The UNIVIEW

Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington

August 2010

www.uucl.org

Worship Services

Sunday, August 1, 11:00 am: “The Sixth Element and the Seventh Principle”

Michael Bomford will discuss the pivotal role of carbon, the sixth element, in the interdependent web of life that UUs seek to respect. Disruption of the global carbon balance is a symptom of broader ecological imbalance. Michael’s subject deals with the intersection of chemistry and compassion. Michael works at Kentucky State University, where he coordinates a research and extension program in organic agriculture.

Worship Leader: Michael Bomford. Ushers: Steven Taylor and James Beauvais. Greeters: Liz Caras and Alex Petros. Chalice Table: Hendrika Pauley. Board Member in Attendance: Jessi Fehrenbach.

Sunday, August 8, 11:00 am: “Life after The Help”

Coming to terms with our racist past… and present, and how literature makes it possible. Reading The Help will enrich your understanding, but it is not necessary! Music: UUCL Gospel Choir.

Worship Leader: Rev. Cynthia Cain. Ushers: Eric & Heidi Morrow. Greeters: Andy Weber and Toni O’Neil. Chalice Table: Shirley Dennis. Board Member in Attendance: Keven Bye.

Sunday, August 15, 11:00 am: Toy Story theology: “No One Left Behind”

Sounds Universalist to me! If you haven’t seen Toy Story… come at 9:00am for a free showing of Toy Story I, which should give you the basics.

Worship Leader: Rev. Cynthia Cain. Ushers: Elizabeth Ricker and Dan Holman. Greeters: Rich Mason, Debbie Stoops, Lee & Colleen Moureaux. Chalice Table: Ellen Bush. Board Member in Attendance: Kathy Cleary.

Sunday, August 22, 11:00 am: “Together On the Journey””

Rev. Matthew Cockrum, UU minister and former UUCL member will be returning to the Bluegrass with his partner of 7 ½ years on a working honeymoon! He has agreed to give the homily today.

Worship Leader: Rev. Cynthia Cain. Ushers: Mac Reid and Susan Kelch. Greeters: Jeanne Van Arsdall and Dick & Donna Loeffler. Chalice Table: Ruth Baer. Board Member in Attendance: Ann Coker.

Sunday, August 29, 11:00 am: “The Heart of Soul”

From Gospel to Blues to Hip-Hop. How music reminds us who we are and gives us purpose, freedom and joy. Music: UUCL Choir.

Worship Leader: Rev. Cynthia Cain. Chalice Table: Ellen Bush. Board Member in Attendance: Shirley Burress.

Softball

Let’s have an impromptu, intergenerational, softball game (and picnic) after church on Sunday, August 8. Bring bats, balls and gloves. Also coolers with drinks and food for your family, and lawn chairs.

Cynthesis:

Why YOU should join a Chalice Circle this Fall

“Chalice Circles” is our new name for Covenant Groups. This will be our fourth round of Covenant Groups at UUCL; more than a hundred current members and friends have enjoyed these groups and deepened friendships while learning, serving, and supporting one another. The new round of Chalice Circles will begin in the fall. Facilitators (we still need a few more… if you think you are qualified, contact Cynthia asap) will be training in August, and sign-ups will take place by early September.

What’s new and different? This time, Chalice Circles will offer themed discussions. A few examples of possible themes: prayer & spiritual practice; social justice & service; history of our faith; LGBT issues; family systems; parenting as a UU... the ideas are limited only by the imagination of the facilitator. YOU will have the opportunity to choose from either a specific theme OR a day/time that suit you.

Our community consists of 311 members and well over 100 frequent participants. The question that arises as we move from our recently adopted Vision statement to specific ideas about mission and goals is: How well do we care for one another? Our hope, as staff (and leadership), is that we can utilize the Chalice Circles to improve our caring community. In the past, this has happened in numerous instances, but we would like to make it a bit more systematic. That said, Chalice Circles are not therapy groups and individuals will be discouraged from inappropriate use of the group’s time. The idea is that we deepen relationships during the group time and allow then for more one-to-one care giving outside the group when the need arises. So, we urge you to join a Chalice Circle! Contact Cynthia or for more details, cpcain@uumag.or.

You are giving, at most, two hours per month of your time to participate more fully and meaningfully in the UUCL community. If you don’t participate in creating community, it is hardly fair to complain that something is lacking! Think you don’t need such a group? Consider this: maybe a chalice circle needs you!

ON CHURCH ATTENDANCE:

Remember, we come to church not only for what we can get, but for what we can give. Someone else may benefit from your presence, your smile, your singing, your kind words, this Sunday. If you have been on long or short term hiatus, I urge you... come back to church!

Love & Peace, Cynthia

Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington’s Vision

We are building a caring community, open to all, that treasures free thought,

joyful celebration, lifelong learning, and generous service.

Giving Away the Plate in August

National Audubon Society

The offering from the first Sunday of each month is given in its entirety to social justice projects outside of our Church (except for those specifically marked as a commitment/pledge). The August 1 Offering will go to the National Audubon Society, and their work to help the birds and other wildlife threatened by the Gulf oil spill. In addition to providing important resources for Audubon’s volunteers, today’s offering will also help fund work to: aid birds already suffering the oil’s deadly effects; protect now-unharmed wildlife in the path of the spill, support sound public policy and to meet the long-term challenge of restoring a devastated Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. For more information, visit http://www.audubon.org/.

Our Journey Together

Religious Exploration (RE) for Children, Youth and Families

Summer is...water splashing,

catching (and releasing) lightning bugs,

watermelon juice running down your chin,

smelling the Ponderosa pine (mmm delicious),

fresh picked berries & sweet corn,

warm summer showers,

sunsets like sherbet,

and play.

You do not have to leave your home to experience the wonder of the summer season. Well, except for the Ponderosa pines with bark smelling like cookies baking; those you can find around the Grand Canyon. If you take a moment to set down your tasks and flow with the moment, you can discover your summer joys!

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. ~ Henry David Thoreau,

US Transcendentalist author (1817 - 1862)

RE Committee

When the RE Committee met in June, we discussed what we wanted to see RE offer, and how we could make it happen. The major topics were: strengthening our relationships with families (by providing events, support, and educational/spiritual components), and developing Middle School and High School youth programs (local and regional events, youth groups, leadership, volunteering, service projects, and more). The Action-packed RE Committee is: Davina Warner, Kim Browning, Linda Richardson, Amy Byers-Figgs, Stephanie Weber, and... you! If you would like to participate in the RE Committee contact the office, office@uucl.org. Your thoughts are important! If you have ideas or suggestions for the RE Committee please let us know.

Thank you to everyone who helped with RE activities this summer! Many hands make fun work!

Spirit Play

For Preschool/Kindergarten children, Spirit Play is a structured, Montessori based approach to learning through stories, and experiences. Sunday, Aug. 29 right after church, all parents are invited to experience Spirit Play downstairs in the Pre/K area. If your child will be attending Pre/K, you need to know what to

expect and how to help. The children can play while we meet. This is a wonderful program, but it requires planning, and consistent volunteers to be effective. Thank you for your support as we grow together!

Unitarian Universalist History and Identity

This semester for Religious Exploration (RE) classes, the theme is Unitarian Universalist History and Identity. Toolbox of Faith will be offered in the Studios to give our children and youth the UU tools they need to face the challenges in our world. We will use stories, experiences, and service projects for exciting hands-on learning. The adult volunteers get as much out of the sessions as the kids do! Volunteers are needed:

· Guides: A team of four alternate Sundays working with a specific age group. They get to participate in the class and do not need to prepare! Do you have four Sundays to spare between Aug. 22nd and December 26th?

· Leaders: For three Sundays, the Leader is in the same room, leading the same activity with a different age group each week. With your interests in mind, Stacey designs the Studio and all resources & materials are provided.

· Calling High School Students: If you want to help teach younger kids in RE, let us know. It looks great on college applications!

How To Register for RE

Paper forms are available on the RE table at church every Sunday, or visit www.uucl.org, and click on "Religious Education" for the on-line registration form. It is simple and takes only a few minutes! Thank you for keeping our information up to date! If you register at the Carnival on August 15^th, or before August 22^nd on-line, you will be entered in a drawing to win a family friendly prize!

Thank you and congratulations to:

Youth News

¶ Neighboring Faiths for Junior High will continue this fall with monthly visits to places of worship and engaging discussions.

¶ This is the Coming of Age year for our teens. A letter with details of this amazing program, including a trip to Boston, will be at your house soon. If you have questions, please ask! If you would like to be considered for a Mentor position, let Cynthia Cain or Stacey Stone know soon.

¶ Financial Peace for Teens- Steve Stone & Martin Herbener are excited to offer a series for teens about becoming financially responsible (games and challenges too!). If you are interested please contact Stacey and we will arrange the classes at a mutually convenient time.

¶ Open Mike Night at UUCL. Be sure that Stacey has your email or facebook so you can help plan this event. Talents and enthusiastic audiences are welcome. Date and time to be announced.

August Happenings:

ü Sunday, Aug. 1^st: Recycle Creations with Stacey. Children & youth will draw from their imagination and use reclaimed materials for unique garden critters and decorations.

ü Sunday, Aug. 8^th: Storytelling Adventures with Steven.

ü Saturday, Aug. 14^th: Parents’ Night Out, 6:30-9pm. See page 5 for information.

ü Sunday, Aug. 15^th: The Children & Youth will set up and run a Recycled Carnival with games of their own invention. **There will be a special booth to learn more about RE for the fall semester, ways everyone can volunteer, and register your children & youth for RE.

ü Sunday, Aug. 22^nd: RE Begins!

ü Sunday, Aug. 29^th: Spirit Play intro after church

Wishing you joyful moments, Stacey

Stacey Stone, Director of Religious Exploration for Children & Youth

uucldre@uucl.org 223-1448 office

Music Notes

Report from the Unitarian Universalist Musician's Network

“If we cannot connect emotionally, then all is lost. This is the job of the singer.” ~ Dr. Stephen Altop, conductor of UUMN Choir July 2010

Imagine a room with 300 people and every time you look around, you remind yourself of two things: 1) Everyone in the room is a musician and 2) Everyone in the room is a Unitarian. Then let the grin spread across your face as wide as you want!

That was my constant feeling at the UU Musician's Network Conference this past July 13-18. Each morning started with a service of mediation, music and readings. This was followed by a two hour choir rehearsal with over 200 singers, then workshops, noon time recitals, more workshops, dinner and a special ethno-musicologist presenter.

As a choir participant, we sang a Bach setting of Dona Nobis Pacem, a Finnish arrangement of Deep River, a commissioned work for the UUMN by Stephen Paulus, and a John Rutter arrangement of Down By the Riverside. While the experience was terrific, and it was very good to review numerous technical singing issues and observe a powerful conductor at work, I took time to focus on the direction of the music program at UUCL.

In UU World magazine, there is much written about making sure we are not a stagnant organization and that we are open and welcoming to people of all cultures. I see music as the avenue for this opening to occur. This does not mean we UU musicians must stop doing Bach or Telemann or Brahms. But it does mean we need to augment our repertoire to include music from around the world. It is our job as music leaders to make this music accessible to our congregations.

My gut feelings during my first year as your Music Director were already headed down this road. The conference confirmed my views that this is not only a true itinerary for us as an international church, but also for our beloved UUCL. At UUCL, we have such an open minded congregation where music is concerned and we will fill the cup with music of great variety this year.

This kind of musical expansion can take place in simple ways such as a Singing Meditation Practice or in singing folk songs from around the world in ourservices. It can happen in transformative ways by connecting with each other musically as we do a musical exchange with local churches, not just UU churches. If it is true that Sunday is the most segregated day of the week, let’s sing together to break that boundary, let’s meet in music to say with our songs what we cannot always say with words alone.

Choir Rehearsals

¯ Wednesdays, August, 18, 25 and Sept. 1, 7:00-9:00pm.

¯ Sundays, August, 22 and 29, 9:00-10:00am. The choir will sing at the August 29^th service.

Choir Retreat

Saturday, September 11, 11:00am – 6:00pm at UUCL. Sally will provide lunch and hopes to have a Guest Choral/Vocal Workshop leader. There will be a Singing Mediation Practice, open to all, from 3:00-4:00pm. The retreat will end with a potluck supper.

Thank You

¯ To all the musicians who have been so artfully and actively participating this summer in our services.

¯ To the congregation of UUCL for the opportunity to attend the UUMN conference. It was a fabulous experience to connect with so many fellow UU musicians from the entire country.

A Special Thank You to Alan Hersh for contributing to the UUCL Music Program through the sale of his book, A Pianist’s Dictionary, available at our Holley Bookstore.

Musically yours,Sally

Sally McCord, Music Director

Holley Bookstore News

Fair Trade Fundraising, New Products from Hope for Women and More!

Can you believe it is already August? Very soon the kids will be heading back to school. For many of us, that means they will soon be coming home with fundraising catalogs. If you are not happy with what your school is offering, then try to make a change! I would be happy to talk to you about how I did just that at Stonewall Elementary and Winburn Middle Schools. Equal Exchange Fair Trade fundraising really is a win-win situation! This is fundraising that you and your organization can be proud to do!

This month I am excited to introduce several new designs of Hope for Women’s beautiful and fun El Salvador line of handmade cards. These are the cards that have the intriguing flowered hair ladies on the front. I know some people have bought these cards not to give them, but rather to frame them. They are that pretty! Come by the Holley Bookstore to meet Barbara, Amaryllis, Esperanza, Marta, and more. Soon I will be adding some of Hope for Women’s new tagua bracelet styles and colors. You can check them out ahead of time on Hope for Women’s website, www.hopeforwomen.com. By supporting Hope for Women we are helping women and their families in India, El Salvador, and Columbia. I know that women in more countries will benefit as new products are identified and added to the Hope for Women line.

Equal Exchange (EE) Specials for August:

EE Decaffeinated Coffee $7.50

EE Ceylon Chai Tea $3.50

EE Panama Dark Chocolate Bar $2.50

EE Almonds $4.50

Very soon I will be adding two new chocolate bars from Equal Exchange! Watch for more information. J

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer! Keep using your Kroger gift cards! Our most recent check was in the amount of $421, not bad but we can do better. I sold 12 cards after Cynthia’s announcement in July so hopefully we will see increases in our check amounts soon! I will be sure to let you know. I have Alan Hersh’s book, A Pianist’s Dictionary, at the Holley Bookstore now. Stop by to purchase your copy, with proceeds benefiting the Music program and the Holley Bookstore. Thank you! Kim Browning

Parents’ Night Out

A New Monthly Offering

Saturday, August, 14, 6:30-9:30pm at UUCL

¶ Fun for kids (ages 3 to 12)

¶ Relaxing for parents

¶ A fundraiser for RE!

Drop your kids off at the church. We will have snacks, games and a movie. Kids can wear their PJs and bring a favorite blanket. Non-members are also welcome with a signed waiver. $10.00 for the first child, $5 for each additional child with a maximum of $20 per family. Parents may volunteer to earn credit for a future month's outing. Make plans with other UUCL parents and we will watch the kids! Fun for all!

Uniview Deadline

Wednesday, August 25 at noon

The August issue covers Sept. 1 – Sept. 29

Items can be sent to office@uucl.org

Open Heart Yoga

Open Heart Yoga returns on Thursday Aug. 5 and Aug. 12 with an Introductory Gentle Flow class, 7:00-8:15pm. The introductory classes are $7/each. Experienced and non-experienced students are welcome. Requirements: A Yoga mat and an open heart. Contact Whitney for more information, whitney@oh-yoga.com. Watch for additional classes to start in mid-August.

Fund Raising Committee News

Michael Johnathon, in Concert at UUCL

Saturday Evening, October 2

Folk Singer, Michael Johnathon, is coming to UUCL on October 2! Michael is well known in Lexington as the host of the weekly Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour which is filmed and broadcast nationwide from the Kentucky Theatre. UUCL’s solo concert will be a great chance to spend a full evening with Michael, experiencing his songs, stories, humor, and commentary. It will also be a great chance to spend social time with fellow UUCL members and Lexington area music fans, have fun, build community, and raise needed funds for the church!

Over the next several weeks, UUCL will be getting the word out around Lexington about the concert, selling tickets, designing and posting posters, working out technical details of the sound stage, making concession plans, and preparing the Great Hall for an evening of fun and community. Volunteers are needed to help in all areas. If you would be interested in helping out in any capacity, please contact the office

The UUCL Fund Raising Committee meets twice per month on the first Sunday afternoon after the service and on the third Wednesday at 7:00PM. The purpose of the group is to gather, discuss, and help implement ideas related to church-wide fund raising. If you have any questions about the fund raising committee, would like to be a part of it, or submit ideas to it, please contact the office, office@uucl.org.

Don’t Forget About the Kroger Cards

Stop by the Holley Bookstore to get your card and learn how easy they are to use.

UU Home Hospitality Fundraiser

World Equestrian Games – Sept. 25 thru Oct. 10

Got a spare furnished bedroom and a spare bathroom? You probably can help by being a host! You may offer:

· Bed and breakfast only. Breakfast can be self-serve.

· An entire house or apartment.

· Something in between.

Advertised to UUs only, primarily in UU World Magazine. All proceeds benefit UUCL. (Guests pay the church by check, or through PayPal.)

To see our current listings and perhaps get a better idea of what is being offered and pricing, visit http://www.uucl.org/weg.htm. (This is the page prospective guests are given in our ads. You may request to NOT to have some or all of your info posted here.)

To get more information about hosting or to download a host information form to fill out, go to http://www.uucl.org/WEGHostInfo.htm. (There is also a link to this page on our home page, http://www.uucl.org.)

Rain Barrels

Support our environmental mission by keeping excess runoff out of the storm sewers, serve as free water for your yard and garden in dry times, and raise funds to support UUCL programs. Rain barrels are $85/each. You can order your barrel by sending your check to the church office; mark “rain barrel” in the memo line. Delivery within Fayette County can be arranged for an additional $10. For more information, contact the office, office@uucl.org. All profits go to support UUCL programming

“UU 101” Class

Sunday, August 1, right after the service,

in the Conference Room

Visitors are invited to join Sarah Herbener, UUCL's Membership Coordinator, for our "UU 101" informational class. We'll spend about 45 minutes talking about the history and mission of Unitarian Universalism and about the life and work of our congregation. This is a great way to begin learning about our faith and to have any questions answered.

Refreshments will be provided. If you cannot attend the class but have questions, feel free to e-mail Sarah at membership@uucl.org.

Calling All UUCL Artists and Crafters!

Start planning now for our 9^th Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair

Sunday, November 14

A Pianist’s Dictionary

Holley Bookstore is now selling A Pianist’s Dictionary, a newly released book by Alan Hersh, former Music Director of UUCL. All proceeds from the book sale will be divided between the Holley Bookstore and the UU Music program so be sure to purchase your copy and encourage friends and family to get theirs as well. The book is not technical and would make a great Holiday gift for people on your giving list. See Kim at the Holley Bookstore on Sunday mornings.

Group/Committee News

Fundraising Committee: Sunday, Aug. 1, 12:30pm in Classroom 1, and Wednesday, Aug. 18, 7:00pm in the Conference Room.

UU Community of Frankfort: Sunday, Aug. 1, Aug, 15 & Aug. 22, 4:00pm, The Unitarian Universalist Community of Frankfort meets at the Frankfort Yoga Studio (306 West Main St., 3^rd Floor of the McClure Bldg., in Frankfort). www.frankfortuu.org.

UU Men's Night Out: Tuesday, August 3, 7:00pm, at Atomic Café. We meet the 1st Tuesday of each month for an evening fellowship. All UU men and friends are welcome.

UU Christian Fellowship: Sunday, Aug. 8, 12:30pm, Conference Room. Do you consider yourself both UU and Christian, or are you interested in exploring Christianity as part of your spiritual journey? If so, please come to our meeting. For more information about the UU Christian Fellowship, please visit www.uuchristian.org.

Humanist Forum: Wednesday, Aug. 11, 6:00pm in the UUCL Orchard, for the Second Traditional Annual Humanist Forum Family Potluck Picnic. See freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, humanists, HUUmanists, et al in their natural habitat. Meet their families; learn of their professions, their hopes, their fears, their dreams. Bring something to share: food, drink, preconceived notions, prejudices, curiosity, etc. "Family" means kids included; we'll have someone designated to keep them from wandering off. In the event of rain, we'll move into the Fellowship Hall.

UU Women Dining Out: Thursday, Aug. 12, 6:30pm. We will dine at the Mandarin Restaurant in Zandale Plaza. No reservations are necessary. No reservations are necessary.

Candle Making Workshop: Saturday, Aug. 14, 2:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up at the church or call Penny to let her know if you wish to attend the workshop. Otherwise, in the interest of conservation, she will make the candles at her home.

Moms’ Group: Saturday, Aug. 14, 10:30am, Classroom 2. Are you a mom? No matter what labels we use or what other roles we play in your lives, the bond of motherhood ties us all together. Come share in that common bond with the UUCL Moms’ Group. We meet the second Saturday of every month.. Newcomers are ALWAYS welcome.

Interweave Potluck Lunch: Sunday, Aug. 15, after the church service. Interweave is the GLBTQ and allies social/support group in the church. We welcome all interested people to attend.

Breakfast at the Catholic Action Center: Saturday, Aug. 22, 8:30am. UUs are invited to come and help cook breakfast for the homeless. We meet at the Center, 400 E. Fifth Street, at 8:30am and are usually finished by 9:30 am.

Environmental Task Force: Sunday, Aug. 22, 12:30pm in the Conference Room. Practicing the Unitarian Universalist 7th Principle - "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."

Peacemaking Subcommittee: Sunday, Aug. 29, 12:30pm in Classroom 2.

Sitting Meditation: Sundays, 9:00am in the Allen House. Vipassana style meditation, in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Please be on time and remove shoes before entering.

Sunday Sangha: Sundays, 9:45am in the Allen House. A discussion group for adults; topics are presented and discussed using the lens of Buddhism in an effort to apply its principles to modern life. Although this group uses elements of Buddhism, all paths are welcome. The topics change each week, so drop-ins are also welcome.

LexCUUPS: Sundays 12:30pm, outside in the front circle (or Allen House if the weather is bad). LexCUUPS promotes the practice and understanding of Pagan and Earth centered spirituality within a UU environment. LexCUUPS provides opportunity for interfaith dialogue, and encourages the development of theological and liturgical materials based on Pagan and Earth centered spiritual perspectives. They meet on Sundays after the service for program, discussion, and business.

Lexington Kentucky Progressive Announcements List

In an attempt to get the word out on matters of interest to folks in the Lexington Kentucky Progressive/Alternative communities, UUCL Member, Patrick Buck, has started a new Progressive Announcements List. The list will be way to find out about cultural happenings, protests, volunteer opportunities, etc. While very Alternative Religion/Pagan, GLBT, and Unitarian Universalist friendly, this is an independent list! It will be moderated, so fear no spam! If you have questions contact Patrick at plbuck@earthlink.net.

To join this new list, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LexKyProgressiveAnnouncements/

UUCL Church Staff

Rev. Cynthia Cain, Minister

Rev. Kelly Flood, Minister Emerita

Stacey Stone, Dir. of Religious Exploration

Sally McCord, Music Director

Terese Pierskalla, Office Administrator

Sarah Herbener, Membership Coordinator

Nan Mills, Custodian

Office Phone: (859) 223-1448 Fax: (859) 223-9602 Church Email: office@uucl.org Web Site: www.uucl.org

Office Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm Monday-Thursday; 9:00am – 12:00noon Friday

UUCL Board of Directors 2010-2011

Eric Grulke, President Keven Bye, Vice President

Jessi Fehrenbach, 2011 Jessie Bollinger, 2012 Ruth Baer, 2013

Kathy Cleary, 2011 Betsy Churchill, 2012 Shirley Burress, 2013

Ann Coker, 2011 Don Pickett, 2012 Eric Morrow, 2013