the nUUsletter

More On Worship

by Jeff Briere

Last month, I wrote a little about worship services and what they are and what they attempt to do. This month, I’ll finish my thoughts about worship and what it means to me in a Unitarian Universalist context.

For a worship service, I try to use several modes of communication. Speech is important, but so are music and poetry and images. It’s a challenge to appeal to the sense of touch and taste, but not impossible. Kinesthesia, or the sense of movement, is another sensation which I would like to tap in worship. So I try to find elements that appeal to all the senses.

In terms of style, the Unitarian culture of worship for many years was characterized by an over–emphasis on the sermon and the spoken word. Nowadays, it seems to me that a straightforward, academic presentation has limited appeal. I think that communication in our culture has shifted away from an emphasis on the carefully laid–out, comprehensive oral presentation. In the days of Channing and Emerson, people customarily sat still and listened to a sermon of 60 to 90 minutes. No minister today has that much to say and no congregation has that much patience. Nonetheless, vestiges of that culture endure, especially in New England.

So my style is a little more Universalist—a little looser—although I still prepare a script and pretty much stick to it. Different aspects of communication are appropriate for a sermon. I make frequent use of hUUmor, irony, sarcasm, hyperbole and questionable analogies.

You might think that laughter in a worship service is inappropriate. I think it’s fine. It allows the congregation to release tension and find a way to common ground. You might be accustomed to a solemn and sober sermon. On occasion, I might present such a sermon, but more likely, it will be more casual and more accessible.
You might think applause is inappropriate. Within limits, this actor thinks it shows the congregation’s approval of the moment. However, I am aware that it can be disruptive, so I caution you against applauding anything and everything.

We all come to church on Sunday morning from different places—literally and figuratively. I might be worried when I arrive at church. You might be expectant. Another person might be half–asleep. So each of us brings something to the service, something affected by our feelings and what happened the night before and what we read in the paper and so forth. Because of this, the success of any worship service depends on where the minister and the congregation find common ground.

A successful worship service allows the congregation and the minister to take a step into the mystery, to get a glimpse of the profound and holy nature of human life. What’s important is that they take the step together. I look forward to our time together.

We Just Don't Know

by Monique Lewis

We just don’t know how many families will wind up homeless when it’s our turn to host. We can accom¬modate 14 people from the Interfaith Hospitality Network. But when we hosted in January, it was the first time we basically had one family for the week. The pregnant mother who stayed with us Sunday and Monday night went into labor and was taken to the hospital early Monday morning by Nancy Anderson. I’m sure a certain little boy named Darren was very glad Nancy was there to give his Mom a ride! Our other family (Dad, Mom & 2 kids) was nourished with food and fellowship by a wonderful group of hosts.

In spite of the fact that this was one of our easier “hostings,” I would still like to thank each and every host for sharing their time and themselves. From the remarks that were made, I know this family was deeply appreciative of the help they received. A big thank you also goes to the four new families who volunteered and took a chance on doing something new.

Please remember that you make this program work.

mUUsic Jam

If you play a musical instrument—guitar, mandolin, flute, drums or kazoo, if you like to play or sing, please join us for the next mUUsic jam. Everyone is invited and players of all skill levels are welcome. Even if you just want to listen, please join us. April 9th, 2:30 pm at the church. Bring music or chord charts.

Passover Seder Supper!

SEDER SUPPER! APRIL 22! $6 ADULTS/$3 CHILDREN!
CALL 624-2985 TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE!

The Reverend Jeff Briere will lead our annual Passover Seder on Friday, April 22 at 6:30 pm. We will read from a modern Haggadah and partake of traditional foods, like beef brisket, chicken, scrumptious desserts, Charoset, gefilte fish, wine, grape juice, and matzo ball soup. Cost is $6 adult & $3 children ages four through twelve. Under four = free! You are asked to bring a vegetable or a salad that will feed 8 to 10. This is a Kosher event—as much as possible—so please don’t use or bring any dairy, or bread or other flour products. If in doubt, ask. To reserve your place, please notify the office before Tuesday April 19th. This is an inspiring and fulfilling family evening and children have a vital role in the ceremony.

The Interdependent Web

by Steve Hollingsworth

Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball, the rules and realities of the game—and do it by watching first some high school or small–town teams.
—JACQUES BARZUN

this is your field of dreams; you have built it in the faith that they will come. dare to follow your inner voice; dare to go the distance. here, play out your stories, individual and collective, of forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption.
—Rev. charlie kast
“Sermon on the Mound”

In our household, say April and baseball comes to mind. Baseball was an integral part of bringing my spouse and me together. Thirty years later it is still both substance and metaphor keeping us together.

It was also in April, fifteen years ago, that I joined a Unitarian Universalist (UU) church for the first time. Knowing how seriously my minister, charlie kast, took his baseball was a happy nexus however unlikely it seemed at first.

Since then UUs and baseball together have been for me the gamut of simple good times—a UU group outing to BellSouth Park—to sublime sea change moments— charlie bidding farewell to Second Unitarian Church in his “Sermon on the Mound.”

The good times teach of being together in community, a common bond that bridges divisions of ethnic background, philosophical outlook, political party, and more. It is a lesson of survival for us in our churches and in our whole country. When we speak of us, what sense does it make to obsess about the things that divide us? “United we stand, divided we fall.” “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” UUs are such are precious minority. The success of the bold American experiment, supported with sacrifice in every generation, still hangs in the balance. Our world itself, so small in the universe, so limited, will survive only by our being adequate stewards for the generations to come.

Baseball is a metaphor for life itself. While there is life there is hope. Get on base, keep the rally going, bring the tying run to the plate. The clock is off—don't make the last out and the game goes on. In the end—we just don't know when—the coin will come up tails. The last lazy fly ball will ascend, fans cheering hopefully, then gently settle into the rightfielder's glove. The game is over and we have received a gift we do not always get in life: We know the final score.

Art On the Walls

Carolyn Moore is displaying her paintings during April and May. She works mostly in oils, even when doing restoration work. She began retouching photographs while living in Charlotte, NC and continued after moving to Chattanooga. She was the Restorer for Stanrich Studio for eight years when they were located on Bluff View. She has won first place in Photo Retouching, Print Enhancement and Restoration with The Tennessee Professional Photographers Association and “Best In Show “ for Young Man Seated. After seeing an air–brushed portrait, she tried one but still prefers oils. She hopes you enjoy the display.

Book Club

The book club has selected A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines for the April 21st meeting. You are invited to join us for the discussion and a trip to see the play when it opens at Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

Wednesday Nights Out

Please see the Community Calendar for details on Wednesday Nights Out for April.

Angel nUUs

The most recent angel to fly into the church is Wendy Angel Sapp. She donated a CD recorder for recording worship services or music. Very soon, you’ll be able to hear it again on tape or on CD. Thanks, Wendy!

Another angel recently spotted was Steve Angel Smith. He painted the side of our sign facing west. Thanks, Steve!

Three rather important steps were taken recently to improve sound reinforcement and recording in the sanctuary. Walt Angel Jenison built a proper sound booth, we have arranged for mic lines and speaker lines to be re–routed, and Wendy Angel Sapp has donated a CD recorder. Now we need a sound technician very soon. Rich Dwyer has been doing this for some time, but cannot be in three places at once, even though he is angelic. Duties include recording the services and making copies for people.

Another need of ours is a Kitchen Kahuna. A major responsibility of the Kitchen Kahuna is to monitor the contents of the cupboards and refrigerator and discard leftovers and food that is out–of–date. The Kitchen Kahuna should also know how to operate the coffee makers, stoves, microwaves and the new dishwasher.

A new need of the church involves a specialized knowledge of plumbing and electrical wiring. If you are a Plumber Angel or an Electrician Angel, we sure would be happy if you flew into the church someday soon. Please contact the minister or the office if you feel angelic. We are sincerely grateful for all the work that all the angels, named and un–named, do for our church. Thank you so much.
One angel that doesn’t receive enough praise for her efforts is Velma Whittle. Have you enjoyed the pansies out front? Thank Velma. Do you enjoy the cakes and cookies and other nibbles during our fellowship hour? Thank Velma. Did you like the turkey at our potluck? Thank Velma.
THANKS, VELMA! YOU’RE SUUPER!

Circle Dinners

Circle Dinners return on May 7^th! Just ask anyone who participated in the last go–round: This is an event you don’t want to miss. You can be a host or a guest. Every group has the same menu. The host prepares the entree and guests prepare other courses. Sign up for good company, good food, and good fellowship. These dinners give you an opportunity to become better acquainted with newer members. To register, call the church office or Lee Adler at 423/843-3796.

Twisted Knitters

The Twisted Knitters k–meet on K–Monday, K–April 4th at 7 pm. Bring your kprojects and kyarn for a knight of koffee, konversation and, of kourse, knitting!

CHIONS

CHIONS meets on Saturday, April 9, at 10:30 a.m. Guest speaker John Rennie will talk abut the changes in the forests of Tennessee and then present some ideas on what each of us can do to improve the environment. John is Professor Emeritus of Forestry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He and his wife Nancy have been CHIONS members for more than four years.

New Members

Charlotte Davis was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, grew up and attended school in the Atlanta area, and took degrees at Mercer University and Georgia State University in Cardio-pulmonary and Respiratory Care. She worked for many years in the long term respiratory care industry, and then changed career directions. She currently serves as Dragon Keeper at Dragon Dreams Museum and Gift Shop on East Brainerd Road. Charlotte is mother of two; wife of Roger; and stepmother of two. Together, the family also has a dog, two cats, two birds, and three gerbils.

Roger Davis, Jr. was born and raised in California. He attended Stanford University and supported himself as a full-time rock & roll drummer. After earning a master’s of Urban and Environmental Planning, he went into the computer industry and founded two software companies. He’s currently Senior Product Manager for Veritas Software, soon to be merged with Symantec Software. He has two sons, and lives with his wife, Charlotte, and two stepchildren, in Mountain Shadows. Spiritually, Roger has followed both Western and Eastern religions, most closely identifying with Buddhism today, but feeling like he’s finally come home in the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Brenda Ford is food service director at a long-term care facility in Lafayette, Georgia. She holds undergraduate degrees in Food Service Supervision and Dietetics, and an MS in Institution Management. Brenda attended this church years ago before she moved, but she has moved back to the area and to this congregation. She has an eight year old son, intelligent, entertaining, full of surprises, a joy to her.

Tonia Durand grew up Unitarian Universalist in Atlanta. She moved at least once each year since age seven, across seven states and three times zones. She is newly married to Scott Evanietz, who forbade her to move again. Tonia works in mental health as a therapist to pay for art supplies, which she uses for her painting, gourds, basketry, and jewelry.

Betsey Hoyt has a Masters in textile design and is currently a stay at home mom. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Evansville, Indiana for five years. She enjoys hand and machine knitting. She and husband Matt have one daughter, who is in 7th grade.

Matt Hoyt has a PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science. He is a new employee with Shaw Industries in Dalton where he is developing new and improved carpet yarns. He also was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Evansville, including serving as president of their board. He enjoys reading and skeptics’ issues.

Gail Vickers is studying nursing and patient care at Northwestern Tech. She was raised Baptist, but feels more at home in the Unitarian Universalist Church. She was born in Atlanta and lived there until age five, after which she moved to Ringgold. Gail likes reading, especially Harry Potter, and will devour a book in a few hours. She lives with her mom, stepdad, and sister, and she cares for her nephew.

Milton White has lived in Chattanooga most of his life and currently attends Chattanooga State, majoring in math. He studied Wicca, Paganism, Atheism, Agnosticism, and Pantheism, but never found any expression that suited him. Milton now says he’s happy as a Unitarian Universalist. He believes that there is a truth in every religion and philosophy that we create, and Unitarian Universalism seems to acknowledge that.

Amy Graham was born in Phoenix, Arizona, where she grew up Catholic and went to parochial schools. She studied at Seattle University, Arizona State, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, taking a degree in sociology. Amy works in a law office and lives with her husband, Barry, and four cats. She practices Buddhist meditation.

James Joyner is the husband of Paige and the father of one. His hobbies include building models, games, and taking naps. James has a master’s degree in sociology from Vermont College. He is currently an adjunct professor at UTC, Chattanooga State, and Cleveland State. James is a veteran of the US Navy and the Navy Reserve. He has lived in Tennessee since 1987 and in Chattanooga since 1997.

Paige Joyner teaches freshman composition courses for UTC and is currently writing a novel about women in the Marine Corps. She enjoys walking, gardening, reading, tutoring students in English as a second language, and crochet. Over the years, Paige has left Chattanooga a couple of times, but she keeps coming home to friends and family.

Anna Marie & Noel Dillard. Anna Marie and Noel have been together for over half of their lives. Since meeting at UTC in 1986, they have been nearly inseparable. Spending everyday together as partners in their advertising/design studio, they have created a life for themselves that enables them to work from home and truly put family first. Their daughters enjoy equal participation from both parents and have had both parents there for all of their “firsts.” Adding to the zoo-like atmosphere of their home are the three cats and three dogs they consider their children too.

Noel and Anna Marie love the life they have created, enjoying each moment no matter how busy and full it may be. They have enjoyed participating in church life as visitors, and look forward to expanding their participation as members.

Breathe Easy!

The Green Sanctuary reminds you that on April 1st Hamilton County residents must begin testing their passenger vehicles for safe emissions levels. Electric cars, motorcycles and antique auto¬mobiles are exempt from testing as are cars born before 1975. The cost is $10, in cash only. No bill above $20 will be accepted. If you want a free long-distance telephone calling card worth $5.00 or more, just turn in your old cell phone when you go for the emissions testing. Recycling your old cell phone and keeping your car emission-tested help keep toxic wastes out of the air we breathe. For more information, call 866/329-9632 or 877/477-0800 or visit www.state.tn.us/environment/apc/vehicle/ (off-site).

Testing Stations & Hours:

Board Highlights

by Fred Tregaskis

At the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees on March 16, 2005, these items of business were recorded:

• A revised policy for use of the new church credit card was approved. Members who make purchases for the church can obtain the credit card from the office.
  
• Eleven new members were recommended by the Membership Committee and accepted by the Board.
  
• At the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a Preliminary Budget of $144,391 for 2005-2006 was approved. The 2004-2005 budget was $137,964.
  

The next meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2005 at 6:30 pm. Meetings are open to all.

Religious Education Program for April, 2005

During April, the Way Cool Sunday School will explore our Unitarian Universalist Sixth Principle: We believe in working for a peaceful, fair, and free world.

Each Sunday, the children and youth will participate in one of the following activities as they consider ways they might work (and play) for a peaceful, fair, and free world.

THE ART STUUDIO: We will use a variety of media to create a World Family collage, one for display at the church and one for each student to take home.

THE WENDELL MANN PLAYHOUUSE: Maurine Nichols is planning ways we can achieve peace through role play in our new theater space.

THE PLAYGROUUND: Cooperative games will give us an opportunity to explore the concepts of peace and justice through play.

MUUSIC: We will use hand–made instruments to examine the difference between sound and harmony. All ages will have an opportunity to create and perform “peaceful music.”

To Volunteer or Not to Volunteer? That is NOT the Question!

Is our Director of Religious Education suggesting that we should not volunteer to help with the RE Program? Of course not! So, how are 10 educators chosen each Sunday?

In answer, look at the 40 adults who volunteered in 2004. Many of these “old” members began with the program for their own children; they now volunteer with their grandchildren. Many were parents who recently joined the church. Several, single or married, had no children of their own. Some taught monthly, some once to share a special talent.

What do these people all share? They were all willing to put the needs of our children before their own. They gave up their time upstairs with other adults or sleeping late to attend to the religious education needs of our youngsters. They were also willing to share themselves with an audience sometimes not mature enough to fully understand. And most important, they were recognized by the Religious Education Committee and Staff to be caring, trustworthy adults. Worthy of being entrusted with our most valuable possession, our children.

So, back to the original question. Teachers and helpers are invited to volunteer. You won’t see a sign up sheet posted for educators. It’s not like making coffee. So, when you are asked to help by the DRE or a member of the RE Committee, realize that we believe that you have something of value to share with our children and youth. Further, we believe that you can be trusted to share it in a loving, affirming manner.

Thanks to all who participate. No matter what you did or will do, this program could not exist without you. Educating our children on Sunday morning could not be left to just anyone. Only to ourselves. Congratulations. And thank you.