Worship & Music
Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.
February 16 – Harmony is . . .
Led by Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Justin Czekaj
What is harmony? How do we find it, create it or sustain it? This morning we will explore this often sought but sometimes elusive goal.
Lifespan Learning
Our Director of Religious Education, Karen Lapidus, is on vacation through February 18. Colleen Thoele, Religious Education Assistant, will handle any RE concerns while Karen is gone.
Congratulations to Quinn Barker, Daniel Flippo, Sophia Grubb, Brady Ingersoll, James Janus, Elena Kline, Sydney Mack, Gia Marfy, Spencer Marfy, Lucas Pierre and Isaac St. Clair for completing the OWL for Grades 4-6 class. Many thanks to Jennifer May and Jeff Lang for their excellent leadership. OWL is short for Our Whole Lives, which is the Unitarian Universalist Association’s program of comprehensive sexuality education. We also offer the OWL for Grades 7-9 and will offer Adult OWL in the future.
RADIOLAB AND PANCAKES
Feb.23rd during 2nd service, our short then is “Ally’s Choice” “Ally’s Choice” is about a girl who lives in a very racist environment. How will her friends and family respond when she decides that she is not “African-American” but “White”, and is accepted as such by the racist leaders in her school? This short challenges all our preconceptions about “race” and identity.
If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Spoehr.
Community Within
Please RSVP for New UU Class February 16. Cancellation possible
As no one attended the February 9 New UU Class, unless we receive RSVPs by Friday, February 14, the class scheduled for this coming Sunday, the 16th, will be cancelled. Please let us know if you would like to attend; we are eager to meet you and would like to share our church with you. If you can attend then, there will be classes again in May, and we encourage you to attend those. Everyone is welcome at these classes, whether you are new our church, or to Unitarian Universalism.
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 were afraid 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.
If we convene, Part 2 will be on Sunday, February 16, from 9-11 am. Each session covers different topics. We will gather at the Annex, the yellow house next to the church.
To RSVP, or if you have any questions, contact Claudia Miller or Marion Yeagler.
Retiree’s Lunch
Tuesday, February 18 at noon in Fessenden Hall
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.
The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at 7 pm in the home of Chris Hurlbut, 585 Dover Drive in Aurora. This month we are reading The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. Spanning the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the novel follows the fortunes of the Whittaker family as led by Henry Whittaker—a poor-born Englishman who makes a great fortune in the South American quinine trade, eventually becoming the richest man in Philadelphia. Born in 1800, Henry’s daughter, Alma becomes a botanist. As Alma’s research takes her deeper into the mysteries of evolution, she falls in love with a man named Ambrose Pike who makes paintings of orchids and who draws her in the exact opposite direction—into the realm of the spiritual, the divine, and the magical. Alma is a clear-minded scientist; Ambrose a utopian artist—but what unites this couple is a desperate need to understand the workings of this world and the mechanisms behind all life. In April, we will be reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel by Rachel Joyce. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper. All are welcome.
The Library’s final Symposium, (#4) will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25th at 7:00 P.M. – Fessenden Hall. Bill Moyers’ complete interview with Canadian author, Margaret Atwood, will examine fundamentalism. The discussion centers around 2 different ways of perceiving “the truth”, empirical thinking vs the intuitive, subconscious mode found in art. Ms. Atwood will speak about the value of portraying extremists in fiction. These concepts provides rich material for a lively discussion, which will be moderated by Joel Slater. Refreshments will be served. Plan to join us; we promise you won’t be disappointed. As our Library “sage” reminds us, “all the fun of a book club and none of the work.”
Rev. Carol Cissel has graciously shared 3 sources she used in her moving homily, “Because We Can” presented last Sunday. They are: Doing Good Makes you Feel Good, by Melinda Wenner; Why Helping Other”s Caregivers May Make You Happier, by Anne-Marie Botek, Agingcare.com; The Science of Good Deeds, by Jeanie Lerche Davis, Livescience.com.
Book Review by Martha Kluth
The Essential Guide to Lesbian and Gay Weddings, by Tess Ayers and Paul Brown, Los Angeles, Alyson Books, c1999.
This complete guide includes an historical look at gay and lesbian unions and practical advice such as breaking the news to your family and the straight world. It describes planning the event and negotiating vendor contracts. There are witty anecdotes, proper etiquette and unexpected trivia. It is sprinkled with true stories of same-sex couples who have married. This book was donated to the church Library and is located in the BGLT category.
Stop by the Caring Cards Table on Sunday
Our Care Team is trying an experiment. For the next several Sundays we will have a table in Fessenden Hall where you can start or sign a card to another member or friend of the congregation to let them know that you are thinking about them and wishing them well. A member of our Care Team will be at a table in Fessenden Hall during coffee hour with a variety of cards. You can stop by and ask that a card be started for someone in particular or just stop by and sign the cards that others have started. The cards will remain on the table after the second service so that those who attend that service can sign as well. The cards will be collected and mailed at the beginning of each week. This experiment is designed to help us widen the caring net of our congregation. Give it a try and let us know what you think about the effort.
GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS
Several of the members of our congregation have an allergy to gluten. The symptoms can vary from mild to very severe. It is important to confirm that any products provided at coffee hours are indeed gluten free. The best way to confirm this is to speak with the person who baked the products. When in doubt, it is best to assume that the product is NOT gluten free. Thank you all for helping to make our refreshments healthy and safe.
Are you raising a little UU? Come and join the Parents of Young Children group!
Starting in February we will meet once a month. We’ll begin by sharing a meal all together (adults and kids). Childcare will be provided during a our meeting. The Parents of Young Children (PYC) group will resemble our small group ministry but would focus specifically on the issues, concerns, joys and challenges of raising children and creating balance in our spiritual life and parenting roles. This group is for parents and caregivers of kids in kindergarten and under.
For more details, please see Colleen Thoele or Karen Lapidus
With winter weather arriving, we are aware that there may be occasions when we need to cancel programming at the church. Though we are unlikely to need to cancel Sunday services entirely (Rev. Melissa, our minister, and Hal Walker, our music director, live within walking distance), we may choose to have only the first service if the weather or the roads indicate limiting programming. It is more likely that we may need to cancel our religious education program in inclement weather as our Director of Religious Education, Karen Lapidus, and many of our volunteer teachers and advisors drive some distance to get to church.
If the weather or the condition of the roads cause you to wonder whether we are proceeding with our programming as scheduled, please check for cancellations before you head out.
You can check in one of three places:
- our church’s Facebook page,
- call the church number and listen to the message on voicemail
- tune in to any television or radio station connected with iAlert. (WKYC-TV, Channel 3)
We’d like to remind our members and friends of the online tool we are using to help schedule volunteers for Sundays. It would be really helpful to the Sunday Volunteer Coordinators if you would be willing to use this tool. Please see the link below. Thank you.
All the members and friends of this church are needed to extend hospitality to our visitors. We need a large team of people who volunteer to help greet and usher on Sunday mornings, to prepare an inviting coffee hour or to donate flowers to add a focal point of beauty to our services. In order to make it easier to participate, we are using a new tool that will allow you to see what Sunday morning hospitality positions are available and to decide when and how frequently you might be able to help.
Sign up at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/904054FA9A62BA57-sunday
Outreach and Social Justice
Kent Social Services is looking for a used camper that can sleep six (6) people. However, it doesn’t need have to have six beds or even be in running order (it can be towed). If you know anyone who has a used camper that they can donate, please contact Christie Anderson or Marquice Seward at 330.673.6963.
Green Sanctuary February Heat: Bring your energy, experience, and creative ideas to the continuing UUCK Green Sanctuary process. Think back on your involvement in green activities over the last decade or so. On February 16th during coffee hour we will document our progress in becoming greener as individuals and as a congregation. We will note projects and activities on a timeline along the East wall of Fessenden Hall.
Scheduling on February 16 connects us to the 2014 Interfaith Power & Light National Preach-In on Climate Change (“Doing Our Part”) and to Valentine’s Day weekend. As Preach-In participants we will write and send cards on behalf of the Earth to Members of Congress. To further generate heat we will write love letters to the Earth and post them on the giant new globe hanging in Fessenden Hall.
Next steps? Friday, February 21 at 7pm: Free screening and discussion of the acclaimed film Chasing Ice.
All friends of the earth are invited to these events! Environmentally friendly refreshments included. For further information contact Mary Lou Holly.
The Unitarian Universalist Allies for Racial Equity conference is going to be in our backyard this March! Well, technically, it is going to be at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with Unitarian Universalists from across the country as we explore ways to grow in our journey toward wholeness. The complete conference brochure is attached to this email.
My fellow Unitarian Universalist,
I am pleased to share with you the news that the UU College of Social Justice (UUCSJ) is expanding!
The College has added new experiential learning trips and new youth justice trainings. These programs will allow you and UUs of all ages, from all over the country, to be immersed in real hands-on experiences. Go on a trip. Make it a priority. It will deepen your commitment to our faith and transform how you do justice work in your community. You will become part of a larger team of dedicated spiritual activists who will make a difference in the world. I’ve personally witnessed this transformation time and time again. I invite you to learn more about these programs
The UUCSJ is a formal collaboration of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Its mission is to increase the capacity of UUs to catalyze justice. Building on several years of successful UUA-UUSC partnership, especially in the area of disaster relief, the UUCSJ combines the resources of both organizations to offer a broader and more effective portfolio of service learning and justice education experiences.
Take the first step, if you haven’t already. I encourage you to sign up for the UUSCJ monthly newsletter and stay up-to-date with all the new opportunities and latest news.
In Faith,
Rev. Peter Morales
President, Unitarian Universalist Association
UU and Interfaith Connections
Come join us at the UU Church of Akron for Fun Family Theatre Night!
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron will host Magical Theatre’s professional touring production of Bunnicula! The Vampire Bunny. Thursday, February 20 at 7 pm.
Based on the beloved children’s book by Deborah and James Howe, Bunnicula is fun for the whole family. BEWARE THE HARE! Is he or isn’t he a vampire? Before it’s too late, Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household — a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits…and fangs!
The performance is open to the public, all are welcome! $5 suggested donation at the door. To let us know you are coming or if you have questions contact [email protected] or call the church office at 330-836-2206.
Performance is Thursday, February 20, 7 pm, UU Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd, Akron, OH (across from Summit Mall).
Income Generation
Stewardship Canvasser Training Dates Set
The annual Stewardship Drive is fast upon us. We have two dates set for canvasser orientation: Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 pm in Fessenden Hall, and Sunday, March 2, 1:00 pm in Fessenden Hall. If you are interested in serving in this important ministry, please contact Meg Milko or Kathie Slater.
The Acme Community Cash Back Program ended Saturday, February 8, 2014. Please submit your register receipts to the box located on the Grocery Card Table in Fessenden Hall. The deadline to submit receipts is February 23. The Church receives 5% of the Community Cash Back total located at the bottom of each receipt. Many thanks to everyone who has supported this fundraiser.
