The
DISCOVERER
Volume 73, #31, November 21, 2010
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Columbus, Ohio
Permit 131
THE FIRST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
Of COLUMBUS
93 West Weisheimer Rd. Columbus OH 43214
phone: 614-267-4946; fax: 614-267-4924
email: [email protected]
web http://www.FirstUUColumbus.org
PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
TIME DATED MATERIAL – PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY
WORSHIP SERVICES
November Theme: Roots
November 28, 2010, 9:15 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.
Rev. Mark Belletini
"The Roots of Hope"
December Theme Word: Wings
December 5, 2010, 9:15 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.
Rev. Mark Belletini
"Clipping Wings"
December 12, 2010, 9:15 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.
Rev. Eric Meter
"Waiting for Our Wings"
►"Getting to Know UU" meets Sunday mornings in Slowter Lounge, following each service. Anyone interested in
learning more about Unitarian Universalism and about the First UU Church of Columbus is welcome.
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November 24, 2010
6:00p Dance Choir Group
7:30p Men's Spirituality
8:00p Women's Spirituality
Saturday, December 4, 2010
8:30a Zen Meditation
10:00a Gay Straight Alliance
Thursday, November 25, 2010
2:00p Thanksgiving Dinner
Office Closed
Friday, November 26, 2010
Office Closed
Saturday, November 27, 2010
8:30a Zen Meditation
Sunday, November 28, 2010
8:45a Breakfast
9:15a and 11:00a Worship Service/Sunday School
10:15a Choir Warmup
10:30p and 12:15a Getting to Know UU
11:00a Coming of Age
12:45p Mindfulness Group
1:00p UU Visual Artists
6:00p Bridge group (499-2434)
7:00p The Big History
Monday. November 29, 2010
7:00p UU Dance Fellowship
7:30p GLBT Book Discussion Group
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
9:30a Archives Organizing
10:00a Artist's Way for Women
1:00p Cancer Support Groups
1:30p Library Team
5:45p Tuesday Supper (until 7pm)
6:30p Peace Pals Choir
7:00p Zen Meditation; Rising Voices Choir
7:00p SPAN-Ohio
7:45p Spirit of Life Choir
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
1:00p Archives Organizing
6:00p Dance Choir Group
6:30p Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
7:00p Sunday School Committee
7:00p Settlers 30-Something
7:30p Yoga; Men's Spirituality
8:00p Women's Spirituality
Thursday, December 2, 2010
9:30a Improvisational Dance
10:45a Senior Gathering
7:30p Chalice Choir Rehearsal; Healing Journey
Friday, December 3, 2010
12:00p Cooking for Faith Mission
6:30p First Friday Potluck
7:30p Community Leaders Forum; Drumming Circle
Sunday, December 5, 2010
8:45a Breakfast
9:15a & 11:00a Worship Service, Sunday School
10:15a Choir Warmup
10:30a & 12:15p Getting to Know UU
11:00a Coming of Age
12:45p Auction Planning
1:00p Youth Group; Artist's Reception
1:00p Committee on Shared Ministry
1:30p Wellspring
Monday, December 6, 2010
7:00p UU Dance Fellowship; Program Council
7:00p Executive Committee
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
9:00a Newsletter Folding
9:30a Archives Organizing
10:00a Artist's Way for Women; Laughter & Lunch
1:00p Cancer Support Groups
5:45p Tuesday Supper (until 7pm)
6:30p Peace Pals Choir
7:00p Zen Meditation; Rising Voices Choir
7:00p Social Justice Committee; Caring Committee
7:35p Worship Committee
7:45p Spirit of Life Choir
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
1:00p Archives Organizing
6:00p Dance Choir Group
7:00p Covenant Group Steering Committee
7:00p Path to Membership Mentors
7:30p Men's Spirituality; Yoga
8:00p Women's Spirituality
ESOL meets MWF at 9:30a; FOCUUS (ages 18-35)
meets on Mondays at OSU at 7:30p; 513-910-6449)
Next issue of The Discoverer: Sunday, December 5
Deadline: 1:00pm – hard copy in the church office; or
6:00pm – e-mail copy to [email protected].
LABYRINTH MUSIC Musicians (professional and
amateur) are invited to volunteer to provide live music
during our Holiday Labyrinth - Monday, December 27
through Friday, December 31. Day and evening times
available, Please contact Tina Thonnings, 436-2902, or
[email protected].♫
"THREADS OF INSPIRATION" The fiber art of Deb
Baillieul is on display now in the Gallery and Worship
Center through December 31.
Artist Reception is Sunday, December 5, at 1:00-2:30pm
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LINKS
Here’s a little story about one of the many unexpected
benefits of being part of a vital religious community.
Not long ago I was heading home after running some
errands. I was the first car in a left turn lane and waiting
for a green light when a driver heading in the opposite
direction must not have seen the red light. As he entered
the intersection, he was struck by a car coming from his
right, hitting his car in the rear passenger door. His car
was spun a perfect 180 degrees, ending up directly in
front of me facing the same way I was. He came to a halt
by barely tapping my front bumper.
I don’t know about cats having nine lives, but I’ve
seldom felt luckier. Fortunately, on that count I wasn’t
alone. Thanks to crumple zones and air bags, the other
drivers were able to walk away unscathed, though I'm
sure both of them were plenty sore the next morning.
But what does this have to do with religious
community, you ask? I’m just getting to that point.
While we were waiting for the emergency services to
arrive, I heard someone call my name. It was our own
Heather Pearson who had been driving by and saw me
checking on one of the other drivers. She wanted to
make sure I was all right.
I’ve been in or near a few other accidents in my time,
and I don’t mind telling you that, whether I keep my
composure or not, it always takes me a while to talk
through and walk out both the emotions and subsequent
adrenaline rush. While I was sure to thank Heather for
checking on me, I wasn’t able to tell her in the moment
how welcome it was to see a familiar face right then.
Thank you, Heather. The gift of your presence brought
me back to ground.
Buckle up out there.
in peace,
Rev. Eric Meter
CHURCH NEWS
HOLIDAY APPEAL
During the holiday season, we ask First UU members
and friends to remember the importance of the spiritual
home, supportive community and social justice outreach
that are the essence of First UU. As you are making
other plans, please give generously to help keep us
going strong.
This year, we are asking for a contribution of $75 per
person (or $150 for a couple). SO PLEASE:
1) Check your pledge payments. Please let us know if
you are having difficulty making your payments or need
to change your pledge amount. If you have just been
procrastinating, please make a payment. Our collection
rate is down this year, but the church bills are not.
2) Make a gift to the Holiday Appeal—We are asking
for $75 per person, but EVERY GIFT COUNTS! Please
give generously, as you are able, so that we can return
your support in the form of the church’s wonderful
programs and services.
3) Know that: your gift will serve others. Though we did
not reach our full financial goal in this year’s annual
budget drive, we want to honor our intention to use part
of the Holiday Appeal for outreach. Your support will
help us make a substantial gift to the Clintonville
Community Resource Center this year. We’ll give
CCRC $1000 plus half the money we collect over
$16,000 in the appeal.
In these troubling economic times, an investment in
First UU pays great dividends! Thank you very much for
your generous support!
-- The Stewardship Committee
► CHILDCARE OFFERED Saturday, December 11.
Need a time out to relax in the midst of the Holiday rush?
Maybe you would like to finish your Christmas shopping
without the kids along "to help"? Perhaps we can help!
The Youth Group is offering child care at the church
Saturday, December 11 from 1:30 until 4:30. The service
is for children between the ages of 3 and 10 (potty
trained children only please). The youth will be caring
for the children with adult supervision. Donations
requested. Registration ahead of time will reserve space
for your children. Forms are available at the Sunday
School table and in the youth group mailbox in the
Volunteer Workroom. Walk-ins will also be accepted.
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS LAST NOTICE Only
two more weeks to get your 2010-2011 book of 50% off
coupons) for $25, out of which $6.25 for each book will
go to our Coming of Age group here at the church.
- Karin Erickson, 834-3988
COOKBOOK SALE The BUUkstore has a special
promotion of our church cookbook, normally $20. Now
discounted to $10, the book comes with a basket with a
tissue liner, great for gifting! Our quantity of baskets is
limited, so please stop by soon for best selection.
GLBT READING GROUP Monday, November 29,
7:30 to 9:30pm. We will be discussing two young adult
GLBT books: Someday this Pain Will Be Useful to You
by Peter Cameron and The God Box by Alex Sanchez.
WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY Wednesdays at 8:00pm.
December 1: Birthdays, Poetry and Sharing - all;
December 8: Dear Santa (letters to Santa) - all;
December 15: Santaland Diary - Jeanni Ray;
December 22: Solstice (Let There Be Light) - Jeanni Ray;
December 29: New Beginnings - all
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UUAM A local chapter of UUAM (Unitarian
Universalists Animal Ministry) is forming and has begun
meeting monthly to discuss the mission of our chapter
and relevant topics. What is UUAM? Its members
pledge to move from the mere celebration of the
"interdependent web of existence" into practices that
affirm species interdependence in our everyday personal,
social, economic and political lives. If you are interested
in hearing more, join us at our next meeting on Sunday,
November 28. Contact Lisa Daris for details.
THANKSGIVING DINNER First UU will enjoy a
potluck Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 25
at 2:00pm. Contact Jeanni Ray at 985-6176 so that we
may coordinate the dishes being brought.
BIG HISTORY Sunday, November 28, 7:00pm.
#40 The Early Modern Cycle, 1350-1700CE and
#41 Breakthrough. Please join us.
BOOK BITES Annual Christmas Party, December 21,
7:00pm in Slowter Lounge. Bring a book from your
collection as a gift (wrapped) to exchange, and a
Christmas reading to share. Please bring a few cookies
or other treats to add to the festivities, Drinks will be
provided. - Kathleen Boston, 262-4025
PARENTS OF INFANTS AND TODDLERS Next
gathering is on Saturday, December 11, 11am - 1pm. For
more information, contact Nancy Powlick, 451-4045, or
[email protected].
THANKS We are grateful to Jan and Lou Weil, tireless
BREAD volunteers from Christ Lutheran Church, for
their gift of three gorgeous plants to our sanctuary. With
the approval of our indoor plant committee, the Weils
personally delivered a 7’ Norfolk pine, a 7’ Ficus plant,
and a large Boston fern with their “thanks for the
wonderful support First Unitarian Universalist Church
has and continues to give the BREAD Organization.”
Holiday Meditation - 6 pm, December 9, Fellowship
Hall. I always like to take a bit of time in the midst of the
holiday craziness to slow down and spiritually ground
myself. This year I'd love for you to join me in singing
and dancing with the Prayer of Jesus as seen through the
eyes of science and Sufi mysticism. The prayer is a part of
the central teachings of Jesus and in a practice of
interpretation older than the Qabbalah, words we think we
know can take on whole new meanings, meanings that
support and give voice to our own beliefs. As the universe
continues to unfold, creation, miraculous birth, and
connection continue at every moment. Simple steps and
rhythmic chanting help us slow down and connect to the
miracle and one another. - Jolinda Stephens, DRE
SOCIAL JUSTICE
ATHENS COUNTY/APPALACHIA FOOD
PANTRY When you donate any or all of the following
items, you are helping those in need in the poorest
county in Ohio:
• children's books (gently used are fine). We put two
books, when available, in every one of the 300 food
boxes each month. These books are much appreciated.
• winter coats, scarves, gloves, mittens and blankets for
all ages - girls, boys, women and men.
• food - peanut butter, canned meats, spaghetti and sauce,
canned vegetables and fruits.
• and, coming up - items for our Christmas food baskets.
Please stop at the Social Justice Table on Sunday for
more information.
-- Jacques Angelino, 439-0245 or 888-8052
CARING CORNER
Congratulations to Jon Zumwinkel whose first
grandchild was born on November 15. (Jon's daughter,
Theresa, is the mom); and to Jolinda Stephens on the
arrival of her gorgeous great-granddaughter Ella.
Congratulations, also, to John Reisman who is a 2010
recipient of the Charlene Schultz Volunteer Award given
by Employment for Seniors. John has been a volunteer
with them for 16 years.
We send happy birthday wishes to Gordon Miller who
celebrated his 80th birthday on November 21.
Healing wishes go to Rick Kritzer. He had surgery to
reattach a shoulder ligament and looks forward to having
use of his arm again; and with Tom Tucker, who was
hospitalized earlier this week for tests following a fall.
He is home now and doing fine.
Our love and condolences go out to the family of
Marguerite Turnbull, a long-time respected and loved
member of our church. She died peacefully at home this
past week. A memorial service was held at First UU on
Tuesday, November 23 at 11:00am.
Our caring thoughts are with Carol Aldridge. Her
former father-in law, with whom she was very close,
died recently.
A memorial service for Millie McKee, mother of
member Peggy McKee, took place on November 14.
Thanks to Chris Hardin, Olwen Firestone, Linda Miller,
Patti Monroe, Linda Weigelt, Marla McMichael-Liston,
Gini Szabo and Matt Gordon who assisted with the
reception. -- Tina Thonnings and Carole Wilhelm.
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Are You in the Know? Introducing our MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Have you seen those people in the front Gallery each Sunday busy greeting everyone with big smiles? That's our
Membership Committee at work, welcoming all who pass through our portals. Later, they will introduce visitors who are
interested in our church to someone who can give them more information and encourage them to keep on coming. This
group also coordinates the Path to Membership classes. After each class they take a wonderful photo of each new member
to post on the appropriately named "New Member Board." Each class is assigned a mentor to follow up and offer
guidance. And if that's not enough! In their spare time, they take care of the small stuff - like stocking the brochure racks.
It's not at all surprising that Rick Kritzer, the Committee Chair, says they need more help. So, in early January there will
be a table in Fellowship Hall full of information on what you can do to become a part of this dynamic group. Check it out!
Meanwhile, if you would like more information, go to our web site at firstuucolumbus.org, or call Rick at 614-781-1799
-- Patti Monroe, Communications Committee
FROM THE ARCHIVES
This material comes from the 1960 annual meeting of the First Unitarian Church of Columbus. The American Unitarian
Association (predecessor of the current UUA) had submitted 76 resolutions for study by the congregations. This
congregation selected the following resolutions from that list for discussion and study by the AUA:
Civil Rights - Federal Court supervision of elections; Federal legislation to implement public school desegregation;
Immigration - a more liberal policy; Opposition to anti-semitism; Disarmament - banning of nuclear weapons; Population
planning and birth control; World peace - problems of working toward peace
-- Linda Thompson, Historian
WORDS ON MUSIC
by Tony McDonald, Music Director
Our Chalice Choir is a wonderful and excellent chorus, most everyone will agree. So when a special occasion comes up,
like a memorial, or some other unique service, it is understandable that the planners will want the choir to sing for it.
Having our outstanding choir perform always adds to any occasion. Consequently, the Chalice Choir receives many
requests throughout the year to perform outside of church services.
Such performances, beyond the choir’s regularly scheduled activities, require some thought, however, e.g. what music
will the choir sing? Many times the special event organizer will request a song she likes, but we do not have an
arrangement of it in our library. How do we get an arrangement, if one is even available? Then there are the questions of
when will the choir rehearse this special music, and who will direct them. Often the choir director is not available, and
besides, that gets into job description issues. Also, if Nathan is not available, an accompanist must be found.
The fact that I mention all this does mean that the choir does not want to sing for special events. In fact, it usually does,
but, as you can see, there is much to be considered. So, assuming that all the above is covered, what we usually do for
special occasions is send out a general notice to both choirs, Chalice and Spirit of Life, and ask who is available. To choir
members’ credit, we almost always get enough volunteers to have a good representative ensemble. Only for major church
events, such as Eric’s installation or Mark’s 10th anniversary, does the entire choir (either/both) commit to performing as
a group, including the director.
So, the purpose of this article is to help everyone realize how much choir members serve beyond their regular
commitment, and to let anyone considering requesting the choir to sing at a special event know what is involved, so that
requests are not made capriciously. Remember, Chalice Choir members have a regular obligation to rehearse two hours a
week every week, to sing for service three out of four Sundays a month, and to prepare for and perform extra concerts
twice a year. Choir members want to, and should, sing for special occasions, but let us not forget that their time is
precious, as is all of ours.
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SHARED MINISTRY
First UU has had a Committee on Shared Ministry for some time, but its role was less than clear. Last year, based on input
from a task force, the Board of Trustees changed the Standing Rules to provide more guidance to the COSM, beginning,
The primary purpose of the Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM) is stewardship of First UU’s Mission and Vision.
Therefore, this committee focuses on shared ministry, congregational vitality, and respectful relations. Together with the
Board of Trustees and our professional leadership, COSM helps develop objectives and standards of excellence within the
mission of the church. COSM shall appraise, report and advise the congregation, the professional leadership and board
regarding all of COSM’s responsibilities.
The Standing Rules further state, This committee is responsible for the continual assessment of the effectiveness of the
shared ministries of the congregation. Continuing, the document lays out six areas of responsibility:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Educate the Congregation
Support and Evaluate Shared Ministry
Appraise Professional Ministry
Nurture a Supportive Atmosphere
Educate COSM Members
Transform Conflict
Each area is described further and we’ll share more in future articles. (See page 14 of the Standing Rules to read more
now. You can find them at http://www.firstuucolumbus.org/about-us/governance-documents.) When the COSM first met,
we found the list a bit daunting. We have chosen to regard it as a broad area of responsibility, within which the COSM
will choose priorities in any given year.
The COSM has six members, appointed by the Board (after receiving recommendations from the Leadership
Development Committee) and serving staggered terms. After the initial phase in, members will serve three-year terms and
may not be reappointed for two years. The ministers are ex-officio members of the COSM. The Board appoints one
member to serve as chair, and the Standing Rules limit a term as chair to no more than two consecutive years. The
Standing Rules also contain a long list of qualifications for becoming a member of the COSM, focused on ensuring that
members have the skills and trust of the congregation needed to work in this area.
The COSM will be working hard, and collaboratively, to make real progress in these important areas of responsibility.
-- Gretchen Faulstich, Chair, Committee on Shared Ministry
With Praise and Thanksgiving (excerpted from an article in the November 2010 issue of Quest, written by
Gail Forsyth-Vail, Adult Programs Director for the Unitarian Universalist Association). This reflection on Thanksgiving
speaks to me deeply. The reality-based story of our universe adds so much dimension, perspective and meaning to our
lives. May you have a richly textured Thanksgiving.
"A few years back I got annoyed with the Thanksgiving holiday. I had been a religious educator for many years and led
children through the annual ritual of listing what they are grateful for—and the list was always predictable—food, a home,
family, and clothing. And it was always so very tidy. I had long since given up sharing the once ubiquitous myth of
Pilgrims and Indians, because it is both racist and patently untrue. We had tried gratitude letters, gratitude paper chains,
gratitude candles, and all sorts of other techniques, and still what came back from the children was the tidy list—food,
home, family, and clothing
There is something smug about this tidy kind of gratitude—unengaged, if you will. No mention of difficulties, of
challenges—of hungry times or lonely times, or times of deep grief. No mention of delightful times, joyful times, times
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when curiosity and wonder lead to wonderful new discoveries. It was a tame list, a polite list, a dutiful list. And it did not
come close to inviting children to explore and experience the deep spiritual practice of gratitude for the gift of life.
And so, I faced the annual Thanksgiving rituals wanting to breathe new life into them. I wanted to invite gratitude for
life, complete with all its joys and challenges, and for our place as humans within it. How can we embrace this kind of
gratitude as 21st century Unitarian Universalists? What kind of language will we use? What story will we share?
Once upon a time, five billion years ago, the Earth was a ball of very hot lava. Our solar system—even our sun—was
new by universe standards, and energy was flying everywhere. It’s a very long story—billions of years long—a story of
elements combining, earth shifting, waters rising and falling, cells forming and living and dying and changing in a grand
experiment called life that began longer ago than you or I can imagine. And that life would continue to bump and jostle,
whirl and swirl, eat and be eaten, gather energy and learn to clump in ever more complicated clumps and colonies and
beings. And it has never been still. Even unto this day, when the whirling and swirling, bumping and jostling, clumping
and sharing, energy eating and energy using restless motion happens inside all of us. We are born of carbon and hydrogen
and oxygen, of stardust brought by meteors, of water raining down, of the joining of bacteria and eukaryotes and
mitochondria. We are born of motion and energy and chaos and danger and cooperation. This is our inheritance. This is
our beginning. And it is with us still, even in our own bodies.
Gratitude begins with wonder and awe. It begins with remembering who we are—remembering our way back to the
beginning. To that great explosion that launched the universe. To the great dramatic births and deaths of stars—to the
stardust carbon that arrived here on our planet carrying with it the possibility of the beginnings of life. What improbable
events billions of years ago created the conditions where life on this planet began? What force of energy drove those early
colonies of cells to cooperate one with another—to link together—to grow and evolve? How did life ever manage to
figure a way out of its pollution problems? Its extinction problems?
How did that bumping and jostling, whirling and swirling, living and dying energy lead to us? And not just to us. To
hammerhead sharks, to jellyfish, to 5,000 species of frogs, to conifers that release their seeds only in the presence of the
hottest of forest fires to the most lovely and delicate of orchids.
A recent issue of the Boston Globe reported on the results of a census of deep sea life. They found 17,650 species living
below the depth of 656 feet in the ocean, the point where sunlight ceases. Along with squid, hermit crabs and jellyfish are
transparent sea cucumbers and tubeworms that feed on oil deposits.
Just take that in for a minute. Surely we can conceive of more to be grateful for than those beings which make our own
lives richer....Feel the force of life inside you. Feel your kinship with other living things—with the transparent sea
cucumbers, the extraordinary orchids, the honey bees, the finches. Know deeply the motion and energy of life teeming all
around you – and deep inside you.
How can we not be filled with wonder? How can we not bring praise and thanksgiving for this wonder of being here,
being alive, being part of this great unfolding pageant of life? How can we not experience the gratitude that moves beyond
our immediate, individual needs and joyfully embraces our place and our part in the universe?
This is a story—and an inheritance—that invites us all, no matter what age or life stage, to offer praise and thanksgiving,
that holds true even in the face of personal challenge, grief, and pain. This is a story that calls us to give thanks, truly and
deeply, for our beating hearts, our circling blood, and for all that we share with sea cucumbers, orchids, and frogs—and
with one another. Let us give thanks."
-- Jolinda Stephens, Director of Religious Education. Office hours: 1 to 6 pm, Monday through Thursday and by
appointment. [email protected]
For the latest information on Sunday School: www.firstuusundayschool.blogspot.com.
Spend Time With a Toddler at 9:15 A.M.!
Our 9:15 worship service needs Toddler Room helpers. Please sign up to play with the kids once a month or once every
eight weeks. It's a great experience. Call Jolinda Stephens at ext 28 or email [email protected]. Or just stop by the
Toddler Room on Sunday and introduce yourself to our Toddler Room teacher, Jessica Winters.
Adult Enrichment Programs
Laughter and Lunch -- Join Len Powlick for a screening of a classic comedy and stay for a simple lunch. Next meeting:
Tuesday, December 7, 10:00 am.
Prehistoric Goddess - Postponed until January 16, 1:00pm. We will be discussing When God Was a Woman by Merlin
Stone. Please join us then.
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BREAD ANNUAL ASSEMBLY REPORT
▪ Two new congregations covenanted to become members of BREAD: Wesley Church of Hope and African Lutheran
Church.
▪ Health Care: At the 2009 Nehemiah Action, BREAD Senator Sherrod Brown committed to work toward getting
stimulus money for Franklin County’s Neighborhood Health Centers. This resulted in a $4.4 million grant for
expansion of the Whitehall Family Health Center and a new building for the Capital Park Family Health Center at
Westerville and Innis Roads (groundbreaking, October, 2010; opening, early 2011).
▪ Neighborhood Blight: Franklin County Treasurer Ed Leonard reported that the financial analyst for Cuyahoga
County’s land bank has been hired to complete this most important step toward establishing a Franklin County land
bank, to provide additional funding for demolishing or restoring abandoned properties. Meanwhile, the County is
continuing to raze blighted properties as finances allow.
▪ Education: Dr. Gene Harris, Superintendent, Columbus City Schools (CCS), has followed through on all of the
requests made of her at the 2010 Nehemiah Action. $50,000 from CCS, plus in-kind services for substitute teachers
triggered $100,000 from Franklin County Children’s Services and $187,500 from Franklin County Jobs and Family
Services. These funds will enable Project KEY to serve twice as many students at risk of failure because of truancy as
last year. Also, children can no longer be suspended out of school for truancy, and CCS has established several pilot
programs to provide alternatives to out-of-school suspensions for disruptive students. Dates are set for quarterly
meetings with Dr. Harris.
▪ New Problem for BREAD’s Research and Action: 1,100 participated in the listening process to express their problems
of greatest concern. Then 70 BREAD Team members narrowed down those problems to three: Jobs, Education, and
Crime and Violence. Finally, almost 500 at the Annual Assembly (30 from First UU), in a close vote, selected
Crime and Violence as the new problem for BREAD to address. The Crime and Violence Research Kick-off will be
on Monday, December 6, 7:00 pm, North Broadway United Methodist Church, 48 East North Broadway. Any friend or
member of a BREAD member church is welcome to attend.
BREAD Member Support Drive: $10,073 from First UU Church members so far this year. Thank you to our most
recent investors: Sandy Aska, Linda Halleran, Kathleen and Francis Richardson, Susan and Chas Williams. Remember to
make your check out to BREAD.
For more information about BREAD, see www.breadcolumbus.org or contact Alice Rathburn, 895-2109 or
[email protected].
Rev. Mark Belletini, Senior Minister
Rev. Eric Meter, Associate Minister
Rev. Carol Brody, Minister Emerita
Rev. Wendy Fish, Minister Emerita
Dick Dawson, Chaplain
Jolinda Stephens, Director of Religious Education
Deb McGuire, Staff Secretary/RE Assistant
Tony McDonald, Music Director
Brandon Moss, Chalice Choir Directo
Cheridy Keller, Choir Director
Nathan Hamm, Pianist
Marian Garcia, Office Administrator
Stephanie Rottmayer, SYC Director
Joe Voltolini, Bookkeeper
Don Hippensteel, Events Coordinator
Naoko Kobayashi, Facilities Assistant
Cathy Hausmann, Facilities Assistant
Rich Humenick, Chair, Board of Trustees
Brian Hagemann, Interim Administrator
Jessica Winters, Lead Toddler Room Teacher
Olwen Firestone, Newsletter Editor
First UU Church of Columbus is not responsible for the use, by others, of personal information published in the Discoverer.
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STAND WITH US…
UUSC is defending the human right to water.
UUSC is helping to improve protection for women and girls in Darfur.
UUSC is campaigning to make a living wage a reality for workers.
Standing up for human rights has been
the work of UUSC since 1939.
JOIN US!
By joining UUSC, you ensure that your values lead to action in the United States and around.
The world. Together, we can advance economic justice. We can protect the human right to
water. We can ensure that the most vulnerable people are not left out of the recovery process
after a disaster. Together we can make a difference.
Your tax-deductible membership donation to UUSC : $40 regular
$10 student/youth
$20 senior
$75 dual regular
Your check may be sent to: UUSC, PO Box 844001, Boston, MA 02284-4001.
TWO FUNDRAISERS FOR THE WORK OF UUSC
Holiday Gift cards - available now in Fellowship Hall on Sundays
Guest At Your Table boxes - The boxes were distributed in Sunday School November 21.
Additional boxes are available in the Volunteer Workroom. This program is designed to raise
awareness, particularly among our children, of the many problems UUSC addresses throughout
the world. Please remember to "feed" your guest when you sit down to eat during the holiday
season. The boxes will be gathered during a worship service in late December.
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MARKINGS
My heart is heavy with so many events, yet it has been a rich time as well. The memorial eulogy I offered in Boston for
my friend Mary went as well as I could have imagined. Seventy-eight colleagues were there in robes and stoles, which left
me breathless, besides parishioners, family members and friends. I was the only person allowed to speak, so the
responsibility weighed a lot. But it went well.
The annual study group Eric and I attended was terrific in every way, and I learned a lot. Both sermons I offered at the
Calgary church were well received. Me, I received the very beautiful city of Calgary well. A million people (no suburbs,
just city!), a sensational and vast light rail system, beautiful neighborhoods, intriguing architecture, diverse and
intermingled population, rich cultural life and that “Canadian socialism” that worries so many people…wow, what a
remarkable place!
On Wednesday I learned that the first person I ever fully loved in a romantic way, Flip, age 55, had to be put into an
“early onset Alzheimer’s facility,” since he no longer could recognize his spouse. The two of us cried over the phone.
Then the sad news about our beloved Marguerite Turnbull. Then a good friend with an alcoholic brother called to tell me
said brother had tried to kill himself with a saw while drunk. And my mother is now saying she wants to die, and is
refusing to eat.
On the other hand, Skinner House would like me to chair the panel that will put together a book of worship readings to
pair with the new teal Hymnbook supplement that we just raised the money to buy, thanks to your generosity. I said yes.
How would we ever get along without William Blake’s great line “Joy and woe are woven fine…clothing for the soul
divine?” I read it often to make sense of the conflicting and deep experiences.
I have to admit, however, that sometimes the “clothing divine” feels a bit inelegant, like me stuffed inside of ten parkas
stuffed inside one another!
I hope for a meaningful thanksgiving for all.
Rev. Mark Belletini
The Inner Flame - passages from Pablo Neruda “Demasiados Nombres” Too Many Names
Mondays are meshed with Tuesdays
and the week with the whole year.
Time cannot be cut with your exhausted scissors,
and all of the names of the day are washed out
by the waters of the night.
When I lived among the roots,
they pleased me more than flowers did.
Let us not fill our mouths
with so many faltering names,
with so many sad formalities,
with so much yours and mine,
with so much signing of papers.
I’m of a mind these days to
disrupt things, uniting them,
helping them to be born again,
mixing them up, unclothing them,
until all the light in the world
has the oneness of the ocean,
a generous integrity.
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