Northern Light

The North Unitarian Universalist Congregation Newsletter

November 2009

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I am not always sure when something that happens in our congregation might be considered historic. I save what records I can; and yet still, I imagine some future generation of NUUCers angry with me, eager to know something more about something that didn’t seem so important at the time. Change is like that: we live through it gradually in the present moment, and it is not always apparent to us. However, I can say that this Sunday’s past vote to make NUUC a Welcoming Congregation (intentionally welcoming to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered folk) is historic even if the changes that allowed it to happen have been more subtle. Truly, a huge thanks to all members of the Welcoming Congregation Committee, and to the special leadership from Martha Filipic, Tony Marconi, and Gwen Andrix. One concern that was raised during the vote was whether this means we are less concerned with creating a welcoming environment for other marginalized communities. I thought Martha Filipic spoke well on that topic, reminding us that no other group would have as much reason to think that it would be possible to show up on Sunday to hear a sermon on the evils of one’s own self. LGBT folks have been the object of targeting discrimination within religious bodies; a targeting welcome is the appropriate response. But I did just want to add one more thing. And that is how I think it would be a shame if we saw historically marginalized communities as being in competition with each other for resources or attention. They are not. In fact, because oppressions are linked, fostering a sense of competition only serves the interests of multiple discriminations. Consider poverty, for example. LGBT people, women, the very young and the very old, as well as persons of color—are all disproportionately poor, and have many other shared characteristics. Discrimination against any one group supports discrimination against all others. This is what Martin Luther King, Jr. was working on towards the end of his life, when he decided that the next step for civil rights had to be intentional alliance with poor whites. But, not more analysis. I say, time for a celebration! To Life! Rev. Susan Ritchie “Northern Light” Newsletter The “Northern Light” is a monthly newsletter produced by North Unitarian Universalist Congregation and is distributed approximately the 1^st of each month. The deadline for submissions is generally the week following the monthly Board of Trustees meeting. The submission deadline for December’s issue will be Tuesday, November 24 at 12 noon. 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 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 in the office at nuucjdill@aol.com or by calling her at 740-657-8081, ext. 1. Also in this issue Page 2  Events & Activities.  Find out what's happening this Month! Friday the 13^th Fall Family Potluck and Worship planned…and more! Page 3 News from the Board and Committees. Page 4 A Call to Action!  See how you can support your congregation and your world!

Worship Schedule Nov. 1 The Ancestors Say. From Halloween, to the Day of the Dead, to Samhain, the season’s holidays advise us to listen better for the voice of our ancestors. Nov. 8 NUUC Member Traci Aquara leads the humorous, insightful service “Shopping For Faith: One Woman’s Search for the Perfect Church,” based on her many experiences while shopping for a church home. Nov. 15 A Grassroots God: Universalism in Ohio. Universalism saw one of its strongest expressions in the heartland of Ohio. At one point, there were more than a dozen Universalist churches in Delaware and Franklin Counties. We celebrate that legacy with a service such as you would have found in a Universalist Church in Ohio in 1867. Nov. 22 Holy Errands: A Thanksgiving Story. Our annual intergenerational communion service. The Puritans settling in North America felt that their trip was an errand for God; the next journey would be towards a new, encompassing compassion. (No Children’s RE today; nursery available) Nov. 29 The Gathered Harvest. An intergenerational and participatory service intended to honor the many fruits of our labors. (No Children’s RE today; nursery available) Children’s Religious Education The Children’s Religious Education classes began meeting on Sunday, September 20 and will be held every Sunday during the worship hour unless otherwise noted (children will be in the main worship for certain intergenerational services such as at Thanksgiving and Christmas). NUUC is again offering three classes this year. Our “Chalice Children” class is for ages 3-5 and meets in the main church building, in Fellowship Hall. The “Explorers” class (for ages 6-11), and the “Seekers” youth class (for ages 12 and up) meet in Nielsen House, the religious education “House” across the parking lot from the main church building. The complete and updated 2009-10 Religious Education Prospectus is available by clicking here. Speakers to Visit with Youth RE Class The Youth this year are pursuing their own educational innovation under the direction of the RE Committee. The Youth have issued an open invitation to NUUC members to come and share with them about their individual faith journey, and also special aspects of their own expertise. There are also various opportunities for socializing and service projects. Some of the guest speakers and anticipated topics to be shared with the youth this fall are: Nov 8 – Beverly and Cathy Rodeheffer lead the group. Nov 15 - J.B. Lawton [sharing his life experiences working in politics, radio and more] Nov 22 & 29 - Thanksgiving break [Intergenerational services; no RE] Dec 6 - Allison Fagan talks about congregational polity, based on her role as a Commissioned Lay Leader, and about her experience running for a position on the school board. Dec 13 - Laura Howe shares what is was like for her growing up in the Bahai Faith. If you have questions or would like to sign up for the speakers’ schedule (you get to pick the topic or activity, depending on your interests and talents), talk to any of our teens, Lynn Foreman (sbgmacb@hotmail.com or 740-513-4876) or Rev. Susan Ritchie (RevRitchie@aol.com or 740-657-8081, ext. 2). Fall Nursery Schedule Hours to be Observed The NUUC nursery will be staffed to serve younger-than-toddler age children from 8:45am until 11:45am unless otherwise posted. Remember to turn your clocks back Saturday night, Oct. 31!