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September
2002
The
Clarion deadline coincides with the monthly
Friendship Potluck Luncheons on the third Sunday
of the month. Submissions can be in writing, on
disk, faxed (773-5018) or e-mail at newsletter@uugreenfield.org.
Past
issues of The Clarion can be found by clicking here.
September
2002 Clarion
Headlines:
Message
from Rev. Jonathan Rehmus
A clarion call seems in order. With the past year to reflect upon and the new church year upon us, renewed need blares in the face of Unitarian Universalism.
The world needs communities committed to the exercise of human community, exercise that makes us stronger in our love and justice seeking. There is too much alienation and competition. There is too much fear of others and distractions to keep us from facing that fear. The world needs communities where with whatever gifts and abilities, in whatever combination of young, old, gay, straight, brown, pink, family, or stranger, each person feels respect, dignity, and compassion.
The world needs Unitarian Universalism. It needs people whose “will to good” (which for some may be a “will to God”) overcomes creeds, doctrines, and narrow interpretation. It needs those who will overcome the systems and logic of patriarchy, militarism, and materialism. The world needs people who grasp the idea of healing
— for themselves, for the world — by any peaceful means: educationally, spiritually, ecologically, scientifically, politically, artistically, psychologically, trans-religiously. Be it through rational witness to the truth. Be it through prayer. Be it through our young people and the example they see in us.
Renew, be part of a healing force, and feel needed by the world. Invite your friends and neighbors, because they’re needed too! Heed the call and join us often this year
— for our services, programs, and outreach into the community.
Peace
—
Jonathan
Rehmus
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RE:
R.E. Notes from the D.R.E.
The Sacred exists
—
be it spirit, being or the whole interconnection of life.
The Sacred exists
and it wants something from us:
To do justice,
make peace,
and walk humbly and with great care and compassion;
To heal rather than hurt,
and correct wrongs mistakenly done.
This was written by Cindy Beal, DRE in Northampton. I share it with you because of its truth and beauty but also because it speaks of what we are trying to do in the RE program. We want our children to sense that the Sacred does, indeed exist, and that it wants something from all of us.
 I need your involvement in the RE program to make that happen. Here are some specific ways you can get involved:
- Share your wisdom and heart with the children by teaching or helping out in the classroom. Don't worry if you're not sure how. If you have wisdom and heart to share, we'll help you do the rest.
- Lead or co-lead an all-RE activity during January intersession. In order for me to attend Meadville/Lombard during that month, I must rely on the rest of you to step in for me during January intersession. This is a wonderful opportunity to share a special talent, skill or joyful activity with the children and to support my call to ministry at the same time!
- Join the RE Committee - help shape and plan the RE Program.
- Join the RE support team by taking responsibility for a specific RE task. I need someone to be in charge of scheduling the Hero of the Week; someone to be in charge of Teacher Recognition; someone to coordinate Enchanted Kingdom and other special events. These are all ways to contribute without making a year-long or major time commitment.
- Roll up your sleeves and help us clean up and prepare the Sunday School. RE work days will be on Saturday, August 31 and Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There is much to do and anyone who can help is welcome. I'll provide pizzas and beverages.
I look forward to the upcoming year full of fresh and rested energy. I look forward to seeing all of you again and to another year with our children. And I look forward to your phone calls telling me how you want to be involved in teaching our children that the Sacred exists.
In Peace & Hope
—
Eve Brown-Waite
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September 11 Programs
and Minister’s Hours
Dear members of the community,
Described below is an offering reflecting the thoughtful work of All Souls administrator Diane Dix and community member Wendy Foxmyn.
Whether to this or another opportunity, I encourage us to our own places of peace that day. May we focus on important things. If a listening ear would help, I will be available for appointments starting in the morning and running into the evening
(8-11 a.m.; 2-6 p.m.).
In the climate of death and threats to our neighbors, heightened war, and national security issues, I have heard many speak of grief, depression, and a sense of being silenced. Some may simply need a safe space to relive the grave memories of last year’s attack. It may help to talk about and integrate the experience of a traumatic year, so feel free to call or come in. The sanctuary will also be open for quiet thoughts and prayers during those same hours.
—
Jonathan Rehmus
Mid-Week Music, September
11
Special time: Noon - 1 p.m.
Mid-Week Music will begin its seventh season with a one-hour concert of hope, reflection, and
remembrance. A celebration of the beauty and endurance of the human spirit. Jon will give a brief introduction at the beginning of the concert and the rest of the hour will be filled with music, time to reflect, and candles to light. Please come for all or some of this event. It is free and open to everyone, but donations are always gratefully accepted.
We are very blessed to have the opportunity to offer such a beautiful program by these talented musicians:
Peter Blanchette and Jean Chaine,
archguitarists;
Deb J’Anthony, flutist;
Judith Williams, pianist, Judy Kulp, soprano;
Barry Higgins, Native American flute;
Catherine Bowers, violist, Nancy
Hoople, violinist, Jamie Goodnow, pianist
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The
Quilt Is Here!
 The
quilt will fit any bed, double, queen or larger.
It's about 90" x 110". Tickets will be
available from members of the church. $1.00 each, or
6 for $5.00. The drawing will be December 22, at the
church. Ticket sales will begin on August 24, at the
Farmer's Market in Greenfield. For more details,
contact Nancy at quilt@uugreenfield.org
(Click
on the image above for a larger image of the quilt.)
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A Grieving Wall For Greenfield
As September 11th approaches, it compels us to pause in the midst of our busy lives and reflect on how our lives have been changed by the momentous events of this past year. Many of us are feeling broken hearts, deep sadness, alarm, grief, and despair. We are longing for a time to share our collective grief, and to renew our faith in the power of community to heal and transform.
We invite you to gather with us to share quiet, music, sharing, and focus on healing and renewal on September 11th at 6:30 at the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield. This gathering will conclude with a candle light procession to a public Grieving Wall where we will post prayers, pictures, poems, and other momentos of what is sacred to us. By honoring and sharing our grief, we hope to find renewed hope and determination to make our voices heard, our hearts healed, and our dreams for a just and peaceful world a reality. We hope people will continue to visit it after September 11th, and continue to leave mementos of their personal grief which will become an ever- changing expression of our caring for one another and our prayers for a healed world. We intend that many institutions will host the wall on their premises, moving around the community until we can find a permanent home. We invite anyone interested in being a host to contact us at 413-774-5952.
— Submitted by Sandra Boston
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Wheel
Of Life
Kathleen Margaret Gilmore (of Arlington, MA) and
David Linwood Pillsbury (of Gill, MA) were married in Winchester, MA on July 27, 2002. They honeymooned on a cruise to Bermuda. Kathleen and Dave Pillsbury currently live in Portsmouth, RI, where Dave teaches math, physics and coaches at Portsmouth Abbey School. Kathleen will run a dorm at the boarding school and teach in a local elementary school. She is a certified reading specialist.
Congratulations to Tim and Joanie Cohen-Mitchell whose first child,
Noah Bruce, was born on July 19. The baby was 5-1/2 weeks early and weighed 5-1/2 pounds. All are doing well.
Irmarie Jones has made a full recovery from her partial hip replacement last June.
Isabel Cole has made great progress in her recovery from hip surgery.
Eleanor Manwell also is showing remarkable resilience.
Monica Sharp wrote to Irmarie Jones from Pacific Palisades and told her: “I miss my old life but I’m glad to see my family now and then- but I LOVE the weather -no snow -though I miss the sight of it.” (And, she doesn’t miss the humidity.)
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Welcome New Staff Member
Manish Mishra
Beginning this fall, All Souls will enjoy the services of intern minister and Harvard Divinity School student Manish Mishra. With a church schedule that begins in October, Manish will be leading adult discussion series and providing other forms of religious education and pastoral care. His primary commitment will be to Northfield Mount Hermon School, where he will teach and also work with the school’s chaplain. Manish grew up in a Hindu-practicing home and discovered UUism after building a successful career in the U.S. diplomatic corps. He left the State Department to pursue professional ministry, and we are honored that he sought out All Souls as a parish site for training. Manish brings to light the words, “We are continually in the process of creating and re-creating our religion, and we need leaders of every stripe to take up the work that needs to be done.” He has a partner, Chris, and we offer them both every welcome as Manish explores service and learning with us.
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Choir Season Opener
Sunday September 15th
4 - 9 p.m., at the home of Barbara Weeks.
Those invited are choir members, their significant others, and anyone who is considering becoming a choir member. Shared dinner around 6:00 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Iced tea and juice provided, bring other drinks if you wish. We will take a peek at next year's music, and maybe sing a little, just to get ourselves warmed up for the first rehearsal.
Choir rehearsals will be Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 at the church, beginning Sept 26th
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Breakfast and Conversation on Employment
Saturday, September 28; 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (8 a.m. to help and/or eat early)
All Souls Parish Hall
No charge/donations only
Are you unemployed and looking for work? Do you feel underemployed, fearful of lost income or health coverage, or simply concerned about the nature of job retention and creation in the Pioneer Valley? Then join me for breakfast and conversation. Having made mention of this last spring, I want All Souls to be a place that inspires opportunities and good business, education, media, and networking ideas. I’d be delighted if you contributed your own concerns, perspectives, and ideas.
—
Jon Rehmus
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More About Mid-Week
Music, Fall 2002
Our September 11 concert promises to be an uplifting event. Don’t forget to encourage friends and family to attend. We are all keenly aware of the negative powers in existence now and we hope this will provide an hour of respite from that energy.
We are very pleased to have two of our most popular Mid-Week Music duos performing for the next two September concerts:
September 18 — Jerry Noble, piano & Bob Sparkman, clarinet
September 25 — George Soulos, piano & Robin Stone, violin
This season will be wonderful and we will be featuring some of our favorites from the past and introducing musicians new to our venue. Check our Clarion calendar each month.
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Women’s Night
Out, Friday, September 20
The September “Women’s Night Out ” will be a potluck dinner at Anne Hare’s
home at 5:45 p.m. If you have any questions, call Anne Hare.
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Coffee & Soul
Cheryl Wheeler will be our featured artist for our sixth season opener. We are very excited to have such a well-known and loved performer coming to Coffee &Soul. One of her most well-known songs is “When Fall Comes to New England” and that’s the night she’ll be here, September 21.
Bernice Lewis, who performed here last year, will open for her. There will be no open mic this month. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $20 per seat.
We have welcomed three new people to our year-round “crew” but we still need bakers on a month to month basis. If you would like to bake in exchange for one admission, contact Carole Groman.
For more information about the series, call Diane or Russ or e-mail
coffeeandsoul@yahoo.com.
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A Few Words About the
Monthly Friendship Potluck Luncheon
These potluck luncheons are USUALLY on the third Sunday of each month immediately following the service. THIS MONTH IT WILL BE ON THE FOURTH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22.
The POTLUCK meals are always delicious and varied and the company is wonderful-your All Souls family.
Everyone is asked to contribute a main dish, salad, dessert, bread, whatever. Each month a committee volunteers to help set up and clean up after the meal. However, each committee is small so it would be very nice if more stayed after to assist. As the old saying goes, “Many hands make light work.” Our first Friendship Luncheon of the year will be on September 22. Mark your
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New Chalice Lighting Words
Things are going to be different. Better? As always at All Souls, you can participate in making them so! As suggested last spring, we will try alternative chalice lighting words and then settle into a new, ongoing routine. Thanks to those who made suggestions, and please continue to offer your thoughts (even edits!) to the Worship Committee, Diane, or Jon.
Spoken:
Love is the willingness to participate with others,
In opening our hearts as we open our community,
In healing the broken and making all things holy.
Love is the choice to experience spirit,
A member of the human family,
A partner in the dance of life,
A lighter of the torch called hope.
Sung: (and perhaps altered week-to-week with multiple verses
“Seek light,” etc.)
Give light, and people will find the way (3x),
People will find the way I do believe.
Spoken:
We come together to renew our faith
In the holiness, goodness, and beauty of life;
We rekindle the flame of memory and hope,
We reaffirm the way of the open mind and the full heart,
We reclaim the vision of an Earth more fair,
With all her people one.
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Ways and Means News
 We are an “umbrella” committee, meant to bring the ideas and enthusiasms of many (all!) of the folks in the congregation together to generate the $5000. voted in the budget for 2002 – 2003. Of course, we don’t want to shed “manna from heaven”; we want to collect it!
Five of us met on August 8th and generated a list of ideas. We are willing to commit to some of these. What can you do?
Greenfield’s 250th anniversary (Lynn Nichols agreed to get additional information)
Bumper stickers
Church supper and/or service auction (Lynn Nichols)
Holiday Fair (Nancy Buchanan and Jon Rehmus will lead the way on this and expect the quilt raffle to raise about $2000. towards our handicap accessibility account and about $1500. from the fair itself, minimum, towards the Ways & Means line item.)
Theme baskets (As part of the Holiday Fair – items will be requested each week beginning in September; look for additional info in this CLARION.)
Bed & Breakfast
Tag Sale/Rummage Sale
Enchanted Kingdom (some money raised towards specific RE needs and some towards Ways & Means budget; anyone interested in organizing this?)
Coffee & Soul (could some money be generated for Ways & Means, perhaps $250.?)
Sell UU books, jewelry, other items (Susan Garfield-Wright will research)
Fair
Trade Coffee Sales (Don Kruger will coordinate)
Pie Sales
Sale of casseroles at Coffee Hour
Auction of treasures
Dance
Luncheon or coffee/snacks for sale before or after Mid-Week Music
Mid-Week Music (could some money be generated for Ways & Means, perhaps $250.?)
Encourage memorial gift donations (Jon Rehmus)
Stones painted with chalice (Jon Rehmus)
Art show
Right now, the umbrella is empty. Let’s work together to see what we can collect. Our committee will keep you posted with our progress. Please let us know of your ideas. Find something that interests you or is a good match with your skills and let’s talk about how to make it happen. All Souls needs all souls to be successful.
$0 raised as of 9/1/02
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Community Announcements
Men Speaking Out Against Violence Against Women.
Franklin County Organizing Meeting — Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 7:00 PM at Nutri-Systems in South Deerfield. Willy Greenbaum, who has organized over 600 men in the Gloucester area who are speaking out against violence against women, will be sharing his experiences. For more information, contact Jay DiPucchio at 413.863.8656 or
jd@mowstore.com
The Mediation & Training Collaborative (TMTC) is offering its 35-hour semi-annual training in Greenfield beginning September 21. This highly interactive practice-based training is open to all individuals who wish to increase their ability to help others deal with conflict, whether through formal mediation, at work, or in other settings. Call 774-7469 for more information.
Traprock Peace Center has many events planned for September. Visit their website
at www.traprockpeace.org
or call 413-773-7427 for a calendar of their schedule of activism and events.
Help! We Need You!
Yes! We do need your assistance in order to take our steps along the path of our Journey Toward Wholeness!! In order to operationalize our commitment to this journey please let us hold helping hands by offering to share objects which represent an ethic culture of color. The hope/plan is to make our meeting house more visibly and audibly receptive to and representative of ethnic people of color. To begin, we would greatly appreciate obtaining from you traditional music from Chinese, Indian, Native American, Spanish and Black cultures. If you have cassette tapes of compact discs to loan on a short term basis, please let us know. Your help is also requested/needed to give suggestions-ask questions and offer to assist in our efforts to ethnicize our meeting house. Re: Color
Thank you!! Gracias!! Shey Shey!! Da!!!
Contact: Dr. Avis Ellis (802) 257-0382
WANTED: Youth Director
DESCRIPTION: Energetic. Enthusiastic. Unitarian Universalist. Good rapport and boundaries with young people. Experienced with leading groups. Experience with working with volunteers.
REWARD: 15 hours per week paid salary.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: Cindy Beal, Director of Religious Education, Unitarian Universalist Society of Northampton and Florence, 413-584-1390, x 203.
Fall Into Cape Cod
The Unitarian Church of Barnstable, MA, cordially invites you to “Fall Into Cape Cod” Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 18—20. Includes accommodations, all meals, tours, and entertainment. Families welcome. For more information write, call or e-mail: Unitarian Church of Barnstable, P.O. Box 285, Barnstable, MA 02630-0285. Tel: 1-508-362-6381; e-mail:
fallingintocapecod@barnstableuu.org
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