Office hours: M&F 8-11:30am; T-Th 8am-3pm

Phone: (315) 386-2498

E-mail: uucanton@verizon.net

Web site: www.uucantonny.org

Co-Ministers: Wade Wheelock and Anne Marsh

Director of Religious Education: Jan Hutslar

Deadline for next newsletter: Wednesday, Dec. 20

 

A MONTH OF SUNDAYS

Worship services and children’s religious education begin at 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted below.

December 2: “Stranger in a Strange Land” - Wade Wheelock and Anne Marsh

A pre-Hanukkah re-do of a sermon postponed from October. We’ll explore the Rabbinic form of Judaism, which has given primary definition to Jewish spiritual life since the close of the Biblical era. And we’ll look for parallels between this minority religion and our own Unitarian Universalism. You’re invited to bring a contribution of non-perishables for our monthly food pantry collection.  And stay after church for a Tree Decorating Party for all ages!

Greeters:      Rich Fennessey & Carmen Stuart Fennessey; Joel Foisy & Gretchen Koehler

Social Hour:      Marilyn Ross; Joyce King; Pam & Bill Short

Social Events Committee

December 9: “All That Is Necessary for the Triumph of Evil” - The Rev. Dave Weissbard, pulpit guest

Two of the key principles of our religious movement are affirming and promoting “the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large” and “the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.”  There are many reasons for us to be concerned about the parallels between our nation today and Germany in the 1930s.  Ours has, by almost every survey, become the most feared nation on earth -- by our “friends” as well as our “enemies.”  The time is coming when we can no longer “turn our heads and pretend we just cannot see.”

Greeters:      Bob & Irene Gardner; Judy Gibson; Pat Glover

Social Hour:      Judy & Shaili Singh; Ann Spies; Emmy Stevenson

December 16, 4:00 p.m. (Note time!):  “The 12 Days of Christmas” - Nelly Case, director  

POSTPONED until Jan. 6th because of winter storm.

December 23: “Here Comes the Sun!” -  Anne Marsh, Wade Wheelock, Jan Hutslar

A Winter Solstice service for all ages, with stories, music, and hopes for the new year, as we welcome the return of the sun.

Greeters:      Volunteers needed

Social Hour:      Volunteers needed

December 24, 7:00 p.m. (Note time!):  “Christmas Eve Candlelight” - Wade Wheelock and Anne Marsh A quiet candlelight service of readings, stories, and carols.  All ages are welcome.

Greeters:      Volunteers needed

Social Hour:            Volunteers needed

December 30: “The Drums of Kwanzaa” - Anne Marsh, Wade Wheelock, Jan Hutslar

Join us for our annual intergenerational celebration of the African American holiday of Kwanzaa.  In story and song, we’ll explore the principles of Kwanzaa and how they can inspire all our lives, whatever our skin color.  With special African drumming by Robin Einbinder and friends.

Greeters:      Volunteers needed

Social Hour:      Volunteers needed

IN PARTNERSHIP

"Jesus is the reason for the season.”  In the past, whenever I’ve seen those signs around town at Christmastime, I’ve been tempted to reverse the words to read "the season is the reason," because the Winter Solstice (which fell on December 25 in the old Julian calendar) is the reason the church chose to celebrate the birth of Jesus on that day.  But lately I’m not feeling so smug.   Several of you have spoken in recent months of feeling that our church is not a very welcoming place for those who draw their primary spiritual inspiration from Christianity.  And I’m reminded of Erik Wikstrom’s words: “We are willing -- even eager -- to listen to the teachings of Tibetan lamas, Hindu avatars, and Mexican shamans, yet [we are] hesitant -- even resistant -- to open ourselves to the wisdom of the Hebrew prophets or the Christian gospels.  When it comes to Christianity, many of us have not only thrown the baby out with the bath water, but have also tossed out the tub, shut off the lights, and walked out of the house...”

Guilty as charged?  If so, then we are not just ignoring our UU history, but missing out on a significant source of insight and challenge.  We don’t have to believe the stories surrounding Jesus’ birth -- or death -- to draw inspiration from his life.  As we struggle, within ourselves and as a society, to love our neighbors as ourselves, Jesus pushes us to make the circle of compassion and inclusion as wide as possible, and then to widen it some more.  Who is our neighbor?  Everyone,  no exceptions.  No exceptions for skin color, class, sexual orientation, gender -- or for conservative politics, capitalist economics, or fundamentalist religion. 

I am drawn to the Winter Solstice, for in our personal lives and in our world, there are many times when it feels as if darkness will triumph.  In the symbol of the sun's return, we find beauty, joy, and hope.  But I am not going to be changing the words on any signs this year.  For in the birth of Jesus, we are called to remember his daring message of radical love, and to celebrate the incarnation of beauty, joy, and hope in the birth of every child.  

- Anne

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

I am sitting at my desk, a few days before Thanks-giving, thinking of the mad month before us. So many expectations, so many obligations.  How do we not just survive (though sometimes that’s enough), but enjoy and relax into this rushed season?  I think I will give myself permission to not do everything, and to really choose the things I do decide on. I’m on my way to the stove to make a cup of peppermint tea, and here is a poem to go with it:

How Would You Live Then?

by Mary Oliver

What if a hundred rose-breasted grosbeaks

flew in circles around your head? What if

the mockingbird came into the house with you and

became your advisor? What if

the bees filled your walls with honey and all

you needed to do was ask them and they would fill

the bowl? What if the brook slid downhill just

past your bedroom window so you could listen

to its slow prayers as you fell asleep?  What if

the stars began to shout their names, or to run

this way and that way above the clouds? What if

you painted a picture of a tree, and the leaves

began to rustle, and a bird cheerfully sang

from its painted branches? What if you suddenly saw

that the silver of water was brighter than the silver

of money?  What if you finally saw

that the sunflowers, turning toward the sun all day

and every day - who knows how, but they do it - were

more precious, more meaningful than gold?

  -  Enjoy this month, Jan and Sarah

 

THEO DUNN AWARD

Congratulations to Jim Rudd, recipient of our 2007 Theo Dunn Service Award, which was presented by Trustee Robin Collen at our October 28 service.  This annual award, given by Church Council, honors long-time and often unsung volunteer service to our religious community.  Jim has been most generous with his time and talent in so many ways -- from serving as Treasurer to being our webmaster, from singing in the Choir to teaching RE.  Thank you, Jim!

CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY

It’s been some time since we had an up-to-date church photo directory, so Jon Montan has volunteered to compile a digital one.  We already have a directory of church members and active friends with names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and children’s names.  To this basic template, we can add digital photos and B voila! B we will have a photo directory.

If you wish to be included in the upcoming version of this photo directory, please do the following:

1.      If you have a digital camera, or know someone who does, take one photo that includes all the people whose names will appear in the directory next to the photo.  Hint: Make sure your images fill as much of the frame as possible so we can tell what you really look like.

2.      Email the photo, along with any changes in address, email, etc., to the church office at uucanton@verizon.net

3.      If you do not have access to a digital camera, Jon Montan will be available most Sundays after church to take your photo.

 

Deadline for submitting photos is January 15.

The photo directory, when finished, will be available in digital form or printed form to church members and friends who request it.  For privacy reasons, it will not be posted on the church website.  Once we get the photo directory set up, we’ll try to keep it up-to-date!

NIFTY GIFTS

Would you like to give a holiday gift with a UU Church of Canton theme to a loved one -- or to yourself?  How about these:

$       Wear your values -- Place your order after church for our new T-shirts, with flaming chalice logo on the front and famous UUs on the back.  Check out the sample colors and sizes for adults and kids.  Each shirt is $12. 

$       Own a piece of history -- Beautiful sun-catchers have been made from the stained glass windows removed from the Social Room during our 1999 renovation and silk-screened with a drawing of our church.  $15 each., available in the Social Room after church.

WADE’S BOOK FOR SALE

Wade has just had a book published. Considering the Asian Religions will be available for purchase after church on Dec. 2. The price is $15 (a 25% discount), of which $5 will go to the church. The book is a basic overview of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto for the general reader. It also offers an evaluative component, providing challenging assessments of some of the Asian beliefs from the standpoint of a Westerner committed to the liberal values of modernity, while signaling, as well, ways the Asian religions can be sources of deep spiritual enrichment. Considering the Asian Religions can be found online, too, at amazon.com. Wade has donated copies to the church library and Religious Education program.

REMINDER$$

If you haven’t yet made your pledge of financial support to the church for 2008, please do it today!  Our budget is based on actual pledges (not on what we sorta think we kinda might maybe get), so everyone’s pledge is important.  If you would like to make a pledge, but have not received a pledge card, please contact the church office (386-2498, uucanton@verizon.net) or Stewardship Chair Pete Wyckoff (386-2046, wyckoff16@msn.com). 

If you’ve already made your pledge, thank you!  As we near the end of the year, please remember to memo checks “2007 pledge,” “2008 pledge,” or “holiday offering” as appropriate, so we can record your contributions correctly.  Again, many thanks.

JOYS AND SORROWS

$       Condolences to Jenna Brown, whose uncle -- who had been a father to her -- died in October.

$       We hold the Huebner-Lane family in our hearts; Lisa is very ill with cancer.

$       Loving thoughts to Betsy Northrop as she continues her journey toward healing.

$       Congratulations to Charlotte Ramsay, who was elected mayor of the village of Canton!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!

$       Thanks to the Caring Circle for coordinating a lovely reception after the Libby Jones memorial service on November 3.

$       Thanks to drummers Steve Doheny-Farina and Joel Foisy and dancer Kathy Montan for being a wonderful part of our intergenerational Thanksgiving service.

PILATES CLASSES

Robin Collen will offer a series of four Pilates sessions on December Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Room.  Join Robin on December 6, 13, 20, and 27, or for as many of these sessions as you are able.  Bring a mat and towel.  All are welcome.

FROM THE COOTS LIBRARY

This month our book review is by two young readers.  Thank you, Aida Shipley and Emma Bentley-Hicks, for reviewing Hey Little Ant from the children’s collection.  I bet other kids will now want to read the book you chose!  Speaking of other kids, if you would like to read a Coots Library book and write about it for the newsletter, just give Ann Elmer or me a call:  386-4692 or 386-4643.  We would love to help you get started!

Thanks also to Tom Cutter for donating three books in memory of Anne Wright, including the novel Pay It Forward from which a popular movie was made, and Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Wherever You Go, There You Are.  Susan Dillon kindly contributed a second copy of Here If You Need Me, the best-seller by UU minister Kate Braestrup who, after being widowed and alone with four children to raise, went to theological school.  She is now chaplain to the Maine Forest Warden service and tells fascinating stories laced with satisfying spiritual observations.  Shaili Singh, Anne Richey, and Mark Berning-hausen placed three recent books into circulation:  Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth; Welcoming Children with Special Needs; and White Like Me.  Look for these titles and our very own Wade’s Considering the Asian Religions on the library display table in the Social Room following services.  Congratulations, Wade!!

If you find yourself distressed by the distractions of this holiday season, stop by the library for one of the Meditation Manuals published annually by the UUA.  Put it by your bed, on the kitchen table, or wherever you can count on yourself to open it each day.  Let that moment of spiritual focus turn you away from tinsel and tension and towards a clearer vision of how to extract real meaning from the season.  While you’re reading, listen to the terrific performance of “Benediction,” music by Paul Siskind, words by Max Coots.  It’s a two-minute CD, now available in the library.  Listen lots, but bring it back quickly so others may enjoy.

            - Judy Gibson

WE JUST READ:

     Hey Little Ant, by Philip and Hannah Hoose

This book is about a kid that is trying to squish an ant.  In this story you will find a lot of rhyming words.  In the back of Hey Little Ant there is the whole story written into a song. This story is written like a play.  For example, it says Ant when the ant is talking and Kid when the kid is talking. We like this book because it has a lot of rhyming words and so it is fun to tell.  We hope you read this book and enjoy it.  We also hope you liked this review.

- Aida Shipley and Emma Bentley-Hicks

CAPITAL RESERVE FUND

How many of you know what the Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) is and what role it plays in the financial health of our church?  I must confess that I had no inkling of its existence until I started my apprenticeship for the Treasurer’s position a short time ago.  I now understand that this fund, a tribute to the pro-activity of our church elders, defrays the costs of major, non-recurring expenses that are difficult to predict and thus hard to incorporate into the regular budget deliberations.

Examples of ways in which the CRF has been used include paying for the renovation of the church office, refurbishing the floor in the Social Room, and buying a new copier.  Created in 2002, CRF currently has a balance of around $30,000, and is overseen by the Budget & Finance Committee and Church Council.  There is a line in our annual budget for CRF, but it is mostly sustained by the generosity of donors.  Unspecified gifts of $5,000 or more are split between the Endowment and CRF.  To contribute to this worthwhile fund, contact a member of Budget & Finance or simply designate your check CRF.  Thank you.

- Dick Morrow

WORLD AIDS DAY

AIDS Community Resources will hold a World AIDS Day vigil and program at our church on Saturday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m.  Some say that the AIDS crisis is over, but around the world, millions are dying, and in our own country, many cannot afford the most effective treatments.  World AIDS Day is an opportunity to educate us and recommit ourselves to action.

(W)RAPPING FOR HABITAT

This holiday season, Raquette Valley Habitat for Humanity is raising funds for upcoming building projects by offering gift-wrapping services at the Massena Mall on weekends through December 16, then daily December 17-24.  Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.  Contact Jennifer (528-6908, jenb@slchc,org).

GENEROUS VIEW

What a pleasure it is to help run a successful canvass!  With about 90% of pledges having been turned in to the church office, we are on track to best even last year’s record-breaking totals for both dollars committed and number of people participating.  This is certainly part of what the Stewardship Committee hopes will happen as we plan the focus and details of the annual pledge campaign throughout the months leading up to the canvass.

Yet, however encouraging the money totals may be, I’m convinced that this reflection of the faith we all have in our church community is the real cause for celebration. This opportunity to reflect with others on why we support this religious community is at least as important as the checks that get written throughout the year.

I returned from an individual canvass visit last night deeply impressed by a conversation with some relatively new members. They were eloquent in their praise of the welcome they have received, the openness of the conversations, and the comfort at finding a church that enriches both them and their children. All this, as they said, without guilt!

 It made me stop for a moment to consider some of the goals our church has set and reached in the past few years: Welcoming Congregation, Social Action Shared Offering , support for the Adirondack UU Community in Saranac Lake, newcomer initiatives, hiring an assistant Director of Religious Education, UShare social justice project and increased community outreach.  This conversation also made me realize that new members or old timers, we all have something to say, something to contribute. 

In late January a synopsis will be made of the comments from the group meetings and one-on-one canvass visits. Big ideas or small, compliments or complaints, each person’s remarks will be noted, reviewed, and made available to all.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s canvass, and special thanks to the church members and friends who helped the Stewardship Committee canvass, host, facilitate, and follow-up. Great work!

- Pete Wyckoff