation program in Madison County dropped.  Then, in August of this year, Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance received full funding to represent all homeowners in Madison County facing foreclosure for the next three years.  Because all homeowners now have access to legal representation, a decision was made to disband the foreclosure assistance program.

Those of us who worked on the project had fun and learned something.  We strengthened our relationships with members of our partner churches in the Alton cluster of the United Congregations of Metro East. Due to the tireless advocacy and publicity performed by Lucy Bouton, we had great coverage in the Alton Telegraph, including a feature article and the award of a “rose” to us for our work.  We were also able to help the half a dozen homeowners who called the hotline, looking for help.

We’re grateful that homeowners have access now to legal representation, and we’re looking forward to the next project we can put together.

Diane Thompson

Jared Hennings Holiday Jazz Benefit

Saturday, December 1
at Jacoby Arts Center!

Local jazz celebrity Jared Hennings is performing a benefit event with our very own jazz trio (Marty and Eric Johnson, and Neil Hershey,) The Rev. Mercer Trio on Saturday, December 1 at the Jacoby Arts Center in Alton!

The doors open at 6:00 pm, music starts at 7:00 for a fun-filled evening of crazy raffles (heads or tails, tacky gift), trivia, a holiday goodie bake-off, fairtrade cafe, cash bar, and great holiday jazz music.  Two rows up front will be provided for music lovers to be right near the action with tables in back to socialize at.  Music will include many holiday favorites and many pieces from the "Charlie Brown Christmas Special"! 

Gather up six of your friends to reserve a table!  Tickets are going fast!  We are expecting over 100 people attending.  You can purchase tickets at the door for $20, OR better yet purchase them in advance for $15 at church, or the Jacoby Arts Center.   For more information go to Facebook and access The Rev. Mercer Trio page, email therevmercertrio@yahoo.com, or gaze in wonder and awe at the COOL poster in the Wuerker room.  (You can also just talk to Eric or Marty)

WE NEED YOUR HELP PROMOTING THIS EVENT!  PLEASE share the event on Facebook with your friends.  Invite your friends and get a table together!  We also need goodie bakers for the bake-off! (talk to Robyn Berkley). 

This event is both a fundraiser and friendraiser for the church and we need everyone to help pull this off! 

SEE YOU THERE!  Santa Klaus hats optional.