First Church News
October
2013
Museum District
How can I make my life count?
Sunday Morning
Celebration and
Classes at
9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Our last theme was "Open to Love" and concerns the struggle for intimacy in
the face of isolation. This stage in human development runs from about 25 to
40. The next stage we take up is "Stagnation versus Generativity," and runs
from about 40 to 65. The central question of this stage is:
How can I make my life count?
5200 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 526-5200
For some of us, this will be through raising children. For others of us, it
will be through our work. The temptation to give up, get self-centered, and
stagnate is always there.
Think of the Unitarian Charles Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in his
1843 novel, “A Christmas Carol.” It is instructive. His story starts out with
complete stagnation and self-centeredness, and it takes the visits of 3 ghosts
to turn him around. And he becomes generative! It's a miracle really. Most
people would not make that kind of transition, especially after so many years
of
being set in their ways.
How have others negotiated this life stage? How can our church life
encourage us to make our lives count, while supporting each other through
the (almost) inevitable seduction of stagnation?
[email protected]
www.firstuu.org
Have there been times when you have found yourself stagnating in some
way? And did you find a way to become generative? Are you still looking?
This is the theme our Growth Groups will be wrestling with during this
series.
The ministers and staff have a new approach to creative content for Sunday
services and faith formation (adults & children), and we are interested in
your stories about the theme, and how we might all learn from each other's
experiences – send me an email, drop me a note, or we could even meet to
discuss.
See you in church!
Daniel
Upcoming Sermons for October 2013
October 6
Live As If . . .
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford
We begin our next series on the theme of “Generativity vs. Stagnation.” What would it look like, if you
were able to stop trying to be who you think you’re “supposed” to be and began living out who you are?
October 13
Live As If You’re on a Mission from God
Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell
Our religion encourages us to search for meaning and to have a fully examined faith. But are our
beliefs as important as what empowers and strengthens us to fulfill our potential? Perhaps there is
a value in assuming a greater purpose — and live into believing it.
October 20
Live As If You Can Change the World
Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell
Our Transcendentalist forebears were dissatisfied with the religion they grew up with. They searched for
new ways to experience the spiritual, and to practice religion. They even spawned an American literary
Revolution. Which of their gleanings still shine through today?
October 27
Live As If the Small Stuff Matters
Rev. Kathleen Ellis
Not everyone can — or wants to — radically change their life. Most of us still have
bills to pay, family responsibilities, and lives that we enjoy. How do we find the small
commitments that will transform our lives and the world around us?
Page 2
First Church News
President’s Report
“We are equipped, empowered and compelled to do justice and to serve. “Doing justice” includes signature
service projects, signature community partnerships and giving generously of our time and treasure.” Global
End Statement 1.4 Board member and Vice President David Smith reflects on the above End Statement:
“What is meaningful to me is “We are equipped, empowered and compelled to do justice and to serve.”
There are so many of us who in our profession do social justice. I work for United Way that serves over
100,000 people in need, Ron Cookston is CEO of Gateway to Health, and Eva Thibaudeau works for the
Coalition for the Homeless in Houston. So many of us are compelled to do justice .”
The Board worked through a long agenda that addressed several plans for our future. The Board addressed
and took action on the following:
Linkage Task Force: The entire Board worked on our linkage with members.
Planned a conversation with lay leaders from all sites around Building Understanding that will take
place at the Leadership Development Retreat at the end of September Planned direct conversations
with members that will take place in the fellowship halls at all sites
Facilities: Discussed the process for altering substantial changes to the facilities. Approved the
following: Executive limitation 2.7.13 (the Senior Minister shall not) fail to consult with a team of
church members when planning to make substantial structural changes to the facilities.
Solar Research: The Board wants to thank Richard Braastad for the extensive study he conducted on
using solar energy in the church. The study is presently under review.
Finances: The capital campaign fund priorities were discussed. The Board approved the following:
Capital campaign for up to $300,000 at the Museum District for foundation repair, restroom
renovations to ADA standards, and dedicated play area.
Survey Task Force Report: The Board discussed the outcomes of the 2013 survey. The survey included
evaluative slides of the staff which was a breach of our governance policies. Policy 5.3.2 states”
that the Board will not evaluate, either formally or informally, any staff other than the Senior
Minister.” The Board approved the survey to be placed on the web removing staff slides with
comments on a slide explaining that comments surrounding staff was in breach of policy and kept
internal for the Board. The survey results addressing the End Statements will be posted on the web
by the first of October.
First Church offers many opportunities for spiritual growth, community building, social justice, and
leadership. I encourage you to take advantage of these and join us in connecting , growing, and serving.
I know through my own experiences serving on the Care Team how much I have grown and learned about
myself, other church members, and the history of the church. Look for your Board members in your
fellowship halls. We want to talk to you about our future.
"It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become."
Dr. Seuss
In fellowship, your Board President,
Sheila Whitford
First Church News
Page 3
Student Ministry as Apprenticeship
In September I was happy to introduce Rebecca Crystal, our new Student Minister from Dennison, Texas.
Apprenticeship is a time-honored way to learn an array of skills through hands-on experience. That’s one
way to view student ministry. Rebecca’s previous work as a therapist and a teacher serve as an excellent
foundation, but they’re not the same as ministry. She has taken many graduate level classes on religion,
theology, pastoral care, education, and more. She has had opportunities to preach and to do specific tasks
of ministry on a part-time basis.
As our Student Minister at First Church, Rebecca will work full time to get as much experience as possible.
It’s a rich opportunity for her to learn through serving a multi-staff church in three distinctive settings.
Though I will provide direct supervision, she’ll meet regularly with a committee for support and
evaluation. Taking on this new responsibility are Steve Braun, Debbie Lancaster, Jon Naylor, Dianne
Reece, and Wendy Van Syckle.
Observation and reflection, experimentation and evaluation: Rebecca will have many opportunities to learn
the practical arts of ministry. As a congregation we will participate in her formation as a minister. We will
also be blessed by her ministry to us.
Rev. Kathleen Ellis, Minister
I was in the seventh inning stretch of seminary at Meadville Lombard Theological School and faced a wall
with no door until First Unitarian Universalist Church in Houston and Rev Kathleen Ellis said yes. Yes to
supervising me while I complete a 40 hour/week, September through May internship as a student minister.
My school, which awards Masters of Divinity, and the Unitarian Universalist Association, both require an
internship. I heard the Call to ministry when I was four and sang in front of Christmas congregation at a
large downtown Pittsburgh Pa church. I heard that Call again when I was 21, but through a misunderstanding, thought UU congregations didn't hire ministers, so became a social worker therapist. I answered that
Call and began seminary when my son graduated from high school. This internship is one of the last actions
that I need to complete before standing in front of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee to speak my case
for why I believe that I am a minister. With your help, I will stand tall and with conviction answer the
"Yes!" That has been in my heart since I was born.
Rebecca Crystal, candidate for the ministry
FIRST CHURCH NEWS is published monthly by First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin Street,
Houston, TX, 77004. Phone: 713-526-5200. This is Volume 18, Issue 10, published on September 23, 2013.
Page 4
First Church News
Circle Round
I have to admit I’m not someone who could be a politician. There’s part of me that’s adverse to soundbites. But it is true that saying something in just a few words, can be both helpful and elegant. It can help us
focus on what’s important. There’s no doubt that there are an abundance of distractions out here vying for
our attention. Getting a little help focusing on what’s important could be a very good thing.
We’ve been hearing the ministers say from the pulpit: “Connect, grow, serve . . . This is what we are doing
at First Church.” There is a kind of simplicity to these three words that, for me, seems to be soaking in.
And what we do here at church really fits with this progression. It is a kind of progression, but like most
things in life, these experiences are no linear, not really. We don’t connect, then grow, then serve and never
turn back In fact these three can happen at the same time, in the same place.
I find myself connecting to words, to people, to song and feelings in the worship service on Sunday mornings. And many of us also serve. Our youth have been lighting the chalice and saying the Call to Worship.
Our choir shares the gift of beautiful music, working hard during the weeks ahead to get it right. The Welcome Team shows up with smiles and well-wishes. Many of us step outside our church walls to giveback to
the community around us, digging fields so that Congolese immigrants can grow organic vegetables and
make a living, or so that mothers and children who have experienced domestic violence can have holiday
gifts for each other while they are in the shelter. Service gives us the opportunity to grow personally in new
skills, in self awareness, in taking chances and in giving back.
And taking it full circle, when we serve, we get the chance to connect with those who have stepped up and
those who stand in need.
I look forward to years and years of making deeper relationships, enjoying our time, growing spiritually,
serving others in new and satisfying ways. I even look forward to going through hard times together because they will come and because we will need each other when they do.
Carol Burrus, Religious Educator.
Co-sponsored by the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston
First Church News
Page 5
Stewardship Team
Your Stewardship Team has started planning our exciting canvass events
for the coming year. We’re asking everyone to mark their calendars for the
of February when we will host our canvass events and encourage all of our
members to generously support First Church for another year.
Save the Dates:
February 1, 2014: Leading Giver Celebration
February 8, 2014: Sustaining Giver Celebration
February 23, 2014: Celebration Sunday
March 31, 2014: End of Campaign (all pledges in)
We want to honor and thank each of our members for their generous contributions to our church. Leading
Givers and Sustaining Givers will be determined by both the direct amount donated to the church in the
last year, as well as acknowledging what “step” in the Step Out, Step Up campaign your family is currently on. We appreciate that many of our members give a generous percentage of their income to the
church, and will include them in our celebration events. If you didn’t fill out your Step information and
want to be acknowledged for your donations in this way, please contact the office and let them know what
Step
defines your current contribution level.
What Step Are You On?
Step One — First time giver of a meaningful gift
Step Two — Pledge regularly
Step Three — Monthly eGiving**
Step Four — Be a one percent donor
Step Five — Be a two to four percent donor
Step Six — Donate five percent
Step Seven — Donate more than five percent of income
** We hope whatever step you are on that you will also be a monthly eGiver at the same time; it really
helps with consistency of income for your church!
Page 6
First Church News
Results of the May 2013 Board of Trustees Survey.
In May of 2013, your Board of Trustees conducted a congregational survey. It was e-mailed six times to
members of the Museum District and twice to members of the Copperfield and Thoreau campuses over a
three week period. Hard copies were mailed to members without access to the Web.
We had 220 members respond (a good percentage). A Board survey task force took the written feedback
and consolidated it into positive (+) comments and delta or change ( ) comments. We can’t post everything
here, and some material (relating to personnel) is not included. More information will be available on our
web site soon.
First Church Choir Tour, June 2014
Pick up a flyer in the office for more information.
The choir of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston is pleased to invite
you to join us on our June 2014 European tour. The tour starts with a week in
Prague and Budapest, two of the most beautiful cities in the world. We travel to
Romania via Eger, the center of one of the top wine producing areas of Europe.
From there, we make our way into Transylvania, the cradle of Unitarianism, finishing with three days in Árkos, at our Partner Church. The music program will be
planned and led by Dr. Jason Oby, our Music Director. We expect to perform four
or five concerts during the trip. The trip will be managed by Dean Dalton, leader of
our first two choir tours, and his wife, Zsófia Sztranyiczki, a life long Unitarian.
The trip is planned for early June 2014 to avoid the peak of the tourist season. We
can accommodate at most 40 travelers, selected on a first-come, first-served basis,
but good singers who will join the choir for the tour will be given preference.
G’day, Mate. The Annual Fall Fundraiser and Auction is just around the corner. Join us for fun and food at
the silent and live auctions on Saturday, November 2, as we journey “Down Under” to Australia. Drop by the Auction table in Channing Hall on any Sunday and register now in order to
bid on the myriad treasures. You can also pick up the forms for donating your items and services. And don’t forget to ask your favorite restaurant or business to donate an item. We’ll
have items “For Kids Only” priced under $5 so bring the whole family. No worries mate, it’ll
be a great party you won’t want to miss.
Thinking about becoming a member of First Church?
Membership Day is Sunday, October 6.
To join First Church, we ask that you complete a few forms: New Member Information, Talents and Interests, a
Pledge Card that requires a financial commitment, and a Skills Inventory. These forms are available in the
office or from a Sunday Morning Welcoming Team member. New members can join on the first Sunday of
each month at the Welcome Table in Channing Hall after church.
Dia de los Muertos
Sunday, October 27, 7:00 p.m.
Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout
Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on
gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and
family members who have died. It is a joyous occasion and we will
celebrate it with song and food. Bring pictures and mementos for our
alter in the sanctuary. Dress in costume if you wish.
Social Justice Update
During the last month the Social Justice Team has sponsored a project with ”Plant It Forward,” our
Congolese refugee partners who grow and sell organic vegetable. That was on August 24 at the garden site
at Fondren and Willowbend.
On August 28, we organized an ecumenical celebration marking the fiftieth anniversary of the 1963 March
on Washington featuring Unitarian Universalist, Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist clergy,
the First UU Church, Museum District Sanctuary Choir and a variety of speakers. We are making a focused
effort to invite primarily Third Ward residents to consider our church a meeting place. This is the third
such event this summer, with about 180 people in attendance.
The Social Justice Team has selected sixteen community agencies with which we shall implement at least
twenty projects over the next year (September 2013 through September 2014.) We’ve added several new
agencies and efforts and kept most of our old friends. Rev. Kathleen Ellis brought together the three
campus Social Justice efforts in July. Under the editorial supervision of Lois Hardt we published a
Social Justice Guide, published in conjunction with our Third Annual Social Justice Fair on September 7.
The Guide reflects activity originating from all three campuses.
About sixteen First Church members have been trained as Deputy Voting Registrars and we are in the
process of identifying locations where we can register voters between now and October 7.
On September 28, we returned to the Yates Museum in Freedman’s Town to help restore one of their
historic buildings.
As we move into October, you’ll find, on Sundays at the Social Justice table in Channing Hall
opportunities to volunteer with three other community organizations: collecting children’s clothing for
Casa de Esperanza, serving breakfast and lunch to SEARCH’S homeless clients, and support Montrose
Grace Place’s efforts with homeless GLBT youth in Montrose.
Healthy Parenting Project Workshop
Tutoring and Mentoring at WALIPP
(William A. Lawson Institute Peace & Prosperity)
7:00 Fireside Room, October 22, 2013
You are invited to join the Healthy Parenting team as we host WALIPP Academy Executive Director
Cheryl Lawson and students from this charter school. They will give us some additional background about
this school where we are expanding our Healthy Parenting signature project. If you have not already become a member of this support team you will have a chance to join. For those of you who are already tutoring or mentoring this is a wonderful chance to hear from the Director and talk with the students.
First Church News
Page 7
Excerpts from the Treasurer’s Report
Since there was no Treasurer’s Report in August, this month’s report covers the results for June (i.e., the
end-of-year 2012-2013 results) as well as for the month of July.
June 2013 results
June was a solid month, with the result that we finished the year with a surplus that can fairly be described
as spectacular.
After several months of pledges coming in significantly under budget, we saw a rebound in June, with
pledges exceeding budget by $13,000. On the expense side, we were roughly $12,000 over budget, but
$5,000 of that came from an expense paid in June but budgeted in another month (meaning it didn’t really
represent an excess over budget). So, overall, June results were good.
The upshot is that we finished the year with a surplus of a bit more than $35,000. Income was above
budget by almost $20K, while expenses were under budget by about $16,000. The highlights of what
went into this include the following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Income
Total pledges of $575,000, $13,000 over the budgeted $562,000
Services Auction (net of expenses) $27,5000 vs. $25,000 budgeted
Fundraising Team $9,500 vs. $7,000 budgeted
Gifts $11,000 vs. $6,000 budgeted
Expenses
Program expenses (including such things as music, publicity, Welcome Team, and
worship-related expenses) $13,000 vs. $20,000 budgeted, for a $7,000 savings
Electricity $30,000 vs. $35,000 budgeted, for a $5,000 savings
Almost none of the $6,000 budgeted for bookkeeping assistance was spent
Two items that were not part of the year’s budget but were nevertheless significant were the $15,000 grant
from the UUA and the $11,000 Chalice Lighter grant. These funds had been partially but not entirely spent
as of the end of the fiscal year; the remaining balances can be seen on our end-of-year balance sheet.
At the end of the year, our cash levels remained robust and were much higher than at the end of the two
prior fiscal years. Overall, I am much gratified by the year’s financial outcome. Not only is it good for the
health of the church, but it is always pleasant, as Treasurer, to be the bearer of good news!
July 2013 results
The format of the reporting is changed a bit this month to include some additional detail with respect to the
breakdown for each campus.
Our new fiscal year got off to a slow start, as we experienced an income shortfall versus budget of $19,000.
Some $2,000 of this is illusory, as it represented a budgeted-but-not-taken draw from the Thoreau reserves.
Of the rest, by far the greatest contributor was a $13,000 shortfall in pledge income.
Happily, expenses also came in about $5,000 less than budgeted. So our shortfall against budget for the
month was about $14,000, of which, as I’ve said, $2,000 is illusory.
Page 8
First Church News
Enrichment Opportunities
Each week we publish an Enrichment Update along with the
new, improved First Church Now (formerly known as the Blast).
A more comprehensive document, the Enrichment Guide, gives group
descriptions and contact information. It can be found on the information
rack across from the church office and on the church website at
http://firstuu.org/pdfs/Enrichment_Guide.pdf. It provides an overview
of the many areas of interest that are available at First Church.
Activities: Common Threads, Yoga, Young Adults Sunday Lunches, Meditations and
Mindfulness Practices, Monday Meditations, Tai Chi and Yoga classes.
Discussion: Discussion Circle (the weekly topic is listed in the weekly update),
Early Morning Book Group, Great Ideas Group, Houston Area Women’s Group,
Parents Group, Poetry Group and Changing Women
Additional opportunities for enriching experiences at First Church, some seasonal
and some once a year, are also in the Enrichment Guide.
Annual Blood Drive at First Church
Sunday, October 6, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The blood mobile will be on the Whitney Bank lot.
First Church News
Page 9
Online Automatic Payment Makes Pledge Fulfillment Easy and Convenient
AND Is Great for Church Cash Flow
We have been accepting Electronic Funds Transfer payments from checking and savings accounts, along
with Credit Card Payment through Vanco Services for 7 years. We have been impressed with their easy-touse customer interface, their excellent reports and their reasonable prices. You can set up payments for
yourself now, at the First Church website, firstuu.org/firstchurchpay.php or fill out and return the Vanco
Authorization Form: firstuu.org/pdfs/VANCO_Authorization_Form.pdf. If you have any questions, contact
[email protected]. We’ll be happy to help you get set up.
Healthy Congregation Team in Channing Hall on Sundays
Your Healthy Congregation Team is staffing a listening table in Channing Hall between services every
Sunday. Although Rev. Daniel’s door is always open, we are also available to listen and to assist you in
finding the best avenues for resolution of any difficulties. Positive feedback is also welcome! We have a
journal to track your comments. The team reports the journal entries and conversations to Rev. Daniel on
a regular basis.
The team comprises Connie Acosta, leader, Robert Barnett, Trish Kolodney and Michael O’Laughlin.
Bill Nelson retains an advisory role on the team this year. If you miss us on Sunday, but
want to communicate with us, our e-mail address is [email protected].
First Unitarian – Copperfield to Add Additional Worship Service!
Beginning October 6, residents of Northwest Houston will have twice as many opportunities to
worship at the Copperfield campus of First Unitarian Houston.
Due to the growth over the past year, the campus has often had crowded services. Offering services at 9:30
and 11:30 am will relieve some of the crowding, as well as offer options for members and guests balancing
their own family commitments and scheduling issues.
Research on the dynamics of church growth are encouraging, reporting that 80% of congregations that
move from one worship experience to two find their overall attendance jumps by at least 10%. "Of all
the controllable intervention events that can help a church begin a new life cycle, the establishment of
a new worship service is the most likely to do so. The best way to begin a new life cycle is to begin a
new service." (How to Start a New Service: Your Church Can Reach New People, Charles Arn)
New Schedule, beginning October 6, 2013:
1st Service: 9:30-10:30 am
Religious Education and Corner Forum: 10:35-11:20
2nd Service: 11:30-12:30 am
Members and guests are encouraged to bring friends as we celebrate our new schedule.
Page 10
First Church News
Deep in the Heart Women’s Retreat
October 11-13, 2013
Recharge your spirit. Sing, meditate, dance, walk in the hill country.
No responsibilities other than to be your authentic self.
Deepen your relationships with old friends or make new friends.
No workshops or classes, but a spiritual advisor, Scottie McIntyre Johnston , MDiv,
who has a passion for helping people connect with each other and to the divine, will be
on hand to guide you.
Cost: $110 Location: UBarU (near Kerrville, TX)
For more info, go to: http://www.ubaru.org/home/Events/WomensRetreat2013/tabid/1454/Default.aspx
Early registration is highly recommended.
NEW U CLASS
Saturday, November 16, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Fireside Room, First UU Church, Museum District
While the New U Class is primarily a pathway to membership, everyone is welcome - both the curious
and those who have already decided to join us. We will explore how your spiritual journey led you to us
and how UUs talk about religion. You’ll have a short tour of the building and find out the way things run
here at First Church. During the class you’ll have the opportunity to meet several church leaders and staff.
We’ll do our best to answer your questions.
The day includes a complimentary lunch, giving everybody an opportunity to get better acquainted with
each other. Facilitated by church staff and Welcome Team leaders.
Childcare will be available; email names and ages to [email protected] by Friday, November 9. We
require a minimum of ten participants in the class. Registration is required for the class and for childcare so
please sign up at the church, contact us at [email protected] or call the office at 713–526-5200.
First Church News
Page 11
First Unitarian Universalist Church
5200 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77004-5808
Time Sensitive
Material
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Permit No. 6078
RETURN SERVICE
REQUESTED
GO GREEN
The newsletter is available
online. We email a link to the
newsletter each month and to
First Church Now each week. To choose
this option, contact [email protected].
Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell, Senior Minister
Rev. Kathleen Ellis
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford
Rebecca Crystal, Student Minister
Rev. Robert L. Schaibly, Minister Emeritus
Carol Burrus, Religious Educator
Jason Oby, Music Director
Bob Fazakerly, Accompanist
Peggy Harvey, Church Administrator
Tom Cowen, Facilities Manager
Jessica Pierce, Nursery Coordinator
Stuart O’Bannon, Media Technician
Hilman Laws, Weekday Custodian
Gustavo Hernandez, Weekend Custodian
Church Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President
Sheila Whitford (2014)
Vice President
David Smith (2015)
Trustees
Connie Acosta (2014)
Grace Amborski (2014)
Karen Carlson (2016)
Liz Gilbert (2015)
Dierdre Hammons ((2016)
Jim Klein (2016)
Craig Oettinger (2015)
Treasurer
Evan Michaelides
[email protected]