Our Calendar

Zen Meditation:  Wednesdays 5 to 6:30 PM
(except Dec 24 & Dec 31)
Call Ellen Reiho as listed in the Directory.

"A Course In Miracles"  (ACIM) Discussion is taking a break and will  resume Thursday, February 12 at 7:30 PM. Contact Sandy Hoerle as listed in the Directory.

Yoga Fridays 5 to 7:00 PM Call Julie Waldas as listed in the Directory.

Buddhist Meditation sercies continues:
Saturdays:  Dec 6, 3 -5 PM; Dec 13, 1 - 4 PM and Dec 20, 3 - 5 PM.
with teachers from the  Kadampa Center    877-KADAMPA

Duplicate Bridge
 Bridge is held at the church on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 PM.  If you have any questions regarding bridge please contact Harold Quayle as listed in the Directory.

Deadline for the next newsletter is Wednesday,  December 17, 2003

All articles and announcements should be placed in the newsletter folder in the church office by the deadline, or e-mailed to Linda at lmarie@utelfcu.net  or call her as listed in the Directory inside front cover.

Minister's Office Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon, or by appointment.
Secretary available Monday 12:00 noon - 3;00 PM and
Thursday, 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Web postings & e-mail announcements can be sent to Bill at pencandle@adelphia.net

Sunday Services and Forums
The Rev. Kaaren Anderson, Minister

If you have questions or suggestions, please contact David Bell,
Worship Committee Chair as listed in the directory.

Sunday, December 7th, 2003
10:30 AM    The Rev. Kaaren Anderson   A Questioning Tradition
A reflection of why we commit ourselves to the questions instead of the pat answers.
Also at 10:30 AM  Children's Worship and Classes
11:30 AM  Social Hour

Sunday, December 14th, 2003
8:30 AM:  Meditation for Peace  Contact is Margaret Dobies, listed in Directory.
10:30 AM    The Rev. Kaaren Anderson   Aging with Tenacity
A celebration of those who age with vim and vigor and the insight and wisdom they can impart to us.  Special musical guest: Jim Abel on trombone!
Also at 10:30 AM  Children's Worship and Classes
11:30 AM  Social Hour
Social Action Committee meets right after Social Hour!

Sunday, December 21st, 2003
10:30 AM     The Rev. Kaaren Anderson   The Winter Solstice
A celebration of the return of the sun with a fire communion, drumming and the choir.
Also at 10:30 AM  Children's Worship and Classes
11:30 AM  Social Hour

Also Sunday, December 21st, 2003
4-7 PM                  A Labyrinth Walk                   Carol Behan
Apart from Sunday morning's joyful celebration, an opportunity for quiet and candlelit reflection will be an option for all when Carol Behan opens her Chalice Labyrinth from 4 to 7. Come at any time during those hours to enjoy a walk on the labyrinth. Carol will lead two focused rituals, one at 4 to open the labyrinth, and another at 6, a Solstice celebration. Children are welcome. If you have questions, call Carol as listed in our Directory.  Information about labyrinths is on her website, www.MeadowMuse.com.

Wednesday, December 24th, 2003
4:30 PM                The Rev. Kaaren Anderson
An Intergenerational Christmas Eve Service
Come celebrate the Christmas story with an evening of song, story and ritual.

Sunday, December 28, 2003
10:30 am       Post Holiday Reflection & Meditation
The holiday season is often packed full of activities, social engagements and external commitments that while enjoyable, can leave us depleted.  As we approach a new year, we will take time to slow down, reflect, and engage in Zen, led by Reiho Ellen Meyers.
Also at 10:30 AM  Children's Worship and Classes
11:30 AM  Social Hour

Circle of Life  Kaaren’s Musing
(click on link)  Minister's office Hours: Thursdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon, or by appointment.  Secretary available Monday 12:00 noon - 3;00 PM and Thursdays, 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM

RE News & Information
(Click on link)

Social Acion
(Click on link)

Living Your Values
One of the things I love about Unitarian Universalism is the application of our principles to my living and loving. The religious life demands of us this melding of values and ideas, with integrity to our actions. So each month this year, I will include a living your values section to the newsletter and Order of Service as a means to apply our Unitarian Universalist's values to our everyday lives.
In faith, Rev. Kaaren

December Living Your Values
Principle: Truth, Justice and Compassion in Human Relations
What to do: Support the UUSC Guest at Your Table Program
Its simple.  Just add to your box each day, with spare change or a hefty check, it's all up to you.  The UUSC supports fabulous programs concerning the justice and equity of the worlds human population. To find out more about their programs, go to www.UUSC.org or speak to Mary Yoder about opportunities for change.

Guest at Your Table

Hopefully, your Guest at Your Table boxes are prominently displayed in your homes and filling with your donations for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  Look into the eyes on these faces from around the world and remember them as you celebrate the holidays and the abundance in that we enjoy every day.  The UUSC and its partners invite us to join around the table, to develop relationships, to share with one another our sorrows, joys, and, especially HOPE!  Mindful of the hope that the UUSC offers throughout the world by actively promoting the principles of Unitarian Universalism, lets fill these boxes to the brim!  Be sure to pick up your Guest at Your Table box if you did not receive one.  Boxes will be collected on Sunday, January 4th at the service.  Thank you.

Choir Members

If you are interested in singing with the choir for the Winter Solstice, please join us at 9:30 on December 14, and 21 before the service.  If you've never sung with us before, welcome, if you're an old hat at singing with the choir, welcome back!

Mitten Tree

Please bring any new mittens, hats, gloves or scarves for our mitten tree from December 7  -  21.   All the proceeds will go to the Hope house for distribution to families that need them.
Please bring in all your charitable donations before Dec. 22nd.  Thanks in advance for your participation and holiday spirit!

Thanks!
Our thanks to Joe and Phyllis Gee for having the rug cleaned, and also to Joe and Peter for helping to paint the sanctuary.

Thanks to all those who brought in bread for our bread sale on Sunday, November 23rd.  The bread went very fast, and we generated $150 for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  For all those who donated, helped out with the sale, and of course those who bought the bread…thanks for making this a big success!!

Library News:

The book and cd God, Self, and Community (Revelation, Testimony and Practice) by  Dr. Bernard L. Brookes has been added to our library.  Also, I wish to resign as librarian and book buyer.  There are many new people and I'm sure someone can take over and do a fine job. Jane Beier

"A Course In Miracles"  Discussion is taking a break and will
 resume Thursday, February 12 at 7:30 PM.  In these meetings, we explore the principels of the Course and other  materials, as they relate to changing our perceptions, making the experience of inner peace more likely.  Our own lives are laboratories in this process, as we learn the content of our own belief systems and how they either help or hinder our progress.  Contact Sandy Hoerle as listed in the Directory.

HomeCurrent Events  Our Minister   Children's Religious Ed     Social Action    Vision

Sermon discussion.
Each month, Rev. Anderson will hold a brief sermon discussion with those interested in delving more closely into the day's topic.

Small Groups

Unitarian Universalism and Fellowship Groups are an integral part of developing your UU faith. These groups provide both a forum to explore spiritual issues and context for intentional community building. The idea is simple. The hardest part is having to pick only one! They are described below and on our Minister's page. If you haven't already signed up for one of these small groups, please give the facilitator or me a call.  It's a great way to combine your faith and interests into a meaningful means to connect with other UU's.

OXYGEN
For the spiritually inquisitive and adventurous, it is all too easy to live on the surface of life; this group helps bring more depth and soul to our living and loving. Rev. Anderson leads these monthly meeting groups by discussing the most provocative essay or short story she's encountered that month. Group members are also assigned a "spiritual adventure" to complete between gatherings. Especially good for newcomers interested in exploring the Unitarian Universalist's approach to spiritual development. See Kaaren if you are interested. Meets the 3rd or 4th Sunday of each month following the service, from 12-2. Childcare can be provided if the need is expressed.   Reverend Kaaren Anderson (724-3179)

 I AM  (Women's spirituality group)
 This group is designed to encourage women's personal and spiritual growth by utilizing feminist thinking and approaches. Facilitator: Susan Hamilton

 CREATIVITY AND SPIRITUALITY

 A chance to explore communally ones spiritual and creative self.
 Facilitator: Jack Pendrak

 CELEBRATE THE FAMILY
Come and join us for sharing, caring, music, dance, stories, games, food and lots of love and fun while we get to know our families together. This will be an opportunity to bring our individual UU families together to build a stronger community and church family. (This group meets the first Monday evening of each month.
 Co-facilitators: Dan Strobel & Reverend Kaaren Anderson (724-3179)

 GAY, BI-SEXUAL ,TRANSGENDER GROUP
 An opportunity to connect with folks of similar sexual orientation discussing theological, ethical and spiritual questions. Facilitator: Isabelle Grenon

Previously Published

Service Settings
Your help is needed this year; Please consider signing up for a Sunday between now and June to do a setting by the windows on the front ledge of the sanctuary. Flowers/plants (either real or artificial), sculpture, painting, and candles really add to the service.  The sign up sheet is in the kitchen on the bulletin board. Questions or Suggestions see or call: Dianne Cronauer, Linda Brady or Phyllis Brockley as listed in the Directory

Free Batteries for Hearing Aids
The Hard of Hearing group gained an excess of batteries from a donating company. The extra batteries will be freely distributed or transferred to other groups. Battery sizes are: 10-8AP, 13-8AP, 312-8AP and 675-6AP. Contact Roger MacCasland as listed in the Directory.

Directories
The new 2002-2003 Church directories are now available. Pick one up at Church.

Borrow Bags
Don't forget, we now have "borrow bags" available for parents with small children who may be uncomfortable in the nursery. The bags consist of quiet toys and books allowing children to join their parents in the sanctuary for the service. Ask an usher for a borrow bag.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR
    As many of you know, this year we changed around the manner of the coffee hour. Instead of having two or three people mainly responsible for the event, we've distributed the Sundays to most of the members of the church. In September, this issue was brought up to the congregation twice, with their blessing and commitment to the new format. We would like to apologize if some of you didn't hear about this, and are surprised to find yourself on the list and not know what to do.
    We knew we would have some glitches with this, and we apologize for any inconvience or confusion it may have caused a few of you. Included in this issue of the newsletter is the schedule for the year and the how to's of coffee hour. If, for some reason you are having a hard time with finding someone to switch Sunday's with if the one you are scheduled for is inconvenient, please know you can call Linda, the secretary, at the church, and,,"ask for .some further suggestions and or help.

Coffee Time Volunteer Schedule:
Watch for new schedule:  (This information is also available at church)

Before service begins:
1. Set Table: Napkins, 2 sugar bowls, 3 warming stands, paper cups, teaspoons, 2 creamora pitchers, teacups and saucers.
2. Make coffee (instructions above sink) SNACKS ARE OPTIONAL

Just before end of Service:
1. Turn on electric warmer stands
2. Fill pots with coffee
3. Make a pot of tea and serve

At end of fellowship hour:
1. Wash all dishes
2. Clean up service table and kitchen.
 

Here are three Community Development Loan Funds to check out:
Calvert Social Investment foundation
4550 Montgomery Ave. 1000N
Bethesda, MD 20814
1-800-248-0337
www.calvertfoundation.org

The Calvert Foundation promotes community development and micro-lending throughout the US and the world. They require a minimum of $1000 investment and offer returns of 0-4%

Nicaraguan Credit Alternatives fund (NICA)
P.O. Box 1534
Madison, WI 53701
608-257-7230
www.wccnica.org

The NICA fund, a project of the WI Coordinating council on Nicaragua, addresses the root causes of poverty by providing low-income Nicaraguans with loans for small business, farming and cooperatives. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the world. The fund requires a $2,000 minimum investment for a minimum of two years and returns range from 0-6%.

ICE's Revolving Loan fund
57 School Street,
Springfield, MA 01027
413-746-8660
www.iceclt.org/loanfund

The Institute for community Economics invests in affordable housing, focusing on economically depressed areas. Since 1979, the fund has loaned over $30 Million to those in need. With a minimum investment of $1,000 for one to ten years, the returns range from 3 -5%.

Bill Payer Program
Volunteer opportunity to protect seniors from fraud and financial difficulties!
It's easy, if you like numbers and helping people….the reliable AARP Bill Payer model program has training and safeguards in place for volunteers and clients, as well as certified substitutes when volunteers take vacation or family time.
Since 2000, more than 100 persons have been served by over 55 reliable and
confidential volunteers. Right now there are 10 people waiting for help in OUR area. If you have your own car and can give 2-4 hours per month, this could be for YOU!
To find out more, please call Family Services at 735-2236, extension 230 and leave your name and number, or visit the AARP website at http://aarpmmp.org
Thanks for your help!   Barb Freeman, coordinator

Faith Furniture
Grown from a vision by parishioners of Trinity United Methodist Church
in Whitesboro, NY, Faith Furniture's mission is "to provide the basic needs
of as many people as possible by Providing low cost furniture"
Located at 140 Eagle St. Utica
Tuesday and Wednesday 10 AM to 6 PM
Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM  (other hours by appointment)
We are constantly searching for and accepting donations of well cared for pieces suitable for re-sale. We accept single items or entire estates. Arrangements for estate donations should be made by calling the office to have a volunteer visit to determine how best for us to handle acceptance. All donations are tax deductible!

New Books
Passion for the Possible by William Sloane Coffin, Donated by Barbara Brookes. It is a message of love and renewal to U.S. churches. Our final purchase of the year is John Buehrens new book, Understanding the Bible, which is coming out in June.  The Bookstore online is changing all the time!  Come visit the website: uua.org/bookstore, or you can contact them UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108-2800
Jane Beier

WE HAVE A REVIVAL!!!!

It has come to our attention that we are no longer keeping a church scrap book. A box is now in the office to receive any pictures, news items etc. for the last two or three years and 3 people are interested in this project. You can help by bringing material.

Thanks, Harv

UU & Me!
You can learn and grow together with UU& me!, the only Unitarian Universalist magazine for kids.  Regular features include stories about the real-life decisions kids make, holiday celebrations, famous UUs in history and today, religious beliefs around the world, nature activities that nurture good relationships with the earth, plus reproducible games, puzzles, and crafts.  This quarterly magazine targets children ages 6 to 12 but is read and enjoyed by families with younger children also.  To subscribe, contact www.uclf.org, or Betsy Williams bwilliams120@charter.net, or CLF-UU&me, 25 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108. ($17.95 Subscription).

Are you an Aspiring Author?
Skinner House Books, the publishing imprint of the Unitarian Universalist Association, invites you to submit book proposals.  Some topic that they are particularly interested in are:  How to nurture tolerance in our children, how to talk to children about spiritual subjects, spirituality in the workplace, spirituality and/or spiritual practice in everyday life, aging and spirituality, young adulthood and spirituality, prayer collections, how to become a social justice activist, nature and spirituality, interconnectedness; living the values consistent with our "small planet", collected stories for children, cultural appropriation vs. cultural diversity: how to strike a balance, stories about congregational life that focus on a particular theme, such as welcoming blended families, nurturing diversity, nurturing social activism, managing grief, managing conflict, nurturing intergenerational contact.  This list is not exclusive.  Perhaps this is the time to tell us about that book you've always wanted to write.  For more information on how to submit proposals, visit http://www.uua.org/skinner/writers.html. For questions, contact Mary Benard, (617) 948-4603, mbenard@uua.org.

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (uusc.org)
A powerful voice for human rights In order to help Unitarian Universalists and peace advocates educate, act, and organize around this issue, we have assembled resources that you and your community can use to advocate peace and alternatives to violent conflict in Iraq. Below are links that provide important information about current events, the history of the conflict with Iraq, as well as resources for action:
American Friends Service Committee (http://www.afsc.org/iraq/Default.htm) Provides alternatives to war, reasons to oppose the war, history of the conflict, and resources for action.  Friends Committee on National Legislation (http://www.fcnl.org/) United for Peace (http://www.unitedforpeace.org/)
Unitarian Universalist Association (http://www.uua.org/news/2002/021105.html)
Churches for Middle East Peace (http://www.cmep.org/)
National Council of Churches (http://www.ncccusa.org/)
National Network to End the War (http://www.endthewar.org/default-new.htm)
New York Times Iraq Page (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/world/worldspecial/index.html)
St. Lawrence District Opportunities (See Bulletin Board for moor info)

Needed and Wanted
People interested in doing a service setting can sign up on the sheet in the kitchen. If you wou1d like to donate the materials for a setting, please contact Phyllis Brockley, Linda Brady or Dianne Cronauer at church or by phone as listed in the directory.

Food Bank
We will start collecting food donations on the FIRST SUNDAY of each month. Please put donations in the box, on the kitchen table. This will make it easier for us to distribute the items in a timely manner. Thank you for your cooperation.  We will bring nonperishable food items for the Food Pantry at the Presbyterian Church on Genesee Street also. They will also accept clean items items of clothing, especially infant and young person's clothes. They pass out the food and clothing at no cost to those showing up. Clothing may be brought to the basement at the First Presbyterian Church, 1615 Genesee Street, Utica during the hours of 9:00 AM to 12:,00 PM on Wednesdays.  Food for the Food Pantry and the Utica Food Bank is needed. Please consider bringing non-perishable foodstuffs for the coming Fall season. Donations of cash are also accepted. Make out checks to the Utica Food Bank.

Go Green
As a follow-up for people who were inspired by Ollie Club’s forum presentation on great and green cities, consider this. Global Warming and Awareness and Action of the Mohawk Valley is a group that meets in the music room of the Utica Public Library on the second Monday of every month at 6:30 PM. Its goal is to raise public awareness and build community sup-port for greening our Utica-Rome area and other communities. For further information contact Nancy Agen.

Keep It Green
All off us need to recycle at church just as carefully as we do at home. Receptacles for recyclables are labeled as such in the kitchen and office. Please rinse your food containers, and put only clean paper in the paper receptacles. Use the garbage can only for stuff that cannot be recycled. Your Earth thanks you!

NEEDED ITEMS
In the kitchen: Large microwave with a revolving turnstile is needed. If anyone is considering upgrading their present microwave, please consider donating to the church.  This might be an income tax deduction.

Membership Committee News
If you are interested in becoming a member of our congregation, Please see Kaaren beforehand, or contact a member of our committee.  Shirley Williams

Inspired Work
The children from the January 27 SOULFUL SUNDOWN created a contemporary relief sculpture that is now installed at the garden area facing the RE lawn. UU creativity at work once again! Thanks to all of you.  Sundown Committee

Try This Online Funding Idea
Another way to help raise extra funds for the Church without costing us extra money. There is a web site known as http://www.oneworldfunding.com. Items you buy online at this site  result in a small percentage contribution to our church. As you go through the process of “checking out” at this site, you will be asked to identify an organization to which the donation can be made. Our church may already be listed in a drop- down menu, but if not, just list the name and address as requested. There are many fine items available.
    On top of that, if you go to this site and click on the Affiliates button, you will be sent to a page providing links to many other online-shopping web sites, including some well-known ones. If you go through the http://www.oneworldfunding.com site to get to one of these other sites, your purchase will again result in a percentage donation to our church. (They do ask you to send a copy of your e-mail receipt to OneWorldFunding@att.net to assure that your purchase results in the contribution you wish to make.) For more information, check out the above web site, or write to the above e-mail address.   Bill Gazitano

Home  Current Events Our Minister Children's Religious Ed     Social Action      Vision