A publication of the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council Connecting Unitarian and Universalist congregations around the globe Volume 22 Number 3 Winter 2015–2016

boArD chAir’s column: Something Old, Something New by DICk VAn DUIzEnD

ere I am again. One of the Partnerships in new places like HUUPCC’s board members England, kenya, and Wales as well as stepped down in order to apply for the new partnerships in Transylvania, Executive Director’s position. The , the Philippines and the Czech board decided that it would be best to Republic. new ways of connecting have a replacement who could engage through social media, zoom confer - immediately without a long learning ence calls involving not just folks curve. So—I was asked whether I in north America, but people in Tran - would be willing to rejoin the board. sylvania and India that enable us not Aladár Körösföi-Kriesch’s famous painting of I’m retired. I’m an officer on two Francis Dávid and the 1568 Proclamation of (Continued on page 3) Religious Freedom at Torda. other active non-profit boards. More work was not something on my per - sonal agenda. BUT , how could I say Inside News... A proclAmAtion no to helping further the work of celebrating the Day of partnership? Video Conference Calls 2 After only 15 months away, I religious Freedom: English Teaching in Transylvania 3 found that there is a lot new, specifi - Foundation Day Celebration, Mawsynjri 4 January the 13th cally, the fantastic new initiatives on: OWL for the Philippines/Balázs Scholar 5 • Youth Engagement. Look on page Sustaining Stewards/Nomination Form 6 n January 13, 2016 the Hungarian 11 for the announcement of next sum - OUnitarian Church celebrated the mer’s youth camp in Transylvania and Unitarians in Wales / New Partnership 7 448th anniversary of the Declaration tell young adults in your congregation 2015 Annual Appeal Donors List 8–9 of Religious Freedom and Tolerance, about the young adult programs that Declaration of Religious Freedom/ 10 an edict which might be considered as the UUPCC is co-sponsoring at the UUPCC Youth/Young Adult Initiatives 11 the first legal guarantee of religious ICUU’s meeting in the netherlands Saving the Old New York Hotel 12 freedom in Christian Europe. In 2015, next July! Immersion / International Youth Camp 13 the General Assembly of the Hungar - • Start Up/Refresh Weekends to ian Unitarian Church voted in unanim - support new and existing partnerships. Reports, News & Travel Stories 14–18 ity to recommend to Unitarians and Three are scheduled over the next four Pilgrimage Postings 19 Unitarian Universalists around the months and we are looking to do more UUPCC Travel Services 20–21 world to join in the proclamation and next year. Gift Form / “How to Send Money” 22 celebration of January the 13th as the • Partnerships Among Equals – Membership Form / UUPCC Contact Lists 23 Day of Religious Freedom. building our relationships on the prin - Vision & Mission 24 (See story on page 10) ciple of “parity, not charity.”

The Mission of the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council is to foster and support partner church relationships between North American congregations and congregations in all other countries where partnering is sought and welcomed. This includes countries where partners are already active. Global Teacher Role Model Award 2015 Mr. Mylliemngap was the first graduate of the school. He began e offer brought about the recognition of Puri - teaching there in the early 1990s and W our ang village and as a became Headmaster in 1998. congratulations to whole. The Puriang Unitarian School Since October, Ditol Mylliemngap Ditol Mylliemn - has over 400 students of all faiths, and has also received a Global Hall of gap, Headmaster was recently ranked as 7th best school Fame Teacher’s Award, and the Global of the Puriang in the state of Meghalaya. Achiever’s Award. •• Unitarian Higher Secondary School, for Keep up to date on the latest partner church news without leaving home! receiving UnESCO’s Global Teacher Role VIDEO CONFERENCE CALLS Model Award 2015 in October. He STAY TUNED: Announcements of dates & time will be made will be inducted into the Global Teacher Hall of Fame in bangkok, • On FaceBook (Search “UUPCC” ); Thailand in December. This award has • On PCC-Chat (Send a request to join to [email protected] )

Teaching English at the Kolozsvár Seminary with Rev. Lee Barker (president of Meadville Lombard) and the Kolozsvár English teacher for the second year

Next British/American Partnerships PCNews Deadline: with Wales networker Rev. Carie Johnsen and others April 1, 2016 Report on International Women’s Convocation

Report on their Bolivia Trip in November 2015

Balázs Scholar Interview with Rev. László Major

ISSN 1936-0517 March: UUA International Office Update Partner ChurCh news is the newsletter of with Rev. Eric Cherry and UUA Country Ambassadors the UU Partner Church Council, an independent affiliate organization of the Unitarian Universalist May: Annual Call with the UUPCC Leadership Association, started in 1993 . This newsletter supports the mission and goals with Dick VanDuizend and outgoing Executive Director Cathy Cordes of the Partner Church Council. Editor : Nancy Daugherty Recordings of most previous conference calls are available. We routinely record our Publication Advisors: Cathy Cordes, Emery Virtual Conferences and post them on the website about one week after the call. You can Lazar, Pat Rodgers, and Roger Corn. go to the UUPCC conference call page (“CONNECTIONS” tab, then “Virtual Conference Articles for the next newsletter may be mailed to the editor at PO Box 88, Bedford, MA 01730; Calls”)— www.uupcc.org/media/virtual-conferences —and listen to them on your computer. or emailed to [email protected] . To see who is on a call, you must participate; the recordings are only audio! The UU Partner Church Council is a 501(c)(3) charitable tax-exempt organization. ( TO REgISTER FOR A CALL—NOW ON zOOM— send an email to [email protected] or call the office 9–5 Eastern Time weekdays For information about church partnerships, membership, programs, or other information, at 781-275-1710. contact the UUPCC Office at Include * your name * city/state * the topic/date of the call you will 781-275-1710, or attend. You will be sent an email with the call-in information 2–3 [email protected] , or days before the call (please let the office know if you don’t have PO Box 88, Bedford, MA 01730. access to email) . ( Feel free to submit questions to the speakers ahead of time by Visit the web site at: www.uupcc.org email: [email protected] .

2 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News Something Old, Something New going on and new energy supporting tures who share UU values. (Continued from page 1) them. • The dedication to ensuring that part - just to talk with one another, but to Reassuringly, there is also much nership is a long-term commitment, see each other’s smiles as well. that is familiar: not just a passing fad. Greater levels of collaboration • The joy and growth that comes • The recognition that a small group with other UU organizations with an from engaging with partners. of people can make a difference. international focus like the ICUU and • The knowledge that despite all the I am reminded of the title of one the International Women’s Convoca - polarity we see all around us, there are of our older hymns— “O Life that tion. There’s a whole bunch of things thousands of people from different cul - Maketh All Things new.” ••

Unitarian Universalist Church in the English Teaching in Transylvania: that has a partner church Forging International Friendship and Cooperation whose minister is one of these fine seminary students.” by CLAUDIA ESPInEL , M EADVILLE theological vocabularies in English Today, Meadville Lombard Eng - LOMbARD THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL that will allow them to engage in high- lish Teaching Program gives Transyl - level conversations on spirituality and vanian seminarians the skills to better or more than 25 years, Meadville religion. express their ideas in English, but, FLombard Theological School has Linda barnes was the first semi - most importantly, it has grown as a sponsored the English Teaching pro - narian to visit Transylvania as part of channel to strengthen the relationship gram in Transylvania as a way to this program. During her time in the between people and congregations strengthen the partnership and increase Protestant Institute, Linda facilitated from Transylvania and the United the ease of cooperation between the English conversations about the differ - States. With a combination of techni - Unitarian community in Transylvania ences in worship, training, and theol - cal English training and rich intercul - and north American Unitarian Univer - ogy between Transylvania and the tural exchange, the English Program is salist congregations. Its success is due United States. Together, they also helping to forge international friend - to a close partnership between explored the meaning of social justice ship and cooperation. •• Meadville Lombard, the Unitarian fac - and its expression in different cultures. ulty at the Protestant Institute in According to Linda, the most reward - Ms. Espinel is Director of International For - kolozsvár, and the Hungarian Unitar - ing part of this experience was the mation and Program Services at the Meadville ian Church. relationships she formed with the stu - Lombard Theological School. The English Teaching program has dents. She wishes to “one day serve a opened the opportunity to Transylvan - ian seminarians to better connect with peers from abroad, access global net - works and resources, and skillfully share their tradition in international settings. Throughout the years, the program has adapted to fit the needs of Transyl - vanian seminarians who have faced the challenge of effectively communi - cating with the English-speaking reli - gious world and a rapidly growing trend in English education in Romania. One of the latest innovations in the program is the collaboration between Edith babos, the native Transylvanian English teacher hired by Meadville Lombard, and a Meadville Lombard seminarian. This new step responds to English class at the Transylvanian Unitarian Theological School with Linda Barnes, Meadville Lombard’s the students’ needs to build up strong first seminarian to go to Kolozsvár to teach.

Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 3 mAwsynJri Founder’s Day celebration by Rick Irwin

he UUnEI Founder’s Day was T also a celebration of the Unitarian Church in Mawsynjri, India to honor its 26th anniversary. The festivities included a wide range of activities for children and youth, and workshops for men and women. Every night during the celebration the congregation visits Photos from the Founder’s Day celebrations in Mawsynjr, from Barishisha Mukhim. the house of a Unitarian family for a Above, a group picture of everyone after the workshops. prayer service, a house-warming chat, Below, the women fill the church during their workshop. and a chalice lighting. Each family can welcome members of our church into their house. This often includes singing long into the evening. The church has about 170 chil - dren and the Sunday School had an active discussion based on lessons in the book East O’ the Sun and West O’ the Moon. A special youth Workshop was on the Protection of Children from Sex - ual Offenses Act (POCSO). This was presented by two advocates from Shil - long. The Coordinator of the White Ribbon Campaign (Global Sisters) and the President of the Women’s Wing joined in, and they were so happy to see the turnout of our church members. The intention is to make Mawsynjri Village a safe place for all. TRAnSYLVAnIA nEWS UPDATE •• gOLD MININg ThREAT IN ROMANIA ENDINg?

Rosia Montana/Verespatak has been classified as an historic site of national importance, by order of the Ministry of Culture. Minister Vlad Alexandrescu wrote on Facebook, “On December 30, 2015, I signed the order of Minister to publish the new list of Historical Monuments in 2015, which will appear in the Official Gazette, whereby the entire village of Rosia Montana within a radius of two kilometres is classified as a site in the A category.” This means that all industrial activity is now prohibited in the area. This action is the latest in steps to protect the area and stop the plans of Resources of to open a new gold mine. The mining process would have used cyanide leaching to release the gold. Environmental groups across Europe opposed the project and have fought it in the courts. The Romanian Orthodox and Catholic Churches, and the Hungarian Unitarian Church all strongly opposed the project because it threatened monuments and churches. The legal battle is not over yet, but the Ministry’s action is a step in the right direction. Above, the menand boys take a break during their workshop.

4 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News successFul FAithiFy cAmpAign Walking in the New World owl Adapted for the philippines by REV . L áSzLó MAJOR , b ALázS SCHOLAR having their own rituals too. Every - AT STARR kInG SCHOOL FOR THE MInISTRy thing was so different from home and REPORTED by CATHy CORDES yet, everything was the same. That ince I arrived in the U.S. with my was my way to understand, to dis - e want to thank all of you who wife and daughter, everyone asks cover the world around me. contributed to the recent S W me how I am, how I like it here, have At Starr king School for the Min - Faithify campaign to fully fund the I managed to find my place in this part istry I have just finished the first adaption and introduction of the of the world. semester and I feel that I made good UUA’s Our Whole Lives (OWL) cur - When I arrived here everything decisions in choosing the courses; the riculum in the UU Churches of the was unfamiliar and new to me. After a disciplines which I have chosen will Philippines (UUCP). With your help few days I began to discover the be helpful in enriching theological per - we raised the money needed to reach places around me. I began taking long spectives in my parish ministry, and in all the youth and young adults in the walks, about three miles per day. It is Hungarian Unitarianism as well. UUCP over a two-year period. a ritual which is familiar to me, I am grateful for all the wonderful This program has been funded by because I used to walk a lot at home occasions when I could feel that I am a grant from the UU Funding Panel, too. During my walks here I discov - a part of the community, for the some additional funds from the UUA ered two important things: one is that moments when we prayed together, through the International Office, gen - the people, the places, the smells, and when we discovered new horizons erous individual and church donations, the noises became friendly; the other together, when we shared our ideas and through donations via Faithify. thing is that I could make order in my and life experiences with each other. The OWL curriculum will be thoughts while I made room for the by visiting and preaching in different adapted to the culture and needs of the experiences. Walking, I could observe congregations I have the great oppor - Philippines by OWL Trainers working much more than I could while driving: tunity to look into a UU congrega - in conjunction with UUCP-identified I could observe people’s faces and tion`s life, faith, to feel the dynamics trainers. reactions, I could hear them talk, I in the community and by talking with Rev. Rebecca Sienes described the noticed all the differences in society, I people about our common faith, I can activities of this project in a recent could talk to a homeless person, or to always find new ways of connection. email. She wrote, “Philippines training a man sweeping the leaves on the Each congregation is unique, each started during the youth Conference in street. I could see the busy, crowded visit is special. I always feel that they December 26–31, 2015 with the fol - places and have found the quiet ones open up new doors in finding and lowing topics: Adolescents Reproduc - too. I observed the behavior of squir - defining the Sacred. tive Health by yATTA; Children’s rels ön the campus, and that of stu - As the 21st balázs Scholar I am Abuse Prevention by GWAVE, and dents lying on the grass, reading or also commited to improve the lives of Faith & Sexuality by Rev. Pat Guth - my fellow congregants in mann. This is for youth ages 12–16 Transylvania, to share with years old. UUs our common faith tradi - “The OWL Trainer’s Training will tion, and to talk about new be in May 2016 with UUA OWL perspectives, new ideas and Trainers. 26 UUCP participants goals, but common problems (selected youth, young-adult women and concerns in the light of the and ministers) will attend this training. 21st century, when so many “The last OWL activity will be for things are challenging our youths 17–20 years old following the communities. trainer’s training, May 11–16, 2016. •• The UUCP trainers—with direct supervision by UUA trainers—will Your financial help is needed to facilitate this OWL activity.” sustain the Balázs Scholars pro - gram. If you would like to help, please write a check to Starr King Congratulations and best wishes to the School, with the notation “Balázs.” trainers and youth and young adults Send to Starr King School, 2441 and to the UU Church of the Philip - Le Conte Avenue, Berkeley, CA pines for this bold program. Orsi, Bori (hiding behind a giant lollypop), and Laci Major are 94709. To donate online see •• pictured on break—at the Aquarium in http://goo.gl/0n0OCD.

Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 5 sustaining stewards of partnership Awards—2016 SUSTAININg STEWARDS OF PARTNERShIP, 2015 ominations are due February 29 , keep their congregations engaged, In the Autumn issue we identified n2016 for the 7th Annual UUPCC make friends, share stories—and their Jerry and Julie José correctly as Sustaining Steward Awards. lives—with their partners in other winners of this award. However this Someone in your congregation countries. They cook and serve and is Mary Darner of Saint John’s probably deserves to be recognized clean up at countless events. They Unitarian Universalist Church, nationally for the loving care they visit their partners and help their part - Cincinnati, Ohio. have provided to keep your partner- ners come here. Many have organized ship thriving. We want to help you major programs that have forever celebrate all they do—but we cannot affected their lives and the lives of do that unless you nominate them. their partners. •• Who are good candidates? They are the ones who keep communication The application form is also available at going, organize worship services, www.uupcc.org/awards/steward .

NOMINATION FORM FOR SUSTAININg STEWARDS AWARD UUPCC would like to honor the hard-working volunteers in your congregation who have given dedicated service to your partnership over the years. We know there are many of these folks out there who deserve to be recognized. We will recognize at least five such people this year at the UUPCC Annual Meeting. Their names will be Cathie Brown of listed in the Annual Report to UUPCC Members and in the newsletter. They do not Florence, MA, was have to be present at General Assembly to be recognized. identified incorrectly •• ENTRY DEADLINE: February 29, 2016 •• as “Mary Darner”— please accept our Date: ______apologies, Mary and Cathie! name of nominee: ______Address: ______City / ST/ Province / ZIP (Post code) ______US/Canadian Church name: ______Partner Church City and Country: ______UUPCC has more churches looking for partners than we have Please provide a narrative of the service provided by the nominee (use additional pages if necessary): U.S. and Canadian churches seeking a partner...

Can you help? If you hold a partner church related event in your church, Signature of minister or governing board chair: ______invite folks from nearby UU Please return this nomination form to churches and show them what UUPCC Stewards Award, PO Box 88, Bedford, MA 01730-0088. partnership is all about. If your nominee is not selected this year, you can nominate them again next year. This form is also available at www.uupcc.org/awards/steward . If you are a minister or RE director, talk about the joys of partnership with your peers. Share this news- Learn about the new letter with them so they can be in “Mindful Walk” through the hills & valleys of touch. Can you think of a UU Transylvania! church that is a good candidate for partnership? SEE PAGE 21 Call us and we will contact them .

6 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News unitAriAns in wAles call it gossip, but I learned, it was an Stranger In a Familiar Land important way a community cares for its own. It was how they welcomed by REV . C ARIE JOHnSEn me into the fold. Wales was no longer just a desti - In each of us dwells a wanderer, a the nature of a pilgrimage. About nation point in my sabbatical journey. gypsy, a pilgrim. The purpose here is to call forth that spirit. week four, as I tried to write poetry I cared about their stories and their What matters most on your journey is and prose, I kept returning to the feel - lives. I knew who was dying. I wor - how deeply you see, how attentively ing that I was telling stories out of ried about who would be gone when I you hear, how richly the encounters turn. returned. I worried with them about are felt in your heart and soul. The Welsh had welcomed me into the future of their small chapels. —Phil Cousineau, “The Art of Pilgrimage: their chapels and homes. I had lis - I may have Welsh ancestry, but in The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred” tened to their stories of love and joy, Wales, I am a guest. Still, having sorrow and regret. I called for tea. I taken up service and envisioned wo weeks into my second pilgrim - sat in their meetings. We connected together a future, I was more than a Tage to Wales I experienced an through our shared faith. I planted passing stranger. As such, talking internal resistance to posting the daily partnership seeds. We imagined con - about the Welsh—my friends, my col - details of my travel abroad. Something nections to congregations across the leagues and my fellow Unitarians—as about the public rumination and cele - sea. a moment in time or as an interaction bration of my quest to develop part - In the village, people knew of my along the way, seemed impertinent nership relationships with the Unitari - activities. They attended to my day. I and irreverent. ans of Wales seemed incongruent to was part of the local chatter. Some I am a minister. Every day that I engage my ministry, I hold space for the stories of peoples’ lives to be shared in confidential circles of love and respect. Equally, as a relational minister, I have spent years develop - new pArtnership Czech Unitarian symbol: ing, promoting, and celebrating the stained glass window in paramus/prague the Prague church. work of connecting people across their differences in authentic, mean - by JOSEF MACHAC AnD REV . D AVID HORST , ingful relationships. no one was more CEnTRAL UnITARIAn CHURCH , P ARAMUS , surprised than me by the transforma - nJ tion I experienced in the simple, yet profound, act of deeply connecting to e are happy to report that we arrived on the 22nd and enjoyed din - a country, its people, and a shared Wwelcomed the minister, Rev. ners and hospitality, visits to new faith story. Petr Samojský, and three members of york City, and a joint worship service What then is different? The Prague Unitaria in October. Our guests with our congregation on October 25. answer is revealed in the nature of pil - Rev. Samojský and I pre - grimage. “ It is in the pilgrim’s journey sented a dialogue sermon of risk and renewal and the movement entitled “Many Paths, One from mindless to mindful, soulless to Goal.” soulful that everything changes.” (P. We had two potluck din - Cousineau) My sabbatical pilgrimage ners, evening musical enter - and partnership ministry with the tainment at CUC, and a great Welsh Unitarians was fertile ground RE session led by Petr and for risk and renewal. The holy ground his other members. I traversed opened up my heart and Everyone seems to think soul to intentional ministry in a whole the partnership is off to a new way. In Wales, in the work of good start. And we have Partner church, I found myself stand - begun to plan our trip to ing heart wide open in my sacred cen - Prague in April! •• ter and blessed by the journey to Pictured left to right: Pavel Pešek, Katerina Flídrová, Pavla mindful and soulful living via the Stine, and Rev. Petr Samojský. (Continued on page 9) Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 7 2015 Annual Appeal Donors

Commemorative Gifts Dwight Cramer Pat Rodgers John Chamberlain Jean Crichton brian Rogers & Rev. Eric Cherry Dana booth, for Rev. Gary Smith: “Thank you for Transylvania.” Maribel Dana Sherry Modrow Rev. barbara Child Margot Fleischman, in honor of Cathy Cordes. Thomas Darner John Russell barb Clagett Lee Minghi, “Joining to honor Cathy Cordes.” Jack & betsy Darr Rev. Russ Savage Peggy Claybrook nancy & Rich Daugherty Anne & bob Schmalz Lawrence Coburn Heli Tomford, in honor of Livia Racz & Lynn Read for all their Richard Dawson Jean Sherbeck Cathy & Tim Conahan years of work at belmont, MA Partner Church Committee. karen Eckhart Jane Sherman John Cook Sharon VanDuizend, in honor of Richard VanDuizend. Susan Ellsworth Macey Smith barry Copp Gail Ewing Deborah Smith Thomas Crouch Dávid Ferenc Friend Esther & Robert Dickinson Dorothy Fairweather Darien Smith Joan Cudhea ($1000+) Doug Eads Hal Freshley Shirley Smith Mary Rose Curtis Anna Mathé Foss Rev. Ruth Gibson Julie Steinbach Christina Cusumano Cathy Cordes Louise Friedenberg Maria Gounaris Renee Swanson Daniel Cymbala Carol Cook Julie Gerrard Anne Greenwood Frances Tanaka Dawn Dana John Dale Lisa Gillispie Ellen L Gunter Peggy Tlapak Rev. Rod Debs Dr. Charles Du Mond Rick Irwin Libby Hanna Tom Toth Steven Denison Ann Gary & Tim House Timothy Jacoby Charles Hatch Dr. Lane Tracy betsey Detwiler Fred Howard Elizabeth (Liz) Jones William Heier Peter Van Demark barbara Dev Heather S. kleiner Rev. brian kiely Rowan Henderson-bernard Suzanne Wasilczuk Frances Dew Rev. George kuhn Dr. bruce & Jane king Rev. John Hickey Dr. Mike Weiss Eva Diner beth norton Gayle knoepfler Eileen Higgins Saranna Weller-Filz Cheryl Dixon Rev. Deborah Raible George krumme Darrell Hinsman Rev. Linda Whittenberg Sarah Dorer Carol Ulmer Patrick Lampert Edith Holder Rev. bets Wienecke Mary Dudzinski Elizabeth Leber Rev. Leon Hopper Mikel young Emily Duensing Hajom Kissor Singh Ann Marquis Jim & betty Hulse Judy young Gertrude Edge Friend ($750–$999) Joan Mathews Gretchen Jackson William zellmer Susan Szekely Edmiston Debra Locklear karen McManus Jon Johnson Anne True Amy Ellsworth Michael McCormick Rev. Eric Meter Sherry & Ralph Jones Peggy Faden Robert McGaughy beverly Moore Julie Jose UUPCC Friend bernadette Farrell Len Pellettieri Donald Porter Pat kahn Ronna Abbott Janet Fernandez Richard Van Duizend kathleen Price Dr. Andrew kemper Patricia Abraham Jacqueline Fesler Carolyn Rorman Gabor kiss Lillian Anderson Rev. Richard M. Fewkes Norbert Çapek Friend Rev. Catie Scudera William & Anna klock bruce Anderson Margaret Finn ($500–$749) Marie Scudera Audrey koch Anne Andrews Janice Fitzpatrick Eric Almquist Mickey Selwyn Jeanne kocsis Raymond Angelo David & Mary Fountain Rev. Harold babcock Glenn Short Spencer & Susan Lavan Michael Arenson Mara & brett Fournier barbara kres beach Mimi Stevens Mary Leber Jere Armen Lori Fox Rev. Roger bertschausen Samuel Warner Patricia Leiby Rev. Timothy & David & Linda Friedman bill boissenin Frank Weber Peter Lowitt Gretchen Ashton Hal Fuller Terry Carpenter Rev. Andrew Weber Pete & Marjie Marion Sue Ashwell Dr. Danya Furda katherine Cave Anne Mark Audrey ball Michele Garside Roger Corn Béla Bartók Friend Phyllis Marsh Sara ballard Sidney Garvais Rev. kelly Crocker ($100–$249) Rodger Mattlage Linda banez-kay Robert Scott Gassler Ebe Emmons-Apt Dave Albay-yenney Howard Mayer Deborah bassett Dr. Judit Gellerd Emily Englehardt Laurel Amabile Sharon Lawrence McDonald Sara bauer Elaine Gerard-Climo Rev. John Gibbons Fred Ames beth McGregor Leslie beard Thomas Getz Jesse Greist, DRE Lyssa Andersson Tom McGuinness Rev. Joseph ben-David Lynda Gilgun George & Geri Hogeman Dorothy Andrews Dr. Ray Mcknight Linda benua Robert Glorioso Dee & Govind Idnani Rev Sara Ascher Deeana McLemore & Michael berger Ronald Glossop Andrew Janos Elly kelly baker Phillip Palen Dorothy bergin bob Goodman Michelle Liebergesell kimberly bares Vickie Milde Jane blackwell Polly Gould Debra Locklear Lee & Mary barnhill Mary & Don Miles Clint & Sue blandford Ralph Graner Michael MacLaury Jonathan bass Elaine Mittell Cynthia bluh Linda Greene Linda Reeder Carol bertaut beverly Montgomery Dr. Lynn E. bootes katalin & David Griffith Vicki Roberts-Gassler betsy bicknell Tony Morris Jim & betty bowie Richard Groff Rev. Diane Rollert kathy birnbaum Laura nagel Rev. Howard box Avery Guest Elinore M. Sommerfeld Rev. Richard boeke Peter norton Julia & Arnold bradburd Carl Haag Mary Speare Cecil & barbara bohanon Carol Orme-Johnson Catherine brown Sharon Hale Ethel Mae Theriault Virginia & Standish bourne Rev. Carolyn Patierno Peter brown Connie Hall Marjorie Titcomb Pat bower Donald Pearson Michelle brown Robert Hamilton Larry Underwood Joseph brisben Hugo Pfaltz Linda Calhan Howard Hansen Rev. John buehrens brown Pulliam Doug & Ellen Campbell Sally Hanson Toribo Quimada Friend Paul buehrens zimri Putney Susan Caravello Michael Harris, DRE ($250–$499) Linda Lu burciaga Jeanne & Robert Reed Shirley Carlson Richard Hays Eniko Molnar basa Elisabeth Campbell Lilo Rheinstein Phyllis Carr betty Hefner Rev. Richard beal Ernest & Marion Carlson Joan Richards Marjorie Carsen nancy Henry Lee boeke burke David & kate Carr Susan Rivers-Payne Mary Castiglia betty Hensley Mary bolton beverly Carr barbara E. Robinson Sharon Cerny Rev. Patt Herdklotz Dana booth DMD John Cavallero Donald Crandall neil Chippendale Ellen Crompton Peter & Vicky Coccoluto Thank you to all of you who so generously responded to our Annual Appeal. Your continued Heather Curry Helen & Don Cohen support helps UUPCC to strengthen and grow international partnerships and sustain our Douglas Dick Marion Connell global vision. This list of Donors covers donations as of January 20, 2016.

8 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News 2015 Annual Appeal Donors (continued)

Russ Heuckendorf Charles Lee Don Morgan Laurie Ritchie Rev. yvonne S. Strejcek Rev. Phillip Hewett Michelle Leebens-Mack Jeanne Morrel-Franklin barbara Robinson Rev. Elwood Sturtevant Rick & beverly Heydinger June Lester Rev. Fredric Muir Mary Rose bill Suiter Richard High MaryLou Lewis Lauren Mund Diane Ross kathleen Swallow Carol Hilton neal Lockwood Carol nestor Lynann Rudert Robert brooke Taylor Meg Himmel Carl Lohmann Connie nissley Max D. Russell Rev. Carol Ann Taylor Emily Hodges Sven Lovegren barry nobel Colleen Sanders Janet Throop Valerie Holt Monty Low nancy Dean & Julie Saylor barbara Trentacosta Rev. Doris Hunter Josef & Annette Machac Leonard nowak MaryJean Schaible Colleen and Paul Tuck Virginia Irving Rev. ken MacLean Leeann O'Malley-Schott kim Schnell Rev. Louise L Ulrich Robert Irwin Rev. David H. MacPherson nikki G. Orlemann Peter Schott Art Ungar barbara Jacobs Flora Majumder Theodore Osgood Joel Schrag Steve Urse Rev. Mitra Jafarzadeh Pauline Masterton Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman Rev. Ann Schranz Phyllis Valentine Rev. Carie Johnsen William Maxwell Julia Oyen-keller Rev. William Schulz Sharon Van Duizend kay Johnson Molly & John McClenon Ginny Packer Mary Lynne Schuster Robert Vaughan Don & Joan Johnson Jean McCrosky Patricia Parcells betty Scott Christopher Wagner Rev. bruce Johnson nancy & Joe McDonald Rev. David b. Parke karen Leader Scott Rev. kate Walker Rev. Roger Jones Patricia McGovern Dr. nicholas Payne Rev. Carl & Faith Scovel Mary & Robert Walker Dan & Jan karney Frank McGrath Cathy Perry benjamin Sears Mary kathryn Wallace Elizabeth kelley Dean Mckennon Don Peters Peter Sexton Patricia Wand Rev. bill & Geri kennedy Rev. Morgan McLean Rhonda Peterson Rev. Laura Shennum Paula Watson Claudia & Phil kern Suzanne Mcnamara nancy J. Peterson Rev. Maddie Sifantus Suzie Weaver Rev. Theresa kime Ann Meeks Leal Portis Robert Simoni Dixie Welch Catherine knapper katherine Mello Jim Reid & Julie Prandi Jon Sjogren Dana Welch Ed (Walter) knights Mary Menino Dr. Ross Quinn Shirley Smith Alice & Joe Wesley Michael kohl Terry Merrick Jon Rasmussen beverly Smith beth Williamson Marjorie & David kroll Elizabeth Metzler Daniel Ratelle Rev. Gary & Elizabeth Smith nancy Cedar Wilson katherine kruckemeyer Mary & Don Miles James Raudabaugh Jean Sorrells-Jones Paige Wisotzki George krusen Mona Milne Alice Rennie Rev. Richard Speck brenda Witherspoon Donald & Ruth Lamphiear Lee Minghi Rev. John Rex Dr. Elizabeth Stanley Ruth Anne Wolfe Tom Lancefield Elaine Mittell & Mildred M. Reynolds Donna Starr Carol Ann yeaple Melanie Landa Doug Poutasse Mary Richards Johanna Stek Ann yeo kathy Landay Melody Moberg Sarah Richards Eve Stevens Dennis zimmerman Joanna Landsman Gail Moizeau Rev. Peter Richardson Meredith Stockwell Emery Lazar Rev. Leonora Montgomery Rev. Rosie Rimrodt Rev. Doddie Stone

LEgACY gIFTS SUPPORT PARTNERShIP Unitarians in Wales FOR gENERATIONS (Continued from page 7) transformative power of relationships. ing partnerships with the Unitarians The Unitarian Universalist Partner I answered the call to partnership in Wales. It will be an honor and a Church Council is committed to creat - work. As a pilgrim, I walked a wind- privilege to be a part of bringing ing and nurturing Partnerships around ing, revealing their religious the world. In fact, our vision is to cre - road toward an traditions, accu- ate and sustain even more of these inner revelation. mulated wisdom, life-transforming relationships! The unexpected and stories of Through your annual giving, you have grace was to resilience and provided the essential funding to sus - arrive re-invigor- perseverance to tain our programs, resource develop - ated in my pas- the Unitarian ment, and staffing to support our part - sion to a people Universalists of nerships and pilgrimages throughout so precious and north America. the year. now, you have the opportu - kind, a country so •• nity to make a gift that will extend our lush and green, a reach and touch more lives around culture so tex- the world for generations to come tured and alive, through our legacy giving program. and a faith so joy- Cardiff Unitarian, Caerdydd Undodiaidd. ful and bold. If you wish to To request a copy of our Legacy I arrived back in the States on contact Rev. Johnsen, call 508-221- giving brochure or to discuss a July 23rd, transformed, inspired and 5295, or write to her at planned gift intention, please contact ready to continue the work of build- [email protected] UUPCC staff at [email protected] .

Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 9 CELEBRATINg ThE DECLARATION OF RELIgIOUS FREEDOM AND TOLERANCE On January 13, 2016 the Hungarian Unitarian Church celebrated the 448th anniversary of the Declaration of Religious Freedom and Tolerance, an edict which might be considered as the first legal guarantee of religious freedom in Christian Europe. 448 years ago, in 1568, on January the 13th, the Diet of Torda (Transylvania) proclaimed:

“His majesty, our Lord, in what manner he – together with his realm – legislated in the matter of religion at the previous Diets, in the same matter now, in this Diet, reaffirms that in every place the preachers shall preach and explain the Gospel each according to his understanding of it, and if the congregation like it, well. If not, no one shall compel them for their souls would not be satisfied, but they shall be permitted to keep a preacher whose teaching they approve. Therefore none of the superintendents or others shall abuse the preachers, no one shall be reviled for his religion by anyone, according to the previous statutes, and it is not permitted that anyone should threaten anyone else by imprisonment or by removal from his post for his teaching. For faith is the gift of God and this comes from hearing, which hearing is by the word of God.” The Hungarian Unitarians celebrate this special day with events in Torda and Kolozsvár. The celebrations start in the morning in the Unitarian church of Torda with a worship service led this year by Rev. Alpár Solymosi, minister of the Csík - szereda Unitarian congregation. The service is followed by a visit to the Museum in Torda, which hosts the famous painting by Aladár Körösfői-Kriesch, commemorating the event. The celebrations continue with an evening worship serv - ice in the Unitarian church of Kolozsvár, with István Török, Unitarian minister of Olthévíz and dean of the Háromszék- Felsőfehér district as preacher, followed by greetings from representatives of other denominations and guests. A concert featuring the Pálffy Ákos Choir from Homoródszentpál and the Concordia quartet enhance the festivities. The day will be closed with a reception at the Unitarian headquarters. In 2015, the General Assembly of the Hungarian Unitarian Church voted in unanimity to recommend to Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists around the world to join in the proclamation and celebration of January the 13th as the Day of Religious Freedom. —Pap Mária

the edict of torda poster Poster reproductions of Aladár körösföi-kriesch’s famous painting of Francis David and the 1568 Proclamation of Religious Freedom at Torda are available as high quality prints, 16x20 inches, suitable for framing. — This is the sepia-colored photogravure that hangs in most Unitarian churches and many homes in Transylvania. Also included is an outlined key to all the historic figures depicted in the painting as well as a short history of the Edict of Torda and the painting. Prints cost $20 (US), including shipping and handling. Checks, made out to First Parish with “Torda Poster” on the memo line, should be sent to: Torda Poster / First Parish / 75 Great Road / bedford, MA 01730

2016 ICUU Conference & Council Meeting be part of the 2016 ICUU Council Meeting and Conference from July 17–22 at the beautiful and socially responsible confer - ence center—Mennorode—in Elspeet, the netherlands, easily reachable from Amsterdam. The theme of the Council Meeting will be “Essex 2.0”: twenty-one years on from its founding, how does ICUU need to change or stay the same to respond effectively to the global Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist community of the century ahead. The theme of the Conference is “WInDS OF CHAnGE: Global Connection and Climate Change”: What should be our faithful response to the threatened physical environment we know as our home.? What spiritual responsibilities do we have to each other as part of our interdependent web of all existence? Does religion have a special role to play in rebuilding our blue boat Home? keynote speaker is klaas van Egmond is Professor of Sustainability and Environment at Utrecht University, the netherlands. A number of other notable personalities will contribute to the program. Among those already confirmed to participate are Martin Gilbraith (Facilitator for the Large Group Process), Melody Moberg (Co-Coordinator of the young Adults Program), the Rev. Paul Rasor (Theologian) and the Rev. Wies Houweling (General Secretary of Vrijzinnigen nederland). ••

10 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News notes & upDAtes UU Partner Church Council Youth/Young Adult Initiative by REV . S ARA ASCHER e in the youth Initiative have interest. The camp will allow for building, workshops, and social time. W been quite busy over the past teenagers from the ages of 15–18, Special Grant funding is available few months nailing down details for approximately 20 from the US, 20 to for young adults for part or all of the the youth Summer Camp in Transyl - 30 from Transylvania and perhaps a cost, especially for those attending vania in August 2016 and the young few from other countries as well. So outside of Western Europe and north Adult Program as part of the Interna - far we have a total of 15 youth from America. To be eligible for these tional Council of Unitarian/Universal - the US. The cost will be approxi - funds, young adults will need to fill ists (ICUU) Conference in July 2016. mately $2,000 per person, including out a separate request in addition to This coming summer will be very airfare and all in-country needs. the Council Meeting and Conference exciting for us, and a culmination of The program thus far includes: online registration*. Contact Melody over a year’s worth of planning. Our Ingathering of the group—getting the Moberg ( melody.moberg@ goal has always been to create possi - teens to intermingle. Pilgrimage uuchurch.org ) for more information. bilities for U/U youth and young travel—seeing important Unitarian We are planning for a three- adults to connect around the world, sites. Activities, games and discus - session program that includes a get - sharing their experiences of and hopes sions can occupy some small amount ting to know one another session, a for our shared faith. Over the next of time as well as faith development theme-focused (hopefully) session led month or so we will be launching a and exploration. Service project: art by young adults, and a session that Faithify Campaign to help support this and/or work project that this first imparts to the young adult participants important work and make it possible camp will start, for other camps to add skills for building community capac - for youth and young adults to attend to over the years. Perhaps the chance ity. We are in the process of inviting these programs. to drop in on some youth gatherings people to lead these sessions, and that will be ongoing in Transylvania. hopefully will have those individuals updates nightly food, fun and silliness. in place by the end of February. •• bart Frost from the youth and young young Adult program at * To be considered for such a grant, a com - Adult Office of the UUA has been pleted application form must be returned to particularly supportive and has offered icuu: July 17–22, 2016 ICUU young Adult Program leaders by to publicize both our summer pro - young adults (ages 21–35) are espe - email— office@ uupcc.org and to arrive no grams through social media and other cially encouraged to attend the ICUU later than MARCH 15, 2016. communication avenues when our Council Meeting and Conference. In publicity materials are all set. addition to participating in the general You can find a link to the ICUU grant Jennifer Emrich is working on the programming, young adults are pro - application on the materials for the youth Camp; Sara vided an enriching program through - UUPCC website— Ascher and Melody Moberg are final - out the week, including leadership www.uupcc.org/initiatives/youth/icuu/ izing materials for the young Adult Program. Steve Dick from ICUU has been very helpful and supportive of our SAvE ThE DATE! efforts to provide programming ThIRD INTERNATIONAL U*U WOMEN’S CONVOCATION focused on young adults. We have The International Women’s Convocation is delighted to announce the date been collaborating on the final details and venue of their Third International U*U Women’s Convocation: February 16 of the program and the grant applica - to 19, 2017, Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, CA. The theme of tion process. the Convocation is Weaving Global Partnerships…Forging a Just Future Together . The conference will offer community and connection, information youth camp: and inspiration, as well as motivation and momentum that lead to action and change. Register now to secure the early bird rate of $250 (available until August 1–7, 2016 General Assembly) online at IntlWomensConvo.org . A $50 discount is offered We have developed a grant application for UU ministers, and for young adults aged 18–35. and are finalizing the itinerary and For best accommodations, make your room and board reservations early at program. We have started to publicize VisitAsilomar.com . For more information, email [email protected] . the camp and are getting some great Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 11 High School Students Take On a Project to Save the Old New York Hotel

We are a school group in the János Zsigmond as well as the despair of all those who Unitarian High School in Eastern Europe, had been somehow connected to it, Transylvania, and we would like to share with whose time they spent there had been you the following: part of a daily routine, and now have In the heart of Transylvania, on to see it withering away. Our logo and motto: It’s already Old York. kolozsvár’s main square is the place As pupils of the János zsigmond Help us to make it New York again! Designed by Könczey Elemér where the old, impressive new york High School, and foremost as ardent palace is situated, which lately became young people we would like to act and known as the Continental Hotel. speak on behalf of our city and com - ing it public knowledge we offer it a based on the plans of Lajos Pákei, the munity. Some of us have been long chance to escape destruction. late master builder of the city, the edi - interested in the history of the new Therefore, we would like to fice had been erected in 1895 in neo- york palace, so upon encountering the appeal to your kind assistance in baroque style. Transylvanian heritage-protecting pro - directing international attention Within the walls of this monument gram entitled ‘Guardians of Our Her - towards the sad state of this building. the city’s literary and press life took itage—Adopt a Monument’ we (Contact Rev. Solymosi at solymosizs place. Several famous poets and writ - decided to draw the attention of the @yahoo.com for information about ers found a shelter and ambience of public to the shocking and deplorable how you might help.) new york creation there. Soon the new york state of the weathered building in Palace does not belong to kolozsvár palace officially became a vivid place. kolozsvár’s main square. We do not only, but to all who want to preserve nevertheless, today’s new york represent any political party or organi - values and heritage. •• palace, which was locked and sold in zation, but merely desire to save from 2005, is just a pale memento of the perdition the once-glamorous, lively With gratitude, one-time building. Due to the cruelty building, which is very much part of of time and people’s negligence this the city’s heritage. This is the reason Rev. zsolt Solymosi, and the school group hotel lost its decades-long grandeur, why we are writing to you also, since of the János zsigmond Unitarian High and gradually became a sad cemetery we believe that whatever has been School. with mouldering walls. named ‘new york’ may well have a It was a cultural scene, a watch - valuable resonance even across the tower of light: now it is covered in Atlantic Ocean. shadow. We would like to light the Every building has its own story, fading flame again, to fill the place its own secret and hidden world of with radiance and life. In order to centennial solitude and magic. This achieve that, we need to invoke the mystery should be made known My trip to the birthplace of the times during which it stood in all its through the history of new york Unitarian faith was religious splendor. We intend to share its story palace: we are convinced that by mak - pilgrimage. Inspired by seeing the roots of our faith, I have renewed my emotional Postcard: connection with our religion. Kolozsvár—New- York Szálloda We are part of a tradition that is Source: Hungarian equal to any other religion in Museum of Trade intellectual depth, spiritual and Tourism. understanding and courageous history. Feeling more deeply our See the Hungarian TV interview in religious roots I am more proud English: than ever to serve as a Unitarian https://www. Universalist minister, and I hope youtube.com/ you feel the same pride. watch?v= uurKiNKeWCg —Rev. Roger Fritts, Minister, UU Church of Sarasota

12 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News IMPRESSIONS OF IMMERSION Starr King Student Jan Hutslar went to Transylvania last summer on the Balázs Individual Transylvania Immersion program where she stayed with Balázs Scholars and at a children’s camp while learning about Transylvanian Unitarian faith and heritage. This is what she wrote.

I invite you to join me on a journey through Transylvania. Opening the door of the Unitarian headquarters I sigh for the coolness Settle in and relax. Perhaps take a breath and close your eyes. this old building holds. The stairs are worn down in troughs The train is speeding through the countryside after leaving the city by generations of the feet of my religious ancestors, and suburbs of Budapest behind. whose portraits line the walls. The clacking sound and easy rhythm of the train settle us into a relaxed and I am introduced to the Bishop and have to fight the urge to curtsy. open state as we gaze out the window at the first views of Romania. Tradition and history are palpable in this place. Endless fields of sunflowers pass by—happy yellow faces to the sky. Change and perseverance have made these Unitarians strong in their faith. Farms and pastures with precariously stacked hay mounds In the Unitarian school next door we sit at empty desks, and give way to small villages. listen to workmen make summer repairs to this grand old building. Brightly painted houses with red tiled roofs nestle close to each other. The smell of chalk and old books helps me to imagine the voices Small yards—all growing food—vegetable gardens, fruit trees, of the children and the instruction of their teachers and in almost every garden, grape vines drape over fences and arbors. as they tend the roots of their traditions. Chickens peck, dogs lie sleeping on sunny doorsteps. It is night now and cool. Distant blue mountains encircle this tranquil ancient world. I stare into the flames of the campfire and watch the sparks dance into the sky. In every village a steepled church holds a prominent place. My eyes are drawn to more sparks of light—a sky full of stars. I open the heavy door to the small village church and step inside. And I get that familiar feeling of infinitesimal-and-infinity joined. I am alone before the congregation arrives. I see Cassiopeia and Orion—old friends sharing this far-away journey with me. It is deeply silent after the sound of the bells fade. Half hour till services begin. Singing voices bring me back to look at the faces of the children The summer sun streams through high deep-silled windows around the fire, lit by the glow of joy as they sing their happiness and makes patterns of light on the wooden floor and worn rugs. and freedom of being in the countryside together. The brightly blue painted pews face the pulpit, Away from home for three days, at Unitarian camp. which is about eight hidden stairs up from the floor. Our last night here and they don't want to go home, The pulpit reminds me of a small round, roofed balcony but they are not thinking that. that a fairytale princess would stand on, They are here. perhaps to let down her flowing hair. Under the sky. This ornate place of honor is where the Unitarian minister delivers the sermon. Leaning into the warmth of friendship and adventure. They have grown in these days. I go outside and join the procession back into the church, They are brave. following the minister in and sitting on a hard pew. They didn't know what to expect or if they would have friends, or fun, The service flows over and through me, in a language I cannot comprehend. or if their deep fragile faith would hold. Holiness cannot be constrained by understanding. Or grow. I am filled. They know that they have changed. Another day under the hot August sun, I am outside It feels right and good. walking the cobbled sidewalks of Kolozsvár with my host, Csaba. Oh wait. Is it only them? Second largest city in Romania, Kolozsvár is known for its Unitarian history Or me too? and the seat of its headquarters and seminary. Or you, too? —Jan Hutslar

International Youth Camp in Transylvania

UUPCC and the Hungarian Unitarian not have access to a regular group, to to function as a successful Youth Church are partnering to create an participate in Partnership. Group) International youth Camp. It will be Dates: August 1–7, 2016 Total travel time including East designed to serve high school teens Approximate costs: $1500 for air - Coast “bootcamp”: 10-12 days who wish to be part of a pilgrimage fare, and $1000 dollars per teen for and mission experience in Transylva - in-country travel, room and meals. Overseas travel: will include flying nia. youth will journey to sites that are into Koloszvár, visiting several pil - Preparations structure: Qualified sacred to our religious tradition, and grimage sites in and around teens must be attending high school Kolozsvár, daily Youth Group meet - learn why they are still relevant to our as of September 2016, be available ings, time for games, skits, and meals modern faith movement. They will for Zoom/Skype meetings as the year —and a service-oriented stay in a also participate in a service-oriented unfolds, and successfully complete a Transylvanian village. work project in Transylvania to benefit weekend Youth Group “bootcamp” in our Partners there. This camp is the Boston area before leaving for For more information, or to apply, designed to allow youth groups, as Transylvania in August 2016 (where contact Jennifer Emrich at well as individual UU teens who do the North American teens will learn jemryq @yahoo.com . •• Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 13 R e p o r t s , N e w s & T r a v e l S t o r i e s

FunDrAising iDeAs What happened when you visited? Towards the end PC News is always interested in of an amazing trip through the how our member churches do countryside, we stopped fundraising. here are two briefly at the White Church, which was under construction promotion pieces from by the congregation. Our Princeton and Pittsburgh. “blind date” with members of the congregation, the current minister, Jakab benedek, and his wife and choir leader, our partner church Enikö, and former minister, Ferenc nagy, was so warm by CARL HAAG , UU C OnGREGATIOn OF and welcoming that it melted PRInCETOn , nJ our reserve. When we returned, we formed our own ou know that UUCP has a “Part - PC committee and soon had yner Church,” but do you know more than 20 members. the curious story of how this hap - And what has taken place pened? Do you wonder: How did our since 1998? Too much to say, Some of the 9th and 10th graders in the school sponsored by the First Unitarian Church of PIttsburgh, PA. partner church come to be in the vil - but here are some things. One lage of Fehéregyháza/Albesti? How of the first efforts was to help long has our partnership lasted and our members pronounce “Fehéregy - ter church to Summit), our tour direc - what has happened in this time? This is háza.” (note: this is the Hungarian tor, Éva kelemen and her minister an updated rerun of an earlier article. It name, it is Albesti in Romanian.) In husband, and Unitarian bishop árpád helps direct our exciting plans for cele - December, 1999, UUCP members Szabó and his wife. In addition, the brating our 20th PC Anniversary. voted unanimously to be a Partner Transylvanian student choir sang and How did we find the Fehéregy - Church with the Fehéregyháza congre - stayed with us on their U.S. tour. háza congregation? A bit of back - gation. We had to work on understand - Our “blind date” has turned into a ground is needed here. In the 1990s, ing and communicating with our Hun - lasting relationship. •• our minister, Paul Johnson, suggested garian friends, some even began two congregational tours to Europe. learning this very difficult language The first went to Greece and Turkey. (which is remotely related to Finnish). The second went to Eastern Europe in We raised money to finish and fur - Khasi hills build-A- May 1998—the Czech Republic, nish their “Millennium Church,” so Slovakia, Hungary, Vienna, and called as it was the first in Romania to school project Transylvania. be dedicated in 2000. We provided A Fundraising and Pen Friends Transylvania was added for three scholarship money to four young peo - Flyer, for Sunday Social Hours at reasons: 1) it is where Unitarianism ple, and to the construction of their FUC Pittsburgh began in 1568; 2) it is a lovely land Guest House, meant to be used by tour existing simply as it has for centuries; groups. We also sent funds to help ould you imagine yourself at age and 3) the UUA Partner Church Coun - them build a Funeral Chapel for the C16 having to find a place to live cil was building relationships between whole village. A collection of books independently in a city an hour or two U.S. congregations and the 125 Uni - and magazines was sent to the library away from home just to finish high tarian Churches in Romania with in the town. Our Women’s Alliance school? That’s what the students at the 80,000 members. has sent funds to their women’s group. school we have been supporting since Our church tour group asked the There have been visits both ways. 2003 have to do. PC Council for the name of a possible We welcomed Rev. Jakab, Enikö, and First Unitarian Church of Pitts - Partner Church, and they recom - their son, Csongor here. Also there burgh has been supporting the Annie mended we visit Fehéregyháza (which were visits from Rev. Alpár kiss and Margaret barr Secondary School in means “White Church”). family of the barót congregation (sis - (Continued on page 15) 14 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News Reports, News & Travel Stories with construction in January for the (Continued from page 14) school to open in June 2016 for 11th kharang in the khasi Hills of India, grade. Once the fully-functioning primarily through the Sponsor-a-Stu - school is accredited, then government dent program and then through two support kicks in. •• small capital improvement projects. Their current need is to establish an Upper Secondary School, which is columbiA/beszterce grades 11 and 12, to enable more stu - dents to graduate locally from high transylvanian school. minister Visits the This is a five year project to fund: uu church of • two floors, library, furnishings and Rev. Zsolt Solymosi at UUCC, serving up two kinds of Hungarian goulash—prepared by him! supplies for a new school so 11th and columbia, sc 12th grade students can continue their by JEAn CAPALbO studies locally, • a third Master’s Level teacher, he Unitarian Universalist Congre - who can no longer attend services, required by the government for T gation of Columbia, SC, received zsolt goes to their homes and prays accreditation, a true and pure call back to our Uni - and sings with them. • a third floor assembly hall as part of tarian roots and beliefs during the visit On Tuesday of the week, a dessert the new school building for all grade from our Transylvanian Partner and discussion evening was held at a levels, Church ambassador, Rev. zsolt Soly - member’s home. zsolt spoke of the The goal for this year is to fund mosi. April 10–17, 2015 was quite a relationship between the ethnic groups the completion of the first floor of the week for those who met him. We in Transylvania. When a Hungarian school (which has a modest begin - appreciated his hopeful message and marries an Eastern Orthodox Roman - ning), a library required by the gov - belief that Unitarian Universalism will ian, the couple must promise to raise ernment, and furnishings and supplies be embraced all over the world. their children in that faith. zsolt con - for the first 11th grade class. During a week packed with meet - ducts funeral services in both Hungar - This funding is at the same level of ings and discussions, luncheons, and ian and Romanian languages since the our yearly contributions to the past talks, this engaging and genuine man young people who come to honor Sponsor-a-Student program. touched our hearts. His call to min - their old relatives cannot understand based on our support, the school istry is strong. not only does he drive Hungarian. zsolt believes that by Management Committee recently five hours round trip every other Sun - teaching at the Unitarian school and made a bold decision to move forward day to the little church in beszterce, living a good and kind life, he sets an without pay, but he took his week of example. His students learn to ask Easter vacation and flew all the way questions and search for truths from to South Carolina because he realizes all religions. Khasi Hills how meaningful our connection is to The religion of choice for virtu - Partnership-Participation Options that little Unitarian group. It helps ally all ethnic Romanians is the East - them feel they are a part of a bigger (The standard donation in previous years for ern Orthodox Church, and only ethnic Sponsor-a-Student was $50.) community. They have appreciated Hungarians in Romania are Unitari - visits from the PC committee’s chair, ans. And as the attrition rate contin - __ Pen Friend to a 10th and 11th grade Lee Minghi and her husband Julian ues, some Unitarian congregations student (writing twice a year) over the years and enjoyed to seeing will disappear in the next generation, __ $200 Door or Classroom Desk and photos and notes from our congrega - as may well be the case with the Bench for 4 students tion’s adults and children. For those beszterce church. __ $100 Window While in our community, zsolt __ $50 Share of Wall or One seat of a met with our Director of Religious Classroom Bench/Desk Education, nancie Shillington Perez, and a group of the high school stu - __ $25 Library books for new library dents. He toured Charleston with Lee This is a one-year commitment, but we hope and Julian Minghi as tour guides. you will consider yearly support. While there he visited the first UU church that was established in South Sample of Pittsburgh support request. The children of UUCC spend time with Rev. Zsolt. (Continued on page 16) Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 15 Reports, News & Travel Stories An unexpected házi, as well as Edit Cseh, whose fam - (Continued from page 15) ily was hosting me. but I had one Carolina. The Minghis also provided pilgrimage deep disadvantage: being by myself, transportation and accommodations not having anyone with whom to share for him at Lake Murray during his by LUJzA HEHREbECzy , UU C HURCH OF and process this experience. In the stay. On his last Sunday here, he LExInGTOn , ky words of American therapist and delivered a heartfelt sermon to our author kim Roberts, “A pilgrim suf - In June of 2015, when the refugee crisis congregation. became critical in Budapest, a few ordinary fers from a sense of not belonging, Showing additional talents, zsolt citizens decided to do what they could to wherever she goes. She never really spent a day preparing two varieties of help—and organized a group of volunteers feels that she belongs anywhere. She Hungarian goulash with church mem - through Facebook. Lujza felt the need to doesn’t have her own family, and the bers for his farewell gala. The food help, and set up a fundraiser. She was aston - temporary tribes that take her in are was delicious and the party was a ished to raise enough money for a ticket to transient at best.” I’d always been Budapest in September, plus enough to buy grand success. Funds were raised for food & supplies for refugees, and joined the proud of my independence, but this the beszterce church. Without gener - citizens’ relief effort. “What I was able to do time being alone stretched me to an ous donations from the congregation, was not very much in the grand scheme of unexpected degree. staging the week long enrichment things. But I was able to accomplish one of Staying with Edit’s family, I was would have been impossible since our my most important goals: to be an eye- immediately thrust into the role of a witness to the situation in Europe and report PC committee is very small. For back to you in the United States.” long-lost cousin beside two squabbling zsolt’s visit, the PC committee put on Finished in Budapest, Lujza took the teenagers, daily visiting older sisters, a Cabaret night in January which was opportunity to visit her American church’s and adorable little nieces. At dinner - well attended and raised most of his partner in Transylvania . time the house was always full of travel expenses. extended family, sharing delicious We now are looking forward to a eing from mainland Hungary, I’d meals and arguing passionately over pilgrimage to beszterce by UUCC bbeen to Transylvania many years everything from politics to family members next August, where we will before I’d ever been to a Unitarian affairs. Although I was more than a bit once again enjoy the company of church. In fact, the way I’d met this overwhelmed at times, I was definitely Rev. zsolt Solymosi and delve into church here was because of its con - treated like a member of the family. the culture of our Partner Church nection to Transylvania. Eight years Edit was my faithful guide and com - community. •• ago, I was asked to help teach Hungar - panion during my trip, just as I tried to ian lessons to the team that went on a be during hers two years ago in ken - pilgrimage to our partner church in tucky. She showed me around the vil - nyomát. Part of my decision to join lage, came with me to the museum this church stemmed from its devotion and theater in nearby Marosvásárhely, to the relationship with its partner con - and acted every bit like the younger gregation of Hungarian speakers. sister I’ve never had. She was espe - When I found myself in Hun - cially insistent at taking photos of me gary with a week still left of at every opportunity since, she said, my time there, I thought it we did the same to her when she was would be a great opportunity visiting us! to finally meet this congrega - Edit immediately showed me tion. And so it happened that around nyomát, and I was delighted after an 11-hour train ride, I to finally see the village I had only finally set foot in the village seen in photos until then. zoltán, the of nyomát. village schoolteacher, invited me to Although I had never been to visit his one-room schoolhouse and nyomát, in many ways I was talk to the kids. The class consisted of in a privileged position com - mostly Roma children, ages six pared to many American UUs through ten. I soon found out they who visit their partner were excellent singers and knew an churches for the first time. I astonishing number of songs in several spoke the language, I was languages. Having been a Sunday familiar with the culture, and school teacher to Roma kids back in Hostess Edit (who had visited Kentucky 2 years ago) and I’d already formed friendships budapest, I enjoyed my time with Lujza in their native costumes (Transylvania and Hungary). with the minister, béla Jakab - (Continued on page 17) 16 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News Reports, News & Travel Stories Chenowith of the UU Church of Lex - bridge I had sought to build between (Continued from page 16) ington) beautiful pastoral letter that I our two congregations. And I want to them immensely . After their class we had translated into Hungarian. béla implore you to take a step on that walked them home to the Roma side had another idea, and asked me to bridge. I know it’s tempting to think of of the village and on the way I chatted talk about volunteering with the the partner church relationship as one with a little girl’s grandmother and refugees. Having already found out more item on an already-crowded cousin. And then I had one of the that the refugee issue was extremely church agenda that a committee can hardest conversations of my trip, find - controversial in the village, I became check off a to-do list. Those in the vil - ing out that the very anxious. but then lage who had hosted UUCL members centuries-old I realized there should eight years ago have fond memories of prejudices Without realizing it, my desire not be a difference the visit and wonder if they will ever between Hun - to serve the refugees had between telling Amer - see us again. When I asked them what garian and Roma become the bridge ican UUs or Transyl - they hoped most from this partnership, were sadly alive I had sought to build between vanian Unitarians without exception they replied that in the village. As our two congregations. about helping the they wanted more than anything to see difficult as it most vulnerable. And us again. They don’t want donations was to process so it happened that I or gifts or money —they want our this, I knew my job wasn’t to pass was standing in our partner church, friendship; our presence in their lives. judgment; giving the same exact testimony that I And I would like more than anything it was to build a bridge between our gave to UUCL when I returned home. to be able to tell them that we are defi - two communities, no matter how Without realizing it, my desire to nitely coming to see them! •• divergent our views may be. The best serve the refugees had become the opportunity for this came on Sunday afternoon when béla asked me to speak to his congregation. (They have afternoon services because béla preaches at another village on Sunday mornings.) When I first stepped into the tiny “INCREDIBLE EDIBLE ChRISTMAS church, first built in the 13th century, I ORNAMENTS” was filled with awe. The sanctuary UUPCC News asks for video content for their YouTube account. I offer the fol - carried mementos of seven centuries: lowing two very brief videos of the annual “szaloncukorkészités” event at Morris - recently uncovered murals from the town (nJ) Unitarian Fellowship. We do it each year at our Holiday Party. It is a 1300s, hand-carved ceiling tiles from Hungarian tradition. the 1700s, a cast-iron woodstove from This article describes it— http://muuf.net/documents/PCC/szaloncukor.pdf the 1900s and embroidered draperies The two videos are: from the 2000s. I smiled when I saw a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= golden chalice plaque above the pul - 5QogYdihRmY felnött pit, brought by our very own team in —edible decorations, grownup 2007. I wondered if the congregation remembered the Sundays when UUCL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= people filled these pews eight years DJxvWU2I5bQ szaloncukor gyerek ago. —edible decorations, children The sanctuary began filling up with about 15 members—about the A Christmas tradition among Hungarians, usual attendance. béla introduced me including the residents of Sinfalva, is that of as the first visitor from UUCL he did “szaloncukor ”. This word translates as “parlor sweets” and refers to brightly wrapped can - not have to translate for, and asked me dies that are hung from the . to talk about how I had come to Uni - tarianism. I was delighted to tell the —Gabor Kiss, Morristown, nJ congregation that I had found UUCL essentially through the partner church Partner Church relationship. It was an even greater on YouTube! pleasure to read brian’s (Rev. (Continued on page 18) Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 17 Reports, News & Travel Stories (Continued from page 17) news from the philippines children. The coconut farm owner has also helped Jonathan; and they asked Letter from Rev. Rebecca Sienes, president of for assistance from local government CALL FOR TRAVEL the UU Church of the Philippines (UUCP); for - units, Mr. Pata is severely injured, and gRANT APPLICATIONS warded by Julie Steinbach will have to go for surgery on his bro - ken ribs. His arms and legs are already MARCh 15 DEADLINE A member from the Calapayan con - in casts. •• gregation, Jonathan Pata, fell from a The UU Partner Church Council coconut tree last December. He was is pleased to solicit applications confined in a hospital in bacolod City for the UUPCC Travel Grant Pro - in severe condition, and needed sur - gram. Grants of up to $500 are gery. available for travel that benefits Jonathan had been harvesting partnership. coconuts. He climbed up coconut trees The purpose of these grants is to which are 20–30 feet high. Unfortu - serve as a catalyst for travel and pro - grams that would otherwise not occur nately, upon reaching the top of one of but would make a difference in the the trees, he grasped a branch that was lives of individuals and their congre - old and weakened already—the gational partnerships. Priority is given branch snapped and fell with Jonathan to overseas individuals who would to the ground. He was brought to like to travel to visit their partners in the U.S. and Canada. Recipients are bacolod City, and treated in one of the encouraged to write, preach or other - hospitals there. He had fractured legs, wise broadcast to the wider commu - arms and ribs. So he had surgery. nity the benefits and value of the UU He is the breadwinner of the fam - Partner Church movement. ily His wife traveled to bacolod so she Examples of past applications could watch over him. Their three include: youth leadership travel, min - children were left behind, with mem - isterial sabbatical travel to visit part - ners, travel to support Community bers of the congregation. The mem - Jonathan Pata, beginning his recuperation with his Capacity Building programs, visits bers take turns in taking care of the wife and three children at his side. from overseas travelers to enhance partner communication, and youth/adult travel to volunteer in UUPCC TRAVEL SERVICE—PLAN YOUR OWN UNIqUE TRIP schools, camps, or orphanages asso - ciated with overseas UUs. Is your congregation interested in planning a trip to visit your partner in Transyl - The application process is open to all vania, India or the Philippines? UUPCC can help from start to finish with select - qualified individuals and congrega - ing an itinerary, arranging ground transportation, food, and lodging. We work tions, both overseas and in north with groups of 5 to 50. John Dale ( [email protected] ) is our travel coordi - America. Applicants must be affiliated nator, and is ready to help you plan your own unique trip. Write to him for more with a partnered congregation and information, or call the UUPCC office. receive the endorsement of their min - Individuals or groups smaller than five can join any of a number of “public” ister or Partner Church Committee trips. See the website for details. Chair. Deadlines for the two funding rounds are October 15 and March 15 www.uupcc.org/pilgrimages every year. The Travel Grant Application is avail - Long StRange tRip: able at www.uupcc.org/pilgrimages COMPLETE UU hISTORY FILM SERIES /travel-grants These films are now available through the UUA Bookstore—or directly at Questions? Call (781) 287-1710 or UUFilms.com . email [email protected] . part i —In the Beginning (0–1553 CE ) part ii —The Birth of Unitarianism (1553–1794) part iii —American Unitarianism (1620–1860) part iV —Universalism (1600–1860) part V —Evolution (1861–1961) part Vi —Unitarian Universalism (1961–present)

18 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News Pilgrimage Postings

Ann GARy , UUPCC b OARD MEMbER AnD CHAIR OF THE TRAVEL COMMITTEE

These notes are from the Mt. Diablo Group in Walnut Creek, CA – just back from their visit to their partner in Erdöszentgyörgy in Transylvania.

Dear John & Csilla, We just wanted to thank you once again for putting together and leading the wonderful Pilgrimage we made last month. There were so many moments of connection and understanding during the 10 days we spent in Transylvania. It was truly a trip that we will never forget. Below are some comments from our fellow travelers.

...an excellent job making sure we Your love had the best experience possible on for your wife with of unflappable fam her rich were the picture our pilgrimage. You took care of ily Unitarian histo You flapping. ry and the Tran- r many efforts at everything, handled changes very sylvanian regio despite ou n shines brightly the people of the enhance and Your respect for smoothly, and I appreciated your s your sharing. Yo knowledge the u go with try and your deep patience. The pilgrimage exceeded all flow of tourism w coun to return ith grace and asset. We hope my expectations and was a journey I confidence. Th were a true ill e UUPCC is bles rs and hope we w have you sed to within a few yea will treasure—much of this was as a committed and s you again. m erving their a chance to see result of your organization and the ission so well. — have d ambas- Judy & Hal being such a goo education you provided along the way. Thanks for s arian Universalist sador for the Unit —Rosemary anian cousins. with our Transylv —Leslie Thank you for the wonderful trip. ... rying to The tour was truly life changing and hile we were t fore the trip, w ur thought provoking. My suggestions to Be pilgrimage, yo e our Church make it even better: more free time, We very much enjoyed the care that organiz se to our prompt respon went into planning, organizing and advice and ng. fewer included meals. —Marjorie was outstandi leading this trip. ... I really appreciated ny questions tial ma d every poten he trip you ha getting such a good understanding of During t ineraries, d. Arranging it the Székely Hungarians in Transyl - need covere local ations, meals, vania, and how the Unitarian Church tel accommod What a wonderful tri ho ation for 18 p you provided for and transport us! A great le there is for them an expression of guides departed at arning experience (the ho arrived and most their cultural identity and history. The travelers w en important), interesting p hould have be eople high point for me was hearing from rying times s and sights, tasty food va o became our (I liked all the h. But you als included me their ministers and representatives, enoug exchanger, als!), a better understan ker, currency ing o d- and being welcomed by our host friendly ban transla- f my Unitarian heritage r, emergency , and family in Erdöszentgyörgy. ort term lende - extraordinarily well p sh r and weather lanned. My deep- rchase adviso est appreciat —David & Andrea tor, pu , everything ion to you and all who start to finish helpe man. From to your d you, and fond memo rked well due ries of all orked and wo the people and plac w Jon es who accompa- ional skills. — nied us. W except hen can we go again? —Harriet I will always rem ember the MD This trip was: memorable, full of infor - pilgrimage w UUC ith the exciting mation and insights on what we were interesti places, ng people and cult peeks into th seeing and experiencing. ... You and ip an experience we ures of Hunga e You made our tr ry and Roman Csilla took care of our every need. years. You was a pleasu ia. It ill treasure through the re to stay with One of the things I appreciated most w plex family w my host arly devoted to this com ho were very were cle kind gracious and was the use of the headsets for cared for. We were . I learned mu task and we felt ch about histo almost the whole trip. Without them, I deep history the UU churc ry and free to connect with the h. Many thank would have missed a lot of what was for the tim s to you y each other. e you spent and enjo bein in planning an said. I felt totally relaxed about our g there for al d —Deb & Howard l of us. —Jane accommodations and meals; we were in great hands and were able to make the most of our time there. —Aki

Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 19 UUPCC Travel Services & Resources International Travel—2016 may 7–19, 2016 unitarian heritage the UUPCC will arrange for you to stay in one of the many beauti - spring pilgrimage (on a budget) ful Unitarian villages with other pilgrims. Two weeks in Transylvania for under $1,245/person pre-trip budapest option plus optional Pre- and Post-pilgrimage Extensions. May 4–7, 2016 4 days/3nights. From $585/person ALMOST FULL: Waiting List is available! One of Europe’s most captivating cities. Local, knowledgable This is the same quality Unitarian pilgrimage that the UUPCC has guides will help you make the most of your stay. been facilitating for a decade–but at 60% of the price because we have replaced hotels with dorms and guesthouses, substituted post-trip wooden churches and painted village meals for restaurants, eliminated the long van ride from monasteries Budapest, and taken advantage of “shoulder-season” rates. May 19–24, 2016 6 days/5 nights. From $850 Beginning and ending in Kolozsvár/Cluj, this tour will visit the This extension takes you to the famous wooden churches of most significant of the Unitarian holy places including Torda, Maramures Mészkõ, Gyulafehérvár and Déva. You will also visit the frescoed and the Unitarian churches of Székelyderzs (a UnESCO World Heritage painted site) and Karácsonyfalva, the spectacular 13th century castle at monasteries Vajdahunyad, the Saxon capital of Transylvania, nagyszeben/ of Bucovina. Sibiu, the medieval walled city of Sighisoara/ Segesvár, and the Saxon fortress church at Biertan (Segesvár & Biertan are both UnESCO World Heritage sites). You will spend a long weekend with your partner congregation—to make new friends and revital - ize your partnership. If you do not have a partner in Transylvania,

UUPCC Pilgrimages: Bringing People Together

For almost two decades the UUPCC Pilgrimage Service has helped to cement the bonds between north American UUs and their partners overseas. We provide multiple and varied pilgrimage opportunities for Unitarian Universalists of all ages. For more details on any of the following services or to begin planning your pilgrimage opportunities contact our travel coordinator, John Dale, at [email protected] or visit our website at www.uupcc.org/pilgrimages . congregational pilgrimages –Travel arrangements and side tours are all part of The itineraries for these are posted on the with us on a life-changing visit to your part - our large-group portfolio. main travel page of the UUPCC website at ner church in Eastern Europe, India, Africa, www.uupcc.org/pilgrimages/pilgrimage- or the Philippines. Low-cost all-inclusive youth service trips –Bring your youth opportunities . If the dates or destinations of land packages include ground transporta - group on a low-cost/high-return pilgrimage these public trips do not fit your needs we tion, meals, lodging, guide(s), interpreter(s), to Transylvania. They can follow in Francis often place individuals with one of the many and entry fees. Our in-country experts will David’s footsteps in Torda, Kolozsvár and congregational pilgrimages that has space work with groups of 4-50 to develop a cus - Déva, perform a service project in your available. Contact John Dale for a list and tomized itinerary that fits your interests, partner village, cement your partnership for short description of the current opportunities. budget and time frame. years, and come back better people. À la carte services for individuals concert tours for choirs and group tours for individuals and and independent travelers include: musical groups –Looking to expand the “space Available” travel — We know Guides & Interpreters, Car rentals or Car & horizons of your music program? The that not every UU congregation is capable Driver, Airport—village—airport van/car UUPCC Pilgrimage Service has 10 years of of organizing their own travel group. For transfer (Budapest BUD, Bucharest OTP experience facilitating international concert small churches, churches without partners, & BAn, Kolozsvár CLJ, Marosvásárhely tours for UU choirs and a variety of other and interested individuals we offer each TGM) Hotels, B&Bs, Unitarian Guest musical groups. Buses, performance ven - year several public trips to Eastern and Houses and home stay accommodations. ues, advertizing, musical instruments, hotel Central Europe, India, and the Philippines.

www.uupcc.org/pilgrimages 20 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News UUPCC Travel Services & Resources

NEW—Transylvania Trek! August 6–20, 2016 A mindful walk through the unitarian heartland

15 day/14 night land package is $995/person + $150/person registration fee. discussion groups, worship & meditation, along with music & folk- dancing. This pilgrimage features a ten-day 225km (140 mile) hike over the rolling hills and pastoral river valleys of Central Transylvania. We The ten-day walk will finish in the southern Transylvanian city of will gather in Kolozsvár (Cluj), Romania on Saturday, August 6, Sepsiszentgyörgy (Sfântu Gheorghe) where hikers will spend the and participate in a special Sunday service the following day night before boarding busses the next day for Déva . Our walking before departing by bus on Monday for the village of nyárád - will culminate in a climb to the mountain-top fortress above Déva szentlászló where the walk will commence on Tuesday, August 9. where we will gather for an evening vesper service outside the prison cell where Francis David, the first Bishop of the Unitarian Daily walking distances will range from 16–28km in length (10–17 Church, was martyred. On the final day of the trip we will again miles) and will utilize secondary and tertiary roads of varying sur - board busses for the return to Kolozsvár for our farewell dinner and faces (dirt, gravel & paved) along with horse-cart paths and hiking folklore show. Trip arrangements will be coordinated by the trails. Walkers will be provided with detailed maps and reflective UUPCC Pilgrimage Service. safety vests to wear on paved roads. Accommodations will be pro - vided in Unitarian towns and villages utilizing congregational and May 20—closing date. municipal guest houses along with home stays where necessary. Land package includes: arrival airport transfer in Cluj (August 6) ground transporta - Homemade, nourishing meals will be provided by local Unitarian tion, accommodations, meals, map & safety vest, experienced trip leader(s), and local congregations. Luggage vans will carry extra gear from destination guides. Participants will be required to sign releases and to stipulate that they are in to destination, and sag wagons will pick up those walkers who good to excellent physical condition. Portions of the walk will involve significant ele - wish to end their day early. Evening programs will include lectures, vation change and require above-average stamina.

Hiking in Kede.

International Travel—2017 march 12–21, 2017—unitarians of the Khasi hills march 6–12—optional “golden triangle” extension: of ne india Delhi, Agra, Jaipur Nine days in India for under $1,580/person. Six days for $1,695/person. Experience first-hand this unique outpost of Unitarianism and enjoy Old Delhi, new Delhi, the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, the gracious hospitality of the Khasi people as they welcome you Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat (Gandhi’s cremation site), Agra Fort, into their homes and their hearts. If you have a partner church in Fatehpur Sikri (the Sandstone City), an elephant ride into the nE India, are considering a partnership, or just want to learn more Amber Fort—this six-day tour of northern India checks all the about this branch of our denomination—this is your opportunity to boxes for first-time visitors. This pre-pilgrimage extension travel with other UUs on an intimate encounter with our co-religion - begins with 3 nights/2 days in Delhi and travels on to Agra for ists. Based in the city of , the trip will feature day trips to all one night and finally two nights in the “Pink City of Rajistan,” of the significant Unitarian sites of north East India such as the Jaipur. The trip fee includes a domestic Indian airline flight from Annie Margaret Barr Children’s Village in Kharang, as well as Jaipur to Gauhati, and ground transportation to Shillong— places of general interest like a working tea plantation. The trip will where it joins the base itinerary of the Unitarians of the Khasi spend one night in and two nights in the spectacular Cherra - Hills of nE India Pilgrimage. punji Gorge. Those participants with partner churches in nE India will have the opportunity to visit their respective villages for services For registration and itinerary, check www.uupcc.org/pilgrimages/pilgrimage-opportunities ) and home stays (where feasible).

Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 21 DownloaD the transfer form from our web site or use the form below.

pArtner church trAnsFer Form

FOR TRAnSFER OF FUnDS THROUGH THE U U P ARTnER CHURCH COUnCIL Please fill out and enclose a form with each check for funds to be transferred. Please type or print clearly. note: Funds transmission is a benefit of institutional membership in the UU Partner Church Council Make check payable to: UUPCC Mail to: UU Partner Church Council, PO Box 88, Bedford, MA 01730

Donor Information: Date______name of Church______Phone (____)______Address ______City/State/Zip______Contact Person______E-Mail ______

Transfer Amount Enclosed: US$______Check #______

Recipient Information: Country (Please check one) o Transylvania o India o Philippines name of Church ______City/Town/Village ______Contact Person at Church ______

Purposes : Specify amount and purpose of contribution (required)

Amount(s) designated for congregation: ______Purpose(s) of contribution to congregation: ______

Transfer Process: How to Send Money

The UUPCC offers a transfer service inDiA • UUPCC will process checks from Headquarters directly into the to churches wishing to send funds to as they come in; the actual transfers local church bank account. their overseas partners. Please use a will be done every three months. The commercial service if you are an indi - current schedule is for the ends of note: The above form is for use by vidual transferring money overseas. January, April, July and October. the office staff in preparing informa - More information is on our website at tion for headquarters in the various www.uupcc.org/transfer-funds-other- the philippines • The regular countries. The bank transfer is done countries . schedule for transfers is February, electronically; paper copies of the • Checks, payable in US dollars, must May, August and november. Please forms are not sent. Therefore, please arrive at the office at least one week make sure checks and forms are mailed make sure that you contact someone before the transfer date. by the first of the month so that we can in your partner village to let them • Please round off amounts to whole transfer on the 10th of the month. know that the money is coming . dollars. We do not transfer cents. Transfers take as long as 5–7 business • Please include the Transfer Form, trAnsylVAniA • Transfers are days for the transfer to arrive at along with the check—made payable done monthly from the UUPCC office church headquarters in Transylvania, to “UUPCC”—and send to UUPCC, between the 26th and 30th of each sometimes as long as two weeks in PO box 88, bedford MA 01730-0088. month. Transferred funds are wired other countries.

22 Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org Partner Church News Invitation to Membership If you or a friend wish to receive this newsletter three times a year and to support and participate in Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council programs and goals, please fill out this form to join us.

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UU Partner Church Council

Board of Directors

Richard Van Duizend, Term to 2017 Eileen Higgins, Term to 2016 Catherine VanPraagh Program Administrator (temp.) Falls Church, VA, 22046 Miami, FL 33132 nancy Hickey Program Administrator (on leave) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Rev. Eric Meter, Secretary, Term to 2018 Melody Moberg, Term to 2017 John Dale & Csilla kolcsár, Travel Coordinators Columbus, OH 43214 Seattle, WA 98115 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Libby Hanna, Bookkeeper [email protected] Rick Irwin, Treasurer, Term to 2016 Rev. Diane Rollert, Term to 2018 Atlanta, GA 30338 Montreal, QC H3J 2C9 C anada [email protected] [email protected] Volunteer Staff nancy Daugherty, Newsletter Editor Rev. Eric Cherry, UUA Appointed, Term to 2017 Rev. Catie Scudera, Term to 2018 [email protected] UUA International Office/boston, MA 02210 needham, MA 02492 [email protected] [email protected] Richard Ford and Eileen Higgins, Community Capacity Building Trainers/Advisors Carol Cook, Term to 2017 Rev. Gary Smith, Term to 2018 [email protected] San Mateo, CA 94403 belmont, MA 02478 Pat Rodgers, Membership Database, Matching, and [email protected] [email protected] PCC-Chat Rev. Jennifer Emrich, Term to 2016 [email protected] yarmouth, ME 04096 Staff Clare Shawcross, Webmistress [email protected] [email protected] Cathy Cordes, Executive Director Ann Gary, Vice-Chair, Term to 2016 P.O. box 88 • bedford, MA 01730 Upton, MA 01568 781-275-1710 fax: 781-275-7008 [email protected] [email protected]

Partner Church News Winter 2015–2016 •• www.uupcc.org 23 Partner Church News PUBLISHED 3 TIMES A YEAR

P.O. Box 88 Bedford, MA 01730-0088 USA

U U P a r t n e r C h u r c h C o u n c i l Vi s i o n & M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n t

Vision: We will: We envision a worldwide Unitarian and Unitarian • bE a bridge that connects congregations around the Universalist community that promotes peace, justice, world; and liberty for all, supported by partnerships that are • REACH across boundaries to collaborate with old integral to congregational life. and new partners; • CREATE transformational opportunities for pilgrim- Mission: age and hospitality, for learning and for service; The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Partner • CHALLEnGE ourselves theologically and open Council is to foster and support partner relationships ourselves to changed values and behaviors; between UU congregations and individuals in the United States and Canada with Unitarian and Unitarian • InITIATE partnerships that promote global friend- Universalist congregations, orphanages, schools and ships, international awareness, human rights, and a better world; and students in all other countries where partnering is sought and welcomed. These will be mutually • SUSTAIn this global vision, enlarging and renewing beneficial, responsibly sustained, and linked it as new occasions teach new duties. by joint and mutual covenants. ADOPTED AT THE AnnUAL MEETInG OF THE UUPCC JUnE 26, 2010