Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson

NUUSLETTER

 A Newsletter for our Members and Friends

  January 2005 - Web Edition

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

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

January 2

Forum:    Bill Gressett’s favorite topics

Service:  “Easing Into the New Year–Resolutions or Evolutions?”  Speaker: JoAnn Bienvenu

January 9

Forum:  The Almost Church, discussion facilitated by Margaret Drake

Service:  TBA

January 16

Forum:  The Almost Church, discussion facilitated by Rev. Luck

Service: "The Civil Rights Movement and UUCJ" Reverend J. Luck. Potluck lunch and Congregational Meeting will follow.

January 23

Forum:  The Almost Church, discussion facilitated by Margaret Drake

Service: TBA

January 30

Forum:  Stewardship facilitated by Rev. Luck

Service:  “Stewardship," Mystery Guest Speaker and Reverend J. Luck

Deadline for submissions to the February UUCJ NUUSletter: January 18.  Please make submissions to Susan Voisin at NUUSletter@uujackson.org.

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

     A New Leaf     

January 2005

By Rev. Jacqueline Luck

 

With maturity perhaps we grow more thoughtful with each passing year. There was a day when the New Year was my focus, with eyes set on the dawn of the new day, but this winter as in this poem I contemplate the days spent. Contemplating, carefully folding each day of the year, putting it away, clearing my heart, my life, preparing room.

 

The Passing Of The Year 

(shortened for this printing - click here for the full text)

by Robert William Service

 

My glass is filled, my pipe is lit,

     My den is all a cosy glow;

And snug before the fire I sit,

     And wait to feel the old year go.

I dedicate to solemn thought

     Amid my too-unthinking days,

This sober moment, sadly fraught

     With much of blame, with little praise.

Old Year! upon the Stage of Time

     You stand to bow your last adieu;

A moment, and the prompter's chime

     Will ring the curtain down on you.

Your mien is sad, your step is slow;

     You falter as a Sage in pain;

Yet turn, Old Year, before you go,

     And face your audience again.

…And so from face to face I flit,

     The countless eyes that stare and stare;

Some are with approbation lit,

     And some are shadowed with despair.

Some show a smile and some a frown;

     Some joy and hope, some pain and woe:

Enough! Oh, ring the curtain down!

     Old weary year! it's time to go.

My pipe is out, my glass is dry;

     My fire is almost ashes too;

But once again, before you go,

     And I prepare to meet the New:

Old Year! a parting word that's true,

     For we've been comrades, you and I --

I thank God for each day of you;

     There! bless you now! Old Year, good-bye!

 

And there is much to bless about this retiring year: The hard work and vision of two congregations in Mississippi, small in number but large of heart, daring to seek a minister, risking much to nurture progressive religion in their communities and to keep their churches vital. I thank God for each of you. Bless you this New Year!

In beauty it is begun,

Jacqueline

The President’s Corner

The President’s Corner:

What is a CoM, anyway?

Well, the joint CoM met in Magee last night.  What? (you say)!  Just what is the CoM–and a joint one at that?  One year ago, the body known as the joint Ministerial Search Committee turned into the joint Committee on Ministry (CoM) when UUCJ and Our Home covenanted together to bring Rev. Jacqueline Luck to Mississippi to serve our two congregations.  Unfortunately, because the members of the joint CoM then went about tending to the duties of our respective churches, we members were less than involved in matters which concern a Committee on Ministry.  So, what are those matters?

The CoM comes out of what used to be known as the Ministerial Relations Committee, a body whose function was to more or less advocate for the Minister and facilitate the relationship of the congregation to the Minister.  This is still an important aspect of the committee function, but it was recognized that there is more to the ministry of the church than the Minister.  Thus, the birth of the Committee on Ministry, a group of members whose job it is to “keep a finger on the pulse” of the congregation in relation to its progress in meeting its mission and goals as stated by the members themselves.  All of us are “ministers” in the church.  How well are we working together to be the most effective ministers that we can be?  How well are we ministering to one another?  How are we at serving our members as well as the greater community?  These are the types of things that the CoM needs to be evaluating in order to provide feedback to the Board, to the congregation, and, of course, to the Minister.

The joint Committee on Ministry, composed of members from UUCJ and Our Home, hopes to be more active, both as a joint Committee looking at our combined mission, and as congregational

CoMs looking at each church’s stated mission and goals.  An example of this effort is the input form we mailed out in December, asking our members to give their feedback to us regarding how they see our ministry progressing.  We expect this to be the beginning of our more “hands-on” efforts to serve our congregations.

So, we ask you to give us your feedback on the ministry of the church.  If you have feedback (positive or perhaps not-so-positive), for our minister, we encourage you to speak directly with Reverend Luck, as this is in keeping with everyone’s desire to remain in right relationship.  If, however, this is not an option for you for whatever reason, members of the CoM are here to help facilitate dialogue between you and the minister so that your voice is heard.  The Committee on Ministry works closely with the Board of Trustees in communicating feedback and in making recommendations to the Board on ministry related matters.

So, being as we are just beginning to get started in this area, there may be some false starts or glitches as we go about doing the work of the congregation.  But we will do our best to keep you informed of our “doings” so that you can provide your input as you are willing and able.  We ask that you do your best to be an active participant in UUCJ’s ministry.

UUCJ Committee on Ministry members are JoAnn Bienvenu, Joe Clayton, and Margaret Drake.

JoAnn

Children’s RE News

     Jacqueline and I want to thank the children who brought joy to our Holiday Intergenerational Service.  Mike Steere has become an accomplished pianist and played his selection for the prelude beautifully. Keely McBatra, Kim Steere, and Elena Voisin held up colorful pictures of peace doves they had made while the congregation sang, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and then presented each person with a peace dove ornament the children in both classes had made.   In the dramatization of "The Story of St. Francis" the narrators were Isaiah Brooking, Sharmila McBatra, and Kim Steere.  Mike Steere performed the role of St. Francis, and Christopher Steere was the wolf.

     We also want to thank all the members of the congregation who helped provide a happier Christmas for the Hernandez family, a Mexican immigrant family with seven children.

      We are wondering if someone in our congregation would like to help the children design quilt squares sometime after the holidays for an organization called "More Than Warmth" that sends quilts of friendship and hope to children in countries that have been ravaged by war or poverty. If you are interested, please contact Ranjan Batra or myself.

      Please remember to continue bringing donations of canned goods and/or clothing and place them in our Stewpot Collection Box in the Newman R.E. building.

Dary Shenefelt

A Holiday Message from President William G. Sinkford

 

Dear Friends,

We are approaching the days of deep mid-winter when our thoughts turn to family, comfort, and also to the new year and the uncertainties of the future. The winter holidays speak to our hunger for light at the time of year when it is easiest to imagine it might never return.

At those times when things seem darkest, there is nowhere to be but right where we are; no way around our pain and uncertainty, only through it. If that is what this season feels like to you, have faith. The days will get longer, the road ahead clearer.

So for now, gather around the fires, be together in your congregations, and light the lights. Rededicate yourselves to what you value, have faith that your commitment matters and that, in the words of the Psalm, joy cometh in the morning. And may the Spirit of Life and love be rekindled in your hearts this season. From my family to yours, and from all of us who work for our Association, I wish you happy holidays, peace, and hope.

In faith,

William G. SInkford

The full text of Rev. Sinkford’s message is available at http://www.uua.org/president/041214.html.

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.

Benjamin Franklin

 

A Note from Rev. Luck

  A few weeks ago I overheard a conversation in the kitchen in which some of our members were trying to answer a visitor’s questions about what “we” believe.  To make this question less of an ordeal to answer, I have moved the framed piece from our Hymnal, # 471, which was in the sanctuary, into the kitchen for fellowshipping around the coffee pot:

 

“Love is the doctrine of this church, the quest of truth is its sacrament, and service is its prayer.”

 

This can serve as a beginning place for conversation. You could offer to sit with them and introduce them to me after the service, and to others including Liz as membership chair. There is also that lovely calligraphy piece above the table by the door with the principles and, most importantly, the sources of our tradition if you are speaking with a visitor in that area.   JL

 

Coffee Project A Success !

Our first Sunday selling Equal Exchange fair trade coffee was a great success. We sold 75% of our first order! A second order has already been placed, most of which should arrive before the first Sunday in January. In addition to the regular drip coffee we already have, we will also be offering an organic decaf and an organic whole bean French roast for those of you who prefer to grind your own coffee. The organic Mind, Body & Soul coffee that was so popular has been back ordered, but should arrive by the third week in January. Remember, order forms are available on the UUCJ bulletin board, or orders can be placed by emailing uucjava@uujackson.org. Thank you all for supporting our church and free trade!

IT’S COMING!!!!!!!!     LOOK FOR IT!!!!   WHAT IS IT?????

Do you know what “it” is?????  First friend or member (no Board Members, please!) to email JoAnn Bienvenu with the correct answer will get the prize!!  Deadline is January 6, 2005.

Save Your Scraps!

Our compost bins still need kitchen scraps, so please save your vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and other non-meat scraps and bring them to feed our worms over the winter.  Just collect your scraps in a plastic container, keep them in your refrigerator, and bring them with you to church on Sunday.   Don’t let those nutrients go to waste!

HAVE YOU SUBMITTED YOUR COMPLETED MINISTRY INPUT FORM?

Members should have gotten an input form in the mail, to be completed and submitted to the Committee on Ministry members.  If you did not receive one, or have misplaced it, please contact a member of the Committee on Ministry (JoAnn Bienvenu, Margaret Drake, or Joe Clayton.)

Elbow Grease Needed

Saturday, January 29, is church chore day, so come out and help make your church shine.  We’ll be there most of the day, so pick the best time for you and pitch in for an hour or two!

Evensong

Sunday, January 16, 5:00 to 6:30pm, join Jacqueline and a small group for exploring  personal theology through sharing. This is in a worship format, not therapy or counseling, singing optional, silent reflection on short readings. This group will meet at 5:00 on the Sundays Jacqueline is in the pulpit for six to eight sessions. RSVP to JL at the UUCJ office phone (982-5919).

Nametags

Have you misplaced your nametag? Members who need a replacement nametag are asked to please sign up on the form posted on the bulletin board at church. We now have the ability to get magnetic backs or the regular pin style backs. Liz will have a sample of the magnetic back available for those who wish to see it before deciding

Finished Reading?

Please donate your old UU World magazines to the church.  There will be a box in the entranceway where you may leave them

General Assembly will be in Fort Worth, TX on June 23-June 27th 2005.