the steel chalice august, 2017 - uuyo · the steel chalice august, 2017 difficult new world."...
TRANSCRIPT
The Steel Chalice
August, 2017
August Worship Theme:
"Strength and Renewal"
"I see the American experience as being defined by the
immigrant paradigm of rupture and renewal: rupture with the
old world, the old ways, and renewal of the self in a bright but
difficult New World."
Ayad Akhtar
"Strength and Resilience"
I was invited by a member of our community to attend
a conversation at the Jewish Community Center
(JCC) about facilitating an intentional dialogue
between the young Jewish and young African
American community, leading to a shared project
serving Youngstown. There was a brief mentioning of
sharing a history of victimhood, and yet living in the
present, looking to the future. There was an
agreement that past trauma did not dictate or
completely encapsulate our person in the present or
our communities.
This leads me to wonder about the role of trauma or
victimization in offering us strength and resilience. We
often, myself included, think of trauma or victimization
as being a hindrance, an obstruction to strength and
resilience. It is pain that often leads us to seeking a
place where we can discover or rediscover a reservoir
of strength, enabling us to be resilient. This pain is
what led many of us to come to church, seeking a
place to help us hold our head up, and keep our spirit
aflame as we face difficulties in our week.
The late Rev. Forrest Church reminded ministers new
to preaching to remember that there is always at least
one person in the congregation on Sunday who is so
beaten down in despair, that they are close to giving
up, and willing to give life one more shot - for them
this shot is a worship experience on Sunday morning.
Now I don’t know if this is factually the case, but
nonetheless the point is clear - what we do in church,
especially how we worship matters. It’s life or death,
at least for some.
Extending this beyond our Sunday worship together, I
think it’s a good question for each of us to ponder this
month: “What and how do we worship?” Your answer
may engage what we do every Sunday, but don’t stop
there. Expand the question to include the minutia of
your day - how you get up, how you walk, what you
think about, how you spend your time. We discover
what we truly worship in the privacy of our own minds,
and often what we find is not aligned with what we
consciously wish to worship. Worship is derived from
the the word worth - worship is literally what we give
worth to, what we believe is most important. By
paying attention to our thoughts and actions, we may
be surprised to learn that we worship busyness,
money, worry, what other people think of us, etc. We
may be giving our life energy to areas that are
sucking us dry without us realizing it.
The acts that give us strength and resilience can be
simple and practical. I read a post from a minister
colleague about how she makes time each week to
eat a delicious meal at a restaurant by herself while
she reads a book. This alone time to nourish herself is
key for her. I’m not sure this activity would renew me,
but our paths are idiosyncratic. It just matters what
nourishes us, not what nourishes our family or friends.
It’s personal.
A commitment I’ve made to myself since moving to
Youngstown has been to work out a few times a week
at Wick Park, using the different work out stations. It’s
a wonderful antidote to being in my head. Settling in
and feeling my physical body, rejuvenates me, and
helps give me perspective. It literally strengthens my
body, especially since I’ve learned that I have
weakness in my lower back and hips. I feel more
supported, literally, when I get a good workout. There
have been unintended consequences too - I’ve been
able to get to know people in the community who also
use the workout stations, and seek the same strength
and resilience I do.
Church is a place for us to discover and rediscover
what renews us and gives us strength. As you pay
attention this month to your thoughts and actions,
take note of what renews you. Feel free to share with
me either through e-mail or in person what is feeding
you right now, and giving you strength. If you have no
idea what strengthens and renews you, be open,
make space for this question, and see what strikes
you this month.
In faith, Rev. Joseph
Sunday, August 6: "Rupture
Before Renewal"
In approaching the theme this month of strength and
renewal, it can be tempting to think that the path to
renewal is straight forward - just practice that which
renews. The Pulitzer prize winning playwright Ayad
Akhtar brings up an inconvenient truth: often before
than can be renewal, there must be rupture, a
dramatic break with the life we've known and the
people we were. How do we navigate this period of
rupture in our lives personally and politically?
Come Sunday, and join me on the path to renewal.
Rev. Joseph Boyd - minister
Sarah Lown - worship associate
Marcellene Hawk Mayhall - piano
Bits from the Board
Greetings from the Board!
The July meeting was bittersweet since it was our
final meeting with Reverend Matt and our first meeting
attended by Reverend Joseph. As so many times in
the past two weeks, we realized how fortunate we
were to have this unique transition, to have both men
present sharing thoughts on the past, present and
future of the church and our community. Reverend
Matt's parting words were thoughtful suggestions for
the future of UUYO, urging us to build on the growth
and vitality of UUYO, to recognize the unique position
of the church as a leader in the Valley on many social
justice issues.
Reverend Joseph contributed creative ideas for the
125th Anniversary in September and the months to
follow. At this time a special service is being planned,
a festive meal and a gathering on another date to
share history and member's stories. Also, watch for
anniversary items to be offered for sale to the
congregation to mark a long proud history. Now that
Molly Toth and the Search Committee have
successfully completed a very rigorous task, energy
can be focused on planning the anniversary
celebration.
Wishing to keep the workload in the coming months
manageable for all, wanting to direct individuals'
energies toward the anniversary, the board voted to
move the fall auction to a date to be determined in the
spring. Of course, that means that money that was
expected to be raised at the auction to meet 2017
budget expenses will now have to be raised by
another means. Please do your part to meet your
2017 pledge as promised. The board is highly
grateful to have members of the congregation
volunteering to serve on a finance committee that will
help plan and coordinate an annual stewardship drive
and to assist the board with other financial concerns.
The board is also appreciative of the dedicated work
of UUYO staff and unanimously voted to award one-
time gifts to our UUYO Office Administrator, Heather
Best, and to our UUYO Director of Education,
BeckyAnn Harker. If you attended the farewell
reception for Matt and Liz, you saw that a gift was
also given to Reverend Matt in recognition and
appreciation of his many years of leading the UUYO
Congregation.
Wishing you a summer filled with peace and joy,
Anita Wesler,
Board Member
REflections
This Summer in RE
Each week, there will be one Religious Education
class for children of all ages. Various stories, crafts,
and activities will be done. Children will start in the
service, as usual, and will leave for their class some
time during the service. Child care will continue to be
provided in the Nursery for children 5 and under for
the whole service.
Regular Religious Education classes will resume on
Sunday, September 10.
Please register your child(ren) for the 2017-2018
Church Year. Each child will need a separate
registration. Please do this even if you have been
registered in the past. This will help with class
planning. You can register
here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiE
Ht7AxFa0KZaTvuepdVwL0fvZOUyztXpHm2Jyhszvm
cWSA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
BeckyAnn Harker,
Director of Religious Education
August Events
8/1 Stretch & Creative Movement class (CH) 5:30pm
8/1 AA (CH) 7:30pm
8/6 Frack Free Meeting (CH) 6pm
8/8 Stretch & Creative Movement class (CH) 5:30pm
8/15 Board Meeting (BR) 6-8pm
8/8 AA (CH) 7:30pm
8/12 Work Party 10am
8/12 Valley Voices United for Change Meeting (CH)
10am
8/13 Frack Free Meeting (CH) 6pm
8/15 Stretch & Creative Movement class (CH) 5:30pm
8/15 AA (CH) 7:30pm
8/18 All Church Dinner (All Rooms) 4pm
8/19 Administrative Workshops (All Rooms)
8/20 Frack Free Meeting (CH) 6pm
8/22 Stretch & Creative Movement class (CH) 5:30pm
8/22 AA (CH) 7:30pm
8/27 Newcomers' Circle (SL) 12:15pm
8/27 Frack Free Meeting (CH) 6pm
8/29 Stretch & Creative Movement class (CH) 5:30pm
8/29 AA (CH) 7:30pm
8/31 International Overdose Awareness Day Events
Legend for locations: (CH) Channing Hall; (SA)
Sanctuary; (SL) Schweitzer Lounge; (YR) Youth
Room
UUYO Work Party
Saturday, August 12 at 10am
The August work party will occur Saturday, August 12
at 10:00am. Rain date is August 19. All are welcome -
we need all the help we can get. Cold drinks will be
provided gratis. Questions? Call Bob Seibold, 724-
981-4791.
All Church Dinner to Welcome
Rev. Joseph
Friday, August 18 beginning at 6pm
We had a fantastic transition service on July 16 as we
wished Rev. Matt and Liz farewell and Rev. Joseph
Boyd took over. We continue forward with our official
welcome to Rev. Joseph with a potluck dinner on
August 18 at 6pm where we welcome everyone to join
us. This event will be followed with a Saturday
meeting where the Board and UUYO leaders get
together with UUA regional staff to start Rev. Joseph's
ministry with a planning session.
The potluck dinner is an event to explore the time line
of the congregation's history and to highlight major
patterns or themes as we explore that history. It's an
opportunity for Rev. Joseph to learn more about
UUYO and of course a great time to break bread (and
chili and salad and soup...) together!
Please join us on Friday 8/18/2017 to be a part of this
exciting beginning of Rev. Joseph's ministry at UUYO.
Newcomers' Circle
Sunday, August 27 at 12:15pm
We'll be hosting what we're calling a "Newcomers' Circle".
We realize that not all of you are new to Unitarian
Universalism, so we think of this more as a "new" to
UUYO, where people can come and talk about what
brought them to the church and what questions they might
have. We will meet in the Schweitzer Lounge (which is on
the lower level; greeters and others will be able to help you
find it if you need help).
Hospitality Teams Schedule
Our hospitality teams do so much to make Sunday
morning come together: Greet, welcome, provide
coffee and treats at coffee hour.
If you are interested in joining a hospitality team,
please contact Linda Mohn
([email protected]). Please be sure and thank
the folks on this month's team!
Team 3: August 6, 13, and 20
Linda Mohn – Communicator
Susie Biersdorfer – Facilitator
Diana Shaheen – Facilitator
Audra & Jason Carlson
Judy Degenova
Karen Lapidus
Sarah Lowry
Dianna Mason
Marcellene Hawk Mayhall
Susan Miracle
Diana Palardy
Wendy & Andy Pfrenger
Gene Pusateri
Davin Stilson
Mary June Tartan
Team 4: August 27
Jan Elias – Communicator
Ben Barnes – Facilitator
Louisa & Martin Berger
Heather Best
Gary Devenport
Marguerite Felice
Chesney Gulas
Clayton Henderson
Roger LaFontaine
Tim Malone
Carole McWilson
Eugenia & Al Pierce
Ellen & Lowell Satre
Mary Ellen Shutes
Sharon Stringer
Care Team Help and Pastoral
Care
Care Team
UUYO’s care team is available for short-term
assistance. This could include transportation, visits,
cards, phone calls or casseroles in time of need. For
more information or assistance, please contact
Jeanne Tucker at 330-652-0308.
Pastoral Care
If you have a pastoral care need, or know of someone
in our congregation who might have a need, please
contact Rev. Joseph Boyd ([email protected]) or the
church office ([email protected], 330-746-3067)
Share the Plate
August's Share the Plate recipient will be United
Returning Citizens. This local, non-profit organization
provides job search and training, life and financial
literacy skills and transitional housing primarily for
citizens reentering society from correctional facilities.
We seek to provide a holistic approach to enable all
citizens who are otherwise disadvantaged and
disenfranchised to become productive contributing
members of society.
Check Out These Mug Shots!
During the May Collectibles Sale, a shopper noticed
our mug rack in the hall between Channing Hall and
the RE wing. He was particularly interested in three
mugs with local radio and television station logos and
has reached out to the church to inquire if he might
purchase the mugs for $10.00 each.
We don’t want to sell someone’s favorite mug, but if
these items do not fall into that category we are not
averse to letting our shopper add the mugs to his
collection. Photos of the mugs in question appear
below. If you recognize and claim one of these mugs
please notify Louisa Berger at 330-559-1683 or
lberger@uuyo.
Stuff to Know
Church Calendar
The most up-to-date version of the church calendar is
on the website. You can view it here.
Please contact the office ([email protected], 330-746-
3067) if you wish to list a church event on the calendar.
Staff
Rev. Joseph Boyd, Minister [email protected]
BeckyAnn Harker, Director of Religious Education
Heather Best, Office Administrator [email protected]
Leaders
Members of the Board of Trustees
Andy Crabb, President
Sarah Lowry, Secretary
Louisa Berger, Treasurer
Tom Beck
Ralph Malmer
Linda Mohn
Molly Toth
Anita Wesler
Committee Chairpersons
Martin Berger, Building and Grounds
Jeanne Tucker, Caring
Lowell Satre, Endowment
Ralph Malmer, Green Sanctuary
Linda Mohn, Hospitality
Diane Barnes, Nominating
Jan Grigsby, Welcoming Congregation
Eugenia Pierce, Women’s Alliance
Christine Gulgas, Worship Associates Coordinator
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to build a diverse and transformative
spiritual community, help people live lives of wholeness,
and promote justice, peace, and religious freedom.
The rainbow flag outside of the church signifies that
UUYO is an official "Welcoming Congregation" for the
LGBTQ+ community.
Unitarian Universalist Principles
and Purposes
Office Hours
Tuesday and Friday, 9am-3:30pm
Sunday, 9-11am and 12:30-4:30pm