Northern Light 
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The North Unitarian Universalist Congregation Newsletter October 2010 |
Page 1
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As
a woman who does most of my own home improvement work, I have experienced the
most shocking sexisms not in my life (where I am wonderful supported by
lovely men)—but in the hardware store.
There is the “do you know what you are buying little lady” problem. My favorite iteration of this happened when
I was buying all of the rather obvious materials necessary to convert the
plumbing on our home to all copper.
The attendant saw how much I had in my cart and raced up to me,
demanding to know what I was going to do with it all. His tone made it clear that he would not,
could not, believe I would use anything for its intended purpose. What did he picture I wonder? A bizarre centerpiece? And then there have been the episodes of
outright harassment—several times involving the annoyingly sexual terms for a
lot of hardware. But
then--yesterday I went into the hardware store looking for an unusually sized
outlet box, and everything was different.
The very young man who helped me actually accepted my explanation of
my challenge with the project, and made very helpful suggestions without ever
questioning my competence. I think it
was the first time I had ever had an adult conversation in a hardware
store—where two people speak with mutual respect towards a common end. It was a revelation, and I shared that with
my nice young helper. He was shocked
my accounts of my troubles past, and said, “I can’t even think of anyone my
age who would do that.” Out of the
mouths of babes. Theodore
Parker, the 19th century Unitarian ministers said that “the arc of
the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” This quote was later repeated by Martin
Luther King. Usually it is quoted with
the assumption that the bending towards justice part is so slight that we can’t
notice it. But every once in a while,
in the right light, you can see it make the turn. To
Life!
“Northern
Light” Newsletter The “Northern Light” is a monthly
newsletter produced by North Unitarian Universalist Congregation and is
distributed approximately the 1st of each month. Submissions: The deadline
for submissions is generally the week following the monthly Board of Trustees
meeting. The submission deadline for
November’s issue will be Thursday, October 21. If possible, submissions should be sent as
a Word-compatible document attached to an e-mail to Jeri Dill at nuucjdill@aol.com. Pasting the article into the body of the
e-mail is also suggested in case of incompatibility of software. Delivery
matters: Delivery by electronic mail (e-mail) is our
preferred method in order to save paper and postage; however, paper mailed
copies are available upon request. If
your postal mail or e-mail address changes or you wish to be added to or
removed from either mailing list, please advise Jeri Dill in the office at nuucjdill@aol.com or by calling her at
740-657-8081, ext. 1. |
Worship Schedule October 3 Mystic
Apple. An extended meditation on the inherent
mysticism of fall. October 10 Jesus
in a New Light. Unusual renderings of the gospel that allow us to
see its truths in a new way. October 17 Guest-led service. October 24 Of
Gods and Monsters. What our obsession with monsters says about
our concerns for the durability of the human soul. October 31 Samhain. NUUC member
Lyn Herron explains the fall nature-based holiday of Samhain.
Children’s Religious Education Our formal age-appropriate RE classes
resumed on Sunday, September 19, with classes running concurrently to the Class formats are the same as last
year—“Chalice Children” is for 3-5 year olds and meets in the back of
Fellowship Hall. The “Explorers” (ages
6-11) and Youth “Seekers” (ages 12+) meet in Nielsen House, our religious
education “house” located across the driveway from the church building. (The age groups are a guide; you are
welcome to place your children to accommodate any special needs or
circumstances.) The complete and updated 2010-11
Religious Education Prospectus of class offerings may be viewed by visiting
us at www.nuuc.org, click on “Worship and
RE,” then on “Children’s Religious Education Program.” If you would like to learn more about
teaching or assisting with one of our classes for the Winter/Spring 2011
session, please contact Rev. Ritchie at 740-657-8081, ext. 2 or RevRitchie@aol.com . Religious
Education Open House Oct. 17 The Religious Education Committee
invites all parents, teachers, members to a Religious Education Open House at
Nielsen House after service on Sunday Oct. 17. Let’s get to know each other better, and
discuss our plans and hopes for our children’s religious education. Nursery
Observes Fall Hours The NUUC nursery is staffed weekly to
service younger-than-toddler age children.
Unless otherwise noted, nursery hours are
Also in this issue Page 2 Events & Activities. Find out what's
happening this Month! Page 3 News from the Board and Committees. Page 4 A Call to
Action! See how you can support your congregation and your world! |
