Circle of Fellowship

Circle of Fellowship

The First Universalist Church of Central Square

A Unitarian Universalist Congregation

www.geocities.com/centralsquareuu/

Rev. Margaret Hart, Minister 625-4485

Rev. Libbie Stoddard, Assoc. Minister 343-4352

Tim Hart, President 625-4485

Ronna Schindler, Religious Education Coordinator 623-7685

Rita Thornton, Organist & Choir Director 669-6961

Our Church Building Is Handicapped Accessible

P. O. Box 429 Routes 49 West & 11

Central Square, NY 13036 (315) 668-6821

November 2006

The mission of the First Universalist Church of Central Square is to be a welcoming, diverse congregation, which values spiritual growth and service to the local and world communities.

MINISTERIAL MUSINGS

Dear friends,

The holidays are upon us. Halloween is just past, and All Souls' Day. Our Centennial celebration will have passed by the time you receive this newsletter, followed shortly after by Election Day. Thanksgiving is coming up later this month. It has been a busy fall for me. It's good to take a moment to be with you here, on this printed page. It's also good to see you in church, and to be with you there.

Sometimes I feel that we are rushing from one thing to the next, and hardly have time to say "hello", let alone have a real conversation. Sometimes smaller groups, like the women's or men's groups, or the video-discussion group, offer more time to discuss things in depth. Some churches have a more formalized Small Group Ministry, and that has been a great thing. I experienced it in Ithaca, and at a conference I attended. Some of you may have experienced it at conferences too. If you'd like to start a Small Group Ministry, let me know, and we'll see what
we can schedule. Or if you just want to talk some time, that can be arranged, too.

WEDDING BELLS

The Rev. Margaret Hart has officiated at three weddings recently and invites you to join her in extending blessings and good wishes to the happy couples:

Matt and Kara Kreinheder (October 8, 2006)
Diana and Eric Pearson (October 28, 2006)
AmyJo and David O'Brien (November 3, 2006)

The Rev. Libbie Stoddard also officiated at a wedding recently. We extend wishes of happiness and peace to:

Christina LaPage and Michael VanDeuson (October 14, 2006).

~~~ I must do something" will always solve more problems than "Something must be done."~~~

CHOIR TO PRACTICE

Our choir rehearses Sunday mornings starting at 9:30a.m. On November 11^th we will have our usual second Saturday of every month extended choir rehearsal from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Anyone interested in singing is welcome to join us.

OUR WHOLE LIVES (OWL) PROGRAM PRESENTATION

Saturday November 18^th: The Rev. Libbie Stoddard will give a presentation on the OWL program from 1 P.M. until 3 P.M. This presentation is for adults only to introduce you to the OWL curriculum. Rev. Stoddard was trained in the earlier curriculum About Your Sexuality (AYS) which is similar to the OWL program. This material on sexuality was jointly written by the UUA and the United Church of Christ and is appropriate for children of a very early age through adult. Libbie will give information on the content of the OWL program that will be of interest to parents, uncles, aunts, people who are UU’s and those who are not UU’s so bring a friend with you. Sections of the OWL program address how sexuality relates to our faith and how our faith relates to sexuality. There is a sign up sheet in the East Room..

GUEST AT YOUR TABLE

Sunday November 19^th: The Rev. Libbie Stoddard and Marcia Burell-Ihlow will be sharing the pulpit for this special Sunday. The topic will be The Guest at Your Table. Following coffee hour, Marcia will be sharing some of her experiences in Benin. She will have a display and be available for questions and answers. Please plan to attend this presentation. Her unique experiences should be of interest to all.

BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Village Marketplace was a great success! Thanks to the following wonderful people: Sheila and Bob Emborski, Ginny Boak Glahn, Claudia Jenks, Kurt Schindler, Steve and Janie Garlow, Nancy Hallock. Roy Reehil, author Jay O'Hern, canoe-maker Bob Green, and the many excellent vendors. A special thanks to all the people who helped move pews and tables, bake pies and other
goodies, work at tables, offer raffle prizes, and who heped set up, cleanup, and offered lunch
counter services. And one more thank you to those of you who participated in the "Love Your Church" cleanup prior to the Marketplace and to Mary Perkins for hanging the new curtains.

Fund Raisers: We are contemplating having a T-shirt sale, and hope it can be scheduled in time
for Christmas giving. We will also hold our annual Christmas bake sale on December 10^th. Details will follow in the next Newsletter. If you have any good fundraising ideas, please share them with Marcia Burrell-Ihlow.

Christmas Ornaments: We will have our annual ornament communion on December 10^th, so you are invited to bring an ornament to donate to the church Christmas tree.

HELP WANTED: We are still in GREAT NEED of a UU Circle president. If you have any inclination to serve in this capacity, I would be more than happy to assist you in all aspects of the job. We are also looking for volunteers to help out in the nursery one Sunday per month. See Winfield Ihlow, RE Chairperson, if you would like to help in this area.

I want to reiterate that if you have joys or concerns about different aspects of our church's functioning, please direct them to the committee chairperson for that area. This information is posted on the diningroom wall near the coffee pot. (There was one omission: Rita Thorton is co-chair of the Altar committee with Betty Figie.)

Tim Hart, Board President

ADOPT A HIGHWAY

Adopt a Highway pickup is scheduled for November 12^th at 8:30 a.m. before church service. Please contact Nancy Hallock if you can participate at njh13042@yahoo.com.

CHANTING AND MEDITATION

The chanting and meditation group has been meeting each Tuesday evening at 6:45 and is open to new as well as experienced meditators. We sometimes have to reschedule the meetings, so let us know if you are planning to come. We'd love to have you participate.

Tim and Margaret Hart, 625-4485

SERMONS ON TAPE AND/OR IN PRINT

Many of our worship services have been taped, and for many there is a printed copy of the sermon in a manilla folder in the literature rack at the back of the sanctuary. If you would like to borrow a copy, please do, and return it when you can.

SINGING THE JOURNEY

If you'd like to make a special offering to our church (perhaps in honor of someone living or dead), hymnal supplements are much needed by our church and are available for $16 plus shipping and handling. Let Margaret know if you're interested, and she'll coordinate an order before Christmas.

COFFEE AND CHAT

Coffee and Chat will be held at Panera's on Rte. 31, Clay, on November 15^that 9:15 a,m. All women of the church are invited to join us. Several of the men have expressed an interest to also start their own coffee group at that time. Please contact Chet Perkins for information
about the men's group. Women interested in getting together can contact Nancy Haskell for further information.

RE NEWS

October was a busy month for our kids and November promises to be just as full.

We will in the future be painting more bricks to continue raising money for the medical center in Sudan. The children have already raised over $50 and don't plan on stopping!

As November begins we will be celebrating Rakhi (a bond of protection). A Hindu celebration commerating the bond of love between brother and sister signified by a holy thread around the wrist. We are taking this one step further and creating a bond between all in our classmates to be respectful, kind and protective of each other. We will also be starting to lay out the groundwork for our winter program. The children will be working on making their own individual menorahs and learning prayers for the holiday.

During this time of year it is important for the children to attend RE as often as possible for there is a lot to learn and each child plays a part. Every week we will be learning something new but it will be a continuation for our program during the December 17^th service. For our part to go smoothly during the service the children must be comfortable with their parts. Please, try to help them feel good about their accomplishments and attend weekly.

Ronna

WHAT DID HE/SHE SAY?

Please remember to use the microphone when you are speaking in the church service (children's stories, announcements, joys and sorrows). Even if you have a strong voice, some of us have difficulty hearing you, and we'd like to hear you! Thanks.

***NEWSLETTER EDITOR NEEDED***

The January issue of this newsletter is in need of an editor. I am unable to devote the time needed to make this newsletter the informative publication that you all deserve. The deadline for the December newsletter is noon on December 2^nd. I am looking for someone to help me put that edition together so that they can take over the newsletter for the January issue. Please contact me at mailto:dartfrog@usadatanet.net dartfrog@usadatanet.net or 675-3385 if you would like to take on this important job. I will be very happy to help you with any questions you might have.

Ellen LaPine

Newsletter Editor

SERMONS AVAILABLE

If you'd like to borrow a sermon in print or on tape, you can check on whether they are available (printed copies are usually found in a manilla folder in the literature rack at the rear of the sanctuary; for tapes, you can see Chet Perkins). Many sermons are also available on the church web-site.

VIDEO DISCUSSION GROUP

The Video Discussion Group will meet again at the church at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 17.
Those attending will view and discuss another episode in the PBS series "Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason." During the series, Moyers explores the ideas of leading thinkers as to whether religion and reason can peacefully co-exist. Each program features a conversation with one or two of the writers who attended the PEN World Voices Festival in New York last April.

In this program, the next to last in the series,, the works of writers Margaret Atwood and Martin Amis show how the imagination of the creative mind can help cross the boundaries between faith and reason and illuminate the best and worst of human possibilities. Atwood's most famous novel, "The Handmaid's Tale," depicts a democracy transformed into a theocracy of God-quoting true believers who strip women of their rights. In a recent piece in the New Yorker, Amis imagined the last days of Mohamed Atta, the leader of the suicide bombers on September 11, 2001. All are invited to attend.

CONTACTING A MINISTER

Please feel free to call me-10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. is best, but anytime is ok in an emergency (625-4485 or 439-8375). Or you can reach me by e-mail at marghart@a-znet.com. I do not yet have established office hours, but would be glad to schedule a time to get together.

SERMONS AVAILABLE

SUPPORT OUR CHURCH WITH 10% OF YOUR PURCHASE

The Fair World Marketplace is offering our church 10% of their sales from friends and members of the Church on Friday & Saturday, December 1^st and 2^nd. This is a great opportunity to do Holiday shopping, help our church and the world community. The Fair World Marketplace has wonderful unique items from around the world at a fair price. It is located in the strip mall across from P&C on the corner of East Genesee Street and Erie Blvd. More info will be on the East Room table soon. The Syracuse Peace Council Plow Shares Crafts Fair and Community Peace Festival is this same weekend on Saturday & Sunday at Nottingham High School, 3100 E Genesee St. This is a great way to spend the day by supporting your church and the Peace Council.

"You cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb himself."

Andrew Carnegie

FALL ROAST BEEF DINNER

The fall roast beef dinner will be held on December 9, 2006. This is a change in original plans due to the West Monroe church having a RB dinner November 11. I will have need for lots of help as usual. I hope that by setting this date far enough in advance that every body will be able to attend or help. Sign up sheets will be in the East Room for wait staff, cooking, squash preparation, potato peeling, pie baking and most important, cleanup. Thank you in advance for
your magnificent outpouring of help as you share your gifts with the church community.

With a Smile,

Kurt

THE HOLIDAYS ARE AROUND THE CORNER AND WE’RE STILL COOKIN’

We are selling centennial cookbooks at the bargain price of $7.00 each. Lots of time tested recipes shared by the wonderful cooks in our congregation. Desserts and main dishes for those holiday celebrations. Please contact Mary Perkins at marychet@earthlink.net for your copy or call her at 668-6719.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

There was an excellent front page article in the Citizen Outlet about our Church Centennial and the history of our church. Copies are available at church. It is planned to have a follow up article about what our church has to offer today. Much thanks to Marcia Ihlow, Ginny and Chuck Glahn, Bob and Sheila Emborski, Larry and Judy Linder, Tricia Viviamore, Bob Haskell and Tim Hart for serving as greeters and hosting the coffee hour during October. Janie Garlow (Nov. 12), Ann Peterson (Nov.19) and Chuck and Ginny Glahn .(Nov.26) will host the coffee hour during November. We still need greeters. See Chet Perkins if you would like to help.

CUUPS TO MEET

The CNY Chapter of CUUPS will hold its monthly business meeting on Wednesday, November 29^th at 7PM in the Parlor at First UU in Syracuse. In addition to our business meeting, we will spend some time making walnut candles in anticipation of our Yule Ritual next month. For more information contact Jody Brown @ 476-0447 or Cindie Murray @ 492-6557.

TREASURER’S REPORT

All pledging members will be receiving their year to date statement ( June through October). Thank you for your generous support. Your monthly pledge covers the normal monthly operating expenses. Receipts are currently less than our operating expenses so please try to catch up if you are behind in your pledge. If all the pledges are current, we should not have a problem covering our basic expenses of utilities, salaries, etc.

Judy Linder

Treasurer

LIBERAL RELIGIOUS HOUR NOW AVAILABLE AS PODCAST

For music and interviews on topics of interest to religious liberals go to UURadio.Org. The purpose is to increase public understanding of UU principles and values as well as serving the public interest by featuring guests representing other community organizations. The program may now be heard on the World Wide Web both in streaming audio and as a Podcast at www.uuradio.org. http://www.uuradio.org./

DON’T FORGET TO SHOP FOR SCOTTY

Remember the Downstairs Scotty as you shop. If we can remember to buy just one or two extra boxes of tissue, some toothpaste, soap or the like we when we shop, we can be a big help to this local program with out church’s donations of non-food items.

CALENDAR

Tuesdays: *6:45 p.m. Chanting & Meditation

Wednesdays: * 6:47 p.m. Men’s Group

Nov 11: *10:00 a.m. Extended Choir rehearsal.

Nov 12: *830 a.m. Adopt a Highway Road Clean-up. *9:30 a.m. Choir Practice. *10:30 a.m. Worship service Rev. Margaret Hart, 11:00 Religious Education.

Nov 15: *9:15 a.m. Coffee and Chat.

Nov 17: *7:00 p.m. Video & Discussion.

Nov 18: *1:00 pm. Adult RE, OWL Curriculum.

Nov 19: *9:00 a.m. RE Committee Meeting. * 9:30 a.m. Choir Practice. *10:30 a.m. Worship service, Rev. Libbie Stoddard. *11:00 Religious Education. *11:30 a.m. Marcia Burrell-Ihlow, Experiences in Benin.

Nov 22: *Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service at Brewerton United Methodist Church

Nov 26: * 9:30 a.m. Choir Practice. *10:30 a.m. Worship service, Rev. Libbie Stoddard. *11:00 Religious Education

Dec 2: *Noon Newsletter Deadline

Dec 3: *8:30 a.m. Board Meeting. * 9:30 a.m. Choir Practice. *10:30 a.m. Worship service, Rev. Margaret Hart. *11:00 Religious Education.

Dec 9: *Roast Beef Supper.

Dec 10: *Cookie Exchange prior to service. *9:30 a.m. Choir Practice. *10:30 a.m. Worship Service & Ornament Communion, Rev. Margaret Hart. *11:00 a.m. Religious Education.