The Art of Change – July 27, 2014

Art quoteLed by Mike Hovancsek and Worship Associate Lori McGee
A service about ways the arts can change our lives on personal, spiritual, social levels. It will include personal reflection, findings from neurological research, and examples from history.

Quote: “To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow.  So do it.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut

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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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Spirit Voices – July 20, 2014

poetryLed 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!

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Weekly e-nUUs – July 16, 2014

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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

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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

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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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