The
Chalice and the Flame
A Monthly Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, OR
March 2016
Together We Are Doing It
Walking into our Hanneman Fellowship hall to attend the 6.30 pm Annual Celebration Dinner on a Saturday was an awe-inspiring experience. The ceiling lights were dimmed, colorful small spring plants lifted the spirit,
and lighted candles were sending inviting bright flickers to join our UUCS
friends who filled the room.
The 2016 Stewardship Team offered a delicious spaghetti dinner
with salad, hearty bread, and scrumptious dessert. Our Board chair L.J.
Fredrickson presented a moving story. An irreverently humorous short
play was performed by two Chalice Circle Players, one an eternal
doubter of all organized religion, and the other a loyal Unitarian Universalist. This was the place of undeniable UU Community spirit. There was
the optimistic hope in the air that together, we can continue to grow and
stretch – spiritually, socially, and in our common financial resource goals
for the future.
Two days later, we received a report from Phil Carver, 2016 stewardship chair. A total of 107 pledges of
$192,137 were made for an average pledge of $1,796. Seventeen pledges were from those who didn't pledge
last year. Of those who pledged last year, 51 increased pledge by an average of $368, with a total increase of
$18,755, an increase of 20% of the 2015 total. These trends are quite positive in themselves. However, during
the next few weeks, we need to keep our eyes on the 2016/17 end goal of going beyond $300,000, ideally to
$340,000. This would enable us to meet at least some of our important facility needs and staff salary goals. Yes,
as a community, there is no doubt we will step forward the best that any of us can, and contribute with joy.
Concert in the Sanctuary
On Saturday, March 5, at 7:00 p.m. we will once again welcome the Western Oregon University Early Music
Ensemble, whose holiday concert of German baroque music we enjoyed on December 6. Now the group of
singers and instrumentalists, directed by Dr. Dirk Freymuth, will present "Amor Que Deggio Far, Renaissance
and Baroque Music in Venice." Come hear beautiful baroque music by Monteverdi, Rore and other great Italian
composers of that time. A donation of $8-10 is suggested; proceeds go to benefit the WOU Early Music
Ensemble, and the UUCS Music Fund. Please contact Aimee Larsen-Amend at [email protected] with any
additional questions.
Update of UUCS Directory to Be Launched: Don’t Miss the Boat!
We have welcomed many new people to our congregation since
the last full revision of the UUCS Directory more than two years ago.
It’s time to update. All members and friends wishing to be included
may have their pictures and contact information added to this new
edition. Those who are already listed with a picture and up-to-date
contact information do not need to do anything. Copies can be
downloaded from the UUCS website; to access the Directory online,
you need to call the UUCS office for the access code. Hard copies of
the current Directory are available on the Visitors’ Desk in the church
foyer for your review.
Pictures will soon be taken during the Fellowship time following
each service for several weeks; watch the Sunday Announcements
for when this will begin. (continued on page 6)
March 1, 2016
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Reverential Ramblings
~ Rev. Richard Davis, UUCS’s minister
When a Unitarian Univeralist congregation installs a newly called minister, there are certain traditional elements
to the service, one of which is the “Charge to the Congregation,” delivered by a guest UU minister. When the Unitarian
Universalist Congregation of Willamette Falls in Oregon City (very recently known as Atkinson Memorial Church)
installed their new minister, the Rev. Marcia Stanard, on February 21 the minister asked to deliver that charge was
none other than Richard Davis. Here's an abbreviated version of what I actually said. Perhaps it’ll serve as a good
reminder.
“This evening I’m here under false pretenses – I’m supposed to deliver the “charge to the congregation,” but I
have concluded that that doesn’t make good spiritual sense. Why? Because your congregation is a corporation
(UUCS is also a nonprofit corporation, as duly noted in Article 1 of our bylaws). One important reason that
congregations incorporate is protect members from personal liability – yes, there are sound legal reasons for taking
refuge in corporate personhood. Yet my not unfounded fear is that a legal, corporate personhood mindset, wherein
no individual can be tagged as the responsible party, sometimes spills over into the spiritual side of congregational
life.
And that’s why I’ve decided there will be no charge to the congregation – such charges don’t deliver much spiritual
energy to individual members – after all, if the charge is to the whole congregation the energy has to pass through
this tangled mess of constantly shifting wires, some of which may be hooked up, some not, and some with faulty wiring
that short circuits and you get burnout. It’s messy. Yet a charge delivered directly to each individual will, it is hoped,
deliver some spiritual juice directly to your system. If the charge shocks or jolts you a bit, maybe that’s what you
needed. So make no mistake about it – what I’m about to say concerns YOU, personally, not your corporate
congregation.
My charge is to encourage you to be the most faithful member of this beloved congregation that you can be.
How? By maintaining a healthy covenantal relationship. Very succinctly, here are eight practices which enable you
to keep good faith with yourself, your congregation, your minister, your community and the world. (These are the
same 8 practices we discuss in our new member classes at UUCS. A practice is something you do again and again
– life affirming practices are spiritually transformative:
1) Practice presence: Make showing up for Sunday worship a priority – your presence is essential. You have
to be present to win a community.
2) Practice compassion: be mindful of the hardships and heartbreaks of fellow members and tenderly care for
one another – that’s the foundation of beloved community.
3) Practice right relations: Never allow your inevitable conflicts to turn toxic – for this threatens the wellbeing
of your congregation.
4) Practice intentional, radical hospitality – don’t unwittingly lapse into closed, cliquish patterns of interaction
– newcomers, especially those who have been marginalized elsewhere, will experience yours as an exclusive
community at which they are not welcome.
5) Practice congregational responsibility: Be predisposed to say “yes” when asked to play a suitable role in
your shared ministry and strive to be a well-informed member.
6) Practice Social Responsibility as you can: our liberal faith calls for us to live out our values and help heal
a hurting world and confront injustice.
7) Practice Generous Stewardship: don’t be deceived by internal and external voices mendaciously counseling
the miserly mindset of scarcity – allow your-natural liberality – your innate munificent nature - to find abundant financial
expression in supporting the life and ministry of your congregation.
8) Practice worshipping – always seeking the highest value and the deepest meanings in your life and thereby
continue on your path of spiritual growth.”
Love, Rick
March 1, 2016
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Lifespan Religious Exploration
~ Christi J. Olsen, Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration
Religious Exploration (RE) is “marching along” quickly into the second half of our program year, but not
without taking time to enjoy our time together!
Sometimes in life, humans do “march” along so quickly they forget to enjoy the everyday moments or get caught
up in the stresses (good and bad) of life without tools to deal with things. In Religious Exploration, along with our
lessons, we are exploring a variety of Spiritual Tools. We are hopeful that each child/youth will find something that
they really like that will be a benefit to them on their spiritual journey.
In my observations of my non-human animals (horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, dogs
and cats), I have found that they already have “Spiritual Tools” for ways to enjoy the moments of
every day. We can all benefit from taking lessons from a variety of non-human animals. My
observations of my animals can help demonstrate important life lessons that are good for all of
us to practice.
For instance, most non-human animals live in the moment. In my daily observations of my
goats, sheep, horses, chickens, ducks, dogs and cats, every one of those species takes time to slow down and enjoy
the warm rays of sunshine when they happen. I have observed them leaving their meal to bask in the sun. At the
same time, they have all left eating to come and stand with me in quiet solitude. I am often jealous of the non-rushed
life and the contentment I see when they are soaking up the warm winter sunrays, appearing to have nothing else on
their minds except the enjoyment of the sun or our moment together. The lesson to humans…take time for yourself
and enjoy special moments in each day. Take time to reflect on the moment.
In my observations of my animals, I have discovered that non-human animals seem to be happily there for you.
When I need a moment to think through something, my animal friends are willing to just be with me and give me the
freedom to think for myself. When I am sick, there is always a cuddle buddy to stay with me until I am better. When
I am ready to go for a walk, an entire menagerie of animals are all ready to follow along. They seem to sense human
need. Take time to be there for others.
Who doesn’t like the feeling of being genuinely greeted when you arrive somewhere? We all enjoy feeling wanted
and loved. When I arrive home or go out in the field, I am greeted with such a happy welcome and greeting that it
validates my worth in their community (even if I do not have a treat in my pocket). Extend this genuine greeting
whenever you can. If we take the time to take some of these lessons to heart and begin by being aware of others
around us, practice savoring the moments and not rushing the day, genuinely welcoming one another, caring for each
other’s needs and using Spiritual Tools to bring happiness into the everyday, we will find that we have created a
happier world for ourselves and those around us at any age.
RE WALLIE UPDATE: Remember our little sheep visitor we were caring for in
RE on Sundays that you all got to name? Well Mr. Wallie is now living at Green
Acres Farm Sanctuary (I promised my family no more new animals at our sanctuary!).
He now has a little “brother” goat named Allie. I was cuddling Wallie (he gave me
kisses and remembered me), and Allie climbed in my lap too, right on top of Wallie.
Thought you would all like to know that his previous owner has surrendered him to
the sanctuary, and he will never have to live where he is not well cared for again!
Thank you to all that helped him feel loved in RE and have been asking about him, and for being aware
of our 7th Principle, (Rainbow) Value the Connection in All Creation!
In spirit and love,
Until next time….
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Christi
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Words from Our Intern Minister
“There’s no path to liberation that doesn’t pass through the shadow.”
― Jay Michaelson, Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment
When it comes to liberation, many of you experience freedom in various ways,
but it is not the freedom you experience that leads you to transformation and more
freedom. Rather, noticing the ways in which you are not free will allow you to grow
toward more freedom. The only problem with that kind of noticing is that once you
notice, you are responsible for your knowing and feeling. And then, as Jay Michaelson
asserts, the path to liberation will lead through the shadow. It is a challenging thing to
realize that part of growth and change is that innate struggle. At the same time,
struggles for growth can be less difficult when you experience them in Beloved Community. There are many
ways that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem offers comfort and support to members as they pass
through times of struggle and darkness. These include the weekly sharing of joys and sorrows, the
Compassionate Connection circle, and the supportive work of the Lifelines Lay Ministry Team. There are others
as well. These are expressions of the congregation’s investment in the liberation of each of its members.
Do you remember the story in the Christian Scriptures of the man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho,
suddenly overtaken by thieves who took his clothes, wounded him and left him half-dead on the side of the road.
Lots of times, people skip to the fact that he was helped by a social pariah. But there were two other people who
noticed him and made the explicit decision not to help; in fact, they crossed to the other side of the road to avoid
him completely. They refused to pass through the shadow and experience the effects of the man’s injury. The
story says they justified themselves; after all, they were religious men, on their way to do God’s work.
Even as you consider it, you know the justification of the religious men is insufficient. Liberation comes only
through that unyielding connection, through good times and bad. The man who helped had to get his hands dirty,
had to be uncomfortable, had to share his resources. There is always a calculus to do when you connect with
others. What is good self-care? What is healthy care of others? Engaging with these questions, when it comes
to our day-to-day, week-to-week, work and friend relationships shows you who it is you need to be in order to
arrive at your best self. We will have the opportunity this month to engage with some of the xenophobia and
islamophobia that is currently rising in our political dialogue. Examining these shadows with open hearts will
provide you the light you need for dealing with those problems and give you new pathways to liberation. You
don’t need to be afraid of examining the shadows because if you do it, we will do it together.
Theresa Soto
Intern Minister
“What Being a UUSC Member Means to Me!”
The following two letters were submitted on invite to share their personal experiences at UUCS.
GOODNESS
“To me, our congregation is about goodness.
About five years ago, on nothing more than a whim, I googled Unitarian Universalism and found the UUCS
website. I read the entire site, and it was as if I had written every word myself. I walked into UUCS the next
Sunday and never left.
There are so many wonderful things about our congregation – the feeling of community, the love we have
for each other, the way I feel when I contribute my time, and the personal spirituality I found that I never knew I
had.
They're all important to me. But every Sunday, when I pass through the outer doors of our building, I feel
like I am immediately surrounded by “good,” I don't know how else to describe it other than to say that to me,
more than anything else, our congregation is about goodness. And that goodness has given me great peace in
my life.
Thanks again, Ed” (Kramer)
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Raison D'être
“The day before Christmas Eve on 2014, we got the news that my mother's cancer was terminal. It was
shocking and upsetting because this confirmed our worst fears. Mom was done with radiation and chemo and
considering how frail she was, there is no way she could live through other treatment options. By this point, she
was fading quickly…
Mom made the decision to choose Death with Dignity. There were a lot of mixed emotions in the family, we
were all rather panicked but respected her choice even if some didn't support the decision. No one wanted her
to die alone. Her suffering was getting worse with each passing day it was heartbreaking.
There isn't really a guide for what to do when someone you love chooses to end their life. After making
contact with Compassionate Choices, I had my first meeting with Reverend Rick. I wanted a religious figure to
be there when my mom passed, one that my mother would accept. It was paramount to me that she left this
world emotionally and spiritually at peace. I had not considered an End of Life ceremony, or more precisely I
hadn't been able to express that need. Reverend Rick, had been there for others who chose this path and was
able to talk about how it could be handled. It was a relief to have someone experienced and compassionate in
these matters.
Reverend Rick was able to meet with my mother and address her concerned. He wanted to make sure that
she was comfortable with every word in the ceremony.
The end of life ceremony allowed close friends and family members to be there when she passed. But the
ritual is just a script and Rick deviated from the text to best suit the needs of my mom and the emotions of the
group. It was a highly emotional environment and everyone had vast religious differences. Everyone felt comfort
from Rick being there and no one was offended by how he handled such a deeply private moment. Afterwards,
family members expressed their thanks for having him there and for doing the End of Life ceremony.
I was keenly aware of the emotional danger that my mother's death would bring on me. I have had issues
with depression in the past. While grief and depression are different things, they don't necessary work well together.
Every day was gray and flat, grief had run over me like a freight train and it was all I could do to move from
the bed to the sofa. There I would just sit and stare at the wall. I couldn't stand music, or movies so I would just
sit doing nothing… everything in life was suddenly felt very empty and life gave no indication that this would
change.
Rick had suggested that I volunteer in the office and Sam managed to set things up so that there were little
projects that I could work on. It has been a year this February since I have been helping to work on the rough
draft of the Order of Service and PowerPoint. While it may not have always gone smoothly, my Tuesday's trips
into UUCS office became my Raison D'être (my reason to live).
It was the only thing I looked forward to doing. Yet each week it was a victory that I had gotten out of the
apartment. It was the least I could do and it was the most I could do. That was enough, I wasn't going to demand
more out of myself.
Still I was searching for something more than going to the office once a week. At some point, I needed to
add something else to my life. Sitting on my sofa in one of my darker moods and I was desperately trying to do
a mental inventory of the things I used to love doing. Where was my passion? Where was my joy? I thought of
film school and scoffed to myself "Well that was a waste of an education". Less than a week later Vicki approached me about possibly doing a video that the Women's Alliance was interested in having done. I was
shocked and jumped at the chance to put my knowledge to use and gently get back into my love of film editing.
I wanted to offer my story. I feel that there is a lot that UUCS offers the congregation and the community
that are not things that are shared because they are too personal or are things that can't be advertised. I'm not
sure how the tagline "UUCS a reason to get out of bed once a week" would test.
I want to thank the congregation for giving me the opportunity to volunteer and to be engaged with projects
that remind me that there is joy in life. Whether you know it or not each member of this congregation is, in fact,
part of my healing, a light in my hour of grief.”
By Craig Rowland
March 1, 2016
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Happenings and Highlights
(continued from page 1)
The Membership Team suggests you have your picture taken if you’re not already in the Directory, want an
updated picture, or would like to include family members, etc. If possible, couples should plan to have their
pictures taken together.
The purpose of the Directory is to facilitate communication among the membership, help people put a name
to a face, and give recognition to those who actively participate in our congregation. This project is being
facilitated by the Membership Team with support from a dedicated cadre of volunteers.
Joel Woodman
March Share-the-Plate Recipient
Each month, UUCS shares a percentage of the monies it receives during a Time for Generosity at each
Sunday service with an internal or external program that matches Unitarian Universalist principles. The sharethe-plate recipient for March will be the UUCS Partner Church Fund. In 2002 UUCS formed a covenant with
the UU Church in Simenfalva (she-mun-fall-va), Transylvania (in Romania) for mutual support, friendship and
respect for our cultural and religious customs.
Funds will be used to help the UU Church in Simenfalva finish construction and furnishing of their "social
hall" meeting building. Because the congregation is rural and funding is difficult for them, it is taking a long time
to reach their goals of completing all the necessary projects. Rev. Sandor Szen has reported that last year the
water line was connected to the building for use in the small kitchen and the restroom. Still on the list are the
furnishings needed for meetings and winter church services – items such a table, lectern, and suitable chairs.
To help the fund grow large enough to cover these items, we would be delighted to receive (in addition to a
percentage of "plate cash") separate checks with a memo indicating Partner Church Fund. Thank you for your
generous help in sharing with our Unitarian partners. (from Jean Sherbeck and Chad Halsey)
Women's Alliance Meetings
The UUCS Women's Alliance (WA) is an affiliate group of friends and members. The group elects its own
officers and has its own budget, and donates generously to the life and ministry of this congregation. During the
church year there are meetings on second Tuesday evenings, usually featuring a speaker, refreshments, and a
business meeting. Community members are welcome to attend.
On Tuesday, March 8, at 7:00 p.m. the priest from the Sikh Temple will discuss the Sikh religion; Dilbag
Singh will act as interpreter. On Tuesday, April 12, Jessica Klampfe from the Public Defender's office will speak
about her work there.
Meditation Workshop
Come explore the Devotional aspects of developing a long term meditation practice on Saturday, March
12, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This contemplative morning will include two sessions of meditation, break out groups
with Rev. Rick, Sensei An, and our guest presenter David Scheuneman (UU minister and meditation teacher).
This contemplative morning should strengthen your UU underpinnings in a quietly compassionate way! Free
(with donations requested)
A graduate of the UU Meadville/Lombard Theological School, David Scheuneman practices both Western
and Buddhist meditation (Zen and Tibetan forms). For more about his ministry, see www.RootedInSpirit.org.
Taize Prayer Service
Come join us Sunday evening, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. for a beautiful candlelight
contemplative sung prayer service in the style of the Taize Community in Taize, France. A guitar,
violin, flute and vocal ensemble lead this restful and centering meditation in music and silence
that includes healing and laying on of hands. All welcome.
This service is offered at UUCS on the second Sunday of each month. Here is a copy of
the usual program. For more information, contact Angela Gross ([email protected]).
Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share Film Series
Permaculture is "Earth Care, People Care and Return of Surplus." Permaculture creates systems that are
not only sustainable but also enriching to soils and all life, in keeping with our UU principle of respect for the
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interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Please join us Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. in
the Fellowship Hall for a finger food potluck and showing of a permaculture inspired film. A new film and
discussion every month. Contact the NW Permaculture Institute for more information, 503-449-8077.
Salem Event: Seminar at Center 50+
Center 50+, located at 2615 Portland Rd NE, is again presenting free seminars for unpaid family caregivers
of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. People with dementia are always attempting to
communicate with us. Tuesday evening, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., Jim Reynolds of Senior Helpers will talk
about "The Language of Dementia," explaining how to use verbal and non-verbal communication to minimize
frustration and anger for all concerned. Please call 503-588-6303 to register.
"Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of STEM"
The American Association of University Women will present a Readers’ Theater production
of “Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of STEM” on Saturday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. at UUCS.
Written and directed by UUCS member Gloria Holland, this one hour docu-drama examines
the accomplishments of women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM). These American women have made exceptional strides in the STEM fields, yet
they remain relatively unknown to the general public. The audience will learn about Nobel
Prize winners, astronauts, architects, math whizzes, and inventors as the actors invite the
audience to celebrate the accomplishments of these unsung heroes. This production
includes audience participation, humor, action, and noisemakers! The cost of $8.00 will be shared equally by
UUCS-Religious Exploration and AAUW Salem Branch.
Mark your Calendars for Microfinance Events in April!
On Sunday, April 17, you will have the opportunity to buy art and craft items made by
workers in a very poor, rural area of south Africa. These products, mostly beaded necklaces
and animals, embroidered cards, and baskets, come from the Thembanathi Project in the
KwaZulu-Natal region. There may be other products available too; watch this space in the
April newsletter.
On Sunday, April 24, after the second service, the Microfinance Committee is serving
Peruvian and African soups ‒ and some of the quinoa rolls that were such a hit at our last
two Peruvian dinners. Contributions will help support the Microfinance Committee's work,
both in Peru and in our next location. There will also be a second opportunity to buy the
products from the Thembanathi Project.
The Microfinance Committee is looking toward a new project. Our efforts in Laos and Peru have been
successful. We are considering ‒ and have made a small contribution already ‒ working with the Imani project
in Kenya. That project is planting crops on common land that will help sustain families both with some of the
food raised and with cash earned by selling some of the food. We are also starting to explore what would appear
to be an exciting collaboration with the Neo Fund, working with the poorest of the poor, living in the city dump,
in Managua, Nicaragua. The Neo Fund is a small operation, but it has been doing excellent work for several
years already. Watch for more details soon. (Contributions to the Microfinance Committee's work are always
welcome!)
Women's Retreat April 22-24
Women, mark your calendars now for the annual Women's Retreat, which will be held April 22-24 at the
Oregon 4H Center.
Women's Retreat Co-Facilitator position open! We are looking for an additional person to help make this
annual Women's Retreat happen! Please inform Christi Olsen, DLRE, if you can help, or to sign up for the retreat.
Travel to Transylvania with Rev. Rick June 23-July 6
All prospective travelers and interested people are requested to contact Jean Sherbeck, who has updated
information and directions for registering for the trip. It is not at all too late to join the group for this very
memorable, personal experience with our partners in Simenfalva, Romania, and also to tour historic sites in our
Unitarian history. We expect our trip guide to be John Dale, the very experienced UU Partner Church Council
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trip coordinator, who knows all the best places to eat and stay.
The regularly scheduled monthly meeting for travelers will be Sunday, March 20, at
12:30 after second service. All interested people are encouraged to attend.
Rev. Rick Davis and son Zach are planning to make the trip, so join them and others for
a great experience. Dates of the trip are June 23 to July 6 (departure and arrival dates at
PDX). Travelers could include other European destinations before or after the Transylvania
tour. Questions? [email protected].
Find Your Niche
Sustainability Tip for March: Green-clean your clothes
Greening your laundry is as easy as hitting the cold water button and drying your clothes on a rack instead
of in machine. You'll save money on electric bills too ‒ about 5% of all electricity used in U.S. homes is used to
dry clothes. (Thanks to Marion County and the UUCS Green Team.)
Please Keep the UUCS Kitchen Clean and Tidy!
The Facilities team thanks the UUCS teams that have served as coffee service hosts at Sunday services.
We thank them not only for their efforts in serving coffee but for washing / sanitizing the dishes, putting them
away, and tidying up the kitchen afterwards, including removing trash and compostable items.
UUCS does not have paid staff to clean dishes. It’s important that the entire kitchen remain clean until the
next Sunday service.
Unfortunately, since the beginning of the year, we have had several instances of dirty coffee cups and other
dirty dishes accumulating in the kitchen sink area. Therefore, we ask the leaders of various UUCS groups
/teams who conduct meetings where food and/or coffee is served to schedule time for kitchen cleanup after
the meeting. This is essential: UUCS members expect a clean and tidy kitchen, and potential renters would be
put off by one that isn’t!
The following actions must be performed:
1. Hand wash dirty dishes/cups in warm, soapy water to remove food stains and lipstick;
2. After washing, put the dishes in a sanitizer rack;
3. When the sanitizer rack is full, run the rack through the sanitizing process and put the clean dishes away.
Note: the sanitizer water heater is now left on all the time so hot water is always available; therefore, this
should not take long!
Whenever food is involved in any meetings in the Fellowship hall or elsewhere, kitchen cleaning requirements need to become part of the meeting process.
Another reason why it’s important that we keep the kitchen clean and tidy-looking during the week, is that
our cleaning contractors will not sanitize the kitchen sink if dirty dishes are stacked in it. They will just move a
rack of dishes out of the way so they can sanitize the counter, sink, and sanitizer area.
Please know that all of your efforts that keep the kitchen neat and tidy are appreciated!
Paul Manka,
Chairman, Facilities Team
What does UUCS mean to you? We need your help!
What does UUCS mean to you? How would you describe what we stand for in just a few words? What is
the most apt way to describe our congregation to visitors or newcomers who may not be familiar with Unitarian
Universalist principles?
The Communications Team has been asked by the Board of Directors to create a tagline. A tagline is a short
text which serves to clarify a thought, or is designed with a form of dramatic effect. As a variant of a branding
slogan, taglines can be used in marketing materials and advertising. Our tagline will be used on our website, in
press releases, in print ads, and in social media sites.
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From our Welcome table surveys we’ve learned that the two greatest influences are the ideas of an
“alternative to a traditional church experience” and “appreciation of diversity.”
A few examples of great taglines:
Nike: “Just Do It.”
McDonalds: “I’m Lovin’ It.”
Lay’s: “Betcha’ can’t eat just one.”
United Methodist Church: “Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.”
Please share your ideas and limit your phrase to no more than 6-7 words maximum. For taglines, brevity is
a rock star! We will be collecting your response via a form in the Order of Service for Sunday 3/20 and 3/27.
OR, email your suggestions to: [email protected]. by March 15 at the latest! Thanks for participating!
Gardening in Community
Last year's garden was amazing. This year I am looking for families to adopt areas of the RE garden to tend
as their own. Gardening in Community is a fun way to learn new garden techniques, become acquainted with
garden neighbors, and create beauty. Now is the time to be planting peas, lettuce, chard, kale, radishes and
other veggies. Please come to an open house Saturday, March 12, at 1:00 p.m. We will be meeting in the RE
Commons to go over guidelines, give away free seeds, and assign garden areas. If you are not able to attend
and want to participate in the program, contact Garden Coordinator Angela Gross at [email protected].
Volunteer at the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary
The Animal Chalice Group invites you to join us on Saturday, March 19, at 10:00 a.m. to volunteer at the
Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary in Scio. This will be during the Lighthouse’s normal volunteering time so we will be
joined by others to help in chores such as collecting eggs, distributing fresh water, tidying enclosures, and more.
No experience is necessary, but as it could be muddy we’d recommend appropriate attire for your feet and, if
you have them, work gloves (if raining, rain gear would also be recommended). Children are welcome with adult
supervision. Feel free to bring along a snack or meal with you, but please note the Sanctuary asks that all food
brought is free of animal products (no meat, dairy, eggs, etc.). For more information, please contact Elizabeth
Bauman at [email protected] and for more about the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary please visit their
website: lighthousefarmsanctuary.org.
Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network (SIHN)
SIHN is a privately funded nonprofit that provides support to homeless families as they seek employment
and housing. SIHN provides these families with counseling services, childcare, employment-seeking support,
and housing help, even for pets! They also coordinate 18 participating Salem churches taking turns to host the
families in our churches, one week at a time. That is where UUCS comes in!
Each quarter, UUCS participates in SIHN, hosting up to four families at our church, for one week. March
20 - 27. Our congregants and friends provide breakfast, dinner, evening companionship, and overnight
chaperoning for these families.
Please join us in helping provide a leg-up to these homeless families in our community who are working
hard to find employment and be able to house their families again! Over 50 volunteers are needed to host them
for one full week at our church. Please sign up to help prepare a meal, spend time with the families, or spend
the night. Questions or Sign-up? Call Denise at 435-828-2273.
UUCS Social Justice in Action Team (SJAT)
Opportunities to volunteer:
Clerk: Takes minutes (or records action steps) and presents them at future meetings for review and
approval. Publicizes SJAT meetings to the rest of the congregation and invites newcomers to join. Reviews and
annually updates the manual as the SJAT evolves in its practices. Manages SJAT page on the UUCS website.
Community Coordinator: The SJAT aspires to provide a venue for a variety of progressive groups and
organizations to gather and share news of their programs, initiatives and activities. In 2012 we held a “social
justice summit” at which a number of such groups participated and invited wider involvement in their respective
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activities. Community Coordinator works to create such opportunities for us to connect with other progressive
groups to join in common cause.
These are just a couple of the roles we're hoping someone might be interested in filling. Responsibilities can
be shared with others and/or reimagined to match your interests and abilities. Email Chad Halsey at
[email protected] with questions or for more information.
Update: Healthy Climate Rally
In early February, several members of the SJAT attended a rally at the Oregon Capitol in support of the
Healthy Climate Bill. This bill would limit climate pollution and account for its cost in Oregon, accelerating the
transition to clean energy and creating a healthier future. We were joined by UUs from all over Oregon, including
Katie Larsell, a former intern minister with UUCS who is now the leader of the statewide UU organization Oregon
Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice. Thank you to everyone who participated.
It appears that the Healthy Climate Bill is currently stalled in the state legislature. If you would like to advocate
for the bill with your legislators, here is a link to an online petition.
Update: Minimum Wage
For the past several months, the SJAT has been urging the Oregon State Assembly and the Governor to
raise Oregon's minimum wage to $13.50 per hour from $9.25 an hour. We are happy to report that the Governor
introduced, and the legislature approved, a minimum wage increase! The Governor's plan created a three zone
system where the Portland metro area will see an increase in their minimum wage to $14.75, $13.25 in smaller
cities like Salem, and $12.50 in rural areas. The minimum wage will be instituted gradually beginning in July of
this year and increase incrementally through 2022.
Thank you very much to our partner, Raise the Wage Oregon, and to all the congregants who attended
rallies, legislative hearings, and wrote letters to your state legislators.
Zen Jars for RE
Since everyone is different, we in Religious Exploration are exploring a variety of ways to find peace and
spirituality in our everyday lives. We would like to make "Zen Jars" with the children/youth and would be grateful
for donations of old jelly jars or pint canning jars with lids. For younger children, we would be glad to have plastic
peanut butter jars or the like. DRE Christi Olsen will continue collecting until there are enough jars for everyone,
so please keep RE in mind.
Laptop computer needed
Do you have a laptop computer we could use at UUCS? Right now, if the person doing the sound in the
service does not have a personal laptop or forgets to bring it, the sermons are not recorded for future podcast.
The laptop can be a PC or a Mac, and it need not be the most recent issue. Podcasts of past sermons that were
recorded are available via the website at uusalem.org/Past-Sermons: click on the link to audio sermons. Contact
the office or John Prohodsky if you have a laptop to offer. Thank you.
Our Parking Lot
Thanks to all of you who remember to park across the street in our overflow lot on Sunday mornings. You
allow those with small children or with less mobility, or those who are new visitors, to find a parking space.
Remember not to park in the fire lanes, and to preserve the handicapped spaces for those who need them. The
spaces with blue curbs are for those with decreased mobility, but without the handicapped sticker.
Ride Request
Lifelines Lay Ministry recently received a request for an occasional ride to church for someone living near
Chemeketa Community College. If you could provide transportation once in a while, please message contact
Karen Piter.
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News of the UUCS Community
For comments, contact column author Petra S. Berger at [email protected]. You may send stories
to UUCS editors at [email protected] or call 503-400-7646. This column is dedicated to sharing news of the
UUCS community, such as vignettes of Caught in the Act of Kindness," Health Concerns, Accomplishments at
all Ages, and The Spirit of UU among us & beyond us.
Caught in the Act of Kindness
Every Sunday at UUCS, lots of preparations are made ahead of time to assure a lovely, deep-rooted, and
worthwhile Sunday service for everyone. One of those preparations includes delicious coffee, made by rotating
groups of volunteers. Another one that is not standardized but nevertheless always appreciated are bakery
goods or other nibbles to accompany the coffee (or tea) on many a Sunday during the year. Today, we want to
thank all those loving souls to bring these goodies to share with everyone. There are too many of you to name,
but please know, it enriches our Sunday mornings and leaves extra sweet memories.
Health Concerns
Please keep our Board chair L.J. Fredrickson in your positive thoughts and meditation. Her precious sister
Mo Kondrick, younger sister by two years, is being treated for Heart irregularity, and will see cardiologist again
this coming week.
If so inclined, please send your cards to: 5176 Mango Ave SE; Salem, OR 97317. Also, L.J.'s brother Tim
Kondrick in Minnesota has stage 4 esophageal cancer, has been given 33 weeks to 18 months to live WITH
chemo. His address for a card is 725 74th Ave N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55444-2666.
Thank you for your support for L.J. in this difficult time.
Accomplishments
“The 2015/16 church year is generating some of the finest success stories at UUCS regarding very broad,
dedicated, and joyful volunteer engagement with the varied UUCS projects and programs. One example is the
organization and joyful maintenance of the Host (or Greeter) program orchestrated more than a year ago by
Carolyn and Joel Woodman, Team leaders of the UUCS Membership program. Eight groups of five hosts
each led by self-sufficient group leaders rotate through a four week cycle. They are not only greeters but also
support the Welcome table along with Lifelines volunteers and "Members at Large."
In total, at least fifty UUCS members are regularly engaged with the Host team. Through excellent volunteer
relationships with the team leaders and hosts, there is only rare turnover. With only short notice for coverage
such as at our Christmas Eve services, enough hosts always are ready to serve. Carolyn and Joel are very
appreciative of the fine people at UUCS, as they put it, and have been gratified by the willing participation of
those asked to serve. Both are also involved in supporting the Pathway to Membership classes for newcomers.
Joel has now also recruited helpers to update our Member Directory. Carolyn and Joel, we are so happy you are
doing such an indispensible service for our UUCS community, Sunday in and Sunday out, and we are grateful
for your dedication!
The Spirit of UU – Among us & Beyond us
by Petra S. Berger who visited family in Austria in October 2015 and hiked up to some of the medieval fortresses.
PEACE = UU principle # 6:
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
It was May 8, 1945, and a joint meeting between the Russian and American Army took place at the town of
Erlauf near the Danube river in Lower Austria at the occasion of the capitulation of Germany, signaling the end
of WW II for Austria and Europe. Archeologists say the area was populated 3,500 years ago, and was widely
developed during expansion of the Roman empire nearly 2000 years ago with numerous fortresses built along
the Danube, remains of which are still visited today by large numbers of tourists.
The town of Erlauf continues to demonstrate to all visitors its genuine pride about becoming a place of peace
in 1945. Its official name is Friedensgemeinde Erlauf (community of peace). Annually in May, a festival takes
place there offering concerts, exhibits, lectures, and book fairs. For the 70th anniversary of the end of WW II in
2015, a new museum was opened in Erlauf with a permanent exhibit about the history of war and the end of war.
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Peace monuments have been donated by local artists, and a bronze sculpture created in Moscow was a gift
from the Soviet Union to the community of Erlauf. A bright, bundled light ray from a large granite column located
on the property of a local artist is meant to be a highly visible sign of hope for lasting peace. And only a few miles
east of Erlauf is the historic town of Poechlarn directly on the River Danube. The precious value of Peace was
visibly honored for the ages by the town of Poechlarn in 1987 with an impressive memorial consisting of ten
colorful mosaic coats of arms - see photo. (Reisefuehrer Nibelungengau /EU, 2015.)
Historians have said that WW II was expected to end all future
wars. But in 2015, several other wars not far from southern Europe in
the Middle East and Africa remind everyone of the persistence of war.
Hundreds of thousands of refugees continue to stream to Greece and
up north into the Balkan countries, which have quickly shut their
borders. Although overwhelmed, Austria continued to allow refugees
to enter the country, with most continuing into Germany and
Scandinavia. At the end of January 2016, Austria announced the
introduction of a cap on refugees being allowed in. With great
compassion, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany continues to
advocate for unrestricted admission of refugees. But more and more,
she is risking her political future. Absorbing 1.09 million refugees in
2015 alone, families and persons who will need years to be fully self-sustaining, socially integrated, and
independent of governmental support, now constitutes an economic, political, and social crisis for Germany and
all European Union countries. (Der Spiegel, Jan. 25, 2016).
Peace on Earth, were are you? So let's quietly but fervently contemplate on a definite end to all wars one day.
The Calendar
Event Scheduling and Rescheduling
To schedule an event at UUCS, go to the website (uusalem.org/Calendar). While you are on the calendar
page, click on the Event Scheduling Request Form link to reserve the room and time. If you later need to
reschedule your meeting or event, please submit a new Event Scheduling Request Form and follow up with an
email to [email protected] asking that your prior meeting or event time be cancelled. If you don’t have access
to email, call the office; leave a message if your call isn't answered. Please do not ask office staff to remember
spoken information when they’re away from their desks.
UU Compassionate Mind Sangha
UU 102: A UUCS Overview
Wednesday, March 02, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
A welcoming place for meditation practice. The
5:30 session is for experienced meditation
practitioners, who are asked to minimize movement
and come enjoy the silence together. There is a bell for
stretching half way through.
Those new to meditation are invited to come at
7:00 p.m. for an hour of basic instruction and
explanation, followed by compassionate discussion
Thursday, March 3, 7:00 p.m.
At UU102 we shift the discussion to our UUCS
community. We’ll cover what it means to have a
democratic governance, share our organizational
structure, and offer an overview of our teams,
committees and programs. Come find out more about
where you can get involved!
Dances of Universal Peace
Friday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.
Simple, easy-to-learn movements and songs
honoring spiritual traditions from around the world. The
Microfinance Committee meeting
dances bring together sacred phrases from the world's
Wednesday, March 2, 6:00 p.m.
The Microfinance Committee will meet to discuss religious traditions in heart-awakening circle dances
potential projects and to plan for a spring fundraising dedicated to peace within and without. See
SalemDances.com for more information.
event. (See "Happenings and Highlights" above)
about using meditation as a spiritual practice
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, March 3, 6:30 p.m.
Western
Concert
Oregon
University
Early
Music
Saturday, March 5, 7:00 p.m. (See page 1)
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Membership Open House
Sunday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Do you have questions about your membership at
UUCS? Questions about what it means to be a
member of UUCS? You are invited to stop by the front
office and chat with our Office Manager, Samantha
Scales. And, if you are ready to become a member,
the Membership Book will be open and available to
sign.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
of Salem
5090 Center St. NE, Salem, OR 97317
Wednesday, March 9, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
A welcoming place for meditation practice. (See
March 2 entry.)
Minister: The Rev. Richard R. Davis
[email protected]
Intern Minister: Theresa Soto
[email protected]
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration:
Christi Olsen, [email protected]
Music Director: Aimee Larsen-Amend
Sara Greenleaf Seitz, Pianist
[email protected]
Board Chair: L.J. Frederickson
[email protected]
Office Administrator: Samantha Scales
Office open Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Phone: 503-364-0932
Fax: 503-364-3280
E-mail: [email protected]
UUCS Internet Links to:
Website: www.uusalem.org
Facebook: facebook.com/UUSalem
Newsletter Editors: [email protected]
This issue was edited by Elsa Struble and
formatted by Mike Berger.
Board Meeting
DEADLINES:
Thursday, March 10, 6:00 p.m. UUCS members are
usually welcome to observe.
Newsletter Submissions for The Chalice and
the Flame must be received by the Friday before
publication. The deadline for the April newsletter is
Friday, April 1.
Please send your submissions, including
personal news items, directly to the editors at the
following email address: [email protected].
Announcements for the separate Sunday
Bulletin must be at the office by 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Salem Covenant of UU Pagans Business
Meeting
Monday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.
This is our monthly business meeting where we
will be discussing current and future SCUUPS events
and projects. Anyone interested in attending is
encouraged to do so. Gathering at 6:30 p.m. (feel free
to bring a snack to share) with the meeting starting at
7:00 p.m.
Women's Alliance Meeting
Tuesday, March 8, 7:00 p.m. (See "Happenings and
Highlights" above)
UU Compassionate Mind Sangha
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.
Gardening in Community
Saturday, March 12, 1:00 p.m. (See "Find Your Niche"
above.)
Compassionate Connection
Sunday, March 13, 10:30 a.m.
Are you going through a hard time? Would you like
to feel the compassionate support of others? Please
join us in the front of the sanctuary, following service,
for Compassionate Connection, a time when we lay
our hands upon those in distress, and our minister
offers a prayerful reflection. We also invite other
members to join us and offer compassionate support.
Team Council meeting
Sunday, March 13, 12:30 p.m.
Contemplative Sung Prayer: Taize Prayer
Service
Sunday, March 13, 7:30 p.m. (See "Happenings and
Highlights" above)
March 1, 2016
EVENT SCHEDULING: please use the Event
Scheduling Request form on the UUCS website!
Note that all fields are required. When complete,
remember to click the submit button.
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: to subscribe
to The Chalice and the Flame monthly newsletter and mid-month update (September thru
May), email your request to the UUCS office at
[email protected] and include your full name
and email address. If you are a pledging member and want to receive a printed copy of the
newsletter in the mail, also include a physical
address.
The Chalice and The Flame - Volume 67 / Issue 7
Page 13
UU Compassionate Mind Sangha
Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network
Wednesday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (See Sunday, March 20--Sunday, March 27 (See "Find Your
March 2 entry.)
Niche" above.)
Choir Rehearsal
UU Compassionate Mind Sangha
Thursday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 23, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (See
March 2 entry.)
Dances of Universal Peace
Thursday, March 17, 7:00 p.m. (See March 4 entry.)
NW Permaculture Film series
Salem Covenant of UU Pagans Meet & Greet
Thursday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. (See "Happenings and
Highlights" above.)
Friday, March 18, 7:00 p.m.
A place for pagans to gather, connect, and share. Communications Team Meeting
All are welcome to discuss and learn about each other, Monday, March 28, 4:00 p.m.
events, and shared spirituality. Bring a snack to share
Facilities Team Meeting
and a smile. We'd like to get to know you.
Tuesday, March 29, 6:00 p.m.
Animal Chalice Group volunteers at the
UU Compassionate Mind Sangha
Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary
Saturday, March 19, 10:00 a.m. (See "Find Your Niche" Wednesday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(See March 2 entry.)
above.)
Choir Rehearsal
Spring Equinox Celebration
Saturday, March 19, 7:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the Spring Equinox with the Salem
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans as we honor
the lengthening of days and the loosening of winter's
grip. Fellowship potluck gathering at 7:00 p.m. Ritual
promptly at 8:00 p.m. Hope you can join us. Contact
Angela Gross for information, [email protected].
Thursday, March 31, 6:30 p.m.
Newsletter DEADLINE for April Issue!
Friday, April 1
Dances of Universal Peace
Friday, April 1, 7:00 p.m. (See March 4 entry.)
Lifelines Lay Ministry Meeting
Friday, April 2, 9:30 a.m.
Partner Church Travelers meeting
Membership Open House
Sunday, March 20, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
(See March 6 entry.)
Social Justice in Action meeting
Sunday, March 20, 12:30 p.m.
Salem Covenant of UU Pagans Business
Meeting
Monday, April 4, 6:30 p.m.
(See March 7 entry.)
Worship Services and Religious Exploration
March Theme: Liberation
The sermon topic is similar at both the early and later services, with the early 9:30 a.m. service being more
interactive. Childcare and Religious Exploration (RE) classes for children through 5th grade are available at both
services. RE for grades 6 through 12 is offered at 11:15 only.
Sunday March 6
"Can We Talk (About Religion)?"
The Rev. Richard R. Davis
David Jeffers, Celebrant; Joanne Manson, Anchor
First Service Music, Sara Greenleaf; Second Service Music, Ryan Amend and Aimee Larsen-Amend
Religion is often a taboo topic because discussion of it so often leads to dissension. Why? Because of religious
intolerance? Should we just accept this spiritual stalemate or seek a way out? Our Unitarian Tradition provides
us with invaluable guidance. Please join us for this special Partner Church Sunday
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Sunday, March 13
"Scrutiny of the Eternal Tandem"
Theresa Soto, Intern Minister
Joanne Manson, Celebrant; Gloria Holland, Anchor
First Service Music, Barry Halgrimson; Second Service Music, UUCS Choir
What is the source of our liberation, both collectively and individually? We will examine this question through a
variety of frameworks, including challenging xenophobia and islamophobia, two things that have become
pressing topics of consideration in the current political climate.
Sunday, March 20
“Sublime Implications"
The Rev. Richard R. Davis
Gloria Holland, Celebrant; Steve Rosen, Anchor
First Service Music, Ted Cory; Second Service Music, Ted Cory
The fear of rejection is widespread and diminishes our spirits in countless ways. How does UUism weigh in on
this?
Sunday, March 27
"Sprung"
The Rev. Richard R. Davis
Arrhiannon Kirkpatrick, Celebrant; Ann Hanus, David Jeffers
First Service Music, Sara Greenleaf; Second Service Music, UUCS Choir
There's more than one way to think about the celebration of Easter. Some think it's all about a specific literal
resurrection. Yet we are free to explore more creatively and seek a meaning that honestly resonates with each
of us. Could Easter be seen as a declaration of freedom? Liberation?
"The Revolution Has Just Begun”
The Rev. Richard R. Davis
David Gortner, Celebrant; Lennie Martin, Anchor
First Service Music, It Ain’t Beethoven
What is the worst form of human rights abuse in our world? The oppression of women that is the consequence
of gender inequity. What roles have UU's played in the struggle against this?
Sunday, April 3
Stewardship Dinner
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