Green Sanctuary Committee Logo Contest

The Green Sanctuary Committee of The Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent is looking for a logo. If you are interested submissions can be sent to [email protected] electronically or can be dropped off at the church office. Submissions need to be received by 1/31. There will be a fabulous prize for each person! To spark your imagination check out this image below or check out these ideas.
Inline image 1
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Weekly e-nUUs – August 13, 2014

enUUs_newlogo 12.2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship & Music  

We are back to our normal schedule of two services being offered Sunday mornings at 9:45 and 11:30.  Summer Religious Education will continue to be offered at 9:45 AM only with Nursery care available for all services.

 

August 17 – Advice to my Younger Self

Led by Saul Flanner and Kathy Walker

If you could travel back in time, and offer a few pointers to yourself as a younger person, would you? If so, what would you say? And would your younger self even recognize the person you are now?

 

From the Library

The references for Rev. Melissa’s sermon last Sunday, “Inside Out Church” are all online. The first reading, which Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford presented at a General Assembly, is called Loving the Hell Out of the World — A Liberal Religion Missional Primer.  It is available for viewing at http://sunflowerchalice.com/2013/07/29/loving-the-hell-out-of-the-world-a-liberal-religion-missional-primer/

Another is a report from the Life On Fire Conference on The VUU, a program of the Church of the larger Fellowship, available at the  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6XY0HqNDCg

Those who wish to learn more about the missional ministry in Turley, OK, might appreciate the article in the UU World called Cultivating an Abandoned Place. It is available at http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/172162.shtml

 

Sunday Service Proposals Sought – Due 8/20

The Worship Arts Team will be meeting soon to plan lay-led Sunday services through January.  We are now accepting program proposals.  If you think you might be interested in preparing and leading a service, please contact one of these team members – Andrew Rome, Lori McGee, Christie Anderson or Liz Bright.  They can provide you with assistance if you are new to the process.  Links to information about planning a service and the proposal form may be found on the Sunday Program Committee’s web page at //kentuu.org/ministry/sunday-program/. Please submit proposals for consideration by noon on 8/20.

 

The podcast for July 27, Mike Hovancsek’s service, “The Art of Change,” has been changed on the church website.  The offertory musical piece written by Sam Baker, whose story was told in the service, has been added.

 

Lifespan Learning

Mark Your Calendars!  Important RE Dates!

August 17th, 24th and 31st ~  Summer RE continues at 9:45.  Preschool children meet in the upstairs classroom and for school-aged and younger youth gather in Fessenden.  Childcare for babies and children up to age 4 is provided in the nursery during both the 9:45 and the 11:30 services.

September 7th ~  Ingathering Sunday.  See the Chalice Flame and the e- nUUs for more information about this wonderful multigenerational worship experience.  Preschool RE starts this day @ 9:45 for children age three by 9/1/14 to those 5-year-olds who are not attending Kindergarten in the fall.

September 14th ~  RE starts for everyone else.  At 9:45, we have classes for preschool, Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5.  At 11:30, we have our school-aged RE class, Middle School and High School Youth Group.

 

Community Within

Retiree’s Lunch – Tuesday, August 19 at noon.

We’ll meet for an hour to an hour and a half depending on the number of people who attend so everyone has an opportunity to check in with the group. All retirees are welcome to join us. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided.

 

Are you the parent or caregiver to a young Unitarian Universalist? If your child is in Kindergarten or younger , please join us for a picnic and play date this Friday August 15th at Fred Fuller Park in Kent. 

We will meet in the middle pavilion for a picnic dinner at 5:45 pm. Please bring a dish to share. Then it’s play time! At our picnic we will set the schedule for our monthly meetings starting back up in September!  We hope you will join us!

 

New UU Classes in August!

Curious?  Interested in learning more?  Ready to take the next step?
Our New UU classes cover everything you wanted to know about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent in particular and Unitarian Universalism in general, but didn’t know where to go or whom to ask.  Well, maybe not everything, but we try to give you an overview, a starting point.  Some history of both, some organizational details. Come join the conversation.  And, if you’re curious about membership, this is the place to be.  Part 2 will be this Sunday, August 17, from 9-11 am.   We will gather at the Annex, the yellow house next to the church.  If you have any questions, contact Claudia Miller.

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, September 9 at 7 pm in the home of Trish Johnson-Kwartler.  Carrot cake by Bill Bowen will be served. We’ll meet in the church parking at 6:30 pm to carpool. This month we are reading Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison by Piper Kerman.  The author was sent to prison for a ten-year-old crime for drug trafficking. She spent thirteen months in prison, eleven of them at the federal correctional facility in Danbury, Connecticut. This is a look into the lives of women in prison; why we lock so many away, and what happens to them when they are there. In October, it will be reader’s choice. Also at October’s gathering, we will have a book exchange. Bring books that you no longer want and trade with other group members. All left over books will be donated Empower Portage. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

From Your Green Team:

FaCT – Faith Communities Together for Frack Awareness will meet again on Sunday, August 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Church of Chesterland, 11984 Caves Rd, Chesterland (at Wilson Mills & Caves Roads).  (Please note the earlier-than-usual meeting start time of 1:00 p.m.  The time listed in the Aug. 1 BEACON is incorrect.)  A light lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. for those who are interested.

Featured Presenter: Dr. Ted Auch, expert on mapping fracking in Ohio

www.neogap.org/neogap/fact

 

You are Invited to an Evening to Aid in Developing Awareness of Cultural and Religious Diversity

Presented by:  Isam Zaiem, President Emeritus (CAIR-Ohio – Cleveland Chapter)

Topic:   Islam 101 and Being Muslim Post 9/11

Challenging Islamophobia, Profiling, and Marginalization

When:  Friday September 5, 2014

Where:  Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent

228 Gougler Ave., Kent, OH 44240

kentuu.org

Time:  6:15-7:00 PM   Potluck Dinner  (Please, NO Pork or Alcohol)

7:00-8:30 PM   Discussion, Questions and Answers

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May We Be Love’s Defenders: Take Action for Families Today!

Standing on the Side of Love logo

“Children should not have to carry the burden of our broken immigration system.”

              ~ Bishop Minerva Carcaño, United Methodist General Council

Bishop Carcaño gets right to the point.  Children, families and parents are suffering because our immigration system is badly broken.  With every deportation of a parent, another child is traumatized, another family fractured and left in a swirl of grief, confusion, fear and trouble.  In the last five years, over two million people have been deported with devastating consequences.  Now, some elected officials want to deport the thousands of unaccompanied children arriving at our borders.  That point of view is hard for us to comprehend. The children are coming here to save their lives.  According to the United Nations, the majority of the children likely would qualify for international protection if they had access to attorneys.  The thought of vulnerable children deported back to the violent and resource poor circumstances they fled breaks our hearts.

That is why we went to Washington, DC to participate in the “Pray for Relief : Not One More Family Separated” Action and Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations.  We were there to urge President Obama to stop the deportations. Please support our action and add your name to this petition to the President. We brought our nine month old son with us to the rally because we know that we would cross a border to save his life, if we felt that were our only choice.  Opponents of comprehensive immigration reform want to say this is a story about crime.  We believe this is a story about love.  We believe this is a story about parents, children and families who love one another so much they are willing to take incredible risks so that their families might thrive. As a queer couple, we know the fear of losing our child if something happened to one of us because we still are not seen equally in the eyes of the law.  Our hearts break for the parents who have been deported away from their children. Our work for immigration justice comes from our faith that all families should know both justice and mercy and be held with love.

We saw that love in action at the Faith Summit and Not One More Deportation march.  Evin was arrested in front of the White House with 111 other immigration justice activists and faith leaders from a variety of religious traditions.  It was the largest ever civil disobedience at the White House for immigrant justice. Across the street, I, Melissa, and our son joined 600 supporters who sang, chanted, prayed and witnessed in support.  I know that for Evin and some of the other faith leaders, the civil disobedience was a small risk.  But, for the undocumented immigrants who participated, the risk of arrest was a bold one with so much more at stake. Many more undocumented people marched on Saturday under the banners of Not One More Deportation and Deferred Action for All and were joined by a Standing on the Side of Love contingent of 50 people.  These banners were raised by pole climbers at Freedom Plaza in a bold action of civil disobedience.

Standing with the undocumented immigrants risking arrest moved me, Evin, to tears. Before our action, a Mexican man from Philadelphia stopped me with tears in his own eyes to say thank you. He said, “For so long we thought we were all alone.” The point of us being there was to join with courageous immigrants caught in a broken system and take a stand to let them know they are not alone.

C Howe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carolyn Howe

 

It was a privilege for us to be in the company of so many passionate, faithful and courageous people last weekend.  We know that there were lots of folks who were with us in spirit. An action like this is the work of so many. Carolyn Howe from First Parish Northborough in Northborough, MA was also arrested. On her shirt and hat she carried the name of each person who helped make it possible for her to be there so she could be wrapped in their energy. Each of us has a vital role to play—whether financially assisting others, spreading the news on social media, organizing meetings at home, or making coffee for those meetings. It truly takes everybody and there is a role for all, because none of us can do everything.

President Obama has signaled that he will consider taking executive action on immigration in light of congress’ failure to act by the end of this month. Please sign this petition to the President calling for Not One More Deportation. We must continue to join others in raising a moral voice in defense of children, parents, workers and families.  Look for ways that you can reach out in love.  Contact your congressional representatives and attend Town Halls while they are on recess to let them know what you think. Join actions at detention centers in your area. And if leaders in your community are considering offering shelter to unaccompanied immigrant children, we hope you will speak out to say they are welcome and find a way to make your welcome and support visible.  Love is under attack.  May we be love’s defenders.

In faith,

MCZ ECZ 8.2014 DC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evin and Melissa Carvill-Ziemer

Evin is the Program Coordinator for the Ohio Meadville and St. Lawrence Districts of the UUA

Melissa is the Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent

P.S. Funds are still needed for the fines that were paid to release people who participated in the civil disobedience at the White House.  Help support SSL’s ongoing immigration work by donating here.

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The Inside Out Church

imageLed by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Bonnie Harper –
This year at General Assembly there was a lot of talk about Unitarian Universalists becoming more missional. What does that mean, you wonder? That is what this service will be about!

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Weekly e-nUUs – August 6, 2014

enUUs_newlogo 12.2012

Staff Schedules for the Next Few Weeks

The week of Aug. 4 – 8
The Church Office is open this week.
Rev. Melissa is working her normal schedule.
MaryBeth is on vacation through August 8.
Karen is working her normal schedule.
Hal is working his normal schedule.

While MaryBeth is on vacation this week, please send any August 10 Thread announcements to Melissa at [email protected]. Thank you.

The week of Aug. 11 – 15
The Church Office will be open this week.
Rev. Melissa will be on study leave
MaryBeth will be working her normal schedule.
Karen will be working remotely.
Hal will be working his normal schedule.

Worship & Music

We are back to our normal schedule of two services being offered Sunday mornings at 9:45 and 11:30.

Summer Religious Education will continue to be offered at 9:45 AM only with Nursery care available for all services through the end of August.

 August 10 – The Inside Out Church

Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Bonnie Harper
This year at General Assembly there was a lot of talk about Unitarian Universalists becoming more missional. What does that mean, you wonder? That is what this service will be about!

 A Gentle Reminder About Sanctuary Seating

We would like to offer a reminder that on Sunday mornings, the pews located against the back wall of the Sanctuary are reserved for parents with young children. This allows them to easily enter and exit the Sanctuary with their children, during the service, with minimal disruption to the others around them. Thank you.

Lifespan Learning

Mark Your Calendars! Important RE Dates!

August 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st ~ Summer RE continues at 9:45. Preschool children meet in the upstairs classroom and for school-aged and younger youth gather in Fessenden. Childcare for babies and children up to age 4 is provided in the nursery during both the 9:45 and the 11:30 services.

August 10th ~ Summer RE Field Trip to Kent Healthcare Center for school-aged children and younger youth. Please email Karen Lapidus ~ [email protected] ~ if you haven’t received the email and would like more details. We are departing the church no later than 9:55 am!

September 7th ~ Ingathering Sunday. See the Chalice Flame and the e- nUUs for more information about this wonderful multigenerational worship experience. Preschool RE starts this day @ 9:45 for children age three by 9/1/14 to those 5-year-olds who are not attending Kindergarten in the fall.

September 14th ~ RE starts for everyone else. At 9:45, we have classes for preschool, Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5. At 11:30, we have our school-aged RE class, Middle School and High School Youth Group.

New UU Classes in August!

Curious? Interested in learning more? Ready to take the next step?

Our New UU classes cover everything you wanted to know about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent in particular and Unitarian Universalism in general, but didn’t know where to go or whom to ask. Well, maybe not everything, but we try to give you an overview, a starting point. Some history of both, some organizational details. Come join the conversation. And, if you’re curious about membership, this is the place to be.

Part 1 will be on Sunday, August 10 from 9-11 am. Part 2 will be on Sunday, August 17, from 9-11 am. You may attend one or both, although attendance at both is encouraged. Different topics will be covered in each. We will gather at the Annex, the yellow house next to the church.

If you have any questions, contact Claudia Miller [email protected].

Community Within

We wish to dispose of a small load of hazardous waste from the basement of the former Mill’s property.

The site at 1201 Graham Road is open to residents of Summit County only and is open from 2:00pm until 8:00 pm on Thursdays. If you are a resident of Summit County and can take on this task, please email Randy Ruchotzke at [email protected]. He will help you load and unload.

Have You Seen Those Painted Rocks Around the Church?

Those are for you – yes you! They are a gift from the children in Summer Religious Education. Please take one as a gift from them to you. The rocks will be replenished throughout the summer.

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, August 12 at 7 pm in the home of Marion Yeagler

This month you may choose between two novels. Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan is the story about three generations of women who converge on the family beach house in this wickedly funny, emotionally resonant story of love and dysfunction. The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler is a witty, sharply observed debut novel about a young woman who finds unexpected salvation while working in a quirky used bookstore in Manhattan. Impressionable and idealistic, Esme Garland is a young British woman who finds herself studying art history in New York. She loves her apartment and is passionate about the city and her boyfriend; her future couldn’t look brighter. Until she finds out that she’s pregnant. In September we will be reading Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison by Piper Kerman. At October’s gathering, we will have a book exchange so begin thinking about books you might want to trade with other book group members. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper at [email protected]. All are welcome.

We Continue to Make Progress!

We just received confirmation on the Mills House demolition date. Unfortunately, we will not meet our end of July goal but we continue to make progress. The contractor has set the demo date for August 12. The asbestos abatement and the basement clean-out were completed a few weeks ago. Many thanks to everyone who helped with the basement project! While we wait for demolition, Habitat Restore will be salvaging the boiler, hot water tank and radiators. We’re happy to know that so many items from the house have been repurposed and saved from going into a landfill. This has been a long-time undertaking but as we continue to wait a few more weeks, we know we are moving another step closer to realizing our dreams of expansion!

Church Campout

Save the date – Oct. 3-5. Where’s Walden in the Fall will be held at Loleta Recreation Area in Pennsylvania. Keep watching the Thread and e-nUUs for more information.

Time to Dream!!!

Our church vision statement calls us to expand our physical facilities to better accommodate our growing congregation. As the church moves forward with our expansion and renovation plans- building a new social hall, renovating the basement to create new RE space, expanding the sanctuary– the Capital Campaign Team would like to hear from members- What are your hopes and dreams for our new space?

We would welcome responses to the following questions. You can simply reply to this e-mail, inserting your responses, or fill out the attached document and send it to church administrator MaryBeth Hannan. Thank you, and start dreaming!

1. How do you envision us using our new space? What kinds of activities do you think we will be able to do, that we can’t do now?

2. Why is pursuing our church vision important to you?

We may want to use some responses in our campaign materials. Can we quote from your responses or contact you for further testimonials? If so, please give your name and best way to contact you:

The Capital Campaign Team, Marion Yeagler and Kathy Kerns, Co-Chairs

Outreach and Social Justice

You are Invited to an Evening to Aid in Developing Awareness of Cultural and Religious Diversity

  • Presented by:  Isam Zaiem, President Emeritus (CAIR-Ohio – Cleveland Chapter)
  • Topic: Islam 101 and Being Muslim Post 9/11; Challenging Islamophobia, Profiling, and Marginalization
  • When: Friday September 5, 2014
  • Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, 228 Gougler Ave., Kent, OH 44240 kentuu.org
  • Time: 6:15-7:00 PM Potluck Dinner (Please, NO Pork or Alcohol), 7:00-8:30 PM Discussion, Questions and Answers
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Weekly e-nUUs – July 30, 2014

enUUs_newlogo 12.2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please know Rev. Melissa will be working her normal schedule next week and the Office will be open while MaryBeth is on vacation, August 4 – 8.   

While MaryBeth is on vacation next week, please send any e-nUUs announcements or August 10 Thread announcements to Melissa at [email protected].  Thank you.

Worship & Music  

We are back to our normal schedule of two services being offered Sunday mornings at 9:45 and 11:30.  Summer Religious Education will continue to be offered at 9:45 AM only with Nursery care available for all services.

 

August 3 – Spiritual But Not Religious?

Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Elaine Bowen

Have you heard people use that phrase to describe themselves?  Media, scholars and pollsters have all invested a great deal in understanding who the “spiritual but not religious” are and whether they might have any interest in formal religious communities.  This morning we explore the growing “spiritual but not religious” identity with a Unitarian Universalist lens.

 

A Gentle Reminder About Sanctuary Seating

We would like to offer a reminder that on Sunday mornings, the pews located against the back wall of the Sanctuary are reserved for parents with young children.  This allows them to easily enter and exit the Sanctuary with their children, during the service, with minimal disruption to the others around them.  Thank you.

 

From the Library

The service last Sunday, “The Art of Change” was led by Mike Hovancsek and Lori McGee. The references they used are:

Lori McGee

  • “The Diary of Frida Kahlo”, ed. by Carlos Fuentes

Mike Hovancsek

 

Lifespan Learning

Mark Your Calendars!  Important RE Dates!

August 3rd.10th, 17th and 24th ~  Summer RE continues at 9:45.  Preschool children meet in the upstairs classroom and for school-aged and younger youth gather in Fessenden.  Childcare for babies and children up to age 4 is provided in the nursery during both the 9:45 and the 11:30 services.

August 10th  ~  Summer RE Field Trip to Kent Healthcare Center for school-aged children and younger youth.  Please email Karen Lapidus  ~  [email protected] ~  if you haven’t received the email and would like more details.

September 7th ~  Ingathering Sunday.  See the Chalice Flame and the e- nUUs for more information about this wonderful multigenerational worship experience.  Preschool RE starts this day @ 9:45 for children age three by 9/1/14 to those 5-year-olds who are not attending Kindergarten in the fall.

September 14th ~  RE starts for everyone else.  At 9:45, we have classes for preschool, Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5.  At 11:30, we have our school-aged RE class, Middle School and High School Youth Group.

The OWL and Coming of Age youth will be receiving more detailed information about those programs in an email.

 

Have You Seen Those Painted Rocks Around the Church?

Those are for you – yes you!  They are a gift from the children in Summer Religious Education.  Please take one as a gift from them to you.

More “Simple Gifts” are planned all summer long.  We are making decorated placemats and fleece lap blankets for the residents at Kent Healthcare Center.   On August 10th, we will be visiting the facility to deliver the gifts and to sing songs.  Parents and caregivers of school-aged children will receive more information via email.

 

Community Within

New UU Classes in August!

Curious?  Interested in learning more?  Ready to take the next step?

Our New UU classes cover everything you wanted to know about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent in particular and Unitarian Universalism in general, but didn’t know where to go or whom to ask.  Well, maybe not everything, but we try to give you an overview, a starting point.  Some history of both, some organizational details. Come join the conversation.  And, if you’re curious about membership, this is the place to be.

Part 1 will be on Sunday, August 10 from 9-11 am. Part 2 will be on Sunday, August 17, from 9-11 am.  You may attend one or both, although attendance at both is encouraged.  Different topics will be covered in each.  We will gather at the Annex, the yellow house next to the church.  If you have any questions, contact Claudia Miller.

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, August 12 at 7 pm in the home of Marion Yeagler.  This month you may choose between two novels. Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan is the story about three generations of women who converge on the family beach house in this wickedly funny, emotionally resonant story of love and dysfunction.  The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler is a witty, sharply observed debut novel about a young woman who finds unexpected salvation while working in a quirky used bookstore in Manhattan. Impressionable and idealistic, Esme Garland is a young British woman who finds herself studying art history in New York. She loves her apartment and is passionate about the city and her boyfriend; her future couldn’t look brighter. Until she finds out that she’s pregnant. In September we will be reading Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison by Piper Kerman.  At October’s gathering, we will have a book exchange so begin thinking about books you might want to trade with other book group members. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

News from the Building Expansion Front

‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.‘  -Winston Churchill

The Capital Campaign Team has been meeting since March.  We have been charged by the Board of the UU Church of Kent with raising funds toward the construction of a fellowship hall, and renovations of religious education space and the sanctuary in the existing church building.  We’re busy organizing and recruiting volunteers.  We welcome your questions and offers of help.

Team members are:

Kathy Kerns, Co-chair
Marion Yeagler, Co-chair
Kay Eckman
Randy Leeson
David Smeltzer

 

Church Campout

Save the date – Oct. 3-5.   Where’s Walden in the Fall will be held at Loleta Recreation Area in Pennsylvania.   Keep watching the Thread and e-nUUs for more information.

Outreach and Social Justice

A Conversation with Lee Brooker:  Mississippi Civil Rights Journey

Join Lee Brooker on Tuesday, August 5 at 7 PM in Fessenden Hall.  He would like to share his experience on the UU College of Social Justice/UU Living Legacy Mississippi Civil Rights Bus Journey that he participated in while everybody else was at S.I.!  This journey featured visits to Civil Rights Movement sites throughout Mississippi.

 

Pray for Relief Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations

Last month I delivered a sermon reflecting on the terrible journeys of the many unaccompanied immigrant children coming into the United States from Central America and Mexico. I talked about my fear that they will face deportation even though the UN reports that many likely qualify for refugee status.  After that sermon, Dan Flippo suggested to me that my concern might warrant proposing an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) at the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly.  The UUA Commission on Social Witness (CSW) describes an Action of Immediate Witness as a statement “that expresses the conscience and carries the authority of the delegates at the General Assembly at which it is passed.”  I followed up on his suggestion by writing to several immigration justice leaders in the UUA to ask their advice.  I was encouraged to propose an AIW calling people to an upcoming event in Washington DC focused on asking President Obama to stop the deportations.

With help from Dan, several colleagues and lay leaders as well from members of the Commission on Social Witness (including former UUCK member Susan Goekler who is chair of the CSW,) I proposed an AIW which was accepted and ultimately endorsed by the General Assembly.  Dan took video of me presenting a statement in support of the AIW which he posted to our congregation’s FB page if you are interested in learning more.

I am leaving this afternoon to go to DC to participate in the Pray for Relief Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations.  Check out this link for much more information.

-Rev. Melissa

 

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Pray for Relief Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations

MCZ  AIW 6.2014Last month Rev. Melissa delivered a sermon reflecting on the terrible journeys of the many unaccompanied immigrant children coming into the United States from Central America and Mexico. She talked about her fear that they will face deportation even though the UN reports that many likely qualify for refugee status.  After that sermon, Dan Flippo suggested to her that her concern might warrant proposing an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) at the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly, held in Providence, RI last month.  The UUA Commission on Social Witness (CSW) describes an Action of Immediate Witness as a statement “that expresses the conscience and carries the authority of the delegates at the General Assembly at which it is passed.”  Rev. Melissa followed up on the suggestion by writing to several immigration justice leaders in the UUA to ask their advice.  She was encouraged to propose an AIW calling people to an upcoming event in Washington DC focused on asking President Obama to stop the deportations.

With help from Dan Flippo, several colleagues and lay leaders as well from members of the Commission on Social Witness (including former UUCK member Susan Goekler who is chair of the CSW,) Rev. Melissa proposed an AIW which was accepted and ultimately endorsed by the General Assembly.  Dan took video of her presenting a statement in support of the AIW which he posted to our congregation’s Facebook page if you are interested in learning more.

Rev. Melissa will be going to Washington, DC to participate in the Pray for Relief Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations at the end of the month.

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Weekly e-nUUs – July 16, 2014

enUUs_newlogo 12.2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week, Rev. Melissa, Karen Lapidus and Hal Walker are attending Summer Institute (SI).  While at SI, Rev. Melissa will check email daily and will be available by cell phone, as well

 

Worship & Music  

One Sunday service is offered at 9:45 AM through  the month of July only.  We will return to our regular schedule of two services at 9:45 and 11:30 AM on August 7.

 

July 20 – Spirit Voices

Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate John Marfy (with many other worship associates, too) – This special service will feature poetry. I have invited all of the worship associates who are available to choose a poem that moves them, to share the poem with us and to tell us a little bit about how that particular poem touches their spirit. Beautiful poetry and music are in store for you today. Come be filled up!

 

From the Library

“Bringing Inspiration Home”, Rev. Melissa’s theme for last Sunday’s homily, drew on her experiences at the recent UUA  General Assembly, 2014. She suggest visiting that website and the “2014 Ware Lecture” by Sister Simone Campbell, a charismatic Catholic nun activist in social justice.

Shirley Kiernan suggests two titles to further expand her presentation on autism during the July 6th service,  “Taking Perspective, Giving Perspective”.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder: An Altered Perspective, by Barbara Quinn and Anthony Malone.

Know the Night: A Memoir, by Maria Mutch (a mother who writes about her child).

 

Lifespan Learning

Have You Seen Those Painted Rocks Around the Church?

Those are for you – yes you!  They are a gift from the children in Summer Religious Education.  Please take one as a gift from them to you.  More “Simple Gifts” are planned all summer long.  We are making decorated placemats and fleece lap blankets for the residents at Kent Healthcare Center.   On August 10th, we will be visiting the facility to deliver the gifts and to sing songs.  Parents and caregivers of school-aged children will receive more information via email.

 

Community Within

CALLING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP SATURDAY WITH THE FINAL CLEAN OUT AND METAL SCRAPPING AT THE MILLS HOUSE.  We need some extra hands, Saturday, July 17 at 10 AM to help Randy Ruchotzke with the basement cleaning and removal of any scrap metal.  Please where sturdy shoes or boots and bring your work gloves!

 

Annual Clinton Hobbs Garden Tour – Saturday, July 26, 2014

Tickets are still available for the UUCK Garden Tour and Salad Supper.  Do join fellow nature lovers as we stroll through the gardens of Gingr Vaughn, Amanda and Andrew Rome, Trish and Anatol Kwartler, and then visit two community garden sites including Freedom House, a housing facility for military veterans, and the  Kent Community Gardens.  We will end our experience at Ode to Joy, the Garden Club of Kent’s shelter for dinner and community time.

Attendees will gather at the Church parking lot at 1:30 on Saturday, July 26th to car pool to the first garden.

Interested?  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Sundays from Claudia Miller or Kathie Slater.

 

Boxes Anyone?

Rod and Mary Thompson are back in the Kent/Ravenna area now that Rod has completed his interim ministry in North Carolina.  They have several boxes, including wardrobe boxes available if anyone is in need.  If interested, please contact Rod.

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, July 22 at 7 pm in the home of Chris Hurlbut.  This month we are reading The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution by Alex Storozynski .  Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian born in 1746, was one of the most important figures of the modern world. Fleeing his homeland after a death sentence was placed on his head, he came to America with little more than a revolutionary spirit and a genius for engineering. He quickly proved his capabilities and became the most talented engineer of the Continental Army.  A lifelong champion of the common man and woman, he was ahead of his time in advocating tolerance and standing up for the rights of slaves, Native Americans, women, serfs, and Jews. Following the end of the war, Kosciuszko returned to Poland and was a leading figure in that nation’s Constitutional movement. He became Commander in Chief of the Polish Army and valiantly led a defense against a Russian invasion. He lived the remainder of his life as an international celebrity and a vocal proponent for human rights. This definitive and exhaustively researched biography fills a long-standing gap in historical literature with its account of a dashing and inspiring revolutionary figure. In the month of August we will be reading Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan or The Bookstore by Debroah Meyler. In September we will be reading Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison by Piper Kerman. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

Pray for Relief Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations

Last month I delivered a sermon reflecting on the terrible journeys of the many unaccompanied immigrant children coming into the United States from Central America and Mexico. I talked about my fear that they will face deportation even though the UN reports that many likely qualify for refugee status.  After that sermon, Dan Flippo suggested to me that my concern might warrant proposing an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) at the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly.  The UUA Commission on Social Witness (CSW) describes an Action of Immediate Witness as a statement “that expresses the conscience and carries the authority of the delegates at the General Assembly at which it is passed.”  I followed up on his suggestion by writing to several immigration justice leaders in the UUA to ask their advice.  I was encouraged to propose an AIW calling people to an upcoming event in Washington DC focused on asking President Obama to stop the deportations.

With help from Dan, several colleagues and lay leaders as well from members of the Commission on Social Witness (including former UUCK member Susan Goekler who is chair of the CSW,) I proposed an AIW which was accepted and ultimately endorsed by the General Assembly.  Dan took video of me presenting a statement in support of the AIW which he posted to our congregation’s FB page if you are interested in learning more.

I will be going to DC to participate in the Pray for Relief Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations at the end of the month.  I’m hoping a bunch of people from Northeast Ohio will go with me and am willing to try to organize ride sharing, a van or maybe even a bus, if warranted.  Are any of you moved to attend?  Check out this link for much more information and please note the deadline to register is July 15.

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Bringing Inspiration Home – July 13, 2014

Inspiration2Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Mary Lou Holly – Every year I go to the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association Ministry Days and then to the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly. After a full week of outstanding worship, workshops, public witness and stimulating conversation, I return filled with inspiration. This morning I hope to share some of that inspiration with you.

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Weekly e-nUUs – July 9, 2014

enUUs_newlogo 12.2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

office teamThis week, Rev. Melissa will be working ½ days in the Office.  Director of Religious Education, Karen Lapidus, is available by appointment and Music Director, Hal Walker is off this week.  The Church Office is open this week and also next week while Rev. Melissa, Karen Lapidus and Hal Walker are attending Summer Institute (SI).  While at SI, Rev. Melissa will check email daily and will be available by cell phone, as well.

 

Worship & Music  

One Sunday service is offered at 9:45 AM through  the month of July only.  We will return to our regular schedule of two services at 9:45 and 11:30 AM on August 7.

 

July 13 – Bringing Inspiration Home

Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Mary Lou Holly

Every year Rev. Melissa attends the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association Ministry Days and the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly. After a full week of outstanding worship, workshops, public witness and stimulating conversation, she returns filled with inspiration. This Sunday morning she hopes to share some of that inspiration with you.

 

From the Library

The deeply affecting service last Sunday, “Taking Perspective, Giving Perspective, arranged and organized by Amanda and Andrew Rome, featured moving personal stories by congregation members and guests. Each speaker generously shared the following sources.

Amanda and Andrew Rome: “Adopting the Hurt Child”, and “Parenting the Hurt Child”, both by Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky.

Ann Lapidus:  “Touching the Rock: An Experience of Blindness”, by John M. Hull.

Fred Smith: “Alcoholics Anonymous”, published by the AA General Service Board in New York.

Trish McLoughlin:  “Kitchen Talk” by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., and “How to Say It When You Don’t Know What to Say”, by Robbie Miller

 

Lifespan Learning

Summer Religious Education
Our theme is “Simple Gifts”, which will be a series of easy, mostly stand-alone social action and social justice projects.

Summer RE will take place at 9:45 am only.   During the month of July, we will only have services at 9:45.  In August, we’ll have the usual two services at 9:45 and 11:30.  At 11:30, the only option for children and youth is to attend the worship service with their parents/designated adult.

This year we are adding a separate preschool program along with the multi-age group, which includes school-aged children and Middle School youth as helpers.  Nursery care will be available for our youngest UUs during all worship services during the summer.  The preschool will meet in the upstairs classroom while the older children will meet in Fessenden Hall.

Karen Lapidus, Director of Religious Education and the members of the RE Committee

 

Community Within

Retiree’s Lunch – Tuesday, July 15 at noon.

We’ll meet for an hour to an hour and a half depending on the number of people who attend so everyone has an opportunity to check in with the group. All retirees are welcome to join us. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided.Congregational Administrator Mary Beth Hannan will host the lunch in Rev. Melissa’s absence.

 

Annual Clinton Hobbs Garden Tour

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Tickets are still available for the UUCK Garden Tour and Salad Supper.  Do join fellow nature lovers as we stroll through the gardens of Gingr Vaughn, Amanda and Andrew Rome, Trish and Anatol Kwartler, and then visit two community garden sites including Freedom House, a housing facility for military veterans, and the  Kent Community Gardens.  We will end our experience at Ode to Joy, the Garden Club of Kent’s shelter for dinner and community time.

Attendees will gather at the Church parking lot at 1:30 on Saturday, July 26th to car pool to the first garden.

Interested?  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Sundays from Claudia Miller or Kathie Slater.  You may also call Kathie at 330-673-2789 to reserve a spot.

 

Moving Forward

We continue to move forward towards our expansion.  On Monday, July 7 the asbestos abatement at Mills House began.  We ask that folks keep clear of the house during this time.  This project will continue for approximately one week.  Following that will be many small tasks that will include the final clearing of any remaining contents in the house.  We project that the house demolition will be concluded by the end of the month!

 

Boxes Anyone?

Rod and Mary Thompson are back in the Kent/Ravenna area now that Rod has completed his interim ministry in North Carolina.  They have several boxes, including wardrobe boxes available if anyone is in need.  If interested, please contact Rod.

 

About the July Artist . . .

My name is Melodie Luther Peterson ).  I am a spirit artist and my spirit name is Dancing Dove.  I am not Native American by bloodline but I believe that I have had many Native American lives. I have often been drawn close to Mother Nature and I listen to my Heart.  This means that I channel my art from angels, masters, guides, elementals and other benevolent Beings that work with me according to the prayer that I say that precedes each painting.  If you are drawn to a painting, it is speaking to you.  They are live paintings. They will do what they are meant to do whether that is healing, guiding, giving a lesson, etc.    I mention on my bio that my inspiration is from my God, the ultimate naturalist and my parents.  You may view my art and channeled message for each painting on my blog: mylivepaintings.blogspot.com and click on Heart Speak or make comments to: [email protected]

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, July 22 at 7 pm in the home of Chris Hurlbut.   This month we are reading The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution by Alex Storozynski .  Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian born in 1746, was one of the most important figures of the modern world. Fleeing his homeland after a death sentence was placed on his head, he came to America with little more than a revolutionary spirit and a genius for engineering. He quickly proved his capabilities and became the most talented engineer of the Continental Army.  A lifelong champion of the common man and woman, he was ahead of his time in advocating tolerance and standing up for the rights of slaves, Native Americans, women, serfs, and Jews. Following the end of the war, Kosciuszko returned to Poland and was a leading figure in that nation’s Constitutional movement. He became Commander in Chief of the Polish Army and valiantly led a defense against a Russian invasion. He lived the remainder of his life as an international celebrity and a vocal proponent for human rights. This definitive and exhaustively researched biography fills a long-standing gap in historical literature with its account of a dashing and inspiring revolutionary figure. In the month of August we will be reading Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan or The Bookstore by Debroah Meyler. In September we will be reading Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison by Piper Kerman. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

Pray for Relief Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations

MCZ  AIW 6.2014Last month I delivered a sermon reflecting on the terrible journeys of the many unaccompanied immigrant children coming into the United States from Central America and Mexico. I talked about my fear that they will face deportation even though the UN reports that many likely qualify for refugee status.  After that sermon, Dan Flippo suggested to me that my concern might warrant proposing an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) at the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly.  The UUA Commission on Social Witness (CSW) describes an Action of Immediate Witness as a statement “that expresses the conscience and carries the authority of the delegates at the General Assembly at which it is passed.”  I followed up on his suggestion by writing to several immigration justice leaders in the UUA to ask their advice.  I was encouraged to propose an AIW calling people to an upcoming event in Washington DC focused on asking President Obama to stop the deportations.

With help from Dan, several colleagues and lay leaders as well from members of the Commission on Social Witness (including former UUCK member Susan Goekler who is chair of the CSW,) I proposed an AIW which was accepted and ultimately endorsed by the General Assembly.  Dan took video of me presenting a statement in support of the AIW which he posted to our congregation’s FB page if you are interested in learning more.

I will be going to DC to participate in the Pray for Relief Faith Summit on Stopping Deportations at the end of the month.  I’m hoping a bunch of people from Northeast Ohio will go with me and am willing to try to organize ride sharing, a van or maybe even a bus, if warranted.  Are any of you moved to attend?  Check out this link for much more information and please note the deadline to register is July 15.

 

UU and Interfaith Connections

Our friends at the United Methodist Church have invited us to their annual Concert featuring the Stan Hywet Concert Band on Monday, July 14 at 7:00 pm at the United Methodist Church.  The concert will be followed by refreshments.   Admission is FREE; free-will offerings will be gratefully accepted.

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Weekly e-nUUs – July 2, 2014

enUUs_newlogo 12.2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. Melissa is on vacation this week. If you have an urgent pastoral concern while she is away, please contact our Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renee Ruchotzke by phone through Thursday July 3.  Rev. Melissa will take emergency calls over the Fourth of July weekend.

 

Worship & Music  

Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.  Please note that for the month of July only, one service at 9:45 am will be offered.  We will return to our regular schedule of two services at 9:45 and 11:30 am on August 7.

 

July 6, 2014 – Taking Perspective, Giving Perspective

Led by Andrew and Amanda Rome

 

Sacred Song Circle every Thursday in Fessenden Lounge.
Every Thursday a group of us gather to create sacred space for thirty minutes by singing together in community.  This is a safe space where all levels of singing experience, comfort level and skill are welcome.  There is no need to bring anything with you but water.  Saunis Parsons leads the group in singing choruses, zipper songs, familiar hymns, camps songs, and sometimes even children’s songs.  Sacred songs for us are songs which celebrate and encourage things like hope, peace, community, care for each other and the earth, forgiveness, and thankfulness.  We gather in the sanctuary around 6:00 PM, and sing from 6:15 till 6:45.  Typically folks come up the stairs to the back door of the sanctuary, but if you need to come in on the ground floor to use the elevator, just call Saunis at 330-472-0956.  Hope to see you there!

 

Lifespan Learning

Summer Religious Education
Our theme is “Simple Gifts”, which will be a series of easy, mostly stand-alone social action and social justice projects.

Summer RE will take place at 9:45 am only.  At 11:30, the only option for children and youth is to attend the worship service with their parents/designated adult.  During the month of July, we will only have services at 9:45.  In August, we’ll have the usual two services at 9:45 and 11:30.

This year we are adding a separate preschool program along with the multi-age group, which includes school-aged children and Middle School youth as helpers.  Nursery care will be available for our youngest UUs during all worship services during the summer.  The preschool will meet in the upstairs classroom while the older children will meet in Fesenden Hall.

Karen Lapidus, Director of Religious Education and the members of the RE Committee

 

The Summer RE Program is in need of clean, used t-shirts of various colors and patterns for a project we are doing on July 6th.  Please leave your donations in the bin located at the northeast corner of Fessenden Hall.

 

Community Within

Moving Forward

We continue to move forward towards our expansion.  On Monday, July 7 work will continue on the Mills House with beginning of the asbestos abatement.  We ask that folks keep clear of the house during this time.  This project will continue for approximately one week.  Following that will be many small tasks that will include the final clearing of any remaining contents in the house.  We project that the house demolition will be concluded by the end of the month!

 

About the July Artist . . .

My name is Melodie Luther Peterson ).  I am a spirit artist and my spirit name is Dancing Dove.  I am not Native American by bloodline but I believe that I have had many Native American lives. I have often been drawn close to Mother Nature and I listen to my Heart.  This means that I channel my art from angels, masters, guides, elementals and other benevolent Beings that work with me according to the prayer that I say that precedes each painting.  If you are drawn to a painting, it is speaking to you.  They are live paintings. They will do what they are meant to do whether that is healing, guiding, giving a lesson, etc.    I mention on my bio that my inspiration is from my God, the ultimate naturalist and my parents.  You may view my art and channeled message for each painting on my blog: mylivepaintings.blogspot.com and click on Heart Speak or make comments to: [email protected]

 

Our Care Team invites you to stop by their table in Fessenden Hall after either service to start or sign cards others have started for people in our community who might appreciate the gesture of care and concern.

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, July 22 at 7 pm in the home of Chris Hurlbut.  This month we are reading The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution by Alex Storozynski .  Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian born in 1746, was one of the most important figures of the modern world. Fleeing his homeland after a death sentence was placed on his head, he came to America with little more than a revolutionary spirit and a genius for engineering. He quickly proved his capabilities and became the most talented engineer of the Continental Army.  A lifelong champion of the common man and woman, he was ahead of his time in advocating tolerance and standing up for the rights of slaves, Native Americans, women, serfs, and Jews. Following the end of the war, Kosciuszko returned to Poland and was a leading figure in that nation’s Constitutional movement. He became Commander in Chief of the Polish Army and valiantly led a defense against a Russian invasion. He lived the remainder of his life as an international celebrity and a vocal proponent for human rights. This definitive and exhaustively researched biography fills a long-standing gap in historical literature with its account of a dashing and inspiring revolutionary figure. In the month of August we will be reading Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan or The Bookstore by Debroah Meyler. In September we will be reading Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison by Piper Kerman. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper. All are welcome.

 

 

Outreach and Social Justice

Help Needed This Saturday at the Hot Lunch Program at Trinity Lutheran Church!

Due to family illness, the team that had committed to prepare and serve the lunch this Saturday has greatly diminished in numbers.  We need at least 3 people to fill in.  The time commitment is 10:30 – 1:00.  Adults, as well as children with their families are welcome to participate.  This is a great way to live our Unitarian Universalist faith!  If you are able to help, please notify Karen Lapidus ([email protected]) or Tanya Kahl (Tanya Kahl <[email protected]) for more details.

 

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Weekly e-nUUs – June 25, 2014

 

enUUs_newlogo 12.2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. Melissa is attending the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly this week in Providence, RI.  If you have an urgent concern, please call her cell phone.  She will then be on vacation from June 30 through July 5.  If you have an urgent pastoral concern while she is away, please contact our Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renee Ruchotzke by phone from Monday, June 30 through Thursday July 3.  Rev. Melissa will take emergency calls over the Fourth of July weekend.


Worship & Music  

Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.  Please note that for the month of July only, one service at 9:45 am will be offered.  We will return to our regular schedule of two services at 9:45 and 11:30 am on August 7.

 

June 29 – Cooperation, Covenant, Community

Led by Cal Frye with Worship Associate Elaine Bowen

The story of how the folks in Deadham, MA organized a church (in 1637!) should inform how we approach our covenantal community.

 

From the Library

References used by Rev. Melissa for her “Journey” sermons of the last two Sundays are:  Pilgrim Heart, the Inner Journey Home, by Sarah York, and the UN report called, Children on the Run: Unaccompanied Children Leaving Central America, and Mexico, and the the Need for International Protection. This report is available at http://www.unhcrwashington.org/sites/default/files/UAC_UNHCR_Children%20on%20the%20Run_Full%20Report.pdf

 

Sacred Song Circle every Thursday in Fessenden Lounge.
Every Thursday a group of us gather to create sacred space for thirty minutes by singing together in community.  This is a safe space where all levels of singing experience, comfort level and skill are welcome.  There is no need to bring anything with you but water.  Saunis Parsons leads the group in singing choruses, zipper songs, familiar hymns, camps songs, and sometimes even children’s songs.  Sacred songs for us are songs which celebrate and encourage things like hope, peace, community, care for each other and the earth, forgiveness, and thankfulness.  We gather in the sanctuary around 6:00 PM, and sing from 6:15 till 6:45.  Typically folks come up the stairs to the back door of the sanctuary, but if you need to come in on the ground floor to use the elevator, just call Saunis at 330-472-0956.  Hope to see you there!

 

Lifespan Learning

 

Summer RE

Our theme is “Simple Gifts”, which will be a series of easy, mostly stand-alone social action and social justice projects.
Summer RE will take place at 9:45 am only.  At 11:30, the only option for children and youth is to attend the worship service with their parents/designated adult.  During the month of July, we will only have services at 9:45.  In June and August, we’ll have the usual two services at 9:45 and 11:30.  This year we are adding a separate preschool program along with the multi-age group, which includes school-aged children and Middle School youth as helpers.  Nursery care will be available for our youngest UUs during all worship services during the summer.  The preschool will meet in the upstairs classroom while the older children will meet in Fesenden Hall.

Karen Lapidus, Director of Religious Education and the members of the RE Committee

 

The Summer RE Program is in need of clean, used t-shirts of various colors and patterns for a project we are doing on July 6th.  Please leave your donations in the bin located at the northeast corner of Fessenden Hall.

 

Community Within

We regret to announce that Brian Mulloy, our Sexton, will be leaving us at the end of July.  Brian wishes he could stay but the demands of his full-time job and raising a young family are requiring more of his time and attention.  We wish him every success and hope that his family will continue to be a part of our community.   Last week, we began advertising for the Sexton position and hope to have a new hire by the end of July or early August.  If you know of anyone who may be interested in the position, please direct them to the Church Office to pick up an application packet.

 

Our Care Team invites you to stop by their table in Fessenden Hall after either service to start or sign cards others have started for people in our community who might appreciate the gesture of care and concern.

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, July 22 at 7 pm in the home of Chris Hurlbut .  This month we are reading The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution by Alex Storozynski .  Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian born in 1746, was one of the most important figures of the modern world. Fleeing his homeland after a death sentence was placed on his head, he came to America with little more than a revolutionary spirit and a genius for engineering. He quickly proved his capabilities and became the most talented engineer of the Continental Army.  A lifelong champion of the common man and woman, he was ahead of his time in advocating tolerance and standing up for the rights of slaves, Native Americans, women, serfs, and Jews. Following the end of the war, Kosciuszko returned to Poland and was a leading figure in that nation’s Constitutional movement. He became Commander in Chief of the Polish Army and valiantly led a defense against a Russian invasion. He lived the remainder of his life as an international celebrity and a vocal proponent for human rights. This definitive and exhaustively researched biography fills a long-standing gap in historical literature with its account of a dashing and inspiring revolutionary figure. In the month of August we will be reading Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan or The Bookstore by Debroah Meyler. In September we will be reading Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison by Piper Kerman. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

It has come to our attention recently that there are some members and friends that may not be receiving the Weekly e-nUUs  and/or the monthly newsletter, The Chalice Flame.  If you happen to be one of these individuals but would like to begin receiving either of these publications electronically, please send a request, including your email address, to the Church Office at [email protected].  Thank you.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

Many thanks to those who supported last Sunday’s special collection benefiting LoveLight, Inc..  $301.00 has been donated to support this outreach organization.


UU and Interfaith Connections

UUA General Assembly Mobile App  Most of us will not be attending the annual General Assembly with Rev. Melissa, Max Grubb and Dan Flippo,  however, with the GA Mobile App you will be able to view all program listings, speaker profiles, exhibitor profiles and maps. You can also create your personal General Assembly (GA) schedule and get connected via social media. This year’s mobile app is available in the iTunes App Store and in Google Play Store. All other devices should visit the UUA website.

You can also review the live video schedule here:  http://www.uua.org/ga/virtual/2014/index.shtml

 

Save the Date: Friday, September 5, 2014

Join us for an evening in developing cultural and religious awareness presented by Mr. Isam Zaiem,

Islam 101 and Being Muslim Post 9/11 – Challenging Islamophobia, Profiling, and Marginalization

 

Mr. Isam Zaiem’s lecture, “Islam 101 and Being Muslim Post 9/11: Challenging Islamophobia and Marginalization”, on Sept 5 is the introductory event to 3 fall Symposiums, sponsored by the Library Committee. “Art and Allah: Increasing Our Understanding of Muslim Art, History and  Culture” will be held at 7:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays, September 24, October 22 and November 19.  The first 2 events will be presented by Gingr Vaughn and will concentrate on Islamic Art as an expression of the Islamic belief system and culture. The 3rd event will concentrate on Islamic history with presenter TBA. Mark you calendar for the dates above. Recent political developments in the Middle East make this is a special learning opportunity for our entire congregation.

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Summer Religious Education

RE logoOur theme is “Simple Gifts”, which will be a series of easy, mostly stand-alone social action and social justice projects.

Summer Religious Education will take place at 9:45 am only.  At 11:30, the only option for children and youth is to attend the worship service with their parents/designated adult.  During the month of July, we will only have services at 9:45.  In June and August, we’ll have the usual two services at 9:45 and 11:30.

This year we are adding a separate preschool program along with the multi-age group, which includes school-aged children and Middle School youth as helpers.  Nursery care will be available for our youngest UUs during all worship services during the summer.  The preschool will meet in the upstairs classroom while the older children will meet in Fesenden Hall.

Karen Lapidus, Director of Religious Education and the members of the RE Committee

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Weekly e-nUUs – June 11, 2014

Fathers day slide show

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship & Music  

Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.  Please note that during the month of July only, once service at 9:45 am will be offered.  We will return to our normal schedule of two services at 9:45 and 11:30 am in August. 

 

June 15 – Generative Journeys

Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Sophie Smith

How have the journeys you have taken shaped your life? What are the journeys that define the experience of a generation? What is it about a journey that creates new possibilities? Come explore these and other questions as we also lift up the celebration of fathers. If you would like to honor your own father or another person in your life who has been a father figure to you, please send a photograph to Melissa by the Saturday prior to this service for inclusion in our Father’s Day SlideShow.9:45 and 11:30 am

 

From the Library

Rev. Melissa’s references for her “Blessing of the Animals” reflection last Sunday include: In Praise of Animals, a treasury of poems, quotations and readings, collected by Edward Searl.  This may be found in our church library.  An additional reference source is:  Blessing of the Animals: Celebrating our Kinship With All Creation, by Gary Kowalski.

Those who are grieving the loss of a pet might like to know we have two excellent books in our church library about coping with pet loss: Goodbye Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet, by Gary Kowalski, and Goodby My Friend: Grieving the Loss of a Pet, by Mary and Herb Montgomery.

 

Sunday Service Proposals Sought

The Sunday Program Committee will be meeting soon to plan lay-led Sunday services for the summer.  It is now accepting program proposals.  If you think you might be interested in preparing and leading a service, please contact a member of the Program Committee –Lois Weir, Liz Bright, Andrew Rome, Lori McGee, or Christie Anderson.  They can provide you with assistance if you are new to the process.  Links to information about planning a service and the proposal form may be found on the Sunday Program Committee’s web page at //kentuu.org/ministry/sunday-program/.

Lois Weir,

Chair, Sunday Program Committee

 

Lifespan Learning

Summer RE program begins this Sunday @ 9:45!  

Our theme is “Simple Gifts”, which will be a series of easy, mostly stand-alone social action and social justice projects.

To kick-off the summer RE program, on June 15th, the school-aged children and youth will be guided through a process of envisioning their ideal space as we move into the building expansion and renovation.

Summer RE will take place at 9:45 am only.  At 11:30, the only option for children and youth is to attend the worship service with their parents/designated adult.  During the month of July, we will only have services at 9:45.  In June and August, we’ll have the usual two services at 9:45 and 11:30.

This year we are adding a separate preschool program along with the multi-age group, which includes school-aged children and Middle School youth as helpers.  Nursery care will be available for our youngest UUs during all worship services during the summer.  The preschool will meet in the upstairs classroom while the older children will meet in Fesenden Hall.

Karen Lapidus, Director of Religious Education and the members of the RE Committee

 

Community Within

Dedication of the Play Space ~ Sunday, June 22nd immediately following the first service

There will be a brief ceremony to dedicate and sanctify our new Play Space behind the church.  We will circle around the space and bless it with our words and intentions.

All are welcome!

 

It has come to our attention recently that there are some members and friends that may not be receiving the Weekly e-nUUs  and/or the monthly newsletter, The Chalice Flame.  If you happen to be one of these individuals but would like to begin receiving either of these publications electronically, please send a request, including your email address, to the Church Office at [email protected].  Thank you.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

Countryside Conservancy called a few days ago to personally express their gratitude for the generosity of this congregation.  They were thrilled with the special collection donation and very grateful to be a beneficiary of the gift.  It was requested that we extend their appreciation to those who supported the collection.  Thank you!

 

UU and Interfaith Connections

 Save the Date: Friday, September 5, 2014

Join us for an evening in developing cultural and religious awareness presented by Mr. Isam Zaiem,

Islam 101 and Being Muslim Post 9/11 – Challenging Islamophobia, Profiling, and Marginalization

Watch for more information in the future.

 

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Weekly e-nUUs – June 4, 2014

blessing of the animals june 8

 

 

 

 

 

Worship & Music

Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.

 

June 8 – Walked By My Dog: Blessing of the Animals (9:45 ONLY)

Led by Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus and Worship Associate Lori McGee

Back by popular demand, we will once again have a Blessing of the Animals during our annual outdoor service at Plum Creek Park in Kent. We will have one service only beginning at 9:45 am at pavilion number 2. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on and your cats or dogs or other pets on a leash or in a crate. If you don’t think your pet will do well around all those other pets and people, feel free to bring a photograph instead.

After the service we will enjoy a potluck picnic lunch. Please bring your own place setting and silverware and a dish to share. Bring any games you might like to invite others to play and come join in the fun. For directions to Plum Creek Park, visit tinyurl.com/plumcreekpark

 

Sunday Service Proposals Sought

The Sunday Program Committee will be meeting soon to plan lay-led Sunday services for the summer.  It is now accepting program proposals.  If you think you might be interested in preparing and leading a service, please contact a member of the Program Committee –Lois Weir, Liz Bright, Andrew Rome, Lori McGee, or Christie Anderson.  They can provide you with assistance if you are new to the process.  Links to information about planning a service and the proposal form may be found on the Sunday Program Committee’s web page at //kentuu.org/ministry/sunday-program/.

Lois Weir,

Chair, Sunday Program Committee

 

Would you like to enjoy a night of great music all and help fund an Accompanist to the Choir at the same time?  If so, please come to the Saunis and Friends of the UU Church of Kent concert on June 6 and enjoy an evening of music provided by many of our talented Friends of the UU Church of Kent.  I love to make music with all of the various musicians this church has been blessed with, but it’s hard to make that happen very often.  So I decided to invite all kinds of musicians to join me for a night of music- making to benefit the church and a bunch of them said “ Yes!  Let’s do it!”   Some of the songs will be ones chosen by the folks who bought choosing-rights and front row seats during the Service Auction in November.   So far I know there will be a wide variety of songs including: funny songs, sad songs, naughty songs, Celtic songs, folk songs, blues, and some ragtime.  Audience participation is encouraged. During intermission there will be goodies.  The concert starts at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary of the UU Church of Kent.  The cost is $15.00 per person.  Spread the word.

 

Lifespan Learning

Summer RE program begins!  Our theme is “Simple Gifts”, which will be a series of easy, mostly stand-alone social action and social justice projects.  

To kick-off the summer RE program, on June 15th, the school-aged children and youth will be guided through a process of envisioning their ideal space as we move into the building expansion and renovation.  We will dedicate the new play area, as well.

Summer RE will take place at 9:45 am.  During the month of July, we will only have services at 9:45.  In June and August, we’ll have the usual two services at 9:45 and 11:30.

This year we are adding a separate preschool program along with the multi-age group, which includes school-aged children and Middle School youth as helpers.  Nursery care will be available for our youngest UUs during all worship services during the summer.  The preschool will meet in the upstairs classroom while the older children will meet in Fessenden Hall.

Karen Lapidus, Director of Religious Education and the members of the RE Committee

 

Community Within

It has come to our attention recently that there are some members and friends that may not be receiving the Weekly e-nUUs  and/or the monthly newsletter, The Chalice Flame.  If you happen to be one of these individuals but would like to begin receiving either of these publications electronically, please send a request, including your email address, to the Church Office at [email protected].  Thank you.

 

Outdoor Play Area at UUCK

It has been a long time coming, but an outdoor play space for kids at UUCK is now a reality!  The space is right behind the church on half of the lot we purchased this past winter.

Please join me in thanking all the people who worked on this project.  Randy Ruchotzke has taken the lead and he has been assisted by Larry Johnson (who donated the fencing), John Brovarone and Michael Lee (who helped install it),  Ian Hogan (who cleaned out locust bushes), Kevin Kerns (who identified the species of bee back there) Jennifer Gregg (who encouraged those docile bees to relocate and who, with her husband Don, rolled a big magnet over the property to get up all the nails and other bits of metal) Colleen Thoele (who is organizing our play equipment collection), Angela Barzizza-Young (who started the Facebook organizing group and contributed ideas) and Noah and Alan Kerns and Kim, David and Jack Homsher (who came out to help build the little path to the play area.)

We want you to be aware that the church is not supplying a play space monitor.  Adult supervision is required for kids playing in the space at all times.  We hope children and families will enjoy this space and find it a great addition to their time at church!

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at 7 pm in the home of Mary Ann Kaspert.  This month we are reading Cloud Cover: A Memoir of Perseverance and Transformation by Margo Milcetich . Born in Boston in 1953, traveling the world, eschewing a college career at Brown University in Rhode Island, in the ’70s, Margot Milcetich turns her focus to meditation for peace of mind. Eventually, she lands in Kent, Ohio, in a home by a lake, married with two children, trying to find herself, and creating an extraordinary life in an ordinary “householder” package. Meditation and yoga help her to heal herself, living in the beauty of nature, enabling her to transcend a devastating diagnosis, become an equal, loving partner to her spouse, find meaningful work and ultimately expressing her voice. She integrates within herself what felt unmoored and fractured. Today’s yoga practitioners will especially appreciate this account of how yoga and meditation transcend our circumstances. In July we will be reading The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution Alex Storozynski . If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper .  All are welcome.

 

Drivers Needed

On any given Sunday, we usually have a handful of people who need a ride to church and back home again.  Our ability to respond to requests for rides has been inconsistent.  Sometimes we are able to help link riders with drivers, and other times we run up against a lack of volunteers.  We are wondering if we might be able to identify a person or two who would be regularly available to drive in exchange for gas money and a little stipend in appreciation for the time.  Knowing that someone is available even when we cannot find volunteers would make it possible for us to help more people get to church more often.  If you are interested in exploring this possibility, please contact Rev. Melissa at the church office.

 

UU and Interfaith Connections

What is permaculture? And, What might permaculture mean for UUCK – now and in the future?    Come explore the 7th UU Principle on the interdependent Web of Life with Tom Gibson of the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland.

Related to a church project for national UUA Green Sanctuary certification, Tom facilitated use of this ecologically sustainable creative design process to cultivate northeast Ohio’s first 5,400 square foot permaculture “nibbling” garden: a feast for the eyes and the earth and its people, animals, insects, and plants. June 10, 7pm in Fessenden Hall. All members, friends and community members are welcome! For further information contact Mary Lou Holly.

 

Save the Date: Friday, September 5, 2014

Join us for an evening in developing cultural and religious awareness presented by Mr. Isam Zaiem,

Islam 101 and Being Muslim Post 9/11 – Challenging Islamophobia, Profiling, and Marginalization

Watch for more detailed information in the future.

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