Beacon July2014
12
July 2014 1333 N. 33rd • Lincoln, NE 68503 • 402-483-2213 • unitarianlincoln.org BEACON Unitarian church of Lincoln THE Sunday Services Including “The Shadow & The Dream”-July 20 Page 2 Fritz’s Scrapbook See the wonderful words and pictures created by the kids Page 4 & 5 Retirement Party Special thanks to the organizers and donors Page 6 & 7 Expansion Update Time to see the renovation progress Sunday, July 13 Page 8 The Farmer’s Market this past Saturday was abuzz. I had emptied my wallet and was hurrying toward my car with my haul when I spied Tim Johnson riding in. Our new Unsung Unitarian had been officially “sung” the prior Sunday, but he didn’t look as if it had gone to his head – he was in his usual casual attire, helmeted, straddling his bike. He lit up when I said, “Tim! How lucky is this!” Typical Tim – casual, friendly. To start talking about Tim Johnson, I actually have to talk about Alan Worth. That’s one of the ways you know you are part of a community – connections. Alan, aware of Tim’s penchant for living frugally (not the sort of frugal that means you drive your car less than others do – though he rides a bike as much as he can - but the sort that might leave some people, well, wondering) Alan dubbed Tim a “frugan.” It’s just like “extreme” vegetarianism Alan explained to him. If there are vegans, why can’t there be frugans? Tim agreed and made “timfrugan” his email handle. “There’s a reason,” Tim said, “that the order of the three R’s is reduce, reuse, then recycle. I used to really be into recycling, but now I tend to focus on reducing and reusing. Recycling is sort of the last resort, I guess you could say.” Tim reeled off what was to me an amazing characterization of his frugan lifestyle. His use of water and utilities is impressively (even shockingly) low. Do we need the same water for our toilet as we drink? Why not substitute rain water, or the water you’ve issued from the tap to wash dishes or do laundry or brush your teeth? That’s fruganism. “It’s not for everyone,” Tim said, “You have to plan ahead, and change your standards some. Everyone has a different view of what is ‘good enough’ and mine is just less mainstream.” He volunteers at frugan-friendly places like Open Harvest and Foodnet in Lincoln, the latter of which distributes “expired” food that would otherwise be Giving it Away: A Talk with Tim Johnson offered by Christine Starr Davis Tim Johnson (left) was honored with the Unsung Unitarian Award at the June 1 Flower Communion. (continued on page 3)
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Monthly news of the Unitarian Church of Lincoln
Transcript of Beacon July2014
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! 1 3 3 3 N . 3 3 r d • L i n c o l n , N E 6 8 5 0 3 • 4 0 2 - 4 8 3 - 2 2 1 3 • u n i t a r i a n l i n c o l n . o r g
BEACONU n i t a r i a n c h u r c h
o f L i n c o l n
THE
Sunday ServicesIncluding “The Shadow & The Dream”-July 20
Page 2
Fritz’s ScrapbookSee the wonderful words and pictures created by the kids
Page 4 & 5
Retirement PartySpecial thanks to the organizers and donors
Page 6 & 7
Expansion UpdateTime to see the renovation progress Sunday, July 13
Page 8
The Farmer’s Market this past Saturday was abuzz. I had emptied my wallet and was hurrying toward my car with my haul when I spied Tim Johnson riding in. Our new Unsung Unitarian had been officially “sung” the prior Sunday, but he didn’t look as if it had gone to his head – he was in his usual casual attire, helmeted, straddling his bike. He lit up when I said, “Tim! How lucky is this!” Typical Tim – casual, friendly.
To start talking about Tim Johnson, I actually have to talk about Alan Worth. That’s one of the ways you know you are part of a community – connections. Alan, aware of Tim’s penchant for living frugally (not the sort of frugal that means you drive your car less than others do – though he rides a bike as much as he can - but the sort that might leave some people, well, wondering) Alan dubbed Tim a “frugan.” It’s just like “extreme” vegetarianism Alan explained to him. If there are vegans, why can’t there be frugans? Tim agreed and made “timfrugan” his email handle.
“There’s a reason,” Tim said, “that the order of the three R’s is reduce, reuse, then recycle. I used to
really be into recycling, but now I tend to focus on reducing and reusing. Recycling is sort of the last resort, I guess you could say.” Tim reeled off what was to me an amazing characterization of his frugan lifestyle. His use of water and utilities is impressively (even shockingly) low. Do we need the same water for our toilet as we drink? Why not substitute rain water, or the water you’ve issued from the tap to wash dishes or do laundry or brush your teeth? That’s fruganism.
“It’s not for everyone,” Tim said, “You have to plan ahead, and change your standards some.
Everyone has a different view of what is ‘good enough’ and mine is just less mainstream.” He volunteers at frugan-friendly places like Open Harvest and Foodnet in Lincoln, the latter of which distributes “expired” food that would otherwise be
Giving it Away: A Talk with Tim Johnsonoffered by Christine Starr Davis
Tim Johnson (left) was honored with the Unsung Unitarian Award at the June 1 Flower Communion.
(continued on page 3)
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WORSHIP
Sunday, July 6 – "Interdependence Day - Peace, Quiet, Stillness"Intergenerational exploration of quiet movement, quiet mind. An invitation to experience moments of silence amidst the fireworks. It has been rumored that Siddharta may make an appearance and help to tell the story of his life.
Worship Leader: LauraLee WoodruffOther UU Meditation Sangha Members: Duncan Case, Megan McGuffey, Jean Helms, Clair GuthrieMusic: Bill Carpenter, pianoShare the Plate: People’s City Mission Free Medical Clinic
Sunday, July 13 – "Standing on the Side of Love with the Peoples of Israel and Palestine" UU’s for Justice in the Middle East affirms the worth and dignity of all people and promotes justice, equality, democracy and compassion in human relations. This covenant compels us to seek understanding of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict by searching out and truly hearing personal stories. How can these stories lead us to action toward a more just and compassionate world?
Worship Leaders: Kathy DisneySpeaker: Eileen Durgin-ClinchardMusic: Bill Carpenter, pianoShare the Care: Religious Growth & Learning (RGL) CommitteePost-Service: Building Construction Update
Sunday, July 20 – "Carl Jung: The Shadow and The Dream"Have you ever wondered what Carl Jung really said? Members of a study group will share his spiritual connections. We explore the question of a collective unconscious.
Worship Leader: BJ WheelerSpeakers: Jung Study Group Members: Jan Lingren, Nancy DicksonMusic: Bill Carpenter, piano
Sunday, July 27 – "The Great March for Climate Action"What Connie Barlow is learning from participants of the cross-USA Great March for Climate Action and how climate change is affecting forest trees such as the Joshua Tree in the west and the Florida Torreya in the east.
Worship Leader: Evelyn WeymouthSpeaker: Connie BarlowMusic: Bill Carpenter, piano
A Month of Sundays10:00 AM • 1333 N. 33rd • Sanctuary
P A G E 2
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P A G E 3
WORSHIP
These last weeks of ministry will be shared much as were our first weeks those many years ago - by phone or email.
- In summer 1998, electronically, we explored relationships – to begin planning our common endeavors.
- This summer 2014, electronically, we'll affirm relationships, to end confirming the web of love we've woven.
All July, as ever before, I am "on call" to you for a "pastoral emergency:"
> should life present you a life-changing choice to make NOW, and you want help to weigh it well.
> should death or serious illness strain your moorings, and you want help to respond in communion and faith.
I'm at [email protected] or 402-617-3055.
And then I'm off – with you still in good hands
Parson to Person:
On Call . . . Then Off
Fritz Hudson, Minister
thrown away. Tim said, “I have seen unopened cases of food thrown in a dumpster, food that is only three days expired.” He photographed one such “payload” and posted it on Facebook along with a plea to urge the business owner to donate that food to Foodnet. That’s Tim – quietly determined to make a difference.
Tim sat in the back of the sanctuary that Sunday. Typical, his nominators might say, to be in the wings. Have there ever been so many among us who nominated the same person? I doubt it. Weeks before the announcement, I found myself thinking: Tim Johnson. It’s gotta be him. Because, who else? Tim remembers hearing the names of prior Unsung Unitarians being read. He remembers seeing them stand. Then, he heard someone say, “Tim, you’re supposed to go up there.” His first thought: Did I forget to do something? Typical Tim – unassuming, ever-ready to help, to do his part.
Giving it Away: A Talk with Tim Johnson (cont.from page 1)
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Scrapbook PagesDuring a recent Ingathering, the children and youth prepared scrapbook pages for Fritz. Here is a sample of that collection.
Peace, Faith and Love,
Chelsea
P A G E 4
RELIGIOUS GROWTH & LEARNING
JULY RGL CalendarPreschool Class and Nursery Care are available
every Sunday for younger Pre-K children.
JULY RGL CalendarPreschool Class and Nursery Care are available
every Sunday for younger Pre-K children.
July 6 Harry Potter Camp
July 13 Harry Potter Camp
July 20 Harry Potter Camp
July 27 Harry Potter Camp
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
P A G E 5
WORDLEThe little blue tree pictured to the right was made from the words that the children brainstormed to describe Fritz.
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EVENTS & ACTIVITIESNEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
P A G E 6
Our Evening of Fun, Fellowship and FRITZ!On May 30, we held one of our biggest and best parties ever when we celebrated Fritz Hudson’s sixteen years as our minister. The evening included appetizers, a bevy of beverages, a mock service which roasted and toasted our dear pastor, the presentation of several gifts (framed photos, reversible stole, a future tree for the grounds), a surprise visit from Sally Hudson and an impressive dessert display. It was a grand event!
Special thanks go to: • Julie Enersen for getting the ball
rolling – making the arrangements for the use of the Playhouse – coordinating a group of dedicated folks to brainstorm the evening’s events and especially for putting together the skit “Puttin' Up with Fritz” sung by Julie with help from the staff.
• Barbara and Al Pearson for creating the fun wall decorations. • Steve Enersen for writing “Fritz’s Past Year," the customized Story For All Ages• Kathy Disney for all of her brilliant work on the mock service, especially the
wonderful sermon she wrote for Steve to read.• Cyn Monohon and Karen Heafer for the outstanding reception, which included
delicious desserts that Cyn made, pretty much by herself! • Curt Donaldson and Harry Heafer for the retirement gifts made from salvaged
materials from the A Street building. • Michael Reinmiller for the beautiful video of Fritz's years with us.• Karen Dientsbier, Bruce Raymer and Shirley Williams for their participation on
the committee and their willingness to do whatever was needed.
We have a great group of very talented people here at church! Many helped by bringing appetizers, wine, soft drinks etc and to ALL of you we say THANK YOU!
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P A G E 7
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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P A G E 8
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Seven PrinciplesThe 7 Principles in Word and Worship class will continue in July. Contact Karen Dienstbier if you have questions [email protected].
Our Landscape Needs HelpInterested in solitude and the enjoyment of nature? Get exercise while pruning or weeding the grounds at 6300 A St. If you prefer company, Martha Horvay will gladly weed with you. Contact Martha at 402 432-8423 or [email protected]
Construction Update On Sunday, July 13, at approximately 11:15 a.m., an update on the construction at 6300 A Street will be presented. Come see photos, learn where we are in the construction process and what is projected to be happening next in the timeline and ask questions.
Shadows of Liberty DVD Now Available in the Church LibraryIf you missed watching the documentary in May, when it was shown at the church, here is another chance. As part of our Social Justice Committee's sponsorship of the event, the producers of the documentary have gifted the church a DVD copy of the same. If you would like to check it out to view it personally or with a small group of friends, please contact the Church Office [email protected] and be sure to return it as soon as you are done.
End-of-Year Slideshow At our annual Flower Communion service, we always enjoy a pictorial recap of the past year. This year’s video is available online at http://unitarianlincoln.weebly.com/
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORSSunday, March 30: Pho Factory: 32 people
Sunday, April 13: Imperial Palace: 31 people
Sunday, May 25: Big Sal’s Pizza: 23 people
Sunday, June 29: Dairy Store: TBD
Sunday, July 27: Golden Wok
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS JULY 2014
Golden WokSunday, July 27 • Noon • Golden Wok• 1050 N. 27th
Let’s get together for lunch after Service and check out another restaurant in this area.
No RSVP necessary. Reservations have been made.
NOTES FROM THECHURCH OFFICE:
• Summer hours began on June 15. The office is open 9 to 1 Sunday
and 9 to 1 Tues - Fri until August 14.
• The Church Office will be closed for the holiday on Friday, July 4
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P A G E 9
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fritz’s Last Stand (here)This newsletter would not be complete without an inclusion of special thanks to Ginny and Fritz for brightening our lives for the last 17 years. And to Fritz we say thank you for seeing us through a wonderful new building renovation! We wish you well, travel safely, and have a good experience in New Haven, CT.
The Future is Calling Us to GreatnessTuesday, July 29 – “The Future Is Calling Us to Greatness”A program to follow up Sunday’s service – 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.Program Presenter: Michael Dowd
The human and environmental impacts of climate change are now impossible to deny or ignore. Yet denial and apathy are rampant, and thus systemic action seems unachievable. What is required is for both the religious and the secular to re-embed our sense of who we are within the flow of time. Thinking of our ancestors as rooting us on and the future as calling us to greatness bridges the science-religion divide and shows how evidence and inspiration are connected.
Want to be a part of history?It will be so exciting to be a part of the first wave of teachers and assistants in our NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDING with brand new classes and bigger space! The Religious Growth and Learning committee is recruiting for next church year as well as this Summer-starting next Sunday. If you are willing and interested in volunteering - please see Chelsea Krafka or a member of the committee to reserve your spot with your favorite age group. They will be signing folks up at a table on Sundays in the Fellowship Hall.
Future RGL classrooms
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The fellowship activities and discussion groups listed below happen on a regular basis and are open to new participants at any time. Please contact the group’s organizer if you have any questions!
ON-GOING ACTIVITIES
Adult Game Night2nd Saturday •July 12
We will meet this month at Lynn Darling's at 2601 SW 23rd St for a potluck dinner at 6:30pm and games at 8:00pm. Come for one or both. All adults welcome. Contact Lynn at 402-438-5005.
Bridge GroupsIntermediate GroupEvery Tuesday • 2:30PM 1333 N 33rd St • CoWorkers Room
Coordinator: Jackie Egan [email protected] 402-435-6111
Advanced group
Every Wednesday • 1:00PM 1333 N 33rd St • CoWorkers Room
Coordinator: Earl Kramer [email protected] 402-489-8213 Want to join us? Contact us prior to the day of the game.
Coffeehouse4th Friday • July 25 • 7:00PM 1333 N 33rd St • Fellowship Hall
Board games for adults and kids. Open to all individuals. Hosted by the LGBTA Welcoming Cmte. Contact Deb Hope
Men's Discussion Group 2nd & 4th Tues. • July 8 & 22 7:00PM • 1333 N 33rd St. CoWorkers Room
This is an open group which welcomes new participants at any time. Contact Duane Polzien 402-540-5025 [email protected]
Men’s Potluck2nd Monday • July 14 • 6:30PM 1333 N 33rd St • Fellowship Hall
All men are invited to attend to enjoy good food and conversation. Table service will be provided. Bruce Raymer 402-475-7875 [email protected]
Moms GroupTaking the Summer OFF
Moms with young children meet to chat while the kids play. Contact Kim Ziemann 402-464-1179 [email protected]
Newcomers ChatSunday, July 6 • 11:15 AM 1333 N 33rd St • CoWorkers Room
Meet with visitors and friends in the Library to watch and discuss a 10-minute film called "Voices of a Liberal Faith.” Contact Karen Dienstbier 402-489-7545 [email protected]
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays4th Tues. • July 22 • 7:00PM St Paul Methodist Church, 11th & M
We will meet at Saint Paul’s until the UU Church is remodeled. www.pflagcornhusker.org
Tai Chi Every Wednesday •1333 N 33rd St Fellowship Hall • 5:30PM Beginners, 6:30PM Intermediate
All UU Members and Friends are invited. No experience necessary. Contact Karen Dienstbier 402-489-7545
UU Meditation Sangha2nd, 4th (and 5th) Wednesdays7:15PM • 1834 Ryons Street
When you enter the front door, please leave your shoes in the foyer and come in to the yoga studio through the French doors to your left. Contact LauraLee Woodruff 402-770-9382 [email protected]
Women’s Book GroupEvery three weeks •10:00AM Gere Library • 56th & Normal Blvd
For more information, contact Diane Richards [email protected]
July 12 The Light Between the Oceans by M. L. Stedman
August 2 The Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill
August 23 After the Falls: Coming of Age in the Sixties by Catherine Gildiner
Writers’ Group 4th Saturday • July 26 • 7:00PM Gratitude Cafe • 1551 N Cotner Blvd
The UU Writers’ Group has merged with “Gratitude: An Evening with Writers”. Contact Kat Cloran [email protected]
Zen MeditationEvery Thursday • 7:00PM 1333 N 33rd St • 2/3 Classroom
We are a small group of UU's who meditate at church each week. Contact Norm Simon 402-435-0225
P A G E 1 0
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P A G E 1 1
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you’s
Thank you to our Sunday Hospitality Team members for showing up on time, and cheerfully meeting and greeting our church members and friends during the month of June. Your work is important – and you are appreciated!
Many hands make light work and that is exactly what happened on June 1st for the potluck and ice cream social following the Flower Communion Service. This was the last planned event for Fritz’s retirement. We had approximately 160 people come to church for the service and many of them stayed for the potluck. These events are always special times for us but this one was particularly bitter sweet because it will be Fritz and Ginny’s last potluck with us for a while. Many thanks to ALL of you who stayed to help before and after the potluck! And many thanks to the Newcomer Committee for coordinating the event and helping with all of the duties too!
SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERSSUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERSSUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERSSUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERSSUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERSSUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS
June 29 July 6 July 13 July 20 July 27
Pulpit Decoration
Becky Seth Geri Cotter Barb Brant Debbi Barnes-Josiah Linda Ager
Greeters Tim JohnsonAmeera & Nick
GuenzelSandy Scott, Sheila &
Orvis WallLinda Ager, Martha
HorvayMolly Klocksin,
Stacey Skold
Coffee Hosts TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Trustees Liz Bonney-Heermann Penny Urwiler Lindsay Bartlett Priscilla HandyLiz Bonney-
Heermann
Ushers Les & Lee MannsBrooke Downing,
Bruce RaymerGary Colvin, Alex
EnersenAshleigh Fuson, Marty Powers
Shamene & Dan
Dixon
Audio-Visual TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Welcome Table
Kay Hoff Wesley Botham Jan Buffum Kathy StastnyTrish Olderbak
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Board of TrusteesCurt Donaldson, PresidentLindsay Bartlett, Vice-PresLiz Bonney-Heermann, SectPriscilla HandyCindy MalyLeslie RyanPenny UrwilerCharles ColeyReed MalyMolly Klocksin
STAFF & LAY LEADERS
Management TeamChristine Starr DavisBob HaackKathy Disney
Officers:Mark Weddleton, Co-TreasurerLinda Ager, Co-TreasurerJo Donohoe, AssistantMary Sommermeyer, Capital Campaign Treasurer
StaffFritz Hudson, Minister Emeritus Emerging • [email protected] S Stephen, Jr. Minister Emeritus • [email protected] Chelsea Krafka, Religious Growth Dir. • [email protected] Helms, Administrative Director • [email protected] Enersen, Worship Arts Director • [email protected] Dienstbier, Membership Associate • [email protected] Strong, Administrative Associate • [email protected]
Church Officetemporary location1333 N. 33rd St.
Summer Office Hrs June 15 - August 15:
Sunday: 9:00 AM—1:00 PMTues-Fri: 9:00 AM —1:00 PMClosed Monday & Saturday
Phone: 402.483.2213Email: [email protected]: www.unitarianlincoln.org
The Beacon is published monthly. Newsletter subscriptions are $20 a year. This newsletter is printed on 35% minimum post-consumer content recycled paper.
It is also available online at www.unitarianlincoln.org/newsThe Board of Trustees meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Church.
Any member or friend of the church is welcome to attend these meetings.
P A G E 1 2
Milestones, Millstones, Stepping Stones Congratulations to Chelsea & Darren Krafka who are expecting their first child in November!
Our thoughts and good wishes are with Evelyn Weymouth as she continues to recuperate from surgery.
We wish Kathie Court a good outcome and complete recovery from her knee surgery scheduled for the end of June.
Thank You’s
OUR COMMUNITY
