Starr King View

October 2009 Newsletter

Sunday Services - 9:30 a.m

 

  October 4 : “ The Seeds and the Fruit”

             The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching.

 

October 11 : “Columbus Day, a Second Look ”

            Worship and Music.

 

October 18 : “ Health Care, Local and Universal”

             The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching.

 

October 25 : “Tales from the Crypt”

            The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching.

 

 

Sunday at 11:00 Programs

 

October 4 - Betty Ann Trought – Peacemaking. 

            The UU has had Peacemaking as a study/action issue since 2006.  Last spring Betty Ann facilitated an adult ed program asking for feedback on a UU Peacemaking document that was to be again reviewed at this summer’s General Assembly.  Betty Ann is  back for this session to update us on what has been happening and what is projected to happen in upcoming months on UU Peacemaking.

 

October 4 - Reverend Sarah Stewart – What is Unitarian Universalism?

            This is an opportunity to get together with our minister to learn more about Unitarian Universalism.  It is designed for folks who are new to Unitarian Universalism.  Lasting twenty to forty minutes, and held in Sarah’s office downstairs (unless there’s a need for more space), this is held concurrently with the Adult Ed program upstairs and will be offered approximately once a month from October to June.

 

October 11 - Columbus Day Weekend - No Adult Education Program

 

October 18  - Reverend Sarah Stewart will lead a discussion on her sermon,  "Health Care, Local and Universal.” 

            Health care reform has been a major initiative of Barack Obama's administration and Congress.  Come share your own stories about health care in America, and learn more about a new volunteer chaplaincy initiative at Speare Memorial Hospital.  Sarah is one of the volunteer chaplains serving there.

 

October 25  - Barbara Lambert and Jamie Capach will lead this program, WHAT MOVES US: UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST THEOLOGY.

 

            This is the first in a series of ten workshops, which will be held monthly as a Sunday at 11 offering from October to June.  The program offers  “serious engagement with theological questions from a Unitarian Universalist point of view.  . . . [These] workshops will facilitate those important conversations, and will encourage participants not only to learn about theology, but to do theology themselves.

 

            The program, written by the Reverend Dr. Thandeka, draws on the work of historical and contemporary theologians in our Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist traditions- Hosea Ballou, William Ellery Channing, Margaret Fuller, George de Benneville, Charles Chauncy, Sophia Lyon Fahs, James Luther Adams, Forrest Church, William F. Schulz, and Thandeka herself.  The workshops invite participants to engage some of the major theological perspectives of our tradition and to test those theological points of view against their own lived experience.  What Moves Us will satisfy the hunger of longtime Unitarian Universalists for challenging faith development materials.”

 

            Since each workshop is designed to run ninety minutes, we will try to keep it shorter, hopefully seventy-five to eighty minutes.  Therefore, Adult Ed will start as close to 10:45 as possible on these days.  It may also run a few minutes past 12:00. Each participant will be asked to keep a journal or notebook; it is suggested that the notebook have blank pages rather than lined pages. 

 

            For additional information, contact Barbara Lambert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Fellowship                                                                                                              October 2009

The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart

 

            One of the primary tasks of a religious community is to honor life passages among its worshippers.  One of the happiest of these passages (and, I have to say, it’s one of the best perks of being a minister) is welcoming new babies into our fellowship.  Because we’re Unitarian Universalists, of course, there are no hard and fast rules for child dedications.  There are some elements I like to include in a ceremony to welcome a new child, and there are many choices parents can make in crafting such a ceremony.

            Part of our religious heritage is the belief that all children are born as inherently loveable beings, with the potential to do good already in them.  We don’t, in other words, believe in original sin.  Both Unitarianism and Universalism teach us that all people are inherently worthwhile.  So a Unitarian Universalist ceremony to welcome new children is not a ceremony to cleanse their sins.  We think they’re perfect to begin with!

            I like to include child dedications in our regular Sunday services.  I charge the parents with the monumental task of rearing their child to know right from wrong, and choose the right.  I charge godparents, if the parents wish, with the task of helping the parents in their charge, and teaching the child spiritual values.  I charge the children in the congregation with the fun task of welcoming and playing with the new child.  And finally, I charge the entire gathered congregation with the task of supporting the child and the new family as members of the community.

            A special part of child dedications at Starr King Fellowship is our “holy water.”  Every year, Starr King Fellowship returns to regular services in the fall with a water communion, when all the families in the fellowship pour water from their summer journeys, physical or spiritual, into a communal bowl.  After the service we boil the water and save a pint of it in the refrigerator.  This is the water I use to dedicate children, and we use it again for the following year’s water communion.  It represents the collective hopes and spirit of our congregation.

            Child dedications are not limited to babies—some families adopt older children, or have children who have never had a formal bris, baptism, or other dedication ceremony.  I work with parents to adapt the ceremony to fit these circumstances.  If you are expecting a child, have a new baby, or are interested in a child dedication for an older child, I am more than happy to talk to you and your family about creating a ceremony.

 

            Rev. Sarah

 

 

 “From the Prez”…

           

Hello everyone,

     

The leaves are beginning to change, and the first cold nights (and even frost) have made their appearance.  That must mean that the SKUUF church year is getting into full swing.  Part of me is wishing for a few days of Indian summer, but the other part is ready to think about colder weather.

 

The SKUUF board has begun the year by agreeing to tackle two main policy issues.  The first is to review our safety and security policies and procedures and determine if they need to be updated especially considering our new building space.  The second is we’re undergoing a thorough review of the Strategic Plan from 2007.  We’d like to make our Strategic Plan a living document that will grow and change as we grow and change.  The various committees will be working this fall to review the original plan and suggest changes/edits.  A committee of board members and other volunteers will work to pull that information together into our Strategic Plan document.

 

I’d like to give you an update on the building financing.  In my last newsletter article, I mentioned that we were still looking for a few short term loans to cover our cash flow issue.  In the middle of the summer we estimated we needed $160,000 to pay our building addition construction bills.  I’m very pleased to let you know that between short-term loans and people being able to pay their capital campaign pledges early, we have over $180,000 in cash available.  Everyone should please remember your capital campaign pledge payments over the next two years will be used to pay these loans.  So even though we’ve solved our cash flow “issue,” your continued support of SKUUF and our capital campaign is critical to the success and financial health of our fellowship.  Thank you to everyone!!!

 

 

            Eric Hoffman

 

SKUUF Finances Snapshot as of September 16, 2009

 

Fiscal Year to Date, Operating:                                                 Change from Last Month                                                

                        Income            $ 22,708.83                                             + $ 6,347.75                                                                                             

                        Expenses         $ 24,479.42                                             + $ 2,343.03                                                                      

 

Important Balances

                   Operating Funds    $    15,183.86                     + $ 3,864.76                                  

                   Building Funds**               $ 215,806.14                     - $21,999.48                     

                   Endowment Funds*          $    11,529.11                                               

 

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 contact Nancy Chaddock, or me.

*These funds represent multiple accounts grouped together.

** This includes the principal from the new mortgage.

 

            Enthusiastically submitted,

            Mark Becker

 

 

 

 

Religious Education Program

 

            What a wonderful Ingathering Service!  It was so nice to see our multi-generational family in the same space celebrating together.  Carolyn Towne, our new Nursery Care person, was in the Nursery, but for most of the service she was alone because even our babies, Charlie Morrow and Tessa Anderson, stayed upstairs with everyone.  Carolyn was very busy, however, a little later on.  I am grateful to the congregation for agreeing to pay her through 12:00 on Sundays.  She had lots of little ones in there after the service giving their folks a chance to attend meetings or chat with friends.

 

            Several of our Youth took part in the service.  Jerrett Hoffman did the Opening Words, Alexander Browne lit the chalice, Maya Infacelli played the flute, and Ben Woolley and Nicholas Becker collected the offering.   Many of the younger children accompanied their parents to the front to add their water to the community bowl and everyone helped me to create our own Rainstorm.   Such a celebration of who we are as a community!

 

            And we are already using the new space!  We had three meetings taking place on Sunday, a teaching training for the younger group in the Children’s Chapel, a second training for the older group in the new Youth room, and a meeting of the Activities Committee in the Sanctuary.  At the same time the older youth were hanging out together in their old class space and many adults were chatting in the foyer.  So nice to have more space to spread out after the service ~~ and we have only put our toes in!!  I am really looking forward to setting up the new classrooms and the DRE Office.

 

            Unfortunately, it will still be a few weeks.  The big move into our new space will take place on October 11 or 18.  Until then the younger groups will be meeting together in our newly painted original space.

 

            Cindy Spring

            Religious Education Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RE CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER

 

 

Date	Storytime	Creating Homes	Neighboring Faiths
October 4	Scavenger Hunt at Fox Park.  Please drop off and pick up your children at the park.		Regular Curriculum
October 11	Activity in classroom	Activity in classroom	Regular curriculum
October 18	First day of Curriculum	First day of Curriculum	Regular Curriculum
October 25	Family Hike to Rainbow Falls- all three groups

 

 

RE NEWS

 

We are so excited about our new space.   Thank you to all who have helped us prepare the new RE area for our THREE Sunday school classes.   If you haven’t seen the new nursery please drop on by.   It doesn’t look anything like a minister’s office.  Thank you to Phyllis Rockwell for the fabulous paint job!  Expected move in day is for the October 18 Sunday School classes.

We are planning on participating in the Plymouth Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 5.  We are in need of a trailer of some sort as this year we have a generator to use to light us all up! We will be having a meeting on September 27 after the service for those who want to help and to get ideas for this year’s entry.   Adults and Youth are wanted!  Meet in the Children’s Chapel area.

 

Mary Crowell

 

 

 

Annual Christmas Wreath Sale

 

          Uncle Baxter Wreaths –   A SKUUF Fundraiser 

 

 The Uncle Baxter Wreath is hand tied, double sided (which means they are double full) and 24 – 26 inches in diameter.  The balsam fir is harvested on a small family farm in Maine after several hard frosts so the needles are set.  This results in a very fresh, long lasting wreath.  The decorated wreaths have a red bow and are decorated very simply with cones and pine sprigs. 

 

Wreaths are sold by advance order only.  The deadline for ordering is October 25.

 

Plain wreaths are $25.00                       

Decorated wreaths are $31.00

 

Pickup and Pay is Sunday, November 29  (the Sunday after Thanksgiving).

 

Sign up for your wreath/s on the order form in the foyer.

 

                  Forrest Seavey

 

 

 

Extending Family

 

We have had a quiet summer.  This is good news since this means our fellowship has enjoyed an abundance of good health and  most everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the summer months without incident.

 

More good news—Jamie Capach’s family now has a residence in Plymouth.

 

Fall is the season of abundance.  The SKUUF fellowship is generous in sharing time and talents throughout all seasons.  One of the channels for sharing these precious gifts are through Extending Family.  For those of you who may not be familiar with the Extending Family committee, Extending Family is here to provide helping hands for those  unexpected interruptions  in our lives.

 

Even though an Extending Family  volunteer may not be called upon often, the committee consists of a great group of volunteers who are ready to go to provide short-term help to SKUUF members when there is an unexpected emergency.  If there is a need for food, someone will deliver it to your home.  If there is need for a ride to a doctor, therapy or other appointments, one of our volunteers will be able to provide that service.  Also, if you are a care giver and just need some respite, someone will be available to visit your home while you take a breather.

 

We are now extending our responsibilities to include the SKUUF phone Tree.  This is only used when all the fellowship needs to be informed of one of our member’s passing.  Thanks to able assistance of Carole Estes, the Phone Tree has been up-dated and distributed to the designated callers.

 

If you know of any new names to add to the list of those who want to be called at such times, or you need to change your contact information since the 2009 directory was published, please let either Sue Brothers or Marilyn Ashley know and we will alert the appropriate caller.

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.

 

Wishing you all abundant health and well being,

Your Extending Family Co-chairs,

            Marilyn Ashley

            Sue Brothers

 

 

 

 

 

Report from the Building Committee  -

           

This month is an exciting time for SKUUF.  Our building to this point will be finished.  This is the time to enjoy our new spaces, including our newly renovated ones.  We should congratulate ourselves for accomplishing so much.  We should revel in the wonderful space we have.  We have room for our RE classes away from the disturbances inherent in our old space.  We have a fellowship hall for events for both SKUUF and the community.  We have an elevator so all of us can reach each floor.  We have wonderful spaces for our minister and office assistant. We are a safer building because we have a fire sprinkler system and a more efficient building because of the new insulation and retrofit insulation of some of our present spaces.

 

After a while, we can turn our attention to areas such as the kitchen. But right at this moment, let’s enjoy what we together have accomplished.

 

            Beverly Seavey

            For the Building Committee

 

 

 

 Landscape Work Day

Annual Fall Cleanup Needs YOU!

 

With a beautiful new space, we need help with more cleanup than usual, so please set aside a few hours on Saturday, October 10 in the morning.  Our rain date, only for very heavy rain, is the following Saturday, October 17.   If rain is intermittent or light, we will work on the tenth.   A light rain is actually more comfortable!   Tasks will include raking, pick up, weeding, mulching, sweeping and so much more.   You can pick your job and work as briefly or as long as you can.   It energizes us all to have a lot of folks pitch in.  If you absolutely can’t come on those days, email or phone Margaret Salt to sign up for the job of your choice.   We welcome folks who want to get an early start!

 

On the day of the cleanup, please bring work gloves if you have them, your favorite tools, including an extra leaf rake if you have one.   We will need a string trimmer that day if you have one.  Go SKUUF!

                              Contact Margaret Salt     if you have any questions.

                                                                                   

                                                            Margaret Salt 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Group Ministry /

                  Covenant Group       

 

It is that time of year again!   We are looking to start up our small group again and we are looking for people interested in joining.  For those of you who are not familiar with our Covenant Groups, they provide a small group forum (about  ten people, including two leaders) to meet and discuss topics such as Spirituality, People & Cultures and Wisdom.   I absolutely love the small groups as they have given me a way to get to know a lot of my fellow SKUUFers (members and friends) better.

 

Initially, we are planning on starting off with one group, and if there is sufficient interest, we will start a second or even a third group.   The first group will be led by Jane Clay and me (Gary Walker).   This group will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at SKUUF.   We are planning the first session for this years kick off for 20 October 2009.  The groups normally run from October through the middle of June of the next year.

 

The sign up sheet is out in the SKUUF foyer, under the “Community” bulletin board.  If the group fills before you have a change to sign up, or you would like another time or day, please let me know.   If there is sufficient interest, we will be glad to set up another group.

 

            Gary Walker

 

 

 

 

Social Justice—

 

Outreach for October

            COMMUNITY CLOSET

            Plymouth Area Community Closet is the Social Justice Outreach Program for October.  PACC is a non-profit organization which is supported through donations and the proceeds from Thrift Shop, our second hand store.  All donations are tax deductible.

 

In 1951, the Plymouth Area Community Closet was established by several Plymouth churches as an ecumenical venture and began with twenty-five Christmas baskets.  Since then, the level of need has increased dramatically, and today we have a Closet that is central, accessible and large enough that our work can be done with thoroughness, efficiency and compassion.  We help over 900 individuals each year.

 

Our purpose is to assist those in financial need by providing emergency funds, food, clothing and support.  Our projects are funded locally, through contributions and with occasional grant monies.  PACC serves the towns of Alexandria, Ashland, Bridgewater, Campton, Dorchester, Ellsworth, Groton, Hebron, Holderness, Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Warren, Waterville Valley and Wentworth.

 

Our fellowship has been extremely supportive of PACC over the years.  The PACC is very grateful and appreciative.

 

Thank you,

Mimi Ford                                             

            Social Justice Committee

 

 

 

 

Remember to wear your Nametag.

It helps Everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever wonder what our UU Principles are all about?

            The Church of the Larger Fellowship sells a fun and attractive poster showing our seven principles in limerick form!  This bright, colorful, and clever, 11” x 18” poster costs $8.00 plus postage.  To purchase a poster or learn more about the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF), contact us:  www.clfuu.org.  The poster can be purchased online by clicking on CLF Shop; or  call 617-948-6150.

 

 

 

 

Adult Ed Programming

 

Book Groups

October book: Hot, Flat, and Crowded

 

Thursday, October 15,  4:00 to 5:30 p.m., at SKUUF

 

Monday, October 19,   7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at SKUUF

 

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

 

            A book with readings is available.  There were two meetings in September and will be an additional seven meetings.  Folks will take turns facilitating the discussion about each section of readings.  October meetings are:

October 8 and 22.

 

            Contact Betty Ann Trought for additional information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

New SKUUF Group:

Aspiring Women of Wisdom (Aww!)

            AWW -- Aspiring Women of Wisdom (name tentative) met Sunday, September 20 to discuss logistics for the new small group.  We will have our first official small group meeting on Wednesday,  September 30 at 7:15 p.m .at SKUUF.   Child Care Will Be Provided.  WE ARE STILL WELCOMINIG NEW MEMBERS THROUGH OCTOBER 21!

 

In addition to group leaders Whitney Howarth and Jeannette Bilodeau, three new members showed interest in the group and expressed a desire to meet once every three weeks to discuss issues related to women’s health, faith, sexuality, parenting and other topics through a UU spiritual focus.  We are looking for four or five  more members.  Originally we advertised the group as open to women 25-45 but we are extremely inclusive and welcome women outside those parameters, too!  

 

We hope to come together in fellowship and celebrate our lives in the stage of middle-adulthood where we, as mature mothers/daughters/partners, are settling into careers, families and new concepts of our spiritual self.   As middle women we are having new experiences as our parents age, as loved ones we’ve known a long time pass away, and as we see ourselves (body and soul) transform into middle-age.  Using the covenant group protocol, this group provides a place of support and nurturing, a nexus for like-minded women experiencing similar moments in the life cycle – but approaching it from various faith practices and perspectives.  We wish to explore these phases and discuss themes relevant to our spiritual growth and health. 

 

If you are interested in helping us select topics of discussion, short prayers/meditations, short readings, or films and/or in facilitating a group meeting then please let us know.  We invite more women to join us and commit to membership by our October 21   meeting.  The life-span of this group will run through to the end of December and we’ll start a new session in early February so if you can’t commit  to a Wednesday meeting in autumn (about every three weeks) but might like to join us in the spring, then please let us know so we can plan for the future.  Feel free to come to the first meeting and bring a friend, this group is open to non-SKUUFers who would like to explore the spiritual and feminine perspective. 

We are also welcoming new name suggestions for the group (perhaps Wild Succulent Women?). 

 

 Whitney Howarth

 

 

 

Activities Committee

 

         Upcoming Events:

 

Saturday, October 24, 10:00 a.m.
Hike w/ Mitch!  
            You’re sure to come out alive and unharmed hiking with one of Newfound Farm’s wildest, most experienced hiking gurus (Phyllis’ words).  Hike leader’s choice after suggestions from attendees. Contact Mitch Manseau for further information.

  

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.

  

            Friday, December 4, 6:00 p.m.
Christmas Tree Decorating, Potluck and Cookie Exchange
            (We’re trying to hit it all this year!) Come and help us make the sanctuary festive for the holidays with your tree-decorating talents, while potlucking and even singing carols. (Quite a mouthful, huh?)  If you bring cookies wrapped  in quantities of two dozen, chances are you’ll find something to exchange for.

 

            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 Cttee Co-chairs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Newsletter Deadline

 

            The deadline for the November Newsletter is Sunday, October 18.  Please send all items, committee reports, notice of events and activities to:  Barbara Avery at PO Box 35, Woodstock, NH 03293, or bdavery@roadrunner.com, or call 745-8845.

 

                        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