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REPORTEREPORTEREPORTEREPORTERRRR Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron

Volume 76, Issue 11 November 2016

1 Events 6 Meetings & Events:Caring Corner 2 Minister’s Musings: RE News 7 Community Meal 3 President’s Perch:Behavioral Health 8 COYA Coffee House 4 Sunday Services 9 Calendar 5Happenings: UUWA 10 Staff Hours and Info; Board of Trustees; UUCA Mission

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Join us on Saturday, November 12, 2016

from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as we share our hopes and dreams for our church

and develop a new mission

for the UU Church of Akron!

Please rsvp with the office.

Refreshments will be provided.

Race Forward Akron:

Building Community and Taking

Action for Racial Justice

Saturday, November 19th 9 am – 3:30 pm. at UUCA

$15 donation or pay what you can Pre-Registration is requested

This all day conference will include work-shops on Recognizing Racism, Understanding

and Transforming White Culture, Racism in

the Digital Age and How to Talk About Racism

with Family, Friends and Co-Workers. Race Forward Akron is a collaboration of UUCA’s Racial Justice Task Force, Showing Up for Racial Justice, Akron Initiative for Racial Equality and the Akron Organizing Collaborative. For more information, to read about the speakers and register following the links on the Social Action/Racial Justice page of the UUCA website. (Or go di-rectly via www.uurjtf.org)

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Every once in a while our church receives a note of appreciation that reminds me of what an amazing place the UU Church of Akron is and what a great job we are doing of living the core values of Unitarian Universalism. We recently received such a note from two visitors, Suzi and Glen, who are currently traveling cross country. They are long-time UUs and visit different UU congregations whenever they can. Here is what they wrote. We just wanted to say thank you for the warm welcome that we received Sunday. From the visitor parking--a nice touch--to Rev Tim standing out front and speaking to us to the ladies who greeted us inside and escorted us to the sanctuary--we felt abundantly welcomed! Not just a cursory obligatory welcome but a true and sincere gladness that we were there. As the service began, we enjoyed shaking hands and speaking to members nearby and hearing words of welcome from the pulpit. The service itself was quite enjoyable and meaningful--kudos to all who planned and executed the day. Finally, we had a wonderful time in the social hall after the service, chatting with members who saw our visitors name tags and made a point of approaching us and asking about our travels and experiences. Now, you are probably thinking that such things are natural and customary--and I agree that they should be. But in all of the UU churches we have attended--and there have been dozens--we have seldom felt such enthusiasm for visitors as we did yesterday. We are traveling through to the area and long-term UUs; had we been local and/or new to UU, I feel sure that we would have immediately wanted to return to your church. We travel to Ohio only once a year or so, but when we return to the area, we will definitely drop in on Sunday. Until then--thanks again for a wonderful morning. I simply want to thank all of you for your kindness and hospitality in welcoming newcomers to our church community. You are putting your UU faith into action and making a difference in the lives of others. I also want to thank all the people who volunteer to greet at the front door and at the Visitor’s Desk on Sunday mornings. What a wonderful job you are doing of sharing our message of welcome, inclusivity, and unconditional love. Speaking of our message and our UU values, I hope all of you will join us on Saturday, November 12 from 9AM-1PM as we gather to develop a new mission for the UU Church of Akron. This is your opportunity to tell us what you appreciate most about the church, how you think we can grow and improve, and where you would like to see us go in the future. Hope to see you on November 12.

Many Blessings,

Rev. TimRev. TimRev. TimRev. Tim

Stories of Ultimate Concerns

“When we say “God” we move out of our everyday way of speaking into a special form of religious com-munication. It lets us talk about ultimate concerns and helps us to understand and express answers to such universal questions as:

• What is the source of creation?

• What force causes the changes of birth, growth and death?

• What happens after death?

• How can we explain the tragedies of life?

• Why do suffering and evil exist?

• What is the source of healing and forgive ness?

• What is the formula for an ethical life.?

• How can justice peace and compassion be achieved?

• What gives life positive meaning? “ Mary Ann Moore

In the introduction to her story collection Hide and Seek with God, Moore gives compelling reasons to use God stories to help children approach life issues of ultimate concern. She points out that the word God is an “anchor” symbol for that which is both im-manent and transcendent - something that resides both within us and something greater than our-selves. It's helpful to have a language symbol that has continuity over time and culture to act as a ves-sel for our ideas about what is real, what is of value, and what is mysterious. The stories about god which are life affirming are those that are formed around what we know, what we aspire to, and what we wonder about. Think of it this way; a story about god is really a story about us. What we see around us,what we hope for our-selves and for each other, and what we find mysteri-ous in life.

Ultimate reality- Ultimate values- Ultimate mys-tery. Are these not what we all wrestle with, no mat-ter what our age? There’s nothing like a good story to bring all three together. In faith and love,

Rich

RELIGIOUS ED NEWSRELIGIOUS ED NEWSRELIGIOUS ED NEWSRELIGIOUS ED NEWS

RichRichRichRich

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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PERCHFROM THE PRESIDENT’S PERCHFROM THE PRESIDENT’S PERCHFROM THE PRESIDENT’S PERCH

This month I’d like to highlight some aspects of our current stewardship campaign with some information that I hope will be helpful for our newer members and those who may find they don’t pledge regularly. Here at the UUCA we express a shared purpose through our ministries statement with its many aspects aimed at serving our membership and making a meaningful impact in the greater community. In some ways the ministries form the pinnacle of our exis-tence as a church community. That pinnacle is directly supported by many other actions and activities, some seemingly mundane but nonetheless essential to enabling our ministries. The supporting areas I’m thinking of cover all of what it takes to run our church. From a budgetary standpoint that means categories like Payroll, Utilities, Office, Building, Grounds, RE, Music, Ministries and Dues. Each of these and more need support in order to endure and thrive. Monetarily that support comes from a small number of sources, namely Pledges/Gifts (77%), Investments (14%), Rentals (7%), and Fundraising (2%). Where the percent numbers represent the contribution to the total for each source last year. So while we are fortunate to have income sources such as the investments in our Foundation, which can be variable, depending on the performance of the stock market each year, we are mostly reliant on giving from our members and friends. This, by the way, is very much in line with other UU congregations and churches in general. It is sometimes opined that since a good portion of our members come to us without a prior “church background”, that we experi-ence a lower than normal level of giving by such members. I’m not sure I fully agree with that since I also know our members are very smart and understand that very little in this world comes for free. And that brings me to how Cheryl and I decide what to use as a rationale for what to give to our church. That is, relative to all the other areas in our family life where we spend our discretionary money we ask, what do we get in return for what we give or do? For us the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron provides us with a tremendous degree of fulfillment in terms of spiritual, emotional and friendship rewards. Cheryl and I strive to give back in proportion. In this season of giving back to our church community, I hope all of you take some time to find a way to give as much as you can in reflection of what you receive. With love and peace, Derek

Ps. I can be reached at 330 242 4135 or shuttlewor@roadrunner.com

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WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

10:30 A.M. SUNDAY SERVICES

November 6, 2016

A Right and a Responsibility

Rev. Tim Temerson & Susan Wynn Two days from now, we will exercise our most sacred right in a

democracy – the right to vote. Today’s service will celebrate the

right to vote and remember the struggle to guaranteed that right

for most of our citizens – a struggle that continues to this day.

November 13, 2016

The Naivetè of Faith

Rev. Tim Temerson & Barret Bills Faith can be a challenging and confusing concept, especially for

Unitarian Universalists. What exactly does it mean to have faith?

Does having faith require holding certain beliefs or can one have

faith while at the same time being uncertain or a non-believer?

Join us today as we explore these and other questions about faith.

November 20, 2016

Giving Thanks, Sharing Love: An

Intergenerational Thanksgiving

Celebration

Rev. Tim Temerson & Rich Roberts,

DRE Expressing gratitude is a way of acknowledging the love we receive and for sharing the love we feel. Today we will reflect on the meaning of gratitude and on the importance of sharing our blessings with others. The service will include a child dedication, the Sharing the Harvest Thanksgiving ritual, and the musical talents of the UU Band. We will also take a special collection to benefit the UUCA Community Meal.

November 27, 2016

Secret Gifts

Rev. Beth Marshall and Wendy Bartlett

During the height of The Great Depression, one

individual made a decision to step up and quietly help a handful of families, benefits which are still being felt today. Many have since read Ted Gup's

recounting of his grandfather's generosity in his book "A Secret Gift." In this season of generosity, gratitude and excess, this morning's service will lift the idea that one individual, one person can make a

difference. Today marks the first Sunday of Advent.

Today we welcome Rev. Beth Marshall from the

UU congregations in Canton, Ohio and Erie,

Pennsylvania.

THANKSGIVING DAY

POTLUCK

NOVEMBER 24th

AT 1:00 P.M. A family-style Thanksgiving Dinner will be shared at the church on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th. Dinner will be served at 1:00 p.m. Turkey, gravy, rolls, butter and beverages will be provided. Please sign up for the menu item (salad, side dish, or dessert) and the task that you will be willing to share. Allan Lane will be in charge of the kitchen. Look for the sign-up sheet soon by the Hannah Fellowship Hall.

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happeningshappeningshappeningshappenings

FIRST FRIDAY

DRUM CIRCLE!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 AT 7:00 P.M. The First Friday Intergenerational Drum Circle is

energizing, relaxing, fun and great for all ages.

Please bring a drum or something to drum on—

it can be as simple as a pot and wooden spoon!

Drum, dance, chant or just sit and groove out to the beat!!

No experience needed. Discover your inner drummer!

UUWAUUWAUUWAUUWA

Conversations on Race– hosted by UUCA RJTF It is vital to keep the conversation going. The UUCA RJTF will host periodic forums where issues of racial justice and our respon-sibility to that justice can be discussed, explored, and moved into action. Because racial justice impacts us on so many levels, each conversation will start with an update on the task force efforts and then introduce a topic to help guide us and keep us focused. Upcoming Conversation Sunday, November 20, 12:30 following worship Lunch provided Everyone welcome To contact the Racial Justice Task Force email: uurjtf@uuakron.org

Holiday Gift Sale coming in December! The UUWA will host a Holiday Gift Sale on Sunday December 11. Stop by and pick up a holiday gift per-fect for the season! If you have an item to donate to the sale (gift quality), bring to Fellowship Hall on Dec 4th. Vendor tables are available for UUCA members at $20. If you would like a vendor table or have ques-tions email www.uuwakron@gmail.com.

UUWA Meeting and Program

Friday, Nov 18, Hannah Hall 10:30 business meeting 11:00-11:45 Program Zentangle with Carol Bailey Floyd. Suggested donation of $6 at door to cover kits. 11:45-12:30 Brown bag lunch at church Carol Bailey Floyd is a graduate of the first Zentangle teacher training in 2009. She founded the Zentangle Club of N. E. Ohio which meets monthly in Cuyahoga Falls. She also coordinated two Zentangle-O-Ramas and seven Zentangle Art Shows. She does a lot of Zentangle outreach including battered women's shelters, crisis centers for teens, schools, libraries, rehabilitation centers, art groups, and conferences. Her youngest student was 3 years old -- her oldest was 97! She finds Zentangle to be creative, fun, rewarding, and satisfying.

Women’s Sacred Singing Circle

Tuesday, Nov 8 & 24 at 7 pm The Women’s Sacred Singing Circle continues to grow and inspire. Sacred Singing is a spiritual practice. The practice allows participants to create a bridge to the quiet, contemplative mind and connect with the Divine. All women are invited to join. No experience necessary. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. For more info contact Linda Hale, lch711@msn.com

Shoebox Recycling As you clean out your closets to get ready for the holidays bring your unwanted gently used shoes for the UUWA Shoebox Recy-cling effort. Collection box in coatroom.

Coming up in December 12/11 UUWA Gift Sale, 12/16 lunch and project for Battered Women’s Shelter

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NOVEMBER MEETINGS & EVENTSNOVEMBER MEETINGS & EVENTSNOVEMBER MEETINGS & EVENTSNOVEMBER MEETINGS & EVENTS

►NON FICTION BOOK GROUP The UU Non-Fiction Book Group will next meet On Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at 7:00 PM at the church. The book under consideration will be "The Six: The Lives of the Mitford Sisters: by Laura Thompson. The eldest was a razor-sharp novelist of upper class manners; the second was loved by John Benjamin; the third was a fascist who married Oswald Mosley; the fourth idolized Hitler and shot herself in the head when Britain declared war on Germany; the fifth was a member of the American Communist Party; the sixth became Duchess of Devonshire.

►TAI CHI CLASS EVERY MONDAY AT 6:00 P.M. Taught by our own Diana Pawloski! Yang Style Tai Chi is used to gently stimulate the internal organs, exercise the body, calm the nervous system and loosen the joints. It may be done standing or sitting. Tai Chi is for people of any age, requires no special equipment and can be performed in ordinary street clothes. An art for peace of mind. For more information, contact

Diana Pawloski at 330-836-4023.

►UU MEN’S LUNCH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 AT 12 NOON

The UUCA Men's Group usually meets for lunch at Papa Joe's in the Valley on the second Tuesday of every month.

Don’t forget to

change your clocks

back an hour when

you go to bed on Nov. 5th!

►WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 AT 7:00 P.M. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante will be discussed at the November 2nd meeting of the Women's Book Discussion Group. Translated from the Italian, this is the story of two women, friends from childhood and is also the story of a neighborhood, city and a country as it is transformed in ways that also transform the relationship between the two friends. The monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the church. The selection for December is T on the Train by Paula Hawkins. All women are welcome to join us.

►WINTER SOLSTICE SERVICE If you are interested in helping with hospitality for this service, or any other aspect, please contact Rebekah Benner terra_amma@hotmail.com

►NEWCOMERS CIRCLE

SUNDAY, November 13 12:00 - 12:30 P.M.

The Membership committee invites you to join us for a monthly Newcomers Circle! Rev. Tim Temerson and several lay leaders will be available to discuss Unitarian Universalism and our church community, and to answer your questions. No sign-up is required, just drop in for 30 minutes of fellowship and conversation.

CARING CORNERCARING CORNERCARING CORNERCARING CORNER

Pastoral Associates:

Mary Ann Ballinger, Coordinator 330-836-0058 jballinger@neo.rr.com

Mary Caesar 330-929-2765 marycaesar2765@gmail.com

Linda Marx 330-873-1823 lmarx0605@att.net

Pam Garn Nunn 330-869-8358 garnnunn@sbcglobal.net

Mary Petrich 330-688-5410 marypetrich18@yahoo.com

Linda Rush Ryder 330-472-9821 lryder326@gmail.com

Jan Schrader 330-650-0036 janzst@yahoo.com

Erv Wentland 330-603-8610 hiyapop@sbcglobal.net

PASTORAL CARE:

Meals: Contact the church office. It will be set up through

Takethemameal.com

Ride Share:

Call the office to arrange

Chair-Susan Shah at susanshah353@gmail.com

CARING COMMITTEE:

Come to the Blood Pressure screening on the first Sunday of every month.

Contact Janet Wertz at 330-688-5984 for more information.

UUCA HEALTH MINISTRY:

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The Community Meal continues to grow and evolve each month. Looking back, we celebrated our third anniversary in August (of course there was cake!) This summer we implemented Sign Up Genius to help us organize our many volunteer positions. If you would like to be added to our monthly mailing, please email Carla Cremers at cdcre-mers@att.net. This September, we had over 30 volunteers participate in September's meal and served over 80 guests. Now that Fall is definitely in the air, we're looking forward to extending our hospitality with com-fort food. November's meal entree will be Chef's Made-From-Scratch Macaroni and Cheese. We invite you to join us - if you'd like a hot meal or if you're interested in taking on a volunteer shift for an hour or two. *Due to the upcoming holidays, we're shifting our meal up one week for December only. December's meal will be Saturday, 12/17. Additionally, we are looking to fill a few important Volunteer positions! There is a real need for someone to bridge the gap between the food harvesting (UUCA Garden) and its actual utilization. This person would be in charge of making sure produce gets to where its most needed, whether it be a food bank, our own needy congregational members, or some other worthy cause. Food Justice will be looking for someone to step up into this important role over the next couple of weeks. If you are interested and would like more information about what this position would entail, contact Karen Hoch at kahoch4224@yahoo.com OR Carla Cremers at cdcremers@att.net. We would love to have 1-2 additional "floating" volunteers (we'd love to have some youth help-ers!) to help guests to their cars after the meal. We have quite a few elderly guests, and the harvest food bags they are given can become quite heavy and cumbersome.

As always, thank you so much to everyone who gives of their time or resources to this wonderful Ministry! Respectfully, Carla & Dave Cremers

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Looking for a few good elves!~ Family network is in need of some hard working elves for

Santa’s workshop. This will be after service on Sunday,

December 18th. Please email the office if you are interested. uuakronoffice@gmail.com

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NOVEMBER 2016

Sunday Service starts at 10:30 a.m.

Fellowship Hour takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 1:00pm-Spanish 7pm—UU Faith Class

2 11:00am-Staff Meeting 3:00pm—CC 630pm—FAA 7pm-Wmns Book 7pm—CC 7:30pm-Celi Group 745pm--DA 800pm—AA

3 10am—UU Faith Class Noon-BB Lunch 6:30pm-Addiction Talk 7pm-CC 7pm-Spanish 7pm—SAA

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7:00pm—

Drum

Circle

5 8 a.m.-TPN Summit 9:00am-New UU Class

6 Noon-BP Noon-COYA Noon– BLM Banner talk 3pm—Leon Marker Service 5:00—COA

7 6pm-Tai Chi 7pm-Enlightenment 7pm--Grief Group 7pm-Election meeting

8 1pm—Spanish 7pm-Sacred Singing ELECTION DAY

9 1pm-Staff Meeting 630pm—FAA 7pm—Committee Council 7:30pm-Celi Group 745pm--DA 800pm—AA

10 Noon-BB Lunch 7pm-Spanish 7pm—SAA

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12 9am—SIPC & Youth 10am—Mission Vision Meeting

7pm—COYA COFFEE House

13 Noon-Newcomers 6pm—COA

14 6pm-Tai Chi 7pm-Enlightenment

15 1pm-Spanish 3pm—PA 7pm—UU FaithClass 7pm—Gun Safety 7:30pm-Sierra Club

16 11am-Staff Meeting 3pm—CC 4:30pm—Leadership 630pm—FAA 7pm—Board 7pm—Non Fiction 7pm—CC 7:30 Celi 745pm--DA 800pm—AA

17 Noon-BB Lunch 7pm—CC 7pm—Choir 7pm—Spanish 7pm—SAA

18 10:30am—UUWA

19 10am—UU Band 10am-Socail Justice Task Force

20 Noon-Coya LDRSHP 12:30pm—RJTF Conversation

21 6pm-Tai Chi 7pm-Enlightenment 7pm—Behavioral Health Support

22 7:00pm—Sacred Singing Circle

23 11am-Staff Meeting 630pm—FAA 7:30 Celi 745pm--DA 800pm—AA

24 1pm—Thanksgiving Potluck 7pm—SAA

25 6:30pm—Meal prep

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Noon– Community

Meal

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28 6pm-Tai Chi 7pm-Enlightenment

29 30 11am-Staff Meeting 630pm—FAA 7:30 Celi 745pm--DA 800pm—AA

Please note that the calendar is subject to change. I

f you need confirmation of an event or activity, please contact the individual

in charge or the church office.

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UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 3300 MOREWOOD RD. AKRON, OH 44333 Phone: (330) 836-2206 Fax: (330) 836-3106 Email: uuakronoffice@gmail.com Website: www.uuakron.org

IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER, CHECK HERE ____ DETACH, APPLY CORRECT POSTAGE, AND RETURN.

The UUCA is a

“Welcoming Congregation”

that warmly and openly encourages

the full participation of gay, lesbian,

bisexual and transgender people

in the life of the congregation.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

MISSION OF THE

UU CHURCH OF AKRON

We are a welcoming and loving community for all, dedicated to meaningful and inspirational worship and lifelong spiritual growth. We find strength in diversity and commit to be a prominent force for

social justice and stewardship of the earth. We aspire to take very good care of ourselves,

each other and the world.

Developed by the Congregation at Searching for the Future Mission–Vision Workshops February 26th – 28th, 2010

Approved by the Congregation April 25, 2010

REPORTERREPORTERREPORTERREPORTER

Published monthly Deadline: the 15th of every month

Articles for submission may be sent to the church,

faxed to 330-836-3106 or emailed to uuakronoffice@gmail.com

Minister Rev. Tim Temerson

Director of Religious Education Rich Roberts

Church Administrator Carolyn Stevens

Sexton Brittney Gustavel

Director of Music Bob Carlyon

Keyboard Artist Brian Laakso

RE Assistant Carolyn Stevens

Bookkeeper Sue Michael

Reporter Editor Margaret Olds

OFFICE HOURS:

TUES. — FRI. 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

REV. TIM: Brown Bag Lunch at noon every Thursday Tim is also available by appointment Tuesday through Thursday; some evening hours are available.

DRE RICH: Call for appointment.

BOARD MEMBERS Eric Beach

David Otto

Cody Anderson

Alisa Malarcik

Steve Weeks

SECRETARY Sharon McWhorters

TREASURER

Sue Hirt

PRESIDENT

Derek Shuttleworth

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Tina Ughrin