Starr King View

December 2010 Newsletter

Sunday Services - 9:30 a.m.

January 2: “The Gift of Presence”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching.

January 9: “Creativity”
Worship and Music. Service led by Kelli Thompson, with guest artists.

January 16: “The Path of Non-Violence”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching.

January 23: “Grudgeville”
A Family service led by the Rev. Sarah and Cindy Spring, Director of Religious Education.

January 30: “Enlightenment”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching.

 

 

Adult Education

January 2— Brainstorming new ideas for fundraising with Sarah Stewart and George Maloof

 

January 9— No Program

 

January 16—Sermon Discussion - With Rev. Sarah Stewart

           

January 23—  Committee Meetings

            Adult Education 10:30 a.m.

            Social Justice  11:00 a.m.

 

January 30—  SKUUF Strategic Plan

OK, we built this wonderful addition and we're growing our membership. Now what? This is your opportunity to shape the new strategic plan of the fellowship. The Governing Board and Committee Chairs have put together a draft plan and we need to hear from you. Everyone will be able to contribute through small group discussions.

 

In Fellowship

January 2011

Starr King View

 

            In September I preached on our society’s need for spaces and attitudes which are welcoming to people with physical disabilities.  Some of us are disabled, and others of us are “temporarily able-bodied.”  I, a temporarily able-bodied person, took my infant son to our the annual meeting of the Northern New England Unitarian Universalist Association last spring.  I noted many accessibility difficulties, including sets of stairs and multiple doors to navigate in hallways.

            I shared my concerns with the Rev. Helen Zidowecki, who is in charge of arrangements for our district annual meeting.  This year’s annual meeting will take place at the same facility, the Red Jacket Inn in North Conway.  Helen wrote:

 

            “Thank you for your note regarding concerns about accessibility.

 

            “As I mentioned to you, I share your concern and we have been working with Red Jacket to make changes in our meeting space to address some of the issues that you mention. For example, the children's program will be in a space that is ground level and directly accessible to the play area. We work continually with Red Jacket toward having workshop space that is accessible to everyone. In addition to mobility, there are concerns about visibility and hearing, and spacing issues.

 

            “We also need the help of everyone so that we can do a better job of making the conference accessible and welcoming. We rely on people letting us know their accessibility concerns on the registration forms.  This helps us as a check on our planning. Meeting the needs of a specific person helps us to make the space more accessible for all of us.

 

            “When a problem is mentioned at the time of the conference, we will do our best to make necessary changes. I realize that there may be times when we cannot completely make a situation accessible, but please work with us as we work on this issue of inclusivity. Indeed, accessibility is a prime consideration in respecting diversity in our Unitarian Universalist congregations and gatherings.

 

            “Thanks again for your note and for addressing accessibility with your congregation. I trust that we can continue working toward making all of our gatherings inclusive.”

 

--Rev. Helen Zidowecki, NNED Program Chair

 

            I was pleased with Helen’s response and the progress our district is making in accessibility.  I encourage you to attend the district annual meeting in the spring to meet other Unitarian Universalists in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

 

In fellowship,

Rev. Sarah 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Religious Education Program

 

Each of our classes has created a “Covenant” on how they want to be with each other.  I thought you might enjoy reading them.

 

The Chalice Children, our three and four years olds, have agreed to the following:

     One friend speaks at a time  -  Touch each other gently

     Share toys and clay and crayons  -  Be nice to each other

     Use nice words to each other  -   Take turns

     Say nice things to each other

 

Our Special Times class, the five to seven years olds, agreed to:

      Respect others  -   Wait your turn

      No running  -   Be kind

      Have a positive attitude

 

Timeless Themes, our eight to eleven year olds, created the following statement:

     How we want to be treated - listen to each other, be respectful and kind, share, and be helpful.

 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our world leaders could sit down and create a covenant together?

                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Due to the Holidays, there are a lot of Thank Yous this month:

 

November 21 was a Multigenerational Service.  Whitney Howarth, Michael Nicholas, Nancy Chaddock, Gigi and Paul Estes and Zander Browne took part in the service.  Asa Batchelder lit the chalice and and Clara and Kim Batchelder collected the Offering.  Barbara Avery helped Wendy Rowbotham in the Nursery with our little ones.

 

November 28 was a Religious Ed. Committee Sunday.  Margaret Salt, Diana Pamplin and Natalka Sywenkyi led a song and story time for the children. 

 

Cecilia Falter helped out in the Nursery on December 12th.

 

Darcy Hoffman “built” thirty graham  cracker structures and Natalka, Mark Casale, Mary Tierney and Morgan Maxner helped out with the Gingerbread Houses on December 19.

 

Kim Batchelder and Mary Joyce once again planned and produced the Family Christmas Eve Service.

 

And on January 2, another Religious Ed. Committee Sunday, Amy MacDonald and Margaret Salt (and helpers, I hope!) will be creating Coffee Hour snacks and decorations with the children.

 

Of course we also have twenty-two dedicated teachers working regularly with our kids.  It takes a lot of people to keep a good R. E. Program going!

 

      HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

 

                  Cindy Spring, DRE

 

 

“From the Prez”…

 

Hello everyone,

 

Did you miss the column last month?  The reason there wasn’t a “From the Prez” in December was because I missed my deadline. Barbara Avery, our Newsletter editor extraordinaire, is a patient woman – but at some point the newsletter has to “go to the printers”.  I’m sorry that I missed the deadline and I hope to make it up to you with a riveting report this month.

 

I hope that everyone enjoyed the Holidays. For me, I always enjoy the opportunity to get away for a week and spend some time with family. In this New Year the Governing Board is going to be spending more time developing our new Strategic Plan. We need your help!  A strong and vibrant plan for an organization like SKUUF depends critically on input from as many people as possible.  The Board and the Committee Chairs have been working on a new Strategic Plan for the last few months and now it will be ready for input from the wider community. Your first opportunity to participate in the process will be at an “adult ed” session on Sunday January 30^th. We will try to have an interactive session in which you can participate in both small groups and a larger group to help shape the future of SKUUF.

 

On the financial front, I’d like to take this moment to thank everyone for responding to the letter from the Board to increase their pledge amounts for this year. We were able to successfully raise over $5,000 in an additional pledges. This will be critical for us to meet our budget expectations this year.  This is also a great opportunity to remind everyone to keep contributing to the tail end of their Capital Campaign pledges. This is the last year (out of three) for the Campaign and we still have to pay back loans to a few of our members that allowed us to put our wonderful addition on the building.

 

Hope you will enjoy a peaceful New Year!

 

Eric Hoffman

 

SKUUF Finances Snapshot as of December 15,  2010

Fiscal Year to Date, Operating:		Change from Last Month
Income	$   68,791.78	+ $    13,818.86
Expenses	$   64,031.86	+ $     12,641.24
Important Balances
Operating Funds	$   15,095.01	+ $         316.35
Building Funds**	$    64,758.58	+ $     1,365.94
Endowment Funds*	$   12,498.89	+$              0.00

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 contact Nancy Chaddock, or me.

*These funds represent multiple accounts grouped together.

** This includes the principal from the new mortgage.

 

            Accurately submitted,

            Mark Becker

 Stewardship Committee

 

The Stewardship Committee for 2011 will be hosting a special Leadership Breakfast and Workshop on Saturday, January 22, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.  Since stewardship visits will include an opportunity to record a short oral history, or story, we will be explaining and demonstrating how to do this interview.   Marcia Blaine, history professor at Plymouth State University, will provide a model and guidelines for requesting and conducting a short, recorded interview.  Rev. Sarah Stewart will discuss how to do a stewardship visit.

 

This exciting opportunity is open to Board members and Committee chairs as well as all SKUUF members. Each interviewer will do only two visits.  These visits are a wonderful way to get to know other members better.  If you are interested and would like to be included, please contact the SKUUF office and leave your name and number.

 

Kelli Thompson, a member of the Worship and Music Committee, will be doing the layout for this year’s brochure.

 

Beverly Walker, Chair

Rev. Sarah Stewart

 

 

 

 Fire Procedure

The Plymouth Fire Inspector was in last week and I had a chance to walk around with him.  I have now posted “Fire Exit” charts in the classrooms.  The most important thing to remember is that parents should exit through the upstairs doors and meet their children outside.  Please don’t try coming down the stairs or elevator.  The children will be led out the door at the end of the new section and will wait in the parking lot for you.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

 

Cindy Spring, DRE

 

 

 

   

Thanks

 to all who

contributed to

the recent appeal for

additional pledges during a

 financially tight operating year.

   The appeal was successful, totaling

more than $5,000, which should enable

us to accomplish a balanced budget

this year.

 Nancy Chaddock, Treasurer

 

 

 

 

About Membership in Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

What It Means to Be a Member

 

SKUUF membership is open to all individuals regardless of race, creed, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.  You are invited to become a member by participating in a membership orientation or by meeting with the Minister to review the rights and responsibilities of membership.   All new members sign the official Fellowship membership book witnessed by the Membership Chair or the Minister. 

Members are entitled to the services of the minister and the use of the sanctuary for rites of passage (weddings, dedications, funerals, etc.) at no cost.  Members also have the privilege of full voting rights, are eligible to serve as Chairs of committees, and may be elected to Officer positions. 

Membership is maintained by active participation in the Fellowship and by supporting the annual fund and/or contributing service towards the Fellowship.

What it means to Be a Friend

 

A Friend is an individual in harmony with the visions, goals, and programs of SKUUF who chooses not to sign the Membership book. A Friend may participate in any and all Fellowship activities, but does not receive rites of passage services without fee, cannot vote and may not serve as a committee Chair or Fellowship Officer.

 

For More Information on  Membership

 

If you are considering becoming an official member of our Fellowship, or if you can support membership activities, please contact Danni Simon, Membership or Darlene Nadeau, Membership Co-Chairs.

 

 

 

 

Learning at Home

 this Winter

 

Members of the Fellowship have been invited to participate in A Better World, A Meaningful Life (The next session runs January 3 - 28.)  This is a month-long online course designed to help you in your quest to become a better human — a good human — by helping you examine your life and values and gain better skills and insights for doing the most good and least harm for yourself, other people, animals, and the earth. Many tell us this course is life-changing. It may also  be world-changing.  You can download more information about the course here:
http://humaneeducation.org/OnlineCoursePromoDocs/BWMLinfokit12011.pdf

 

A Better World, A Meaningful Life was created by Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education and a graduate of Harvard Divinity School. Zoe also leads services for Unitarian congregations. Listen to Zoe’s talk at the Unitarian Univeralist Church of
Ellsworth, Maine:
http://uuellsworth.org/sermons/zoe-weil-a-better-world-a-meaningful-life-may-16-2010/

 

Betty Ann Trought

 

 

 

           

                                               

Hospitality Schedule

January—March 2011

 

The schedule for January through March 2011 is listed below.  If the Sunday assigned doesn’t work for you, please change with one of the others listed and let us know.  (We are hoping to use the same schedule next year!)

 

 

Month	Food	Flowers
January  2  9 16 23 30	RE Program Valerie  & Ryan McQueeney Bev & Gary Walker Ron Jansen Laura Thibault	Amy MacDonald Betty Nicholson Bev & Gary Walker Diana Pamplin Danni Simon
February   6 13 20 27	Mary & Nevin Scrimshaw Deedie & Chuck Kriebel Betty Ann & Bill Trought Marcia VanderMast	Mary & Nevin Scrimshaw Deedie & Chuck Kriebel Betty Ann & Bill Trought Walt Mayshark
March   6 13 20 27	Natalie Thompson Stew Weldon Anna Wilken Cindy Spring	Natalie Thompson Deb Casale Anna Wilken Cindy Spring

 

 

We would like to make coffee hour easier for everyone by making it simple – it’s just a snack to go with coffee, not a meal.   Feel free to team up with someone else to do coffee.  Help is available on how to run the new dishwasher.

 

The  hospitality sheet also includes a sign up list for flowers.  You do not have to do both on the same day, especially if you have a certain Sunday when you want to remember a special someone  or a special occasion with flowers.

 

Thanks for your help in making SKUUF a welcoming and friendly place to come on Sunday.

 

            Bev Seavey

            Cindy Spring

            Hospitality Contacts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greeter Schedule 

January – August 2011  

 

If your name is on the list please make a note in your calendar.  We are still in need of a Greeter for March, July and August.  If you are not able to be a Greeter when scheduled, there is a list of substitutes on the bulletin board in the foyer.   If you have questions contact Anna Wilken, phone 536-2013, email awilken@roadrunner.com.

 

 

Month	Upstairs Greeter 1	Upstairs Greeter 2	Downstairs Greeter
January	Mitch Manseau	Amy MacDonald	Anna Wilken
February	Mary Tierney	Andrea Sutherland	Natalie Thompson
March		Harry Vogel	Suzanne Schwartz
April	Darlene Nadeau	George Maloof	Michael Nichols
May	Marceline Boomer	Joe Kelaghan	Thad DeFauw
June	Janet Doner	Jules Doner	George DeWolf
July
August

 

Anna Wilken

 

 

 

 

 Newsletter Deadline

 

            The deadline for the February Newsletter is Wednesday, January 19.

            Please send all items, committee reports, notice of events and activities to Barbara Avery

 

 

 

 

 

Social Justice

 

January Community Outreach: Pemi-Baker Community Health (formerly Pemi-Baker Home Health & Hospice, Aquatic and Wellness Center)

 

* Do you know anyone in the area who has suffered an injury or undergone a procedure and is fortunate enough to recover in the comfort of their own home?

* Do you know anyone whose doctor recommended rehab in a therapy pool to help them strengthen and heal safely again?

* Do you know anyone whose loved one was able to live in comfort at home, surrounded by family and friends during the last weeks or months of life?

 

Chances are they were able to do it through the support of Pemi-Baker Community Health’s programs in Home Health, Hospice, Rehab Therapies, or Aquatic & Fitness.

 

Pemi-Baker Community Health is the only healthcare agency in the area that brings quality therapeutic and occupational services to you and your neighbors in the safety and comfort of your own home so that you may remain independent while recovering from injury or illness, or when other continuous support is required.

 

For patients with life-ending illness, the hospice team – comprised of caring and compassionate physicians, nurses, home aides, medical, social, and spiritual personnel, volunteers, motion therapists, and others – helps manage symptoms and improve the time remaining for patient and family alike, in their own home, in their own time.

 

Whether recovering from an illness or injury, certified staff develop and oversee individualized physical, occupational, speech and other therapies in our treatment rooms, gym, and the only temperature-controlled therapy pool in the area at our Boulder Point facility.

 

For those interested in a joint-friendly, comprehensive exercise program in the gym and/or pool, memberships are available to members of the public of all ages, with classes and hours that accommodate most busy schedules. Whatever your age or stage, we welcome you.

 

During 2010, we served well over 900 patients in our homecare, hospice, exercise and rehabilitation treatment programs. Many people do not know that PBCH also offers flu clinics, home safety assessments, functional capacity evals, diabetes and weight support groups, foot care and blood pressure screenings, health and wellness fairs, plus various fundraising and memorial activities to keep our community’s loved ones in our thoughts and support us as we carry our mission of helping others forward.

 

Pemi-Baker Community Health actively seeks volunteers, and opportunities to care for our neighbors in the towns of Ashland, Campton, Ellsworth, Groton, Hebron, Holderness, Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Warren, Wentworth, and elsewhere by request. To learn more or find out how you can help, call 536.2322.

 

Lee Webster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-a-Book is NOW!

 

      While you are planning stocking stuffers and making resolutions to be altruistic in the coming year,  it’s time to write the check for Share-a-Book.  We will be buying more of those fabulous picture books in Spanish for the story time at the Women in Action center.  We also plan to add to the reference and recreational reading section of the small library which is growing each year.

 

If you wish to date your check in January 2011 for tax purposes, please do that.  We are happy to be flexible.   It will be a while before the next delegation departs for Managua, so we can add books to the order in the new year.  Unlike projects that have an overhead, all of the money you donate will go for reading materials for the children and their families.

 

 Remember that we have simple cards for you to give to family and friends to let them know that you have donated books in their honor.   Please let Margaret or Stew Weldon know how many cards you will need, and if envelopes are desired.

 

You can also ask for an English-Spanish book pair, so that a special child in your life can receive the same title we send to Managua.  You buy the English Version at your favorite location, and we will purchase the Spanish twin.  Don’t forget to write Share-a-Book in the check legend, and write the check to SKUUF. 

 

 Thank you, from all the children at Muheres en Accion!

 

For more information see Margaret Salt.

 

 

 

 

 

Activities

 

Saturday, January 8: Annual Family Snow Party

            All ages are welcome to join in outdoor and indoor games. Bring your favorite snow gear/toys, games, and food to share.  It all happens from 1:00 p.m. until who knows when at 148 Page Road, Campton.  Please call Jules or Janet Doner  for more information.

 

Sunday, January 9: Second Sunday Hike

            It’s that wonderful time of year when weather conditions determine where we hike.  Plan to leave SKUUF parking lot at noon.  And if you want to get regular up to date details on future outdoor events be sure to contact Mitch Manseau.

 

Friday, January 14: Games Night

            Bring your games or just come and join the fun.  Games start at 7:00 p.m. in our fellowship hall. Elizabeth Becker is your host; please call her at 744-3757 for more details. You’ll love it so plan on coming second Friday of every month, same time and place, except for February.  There will be no game night in February.

 

Thursday, January 20: Lakes Region Big Band

            Come to the Common Man for a free live concert; there are great tunes for dancing or just do some toe tapping while you enjoy the swing band.  The band starts at 7:00 p.m. and plays until 9:30 p.m. Our own George Maloof will lead some dance practice sessions starting at 6:00 p.m.  Call George for more details.

 

January 26 – 30: Peter Pan

            Check the Silver Center for the Arts at Plymouth State University for specific times and dates to enjoy a musical event featuring SKUUF families, friends and talented community folks that you enjoy. We invite you to consider  Sunday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. as a “SKUUF” family date; we plan to dine at the Italian Farmhouse following the performance. Call the arts center at 535-2787 for ticket details.

 

Special March Event Invitation from Mitch:

            Join the Nashua Church at Cardigan Lodge, March 12. March 11-13 is the annual Nashua Church’s Cardigan Weekend, and they invite SKUUFers to join the fun. While they have booked the AMC lodge both nights, we would probably like to join the Saturday activities: a hike to the summit (Hares), to Welton Falls (Turtles), ski at Ragged, back-country skiing, or Lodge-sit. Depending on the activity, we may want to lunch at Cardigan or take with. We probably would like to participate in the social hour and dinner; Phyllis and I did so last year and had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new ones. We’ll need to guaranty meal counts in February; but consider the event and save the date now. Contact Mitch to enroll or for more information. I don’t have the meal prices yet; but meals are affordable and good.

 

 

Fundraising

New Fundraising Ideas

Sometime in early January, the fund raising committee (Bob Lindstrom, Marilyn Ashley, Bev Walker, Darlene Nadeau, and Marcia Vandermast) will meet at George’s home to discuss the possibility of a "high tea" event. We welcome anyone else who would like to join us… especially if they know anything about teas in general!  Date and time to be decided but will be published. Contact George Maloof for more info or if you would like to participate.  ALL IDEAS ARE APPRECIATED

 

George Maloof

 

Governing Board Meeting

 

            The Governing Board will meet on Tuesday, January 11 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Committee Chairs Meeting

 

            Committee Chairs will meet on  Wednesday, January 19 at 6:00 p.m.  

 

 

Adult Education - February

 

We are planning to have at least one session to discuss immigration using the recommended book  The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona-Mexico Borderlands by Margaret Regan (Beacon Press, 2010) which presents a series of intimate stories from immigrants, activists, human rights workers, and border patrol people. Through their stories, the book explores the ethical, moral, and spiritual challenges presented by the complex immigration issues on the border, evoking our human response, rather than a political or policy debate. Regan calls us to the religious act of bearing witness to brutality and despair along with extraordinary courage and commitment.

 

Reading is a solitary act, but the stories Regan tells are not easily held alone. Discussion groups provide a place for conversation and discernment as to how we will respond and act. We anticipate talking together will enhance each reader’s encounter with the book and can give diverse people a shared experience on which to build meaningful conversation and action. See you in February.

 

Betty Ann Trought

 

 

SKUUM

 

The men’s group, SKUUM, will meet on the first and third Sundays of January from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the upstairs  conference room at SKUUF.     Any  interested male is invited to attend these lively and entertaining discussions  which cover a wide range of topics.

The co-leaders are Bob Clay, George Maloof and Bill Trought.   Contact any of them for further  information.

Bill Trought

 

Miss a service?

 Sermons are regularly recorded and put on the Starr King Unitarian Universalist website.  Simply go to the SKUUF website - www.starrkingfellowship.org.  Then click on the podcast listing on the toolbar on the left side of the home page.  This will take you to the podcast page.  Click on the podcast directory at the top of the page.  All the podcasts are listed. Turn on your speakers.  Click on the podcast you want to hear.  We hope you enjoy your SKUUF podcast visit and return often.

Forrest Seavey

Public Relations

Technology Subcommittee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wise Women in Training

 

Wise Women in Training (WWIT) is a flexible group of senior women (over 50) who meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the SKUUF conference room.  They talk about issues and topics of interest to the group.  Membership includes a core group but is flexible so feel free to attend when you have time. 

Meetings  this month are scheduled for January 12 and 26. If you would like to be on mailing list for WWIT please contact Betty Ann Trought. 

Betty Ann Trought

 

2011 Directory

 

            The 2011 Directory is ready and may be picked up at the Guest Table in the foyer.  It has a bright yellow cover—hard to miss.

 

           

            Please send changes to Cheryl in the Church Office, or Mary Tierney so that we can keep the data base current.

Remember, if you change your name,  mailing address,  phone number,  email address  do let us know.

 

Mary Tierney

 

 

Health Hint

      There is a fairly new web site that can provide answers to both general and specific questions on both health prevention and disease/injury care.  It is one that represents more than just the medical perspective with answers to questions coming from nurses, PTs, OTs, and a variety of other disciplines and institutions.  If you can’t find an answer to satisfy your specific question, you can submit it to an expert panel for a response.  This is a web site being driven by consumer questions rather than the traditional approach of what “experts” think you should know.

 

            Try it  http://www.sharecare.com/question/what-is-sharecare

            Betty Ann Trought

 

 

Announcements

 

We are very pleased to have a new Office Assistant, Cheryl Abjornson, who joined us in November.  You will find her in the office Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Our minister, Sarah Stewart, is in her office Tuesday through Thursday.    You can reach her at:

sstewart@starrkingfellowship.org. , or

536-8908   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Play Bridge Thursday

 Afternoons at SKUUF

 

            If you are a bridge player interested in the Thursday afternoon bridge game at Starr King Fellowship, please see Anna Wilken.