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Congregation established 1836 |
Newsletter of the
First Unitarian Church, Alton, Illinois
www.firstuualton.org
Rev. Khleber Van Zandt, Minister
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FIRST UNITARIAN FOCUS
|
Congregation established 1836 |
Newsletter of the
First Unitarian Church, Alton, Illinois
www.firstuualton.org
Rev. Khleber Van Zandt, Minister
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Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. |
December 2005 |
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December 4th
“
The Evolving Idea of God
”
Dr. Ronald Glossop
Ron will discuss the historical changes which have occurred and are still occurring with regard to humanity's views concerning the nature of God.
December 11th
“
Annual Family Holiday Service”
Jamie Gross
We will be celebrating with a series of songs and stories for the season. Please join us for this church wide event.
December 18th
“
What Child Is This
?”
Rev. Khleber Van Zandt
The approach of the solstice takes us deeper into darkness, and yet we choose this time for a celebration of new life.
What gives?
We’ll pull apart the paradox and decide whose “child” it actually is.
–
This worship service will include a blessing of our new members
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December 24th
Christmas Eve
7:30 p.m.
“
Rev. Khleber Van Zandt
As Religious Education pioneer Sophia Lyon Fahs said, “Any night a child is born is a holy night.”
Let’s celebrate the season together by reading the traditional birth
narratives, singing the old hymns, lighting a few candles, and looking for ways
to connect anew to ancient stories.
December 25th
Christmas Morning
“
A Christmas Story
”
Rev.
Khleber Van Zandt
Don’t celebrate Christmas by yourself.
Bring whatever family wants to come along, and gather with us around the fireplace in the Wuerker Room for recollections of Christmas past as we seek new hope for Christmases future.
Newsletter Deadline
Send
Newsletter items by 15th of the month to the Church office
AND
to the Editor.
First Unitarian Church
(618) 462-2462
PO Box 494, Alton, IL 62002
Email
:
church@firstuualton.org
Homepage
:
http://www.firstuualton.org
Editor: Mary
Johnson |
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Committee Sunday
9:00 a.m.
This is the time set aside for committees to meet and plan future events and activities.
Stacey Wolff is the Committee Coordinator so if you’re not already on a committee, and want to get involved, contact Stacey at kartoffel@piasanet.com
Adult Religious Enrichment Programs
9:30
a.m.
December
11th
December 18th
December 25th
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Membership in this church is important for many reasons.
First of all, it is a sure and certain sign that you covenant with us in the search for truth and meaning, that you will participate as fully as possible in the life of this community, and that you share our ideals and values of freedom, reason, and tolerance, and responsibility in the public sphere as well as in your private religious life.
Membership in this church also gives
you a touchstone when you feel like you’re out there all alone and can’t find
your way back to a semblance of stability.
We in this congregation pastor to each other, listening to each other’s
stories of the search and of the trials of living in these times and in this
place. The steps to becoming a member of First
Church include: -- Attending worship services a few
times to see if our central communal activity suits your needs for spiritual
renewal; -- Having a conversation with the
minister so that he knows something about you in case you come to need pastoral
assistance; -- Attending or committing to attend
the three-session orientation class, UU & You!; -- Filling out a pledge card of
financial support; and -- Signing the Membership Book in the
presence of two members of the Board of Trustees. Certainly there are responsibilities one
takes on in becoming a member of this church.
The work of the church can’t go on without a willingness on the part of
members to bring their best selves to the service of the community. Participating fully means we each share the
gifts we have received – not everyone can do everything, of course, but
everyone can do something. And some of
the things we may be asked to do will stretch our abilities and our comfort
levels, which is all part of the personal growth process. But your membership with us places
responsibility on this community as well.
This covenant of membership means we will be there for each other when
need arises. It means we will
participate in both the fun activities and the difficult decisions. It means we are each members of a caring
community, giving what we can and receiving what we need.
In this way, both giving and receiving, we build a church
that will be here for so many others long after we’re gone.
See you in church.
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Holiday Decorating Party &
Semi-Annual Membership Meeting
The evening is planned with activities
for all ages. Childcare will be
available, but most of the children will enjoy helping with the decorating,
especially the “mitten tree” in the RE foyer. As usual, we will be putting up a tree in
the sanctuary (how many UUs does it take to get those lights connected anyway?)
as well as adding other holiday décor in the sanctuary and Wuerker Room. Please plan to come for the evening to
start the holiday season with fun and fellowship.
Crisis
Food Center Report The Crisis Food Center is serving on the
average 2000 people monthly. This includes 83 or more new families a month. A
growing number of homeless families are staying at the Salvation Army Booth
House and receiving support from the Crisis Food Center. Our congregation
contributed over 250 food items this fall. Holiday baskets with canned hams, sugar,
flour, vegetables and cake mixes are being assembled. Cash donations are always
welcome, too. This month please
consider doubling your contributions. Thank you for your continued support for
the Crisis Food Center. Jen Politsch |
Anna Ds Meeting December 1st The Anna D. Sparks Women's Alliance will go together to Jamestown Mall in Missouri to have lunch at the Dillards' Tea Room. There will be cars going if you need a ride. Lorli will call for reservations on the Sunday before, or contact Lorli.
Thurs. – Dec. 1st –
Anna Ds go to Jamestown Mall. Thurs. – Dec. 1st –
Choir practice – 7:00 p.m. Fri. – Dec. 2nd –
Semi-annual church membership meeting – 6:00 p.m. Fri. – Dec. 2nd –
Smorgasbord and Church Decorating Party – 6:30 p.m. Sun. – Dec. 4th – Committees meet – 9:00 a.m. Fri. – Dec. 9th – Movie Nite – 7:00 p.m. Sun. – Dec. 11th – Cookie Exchange after church Tues. – Dec. 13th – Men’s Lunch Group – 11:30
a.m. Tues. – Dec. 13th – Board meeting – 7:00 p.m. Thurs. – Dec. 15th – Choir practice – 7:00 p.m. Fri. – Dec. 16th – RE Pageant – 7:30 p.m. Sun. – Dec. 18th – Book group meets after
church Sat. – Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve service – 7:30
p.m. Men’s Lunch Group The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13th
at the Chinese Buffet at 2610 Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. This lunch meeting is planned as a regular
event on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. |
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Among Our Church Members Irene Mondhink would enjoy company, cards and calls
as she spends the next few weeks recuperating at The Cedars @ JCA, Dubois
Hospital, Meadow View Bldg., Level 1, 13190 S. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield MO
63017. Matt Hallett was in a car accident in early November
when Mack truck ran a red light and hit his car, totaling it, as he crossed the
intersection. Matt had 45 stitches as
doctors removed many shards of glass.
Cards and notes would be appreciated.
His address is: 1103
Rodgers Court, Apt. 5, Brighton IL 62012. John Dunphy’s mother, Dorothy “Dolly” Dunphy passed
away on Oct. 28th. At her
funeral service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on November 3rd John
read a poem he wrote as a memorial to her, entitled “Autumn Elegy.” Lines from the poem … “You
always loved Autumn, And I promise to forever associate this season with your
life, not your death…. You
loved nature; all the seasons brought you joy. Then let your living memorial be
nature itself…. But you
loved Autumn most of all. Its
burst of beauty before December’s ice and snow Touched
your soul and spoke to you in some profound way…. But,
just as the earth always awakens to the new life of Spring, we know that you
too will awaken to a new life.”
In Memoriam Carl Mugge, a member of our church since April
1991 died on Wednesday, November 16th, 2005. Funeral services for Carl were held at Gent
Funeral Home in Alton on November 19th and were conducted by a
Catholic priest at the request of Carl’s family. |
RE NEWS
Dear Parents and
Friends,
First of all, I would like to give you all an update on
our trick or treat for UNICEF event that was held during coffee hour on October
30th.
We raised $239.37 for this cause in about half an hour.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all very much for your
generosity. I know the children had a
great time, and I hope that you did too.
The Children's Holiday Gift Shop will take place on December 4th during our usual RE time, but since this is an event that usually takes a long time, the shop will also be open during the 9:30 a.m. hour before service for those who are able to come in early.
This is the event where the children are able to shop for gifts for their families for a donation that they will later give to a local charity of their choosing.
This is a full-service holiday shop.
Gift wrapping is included which is why it usually takes so long.
Our annual Family Holiday Service
will be on December 11th.
As it was last year, this will be a series of songs and stories for the
holiday season.
We will be having a Pageant on Friday, December 16 at 7:30 pm.
I will need to know as soon as possible whether or not your children will be able
to participate in this event.
We will be practicing on Sunday mornings throughout this month.
When the church is decorated for the holidays on December 2nd, a mitten tree will go up in the foyer.
Members and friends are asked to bring in donations of warm clothing to decorate the tree.
On December 18th these items will be taken down and sorted, to be given to area shelters.
Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, and our church will be open that morning.
We will not be having RE classes on that day.
Childcare will be available for the younger children.
The older children are invited to join their families in the service to worship together. New Year's Day also falls on
a Sunday this year, and our church will be open that morning. We will not be having our usual RE
classes on that morning. We will
have all ages combined for a special party event. Regular RE classes will resume on January 8th. I know that this is a busy time of year and with so many
events on our schedule it can become confusing. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or problems
that you may have. Thank you, Jamie Gross |
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P.S. from Jamie Ushers, and someone familiar with the sound system are
needed for the Friday evening (12/16) RE Christmas Pageant. Please contact Jamie (uujamie@sbcglobal.net) if you are
willing to help.
UUSC – GUEST AT YOUR
TABLE The
Holiday season is the time when we traditionally make our annual contributions
to the UUSC. For those of you who are new to our church, I'd like to provide a
brief explanation. UUSC (Unitarian
Universalist Service Committee) is the social action branch of our
denomination, which provides leadership in human rights advocacy and education
in the United States and abroad. Through its projects, the UUSC creates
opportunities for social change. UUSC helps citizens advocate for human rights
issues throughout the world. UUSC supports grassroots initiatives in Latin
America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and the United States. The guiding
principle of the Service Committee is to work for justice throughout the world.
Through education, advocacy, and action, the Service Committee puts our faith
into action. You can learn more about the work of the UUSC online at uusc.org. The
Service Committee is funded entirely by individual donations and bequests. No
UUA funds go to the UUSC. First Unitarian Church of Alton members participate
through their contributions to the "Guest at Your Table" campaign
during the holiday season. There are three ways to participate: 1.
Write a check to UUSC and hand it to local representative Pat Moore by January
8 (or mail it to her). 2.
Drop your check payable to UUSC in the offering plate on any Sunday. 3.
Send your check directly to UUSC, 130 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA
02139-1845. (If you do it this way, please identify yourself as a member or
friend of First Church of Alton, so we get credit toward an award.) Gifts
totaling $25 or more qualify an individual for UUSC membership. You will be placed on the mailing list to
receive updates of information about UUSC projects. (Membership is only $10 for
students and seniors.) Gifts of at least $60 are encouraged, since they are
matched by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, New York. All contributions are tax deductible. |
The
Creating Justice Banner is awarded to congregations that have at
least 25% membership. The Vision of Justice Banner is given to
congregations with at least 50 percent membership. In the fiscal year 2004,
48.1% of our congregation members were UUSC members, qualifying us for the Creating
Justice Banner. Last year our
members contributed over $1525. In
addition, our board has agreed to pledge $1 per member to UUSC, qualifying us
for the James Luther Adams Congregational Award. The sister of Joe Russo also made a large
contribution to the UUSC in memory of Joe. Also,
during this year our church members and friends made special donations to the
UUSC hurricane relief effort which more than doubled their original
membership contributions. Our
goal for the 2005 collection will be to have at least 50% membership, so that
we can receive the Vision of Justice Banner, and to collect at
least $1700. Please continue to be
generous, even though you may already have contributed to hurricane
relief. Remember that the regular work
of the service committee still needs our continuing support. Pat
Moore Local UUSC Representative
Welcome New Members Please extend a Welcome to Membership to the following individuals who
have recently joined the church. We’re
happy to have you with us. Janice Joiner of Alton Sarah Lazarz of Alton Brynda and Willis McCoy of East Alton Deanna and David Stacy of Granite City |
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SIERRA CLUB MEETING Monday,
December 12, 2005 7:30 p.m. Wuerker
Room
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)
5 December – Benjamin
Hoeft (2002) 7 December – Mary Weber 8 December – John Dunphy 17 December – Zane Peters
(1993) 18 December – Layne
Simpson 19 December – Virginia
Russo 20 December – Mary McGowan 23 December – Britney
Brunner (1986)
Annual 2006 Scholarship
Award from the Women’s Alliance of the
First Unitarian Church of St. Louis An award of $1000 will be made on the basis of
scholarship, character, and need. The
scholarship will be given to a woman who is responsible financially for
continuing her education, a member of a St. Louis Area Unitarian Universalist
church or Fellowship and a registered student. To request an application packet please contact Carol Washburne Applications must be received by March 31, 2006. |
Sanctuary Roof Repairs Our 100 year
old sanctuary roof began to leak with the early fall rains. Water ran down the
interior wall on the east side of the sanctuary at every rain. Fortunately the
leaking water came down the wall between two pews and a plastic tub was
strategically placed to prevent the water from damaging the floor as it had
damaged the wall. A roofing
company specializing in slate roofs was called, and it was found that 3 rows of
slate tiles (40 tiles) were either broken or missing. These 40 tiles, plus the copper flashing on that side of the
church will be replaced at a cost of $7,000.
The funding for this will come from our “unrestricted reserve”
monies. Although the work will probably
be completed by the time you read this, contributions towards this work will be
gratefully accepted.
Sunday Pot Luck Lunch
Since
the 4th Sunday is Christmas Day a potluck lunch is not planned.
MOVIE NITE Friday, December 9th 7:00 p.m. As an
extension of our “Uprooting Racism” adult religious enrichment series, the
movie CRASH will be shown with a discussion to follow. Popcorn and soft drinks will be available. Beth Nalick |
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Singing
is uplifting and fun! Anyone
who enjoys singing is encouraged to join our church choir. Our
rehearsals are from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Rehearsals in December are on Thursday, December 1st at and
on Thursday December 15th. For
further information contact Cheryle Tucker-Loewe (ctucke@siue.edu).
Check out the Church’s Homepage
Many of our newcomers say they have found the
church through our homepage. On it you
can find the current month’s newsletter, the activities for the current week, a
map to find the church, a map of the interior of the church, and information
about the church – its history, its minister, and names of people to contact
for other church-related needs.
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“Getting to Know You” Meet … Nelson Shaner By David Wiseman Nelson
and his wife Sandy signed the church membership book last spring and they are
indeed welcome. As a member of the Stewardship Committee, Nelson sends cards to
our members and friends who have had the misfortune to be hospitalized or are
in a nursing home. He visited Carl Mugge weekly at Rosewood and while there
joined with other residents to help them play Bingo. He has been a lifelong
seeker of a religion in which he can feel comfortable, yet challenged. Brought
up as a Lutheran, Nelson drifted to other churches, Baptist, Catholic, Unity,
and then he returned to Lutheran. On a visit to our Unitarian Church, Nelson
said, “Everything clicked.” He and Sandy felt comfortable here. For a
long time Nelson battled with an alcohol problem. On July 28, 1978, at the age
of 45, he stated that “he was sick and tired of being sick and tired and didn’t
like being controlled by alcohol.” It worked for him. Nelson
enjoys the monthly lunches with our "Retired UU’s" and we also enjoy
his presence. His hobby is making walking-sticks and canes. When you visit the
Shaner’s in Wood River, Illinois, you will soon be aware of the other residents
of the household - four dogs and a cat.
Let’s Communicate Better! Please notify our Church Administrator Becky Green of
items which need our attention such as illnesses, deaths, etc. Be sure to tell her who you are and your
relationship to any person in question.
Also let her know about changes in programming, meetings, etc., so that
she can notify others and include the correct information in the newsletter and
Sunday “Order of Service” and on the wayside pulpit. Becky is frequently in the office on Mondays and Fridays and
checks the church phone and email messages on other days. Her cell phone number will be published in
the next directory. Pat Moore, Personnel Chairman
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Planning for the UUA General Assembly June 2006 Dates: Wed., June 21st – Sun., June 25th Place: America Center, downtown St. Louis Theme: “Toward Right Relationships” Cost: $280 for registration Attendees
Expected: 4,000 – 5,000 Local
Arrangements: Patsy Madden Two hundred fifty
(250) volunteers will be needed, and if selected will get free
registration. Volunteers will have to
work a total of 24 hours within the five days of GA. Volunteer applications
will only be accepted between March 1st – March 30th, and
the volunteer application form will be online.
More details will be forthcoming, as March gets closer.
Little Book of Alton The Little Book of Alton will meet on the 3rd
Sunday of each month from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Note change in time to allow
for lunch, brunch solo or as a group.
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UU Theater Group The UU Theater Group is planning to go to the St. Louis
Rep to see ALL THE GREAT BOOKS ABRIDGED. Curtain time is 2:00 P.M. and
the Rep is a 45 minute drive from church. Please e-mail jjoin1776@charter.net
with your preference for carpooling from church for lunch/brunch before the
play or "lun/din" or dessert afterwards to discuss the play.
Alton Little Theater Schedule:
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A Very Special Evening The Ordination and Installation of Khleber Miller Van Zandt V November 13th, 2005 As co-chairs of the Ordination and Installation Planning Committee, Cheryle Tucker-Loewe and Mary Johnson want to thank everyone who
contributed to and participated in making the evening a wonderfully joyful
event. Some of the people involved and
their contributions are given below – but everyone who attended made the
evening very special. About 200 people (including children) gathered to witness and celebrate
the ordination to ministry, and the installation as minister of the First
Unitarian Church of Alton, of Khleber Van Zandt. Special guests were Khleber
and Linda’s seven children, and
grandson. It was a lovely, warm (for November) evening and the sanctuary was
festooned with flowers, ribbons, and candles.
The Wuerker Room and The Place held their share of flowers and decorated
tables. Luminaries lit the sidewalks
leading up to the church. Pat
Moore arranged for all the decorations, including making the bows,
luminaries, and adding other decorative touches. Members and church friends wore blue “host” ribbons to greet and welcome
our many guests. Thirteen ushers (Ted, David, Janice, Ron, Layne, Mona, Deb,
David & Mary, Wayne & Jen, Pat & Jim), coordinated by Mona
Hebert, were available to help people find seats and assist in any
way needed. Paul worked the sound system and managed the live video feed into
the Wuerker Room where some people gathered to watch the televised service. The service itself was lovely and inspiring. It opened with Deanna and David Stacy lighting the chalice, as
the choir sang. Various UU ministers spoke, charging both Khleber and the
congregation with responsibilities for furthering the UU ministry. Our church president, Carolyn Hazzard, read the words for the Act of Ordination and for
the Act of Installation, receiving verbal responses from the church members and
from Khleber. |
The music was powerful. A 37-
person choir made up of members of the choir of Eliot Chapel and our own church
choir (Ted, Jerry, Ken, Jim, Joy,
Cheryle, Mona, Stacey, Lisa, and Mary) made a magnificent sound, filling
the building with song throughout the service. Music was also provided before and after the service by “The Jazz On-Som”
– a jazz band made up of students from Webster Groves High School. During the reception Khleber
was given two gifts. One was a
handcrafted wood chalice made by Alex
Gross and given as a gift from the members and friends of the church. The second was a ministerial stole from the
children in the RE program presented by Jamie
Gross. Peg Flach was in charge of the food for the reception – and the food was wonderful
and plentiful. There was a great
variety of hot and cold delicacies, including some very creative “UU branding”
of some of the tasty treats. Her son BJ and a friend helped in the kitchen. A lovely cake from “Cravings” was provided by the Van Zandt family, and
it was cut and served by Joy and Ken. Corinne
Hawkins, coordinated the beverages, and along with
her helpers, Audrey, Suganya, and
Marcia, made sure that no one went away thirsty. Thanks also to Kris and Jerry who were “on call” for whatever
was needed. After all the guests left, there was still work to be done. Pat
& Jim, Corinne, Marcia & Gerry, Cheryle, Nancy and Jerry & Mary all
stayed to help clean-up. An audio-tape of the Ordination and
Installation service is available to borrow. |
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Cookie Exchange Sunday, December 11th For those who love
cookies – we’ll be having a “Cookie Exchange” in The Place on Dec. 11th. Each person who wants to participate should
bring 2 – 4 dozen cookies to exchange with others. Winter WomanSpirit Retreat, January 27-29, 2006 The CMwD Women
and Religion Committee is pleased to announce the 18th annual winter
WomanSpirit retreat hosted this year by Countryside Church UU in Palatine,
Illinois. This year’s theme is Life
Changes: Our Transforming Power and
our keynote speaker is, Selena Fox, psychotherapist, teacher, author,
and founder of Circle Sanctuary, an international nature spirituality resource
center. Throughout our
lives, women must continually find the strength to live lives of meaning and
purpose. To meet the challenge of
life’s changes, we search within ourselves, look to other individuals and seek
assistance from a supportive community.
It is in this spirit of our transforming power that we come together for
WomanSpirit 2006. Women of all
ages, colors, lifestyles, and activities are welcomed and celebrated as we
gather to sing, dance, learn, pray, by, sell, eat and grow together. We offer a special maiden program for girls,
ages 6-18, and childcare for all children 5 and younger. Brochures and registration forms are
available at church and online at www.womenandreligion.org. |
To Contact Rev. Khleber Van Zandt Email: kvanzandt@uuma.org Cell Phone: Missouri – 314-223-0551 Illinois – 618-520-0567
Mark Your
Calendars – Chase the Winter
Doldrums Saturday, January
21st Tom Allred’s band will provide rousing dancing music to follow
a shared meal. Ideas requested for a
“food” theme. Marcia Custer mcuster@siue.edu
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