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SUNDAY SERVICES ~ 10 a.m. Nov. 3 Music and the Science of Happiness Sermon: Vicky Gordon, Director of Music at the Binghamton Unitarian Universalist Church Coordinator: Margaret Schwartz Convener: Ted Meskunas What do we know about the physical effects music has on the body? We will experience some wonderful, uplifting music. Nov. 10 From Past to Present – Examining Our Faith Sermon: Several Members Coordinator: Dorothy Latta Convener: Ted Meskunas Why is Unitarian Universalism such an interesting religion? Is it the acceptance of more than one type of belief in God? Nov. 17 Gratitude and Grace Sermon: Lindamarie Hill Convener: Ted Meskunas Is gratitude the magic bullet for mind/body/spirit health? This sermon will explore findings and implications for living our UU principles. Nov. 24 Celebrating Our Faith Sermon: Kendra Maroon Coordinator: Dorothy Latta Convener: Ted Meskunas "I left the Catholic Church. Now what?"

The Chalice Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh

November 2013

Andy Sajor, October Honoree The “Forget-Me-Nots” have selected Andy Sajor for our honoree for the month of October. Many of you do not know this man. It is time you did.

Andy is instrumental in keeping everything running at our Fellowship. He fixes things that are broken: most recently, the sump pump and the refrigerator. Andy does carpentry – he made the front doors to the sanctuary. He plumbs; he fixes our electrical problems, etc.

Recently, he was most helpful in assessing possible new homes for the Fellowship and in estimating the cost of needed repairs. When we are ready to build, Andy will be a valuable and experienced guide. Thank you, Andy, for keeping us afloat with doors that keep the the rain out, lights that let us see and toilets that work properly. Andy is Kathy Sajor’s husband. He is an avid skier and sailor. Christmas Eve Services Our Christmas Eve planning committee is working to build meaningful and beautiful services for our Fellowship family. We are planning a shorter early service at 4:30 p.m. and a 6:30 p.m. candlelight service. Please consider joining the Christmas Eve planning committee. We will meet approximately three times between now and Christmas Eve. We need to put together the format of the program, choose readings, and find volunteers to give those readings on Christmas Eve. You do not need to actually participate in the service to be on the Christmas Eve Committee! Contact Jeff Hornibrook, if you have questions. 518-561-6234 or jeff.hornibrook@plattsburgh.edu.

4 Palmer Street ~ Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901 518-561-6920 ~ www.uuplattsburgh.org

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Christa's Twins! Congratulations to our UUFP secretary, Christa and husband Justin on her beautiful twins, Josephine and Alexander.

Photo courtesy of Jared and Debbie Photography New Phone Number Margaret and Dick Schwartz have a new home phone number: 518-643-5342

President’s Message As I write this, I am preparing for tomorrow’s Annual Business Meeting after Sunday Service. I look forward to giving a report on the Board’s activities and our UUFP finances. Our Board has been working hard on planning for the future as well as closely monitoring our overall financial health. I expect the meeting will go well.

However, I also know that we need to keep moving forward. In order to realize the good things we all want for our religious community, we need the active involvement of our members. If you are thinking that you have some time or expertise to share with us, please see me. We have many different tasks that are waiting for your energy and perspective. Some are of short duration but critical to our operation, while others require ongoing commitment and flexibility. Our future depends on our members. It’s as simple as that. I don’t want anyone to feel obligated, but I do want you all to feel invited. You are invited to become more involved in every aspect of our UUFP life. All best, Bruce Lawson

UUFP Wreath Project The order form for our annual November-December wreath sale is to the left. Please note that the first delivery will be made on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and then continue for three Wednesdays in December. Happy Holidays!

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Commissioned Lay Leaders Committee (CLL Committee) Strong lay leadership is a hallmark of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. The priesthood and prophethood of all believers has been a theological stance since our movement began. While many ordained ministers have been visionary leaders in our faith, we are equally supported by many talented and committed lay members. There are many ways to support the ministry. The St. Lawrence District is forming a CLL Committee to establish a program that supports and trains lay leaders. Training of commissioned lay leaders would include 2-4 years of study and classes. More information will be coming soon. The Religious Life Cluster The Religious Life Cluster is composed of five committees: • Adult Education • Children's Religious Education • Social Action • Music • Sunday Services Nancy Lewin is the contact for anyone interested in developing more social action initiatives at the Fellowship (in addition to the Community Meal and Interfaith Food Shelf); Mary Dufort is the contact for Adult Education; Dick Schwartz and Jo El Miano for Music; Jessamyn Neuhaus and Jeff Hornbook for Sunday Services; Kris Lutters and Tina Welch for Children's Religious Education. There will be a Religious Life Cluster meeting on Nov. 3 at noon at Geofrey's Pub. Religious Education We're off the a great start to the Fellowship year. Parents please let one of us know in advance if your child will not be in attendance on a Sunday morning. It is difficult to plan if we do not know how many children will be present. We need to recruit the right number of adults and get enough snacks for the youngest children! An email or text is fine to Tina at 518-569-9869 or trwelch56@hotmail.com, Kris at 518-420-7115 or klutters@gmail.com. For the Sundays in Nov.: Ages 3 and 4: Spirit Play Grades K/1/2: OWL Grades 3/4: Study of other religions Visiting places of worship Grades 5/6/7: Study of other religions Visiting places of worship Grade 8: OWL Grades 9-12: Personal challenges and growth Sunday, Dec. 1 Sunday after Thanksgiving: There will be no formal programing but child care will be provided. Thanks, Kris Lutters

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Council on Shared Ministry The first meeting of our new Council on Shared Ministry will be scheduled for early November. The council, made up of twelve of our congregational leaders, serves as a gathering place for shared thinking and the exchange of ideas that spring from our clusters. The focus is on how we can move together toward two goals that the Board of Trustees highlighted for the year:

• Develop systems of congregational assessment and planning that involve all members and participants.

• Develop a plan to assure a positive presence in the community and attract new members.

At the first meeting, we will share ideas about how each cluster can serve either of the goals above. We’ll look for commonalities in purpose and action between clusters, committees or work teams. We’ll identify ways in which we can form partnerships that will lighten loads and strengthen our purpose. Through team effort at both the cluster and council levels, we will find strength in our united work toward our year’s goals.

~ Jo El Miano (Chair of Council on Shared Ministry)

Forget-Me-Nots If you are 65 or older and female, bring a brown bag lunch and join us for fun and fellowship at noon on Monday, Nov. 25. No responsibilities, no dues. Women's Luncheon The November UU Women’s luncheon will be on Thursday, Nov. 7. We will meet at Sawatdee at 12:15 p.m. All are welcome to attend. UUFP Book Club The UUFP book club will meet downstairs at 4 Palmer St. at 2 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 13. All who wish to participate are asked to read a book of their choice and be ready to share their thoughts about it. Also, bring recommendations for a book for all to read for the December meeting.

Join Our Christmas Eve Choir! What a festive time of year to combine voices and contribute to the message of our 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Don’t hesitate because you don’t read music. We welcome first-time choristers and non-readers. What’s our project? To revel in the joy of bringing many voices together, with beautiful and fun music as our vehicle. Young singers – middle school and older – are welcome to join us, as are any young adults who come back to the area for the holidays. You don’t have to attend every rehearsal, so don’t let that hold you back. Rehearsals begin Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7-8:30 p.m. More details on our web calendar and in Sunday morning announcements. If you have any questions about the choir, please contact Jo El Miano (561-6591). And spread the word! Choir Rehearsal Schedule: Thursday, Dec. 5: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19: 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21: 10 a.m.-noon [Maybe another rehearsal on Tuesday eve, Dec. 23] Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 5 p.m. warm-up for 6:30 p.m. service. Mark your calendars and keep us in mind, as you make your holiday plans! And be sure to share the service servictimes with friends, as well. We have had many visitors – especially families at our early service.

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UUFP 4 Palmer Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Calendar of Events Friday, Nov. 1 Palmer Street Coffeehouse 7:30 p.m. Joan Crane and Steve Feinbloom Sunday, Nov. 3 Religious Life Cluster Meeting, Geoffrey's Pub 12 noon 5453 Peru Street, Plattsburgh Monday, Nov. 4 Sunday Services Committee 6 p.m. Every Tuesday Search For Meaning – Adult Discussion Group 6:55 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 Women's Luncheon – All are welcome to attend! 12:15 p.m. Sawatdee Thai Restaurant, 14 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh Saturday, Nov. 9 Second Saturday Cinema 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 Book Club meeting, 4 Palmer Street 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 UUFP Board of Trustees meeting 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 Community Meal at Trinity Church 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 Deadline for submissions for Nov. newsletter: thechalice@charter.net Monday, Nov. 25 Forget-Me-Nots Meeting 12 noon Wednesday, Nov. 27 First Wreath Delivery **see order form on front page Coming in December... "Brooklyn's Plymouth Church in the Civil War Era: A Ministry of Freedom"

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