Sunday Service Topics

November 4 “Youth and Young Adult Ministry”

The Rev. Lyn Cox, JPD Acting Director for Lifespan Faith Development and Jill Kachmar, Worship Associate. Music by Carole Knisely, the Question Marks, and the UUCV Choir.

Unitarian Universalist Youth, Young Adults, and Adult Allies are all groups with wisdom and inspiration to share. When we lose our way or are in despair, we need all of these groups to lead us back to the Source of Life. Secular culture wants us to divide into market segments, creating walls between Youth, Young Adults, and Adult Allies. UU Congregations resist this message. As the hymn says, "We would be one in searching for that meaning which binds our hearts and points us on our way." Rev. Lyn Cox from the Joseph Priestley District will bring ideas and stories for keeping the faith in an intergenerational community.

November 11 “Ethics of Being UU”

The Rev. Nancy D. Dean of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek, DE, Worship Associate Ellen Lyon.

Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Which comes first, religion or ethics? Questions about the origin of religions usually revolve around the chicken-egg kind of debate. Our UU understanding of religion and faith helps us to answer which comes first, religion or ethics.

November 18 “Gratitude and Giving Back”

The Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Ellen Buller, Worship Associate

Music by Sally Beaver and the UUCV Choir

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we'll consider gratitude and what we have for which to be thankful. Much of what we are grateful for comes from sources outside of us, and in return we are called to contribute something back. This is an intergenerational service at which our children will tell us about one of the social action projects they have been working on and we will distribute the UU Service Committee Guest at Your Table boxes.

November 25 “We’ll Build a Land”

Priscilla Laws and Virginia Jackson, Worship Associates. Music by Pat Spader, The Choir, and The Adam’s Family Tree-O.

Part of our quest as UUs is to make the world a better place. But when there is need in our own back yard as well as half way around the world, how can we decide where to invest our energies? Drawing on their recent trip to Mozambique and insights into their personal differences, Virginia and Priscilla will explore the importance of a variety of approaches to caring for the world.

Get Ready for Auction 2007 on November 10th

Auction 2007, “An International Celebration”, is just a couple of weeks away. Here’s how to get ready for UUCV’s biggest annual fundraiser:

· Decide what you want to bid on. Everyone should receive his or her auction catalog in the mail by November 1. If you haven’t, contact Bev Motich, bmotichATyahoo.com or 432-9505. It’s filled with great events and items as well as information on how the auction works. This year we have hand-crafted or unique donated items of Wearable Art, Crafts, or Food in our new Auction Marketplace, some super Sign-up events including a concert by Gordon Bok, Wishing Well entries, and of course the Live auction items. There’s something for everyone’s interests and budget, and studying the catalog will make you a wily bidder!

· Pre-register by Sunday, November 4th. Register in advance to speed your way to auction fun! Admission to the Annual Auction is $8.00 for adults (includes a full buffet dinner and bidder number) and $5.00 for children (includes dinner and 3 hour program). Admission at the door on auction night will be $12, so save money and preregister!

· Drop your donations off. Donations can be brought to the Meeting House during the First Friday Potluck on Nov. 2nd and after Sunday services on Nov. 4th. If you cannot make either of these dates, please contact Geneva Politzer at 258-8715.

· Volunteer. We still need some helpers in many areas, even if it's just a small, one-time job. Food and beverage donations are also welcome. Sign up at the auction table in the social hall, or contact Bev Motich, bmotichATyahoo.com or 432-9505.

· Sign the kids up so that we’ll know how many to plan for in child care. The sign-up sheet is on the auction table in the social hall, so let us know the names and ages of any children under 13 whom you plan to have join our child care program for the evening. Babysitting will also be provided.

· Get your costume ready! This year’s auction has an International theme. Whether you dress up in those foreign duds bought on some exotic vacation or come as you are, you’ll fit in no matter what you wear. The most important thing is to be there, because at UUCV, everyone comes to the auction! Saturday, Nov. 10^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Meeting House. See you there!

What’s This?

Our monthly minister’s column, this month by Rev. Duane Fickeisen

(This column was prepared in September, prior to the ministers’ sabbatical leave. It’s part of the occasional series on “How Things Work Around Here”)

Many Unitarian Universalist congregations, including ours, have a Minister’s Discretionary Fund whose primary purpose is providing financial assistance to members, friends, and strangers in need.

The policy that governs our fund indicates that it can be used for any legal purpose allowable under IRS rules at the sole discretion of the ministers, except that it can’t be used to compensate the congregation’s staff. None of the funds are used to benefit the ministers directly. The policy also expresses the general purpose of the fund by examples of how it might be used: to provide emergency relief funds, to provide special recognitions for service to the congregation, and to provide for pastoral or other ministerial needs that lie outside the operating fund budget.

The ministers write the checks, receive the bank statements, and maintain the accounting. They are required to report the total income, total expenses, and balance annually to the board and to offer a general accounting of how the funds were used. But we do not report the names of recipients or the specific use — that information remains confidential. In order to assure access to the funds should both of the ministers be incapacitated, the Treasurer has signature authority on the account, which is owned by the congregation.

Some examples of how we have used the funds in the past include buying medications, buying tires so someone could drive to work, providing emergency assistance with utility bills, helping pay real estate taxes, helping pay for a motel room for travelers in need, and helping with food or living expenses. Because our funds are limited, we generally are only able to offer one-time assistance, and often we will try to help the recipient find other resources such as credit counseling or access to available assistance through government or other agencies. Typically we’re able to offer assistance in amounts under $100. We have also subsidized leadership training and purchased token gifts of recognition for service to the congregation.

Several recipients have later been able to repay all or part of the funds they received, making the fund a revolving relief account, though we usually don’t expect repayment.

We receive few calls from strangers requesting assistance and it is nearly always a challenge to evaluate the veracity of their stories and their need. We usually refer them to other agencies. Occasionally a stranger will come to the door or call with a need that feels compelling and for which we think there may not be a viable alternative source. One recent request that we met was for gasoline money to travel to pick up a soldier returning from Iraq so that he could be united with his family.

Typically we receive and distribute about $1500 each year.

Sources of the funds are a very modest line item of $100 in the annual operating fund budget, donations designated for the fund (such as a recent envelope in the offering basket with an anonymous $200 cash donation marked for the Ministers Discretionary Fund), and honoraria from members for services we have provided.

Because our professional guidelines do not permit us to charge members for officiating at rites of passage, we have signed over to the fund any monetary honoraria for weddings, services of union, child dedications, or memorial services we have conducted for members. Some of our colleagues consider such honoraria outright gifts and do not sign them over to their discretionary funds.

Some other congregations provide a larger contribution from their operating fund or designate a special collection once a year for the fund, but so far we’ve been able to address most requests for help and still maintain a fairly steady balance in the fund.

If you (or someone you know) are in a financial bind and need some emergency assistance, please be in touch with us and we’ll evaluate how best we can help out. If you want to make a donation, make your check out to UUCV Ministers Discretionary Fund and either put it in the offering basket or give it to Duane or Judy. IRS rules don’t allow us to accept donations that are designated to benefit a particular recipient. Your donations are tax deductible, but won’t appear on your consolidated statement from UUCV at the end of the year.

See you on Sunday!

Duane

“Dead Man Walking” to be performed at Messiah College

By Kathy Bell

Tim Robbins' adaptation of Sr. Helen Prejean's book will be produced locally at Messiah College. Instead of marketing his adaptation to commercial theater organizations, Robbins has gifted the work for five years to Sr. Helen's organization. His gift evolved into the Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project with the play available only to high school and college theater departments. Kathy Bell of UUCV's Correctional Justice

Initiative will participate in a panel on the death penalty following the November 11th production. Dates of the production are: Nov 8-10 & 15-17 at 8:00 p.m. and Nov 11 & 18 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets available at the door or by phone (717) 691-6036. The college is on Lisburn Road off Rte 15 in Grantham. UUCV contact: kathybellATpa.net

Inmate Art Exhibit

By Kathy Bell

In collaboration with the college's production of Tim Robbins' play “Dead Man Walking” the Messiah College will exhibit inmate art in the Climenhaga Fine Arts Center during November. Many of the items to be exhibited will be creations of the women served by UUCV's Correctional Justice Initiative, which, through its gifts, has enabled the women to continue their creative efforts. For hours of the exhibit, call 691-6036. The college is on Lisburn Road off Rte 15 in Grantham. UUCV contact: kathybellATpa.net

An Attitude of Gratitude

From Kit Franklin, UUCV Board President

November - the month of harvesting the results of our labor and for giving thanks. Is that right? Perhaps it is the Earth that labored and brought forth the fruits of the fields and the beasts of the forests. In any case, giving thanks is appropriate.

In a recent Adult RE class, we were reminded of the importance of “an attitude of gratitude” to help us re-focus our thoughts and energy in the directions we truly choose. It is a strategy frequently used in 12-Step programs to rid our minds of self-pity and gloom.

Personally, I feel especially grateful right now for UUCV. Our ministers, Judy and Duane, have returned safely from a Sabbatical trip they report was “terrific,” and they express thanks that we, as a congregation, made their month of Sabbatical together possible. I remember feeling a bit nervous when they left. Would we be okay without their guidance? Judy told me not to worry; that UUCV has a good and strong team, and we’d be fine. And so we are! For that, I thank all of you. We worked together and got things done that had to be done, supported each other, and kept our community strong and welcoming. I’d like to offer special thanks to our wonderful Worship Associates, RE kids & adults, and Choir that made each service a special treat. Working behind the scenes, the Caring Circle looked after those of us in need of help right now, while our other committees did their usual exceptional (but too often unnoticed) jobs of greeting, making coffee, bringing flowers, keeping our building and grounds tidy, dealing with financial matters, and caring for our young people. The Auction Committee kept us reminded of help needed for our big fundraiser, and the Social Action Council kept us supplied with petitions to sign and vigils and festivals to attend. The Newsletter and Pre-Views kept coming out as usual, as did the Orders of Service.

I don’t even know how some of those things happen. Do you? Perhaps we all need to find out, and then express our thankfulness by offering to help.

Committee Showcase: Compassion and Caring Circle

By Marilyn Durr

During their August retreat, the Board of Trustees decided to begin showcasing a different UUCV committee each month to attract new members and publicize the work of the committee.

The newly formed Compassion & Caring Circle (CCC) will inaugurate the “Committee of the Month” program on Sunday, November 18. The group, a recent consolidation of the Caring Circle and the Caregivers Support Group, will be the first of the congregation’s committees to set up a display on the table in front of the Social Hall stage to let members know what they do and invite others to join them.

The subtitle of the committee’s new name is “Resources for Coping with Loss and Change.” There will be a support group meets each 2^nd and 4^th Thursday from 1 to 2:30. Members welcome anyone who is caring for an ill friend or family member (or caring for him- or herself after a loss), either as a short-term participant or for a longer time. Members doing the “caring” part provide food, rides, and relief for caregivers in temporary need, as well as memorial receptions when needed. Available on loan from the committee are several pieces of equipment to assist the ill or infirm; also books, films and articles relating to care giving. Contacts are: Anne Gero, support group/social service referrals (249-4262); Ann Sheehan, legal referrals (249-7681); Bee Miller: food, rides, relief, and memorial services (776-9451); Bobbi Bassett and Art Stilson; books, films and articles (243-1026); and Marilyn Durr, communication and PR (249-4019).

The CCC display will be up November 18 and 25^th. Social Action will occupy the table during December and the Music Committee will have January. Committees participating in subsequent months will be Membership, Fundraising and Finance, Building and Grounds, Worship Associates, Religious Education, Board of Trustees, Music, Auction, Small Group Ministries, and Communications Council.

Change for the World Update

By Carol McAnulty

The November Change for the World recipient is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's Guest at Your Table program. The UUSC advances human rights and social justice around the world, partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies. Each year, Guest at Your Table raises money to advance worker's rights and a living wage; defend the rights of people affected by disasters; promote the right to safe, affordable water; and protect civil liberties and the democratic process. In addition to money collected through Change for the World, Guest at Your Table-take home boxes will be distributed on November 18th and collected again on December 23rd. Please give generously.

Our Change for the World program is truly thriving at UUCV. July's intake was $262 for PrideFest Harrisburg. In August we collected $236 for La Igreja Metodista de Namurauane in Mozambique, and September's recipeint $30 for 30 Women from Muncy received $290. It’s amazing what our nickels and dimes can do.

We received a letter from Carlisle CARES, the recipient of our CFTW back in February. They wrote, "With the generous support of people like you, we will be able to help many of these [needy] families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training, education, counseling, elderly assistance and temporary housing."

Another letter from the mailbag arrived from the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club, June's recipient. They said, "Thank you for this donation. It is a significant help with increasing cost of maintaining our local portion of the Appalachian Trail."

Adult Religious Education for November

From Alan Franklin

The Adult RE Program continues through November with a series of four talks by Alan Franklin on Humanism. Humanism is a world view similar to common religions, attuned to science and scientific reasoning, and without supernatural elements. The talks, scheduled from 9-10:15 a.m. each Sunday in November, will meet in the dining room at the Meeting House.

Upcoming Mozambique Bursary Project Events

By Priscilla Laws

December 2nd RE Session for Grades K-5 will be led by Virginia Jackson and Priscilla Laws. The session will include a premier showing of a new twelve-minute documentary about our UUCV Bursary project. The RE students will play a hilarious international game called “Zip, Zap, Zoom” which the instructors learned from Mozambique girls.

Also on December 2^nd a 2008 Bursary Project Luncheon will be held at noon after the service. This event will include an African meal, a showing of Bill Butt’s 12-minute documentary on our Mozambique Bursary Project, a brief slide presentation by Priscilla Laws & Virginia Jackson, and a Q&A session on the 2008 Campaign. The date will be announced soon

Project SHARE in the News

By Sylvia Hardman

The drive to fill ten bags of food for Thanksgiving for the clients of Project Share is progressing nicely. However, the deadline of November 11 is fast approaching and many items are still needed. They are: five cans of cranberry sauce, fives cans of sweet potatoes, five cans of green beans, ten boxes of quick bread mix, ten cans of pumpkin or pie mix and ten cans of juice. Turkey certificates are also needed. If you can supply any of these items, please signup at the SAC table. Signing up will help assure getting what is needed. Please see that all items are at the meeting house by November 11. Thank you very much.

Also, thanks for the many Giant receipts that have come in. Remember, each receipt means $1.00 for Project Share from Giant. All receipts must be turned in by Sunday October 28 to reach Project Share by the deadline of October 31.

Twenty-six pounds of food were donated in October. This did not include donations designated for the Thanksgiving bags, but did include three pounds of peppers from a member’s garden. If you have a garden and extra produce, SHARE would be grateful for that also. November ingathering is November 11.

Circle Suppers

In response to your requests, the Membership Committee is starting up a new “Circle Supper” program. These will be bimonthly potluck dinners in people’s homes for members and friends of UUCV, hopefully with a mix of long-time and newer people who will enjoy getting to know each other over a meal. The dates we are considering are: Nov. 17, Jan. 12, March 21, and May 10.

Look for a sign-up sheet in the Social Hall if you would like to participate in this community-building and fun activity. There will be a place to indicate if you can host a supper in your home (6-8 guests is ideal); of course this will only work if we have enough hosts! Guests will be assigned to the hosts before the assigned date, and the host will call the guests to give directions and arrange for their food assignment (hosts will probably provide the main course). These suppers can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like them to be. It will be a wonderful occasion for sharing our fellowship.

If you have questions, please, contact Gisela Roethke at roethke@dickinson.edu or call in the evening at 245-2360.

On a Musical Note

From Janet Folsom

As the music program at UUCV continues to grow, so does the music committee! We are happy to welcome John Kallman and Pat Spader to our commiseration on how to make music flourish in our community. We have quite a harmonious group of committee members at press time. A subcommittee is also working diligently to canvas for a music director hopefully to begin early next year.

Looking for something fun to do when the hectic holidays are over? Mark your calendars for the UUCV TALENT SHOWCASE on Saturday, January 19th from 7-9pm. If you have a song, dance, skit or poem you always wanted to perform, this is the chance to show your stuff! Groups such as the "Question Marks" and the "Adam's Family Trio" will be performing. Kids are encouraged to participate as well to join those who are already on board like Drew Thompson on piano and Michael Politzer with a vocal piece. Get your act together and then see Mary Lynn Lynch or Geneva Politzer if you are interested in performing. If you are not a performer, please plan to attend a fun evening of entertainment. Thanks!

Women’s Spirituality Circle

By Rachel Teates

The Women’s Spirituality Circle is an opportunity to learn and share and grow within a circle of women of faith. The topics are tailored to those who attend and we have a different facilitator each month. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 7p.m. in the UUCV Library. We will be discussing the holidays, what we do to prepare for them and how this preparation might fit into our spiritual lives. Membership is always open. All women are welcome whether or not they have previously attended. Questions? Contact Rachel Teates, 258-6737 or willowtrek23ATyahoo.com

Congregational Happenings

Friday, November 2

The monthly Pot Luck Supper will be held on Friday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. Music for the evening will be Native North and South American. Bring a dish to share, join the festivities and dine by candlelight.

Saturday, November 17

The Writer's Group will meet on Saturday, November 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the home of Joan Campbell, 524 Carol Street, New Cumberland. Call or email Joan if you plan to attend in case of changes to the schedule. Tel. 774-2268; jjcampbelATaol.com. We provide a casual atmosphere for sharing our own writings and/or listening to the writings of others. New members most welcome.

Sunday, November 25

The November 25th 2007 meeting (6:30 PM) of the Serious Stuff Book Group will be devoted to choosing our line-up of readings for 2008. As in years past, please bring interesting titles or the books themselves and be ready to "pitch" the book briefly to the group. Each person can bring up to three suggestions. Once all ideas are presented, there will be a vote in order to decide which books would be most desirable for the group. We choose 9-10 books for the year. The November meeting is traditionally loads of fun. There is no meeting in December (which prevents it from being any fun at all). Anyone is welcome to join us! Bring (or send in) your book ideas for the group. Questions? lgcarr22ATyahoo.com

Joseph Priestley District

Want to know what’s happening in our UU district? Just click on http://www.jpduua.org/ and check our the Packet 2007 for monthly information, or browse the site for happenings at our neighboring congregations.

UUCV Contacts and Resources

This information is meant to facilitate participation and communication among friends and members of UUCV; please do not share information without the person’s consent. Our ministers, staff and trustees have made their emails available to facilitate communication.

Ministers Rev. Duane Fickeisen & Rev. Judy Welles

Email: ministers@uucv.net or duane@uucv.net or judy@uucv.net. Home study telephone: 241-0410

Office Assistant Elena Yarlett

Hours: Thursdays from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Phone: 249-8944 Address: PO Box 207 Boiling Springs, PA 17007 Email: uucv@pa.net

Dir. of Religious Ed. Kevin Snow

Phone: 249-8104 Email: dre@uucv.net

UUCV Board of Trustees

Kit Franklin (president), akfrank@kuhncom.net

Ed Glasgow (vice-president), edwinglasgow@aol.com

Larry Berger-Knorr (treasurer), bergerknorr@gmail.com

Priscilla Laws, lawsp@dickinson.edu

Carol McAnulty, (clerk) paulandcarol913@earthlink.net

Jon Tarrant, jwtarrant@comcast.net

John Kallmann johnkallmann@earthlink.net

Bev Motich bmotich@yahoo.com

Committee Chairs and Other Leaders

Building and Grounds: Letty Kress, kresswolf@paonline.com

Music Committee: Ken Laws, laws@dickinson.edu

Finance & Fundraising Committee: vacant

Membership Committee: Rachel Teates, willowtrek23@yahoo.com

Committee on Ministry: Liz Hoffman, hoffpsych@mindspring.com & Joan Bechtel, bechteljo@aol.com

Religious Education Committee: Ann Berger-Knorr, annabellej@comcast.net

Social Action Council: Priscilla Laws, lawsp@dickinson.edu

Caring Circle: Bee Miller beemiller@sprylearning.com

Coffee Coordinator Joyce Lukima joycelukima@hotmail.com & Gail Witwer

Sunday Music Coordinator Nancy Bittinger, nbittinger@comcast.net

Newsletter Editor: Laura Rumley lmrumley@yahoo.com

Flowers Coordinator: Mary Lynn Lynch, marylynn_lynch@yahoo.com

Potluck Coordinator: Bill Vernon, wwvernon@earthlink.net

Small Group Ministry: Ann Gero, annegero@mac.com &

Margery Andrews, md.andrews@comcast.net; Duane Fickeisen,

duane@uucv.net