Led by the Rev. Chrisite Anderson
As UUs, we respect religious freedom. But, as religious diversity grows, the society around us is becoming more intolerant. Join our exploration of the interfaith movement and learn how UUs can help counteract the fear that feeds religious prejudice.
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
While Rev. Melissa is on vacation this week, Rev. Christie Anderson, our Commissioned Lay Leader, will be available for emergency and time sensitive pastoral concerns.
We have returned to our normal schedule of two services being offered Sunday mornings at 9:45 and 11:30. August 31 will be the last offering of Summer Religious Education at 9:45 AM only. Nursery care is available for all services.
August 31 – Engaging Pluralism
Led by the Rev. Christie Anderson
As UUs, we respect religious freedom. But, as religious diversity grows, the society around us is becoming more intolerant. Join our exploration of the interfaith movement and learn how UUs can help counteract the fear that feeds religious prejudice.
From the Library
References Lori McGee used in last Sunday’s Homily G”uu”gle It, are www.uua.org, and Rejoice Together.
The reference used by Kat Holtz for her OWL reflection is: uua.org/re/owl/
The reference to Kent Hogwarts is: http://www.kenthogwarts.org/
The Library has received 38 books from the estate of Richard Rymer, donated by his widow, Grace Rymer.
A list of the volumes may be found on the top shelf of the main bookcase in Founder’s Lounge.
Reminder: Sept. 5th, Potluck supper at 6:15 P.M. followed by lecture and discussion at 7:00 P.M. with guest speaker, Isam Zaiem. Library Symposiums will be 2 lectures on Islamic Art given by Gingr Vaughan in the Sanctuary at 730 P.M. on Wednesdays, Sept. 24th and Oct. 22nd. A 3rd presentation on Islam will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30. Topic TBA.
Join us on September 7 for To Be Human is to Promise
A Multigenerational Ingathering Service and Water Communion led by Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus
We are “promise-making, promise-breaking, promise-renewing” animals. That is what the Israeli Jewish philosopher Martin Buber once said and to me it rings true. This morning as we welcome the whole community back together after some have been away for summer work and play, we explore the promises we make to one another. Please bring a small container of water and/or earth with you to church this Sunday to represent a place where you felt fully awake to your humanity this summer.
Summer RE Coming to an End
Our last session of Summer RE happens on August 31st at 9:45. Preschool children meet in their upstairs classroom. School-aged and younger youth gather in the large upstairs classroom (pancakes in Fessenden ~ yum).
It has been a wonderful summer of giving simple gifts. The gifts we will be making on Sunday are for someone in the church. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but school-aged children will not want to miss this Sunday!
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. The age range for our preschool is age three by 9/1/14 to those 5-year-olds who are not attending Kindergarten in the fall. All children and youth, Grades K-12, will be in the sanctuary for the entire service.
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 Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit, and Life
The UUA has developed a new program on the topic of money and spirituality that will be offered at our church this year for the first time. As the program materials note, “Money plays a role in nearly every aspect of our lives. Depending on how we understand it, our relationship with money can enhance or limit our ability to live our lives to the fullest. In this program, participants join together to give this important aspect of our lives due attention in a religious community. The heart of this program is an exploration of the relationship between money and spiritual values, specifically our Unitarian Universalist values.”
Participants will explore money and values through conversation and activities that allow them to consider their own stories and different perspectives on money, help them feel better equipped to make money decisions, and encourage them to consider whether they want to pursue changes to bring their financial choices in better alignment with their values.
The 12 sessions will be offered as 3 topical series. Although members can drop into any session, you will get the most out of the program if you attend regularly. The first series, on Money and Self, is an introduction to the program in which participants explore their own attitudes and experiences with money. The 3 sessions in this series will meet on Thursday nights September 11, 18, and 25 at 7PM.
After a short break, the second series will meet every other week starting mid-October (on a Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday, depending on the preferences of those attending the first session). This series of 5 sessions, on Money, Spirit, and Life, will guide participants toward taking actions that align with their personal values. The last series, Money and Society (4 sessions), explores how our financial ways of being affects others. The last series will meet in January and February.
Questions? Want more information? Please contact Kathy Kerns.
ICON A WILDERNESS: UTAH’S RED ROCK CANYONLANDS
The connection between nature, wilderness, and spirituality goes back to the very origins of humanity. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent will host a program entitled “A Wilderness Icon: America’s Red Rock Canyonlands” on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30 pm.
The speaker will be Clayton Daughenbaugh, conservation organizer with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and Chairperson of the Sierra Club’s National Wildlands and Wilderness Committee. Daughenbaugh will address the topic of faith and the land while promoting the national campaign to protect America’s red rock wilderness.
The program includes a multi-media slideshow documenting citizen efforts to designate public lands in southern Utah’s spectacular canyon country as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This 15-minute journey through red rock splendor, narrated by Robert Redford, invigorates and motivates viewers to participate in the movement to protect these unique lands. Comprehensive legislation is pending in Congress and administrative decisions by the Department of Interior are ongoing.
The national campaign to protect the Red Rock Canyonlands has been endorsed by the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly and by the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for the Earth.
From the Library
The Library will offer 3 Symposiums this fall titled “Art and Allah: Increasing Our Understanding of Muslim Art, History and Culture, Beginning with Art”. A timely foundation for the Symposiums will be offered in a lecture given by Isam Zaiem on Sept. 5th at 7:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary. Mr. Zaiem’s lecture, “Islam 101 and Being Muslim Post 9/11: Challenging Islamophobia, Profiling, and Marginalization,” will be preceded by a potluck supper at 6:15, coordinated by Andrew Rome and Sevim McCutcheon. Everyone is urged to take advantage of this special opportunity. The Library committee is grateful to Sevim for bringing Mr. Zaiem to our congregation.
The Symposium dates are on Wednesdays, Sept. 24th, October 22nd, and November 19th at 7:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary. Gingr Vaughan will give the first 2 presentations on Islamic art. She will begin by showing the similarities among the belief systems of Christianity, Judaism and Islam and how they influenced one another in art. The 3rd Symposium will focus on history and literature, with the guest presenter TBA.
All presentations will be followed by a Q&A session and refreshments. We hope you can attend and look forward to seeing you.
The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, September 9 at 7 pm in the home of Trish Johnson-Kwartler, 2937 Overlook Road in Silver Lake. 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.
In Appreciation of Our Greeters
We gratefully acknowledge those who have served as greeters during the past year. It makes such a difference to be met at the door with a smile, an Order of Service, and assistance in finding a name tag and a seat; to know that guests and visitors are warmly welcomed, that the sanctuary is prepared for worship, and that the Offering is handled with care and attention. The time our greeters spend before, during, and after the service creates a warm, welcoming, and peaceful environment for the entire church community. We thank you!
Please join us for coffee hour on Sept. 7th in their honor
| Deb Biggins | Becky Haines | Patty Miller |
| Lee Brooker | Noreen Kumm-Gory | Jan Noden |
| Elaine Bowen | Bonnie Harper | Laura Sinclair |
| JR Campbell | Dan Hayes | Cheryl Spoehr |
| Melissa Campbell | Chris Hurlbut | Mark Stephens |
| Andrea Case | Martha Kluth | Denise Snyder-Markovich |
| Cheryl Casper | Trish Kwartler | Paulette Thurman |
| Trudy Diehl | Dianne Lenihan | Sarah Verity |
| Don Easterling | Kim Marfy | Theresa Walton |
| Mark Eckman | John Marfy | Ann Waters |
| Kay Eckman | Trish McLoughlin | Gene Wenninger |
| Jen Fisette | Meg Milko | Fred Gory |
| Claudia Miller |
Special thanks to Jennifer Gregg for donating the visitor candles.
Join the UUCK greeter team!
We are actively recruiting greeters for the 2014-15 church year. No experience required! It’s one of the easiest ways for new friends and members to get involved, serve the church, and learn who everyone is. It’s also a wonderful way for established members to share their enthusiasm for the community.
If you are interested in committing to this ministry as a new or returning greeter, please contact Jen Fisette or Andrea Case to get signed up!
News from the Building Expansion Front
‘When courage, genius and generosity hold hands, all things are possible.’ -Unknown
The Building Expansion Team (BET) of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent has been meeting for months. Hopefully you have heard about some of our work, taken our survey, met with us to share your hopes and dreams for our new facilities. Most recently the BET has been working with Doug Fuller, the Architect who will be helping us give shape to our dreams. If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contact any member of the BET.
Building Expansion Team members are:
| Matt Slater, Co-Chair | ||
| Lois Weir, Co-Chair | ||
| Mary Lou Holly | ||
| Larry Johnson | ||
| Randy Leeson |
Church Campout
It’s time once again for the “Where’s Walden” fall camp-out. We’ll be gathering the week-end of October 3-5th at the Loleta Recreation Area in the Alleghany National Forest in Pennsylvania. The campground is about two hours from Kent. This is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome, but there is a limit on the group size, so sign up soon on the form posted downstairs in Fessenden Hall. We’re staying at the group site which can accommodate tents. If you wish to bring a camper you’re welcome to reserve a site in the adjoining campground. Dinners are pot luck style, everyone brings their own table ware and food and drink to share. The theme Friday night is American cookout, Saturday’s theme is comfort food. Randy Leeson cooks pancakes, bacon and eggs for all on Saturday and Sunday morning. Everyone furnishes their own lunches and snacks. Activities to choose from include: hiking; canoeing; kayaking; exploring the stream; and relaxing around the campfire. The cost for the weekend is $5 per person with a maximum of $15 per family. This fee covers the cost of the campground and firewood, there is an additional cost if you wish to rent a canoe or kayak.
Book Review by Martha Kluth
Being Both: Embracing Two Religions in One Interfaith Family, Susan Katz Miller, New Beacon Press, 2013.
Ms. Miller has been a reporter for Newsweek, and New Scientist. Her work has appeared in the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor, and on National Public Radio. She is former co-chair of the Interfaith Families Project of Greater Washington(D.C.)
Ms. Miller grew up with a Jewish father and a Christian mother, and she is currently in an interfaith marriage herself. Essentially, the book declares the benefits of celebrating two religions in one family and provides a blueprint for interfaith families who are seeking guidance and community support. It will be available in the Church Library next month under “Family Life.”
These are exciting times at the UU Church of Akron!
Saturday, September 13 from 9:30AM to 3:30PM, the UUCA congregation will host a very important conference on the immigration crisis in Ohio. What makes this news especially exciting is that the conference will be attended by the Rev. Peter Morales, who is the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). President Morales will preach the sermon at the opening worship service and participate in the rest of the program, which will include panel discussions and presentations coordinated by our partner organization, the Immigrant Worker Project (IWP). Jeff Stewart from IWP will bring several guests from the immigrant community who will share powerful stories about their experience, including first-hand testimony about the recent migration of children from Central America. In addition to President Morales, the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Rev. Geoffrey Black, will also be in attendance. Everyone is welcome to attend the morning worship service and the conference. Register at: https://ohiomeadville.wufoo.com/forms/qhte9sr150dkmz/
The Human Rights Task Force is pleased to have a schedule in place to tutor at the Skeels-Matthews Community Center in Ravenna, on Thursday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 through October. It’s an after-school program; most of the students are grade-school level, and most are low-income. We would like more volunteers to round out the schedule, possibly adding Tuesdays. Please contact Lee Brooker.
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
Still looking for some back-to-school bargains? Well, this is your lucky day! We’d love to sell you some Sheetz Fundraiser coupon books–for just $10.00, you’ll get $20.00 worth of coupons good for free parfaits, sandwiches, fries, drinks, etc.! Treat yourself and help the church at the same time. The coupons are good until December 31, 2015. You can buy as many books as you need at Sunday’s pancake breakfast table (we’d love to see them sell “like hotcakes”!) during coffee hour or after second service, or contact Meg Milko or Sandy Eaglen to make other purchase arrangements.
Looking for a great way to support the Church? Use GoodSearch and GoodShop!
GoodSearch is an internet search engine powered through Yahoo! and the site donates about a penny for each search made. Simply go to www.GoodSearch.com and choose the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent as your charity to support. The pennies will add up quickly if many people use this free tool. While on the site check out www.GoodShop.com and www.goodsearch.com also. If you’re an online shopper or like to eat out, many stores and vendors will donate a percentage of your purchase back to the Church and the Good Dining participating restaurants will donate a percentage of your tab to the Church. This is truly fundraising made easy! Last year, the Church received $213.00 from Good Search and GoodShop based on the use of a few of our members and friends. Thank you!
Starting today through September 1st, every purchase your supporters make via Goodshop enters Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent for a chance to win one of five $400 prizes in our $2,000 Giveaway! What’s more, up to 20% of their purchases will be donated to your cause.
Led by Lori McGee and Worship Associate Sophie Smith
This service will explore various aspects of Unitarian Universalism. From social justice to covenant, from religious education to ministry, we will endeavor to show how our chosen religion works for freedom, love, and justice in the world today.
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Download – Islam 101 Flyer (Right-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” to save the document to your computer)
Finish Reading: Islam 101: Being Muslim Post 9/11 – September 5, 2014
featuring The Rev. Dr. Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Saturday, September 13, 9:30-3:30 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd, Akron
The immigration crisis is not something that happens just at America’s borders- it is happening right here in Ohio and affects us all. Our current immigration policies are not working; the flood of children coming into this country brings with them a myriad of social, political, moral and spiritual issues. What can we in a northeast Ohio learn about immigration and what can we do about it? UUA President Peter Morales has been on the foreground of immigration concerns since becoming UUA president. He is convening this emergency conference of Northeast Ohio UU’s with our faith and community partners to consider how we can support immigration reform and respond to the humanitarian crisis of the new refugee immigrant children here among us.
President Morales will be the keynote preacher at the Opening Worship event that will start the day. President Morales and United Church of Christ General Minister Geoffrey Black are inviting our area faith leaders to join them at this event to speak as one voice on the immigration crisis.
Jeff Stewart of the Immigrant Worker Project is leading the panels and workshops, and Carol Temerson of UU Justice Ohio will convene our conversations about organizing strategy. Rev. Tim Temerson and members from our Akron Church have organized the most effective outreach program to the immigrants among us and will be telling us their story. Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer will share news of the national strategy to pressure President Obama to stop the deportations.
Child Care will be available and Youth participation is encouraged. There is no charge for conference program, although a donation for lunch and child care will be requested. We will also be inviting an offering for the Immigrant Worker Project during our morning worship.
The morning will include a panel presentation during which we will be able to hear from immigrants whose lives have been directly affected by this crisis including:
Please help spread the word about this important and unique opportunity for learning and growing in our capacity to live our faith!
Sponsored by:
UU Church of Akron West Shore UU Church UU Church of Kent
UU Justice Ohio Immigrant Worker Project
Correction to Staff Schedules
Last week’s Thread from the Web had an error. Rev. Melissa is not on vacation this week; she is working her regular schedule. She will be on vacation next week from 8/23 through 8/29. Rev. Christie Anderson, our Commissioned Lay Leader, will be available for emergency and time sensitive pastoral concerns while Melissa is away.
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 through August 31 with Nursery care available for all services.
August 24 – G”UU”GLE It
Led by Lori McGee and Worship Associate Sophie Smith
This service will explore various aspects of Unitarian Universalism. From social justice to covenant, from
religious education to ministry, we will endeavor to show how our chosen religion works for freedom, love, and justice in the world today.
Sunday Service Proposals Sought – Due today!
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.
Mark Your Calendars! Important RE Dates!
August 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.
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.
From the Library
The Library will offer 3 Symposiums this fall titled “Art and Allah: Increasing Our Understanding of Muslim Art, History and Culture, Beginning with Art”. A timely foundation for the Symposiums will be offered in a lecture given by Isam Zaiem on Sept. 5th at 7:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary. Mr. Zaiem’s lecture,”Islam 101 and Being Muslim Post 9/11: Challenging Islamophobia, Profiling, and Marginalization, will be preceded by a potluck supper at 6:15, coordinated by Andrew Rome and Sevim McCutcheon. Everyone is urged to take advantage of this special opportunity. The Library committee is grateful to Sevim for bringing Mr. Zaiem to our congregation.
The Symposium dates are on Wednesdays, Sept. 24th, October 22nd, and November 19th at 7:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary. Gingr Vaughan will give the first 2 presentations on Islamic art. She will begin by showing the similarities among the belief systems of Christianity, Judaism and Islam and how they influenced one another in art. The 3rd Symposium will focus on history and literature, with the guest presenter TBA.
All presentations will be followed by a Q&A session and refreshments. We hope you can attend and look forward to seeing you.
Church Campout
It’s time once again for the “Where’s Walden” fall camp-out. We’ll be gathering the week-end of October 3-5th at the Loleta Recreation Area in the Alleghany National Forest in Pennsylvania. The campground is about two hours from Kent. This is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome, but there is a limit on the group size, so sign up soon on the form posted downstairs in Fessenden Hall. We’re staying at the group site which can accommodate tents. If you wish to bring a camper you’re welcome to reserve a site in the adjoining campground. Dinners are pot luck style, everyone brings their own table ware and food and drink to share. The theme Friday night is American cookout, Saturday’s theme is comfort food. Randy Leeson cooks pancakes, bacon and eggs for all on Saturday and Sunday morning. Everyone furnishes their own lunches and snacks. Activities to choose from include: hiking; canoeing; kayaking; exploring the stream; and relaxing around the campfire. The cost for the weekend is $5 per person with a maximum of $15 per family. This fee covers the cost of the campground and firewood, there is an additional cost if you wish to rent a canoe or kayak.
Book Review by Martha Kluth
Being Both: Embracing Two Religions in One Interfaith Family, Susan Katz Miller, New Beacon Press, 2013.
Ms. Miller has been a reporter for Newsweek, and New Scientist. Her work has appeared in the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor, and on National Public Radio. She is former co-chair of the Interfaith Families Project of Greater Washington(D.C.)
Ms. Miller grew up with a Jewish father and a Christian mother, and she is currently in an interfaith marriage herself. Essentially, the book declares the benefits of celebrating two religions in one family and provides a blueprint for interfaith families who are seeking guidance and community support. It will be available in the Church Library next month under “Family Life.”
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
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
Looking for an easy way to support that Church? Use GoodSearch and GoodShop!
GoodSearch is an internet search engine powered through Yahoo! and the site donates about a penny for each search made. Simply go to www.GoodSearch.com, register and choose the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent as your charity to support. The pennies will add up quickly if lots of people use this free tool. While on the site check out www.GoodShop.com and www.goodsearch.com also. If you’re an online shopper or like to eat out, many stores and vendors will donate a percentage of your purchase back to the Church and the Good Dining participating restaurants will donate a percentage of your tab to the Church. This is truly fundraising made easy! Last year, the Church received $213.00 from Good Search and GoodShop based on the use of a few of our members and friends. Thank you!
Starting today through September 1st, every purchase your supporters make via Goodshop enters Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent for a chance to win one of five $400 prizes in their $2,000 Giveaway! What’s more, up to 20% of their purchases will be donated to your cause.
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?
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
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.
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.
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.
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
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
“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.
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,
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.
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.
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!
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View a collection of over 20 videos taken by Dan Flippo during the 2014 Ohio-Meadville District Summer InstituteCheck out the Official 2014 Ohio-Meadville District Summer Institute slideshow featuring photos by Brad Bolton and the music of Hal Walker
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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].
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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
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. Sunday morning we explore the growing “spiritual but not religious” identity with a Unitarian Universalist lens.
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