Mother’s Day Slide Show

Our service next Sunday will include a slide show in celebration of Mother’s Day. If you would like to honor your mother or someone who has been a mother figure in your life, please email a photo to Rev. Melissa by this Saturday morning.  Include the name of the person you are honoring.  If you are not able to email a photo, you can bring a print to the church office by Friday afternoon instead. 

 

Worship & Music

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

 

May 11 – Colorful Spirituality

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

Hindus celebrate a spring holiday called Holi. It is literally a festival of colors. This morning we wonder together how exploring color might help us explore spirituality.

 

The Library Committee would like to thank the Youth Group and their Advisers for the thoughtful and inspiring service,”Letting Go”, presented last Sunday. Youth participants included Sydney Haines, Allison Norris, Natasha Swango, Paul Marsh, Breanna McCrystal, and Connor May. Their advisers were Mary Ann Kasper, Kathy Kerns, Lori McGee and Beth Kuemerle.

The readings and all the homilies were very moving, the music beautifully chosen, and the sequence of each presentation had a logical and a rhythmic flow from one to the next. We feel fortunate, indeed, that the future of this church rests with such outstanding future leaders.

The readings were taken from The Teachings of the Buddha, Jack Kornfield, ed., Boston, Shambhala, 1996. This book is in the church Library.

The Library Committee: Jane Krimmer, Harry Noden, Carolyn Andrews-Schlemmer, Gene Wenninger, Kathy Wilen, Martha Kluth and Ann Waters.

 

 

Community Within

A Walden information meeting will be held in the sanctuary between services on Sunday, May 11th.  Whether you are a dedicated Waldenite, a moderate Walden-lite, or an uncertain Walden-might, you are invited to attend.

 

Dear UUCK Family,

Thank you not only for the gifts but for all of your kindness, prayers, and comforting words through this journey to build our family.  I look forward to bringing Hunter to church to meet his extended, chosen family.

Thank you, Trudy Diehl

 

Attention All Leaders and Committee Chairs

All Annual Reports to be included in the Annual Meeting packet are due immediately!  Please submit or email reports to MaryBeth at [email protected]. Annual Meeting packets will be available to the congregation on May 14. The Annual Congregational Information Meeting is scheduled for May 28 @ 7 PM and the Voting Meeting will be held on June 1 @ 12:30 PM.

 

Surprise Friends – Just a reminder…

Don’t forget your Surprise Friend this week! Bring your surprise (a note, a piece of artwork, etc.) and leave it on the Surprise Friends table in Fessenden Hall.

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 pm in the home of Trish Kwartler.  This month we are reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. Let the Great World Spin is the critically acclaimed author’s most ambitious novel yet: a dazzlingly rich vision of the pain, loveliness, mystery, and promise of New York City in the 1970s. Elegantly weaving together seemingly disparate lives, McCann’s powerful allegory comes alive in the unforgettable voices of the city’s people, unexpectedly drawn together by hope, beauty, and the “artistic crime of the century.” A sweeping and radical social novel, it captures the spirit of America in a time of transition, extraordinary promise, and, in hindsight, heartbreaking innocence. In June we will be reading Cloud Cover by Margo Milcetich. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

New UU Classes in May!

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, May 4th, from 9-11 am. Part 2 will be on Sunday, May 18th, 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 or Marion Yeagler.

 

Defective Hal Walker  Hal-elujah! CDs
If you have purchased a Hal Walker CD from me and found that it would not play, please return it to me and I will replace it with a (hopefully) good one for free.  I know of 2 or 3 blank CDs already, and am assuming there are others out there.  My expert staff has contacted the manufacturer about the problem.  Sorry!

Brad Bolton

 

Outreach and Social Justice

RiverDay Garlic Mustard Pull on Saturday, May 17th, 10am-12pm

Meet at the parking lot at 143 Gougler Ave. across from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent to protect our riverside park from invasive weeds. Contact Andrew Rome for more information.

 

Green Sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent presents a free showing of the movie:  Forks Over Knives

“A film that can save your life” Roger Ebert Chicago-Sun Times

“Great Movie” Mark Bittman, New York Times columnist

Date:  May 23, 2014

Time:  7 pm

Place: The Sanctuary

Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent

Followed by discussion and healthy snacks

Contact person: Trish McLoughlin

 

UU and Interfaith Connections

The Kent Community TimeBank, Inc.  Presents:  “Let The Sun Shine In,”  A TimeBank Fundraiser*

Friday May 23, 2014

5:30-7:30 PM

At the Kent Historical Society Museum, 237 E. Main St., Kent OH

Admission $20

Contact  MaryAnn Kasper if you are interested in purchasing a ticket.

 

Income Generation

Tupperware Fundraiser coming May 18th!!

During coffee hour we will have a cash-and-carry table of Tupperware for you to purchase, then plan on joining us for the kick off party of our annual Tupperware Fundraiser at 12:45 pm in Fessenden Hall.  Please plan on stopping by to see the latest Summer catalog and place your order.  This is also a good time to bring in any broken Tupperware that needs replaced.

We will have Fundraiser brochures available for you to take home and obtain orders from family and friends as well as an online party where out of town family and friends can place orders for the church fundraiser.

The church receives a percentage of the sales from every order placed!

Any questions, email or call Meg Milko.  Thank you for your support.

 

Some Notes About Our FY ’15 Budget

The Board has reviewed the budget recommended by the Finance Committee.  It is a decent budget in that it covers the expenses of our operation, preserves our current level of staffing, and preserves our payment of our fair share of annual program fund dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Ohio Meadville District.  The congregation has made clear that these are core values for us, and we are happy that our pledging is sufficient to reflect these values in our budget.  We can all be proud of the hard work we have done to get to this place.

However, we know that many of you will be disappointed to learn that our pledging is not sufficient to maintain the budget we had in FY ’14, nor are we able to grow into all of the goals we had for FY ’15.  We told you at the beginning of our stewardship campaign that we had three goals for this year: to respond to rising health insurance costs, to create a fund for our 150^th anniversary celebration in 2016-2017, and to invest in our music ministry.  Of course we want to make sure that all of our staff meet the UUA fair compensation guidelines, and we also hoped to provide them with a modest 1 or 2% cost-of-living adjustment.  Because our pledge total for FY ‘15 shows only a small increase over FY ’14, we are not able to able to accomplish as much as we hoped.

As an employer we are obliged to fulfill the health insurance commitments we have made to staff; this necessitates absorbing increased costs of insurance in our FY ’15 budget.  Since FY ’15 pledging does not cover this amount, we had to make cuts in some of our program areas to absorb the additional cost in the budget.  The proposed budget as it currently stands covers the increased health insurance costs, but it does not allow us to meet the UUA’s most recent (just received a few days ago) minimum fair compensation guidelines for all of our staff, nor does it include cost-of-living adjustments for all of them.

In addition, this budget does not provide a fund for the 150^th anniversary celebration or sufficient additional investment in our music ministry.  This past year Hal created the Golden Tones Junior Choir, the Fallow Time Folk Orchestra, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent Tone Chimers, in addition to his work with the adult choir and other responsibilities.  We will not be able to sustain the level of musical programming we have this year without additional funding for FY15.

If you are able to reconsider your pledge in light of this information, we would welcome additional contributions.  We would love nothing more than to revise the budget to achieve more of our goals in support of our mission.

Thanks to all who worked hard on our stewardship campaign this year, especially the leaders, Kathie Slater, Meg Milko, Sandy Eaglen, and Marion Yeagler.  And thanks again to all of you for your contributions of time, talent, and treasures to our beloved church community.

Sincerely,

Elaine Yehle Bowen, on behalf of the Board of Trustees

Sandy Eaglen, Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship & Music

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

 

May 4 – Youth Sunday

Led by our Youth and Worship Associate Loir McGee

Join us for our annual Youth Sunday created and led by our senior high youth.  They will consider the joys and challenges of letting go as they move from childhood to young adulthood.

 

Community Within

 

Attention All Leaders and Committee Chairs

All Annual Reports to be included in the Annual Meeting packet are due immediately.  Please submit or email reports to MaryBeth at [email protected]. Annual Meeting packets will be available to the congregation on May 14. The Annual Congregational Information Meeting is scheduled for May 28 @ 7 PM and the Voting Meeting will be held on June 1 @ 12:30 PM.

 

What a lucky break!  

There’s still a chance to buy tickets for the fourth annual Light Bites (Service Auction event) for this Saturday, May 3 at 7:00 P.M.  Tickets, $35.00 each, include a reader’s theatre performance put on by ten of your favorite UU “actors”:  Kat Holtz, Sarah Verity, Vivien Sandlund, Trish McLoughlin, Lori McGee, Ted Voneida, Connor May, Sandy Eaglen, Cheryl Spoehr and Marion Yeagler.  The evening also includes a delicious and plentiful array of food, including drinks and desserts, offered by our six incredible chefs: Mary and Randy Leeson, Jen May, Lois Weir and Dave and Diana Watt.  If you’re able to join us, please contact Sandy Eaglen, so that we have an accurate “food count” –you can pay for the tickets ahead of time in the office or online (please write Service Auction on the memo line of your check or in the information box on the online donation page), or just pay at the door.  Hope to see you there!

 

Attention All UU Members and Friends – RE: Email

A few of our members with AOL email accounts were recently hacked.  They have requested that we send notice to our members and friends that may have received an email from them in the last few days.  The emails say “signed documents are uploaded” and ask you to click here and sign-in with your email.  Please know that they are very sorry if you have received one of these emails from them and hope that you did not follow the instructions contained within.

 

Defective Hal Walker  Hal-elujah! CDs
If you have purchased a Hal Walker CD from me and found that it would not play, please return it to me and I will replace it with a (hopefully) good one for free.  I know of 2 or 3 blank CDs already, and am assuming there are others out there.  My expert staff has contacted the manufacturer about the problem.  Sorry!

Brad Bolton

 

New UU Classes in May!

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, May 4th, from 9-11 am. Part 2 will be on Sunday, May 18th, 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 or Marion Yeagler7.

 

Surprise Friends

Don’t forget your Surprise Friend this week! Bring your surprise (a note, a piece of artwork, etc.) and leave it on the Surprise Friends table in Fessenden Hall.

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 pm in the home of Trish Kwartler.  This month we are reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. Let the Great World Spin is the critically acclaimed author’s most ambitious novel yet: a dazzlingly rich vision of the pain, loveliness, mystery, and promise of New York City in the 1970s. Elegantly weaving together seemingly disparate lives, McCann’s powerful allegory comes alive in the unforgettable voices of the city’s people, unexpectedly drawn together by hope, beauty, and the “artistic crime of the century.” A sweeping and radical social novel, it captures the spirit of America in a time of transition, extraordinary promise, and, in hindsight, heartbreaking innocence. In June we will be reading Cloud Cover by Margo Milcetich. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

 

Kent Bill of Rights Charter Amendment  – Monday, May 5th, 7-8:30pm

Join us in Fessenden Hall as Tish O’Dell, the Ohio Organizer for the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund and the State Coordinator of the Ohio Community Rights Network will be sharing how residents are using Community Bills of Rights to exercise democracy where they live to create healthy, sustainable communities for the future.  Members of the Kent Environmental Rights Group will also be available to answer questions about the Kent Bill of Rights Charter Amendment Initiative and how to help.

 

RiverDay Garlic Mustard Pull on Saturday, May 17th, 10am-12pm

Meet at the parking lot at 143 Gougler Ave. across from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent to protect our riverside park from invasive weeds. Contact Andrew Rome for more information.

 

Green Sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent presents a free showing of the movie:

Forks Over Knives

“A film that can save your life” Roger Ebert Chicago-Sun Times

“Great Movie” Mark Bittman, New York Times columnist

Date:  May 23, 2014

Time:  7 pm

Place: The Sanctuary

Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent

Followed by discussion and healthy snacks

Contact person: Trish McLoughlin

 

Income Generation

Some Notes About Our FY ’15 Budget

The Board has reviewed the budget recommended by the Finance Committee.  It is a decent budget in that it covers the expenses of our operation, preserves our current level of staffing, and preserves our payment of our fair share of annual program fund dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Ohio Meadville District.  The congregation has made clear that these are core values for us, and we are happy that our pledging is sufficient to reflect these values in our budget.  We can all be proud of the hard work we have done to get to this place.

However, we know that many of you will be disappointed to learn that our pledging is not sufficient to maintain the budget we had in FY ’14, nor are we able to grow into all of the goals we had for FY ’15.  We told you at the beginning of our stewardship campaign that we had three goals for this year: to respond to rising health insurance costs, to create a fund for our 150^th anniversary celebration in 2016-2017, and to invest in our music ministry.  Of course we want to make sure that all of our staff meet the UUA fair compensation guidelines, and we also hoped to provide them with a modest 1 or 2% cost-of-living adjustment.  Because our pledge total for FY ‘15 shows only a small increase over FY ’14, we are not able to able to accomplish as much as we hoped.

As an employer we are obliged to fulfill the health insurance commitments we have made to staff; this necessitates absorbing increased costs of insurance in our FY ’15 budget.  Since FY ’15 pledging does not cover this amount, we had to make cuts in some of our program areas to absorb the additional cost in the budget.  The proposed budget as it currently stands covers the increased health insurance costs, but it does not allow us to meet the UUA’s most recent (just received a few days ago) minimum fair compensation guidelines for all of our staff, nor does it include cost-of-living adjustments for all of them.

In addition, this budget does not provide a fund for the 150^th anniversary celebration or sufficient additional investment in our music ministry.  This past year Hal created the Golden Tones Junior Choir, the Fallow Time Folk Orchestra, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent Tone Chimers, in addition to his work with the adult choir and other responsibilities.  We will not be able to sustain the level of musical programming we have this year without additional funding for FY15.

If you are able to reconsider your pledge in light of this information, we would welcome additional contributions.  We would love nothing more than to revise the budget to achieve more of our goals in support of our mission.

Thanks to all who worked hard on our stewardship campaign this year, especially the leaders, Kathie Slater, Meg Milko, Sandy Eaglen, and Marion Yeagler.  And thanks again to all of you for your contributions of time, talent, and treasures to our beloved church community.

Sincerely,

Elaine Yehle Bowen, on behalf of the Board of Trustees

Sandy Eaglen, Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship & Music

 

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

 

April 6, 2014     Moving in with Mystery           

Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Lori McGee

Where do we come from?  What was there before the beginning?  This morning we draw upon the ancient history of religion and the modern insights of science to reflect upon the mystery.

 

From the Library

Rev. Elaine Strawn has kindly shared some sources she used to prepare her sermon, “Generosity of Spirit”, given on Sunday, March 30th.

Teo Drake’s full comments can be found on standingonthesideoflove.org  He wrote the comments for day 24 of the  30 Days of Love. He also blogs on blueboat.blogs.uua.org 

The spirit of the sermon came from John Buehren’s The Unitarians and the Universalists, published by Beacon Press. He corrects many misunderstandings about our history, bringing “our saints” much closer to earth.

A correction: the Marge Piercy poem she quoted is The Low Road, not We.

 

Hal-elujah!  Hal Walker CDs Now Available

I have compiled Hal’s best performances during Sunday morning services at church over the last 6 years into one critically acclaimed* CD, now available at church on Sunday mornings.  They are $10 each, with all proceeds going to the music program at church.   Revel in Hal’s original masterpieces!  Wonder at his ability to play two instruments at once!  Be amazed at John Marfy’s jaw harp prowess!  Hear Hallie transition from a girl into a young lady!

Get your collectible “Hal-elujah” CD during coffee hour on Sunday, or anytime from Brad Bolton.

*Christie likes it.

 

The UUCK and the Cuyahoga River Concert Series present.

Magpie

April 12  8:00 pm

$10 donation at the door

call 810-265-4007 to reserve tickets.

Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner began to play music together in Kent, Ohio in September of 1973.  In the years since then, they have traveled and toured extensively, performed in concerts, at folk clubs and festivals around the world, and recorded many times.  Magpie has always embraced a musical rainbow, and with impressive proficiency in each different genre. From traditional, classic country, swing, and blues of the nineteen twenties and thirties, to contemporary songs written by themselves and others, Terry and Greg cover a

lot of musical ground.

 Pete Seeger wrote:  “Greg and Terry can show us all what a wonderful thing it can be for two voices to harmonize together. How lucky I am to have lived to see and hear more links in the chain.”

Sing Out magazine writes;  “This recording (Give Light)  absolutely radiates light, glowing with great songs in radiant performances… Their music is their religion, and Give Light comes very close to the divine.”

 

Lifespan Learning

 

What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalist adult education class will meet tomorrow, April 3 at 7:00 PM in Fessenden Hall.

 

The upper elementary RE class is collecting new or gently used pet toys for donation to the Humane Society of Greater Akron – and the last day to donate is this coming Sunday April 6th!   Boxes for donations are in the church. The students in this class decided to help the Humane Society because they believe all animals should be cared for.  The class will be visiting the Humane Society on April 19th to drop off the donations.

 

Community Within

 

Tickets Available for Saturday’s Mandala Workshop.

We have two tickets donated by Jen May and Lois Weir for Saturday’s workshop on making Mandalas, which was offered at the auction.  This is a spiritual practice of drawing circular designs and coloring them making beautiful designs. Each one is a work of art and unique.  If you’d like to come and make your own mandalas we have two tickets available for Saturday’s Class which is being held in Fessenden hall from 1 o’clock until 3 o’clock.   First come first serve please contact Meg Milko if you’d like one or both tickets.

 

Surprise Friends

It’s that time of year again! Want to make a new friend in the church? Looking for a fun way to celebrate spring? Here is your chance! You are all invited to participate in this intergenerational activity of friendship and caring. Become a Surprise Friend! Complete a sign-up form and place it in the Surprise Friends Box in Fessenden Hall no later than April 6. Participating adults will be matched with children in the congregation on April 13. (High school youth are invited to participate as an adult Surprise Friend; middle school youth may choose to participate as an adult Surprise Friend OR as a child Surprise Friend.) By signing up to be a Surprise Friend, you make a commitment to attend church each week, April 20,27 and May 4,11 and to share a note or some artwork with your Surprise Friend. Adults and children alike should leave their surprises at the Surprise Friends table in Fessenden Hall, but be careful you aren’t discovered! Adults will remain anonymous until the “big reveal” on May 18. Don’t you just love surprises?

 

Tai Chi Program Canceled – Many thank to Sally Burnell for leading the Tai Chi classes these last few years.  For a variety of reasons, Sally needs to step away from this program.  At this time, Tai Chi will no longer be offered on Monday evenings at the Church. 

 

We are looking for the individual who may have picked up a sewing machine from the Mills’ house?  We have some parts and the instruction manual to the sewing machine that you may be interested in.  Please contact the Church Office if you would like the parts and manual.

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm in the home of Kathie Slater. This month we are reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel by Rachel Joyce. Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and acceptance. In May we will be reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

We Need You to Help us Become a Green Sanctuary!

The Green Sanctuary Steering Committee, Mary Lou Holly, Andrew Rome and Patty Miller, warmly invite you to come out for an evening to explore how you might become involved in helping us become a Green Sanctuary.  To accomplish this goal, we need participation from every area of congregational life – from worship and religious education to the library and buildings and grounds and more.  Whatever your area of interest in congregational life, there is a way you can support this process.  Please consider joining us in Fessenden Hall on Tuesday, April 1 from 7:00 to 8:30 to learn more and to share your ideas.

 

Coffee Hour Connection

Did you know that our coffee hour is provided by volunteers?  Every week Deb Biggins, Shirley and Jonathan Kiernan come to church early to set up for coffee hour so that there is hot coffee, tea and treats available for folks at church to enjoy.  It is a wonderful labor of love.  If you haven’t recently, would you please thank them for their contributions.

Deb and Shirley have received several requests to provide particular condiments for coffee hour that are not in our budget to provide.  However, if you want to bring your favorite tea or a particular type of milk or sweetener to be available at coffee hour, please feel free to bring it in to share.  And if you have ideas about how you’d like to see coffee hour go, please approach Deb and Shirley and let them know that you would be glad to volunteer.  They’d be happy to have your help!

 

Outreach and Social Justice

 

Thanks to all who support last Sunday’s special collection in support of CoCoDA (Companion Community Development Alternatives),  $ 373.67  was donated in support this outreach program to develop education for youth with limited economic resources from rural El Salvadoran communities.

 

The upper elementary RE class is collecting new or gently used pet toys for donation to the Humane Society of Greater Akron – and the last day to donate is this coming Sunday April 6th!   Boxes for donations are in the church. The students in this class decided to help the Humane Society because they believe all animals should be cared for.  The class will be visiting the Humane Society on April 19th to drop off the donations.

 

Kent Social Services – Food & Grocery Card Donations

March is rapidly coming to a close and with it, National Nutrition Month and Harvest for Hunger. Sadly, the food baskets have remained nearly empty all month. Won’t you please consider donating non-perishable food items this weekend? The Super-Six remain much in need – PB (and jelly, of course), canned veggies, soup, beef stew, tuna and cereal – as well as other staples such as pasta, spaghetti sauce, rice, beans, canned fruit, crackers, meal-in-a-box & meal-in-a-can & macaroni n’ cheese mix. Children often enjoy pudding cups, fruit snacks, granola bars, raisins, and other wrapped snack items.

No fancy style at this welcome table . . . just quality, basic food for meals and snacks; please, no open packages, outdated boxes or rusty cans. Won’t you please consider donating? Baskets are available on the lower level inside the closet next to the elevator and on the upper level outside the sanctuary. [If you are in need of groceries or any other help, please contact Reverend Melissa for confidential assistance.]

If you are not grocery shopping this week, donations of $10 Acme grocery cards are most appreciated so KSS clients can purchase fresh foods or non-edibles that food stamp benefits do not allow.

Thank you in advance for your generosity,

Elaine Bowen.

 

 

UU and Interfaith Connections

 

Spring Art Show

The UU Church of Akron invites us to The UUWA’s Inaugural Spring Art Show exhibit will run April 10 through April 27 with an opening reception on Thursday April 10 at 7 pm.  Meet the artists, enjoy some yummy

Hors d’oeuvers.  There will be a silent auction of items donated from the participating artists. The Show will run April 10 through April 27 at The UU Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd., Akron (across from Summit Mall).  Visit during church office hours Tuesday through Friday 9 am – 2 pm or Sundays 9:30 am -1 pm.  For more info contact Carol Dobbins 330-836-2206, [email protected]

 

First Congregational Church of Ravenna is hosting a mission project jewelry sale on April 10 and April 12.  The paper bead jewelry is made by ladies in Uganda and sold through the non-profit business “Bead for Life.”  All profits from the jewelry sales will go towards helping Ugandan ladies work their way out of poverty.

 

Hospice of Western Reserve Warehouse Sale:  Donation are needed for our next sale, Friday, May 9, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and Saturday, May 10, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Hospice of the Western Reserve Headquarters, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.  Proceeds support patients and families of Hospice of the Western Reserve throughout northern Ohio.  They are accepting gently used indoor and outdoor furniture, other household items, collectibles, framed artwork, and holiday items.  To donate items, please contact the Warehouse Sale Team at 800.707.8922, ext. 6881.  Pick up can be arranged for larger items.

 

Drone Teach-In

Drone technology has recently come to the public’s attention.  What are its capabilities and consequences?  Please join The Imagine Peace Task Force, part of the Justice Council at West Shore UU Church, in a  Drone Teach- In, Saturday, April 5^th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Westshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, OH  44116.  Lunch is included.  The event is free and open to the public.  A free-will offering will be taken.

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER- MEDEA BENJAMIN, author and co-founder of the  Nationally renowned grassroots social justice movement CodePink.  Joining her will be the ACLU, the American Friends Service Committee, Chapter 39 of Veterans for Peace, the Cleveland Non-Violence Network, Cleveland Peace Action and others.

 

Income Generation
Have you made your pledge of your financial commitment for the upcoming fiscal year?  Our Finance Committee relies on our pledges to set the budget for next fiscal year. Every pledge is important so we may continue our programs and ministries.  If you haven’t had a chance to make your pledge yet, you can do so in many ways:

• In Person on Sunday March 30th at the Stewardship Table
• In the Offertory on Sunday – Pledge cards are in the pews
• Online Pledge card on the website kentuu.org
• Email your pledge to the church office [email protected]
• Call in your pledge to the church office 330.673.4247

Thanks to everyone who has helped make this a successful campaign!

The Stewardship Committee

Sandy Eaglen – Co-Chair

Kathie Slater – Co-Chair

Meg Milko – Co-Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note the following staff schedules for this week.

Karen will be attending the LREDA/UUMA Retreat March 26 – 28; MaryBeth will be away and the Church Office will be closed Friday, March 28; and Rev. Melissa will be attending District Assembly March 28 – 29.

 

Worship & Music

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

 

March 30 – Generosity of Spirit

Led by the Rev. Elaine Strawn, Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County and Worship Associate Max Grubb – What if generosity means a deep call from within-what energizes you, calls you to share from yourself, and challenges you to leave your mark on a better world?

 

From the Library

 Rev. Melissa’s sources for her Homilies on ” If Earth Could Speak”, Sunday, March 23rd, include a report by the American Association for the Advancement of Science called What We Know: the Reality Risks and Responses to Climate Change, which is available on line at http://whatweknow.aaas.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whatweknow_website.pdf   The second source is

Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World, by Joanna Macy and Molly Young-Brown.

 

Hal-elujah!  Hal Walker CDs Now Available

I have compiled Hal’s best performances during Sunday morning services at church over the last 6 years into one critically acclaimed* CD, now available at church on Sunday mornings.  They are $10 each, with all proceeds going to the music program at church.   Revel in Hal’s original masterpieces!  Wonder at his ability to play two instruments at once!  Be amazed at John Marfy’s jaw harp prowess!  Hear Hallie transition from a girl into a young lady!

Get your collectible “Hal-elujah” CD during coffee hour starting this Sunday, or anytime from Brad Bolton.

*Christie likes it.

 

The UUCK and the Cuyahoga River Concert Series present.

Magpie

April 12  8:00 pm

$10 donation at the door

call 810-265-4007 to reserve tickets.

Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner began to play music together in Kent, Ohio in September of 1973.  In the years since then, they have traveled and toured extensively, performed in concerts, at folk clubs and festivals around the world, and recorded many times.  Magpie has always embraced a musical rainbow, and with impressive proficiency in each different genre. From traditional, classic country, swing, and blues of the nineteen twenties and thirties, to contemporary songs written by themselves and others, Terry and Greg cover a lot of musical ground.

Pete Seeger wrote:

“Greg and Terry can show us all what a wonderful thing it can be for two voices to harmonize together. How lucky I am to have lived to see and hear more links in the chain.”

Sing Out magazine writes; 

“This recording (Give Light)  absolutely radiates light, glowing with great songs in radiant performances… Their music is their religion, and Give Light comes very close to the divine.”

 

Lifespan Learning

 

What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalist adult education class will next meet on April 3 at 7:00 PM in Fessenden Hall.

 

The Grades 3-5 RE Class works hard to make our world a better place and so they are collecting new and gently-used pet toys for the dogs and cats at the Humane Society of Greater Akron, in Twinsburg.  They will deliver the toys to the center on April 19th.  They are making pull toys for dogs from discarded t-shirts, too.  Toy collection boxes are located in Fessenden Hal and the foyer by the sanctuary.  The pet toy collection takes place from now until April 6th.

 

Younger Young Adult Care-Packages Follow-up – The parents of our college-age young adults recently gathered on a Sunday afternoon to create care-packages for their sons and daughters.  In addition to all the goodies (think chocolate, lip balm, socks, popcorn, chips, etc.), the young adults received a card signed by so many of the members of our congregation.  A number of young adults photographed the contents of their care-packages on Facebook to express their gratitude for our continued care and support.  Logan Bialik asked that this message of gratitude be shared with everyone:

 “I received my care package today in the mail and just wanted to express a word of gratitude! It has reached me at a time of high stress and little sleep, and I found it to be a tremendously uplifting and strengthening act of love and support. A feeling of community is evidently an incredibly powerful remedy to stress and anxiety, and I can’t thank you enough for reminding me of the loving UU community that I am a part of.  Thank you so much!”

 

Community Within

Do you want to become a Surprise Friend this year? Complete a sign-up form and place it in the Surprise Friends Box in Fessenden Hall no later than April 6th.

 

Calling All Bakers!

We are celebrating another successful Stewardship Campaign by offering free pie to everyone on Pie Sunday, March 30th.  We would love to offer homemade pies and need a few bakers to help us out.  If you can bring a homemade pie (or pies) on Sunday morning before 10am to share with everyone it would be greatly appreciated!

No need to let us know ahead of time, just stop by the kitchen with your pie(s) in the morning.

Thank you!

The Stewardship Committee

 

We Need You to Help us Become a Green Sanctuary!

 The Green Sanctuary Steering Committee, Mary Lou Holly, Andrew Rome and Patty Miller, warmly invite you to come out for an evening to explore how you might become involved in helping us become a Green Sanctuary.  To accomplish this goal, we need participation from every area of congregational life – from worship and religious education to the library and buildings and grounds and more.  Whatever your area of interest in congregational life, there is a way you can support this process.  Please consider joining us in Fessenden Hall on Tuesday, April 1 from 7:00 to 8:30 to learn more and to share your ideas.

 

Coffee Hour Connection

Did you know that our coffee hour is provided by volunteers?  Every week Deb Biggins, Shirley and Jonathan Kiernan come to church early to set up for coffee hour so that there is hot coffee, tea and treats available for folks at church to enjoy.  It is a wonderful labor of love.  If you haven’t recently, would you please thank them for their contributions.

Deb and Shirley have received several requests to provide particular condiments for coffee hour that are not in our budget to provide.  However, if you want to bring your favorite tea or a particular type of milk or sweetener to be available at coffee hour, please feel free to bring it in to share.  And if you have ideas about how you’d like to see coffee hour go, please approach Deb and Shirley and let them know that you would be glad to volunteer.  They’d be happy to have your help!

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm in the home of Kathie Slater. This month we are reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel by Rachel Joyce. Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and acceptance. In May we will be reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

Our special collection this Sunday, March 30 is for CoCoDA  (Companion Community Development Alternatives), an organization that works in El Salvador.  Our church has been affiliated with them since 1980.  CoCoDA works to develop education for youth with limited economic resources from rural El Salvadoran communities. Thirty-five youths from the village of Santa Marta graduate each year from high school. Normally, fewer than 10 have been able to realize their life dreams of attending a university because of economic conditions. As a result of CoCoDA’S efforts, 32 Santa Marta students are presently provided basic housing and tuition to attend the university in San Salvador.  They are required to return to their villages on weekends to provide community service in the areas of health care, social action and education.  Our contributions will contribute to their efforts.  Please make your checks out to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, and note CoCoDA in the memo line.

 

Kent Social Services – Food & Grocery Card Donations

March is rapidly coming to a close and with it, National Nutrition Month and Harvest for Hunger. Sadly, the food baskets have remained nearly empty all month. Won’t you please consider donating non-perishable food items this weekend? The Super-Six remain much in need – PB (and jelly, of course), canned veggies, soup, beef stew, tuna and cereal – as well as other staples such as pasta, spaghetti sauce, rice, beans, canned fruit, crackers, meal-in-a-box & meal-in-a-can & macaroni n’ cheese mix. Children often enjoy pudding cups, fruit snacks, granola bars, raisins, and other wrapped snack items.

No fancy style at this welcome table . . . just quality, basic food for meals and snacks; please, no open packages, outdated boxes or rusty cans. Won’t you please consider donating? Baskets are available on the lower level inside the closet next to the elevator and on the upper level outside the sanctuary. [If you are in need of groceries or any other help, please contact Reverend Melissa for confidential assistance.]

If you are not grocery shopping this week, donations of $10 Acme grocery cards are most appreciated so KSS clients can purchase fresh foods or non-edibles that food stamp benefits do not allow.

Thank you in advance for your generosity,

Elaine Bowen.

 

Noreen Kumm-Gory has shaved her hair to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research. The event was sponsored by an organization known as the St. Baldrick’s foundation. Childhood cancer research is extremely underfunded, so we can all help through your donations. To support Noreen and do your part in helping out children suffering from cancer, please go to Noreen’s donation web page, http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/685372/2014.

 

UU and Interfaith Connections

 

Celebrate Spring with a Concert at East Shore UU

Two talented women come to East Shore

UU Church in Kirtland with their bands on March 29  at 8:00

for an evening of bluegrass/newgrass/acoustic fusion music.  Missy Raines & The New Hip is one of the most respected, popular and trailblazing figures in bluegrass and a huge award-winner for her bass playing.  Opening for Missy is Rebekah Jean, a Burton native who has roots in West virginia coal country but grew up  within earshot of Cleveland’s rock-n-roll scene.  Her original music and voice will have audiences fall in love.  Tickets are $16 at www.blueskyfolkfest.com, $20 at the door, under 13 free.  8:00 PM.  Bring your friends!

Income Generation

 

PIE SUNDAY – FREE PIE FOR EVERYONE!

A heartfelt thank you to all who have pledged to our 2015 Stewardship Campaign.  We are CELEBRATING the official end of the 2015 Stewardship Campaign by serving everyone a free slice of PIE!  Several of our pies are delicious HOMEMADE contributions! Come to Fessenden Hall during coffee hour or after second service, and join the party!

Have you made your pledge of your financial commitment for the upcoming fiscal year?  Our Finance Committee relies on our pledges to set the budget for next fiscal year. Every pledge is important so we may continue our programs and ministries.  If you haven’t had a chance to make your pledge yet, you can do so in many ways:

• In Person on Sunday March 30th at the Stewardship Table
• In the Offertory on Sunday – Pledge cards are in the pews
• Online Pledge card on the website kentuu.org
• Email your pledge to the church office [email protected]
• Call in your pledge to the church office 330.673.4247

Thanks to everyone who has helped make this a successful campaign!

The Stewardship Committee

Sandy Eaglen – Co-Chair

Kathie Slater – Co-Chair

Meg Milko – Co-Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note the following staff schedules for next week.

MaryBeth will be away and the Church Office will be closed Monday, March 24 and again Friday, March 28; it will be open Tuesday, March 25 – Thursday, March 27.  Rev. Melissa will be attending District Assembly March 28 – 29 and Karen will be attending the LREDA/UUMA Retreat March 26 – 28.

 

Worship & Music

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

 

March 23 – If Earth Could Speak

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

We end our exploration of sin and evil by considering what the earth might say about this subject if the earth could speak.

 

Hal-elujah!  Hal Walker CDs Now Available

I have compiled Hal’s best performances during Sunday morning services at church over the last 6 years into one critically acclaimed* CD, now available at church on Sunday mornings.  They are $10 each, with all proceeds going to the music program at church.   Revel in Hal’s original masterpieces!  Wonder at his ability to play two instruments at once!  Be amazed at John Marfy’s jaw harp prowess!  Hear Hallie transition from a girl into a young lady!

Get your collectible “Hal-elujah” CD during coffee hour starting this Sunday, or anytime from Brad Bolton.

*Christie likes it.

 

The UUCK and the Cuyahoga River Concert Series present Magpie

April 12  8:00 pm

$10 donation at the door

call 810-265-4007 to reserve tickets.

Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner began to play music together in Kent, Ohio in September of 1973.  In the years since then, they have traveled and toured extensively, performed in concerts, at folk clubs and festivals around the world, and recorded many times.  Magpie has always embraced a musical rainbow, and with impressive proficiency in each different genre. From traditional, classic country, swing, and blues of the nineteen twenties and thirties, to contemporary songs written by themselves and others, Terry and Greg cover a

lot of musical ground.

Pete Seeger wrote:

“Greg and Terry can show us all what a wonderful thing it can be for two voices to harmonize together. How lucky I am to have lived to see and hear more links in the chain.”

Sing Out magazine writes; 

“This recording (Give Light)  absolutely radiates light, glowing with great songs in radiant performances… Their music is their religion, and Give Light comes very close to the divine.”

 

Lifespan Learning

 

What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalist adult education class does not meet this week.  The class will resume March 20 at 7:00 PM in Fessenden Hall.

 

Parents of Young Children!

Are you the caregiver of a child or children in Kindergarten or younger? Do you need something to do on a Friday night? Then come on out and join us on March 21st  for a family potluck followed by a small group meeting focused on the joys and challenges of raising our little UU’s. Childcare is provided. Dinner begins at 6pm in Fessenden Hall. For more information please contact Colleen Thoel or Karen Lapidus.

 

Community Within

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm in the home of Kathie Slater. This month we are reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel by Rachel Joyce. Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and acceptance. In May we will be reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

Do you want to become a Surprise Friend this year? Complete a sign-up form TODAY and place it in the Surprise Friends Box in Fessenden Hall no later than April 6th.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

 

Noreen Kumm-Gory will shave her hair at the end of the month to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research. The event is sponsored by an organization known as the St. Baldrick’s foundation. Childhood cancer research is extremely underfunded, so we can all help through your donations. To support Noreen and do your part in helping out children suffering from cancer, please go to Noreen’s donation web page, http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/685372/2014.

 

Go with the Flow – Earth Day Fundraiser

To promote watershed awareness and raise fund for the upcoming “Who’s Your Mama?” Earth Day and Environmental Film Festival.

Saturday, March 22    7 – 10 pm  at the North Water Street Gallery , 257 N. Water St, Kent

$20 suggested donation, space limited, for reservations email [email protected] or call 330.673.4970

www.whosyourmama.org

 

UU and Interfaith Connections

 

Celebrate Spring with a Concert at East Shore UU

Two talented women come to East Shore

UU Church in Kirtland with their bands on March 29  at 8:00

for an evening of bluegrass/newgrass/acoustic fusion music.  Missy Raines & The New Hip is one of the most respected, popular and trailblazing figures in bluegrass and a huge award-winner for her bass playing.  Opening for Missy is Rebekah Jean, a Burton native who has roots in West virginia coal country but grew up  within earshot of Cleveland’s rock-n-roll scene.  Her original music and voice will have audiences fall in love.  Tickets are $16 at www.blueskyfolkfest.com, $20 at the door, under 13 free.  8:00 PM.  Bring your friends!

 

Drone Teach-In

Drone technology has recently come to the public’s attention.  What are its capabilities and consequences?  Please join The Imagine Peace Task Force, part of the Justice Council at West Shore UU Church, in a  Drone Teach- In, Saturday, April 5^th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Westshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, OH  44116.  Lunch is included.  The event is free and open to the public.  A free-will offering will be taken.

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER- MEDEA BENJAMIN, author and co-founder of the  Nationally renowned grassroots social justice movement CodePink.  Joining her will be the ACLU, the American Friends Service Committee, Chapter 39 of Veterans for Peace, the Cleveland Non-Violence Network, Cleveland Peace Action and others.

 

Income Generation

 

Stewardship Campaign is off and running!

Our Stewardship Campaign is in full swing and the pledges are coming in strong.  We’ve heard wonderful heartfelt stories about how this church, OUR church, has inspired our members to give and contribute of their time and talent because of what they receive in return.  We’ve heard how an increase in overall giving can add so much to our community.  We’ve sold PIE raffle tickets and given away several delicious pies!

If you haven’t committed to your pledge yet there is still time to do so!  The campaign doesn’t end until March 31st.  Don’t forget this is for next fiscal year which runs from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

If you have already turned in your pledges we thank you!!  If not, you can turn in your pledge cards during the offertory on Sundays or at the Stewardship table during coffee hour.

 

Thank you,

Your Stewardship Committee

Kathi Slater, Co-Chair

Meg Milko, Co-Chair

Sandy Eaglen, Co-Chair/Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship & Music

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

 

March 9, 2014    Do You Take Confession?

Led by Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Joel Slater

Every now and again someone asks me whether Unitarian Universalist ministers take confession.  This morning we’ll consider the question as well as the experience behind the question.  This morning we look at the personal dimensions of sin.

 

As part of our work helping members and friends of the congregation become aware of the resources of our church library, the Library Committee is advertising some of the sources Rev. Melissa uses in preparing her sermons.  This past Sunday’s sermon on Seven Deadly Sins drew from the work of John Buehrens and Rebecca Parker and their book A House for Hope: the Promise of Progressive Religion for the Twenty-first Century.  Our library has two copies of this book available for loan.

 

The Unitarian-Universalist church of Kent and the Cuyahoga River Concert Series announce a  “March Music Weekend.– March 15-16, 2014.

Saturday, March 15, 8:00 pm:  WILD CARROT in Concert

Pam Temple and Spencer Funk are Wild Carrot. This Cincinnati-based, award-winning group has what it takes to please all types of folk music fans. Rooted in traditional American music, their repertoire branches in diverse directions: from original tunes to swing, blues and traditional songs, using guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, concertina and vocals.  Their performances have often been described as “honest, soothing, uplifting and fun all at the same time”, moving an audience from laughter to tears and back again in a way that makes the listener feel like they’re in a conversation with old friends. All of this adds up to a performance that’s been described as “seamless”, “life-sized complex, subtle and powerful” and “a joy.”  $10 donation at the door.

 

Sunday, Mar 16, 2:00- 3:30pm:  Matt Meyer workshop: Drumming and Spirituality

Matt’s “Drumming and Spirituality” workshop is a chance for people of all skill levels to participate in hands on rhythm-making. The workshop includes instruction on basic technique, as well as information on the origins of percussion instruments from around the world. Participants will also experience the spirituality of community music-making through stories, games and discussions as well as look at how rhythm and music intersect with Unitarian Universalist values. Bring your own drum if you have one, for those who don’t, enough will provided.  $10 donation at the door.

 

Lifespan Learning

Parents of Young Children!

Are you the caregiver of a child or children in Kindergarten or younger? Do you need something to do on a Friday night? Then come on out and join us on March 21st  for a family potluck followed by a small group meeting focused on the joys and challenges of raising our little UU’s. Childcare is provided. Dinner begins at 6pm in Fessenden Hall. For more information please contact Colleen Thoele  or Karen Lapidus.

 

Sadly the CD player in the nursery has played its last lullaby and gone kaput! Do you have a new or used CD player to donate to the nursery? Please contact Colleen Thoele, Michelle Bores or Karen Lapidus if you can help!

 

Care Packages for younger Young Adults

On Sunday, March 9th, the parents of our college-aged young adults will be assembling care packages (think cookies, packages of hot chocolate, candy, lip balm, etc.) to send their children.  This will be a great way to stay connected to our Young Adults and let them know that we are thinking about them.  There will be greeting cards for each of the Young Adults at the Caring Committee’s card table for everyone to sign.

 

Community Within

Pi Day Celebration!  Come one, come all! 

Join us for a family friendly evening of games and activities involving Pi, including “Pizza Pi”.   We’ll be celebrating Pi Day in honor of the mid-way point of our Stewardship Campaign.  Bring a game and join us in Fessenden Hall on Friday, March 14 (3.14) 6:00 – 9:00 pm.  Please RSVP to the Church Office, 330.673.4247 or [email protected], by noon on March 12 so we know how much pizza supplies to purchase for our evening of Pi.  We need to have at least 15 participants in order to go forward with this event; if you plan to attend, please submit your RSVP to the Office as soon as possible.  Thank you.

 

Do you want to become a Surprise Friend this year? Complete a sign-up form and place it in the Surprise Friends Box in Fessenden Hall no later than March 25th.

 

Come enjoy an evening of theatre, featuring Ted Voneida and Company

Presenting all new material on Mark Twain, plus Bob & Ray, Nichols & May, Abbott & Costello!

Saturday, March 8 @ 7:00 PM

Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent

All for the ridiculously low donation of $12

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at 7 pm in the home of Chris Hurlbut. 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.

 

Outreach and Social Justice

SOS from Miller Community House, the only shelter for homeless in Portage County. They need donations of feminine hygiene products and as soon as possible. Please bring bags/boxes of any type of pads or tampons to church on Sunday, March 2 & leave in the lower level closet by the elevator. I’ll get all donations delivered after 2nd service.

On behalf of the women of Miller House, thank you.

Elaine Bowen

 

Noreen Kumm-Gory will shave her hair on March 16, 2014 to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research. The event is sponsored by an organization known as the St. Baldrick’s foundation. Childhood cancer research is extremely underfunded, so we can all help through your donations.

To support Noreen and do your part in helping out children suffering from cancer, please go to Noreen’s donation web page, http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/685372/2014. Also, Noreen and Fred will be available during coffee hour for questions and donations. Thank you. Noreen

 

Income Generation

Are you ready for another slice of Pie/Pi?

Our Annual Stewardship Campaign began  March 2 and ends March 30

During our Stewardship Campaign we ask members and friends to reflect on what this church community means to them and make a monetary pledge to this church community for fiscal year 2015, which runs July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

Our church is entirely self-funded, and our by-laws prevent us passing a deficit budget, so we rely on pledges and fundraising to pay for the many slices of programs and services offered.  In addition there are concrete expenses like building maintenance, salaries, supplies, utilities, etc that need to be paid in order to remain a viable community and have a place to gather and sometimes eat pie together!

Many of you will receive a stewardship packet in the mail, and our wonderful canvassers will be making calls to discuss stewardship, the church and what it means to them.  At that time you are encouraged to share your story of what this church means to you and also commit to a pledge.

There will be a stewardship table at coffee hour, where you can get more information, make your pledge, and take part in a pie raffle. If you have a birthday in March ask for your FREE raffle ticket BUT if it happens to fall on 3/14/ (National Pi Day), you’re a “Pi” – – Lucky you,  you get 5 free raffle tickets. Otherwise you can purchase one for $1 or six for $5.

If you have any questions about the annual stewardship campaign, please feel free to contact Kathie Slater, Meg Milko, or Sandy Eaglen.

P.S.  Be sure to see our announcement about our Pizza Pi Family Game Night to be held on Friday evening March 14^th in Fessenden Hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship & Music

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

 

February 23 – Harmony at What Cost?

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

Is there a shadow side to the pursuit of harmony? Are there times when seeking harmony isn’t necessarily the best goal?  Come join us as we continue our exploration of what harmony is and is not.

 

The Unitarian-Universalist church of Kent and the Cuyahoga River Concert Series announce a “March Music Weekend.– March 15-16, 2014.

 Saturday, March 15, 8:00 pm:  WILD CARROT in Concert

 Pam Temple and Spencer Funk are Wild Carrot. This Cincinnati-based, award-winning group has what it takes to please all types of folk music fans. Rooted in traditional American music, their repertoire branches in diverse directions: from original tunes to swing, blues and traditional songs, using guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, concertina and vocals.  Their performances have often been described as “honest, soothing, uplifting and fun all at the same time”, moving an audience from laughter to tears and back again in a way that makes the listener feel like they’re in a conversation with old friends. All of this adds up to a performance that’s been described as “seamless”, “life-sized complex, subtle and powerful” and “a joy.”  $10 donation at the door.

 Sunday, Mar 16, 2:00- 3:30pm:  Matt Meyer workshop: Drumming and Spirituality

Matt’s “Drumming and Spirituality” workshop is a chance for people of all skill levels to participate in hands on rhythm-making. The workshop includes instruction on basic technique, as well as information on the origins of percussion instruments from around the world. Participants will also experience the spirituality of community music-making through stories, games and discussions as well as look at how rhythm and music intersect with Unitarian Universalist values. Bring your own drum if you have one, for those who don’t, enough will provided.  $10 donation at the door.

 

Lifespan Learning

RADIOLAB AND PANCAKES

RadioLab and Pancakes will meet this Sunday, Feb.23 during 2nd service; our short will be “Ally’s Choice.”  This short 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?  “Ally’s Choice” challenges all our preconceptions about race and identity. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Spoehr.

 

What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalists

We are regularly faced with moral choices, big and small.  How should we respond to a tricky family or relationship situation?  What is the right thing to do when faced with a dilemma at work? What is the most ethical course for a community, state, or nation to follow, and how much are we prepared to invest in advocating for that course? How should morality or ethics enter our consumer decisions? How do we treat others?  How can we follow the values of our Unitarian Universalist faith tradition?

Rev. Melissa is leading this course using curricula from the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Tapestry of Faith resources.  The course meets from 7-9 pm on the following Thursdays in Fessenden Hall:  2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/20, 4/3 and 4/10.  Participants will be invited to consider frameworks from various schools of ethical thought.  Those who attend regularly will derive the most benefit, but each session can stand on its own for those who prefer to drop in.

 

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

 

Community Within

The Library committee holds its final Symposium this Tuesday evening, Feb.25th at 7:00 P.M. in Fessenden Hall. We will view the Bill Moyers interview with Margaret Atwood, noted Canadian author, on the subject of fundamentalism as an alternative to rational, scientific inquiry in forming belief systems. Ms. Atwood speaks to the use and advantages of fundamentalism in her writing. Refreshments provided by the committee members will be served after the viewing. The discussion will be moderated by Joel Slater. Fundamentalism has contemporary political implications in addition to its use in literature. This promises to be a lively and stimulating evening. Please plan to join us; we look forward to seeing you there.

 

The references Rev. Melissa used in last Sunday’s sermon, “Harmony” are the Tao Te Ching,  and Harmony: A Treasure of Chinese Wisdom for Children and Parents,  by Sarah Conover and Chen Hui. Rev. Melissa adds, “Though this is marketed as a children’s book, I believe it has broader appeal and includes good basic information on Taoism, Buddhist and Confucian influence on China.”

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at 7 pm in the home of Chris Hurlbut.. 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.

 

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.

 

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 Presents:  Chasing Ice

Join us Friday, February 21 at 7:00 PM for the free screening and discussion of the acclaimed film Chasing Ice.

All friends of the earth are invited to this event! 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

 

WALK TO PREVENT SUICIDE – March 29, 2014   10 AM – 12 PM

This walk is important so that we as a community acknowledge that depression is a problem many of us face, and that we can support each other.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY TO REGISTER OR TO WALK!  However, if you raise $100 by Feb. 22, you will get a T-shirt at the walk!  And you can raise $100 up until the walk to earn a T-shirt!  So ask your family and friends to support you in this important cause!

Please walk with us on March 29^th!  Click here to register as an individual or form a team:  http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=2558

 

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.

 

This is the Last Sunday to turn in your Acme Register Tapes!

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.