October 2 – Harvest Sunday

Unfurling the Sails

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

19^th-century Hindu Swami Vivekananda said, “We reap what we sow.  We are the makers of our own fate.  The wind is blowing;  those vessels whose sails are unfurled catch it, but those which have their sails furled do not catch the wind.”  Maybe it’s time we loosen up and let our sails fill.

October 9 – Association Sunday

The Bonds of Freedom

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

This year’s Association Sunday helps the Unitarian Universalist Association support UU clergy, educators, and musicians with scholarships, continuing education, and the ongoing training they need to nurture thriving congregations.

October 16 – Human Rights Campaign Sunday

The Joys and Struggles of Service

Robin Berkley

As UUs we are called to activism and to serve. What joys do we gain from service and when can our call to service hurt us? When is it OK to say no?

October 23 – Sixth Principle Sunday

How Far Our Reach?

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

The 6^th Principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association states that our congregations “affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.”  What would such a world community look like?  And how on earth do we include “all”?

October 30 – Samhain and Halloween

Be Not Afraid

Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

During the wonder and enchantment of the ancient Celtic New Year of Samhain, we honor our ancestors who’ve crossed over and learn from them how to live well in the face of our fears.

November 6 – 175^th Birthday Kickoff

Happy Birthday!

Rev. Dr. Laurel Hallman

Dr. Hallman, minister emerita of First Unitarian Church of Dallas and recent candidate for the presidency of the Unitarian Universalist Association, will open our month-long birthday celebration this Sunday morning.

Watch for upcoming announcements about celebrations surrounding the

175^th Anniversary of our church

Oct. 2 – 9:30 am – Philosophy – Dr. Ronald Glossop

The focus will be on the basic ideas of British Empiricist John Locke (1632-1704) who, in opposition to the Rationalists, argued that all knowledge begins with sense experience.  The challenge for Locke is to try to show how sense experience can be the basis for his own ideas about primary and secondary qualities, material and mental substance, and God.

Oct. 2 – 11:00 am – Spirit in Practice – Cheryle Tucker- Loewe.  This curriculum was created to help Unitarian Universalists develop regular disciplines, or practices, of the spirit—practices that help them connect with the sacred ground of their being, however they understand it. Spirit in Practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Whether participants follow a path they identify as Humanist, Jewish, Christian, Pagan, Theist, Atheist, Agnostic, Mystic, and/or any of the other paths we follow in our diverse congregations, Spirit in Practice offers a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich their faith journeys.

Oct. 9 – 9:30 am – Bible Study – Tracey Howe-Koch

Bible Study?!  Here?!   Yes, here!  Join me the second Sunday of every month for a new look at the Bible and how it relates to us and society.  This will be a time of discovery, discussion, and individual interpretation.  The class will be loosely based on the John Buehrens book Understanding the Bible, an Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals.  So dust that Bible off, bring an open mind and see you on Sunday! 

Oct. 9 – 11:00 am – Spirit in Practice – Cheryle Tucker-Loewe. 

Oct. 16 – 9:30 am – Humanist/Non-Theist Group – John Herndon

Oct. 16 – 11:00 am – Spirit in Practice

Oct. 23 – 9:30 am – Introduction to Paganism – Michelle Bryant-Barbeau

Oct. 23 – 11:00 am – Spirit in Practice – Cheryle Tucker-Loewe

Oct. 30 – 9:30 am – Bible Study – Tracey Howe-Koch

Oct. 30 – 11:00 am – Spirit in Practice -- Cheryle Tucker-Loewe

MEDITATION NEWS

The Clear Sky meditation group teacher, Cliff Carter, has moved to another state.  Given his move, and given the low level of interest in the group, plus the excellent adult religious education program held at the same time, meditation will no longer be held on Sunday morning.  Anyone interested in forming a meditation group that would use a variety of meditation techniques, have rotating leaders, and use chairs instead of cushions, please contact Dee Evans.

UU&You! 2.0

Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, & 24

The book used will be A Chosen Faith by Forrest Church and John Buehrens.   This class will be an exploration of Unitarian Universalist history, attitudes and traditions.

UU&You! 3.0

Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, & 22

The book used will be John Buehrens and Rebecca Parker’s A House for Hope: the Promise of Progressive Religion for the 21^st century.   The chapters will further deepen our understanding of current topics in UU thought.

A First Glance

It was billed as a “Special Congregational Meeting.”  It turned out to be special, all right, but not in the usual ways.

A small task force of dedicated individuals had worked throughout the spring and summer developing a congregational Strategic Plan.  Members and friends had filled out surveys, data had been studied and analyzed, options had been debated and adopted or discarded, every jot and tittle of the preliminary document word-smithed until the black letters danced in circles on the white pages before task force members’ eyes.

The deadline came and the document was done and handed to the Board and sent to the congregation for comment and possible approval at a “Special Congregational Meeting,” which – in the excitement at the prospect of having a bona fide Strategic Plan in place – was scheduled for Ingathering Sunday between a worship service and the All-Church Picnic.

At the designated meeting time, a fire broke out in the kitchen, extinguished by the newest member of the church who had signed the book a few minutes before.  Thank you, Mike!

As the meeting began, it was quickly evident that not everyone was enthused about the Plan.  Impassioned speakers rose to express divergent opinions, mostly in respectful and appropriate ways.  Tensions rose and fell and rose again, battle lines were drawn and redrawn, amendments proposed and adopted, the language of the document dissected and ridiculed and edited and augmented.  It wasn’t pretty, possibly because of the perceived time crunch, or the fact that the kids had been told there would be a picnic but had to wait for it, or the fact that all the meeting participants were hungry and anxious. 

In the end, a Strategic Plan was adopted that is better than the original, thanks to a group process that included a frank exchange of thoughtful ideas and passionately-held opinions.

It was a couple of years ago at another Congregational Meeting when one person mustered the courage to vote ‘no’ on a question before the meeting.  An audible gasp rippled through the crowd.  A ‘no’ vote?  Was the place about to come apart at the seams?  Open conflict a part of the equation of church life?

Of course it is.  We are a growing congregation, not simply numerically but in maturity as well.  If in times past, we have been too ‘nice’ to disagree openly with one another, we are now learning how to share a wide variety of opinions in an open, honest, respectful manner.

Thank Goodness!

See you in church,

Chalice
Circles

Renegade Women’s Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Saturday from Oct. through January we’ll meet at 10 am until sometime after lunch.  We will be using the “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” curriculum.  See the paragraph on page 4 for further information.

Parents Seeking Peace Chalice Circle

Every 3rd Sunday.

Sunday, October 16 from 12:15 to 1:30 in Emerson Place at Church.
Contact: Diane Thompson or Sayer Johnson.

Belleville Chalice Circle

Every 3^rd Thursday.

T hursday, October 20 at 7 pm.   Contact Don or Jan Allen for the location.

Men's Chalice Circle

Every 4^th Tuesday.

Tuesday, October 25 at 7 pm at church.

Contact: Khleber Van Zandt.

The GLBT Chalice Circle

The last Sunday of each month.

Sunday, October 30 at 12:15 pm.    Look for them on facebook under “GBLT UU Chalice Circle - Alton, IL.”   For updates on GBLT Chalice Circle topics, etc., please go to the website and join http://groups.google.com/group/stl-uu-lgbt-plus/topics. 
Contact Layne A. Simpson for more information.

Volunteers Needed for

Kids' Activity Hour

Sundays at 9:30 am

Crafts and Games for kids in

1^st  through 6^th grades.

The Kids' Activity Hour allows parents to attend worship at 9:30 and Adult Religious Enrichment (ARE) classes at 11:00.  Likewise, parents could choose to attend ARE classes at 9:30 and worship at 11:00.  Your assistance in overseeing activities for these children will be greatly appreciated by all parents as it helps them to participate in the full spectrum of Sunday morning programs.  All activities are planned for you, and you will be serving with at least one partner.  Please volunteer for this important ministry, and let Cheryle know which Sunday works for you! 

Cheryle Tucker-Loewe

Mike Bechtol and Patricia (Trish) Botsko joined the church on September 18, 2011.   Please make them feel welcome.

Invitation to all interested women .  Plan to join us on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 10 am for the second of five sessions of the UUA curriculum “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” sponsored by the Renegade Women’s Chalice Circle.   Pat Murrell and Melody Hardman will be leading this session.   Its title is “In the Name of the Mother and the Daughter. ”   Bring a lunch.   No child care will be provided for this event.   RSVP to Peg Flach by Oct. 9, 2011.

Session Objectives:

To hear the ancient Demeter-Persephone myth;

To become aware of Goddess lore, which celebrates all the life stages of women;

To look at our mother-daughter relationships;

To compare the ancient view of the life stages of women with that of contemporary society.

FOOD  MINISTRIES

Coffee Hour:

We are seeking a method of duty sharing that should hopefully help in keeping anyone person from becoming burned out.  We will continue to have the signup sheet available in the Wuerker Room and when needed we will pass it at the beginning of service.  We are also going to begin asking people to take a turn at setting up for coffee hour – making the coffee and other drinks and putting the cups and glasses, etc. out, as well as bringing a contribution of snacks. 

You may bring any snack you like (baked good, cheese, crackers, fruit, etc.) and we ask that you bring just enough to serve 24 people (2 dozen cookies or brownies, a loaf of bread that can be cut into 24 slices, one package of crackers, etc.).  We are always looking for ways to better share the weekly tasks so that we can build community and save energy for the bigger tasks we all want to accomplish.

Pot Luck Lunches:

Our monthly lunches are held on the 4^th Sunday following the second worship service. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share and occasionally we give the meal a theme.  This is an all-church event so we all set up and clean up, but Food Ministries members are the people who help others find serving spoons, use the microwave, and give general kitchen guidance.

4^th Saturday Lunch:    

This is our monthly program that offers a meal to area neighbors in need.  We have many regular visitors from the Salvation Army as well as the Stratford Hotel down the street.  There are many opportunities to help with this monthly lunch. 

Each month a coordinator is needed to create a menu, organize the food donations, and direct the activities on the day of the meal.  One may also assist by providing food, setting up, or cleaning up.  It is a great way to give back to the community in need and to build relationships with others.

I am looking for individuals or groups to take charge of meal planning for October and November (usually a turkey meal so planning is easy).  If you would like to take a turn and be organizer-in-chief for one of these meals please contact me.  Thanks

Other Events:  I’m always looking for more people to call on when we need a meal taken to a family in need or when there is a memorial service.  If you don’t mind being called upon sometimes at the last minute to lend a helping hand please let me know.  I usually just send out emails with a request and I can add you to my list. Thanks,

Kathyrn Chapman

Food Ministries Coordinator

Most people enjoy getting a card or email or phone call on their birthday.  Below is the list we have 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 at church@firstuualton.org) and give her that information.

10/04     Tori Chapman (7)

10/06     Freya Wolff (11)

10/08     Nancee Magilson

10/09     Philip Bailey (1)

10/09     Melissa Prado

10/11     Becky Green

10/11     Lorli Nelson

10/13     Brian Hull

10/17     Noah Hudson (11)

10/17     Laura Southcombe

10/18     Johnny Tade (12)

10/22     Kelly Crone-Willis

10/22     Julian Myers (12)

10/24     Jacob Conniff (11)

10/24     Ken Hoeft

10/24     Kit Schoenborn

10/26     Maxwell Oldt (14)

10/28     Pat Moore

10/28     Annie Morgan

10/30     Peg Flach

Greetings to Youth Group

Kids and Families

We had a great Youth Group meeting today (Sunday, September 18)!  We introduced ourselves. We welcomed back Jane, Guy, Lily and Margaret.  We welcomed newcomers Farida and Kira.  Amelia was able to stop by after youth group and help us to decorate our new white wall!  Today, we talked about the NEW Popcorn Theology Youth Curriculum, and we also voted on the film and themes we want to discuss.

FUTURE PLANS:  WE WILL BE WATCHING ONLY SPECIFIC CLIPS OF THESE FILMS –20 MINS. MAX AND THEN DISCUSSING AND DOING ACTIVITIES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE HOUR.  So, please feel free to watch these films the week before we have them scheduled with your families if you wish. Also, parents/guardians, if you are interested, please feel to participate on Sundays with us. You are welcome anytime!

YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR THIS FALL

(Meeting during 11:00 am services)

PRINT THIS OUT AND POST!

Sun., Sept. 25 -- Film: Back to the Future.  Theme: How our choices affect the future.

Sun., Oct. 9 -- Film: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. Theme: Overcoming temptation and views of temptation in various world religions.
 Sun., Oct 16 --  Film: Jurassic Park.  Theme:  Ethics and scientific advancement.
 Sun., Oct. 23 – Film: Contact.  Theme: The conflict between faith and science.
 Sun., Nov. 6 -- Film: Saved!  Theme:  The middle ground between right and wrong, life's grey areas.
Sun., Nov. 13  -- Film: Forrest Gump.  Theme: Cultivating an attitude of gratitude
Sun., Nov. 20 –  Multi-generational Bread Service
Sun., Dec. 4  --   Film: We will vote from a list of 13 remaining films for these last two weeks in Dec.
Sun., Dec. 11 --    Film: We will vote from a list of 13 remaining films for these last two weeks in Dec. 
Sun., Dec. 18  --    Multi-generational Yule Service
Sun., Dec. 25  --    Multi-generational Christmas Service

Looking forward to a NEW Curriculum, NEW room, and NEW audio-visual equipment. NEW! NEW! NEW!

Choir Rehearsals

1^st 2^nd & 3^rd Thursdays

of each month.

7 to 8:30 pm

If you enjoy singing, consider joining the choir this church year.

Rehearsals in October will be Oct. 6, Oct. 13, & Oct. 20.

We sing a variety of musical selections, and participate in the Sunday worship services at least once a month.

For further information contact Willis McCoy.

The ANNA Ds

Women’s Alliance Group

(Named for the first woman treasurer of the church – Anna Davenport Sparks 1830 – 1896)

Lorna McElhone is the hostess for October’s Anna Ds meeting.   It will be held on Thursday, October 6 at the Crystal Garden restaurant in Edwardsville.  The address is 1230 University Drive, off highway 157.   Go to www.gccuisine.com for menus and directions.

A firm reservation is needed by Tuesday, Oct. 4.  Email or call Lorna.   All women in the church are invited.

Dues for the year ($10) are due now.   If you don’t plan to attend in October please see Pat Moore at church or mail your dues to her.

The Seekers

Book Group

October 26

The Seekers meet at 7 pm on the last Wednesday of each month to discuss whatever it is the group is reading for that month or ideas that come out of that reading.   The book for September (9/28/11) is “Meeting Faith: the Forest Journals of a Black Buddhist Nun.”   This is the fascinating memoir of a young African American woman (raised as a Unitarian) who spends a year as an ordained Maechi (nun) a forest monastery in Thailand.

If you plan to come in September let Mary Johnson know as we’re going to order Thai food for a shared supper.

October’s book has not yet been chosen, so if you join us in September you can help choose the next book.

Fifty-Plus (50+) Forum

The first meeting of the “Fifty Plusers” will be on Saturday, October 1, from 10:30 am to noon, with the opportunity to continue the camaraderie by going to lunch together afterwards.  

The Fifty-Plus Forum will be coordinated by Sandy Shaner, Pat Murrell, and Mona Hebert.

Men’s Lunch Group

All Men in our Church Family are invited!

The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at 11:30 am on Thursday, October 13 at the St. Louis Buffet, 672 Wesley Dr., Wood River<, IL.  Contact Dick Blanton for further details.

4^th Saturday Lunch – October 22

Helping at our 4^th Saturday lunches are a way you can contribute your time and talent and also share a meal with people you might not otherwise ever meet.

Everyone has a story.   Come eat with our guests, learn about their stories, and share your stories with them.

We need everyone’s support in this ongoing social service program.   There will be a signup sheet in the Kate Wuerker for October’s meal and an email will also be sent out.   Sign up to help, or to bring food – or both.  Sign up early so those organizing the lunch won’t have to scramble at the last minute to get enough food.

For the last couple months we’ve had 60+ guests.

Outreach Offering

October 9 – Unitarian Universalist Association Sunday

Today’s Community Outreach Offering will be sent to the UUA to support the Unitarian Universalist Minister’s Association, the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network, and the Liberal Religions Educators Association by UA through scholarships, continuing education, and ongoing training.

October 23 – This will be the third week that our Community Outreach Offering will go towards the educational support of three Unitarian students in the Khasi Hills of India.  We are committed to paying $600 per year for a multi-year commitment.

If you have an organization or group in mind that you believe would be a good match to receive our Community Outreach Offering, please contact our Social Justice Chairman, John Herndon.

Thrift Store Prom

Saturday, October 29

6 pm until ???

A dance in the Kate Wuerker Room to benefit Campfest 2012.

Music from the ‘40s through today.

Find that perfectly fabulous outfit in your basement (or maybe your mom or dad’s basement) or storage box or vintage shop.

Buy your tickets at church.  All Ages Welcome.

Spiral Scouts

Meeting Dates

October: To be Determined (weekend campout - not at church)

Sunday, November 13 from

            1-3 pm

Sunday, December 11 from 1-3 pm

Sunday, January 8 from 1-3 pm

SpiralScouts International is a rapidly growing worldwide organization where boys and girls of all faiths can learn and grow together. The program is designed to be inclusive and non-discriminatory in all areas. (gender, religion, sexual orientation)

The SpiralScouts youth program includes interpersonal skills, traditional woodland lore, camping, and outdoor living skills. Over the past year, our SpiralScouts have learned a variety of life skills and earned badges in camping, cooking, knot tying, orienteering, hiking, sculpture, and more.

New youths or adults may register any time. The meeting day and time for RiverDragon SpiralScouts Circle 254 is the second Sunday of each month from 1-3 pm at the First Unitarian Church of Alton. Although we try to maintain a regular meeting day and time, the meeting date is subject to change due to holidays or SpiralScouts field trips.  To check on meeting times or for additional information you may contact Amy Eichen Primary Contact for RiverDragon Circle 254.

Stacey Wolff

October RE Program News & Notes

October Schedule

Thank You’s

• To Sayer Johnson for painting the 1^st - 2^nd grade room this summer.
• To Kevin McCarthy for repairing our computer, Rover.
• To Trish Botsko for art supply donations and Spirit Play baskets.

Chalice Theater Thank You

Thank you to the “Assistant Directors” who helped with Chalice Theater this summer and made themselves available to our children:

• Amy McMurray
• Brenda McCoy
• Eva Merrell
• Janice Joiner
• Jennifer Herndon
• Juliette Crone-Willis
• Kathryn Chapman
• Lily Tade
• Lou & Leah Bailey
• Nancy Conniff
• Trish Botsko

We received permission from author, Aaron Shepard, on whose work Chalice Theater was based, to sell the curriculum developed here to other UU RE programs.  All proceeds will benefit our RE Program budget.

Donations Sought

• (5) tall, new or gently used, plain wooden stools for our teachers
• (2 - 3) medium-sized woven baskets for Spirit Play
• A power strip or two
• One pair of cheap, small computer speakers

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Join with other UU congregations across the country to support Trick or Treat for UNICEF.  Children may come in costume on October 30 and after our regular RE program, Trick or Treat for UNICEF during Fellowship Hour.  All proceeds will go to UNICEF.  UNICEF Programs develop community-level services to promote the health and well-being of children and mothers in under-developed countries including such essential items as vaccines, antiretroviral medicines for children and mothers with HIV, nutritional supplements, emergency shelters, and educational supplies.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNICEF

Steven Mead, DRE

The Alton Crisis Food Center is in great need of non-perishable food items.   When you do your weekly shopping why not pick up a few extra items for the Food Center. Donation containers are located in the RE Entrance Foyer.

In addition, the Crisis Food Center, in conjunction with Jacoby Arts Center, is proud to host the second annual Empty Bowls Project on November 5. For a $20 donation, attendees select a bowl from hundreds of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted bowls donated by Riverbend artists and receive a simple lunch of soup and bread.  The bowls are taken home and serve as a reminder of all the empty bowls in our community and around the world.  Last year over $4000 was raised to buy food and supplies for those in need. The number of people served by the center has risen roughly 15% per year since 2008.Please join in this fundraising lunch on Saturday, November 5, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. For ticket information, please contact Jen Politsch.

AND DON’T FORGET … IF YOU SHOP AT SCHNUCKS, USE YOUR eSrip card.  If you have an eScrip card and list our church as the beneficiary we get a small percentage from each sale.  If you don’t have an eSrip card talk to Jerry Johnson.