Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson

NUUSLETTER

 A Newsletter for our Members and Friends

  November 2004 - Web Edition

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Every Sunday Fellowship at 9:30am, Service at 11:00am

 

November 7

Forum: 2^nd Discussion of – Would legalization of prostitution diminish sexual abuse? Continuation of discussion from Sept. 5 Forum.

Service:  Jim Becker coordinator and speaker.  Topic: "In the Valley of the Jolly (Yo Ho Ho) Green Giant."  This sermon is based on the Ancient Witness Readings found in Ezekiel 37 and on the popular Jolly Green Giant of Green Giant Vegetables fame.  How do the dry bones become lush green pastures?  And what does God have to do with any of this?

November 14

Forum:  The conundrum of Africa – Who is to blame or should blame even be designated? (Continued from October 3) Facilitated by Margaret Drake.  Patricia Ice is bringing several different African citizens to discuss the plight of their countries.  This forum will start half an hour earlier at nine o’clock in order to accommodate all the African visitors who wish to speak to us.

Service: Priestly Duties….Thoughts on forgiveness and being forgiven, preparing for the new day.  The newly ordained Reverend Luck will be in the pulpit.

 November 21

Forum: The Almost Church, facilitated by Margaret Drake

Service: Stone Soup Sunday.  Children participate for part of the service.  Coordinator and Speaker  TBA

 November 28

Forum:  The Almost Church, facilitated by Margaret Drake

Service: “For Amber Waves of Grain.”  This will be a communal service of gratitude led by the Reverend Jacqueline Luck

Deadline for submissions to the October UUCJ NUUSletter: November 18.  Please make submissions to Susan Voisin at NUUSletter@uujackson.org. Articles should be brief and may be edited.

If you would like to receive the NUUsletter by email, contact Susan at the email address above.

     A New Leaf     

By Rev. Jacqueline Luck

This morning in Mozelle is beautiful; I find the words “How can I keep from singing?,” from the hymn “My Life Flows On in Endless Song,” singing themselves in my head as I walk Delilah.  There are songs of praise and gratitude, there are songs sung by suffering  and sorrowful souls, romantic love songs, gentle lullabies, broken-hearted songs, the blues, high-stepping marches, songs of joy, and poignant requiems…lives in endless song. November is a month for celebrating the bounty of our lives, a bounty that comes from an appreciation of all that life is….all of its varied songs.

October 13-15, I attended a symposium at Millsaps College sponsored by the D.L. Dykes, Jr. Foundation for Faith and Reason.  The symposium topic was Our World’s Religions:  Domination or Collaboration?  There were Christian academics of varying ilk including a nun and a former priest, a Calvinist, a Methodist who ministers to the working impoverished, an Orthodox Jew, a Hindu, and a sociologist who writes on faith and trends in religion.  All of the panelists were recognized authorities in their areas.

I have a notebook of notes, so will only mention some of what I heard:

“The pastoral task is to help people hold their ambiguity—newness arises out of that ambiguity, not sectarian stances.”  Surely that was a U.U. speaking, but not so. “Christians are too inclined toward “closure” (said by a Christian).  “We need to take note of the Jewish practice of dialog and midrash. Christians need to refuse closure and be kept open to the holy that dwells within.”

There was often mentioned unease around the idea of collaboration if it meant religions functioning as a “we.” It was often stated that religions need to keep their “particularities” AND be in relationship with one another, as opposed to collaborating into something bland….which also made me think of Unitarian and Universalism. Separately our traditions had particular beliefs, theologies, but what are our particularities today? What do we offer that is unique or particular? What do we bring to the table?

Though one might think it an oxymoron--a refusal of closure, a purposeful holding of ambiguity in order to be open to the holy and to the newness that arises--a purposeful ambiguity is a particularity of contemporary American Unitarian Universalist thought. 

Another particularity of Unitarian and Universalism is the implicit doctrine/concept that revelation is not sealed...that revelation is not limited to the Bible and biblical times.  With the understanding that revelation is not sealed, Unitarian Universalists find revelation in poetry, in literature, art, music, the sciences, in our relationships, and in readings and scripture from other religions….in short, in life…creation.

That revelation is not sealed was mentioned repeatedly by the panelists.  Mostly they were speaking in terms of understanding scripture differently with various readings, by different people in different life situations, and in light of new scientific understandings and all knowledge, but I’m not sure how much of the above Unitarian Universalist description would have been excluded, either….less than one might think is my guess.

There was a distinction made between literalism and fundamentalism by John Dominic Crossan. “Literalism is taking text as literally as possible,” he said, “but when Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God, it isn’t presumed that Mary had a little lamb!”  Crossan then went on to identify fundamentalism as the belief that the believer had the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Crossan said that within fundamentalism of any religion dwells a genocidal impulse to have the power over those who do not agree with them, and that only their impotence inhibits them. Later it was mentioned that fundamentalists in differing world religions are collaborating or in conversation with each other, i.e. Zionists and fundamentalist Christians.

I have only scratched the surface of my notes, but I will close with Phyllis Tickle’s thought that the best way to interact with those in other faiths is in “aesthetic space.” She explained that she thought the non-verbal communication of music, of dance, of art, of joint cultural projects, or of discussions around books or film which use aesthetic space as the vehicle for interfaith dialog have great potential for success. An example would be the Sufi “Whirling Dervishes” recently performing in Jackson as an aesthetic dialog with non-Sufis.

And, speaking of aesthetic vehicles for dialog, Our Home and UUCJ will soon be viewing the Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell interviews on the “Power of Myth.” The “Campbell Soup Nights” will begin in January in Jackson and 27 October in Ellisville with scheduled time for dialog. Hope you will plan to be there and perhaps bring a guest. Also mark your December calendars with the date for the candlelight service: 24 December for UUCJ and 19 December for Our Home. If you are attending my ordination in Memphis, I will remind you the address is 292 Virginia, off Riverside Drive and behind Channel Three television station, literally on the banks of the Mississippi.

The President’s Corner

The President’s Corner:

  “Let’s Get Radical!”

Yes, that’s right.  Let’s get radical!  Actually, UUCJ has already gone “radical” in its drive to offer “radical hospitality” to visitors.  Let me give some kudos to those of you who may wonder if we’re on the right track.  In the past month, we’ve had feedback from visitors to our church.  One couple came from Texas and emailed back to Liz that they were so pleased to meet us and that our hospitality and welcoming was a wonderful thing for them and made them feel at home.  These were first time visitors.  The other visitor is a long time Unitarian Universalist who visited us for the first time in a long time–but not for the very first time.  She wrote back that the second visit was so very different from the first–during which she was treated with indifference at best.  The most recent time was warm and welcoming.  Her words were: “My recent visit marked the first time that I’ve been welcomed warmly to UUCJ.  Those of you who have worked so hard to reshape the faith community are to be commended.  It shows!”

Let’s pat ourselves on the back.  We are being successful.  And best of all–we’re having a great time meeting and greeting our visitors.  Thanks and blessings to us all!

JoAnn

Children’s RE News

Our children have been exploring concepts of peace and justice and learning skills to help them address issues of importance in their lives. They are helping with plans for our Inter-generational UNICEF/Halloween party at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 29 and are working on a presentation for the adult service on October 31.

Teachers for October have been Ranjan Batra, Stacy Callender, Waverly Lyles, Liz Steere, David Voisin, and I. If you are interested in being "on call" for the nursery or assisting with one of the classes, please talk to Ranjan, Liz, or me.

On Oct. 17 Rosie Hill, who was on a week-end break from her studies at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, gave us an enthusiastic account of her freshman activities.

In November the children's special efforts will focus on Stewpot Community Services. The children are urging adults to join them in filling our Stewpot Donation box with staple food items and clothing.  The children will be helping with the "Stone Soup" luncheon on November 21, when members of the congregation are invited to contribute the amount they would normally spend on lunch to Stewpot.

Dary Shenefelt

Best Wishes Now and for the Future!

From the UUCJ Mailbox

To the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson:

I am very pleased to let you know that my meeting with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee went very well, and I now have Preliminary Fellowship with the UUA.  Thank you for all you have done as my home congregation for over a decade and as my Sponsoring Congregation in the ministerial fellowship process.

First Universalist Church of Denver, where I did my internship, has agreed to ordain me on November 14, and I want to invite anyone from the Jackson congregation to come.  I realize that would not work for most, but if there is anyone who would like to make a pre‑Thanksgiving trip to the mountains, it would be a treat to see you.  The service will be at 4:00 p.m. at First Universalist Church of Denver, 4101 East Hampden Avenue.  If anyone actually plans to come, you could let me know by e-mailing me or calling me at home, 303-394-9149.

I also have other news: for the coming year I have been offered and have accepted a half-time contractual position as the Social Justice Facilitator for Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, Colorado.  Also, I have a new address: 9020 E. 29th Ave., Denver, CO 80238.  My phone number will remain the same.

I don't know when I will next be in Jackson, but whenever that is, I will look forward to visiting you.  I wish many blessings to all of you at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson.

Nathan Woodliff-Stanley

Deeper and Wider – Way to Grow

For the second time in one year, I had the pleasure of surrounding myself with other Unitarian Universalists. This time, I attended the Unitarian Universalist Mid-South District annual Healthy Congregations Meeting in Columbus Georgia.

The theme for the Mid-South District this year is “Deeper and Wider – Way to Grow.” As a tree’s roots are fed and grow deeper, its branches naturally grow wider and offer more shade. As we grow deeper in our own faith and values, so will we spread out touching more lives and offering the peace of a progressive religion to those around us.

The meeting was hosted by the Columbus, GA, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and was held at the Fourth Street Baptist Church in the historic district of Columbus. Space prevents me from telling you all about the meeting. But I will hit the highlights.

The Mayor himself, Bob Poydasheff, addressed us at the Ingathering. I have no idea what denomination the Mayor belongs to, but he is also certainly one of us. He spoke of the need for all of us to respect our religious differences. After listening to the mayor, I was ready to move to Columbus just so I could vote for the man when he runs for reelection.

The Pastor of the Fourth Street Baptist Church, Rev. J.H. Flakes, delivered a message on “Bridge Building in Columbus.” Rev. Flakes has been involved in racial reconciliation efforts in the Columbus area for over three decades and was a founding member of “One Columbus,” which was an integral contributor to easing racial tensions in the Columbus area in the 1970’s.

Rev. Harlan Limpert delivered a sermon titled “Return to Gatwick” in which he suggested that we need to start practicing “Radical Hospitality.” We need to open our hearts and let others inside. We need to listen – really listen – to one another. We need to respond, with the depth of sincerity to one another’s needs. We need to stop spending our lives on autopilot and start making a difference. Small acts of Radical Hospitality will change the world if we all participate.

There were two sessions of workshops offering twelve options, making choices more than a little difficult. In the end, I chose to attend the Website and Membership sessions. I won’t bore you with details of technical website stuff or how to write a membership letter. But I will say that it was invigorating to find myself in a position both of learning and sharing with others.

Your next opportunity to gain strength from a gathering of other UU’s is at Jacqueline Luck’s ordination on November 6^th. Other chances are the MSD RE Summit held Jan 28-30, and MSD Annual Assembly April 22-24. Or you could go for the gold and save the week of June 23-27 for the General Assembly, which will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, this year.

Become a Chalice Lighter!

Chalice Lighters are people who agree to contribute no more than three $10 gifts over a year to different congregations in the Mid-South District in order to grow their congregations.  100% of the administration cost of the Chalice Lighter program is paid from the Mid-South District's operating budget.  Every dollar contributed by chalice lighters goes to the congregation.  The last grant amounted to approximately $10,000, which means that many people in the Mid-South District are contributing to our denomination's growth here in the South. 

Previously, the District had designated one Sunday per year to solicit new Chalice Lighters.  This year, they have designated the whole month of November as Chalice Lighter month.  We will honor Chalice Lighters all month and also ask those who are not already a Chalice Lighter to join.  Forms will be available at church

IT’S COMING!  ARE YOU READY?

 Dates to Remember:

 
October 29      UNICEF/Halloween party at 7:00 p.m.

October 30      Set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed.

October 30      Church Clean-Up Day starting at 8 am.  Please come spruce up your buildings and        grounds!

October 31      Children attend 1st part of adult service & "trick-or-treat" for UNICEF

November 2     Children make certain your parents vote!

November 6     Ordination of Jacqueline Luck at 3:30 pm in Memphis

November 12   Board Meeting at 6:30 pm

November 10   A Ramadan Interfaith Dinner 7 pm  at UUCJ.  Members of the local Turkish                               community will be joining us for this special event.  For details, call Jim Becker                          or check our website.

November 14   Ordination of Nathan Woodliff-Stanley

November 21   Annual Bread Communion and "Stone Soup" Luncheon. Bring cut-up vegetables to add to                          our "stone soup" and a donation to Stewpot.

November 25   Thanksgiving

December 24   There will be a Candle Lighting Service on Friday night at 7:00 Christmas Eve 

for families and friends of members of the congregation. There is a reception at the Minister's house being contemplated afterwards...she'd love to hear your thoughts.