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December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 1
The
December 2015
The Newsletter of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee A Unitarian Universalist Congregation ∙ Est. 1842
DECEMBER SERVICES
TWO SERVICES & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, December 6 “How We Are Generous” Speaker: Laurel Amabile Music: Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director FIRST SUNDAY (Children and youth are downstairs for the entire service.) Laurel Amabile, of Giving Speaks Consulting, is an independent consultant and Certi-fied Fundraising Executive, who will follow up on her workshop Saturday with our stewardship team and Board of Trustees with a message for the congregation on nurturing an open conversation about money, stewardship and its relationship to the vibrancy of the institution. (https://givingspeaks.wordpress.com) Sunday, December 13 “Night Vision” Speaker: The Rev. Dena McPhetres Music: Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director What can we see in the dark? How might the darkness soothe our weary eyes that we may see more clearly, as the lyric to one of our hymns suggests? Join me for this contemplative relaxed service in which we explore the gifts lying hidden in the dark of winter. I will draw from Barbara Brown Taylor’s book “Learning to Walk in the Dark,” in which she says, “I have learned things in the dark that I could never have learned in the light, things that have saved my life over and over again, so that there is really only one logical conclusion, I need darkness as much as I need light.” Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. “Blue Christmas Vespers” Speaker: Rev. Elaine Beth Peresluha Music: Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director Come in out of the cold and dark for the quiet presence of music and candle light. We offer tonight for those who are caring for ailing loved ones, have lost someone dear and for anyone seeking the spirit of the holidays in the stillness of the sanctu-ary.
(Continued on page 15)
CHRISTMAS EVE
CANDLELIGHT
SERVICES
Thursday, December 24 3:30, 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Multigenerational services
The Rev. Elaine Peresluha, the Rev. Dena
McPhetres and Director of Religious Education Beryl Aschenberg
3:30 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. Music: Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director 6:30 p.m. Music: Jack Forbes Wilson, Resident Artist; Tristan Strelitzer, Choral Director and Holi-day Choir
Join us and bring your family as we cel-ebrate one of the simplest, yet most beautiful services of the year. Children are welcome at all three services, but childcare will be available for the youngest, if desired, only during the first two services. As always, there will be special holiday music and carols. A holiday reception will follow each service, provided the requisite volunteers step forward, so please consider contributing some of your holiday cookies, and perhaps even lending a hand!
1342 North Astor Street ∙ Milwaukee, WI 53202 Telephone: 414 273-5257 ∙ Fax: 414 273-5254 ∙ E-Mail: [email protected] ∙ Website: www.uumilwaukee.org
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 2
FINDING YOUR INTERIM SENIOR MINISTER
Elaine’s Office Hours: Monday: Day Off Tuesday: 12:30–8:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday: writing/research day She also makes appointments to see people at other times. You may reach her at: Office phone: 414-273-5257 Ext. 201 Email: [email protected] Cell phone: 207-271-0204
DENA’S DIGRESSIONS
One thing I like best about the holidays is the end of the calendar year, when church members from each decade of life speak from our pulpit about what they have learned in their teens, twenties, thirties, fifties, eighties, etc. These speakers are always eloquent, sometimes funny and often poignant. Their sto-ries and reflections on life lessons learned weave our human community to-gether as we all face challenges, joys, sorrows and the grace and humility of our human condition. This month’s worship theme is Integrity. When I listen to the Decades Speak-ers, I always hear the theme of integrity – the lifelong process of discovering our beliefs and values and how to embody them with integrity, matching our words and actions as best we can. This year, our multi-generational “Speaking from the Decades” service will be held at ONE SERVICE ONLY at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, December 27. The questions our Decades Speakers will address this year are:
What have you learned from your decade of life? What would you like to say to the people in the decade just younger than
yours? Who can resist giving advice from the position of wisdom and experience, eh?! If you’ve been waiting to be a Decades Speaker, please let me know by Tues-day, December 15 that you are interested and which decade of life you are in. I will put your name in the hat and let you know by the end of that week wheth-er this year is your year! Reach me at [email protected]. In the meantime, I’ll see you at church as we celebrate and reflect on the win-ter holidays in so many different ways this month!
Yours, Dena
In the Middle December is here. Holidays are coming and our checklists are growing. On the list: gifts. Who to buy for and what to buy occupies a lot of bandwidth this time of year. Holiday gifts have gotten a bad rap for years, por-trayed as empty consumerism. The truth is we get to decide. We are the ones who either empower or change that narrative with our choices for giving. The very best gifts give both to the giver and the receiver, making a connection that continues to ex-pand both lives. Giving becomes a heart-and-soul practice that gives meaning to our holidays rather than just one more things to check off the list. As the light wanes, spread light, good cheer and companionship. Be choosy about your gift list and your spending of time and re-sources. Give time. Take time. Years ago, this holiday message found its way anonymously to my desk. I offer it to you all as a holiday greeting and a guide for good giving. "May you be met with cheer and surprising honesty and generous personal warmth. May there be someone there for you and may you be there for someone. May you be disturbed by the callous and the dreary that you encounter and may you be filled by the tender and the lovely. May you hear good music and sing yourself hoarse and happy. May the holiday eves find you filled with resolve and understanding of imperfection with sufficient health and safety to be glad. May you discover with pride that you were among those who made a difference."
Happy Holidays, Elaine
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 3
From Kristine Hansen and Laura Ehlers of the Children’s Reli-gious Education Committee Using new or “gently used” hats, scarves, gloves and mittens as “ornaments,” children and youth will decorate the Mitten Tree in the Leenhouts Common Room on December 13 with items we will then give away to people in the Milwaukee community. Adults are welcome to donate as well! If you love to knit or crochet, your hand-made designs are especially welcome. Our
first delivery of your gifts will take place immediately, though donations will be accepted through December 27. This year our partnering organizations to receive the Mitten Tree donations are Milwaukee Rescue Mission (for adults) and Running Rebels (youth ages 8-19). Smaller items will be given to the children served by Sojourner Family Peace Center. We appreciate your holiday spirit!
BRING YOUR MITTEN TREE DONATIONS ON DECEMBER 13
From Jacki Zandi Every year, there is a wonderful holiday reception after each of our three Christmas Eve services. We need you to help to spread holiday cheer as you take part in this tradition in one of these three ways:
Bake or buy a sweet or savory contribution. Deliver it to the kitchen BEFORE services on Christmas Eve, or if you will not join us on Christmas Eve, consider bringing your food contribution early, storing it in the freezer or refrig-erator clearly marked for the reception. No need to sign
up.
Volunteer for an hour or two! Contact Jacki Zandi at 414-453-1897 or sign up at the Member Services Table to help set up or host a reception. If you are new to the church, this is a wonderful way to be involved and get to know others.
Money contributions toward the purchase of refresh-ments. You can send your contributions to Jean Johnson in the church office of the Member Services Table on Sun-days. Thanks to all who have been so helpful in the past, and in advance to all who will help this year!
PERFORM IN THE "POETRY OF WINTER" PAGEANT: SIGN UP NOV. 15-29. SERVICES WILL BE DEC. 20. Between Nov. 15-29, sign up in at the RE Table during Sunday Coffee Hours to perform in this year’s "Poetry of Winter" Pag-eant. The pageant is scheduled to take place at both services on Dec. 20. Performers ages 5-90 are welcome but must com-mit to performing at both services. Role assignments will be given in person on Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in the Young Room. A designated adult must accompany children younger than 12. HELP DECK THE HALLS: DEC. 2 The time is approaching to decorate our sanctuary for the holi-day season! To help get you in the holiday spirit, please join us Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 5:00 p.m.--8:00 p.m. for some great fun working together as well as sharing in a little holiday cheer. We’ll be hanging green garlands, red bows, and white lights and setting up two Christmas trees: the large one in the sanc-tuary and the Mitten Tree in the Common Room. Please con-tact Ed McGraw by email or by phone at ext. 206 to RSVP. MILK 'N COOKIES DROP IN: MEET AND CHAT WITH THE STAFF! DEC. 2: On the same night that volunteers will be sprinkling holiday cheer throughout the church, as they decorate the Sanctuary and the Common Room, the staff will be sprinkling marshmal-lows in mugs of hot chocolate, sipping milk and munching on cookies. Join us, won't you? Whether you're planning to help
decorate or you just want to pop in and say hello, the First Church staff would love to have you join us for cookies, milk, hot chocolate and conversation. Tis the season! MITTEN TREE: DEC. 13-DEC. 27 The Mitten Tree will once again be set up in the Common Room. Mitten Tree Sunday, when we accept offerings of new or gently used winter accessories, will take place on Dec. 13. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 27, but only dona-tions given Dec. 13 will be delivered to kids before Christmas. JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR FOR PERFORMANCES DEC. 20 AND DEC. 24 The Christmas Choir will deliver two performances on Dec. 20 and one performance on Dec. 24 – rehearsals will be on three Thursdays: Dec. 3, 10 and 17. The Chancel Choir will continue the practice of opening our ranks to First Church members and friends who wish to sing with us for the Winter Holiday Services on December 20 (9:00 and 11:00 a.m.) and Christmas Eve at the 6:30 p.m. service. You must be able to commit to three Thursday rehearsals, December 3, 10 and 17 from 7:15 p.m.--9:00 p.m. in the sanc-tuary. If you are interested in singing, please contact Tristan Strelitzer to RSVP. We’d love to have you join us!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR WITH THESE HOLIDAY EVENTS
ELVES NEEDED ON CHRISTMAS EVE
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 4
From Dale Skaggs, President of the Congregation We usually think of December as a time of endings, of letting go — the days shrink, the last of the leaves fall, and we take stock of our harvest for the year, what-ever form that harvest may take. But even now, in this month of dark and deepening cold, the trees have set the buds which will bear fruit next year and the roots of perennials swell with the energy which will push them up into the light in the spring. And so it is with us in this old, yet ever new, community of faith. Our mission statement’s three phrases are the budding branches of a new season in the life of First Church. And the Senior Minister Search Committee, the Interim Transition Team, the Board of Trustees and the staff have invested tremendous energy in work which will be the roots of abundant growth in the coming years.
There is one ending we should mark this December — in a very real sense, our Interim Transition is over. Yes, we need to com-plete the search for a new Senior Minister, but I believe we
have already begun the journey into which we will welcome that new minister next year. Kahlil Gibran wrote, “Let there be no purpose in friendship, save the deepening of the spirit.” I suspect it is not just simple chance that the first statement in our mission is “Nurture the Spirit”, because I believe that all we do must begin there. So let this be a December of Beginning; may all of our gatherings this month, in friend-ship and worship, have an added dimension of renewal which will indeed deepen and nurture
our spirits.
I’ll see you in Church! Dale Skaggs
NURTURE THE SPIRIT: A DECEMBER OF BEGINNING
Share Your Thoughts on Our …
“UU Question of the Month” People of all ages are invited to contribute their
thoughtful responses to a monthly question posted on our bulletin board in the main church hallway. This
month’s question was a suggestions from a child in our RE Program:
Is lying ever okay? Why or why not?
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
The church office will be closed December 25, 28, 29, 30, 31 and
January 1. While some staff may be in the office during this time, please call or email
before stopping by!
WINTERTIME PARKING Challenges & Solutions for Sundays
Check out the Jewish Family Services 60-car lot on Van Buren & Knapp. Just three blocks west. Buses — #10 & #30 bus stops are right on our corner, and the #15 &
Green Line routes stop nearby. Park at least a few blocks away from church if you can so that people with mobility
issues may park closer to church. A brief walk through our lovely neighborhood can become a new spiritual
practice for you.
“ In a very real sense, our
Interim Transition is over.
”
ORGAN CONCERT: DECEMBER 5
Our Berghaus organ will be featured in concert on Satur-day, December 5th at 2:00 p.m. Organist Karen Beau-
mont has organized this event as part of her annual con-cert season, and she has specifically selected music to
showcase our organ. Ms. Beaumont will be joined by a guest string quartet and pianist and will perform reper-toire by Dvorak, Corelli and Strauss/Schoenberg. There
is no cost to attend, though a free-will offering will bene-fit The Gathering Meal Program and Tamarack Waldorf
School.
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 5
SENIOR MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE SHARES RESULTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY
From Michelle Boehm Your Senior Minister Search Committee (SMSC) is making good progress! At the beginning of December, the SMSC posted the completed materials for potential Senior Minister Candidates on the UUA website. In January, the UUA will provide our com-mittee with names of people who are interested in learning more about the position and the committee will determine which candidates have potential for a match. The SMSC will hold initial interviews with candidates via phone and Skype, then narrow the field of candidates to three or four with whom we will meet in person, and schedule neutral pulpits to see them preach. We plan to bring one recommended candidate to the congregation in April and will introduce them to the congregation during a “Candidating Week” (dates to be determined). We’ll keep you updated on the process! Survey Results We’re pleased to share some highlights from the survey. We heard your feedback through the survey, town hall meetings, interviews with church staff and committees and developed materials to share with potential candidates. Here is a summary of some highlights from our research: First Church currently has 775 members. 279 members respond-ed to the survey (36%). What faith traditions are important to members? In addition to Unitarian Universalism, our members find Humanism (72%), Buddhism (61%) and Christianity (49%) to be the most im-portant in their religious development, with the understanding that our congregation has a very wide range of faith interests.
What kind of Senior Minister are we looking for? A highly pro-fessional leader, exceptional public speaking skills, a good listen-er, empathetic, intellectual, and is an excellent communicator. What makes First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee special? It is a welcoming spiritual home. Some qualities of our congregation include: tolerance and acceptance of others and their beliefs, diversity of thought is encouraged, members feel a real sense of community, strong commitment to social justice, appreciation for thought-provoking sermons, outstanding music program and
committed staff. Why do members attend FUSM? Members attend for community/fellowship, intellectual stimulation, celebration of common values, excel-lent ministers, shared UU beliefs, spir-itual growth, and social justice initia-tives.
What are members concerned about? Member concerns are surrounding financial stability, inclusiveness, balance of social justice and spiritual development, how to improve stewardship and lack of diversity. Top priorities for new Senior Minister include: Learning the culture and history of our church, getting to know the members, the staff and the committees, managing change with effective communication and transparency and build trust and demon-strate follow-through. A more complete summary of the member survey can be found on the Search Committee page of the website (http://uumilwaukee.org/ministers-and-leaders/senior-minister-search/survey-results/) Questions? Members of the SMSC wear green name tags. Please ask us questions when you see us at church!
We will be open and hold services whenever possible, however church services may be canceled during weather emergencies. In the event of such an emergency, if the Senior Minister (or the Associate Minister in his/her absence) and the President or oth-er officer (Vice President or Secretary) deem it appropriate to cancel church services, the church will list its cancellation on the church phone answering system, the church website, and Face-
book page. We will also send an email to our e-nnouncements list. In some instances, even if we do hold services, Religious Educa-tion classes may be canceled. If RE classes are canceled, we will endeavor to have a group activity for K-seventh grade.
SEVERE WEATHER CLOSING POLICY
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 6
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION For Children and Youth
By Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education
RE-Flections Hear how the songs that were sung keep echoing, beautiful and clear. All of the people we loved are beside us now, can’t you feel them near? -Candles Long Ago (Sharon, Lois, and Bram) Throughout human history, people have gathered in the cold-est, darkest time of the year. They offered each other comfort, warmth and hope. In ancient times, people needed hope to believe that the sun would return and the land would once again be fertile. The Jewish people find hope as they recall the old story of an inexplicable flame from a Menorah that should not have stayed lit; our Christian friends find meaning as they recall the story of Jesus’ birth in a lowly stable, and African American’s who celebrate Kwanzaa look to The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) to help them know and honor their past, while engaging in and improving their present, and imagining an ex-pansive future. Holiday traditions have been passed down through the years and connect us to one another. Over the years, I’ve been fasci-nated to hear the differences in the ways that winter holidays are celebrated in our UU homes. In my own “Jewnitarian” home, the reading of Sophia Fahs’ poem “Each Night a Child Is Born is a Holy night” is a sacred custom, as is the foil wrapped Star of David perched on the top of our tree. What traditions do your family hold dear? What rituals will become sacred to those you share them with in the years to come? No matter what our beliefs, our lives are enriched by our ties to other people, past or present. In our church programs, we strive to bring this heritage to our multigenerational community to show the magic of human connections, to build the tradi-tions that will enrich lives. I hope you and your family will join us at First Church this season to create meaningful memories! CHILD CARE AVAILABLE CHRISTMAS EVE: In order to help sup-port our parents with younger children, we will be offering childcare for those five and under during the first two Christmas Eve Services at 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. again this year GIVING TREE REMINDER: Did you pick up a gift tag? Your un-wrapped gifts for children served by Running Rebels are due at the RE Table by Sunday, November 30!
POETRY OF WINTER HOLIDAY SERVICE INFORMATION: CALLING ALL KIDS!
We’re still accepting children and youth, ages five years and older, to participate in this year’s “Poetry of Winter” pageant on December 20. Must be available for both services! We’ll have parts for kids who would like to read or recite poetry, as well as non-speaking roles parts in our Solstice & “12 Days of Christmas” segment. If your child would like to be a part of this great endeavor at our services, please contact Beryl Aschenberg by December 2 at church (414-273-5257 ext.204, or [email protected] ). CASTING AND REHEARSALS Please note the following important dates and times below: Sunday, December 6 at 10:15 a.m.: Role Assignments for both adults and children.
Saturday, December 12: Rehearsal 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.: Poetry pairs and groups 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.: Poetry – single readers
Saturday, December 19: Dress Rehearsal 10:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m.: Puppet Pageant Players/12 days of Christmas Players. 11:00 a.m.— 12:30 p.m.: All others, including musicians
Sunday, December 20 at 8:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.: Poetry of Winter Pageant — both services!
FIRST SUNDAYS IN R.E! December Theme: “A Gift of Giving” — holiday gifts for chil-dren, youth and young adults served by Running Rebels. Sunday, December 6, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. K5-Eighth Graders We’ll combine a joyful celebration of the season with hands-on efforts to brighten the holidays and provide much needed re-sources for some of our less fortunate neighbors. We hope to have a guest speaking to the children about the work of Run-ning Rebels, empowering Milwaukee’s “high at-risk” and “potential at-risk” children, youth and young adults with tools needed for a fresh start. Afterwards, the children will be wrap-ping gifts from our annual giving tree to present to the Running Rebels organization for holiday distribution. Jen Twente and Rollie Hanson will coordinate this event, which will begin, as always, with Children’s Chapel. Check out our webpage for more information about the First Sunday program and past events.
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 7
ALL ABOUT YOUTH…
By Deb Solis, Youth Program Coordinator Integrity Reflections… Over the years, my parents attempted to teach me about how to have integrity. Integrity, however, is not a value that is simp-ly passed on. It is something that must grow inside us. Integrity does not develop exclusively from desire. It stems from daily practice of doing the right things. Integrity is a process and not a quick fix. The process of developing integrity begins by helping teenagers understand three important steps. (1) Drawing the Line — Eve-ryone makes mistakes and it is important to leave room for er-ror. (2) Becoming Aware of Our Choices — Learn to focus on thinking what it right with a choice not what is wrong with a certain choice. Teens need to consider whether their actions are moving them closer to or further away from integrity. (3) Accountability —The key to maintaining integrity is through accountability. Accountability is simply being responsible to another person or persons for the commitments you have made. As parents, we can help our teens see how their choices will dictate the life they want to lead. Integrity will develop into the hearts of those who understand why guarding the little things can lead towards what George Washington most want-ed—the character of an honest man! Mark Your Calendars... If you are a current high school senior, a YRUU alumni or be-
tween the ages of 18 and 25 and a visitor or guest to our church
this year, you are invited to join us on Sunday, December 20 at
12:30 p.m. in the Young Room for a community building/
connections event with food, conversation and a discussion
about faith and times of transition in our lives. Please RSVP to
Deb Solis, Youth Program Coordinator at
[email protected] by December 13 if you or someone
you know would be interested in attending this event. (Last
year we had a showing of 21 young adults, which was fabu-
lous!)
Thanks…
To the 65 congregational members and guests who attended
our Mission Trip 2016 fundraising Pancake Dinner on Saturday,
November 14. As always, your generosity and support is greatly
appreciated. Our 2016 mission trip to Battle Creek, MI will take
place July 25-30, 2016.
Kudos… Congratulations to Kyle Solis and his partner Kim Johnson for placing Third in the Recent National Dance Championships in Orlando, Florida in the Closed Smooth Division where they danced a Waltz, Fox Trot, Tango and Viennese Waltz. They also were a finalist in both the Rising Star and the Open Smooth
Our youth held a successful fundraiser in No-vember, hosting a pancake dinner party. The event raised money that is going toward the youth mission trip to Michigan next summer, where they’ll once again work with Habitat
For Humanity.
SAMARITAN SUNDAY The Social Justice Council has designated the third Sunday of every month “Samaritan Sunday,” a day for renewing and strengthening our commitment to Milwaukee’s hun-gry and homeless. As always, donations of non-perishable (and never opened) food will be collected for the Inter-change Food Pantry. Also welcomed are sample sizes of soap, shampoo, laun-dry detergent, feminine products and cash dona-tions (make checks payable to “Interchange Food Pan-try” and
place them in the offering.) The food pantry expects to serve over 10,000 guests this year through the deliv-ery program and pantry visits. Thank you for your generosity!
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 8
By Mary Behler, Communications Coordinator Like many of you, I am very much looking forward to this holiday season. This season, however, is unique and spe-cial to me in ways no preceding holiday season can even touch. I’m expecting my first child, and she is due January 1, which means anytime around Christmas or the New Year, I could expect my bundle of joy to arrive! As much as I would love to bring Baby in to sit by my side at my desk and continue working on all things communi-cation-related, in reality, she and I will be spending some time together at home getting to know one another. I wish I could tell you definitively when my maternity leave will begin, but this little soccer star-in-training (seriously, her kicking skills are already quite impressive!) will clearly make her debut on her own time. I expect to be out of the office starting sometime around Christmas and through all of January and much of Febru-ary. My hope is that you’ll see me return — at first on a part-time basis — around the end of February. While I’m on leave, the other incredibly hard-working staff members here at First Church, who already have plates filled to the brim are kindly heaping a bit more on those plates and filling in for me in my absence. I hope
you’ll be understanding of time delays and sensitive to the fact that many people will be working very hard to maintain our website, our social media and our print com-munications going while I’m gone. While I’m away, please be sure you’re using the following email addresses for submitting your announcements and Chanticleer articles: For Chanticleer submissions: Chanticleer-
[email protected] (deadline is 9:00 a.m. on the third Monday of the month)
For announcement submis-sions: [email protected] (deadline is 9:00 a.m. each Thursday)
For day-to-day needs, please contact Office Assistant Tracy Smith at [email protected] and Director of Administration Jean Johnson at [email protected]. They’ll be happy to help you! I can’t wait to see you all in 2016 and introduce you to my newest family member!
Yours, Mary
MARY’S MUSINGS
SUNDAY MORNING FORUMS 10:10 a.m. in Max Otto Hall
December 6 “Precious Lives (371 Productions)”
Eric Von, Host/Producer Precious Lives is a two-year weekly public radio series about gun violence and youth in Milwaukee. 371 Productions makes media projects that contribute to our common good. They partner with community groups who want to use their work to make a difference. Eric Von has received many awards and commendations for his on-air and community service work.
December 13 “Immigration Basics: How the U.S. System Works”
Josephe Marie Flynn, SSND, M.A. Josephe promises that after this meeting, you will know more about our immigration system than 95% of Americans. For 15 years, she has worked with local immigrants — Africans, Far Easterners, and Central Americans. She is co-founder and chair of Justice for Immigrants Committee for the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee and author of Rescu-ing Regina: The Battle to Save a Friend from Deportation and Death.
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 9
By Holly Patzer Members of the Board of Trustees welcome your thoughts and concerns at any time. In particular, we are pleased to hold three board listening sessions after each service on November 22 and 29 and December 6. We appreciate hearing what may be on your mind in regard to such things as Sunday service changes, budget deficit, religious education, staffing changes or the senior minister transition in general. The October 27 meeting of the Board had a very full agenda! The meeting began with the Quarterly Financial Report presented by Fi-nance Committee Chair Al Jaberg. Revenue is slightly behind pace but expected to improve by year’s end and expenses are on track for the end of the first quarter. There has been a $30,000 decline in the Endowment and Me-morial Fund due to the poor market perfor-mance, but it is expected to improve as the market stabilizes. The Finance Committee is identifying potential auditors with the goal to complete a certified audit before the new Senior Minister is on board. The board ap-proved the 2015-16 Youth Steering Com-mittee Budget at $2,163.
Senior Minister Search Committee Co-chair Elizabeth Lentini updated the Board on the next steps in the search process that include identifying the salary range for a senior min-ister of a church our size and creating the Ministerial Contract. Elaine gave her monthly report and presented data around attendance at Sunday services and RE which will be monitored
on an ongoing basis. Elaine also reported that we will recognize “30 Days of Love,” an initiative of the UUA’s “Standing On The Side Of Love.” First Church will also be planning a community celebration of Courageous Love Awards to recognize communi-ty members who have shown outstanding leadership, especial-ly in the Black Lives Matter campaign. The Board approved a plan for a new standing committee
called the Income Oversight Committee (IOC) to focus on the long-term financial sustaina-bility of First Church. The IOC will partner with the Senior Minister and the Board to work on income strategy to ensure the Church maintains a balanced budget and has sufficient funds to carry out programs and ministries desired by the congregation. Further, Elaine presented an updated organi-zational structure of the church that clarifies the roles of the Board (and its committees), operational staff and ministry, and demon-strates how each of these critical roles over-laps to support the congregation and fulfill the church’s mission. Finally, Pete Koneazy reported that he and Jim Marten will be connecting with staff to determine a timeline for the Church’s 175th Anniversary and ways to incorporate into ongoing activities such as the Forum, and possibly a Morter Lecture to commemorate the anniversary.
The next Board meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15. Minutes are posted on the First Church bulletin board in the central corridor and on the church website.
SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
Find information about your Board of Trustees
on our website:
http://uumilwaukee.org/
ministers-and-leaders/board-bylaws/board-of-
trustees/
Board minutes Board covenant
Current goals
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 10
EARTH JUSTICE MINISTRY: A DISTANT DRUM
From Mark Gill As I awaken with the morning sun streaming through my bed-room window, I am grateful for the gift of another day. Yet, as I roll out of my comfortable bed, it’s as if I have been pricked by a thorn which will be with me all my day until I retire. The discom-fort retreats at times and at other times nearly causes me to despair as I struggle with my certainty that my country and in-deed the whole world is threatened by death and destruction. I have shared my concerns and evidence of the mounting threat, yet so many laugh and scorn me and my warning. They act as if my concern is an imagined myth. Some intone me to stay away from their children with my message of doom. And yet I believe I offer hope that a determined effort can defeat our powerful enemy. I can feel the distant drums beating in my bones. The presence of evil has been reported and widely shared in many countries. In some, preparations for war have begun. This will be a war like no other. A vast array of weapons more powerful than the larg-est army ever assembled. How can a sunny day or a rainstorm be a threat? When the sun bakes the earth so that life is extinguished or the rain swells
creeks and streams into rampaging destroyers, our way of life is threatened. Mountains of ice have been disappearing every-where, legions of beetles and insects have attacked forests and even the oceans are changing with many ocean species clinging to survival. Unprecedented heat, drought, storms and wildfires ravage countries. But here, we are distant from the threat and the hor-ror on the horizon. We don’t want to imagine a dark future and yet inaction guarantees exactly that. So it is with that knowledge that I share my warning. I hope to be heard. I need to be heard. I wonder if they hear me and do not heed my warning because they don’t believe it? Or is it too horrible to imagine for the fate of their children? Maybe it’s easier to just wish that our way of life won't be destroyed. Whatever the reason for the disbelief, I awaken each day determined to share my dark vision and offer hope that when we take on our fears and act in unison to de-feat the dark threat that clouds our horizon, we are free. At the end of the day I accept that I have done what I can and will sleep well knowing a new day is coming and another chance to share my message. The pain of my thorn is small now. Maybe tomorrow I will be heard.
SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS
From Dawn Blackmore The New Concept Self Development Center Inc. is our Decem-ber recipient. New Concept's mission is to "preserve families and protect children while promoting self-sufficiency." It has been providing youth and family social services to under-served low-income African American families since 1975. It is located in the King Park neighborhood of Milwaukee. New Concept offers classes for youth that teach leadership development and life skills, teen pregnancy prevention and teen par-enting. The adult services include an em-ployment resource center, parenting classes, a driver education permit program, and GED and Adult Education Classes. It has been not-
ed by program participants, funders and community partners that many of the individuals/families served by New Concept would fall through the cracks and remain underserved without New Concept's intervention.
Cash collected in the plate will be shared 50/50 between New Concept Self Development Center Inc. and First Church. To
donate only to this Share the Plate organi-
zation, please write a check directly to New Concept Self Development Center
Inc., and we will mail it for you. Parents and guardians, please talk with your chil-dren about how even small donations help.
SHARE THE PLATE: DECEMBER RECIPIENT IS NEW CONCEPT SELF DEVELOPMENT CENTER
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 11
CHRISTMAS EVE DONATION RECIPIENTS
From Omega Burckhardt One hundred percent of our offering taken during Christmas Eve ser-vices will be split among the following local organizations:
Interchange food pantry works to tackle hunger issues in Milwau-kee’s Lower East Side and Downtown with support from an ecu-menical coalition of neighborhood church congregations. The number of pantry guests has risen this year and we expect to serve about 12,000 people between pantry guests and the senior deliv-ery program. Every $1 you donate to Interchange turns into $5 to purchase high-quality food from Feeding America for our guests.
First Church has had a long tradition of providing meals and cloth-ing for the Guest House, a homeless shelter for men. At this time the Guest House is experiencing long delays in the construction of a building addition, as well as substantial cost increases, due to the discovery of an abandoned cemetery on its construction site. Due to this major setback, First Church support is even more critical during this holiday season.
The UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) is a human rights organization started in 1939 to help refugees escape Nazi persecution. Today, in more than a dozen countries around the world, the UUSC fosters social justice and works with communities that are denied basic human rights. The UUSC goes where others can't or won't, often working with those not served by mainstream human rights organizations.
From Sharon DePue Drumroll, ladies and gentlemen: The first ever First Unitarian Society “Off the Wall Art Auction Gala” will be held May 15, 2016, at the beautiful newly-restored and refurbished Astor Hotel, one of Mil-waukee’s grand dames. You’ll shop for works of art offered at an array of prices to fit every pocket-book, while enjoying music, libations and deli-cious hors d’oeurves. What could be more fun? And, oh yes, proceeds from the sales will benefit First Church, just at the time we prepare to welcome our new senior minis-ter and usher in a brand new era here at this church we love. Next month we’ll bring you more detailed information about the event. In the mean-time, you’ll want to add it for sure to your May 2016 social calendar. We promise it’ll be a real good time!
OFF THE WALL ART AUCTION GALA
From Bruce Wiggins If you have never attended our inspiring, educational and fun Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) national or regional conferences, you can in 2016 avail yourself of scholarship op-portunities. Scholarships will be available for first-time attendees to help you pay the cost. Details of the scholarships, application info and deadlines will be announced in January. For now, think about this idea as you are talking with friends and family over the holidays and making plans for trips or va-cations in the coming year. Regional Assembly is going to be in St. Paul, MN April 29 – May 1. The theme is “The New Era of Unitarian Universalism.” Visit the region’s webpage for more info: https://www.midamericauua.org/events/regional-assembly General Assembly, our big national conference, is full of great workshops, wonderful worship, talented speakers and thou-
sands of UUs from across the country. It will be held in our area, in Columbus, Ohio from June 22 – 26. The theme this year is “Heart Land: Where Faiths Connect.” General Assembly 2016 will assemble leaders and communi-ties of many faiths to worship together, learn from one anoth-er, and create a new vision of faith that no longer divides us, but connects us to an interdependent future that works for all. This event is always inspiring. Terry and I have now attended a dozen of these events across the country and we want as many First Church members and friends to attend and have the experience this year, when it is so close. Talk with Terry or me, or Janet Nortrom, Janet Fitch, or Kate Marrs. They have attended many General Assemblies, too.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE PLANNING TO ATTEND REGIONAL AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 12
Book Discussion Group Second Sundays of the month 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Next meeting is December 13. We gather once a month to discuss a chosen book. This month we read “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel J. Brown, the story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal. Discussion led by Jo Ann Bachar. We welcome all read-ers. For more info, contact Chris Linder at 414-368-3643.
Buddhist Study Group:
Gathering Waters Sangha First and third Wednesdays of the month 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Next meeting is December 2. We explore Buddhist teachings and ide-as, practice meditation, followed by tea, cookies and fellowship. We are reading “Bravery: The Living Buddha Within You,” by Frank Berliner. All are welcome! For more information, please call or email Steve or Jeanne Lowry at 414-791-3053.
Chancel Choir
Next rehearsal is Thursday, December 3 7:15 – 9:00 p.m. JOIN OUR HOLIDAY CHOIR! All singers high school age and up are invited to join our weekly choir rehearsals. For more information, please contact our Choral Director Tristan Strelitzer.
The Chronologically Gifted
To accommodate all of our family and friend holiday activities and obligations and the absence from the area of some of us, there will be no December 27 pot-luck/luncheon. But hold on to your hats! Since TCG had its first birthday last September, let's celebrate it belatedly with our January 24, 2016 hybrid birthday/post-holiday/chase-away-the-winter blahs TCG party/luncheon. We promise surprises, laugh-ter, good food, and good friends -- all of the elements required to ward off Wis-
consin winter blues. Mark your calen-dars for January 24, and come pre-pared to welcome 2016! For more information, contact JoAnn Bachar at 414-272-6191.
The Forties and Fifties UU Network
(FFUUN) FFUUN is a group of First Church mem-bers who are ‘40 to 50-somethings’ seeking social connections with others. For information on their activities, please contact Diana Altstadt at 414-688-2200 Scot Henry at 414-367-9177 or visit www.facebook.com/ffuun.
Pagan Celebrations Group Pagan rituals honor the natural cycle of the earth and celebrate the seasons. Join us for a Winter Solstice celebra-tion! For more information, please con-tact Kathleen Miezio at 414-520-4192 or Nick Davia at 414-732-4601.
S.W.A.N.S. Group (Seasoned Women Are
Naturally Social) Join us on the first Sunday of the month for lunch after church. Other social events will be an-nounced. Newcomers are always wel-come! For more information about SWANS, contact Valerie Pogue at 414-916-3668.
UU Parenting Group
Second Sundays of the month 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Next meeting is December 13. We are a support and social group for all parents of children ages 0-18. We discuss the challenges of raising UU children focusing on different topics each month, share helpful parenting resources, and do fun family activities. For more information contact Stacey Thieme at 414-732-9985 and Sarah Richards at 845 825-1931.
GETTING TOGETHER From the Rev. Dena McPhetres, Associate Minister
Come visit our Affinity Groups! Stop in, meet new people and make new friends! If you have an idea for starting a new group, contact Dena at 414 273-
5257, ext. 202 or [email protected].
GETTING
TOGETHER WomanSpirit
Save the date for the Woman and Reli-gion Conference, February 6—8, 2016 Womanspirit meets regularly to empow-er women and join in spiritual quest through social justice, music, ritual and friendships. For more information, con-tact Janet Nortrom, at 964-3764.
Y.A.N.K.S. (Young Adults in Need of Kindred Spirits) Third Sundays of the month. Meet for lunch after the last service. Next Lunch is December 20. If you are a young adult, or a young adult at heart, we hope you will join us! Events include the monthly lunch, coffee & con-versation gatherings, and sometimes a monthly field trip or outing! For more information, contact us at [email protected].
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 13
February 5—7, 2016
From Janet Nortrom Join Womanspirit for “ Recognizing Our Calling, with the Rev.
Kate Braestrup.
Kate, a UU Minister and New York Times best-selling author, is a Chaplain with the State of Maine Warden Service providing ministry to law enforcement officers and those they serve. Kate was married to a police officer who was killed in an on-duty accident leaving her with four children between the ages of 3—9. Her husband had planned to become a UU Minister.
Searching for her own path Kate felt called to her ministry. Go to www.womenandreligion.org to register now and save mon-ey on registration. Hear her story and discover how to listen for your own sense of calling and your own path where you can live out your faith. Author of three best-selling books, “Beginner’s Grace: Bringing Prayer to Life,” “Marriage and Other Acts of Charity: A Mem-oir” and “Here If You Need Me: A True Story.” Kate will give the keynote speech, as well as an all-conference workshop. WWS 2016 will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, lo-cated in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
WINTER WOMANSPIRIT 2016
FIRST FRIDAY FILM SERIES’ NEXT SHOWING
DELVES INTO THE POWER OF MUSIC From Mary-Alice Martines
The December 4 First Friday Film was the most award-ed documentary of 2014, and we have Jeanne Kollmey-er to thank for finding it. Think of it as an early holiday gift to yourself to see it! FILM: “Alive Inside” DATE: Friday, December 4, 2015. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., film starts at 7:00 p.m.. PLACE: First Unitarian, corner of Ogden and Astor “Alive Inside” is a joyous cinematic exploration of mu-sic's capacity to reawaken our souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country who have been revi-talized and awakened by the simple act of listening to the music of their youth. This film is based on social worker Dan Cohen's astonishing research. You won't want to miss this one.
SUPPORT INTERCHANGE FOOD PANTRY THROUGH AMAZON SMILE
From Bryna Goeckner
Would you like to support Interchange Food Pantry while shopping online? Sign up for Amazon Smile and desig-nate Interchange Inc. as your chari-ty. Every time you make a purchase through Amazon Smile, Amazon will do-nate 0.5% of the purchase amount to In-terchange. To sign up: Go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7175702 to sign into your Amazon account. Verify that Interchange Inc. is selected as your charity Each time you shop on Amazon Smile (http://smile.amazon.com/ rather than amazon.com) 0.5% of your purchase amount will go to Interchange Food Pan-try. Interchange Food Pantry thanks you for your support!
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 14
MEMBERSHIP MOMENTS
By Cheri Taylor, Membership Development Coordinator
The relationships we form in our church are based on needs of the soul – needs that sometimes make us feel vulnerable and reliant on each other’s kindness and generosity of spirit. If you recall, these are the words that I recited re-cently during our New Member Recognition Ceremo-ny. Each Sunday, we come face to face with not only old friends, but new faces. Faces that may not be new to First Church, but new to our eyes — and we have to remember, they may feel vulnerable as they search for a friendly face to sit next to during service or have a conversation with during coffee hour. Our souls crave and need meaningful social interac-tions, as these interactions nurture the spirit! I say all of this as a friendly reminder that although we do not have a welcome mat outside our door, let’s make sure we are welcoming in nature during our brief
moments here on Sundays. Not only do we have 14 newer faces whom we officially welcomed re-cently, we also have a host of visitors who may be looking for a new place to belong, shelter from the blizzard of life, whose souls need some nurturing. I challenge each of you, old timer, newbie, friend of the church, to not only share the usual laughs and conversations with your old friends, but spend a few moments engaging in some conver-sations with some new friends. Please remem-ber, they could be a member or guest that has been here for a while, as there are almost 800 of you! But the point is they are new to you. Please keep this in mind as we have more Connections activities and events centered on meeting new or old friends- such as the Membership Com-mittee’s monthly social events, and the brand new “Get Acquainted Fellowship Dinners” with Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwau-kee. As these formal and informal opportunities to meet people arise, please remember, “a stranger is just a friend that you haven’t met yet”.
Isabella Lozier is in the "Sparky Cast" of A Charlie Brown Christmas at First Stage Chil-dren's Theater November 27- January 2nd. Jack Forbes Wilson is the music direc-tor. Tickets can be purchased online
at http://www.firststage.org/Shows--Events/2015-2016-season/A-Charlie-Brown-
Christmas/ The First Church Berghaus organ will be featured in concert Decem-ber 5th at 2:00pm. (More details in a separate article). Valerie Pogue will perform a free concert Dec. 5th at 3:00pm with Ana de la Cuesta, flute and piano at Music on KK, 2684 S. Kin-nickinnic Ave, Milwaukee. Patricia Witt is singing in the Milwaukee Choristers holiday con-cert Friday Dec 11 and Saturday Dec 12 at 7:30 pm at St Mary's Visitation, 1260 Church St. in Elm Grove. Tickets availa-ble online at www.milwaukeechoristers.org or at the door. Bob Porter's South End Blues Band will be playing December 31 at Revere's Wells Street Tavern, 505 Wells St., Delafield, starting at 10pm. We are blessed with much talent in our community! Church mem-bers who wish to list upcoming shows or performances in the January Chanticleer should submit details to [email protected].
PlayTime
News
Our Adult Religious Education classes will be on hiatus this year through December. Sign-ups for January Yoga classes will begin at the RE table on December 13, but feel free to mail in your registration request at any time to: First Unitarian Society, Attn: Kari, 1342 N. Astor, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Please note your membership status and which class (Monday or Wednesday). YOGA SESSIONS 7 Monday Nights, January 4-February 22 (no class MLK Jan. 18) 5:30-7:00pm Cost: $70 members/ $84 non-members -and/or- 8 Wednesday Mornings, January 6- February 24, 9:00-10:30am Cost: $80 members/ $96 non-members Join us for yoga classes, offered at two different times for your con-venience. This Iyengar-inspired class encourages proper body align-ment and brings balance, strength and calmness to the practitioner. The use of props makes this practice accessible to everyone and al-lows students to work at their own level; all are welcome. Make-up classes are possible (during the same session) at alternate First Church sessions, or at Morgan's Saffron Studio classes in Bay View. Class minimums: 9 participants on Monday nights; 6 participants on Wednesday mornings.
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 15
How To Reach Us
TELEPHONE: (414) 273-5257 FAX: (414) 273-5254
E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.uumilwaukee.org
1342 N. Astor St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Administrative offices are staffed Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., but individual staff members have varying hours. Please contact them directly to set up an appointment, as staff members are rarely available for
drop-in appointments.
INTERIM SENIOR MINISTER The Rev. Elaine Peresluha
[email protected], ext. 201
ASSOCIATE MINISTER The Rev. Dena McPhetres
[email protected], ext. 202
MINISTER EMERITUS The Rev. Andrew C. Kennedy, D.Min.
STAFF
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION Jean Johnson [email protected], ext. 203 DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Beryl Aschenberg [email protected], ext. 204 MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Cheri Taylor COORDINATOR [email protected], ext. 205 COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Mary Behler [email protected], ext. 208 OFFICE ASSISTANT Tracy Smith [email protected], ext. 207 R.E. ADMIN. ASSISTANT Kari Stenitzer [email protected], ext. 210 YOUTH COORDINATOR Deb Solis [email protected], ext. 209 FACILITIES MANAGER Ed McGraw [email protected], ext. 206 FACILITIES ASSISTANTS Jim Spice and Paul Moriarty LEAD MUSIC DIRECTOR Alissa Rhode [email protected] CHORAL DIRECTOR Tristan Strelitzer [email protected] RESIDENT ARTIST Jack Forbes Wilson [email protected]
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers:
President: Dale Skaggs Vice President: Sally Lewis Secretary: Scot Henry Treasurer: Tom Briscoe
Members: Julie Bock, Alexis Fielek, Mary Ann Fisher, Pete Koneazny,
Holly Patzer, Don Weimer
Sunday, December 20 “The Poetry of Winter” Speaker: Beryl Aschenberg Director of Religious Education Music: Jack Forbes Wilson, Resident Artist; Tristan Strelitzer, Choral Director and Holiday Choir Multigenerational Service Let us embrace winter together! Celebrate the quiet, recognize the gifts in small packages, enjoy the clarity of leafless trees, the freshness of newly fallen snow, and the smiles of small children. This year’s holiday service features poetry and pageantry for all ages focused on many aspects of winter. You can expect old favorites too: the whole congregation will join in reading segments of Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit From St. Nicholas;” singing a rousing rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas;” and witnessing the fabulous puppetry of Solstice. Please join us! The nursery and early childhood class will be available for our youngest children, though they are certainly welcome to join us in the sanctuary. Thursday, December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE: Multigenerational services 3:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Service Music: Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director 6:30 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Service Music: Jack Forbes Wilson, Resident Artist; Tristan Strelitzer, Choral Director and Holiday Choir Sunday, December 27 ONE SERVICE ONLY at 10:00 a.m. “Speaking from the Decades” Speaker: The Rev. Dena McPhetres and Congregation Members Music: Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director Multigenerational Service We continue the tradition of hearing from members of the congregation in each decade of life – from the tens to the eighties – as they reflect upon and answer these questions: What have you learned from your decade of life? What would you like to say to the people in the decade just younger than yours?
COMING ON SUNDAY (Continued from page 1)
December 2015 The Chanticleer Page 16
FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY 1342 N. ASTOR ST. MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 Address Service Requested
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID MILWAUKEE, WI
PERMIT NO. 4627
