Church Life
monthly newsletter - part 2

Our newsletter has been divided into two parts for quicker viewing. Part 1 will contain all church faith-related activities, including sermons, messages from the minister and religious instruction. Part 2 will contain all other activities of church life.

The Foreword

March 2009
See all our activities at a glance: uuamherst.org/calendar
For a look at our Youth & Family activities, please see our RE Calendar.

Let's Make Sundays more friendly to all our new visitors and more (ful)filling to our members!
Coffee Hour: Many thanks to all who create our wonderful coffee hour time together. Each week, there will be at least one experienced coffee team member in the kitchen to assist volunteers. Our goal is to make it a pleasant way for you to help with the Sunday service. It's a very important way that you can contribute to our beloved community! Look for volunteer sign-up sheets in the service bulletin.We will need help for clean up after every coffee hour each Sunday starting in September, as well as goodies to eat. We know how much all of you UU's love your coffee hour. So we're asking all of you to participate. Roger has been our godsend to help with the cleaning up. Other people need to know how this is done and instructions are readily available, and easy to follow. We now have a very good thing going for the coffee hour so let's keep it going! Lovers of the coffee hour are invited tosign up for clean up helpers and/or bring or buy goodies to share. Sign-up sheets will be passed around. Be the first to take a date and encourage others to follow in your footsteps. Thanking you in advance. Your coffee hosts, Sharon Harrington and Eileen McCallister

Made with love, or procured with love - we welcome your contribution to the refreshment table Sunday mornings. There's no set schedule for this, so just bring along your treat when the spirit moves you.

Like to help out with an easy and friendly task? Sign up to be a Greeter at the Emerson Room doors on Sunday morning. It's a happy job! Look for the sign-up sheet on the Church Life bulletin board in the Lobby. I'll send you a reminder the week before you're on duty. Joan Jacobs

Ushers: Elaine Cusker, Ria and Hinni Martens and Bob Wack will join me again this year as ushers on Sunday mornings. We'll be putting the inserts into the Order of Service, handing them out to you as you enter the Chapel, sharing the microphone at "Joys and Sorrows" and passing the plate at the collection. As if that wasn't enough to keep us busy, we also count and record attendance and contributions. We are often assisted by unsuspecting volunteers who we corral as they walk in the door! Dennis Bihl

The Art Wall could use some beautiful art work to be hung there each Sunday. If you wish to display some art work, sign up on the sheet that is hanging next to the Art Wall.Please consider sharing your art, travel photos or collections with the congregation. Sign up at the Art Wall for a Sunday and we'll help you hang your artwork before service and take it down after service. (Here is Tom sharing his creativity.) If you have any questions, you can contact Grace Little

Welcoming Circle: Do you want to help out, but never seem to be able to get to church early enough to be a greeter or coffee hour host? Your Membership Committee is looking for a few friendly people to help meet & greet newcomers after the service. Please see Joann Shafer to volunteer. Joann Shafer

Welcoming People with Disabilities
Learn about promoting equality and access for UU's with disabilities. Visit the website – www.equualaccess.org.

Transportation: There are several people we know of, and this list will probably grow, that need rides to church on Sundays and perhaps to other church activities. We would like to form a list of people who are able to pick up someone occasionally. If our list of drivers is big enough, no one will have to worry about finding an alternate when they are not available. Jean Hutchinson is willing to take names of drivers and riders and to keep the list up dated. Please call her if you can help!!

UUCA ENDOWMENT TRUST
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." – Winston Churchill
A Gift for Future Generations… The UU Endowment Committee has worked very hard over the years to promote awareness of the Endowment Trust and to encourage supporters to either make a gift or remember the Endowment in their estate planning.

I firmly believe that in absence of a sizable Endowment Trust, the Church will struggle to build the financial foundation to support future growth. I believe that in time, with enough bequests, we can build the Endowment to the $1 million dollar mark. At this level, interest earned could help bridge the gap between our operating budget and capital requirements.

We are committed to ensuring that the UU Church of Amherst will have the financial resources necessary to meet the future needs of our community – one way to accomplish this mission is to build the Endowment Trust!

I would like to thank the Endowment Committee for all of their personal support and for many volunteer hours they put in to help promote this very important aspect of our church. Although Denise and I are moving to Pittsburgh, the spirit of this church will remain with us always. We found a new path for our spirituality and wonderful lifelong friends! We plan to visit every once in a while and look forward to seeing the growth of both the church and the Endowment Trust!

For further information on the UU Endowment Trust please contact any member of the Endowment Committee: Ellen Doyno, Doris Kent, Irving Laub, Mike Moran.

The CHURCH LIFE Committee is recruiting new members. We are in charge of sponsoring three parties a year.
> a summer picnic, usually held at Dennis and Judy Bihl's summer Cottage in Canada
> The Holiday Dinner, held in early December, for all church members, with entertainment for the children and caroling for all.
> The Pot-Luck Dinners, now scheduled for Saturday 3/21, in conjunction with the Membership Committee.
If you are interested in planning parties and fun, this is the committee for you. We hope to see many of you at that time. – Eileen McCallister

Board Games Night - Fun & Free - Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 pm- Bring your favorite game, snacks to share with others, a drink that you prefer. Children old enough to participate without adult supervision are welcome. No child care is provided.
RSVP Mary Slaven or Doreen Park by Sunday, February 15.

LIVING MEMORIAL GARDEN The raised flower bed located in the center of our front lawn is our UUCA Memorial Garden. The garden was developed in l989, using funds raised from our members, to provide a quiet and peaceful area to scatter the ashes of our deceased church members and, if requested, their non-member relatives.

Being a traditional perennial garden, different plants appear and bloom throughout the growing season, and there is always something flowering from early spring to late fall. Ashes are initially placed in a small, buried receptacle and later are dispersed among the different plants to nourish the soil and maintain the circle of life. The garden is currently maintained by a small committee of volunteers, and the fees paid by people who join the Memorial Garden are kept in a separate bank account and are used solely for its maintenance.

A very reasonable fee is charged for joining the Garden and this also includes the right to use a page in our Memorial Book (kept in the Ministers Office), to memorialize the deceased person, and a plaque on the Memorial Board (located in the Atrium) listing the persons name and year of birth and death. All fees are listed in the Living Memorial Garden leaflet available in the entrance hall or from Margot's office.

We invite you to stroll along the flagstone path that links the Church to the Garden, sit on the curved stone bench for a while, listen to the birds singing and enjoy the lovely view of our Church and grounds. -Memorial Garden Committee: Paula Mumm, David Krause, Jerry Kent, Pam Twycross-Kent

Volunteers needed for Building Operations Team (BOT)
Join 5 experienced members on a team to ensure that our Church facilities function optimally. Anyone interested can find a role – we need people who can perform or oversee maintenance on plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC systems, carpentry, parking lot , painting as well as an overall BOT coordinator. We also need someone on the team who can coordinate with the cleaning staff and caretaker. More individuals on the team means less work for everyone. You don't need to be a jack of all trades or even a master of one. To volunteer, contact Gemma Lanthier or Brenda Young ).

The Miracle of Chanukah Despite a region-crippling storm, the wonderfully generous effort put forth by the Chanukah Party volunteers insured that the celebration (although in a new format) was able to take place.
To the Latke chefs - Laurie Kasnicki, Dorothy Reade, and Phyllis Andrews - a 21 Spatula salute for superb pancakes! For the Rugellach and Chanukah Cookie bakers - Pam Twycross Kent, Marie Evans, Laurie Zabel, Lauraine Marcus, Dorothy Reade, and the Ulrich family - wow - the cookies were the best ever. To the salad maker - Margot Shoemaker - not a cucumber was wasted - it was yummy. To our shopper - Linda Gardner - you made the effort so much easier for the cooks. To the Sunday coffee committee - Sharon Harrington and helpers - thanks for the fine coordination. To our dishwashing saint - Roger Kinney - although we did not have the luncheon - knowing your were there to help was a huge relief.
Finally to the entire committee who figured out the ingenious winter storm solution of "Chanukah To Go" - you are all brilliant!
This was truly a Chanukah Miracle! – Elaine R. Cusker

Current Events Discussion/Lunch Group
Tuesday, March 10, 12:30 pm - Men and women are invited to this lunch where we talk about the events in the newspapers. The stimulus package will surely be on our agenda. BYO lunch.

Women's Lunch - Tuesday, March 17, 12:30 pm - We meet again this month in the Emerson Room to laugh and lunch together. After lunch today, we will watch the 6th segment of our John Adams series. One more to go until the dénouement in April.

Women's Circle
The Women's Circle discussion group meets on the 1st, 4th and 5th Tuesdays of the month at 1:30 pm in the Living Room.

March 3, 1:30 pm - We'll watch the "Paper Clips" DVD about students who learn about discrimination by studying the Holocaust and collecting a paper clip to represent each victim.

March 24, 1:30 pm - Carol Wells recommended we watch the DVD "Black Gold" which was shown at an Adult Ed. evening program but is worthy of repetition. It is a documentary of the coffee industry and shows why Fair Trade practices are needed to protect its workers.

March 31, 1:30 pm - Rev. Tim is with us today and we already have a list of questions for him - but, of course, you may always add another!

April 7, 1:30 pm - AnnMarie Zon will be visiting us today to talk about Nicaragua. Perhaps we will have items for her to take with her. We'll talk about that in the weeks before her visit. -Marge Marcille

Adult Ed. Pot Luck Dinner and Program Wednesday, March 11
Environmental Advocacy
Brian Smith of Citizens' Campaign for the Environment will talk about the challenges and the opportunities for environmental activists in years ahead. Through education, research, lobbying and public outreach, CCE helps citizens have a much stronger voice in the development of public policies & legislative agendas. Come and refine your "green" awareness.
Bring a dish to share - casserole, salad, or dessert.
Pot Luck dinner begins at 6:30 pm, Program begins at 7:30 pm and ends at 9.

PENNIES FOR PEACE Our children will be sponsoring the Pennies for Peace project to raise money for the Central Asian Institute, and the whole congregation is invited to participate. The Central Asian Institute devotes itself to building schools for communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan that do not have school buildings for their children. They also work to ensure there are trained teachers in the communities and supplies for the children. The book Three Cups of Tea tells the story of the project.
Large containers to drop off your pennies will be found in the Chapel and in the Emerson room. Anne Hibbert and Ria Martens

RUMMAGE 2009
Rummage 2009 wakes up and smiles and says Feed Me!
For the Big Feast on April 4, Rummage needs:
*clothing, clean and in good shape
*household & kitchen utensils
*usable furniture
*bed & kitchen linens
*toys for little kids and big ones, too
*computer fixin's
*books, hard & soft but no texts
This kind of ingredients makes Rummage Vittles that beat Chicken Soup. Please search your cupboards & such, box it and bag it and await instructions. RUMMAGE 2009 is awake and hungry.
Needa pot?
Call Chief Rummage Chefs Dennis & Judy Bihl.

Spiritual Cinema Group
Come join the Ulrich family for a night of movies on March 27. We would love to have you come and enjoy company, conversation and some movies!
Films this moth:
Common Practice A simple and timeless gift, this film reminds us to listen for the beauty of everyday life and the joy of everyday love. 11 minutes, no dialog. Written and directed by Marcos Efron.

Flatland Starring Martin Sheen, Kristin Bell and Michael York, this animated short film is based on the 1884 novella "Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions" by Edwin A. Abbott. 36 minutes in English. Written by Seth Caplan, Dano Johnson and Jeffrey Travis. Directed by Dano Johnson and Jeffrey Travis.

Jack and Jill vs the World This magical feature film is a beautiful story of love and awakening starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Taryn Manning.
89 minutes in English. Written by Vanessa Parise and Peter Stebbings, directed by Vanesa Parise.

Tentative Dates for the rest of the year (all Fridays):
* April 24 * May 29
If you would like to learn more about the specifics of the circle, go to spiritualcinemacircle.com

The Adult Lending Library is now open and available for your use in the cabinet in the Emerson Room. Our newest addition is four copies of Out of the Flames by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone. This is a biography of Michael Servetus who was martyred in the 16th century for writing "Errors of the Trinity." Ellen Doyno was able to purchase these copies with funds from the recycling library. The adult lending library is on the honor system, so please feel free to borrow whatever you would like and simply use the sign-out sheet in the cabinet. Any questions, see Barb Brooks.

The Green Sanctuary Committee posts information on green activities in WNY on the Green Sanctuary bulletin board in the lobby. Activities include conferences, opportunities to volunteer, and wonderful recreational activities for adults and children.
Check it out!
For more information on our church's activity to become a Green Sanctuary, please go to UUCA webpage on social concerns.

Green Sanctuary Success To be effective and really change our ways, green alternatives need to be better. "Why put in a low wattage bulb, if you cannot see?" a speaker said. Recently Chris Barry, with money from Carol Wells' sale of "Benedictions," put in new bulbs in the Chapel lighting fixtures. The new bulbs are much brighter, selected for correct light color, and use less than a third of the former wattage. Chris also refocused the fixtures so light goes directly on the choir and straight down on the congregation so we can read more easily. Green can be better! Tim Ashton

OUR FIRST CHECK! The Junior Youth Group has received its first check from Abitibi Paper Recycling. We'd like to thank the congregation for its support, and we remind you to keep bringing in your paper for recycling... every little bit helps!

Social Concerns / Economic Justice Task Force
UUs have long been an important part of community dialog and social action. For example, UUs helped refuges reach safety after the Nazis invaded Prague, supported the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, and worked to improve our environment. The UU Church of Amherst has always been part of the movement (e.g., operating an integrated day care program in the 1960s, becoming a green sanctuary church today, along with many other examples).

VOICE-Buffalo affirms that the pursuit of the common good is the fundamental organizing principle of a good society. All citizens of our neighborhoods, city and region deserve the opportunities and resources to live in healthy communities. Any church member can attend a VOICE meeting. Each month there is an interesting speaker.

VOICE-Buffalo has hired a new organizer, Louisa Pacheco, who started her work in the Bronx and has been working for the Working Families Party here in Buffalo for 4 ½ years. With 40-50 core team members attending the meeting, we expressed our vision for the future. VOICE continues to work on Transportation, Sprawl, Housing & Park Revitalization. Also Warren Marcus, Margot Shoemaker & Pat Burke will be going to Albany with Gladys Gifford for Transit Awareness Day on March 2. Come join us for the next VOICE meeting - Feb 9 at 7 pm. – Pat Burke

Feast of the Tables This is one of the two major fund raisers that VOICE Buffalo holds each year. It is in its 3rd year and has been very popular - good food, great chances to win theme baskets, and activities for children make for a great evening. This year it will be held on Saturday, February 14.
Each church that belongs to VOICE creates a theme table of food items. We are making vegetarian food choices again this year. If you would like to help us, contact Pat Burke or Margot Shoemaker. Or attend a planning meeting on Sunday, January 25 after church.

Cell phone collection
Thus far, we have collected 17 used cell phones that have been donated to Haven House. Moneys donated to this organization are used to buy useful goods and a book called Getting Free that are given to women who come to this shelter.

The Food Pantry at University Presbyterian Church needs volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30-4:00.Work with 3 or 4 other volunteers filling grocery bags, checking out clients, or stocking shelves. You can work with a friend. For more information, call the church office.

Fair Trade Coffee March 1 - Orders for Fair Trade coffee will be taken on the first Sunday each month after the service, for delivery the following Sunday. This is an ongoing program of the Economic Justice Task Force to promote the economic advancement of indigenous coffee farmers throughout the world. The delicious coffee that you enjoy on Sunday is Fair Trade Coffee. We buy it through Premier Gourmet and receive a 30 % discount. Try it at home! Also for sale on 1st Sundays: Dark chocolate, tea, almonds and cocoa. These are all Equal Exchange products.
– Jim Park

BoxTops/Labels for Education As part of our volunteer work with Gateway, we are requesting that you save certain box tops and labels. Gateway can redeem them for cash for their school programs. There will be a basket in the book room/coat closet for you to deposit your labels and box tops. - Ellen Doyno

UU Fellowship of Chautauqua Denominational House
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua, NY has purchased a large house on the Chautauqua Institution grounds and is currently renovating it for use as a Unitarian Universalist Denominational House. It will offer 6 bedrooms with shared bathrooms for weekly rentals of $300/wk each for the 2009 season. Unitarian Universalists will be given preference for the rooms until December 1, 2008, and then the rooms will be available for the public. All rooms have two beds, one is designed as a family room, and another is handicapped accessible. The house has three full baths (one of which is fully handicapped accessible) plus two half baths.
The UU Denominational House is centrally located near Bestor Plaza, the Bookstore and the Colonnade at 6 Bliss. It also offers a place to relax- including a secluded patio - for those coming for the day, information for persons interested in UU faith and philosophy, meeting space for programs, and social functions, too.
For information about the UU Fellowship of Chautauqua, the Denominational House, contact information, and reservation forms, please go to www.uufchautauqua.org. For information about Chautauqua Institution and its programs, visit www.ciweb.org. We are looking forward to seeing you at Chautauqua!

Is GOD keeping you
from going to church?
Maybe you're uncomfortable with the idea of God -- or at least someone else's idea of God.
Yet maybe you yearn for a loving spiritual community where you can be inspired and encouraged as you search for your own truth and meaning.
This is a church, you ask?
Welcome to Unitarian Universalism.
Over 1,000 congregations nationwide.
We invite you to join us. UUA.org/welcome

Our newsletter has been divided into two parts for quicker viewing. Part 1 will contain all church faith-related activities, including sermons, messages from the minister and religious instruction. Part 2 will contain all other activities of church life.