The
Discoverer
Our Mission Statement
We are here:
To learn and practice true hospitality
To revere the reasoning mind and the generous heart
To claim our diversity as a source of our strength, and
To relinquish the safety of our unexamined privilege
for the freedom to engage in transforming justice.
The monthly newsletter of the
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus
93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus Ohio 43214
March 2016
THE UNIVERSE IN MOTION
Rev. Jennifer Brooks, Interim Senior Minister
February 22, 2016
Sometimes the words of the 13th century Sufi Muslim poet Rumi seize me with an idea that nine
centuries later is still liberating: “Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.”
Me? Yet a moment’s thought later, and I see so many ways that each of us is the universe in motion.
We are part of the cycle of life. In the rhythms of growth and connection and yearning and aging —
and even death—we mirror the life of stars. We are, in one brief instant of living, the primordial
ocean of being and the eternal expansion of space and time. We are part of all that is. Stardust
grounds our bones; to evoke us, the Universe inspired a star to coalesce, burn, and explode. No wonder Rumi says
“ecstatic” motion.
Closer to the roots of Unitarian Universalism is Walt Whitman, who may have been Rumi’s 19th century avatar. Whitman
proclaims in “Song of Myself”—
“For me the nebula cohered to an orb…All forces have been steadily employed to complete and delight
me; now on this spot I stand with my robust soul.”
Rumi urges himself to “stop acting so small”; Whitman, apparently never
small, announces “I sound my barbaric yawp over the rooftops of the
world.” Yawp.
Here in the 21st century, I stand on the edge of wonder, able to see with
Hubble’s eyes the actual nebulas that give birth to the stars. As the star
cooks away, it transforms helium into the light that fuels photosynthesis.
And eventually, as the star burns itself to its core, it forms as byproducts
carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen —all essential for life on Earth. Then it
explodes and scatters this bounty of life-giving material throughout the
universe. A star’s dying gift makes our lives possible.
So, again with feeling, “Yawp.” I truly am the universe in ecstatic motion. One day I, too, will return the elements of my
creation to the universe for future use. How liberating to know myself as progenitor of the future, whether I mean to be or
not. That’s big. So why play it small? While I’m here, cooking the building block of life like a star, why not take a few
chances? Why not shout my barbaric, compassionate, interconnected “Yawp!” over the rooftops of the world? Each one of
us is the Universe in ecstatic motion.
Jennifer
March 2016
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LINKS
Rev. Eric Meter, Associate Minister
The two-color sheet was stuck to the church classroom wall with four strips of bright blue
painters masking tape. It read, “If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if
you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” The
poster was on a wall of what had become the dining room at the First Unitarian Church of
New Orleans, where a number of us from First UU Columbus, youth and adults, were engaged
in a justice project in June of 2010. Yes, five years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the
rebuilding was still not much underway.
(The quote was attributed to an Aboriginal activist group. Since then I’ve seen the same quote
attributed to Lilla Watson, though she, an Aboriginal activist, prefers that the credit be shared more widely.)
In any case, the poster’s message became a touchstone for us during our time in New
Orleans. It helped us understand what we were doing there in a way we probably wouldn’t
have otherwise.
During our time there, our group often split up so we were working on two or more
projects simultaneously. Among our projects were restoring a baseball diamond in a small
city park, helping restore an interpretive center, which told the story of where slaves were
held, and, surprisingly enough, helping families reduce their electric bills by swapping out
their old light bulbs with efficient new ones. Now that last project was something that
didn’t go over with me at first. I mean, what did that have to do with restoring New
Orleans? Well, it may have been a long shot in that regard, but what it did was to give our
youth a way to have direct conversations with families who had lived through the
hurricanes. We spoke to folks who never would have been able to afford upgrading their
light bulbs, as well as families who certainly seemed like they could. And in almost all of
the homes, stories were shared.
This was the experience we wanted our youth to have, meeting folks and learning how they survived. Learning what we
share across geography, race and class. And experiencing the differences as well. Above all, learning that there is reason to
respect everyone across the board.
in peace,
Rev. Eric
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March 2016
GROWING AS WE GO
Rev. Lane Campbell, Minister of Religious Education
Collective Liberation
This month, I am reminded of the deep possibility of collective liberation, bound together in the fact
that each one of us is not free until all of us are free. I love this approach because it invites each of us
to see the ways our lives are complex, to see the multitude of diversity that can exist even among
people who might look the same from the outside. Striving for collective liberation means that as long
as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning people are not free, neither will people
who have disabilities be. It means that people of color will not be free as long as folks who come
from working class or poor families are not free. And, what it also means is that people who hold privilege will never be
free until people who are oppressed are free.
I have been thinking about collective liberation a good deal in the wake of our Justice Action Ministry’s decision to take a
deep, focused look at racial justice in the year ahead. As a white person, I have often thought of my struggles to end racial
justice being all about helping people of color live free from discrimination, hatred, and all of the horrific ways racism
shows up in their daily lives. Up until this past year, I had not thought about the ways racism negatively affects my life as
a person who holds racial privilege.
As a white person, I can remain oblivious to racism, for one thing. This means I can live in a constant state of denial
about unfair racial dynamics that take place each and every day. Staying in a state of denial causes numbness, it invites
unrealistic expectations, and often leads to disappointment. As a white person, I am not asked to have emotions about my
race and about my privilege. In fact, my cultural background is often invisible and knowing the roots of who I am takes
deep digging and searching.
Racism hurts each and every single one of us. Whether it is through experiencing microagressions, or watching racism
and not knowing how to respond, or staying in a blissful (though not healthy) state of denial, racism hurts each and every
single one of us.
In the months ahead, I invite you to get involved in dialogue and action to end racism. This month, our Justice Action
Ministry (JAM) is beginning a book group to address racism. We will read a book by my friend and beloved colleague,
Chris Crass, entitled Towards the “Other America.” This book is available for free download through Chalice Press. In
wanting to make these book groups available to as many people as possible, JAM is offering two eight-week opportunities
to discuss Towards the “Other America,” and everyone is invited to pick the day that best works for your schedule. One
book group will meet Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00pm starting March 16 and ending May 4. The second opportunity to
take part is on Saturdays from 10:00am-11:30am beginning March 19 and ending May 7. I hope you will come and enjoy
the conversation.
To end racism, we each have a role to play. No one will be free until each one of us is free. And I truly hope and pray
there will come a day when we all are free.
Lane
The deadline for articles for the April issue of the newsletter is Sunday, March 20.
Please send articles to [email protected]
Rev. Jennifer Brooks, Interim Sr. Minister
Rev. Eric Meter, Associate Minister
Rev. Carol Brody, Minister Emerita
Rev. Wendy Fish, Minister Emerita
Rev. Mark Belletini, Minister Emeritus
Rev. Kathleen Fowler, Minister Affiliated
Rev. Suzan McCrystal, Minister Affiliated
Rev. Lane Campbell, Minister, Religious Education Brian Hagemann, Church Administrator
Deb McGuire, RE Assistant/Staff Secretary
Marian Garcia, Office Manager
Tony McDonald, Music Director
Joe Voltolini, Bookkeeper
Minji Kim, Chalice Choir Director
Naoko Kobayashi, Facilities Assistant
Nathan Hamm, Accompanist/Pianist
Cathy Hausmann, Facilities Assistant
Karen Madden, Choir Director
Susan Roscigno, SYC Co-Associate Director
Leigh Mamlin, Children/Youth Choir Director
Amy Rudawsky, SYC Co-Associate Director
Cath Saveson, Children/Youth Choir Director
First UU Church of Columbus is not responsible for the use, by others, of personal information published in the Discoverer
March 2016
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Religious Education News
Below is a list First UU’s Coming of Age Class created about different forms of spiritual practice. The class thought
through what spiritually nourishes them and keeps their lives rich. Please take the following as an invitation to take part
in caring for yourself and caring for each other. We hope this list inspires you!
Forms of Spiritual Practice
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Prayer
Meditation
Guided Meditation
Yoga
Unprogrammed Time
Being
Physical Activity
Gardening
Running
Biking
Skiing
Walking in the Woods
Knitting
Being Present
Listening
Singing
Dancing
Volunteering
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Coming to Church
Solitude
Silence
Gratitude Lists
Activism
Cooking
Coloring
Writing Poetry
Animating
Journaling
Playing an Instrument
Shoveling Snow
Building Decks
Skydiving
Working Out
Play
Creating
Reading
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Eating
Scuba Diving
Time with Animals
Stargazing
Campfires
Conversation
Watching the Moon/Sun Rise
Driving
At Museums
CONS
GA
Summer Institute
Debates
Brainstorming
Isolation Tank
Showering
Automatic Writing
GREEN AND GROWING CAMPAIGN
Kitty Jones and Bob Mills, co-chairs
During the amazing auction event Saturday night, I had the privilege of giving someone a tour of our new classrooms,
courtyard and corridor areas. This person had not been in our church home for a while, so was really impressed with the
obvious improvements and the effort that these changes entailed.
Surprising to me was how much these new spaces already felt like “home” – familiar, comfortable, loved, beautifully
lived-in! The most startling reminder of the old space was the brick wall in the corridor between the “Rainbow” rooms
and Rooms 7 and 8. It was fun to point out that this was the outside of our church home not so very long ago.
We have grown and we have also demonstrated that going “green” is a value that we share as a congregation.
Demonstrating this beautifully are the solar panels that have recently been installed on the west-facing roof of the church.
The best news of all is that we have raised $1,237,450 to date and only need to collect $370,000 more through the
campaign end-date of March 2018! Thank you to those of you who have completed your commitments and to those who
are making payments on a regular basis. Your dedication to the Green and Growing campaign has allowed us to pay more
from accumulated funds and to save on interest.
Together we can accomplish great things, and are looking toward the future at First UU. What a marvelous statement all
this makes as we move forward with our settled minister search!
With gratitude,
The Green and Growing Committee – Kitty Jones and Bob Mills, co-chairs
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March 2016
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016 (JUNE 22-26)
The GA Planning Committee selected the interfaith Horizon Prison Initiative (HPI) for the service project award.
Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio (UUJO) Board Secretary Pam Patsch nominated HPI, which had strong support from
the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (IACO). HPI’s mission is “to transform prisoners, who transform prisons and
communities.” Horizon breaks cyclical incarceration and its effect on society by helping incarcerated men and women
become aware of self, others, and religious faith at the center of their lives.
GA registration opens March 1, and scholarships are available for volunteers. A $125 limited registration is available for
all day Wednesday and Thursday, when UUJO will offer a workshop as part of the racial justice track.
Racial Justice is the theme for the GA public witness event that UUJO will co-sponsor with a statehouse rally at 4:45
pm Thursday June 23. The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has matching grants available of up to $1,500 to
congregations participating in actions of public witness to help activists travel to the Capitol from around the state.
Following the witness event, Rev. Bill Sinkford will conduct the Service of the Living Tradition at the Convention Center.
GA paid registration is not required to attend.
General Assembly is coming to Columbus, June 22-26, 2016
and there will be lots of folks looking for reasonably-priced housing.
First UU and North UU Congregation are coordinating the home-based housing (Home Hospitality) for GA and will earn
some good money in the process.
We are looking for Home Hospitality Hosts to volunteer to open up their homes, provide a clean, comfortable bed,
breakfast (can be as simple as juice, cold cereal, and coffee), and directions to the Convention Center. You will meet
interesting UUs from across the country. As all of the money we collect goes to our operating budget, you will be
supporting our church financially. Win/win! To apply, go to http://goo.gl/forms/Xuldrbvljc.
For questions and/or a paper application, please contact Andrea Smith at [email protected].
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Dan Gottfried, Executive Director, Unirondack, UU Alliance of Camp and Conference Centers
Beyond the Walls of Our Congregation
As UUs, we often find ourselves wishing we could live in a world that more closely reflects our values. We want more of
what we share within the walls of our congregation to exist outside the walls. Many of us dedicate our lives to creating
small pockets of community that reflect our values.
It may come as a surprise to many UUs that there is already an established network of such communities throughout the
United States and Canada. It’s our Unitarian Universalist Camp and Conference Centers. And they have formed an
alliance to help spread the word, the Unitarian Universalist Alliance of Camp and Conference Centers (UUACCC).
Each center is a unique place, often located in a spectacular natural setting. Most operate year-round, or close to it,
offering retreats, conferences, and summer camp experiences that reflect our UU values. They offer similar experiences to
the summer institutes and assemblies, but because they are center-based, they are able to do so on a continuous basis
throughout the year with a great many opportunities for learning and growing in community.
Adults and families are often surprised to learn what a wide range of opportunities for fellowship, self-discovery, and
learning Camp and Conference Centers provide throughout the year, in natural settings of unparalleled beauty.
For those of us with children, the centers that offer summer camp experiences for youth are especially important. It can be
challenging for our children to find peers who share their values and a place to belong where they can live those values.
UU Camp and Conference Centers are often a home away from home for young people. There is something for everyone.
Visit the UUACCC website to find links to UU experiences beyond the walls of our congregation.
March 2016
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SCHOOL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Amy Rudawsky, Co-Director
Assume Positive Intent
Let’s all try to assume positive intent. Several years ago we had an in-house staff workshop which focused on the theme:
Assume Positive Intent. It really resonated with the staff on a professional level and, at least for me, on a personal level as
well. Just think a moment about that phrase and what it means. Assume. Positive. Intent.
Relationships are part of our everyday life. We interact with people all day long. Some interactions are positive ones and
some leave us feeling not so good. What if we use a positive lens to look through those negative interactions instead?
Then, we could respond with more compassion and acceptance.
When I think about assuming positive intent with children, I think, “What was their motivation behind that behavior?”
Okay...wait a second. To be fair, when I’m wearing my mom hat my first thought is probably, “Seriously, did they really
just do that? What were they thinking?” But then my child-advocate hat, which is permanently placed on my head, pokes
through and says “Exactly! What were they thinking?” When I change my thinking to view the problem with my positive
lens, my response changes. As adults we have had more practice and life experience feeling and regulating our emotions.
Young children are just discovering and learning how to navigate in this big world. Now add big emotions to the mix, and
you’ve got fireworks. If we could just try and assume positive intent with children's responses, we can give them the tools
to manage those big emotions. We can give them the skills to control their impulses while showing them compassion and
not shaming them.
There is no parenting manual. Although, It’s OK Not to Share is the closest in my opinion (shameless plug).
When I think about assuming positive intent in our community, I think it means cutting each other some slack and
removing judgement from one another. Providing support for one another. One of the amazing things about our
community is the wide range of people and ideas. Some of us are babywearers. Some of us breastfeed. Some bottle feed.
Some of us believe in attachment parenting. Some, a more traditional parenting approach. Some of us have strong ideas
about food preferences. Some of us may believe in bed sharing. Some people may think, “No way is my child sleeping in
my bed.” Some of us use cloth diapers. Some use disposable. AND THAT’S OKAY. Even Todd Parr says that in his book
It’s OK to Be Different.
I know being a parent is probably (okay, certainly) the most difficult job we will ever have. If we could all just try to
assume positive intent when we encounter a parent or friend who chooses to parent vastly different than we do our own.
It’s okay that we have different ideas and different methods. It’s what makes our community great. We are each parenting
our children with positive intention.
The six-kilowatt solar array was installed at First UU on February 19, 2016.
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March 2016
CARING CORNER
FIRST UU MUSIC
Tony McDonald, Music Director
A memorial service for Paul Brody will be held on
Saturday, March 26, 1:00pm at First UU.
Jeanne Hammond celebrated her 96th birthday February 6;
Don Hippensteel who will celebrate his 88th birthday on
February 1; Tex Kohles celebrated his 93rd birthday on
February 21. Sara Tate celebrated her 82nd birthday on
February 4. Rev. Suzan McCrystal celebrated her birthday
on February 17.
A book of poems by Bill Hurley was published January 28.
Helena Rudoff was recently named a John Glenn fellow at
the Ohio State University. Helena will have an opportunity
this summer to intern in Washington, DC with policy
makers in her particular area of study, environmental
science and economics.
Rev. Joel Miller, son of Jo-E. Miller, has been chosen to
preach during the UU Ministers meeting immediately
before General Assembly in June. Joel grew up in First UU
and has been a minister for 25 years.
Greg Denby, UU Bookstore Manager (and Manager of
Whetstone Library) has been named Clintonville
Community Volunteer of the Year by the Clintonville
Chamber of Commerce and This Week Newspapers.
Myriam Frances Schoon, daughter of Danielle van
Dobben Schoon and Eric Schoon, was dedicated during
the worship service on January 24.
Beth Greenfield is receiving rehab at Whetstone Gardens
following a recent hospitalization.
Mary Rogers has been having dialysis for several years
while waiting for her name to come up on the kidney
recipient list.
Mitch Gross's father is in the oncology unit at a hospital in
Cleveland. They don't know whether or not he has cancer,
but there are major issues with coherence.
Edith Reed recently fell and broke her pelvis. She will use
a wheelchair and walker for some time.
Cindy Kerkhoff died unexpectedly in early February.
Holly Herschede, who was a part of this church in the past,
died recently.
Tony Rice's mother died on January 28. Julie Reeves'
father died recently.
The annual Sing-Along will happen Saturday, March 19,
7:30 pm. This year we take another look at a favorite and
familiar genre: folk music. We'll sing the popular songs of
Peter, Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio, Joni Mitchell,
Bob Dylan. Joan Baez and lots more, to the accompaniment
of live musicians. As usual, the lyrics will be up on the big
screen so we all can join in the fun and the joyous music we
all know. Always free. Don't miss it. And watch for details
about our next event, an evening with our own young
songstress, Rain Maxwell, Saturday, April 2, 7:30pm.
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
Senior Gathering March 24, 11am-1pm. Starts with
Ministers and guests in the Worship Center, then
homemade lunch in Fellowship Hall. For reservations,
call Carole Wilhelm, 614-889-1182. This is a pleasant
get-together for seniors and anyone who wonders if they
are a senior!
The Partner Church Team will be hosting a
“Refresh Weekend” on Saturday, April 16 and
Sunday, April 17 to reintroduce the congregation
to the Partner Church program, our partner church
in Bölön, Romania, and future cultural exchange
opportunities, including a UU pilgrimage to Transylvania,
Romania, for those interested. Watch for notices in the
church bulletin and The Discoverer about specific
workshops and events for Saturday, April 16 and Sunday,
April 17. The Partner Church committee will also be
planning activities for when Reverend Albert Kosma from
our partner church in Bolon visits First UU in June. If you
are interested in helping us plan his visit, please contact
Danya Furda at [email protected] or 614-471-3786.
First UU 2016 Spring Common Read Towards the "Other
America" by Chris Crass is a discussion of the roots of
racial violence and injustice, and the ways that white people
can address these issues and work toward a more equitable
future. Free at http://www.chriscrass.org/books.html.
Also available from Chalice Press and available soon at the
UU Bookstore. Sessions will be:
• Saturdays, 10-11:30am, March 19 to May 7
• Wednesdays 5:30-7pm, March 16 to May 4
Path to Membership Class Saturday, March 19, 9am to
1pm. If you have already signed a form indicating your
interest, you will be contacted. If not, and you are
interested, please call Marian Garcia at the church office,
614-267-4946, ext. 21, or sign up at the Greeter’s stand.
March 2016
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Ancient Jain Art and Architecture from India will be
displayed in the First UU Gallery, March 2 to April 26.
There will be a reception Sunday, March 13, 4-6pm. For
more information, contact Deb Baillieul, 614-447-1223,
[email protected].
JUSTICE ACTION MINISTRY (JAM)
Steve Palm-Houser, Chair
First UU was a founding member of
BREAD (Building Responsibility, Equality,
and Dignity), Central Ohio’s congregationbased community organization that holds local
officials accountable for serious community problems.
There will be no more Coffee Hour...if we don't increase
our Coffee Hour volunteers! Be part of one of the most
enjoyed parts of Sunday: Coffee Hour. Guaranteed to
experience big smiles and sincere thanks. Contact Denni
Personal stories needed for BREAD’s Jobs and
Hale [email protected] or 614-633-8082. We put the Economic Opportunity Research Committee
"hot" in Coffee Hour!
(anonymous if preferred): Call Alice Rathburn
(614-895-2109) or Chris Johnson (614-946-1287) or fill out
First Friday Potluck March 4, at 6:30pm. All ages
the form in the BREAD mailbox in the Volunteer
welcome. Kid's movie or Miyazake anime at 7:30. Contact
Workroom next to the church office.
Laurie Brown, 614-246-0170, with questions.
Important BREAD dates for everyone’s calendar:
Caring Team Workshop April 3, 1pm. Title: Addiction in
- Sunday, February 28, 12:45-2:15 pm, light lunch
Your Backyard. Light lunch offered before the workshop.
(Worship Center) - First UU’s BREAD Justice Ministry
Childcare provided. Contact Vanda Hughes,
- Monday, April 11, 7:00 pm - BREAD Rally
[email protected], 614-423-7242, with questions.
Bookbites Will meet Tuesday, March 15, in Room 8, from
7 to 9pm. Topic is “Roots.” Questions: Call Kathleen
Boston at 614-262-4025.
All UU Artists: We will have a May-June member show
titled "Mystery!" This can mean a mystery (wonder, awe,
nature, social issue, etc), The Mystery (spiritual), or
mystery—as in to solve a mystery (Agatha Christie where
are you?). Your work can be serious, playful, deep, or
beautiful. In other words, it is an open field for expression
related to mystery. Take-in will be April 24. Show will
hang May 1 through June 28. Yes, this will be up during the
UUA General Assembly! Please let me know if you will
participate. Questions? Call Deb Baillieul 614-447-1223.
- Monday, May 9, 6:15 pm (registration) –
BREAD Nehemiah Action (the BIG one)
For further information, contact Alice Rathburn
([email protected], 614-895-2109) or the BREAD
office (614-220-9363, www.breadcolumbus.com,
www.facebook.com/breadorganization).
For further information, contact Alice Rathburn
([email protected], 895-2109 or 563-0536),
First UU’s BREAD Team Captain, or go to
www.breadcolumbus.com,www.facebook.com/breadorgani
zation and/or call the BREAD office (220-9363).
Our UU Library is finally open for business after being
inaccessible during reconstruction. It's still a work-inprogress though, and the Team will be working to improve
the collection in months to come. If you have some UU
Library books to return, please do so. There are many
books checked out that may not have been returned because
you could not get in the door! Thank you for your patience;
come browse and enjoy.
Kathleen Boston, Library Team
Soulful Sundown Service Saturday, March 19, 5:30pm,
Worship Center. Do you crave a worship experience that
connects our community, engages the senses, and invites all
ages? Please join. We're an experiential and playful worship
community for all, from our youngest members to our
elders. Contact Rev. Lane Campbell,
[email protected].
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March 2016
The Feed My Sheep food pantry needs
items such as: peanut butter, feminine
hygiene products, chunky soup, dog food,
cat food, canned meat, and children's
books. Bring these to Fellowship Hall on
Sunday morning.
ARCHIVES TEAM
Linda Thompson, Historian
Last week the Archives Team met to work for the first time since last May. In the next few weeks the Team will bring
order to the cramped quarters. We all owe Barb Fisher a big thank you for the shelves she built. She continues to work
with us as we organize the records. We will soon be able to do research, to prepare displays and to write articles for the
newsletter.
You may bring materials to us by putting them in the Archives/History mailbox or by placing them on the white shelves in
the Volunteer Workroom. Please mark them for the Archives and give us your name. If you want to deliver them in
person, you will find us working in the Archives Closet or Library on Tuesday mornings between 10 and 12.
A recent letter from Rev. Jay Abernathy,
First UU Associate Minister / Campus Minister 1974-76:
The 1974-76 First UU Church Campus Ministry
Dr. Sydney Pressey, the noted psychologist and gerontologist at OSU, gave First Unitarian (at the time) a gift of $24,000
for a trial two-year campus ministry program. I was chosen to fill the position on a two-year basis, and the church
ordained and installed me in June of 1974. There was no budget, but I secured office space at the Wesley Foundation
(Methodist) in exchange for being on call.
Since we were starting from scratch with a new program and a new minister (I had been an architect), the first few
months were chaotic. However, two programs initiated at that time continued throughout my tenure. “High Tea” at
4:00pm featured a faculty member sitting down with UU students and friends for a conversation over tea or sherry.
Usually less than ten students, these were highly prized opportunities to engage in dialog with respected UU faculty. On
Saturday mornings at 11 we played “Uniball,” a version of volleyball, followed by what was for most students breakfast.
These times of fellowship often lasted well into late afternoon. We went on weekend trips to the Dali Museum, Whitey’s
farm, and UU events. Among other activities on campus, I sponsored a visit by Rick and Billie Barbara Masten,
sponsored a program on women’s issues led by UU faculty, and co-led a workshop on sexuality with a women’s group
from Cleveland at the interfaith center.
I was Campus Minister (80%) and Associate Minister (20%). My primary work at the church was with older youth and
the Singles Group (highly popular programs all across our movement back then). I preached once that year (women’s
rights) and twice the next year, during the interim after George Whitney’s departure. I also led worship at several
fellowships and churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Most of the dozen or so regulars were UUs who had been active in LRY. Others, many graduate students, came to
explore new and more liberal spiritual and moral models for their lives. I performed over fifty weddings in my two years.
I led a program at the 1976 General Assembly on campus ministry, but the denomination was unable to fund any new
programs. At the time I was the only full-time Unitarian Universalist campus minister. Dr. Pressey had hoped the
congregation would continue his noble experiment, but that did not happen, and the program closed with my departure in
the summer of 1976.
I left to study for an academic doctorate, but took my first parish, in Portsmouth, NH. I retired last year after forty full
years as a UU minister. My wife Eileen, whom I met in Columbus, and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary this
past August. I thank the church for the time in Columbus that set me on my career path. May your future continue to
spread the light of knowledge, the fire of commitment, and the warmth of love and community to greater Columbus.
Rev. Jay Abernathy
March 2016
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GREEN FACILITY NEWS – REACHING FOR THE SUN
Brian Hagemann, Church Administrator
The February theme of “desire” (and the news I’m about to share) had me thinking about
my deeply held longing and hope for a green and vibrant world with respect for all life.
As UU's, we all desire a healthy and sustainable future that reverses some of the damage
the Earth’s ecosystems are struggling with. I’ve spent much of my activist life working
with a variety of environmental groups (from Earth First! and Student Environmental
Action in college to the Green Party and other special interest groups) to help bring about
such change. But now, as a parent, with the ever-growing spectre of climate change, my
worry and sense of urgency is heightened. Sometimes, fortunately, desire can transform
into hope. You may have noticed by now a new addition to the First UU facility on the
roof above the main entrance. As part of our Green and Growing capital campaign, we
now have a medium-sized solar array providing clean, renewable energy right here at
First UU! We’re not sure, but as Rev. Eric mentioned in his sermon this past Sunday, we
may be the first church in the area to have installed solar. As a visible commitment to our Unitarian Universalist 7th
Principle (respect for the interdependent web of all existence), this is a tangible and concrete way that we can live
out our faith’s values and contribute to the healing of our larger world. Renewable energy, such as solar, will be
necessary to address climate change as it represents a reduction in our “carbon footprint,” mainly by offsetting coalburning energy production here in this region. Our congregation should be very proud of this small step in that direction.
For a system of our size (6kW), we think it will supply about 5-10% of our electrical needs!
Our hope is that the current solar array will be just the beginning, and that we add more modules as we have the means to
expand. But just as important, we want this to generate questions, discussion and interest for everyone who walks through
our doors and sees it. If our foray into renewable energy can encourage others to do the same at their homes or places of
business, then we’ve created a multiplier effect and are making an even greater impact to promote sustainable energy in
our community. It is also a great conversation starter when we talk about what Unitarian Universalism is to us.
So how does this work? (for the technically inclined)
Solar panels are simply constructed with a layer of photovoltaic (PV) material (traditionally silicon) that
converts light energy from the sun into electrical current. When light hits a solar cell, electrons are knocked
loose from the atoms of the semiconductor materials. Positive and negative conductors in the solar cells form
a circuit that captures this energy as electrical current. Though the technology has been around for quite a
while now, the availability, cost and efficiency of modern solar cells is better than ever.**
The power grid normally supplies electricity to our homes and businesses by transmitting the power from
generating plants; nuclear, hydroelectric or in our region, typically coal-fired power plants. Solar panels—PV
systems—generate electricity from the sun, but only during the day. A device called a “power inverter”
converts this generated DC current into AC, which is what we typically need for household use and is
supplied by the grid. At the inverter (mounted here on the side of our building), the converted solar energy
can be utilized to power our appliances, computers, lighting, heating and cooling as needed. Power is drawn
directly from the solar inverter, and any leftover electricity can be fed back into the grid. When this happens,
we are given a credit for the excess electricity that is metered. And of course, when its night time, or the sky
isn’t producing enough electricity, we will use electricity from AEP as we currently do. We do not have a
battery system to store energy for night time use, nor would we currently generate enough extra electricity to
make that feasible.
**The solar panels we chose for this project are 275W Suniva OPTimus, one of the most efficient and
well-built panels on the market. They can last 30-40 years (mostly maintenance free) and are engineered
and manufactured in the U.S.
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March 2016
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Adult Programs: 1st Thursday, 7-9pm
All Soles Contra Dance: 2nd Friday, 7:30pm
Atheists/Skeptics/Humanists: 4th Tuesdays, 7pm
Book Bites: 3rd Tuesday, 7pm
Board Executive Committee: 2nd Wednesday, 7pm
Board of Trustees: 4th Wednesday, 7pm
BREAD Team: 3rd Monday, 7pm
Bridge Group (call 499-2434): 4th Sunday, 6pm
Building and Grounds: 1st Monday, 7pm
Care and Share Time Bank: 3rd Sunday, 6:30pm
Caring Team: 1st Tuesday, 7pm
Cooking for Faith Mission: 1st & 3rd Friday, 12pm
Covenant Group Facilitators: 1st Wednesday, 7pm
Creative Open Studio: Mondays, 3-5pm
Defense Within Our Values: Sundays, 4pm;
Wednesdays, 7pm
Family Small Group Ministry: 2nd & 4th Thursday, 6pm
Finance: 3rd Tuesday, 7pm
Garden Group: 1st Sunday, 12:30pm
Getting to Know UU: Sundays, after each service
Improvisational Dance: Thursdays, 9:30am
Intergenerational Book Group: 3rd Wednesday, 7pm
JAM Book Group: Wednesdays, 3/16-5/4, 5:30pm;
Saturdays, 3/19-5/7, 10am
Job Seekers Support Group: 4th Monday, 7pm
Justice Action Ministry: 4th Monday, 7pm
Looking on Privilege: Thursdays, 3/24-4/14, 7pm
Memoir Writing: Wednesdays, 7pm, until 3/8/16
Move to Amend: 3rd Saturday, 12pm
PFLAG: 4th Sunday, 2pm
RE Team: 3rd Wednesday, 6:30pm
Soulful Sundown Service: 3rd Saturday, 5:30pm
Stewardship: 3rd Tuesday, 7pm
This Month in Science: 2nd Tuesday, 7pm
UU Dance Fellowship: Mondays, 7pm
Worship Team: 1st Tuesday, 7:30pm
Youth Group: every two weeks on Sunday, 12:30pm
Zen Meditation: Saturdays, 8:30am; Tuesdays, 7pm
Saturday, March 5
2:00pm
8th Grade OWL Retreat
Sunday, March 6
1:30pm
Adult Programs Conversation
Saturday, March 12
10:00am
Transition Team Listening Sessions
Sunday, March 13
4:00pm
Jain Society Art Reception
Saturday, March 19
9:00am
Path to Membership Class
(call 614-267-4946, ext. 21 to register)
Thursday, March 24
11:00am
Senior Gathering
Saturday, March 26
1:00pm
Paul Brody Memorial Service
March 2016
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First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus
93 West Weisheimer Rd.
Columbus OH 43214
614-267-4946; fax: 614-267-4924
[email protected]
http://www.firstuucolumbus.org
March 2016
WORSHIP SERVICES
March's Theme: Liberation
Sunday, March 6, 9:15am/11am
Liberation from the Shadows, Rev. Jennifer Brooks
Sunday, March 13, 9:15am/11am
Stories of Liberation, Rev. Lane Campbell (all-ages service)
Saturday, March 19, 5:30pm
Soulful Sundown (see page 8)
Sunday, March 20, 9:15am/11am
Out of the Wilderness, Rev. Jennifer Brooks
Sunday, March 27
8:00am: Easter Communion, Rev. Jennifer Brooks (in the Memorial Garden)
9:15am/11am: Body and Soul, Rev. Jennifer Brooks
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March 2016