the nUUsletter

The Interdependent Web

by Steve Hollingsworth

December means Daidee and I will again get out our checkbook and sit down with a spreadsheet and give away about 15,000 dollars. It isn't quite that simple and I won't subject you to the messy details, but I want to speak plainly about how giving defines my own existence and to challenge you to be better than the average Unitarian Universalist.

For years our largest gifts have supported the UU institutions we believe in. At the top of the list are the Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga and The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center. We also support justice work through the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation and its Tennessee affiliate, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Carter Center.

We try to keep tabs on what organizations are best expressing our values and how effectively and efficiently they are using the money we send. Habitat for Humanity had been on our list until we learned that they are often very unwelcoming of non-Christian organizations. We reduced our giving to the Southern Poverty Law Center when we learned what an enormous endowment they are sitting on. That is not a bad thing, per se, but when the annual report is silent on the man- agement of funds whose earnings are many times that of the organization's expenditures, it gives one pause.

Newly on our list this year are two organizations that speak truth to power. Democracy Now! produces a one hour news program every weekday. You can watch it on satellite TV or on the Internet. Counterpunch is a political muckraking journal with a great website. Both organizations are a breath of fresh air in an arena where so-called mainstream media are, in my opinion, careening out of control toward the right. It's just that they are going there only half as fast as Fox News and the Neocons because ABC, NBC, CBS, etc., are trying to stake out a putative middle ground.

Because of the US tax code, giving generously isn't quite as painful as the raw numbers might make it seem. And now is the right time to think about how you might lock in some significant tax savings by supporting what you believe in.

For UUs there is good news and bad news related to giving. The bad news is that we support our churches at a lower percent of income than any of the major Christian denominations. If you'd want to believe we are giving the money elsewhere, sorry-we're still pretty chintzy. The good news is that the bar is low if you'd like to be above average!

Message From the Treasurer

by Karl Hunt

First a big thanks to all who are keeping up with their pledge payments! Beacuse of you, we are keeping up with where we need to be in collecting pledges, something that has not always been true in the past. One factor in the equation for a thriving church is the mandane but critical item of paying bills on time; and, of course, having money to support our programs. Keep up the good work!

While keeping up is good, getting ahead is better! So I’d like to issue a variation on the standard plea we all get from charities at this time of year; consider making your next pledge payment before the end of December so you can claim a larger deduction on your income tax. Naturally, we’ll accept any additional gifts you want to make. (I’m sure many of you have a need to get rid of all that extra dough you’ve got lying around.)

Memorial Service

You are invited to a service to honor the memory of LOUISE MILLER, long-time member of this congregation and mother to GEORGE HELTON. On December 12th, please join us at 2:00 p.m. for a memorial service celebrating her life and accomplishments.

Wednesday Nights Out

Please see the Community Calendar for the Wednesday night out listings.

Board Highlights

by Fred Tregaskis

The Board of Trustees has voted to accept gifts of two microwave ovens for the kitchen. (The old small microwave was given to Bridge Refugee Service for a Liberian family.) Prospective members were recommended by the Membership Committee and these were accepted by the Board. They will participate in a New Member Service on December 5.

Please allow me, on behalf of the Board, to thank all who are doing so much to make the church more beautiful, more accessible, and a warm, caring community for visitors. The Auction report below attests to the great things happening at UUCC.

Awesome Auction

by Carolyn Moore & Bill Berry
Our Service Auction on November 6 was highly successful. Although we only had approximatley 50 people in attendance, we raised $5200!

Entertainment was exceptional with the animated “Little Red Riding Hood” being a show stopper! The publicity was terrific, thanks to Kate Briere with her singing “commercials.”

Our hats are off to everyone who worked so hard to make this Auction a rousing success...the auctioneer and helpers, silent auction coordinator, food coordinator, and the record-keeper/cashier and assistant. Thanks to all who donated items and services, and to those who were present to enjoy the awesome auction!

Religious Education

by Delores Wood
Children and teachers—We averaged 25 children or teens each Sunday in November, ages one month to 14 years. We enjoyed a full faculty of adult volunteers and we are very grateful to Pam Johnson, Tom Kunesh & Julie Kurtzkunesh, Allene Franks, Monique Lewis, Pat Mann, Eleanor & Bill Hull, George Helton, Inga Johannesen, Catherine Long, Sandy Lusk, Maddie & Les Kertay, Bill Berry, Margaret Hudson, Bart & Diana
Solomon, Jerry Smith, Mark Rehrer, Maurine Nichols, David Reed, Michael & Leslie Walters.

Curricula—November continues our year-long look at the seven UU principles with the 2nd Principle, Kind & Fair. Jeff offered the second Children’s Chapel to ages five to ten.

Activities—Bonny Sinclair and Dolores Wood attended a “Spirit Play” workshop at the Oak Ridge UU in November. They are very excited about using the storytelling methods with our community.

Also in November, the new RE committee met for the first time with Maurine Nichols chairing. They discussed the need for new long-range plans and divided current responsibilities. Members are: Maddie Kertay, tom kunesh, Milissa Silks, Jenifer Hayes, Eleanor Hull, and Sandy Lusk. They discussed the need for two more classes in the near future because of the continuing increase in numbers of children: separating preschoolers from babies and toddlers and a class for children with special needs run by their parents with church assistance. (The special needs class will focus on autistic children at this time.)

Re-located playground: As this newsletter goes to press we need to: seal wood surfaces and add 12 inches of mulch. Thanks to all who helped physically, financially and theoretically! Physically: Walt Jenison, Kent Slawson, Karl Hunt, Dolores Wood, Bonny Sinclair, Duncan Sinclair, Eric Sinclair and Keefer Dorris. (Walt Jenison has put in so many hours he deserves a big second Thank You!)

Weave, Weave, Weave us Together

......so go the lyrics of the song. Join the children of this church in creating a sculpture of the lives of our community of spiritual scholars and seekers. The Way Cool Sunday School activities in December & January will explore our 3rd principle of accepting one another while growing and learning together. All members and friends of UUCC are invited to bring items that represent important events in their lives, such as a blue ribbon to signify the blue eyes of their child, maybe a garter from your wedding, a feather to represent your spiritual growth. Be thinking about what you want to share but don’t bring your item(s) until we bring the sculpture upstairs.
...Weave us together in unity and love.

Wanted

We have an excellent idea for fundraising, but we need an Impresario. Despite the job title, knowledge of Italian is not required in this volunteer position. What is required is some phone work, some leg work, coordination of people and things, lots of communication and perhaps recruitment of a couple of “gophers” (Go for this; go for that...). In English, this person would be called a producer to produce a gastronomic and musical event. Details are sketchy, but a good impresario can see the possibilities. Contact the office or the minister if
you would like to be the Impresario extraordinare!

How About You?

...if you...

have a special skill or a desire to add something to the life of the church, make it known to the administrator or the minister. With your efforts, this church can be what it needs to be to serve the interests of liberal religion in Chattanooga!

Angel Update

Since last month’s report about angels in the church, several more have been spotted. Tykes and parents are grateful for Walt “Angel” Jension, who finished the basic construction of the playground and to Steve “Angel” Smith, who power–washed it. We now await the mulch and a sealant for the wood surfaces.

Those who walk the steps between the lower parking lot to the church are grateful for John “Angel” Spehar, who filled in some rotted timber steps and installed a handrail.

Scott & Missy “Angel” DeLap and Elaine “Angel” Hill each donated larger and more powerful microwave ovens, which ought to make preparations for potlucks and other events easier. Our old one was donated to Bridge Refugee Services.

Work on re-vamping the sound system and re–positioning the technician’s station has begun, thanks to Fred “Angel” Tregaskis and Walt “Angel” Jension. More on this later.

We haven’t exactly been inundated with applications for the floral agent or sound technician positions. The floral agent coordinates the flowers on the altar and the sound technician makes sure everyone can hear and the service is recorded. The work is not all that hard and it certainly is rewarding. Please contact the office or the minister if you are interested.

We are sincerely grateful for all the work that all the angels, named and un–named, do for our church. Thank you so much.

CHIONS

The CHIONS meets December 11, at 10:30. The guest speaker will be Larry Ingle who will speak on the Quaker religion. His topic is “An Introduction to Quaker Faith and Practice.” Mr. Ingle is a retired History professor at UTC and a member of Chattanooga Friends. He is author of three books including a biography of George Fox who founded Quakerism in the 17th Century. This will be a participatory encounter with Quakerism.

UU Book Club News

The Book Club will not meet in December. On January 20, at 7:00 p.m. the Book Club will be meeting at the church to discuss My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. Our newest book club attendee Priscilla King will lead the discussion. Join us for a lively discussion!

Interfaith Hospitality Network

We will again be hosting IHN families from January 9 through January 15. Monique Lewis has begun enlisting volunteers for the week. Check your calendars and use
the signup board or call Monqiue to volunteer. Thanks!

An Affirmation

by Maurine Nichols

NL Editor shares an e-mail from Maurine Nichols.
I want to pass on something that made me feel so good. This afternoon, I had the privilege of attending the Y-Me Fashion Show to raise money for the support group for women with breast cancer. How wonderful to see those survivors walk down the runway sporting pretty clothes. But, it wasn't about the pretty clothes, it was about the women. To watch them was a joy and inspiration.

Now, for the reason I'm writing this to you and hoping you will pass it on to the membership. ELAINE HILL—what a woman! I had no idea of the good she has done for these women, all this time. (I only knew her as a new friend I'd met through Women's Group and the Book Club). Elaine has been the backbone of this wonderful group, from the beginning.

She is stepping down and another will try to fill her shoes, but the women had such respect and love for her. There was a tribute paid to Elaine at the end of the event; a video filled with love and testimony from some of the women she has helped.

It occurred to me that Elaine stands for what we affirm as Unitarian Universalists. I was thrilled to the bone to be able to say she's a new friend in my life!

P.S: She was knockout gorgeous in her outfit, too.

Christmas Concert

On December 5 at 4:00 pm, the Scenic City Chorale, directed by Bill Long, will perform Christmas Vocies and Brass at Brainerd United Methodist Church on Brainerd Road. Written for both voices and brass, the Chorale will join with the SilverBrass Ensemble from Collegedale for this concert. The Chorale consists of approximately 80 voices all of whom are from this area, including our own Skip Stevens. The SilverBrass Ensemble, under the direction of Patricia Silver has 16 pieces. The compostion that will be performed by the combined groups is based upon traditional Christmas music. This concert is free to all.

Here Come the Holidaze

by Jeff Briere
Time once again to decry the culture of year–end holidays. Where to begin? So many suspects, so little time: The TV commercials, the ever–earlier start, (Before Halloween!) the accent on consumption, the catalogs, the hustle, the bustle, the department–store Santas and the elevator music. And the worst of all, the [insert your least–favorite here]. So, herewith, some unsolicited holiday advice from your friendly neighborhood minister:

You don’t have to have it all. Your holiday will be just fine without 20 thousand icicle lights hanging from your gutters. A few modest decorations— perhaps hand–made—will last longer and mean more than the garish and over–wrought scenes in the pages of Southern Living. You don’t even need a tree, if don’t want one or don’t have a place for one.

You don’t have to do it all. You can have a fine holiday with your in–laws from Sheboygan without doing every tourist thing within 50 miles. Stay at home some evening and just talk. Or take a walk purely for the conversation. Your best experiences will be those that involve other people in uncrowded and natural settings.

You don’t have to give it all. It is appropriate to give a gift, yes, but not the Taj Mahal. Remember the KISS factor: Keep It Simple, Santa. A small and personal gift—wrapped by your own little fingers— will be remembered for a long time and conveys more of your feelings than a gold–plated iPod and matching tooth-pick wrapped by the sales clerk.

You don’t have to get it all. Be truly appreciative of that ludicrous necktie or that hideous scarf. People give you presents (we would hope) because they like you. So what if they didn’t exactly understand your sartorial expression? Take them and their gift at face value and smile.

You don’t have to eat it all. Everyone will be hungry again in 24 hours. This is not the Krystal Eat–Off. Save some turkey and ham for sandwiches. Or better yet, cook less and eat sensibly. Your body will thank you. And so will your family and friends.

You don’t have to drink it all. Well, now, this is obvious, don’t you think? I endorse standard indulgence, not over–indulgence. Cut loose, have a good time, but stay close to the shore. Happy Holidays.
pick wrapped by the sales clerk.

You don’t have to get it all. Be truly appreciative of that ludicrous necktie or that hideous scarf. People give you presents (we would hope) because they like you. So what if they didn’t exactly understand your sartorial expression? Take them and their gift at face value and smile.

You don’t have to eat it all. Everyone will be hungry again in 24 hours. This is not the Krystal Eat–Off. Save some turkey and ham for sandwiches. Or better yet, cook less and eat sensibly. Your body will thank you. And so will your family and friends.

You don’t have to drink it all. Well, now, this is obvious, don’t you think? I endorse standard indulgence, not over–indulgence. Cut loose, have a good time, but stay close to the shore. Happy Holidays.

Art On the Walls

by Bill Hull
Our art work for December and January features photographs of a father daughter team. Lawrence Witten and Susan Anderson enjoyed travel and taking photographs. In his absence, Susan Anderson has created an exhibit she took in Western Ireland and that Lawrence Witten took in Israel. Enjoy!

Decorating for the Holidays

By Mary Hunter
Everyone is invited to stay after service on Sunday, December 5, to decorate the tree and the sanctuary. Cookies and juice will be provided for the children; wine and cheese will be provided for the adults. All volunteers much appreciated.

Adventures Coupon Books

Sales of Adventures Dining & Entertainment Coupon books benefit the church and the 2005 books are now on sale. Books have 2 for 1 coupons—you get two for the price of one whenever you use a coupon. There are 34 coupons for "fine dining" such as Pearl's, Back Inn Café, Formosa, and Sushi Nabe.

There’s an equal number of coupons for "casual dining." Deli Man & Cake Lady, Mellow Mushroom, River Street Deli and Pickle Barrel are examples. of casual dining. To top it off, there are music, theatre, sports, and attractions coupons—Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, the Theatre Centre, Tennessee Valley Railroad, and Express Shuttle are but a few.

There's a sample book in the foyer. Books sell for a mere $30. You'll get that back using just one or two of the coupons and the rest is gravy. If you'd like a book, contact Chris in the office or talk to Daidee.

Christmas Open House at the Briere's

Kate and Jeff Briere cordially invite you to a Christmas Open House at their home on Saturday, December 11, from 2 to 4 pm. Please call the church office for directions. Bee of good cheer!

How About You?

...if you have a special skill or a desire to add something to the life of the church, make it known to the administrator or the minister. Help this church be what it needs to be to serve the interests of liberal religion in Chattanooga!

Christmas Eve Service

You are invited to a special service on Christmas Eve at 7 pm. We’ll sing some traditional carols mix in some contemporary music along with readings, stories, and refreshments of the season.

Old... Help Wanted!

Boy! Around here, we have no shortage of ideas! Seems like every day, I get a good suggestion about church life or worship services or the music or reli-gious education program or the bathrooms. Suggestions about the building I pass on to Paul Adler, but the others I hold until I can act on them.

We’ve got some good ideas right now that we’d like to implement. Only problem is, we cannot make these things happen without your help. And so this column is sort of like a “help wanted ad.”

The church needs a Floral Agent. Due to increasing demands on her time, Kate Briere finds it difficult to coordinate the “Flower Power” program with as much attention as it needs. This volunteer position involves checking the sign–up board and coordinating the appropriate floral arrangement with Gil & Curt Florist. Attention to detail is a plus in this job.

The church needs another Sound Technician. Rich Dwyer did not resign his position as honorable guru of the mixing console, but he could use some help. If you are the lucky person who gets this volunteer position, you’ll receive hands–on training in microphone technique from world–renowned experts, and you’ll benefit from immediate feedback on job performance. (Turn it up!) Availability on Sunday mornings a plus.

We have an excellent idea for fundraising, but we need an Impresario. Despite the job title, knowledge of Italian is not required in this volunteer position. What is required is some phone work, some leg work, coordination of people and things, lots of communication and perhaps recruitment of a couple of “gophers” (Go for this; go for that...). In English, this person would be called a producer. What this person will produce is a gastronomic and musical event. Details are sketchy, but a good impresario can see the possibilities.

This church does not run on the efforts of the staff alone. The minister, the religious education director and the administrator cannot do it all. Consider what you can do and how you can help. If you have a special skill or a desire to add something to the life of the church, make it known to the administrator or the minister. With your efforts, this church can be what it needs to be to serve the interests of liberal religion in Chattanooga!

Services, Groups, and Scheduled Events

Please see the Community Calendar for information on upcoming services and other happenings.

The Women’s Group is gearing up again. Programs begin at 7 pm at the church. All women are welcome to attend. The first scheduled so far will be January, 29.

The Book Club will meet on the third Thursday of each month. There will be no Book Club meeting for December. Please check the January calendar for next month's meeting.

Sunday Service and discussion forum information is also posted in the calendar.