A MONTH OF SUNDAYS

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

October 7:  “A Mrs. Noah and the Raven” - Anne Marsh and Wade Wheelock

Jewish scripture includes not just the Hebrew Bible, but the Mishnah (oral Torah) and commentary.  In Genesis, Noah’s wife and the raven are barely mentioned, but their story in other parts of the tradition offer us metaphors and meanings for our time.  You’re invited to bring a contribution of non-perishables for our monthly food pantry collection.

Greeters:      Gary Berk and Bryan Thompson; Lonie Bogett; Jenna Brown

Social Hour:      John Marson and Al Wioskowski; Randy Merrill;Todd Moe               

October 14:  “A Stranger in a Strange Land” -- Wade Wheelock

The Rabbinic form of Judaism, which took shape after the Roman sacking of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. and has provided the primary institutions and rituals for Jews for the past 2000 years, is less well known in the Christian-dominated West where there is the tendency to look only at the Jewish religion  portrayed in the Bible. A brief overview of what the rabbis created and sustained should help address that impression. We may also find some parallels in this self-contained, self-consciously minority religion, surrounded by majority faiths wherever  Jewish communities existed, to our own Unitarian Universalism. Anne will be preaching in Saranac Lake this Sunday.  We’ll have music by the Handbell Choir.

Greeters:            Kim Bouchard and Ed Clark; Dave Bradford;Robb Brigham

Social Hour:      Jon and Kathy Montan; Dick and Peggy Mooers

October 21: "A Little Heaven Down Here" - Ken Okoth, Pulpit Guest

    Is it really possible to make a little heaven down here? To answer this question, Ken Okoth, a native of Kenya, will share inspirational stories about residents of the Kibera slums in Nairobi and their supporters from around the world, mostly the USA, who are working together to provide shelter, education, food, and basic healthcare for the growing population of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children.  Our monthly Social Action Shared Offering will be taken for the Red Rose School in Kenya.

Greeters:      Matt Bullwinkel and Beth Robinson; Leo Burger and Lisa Thomas

Social Hour:      David and Sally Vrooman; Dick Morrow; Constance and David Nelson

October 28: “The Day of the Dead” -- Anne Marsh and Wade Wheelock

Who we are has a lot to do with those who have gone before, from whom we inherit not just genes but ideals and values.  Many cultures celebrate holidays similar to the Mexican Day of the Dead, wherein ancestors and their gifts are honored.  Everyone is invited to bring photos of loved ones who have died to place on the altar.  Our Annual Meeting and luncheon will follow the service.

Greeters:      Sheila Cerwonka; Tedra Cobb and Scott Shipley ; Walt Conley

Social Hour:      Social Events Committee (Annual Meeting and Luncheon)

NOTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Our Annual Meeting will take place in the sanctuary immediately following the service on Sunday, October 28.  On the agenda will be the election of Church Council members and the Nominating Committee Chair for 2008.  (See article later in this newsletter for nominee bios.)  Brief written reports on many areas of church life will be available on October 21, and questions on these are welcome at the meeting.  We’ll then adjourn to the Social Room for lunch hosted by the Special Events Committee.  All are welcome at the meeting and the luncheon; only those who have signed the Membership Book may vote.

IN PARTNERSHIP

This past summer I went to Arizona to help settle my father’s estate.  Dad’s widow, Lidia, is Mexican, and while I was there, the two of us made a visit to Dad’s lawyer, who’s Anglo.  It was an uncomfortable half hour, especially in light of our church Social Action Committee’s recent program on Tim Wise’s White Like Me and my reading of another excellent book, Allan Johnson’s Privilege, Power, and Difference.  The lawyer almost ignored Lidia, but was deferential to me.  When she had called him earlier with questions and requests, she’d gotten the runaround.  But when I asked the exact same questions and made the exact same requests, I got answers and action.  When the lawyer did address Lidia, he talked down to her.  Actually, he talked down to me sometimes, too.  I now wish I’d called him on all this, but instead I played along with the traditional gender roles and acted just a bit more helpless than I was, knowing that this was probably the best way to get what I wanted. 

It wasn’t a major instance of racism and sexism, just an ordinary little everyday one.   In fact, I doubt that the lawyer was aware of what he was doing, and my responses were mostly unconscious at the time, too.  But maybe that’s the point.  It goes to show how insidious the “isms” are, and how ingrained they are -- not just in each of us as individuals, but in our social structures and organizational systems.

The next day, I went out to lunch with Lidia and four other Mexican family members -- five beautiful dark-skinned people and incredibly-Anglo me.   When we arrived at the restaurant, the hostess looked right past my companions and said to me, “One for lunch, ma’am?  I’ll be with you in just a moment.”  Apparently our mixed-palette party of six didn’t fit with her world view.  In my annoyance, I was tempted to say, “No hablo inglés,” but before I could get my Spanish verb tenses in gear, Lidia spoke.  “We may not look alike,” she told the hostess, “but we’re a family.” And in that moment, we were. 

May each of us look deep within ourselves, and deep into the social systems of which we are an inevitable part, and see what we can do to transcend the boundaries that keep us from realizing that indeed, we are family.                     

-- Anne

 PRESIDENT’S NOTES

Last March the Stewardship Committee began planning our 2008 Canvass.  Over the intervening months the committee benefited from your input regarding the format of this year’s campaign which will be a combination of group gatherings and one-on-one meetings.

Having attended the September meeting of the stewardship committee, I can personally attest to the challenge of orchestrating an annual canvass that provides two options for approaching the congregation for our annual contribution.  Fortunately, over thirty church members have volunteered to facilitate the group gatherings and canvass face-to-face. 

This month you will have the choice of signing up for a group gathering or meeting with a canvass volunteer.  Regardless of the canvass method you opt for, I hope the choice to make a financial commitment will be one that you readily embrace. 

Our decision to make the church our highest philanthropic priority is simple - Barb and I not only benefit personally but so many others locally and beyond are impacted positively by the activities of our church.  As you think thoughtfully about your contribution for 2008, reflect on the difference we have collectively made through many of the programs we sponsor.

Church Council is excited about 2008.  We hope the canvass will provide the resources needed to ensure we meet our Fair Share Contribution to the UUA, St. Lawrence District, and Unirondack without having to rely on a separate spring appeal.  We recently approved the addition of a second part-time assistant director of religious education to work with our 7-8^th grade and high school children, and our church’s web site is being re-designed.  These are just a few examples and given the diversity of our membership, hardly scratch the surface of why your financial support is needed.  Please give generously whether attending a group gathering or when meeting with a canvass volunteer.

-  Pete Beekman, President

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

We are off to a good start this school year in Religious Education. On Sunday, the preK through 7th graders met and had a lively discussion about Christianity and Judaism. This is our curricular theme for the first semester of the year, and the children have a lot of thoughts and questions about these religious traditions. The youth group met for the first time in a couple months, with 8 enthusiastic members. We are offering the Coming of Age program for 8th and 9th graders, which had its first meeting with 13 teens.  Speaking of youth, we are thrilled to be able to hire a second Assistant DRE, for 5 hours/wk (see position announcement), to specifically work with our youth, grades 7-12. We are very interested in continuing to provide a safe, meaningful and engaging program for the young people of our church. It is wonderful to see so many children and youth here every Sunday. Thanks parents, for getting them here.     

-  Jan and Sarah

PART-TIME ASSISTANT DRE

Our church seeks an Assistant to the Director of Religious Education (DRE) to help with the organization, planning and implementation of the Religious Education program. The person hired for this position will be mainly responsible for working with the youth of the church, grades 7-12. Duties will include coordinating the high school youth group and adult volunteers. Applicant should enjoy and feel comfortable working with youth. She or he will have good organizational abilities and strong communication skills, a flexible schedule and the ability to work well with volunteers and staff. Weekend work will be expected.

The position is 5 hours/week and the yearly salary is $2796.  Applicants should submit a resume and names of three references to the Church Office (32 East Main St., Canton, NY 13617 or uucanton@verizon.net).

CENTERING PRAYER

During our Sunday services, the brief centering and reflection that we do just before the children’s story has become an important part of the morning service. We are always looking for people who are interested in reading the Centering Prayer and for the prayers or blessings themselves.  Please see Jan Hutslar in the DRE office or email her at janhutslar’yahoo.com if you would like to read a prayer, or have one you would like someone else to read.

RED ROSE SCHOOL NEEDS OUR HELP  by Aida Shipley and Zachary Barnes

In October a man from Kenya named Ken is coming to tell us about a school he started named the Red Rose School.  Most of the children who go there are orphans, and they live in a very, very poor area of Nairobi. We would be very happy if you could donate school supplies such as:

·  Crayons, markers, glue sticks, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, pens.

·  School uniforms, such as red socks, black shoes, red t-shirts, red sweaters, khaki shorts and pants.

·  Also children’s music cd’s, dvds, etc.

Anything that can be carried or shipped affordably is appreciated. You can put your supplies for the children in a box in the social room. We will present these donations for the Red Rose School to Ken on October 21.

JOYS AND SORROWS

·  We are deeply saddened by the death of Anne Malone on September 24. A memorial service will be held at date to be announced.  We hold Anne’s husband Milner Grimsled and their family in our hearts.

·  Our hearts are with Jane LaVigne and family on the death of her father, and with Sue Powers and family on the death of her father.

·  Condolences also to the family of Libby Jones, a former church member who died on September 16.  A memorial service will be held at the church on November 3 at 1pm.

·  On a happier note, kudos to Ines Sanchez-Ferreira, who has two art exhibits opening in October in New York City.

·  Congratulations to Charlotte Ramsay, Democratic party nominee for Mayor of the village of Canton.

THANKS FROM PARENTS OF RAJIV

We, Subhash and Kamlesh, parents of Rajiv, take this opportunity to convey our thanks and regards to all of you at the UU Church. By the time you read this letter we would not be in Potsdam physically but our heart and soul would be with you each and every Sunday. We can never ever forget your warmest reception and love and affection that we got from you all.  Time of 5 months of our stay in the wonderful county of St. Lawrence seems to us a very short one as we enjoyed each and every fraction of it. Be it the cute, love filled talks of Simon, Sieonna and the Church kids or the deep, meaningful sermons of Anne, Wade and so many enlightened speakers, be it the journeys to the doctors or summer houses or to tourist attractions or birthday and dinner invitations we will miss each and every bit of it We are glad that our son is part of your Church and because of him we could get the opportunity to meet all of you pious and great souls. Once again we convey our thanks & regards to church members for the hospitality, care and love given to us. We would be happy to have you with us at our home in India anytime that you desire to visit that country. We are not very far from Agra, the city of Taj Mahal and New Delhi, the national capital. Our address, phone number and e-mail is given below. Anytime between October to March is a great season to visit. Thanks, thanks, thanks B a lot of thanks.

             -  Subhash and Kamlesh.

 

1, Saket, New Civil Lines, Company Bagh, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh 244001,India.

Phone: 91-94125-39548

E-mail: subhashkamal2000@yahoo.com or

Subhashkamal2000@gmail.com

JOINING THE CHURCH 

Have you found a religious home in this church?  If so, consider making the commitment of officially joining the congregation by signing the Membership Book.  The act of “signing the book’ is simple, but for us it has deep significance, for it means you are in sympathy with the values of Unitarian Universalism and want to offer some of your time, talent, and treasure to help this congregation live out its mission to be a liberal presence in a world that needs our good news of justice and compassion, respect and inclusion.  If you’re interested in membership, come to the Newcomers’ Orientation after church on October 7, or talk with Anne or Wade.

THE GENEROUS VIEW

The fall Stewardship Campaign will begin just a few weeks after you receive this October newsletter. Our committee is busy attending to the myriad of details necessary to present this unique combination of church finances and church mission to you. Although the pledge drive is certainly about asking you for money to support our operating budget, the focus is about much more than raising dollars. 

Whether you’ve been a member or friend of the church for one year or thirty, we want to know what’s important to you about the programs and activities of our church. The pledge campaign is one of the primary ways we learn about how the church is doing from its members.

For that reason, we are trying something a little different this year. The Stewardship Committee has designed a canvass that we hope will make everyone more comfortable with the way they are brought into the conversation about church life; you have a choice this year. You may choose between either a personal visit from a steward volunteer or meeting with a small group (8-10) in a host’s home or at church.

These meetings, whether one-on-one, or in a small group, won’t work unless you sign up for them.

The Stewardship Committee plus another 30-40 church members have volunteered their time and enthusiasm to help make this happen. Please help us make this an efficient and rewarding use of all our time. Valerie Ingram, Worship Committee chair and fellow Stewardship Committee member, sent me some information about fundraising a couple of weeks ago. This quote from philanthropy research guru Arthur Brooks stated: “People who claim to be serious about their spirituality are much, much more likely to give to charitable causes than those who don’t.’  Personally, I can’t think of a better charitable cause than our Unitarian Universalist Church and the work that we do, the values for which we stand.     

- Peter Wyckoff 

CHOIR REHEARSALS

The choir will rehearse at 9:15 a.m. and then sing in church on October 14th and 28th.  New choir members are always welcome.  For info, call director Carol Strome at 268-0225.

HANDBELL NEWS

For the past few weeks several people from our handbell choir have been preparing to join in a regional workshop and festival in Rome, NY, on September 20-21st.  With that behind us, we have started our regular fall rehearsal schedule on September 26th, at 7 p.m. in the social room.  

Over the summer we last several long-time members and are eager to welcome newcomers to fill those empty spots.  It helps to be able to read music, keep the beat, and count to four (and sometimes 6).  Our play date in church for the rest of 2007 are October 14th , November 18th and December 16th.  Please give me a call at 386-2684, if you are interested. Our repertoire for this fall includes the Shaker tune from our hymnal – “How Can I Keep From Singing” - and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

OPPORTUNITY!

This academic year, SUNY-Canton will be the academic home for Professor Ren Suzhen, a visiting scholar from China.  Prof. Ren normally teaches in the Foreign Language Department of the Xi’an University of Arts and Sciences.  (Xi’an is in the southeast corner of Northwest China, along the Wei river, a tributary of the Yellow river, and is famous for its many scenic and historical sites including the renowned Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum.)

Prof. Ren selected Canton on the basis of connections and interests shared with the people here.  Some of her friends in Xi’an were faculty colleagues of Nelly Case and Stephen Ledoux when they taught in China in 1990-1991.

Prof. Ren will arrive on Thursday, September 27 and she will be in need of a place to live while here.  She would like of live with a family (or a series of families for two or three months or a semester each) and can make a monthly financial contribution for that privilege.  She feels this is a good way both to share details about Chinese culture, and learn about American culture.  (Her transportation is probably limited to walking or, while the weather permits, bicycling.  So she may be limited to living within the village.)  If you would like to explore more about the possibility of Prof. Ren staying a while in your home, please contact either Nelly or Stephen at 386-2684.

SAC NEWS

White Like Me

The Social Action Committee hosted a stimulating book discussion about “White Like Me,” by Tim Wise, and many of the participants later heard the author speak at presentations at SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson. Wise’s book raises compelling issues about the advantages enjoyed by white Americans and presents provocative questions about race and class in our communities, our nation, and our world. Many of the participants in the book discussion felt that “White Like Me” is a must-read for UU’s. A number of copies of the book are available on loan from the Coots Library.

People Like Us

To further explore issues of class that affect us all, the Social Action Committee will host viewings of a film called “People Like Us: Social Class in America,’ which “tackles a question rarely addressed so explicitly in popular media: Are all Americans equal -  or are some more equal than others?” The DVD offers a series of vignettes that reveal that “despite our country’s deeply held ideals of egalitarianism and fairness, our citizens are in fact subject to sharp class distinctions and often insurmountable inequalities of opportunity.” There will be evening screenings in Canton and Potsdam as well as a noontime viewing at church in Canton. Watch the order of service and email notices for exact dates and times the DVD will be shown.

Shared Offering for Red Rose

As you have read elsewhere in this newsletter, during October we will focus on our brothers and sisters in Africa, specifically school children at the Red Rose School in Nairobi, Kenya. On Sunday, October 21, our pulpit guest will be Ken Okoth, who lived in the slums of Kibera as a child and is a St. Lawrence University graduate and current member of SLU’s Board of Trustees. Ken will tell us more about Red Rose and life on the streets of Kibera, and our Shared Offering will be taken to support the efforts to support and educate the young children at Red Rose. The children in our RE program have gotten involved in this effort, and we look forward to an ongoing relationship between our congregation and students at the Red Rose School and Children’s Center.

Focus on Torture:    THIS EVENT WAS RESCHEDULED AND HELD ON OCT 21.

On Thursday, October 25, at 7 p.m. at church, the Social Action Committee we will host a viewing of Ghosts of Abu Ghraib, as part of a nationwide project called "Spotlight on Torture.” The project is organized by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, whose intent is to "help communities of faith move beyond an emotional response to the film's intensity (emotions that may include not only grief and anger, but also a sense of helplessness) to a positive and constructive commitment to faithful action." The 80-minute film, directed by Rory Kennedy, features the familiar and very disturbing pictures of torture at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison and raises many questions: How did torture become an accepted practice at Abu Ghraib? Did U.S. government policies make it possible? How much damage has the aftermath of Abu Ghraib had on America's credibility as a defender of freedom and human rights around the world? Dave Weissbard will lead a discussion following the film, which is open to the public.

The Social Action Committee meets the third Thursday of each month; the next meeting is Thursday, October 18. Please join us, or let us know if you have a topic or issue you’d like us to discuss.

- Carol Pynchon

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW -- ABOUT HINDUISM

“Everything You Wanted to Know About...” is a monthly series of presentations on world religions offered on the Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam campuses and sponsored by the Ministerial Association of Potsdam.  The first program in the series will be on Hinduism and will be given by our own Rajiv Narula on Monday, October 15, at 7pm, in Room 177 of Clarkson’s Center for Applied Materials Processing building.  While presented on campus, the program is not just for students, but for all in the wider community.  So please come on the 15th, support Rajiv, and learn “Everything you wanted to know” about his Hindu faith.

FROM THE COOTS LIBRARY

Below is a short review George Gibson kindly wrote to accompany his gift of the Obama book, The Audacity of Hope.  This book and David Blanchard’s gift book, “Here If You Need Me”, were scooped up quickly from the Sunday library table but will surely be returned soon for others to read.  Kate Braestrup, who wrote the latter book, is a UU minister and chaplain to the Maine Forest Warden Service.  Both her personal and professional stories are touching, poignant, gutsy, honest, and funny.  It’s a quick and very good read.  Thanks to David (Kate’s new husband was a childhood friend of David’s) and to George for these books.  Thanks also to Kathy and Jon Montan for Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.  We now have two copies of this important, popular book.  And many thanks to those of you who generously signed up during the Committee Fair to write a review, or take a turn tending to the Social Room Library Table. Such generous UUs!!

- Judy Gibson

 

I JUST READ...

Barack Obama’s The Audacity of Hope is not, strictly speaking, a campaign biography.  Those who hear the music of his slowly accelerating bandwagon will discover the pre-campaign hopes of an Illinois politician as he entered the national primary and, possibly, presidential election arena.  During and after the fray, one may discover whether reality overcomes audacity and whether hope remains.

Of interest to our congregation at any time is his meandering course to church membership described in chapter 6, “Faith.”  Many of us who grew up Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, or Jewish, read the Koran, the Bible, and Emerson, took world religion courses, meditated, and then found a home in the Unitarian-Universalist church will find Obama’s journey fascinating and familiar.   --George Gibson

NEW TO UU?

Please join Anne and Wade for a light lunch and a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalism after the service on Sunday, October 7.   Here’s a chance to get an overview of UU history and values, to learn more about this congregation and how it works, and to get to know other newcomers as well.  Those considering joining the church are especially encouraged to attend, but all are most welcome.

ADULT GROUPS

Look for a brochure in the sanctuary listing some of the planned and possible adult offerings coming up throughout this year -- from a Meditation Group to the possibility of an ongoing Pilates Class. If you have additional ideas for a group you would like to see or lead, talk to Anne or Wade. And see below for some of the offerings coming in October.

PERSONAL LEGACY WORKSHOP

Bequeathing our personal possessions and property can never measure up to sharing with others what we have learned in life. This writing workshop shows participants how to create an autobiography of values and observations based upon what each of us has gleaned from our journey -- what really has mattered and what we would like to impart to family and friends.

Dr. Kendall Taylor of our church will offer this all-day workshop, which will be open to the wider public and for which a fee will be charged, on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9 am to 3 pm in our social room. But she will present a free preview for members and friends of the church on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 7- 8:30 pm in our Library. She writes:  “Personal legacies are a way to share traditions, values and spiritual beliefs. They identify what’s really important. Often they are written at turning points while facing challenging situations and transitions. They are an important gift to family and friends. While they can’t cover everything, they often capture the essence of your soul.”

PILATES DEMONSTRATION

On Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 pm, church member Robin Collen will present an introduction to Pilates-Based Conditioning (pronounced puh-LAH-teez).  This is a way to increase body awareness, balance, strength, flexibility, range of motion and coordination through methods and theories developed by Joseph Pilates. We will work on Pilates-based mat exercises and pre-mat exercises. Please bring an exercise mat to cushion your bones, and a beach towel. (Robin has extra towels.) If there is interest, Robin may offer this as a longer series.

SAMHAIN CELEBRATION

Church members Arthur Freehart and Susan Dillon will lead this Earth-based celebration of a major festival of the Celtic seasonal cycle. It will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 31 (Halloween), at 7 pm in the upstairs room. This may become an ongoing group to gather to perform rituals in honor of other earth-based holidays. Contact Arthur at ArthurFreehart@aol.com. Or 261-4472.

MEDITATION GROUP

The group that began in September by being led by Wade, will continue into October with church members Debbie St. Germain and Bill Hesse coordinating. Various forms and traditions of meditation will be explored through guest presenters or out of the group’s own experiences. Periods of meditation and discussion will be part of the weekly meetings that take place on Tuesdays from 5 - 6 pm in Lower Level Room #2.  Please contact the conveners to suggest presenters or get information:  Debbie at dstgerman@twcny.rr.com; Bill at 265-7311.

FIRE DRILL

Every year we try to hold a fire drill during a church service. You will all receive concise instructions at that time about what to do (as we expect will be the case if we have an actual fire alarm). You should know that the children in the religious education and childcare rooms have a plan that will be executed by teachers and staff. If you are an adult upstairs in the sanctuary with a child in an RE classroom, we ask that you NOT try to go to them during a fire alarm. Those in the sanctuary will be instructed to leave by the nearest exit. ALL of us will then proceed to the designated SAFE SITE -- which is in the parking lot of the Historical Association, outside of our rear entrance on the west side of our building. Children, arranged by class, and parents, will meet up there. So when the alarm or the drill begins, follow the instructions and the orderly flow. But now you should have some good idea what will be happening to get us all out safely!

JUSTICE AND FAIR TRADE

Please join Jeff Kaley, Fair Trade Entrepreneur, for a presentation and slide show discussion on October 11 at 7pm in the sanctuary. Jeff has spent 40 years traveling in and living and working with individuals throughout Nepal and other Asian countries. Jeff's presentation will focus on his personal experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer, fair trade entrepreneur, and social justice advocate  for individuals, families and communities.  Jeff will discuss the meaning of Afair trade’, how buying fair trade products affects producers and Westerners and  will share details of Eastern life and culture. Robin and David Crowell recently bought Jeff's fair trade business, Asian World Imports, and will be hosting him during his stay in Canton.

THE WIDER UU WORLD

·  New York State Convention of Universalists meets in Oneonta October 12-13, with keynote speaker the Rev. John Buehrens, former President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, speaking on AA House for Hope: Liberating the Spirit of Liberal Religion.’  Flyers at back of sanctuary.

·  UU Weekend at Silver Bay October 12-14 is a retreat for all ages, offering workshops galore, along with worship, entertainment, and a great chance to meet other UUs, especially those from the Albany-Saratoga area.  See the info on the kiosk.