Starr King View

Summer 2010 Newsletter

Sunday Services - 9:30 a.m.

July 4: “Independence Day Remembered”
Marcia VanderMast

July 11: “How Long Have We Been Here?  How Long Do We Have?”
Sam Miller

July 18: “Story Telling”
Paul Tierney

July 25: “Astronomy, Astrology and Quantum Physics—Together Again”
Joel Heathcote

August 1: “Discover and Experience OWL, ‘Our Whole Lives’”
Michelle Chamberlain

August 8: “River Reflections”
Nancy Chaddock

August 15: “Blessing of the Animals”
Rev. Sarah C. Stewart leading worship. 
Bring your animals, large, small or tiny,  to this outdoor service of blessing and thanksgiving for all the creatures in our lives.

August 22: “Question Box“
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart leading worship.   
Write down any questions you’d like Sarah to tackle this  morning and place them in the box in the foyer over the summer. She’ll do her best to answer as many as she can, and those she doesn’t  get to may be answered in future newsletter columns.

August 29: “The Right to Food“
Nevin Scrimshaw

September 5: “Music Sharing”
Jamie Capach

In Fellowship

July/August 2010

 

 

      Many Unitarian Universalist churches have a more relaxed schedule over the summer, as we do here at Starr King Fellowship.  Services continue every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. throughout July and August.  Members of our community will lead most of these services.  I myself will lead two of these less formal summer services in August.  Children are welcome at all services, but our religious education program takes the summer off.  Committees usually don’t do much work over the summer, and the governing board doesn’t meet in July.

 

      What about me?  Well, I will spend about half my time in July and the beginning of August reading, thinking, writing and preparing for the new fellowship year.  I’ll spend the rest of my time parenting my two young children, Benedict and Charles, and spending time with friends and family.  I’m planning to run in the Covered Bridge 5K foot-race here in Plymouth on Saturday July 17--I’ve already begun my training.  The boys and I will visit my family in Michigan for a weekend in July.  After spending a few weeks in the office in August, Andy, the boys and I will enjoy a longer vacation in Oregon, visiting his family.  I’ll be back for good after Labor Day, ready for a new year to begin.

 

      If you have any kind of emergency where you want to speak to or see your minister over the summer, please call me at home.  For everyday questions and concerns, e-mail will still get to me, although I might not answer it as quickly as I do when I’m in the office.  Our Office Assistant, Regina Knowlton, is only in the office one day a week over the summer--so phone calls to the office will be answered, but only once a week.  Calling me at home is the best way to reach me if you need me for anything important over the summer.

 

      Some time for reading and reflection from time to time feeds every aspect of my ministry, from pastoral visiting to preaching.  I’m looking forward to this restful time, and I’m looking forward to being with you again in August and September.  I hope you all have wonderful summers too!

 

In fellowship,

Rev. Sarah 

 

 

 

Landscape Committee

            Parking Green

 

            We have made several changes at our fellowship to be more careful of our planet’s resources.  You may wonder what a Seventh Principle advocate can say about parking.  You may already know that trees are very sensitive to soil compaction near their roots, and that areas that have been parked on tend to lose trees.  You can help us maintain our current beautiful birches and hardwoods by leaving several feet between your car and the tree.  It is tempting to pull closer in the hot summer months, but compacted soil doesn’t soak up the rain or let air get to the spreading roots of plants and trees nearby.

 

            We have put out some wooden reminders to help you give our landscape some “breathing room.”   Early arrivals on Sunday can help establish a safe distance from the trees, and everyone can help new visitors and new members learn our customs.   If necessary, please say that the landscape committee members cry a lot when the trees turn brown!   Please help spread the word promoting green parking!

 

            With thanks,

            Margaret Salt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newsletter Deadline

 

            The deadline for the September Newsletter is Sunday, August  29. 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Religious Education Program

 

On June 12 the Youth Group held a Bake Sale to augment the “Crafter’s Warehouse” sale.  Thank you to Lucy Miller, Dorothy Crowell and Nicholas Becker for bringing goodies and staffing the table.  (Adrina Cassel, Phyllis Rockwell and Melinda Paul also brought goodies to sell.)  Thanks to the generosity of the “buyers,” the group raised $68 for the new kitchen!  Lucy came early to help set up and Dorothy and Nicholas stayed to help with clean-up.  A very successful day!

 

      Sarah and I have been talking with the RE Committee and Worship and Music Committee about next year.   Last year the children and Youth were only in the service for special Holiday services.  This past year they started in the service three Sundays a month.   Next year, instead of having the “Moment for All Ages,” we are going to try having a multigenerational service once a month so the whole congregation can worship together.   Sarah and I will be planning these services with the help of the two committees (and anyone else who is interested.)  Our hope is that this will provide a chance for our children and youth to really interact with our adults. 

 

RE Thanks last month go to:

 

Paul and Mary Tierney for donating a computer to the RE Office and a printer to SKUUF

 

Joe McKellar for substituting on the “Story Time” Class

 

Forrest Seavey for helping out with “Neighboring Faiths” and for once again giving us a wonderful video presentation on RE Sunday.

 

Marcia VanderMast for visiting the “Creating Home” Class and telling them the history of the SKUUF Labyrinth

 

and to everyone who brought contributions for the RE Cookout.  (Special thanks to Mary Crowell, Carole Estes and Jules Doner who stayed to help me clean up!)

 

      Have a wonderful summer ~ and let me know if you would like to be part of the RE Program in the Fall.

 

      Cindy Spring, DRE

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“From the Prez”…

 

Hello everyone,

 

Phew…we’ve come to the end of another “year” at SKUUF.   Once again as I reflect on the year, I believe that it has been an exciting and productive year for the Fellowship.   Since last year at this time, we’ve seen our Building addition become a reality.   This is a great achievement for our congregation and we can already see that the space is getting used regularly.   There are so many things going on, just on Sundays, and it’s because of the new space.

 

It has been my pleasure to work with a great group of people on the Governing Board this year.   Each of them contributed positively to our meetings and to the fellowship.   In particular, I’d like to recognize Marcia VanderMast.   Marcia has just finished her term on the Board and we’ll certainly miss her positive spirit and willingness to volunteer for many “jobs.”   The Board is welcoming two “new” members: Bill Trought and Kimberly Batchelder.   Bill was elected for a three-year term and Kim was elected to finish the last year of Gail Smith’s term.            

The Board has already brainstormed priorities for SKUUF for next year and we’ll be meeting at a retreat in August to begin our work for the year.   I’m very much looking forward to that.

 

I sincerely wish that everyone has a great summer!   If you’re going to enjoy a vacation, have safe and happy travels.   I’m spending the first part of the summer in Geneva, New York, working on a research project with an undergraduate student.   After that the Hoffman’s don’t have too many plans, but we will spend some time with Darcy’s folks in the Adirondacks.   It’s always good to let the mosquitoes in another part of the North woods get their chance....

 

 

Eric Hoffman

 

 

 

 

SKUUF Finances Snapshot as of June 9,  2010

 

Fiscal Year to Date, Operating:                                                        Change from Last Month                                                    

                        Income             $  141,864.07                                    + $   14,903.59                                                                                  

                        Expenses         $  136,682.27                                    + $   11,033.09                                                                       

 

Important Balances

                   Operating Funds        $    15,742.66              + $      2,633.43                                 

                   Building Funds**      $ 122,630.70               + $     11,414.93         

                   Endowment Funds* $    12,378.23              + $              1.50

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship and Music

 

Would you like to become a reader on Sundays at SKUUF?

 

Whitney Howarth, chair of the Worship and Music Readers Subcommittee, is looking for a few good men and women who would like to participate in Sunday services at SKUUF.  If you are a strong reader with a confident voice who would like to commit to reading passages at the Sunday service  two or three times a year, please send a letter of interest or email to Whitney.  We need you! 

 

We are looking to fill about fifteen positions for the fall (September through December) and fifteen positions in the spring (January through June).  You may sign up for both periods if you wish. 

 

The schedule of readers is made up at the beginning of the year, in consultation with the Worship  and Music Committee, so all readers have ample notice of when they will read.  Reverend Sarah Stewart will contact the designated reader about two weeks prior to his/her scheduled reading date with the selected readings.  Readers are asked to practice reading their assigned piece aloud prior to their assigned Sunday and to come wearing business casual clothes to the service. 

 

If a reader cannot be available on his/her assigned Sunday then it is the reader’s responsibility to contact another reader on the committee and swap, switch or substitute to fill their slot.  If they notify Whitney one month in advance of the service when they will be unavailable, then she can help the reader locate a substitute.  Orientation, training and tips will be offered by Whitney to those who are interested.  Readings at Unitarian Universalist fellowships vary greatly and may include passages from the scriptures of many faith traditions, poetry, non-fiction, novels, memoirs and children’s books.  If you are uncomfortable with any of the materials you are asked to read we ask that you find a substitute to swap with on the reader’s list for the week you are assigned to read that material.  We want this to be a positive and illuminating experience for all!  This is a great way to get involved  at SKUUF that doesn’t involve a large time commitment.

 

By the way, if you are currently a member of the READER’S LIST please send Whitney a note to let her know if you are interested in continuing your commitment for the 2010-2011 year, thanks.

 

Thanks for your interest and participation!  We look forward to hearing some new voices and seeing some new smiles up at the podium!

 

Whitney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKUUM

 

During the summer, the men’s group SKUUM (Starr King Unitarian Universalist Men) will be meeting  one Sunday a month at 6:00 p.m. in the upstairs conference room at SKUUF. 

            This is an open group and all interested males are invited to attend.  Please contact George Maloof, or Bill Trought,  for the summer schedule of meeting dates.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Favorite Books

 

(Here are some of the books mentioned at our annual Book Sharing service

held at the end of 2009)

 

            A Voyage Long and Strange: rediscovering the new World

                        by  Tony Horwitz

 

            Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim

                         by David Sedaris

 

            The Power of Now: a guide to spiritual enlightenment

                        by Eckart Tolle

 

 

 

 

Wise Women in Training

 

Wise Women in Training is a women’s study group which meets to discuss issues of women and aging.   Members share experiences, questions and concerns about improving their lives while optimizing their happiness.  Generally this group is recommended for any women over fifty years of age but younger women are welcome.   Meetings will continue to be held throughout the summer on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the SKUUF Conference room.    Please direct questions to Betty Ann Trought or Marci Boomer.

 

Betty Ann Trought

 

 

Connect with

Starr King Fellowship

online in various ways!

 

            Go to  the Starr King website—www.starrkingfellowship.org .  Here you can

· Click on “Minister’s Blog;”

· Click on “Newsletters” where you can read, or print out, any of several past issues

· Click on “Podcast” and enjoy listening to sermons you have missed, or just want to hear again.

· Click on the “Events Calendar” to find out what is going on in our  Fellowship.

 

Follow us on Twitter!  We’re @starrkinguu.  You can keep up with events and the things your minister thinks about on Twitter.  Become a follower here: http://twitter.com/starrkinguu.  You will need a Twitter account in order to do this.  Facebook updates will be automatically cross-posted on Twitter.

 

 

 

Building Committee -

          SKUUF Kitchen

 

            I was asked by Quentin Blaine, Building Committee Chairman, to take the task of Project Supervisor for the new kitchen in the Fellowship Hall.  I am also a member of the Building Committee and I will be working closely with both the Kitchen Committee and the Building Committee to complete this project.

 

            I am sure you are aware of the very limited budget we have to work with at the beginning but we will attempt to stretch those dollars as far as we can. Additionally, we are hoping that as the work progresses additional funds or equipment will be donated to the Project.

 

            I attended a meeting on June 8, 2010 with the Kitchen Committee and we established the following plan for transition from the existing kitchen to the Fellowship Hall kitchen.  The plan consists of three phases. Each phase must be completed and paid for before moving into the next phase. The phases are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phase 1

a.  Prepare layout drawings of the kitchen floor plan, electrical and plumbing.

b. Using drawings from 1a, obtain bids for flooring, electrical and plumbing. (Note: Electrical plumbing and flooring for the entire kitchen will be included in these bids.)

c. Award contracts to electrician and plumber.

d. Upon completion of electrical and plumbing, award contract to flooring contractor.

e. Beginning July 8, 2010 start tear out of existing kitchen, saving all cabinets, appliances etc.

f. Repair, remove or terminate all plumbing and electrical in old kitchen.

g. Restore old kitchen to an appearance that does not detract from the foyer.

 

 

Phase 2

            This phase will be limited to work on the east wall of the new kitchen and will include counters, shelving, sinks and dish washer but must be executed within the existing budget or through gifts of equipment or money. The highest priority is the dishwasher at an estimated cost of  $3,684.00, delivered to SKUUF.

 

            I am very happy to report that as of this writing, mid-June, we have received a pledge of $3,000 towards the “new” dishwasher.   Additionally, the Crafter’s Warehouse held at SKUUF on June 12 raised over $530 which will go towards the dishwasher purchase.  I feel very confident in stating that we have sufficient funds to buy our commercial dishwasher!  The first big hurdle has been overcome.  We hope to procure used restaurant equipment for the counters, shelving and sinks at a substantial cost saving.

 

a. Buy a new dishwasher

b. Obtain remaining kitchen equipment required for east wall (counters, sinks and shelving) as per plan

c. Install equipment from 2b.

d. Install appliances from old kitchen.

e. Install exhaust fan

 

Phase 3

As additional funds become available :

 

a. Purchase new or used stove, refrigerator, sink, counters and shelving as per plan.

b. Install equipment from 3a.

 

            It is planned to have Phases 1 and 2 completed by the beginning of the church year in September 2010.

 

            Paul Tierney

            Kitchen Construction Project Supervisor

 

 

 

First  (Annual ?)  Crafter’s Warehouse

 

We thought it might be a long-shot, basing an event around the notion that there have to be crafters like ourselves who have tried many media, accumulated all the necessary materials and tools only to grow tired, disinterested and out of space to store it all. Interesting idea but would anyone really donate or have things to sell, and then would they really come?

 

Well, donate they did, and what a lot of wonderful stuff we had! And they did come, in spite of drizzly, chilly weather.  The long-shot idea was declared a success, earning almost $600 toward the purchase of the dishwasher for the new kitchen.

 

But, like any event it would not have happened without help from so many people:

 

· Those who donated – many anonymously – goods, tools and half-finished projects,

· Those who rented a space and did business as vendors (Marcia, Darlene and three from the community),

· Those who spent many hours sorting, bagging, pricing and schlepping dozens of boxes up to the Fellowship Hall (what did we do before we had a Lift?) Nancy Grady, Bob Lindstrom, Marcia VanderMast, Bev Walker, Bev Seavey, Danni Simon, Jules Doner, Andrea Sutherland, Phyllis Rockwell, Mary Tierney),

· Those who gave time on the day of the sale keeping customers happy, making change (Nancy Chaddock, Sally Davis, Selma Levin, Elizabeth Becker),

· Those who provided snacks and beverages (Cindy Spring, Dorothy Crowell, Nick Becker, Lucy Miller), and

· Those who stayed to clean up (Mitch Manseau, George Maloof, Nick Becker, Dorothy Crowell, Bob Lindstrom).

 

Will we do it again next year? We’re not sure but we’re certainly considering it.

 

For this year we extend heartfelt thanks to all who participated in any way. We couldn’t have done it without you.

 

Gratefully,

Phyllis Rockwell, Mary Tierney, Bev Walker, Nancy Chaddock

 

 

Fundraising Committee

 

Line Dancing
            Friday, July 3,  6:00—7:30 p.m.       Sunday, July 25,  4:30—6:00 p.m.

        Friday, August 6,  6:00—7:30 p.m.  Sunday, August 29,  4:30—6:00 p.m.

        Friday, September 3, 6:00—7:30 p.m.

 

        Join us for line dancing  in the Fellowship Hall on the first Friday and the fourth Sunday of each month.   This is a nice low key cardio exercise that almost anyone can do.   This group is not restricted to Skuffers so if you know of others who might be interested let them know about it as well. For more information, contact George Maloof .

 

George Maloof

 

 

 

 

Activities Committee

 

Hikes. The June 13 hike to Bald Knob and Mount Crosby in Groton, with leadership by Paul and Mary Hazelton, and starting from their farm, stopped at Bald Knob (pictured above) rather than proceding up another pitch to the summit with lesser views.  Above is a Forrest Seavey photo of most of us at the Knob.

 

On July 11 we’ll do Plymouth Mountain, another hike with various levels of possibilities, probably from the Plymouth side off Old Hebron Road.  My Wednesday Group will be vacationing on the Olympic Peninsula the Second Sunday of August; so no SKUUF hike then,  but we will be resuming September 12.

 

 

 

Paddling. We’re putting together some paddling events for the summer, probably one on the Baker River and one on the Pemigewasset south from the Courthouse in Plymouth, but still have to firm up dates. Someone has also suggested a flatwater paddle, on Squam or Newfound. Is there someone out there who would like to lead or co-lead a flatwater trip?  I’ll provide news of all these possibilities by e-mail using my “SKUUF Outdoors” mail group. You’re on it if you receive the hiking e-mails.  Send me a note if you’re in doubt or need to be added.

 

 

Cycling. Some hikers have shown interest in a bicycling activity, but not enough to organize an initial effort. If there’s someone out there who’s willing to organize  an initial moderate trip, say around Newfound Lake or some similar venue, to evaluate interest, please contact Mitch.

 

Summer Picnic. Phyllis and Mitch will again host this potluck event at our home in East Hebron, on August 29 after services. Reports indicated that all had a great time last summer, even though confined indoors due to cold, wet, weather; proving that it’s the participants that make the event, not the venue. We are nevertheless hoping for a nice day so we can all celebrate summer outdoors. We’ll do a SKUUF-wide e-mail reminder as the event approaches; but you may want to pencil the date in now. 

 

Mitch Manseau

Activities Co-chair

 

 

Remember to Recycle Cans

 

            Remember to bring your aluminum cans to SKUUF.  Let us continue to recycle for the good of SKUUF and the planet.  Those cans SKUUF collects and recycles help the work of our Fellowship

 

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.

 

            Thank you.