Congregation established 1836

Newsletter of the

First Unitarian Church, Alton, Illinois

www.firstuualton.org

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt, Minister

July 6^th

“The Goal of World Community”

Dr. Ronald Glossop
Professor Emeritus, Southern Illinois University

at Edwardsville

The 6th purpose & principle of the UUA is "the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all."  This July 6 sermon will examine in detail the expressions "peace" and "liberty."  The discussion of the expressions "justice" and "for all" will be addressed on August 10. ”

July 13^th

“ Hacktivism: Plausible Promise ”

Kevin McCarthy

Can we look to innovation for salvation?

July 20^th

To Be announced

July 27^th

“Olympia Brown and the Radical Notion of Women’s Ordination”

Rabbi Susan Talve

Senior Rabbi, Central Reform Congregation,

 St. Louis Missouri

Susan Talve is the founding rabbi of Central Reform Congregation, the only Jewish congregation in the City of St. Louis. She performs life cycle events, leads worship services for the seven hundred fifty plus households that comprise the congregation, and is actively involved in the teaching of young and adult members. She also teaches courses on Jewish life and thought in both the Jewish and non-Jewish community. 

Rabbi Talve has led her congregation in promoting inclusivity by developing ongoing relationships with African-American and Muslim congregations, and by fostering civil liberties for the LGBT community. Rabbi Talve has received many awards including; the Jewish Federation of St. Louis awarded her their first Woman of Valor award. In May 1993, she was given the Trumpet of Justice Award by the Institute of Peace and Justice. Rabbi Talve received the Brotherhood and Sisterhood Award of the National Conference of Community and Justice for the year 2000 and was a 2003 Woman of Achievement.

She and husband, Rabbi James Stone Goodman of Neve Shalom Congregation, have three children.

Adult Religious Enrichment (ARE)

Sunday mornings @ 9:30 am in

Emerson Place

Childcare is available.

July 6^th – ARE discussion.  Come and learn about what is being planned for ARE in the new church year and make suggestions about what you would like to see offered.

July 13^th – UU World magazine discussion.  Bring your latest copy of the UU World and we will discuss an article or two.

July 20^th  – Environmental Discussion Group.  Learn about what is currently happening in the St. Louis Metro area and how can we as a church help affect change.

July 27^th – Non-Theist / Humanist Roundtable Discussion.

Mark Your Calendars:

       A Quick Guide to this Month’s Happenings

A First Glance

The world I grew up in half a century ago seems now distant and small.  My little neighborhood was composed of families that looked pretty much the same:  lily-white, blue-collar, always two parents (a mom and a dad) to each home.  We all knew each other at school and church, we all looked about the same, and we all spoke the same language.  Idyllic, I’ve heard some of my friends call it.  But to me, not very exciting or challenging, and far too stifling of originality and change.

A while back, Linda and I visited family in the major cities of Texas.  We’re both from the Lone Star State and both of us had a lovely time seeing our parents and some of our kids, gathering with far-flung relatives, renewing old friendships, hearing a bunch of tall tales and a few ghost stories, and telling others about how our own lives are unfolding.

We went so many places that I have trouble remembering them all:  small hamburger stands alongside the highway, an artsy ‘nuevo latino’ cafe and some old stand-by touristy places in San Antonio, rustic barbeque joints outside Austin, a hoity-toity shopping mall in Houston, an authentic-enough German restaurant out in the Hill Country.  (If most of these memories involve food, you’ll realize I’m still managing to stick to my New Year’s dietary regimen.)

It was at one of the barbeque joints that I noticed that something interesting had taken place.  Far from the Austin city limits, out in the scrub brush under live oak trees, we sat at long tables, sharing slabs of beef, strands of sausage, piles of potato salad, and big bowls of red beans, none of which is really very unusual at all.  What was more unusual was that we noticed we were seated between a Russian couple on the one side and a large group of young Asians, apparently Japanese graduate students, on the other.  Looking around the restaurant, I saw many people of different hues with different facial characteristics, and I could make out several different languages being spoken - certainly not like my little neighborhood was when I was growing up there.

The white-bread world of my youth is gone.  Thank goodness.  Even major presidential candidates now come in different colors. 

It’s an exciting and challenging time to be alive, a time when we can welcome originality and change.

See you in church,

Our church has a long tradition of leadership by the people who sit in the pews; many of us have come from traditions where Patriarchal leadership has dominated church life. Those of us who come from these traditions now have the gift of our own guidance and we have the responsibility to exercise that wisely with strength and compassion. I am deeply humbled to be the next in a long line of people who have served this congregation, and I look forward to serving in what ever manner I can. We also have the gift of inspiring ordained leadership at this church, and Khleber, I, and the entire board will work tirelessly to maintain our rich tradition. We are beginning to regain our social voice in the Alton area, and will continue to grow stronger as our congregation grows and develops. Our children’s religious educational programs give them a strong sense of what it means to live an active liberal faith. Our adult religious enrichment programs will expand and give all those who are interested practical and intellectual tools to be a force for social justice in the community.

First Unitarian Church in Alton is lead by extraordinary board members, minister, past officers, committee chairs, committee members, and all members and friends who take an active part in the life of this church. I ask all our members and friends to join together and help us grow spiritually, intellectually, and in the community.

I exist as President in a long line of leaders past and leaders to come, and I want everyone to know that I am always open to suggestions, concerns, and any conversations about the church that is so dear to many of us.

Peace and Love,  John Herndon

President of the Board of Trustees

Three New Members Join on June 15^th

Please welcome …

Chad Keller

Sharon Johnson

Sayer Johnson

Building and Grounds News

            We can always use more help with Building and Grounds projects. Perhaps you would be willing to take on responsibility for a small job on a continuing basis (like Jerry Johnson who replaces light bulbs, Bing Gibbs who does electrical repairs, Peg Flack who maintains the concrete planters, Gerry Gilman who maintains the potted plants, or Paula Tarbell who is coming in twice a month to clean the kitchen, entrance porches, doing weeding and trimming, etc.). We could use someone to change furnace filters, wash windows, do minor repairs, do plumbing, keep the nursery neat and clean, etc.  Maybe you could do a one-time job, like painting a certain room or working on the landscaping. The Parents Chalice Group is scheduling its own workday soon to help out with a project or two.   Although the June 14^th workday was a short one, we got several things accomplished.  Mary Weber and Jamie Gross cleaned and straightened the nursery.  Katie Gibbs, Chad Keller, Pat Moore, and Andrea Gross did a lot of weeding, trimming, and digging in the front landscaping. Tom Kinsella trimmed lots of trees and shrubs. Jim Moore and David Birchmier hauled away yard waste. Pat Moore and Kevin McCarthy washed the exteriors of lots of windows. David Birchmier did some patching and painting on ceilings.

            Future and past B & G efforts include David Weber agreeing to use his electrical skills to install a new light fixture on our front porch soon.  Tom Sakalauski will be repairing the wayside pulpit, which is suffering a bad case of dry rot.  Mary Weber has donated a second chair for the Wuerker Room. Mary Johnson has agreed to take over the recycling. Lorna McElhone donated a ladder and some paint. Mary Johnson and Pat Moore painted the Wuerker Room, grouted the fireplace tile, and cleaned out the Wuerker Room buffet and closet.

            Let me know what YOU would like to do, and please continue to keep me informed of things you see that need attention or of your ideas for improving our surroundings. My goal is to keep our building a safe and beautiful place in which to meet and worship.

Pat Moore

Chairman

Chalice Circles

Renegade Women

Saturday, July 19^th – 3 to 5 pm at Church

The Renegade Women Chalice Circle meets at the church from 3-5 pm on the 3^rd Saturday of each month.  Members include women across adulthood and we invite you to explore with us.  For more information contact Marcia Custer; Circle Facilitator mcuster@siue.edu ).

Third Sunday Chalice Circle

Sunday, July 20^th – 11:45 am to 1 pm at Church

Contact:  Sandy Shaner sarapolarbear@hotmail.com

This is a “general” chalice circle welcoming all.

Parents Seeking Peace Chalice Circle

Sunday, July 20^th – 12:00 to 1:30 pm in Emerson Place at Church

Contact: Diane Thompson at dianeelizabeththompson@gmail.com or

Cheryle Tucker-Loewe at chtucke@siue.edu.

Men's Chalice Circle

Tuesday, July 22^nd – 7 pm at Church

Contact: Khleber Van Zandt kvanzandt@uuma.org.

Tea Spoons Needed

The church is in need of teaspoons.  In preparing for a supper event last month, we only found 40 teaspoons.  In our efforts to be more ecologically aware we don’t want to use plastic utensils so if you have any extra tea spoons or a flatware set you no longer use please consider donating to the church kitchen.  Thanks!

In Memoriam

Clifford H. Ott   1917 - 2008

The sympathy of the congregation goes out to Kay Ott and her family following the death of her husband Cliff.

Cliff died on Thursday, June 5 at his home in St. Louis.  Cliff and Kay joined our church in 1961.

Cliff served during WW II in the Army Air Corps, flying 25 missions.  He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1949.   He went to work for Shell Oil in Wood River, and retired from there in 1973.

An interment ceremony was conducted at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery on Friday, June 13 and a memorial service held at church on Saturday, June 14.

The family wishes to thank all of those who called, sent cards, and helped with the reception following the memorial service.

All Men in the Church Invited to the

Men’s Lunch Group

The Men’s Group has changed their meeting day to the 2^nd Thursday of each month.  They will meet on Thursday, July 10^th at the St. Louis Buffet, 672 Wesley Dr., Wood River, IL.  Contact Nelson Shaner for further details nshaner@charter.net

Anna Ds

The Anna Ds will not be meeting again until September.

The following bit of Anna D history was taken from the introduction to Our Favorite Recipes … the cookbook compiled in the 1960s (?) by the Anna Ds.

“In 1898, the ladies of the First Unitarian Church came together under the leadership of Mrs. George Gebauer, the wife of the minister.  A group was formed with the avowed purpose of sewing for charity and for ministering to the needy.  Times have changed the kinds of activities but the group has always looked outward to do the things that women can do best in a community.  It has always been a source of pride that the women were concerned with more than the welfare of just their own church.  The liberal religious attitudes and belief have always been translated into constructive action where ever possible. 

Anna Davenport Chapman Sparks was born May, 1830.  Her father had come to Illinois from North Carolina, as he was opposed to slavery.  She died in 1896.  Her name was adopted by the Alliance to honor the memory of a tireless worker whose life and spirit embodied the very purpose of the organization.    She loved her church, her community, and all people.”

^4th Sunday

Sunday Potluck Lunch

July 27^th

Bring a dish to share and plan to stay after church to join in food and fellowship!  If possible please bring a dish that serves at least 6 to 8 people.  With an average attendance of almost 80 people on a Sunday we need to make sure there’s food for everyone.

A-Mc will do Table Set Up

M-Z will do Clean Up

Everyone helps put food out.

CRISIS FOOD CENTER DONATIONS

This summer the Crisis Food Center will again provide Kid Boxes in addition to the regular food orders families receive. The Kid Boxes contain kid friendly food such as macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, jelly, hot
dogs, bread, cereal, eggs, soup, milk, etc. Last summer the center gave away nearly 600 Kid Boxes and expects the need to be even greater this year.  A donation of $20 will provide a Kid Box for one family. Last summer these boxes were only provided in June and July because of the lack of funds.  Our church has already donated $50 for this program. In addition 98 food items were delivered in early June. Thank you
for your generous support.

Jen Politsch

CARE AND CONCERN

Please contact your Pastoral Care Team Leader or Rev. Khleber Van Zandt if there are concerns that need to be brought to their attention.

Community Outreach Offering

In July the outreach offering will go to the Alton Crisis Food Center.

One-half of the collection on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays is given away to charitable causes. The money donated does not include pledge checks or money otherwise earmarked by the giver.  The Outreach Offering only includes “cash offerings” or checks indicating that they are to be included in the donated funds.

Suggestions for offering recipients are welcome.  Please email Mary Johnson with your suggestions.  mejohnson@mindspring.com.

Members of the Community Outreach Committee are Khleber Van Zandt, Willis McCoy and Mary Johnson.

Youth Group to Sell Refreshments at the July 3rd Fireworks in Alton

Our Youth Group will be selling refreshments at the annual July 3^rd fireworks display.  Traditionally lots of people from the community watch the fireworks from our church lawn and are usually hungry and thirsty.

The youth group is asking for donations of food and beverages for the July 3^rd event.  Items such as cookies, brownies (baked goods-wrapped for sale) as well as hot dogs/veggie dogs, buns, etc. Beverages such as Crystal Light would be welcome, too.

Church Board and Committee Chairs

2008-2009 Church Year

Board Members

President – John Herndon

President-Elect – Nancy Sakalauski

Past President – Beth Nalick

Treasurer – Jerry Johnson

Secretary – Mary Weber

Trustee – Diane Thompson

Trustee – Willis McCoy

Trustee – Ruth Maskow

Youth Representative (ex-officio) – Alex Hoeft

Committee Chairs

Building and Grounds – Pat Moore

Endowment – Kevin McCarthy

Finance – Sandra Shaner

Growth – Dee Evans

Member – Marcia Custer

Ministry, Committee on – Dennis Nalick

Religious Education – Lisa Alton

Social Justice – Mary Johnson

Stewardship – Ted Loucks

Worship – Willis McCoy

NO CHOIR PRACTICE in July

There will be no choir rehearsals in July.  

We will begin rehearsals again on August 7^th and would like to encourage folks who enjoy singing (in the shower, in the car, at work, at home … wherever) to join us.  No previous experience necessary … and our rehearsals are a lot fun.

Contact Willis McCoy for further information.

wbmccoy@charter.net

Happy Birthday

Most people enjoy getting a card or email or phone call on their birthday.  Below is the list of church members and friends celebrating birthdays this month.  If you don’t think the church office has your birthday on file, please contact Becky Green (church@firstuualton.org) and give her that information.

  1 July – Stacey Wolff

  6 July – Joan Hashimi

  7 July – Lois Fischer

  8 July – Kay Ott

  9 July – Lucy McAneny

10 July – Zachary Alton (1999)

14 July – Brian Salisbury

15 July – Paul Berney

19 July – Katie Gibbs

20 July – Kevin McCarthy

21 July – Elise Rebmann

21 July – Paula Tarbell

22 July – Hugh Hallett

23 July – Veronica (Ronnie) Schoenborn

24 July – Irene Mondhink

24 July – Midget Hallett

25 July – Nelson Shaner

26 July – Lyric Johnson (2007)

26 July – Cheryle Tucker-Loewe

27 July – Georgiana Raygor

28 July – Erkin Baker

29 July – Grace Madison

30 July – Alex Hoeft (1993)

30 July – Tom Sakalauski

RE NEWS

Dear Parents and Friends,

If you have been coming to this church for a while you may recall that we talk a lot about Heifer International over the summer months.  If you are a newcomer to this church and this is your first summer with us, you are about to find out. 

Our main social action project for the RE department over the summer has been to have a read-a-thon to benefit Heifer International.  However, I am not sure that the kids were doing any of the reading.  There are so many other organizations asking them to fill out reading logs over the summer and I wasn’t pushing the issue, so none of the Heifer reading logs were ever returned.  The part of the project that the kids really get into every year is learning about the types of animals the Heifer gives out to people and hearing their personal stories.  They also REALLY like discussing and voting on which animals to purchase with the money they have raised.  This is why we have chosen to expand this part of the project by having Heifer International’s “Animal Crackers” as the theme for our first ever Vacation Chalice Camp which will be held every evening July 14-18.  We will finish with an intergenerational living marking to support Heifer on July 19.  The money that is raised at this market along with the money that was raised during the outreach offerings in June will then be given to Heifer after the children have voted on what animals they would like to purchase with this money.

I want to take this opportunity to let you all know what Heifer International stands for.  According to their website www.heifer.org the mission of Heifer International is as follows:

Heifer's Mission to End Hunger

Heifer envisions … a world of communities living together in peace and equitably sharing the resources of a healthy planet.  Heifer’s mission is … to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth.

Heifer's strategy is … to “pass on the gift.” As people share their animals’ offspring with others – along with their knowledge, resources, and skills – an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe.  Heifer’s History … this simple idea of giving families a source of food rather than short-term relief caught on and has continued for over 60 years. Today, millions of families in 128 countries have been given the gifts of self-reliance and hope.

If you would like to take the opportunity to learn more about this project, you can volunteer to help out during the summer camp sessions in July.

Thank you, Jamie Gross, DRE

RE-Minders

UU Elevator speech

What you'd say when you're going from the sixth floor to the lobby and somebody asks you, 'What's a Unitarian Universalist?'

What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist?

It means to join in a community of people who are seeking a spiritual life that is grounded in service to one another, and allows each one of us to search for what is meaningful in our own individual way. We are free to chose from whatever moves us and we are each responsible for making that a reality in our own lives while respecting each other’s path.         John Herndon

“Green” News You Can Use

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use about 75 % less energy and last up to 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs … but they do contain a small amount of mercury (about 1% of the amount found in old thermometers) that poses an immediate risk if the bulb breaks.  If a CFL breaks take the following steps immediately to avoid exposure to mercury, which is a potent neurotoxin.

1.      Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes.

2.      Wear disposable gloves to clean up broken pieces, using a damp paper towel or sticky tape if needed.

3.      Avoid using a vacuum on hard surfaces which can spread mercury into the air.

4.      Put the broken pieces in a double plastic bag and discard in the trash outdoors.

From: Consumer Reports Health, June 2008

There’s a new website “Green Your … The Guide to a Greener Anything”

( www.greenyour.com).   You just type something you want to “green” into the search field [e.g., lighting, landscaping, heating, windows, etc.] and it will give you the environmental facts about it, tips on how to green it, and green products that will help you get there.  You’ll find tree-free paper products, CFLs, biodegradable dinnerware, green cleaners, and lots more.   The website was developed by Gail Denemark, the head of the Green Sanctuary program at the UU Church of the Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, PA.

UU Welcoming Alphabet Shirts –

An Online Fundraiser

To raise money for the church, Alex Hoeft is selling the “UU Welcoming Alphabet” shirts (tee and other styles) and tote bags on a website called cafepress.  He designed the tee shirts last year and added $389 to our church treasury through sales at our church and to people at other local UU churches. However now he’s making these shirts available on the internet so UUs around the world might purchase them.  To see the shirts or to place an order, go to www.cafepress.com/1stuualtonil.  The link can also be found on the church’s homepage.