Happiness - First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston

FIRST
UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
First Church News
March 2012
Worship and
Religious
Education
for Children
and Youth
Two services on
Sunday mornings:
9:30 and 11:30
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.firstuu.org
5200 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 526-5200
Happiness
“Being happy doesn't mean that
everything is perfect. It means that
you've decided to look beyond the
imperfections.” – Unknown.
When I was younger, if everything was
perfect, then I was happy. This could
show up in a variety of ways.
our staff brainstorming sessions where
we select the “Big Idea” we use with the
monthly theme. I came in with the “full
belly” illustration, another staff person
came in with, “How Can I Keep From
Singing,” and so forth.
We ended up choosing Rev. Morales
contribution: Happiness is a choice. I
Maybe it was not wanting to go to school, think the anonymous quote above nicely
captures the explanation of what happiness
and looking out the window and seeing
is a choice means.
two feet of snow on the ground: snow
day! Or, it was being unsure about seeing
some friends, and then everything came I know we wake up, plan our day, move
through familiar spaces, interact with
together, and we all had a good time.
familiar– and unfamiliar faces– and, all
the while– if we’re not careful– we can
Happiness depended on circumstances
let outside circumstances or other people
lining up just right– if they did, I was
determine whether or not we feel
happy. If they didn’t, I was not happy.
“content” or even “happy.”
Later on in life, one of my favorite quotes
If you decide to look beyond imperfections,
about happiness came from Chinese
if you decide that a full belly is indeed
philosopher Lin Yutang who said
happiness, and can really feel that– then
“Happiness is a full belly; all else is
you may be surprised at how happy you
luxury.”
already are. Sometimes feeling happy is
just a matter of needing to adjust your
That really sets the perspective, and the
“bar” at the right level. I am so blessed in ‘gratitude attitude.’
my life. I have plenty to eat, a house to
And that can happen by literally counting
live in, clothes to wear, a family to love
and be loved by, a generous full hearted your blessings. At the end of a day, stop,
congregation of people who demonstrate sit down, and name aloud every good
their caring– my blessings are boundless. thing that happened that day– a minimum
of three. And no matter how bad a day– I
If happiness is a full belly, then most people bet you can find three good things.
Maybe even before lunch!
I know could be happy if they chose to.
When UUA president, Rev. Peter Morales
Daniel
was in town in December, he sat in on
Happiness is a Choice.
Page 2
First Church News
SERMON TOPICS FOR MARCH
March 4 - Happiness
Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell
This concept is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. Aritstotle thought
“happiness” was “the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”
Is there a conspiracy to make us happy - if we would only notice it?
March 11 - Happiness: Seize the Day!
Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell
Louis Pasteur said: “Chance favors the prepared mind.” And a Latin proverb reminds us: “Fortune favors the bold.”
Today, we will review a series of conversations which has led to an enormous opportunity to live out our mission in
a new way – by being one church in multiple locations.
March 18 - Years of Happiness…Really?
Rev. Adam Robinson
th
March 18 is my parent’s 45 wedding anniversary. They will be in Washington, DC
celebrating but they have written some stories down for me. Join me while we learn from some
of their choices how we can choose to be happy over the long haul.
Saturday, March 17, 2:00 p.m.
Animal Blessing
In gratitude for the many ways our pets are a blessing to us, bring them along to church and
join us in blessing those finned, furred and feathered friends of yours. If your circumstances dictate
a picture or other representation of a particularly energetic pet will do.
March 25 - Faith Above All Fear
Canvass Kickoff Sunday
Denny Davidoff
Senior Consultant at Meadville Lombard Theological School
"The soul has lifted moments, above the drift of days,
when life's great meaning breaketh in sunrise on our ways.
Behold the radiant token of faith above all fear,
night shall release its splendor that morning shall appear.”
Is there contemporary wisdom in the 19th century words of William Channing Gannett?
The Board Listens to Your Voice
The Board is hosting another congregational discussion where your thoughts and feelings about our church can be
expressed. Your attendance is important. The session is centered on the following questions:
How does the church assist us in developing our life around “love beyond belief”?
In what ways do our worship, music, religious education, social justice activities
and innovative programming help you live your UU faith in daily life?
How can we make this faith community relevant and accessible?
Your voice is essential in directing and fulfilling the mission of this church! You can’t miss the sign-up sheets on bright
pink clipboards at the Information Table. Tuesday, February 28, at 7:00 p.m. or Sunday, March 4 at 1:15 p.m.
First Church News
Page 3
NOTES FROM THE JOURNEY
I always bristle when I hear people talk about happiness
being my choice. I hear them pontificate on the virtues
of just deciding every morning to be happy and carefree
and that just rubs me the wrong way. It’s not like I wake
up very morning and decide I’m going to be unhappy. I
don’t consciously run over a list of feelings and choose
gloom and doom as my response to everything. But still
I feel as if I’m being told it must be my fault because I
didn’t just decide to wave my wand and sprinkle some
fairy dust over me and POOF, happiness magically happens.
However I do have a kind of practical and pragmatic
view point on happiness as being a choice. It is simple:
STOP CHOOSING THINGS THAT MAKE YOU
UNHAPPY! It’s like that old joke, “Hey, doc, my arm
hurts when I do this” and the doctor says , “Well, don’t
do that any more.”
So, my choices are just that. If there is a problem with
your car, you get it repaired, get a new one or choose to
live with it. If you don’t like the industrial food machine’s
treatment of animals, don’t keep supporting it. Buy
locally or buy organically. If you don’t like your boss,
job or work environment, change it.
Some choices are small and some are big and any one of
them can be scary. But the choices are ours. We choose
to be happy or miserable and have no one to blame but
ourselves.
Peace and Light,
Rev. Adam
On Sunday, March 4, Rev. Adam Robinson will be in the pulpit at the Northwest Community Unitarian Universalist
Church in Copperfield. He will be sharing with them the sermon he preached after the rash of gay boys being bullied
to death in 2010. Asher Brown, who lived in the Copperfield area, was one of the young men whose bright shining
light was extinguished way too early. Adam hopes not only to share some of his passion for GLBT rights, but also
maybe provide some comfort and support to those who are still suffering emotionally from that tragedy.
Spanning the Ages
From Natalie Browne, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Happiness = Choice
Transitioning is difficult for me, especially from
something that is purpose driven and energizing.
During the first part of February I was in Austin,
helping out my daughter and her family after the birth
of her second child. There was little down time: I
cooked, cleaned and ran errands; changed both
grandchildren’s diapers; read, played and danced with
the two-and-a-half year old grandson, as well as drove
him to and from preschool; rocked my tiny granddaughter;
washed and folded loads of laundry; and even grabbed
a few minutes to clean the windows overlooking the
backyard. Oh, I also slept very soundly, when I slept.
I came home on a high. I had been happily engaged
in the very essence of living for ten days. Some of
you saw me in the post-visit glow. My smile was
unrelenting. Then came free time at home. I had
thought I would clean and organize, having dropped
everything rather suddenly. But I just couldn’t make
myself engage in anything. And the more I couldn’t
engage, the more I berated myself for my willingness
to do for my family what I would not do for myself. I
began to feel the familiar gnawing unhappiness that
comes for me when I am not “doing,” when I feel at
loose ends. It bothered me especially this time
because I had been thinking on the way back from
Austin about our big idea for the month of March,
Happiness is a Choice. It seemed to me that I could
choose to re-engage with the same level of energy as I
had in Austin. It seemed to me that I should be able to
choose to enjoy the silence and time away from people
as much as I had enjoyed the noisy fray of two young
children and their parents.
It wasn’t until I allowed myself fifteen hours of sleep
with only a short break for dinner and a TV show that
I was able to recognize the obvious: choice is not only
about action, it is also about down time: what the writers
of Genesis called the “day of rest.”
Yes, balance, wisdom, discretion and room for the
demands of the unconscious all must be figured into
the equation of happiness = choice. No wonder we are
taking a full month to ponder on this!
Page 4
First Church News
NEWS FROM OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
This is such an exciting time to be a congregant and Board member of First Church. Last week our Senior Minister
Daniel O'Connell formally presented the Board with the prospect of becoming a multi-site Congregation with the
Northwest Community UU Church and the Thoreau UU Congregation. Your First Church Board expressed support
and hope, asked many questions which are memorialized in our meeting minutes (which will be posted on the web
site), and listed areas of concern. Ultimately we drafted a consensus statement for this and other multi-site possibilities that
might arise in the future. It states:
THE FIRST CHURCH BOARD:
• Supports the creative collaboration and growth possibilities inherent in becoming a multi-site church.
• Welcomes newcomers to engage the mission of a “community of love beyond belief: transforming
ourselves, Houston and the world.”
• Honors the history, skills and commitment that all members bring.
• Pledges to discern carefully, and support fully, our mission and our ministry
We are aware that with any change comes a period of adjustment as we get used to a new normal. We are also
excited at the possibility of growing our mission and embracing new talents and personalities as we include others
in our spiritual journey.
In other news - you might be aware from previous newsletters that the First Church Board requested that the Leadership
Development Team (LDT) move up the timeline for Board nominations. Under the leadership of Jon Naylor, (chair)
with the support of elected members Linda Richardson and Cindi Walker and board members Peter Durkin and Connie
Acosta, the team spent a number of hours gathering nominations at brunch and after church and interviewing
candidates. Last month, they presented the Board with the following slate of candidates: Grace Amborski (2013),
Liz Gilbert (2014). Craig Oettinger (2014), and David Smith (2014). More information with biographies about each
candidate will be forthcoming.
Moving up the timeline for these nominations will enable the Board to implement Leadership Development for
prospective board members which includes:
• Attending a Policy Governance workshop with a brief overview and case study
• Observing at least two Board Meetings between now and their first official meeting in June
• Participating in the yearly Board retreat, which will occur in June this year and will include both
Outgoing and incoming Board members
Our intention is that these measures will create a more
seamless transition, minimize the learning curve for new
Board members, preserve the institutional memory as
Board members fulfill their terms, and enable us to be
productive from the beginning of the fiscal year. It is our
hope that the congregation will support these worthy
candidates. Of course, the Board will accept any nominations
from the floor during our annual meeting.
We took a moment to bid a fond farewell to Peter Durkin,
who has resigned his position on the Board in favor of a
rocking chair, snuggie, and the stars in Dripping Springs,
Texas (which is a mere 13 miles from Austin, 20 miles
from Wimberly, and the gateway to the Hill Country). I
am grateful for his support this year and know that I am
speaking for the whole Board when I say - we will miss
you, Peter!
Board President, Lucy Anderson
Top, left to right: Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell, Sr. Minister;
Ron Cookston (2012); Evan Michaelides, Treasurer; Steve
Braun (2012); Lucy Anderson, President (2013); Peter
Durkin (2012). Seated, left to right: Wendy Van Syckle
(2013); Sheila Whitford (2013); Lydia Luz, Vice-President
(2012); Rita Saylors (2013) and Connie Acosta (2014).
First Church News
Page 5
Thinking about Joining?
Membership Enrollment Day is the
First Sunday of Each Month
If you would like to join First Church, we ask that you complete the Enrollment
Forms: New Member Information, Talents and Interests, Pledge Card and Skills
Inventory. These forms are available in the office or from a Sunday Morning Hospitality Team member.
Membership enrollment is held the first Sunday of each month at the Welcome Table in Channing Hall after
each worship service. The next opportunity is Sunday, March 4. You can turn in your enrollment forms at the
Welcome Table in Channing Hall. We welcome the possibility of your joining us soon and hope that your
relationship with First Church will be spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally rewarding.
Everyone in their 20s and 30s is invited to join other young adults after
the late worship service on the first
Sunday of each month and head out
to a local restaurant for a good meal,
great conversation, fun and fellowship. Join us on
Sunday, March 4, after the late church service when
we gather in the front courtyard.
Daylight Saving Time Returns
On Sunday, March 11, Daylight Saving
Time begins at 2:00 a.m. If you don’t
expect to still be awake at that time, be
sure to set your timepieces forward one hour before
going to bed on Saturday night.
Celebrate Spring Equinox at First Church with friends, food and song
On Wednesday, March 21, the day will be as long as the night. Join us as we reflect on the turning of the year
and our connection to the earth. We’ll gather in the Fireside Room at 6:30 p.m.
Bring a potluck dish to share....we encourage local & seasonal foods
Enjoy round singing & words of poetry & meditation
Explore the meaning of the Equinox
This year we'll reflect on water
End the evening with conversation and social time
For more information, contact Carol at [email protected] or Elizabeth at
[email protected]. If you know you're coming, send us an e-mail so we'll have some idea of
how many to expect. And if you'd be willing to help with the potluck, let us know that as well.
Kite Day is Coming!
Sunday, April 1, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
there will be kite flying at Stude Park!
The older youth will sell picnic lunches here at the
church that you can take with you. While we will have
some kites for sale and use, bring your own if you have
one or more. Frisbees and bubbles, lawn chairs and
blankets also welcome! This is for the whole First
Church family—don’t miss out on the fun!
The Greenbriar
Consortium
in
“Animalia”
Tuesday, April 3, 7:30 p.m.
Admission is free; donations encouraged
Animal inspired works. Artists include Julia Fox,
soprano; Sonja Bruzauskas, mezzo-soprano; Timothy
Hester, piano; The Piping Rock Singers and Greenbriar
regulars, largely members of the Houston Symphony.
Page 6
First Church News
LIFESPAN FAITH DEVELOPMENT OFFERINGS FOR ADULTS AND YOUTH
Welcome to Lifespan Faith Development at First Church where we provide tools to help us grow spiritually,
build stronger families, improve relationships and make the world a better place. The
programs listed are sponsored by the Adult Programs Team, [email protected], unless noted otherwise.
FINDING YOUR WAY AT FIRST CHURCH (for our guests)
Sundays, immediately after each service
For an informal conversation after the service, go to the Welcome Table in Channing Hall for an
opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and impressions while you enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal.
Sponsored by the Welcome Team.
March 2012
Visitors are welcome at all events.
Check the day’s event listing at church for room assignments.
EXPLORING MINDFULNESS with Guided Meditations and Recorded Talks
Sundays, 10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
We listen to one or two guided meditations and recorded talks by well known meditation teachers including
Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, and Jon Kabat-Zinn. The guided meditations and talks last from about
five to twenty minutes each, and the focus each week is on some aspect of mindfulness. We get to know each
by briefly sharing some of our meditation and life experiences. Facilitators: Church members Pam Perry
and Ginger Clarkson assisted by other church friends.
Sundays
EARLY MORNING BOOK GROUP, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
This month we begin reading Consilience, the Unity of Knowledge by E.O. Wilson. The title is a word depicting the unity of the arts and sciences. Check our web page
Contact Dick Hanneman, First Church Member, at [email protected]
CHANGING WOMEN, 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
A women's wisdom circle and Native American spirituality discussion group. Please join us for some sacred time.
Contact: Keddy Outlaw, First Church Member, [email protected].
MINDFULNESS MEDITATIONS
Sundays, 10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
We meet during brunch to listen to recorded, guided mindfulness meditations for 15 to 20 minutes, then get to know
each another by sharing an experience. All are welcome every Sunday.
Facilitators: Pam Perry, Dennis Milam and Adriana Ley Smith
SUNDAY DISCUSSION CIRCLE, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Sunday Discussion Circle is a
place to practice our UU values of keeping an open mind,
listening respectfully, learning from a variety of differing perspectives, and entertaining new
ways of thinking about issues. Join us any Sunday for facilitated, fun and educational discussions.
See the weekly Blast church newsletter for topics. All are welcome.
First Church News
Page 7
Mondays
BEGINNERS YOGA
Mondays, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Discover your strengths and balances through a therapeutic approach to yoga alignment and mind/body
integration. Facilitator: Stan Polins
Monday Meditations, 7:00 p.m. Appropriate for beginners and experienced meditators, each class includes
a short session of gentle movements to relax and loosen up the body, basic instructions for following the
breath as a focus in Vipassana (Insight) meditation and a period of silent meditation. The class will end with
either a talk or a discussion of a short reading relating Buddhist philosophy to daily life.
PARENTS GROUP, Sunday, March 26, 11:00 - 12:30
Looking for thoughtful parents who share your values and concerns? Now would be a good time
to join us. Infants are welcome in our group. Child care is provided in the nursery for older children. Contact Sue Steinhardt at [email protected]
Tuesdays
TAI CHI, 6:15 p.m. - Beginners are encouraged to arrive at 5:30 for personalized instruction.
Facilitator: Dale Englefield, Church friend, studied under Tai Chi Master Edward C.C. Shen and Yang
Style World Champion Don Buttermore. Dale teaches the traditional Yang Style short form with
martial arts references.
GREAT IDEAS GROUP, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Great Ideas Group studies the great thinkers, great writers, great religions, and great ideas of the
past and present. Current discussions focus on law enforcement ethics and future subjects will include
economics and equality. Meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m.,
newcomers are always welcome. Facilitator: Dan Robb at [email protected].
Fridays
POETRY GROUP, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
“The best words in the best order.” This group reads poetry and seeks the rewards that great literature can
provide. Facilitators: Harry Nagel and Susan Borches; Contact Lucrecia Cox, [email protected].
Saturdays
TAI CHI, 10:30
This class is similar to the traditional Chinese method of teaching: process-oriented and learn-by-example.
After warm-ups, we will do the form very slowly and in silence. After we have finished there will be time
for students to ask questions. Facilitator: Dale Englefield at [email protected].
Death with Dignity and Self-Deliverance
Saturday, March 17, 10:30 – 12:00
Presenters: Natalie Browne and Don Moore
Have you wondered about self-deliverance - taking your own life - should you find yourself in unremitting pain and
knowing that you only have a short time to live? Come hear about Natalie’s experience with her husband Al Kondo,
who took the steps to prepare for that eventuality and followed through when the time came. This presentation will
include information from Don Moore, the trained guide who helped Al succeed with dignity. He will talk about Final
Exit, the organization with which he works. The presentations will be followed by breakout groups.
Page 8
First Church News
YRUU OVERNIGHT WORKSHOP
What are your highest values? Where do you find the holy? How will we work together?
These were critical questions, powerfully addressed by an amazing group amazing 33 youth and 14 adult
Unitarian Universalists from across Houston. Among them were four youth, two advisors and the DRE of
First Church, working with others from the cluster to strengthen YRUU programming.
The group chose the following shared values: Love, Connection, and Hope on which to base the covenant
they created.
Here are the goals the group selected for the coming year:
Governance - Building a cluster YAC with accountable leaders, both youth and adult
Fun/Fellowship – Get together as a cluster at least three times in the next seven months for something fun
- perhaps a field day, beach trip, bowling.
Social Action- Work together on three events, most likely including the Pride Parade.
Young Adult Program – Investigate and support programs to love our graduated youth
Church vans/buses – Research short-term and long-term costs and logistics
Our Cluster owes a great deal to the extraordinary leadership of Natalie Briscoe, SWUUC Consultant and
DRE of Horizons UU Church in Carrollton, TX. But we couldn't have accomplished the work without the
commitment of our youth and advisors. The program is in good hands.
Safety Training
Thanks to the generosity of so many of members and friends of First Church during our December “mini
capital campaign” we were able to purchase all three items on our wish list, including an Automated External Defibrillator that can be used to restore a normal heart rhythm in case of cardiac arrest. The AED is a
significant addition to our efforts to make First Church safe and secure in the event of unexpected events.
Toward that goal there will be a training session for instructions on how
to use the AED on Sunday, March 11, at 1:15 p.m., in the Fireside
Room. A representative from Medtronic, the manufacturer of the device,
will demonstrate its use. We will also view a short video titled “Fire
Safety At Your Worship Center. This video was provided by Church
Mutual Insurance Company and offers suggestions and information on
making our facilities safer. Greeters, RE teachers and group leaders are
encouraged to attend this meeting although it is open to anyone who is interested.
FIRST CHURCH NEWS is published monthly by First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin Street,
Houston, TX, 77004. Phone: 713-526-5200. This is Volume 17, Issue 3, published on February 27, 2012.
First Church News
Page 9
Practical Matters
Notes from the Stewardship Team
We look forward to your insights and comments. Please e-mail us at [email protected]
It’s Just the Beginning!
This month we roll out the 2012 Annual Campus with this year's theme: "It's Just the Beginning!”
Canvass Sunday takes place March 25, 2012. Plan to attend service to hear our guest speaker, Denny Davidoff, a
Senior Consultant to the Interfaith Alliance Foundation. A graduate of Vassar, Denny has worked for Meadville
Lombard Theological School, served as Treasurer and President of the UU Women’s Federation and has two sons
and four grandchildren, all of them UU’ers. Denny's words are sure to both inspire and remind us of the importance
of maintaining a thriving liberal church in the heart of Houston, Texas.
During the Canvass all members make their annual pledge in support of First Church. Your pledge provides the financial
resources so critical to our mission and ministry. Your pledge is your commitment to First Church. Take some time
and reflect on the many ways First Church has furthered your personal and spiritual growth. Think about the members you see around you each week and the commitment, enthusiasm and engagement each one of them brings to our
community. Let gratitude be your guide to determine the amount of your pledge.
Ask yourself the following question. Why do I come to first church? How does First Church meet my needs? Perhaps you
come because of your children. Maybe you are here to participate in the numerous social justice projects offered
through First Church. More than likely you appreciate just being part of the spiritual community that calls First
Church “home”. Where else could you find an organization with so much theological diversity? Where else could
you gather to support one another in the ongoing quest to become a better person?
Whether great, or small, your contribution and your presence will help our congregation grow. Where would our
community, our organizations, and city be without the liberal voice of First Church? More importantly, where would
you be without First Church?
The Leadership Development Team’s Board of Trustee Candidates
Grace Amborski retired to Houston in 1999 and joined First Church the first week she was here. Since that time
she has been involved in Board activities being president in 2002, Services Auction and Fund Raiser coordinator
(2003-04) Membership chair (2003-06), initiated Greeter Program (2005), member of the sanctuary choir (19992006; 2010 to date), and facilitated numerous Adult Learning programs.
Craig Oettinger joined First Church in 1982. Craig has served on a variety of committees and task forces including
the finance committee, committee on ministries, stewardship, taught in the RE program and held a term on the Board
about a dozen years ago. During the transition from team ministry to our Senior/Associate structure, he served on
several committees that helped shepherd the congregation through those difficult times and plan for our future. When
Rev. O’Connell began his tenure, he asked Craig to organize a renewed social justice ministry. After 12 projects
involving more than half the congregation. Rev. O’Connell established a “Social Justice Steering Committee” to
guide the effort. Craig continues to serve on that committee.
David Smith has been a First Church member since July 2009. His past experiences at congregations in Austin and
Phoenix include leading or participating in young adult ministries, strategic planning, stewardship, Green Sanctuary,
contemporary worship services, and serving as President of the board. He is currently an adviser to the high school
youth and helping the web team.
Elizabeth Gilbert joined First Church in 1997. She is the mother of Amy and Aaron Bruce and grandmother to
Calvin and Jonas Parker. Elizabeth has 13 years experience in public and private education and is an award winning
playwright. Describing herself as spiritually challenged, she appreciates the diversity of our congregation and its
emphasis on deeds not creeds while secretly longing for the theatrical excitement, pomp, ceremony and costume so
abundant in the churches of her Catholic upbringing.
Page 10
First Church News
Excerpts from the Treasure’s Report
Evan Michaelides, Treasurer
Another pretty solid month. Income came in essentially on budget, while expenses were nominally about $7,000 below budget. This looks a little better than it really is, because our community-support expenditure of half of the
Shared Offering (about $2,000) didn’t go out till February and thus isn’t reflected in the January figures, and also because
about $1.5K of this month’s income is from fundraising for our “Wish List”, which is dedicated to specific purposes
that weren’t part of the original budget. But still, a good result.
Speaking of the Wish List, those additional contributions received in January put us over the top of our fund-raising
goal of $10,000 for new tables and chairs for Channing Hall, high-speed internet service, and a defibrillator. These
improvements will be welcome, and the congregation’s continued support is gratifying.
The recent improvement in our cash position continued to hold this month. Keep in mind as you look at the balance
sheet and cash-on-hand charts that about $10,000 of the cash we hold reflects Wish List fundraising that will be spent
for those specific purposes. Even if you mentally back that amount out, though, the improvements of the past few
months remain intact. The recent trends look even better when you remember that we used about $8K of our cash in
December to pay off the UUA building loan early.
Our shared offering for the month of March is the Houston Area Womens Center. The Center helps individuals
affected by domestic and sexual violence in their efforts to move their lives forward. They provide shelter, counseling and
advocacy to support their clients in building lives free from the effects of violence. They seek social change to end
domestic and sexual violence through community awareness and education and all services are confidential and avail
to everyone. During January our shared offering brought in $3874 to share with Project Row Houses. In the same
month, this generous congregation donated over $2000 to the UU Service Committee and we sent $800 to their Guest
at Your Table program.
Social Justice Team
Our Social Justice Ministries are how we get involved in our own community at large. When we have concerns,
when we see the need for change, when we want to help, we find ways to act and ways to make relationships with
individuals and organizations. We find ways to get involved and ways to contribute. Here are some of the ways we
are transforming Houston during the month of March. For more information contact [email protected].
Saturday, March 3 — Work at “Race Against Violence” for the Houston Area Women's Center and help organize it
in the preceding week. For information on how to participate contact Connie Acosta at [email protected].
Saturday, March 31 — Participate in Trash Bash and help clean up Armand Bayou or Skyline Drive with the Galveston Bay Foundation. For more information on how to participate contact Michele Ramsey at [email protected].
Copies of the Social Justice activities schedule through September are available on the Information Table. Pick up a
copy and see what opportunities for service you may like to participate in.
During the month of February the Social Justice Team provided service and assistance to Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos, the
Yates Museum and the Emergency Aid Coalition.
Visit our church website to see a detailed calendar of all upcoming and ongoing events: www.firstuu.org.
The calendar link is on the left side of the home page.
Page 11
First Church News
UNIQUE MULTI-SITES OPPORTUNITIES
Exciting possibilities are coming our way and we want you to be aware of recent developments. For a
more thorough introduction to these ideas, please attend church on Sunday, March 11, when the worship services will address the ideas around a multi-site church.
THE SITUATION:
Two Houston area UU congregations are looking into the concept of becoming satellite congregations
of a larger church – and of choosing First Church as the church with which they would like to affiliate.
This presents First Church with a unique opportunity for growth without crowding. However, the prospect of becoming a multi-site church brings with it many aspects for careful consideration. While this is
an exciting and valuable opportunity, we recognize the complexity of merging separate congregations
and will move with thoughtful consideration while exploring these possibilities.
Northwest Community UU Church has had a difficult time lately: mold at their rental site, a quick
relocation, the loss of their quarter time minister. Membership has dropped.
Thoreau UU Congregation has had years of difficulty – a series of unfortunate events around their
building project including a contractor who took funds for work that was not done. A settled minister
left the congregation. Several interim ministers have come and gone. Membership has dropped.
THE RESULT:
When it appears that both church communities are seriously considering the satellite concept – and of
choosing First Church as the church they would like to affiliate with, Daniel presents this idea to the
board of First Church. The board endorses the concept (see below) while acknowledging there are many
aspects to consider. At this point, we don’t know all the details about exactly how this would work, but
it presents us with a multitude of exciting possibilities. Instead of three separate churches, we would become one larger church with multiple campuses.
THE FIRST CHURCH BOARD:
· Supports the creative collaboration and growth possibilities inherent in becoming a multi-site church.
· Welcomes newcomers to engage the mission of a “community of love beyond belief: transforming
ourselves, Houston and the world.”
· Honors the history, skills and commitment that all members bring.
· Pledges to discern carefully, and support fully, our mission and our ministry.
REMEMBER -- PLAN TO COME TO FIRST CHURCH ON SUNDAY, MARCH 11, TO HEAR
MORE ABOUT THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST UU CHURCH, THOREAU UU
CONGREGATION, and NORTHWEST COMMUNITY UU CHURCH.
Our governance reports are excepted from the Governance Page on the church website:
http://www.firstuu.org/governance.php.
First Unitarian Universalist Church
5200 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77004-5808
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The newsletter is available online.
We email a link to the newsletter
each month and to the Blast each
week. If you do not need a copy mailed to you,
please let us know, [email protected].
A Community of Love Beyond Belief:
Transforming Ourselves, Houston and the World.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Church Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Vice President
Lydia Luz (2012)
Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell, Senior Minister
Rev. Adam Robinson, Assistant Minister
Rev. Robert L. Schaibly, Minister Emeritus
Natalie Browne, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Jason Oby, Music Director
Bob Fazakerly, Organist
Peggy Harvey, Director of Administration
Tom Cowen, Facilities Manager
Jessica Pierce, Nursery Coordinator
Tom Pile, AV Technician
Hilman Laws, Weekday Custodian
Dale Englefield, Weekend Custodian
President
Lucy Anderson (2013)
Trustees
Connie Acosta (2014)
Steve Braun (2012)
Ron Cookston (2012)
Peter Durkin (2012)
Rita Saylors (2013)
Wendy Van Syckle (2013)
Sheila Whitford (2013)
Treasurer
Evan Michaelides
Parish Clerk
Rosita Kirkman