SUUN
THE
Volume 20 Issue 6 Ñ June 2013
The Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
Upcoming Worship Services (services at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. unless otherwise stated)
July 7 Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, UUCS Minister
Chasms, Vineyards & Evil Eyes: The Economics of Jesus
July 14 Earle Canfield, Guest Speaker
Beyond Ozzie & Harriet: The Global Family
As you may recall, Earle Canfield had to cancel his visit to our church last year in the wake of emergency heart surgery.
HeÕs doing fine now, is back in the saddle of life, and will be giving the message during our service on July 14th. Earle
is Founder and Director of A.N.S.W.E.R. (American-Nepalese Student Women Education Relief), which he started in
2001. It all began when he was approached by Uma, a Nepalese Òstreet girl,Ó from the poorest neighborhood on the
planet, who asked him to help her get an education. He pulled a few strings and got her into a private school where she
excelled! Since then, A.N.S.W.E.R has helped over 600 of the worldÕs poorest kids get quality educations in over 120
schools and colleges, then move on to successful careers. So far, 100 percent of A.N.S.W.E.R.Õs 117 high school
graduates have gone on to college. Rev. Eklof, now a personal friend of EarleÕs, considers him one of the most inspiring
Unitarian Universalists he knows because ÒheÕs put his faith into action in such a huge way, by helping to end the class
system in Nepal!Ó UUCS will also host a reception and potluck for Earle on Monday, July 15th, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM,
in our Friendship Hall. Please join us if you can to learn more about A.N.S.W.E.R. and how you can help.
Ñ Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, UUCS Minister
July 21 Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, UUCS Minister
What Religion would I be if I werenÕt UU?
July 28 Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, UUCS Minister
Silly Putty Religion: Beyond Faith Without Facts
ToddÕs Thoughts
IÕm not much into astrology, but June was a significant month in human history! As I understand it, June is etymologically
connected to the word Òjunior,Ó and has long been considered the month of Òyounger ones.Ó It comes after the passing of
May, which is the month of Òelders,Ó from the Latin ÒmaiorÓ, meaning ÒelderÓ or Òadult.Ó ItÕs also the longest day of the
year in our neck of the woods (the Northern Hemisphere) and marks the beginning of brighter days, the start of summer.
And the lunar cycle (month) of June 2013 has certainly lived up to its reputation! No doubt, your heart leapt for joy upon
hearing the U.S. Supreme CourtÕs historic June 25th decision declaring the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, and
itÕs dismissal of a case seeking to uphold CaliforniaÕs Proposition 8, which has already been declared unconstitutional by
the lower courts. Earlier in the same week, the High Court also chose not to rule on an affirmative action case, essentially
leaving protections in place for minorities seeking higher education, as well as equal treatment in many other areas. And,
in Texas, a draconian abortion bill that would have closed most abortion clinics, effectively ending safe abortions in the
Lone Star state, was defeated after a dramatic eleven-hour filibuster by State Senator Wendy Davis (D). I wonder if all of
this suggests the tide really has turned in favor of social progress and freedom? Not the twisted idea of Freedom as the
freedom to take as much as we want and keep as much as we can, but of Freedom as equality and justice for all. So, as we
shift from the first to the second half of the year, a shift from the old to the new, we have much to celebrate and good
reason to believe there are truly going to brighter and warmer days ahead!
1
Ñ Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof
UUCS Minister
BOARD AND MANAGEMENT TEAM
Board Slivers
Management Team
Under policy governance the Board has three major
tasks. Setting a vision for what we all want the Unitarian
Universalist Church of Spokane to be is job number one.
It seems a little too easy leaving all the heavy lifting and
details to the Management team, the Board need only
monitor the management team making sure that the
church management is behaving in ways that are
financially responsible, ethical and respectful to the
members of our congregation. (ThereÕs not much to
worry about as we currently have a visionary minister
and a very conscientious Management Team.) The Board
acts as a communication link between the congregation
and the management of the church. As we grow into a
larger congregation this third Board activity, two-way
communication becomes more difficult.
Management Team Meetings
Your M-Team meets regularly to discuss the daily operations
of the church, address concerns of congregation members
and teams, and plan how best to move the mission and vision
of the congregation forward as per our Policy Governance
charge. In July, our 4 pm meetings in the Administration
Office Workroom will be on these Tuesdays Ñ the 9th and
the 23rd. All are welcome to attend the meetings. And, if
you are unable to attend, but would like something to be
put on the agenda, please contact Rev. Todd at 325-6383
or [email protected].
FYI from the Administrator
How can seven members of the Board of Trustees
communicate with an entire congregation? We attend
church and identify ourselves every Sunday. We try to
attend as many church events as possible although as
Board president I found I needed to shed some church
commitments. Sometimes congregants express concerns
to us after church. Often these are the small things, for
instance concern that the ficus tree is shedding its leaves.
I take this concern to the Management Team who in turn
point it out to Building & Grounds who of course have
already noticed the problem and in fact has a plan to repot the ficus tree. ThatÕs usually how it usually goes.
FY 2012-13 Pledges & Statements Ñ
One more reminder that we will be
printing statements to recap your
pledge activity for the year.
Statements will be printed the first
week in July and will be available
for you to pick up before and after
services on the following Sunday.
Please Note: All pledge payments
received through July 15 will be
applied to any outstanding 2012-13 balances before being
applied to your 2013-14 pledge.
The problem is sometimes the board misses BIG things
like concerns about changes in the Endowment Fund
target. Luckily our UU principles stipulate that we
search for truth (get the facts) and employ democratic
processes. We will no doubt come together as the
Unitarian-Universalist Church of Spokane no matter how
any future vote goes.
Are You an Electrician? UUCS Needs You!
Our Solar Steering Committee is winding down its work
on our fabulously successful solar/retrofit project. One of
the few remaining things to do is installing a monitor
that provides everyone with up-to-date snapshots of how
much energy we are producing and the environmental
impacts of that production. They have the equipment
and a plan to mount it in the hallway between the foyer
and the Religious Education wing. What they donÕt have
is and electrical power outlet where itÕs needed. If you
are an electrician or general contractor who has the time
and interest in taking on this small project for our Solar
Steering Committee, please contact me ASAP at
[email protected] or 509-325-6383
At my final board meeting we evaluated our own board
processes. The Board is aware that better ways of
communicating with our ever larger congregation are
needed. Soon you will have a chance to let the Board
know how you feel about the ideas put forth in our
churchÕs strategic plan. DonÕt miss this chance to share
your thoughts on church priorities and the BIG things
happening at UUCS.
Ñ Jet Tilley
UUCS Business Administrator
ItÕs been a pleasure to serve these past two years.
Shalom!
Ñ Jan Wingenroth,
Past BOT President
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Coming Up Around Our Church
HELP NEEDED @ UUCS
Save These Dates!
Sep 27 Ñ 29, 2013
New SUUNday Focus Editor Needed!
UUCS WomenÕs Retreat
Our long-time, most-excellent SUUNday Focus editor,
Andi Richter, has decided to turn the job over to someone
new. Could that be you? The perfect person for the job has:
Save the date for the upcoming UU Women's Retreat to
be held this year from Friday, September 27 through
Sunday, September 29. The weather should be great at
Camp N-Sid- Sen on Lake Coeur d'Alene so mark your
calendar for this event. And, you can register anytime.
Forms are available via the website (www.uuspokane.org)
or in the church office during office hours. Please note: A
$15 late registration fee will be charged for registrations
submitted after September 13, 2013.
¥ Excellent Microsoft Word and/or Publisher skills OR
the capacity to become excellent.
¥ Good attention to detail and a creative eye.
¥ Approximately three hours a week to volunteer.
¥ A desire to help keep everyone informed of all thatÕs
going on around UUCS.
The editor job can be done on your own schedule from home
if you have access to e-mail and the MS suite of programs on
your home computer. If you are interested or want to know
more, please contact Jet Tilley, UUCS Business Administrator,
at [email protected] or 509-325-6383
Deadlines:
The SUUN (monthly newsletter)
Upcoming Deadlines for Submissions
August 2013 issue Ñ July 25, 2013
September 2013 issue Ñ August 29, 2013
Send SUUN submissions to [email protected]
UUCS Solar Snapshot *
As of Friday, June 28, 2013 at 3:45 pm,
our solar array produced 12.3 MWh
of electricity OR enough energy to
power 408 houses for 1 day AND
offset 8.53 tons of carbon OR the
equivalent of 219 trees!
SUUNday Focus (Sunday bulletin)
Every Wednesday by 10 am.
Send SUUNday Focus submissions to
[email protected]
Check Run Cut-off Dates
* Thanks to the generosity of our members and hard work
by our Solar Steering Committee, in the fall of 2012 UUCS
partnered with SustainableWorks and PCI Renewables to
install a 75 panel solar array on the roof of the Religious
Education wing of the church.
Requests for checks from members, teams and staff need to be
submitted, along with invoices or expense documentation,
to the office by the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.
Check request forms (green slips) are attached to the front
of bookkeeperÕs mail box in the office.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane (UUCS) ÒEndsÓ Statements *
¥ The UUCS is a bold voice, advocate and active partner with national and local organizations to promote social and economic
justice, environmental responsibility, worldwide peace, liberty and the democratic process.
¥ The UUCS is an ever more diverse congregation overcoming the barriers that divide the human family.
¥ The UUCS is a community where people find meaningful connections in groups large and small.
¥ The UUCS is financially sound, sustained by a culture of abundance that prompts generous gifts of time, talent and money to
support the church and its programs.
¥ The UUCS is mindful of our impact on the Earth and engages in environmental stewardship that is visible to the larger community.
¥ The UUCS ministers to the needs of our local community and is proactive in making our presence known to those beyond our
sanctuary walls.
¥ The UUCS sustains and inspires individual transformation and growth for all ages and encourages exploration of world belief systems
through those sources known as ÒOur Living Tradition.Ó
* Our Policy Governance ÒEndsÓ statements Ñ adopted by the UUCS Board of Trustees in April 2012 Ñ are the visionary goals of our congregation.
3
UUCS MUSICAL NOTES
Musically speaking, things do change here during the summer, even though we are officially a
full time church year round. The most obvious change is that our Mixed Choir is on vacation till
September. This means that youÕll be hearing more soloists and small groups from our
congregation. This year that includes kids from our RE, which makes me very happy! Also,
although I usually strive for musical meshing with the sermon, our summer fare is usually a bit
lighter and may not relate as closely to the topic of the day. And, some of you really enjoyed the
recorded selections from Rev. ToddÕs CD library last summer, so we may tuck in one or two of
those from time to time.
A big change coming up for this summer is in the piano department. Our pianist, Gennie
Gregg, will be having carpal tunnel surgery on her left wrist in late July. Our old friend, Dixie Marshall, will cover for
her for the time sheÕll need to be goneÑabout 6 weeks, if things go well. Be sure to wish Gennie well before she goes
and, if youÕd like, to offer any assistance that she might need during her recuperation. ItÕs pretty hard to be without a
hand for any length of time!
And finally a heads up to all you hopeful Winter Solstice singing women! We will have auditions in the second half of
August for all singersÑboth those who have sung before and newbies. This year auditions will be open to singers
outside as well as inside the church. There will be both individual and group auditions, with the goal of having 24
women in four balanced sections this year. We will, as last year, memorize all 15 pieces. As always, having a place in this
choir requires a solid commitment not only to weekly rehearsals but also to working at home from early September
through December 20th. AndÉas those who have sung this service in the past will tell you, there are huge rewards for
those dedicated to both the process and the Òthe night ofÓ experience. More details will be available in August.
Ñ Deborah Jacquemin, Your UUCS Music Director
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CELEBRATING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
From the RE DirectorÕs Perspective
Religious Education
Reminders and News
The religious education of our UU children and youth in
our church is the responsibility of the entire
congregation. We are all learners and all teachers. A
responsible search for truth and meaning, and
encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations,
are two of our UU principles. The lifespan model means
we never stop learning, and teaching provides a way for
us to continue learning at all ages. When we teach, we
model the values we stand for: tolerance for diversity,
respect for others, a questioning and curious mind, and
social justice action designed to change the world.
Teaching thus provides a venue for both ministry and
passionate engagement with the world and with others.
We understand the value of this gift freely given to the
community when we recognize that lifespan learning is
at the very heart of our congregation.
Summer Religious Education Classes in
Session and Your Help is Needed!
We really need volunteers to help with the summer
Religious Education Program which takes place in the
Thoreau Room during the 11am service every Sunday.
As a volunteer you help the teachers and the children
with activities and management. Please contact Diane
Huigen with several Sundays that work for you. The
classes will use a one-room-schoolhouse format for 5
year olds Ð 4th grade. Joy Jones has graciously
volunteered to teach 5th-6th graders in the Potter Room.
This class does not go to the service for the story; they
come right to their classroom at 11 am. If you have any
questions, please contact Diane Huigen. Come join us!
This last church year, 2012-2013, we had a fantastic
group of teachers who gave freely of their time, energy
and generous spirit to our UU children: Preschool =
Christine Brown, Veda VanZee, Carla Benson, & the
Chambers; K-2 = Anne Gregory, Lynaia Liptak, Angie
Dierdorff, & maggie montana; 3-4 = Travis Peterson,
Ellen Krehbiel, Joyce Robinson, and Marc Whitman; 5-6
Quinn Ennis, Robin Fox, Edna Ripka, & Joy Jones; JH =
Michelle Poiani, Heidi Peterson, and Jan Gard; SH =
Kerry Holliday, Barb Stuebing, and Dean Tyler-Babkirk.
We also had a group of great volunteers who came in
once a month to help the teachers with activities and
management: Lee Dominey, Sally Ray, Kristi Winther,
Candace Schmidt, Chuck Elsen, Kay Parkin, Heather
Sullivan, & Nancy Hand.
Our Classroom Offering for SCRAPS Brings
Back Memories
Our classroom offering serves two purposes. One is to
teach the children empathy and generosity by doing, and
the other is to support SCRAPS, Spokane County
Regional Animal Protection Service, which cares for
abandoned and abused animals. Carol Bryan and Lee
Dominey shared their stories from childhood about a
parent giving them some change to put in the offering,
and what an impact that had on them to this day. Please
help your children remember to bring change each
Sunday for the offering, or we have wonderful
congregants who give me bags of change for just this
purpose. I so appreciate this, because children who donÕt
have any change can still participate. ItÕs gratifying to see
the childrenÕs faces during the process of picking out
change donated to the kids and putting it in the offering
jar. Also, if you have any old blankets (not electric) or
towels SCRAPS would love to receive them. Thank you
so much!
Thank you to all of you for teaching our children! You
are appreciated.
Ñ Diane Huigen, Director of Religious Education
Camp
Starwheel
Lost & Found
Missing something after
Camp? Call or come
see Diane Huigen.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE IS WHAT WE DO!
Our Food Boxes Really DO Make a Difference
The Church Garden:
Planted and Growing for Social Justice
The following article appeared in the Spokesman Review
on Saturday, June 8. Please support our food boxes and
the children of Spokane. Thank you!
Yea! The Garden is all planted! The K-2 Class, under the
direction of Angie Dierdorff, planted the far west bed, #7.
Check out the beds and watch them grow. They are on the
south side of the RE Wing and there are signs telling what is
in each bed. The produce from these beds will be donated
to the Free Restaurant for Women and Children and our
FarmerÕs Market, whose proceeds go to support the UU
Service Committee, uusc.org. If you can help with weeding,
weed whacking around the beds, picking and/or delivering
produce, please contact Diane Huigen. Thank you!
Lunchrooms Reflect Classroom Realities by Shawn Vestal
One of the most important, and least considered, factors
influencing what happens in classrooms is what happens
in lunchrooms. ThatÕs because lunchrooms are where a
schoolÕs relationship to the socioeconomic realities of its
community is most glaringly apparent.
There is an insurmountable truth in the lunchroom:
Impoverished children bring massive challenges into
schools. Many of the problems that have been identified as
school failures stem as much from poverty as anything.
And public schools in Spokane, Washington state and
across the nation are dealing with a deepening poverty
that bodes ill for everyoneÕs future, because it is being
accompanied by a deepening divide in school performance.
July Special Collection
The Center for Justice (CFJ) is a legal advocacy organization that
works to empower individuals and provides vigorous oversight
and advocacy when community rights need to be defended and
community voices need to be heard. We are dedicated to
the experience of justice for those of limited resources. We
work with an immense sense of compassion and respect
for people, a commitment to community empowerment,
and with an awareness of the sacredness of the Earth.
It does not take much imagination to see the way this
cycle can feed itself, destructively, over generations.
Stanford Univ. professor Sean Reardon has studied this
Òincome achievement gapÓ and concluded that during the
past 50 years the link between a familyÕs income and a
childÕs academic success has become much stronger. ÒThe
achievement gap between children from high-and lowincome families is roughly 30-40% larger among children
born in 2001 than among those born 25 years earlier.Ó
The Center for Justice is honored to be selected as the recipient
of the July 21st Special Collection at the Unitarian Universalist
church. This collection will specifically go to support the
CenterÕs work on the Smart Justice Campaign. Our vision of
Smart Justice is to implement a criminal justice system in
Spokane that assesses each offender individually and matches
that person with an evidence-based system intervention. This
system intervention is responsive to victimsÕ needs, makes
the community safer, is a smart investment of taxpayer money,
and reduces the likelihood that the person will re-offend.
Without programs such as this, incarceration of non-violent
and low-risk people greatly disrupts employment, school,
housing, medical care, health care coverage, as well as family
responsibilities. The Smart Justice Campaign ensures that
all members of the Spokane community, especially those
of limited resources, experience justice.
Nationwide, there has been a dramatic rise in schools
with Òhigh-povertyÓ populations. That means schools
where 1/2 or more of the students qualify for free lunch
(families living on 130% of the poverty level or less) or
reduced prices (for families up to 185% of the poverty
level). 20% of American schools are now considered
high-poverty, compared to 12% in 2000, according to a
new DOE report, ÒThe Condition of Education 2013.Ó
In 2000, around half of all schools Ð 45% Ð were considered Òlow
poverty,Ó with less than a quarter of students qualifying
for lunch assistance. By 2001, that had plunged to 24%.
This trend bears out in Spokane and across Washington.
In 2003, according to state statistics, 12 Spokane schools
were considered high-poverty by DOE measure. ThatÕs
16 this year. District wide, 55% of students qualified for
lunch assistance this year. Ten years ago, that was 49%.
Second Harvest Food Bank Volunteer
Opportunities
Second Harvest needs volunteers for their annual WhatÕs
for Lunch? Food Drive at the five Spokane-area YokeÕs
Fresh Markets on Friday, July 19. Volunteers will hand
out fliers and accept both food and cash donations. Shifts
are 21Ú2 to 3 hours. Kids are welcome to join the fun!
Second Harvest also has openings for volunteers to sort
and pack donated produce and other donated food in
our Volunteer Center. There are shifts available nightly,
and on some weekdays and Saturdays. There are
ÒfamilyÓ volunteer food sorting opportunities as well.
For more information or to register for any of these
volunteer activities online, go to
http://inland.volunteerhub.com/Events/Index
6
ÒWeÕve seen this huge shift in all of our schools district
wide,Ó said Shelley Redinger, superintendent of Spokane
Public Schools. She said the district has seen sharp upward
spikes in free and reduced-price lunch applications, even
in schools that traditionally have had few problems with
poverty. Meanwhile, in neighborhoods with long-term,
generational poverty, exiting problems become even
more pronounced. In some of the districtÕs poorest
schools, there are now grant programs that send food
home with children who need it most for the weekend.Ó
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
of North Bay
Historic Decisions on Marriage Equality
The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian
Universalist Association (UUA), issued this statement
following the U.S. Supreme CourtÕs historic decisions on
marriage equality:
Wine Country Holiday
ÒMy partner and I joined the UUs of Napa for a most
excellent adventure a couple of years ago. The art, the
wine, the landscape, the fabulous companyÉreally an
experience not to miss. And, the money goes to support a
vibrant UU community.Ó Ñ Jet Tilley, UUCS Business
Administrator
ÒToday, the U.S. Supreme Court, the highest court of our
country, stood on the side of love with its decision in United
States v. Windsor declaring that the Defense of Marriage Act
(DOMA) is unconstitutional as a deprivation of the equal
liberty of persons that is protected by the Fifth Amendment.
This is a proud and momentous day for all who have suffered under
this law and felt discrimination based on their sexual orientation. It
is a victory for the principle that civil rights belong to all.
The UUs of Napa, California proudly announce the
eighth season of our Wine Country Excursions. Again,
we offer several options for an inside look at one of
AmericaÕs most beautiful areas, internationally known
for fine wines, gourmet dining and spectacular vistas.
In the Proposition 8 case of Hollingsworth v. Perry, the
Supreme Court dismissed the appeal over same-sex marriage
on jurisdictional grounds, essentially paving the way for
marriage equality in California.
There is much to see and do in the Napa and Sonoma
valleys, e.g. wine tasting at renowned and boutique
wineries; visits to art galleries and museums; exploring
the natural beauty of our hills and valleys on miles of
hiking and bike trails or by car on our highways and
back country roads. Napa is an hour from San Francisco
by car or ferry.
While I am disappointed that the Supreme Court did not
declare the freedom to marry as a constitutionally-protected
Òequal protectionÓ right that would apply to all states, I
applaud this historic step towards equality.
The Unitarian Universalist Association joined two amicus
curiae briefs in these cases with other religious organizations
in support of marriage equality. In both cases, the UUA
argued that a broad cross-section of religious denominations
recognize the dignity of lesbian and gay people and their
relationships, recognize the necessary distinction between civil
and religious marriage, and recognize that civil marriages of
same-sex couples will not impinge upon religious beliefs or
practices, but rather will prevent one set of religious beliefs
from being imposed on others through civil law.
We offer two choices: Both start with comfortable
lodging in membersÕ homes with full breakfast (up to 3
nights). You can choose a 2-day ÒWine Country
Excursion,Ó (a guided, personalized tour conducted by
one of our members--some with wine industry
experience) or lodging and self-guided touring. If
desired, we provide guidance, maps, etc. UU ministers
will be personally guided by our minister, Rev. Bonnie
Dlott.
The program runs from April through October. Our fees
are well below market rate for comparable services and
all proceeds go to our small fellowship. For complete
details contact: Iris Barrie at 707.363.7552 or
[email protected]
Unitarian Universalists have been vocal supporters of marriage equality
for decades. I thank them for their dedicated commitment to our Unitarian
Universalist principle of affirming the worth and dignity of every person.
There is still so much work to be done to ensure equal
protection for all who live and love in our country. As we
know, marriage equality strengthens families, protects
children, and ensures the basic rights of citizenship for lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender couples.
We look forward to sharing our lovely ÒhomeÓ with you!
Deepen Your Understanding of Unitarian
Universalism
It remains my fervent hope that soon marriage equality is
afforded to all in this country. Unitarian Universalists will
continue to stand on the side of love with all families.Ó
Volunteer One Hour A Month with Our
Religious Education Program
Our UUCS Religious Education for children & youth
provides opportunities for adults to learn as well. When
you volunteer to help our RE Teachers on Sunday
mornings from 11-12:15 pm once a month, not only do
you assist teachers with managing the classroom & the
children with their activities, you are learning about UU
history, values, and principles, too. Please contact Diane
Huigen. Thank you!
7
Wheel of Life
OF INTEREST TO UUs
Heartfelt congratulations to our graduating seniors: Devan
Michele Baker, Sara Beth Bauer, Kelly Ann Cameron, Gabby
Haralam, Katie Knight, Hailey Poiani, Alex Wert and Devon
Gorham-Whitman. May your futures be filled with awe and
inspiration!
Amy HowardÕs father had a mild stroke on May 3rd and had
been in Riverview Care Center. He recently moved into the
Terrace, Assisted Living at Riverview and is settling in nicely.
That is great news Amy!
Mary Layton was taken to Deaconess Hospital on June 8th
with heart attack symptoms. She had 3 stents and angioplasty
on the 9th, and is now home and recovering. She would like
to thank everyone for their concern and positive thoughts!
Rev. Todd and Rev. Tracy Springberry, along with Phyllis
Thayer traveled back to Louisville, Kentucky the third week in
June to attend General Assembly. Phyllis offered to share just
a small taste of what her experience was like:
Floyd Curtis is at home on his way to a good recovery with
the help of Visiting Nurses (VNA) while Elaine (Stevens) is
dealing with her own health concerns. Floyd was at Deaconess
for 18 days resulting in surgery for diverticulosis and was so
glad to return home June 17. They welcome phone calls.
As always, one could be as busy as they would allow themselves to
be. From early morning to midnight every day, there are worship
services, workshops, exhibits, business (Plenary) meetings,
Reflection groups, and an action of Witness for the earth at the edge
of the Ohio River with at least 1000 of us present. This is all packed
into five very full days. This year I focused on Plenary (the business
of the UUA) because I was a delegate, and workshops related to
particular interests of UUCS (e.g., Partnership Churches, UU
WomenÕs Federation, Welcoming Congregations, Green Sanctuary
and Environmental Justice work). I have a collection of materials
that I will be sharing with some of our UUCS committees.
Sophie Bjork-James and her partner, Carwil Bjork-James,
were each awarded doctorate degrees in May from The
Graduate Center CUNY (City University of New York).
Sophie's proud mother and step-father are Marie Bjork and
Kent Moline. Sophie's work involves studying the religious
right movement in the US and South Africa, while Carwil's
focuses on indigenous labor movements in South America.
The couple are moving to Nashville to begin working at
Vanderbilt University.
A special treat for me was to reconnect with lots of Kalamazoo and
Michigan friends. Another special treat was this yearÕs Keynote
Speaker, Eboo Patel. As President of the Interfaith Youth Core in
Chicago, he presented: ÒStanding Your Sacred GroundÓ. For more
information see: http://www.uua.org/love/ga/287238.shtml.
Upon James Beebe recently retiring from Gonzaga University,
he and his wife, Maria, have quietly moved to the west coast.
Hope you got a chance to say your goodbyes.
As always it is awesome to gather with 3-4000 other UUÕs to
share interests and learn about our differences.
Melissa Parker has been appointed to the Spokane Arts
Commission for a 3 year term. ÒIÕm excited to be more
involved with the creative pulse of Spokane,Ó she said. Melissa
has been a designer and print manager at Spokane County
United Way since 2001. The Spokane Arts Commission
partnered with 5 local organizations in 2012 to form the
Spokane Arts Fund.
Phyllis will write in more detail about some of her specific
experiences for the August SUUN.
I write with sadness that long time congregant Brian Ayers
died at his home in Spokane on May 24, 2013. I have included
sentiments from Brian's family taken from his obituary.
"Brian raised 4-H sheep and was a talented clarinetist. He also
enjoyed a reputation as a prankster throughout his school years. Brian
attended the University of Idaho (U of I) and served in the U.S. Army
in Germany, returning to the U of I to complete BS degrees in
Industrial Education and in Business. Brian's quest for adventure
took him to New Zealand. While there he survived a motorcycle
accident which left him with severe head injuries and compromised
the rest of his life. The family is comforted knowing that Brian is now
able to fully engage in life without the physical and mental limitations
that have confined him for many years." Let us hold Brian's family
in our hearts and thoughts during their time of loss.
Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral care Team focuses on needs of congregation
members and friends who may be facing a crisis or life
transition. Please keep the team in your thoughts and contact
a member of the Pastoral Care Team if you have a need or
know of someone who does: Team co-leaders are Amy
Howardl and Joan Nelson with Mary Knight as advisor.
Team members are:
Mary Jane Blanpied
Bob Cameron
Rev. Dr. Todd Ekloff, Minister
Majil Fausel
Ruth French
Nancy Hand
Linda Hodge
Amy Howard, Co-Leader
Doug Huigen
Mary Knight, Advisor
Torge Lorentzen
Joan Nelson, Co-Leader
Chuck Smith
Lisa Taylor
Char Wilson
Dianne Wilson
If YOU have a landmark event in your life and would like to share it
in the Wheel of Life, please email me at [email protected].
It is a joy for UUCS to celebrate with you and support you in times
of need or sorrow. Because we care Ñ Sue Stiritz
8
TEAM & GROUP NEWS
Adult Enrichment Team
Please Join Us!
All events are open to
UUCS members and friends
Art Exhibit Team
July Art Exhibit Features Works by Jan Wendt
Permaculture Tour and Discussion on
Saturday, August 24 from 10 am - noon
During July the Art Exhibit Team will feature the eclectic
art of church member Jan Wendt in Fellowship Hall. Jan
believes that art is about making a difference in the world
and wants her work to reflect her respect for people and
cultures who cherish the earth and life. SpokesmanReview writer Jennifer LaRue described her work as
"inspired by fantasy, nature and a little bit of rock 'n' roll."
Jan works with acrylic paints, papier mache, collage and a
variety of mixed media. Her art is for sale, with a portion
of the proceeds given to the church.
What is permaculture? It is an ecological, holistic and
sustainable design system and philosophy for human
living spaces. This is a philosophy of land management
that is practiced all over the world. If you would like to
see the application in the Inland Northwest, join Dale
Avery at his home at 1109 E Glencrest Dr, Spokane, WA
99208-9730. If you have questions before the event,
please contact Dale at (509) 844-4560.
Movie Night: No Impact Man
Saturday, July 20th, 7 pm in the Chapel
UU Women
This thought-provoking documentary about a family
who tried to minimize their impact on the planet for one
year will make you laugh, cringe and start to question
some of your daily decisions. There will be a lively
discussion afterwardÑwhat is practical, what is not &
your reactions to their actions. Popcorn and lemonade
providedÑall ages welcome for the movie and the
discussion. Join us in the Chapel, Saturday, July 20,
movie starting at 7 pm.
UU WomenÕs Lunch at Pho Van on Division
July 10 at 11:30 am
Join the UU Women for lunch at Pho Van on
Wednesday, July 10 at 11:30 am. Pho Van is located on
North Division Street at the Ruby/Division split. There
are many entrees under $10 and they have vegetarian
fare, too. All women of the church are invited for the
social time (no meeting!).
Future Adult Enrichment Events
Book Group
We are looking for a group of people to facilitate a
shared night of the Perseids Meteor Shower, either
August 11/12, and/or Orionids, October 21st. Please
contact Pam Davies, [email protected]
The 3rd Thursday Book Group is reading "The Kitchen
House" by Kathleen Grissom for their July meeting. It is
the story of plantation life in the old south. The group
will meet on July 18th and always welcomes new
members. Please contact Donna Borden Rhodes at
[email protected] if you would like to join the
discussion. All women of the church are invited.
All Church Read Ñ The New Jim Crow Laws: Mass
Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle
Alexander. We will be asking for small group leaders to
share a discussion guide that provides a framework for
responding to this compelling and unsettling book.
Discussion groups will explore concrete ways to respond
to AlexanderÕs call for the spiritual work of building a
movement to dismantle a system that has tainted us politically,
legally, economically, culturally, and above all morally.
UU Women is a chapter of the UU Women's Federation.
All of its activities are open to all the women of the church.
Attention Team Leaders
Sunday Reads Ñ
Are you wondering how the office staff and
volunteers can support your TeamÕs activities and
projects? Here are some ways we can help:
Common Fire: Leading Lives of Commitment in a Complex
World Ñ Landmark study reveals how we become
committed to the common good and sustain our
commitments in a changing world.
Make copies for you; help with mailings, including
envelopes and postage; provide supplies, such as
tape, paper, folders, markers, pushpins; offer use of
staplers and paper cutters.
Cakes for the Queen of Heaven or Breaking Free: Women
of Spirit at Midlife and Beyond by Marilyn Sewell. A
groundbreaking anthology for women searching for
spiritual guideposts to the second half of life (comes with
a discussion guide).
We will be happy to work with and for you. Just ask!
FYI: Our church office is open Monday through Friday
from 10 am to 2 pm. The phone number is 509-325-6383.
9
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Spokane, WA
Permit No. 1147
The SUUN is a monthly publication of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
Minister & Staff Contact Information
Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Jet Tilley, Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Diane Huigen, Director of Religious Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Deborah Jacquemin, Music Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Covenant Statement
We, the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Spokane, promise to:
support and care for one another,
embrace diversity of persons and spiritual paths,
search for truth and understanding, and
work for social justice and environmental stewardship.
With this covenant, we honor each other with our laughter and tears,
our compassion, and respect.
We are a community of open hearts, open minds, and open hands.
If you no longer wish to receive the SUUN, please contact us at [email protected]
Minister Emeritus:
Rev. Dr. William H. Houff
Board of Trustees:
[email protected]
Rob Roose, President
Sarajoy Van Boven, Vice-President
Bonnie Brunt
Dan Eacret
Ann-Scott Ettinger
Ann Glynn
Sue Stiritz
Board of Trustees (Ex-officio):
Marie Bjork, Treasurer
Patty Bedalov, Secretary
Management Team:
Lee Dominey, Cly Evans, Todd Eklof,
Diane Huigen, Jet Tilley
Church Office Hours:
MondayÐFriday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
4340 W. Ft. Wright Dr., Spokane WA 99224
Website: www.uuspokane.org
Phone number: 325-6383
FAX number: 325-6635