UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF WHIDBEY ISLAND
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P.O. Box 1076, Freeland, WA 98249 360-321-8656
CALENDAR
March 31: 6:00 p.m., Stewardship Drive Kick-off Dinner at Trinity.
April 1: 2:00 p.m., Worship Committee meeting at Trinity.
4:00 p.m., Sunday service and CRE.
April 8: 4:00 p.m., Sunday service and CRE.
5:45 p.m., Congregational meeting at Trinity. See item on page 2.
April 14: 3:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m., Worship Facilitator Training at Trinity.
April 15: 4:00 p.m., Sunday service and CRE. No potluck due to Easter.
April 19: 6:30 p.m., WICUUPS Beltane planning at the L.'s.
April 21: 10:00 a.m., Board meeting at Peggy's.
April 22: 4:00 p.m., Sunday service and CRE.
April 29: 10:00 a.m., BELTANE breakfast potluck at the WICUUPS sacred circle located on the L.'s. 4:00 p.m., Sunday service and CRE.
UPCOMING SERVICES Services begin at 4 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran church. Children's religious education and child-care are provided during the services unless otherwise indicated.
April 1 "The Sermon on the Amount," Reverend Tim J.
Financial stewardship is an essential componant of any healthy religious organization. Have you ever wondered how our forebearers paid their bills centuries ago? This Sunday we celebrate our annual canvass by examining a little of the history of God and Mammon, and the timeless theme of Matthew 7:21: "Where your treasure is, there shall your heart be also."
April 8 "Sabbath,"guest UU minister Reverand Amanda Aikman
A meditation about our soul-level need for regular times of sacred rest, and why taking a true sabbath is a radical and subversive notion that threatens the underpinnings of our addicted society.
Rev. Amanda Aikman is an "unattached" UU minister based in Everett. She served the Evergreen UU Fellowship in Marysville for six years and is now taking an extended sabbatical to explore playwriting and to offer workshops that help people discern and respond to their life callings.
April 15 "Easter, Again?," Reverend Tim J.
How do Unitarian Universalists celebrate Easter? Is it simply a problematic spring holiday about blooming flowers and the consumption of chocolate? Or is there a deeper message about the renewal of life which we too can share?
April 22 "Australian Aboriginal 'Dreamtime' Service"
Presented by Rosie and Lynn H. with assistance from the CRE group, this special service in honor of Earth Day will tell about the spiritual life of the Australian Aborigines in the "Dreamtime."
If ever there was a way of life that should be examined on Earth Day, the traditional aboriginal life is it. When the European settlers arrived in Australia in the 1700's, they found a country that was completely unchanged for the past 10,000 years because of how lightly the native people lived upon the earth. There will be aboriginal stories of Creation, a presentation by the children, and special music provided by Ken Kortlever on the didgeridoo. Rosie and Lynn will also share a few observations about life from their experience of living out in the Tasmanian bush for six months while building a log cabin.
April 29 "As a Canadian Unitarian," from guest UU minister Reverand Phillip Hewett Some considerable discussion is taking place on both sides of the border with regard to a separate and distinctive path for Canadian Unitarians. Beyond this immediate issue lies the more universal question of just how important a local or national context is in modifying the shape our faith takes. This is becoming more and more significant for all of us as we gain a clearer consciousness of being part of a worldwide movement.
Phillip Hewett is minister emeritus of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver BC, which he served as minister for 35 years before retiring ten years ago. He is author of a number of books and is active in interfaith and environmental causes. In 1992, he was awarded the UUA annual award for distinguished service.
UPCOMING SERVICES Services begin at 4 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran church. Children's religious education and child-care are provided during the services unless otherwise indicated.
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The Eclectic Cleric
from Rev. Tim J.
"Hope Springs Eternal"
Call me an April Fool if you wish, but I've never really understood why we begin the New Year on January 1. The middle of winter is a terrible time to be thinking about new beginnings. In contrast, springtime is the natural season for turning over a new leaf, hatching new schemes, celebrating the renewal of life, and rejoicing in the life that maketh all things new. Winter is a season of dormancy and hibernation. Spring revels in light and warmth and new growth. It's a time for planting seeds and making plans: a time when all the world seems young and blessed with unlimited potential for the days to come.
As many of you know, I spent last spring as a Visiting Scholar at Aalborg University in Denmark. After dreaming of such an adventure for nearly a quarter of a century, I was finally able to spend three months of my life living and traveling in Europe. Twenty-five years is a long time to hold on to a dream, but when the opportunity finally presented itself to me, I was determined to make the most of it. The time that I'd spent waiting was hardly wasted instead, the years of reading and dreaming and planning and hoping simply made my journey more enjoyable. I don't think it will be another twenty-five years before I go back again.
If April truly is, as the poet claims, the "cruelest month," it is only because disappointment often lurks in the shadows of our hopes, snapping at our heals as we stagger from the darkness into the light. Yet disappointment need not always give birth to discouragement and bitter hopelessness. Life can be sweet at any age, in any season. Learn to frolic in the sunshine, cherishing the new dawn which follows every dark night of the soul. Where there is life, there is hope; and where there is hope, there is life. Hope springs eternal. And spring reminds us eternally of our hopes for days to come.
CHURCH PROPERTY. TO BE OR NOT TO BE.
For two years the facilities committee has been tireless in their search for an adequate rental space available for Sunday morning services. Duke L, the facilities guru of South Whidbey, can attest to the fact that there ain't none to be found.
With the addition of some $62,000 to our facilities fund, the search for land has started in earnest. A facilities group of Duke L, Sandy W, Toyan C, Lynn H, Merv K, Siri S, and Baird B winnowed down the choices to a 2.6 acre parcel on Highway 525, 1.85 miles north of Trinity in Freeland. They unanimously recommended it to be considered for purchase by the congregation of UUCWI. Everyone has been invited to visit the property so that an informed decision can be reached at a congregational meeting after church, on April 8 (see below). Consult the UUCWI website for the latest information www.whidbey.com/uucwi/
NOTICE OF: Official Congregational meeting
on April 8, 2001, 5:45 p.m. at Trinity
regarding land purchase.
On March 10, 2001, the Board of Trustees unanimously resolved to proceed simultaneously with a process involving the congregation in sharing visions regarding our future facility, and with an investigation by the Facilities Committee of the feasibility of acquiring property.
We are about to embark on a pivotal undertaking. Many attended attended a "Vision Sharing" meeting on March 25 in order to listen and be heard on what directions should be taken. Moving forward towards obtaining our own facility implicates issues ranging from what we want such a facility to be used for to where it ought to be located. We expect this to be the first of a number of such meetings that will occur before the first brick is laid.
We currently have a contractual right to acquire a parcel at a fixed price but have no obligation to close the purchase. Specific questions about it may be directed to a member of the Facilities Committee. Description and directions are also available from the Facilities Committee.
On April 8, at a formal congregational meeting, we will decide whether this property should be a part of our collective vision by voting on whether to approve its acquisition. We will be able to consider issues relating to land both in the abstract and in the context of this specific physical parcel of property. Between now and then, the Facilities Committee will continue to investigate its feasibility for church use, and all members are encouraged to visit and walk the site.
Board of Trustees
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CANVASS TRAINING BLAZES THE TRAIL
On March 18, the PNWD-sanctioned canvass trainer, Marcia Sill from Eastshore Unitarian Church, put thirteen potential canvassers through their paces. The emphasis was on outreach and fellowship. By the end of the three-hour session, which included practice canvass calls, everyone felt good about their abilities.
All members and friends will be contacted for the official canvass which begins on April 1. Friends will be given the opportunity to support the church financially as well as being invited to follow the path to church membership.
The team consists of Craig C., Peggy B., Jean H., Toyan C., Lynn H., Rosie H., Malcolm F., Roy B., Carol B., Kathy C., Ken C., Al G., and Baird B. Our treasurer, Sarah R., gave important financial information and crafted the canvass brochure.
TUITION FUNDRAISER FOR KENYAN FARMER A SUCCESS
On Thursday evening, March 22, Edward Wanambisi Wesakania presented a slide show and lecture about sustainable farming methods he is promoting in his home country of Kenya. He proved to be a gifted and fascinating speaker with a vast knowledge of bio-intensive agriculture. The event was organized by Karen B., Margaret M., and Heidi Montfort, and sponsored by the UUCWI. Edward presently attends Skagit Valley College where he is studying advanced agriculture methods. The knowledge he is gaining and subsequently sharing with other farmers in Kenya is saving, reclaiming, and making the most of their precious farmlands. Unfortunately, a bureaucratic snafu has left Edward in need of help with his tuition fees. Over $400.00 was raised for his tuition.
PASTORAL COUNSELING WITH TIM
Our minister Tim J. is available for pastoral counseling. He is happy to meet with church members during the long weekends that he is with us on Whidbey. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call or e-mail Tim directly. Tim is regularly here the second weekend in the month, however, this month he will be here on Easter Weekend rather than the second weekend.
From Peggy's Pen
March 23 Perhaps I was the only one who thought this was a tedious and very dreary winter. But when I returned last Monday from east of the mountains, where winter was still holding sway, I found my daffodils, hyacinths et al in full bloom. Spring has sprung! There's no turning back. It may storm and even get frosty, but trees are leafing out, the birds are going crazy in their mating frenzy, seeds planted last fall are coming up, and the days are getting longer. Another miracle. Thank you, Mother Nature, or whomever, for your rhythm system of the seasons. It works in its own wise way even though we of the impatient species can hardly bear to wait.
Is nature process or product? In my book, it's both just like church. Seeds carelessly sown, like words carelessly spoken, will fail to thrive, come up in the wrong place, crowd out others, and become a problem. Growing like a weed is an interesting metaphor used when our kids have their growth spurts. How do we create a healthy, intentionally fertile place for planting our garden of dreams for the Church?
Right now we are studying a piece of Whidbey which may be the right place to plant our church seeds. In the next two-plus weeks we will meet, first to learn about the property and share our dreams and concerns for a future church, but then on April 8 at an official Congregational Meeting to vote yes or no regarding the purchase of this specific piece. A process has begun and it has generated its own force-field of energy and fermentation. Just like a garden, we are sprouting and coming to life. How do we nourish this emerging energy and direct it toward the goal of acquiring our own property?
Which brings me to the subject of electronic communication. As we enter into dialogue around these issues, I would strongly urge that we avoid e-mail communications of opinion. E-mail is a great time-saver for certain kinds of communication, but is no substitute for corporate dialogue. Please come to the meetings, speak face-to-face, listen and be listened to, and then form your opinions. Make every effort to visit the property and talk to Board and committee members. Then express your ideas in person, not behind the one-way shield of e-mail.
There is a place for opinions and we all have them but in this small church family, we need and deserve feedback, dialogue, and relationship. If strong debate is necessary, do it in person where all are on equal footing. There is no "them," it's just "us," and we're all in this together. Roberta Diane of the PNWD Contact Team tells me that e-mail is an increasing problem in congregations because it is so one-way. She says people say things in e-mail that they would not say in a meeting or in person.
Democracy is at once simple and complicated. The simple part is showing up at the voting place. The complicated part is listening to the ideas of others with whom you do not agree. Opining via e-mail is pretty lonely. Let's agree to give it up for Lent. See you at all the meetings!
Blessed be, Peggy B. pres.
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CRE NEWS
We are excited to be a part of the April 22 Earth Day service. Rosie and Lynn H. are organizing the Aboriginal theme and you can expect to see the creativity of our kids shining through in both the presentation and visual design.
"Youth Bowling Night" was a blast! On March 9, our band of enthususiastc youth turned out for a fun evening at the lanes. It was just great to be together!
On that note: Teenagers and their parents should take note of the Spring Youth Conference happening May 4-6. This is a great oppotunity for kids to connect with other UU youth, celebrate social action, and learn a little about themselves. For more information, call Sandy579-1577 or Siri331-4582. Full or partial scholarships may be available.
We are also hoping to connect with the Marysville youth for a joint event prior to the conference. This will be a fun way to get to know our UU neighbors, and an " ice-breaker" for those attending the conference. We'll keep you posted on these plans.
And finally, how about a little serious social action? On Saturday, May 12, the Oak Harbor food bank, Help House, will be participating in the National Postal Food Drive. On that day, postal deliverers will be collecting food donations along their route. Help House will be responsible for sorting and moving the collected donations to their warehouse. They could really use some energenic bodies to help. Let's pitch in! A sign-up sheet will be circulated.
CARES AND CONCERNS
The Pastoral Services committee wishes to remind everyone that if you are concerned about the welfare of a member or members of the congregation and think the Pastoral Services committee could be of help in any way, please call a Pastoral Services member: Anne W., Frances W., Nan E., Al G., or Jean H.
SMALL FELLOWSHIP RETREAT
Don't forget the Pacific Northwest District Small Fellowship Retreat in Florence, Oregon April 20 - 22, 2001. The retreat will take place at Camp Baker just six miles south of Florence. The Camp is located in an old growth forest on Siltcoos Lake. Across Highway 101 are the nationally famous sand dunes and Pacific Ocean. Climb on the sand dunes, ride in dune buggies, hike in the woods and on the beaches or take boat rides on Siltcoos Lake. Rev. Anne Odin Heller will present the workshop "The M and M Retreat" (Money and Membership). The fee is $85 with discounts available for children or partial stay. For more information call Patricia Romanov at (541) 997 7216. Come join other Unitarian Universalists and their families in fellowship and fun!
SPRING FOLKDANCING
What a lineup South Whidbey International Folkdancers has for its six-week series in April and May! This will be the last series until next September.
April 6 - French Country Dance featuring Hurdy-Gurdies. Join us for a variety of bourrees, andros, schottisches, mazurkas, waltzes and more. For the first half of the evening, all dances will be taught; for the rest of the evening the musicians will play a Bal Folk, choosing from a repertoire of French and other European folk dances. Music will be led by the Over-The-Water Hurdy-Gurdy Association.
April 13 - Mary Lee Lykes featuring Zydeco and Cajun which she says, "feeds her heart and soul." Her teaching style is a wonderful combination of tradition and playful spontaneity, and her students learn how to express their own unique spirit within the Zydeco/Cajun tradition.
April 20 and May 4 - Neal Sandler and Jeannie Celeste will teach some new dances and review dances we've learned throughout this last year.
April 27 - Sonny Newman will be back this time to do a Tango workshop. Sonny was South Whidbey's first folkdance instructor 10 years ago when he taught international folkdancing. Since then his heart has taken him to Tango, and we are so pleased to have him back to share his love of Tango with our group.
May 11 -The very popular band Folkvoice will be back to end this series. We will have monthly summer potlucks and dances, but will not dance weekly until September.
Everyone is welcome. No partner is necessary.
Admission is $6.00 per class or $30.00 per series. Call Gail at 221-2944, Inge at 730-1605, or South Whidbey Parks and Recreation at 221-5484 for more information.
SPRINGTIME AT ELIOT
Eliot Institute offers a five-day, four-night, workshop-based conference April 12-16 to celebrate the creativity in each of us. The theme is Adventures in Wonderland and participants will select one of five workshops to attend: "Magic Illusion and Reality" with Ray Hyman, Ph.D., "Wonderful Windsocks" with Lezlie Gerrits, "Creativity and Spirituality" with Colleen Foye Bollen, "Through the Looking Glass" (a photography workshop) with Mark and Amie Stafford or "The Many-Storied Self" (personal narratives) with Shannon Applegate. The conference will be held at Seabeck on Hood Canal and will include daily worship services, optional craft activities, lots of singing, a book store, and performance opportunities, as well as a chance to soak up the peace and beauty of a wonderful natural setting. Since this conference is smaller than others sponsored by Eliot Institute, it provides a good opportunity for those who are new to Eliot to learn about its programs and get acquainted with other UUs. Further information, including fees and application forms, is available at: http://eliotinstitute.org. Or send e-mail to: administrator@eliotinstitute.org
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BOARD NOTES
(summary)
Your Board has met three times in March. First, on March 9 in a joint session with the Committee For Ministry. We discussed the communications between Board, Tim, and CFM, i.e. · that Tim appreciates having non-Board members to meet and talk with · that it is helpful to have a venue to discuss events and personal situations that Tim may not hear about otherwise · that the CFM can act as a bridge between the congregation and the Minister · that CFM could have a bigger presence through the Newsletter · and that CMF is not the monitor of Tim's contract.
At the March 10 meeting, the Board:
· continued its evaluation of the Survey on Ministry and its ramifications for Tim's tenure. This discussion will be continued at the next meeting when Tim will know more about his situation for next year.
· agreed to cover costs for an accompanist at Choir rehearsals.
· heard a report from the Facilities Committee about property it recommends to be investigated for possible purchase. Asking price is $45,000. The church is not obligated by the earnest money. Feasibility studies are underway to determine if the property would be suitable. The Board authorized the Facilities Committee to proceed and planned a mailing to the congregation about the property to inform them of these events: scheduled guided tours of the plot, an Informational and Visioning Meeting on March 25 after church, and a Congregational Meeting on April 8 to vote up or down on the acquisition of this plot.
· agreed to investigate a covenanting process with Kim Varney, the PNWD representative to our area.
March 19 meeting:
· the Board continued the discussion of next year's ministry. A committee to present potential contract changes to Tim was appointed consisting of Bill G., Mitch H., and Peggy B.
· a By-laws committee will be convened by Mitch Howard to update our by-laws.
· Craig C was confirmed as a Co-chair of the Capital Funds Committee.
· Al G was appointed to assist the church treasurer in monitoring pledge information.
· the Nominating Committee will be convened to begin its work for the annual meeting and elections.
· Peggy was asked to continue the inquiry about Covenanting and Conflict Intervention workshops with PNWD leadership.
Next Board meeting April 21.
SOAPBOX
from Ken M., newsletter editor
This one will be short and sweet. It's clear that small congregations create many identity crises. Take, for example, my position on the board and my role as newsletter editor. I think it would be wrong of me to use this forum as my dumping ground for positions I hold on matters before the board. It's just unfair. Granted, I have maintained an open editorial policy for this publication, promoting a free and equal exchange of ideas. But that doesn't mitigate the possibility that my humble little corner of this publication might be construed to have undue authority, especially in light of the conflict of interest posed by my office on the board.
So, since I can't seem to bring myself to write about anything but property and democratic process, I will simply reiterate my vision for this community that we be together, in our own place, with our childrens' artwork on the wall, and a chalice burning on an altar of our design. I have not just faith, but certain knowledge, that when that happens, I will part of a settled community of people I love and respect. Let's keep talking together and moving toward, what I hope is, a shared vision.
PUMP UP THE VOLUME
It has been suggested that some of our speakers at Sunday services could benefit from the use of a P.A. or microphone system. Does anyone have one that they could lend or donate? Call Sandy.
MOVIE NIGHT!
There will be no "Movie Night" in April vacations and a busy church calendar must prevail over our good intentions. But, we will return with vigor on Saturday, May 12, 7:00 p.m, tentatively set at the Welch-Merrell household where we'll be viewing "Being There." Be there!
SATURDAY SUPPER REMINDER
The next Saturday Supper is May 5, with a Mexican theme. The feedack on past suppers has been great, so sign up on the designated clip board on the membership table at church and be prepared to enjoy yourself! If you have any questions call Gail A., Anne W., or Francie W.