Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, greeted as a hero. We'll examine the hero's journey, a common theme in mythology and the study of archetypes. Why are we so drawn to heroic stories? What do they teach us that might be relevant to our lives? Who are your personal heroes? How do they influence you?

April 8 By the Stairway of Surprise

Rev. Judy Welles; Dan Cozort, Worship Associate; Music will be provided by Sally Beaver, KidsSing, and the Choir.

Opinions vary on the veracity of the Easter morning story as told in the Bible, but we can be sure of one thing: when the women went to the tomb and found… nothing, they were surprised! The experience of the sacred is always a surprise, something “wholly other” according to German theologian Rudolf Otto. On this Easter morning, we will hear stories from various religions of the world which all revolve around the element of surprise.

April 15 Health Care for One and All

The Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Ellen Buller, Worship Associate Music will be provided by Pat Spader.

We will examine the crisis in health care that leaves some 40 million Americans without insurance, ultimately increasing costs and threatening the quality of care as many are forced to ignore preventative care and screening tests, choose between food and medicines, and use expensive emergency room services for primary care.

April 22 Earth Day

The Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Carol Lindsay, Worship Associate Music Will be provided by Julie Moffitt and the Choir.

In this intergenerational service, we will recognize Earth Day as we introduce the last of the seven principles — respect for the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.

April 29 What's a Jewnitarian?

Carla Claycomb and Kim van Alkemade, Worship Associates; Sally Beaver, Musician.

Many Unitarian Universalists have strong connections to Judaism that remain precious to them, even as they find a spiritual home with other UUs. Whether they experience Judaism as primarily a religious belief or a secular cultural identity, this service explores the varied stories of the Jewish Unitarians in our congregation.

What’s This?

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

The 16^th century Chinese writer and physician Gao Lian urged people to maintain physical health through quiet enjoyment of life. Of course modern medical research suggests that he was onto something. Happy people tend to be healthier and to recover from illness more quickly than do unhappy people.

Process theologians believe that’s exactly what God wants for us — ever increasing ‘enjoyment’ of life — and it’s our job to make the choices that will bring more enjoyment — more love — to the world. At each moment we make decisions that lead us forward into the next moment. Our choices are contingent on the past, but not determined by it. We have free will. The range of options may be limited, but generally it’s not as limited as our conventional thinking tricks us into believing.

Lian had a particular prescription for this time of year to help assure good health. He wrote: “The three months of spring are the time of renewal: the old and stale dissipates, heaven and earth come to life, and everything blossoms. Rest at night and get up early, stride freely through the courtyard, let your hair down and indulge in the leisurely feeling of a morning stroll, this is how you should raise your spirits in spring.”

The old and the stale dissipate. It is time for some spring cleaning. The ritual preparation for Passover is a reminder, not just to search for and toss out leavened bread, but to clean out the closet and sweep under the bed. Hang the rugs out and beat them. Scrub the soot off the porch. It would not be good Feng Shui to put fresh daffodils into a dusty room, though they might inspire a wall-to-wall cleaning.

Time, too, for some mental spring cleaning. For tossing out the old ways to thinking and acting that don’t serve your mission in the world — that don’t sustain you and don’t contribute toward care for our planet.

Sweep out the dirt and scrape out the crud to make way for blossoming as heaven and earth come to life. Bid the spring rains welcome as they clear the air, wash away the last of the snow-melt salts, and water the earth. It is a time of resurrection and renewal.

Perhaps you made a resolution at New Year’s that has slipped away from you, or maybe you made a vow for Lent that you’ve not quite kept as faithfully as you anticipated you would on Ash Wednesday. It’s not too late to reexamine the promises you’ve made to yourself, to renegotiate them, and perhaps to recommit to your good intentions. Can you do this without beating yourself up? By gently noticing where you’ve fallen short of your own hopes and then deciding whether you want to recommit, set a more realistic goal for yourself, or just let that one go?

Rest at night and get up early. The operative here is the ‘and.’ Don’t cut your sleep short. But if you are, like me, a morning person, honor that energy peak and make the most of it by rising with the birds, which is pretty early, even with the “extra” hour of morning darkness from the shift to daylight saving time.

Good sleep is essential for health and for an active dream life. Spring can be an auspicious time for dreaming as your subconscious self is aware of the fecundity, beauty, and new growth all around you.

Stride freely though the garden. Take gentle spring walks, not with a particular destination in mind, and not with a purposeful busyness. Stretch out your legs, be gentle with your body, particularly if you’ve spent the winter in relative lethargy. Start the outdoor exercise season slowly, stretch gently, and — well — let your hair down. Enjoy strolling. Notice the world around you, the returning seasonal birds, the budding and blossoming trees and shrubs, the bulbs bursting forth. And poke around a bit to find the emerging buds of the perennial plants that have been dormant all winter. Welcome them all back to life.

And let your spirits rise to meet and be met by the glorious spring. Listen for God’s allurement to choose love, and make bold choices to bless the world with your life.

See you on Sunday!

From Your President

Reaching Toward the Sun

As I write this letter in mid-March there is still some snow in shaded corners of the garden, but there is no mistaking the push of Spring against the cold of Winter. There is an energy flowing within all living things that will not be denied. Did you ever lift a rock that has been left on a lawn? Underneath one finds pale green stems pushing along between the soil and the rock until they reach an edge where they can finally grow upward toward the sun. Nature’s persistence is inspiring to behold.

We have a Mission to reach out into the world around us with our liberal message of love and freedom and justice. We have vowed to transform lives - our own and others’ - and care for the world. That is the sunlight toward which we are reaching, and we are at least as persistent as the blades of grass.

Sing the Good News!

Expanding our already inspiring Music Program would be one more push toward the sunlight. The Growth & Extension Committee of the Joseph Priestley District (JPD) of the UUA has awarded us a Chalice Lighters’ grant to hire a part-time Music Director! This grant will pay part of the salary and benefits for this additional staff member, with the amount covered decreasing to zero over the next couple of years. Our music program has brought increasing enhancement to our worship services, and a professional Music Director will give an added boost. But we will need to provide the additional financial backing needed.

JPD Conference Invitation

This year the JPD Annual Conference (April 27 to 29) will be held in Harrisburg, meaning that those from UUCV that would like to attend will not have to have overnight accommodations. Our three ministers and Kevin Snow will be going, and so will Alan & I. UUCV is allowed several lay delegates, and it would be good if others could go and learn from the workshops & talks. The registration fee is $125, and our budget will allow us to cover that cost for those who would like to be delegates but don’t feel they can afford the fee. For more information on the conference, go to http://www.jpduua.org/

And while you’re writing things into your calendar, don’t forget to add our Annual Congregational Meeting after the Worship Service on Sunday, May 20.

With love to you all, Kit Franklin, President

From the DRE

From Kevin Snow

So, I have a question for you. What are your plans for the summer? Will you be working hard or playing hard or a combination of both? For me, summer brings to mine some very important memories from my younger years and I’ll bet many of you currently or formerly engage in some of the same activities that I used to during the summer. What am I talking about, you ask? I’m talking about summer camp!

Yes, this is a convenient segue into a very important matter that I want to discuss with everyone, both old and young, whether that’s young of heart or of body. Summer camp was one of the most meaningful activities I ever participated in as a child. I started attending summer camp after my third grade year of school and I didn’t stop attending until after my second year of college, although by then I was a camp counselor and program assistant. Camp was a very informative experience for me and I think it should be for everyone. At summer camp all my best features came to fruition and many of my worst traits faded away, or at the least began the fade. Mind you, camp was not a cure-all for my every ill, but it was a wonderfully entertaining and rewarding salve.

So, I am encouraging you and your children to participate in summer camp this year in several different ways. First off, come to church this summer with your kids in tow for some fun UU lead events centered around summer camp. Some of my favorite memories from camp revolve around what we called "electives," which were those fun learning classes and activities every kid looks forward to at camp. Do you remember swimming and craft making? Or archery and photography class? Or cooking and painting class? Or some other fun and interesting thing? If so, RE needs you this summer. If you are a kid reading this column, we need you to come and be prepared for some hands on, multi-age fun. If you are an adult we need you to help us out by leading such an activity of your choosing.

You may have guessed it by now that this is a recruitment column this month! I would like every adult to take a look at their life and their hobbies to see if there isn’t an activity you could lead for our kids this summer within a summer camp theme. I’m calling this new approach, Sunday Summer Camp. I will be coming to some of you directly to invite you to teach something specific that I have seen you show an interest in during your own free time. For example, I have talked to some folks about a photography session or a nature session and one of you approached me about a camp song session! I’m not naming names here because I don’t have this all confirmed . . . yet! Think fun, think summer camp and think about yourself jumping in to lead your own creative lesson for our kids. Sound like fun?? I think it will be a blast.

I mentioned other ways to get involved in Summer Camp and I want to promote them too. Don’t forget about UUCV Peacemakers Camp! As I write this column plans are tentatively in the works for another great week of camp. I’ll keep you informed as this develops, and soon. Another great way to jump into the summer of Summer Camp is to attend a great UU camp, like Camp Unirondack. There is information on this camp and some others on the RE table in the Social Hall and there is great information on UU summer camps, for kids and adults, in every issue of UU World Magazine and on line at http://members.aol.com/JlagerCU2/uucamps.htm. So join a summer camp this summer wherever you may find it. See you on Sunday!

Adult RE

Iraqi women, Pennsylvania Unitarians, social justice and Rune prophecy are among the diverse topics to be covered this month in the Sunday Morning Adult Education class. Join us in the dining room from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. before the service. Child care is available if you call the office on the Thursday before the class.

April 1 -- Dr. Lahay Hussein comes to us all the way from Iraq, via her scholar-in-residence status this semester at Dickinson College, to speak on the timely topic of “Women in Iraq: Before & After the War of 2003.” She is an associate professor of sociology at the University of Iraq whose students voted her “best teaching personality.”

April 8 -- The Rev. Duane Fickeisen begins his occasional series on “Early Unitarians and Universalists in Pennsylvania: A Series of Biographical Sketches” with Universalist George de Benneville. Raised in the early 18th-century British royal court and subject to trance states, de Benneville was convicted of heresy in France. He moved to the New World, established a home near Reading, befriended the native people and preached universal salvation. Find out whom he saw in his trance and what happened during his first funeral.

April 15 -- We watch a DVD on social justice issues from a liberal Christian perspective. Hear how one clergywoman suggests we address the “deep-seated mean-spiritedness” pervading our society. Part of the “Living the Questions” series, this unit looks at how “being a person of faith demands balancing spiritual pursuits with action. In a society which is often unjust, inequitable, and whose very structures are responsible for generating untold suffering and poverty, we are compelled to pursue social justice as an expression of our abiding hope in realizing a better world.” Come talk about what UUs share in common with these liberal Christians and how we differ.

April 22 -- The “Living the Questions” series continues with a DVD on “Challenges Facing Progressive Christianity.” Some of these are the same challenges facing all religious liberals. According to the class description “there is a reformation afoot in Christianity ... Long-held ideas of divinity and of faith are changing and evolving to reflect 21st-century thought and spirituality. Inspired by these fresh insights, progressive Christians can claim a distinctive voice by being in solidarity with the poor, countering the idolatry of wealth, practicing non-violence, and by seeking justice and inclusivity in a culture dominated by fear.”

April 29 -- Dot Everhart, a licensed social worker, feminist and long-time student of non-patriarchal traditions, presents “Reading Runes.” The Runes are ancient stones containing a mysterious alphabet believed to have the power of an oracle. Dot helps us decipher what the Runes are telling us.

Spring Adult Religious Education

Spring Adult R.E. offerings include a Walk in the Woods with Berry (Wendell Berry, that is), a course encouraging us to write “This I Believe” statements as heard on NPR, a continuation of Kathy Ellis’s “Film as Theological Text,” and another “Roots and Branches” experience for new or aspiring members. Sunday morning classes vary from three sessions about early Unitarians and Universalists in Pennsylvania to the mysteries of divination using runes — and a lot else as well. Take a copy of the yellow pamphlet on the Sign-Ups table, where you can also sign up for a class right away.

Election of Board Members

Members of our Board of Trustees are elected to 3-year terms, and every year three out of the total of nine members complete their 3-year terms and must be replaced by election. Only members of the church are eligible to serve on the Board. The election will be held this year at the Annual Meeting of the congregation, on May 20.

To facilitate this election process, we choose, at the election the previous year, a Nominating Committee whose job is to locate at least one person willing to stand as a candidate for each of the three memberships slots becoming vacant. An additional form of nomination, by petition, is described below. If a present member whose 3-year term is coming to completion has served for just one term, he or she is eligible for a second term, but must be chosen as a candidate by the Nominating Committee or else put forward by petition.

In addition to the Board election, we must also elect a three to five person Nominating Committee for next year. The present Nominating Committee has the task of presenting at least one willing candidate for each of at least three slots necessary on next years' Nominating Committee.

A petition consists of a letter containing the name of the proposed, and consenting, candidate (only members of the Church are eligible) and the term of office, and signed by three members of the Church. The letter must be delivered to any member of the Nominating Committee or to the President or Clerk of the Board, at or prior to the Annual Meeting at which the election is to take place.

Our present Nominating Committee consists of Dan Bechteld, Janet Folsom, and Alan Franklin (Chair).

This is important business. Service on the Board of Trustees puts a member at the nerve center of the Church, in a position to promote the health and welfare of our beloved community. Those who choose to serve, and are chosen, have an opportunity and an obligation invest their talent, time, and work in an enterprise of great significance not only to our immediate community, but to our region. And with all that going for you, you also get to work with a great bunch of folk! Please consider seriously that this opportunity is open to you as a member of the Church!

Worship Associates Applications Opening Soon

The Worship Associates program has, for years, enhanced our community’s experience of worship with many voices and a wide range of ideas and creativity. During the month of April, we will be accepting applications for new Worship Associates, who will serve from September, 2007 through August, 2008. We are looking for people with ideas, who are willing to go deeper into the experience of what makes meaningful worship. No prior experience necessary.

Training sessions will take place in two sessions in June and July at everyone’s convenience, with emphasis on sharing our visions of what makes “good” worship, practicing in the pulpit, and learning what goes into the creation of a service.

Look for application forms on the Sign-Ups table, or request one electronically from Judy at jcwellesATearthlinkDOTnet.

Kathy Bell Wins Statewide Award

We are pleased and proud to announce that Kathy Bell has won the statewide Justice Award given by the Legislative Initiative Against the Death Penalty (LIADP) for her work with women prisoners at Muncy. The award, which carries a cash prize as well, will be given to Kathy by Sister Helen Prejean next October 4 when she will give a speech co-sponsored by UUCV, Dickinson College, and LIADP.

The Justice Award recognizes Kathy’s involvement with women on death row at the Muncy prison as an official visitor for the Pennsylvania Prison Society. There were five women on death row when Kathy began visiting, but since then, due in part due to her efforts, two of their sentences have been overturned.

Kathy has mentored other official visitors to Muncy and the program has grown from Kathy’s lone involvement to six visitors who serve as advocates for more than 1100 prisoners.

Through UUCV’s Social Action Council, Kathy has initiated fundraising to provide annual Holiday gifts for prisoners and monthly mailings of our worship service materials. In addition, she has organized pen pals from among UUCV members and friends for Muncy prisoners. Her dedication to the women she helps is an inspiration to all of us to reach out and make a difference.

Congratulations, Kathy!

SHARE in the News

February and March have been unusually busy and stressful times for Project Share. As you are aware, the director Elaine Livas was badly injured in an automobile accident in late February. Her condition is improving although she remains in intensive care. A tracheotomy was done March 22 so the ventilator could be removed. She is more alert and aware of what's going on and can enjoy the cards she's received. Doctors are expecting a complete recovery. Eleen Kierit had been named interim Director.

Snow storms interrupted distribution in both February and March, making matters difficult for both clients and volunteers and keeping attendance down. 578 families were served in February and 741 in March.

In February, UUCV donated 52 1/2 lbs of food and in March the total was 21 lbs. During March and April the Feinstein Foundation is contributing one dollar for each food item donated, so the 24 items contributed by UUCV in March meant 24 dollars for the food bank through this foundation. Remember this grant is available in April too. Could one increase the items we donate this month to help raise more funds? Items most needed are spaghetti sauce and stage 1 baby food. Mac and cheese is the item of the month and UUCV's signature item is pork and beans. In gathering will be April 15. Thank you for all donations.

Change for the World

April's change for the world recipient will be the Carlisle Regional Medical Center's Sexual Assault Victims program. Our change will go toward providing new clothing items for these victims as some of their articles of clothing are taken for use as evidence for investigation purposes. February's change went toward the Carlisle CARES. We collected $250 to help support that program.

UUCV Calendar Online

UUCV's website has a new feature: a google calendar featuring events important to the life of the congregation. Check out www.uucv.net/calendar.html and take a look at April. Don't see your committee meeting or event listed on the calendar? Learn how to post your own events! It's really pretty easy. Email Kim van Alkemade at kivanaATcomcast.net for instructions, or listen for an announcement after some services in April for a hands-on calendar training session (takes 10 minutes).

All in the UUCV Family

We are so very sorry to learn of the death of Melissa Stolley’s father on February 22. Melissa, you are in our hearts. Congratulations to Nick Bloom, who made the 10^th Grade Distinguished Honor Roll at Carlisle High School for the second marking period. Congratulations to Simon Hershey (son of Laura Rumley), who is the fifth grade district-wide best speller in the Carlisle School District. We’re proud of you, Simon! Both Paula Terry and Cindy Good have lost beloved aunts recently, the sisters of their deceased mothers. Bobbi Bassett and Art Stilson also incurred a significant loss with the death of Bobbi’s father, Ken, on March 12. His memorial service will be held in our meeting house on Saturday afternoon, April 7. Congratulations to Elizabeth Motich, who won several honors at the Scholastic Art and Writing Award ceremony in early March, including a gold award for her senior portfolio. David Politzer-Ahles has made the dean's list for fall 2006 at California University of PA. David recently spent his spring break in southern France, visiting his brother, Stephen, a junior at Kenyon College; who is studying abroad.

From U to U

Many thanks to Sylvia Hardman, who has coordinated the activities of our Caring Circle for the past two years. As she steps back from this responsibility, Bea Miller steps forward. Thank you both for saying yes! And thank you to new member Gail Black for agreeing to be the new Greeter Getter, taking over from Doug Spencer. If you have always wanted to be a Sunday morning greeter, now’s your chance! Just let Gail know. Doug has also stepped back from ably chairing the Membership Committee, and has been replaced by Rachel Teates. Lots of turnover, lots of good folks saying yes.

Dates to Remember in April

The Pot Luck Supper will be held on Friday, April 6th at 6:30 P.M. Music for the evening will be enchanting melodies from the South Pacific Islands. Come and enjoy the festivities, bring a dish to share, and dine by candlelight.

Family Game Time Join us in the dining room on April 15 after the service for another Family Game Time. You do not need to have children to attend. Bring your favorite game, a side dish or beverage, and a few dollars to chip in for pizza. Contact Virginia Jackson with any questions at virginialaws@yahoo.com or 249-7937.

The Serious Stuff Bookclub will meet at 6:30 PM on April 22 in the UUCV meetinghouse library as usual. Our April book, STAYING FOCUSED IN AN AGE OF DISTRACTION, is by our own Liz Hoffman and her son Christopher. This book describes life in the "age of distraction," and it shows us how to dramatically improve the quality of our lives by learning to pay attention to those things that matter to us the most. Each chapter lays out simple, step-by-step techniques we can use to focus on values, to practice meaningful activity, and to develop a deeper sense of spirituality as we tune out the hum of distraction. The author will be attending our meeting! Feel free to join us even if you've never attended before. Questions? Troubles? Contact Leslie Carr: lgcarr22@yahoo.com