Lighting the chalice.

Starr King
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

A Welcoming Congregation
101 Fairgrounds Road
Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264
(603)536-8908

Starr King View

April 2009 Newsletter



Meeting House
101 Fairgrounds Road
Plymouth, NH 03264
(Map and Directions)
Sunday Service is at 9:30AM  - All are welcome - Dress is informal.



Sunday Services - 9:30 a.m.
 
April 5 : “The Kin-Dom”
The Rev. Dena McPhetres, Minister of the UU Society of Laconia, preaching.
 
April 12 : “Thank God for Evolution”
Barrie Sawyer preaching. Guest musicians will be Steve Colby, saxophonist and Dr. Dan Perkins, pianist.

April 19: “Stories of Active Nonviolence”
Karen Barker preaching.

April 26 : “The Granite State Challenge”
Preston Fuller, Campus Minister at PSU, preaching.
 
(See guest preacher bios on page 12 .)
 
 
 Sunday Programming at 11:00 a.m.
 
April 5 - Invasive Plants in New Hampshire. What exactly is the problem?  Where did they come from?  What are the characteristics of an invasive plant? How can they be controlled? These questions will be answered and alternatives offered that are native or non-invasive exotics.
 
April 12 - “Darwin's Dangerous Idea - Evolution versus Creationism: why it matters.” Discussion leader views Creationism in its latest incarnation, ‘Intelligent Design.’ ID is not just an assault on evolution, but an attack on science as a way of knowing.  The presentation will include what is ID, why it is bad science and how ID subverts good public policy - followed by your questions and open discussion.
 
April 19 - Executive Director, D Acres of New Hampshire. What is an Educational Homestead? What are we doing at D Acres?
 
April 26- Exploring Alaska. The members will share a slide show on their trip to Alaska then be available to answer questions on the people and places they encountered.
 
 
 
Ground Breaking Ceremony
 
On Sunday, April 19, immediately following the service, please gather to the west of the building to celebrate the breaking of ground for our new addition.   While honoring those whose vision gave rise to Starr King UU Fellowship, as well as those whose presence grew and sustained it, with this symbolic act we give expression to our hopes and dreams for the future of our Fellowship.
 
 
 

“From the Prez”…
 
Hello everyone,
 
You may remember that in this space last month, I used the metaphor of skiing to describe our building addition process as looking down the slope with the anticipation of letting the skis slide. Well we have done it! At the congregational meeting we passed all the motions to build our addition unanimously! We have put our skis in motion and are making our first turns down the slope. What a great feeling!
 
There are a many, many folks that deserve to be recognized for all the work they have done on behalf of the fellowship to help us get to this point. Bev Seavey reminded me that it was the Long Range Planning committee from several years ago that recommended that we use the proceeds from the sale of Macey House for a building addition. Since then, the Building Committee, the Capital Campaign Committee, and the Mortgage Committee have all worked very hard over the last two years. Congratulations to each person that has served on those committees. Special kudos to the Treasurer; he worked extremely hard to fill out the UUA Loan application and worked with the UUA to ensure that our application would be a success.
 
Believe it or not, the work is not over. The Building Committee and the Governing Board will be working with our construction management company, Trumbull Nelson, to actually begin the construction sometime in April with a completion goal of sometime in October. Along the way there will be occasional opportunities for sweat equity, primarily before and after construction. Look for announcements about the official ground breaking ceremony on Sunday April 19, after the service.
 
 

Notes from the Treasurer
 
Welcome to Spring! It’s funny- during the summer and fall I look forward to winter. Winter in New Hampshire is a really beautiful time, and even though I grew up in a warm climate (south eastern Virginia) I have made my peace with cold weather. And predictably every March, I am looking forward to warm weather, and have trouble remembering why in the world I ever looked forward to being cold!
 
There are a couple of topics that I would like to cover. The first is the financing of the building expansion. Several months ago, the congregation had already approved the budget for the expansion at $800,000. Now we (the congregation) have approved the expansion itself. Construction should start around mid April. That’s (at least to me) a whole lot of money, but it is also a realistic cost. And it’s something that we can afford, and for something that we need now in the life of SKUUF. Especially for those who were not at the meeting on 22 March, I would like to give you some idea of what the $800,000 pays for.
 
The technical drawings (they used to be called “blue prints”) cost $45,686. We have already paid out $42,852 for them out of the building fund money on hand. This was one of the necessary first steps after approval by the congregation several months ago. It was also absolutely needed to receive realistic bids from interested contractors. At this time, we have the bids and they are being evaluated. Another $13,500 is for the perennial fees and building permits and will need to be paid before we start construction. The remaining money goes for the actual construction of the building. Construction is estimated at $670,000, plus $64,000 set aside for contingencies - anything that is unexpected (not in the basic contract) will cost additional money. A contingency reserve is also required by all lenders- that is not to say we will need it all, but almost certainly we will need some of it, probably even most of it. Having already paid some of the bills, we will still need money to pay for about $756,568.
 
Now, where is all that money coming from? We have on hand (cash, CDS maturing and some in a money market fund) about $314,301. We also expect to receive about $246,265 more from some additional CDs and the remaining Capital Campaign pledges that have been made. So far, that adds up to $560,566. The remaining money we will be borrowing from the Unitarian Universalist Association (the UUA). We talked to several local banks and to the UUA. The UUA interest rates are about 1% lower than the commercial rates- that is a huge difference in the annual debt service! The UUA also will reset the interest rate every seven years. The commercial banks reset the interest every one to two years. That can also add a lot of risk over the years. The loan is for $212,582 (this amount was also approved by the congregation), repayable with a twenty year term. For the first seven years, the interest rate will be about 4.0% to 4.5%. The exact rate will be set at closing. Between legal fees and closing costs, we will receive a net amount of about $206,000. That is slightly more than the need, but there are a lot of contingencies between now and then. The monthly payments on the loan will be about $1,350 per month, the actual amount to be determined at closing.
 
And now, the second item that I wanted to bring up. For those who pay attention to the budgets presented to the congregation at our annual meeting, there is a line at the bottom titled “Surplus / Deficit” carried from prior years. For the FY 2009 budget (this year) that amount was $9,274. That is a really useful item to ensure that our cash flow is always healthy. Remember that we pay bills during the summer too, when our income will be less than during the year.
 
During the year, after the close of a fiscal year, one of our members audits our books. He does this every year, and he deserves a great deal of praise for the work that he does, and has done, for us. He has recently notified us that he expects the prior year surplus amount at the end of FY 2008 (31 June 2008) should be on the order of $19,000. The huge increase is due “in great part” to our being able to pay off our old mortgage early. (This is thanks to an anonymous donor who provided that money to pay it off). That is entirely too large an amount to have on hand in reserves, and is way larger than what I had expected. The Board, at our monthly meeting in April, will be looking at ways of reducing that amount (spending some of it) and how to go about it. My recommendation is that we maintain (keep) about $10,000 to ensure that we always have a good cash flow basis, and use the rest for congregational priorities. The results of these discussions will be presented at our annual meeting in May. The congregation will vote on, and approve, how we spend any of this before it is spent. As Treasurer, one of the rules that I work with is: It’s the congregation’s money, not mine. I am merely the custodian for you, the members.

 

SKUUF Finances Snapshot as of March 18, 2009
 
Fiscal Year to Date, Operating: Change from Last Month
Income $ 85,604.98 +$ 11,461.39
Expenses $ 97,082.44 +$ 12,862.75
 
Important Balances
Operating Funds $ 16,831.83 +$ 1,649.84
Building Funds* $ 328,864.60 +$ 1,898.42
Endowment Funds* $ 11,684.85 +$ 4.11
 
This snapshot shows only selected funds. This is not a full accounting of assets or liabilities. If you would like more detailed information feel free to talk to Gary, or me.
*These funds represent multiple accounts grouped together.
 

 

Next Governing Board Meeting:
Wednesday, April 8
At 5:30 p.m.
 
Next Committee Chair Meeting:
Tuesday, April 21
At 5:00 p.m.

Limited Term Loans
 
In Spring 2008, SKUUF successfully conducted a capital campaign to expand our building. The campaign asked members to commit funds to be paid over the 3-years of July 1, 2008-July 31, 2011 (FY09-FY11). The Building Committee worked with our architect to develop plans that would fulfill the fellowship's needs and fit into our budget. In December 2008, because of a worsening financial crisis the Board asked the fellowship to affirm its capital commitment before seeking a mortgage. This would allow members who may have suffered financial reversals to rescind their pledge without the stress of trying to meet it.
 
In January 2009, SKUUF members and friends who had pledged a 3-year commitment to the capital campaign affirmed their intent to fulfill their pledges. On January 15, the Building Committee received approval from Plymouth's Planning Board to proceed with the building. In February, the Building Committee sought construction bids. Because pledges will be received over the next 2 years, the Board recognizes there will be a cash shortage during construction, and decided to offer members the opportunity to make limited term loans for construction purposes.
 
It is expected that the building expansion project will be completed in Fall 2009. All contractors must be paid by the project’s completion date. This means there will be a temporary cash shortage for all the pledge amounts expected to be paid sometime after the project’s completion; in other words, SKUUF will not be able to pay all the contract work when due unless some short-term financing is arranged.

Limited Term Loan Offer

1.  The Governing Board of Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SKUUF) approves offering a one-time opportunity to our members to loan funds to SKUUF in the amount of $130,000 for the purpose of paying costs necessary for construction of the building prior to the end of the Capital Campaign in July 2011.
 
2. Loans will be:
a. used solely for construction and related costs.
b. requested in $10,000 or $20,000 increments.
c. invested in a bank certificates of deposit with maturation dates co-terminus with planned payments to the contractor and/or held in the SKUUF Building Reserve account with Community Guaranty Savings Bank. Interest earned on these accounts will belong to SKUUF.
 
3. Loans are not secured by any asset(s) of SKUUF.
 
4. Loans will be offered for a period of 1 year (12 months) or 2 years (24 months). No loan will be repaid to the pledging unit or family prior to its maturation date.
 
5. Interest will be paid when the loan matures at the end of 1 year or 2 years. The interest rate will be 2%, compounded annually. Upon maturity of a 1-year (12 month) loan, the pledging unit or family will be issued a check in the amount of $10,200 or $20,400. Upon maturity of a 2-year loan, the pledging unit or family will be issued a check in the amount of $10,404 or $20,808.
 

6. If SKUUF's financial status improves so significantly as to repay the loan before its maturation date, the pledging unit or family will be paid the full and entire contractual amount.
 
7. If the pledging unit’s or family’s financial status devolves so significantly as to request termination of the loan, contractual interest will be forfeited. However, the Board will have the discretion to prorate interest depending on termination circumstances.
 
8. Income tax form 1099-INT will be issued to the pledging unit or family when the loan is repaid.
 
 

RE Calendar for April
   

Date

Treasure Hunting

Time Travelers

April 5

We have Different Points of View with Mark & Kim

Fannie Farmer
with Bill & Whitney

April 12

Easter and Spring with Amy and Kelli

Whitney Young
with Belinda & Barbara

April 19

There are many ideas about God
with Margaret & Nancy

Thomas Starr King
with Daryl & Jon

April 26

 

Spring Hike to Rainbow Falls

  
Thank You to Stew Weldon and Kree Wooley who helped out on February 22 with Sarah’s going away train card and preparing all the snacks for coffee hour.
 
Reminder to all: Our third annual RE barbeque will be on June 7 following Youth Sunday service. Stay tuned for further details.
 
 
 
Religious Education Program
 
Many of you know that there is a curriculum for our Junior Highers on human sexuality. It is called “Our Whole Lives” or OWL. The curriculum was a joint effort of the UUA and the United Church of Christ. Our Junior High students join students from the local UCC every other year to go through the program.
  What you may not know is that there are sessions for many different ages groups as well, hence the title. Some of the parents of our younger children asked about the sessions for K-1 and for 4-6 graders. “Is there some way our kids could take these important courses? It is good information for now.”
 
The RE Committee looked into it and agreed that it would be good to offer these programs to our families. Two of our “Treasure Hunting” teachers have agreed to be trained to lead both courses. I am delighted to report that our Nominating Committee has underwritten the cost of the training. (They are in charge of the funds for workshops and conferences.) Mark and Kim will attend the two-day training at the end of the month. They plan to lead the 8-session course for the older group later this spring and the course for our Kindergartners and first graders next fall.
 There will be a parent orientation preceding both courses. I am delighted that we will be able to offer this rich resource to our parents.
 
RE thanks this month go to:
 
Darlene for leading a session on Yoga with the Youth Group
Thad and Joe for portraying a young Harvard Student and
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Margaret for being Clara Barton
Danni and Barrie for portraying Dorothea Dix and William
Ellery Channing, her minister
Betty Ann and George for enacting the arrest of Susan B.
Anthony
And Connie for helping in the Nursery.
 
The Religious Education Committee met a couple of weeks ago to begin talking about curriculum and teachers for next year. Because many of our little ones are “aging out” of the Nursery, we expect to have three classes plus the nursery in September. Surely hope the RE addition becomes a reality!
 
Cindy Spring, DRE
 
Green Up Days at SKUUF
and Annual Plant Sale
 
It is an old New England custom to pick up the litter and downed branches of winter in the early spring. Come join our cheerful group of SKUUF workers to spiff up our landscape. It will highlight our daffodils and celebrate the returning green. We will meet on Sat. May 2, anytime in the morning after 8:30. Bring your gloves and water bottle and join us! If you are devoted to a favorite weeder, shovel or rake, bring them too. We are hoping for a youth presence, on this or another day! Bring your friends! Our rain date is May 9, but we will work in most conditions. Or volunteer for a specific task on another day, if you can’t join us.
Also, mark your calendar and plan ahead for our annual plant sale, to be held this year on Sunday May 17. This date is between holidays and during weather ideal for transplanting. Decide now to share some of your perennial bounty with fellow members. Spare containers are available.
Our friendship gardens are thriving from past generosity, and the modest prices are a plus. We won’t turn down annual seedlings or houseplants, but traditionally our main event is the wide variety of perennials that members and friends donate.

 

Extending Family
 
In the bonds of fellowship and love, we unite to minister to each others’ needs and to celebrate the sacred moments of life passages.
 
The other morning we had the pleasure to welcome new members to our SKUUF fellowship. While reciting the Words of Welcome we give to all joining our community, I realized that the mission of the Extending Family was clearly embedded in the lines so graciously written by Victoria Weinstein.
 
One of the abundant reasons, many of us regard SKUUF as a community where we find true fellowship is because in many ways SKUUF is similar to a caring family. Extending Family is here to provide helping hands when needed in ways similar to how members of a family would jump in to help.
 
We use the term “extending” as our purpose is to operate in the present and there are no boundaries to the help that is given. Extending Family is here for you when a new baby arrives. Extending Family is here for you when a loved one leaves us. Extending Family is here to help when the unexpected interrupts our lives.
 
A great group of volunteers are standing by ready to go and provide help when needed, but additional helping hands are always welcome. Each of us has a skill, talent, or specialty that can be helpful to someone. Maybe you have a special interest which you can share; you may be able to help build a ramp, cook good comfort food, enjoy driving, or reading out loud. Maybe you have a knack for being cheerful or comforting. Just being there and keeping company can be very special too. There are so many ways to help; surprise us!
 
We want to hear from you because your special ability can be a much appreciated gift to another member of our community, fellowship, family. If you would like to be of service to fellow SKUUFERS, please add your name and information to the brand new sign-up sheet you will find in the foyer. If you have already signed-up on our previous sign-up sheet, it is not necessary to sign-up again, we have your number!
 
Everyone, please help members of our community help others. When a family member or when another member of our fellowship has a need, please get in touch with either Sue or Marilyn and we’ll get the help they need as soon possible. We’re all here for each other.
 
Marilyn, Sue and all the Extending Family volunteers wish you a joyous and safe spring!
 

 
Remember to wear your Nametag.
It helps Everyone.
 

 

Guest Preacher Bios for April
 

The Reverend Dena McPhetres
 
The Reverend Dena McPhetres was born and raised Unitarian Universalist in a small town near Lake Wobegone, Minnesota (really!). She graduated with honors from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in 1996, served her internship at First Unitarian Church in Portland, Oregon, and then returned to Minnesota to serve small fellowships for two years. She has served the UU Society of Laconia, New Hampshire since 1999, and resides in the neighboring town of Gilford with her adorable cocker spaniel Maggie.
Some of you may remember her dance leadership during the closing worship at the Spring District Conference last year, celebrating our new Northern New England District. You may be relieved (or disappointed) to know that she won't be asking you to do a hand dance this Sunday!
Rev. McPhetres does not identify as a Christian, but enjoys exploring the rich history, scripture and tradition of Christianity and often translates and interprets it for her fellow UUs. It is in that spirit that she will offer a sermon about Palm Sunday.

Karen Barker
 
Karen Barker has been a member of Unitarian Universalist Society of Laconia since 1987, coming to UUism from a Roman Catholic upbringing. For fourteen years she served as the volunteer Coordinator of Religious Education, and participated in the planning and leading of a variety of services with the minister, many of them family services designed for all ages. Others she created on her own or with her husband, Tom Barker. She has had the joy and privilege of sharing a number of these services with congregations throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. She also served on the Worship Committee for a year.
Her current passions involve nonviolence practice, hiking, and Sustainable Sustenance, a monthly gathering for folks who want to explore issues related to eating more wholesome food. She works part-time at Laconia Village Bakery, where she has the opportunity to introduce new and delicious dishes to the public, many of which feature local ingredients.
 

Technology Committee
 
Missed a service?
Want to hear a favorite sermon again?
Check out these sources.
 
SKUUF services are available on cable channel 20 in the Plymouth area. You can view the station’s schedule on your computer at www.plymouth-nh.org/node/458 to check for the next scheduled broadcast.
 
After the services have appeared on television, they are available on DVD from the SKUUF library downstairs. They are kept on the shelf in the office assistant’s office. Be sure and leave your name if you check one out.
 
While you are on the website, click on the podcast link and listen to a sermon by the Rev. Sarah Stewart. More than twenty sermons have been posted since last fall.
 

 

Social Justice
 
Energy Starr Program
 
At a recent adult education program we continued our Energy Starr Program with a discussion on saving energy through food choices.
 
BUY LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCTS!
Support our local farmers, save transportation costs, and get fresh produce, often organically grown.
 
BUY YEAR ROUND FROM LOCAL FOODS PLYMOUTH- an online market place at http://lfp.dacres.org. The website is easy to use!
? orders are placed Monday and Tuesday, biweekly
? pickup is Thursday 4 – 5 PM at the UPS store, except during the summer when the farmer’s market is running
? Available now – eggs, dairy, baked goods, condiments, meat
? Next dates for live buying:
March 30,31 - pickup April 2
April 13,14 – pickup April 16
April 27,28- pickup April 30
 
SUPPORT LOCAL FARMSTANDS AND THE FARMERS MARKET during summer months -- look in the literature rack for a list of farm stands in this vicinity.
 
EAT LOWER ON THE FOODCHAIN
Livestock are inefficient at converting grains and other resources into useable food. Sixteen pounds of grain are required to produce one pound of beef! Eating vegetarian one day a week will save 700 pounds of CO2 each year.
 
CONSIDER BUYING IN BULK
D Acres coordinates a local effort. Call Regina Rinaldo at 786-2366. They have an extensive list of items, and purchase monthly. At our program we found that some prices are considerably higher than what we can purchase at local supermarkets, but many of the items available through bulk buying are organic.
 
Check out the literature rack for more information!
 

 
 Community Closet
Needs Our Help

Remember, the Community Closet can always use our help. There is a basket in the foyer for your non-breakable food contributions. You can drop off canned or boxed goods anytime.

Community Outreach
Voices Against Violence
 
Think about your relationship with your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, parent or sibling

You might have answered ‘yes’ to some of these questions, but still think it’s not that bad. But feeling scared, humiliated, pressured or controlled is not the way you should feel in a relationship. You should feel loved, respected, and free to be yourself. And, you can’t make people in your life change their behavior or continue to make excuses for their behavior…they are the ones who have to change their attitudes and accept responsibility for abusing you.

It’s not your fault if you are being abused. You deserve to be treated with respect.
How do you know if you're being treated with respect?
 
Respect Checklist
Your rights in a relationship:
If you are in a relationship, you must be treated with respect, which means your partner: