Starr King View

November 2009 Newsletter

Sunday Services - 9:30 a.m

 

November 1 : “The Liberal Bible ”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching.

November 8: “Forgiveness ”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching

November 15 : “Cathedral of the World ”
Worship and Music service with the Rev. Forrest Church preaching

November 22 : “Where We Come from, Where We’re Going”
Cindy Spring and the Rev. Sarah C. Stewart worship leaders.

November 29 : “New Life”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching. This service will include a child dedication. If you are interested in having your child dedicated, please contact Sarah.

 

 

 

Adult Ed Programs Sunday at 11:00

 

November 1 - Rev. Sarah Stewart, Sermon Discussion The Liberal Bible 

            The Bible, even the New Testament, is not the sole property of the conservative Christian movement.  The teachings and life of Jesus show us a man who welcomed the stranger, cared for the outcast and healed the sick.  It’s time for us to reclaim an inclusive reading of the Bible as part of our liberal religious tradition.

 

November 8 - Shelly Golden and Corinne Provost, Restorative Justice Goes the Distance

            Shelly Golden, Coordinator for our local Restorative Justice program, and Corinne Provost, a student intern from the PSU Criminal Justice Program, will update us on the progress and needs of this important program serving families and youth in our area.  SKUUFers serving on panels will have stories to tell as well.

 

November 15 - Jamie Capach:  Appreciating the Gender Spectrum

            Many of us are raised to believe that gender is binary: female or male. Transgender is a term that describes a broad variety of people who don’t identify as strictly either female or male but rather somewhere else on a whole spectrum of gender possibilities.  This session is an opportunity for you to explore, learn more and ask questions about transgender issues which Jamie will discuss from her own and others’ experiences.

 

November 22 - Barbara Lambert and Jamie Capach,  Workshop #2 of What Moves Us: Unitarian Universalist Theology

This workshop introduces participants to William Ellery Channing and, in particular, to his Theology of Emotional Struggle. We are considering the relevance of his ideas on this topic to our Unitarian Universalist theology today.

 

November 29 -      No Adult Ed Program

 

 

 

 

Saturday, October 31

 

HALLOWEEN POTLUCK SUPPER & TREATS FOR GOBLINS

 Start planning your costume (if you plan to wear one) for the annual festivities.  Come at 4:00p.m. to help with cutting jack-o-lanterns to light the way for the ghosts and goblins coming for treats.  After supper at 5:30p.m., you can walk with your kids (if you have any) out into the neighborhood behind SKUUF for some trick or treating.

 Along with your tasty potluck dish, remember to bring your own eating utensils.  Cider, coffee and tea will be available.  Park in the rear lot and enter through the R.E. door.

Good food, good conversation and laughs, a good fall SKUUF family celebration.

  

            Bev Walker

 

 

 

 

In Fellowship                                                                                                              November 2009

The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart

 

            I am still reveling in our new fellowship space.  It’s like beloved childhood stories of finding a new world in the back of a wardrobe or behind a garden wall.  Every time I start to wonder where a group will meet, I remember all the new rooms we have.  Every time I leave my new office to look for someone in the building, I find happily that I have to search down new hallways for them.  It felt wonderful to celebrate our new building in October, with the children enjoying their new religious education rooms and all of us enjoying the new fellowship hall.  I was especially moved leading the worship services in the early fall when the upstairs partition was open, and I could see beyond the congregation into the sunlit hall behind.  I can imagine the whole space filled with people who have come to Starr King Fellowship to share in our liberal faith and warm spirit.

            As we move into our new, expanded building, let’s take the time we need to figure out how to live in it.  If your group meets regularly at Starr King, experiment with different rooms and spaces to find the one that works for you.  Remember that several groups can now meet at the same time, since so much space is available.  So far, the only time we are using it all at once is Sunday morning.  The Governing Board is working on establishing safety policies and procedures, but in the meantime continue our good practices: clean up any space you have used when you’re done, including doing your dishes; turn the heat down when you leave; and make sure all doors and windows are locked if you are the last one to leave the building.  Be gentle with our new building and gentle with your fellow Starr King members and friends as we all learn how to be in our new space together.

            The new weekday entrance to the building is the lower entrance on the south side of the building, facing the lower parking lot.  Through those doors you will find my office and Regina’s office, as well as our photocopier and mailboxes.  Other entrances will usually be locked during office hours.

            It is wonderful to be back among you and celebrating the fruits of our labors.  I look forward to running into you in our new rooms and hallways.

  

            Rev. Sarah

 

 RE Calendar

Date	Storytime	Creating Home	Neighboring Faiths
November 1	Children’s Chapel Animal Story w/Amy & Jason	Children’s Chapel Creating Home w/Kim & Mark	Judaism w/ Eric, Leslie & Christie
November 8	Harvest Story w/ Stew & Barbara	Creating Home w/ Jeanette & Kelli	Judaism w/ Eric, Leslie & Christie
November 15	Thanksgiving Story w/Deb & Jamie	Creating Home w/ Nancy & Sue	Judaism w/ Eric, Leslie & Christie
November 22	Intergenerational Service-All groups upstairs for service
November 29	Start upstairs-Parade preparation for all downstairs

 

RE News

WOW!  What a great space we have.   Thank you to everyone who helped us make it a reality!   The kids are certainly busy.   We have lots of activity going on, as you can see from the calendar above.   We have two events planned for December that we are starting to plan now.  The first is the annual Plymouth Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 5.   This is our fourth year participating.    We will be preparing on Sunday,  November 29.   We are still looking for a trailer of some sort as we have a generator to use so that our float will be illuminated this year.   Secondly, we are offering a Present for Parents on December 12.   In the afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., our junior high and senior high groups, as well as adult volunteers,will have childcare available for kids age 3 to 11.  We will have a movie, arts and crafts and a variety of activities available so that parents may have a couple of hours to themselves.    There will be no charge but donations will be accepted!   More details to follow soon!    Come down and visit our new space, it’s GREAT

 

Mary Crowell   

 

Religious Education Program

 

Due to our wonderful new addition, the RE Program has been very flexible this fall.   On October 4, Kree Woolley and Stew Weldon met fourteen of our young ones at Fox Park for a special “Fall Fun day.”   Six parents and two of our Youth were there to help out.    Here is Kree’s report: 

Today went really well.  There were a lot more kids that I anticipated would be there, which was great!!   Because of yesterday’s weather, I was unable to get to Fox Park to set up an actual ‘scavenger hunt’ with one clue that led to another, etc., so we did a modified version.  We had a brief conversation about fall and the gifts the Earth offers to us in the fall, and then I sent the kids out to look for specific objects (a pinecone, an acorn, a red leaf, a small stick, five small pebbles, etc.)   After they had collected their ‘treasures’ we sat together at the tables under the pavilion and used their found objects to construct little animals, creatures, or other artwork using homemade play dough and the things that they found.  They turned leaves into wings, acorns into eyes, and sticks into arms and tails.   It was a lot of fun and even the littlest friends could do it with ease.  

 

      That same morning our Middle Schoolers were learning about the Islam Faith with Power point presentation, DVD and two dedicated leaders, Daryl Browne and Whitney Howarth.

 

      We are all looking forward to October 18, the official “Move In” day!

 

            Cindy Spring

            Religious Education Director

 

 

 

 

 

Logo Needs Updating

 

            Can you help update our newsletter logo to reflect our wonderful building addition?-  If you can help, please contact newsletter editor, Barbara Avery.  Thanks.

 

 

 

 “From the Prez”…

           

Hello everyone,

     

I, like all of us, am so pleased that the congregation is able to use and occupy our building addition space.  What a joy!  It will be very interesting to see how our use of the new space evolves over time.  It’s a nice “problem” to have.  Don’t forget that even though we are using the building, it’s important to keep your regular contributions to the Capital Campaign coming. Those pledges will still be needed to pay the short term loans we have received from members and friends.

 

The Board is continuing to work on safety and security policies and issues, especially as we consider the many new potential uses for our building space.  In addition, in our October meeting we began the work of reviewing the building use policies and procedures.  Finally, the board is currently working closely with the committees to review and update the Fellowship’s strategic plan.  Sometime in January we’ll have an opportunity for the congregation to review the draft of the updated plan and participate in developing new strategic initiatives.  Ultimately, this work will produce a draft plan to be approved at the annual meeting in May.

 

Well, that’s about it from my perspective.  As the leaves have dropped, I find myself looking forward to some snow. Here’s hoping we get some by the next time this column comes around.

 

 

 

            Eric Hoffman

 

 

 

 

 

Safety and Security in our New Building

 

      George Smith, Co-Chair of Property Management, is working with Board member Nancy Chaddock to initiate a new policy for access to our new building.    It is a “work in process” so both George and Nancy welcome your input.    Here’s the proposed plan, so far:

 

1. On November 1,  there will be a new combination on the locks for entrance to the building.

2. The numbers on the combination locks will change every six months.

3. There will be a finite number of folks who will be informed of the lock combination.

4. Those knowing the lock combination will share the responsibility for securing the building at lock up.    Information will be provided to assist in the lock up process.

 

      Okay, so who’s in the finite number?    Actually, a great many people:   our minister, staff, committee chairs and one other person  in each committee, board members, and certain designated others who may be none of the aforementioned folks but who may have need to access the building.

 

      To make this plan work for everyone who uses our building, George and Nancy will be working on a few more details and will provide an update of the proposed new plan to you before November 1.

 

Nancy Chaddock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements:

Our minister, Sarah Stewart, will be attending a conference in Ontario from Wednesday, November 11 through Monday, November 16.  If you have a pastoral emergency during this time, please call Regina in our office at 536-8908, or Eric Hoffman, President of the Fellowship.  They will be able to reach Sarah for you.

The office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 for Veteran’s Day, and on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for Thanksgiving.

The Plymouth town Thanksgiving service will be held this year at Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ on Tuesday, November 24.  Please stay tuned for further details.

 

 

SKUUF Finances Snapshot as of October 14, 2009

 

Fiscal Year to Date, Operating:                                                 Change from Last Month                                                

                        Income            $ 41,690.76                                              + $ 18,981.93                                                                                

                        Expenses         $ 36,646.60                                             + $  12,167.18                                                         

Important Balances

                   Operating Funds    $    19,658.64         + $  4,474.78                                 

                   Building Funds**               $ 238,044.84         + $22,238.70        

                   Endowment Funds*          $    11,530.66                     + $           1.55                       

 

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

 

 

 Social Justice—

 

            Social Justice Committee Seeks Additional Members

 

Do you know SKUUF’s official Mission Statement?    It is two sentences in length. Here’s the second sentence:  “To educate, encourage, and empower ourselves and our children to become committed to local, national, and global issues as they relate to the principles of the UUA.”   

 

The Social Justice Committee needs a few additional members to help lead our congregation in this important work.  A new meeting time, early evening once a month, may be arranged if that proves to be best for all.    Please contact Chair Mimi Ford for more information.

 

            Outreach for November

 

      Restorative Justice is a new way of looking at juvenile crime that focuses on repairing the harm to the victim.  Through the process, youth offenders (aged 13-17) are held accountable, develop empathy for the victim, and make amends.  Communities support the victims, and hold the offender accountable while encouraging personal growth and lasting behavioral change.  The process takes place with the understanding that community ownership of youth development is a cornerstone of a healthy community. 

  

CADY  (Community for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth) has contributed space, phone, computer, copying, transportation and training for this program and some grants have helped to fund its operation.  Shelly Golden, the coordinator, spends much of her time driving to schools and homes and towns in the Plymouth, Bristol and Lincoln school districts  This year our outreach collection will be used to offset the expenses of this travel.

On November 8, at our Adult Ed session at 11:00 a.m., Shelly and an intern, Corinne Provost, will be sharing some of the results of the efforts of this valuable program.

 

For more information on how you can be involved in this community-based justice program, please call Shelly Golden, CADY Restorative Justice Coordinator at 536-9793.

 

Thank you,                               

            Social Justice Committee

 

 

 

 

 

Landscape  Committee

 

We have a beautiful new inside space and are now working to  organize our outside landscaping.  Some work must wait for spring, but much has already been done  by several hard workers.   We thank all the workers who came on October 10 to help with the fall clean up, and the crew who worked on the labyrinth on October 17.   Special thanks to Paul Hazelton, Mark Casale, George Smith and Jules Doner and others who have pitched in repeatedly.

 

            If  you want to help out, call or email Margaret Salt  to learn of any ongoing tasks that still need to be done this fall.

 

            Now that the labyrinth has been neatened, please use it at your leisure.   While you are there, pull a weed, add a stone  or two, and enjoy the peace.        

 

 

UU CLF

 

The Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) is a UU church via mail, email, and internet.  Our mission is to provide a UU ministry to isolated religious liberals.  Did you know that we have over 3,000 members all over the world? 

 

If you’re buying merchandise online of the sort sold through Amazon.com, please consider going to the CLF homepage, www.clfuu.org, and click on the Amazon.com button that you’ll find on the right hand side.  Whenever you buy a book or snow blower or banjo or Bon Appetit subscription or carabiners or marshmallow shooter or gluten free brownie mix or Alvin and the Chipmunks video or hoop earrings or microscope or Kindle--or whatever else--please go through the CLF site to Amazon.  The CLF will get some money by virtue of your purchase. 

 

Please forward this information to your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and anyone else you can think of.  It’s definitely the gift that keeps on giving!

 

Beth Murray

CLF

617-948-6150

 

Adult Ed Programming

 

Book Groups

 

November book: The Intention Experiment

 

Thursday, November 12,  4:00 to 5:30 p.m., at SKUUF

 

Monday, November 16,   7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at SKUUF

 

            Anyone may join at any time.  You may attend either the Monday or Thursday meeting, and shift back and forth between the two, as needed, to fit your schedule.  The groups are working out well without a designated discussion leader.  Everyone attending helps to move the discussion along by coming to meetings with ideas for questions they’d like to see the group discuss.

 

If you would like to be on the e-mail list, please contact Barbara Lambert

 

Meditation

 

            Meditation is held every Wednesday from 4:00  to 5:00 p.m. at Sue Brothers’ condominium.  Please contact Sue for any other information and to get on the email list.

 

Menu for the Future

 

            Contact Betty Ann Trought for additional information.

 

 

 

 

Fundraising Committee—

 

Reminder:

            If you ordered an Uncle Baxter Christmas Wreath, your wreath/s will be ready for pick up November 29.  (The Sunday after Thanksgiving).  You can pay and pick up your wreath immediately after the service, outside at the rear of the building.

           

Forrest Seavey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activities Committee

      Activities Committee Welcomes Your Feedback:

 

Outdoor Activities.
            We want to schedule monthly hikes, on boots or snowshoes; please let me know your interests and abilities so we can tailor the venues for good participation, to include children.  Tell me what distances, elevations and durations you’re comfortable with; and whether you prefer Sundays after services/RE, Saturdays, or Tuesdays.

Meeting.

            We welcome your participation/suggestions/ideas in person at our next meeting, Sunday, November 8, after services, or by e-mail.

Phyllis Rockwell & Mitch Manseau
Activities C0mmitttee Co-chairs

 

 

 

 

                  Covenant Group       

 

Our first Covenant Group (Small Group Ministry) has been filled.   If there is sufficient interest, we will set up a second group, with co-leaders.  

The Covenant Groups are a really great way to get to know some of your fellow SKUUFers and to explore and share your own beliefs.   They are set up in a two hour format as discussion groups and meet twice a month and are usually held to ten people or less to maintain the “small groupness” of the format.   There is a suggested topic provided with possible discussion questions.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact me.  I will be glad to answer your questions.

            Gary Walker

 

 

Comments from the Former Cubby Hole

 

After a summer of internet interruptions, happy surprises, loud noises and overall vast improvements, we can now enjoy the fruits of our sacrifices.

 

Now that we have all this new space, please tell Regina Knowlton if you decide to move your existing meeting space.  All meeting locations are tracked on the SKUUF calendar to prevent scheduling conflicts.

 

As many of you know, the new office entrance is at the rear of the building, off the lower parker lot.  The mailboxes are on the left as you enter the new office entrance and approach the kitchenette.

 

Please note that the office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27 for the long Thanksgivings Day weekend.

 

Regina Knowlton

 

 

Needed: News Notes Coordinator/s

 

            Beginning in the fall on 1986, Walt Mayshark took on the task of writing News Notes  for our SKUUF newsletter.  For the last twenty-three years she has followed our lives sharing our trials and triumphs with our SKUUF community. 

 

            Walt would like to step back  from this task now as she hopes to  travel more, visiting family over the months to come.  If you, or, even better, a few of you together, would  like to take on this task, please talk to Walt Mayshark, or Barbara Avery.  Please consider this, it means so much to our SKUUF community.

 

            Barbara Avery

            Newsletter Editor

 

 

Worship and Music

 Sunday readers for November and December are: 

 

Darlene Nadeau—November 1

Gigi Estes—November 8

Paul Tierney—November 15

Gary Walker—November 22

Sue Brothers—November 29

Gigi Estes—December 6

Betty Ann Trought—December 13

Bill Trought—December 20

Janet Doner—December 24

Marcia VanderMast—December 24

 

 

 

 

Remember to wear your Nametag.

It helps Everyone.

 

 

  

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, or call her at 536-2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Newsletter Deadline

 

            The deadline for the December Newsletter is Sunday, November 15.  Please send all items, committee reports, notice of events and activities to:  Barbara Avery.

 

            Barbara Avery

 

 

 

 

 

Starr King View

 

Minister:  Rev. Sarah Stewart    -  sstewart@starrkingfellowship.org  

 

Office Administrator: Regina Knowlton - admin@starrkingfellowship.org

 

Office: (603) 536-8908      

Website—www.starrkingfellowship.org

 

Pres.:  Eric Hoffman

Vice Pres.: Paul Tierney

Treasurer: Nancy Chaddock 

Secretary: Amy MacDonald

Trustees:

            Marcia VanderMast

            Gail Smith 

            Don Crowell