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JULY SERVICES |
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July 6
Singing the Living Tradition
Jeanette Filbrun Eakins and Mike O'Brien
Our UU hymnal is the basis of our Sunday morning worship. It provides us with not only the music for congregational singing, but also with the readings that give us a sense of our Unitarian Universalist heritage. We will examine why and how the hymnal was created and Jeanette and Mike will lead us in some of our favorite hymns.
July 13
A Myth for Our Future: Joseph Campbell
Jamie McQuinn
Joseph Campbell was more than just the preeminent comparative mythologist of the 20th century. As Newsweek magazine put it "Campbell has become one of the rarest of intellectuals in American life, a serious thinker who has been embraced by the popular culture." Jamie McQuinn will discuss Joseph Campbell's legacy and what it means to Unitarian Universalists.
July 20
We Are Not Alone
Kriss Gang
We are not alone. There is a wide world of Unitarian Universalists beyond our four walls. Today we'll explore what's going on in the wider world and how it impacts our little corner of the UU World and why we should care.
July 27
If the Shoe Fits, Wear It: Coming to Terms with the Sacred
Deb Miyake
As UUs, we sometimes shy away from using the word "sacred" because of its religious connotations, but the sacred does not belong to the realm of theistic religions alone. We'll try to broaden our definition of what is meant by "sacred," and explore how experiencing the sacred can enrich our lives and strengthen our spiritual community. |
| AMY'S SUMMER BREAK |
| Amy Russell will be on summer study leave from July 3 to July 31.
While she is gone, pastoral care will be covered as listed below. Please contact Amy directly only in cases of emergency.
- July 3-11 Jim Faulconer
- July 12-19 Barb Weber
- July 20-31 Leslie Woodward
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| HEALTHY MINISTRY
By Jamie McQuinn |
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Healthy ministers make for healthy congregations.
The MVUUF Committee on Ministry is charged with monitoring the health of the ministry of the congregation as a whole. But we are also interested in supporting our minister's ability to carry on an effective ministry. One part of the prescription for a healthy congregation is a healthy minister.
It is not uncommon for ministers to work long hours. Like people in many other professions, it is sometimes difficult to draw appropriate boundaries between work and personal lives. Often, the personal life is gradually swallowed up into the work life until the two are no longer distinguishable. Minister's families suffer, ministers suffer, and our churches suffer. Churches suffer because they lose their formerly rested, energetic pastor to one who is overwhelmed by responsibilities that begin to feel more like chores than like fulfilling a vocation.
Most of us see our minister only on Sundays. But it is hard for a minister to ever be "off-duty". Did you know that Amy often works 6-7 days per week with memorial services, weddings, pastoral visits, counseling, committee meetings and other events on the weekend? How do we keep our minister from "burning out?" To help our minister maintain some space for spiritual growth and renewal, the letter of agreement between our minister and the MVUUF Board and Congregation, based on a standard UUA contract, contains several provisions for time off. In addition to one Sunday off per month, and vacation time, Amy is also allowed leave for a study break, and time to attend the UUA General Assembly, district meetings, and other useful conferences supporting professional growth. These opportunities help Amy come up with new ideas for sermons, learn new ways to nurture healthy church functions, and share ideas with other ministers. Vacation, study and conference time off allow her to increase her skills and bring back new ideas, as well as well deserved rest.
If we all make sure that our minister takes care of herself, mentally, physically and spiritually, we can be sure that our healthy minister can play her part in creating a spiritually healthy congregation. As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns about ministry in this congregation, please contact a member of the Committee on Ministry: Barb Weber, Phil Wise, Sarah Hewitt, and Jamie McQuinn. |
| UUA AND DISTRICT
By Barb Weber |
| Are you interested in keeping up with events from the larger Unitarian Universalist world? Check out the website for the Heartland UU District, which encompasses Kentucky, Indiana, (except the part near Chicago, IL), Michigan and the western edge of Ohio. While you are there, sign up to receive the bi-weekly e-newsletter, Heartline to stay apprised of all that is going on around YOUR Heartland District.
General Assembly
The continental equivalent of our Congregational Meeting is the General Assembly of UU Congregations. This year's GA, as it is commonly known, was held June 25-29 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In addition to the business meeting, there were more learning opportunities and wonderful worship experiences than can be imagined. Scott Leonard and Amy Russell attended this year. Ask them about their experiences! |
| 2008 UNSUNG UU AWARD |
 Congratulations to Kathleen Pennington for winning the 2008 Unsung UU Award. Her participation in projects in nearly every area of the Fellowship does not go unnoticed and is so appreciated! Thank you and congratulations Kathleen! |
| THANK YOU FROM
THE REV. LESLIE WOODWARD |
|
 On Sunday, June 15th, MVUUF sponsored and hosted my ordination to the Unitarian Universalist Ministry. It was an extraordinary day that qualifies as one of the most awesome experiences of my life. I'd like to extend my deepest appreciation to all that were there in body and/or in spirit. Special thanks go out to:
The congregation of Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for sponsoring my candidacy, supporting my dreams, spurring my spiritual growth and extending their ongoing support for my ministry.
Judy Pickett and Sylvia Wince for their organizing skills and calming presence.
Kathleen Pennington for her decorating magic and design skills. Diane Dover and Iris Carter for providing flowers and greenery.
Rita and Adina Reeves for scrumptious refreshments. Don Kazak, Lucy Kazak, Ruby Powell, Mike Nelson, Lindy McDonough, Akil Sharif, and Mary Ellen Beardmore for set-up and clean-up.
Mike O'Brien, Carol Narigon, Mary Ellen Beardmore, Akil Sharif, Rick Lux, and Jane Lux for reuniting UU Folks to provide extra special music.
Pat Santucci for running the audio system and Lew Hann for photography
including the photos with this article.
MVUUF Co-Celebrants Kriss Gang, Rev. Amy Russell, Rev. Chuck Thomas, Rev. Richard Venus, Barbara Weber and Phil Wise.
Barbara Kelley for support, hand-holding, office services, telephone calls, organizing skills, and everything else she does for me and for MVUUF.
Rev. Amy Russell for clear-headed direction, recruiting, spiritual and practical support.
I know that many other hands and hearts participated in making this day so very special for me. Please know that your gifts, both visible and invisible, are invaluable!
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CARING & SHARING |
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Send healing thoughts:
To Ben Olive, at Oaks of West Kettering.
To Bettie Nickell, at Bellbrook Rehabilitation & Health Center.
Both Ben and Bettie appreciate cards and visits.
Happy to hear:
That Tom Adams is recovering nicely and is back on his feet!
To Jennie Hardy, Rima Nickell, Steve Trobridge, Garland Staton and Ruby Powell for all the gardening work!
To the painters and caulkers who worked on sprucing up the outside of our building in June (especially the Men's Group and Dave Rengel)!
Congratulations:
To Joe Zimmerman and Dave Nolin for appearing on the front page of the Dayton Daily News in the Metro Parks article.
Congratulations To Our Graduates:
Elizabeth Dobson, Antioch College
Anne Klieve, Boston University
Eric Duritsch, Centerville High School
Steven Gang, Centerville High School
Kayleigh Harvey, Centerville High School
Clare Zimmerman, Fairmont High School
Brian Beck, Oakwood High School
Brianna McGhee, Oakwood High School
Kevin Howorth, Penn State University
Annie, Old English Sheepdog Pet Therapy Certification
Renče Atkinson, Sinclair Community College
Dustin Clark, Trotwood-Madison High School
Emily Scancarello, Troy High School
Cheryl Wyckoff, Troy High School
Kurt Auer, University of Cincinnati
Lara Donnelly, Yellow Springs High School
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| COFFEE STEWARDS NEEDED |
 Do you enjoy coffee hour? Volunteer to help set up or clean up for this UU mainstay. It's a great way to get to know people and your help is needed! Contact Sheila Adams at rnpar50@aol.com.
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| BRING WATER |
| As you take your summer vacation, remember to pick up a little water during your travels to bring to our annual Water Ceremony, scheduled for early September. We'll mix our water in a traditional UU end of summer ritual with water collected for many years and from many locations. |
| A BRIEF HISTORY
By Don Ferguson |
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First Unitarian Church
Picking up from where our minister listing left off in last month's issue of The Forum:
The next minister of the First Unitarian Church after Ed Wilson was Rev. H. Lee Jones (1933 to 1936) from Lawrence, Kansas. He got his B.A. degree at Antioch College and obtained a Masters at Ohio State University. Fred and Alice Barnett were married in 1932 by the Rev. H. Lee Jones at their home; times were hard due to the depression. Rev. Jones took a summer off to produce a film entitled, "The Tale of Two Rivers." After he left First Church, he was employed as a civilian at WPAFB and fought disloyalty charges for two years to clear his name.
Dr. J. Raymond Cope (1936 to 1939) was the next minister of First Church. He stood squarely for the effort of the Spanish people to save their country from fascism, which brought a frontal attack on the church from the Catholic community. Reiss Keck and Alice Fassett were married by Dr. Raymond Cope in Bloomington, Indiana.
Rev. Clinton L. Scott (1940 to 1942) was the ninth minister, followed by the Rev. Harold P. Marley (1942 to 1949). Rev. Marley used to live at the church and was there when a fire burned a large hole in the roof in 1943. More than $10,000 of the fire damage was covered by insurance.
Rev. Robert W. Lawson (1949 to 1953) came to First Church in 1949. He was a U.S. Navy chaplain who studied at Purdue and Meadville Universities and graduated from M.I.T. Rev. Lawson had served for three years at the North Side Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. When Rev. Lawson was installed, the membership was 150 with 70 children registered for Church School.
Rev. L. Wendell Hughes (1953 to 1960) accepted the call from First Church and arrived in April 1953. Rev. Hughes was good news and bad news. Many liked his sermons, but didn't appreciate him running down the sanctuary, jumping up on the stage, and standing on his head. He would challenge other ministers in the community to debate religion, and had the children light sparklers, instead of candles, during worship service. The congregation was upset enough to call a special meeting without Rev. Wendell Hughes. During the meeting, one member said, "If you don't like our minister, why don't you leave?" Several members did, and in May 1958, a group of 20 people met to form a Unitarian Fellowship. (More to come on ministers in our next issue of The Forum.) |
| CHALICELIGHT ART GALLERY
By Lew Hann |
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 I have been fascinated by photography since age 12, when I received my first Kodak Baby Brownie camera. Over the years, I have tried all the various film formats, including 35mm, 60mm, 4x5 inch sheet film, and more recently, digital. When shooting film, I always did my own developing and enlarging. In these digital times I have become proficient using the computer to process and print my images.
It was only in the past 20 years or so that I started to get "serious" about making photos. It started with a summer workshop in Vermont, where I studied with Fred Picker, the founder of Zone Six Workshops. It was there I learned that an image needs to be more than just "pretty." Anyone can take sharp, colorful pictures. (Calendar photos generally fall into this category.) Fred said that a fine art photograph should be more; it should cause an emotional response in the viewer. It should be immediately obvious to the viewer why the photographer captured the image at that particular moment. I find that, when I am photographing, and I suddenly "see" a motif that must be captured, I have a definite emotional, heart-quickening response. It is a thrill to experience these moments, and to try to capture them with the camera.
My subjects can be anything, although I usually prefer to shoot objects and scenes in the natural world, whether the "grand landscape" (very difficult to capture) or a small patch of nature found along the trail. I love to shoot "natural abstracts." But I find man-made structures can also be quite intriguing and fun to capture. This exhibit will show just how eclectic my image choices are.
I hope to continue developing my ability to "see" the picture and to refine my photographic vision, in a way which gives pleasure to me, as well as to those who view my work.
Photographs by Lew Hann will be featured in the Chalicelight Art Gallery
through the month of July.
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| OHIO MEADVILE DISTRICT SUMMER CAMP
By Sylvia Wince |
Did you know that there is a wonderful Unitarian Universalist Summer Camp right here in Ohio? A person does not have to go to "The Mountain" or to "SUUSI" to have an exciting week with Unitarian Universalists. The Ohio Meadville District Summer Institute 2008 will be at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, just northeast of Columbus. The dates are Sunday, July 13 through Saturday, July 19. This is a very affordable vacation!
The theme this year is "Living Out Loud: Speaking Up as Religious Liberals." Theme speaker is Meg Barnhouse, author of "Mango Thoughts in a Meatloaf Town".
It is intergenerational and so much fun. Sylvia and Bev Wince have attended this summer institute nine different years; in fact, they met in 1985 at the Ohio Meadville District Summer Institute!
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| WORSHIP COMMITTEE |
| The next Worship Committee will be held on Monday, July 28 at 7:00 PM at the Fellowship. All are welcome. |
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPDATES
By Natalie Spriggs |
Summer is here and in full swing. This reminds me of something the principal wrote when Izabella was in school, in the last newsletter to families. He suggested to families that over the summer there should be little to no video game playing, TV watching, and computer time. I have to say when I read his words that I agreed. Part of being Unitarian Universalist is being aware of our earth and the state it is in. So while I could argue that having the TV and computer on takes up more energy and emits more pollution into the atmosphere, I feel more strongly (in this case) about nature deficit disorder.
What is nature deficit disorder? Well, do you remember as a child your mom or dad telling you to go "play outside?" Then when you went to play outside (in the dirt, climbing trees, riding bikes, etc.), you did not have to be home until dark or dinnertime. Times have changed, yes; most children are not allowed to roam the streets alone. However, in these times of advanced technology, a lot of children spend little time in their back yard. Some children are losing touch with nature. Some children are not spending that time with the earth digging, making mud, building forts, the list can go on.
This is called nature deficit disorder. Richard Louv has a book called, "Last Child in the Woods" discussing the issues of nature deficit disorder. Why is this so important? How can we expect our children, the next generation, to take care of the earth, if they do not have a basic understanding of nature?
What can be done about nature deficit disorder? First and foremost, be aware of how much time your child is spending indoors versus outdoors. Not only how much time but what they are doing outside. If they are on the front porch, playing their Game Boy or talking on their cell phone, then that is really defeating the purpose. Here are some suggestions to help encourage your child(ren) in outdoor play.
1. Create a space in your backyard dedicated as an "anything goes spot." There your child is free to dig, plant, build, etc. We have a corner in our small city back yard where Izabella has created rock seats to sit on, planted flowers, dug up worms, built a fort, the list goes on. She knows she is allowed to do anything in that spot. If she wants to dig to the other side of the earth, more power to her.
2. Sign up for one or more of the many Metro Park events. The Metro Parks have many children, family and adult nature classes and events. Most of them are free. For more information, check out their website. Click here to find out more about our Metro Parks!
3. Take family hikes in the woods.
4. If you can't get to the woods, you could take a "hike" in your neighborhood. Take a "nature bag" and collect items that are natural. You could take a night hike with flashlights. There is even star gazing!
5. Encourage at least one hour a day, for unstructured play outside.
If you would like more information on nature deficit disorder, check out these websites:
· Click here for "Children and Nature"!
· Click here to see the book!
As for our YRE program, our summer program has taken off with flying colors. The children and youth have worked hard and planted a beautiful garden. If you have not seen it yet, please take a moment and look at it. It is on the far north side of the building.
Here is a schedule of our summer programming:
Preschool class
The preschool class will be participating in age appropriate mother earth themed activities. These include gardening and learning what it means to recycle.
Kindergarten through 8th grade
July 6: Children's/YouthWorship
July 13: Composting
July 20: Tin Can Herb Pots, can creation
July 27: Tin Can Herb Pots, planting Herbs
August 3: Children's/YouthWorship
August 10: Recycled Art Workshop
August 17: Recycling Charts
August 24: Recycled bags workshop
August 31: End of the summer Earth Party
9th through 12th grade
Teachers for this class will help guide the teens in teen chosen activities that are based around the mother earth theme. Some of these teen chosen activities include an environmental article and building a compost bin. Thank you everyone for all of your help in getting the summer program underway. If you have any questions about our program, please let me know. My email is DRE@MVUUF.org. Enjoy your summer!
Smile, Natalie
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| AGE OF REASON |
On June 8, we had our intergenerational service for the ending of our Age of Reason Program. It was such a touching service. The children came up with their own belief statements and shared them with the congregation. Here are the belief statements from the children of this class.
Alexandria: I believe every person in the world should have peace.
Eric: I believe everyone should be nice to each other.
Grace L.: I believe that people can change their mind about what they believe when they grow up.
Grace W.: I believe that everyone should live in peace.
Izabella: I believe people do not have to risk their life for money like what is happening in the war.
Jasmine: I believe everyone should have peace and be kind to other people.
Jimmy: I believe we need to take care of the earth.
Liam: I believe that people should ride your bikes everywhere, because if you don't, it will cause a heck of a lot of pollution.
Samantha: I believe there is a piece of God in every person and God leads you a path.
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| YRE TRASH TO TREASURE SALE |
| We've been cleaning out the closet! On Sunday, July 13, the Youth Religious Education department will be getting rid of things that have not been used recently and for which we don't foresee a use in the near future. Please come on down and check out items you may be able to use or pass on to someone who can. We have children's books, toys, a TV, paint, a metal table, wheelchair, crutches, chairs, decorations, and much more. In this way, we are helping Mother Earth by RE-USING, instead of trashing items that can still be useful. We are asking for a financial donation of an amount you choose for the treasures you find. This money will be used to fund healthy snacks for children and youth during programming. |
| ADOPT A BOOK YRE PROGRAM |
| YRE needs your help. We need updated books for children and youth and teachers' resources books. Everyone is invited to take a look at our Adopt a Book display in the Gathering Space. Choose a card with the name of the book you would like to donate. You will then get to dedicate that book. Visit the display or see Natalie Spriggs for more information. |
| JULINE RENFRO AWARD |
 The nominations called her an "amazing, caring teacher, most dedicated, and generous with her time and talent." The YRE Committee was pleased to present the Juline Renfro Award to Shannon Harper at the Congregational Meeting last month. Shannon does an amazing job coordinating the monthly Children's Chapel, teaching the K-2 class and working hard on many other projects. Congratulations Shannon! |
| COMMUNITY DISCUSSION GROUP |
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The Community Discussion Group is an adult group that meets every Sunday morning at 9:30 to 10:45 AM in the Founders' Room for fellowship and thought provoking discussion. A chance to let your hair down, speak your mind or say nothing at all, without criticism. Up close and personal. Please join us!
Sunday, July 6
What It Feels Like to Have a Stroke. We will watch a highly recommended 20-minute video by neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor, who documented her own experience of having a massive stroke. We'll discuss her observations as well as share our own related experiences and fears and hear ways strokes may be prevented and treated. Moderator: Tom Cruse
Sunday, July 13
Truth About Aging in America. We'll share our experiences, fears and satisfaction regarding getting older. The discussion, based on the book 60 On Up by Lillian B. Rubin, Ph.D., will focus on the changes we face as we move beyond raising families and building careers. Do people treat us differently? Do we look at the world differently? What can we look forward to? Moderator: Lindy McDonough
Sunday, July 20
Will This Be China's Century? An educator, world traveler and MVUUF member who has visited China, will look at the world's most populous country and its growing global influence. Will it soon become the most powerful nation in the world? Moderator: Carol Vincent
Sunday, July 27
A Hot Summer Topic. Our leader of the day is watching the news and will offer a topic hot off the press for our consideration. Will it be about the race to the White House or economic recession or the war in Iraq or the mortgage crisis or flooding in the mid-west or something entirely new? You have to come to find out. Moderator: Dave Rengel |
| THE WOMEN'S GROUP |
|
Our UU Foremothers
What do Mary Wollstonecraft, Dorothea Dix, the Blackwell sisters, Lydia Pinkham, May Sarton, and Maria Mitchell have in common? These and many more were Unitarian or Universalist women.
This summer, the Women's Group is studying some of the wonderful women who came before us in our Unitarian Universalist heritage. What can we learn from the passions of their lives? How does their influence affect us today? What do they say about our faith?
All Fellowship women are invited to join us at 9:30 on Sunday mornings. Come every week or drop in as your schedule permits. We have purposefully chosen this topic for the summer because each session will stand on its own. So come when you can and enjoy the company of great women, present and past!
Contact Barb Weber with questions.
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| YOUNG ADULTS GROUP |
Are you between the ages of 18-35? Wondering where all of the young people are at the Fellowship? They are in the MVUUF young adult group, of course! The young adult group will be meeting on July 27th at 12:30 PM at the Fellowship; discussion topic will be announced on the young adult list-serve. The group also has several social activities coming up that are also announced on the list-serve. For more information see Marisa Head or Jennifer Henry, or send an email to UU-YAN-owner@yahoogroups.com.
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| NOTES FROM SOCIAL CONCERNS
By Kate Santucci |
Thank you to all who made it to this year's Pride Parade! Even though the weather was foul, we had a great time, and still had 40 people join us in the rain. Thanks everyone!
As you probably know, every week 30% of our non-pledge money collected during the service goes to support a social justice topic. During July and August, we will be directing our donations to the Heartland District (of which our congregation is a part) so that they can provide aid to those who have suffered losses during the on-going flooding in the great plains.
"In the aftermath of devastating floods that have wreaked havoc on several Midwestern states, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), Prairie Star and Heartland Districts have announced the launch of individual district relief funds to provide assistance to Unitarian Universalists in Indiana and Iowa whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed by flood waters.
As of June 17, no Unitarian Universalist (UU) church properties are known to have sustained substantial damage, however Nancy Combs Morgan, acting District Executive of the Heartland District (HD) and Nancy Heege, District Executive of the Prairie Star District (PSD) report that numerous members of local congregations have incurred flood damage.
In Iowa, flooding has come within a block of the Cedar Rapids church. Hundreds of blocks in the city have been impacted, and damage is estimated to be in excess of $1 billion. The devastation to the city and the resulting damage to the economy of the area will affect the lives of people in that congregation in the weeks and months ahead. In Iowa City at least fifteen parishioners' homes have been flooded, and the property of the University of Iowa, a significant source of employment in the area, was heavily damaged, impacting job security for residents. In Indiana, the Terre Haute congregation is trying to provide assistance to members-including the retired minister of the congregation-whose homes have been flooded. The city of Columbus has been extremely hard-hit, and a number of congregants have lost everything."
Please remember to throw in a couple extra bucks if you can. We have accomplished A LOT this year due to your generosity!
The Friday Film Series Continues!
On July 11th we will be showing the film Encounter Point. This documentary follows the process of a group of Palestinians and Israelis who meet regularly to try to understand each other's lives and points of view. The members of the groups have all lost loved ones in the ongoing conflict, but are continuing to work towards peace and understanding.
 On July 18th we will show Sicko, a Michael Moore documentary about our healthcare system. "'SiCKO' is a straight-from-the-heart portrait of the crazy and sometimes cruel U.S. health care system, told from the vantage of everyday people faced with extraordinary and bizarre challenges in their quest for basic health coverage. In the tradition of Mark Twain or Will Rogers, 'SiCKO' uses humor to tell these compelling stories, leading the audience to conclude that an alternative system is the only possible answer."Both films will begin at 7:00 PM in the Founders' Room. The next dates are August 1 and August 15, films to be determined. We hope you can join us!
Special Invitation to New Members
Our next Social Concerns meeting will NOT be held at its regular time. Instead, we will have a meeting on July 13th, immediately following the service. This meeting is intended to introduce new members who have expressed an interest in getting involved in the social justice work of the Fellowship to the committee and the work we do, but mostly we're going to have fun! If you'd like to take part, and want to find out how you can be involved in social action, please join us! Our meetings are, as always, open to anyone who has an interest. For this meeting, though, we ask that you RSVP to Kate Santucci or Heather Wendel so that we know how many people to expect. We hope you can make it!
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| HELP FOR REFUGEE FAMILIES |
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Our project to collect household goods for refugee families is going very well. In fact, Catholic Social Services' warehouse and staff have been overwhelmed by donations of household goods for refugee families. While they reorganize, CSS needs only beds and mattresses.
Any donations will need to be accompanied by an inventory on a form for CSS to process (IRS regulations they have to follow as a charitable organization). If you have something to donate, contact Richard Donnelly for the necessary form.
Volunteers with a van or pickup truck are needed to ferry donations from the Fellowship to CSS. Contact Richard Donnelly. |
| INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE |
A public presentation by Rev. Dr. William Schulz, past president of the Unitarian Universalist Association and past executive director of Amnesty International USA will take place the evening of Saturday, September 20. Rev. Schulz will be speaking on one of the two topics: "The Phenomenon of Torture" or "Restoring America's Credibility: Human Rights in a Post-9/11 World." If you would like to help in planning this public event (publicity, selection of public venue, fundraising, linking with other organizations, human rights groups, schools, other congregations, UU and other, military and veterans groups), please contact Bob Lewis at bobslewis@hotmail.com.
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| VOTER REGISTRATION |
The Social Concerns Committee is inviting all members of the Fellowship to participate in a voter registration drive on Saturday morning, August 16th. Depending on your interest and capabilities you can go door-to-door in a two-person team, you can write postcards to remind people to vote, you can provide food for a group lunch for all the workers, or you can help with the initial organizing of the drive. More information will follow. If you would like to help with the initial organizing, please contact Bob Lewis at bobslewis@hotmail.com.
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| 2ND SATURDAY LUNCH AT THE OTHER PLACE |
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July 12 Menu
Hearty Sub Sandwich (Ham, Turkey, Swiss or Colby)
Potato Salad
Melon Chunks
Accompaniment Trays (sliced onions, garden
tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, etc.)
Desserts (thank you Dorothy Lane Market)
2% Milk and 100% Juices
To provide a dish, send an email to
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| CINEMANIACS |
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Sunday, July 20
If you're wild about films, join Cinemaniacs the third Sunday every month at The Neon movie theater for the 4:30 to 5:30ish showing. The title and time will be sent by email late in the week just prior to the Sunday event. Everyone is welcome! After the movie, we meet in the lobby for fellowship and discussion. Send questions or requests to be added to the Cinemaniacs email list to Pete Hering at petehering@hotmail.com. |
| BUDDHIST MEDITATION |
The Sunday morning Buddhist Meditation Group meets at 9:30 AM on every Sunday in the teen classroom. The Wednesday evening Buddhist Meditation Group meets at 7:00 PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Both groups have sharing, discussions, and meditations. All are invited to attend. Bring your questions or select readings for possible further discussion. For further information contact Bruce Howorth (Bruce-Ho3055@woh.rr.com).
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The Smart Choices group meets the first and third Monday evenings at 7:30 PM. It is a women's group, open to all women who wish to participate. There are no dues or RSVP's. We meet to enrich our lives in some way and enjoy knowing each other better. YOU are invited! Questions? Contact Sylvia Wince.
July 7
Nancy Stamper will lead the meeting at the Fellowship with a surprise!
July 28
Sylvia Wince will teach the sign language alphabet at the Fellowship. (Rescheduled)
August 11
Reading at the Fellowship: The Crossing from The Return Journey by Maeve Binchy.
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| DAYTIME BOOKS |
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The MVUUF Daytime Book Club meets on a Wednesday each month to discuss the chosen book of the month. We are not a serious book review group. Come even if you have not read the book we discuss. It is fun, we learn new things, and we go to lunch together afterwards, at a local restaurant. We meet at the Fellowship at 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Anyone is welcome!
July 16
Mr. Timothy by Louis Bayard
August 6
Funny in Farsi by Faroozeh Dumas
September 17
The Return Journey by Maeve Binchy
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| EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP |
| We're taking a summer vacation in July and August. Watch future issues of The Forum for news about the first fall meeting. If you would like more information about this group, talk to Ann Snively. New participants are welcome! |
| PEACE CAMP |
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"Our Children's Creative Role in World Peace"
THE 2008 CHILDREN'S SUMMER DAY CAMP
at THE DAYTON INTERNATIONAL PEACE MUSEUM
Register your child for the camp scheduled for Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, 9:00 AM to noon. For children ages 7-12 (grades 2-6) at 208 W. Monument Avenue. Innovative teachers will conduct activities to inspire the children's own creative abilities for peacemaking. Dayton's Jim McCutcheon, known by many children as "The Guitar Man," will perform and make music with the children at the Finale on Friday, July 25. Children will make crafts, learn cooperative games, listen to stories of historic peacemakers and receive practical lessons in the skills of peacemaking. Snacks will be served, and a FREE LUNCH will be available to children and their caregivers from 12 to 12:45 each day. A $5 donation per child is suggested (no child will be turned away because of cost). Enrollment is limited, so early registration is recommended. Click here to download the Peace Camp Registration Form. Or stop by the Museum to pick up a form at the front desk. For more information, call 227-3223. | |
The FORUM
In my first year as minister of the Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, I have spent much of my time in getting to know people and understanding the organizational structure. Right away, I felt welcomed by both the people I had known before and the people who had become a part of MVUUF while I was away. With the beautiful new building and so many new members, I feel in some ways that MVUUF is a very different place than I left so many years ago. At first it felt not so much like a homecoming, but more like a new relationship. Like any new relationship, there was some fear, some holding back, and much learning to do.
