Congregation established 1836

Newsletter of the

First Unitarian Church, Alton, Illinois

www.firstuualton.org

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt, Minister

October 1^st

“At the Expense of Justice:
U.S. Opposition to the International Criminal Court”

Golzar Kheiltash

Ms. Kheiltash will inform us about the work of the recently created International Criminal Court which can prosecute individual political and military leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.  She will also tell us about the U.S. campaign in opposition to this tribunal.

Ms. Kheiltash is a Legal Analyst for the International Law and Justice Program at the national office of Citizens for Global Solutions in Washington DC.   Further information about Ms. Kheiltash will be found elsewhere in the newsletter.

October 8^th

“Just Saying No”

Rev. Khleber M. Van Zandt V

In these morally difficult times, we are asked to make judgments everyday about when to “go along to get along,” and when not to participate.  Surely we must stand against oppression and injustice.  How do we tell what stands to take?  Is it better to try to change systems from the inside or from the outside?  And when do we just say “no”?

October 15^th

“Gay Rites, Civil Rights”

Rev. Martin Woulfe

Several years ago, the issue of gay marriage became what some consider a “wedge issue” in the cultural divide between many Americans; many states have now passed so-called sanctity of marriage laws to deny that right to gays and lesbians.

In more recent weeks, there has been a move in some states to ban lesbian and gay couples from adopting children.   In this sermon, Rev. Woulfe will consider the religious aspect of these issues.

Rev.Martin Woulfe is the Minister of Abraham Lincoln UU Church, Springfield, Illinois.

October 22^nd

“The Primal ‘Why?”

Rev. Susan Palmquist

In this sermon, Rev. Palmquist will explore how asking “why” is innate to human nature and how society's discomfort with not knowing answers attempts to squelch our inquisitive minds.

Rev. Susan Palmquist is Chaplain, BJC Hospice, Saint Louis, Missouri.

October 29^th

“Rational Fear vs. Rampant Unfairness”

Rev. Khleber M. Van Zandt V

In the post-9/11 world and in the atmosphere of ‘the war on terror,’ many Americans have begun to look upon all Muslims - indeed, anyone with a Middle-Eastern appearance - with suspicion.  And now, to combat terrorists who target civilians, the administration says it plans to abdicate the Geneva Conventions.  What happens when our individual and national prejudices seem to be based on rational fears?

October 1^st

Committee Sunday

9:00 a.m. – Refreshments Provided

Find a committee whose activities interest you and see how your talents may best serve our church community.

Committees you may join and their Chairpersons are: Members – Marcia Custer; Growth – Mary Johnson; Worship – Mona Hebert; Religious Education – Lisa Alton; Finance – Sandy Shaner; Building & Grounds – Pat Moore; Stewardship – Nancy Brunner; Social Justice – Beth Nalick.

October 1^st – 9:30 a.m.

“History of God” by Karen Armstrong is a video program presented by Gene Eaton.

October 8^th – 9:00 a.m.

Ongoing Series: The Welcoming Congregation Workshop. The workshop is designed to help congregations develop individual and institutional strategies in order to become more welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families.  This monthly program is coordinated by the Welcoming Congregation Committee. 

October 15^th – 9:30 a.m.

Forum: "Miracles:  What makes something "a miracle?" Do miracles occur, and if so, what is the significance of their occurring?"  Dr. Ronald Glossop will be the Discussion Leader, looking at defining exactly what a "miracle" is, determining whether miracles do in fact occur, and considering what their existence or non-existence means for us.

October 22^nd  –  9:15 a.m.

Ongoing Series: Breaking Free: Women of Spirit at Midlife and Beyond.  This program brings women together to discuss aging as the development of character, a breaking free of constraints, and an opportunity to deepen their spiritual lives. Session 4: “Learning from experience and finding role models.”  Assignment is reading essays on page 87 – 138 of the text.  Facilitator:  Beth Nalick

October 29^th – 9:30 a.m

Ongoing Series:  In Search of the Historical Jesus.  Lecture 12: Jesus and Roman rule.  Discussion leader:  Beth Nalick

A First Glance

When Ken Aud, a representative from United Congregations of Metro-East showed up in my office one day several months ago, I’d never heard of a “One-on-One.”  But Ken was patient in showing me how this interview technique works, beginning by asking me simple questions about my background and history, and then progressing to what I was interested in and why, and how I felt about social issues and the wider community.

I told him I was sure my early marriage had had a profound effect on my life, who I am, and how I feel about things now.  I told him the story of how I’d married at sixteen, had three children in the ensuing five years and also took in some of my wife’s relatives after her family of origin broke apart.  And then he asked me to reflect more on what that situation may have meant for the attitudes and opinions I hold dear in the present.

Well.  I suppose that if you spend your late teens and early twenties working in food service and factories to support a large family, you come away with a sense that all working people deserve respect.  I suppose that if you spend any time at all in the social class known as the ‘working poor,’ you develop a desire to see everyone be paid fair wages.  And I suppose that if you’ve ever needed to rely on government assistance or the kindness of strangers to make sure your children have enough food to eat, then you tend to remain conscious of those in your community who need the same sort of help to make ends meet every month.

In October and November, we’d like to learn more about your attitudes and opinions and passions - not just about which words you like or don’t like to hear during worship, but about the things you’re passionate about, the desires that drive you to do the work you do, the hopes and dreams that lead you to give of your time and resources to other people and other institutions.  

Some of us will be conducting an “In-Reach,” reaching in to the congregation to contact members to schedule “one-on-ones.”  We hope these one-on-ones will accomplish two goals:  first, that more of us will get to know each other on a deeper level and, second, that we’ll learn what sorts of social justice activities you believe the church ought to be involved in.

So whether your interest is reproductive rights, economic justice, environmental concerns, or questions of war and peace, please be thinking about the passions that drive you and be ready to open your door to a fellow church member who wants to find out more about you and to get to know you a little better.

*APPALACHIAN TREASURES*

Helping Our Neighbors in Appalachia
End Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

Special Slide Show Presentation

Sunday, Oct. 1^st   – noon to 1 p.m.

One of America’s most heartbreaking environmental and human rights tragedies, mountaintop removal is destroying the region’s rich culture & heritage, as well as the ancient, beautiful mountains and diverse forests of the Appalachian range.  Join Appalachian Voices at our church for this powerful & compelling presentation on mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia.  Learn how you can help your neighbors in Appalachia end mountaintop removal.

*What is Mountain Top Removal Coal Mining?*

Mountain Top Removal (MTR) coal mining is a relatively new type of strip mining that involves blasting up to 1000 feet of mountain top into rubble, then dumping the debris into nearby valleys & streams.  This practice has already turned at least a million acres of forested mountains into barren moonscape across the Appalachian coalfields and buried over 1,200 miles of streams.  Mountaintop removal coal mining presently occurs in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.

Families and communities near these mines contend with appalling conditions, including destruction of water supplies, continual daily dynamite blasting that damages homes & wells and creates choking dust, and the fear of fatal, catastrophic floods with every rainfall.   You can view images of mountaintop removal at:

http://www.appalachianvoices.org/mtr/gallery.asp

*What is the Appalachian Treasures Project?*

Since the 1990s, Appalachian Voices has worked with coalfield residents to end mountain top removal.  Over the course of those years, we realized that mountaintop removal will only continue if the American people remain unaware that such an unjust, destructive, and short-sighted enterprise is happening on our soil. The goal of Appalachian Treasures is to educate the public and decision makers about MTR and about efforts to stop the practice.

At the heart of this special presentation is the stunning Appalachian Treasures slideshow, featuring photos of Appalachia and mining sites, voice recordings from coalfield residents, and traditional Appalachian music.

More info?  Contact Beth Nalick bnalick@charter.net.

For Kids Of All Ages

Friday, October 27th

Pot Luck @ 6 p.m.

Games and Fun 'til 9:30 p.m.

Costumes.....expected

$3 per person

Regional Campus Ministry Training Oct. 13-14 Ellisville , MO at Emerson Chapel (http://www.emersonuuchapel.org/)

The Regional conference is a half-weekend event, starting Friday evening at 7 p.m. going through until late Saturday afternoon at 5pm. The Regional Campus Ministry training is designed to bring together core leaders from area UU campus groups in order to strengthen skills, connections and visions for campus ministry!   The conference is set up as a seminar where everyone participates together in small groups and as a community.   These one and one-half day training conferences offer both basic and advanced skills for organizing, growing, and sustaining UU Campus Ministry groups. We use a workshop model that allows participants to set many of the topics based on their particular needs. These trainings are suitable for students, advisors, religious professionals, and lay leaders.   Cost is $25.00.

To register go to CONNECTUU, http://www.connectuu.com. Create a login if you are new to Connect UU, and look for:
2006 Regional Campus Ministry Training-Ellisville, MO

Let’s Get Acquainted

This month we’re getting to know Janice, Kit, and Ronnie.  Make a point of saying “hello” on Sunday.

Janice Joiner, with her B.S. in secondary education and Master's in elementary education, has held jobs in which she made a decided difference for the better. For example, she taught basic parenting skills to DCFS clients living in Madison county and East St. Louis as well as worked with first-graders throughout Madison County who had been labeled by their teachers as having difficulty adjusting to school. As a seventh-grade language arts teacher, she sponsored the Young Authors Club and coached the Model United Nations team.

She notes that she is currently on teacher disability and "looking for a part-time job and enlightenment."  She was "visited by cancer in 2001" and compares the experience to the film "2001" because it's like "a totally foreign territory and then one gets used to it."

Janice's interests are varied and include reading, writing poetry, dance, yoga, gardening, cooking, meditation, theater and music.  She is the proud mother of Emily Jane, an adult daughter "named for Emily Dickinson and Jane Austin, two of my favorite authors."

After living more than 25 years in Edwardsville, Janice now resides in the Alton's Christian Hill district, "searching for higher ground." She admits to being owned by a cat named Zeni, for Zen plus the "y/ie sound" that cats seem to prefer for names, according to research conducted by Emily.

Submitted by John Dunphy.

Lovingly called Kit, Roland E. Schoenborn was born in Cleveland, Ohio. An only child, Kit and his parents moved to Alton, Illinois in 1934. His father was a musician and Kit mastered the accordion, affectionately referred to as the ‘stomach Steinway.’ Kit’s family were, for generations, Lutherans, and Kit attended the local Lutheran church. He also attended Alton Public Schools and graduated from Alton High School in 1947.

Kit was in the USAF for four years and his musical background was very valuable while he was in the service. Veronica Elder, an Altonian, married Kit in 1958. Kit was attending Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He completed his B.S.E.E. in 1959, graduating in the first Electrical Engineering class at Bradley. Ronnie and Kit next moved to Denver, Colorado. In 1960, Ronnie and Kit had their first children, girl and boy twins, Robin and Tracy. During the 60’s, Kit worked on Titan Missiles, on the Moon landing rocket and on a variety of computer related projects. Their third child, Renee, was born in 1963. She now lives and works in northeast Russia. For a change of pace, in 1975 Kit attended Western State Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon. The family moved in 1976 to Sheridan Wyoming where Kit was a Chiropractor for nearly 19 years. Ronnie and Kit returned to Alton in 1994 and have served as care givers for several ailing relatives. Early in their marriage, Kit left the Lutheran Church and began attending Ronnie’s Episcopalian Church. They wanted religious unity for their children. Both Ronnie and Kit devote much of their time as volunteers with the Crisis Food Center and as Friends of Hayner Public Library where I met Kit. He became interested in our AltonFirst Unitarian Church. They started to attend and joined last year, and we are pleased that they did.

Submitted by David Wiseman

Veronica Schoenborn , whom we all call Ronnie, was born in Alton. She graduated from Alton Senior High School and SIU-Carbondale with a B.A. in Science and Education. From ‘56-’58 she taught in Streator, IL as a Speech Therapist. Then she met Kit and taught a year in (gasp) four schools! They moved to Denver after Kit finished his last year at Bradley. While in Denver Ronnie taught hard-of-hearing children ages five through eight. She said it was like teaching in a one room school. In 1960 Ronnie became a stay-at-home Mom because their twins, a boy and a girl, were born. In the spring of ‘62 they moved to S. California where Kit joined the aerospace industry. Their third child, a daughter, was born in La Mirada, in 1963. In 1976 they traveled to Sheridan, Wyoming in their caravan of a moving truck and a van occupied by five people and two cats. She said their oldest daughter saw a tumble-weed roll across the road as they approached the town and said she felt they had arrived at the end of the earth.

This biography reads like a lesson in endurance. You have been presented many topics of conversation with which to engage this couple and I know you will find them as lively and interesting as we have.

Submitted by Audrey Wiseman.

You’re Invited to the Brunner’s Annual
  "Halloween Happening"   October 28, 2006

Come young and old (if you dare) to the Halloween Happening at the Brunner's at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 28th.   Assume the character of another.   Expect a fire in the backyard.  Bring a little something to eat with the rest of the goblins and ghouls.   We'll provide liquids for the wee ones.  Bring your own brew otherwise.  Leave the rest to us!  The Brunner family lives in North County.  Contact Nancy at nancybrunner@hotmail.com if you’re planning on coming.

TRICK-OR-TREATING FOR UNICEF

The children will be invited to come to church in costume on October 29^th.  They will have a party during RE class time and be trick-or-treating for UNICEF during coffee hour.  Please start saving your change (or even bills) to bring to church with you that morning for this worthy cause.

Anna D. Sparks Women’s Alliance

The October Meeting of the Anna D. Sparks Alliance will be held on Thursday, October 5^th at 11:30 a.m. at the home of Lorna McElhone.

RSVP no later than Monday, October 2^nd

lornamce@aol.com

Our Oct. 1^st Worship Service speaker

Ms. Golzar Kheiltash has been active for several years in human rights advocacy and public international law. Ms. Kheiltash received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from UCLA School of Law and her B.A. from the University of California in Berkeley with a double major in Rhetoric and Middle Eastern Studies. She subsequently served as a senior researcher at UCLA School of Law and as the Legal Affairs Program Officer for the Hamyaran Iran NGO Resource Center in Tehran, Iran.   Over the last four years, she has also held internships with Human Rights Watch, Human Rights First, and Relief International, and has published articles on the ICC, genocide, and the Rule of Law.  At Citizens for Global Solutions, Ms. Kheiltash works toward promoting US awareness, cooperation, and engagement in international law and justice issues, including the work of the International Criminal Court.

Women – Mark Your Calendars

WomanSpirit 2007 – Feb. 23 - 25

The Central Midwest District Women and Religion announce that the annual WomanSpirit conference will be at the Techny Retreat Center in Techny, Illinois on February 23 - 25, 2007.

The theme is "Roots Hold Me Close, Wings Set Me Free." The keynote speaker is Donna Henes who is an "acclaimed urban shaman, contemporary ceremonialist, artist and writer."  She is author of Queen of Myself and other books. More details will be coming later but visit the web-site www.womenandreligion.org to learn more about the conference.

Eliot Chapel Women’s Weekend Retreat    April 28 – 29, 2007

This annual retreat, always attended by women from the Alton Church, is being moved from Camp Wyman in Eureka, MO to the Pallotine Renewal Center in North County MO.  The Pallotine Center is about 10 miles from Alton.  This new retreat location makes it very convenient for many more of us to attend.  More details will be forthcoming as they are available.

Our meeting day is changing.  Beginning in October, UU Pagans will be meeting on Potluck Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday of the month.  Our meeting will begin right after choir practice.  (1:30ish.)  Our group has several new members to welcome in October.  The theme will be Samhain/Halloween. As always, childcare is provided for young children, and older children may participate in ritual, discussion, and other group activities at their parents’ discretion.  Bring something to share about Samhain/Halloween.  It could be music, a reading, special item for the altar, (i.e., incense, candle, cloth), or a fun story or activity for the children.  If you will let me know what you plan to bring to the meeting by October 10^th, I will put it all together in a program for all to enjoy.

Bright Blessings,  Stacey Wolff

What Does It Mean to Be Secure?

Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Perspectives

An interfaith group is being formed to implement a four-week curriculum on this question.   You are invited to attend an introductory and explanatory meeting at our church on Wednesday, September 27^th at 7:30 p.m.  Subsequent meetings (tentatively) will be Oct. 18^th, Nov. 15^th and Dec. 6^th. The curriculum explores the meaning of security with a four part focus – environmental security, economic security, national security, and personal security.   Relevant texts are considered from the Christian New Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures, and the Koran.   There are commentaries, discussion questions and action suggestions.  The materials were prepared and are being distributed by All God’s People – a recently formed group of Christians, Jews, and Muslims in the St. Louis area.   This is a group of clergy and lay people, basing their political and civic positions on values that come from religious texts, religious language, and faith communities as well as the core values upon which this nation was founded. You can learn more about this organization at their website http://www.allgodspeople.us    Contact Mary Lu McManus mlmcmanus@charter.net with any questions.  

Here are the names of church members and friends who are celebrating birthdays this month.  If this is ‘your month’ and your name didn’t get included, we’re sorry.  For future months please let Mary Johnson know your birth month and day. (mejohnson@mindspring.com)

  6 October – Freya Wolff (2000)

  8 October – Nancee Magilson

11 October – Becky Green

15 October – Chloe and Mariah Huelsmann (1994)

18 October – Ana Harris

18 October – Johnny Tade (1999)

24 October – Ken Hoeft

24 October – Roland (Kit) Schoenborn

24 October – Julia Sutton

27 October – Cliff Ott

28 October – Pat Moore

28 October – Elaine Charlton

30 October – Peg Flach

Our congregation will celebrate its 170^th birthday on Sunday morning, November 12 ^th .  It will be a special day for all of us.

Directory Update

Contact Mary Johnson if you need her work phone number.   The one printed in the directory was the old one. .

SQUARE DANCE

 For EVERYONE – kids, youth, adults, singles, couples – bring friends

Bring a snack to share and join in the fun on Saturday, October 14^th at 7:00 p.m.  Contact Diane Thompson dthompson@lollaf.org if you need further information.

Sierra Club

Do you live in a "cool" community?

Over 200 mayors representing more than 42 million Americans in 38 states have are taking the lead with the "U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement" initiated by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. Introduced on February 16, 2005-the same day that the Kyoto Protocol international global warming treaty took effect in 141 nations-the agreement is gathering support around the country and has earned the backing of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. These mayors are pledging to reduce global warming carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution citywide to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. The strategies that these and other Cool Cities are pursuing fall under three categories: Cleaner Vehicles, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy. Every one of these local solutions is already saving taxpayer dollars and improving public health by reducing energy waste and pollution. By taking innovative actions, forward-looking cities are re-energizing our nation, proving that we can solve global warming one city at a time. At our next program meeting on Monday, October 9^th at 7:30 p.m., Jon Byrd, Sierra Club intern, will present the main points of the Cool City Campaign and lead us in a discussion of the next steps Sierra Club and our coalition partners need to take.  Do you know someone, a business, or an organization that should be a partner? Please encourage them to come!

Wayne Politsch  Sierra Club Chair

Sunday Pot Luck Lunch

October 22^nd – the 4^th Sunday

Bring a dish to share and plan to stay after church to join in food and fellowship.

A-Mc will do Table Set Up

M-Z will do Clean Up

Everyone will be responsible for setting food out on the buffet table.

Note from Ruth Shaw about Abigel Kiss

Many of you do not know Abigel.   However she is the daughter of a Unitarian minister in Transylvania.  Several years ago, with the financial support of many members of our church, Abigel was able to attend Cottey College in Nevada MO and later transfer to a four-year institution in the Southeast.  She graduated, married, is working in the Interpreter Services in Roanoke and is finishing up her masters degree.   She sends greetings to everyone at our church.   (Note: Ruth was instrumental in bringing Abigel to the United States and serving as her “Gra’ma,” standing in for her parents by attending many events at Cottey College and having Abigel stay with her on occasion.)

International Lunch Group

We’ll meet on Friday, October 20^th at 11:30 a.m. – Location still to be determined. 

Questions:  Contact Cathy Tade

cathytade@msn.com

Our choir is growing both in number of members and in musical quality and variety.  Come and join us.

Choir rehearsal schedule for October

Thursday – Oct. 5^th – 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Sunday – Oct. 15^th –  9:45 - 10:15 a.m.

Thursday – Oct. 19^th – 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Sunday – Oct. 22^nd – following potluck

 If you’re interested in learning more about joining the choir, contact

Willis McCoy wbmccoy@charter.net

SPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER

I have explored space.  It is vast and has lots of potential.  The space I am referring to is inside the Old Post Office building across the street from the church.  It is a very beautiful, historic building.  There are beautiful marble floors inside.  There are fantastic high ceilings and large rooms, great for a gym, reception, potluck lunch or square dance.  There has been a restaurant in the building previously so a kitchen area is set up.  There are smaller rooms that can be used for offices, R.E. classrooms, or storage.  Most of the interior has been renovated.  There is a lot of potential in this building.

It’s exciting to see our church growing.  People come to visit our church every week; many people are staying and becoming members.  We are on the verge of outgrowing our current building.  When we have Potluck, the Kate Weurker Room is filled up with tables.  It is difficult to get around in, and there is almost not enough room to seat everyone for lunch.  We also have a lot of youth in our church who need recreation room.  As our church continues to grow, we are going to need an alternative room for these kinds of activities.

Our church is getting more involved with helping the community, we need a place where we can reach out to people in need in the community.  The rooms in our church all have a purpose and some are being used for more than one purpose.  The rooms in the Old Post Office would allow us to put our ideas in motion. 

Location, location, location.  Our church needs more space.  The Old Post Office is right across the street.  It has approximately 19,500 square feet inside.  It looks good with our church and it is for sale right now.  What I am proposing we do, is purchase this building.  If we pass up the opportunity to purchase this building now, there is no other building close by for us to expand into. I have talked to quite a few people in the congregation about this and everyone thinks this is a great idea.  The only thing I haven’t figured out yet is how to get this financed.  So, what I need you to do is give me some ideas about how to make this dream a reality.  The asking price for the property is $324,900.  Your thoughts and ideas can be left in the comments concerns and constructive criticism box or you can talk to me in person.  Don’t let this opportunity pass by.  Sincerely,  Alex Hoeft

(Note:  Alex is in our church’s RE program and is an 8^th grader at Hazelwood West Middle School.)

RE NEWS

Dear Parents and Friends,

All of the new RE classes have started now, and first reports are good.  Attendance and enrollment are up from last year.  Just as a reminder, we need parents to pick up their children in grades 3 and under from their RE classes.  Please do this after service, but before coffee hour.  All of our teachers are volunteers and we want to respect the time that they are putting into our church.

Our Heifer International Read-a-Thon that was held over the summer raised $340.  The children have decided to use this money to buy many of the different animals that this organization offers so that they will be able to help out more than one community.  Thanks to everyone who supported them in their efforts.

We have begun a new recycling program.  We are now collecting empty ink jet printer cartridges.  There is a basket in the foyer for you to put your empties in.  I send them to an organization called empties for cash, and they send us a check.  Please help us and the environment out with this new project.

As last year, the children will be invited to come to church in costume on October 29^th.  They will have a party during RE class time and be trick-or-treating for UNICEF during coffee hour.  Please start saving your change (or even bills) to bring to church with you that morning for this worthy cause.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or feedback that you may have on our religious education program.

Thank you,  Jamie Gross, DRE

A guide to “What’s Happening” this Month

Wed., Sept. 27^th – What does it mean to be secure?

Christian, Jewish and Muslim perspectives – Week 1 – 7:30 p.m.

Sun.,   Oct.  1^st – UU & You! – noon to 2:00 p.m.

Sun.,   Oct.  1^st – “Appalachian Treasures” slide show  noon to 1:00 p.m.

Thurs. Oct.  5^th – Anna Ds at Lorna McElhone’s – 11:30 a.m.

Thurs. Oct.  5^th – Choir Practice 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Sun.,   Oct.  8^th – UU & You! – noon to 2:00 p.m.

Mon.,  Oct.  9^th – Sierra Club – 7:30 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 10^th – Men’s Lunch Group – 11:30 a.m.

Tues., Oct. 10^th – Board meeting – 7:00 p.m.

Sat.,    Oct. 14^th – Square Dance – 7:00 p.m.

Sun.,   Oct. 15^th – Choir Practice – 9:45 to 10:15 a.m.

Wed.,  Oct. 18^th – What does it mean to be secure?  – Week 2 – 7:30 p.m.

Thurs. Oct. 19^th – Choir Practice 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Fri.,     Oct. 20^th – International Lunch Group – 11:30 a.m.
                         – Place to be announced.

Sun.,   Oct. 22^nd – POT LUCK

Sun.,   Oct. 22^nd – Choir Practice – 12:30 p.m.

Sun.,   Oct. 22^nd – Pagan Group – 1:30 p.m.

Fri.,     Oct. 27^th – Halloween Party – 6:00 p.m.

Sat,     Oct. 28^th – Brunner’s Halloween Party – 7:00 p.m.

Sun.,   Nov. 12^th – The church’s 170^th birthday party.

Volunteer to Host Coffee Hour

If you haven't hosted coffee hour yet or haven't in a long time, please consider doing so. We all enjoy refreshments and coffee after church, but that doesn't happen on its own. October and November would be a great time to do your part. If you are new or haven't ever tried your hand at hosting, please feel free to contact Brynda McCoy at wbmccoy@charter.net.  She will be glad to assist you. Otherwise sign up during coffee hour for a Sunday that is convenient for you so we will know that you are willing to do your part. Thanks in advance for your help.

Ink Jet Cartridge
Recycle Program

The children of the R.E Department have begun a new recycling program.  We are now collecting empty ink jet printer cartridges.  There is a basket in the foyer for you to put your empties in.  I send them to an organization called empties for cash, and they send us a check.  Please help us and the environment out with this new project.

“Welcoming Congregation” Film Viewing

At 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 8, the Welcoming Congregation group will view the first half of the film “Call Me Malcolm,” the story of the Rev. Malcolm E. Himschoot, as he poignantly explores his struggles with faith, love and gender identity.  This is a unique documentary that focuses on gender identity as it relates to matters of faith, spirituality, vocation and human personhood.  All are welcome as we explore our own attitudes and responses to questions about gender and sexuality. (The second half of the film will be screened for the Welcoming group on November 12^th in preparation for a community showing later in November.)