Articles & Columns for the April 2007 REPORTER

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the church. There will be Worship in the Sanctuary at 5:00 pm, followed by a potluck dinner in the Common Room at 6:00 p.m. and the Annual Meeting in the Sanctuary at 7:00 pm. The following items will be included on the agenda: Approval of the Search Committee for an Associate Minister; Approval of the 2007-08 Budget; Election of Trustees; Accommodating Growth; and Approval of a Resolution Proposed by the Green Sanctuary Lay-Led Ministry. Brian Kahler, Clerk, Board of Trustees

C From Your Minister c Rev. Howard N. Dana Four Good Options: Option Four

On April 21st after the 5 pm worship service, our congregation, lead by the Board of Trustees, will take the next step in determining its future. We will meet with architect Harrison Bink to begin the process of thinking about how we might better serve the physical needs of our growing, thriving church. For the first time in the congregation’s history, we will use an Internet survey to gather the results we need. To accommodate our growth and to fulfill our mission in the world, I think we have four viable options. Of course each option comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Each option costs money, some a lot of money. The Unitarian Church of Harrisburg is again at a crossroads. We are again at a place as significant as the church’s 1961 move from Harrisburg’s Front Street to Swatara Township’s Clover Lane. What we decide in the next year or so may determine the nature of the church for easily the next 40 years. Option One: stay at our Clover Lane site and build an additional new building. Option Two: stay at our Clover Lane site and start a new congregation elsewhere. Option Three: buy a building and/or land elsewhere and move. Option Four: buy an additional building and be one church with two campuses. This month I will focus on Option Four. The option of being one church with two campuses is the most daring and creative approach we could take. We would be among the first Unitarian Universalist congregations to try this approach—but not first among our more conservative neighbors. A popular trend among conservative churches is to have one “mother church” with as many as four or five satellites. Each satellite has its own flavor and demographics. Each draws its own congregation. Each has an associate minister (or two or three) but all share the same senior minister. He or she rotates through the various satellites, leading worship in a variety of styles. Additionally the senior minister’s sermon is simultaneously projected in all the satellite churches during the “message section” of the service. By focusing on satellites, the church can expand into various communities. It need not have huge buildings or parking lots. And if a satellite is not working out for whatever reason, it can be moved or disbanded. The flexibility of this option for both church leaders and members is attractive. Of course we will not be a four or five campus church, but could we be a two-campus church? Possibly. Here is how I would see it working. We would first decide which community we wanted to serve better. Be it Harrisburg, Camp Hill, or Hershey, our decision would be mission based. Once we knew where we wanted to expand, we would buy an existing visible church building or buildings. In many cases these buildings would need significant renovation before we might use them. The next step would be to staff our satellite church. An associate minister could begin to focus his or her attention on the satellite. I would share worship leadership responsibilities with the associate. One week he or she would be at UCH, the next week at the satellite. Similarly, the administration, music, and children’s needs of the satellite would need to be addressed. Many church activities would take place at one site or the other. Our members could freely decide where they wanted to attend for whatever reason. Many might decide to attend both. One of the most appealing aspects of having a satellite campus is the chance to make less of an environmental impact. Refurbishing and inhabiting an existing building does not contribute to suburban sprawl. It improves whatever neighborhood the church is in. And it could allow our congregation to have more of a choice between a formal space and an informal space in which to worship. I think it would be wonderful to make good use of an older church or synagogue. Especially in the City of Harrisburg, our good impact on a neighborhood would be immediate. It would give us a place in the city and allow us to be a much greater player in social justice efforts there. Imagine what we might do with an urban location—a senior day care center, an after school program for children, a food bank, an English-As-a-Second Language school, a gathering place for AA or NA, or a career training center for people leaving prison. What we can do in the world depends on where we place ourselves. All four options I have described are viable ones. Each is mission based—whom do we want to serve? For a congregation like ours, moving forward is not a matter of money or logistics. It is a matter of will. I am most interested in helping our congregation determine what it wants to do in the world and move forward accordingly. It is your church and your decision. Whichever one you pick is fine with me. These are exciting times. I feel honored to walk with you boldly into your future. Love, Howard

Although our small group ministry program, COUCH (Connecting Our Unitarian Church of Harrisburg), is thriving, we have had to combine two Sunday night groups because they were too small. We like to have 6- 10 people in a group. If you are interested in a Sunday evening group, we can fit you in. We had hoped to start a new COUCH group on Wednesday or Thursday evenings in the Hershey/Palmyra/Lebanon area in March with Laura Shemick facilitating. Only two people signed up, which means that the group is on hold until we have 6-8 people. If you are interested, please contact me (joan_elizabeth or 236-6749) or Laura Shemick ([email protected]). We are excited about our new intergenerational group to be held on Sunday afternoons, facilitated by Jane Bechtel ([email protected]) and Kevin Geist ([email protected]). Please contact Jane or Kevin if you are interested. Submitted by Joan Hellmann, COUCH Coordinator

Questions By Intern Minister Susan Kirkchaney

Part of what a minister-to-be learns in internship is what her strengths are, what style she tends toward and where her interests lie, in terms of ministering to others. I have been thinking about this quite a bit as my internship continues. And I have found that one of the areas that most calls to me is our everyday living, or, our everyday coping. The question of how we function at all - let alone in a healthy, loving way – given the stresses of modern life and the everyday demands we all bear in terms of increased demands at work, commuting, the seemingly ever increasing pace of life, and so forth, seems to become a more and more important question. I am sure that my background in social work and mental health play a big part in my concern about this area of life. The other area that is very important to me in ministry, as it was in social work, is social justice. How can I best do my part to help those who are marginalized, oppressed and victimized? How can I inspire and maybe organize others to make a difference too? Both of these are important issues with which I, as a minister, will need to work. But, in some ways, these seem to sometimes be at odds with one another. For example, let’s assume I am trying to live mindfully – and, let’s say that for me this means setting limits with my work hours so that I can have more time at home with family, setting aside some time for meditation or relaxation, exercising and trying to eat at home more so that I can both eat healthy foods and be responsible in my spending, and so forth. This takes a considerable amount of time and focus to make sure that I stay on track. So how do I also make the time to keep informed of world affairs, let alone get involved with social justice efforts related to those issues that I find particularly offensive or in need of my efforts? We all know that living an insolated, head-in-the-sand kind of life is simply not good enough. Yet, we also know that if we want to do something well, we have to let other things go. In some ways, this is the age old pull between the interior and exterior life, between the personal and political, between the individual and the community. Navigating both worlds is important. We are both individuals and members of community. I tend to think that it is when we have our own house in order that we are usually the best able to help others. But then, as I prepare for services on April 15th, which is Holocaust Remembrance Day, I wonder if I would think the same way if I were faced with the Holocaust now. Of course, there are no shortages of modern day examples of mass murders and even genocide. Darfur and the situation in the Sudan continually come to mind for me when I think of those places and situations wherein justice work is not only needed, but simply cannot wait. And yet, even faced with this, what is my response? What is yours? Are we aware of what can be done? Do we really even understand the problem? Most of the time I think I am sure that I simply do not have it in me to add more to my list of things to do, to add more to those causes that I worry or care about. But then I wonder, will there be folks someday who ask, like many ask about the Holocaust, how could people of good conscience NOT have cared, not have taken more action? I’m not sure. And, as I said, even if I were to take more action, to do more, I’m not really sure what would be the best thing to do. The only thing that I am sure of is that there are more questions than there are answers. But maybe that’s a start. And maybe if we all ask these questions, just maybe we might find the answers.

Peace and blessings, Susan

President’s Message Here it is, the announcement you’ve all been waiting for!

At its March meeting, the Board accepted the proposal of Bink Architectural Partnership to develop a Master Plan for the future facilities of UCH. This nine-month process will lead us through an extensive survey of the membership, provide a mechanism for the members to establish our priorities, investigate options for meeting those priorities, and provide a recommendation to the congregation by way of preliminary designs for new facilities. The proposed timetable calls for the presentation of this Master Plan to the congregation sometime in November. You are probably wondering why we would hire someone to develop this Master Plan…can’t the Board or some committee do it? Well, the Board felt that it was time to get a professional involved, that we amateurs had carried the process as far as we could by ourselves – we just don’t possess the skills to take the next needed steps. The Board feels strongly that Harrison Bink does possess those skills: his architectural firm has the most experience locally available in developing religious facilities, and he and his company are already intimately familiar with our current building (since they were the ones who did the additions for us in the mid-90’s). Personally, I have been very impressed not only with Harrison’s technical knowledge, but also with his style and willingness to explore every possible option. I believe he will do an excellent job, at a reasonable price. During the month of March, a committee led by Board member JD Stillwater has developed the questions to be used in a congregational survey. On April 21, there will be a congregational meeting following the Saturday evening service (around 6:15). At this meeting, Mr. Bink and the Board will describe the process to be followed in the development of the Master Plan, will give an overview of the survey, and will be available for questions from the congregation. The survey will be available for completion following this meeting. Preliminary results of the survey will be presented at the annual congregational meeting on May 12 beginning at 7:00. The Board’s expectation is that a large portion of the annual meeting will be devoted to establishing priorities for the future based on the survey results and the congregation’s feedback during the meeting. A couple of comments about all this: First, the cost of this Master Plan development is being funded through the very generous donations of a couple who are friends of this church – obviously very good friends – who don’t want a big fuss made about their generosity. Their humility makes these gifts even more wonderful and extraordinary. They have told me how much they feel that this church is vital to the future of central PA, and that although they are members of another (non-UU!) church, they think that we are doing such a great job that they want to help ensure our continuing success. Wow! Thank you so very much for helping us be able to plan our future! If for no other reason than to ensure that you feel like you made a wise investment in us, the Board is using this money to help this church grow! Second, Bink Architectural Partnership has not been contracted to build us anything. A building contract comes later, when and if (1) the congregation decides to build anything, and (2) the leadership decides that Bink is the right company to do the rest of the job. We are only contracted to go as far as development of the Master Plan, at which point we could sever all ties to the company if for some reason we wanted or needed to. Third, please be patient! While the expectation is to have a proposed Master Plan by November, I’m sure you realize that that is just the beginning of a long multi-year process. I would think in terms of this whole thing taking about 5 more years until we could move into any new facilities (give or take a year). We won’t be starting a capital campaign this coming church year…probably the year after. We must get the new Associate Minister position filled before we can even think of starting a capital campaign…we need that extra staff-person in order to have any hope of getting everything done that needs to be, and to avoid burning out our current staff. We will need to establish a building committee and a capital campaign committee. And we will obviously need the help of many in the congregation to keep this project moving! Finally, as Howard has pointed out in each of his own Reporter articles over the last several months, neither the Board nor staff is attempting to influence the exact nature of the congregation’s final decision about what direction we’re going to take to enhance our facilities. While we may each personally have our own favorite choice, we are trying very hard to keep all options on the table – except the option to do nothing. The Board is keenly aware of the need to expand our facilities in order to accommodate our continuing growth and the need to do so in a responsible way. We are also aware, however, of the need for this congregation to stretch toward goals that might seem out of reach but are actually attainable. Shaping the future of our church, our community, our country, and our world means taking risks, putting our necks on the line to reach for a level of impact that will allow us to influence those around us. Building significant new facilities is not a small risk to take, but if you ask me, we risk much more by not taking this chance…we risk becoming inconsequential to the world! Next month: Vision 20/20! Peace, Blaise Liffick Heathenry?

Join Clover Grove (Pagan Group) and Taren Martin, for a discussion about the practices and beliefs of Anglo-Saxon Heathenry. The talk will extend from the Deities of the Anglo-Saxons, the similarities to the Norse Asatru beliefs, the wights and spirit beings of the various worlds, to an examination of the Anglo- Saxon Rune poem and its usage in the reading and interpretation of the Futhorc Runes. Sound like Greek? You are not alone. Join us for a fun exploration of an ancient way of looking at the spirit world. Wednesday, April 18 7-9 pm in the middle school classroom, lower level Submitted by Ann Stillwater U.S. Presidents Historians know that there has never been a President of our country who purchased a Giant, Weis or Karns gift card from UCH. You might not be surprised by that, and almost certainly do not care. My research indicates that about half the households associated with UCH are just like the Presidents —at least when it comes to the gift cards. That may or may not surprise you, but you might very well care. By taking part in this fund raiser, approximately 130 households are now generating $3,000 a month of income for the church, at no expense to themselves. With better participation, by our members and friends, we could greatly increase that monthly income figure. It is simple and easy, and we need your support. To get started contact Michael Mark at 566-6055, or [email protected]. Submitted by Michael Mark

Religious Growth & Learning for Children & Youth Dear Friends, Imagine the feeling of singing Spirit of Life with hundreds of UUs. I have found being at large UU gatherings to be energizing and affirming in the work I do. To me it feels something like hiking a winding path up a mountain and getting to a clearing with a beautiful, expansive view. It evokes inspiration, some profound exclamation like “WOW!,” and a sense of purpose and belonging as one person among many, taking one step at a time to live our principles and make this a better world. Our congregation is fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a worship service all together during our district conference. It will be held here in Harrisburg at the downtown Hilton Hotel and include a worship service at the hotel on Sunday April 29. It will be a memorable experience for many, especially children who are used to seeing themselves as a small minority religion. I hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to experience a large group gathering of UUs right in Harrisburg on April 29! In Faith, Trish

Articulating Unitarian Universalism Thank you to everyone who wrote down their brief description of Unitarian Universalism on the display in the common room. The display was helpful to our middle school youth in preparing their own “elevator speeches” or brief explanation of our faith to someone who isn’t familiar with Unitarian Universalism: in about the time it takes to ride an elevator. They identified three important components: freedom to believe the religious ideas that have personal meaning, a belief in the seven UU principles, and a commitment to act on them in our daily lives. It is important to include the word “religious” in describing our freedom to choose. When the word religious is omitted, it leaves the impression that UUs “believe whatever you want.” That impression has not served our faith well. Faith in Action as a Family Opportunities for families to participate in social action with other UUs this month include:  Greenbelt clean-up on Sunday morning April 15, leaving from UCH at 9 and 11.  Participate in the MS Walk on Sunday morning, April 22.  Anti-racism walk on Saturday, April 28. Sign-up and get the details during coffee hour in April. Other action opportunities are detailed within this REPORTER edition!

Children & Youth Program Schedule April 1- Last OWL Classes; Last Coming of Age Mentoring Sunday 8 - Intergenerational Easter Services 15 – Greenbelt clean-up  22 – MS Walk or Multi-age project for Elementary Levels Alternative programs for Coming of Age and high school 29 – Services at the Harrisburg Hilton, church closed

In anticipation of lower church attendance due to many families participating in the MS Walk on Sunday morning April 22nd, elementary aged children who do attend church that morning will meet together for a project in the Priestley Room. Thank you Our Whole Lives, OWL Leaders! Matt Davies and Wendy Shaver at the high school level, Peter Adams and Megan Borror in grades 5-6 and Brad Bechtel and Ellen Roane in K-1st-2nd. Over the last two months these six dedicated leaders have provided 46 children and youth with the opportunity to learn about being healthy, safe, sexual beings. Parents have been included in the program reinforcing open communication at home. Coming of Age Coming of Age participants, their families and mentors will be celebrating and honoring this important rite of passage during a banquet at church on Sunday April 22nd. Congratulations! Thank you mentors for your time, energy and dedication to the youth of the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg!

Leslie Abcouwer Tom Bronder Jane Bechtel Dave Forster Carlotta Capitani Warren Hardman Lynne Davies Rick Hawley Erica Lambert Alan Jacobs Rachel Mark Clay Lambert Cathy Montes Mac MacPherson Tracy Richards Mark Malarich Julie Slaybaugh Michael Mark Ann Sitrin Dan Myers Becky Timmins Richard Pratt Erica Weiler John Quimby JD Stillwater Leon Sweer

Summer Program This summer, Religious Growth and Learning classes will participate in a summer series entitled “Exploring the Celebrations of Other’s Faiths”. This series will provide an opportunity for our children to explore and experience some of the rituals and celebrations of other faiths in our community. We are looking for people from other faiths to give a child-friendly presentation about the major children’s rituals and celebrations of their religion. Ideally this would be an adult religious education leader along with children from their religion. The presentation should be geared towards elementary-aged children. If you are familiar with someone from another faith who may be willing to participate in the RGL summer series, please contact either Tracy Richards, 717-533-3102, [email protected] or Gwen Browning, 717-763-4171, [email protected]. Submitted by Gwen Browning

Have you wondered what COUCH (Connecting Our Unitarian Church of Harrisburg) groups are really all about? Our COUCH facilitators will have small group ministry sessions at the church on April 22 and on the last Sunday of May for anyone not yet a COUCH member, but who would like to try a session to see what it's like before making a commitment. We will have one session from 10-12 and one from 12-2 on these Sundays, and child care will be available for the early session. Each group is limited to 10 participants and will be co-hosted by two current COUCH facilitators. If you are interested, please sign up on lists that will be available in the Common Room on a first come basis. Submitted by Joan Hellmann Mindfulness Meditation Group "Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it." -Osho Through a mindfulness practice we have the opportunity to be in the present moment and rest with who we are. Simple? Yes. Difficult? At times. Worth it? Absolutely. As beginners together, we meet on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 in the Sanctuary to meditate and support one another through the process of letting go of the need to be anything different than who we already are. Meditation on Tuesday, April 17th (the third Tuesday) will be held in complete silence. We will be co-sponsoring a two evening event with the world renowned Bo Lozoff on Friday April 27th for a talk and Saturday 28th for a concert. Come to one or both evenings. He is an incredible speaker and musician. For more information see the announcement in this REPORTER as well as flyers around the church.

A correction to last month’s REPORTER: Please mark your calendar for a visit from Cheri Huber on Monday, June 18th at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Questions about meditation or events may be directed to Jeanne at 774-1479 or [email protected] Submitted by Jeanne Shellman

SAVE OUR COMMUNITY! AKA: The Last Extended Community Committee Meeting? There has been a great deal of interest expressed and support for the idea of a new, expanded committee that would reach out to the members of our church family, checking in with them, keeping us all more intimately connected, and finding out what, if any, challenges we all are facing. Additionally, the committee would be a resource for helping with those challenges that we all face sometimes. BUT while there have been many “that’s a great idea” –kinds of comments, there have not been the numbers of folks needed to make it a go. So… There will be one last meeting on TUESDAY, APRIL 17, at 7 pm. If there are enough people who either show up, or call (564-4761, ext. 8) telling me that they will participate, it won’t have to be the last meeting and we will be able to make this a reality. To make it happen, we need about 12 folks who will commit to make about 12 phone calls (or visits, only if you prefer) in a year’s time. That’s right – all you commit to is about 12 phone calls A YEAR. And for that time, you get to know your fellow congregants better, you get a chance to help folks get help when they need it, and you get the (completely optional) opportunity to take advantage of catered dinner six times a year with your fellow volunteers, a chance to work with the ministerial team in providing pastoral care to our church members and friends, and 5-6 professional level trainings about those topics that might help you help others (again, all completely optional). Of course, if we get more volunteers we can do things like help provide direct assistance with driving to doctor’s appointments, or bringing in meals during an illness or time of loss. We might be able to create a reference system for those folks dealing with aging parents, or we might form parenting classes. We can do so much, if we only give a few hours. However if there are not enough folks, then it is clearly not the time. We can only do what we as a church decide to support. So if there are not enough folks who either come to the meeting on Tuesday, April 17, or who call to (re-)affirm their commitment and time, we will no longer go forward with this plan. Please, consider if you can give of yourself so that there can be a place that we all – you included – can turn to in times of need. Hope to hear from you! Submitted by Susan Kirkchaney Green Sanctuary

Green Sanctuary, a Lay Led Ministry of UCH, is concerned with issues of the environment as they pertain to global warming, ecological preservation, and biodiversity. Green Sanctuary believes that immediate attention and action must be directed to the issues of global warming, greenhouse gas reduction, alternative energy sources, and conservation. We hope that you attended the Eckels Lecture in March, have seen Al Gore’s movie, and are aware of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the effects of global warming released in February. We hope that you are not just concerned by the message delivered through these venues. We hope that you are inspired to action. The issue is not one of saving the planet. Earth is secure in its orbit. The issue is what environment and within it what biodiversity will exist in the future. It is conceivable that many species that exist today will not survive global warming. Many are already threatened by the pressures of humanity’s growing population and resource usage. It is likely that some of them will be driven into extinction by global warming. Global warming will affect the quality of life for nearly all people as well. The survival of some people, most of them poor and living in low-lying areas vulnerable to increased floods and hurricanes or in areas with increasingly severe droughts, is also directly threatened by global warming. The issue is which portion of humanity will survive and what will their lives be like? The science is not in question. The morality and ethical correctness of actions to reduce the damage that is already being done is not in question. The question is will we act not just intelligently, but morally and ethically, in response to potentially the greatest disaster ever to confront us. Or will we be bystanders? Green Sanctuary has decided to focus immediate efforts on political action and education. Because UCH is located in the state capital, we are in a good position to maintain awareness of the state government’s environmental legislative activity or lack thereof, and to influence that activity. Members of the congregation can also act individually to contact officials, attend public rallies, and write to newspapers statewide. Additionally, we need to develop networks with local churches and churches across the state. These churches need not be UU. Many other denominations are involved in environmental efforts. Green Sanctuary also wants to develop educational programs for the congregation and the community on global warming and the actions that need to be incorporated into our lives. This issue will touch each and every aspect of our lives. Awareness of the impact of our actions in each and every aspect of our lives is essential. Green Sanctuary is therefore proposing a vote at the annual congregational meeting to approve a statement of UCH support on the issues of global warming, greenhouse gas reduction, energy alternatives, and conservation. Green Sanctuary thanks you for your attention to this article and for your future attention and assistance. Look for more from Green Sanctuary in upcoming REPORTER articles, Order of Service inserts, and our soon-to-be-expanded webpage. And please do consider joining this committee! BE GREEN! Submitted by Rachel Mark

Humanism Study & Action Group Wednesday, May 16, 7:00 to 8:30 pm Dorothea Dix Room

You are invited to join us as we explore what it means to be a humanist and how to live our humanist values in the world. A new humanist lay led ministry will explore how humanism developed and what humanists are doing today, and take action in the rich tradition of humanist social action and social justice work. A Humanist Manifesto was first published in 1933 and signed by 34 people including philosopher/educator John Dewey, and Unitarian clergy John H. Dietrich, R. Lester Mondale, Charles Francis Potter, Curtis W. Reese, and Edwin H. Wilson. A successor document, Humanist Manifesto III was published in 2003, and says “Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.” The Manifesto affirms these concepts:  Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation, and rational analysis.  Humans are an integral part of nature, the result of unguided evolutionary change.  Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience.  Life’s fulfillment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals.  Humans are social by nature and find meaning in relationships.  Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness. You can read the whole document, entitled Humanism and Its Aspirations at http://www.americanhumanist.org/3/HumandItsAspirations.htm. But whether or not these statements reflect your understanding of humanism, please join us on May 16. For more information, contact Liz Hrenda at 574 7351 or [email protected] or just join us on May 16. Submitted by Liz Hrenda

The Amrit Yoga Group meets every Monday night from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the UCH Preschool Room. It's free. Bring a yoga mat and a blanket, and wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes. Amrit yoga is a form of hatha yoga. The entire process moves and stretches every part of your body, for an energetic workout, and includes a calming, meditative relaxation at the end. If you have any medical conditions that restrict exercise, please seek out the advice of your physician before coming. You will be asked to sign a release form for injury liability at the first session.

Yoga is a great way to exercise, offering stress release and relaxation for those of us with busy schedules. Come join the fun. For more details, contact Ed Sykes at 975-9946 email [email protected]. Submitted by Ed Sykes

It’s time to lace up those walking shoes and join UCH's annual participation in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Walk-a-thon Our church team will be walking for our 7th year to raise money for research into treatment (and hopefully one day a cure), and to provide direct services for individuals who have MS - a disease which has touched the lives of many church members and friends, and their families. The walk is Sunday morning, April 22, 2007, in Camp Hill. We'll walk four miles, rain or shine. All are welcome to join, regardless of age or ability - strollers, wheelchairs, or just your own feet are all great! Each walker will be asked to collect donations from their neighbors, friends and co-workers. To join the team, just stop by the team table during coffee hour, or see Donna Hoskins-Helm, Team Captain. Can't join the team to walk? Then you can pledge your support to the team by stopping at our team table during coffee hour any Sunday in April to make your donation. Together - we can make a difference! Submitted by Donna Hoskins-Helm

Save The Date! Environmental Spaghetti Dinner & Program Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 6:00 pm in the Common Room

This annual dinner and program supports scholarships for UCH religious education students ages 11 to 15 to attend Oglebay Institute Junior Nature Camp. Dinner will be served from 6:00 pm to 7:30 PM with the program to follow.Tickets for the dinner may be obtained in advance or at the door. Obtaining your tickets in advance enables us to plan how much food to prepare. The suggested donation is $7 for adults ($8 at the door) and $5 per child five years of age or older with a maximum of $20 per family. Children 4 years or younger are our guests. Child care will not be provided. Since this is a UCH family affair we need you there with or without a donation. Look for sign up sheets during coffee hour. The dinner includes spaghetti with vegetarian “meatballs” and sauce ala Tracy Asedek, salad, garlic bread, and beverage (BYOB). Non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Additional donations will be accepted for desert. The program will begin at 7:30 pm. Our speaker, Gene Wingert, will take us on a "Trip to the Everglades" examining our connection to the everglades through migratory birds and also the human intrusions that threaten the everglades. Those of you who attended Gene's presentation on vernal ponds last year know the high quality of his work. You can participate further by volunteering for the dinner crew or donating a desert by contacting Tracy Alsedek at [email protected]. If you want more information about the Environmental Task Force or the camping experience contact Rugh Henderson at 838-5961. Please join us for this environmental family evening if you can. Submitted by Rugh Henderson Cornerstone Coffeehouse This month at the Clover Lane Coffee House, on Friday, April 20 at 8:00 pm, we feature "Wishing Chair" as our final concert for our 2006-2007 season - and what a way to end the season! Since 1995, multi-instrumentalist Miriam Davidson and songwriter Kiya Heartwood have made an art of inspiring performances and award winning songs. A Wishing Chair concert is a passionate mix of intelligent lyrics, spell-binding storytelling and breathtaking harmony over a full roots and roll sound. Heartwood's percussive guitar work and wide open vocals compliments Davidson's tasteful use of a myriad of instruments: piano, accordion, banjo, hand drums and bouzouki.Wishing Chair is sure to leave the listener fully satisfied. This gifted duo seduces the listener with soulful confessions, political broadside, and a wicked groove. Their latest CD, Underdog, was awarded Best New Folk CD of 2006, by JPFolks, an Indie organization of over 40,000 music industry professionals. Admission to the event is $5.00, and includes complimentary coffee and tea, with goodies available for a donation. Come celebrate another successful coffee house season with us. For more information, see Donna Hoskins-Helm, Music Ministry Coordinator. Submitted by Donna Hoskins-Helm

The Philosophy and Literature Group will NOT meet on April 8, which would be our usual schedule. We will meet at 7:30 pm on Sunday, April 15th, at the home of Peter and Dorothea Calcagno, 35 Tuscany Court, Camp Hill. We will discuss The Big Bang by Simon Singh.call Peter at 975-2830 to let him know that you are coming. Submitted by Dick Hoke 2 Mindful Mediation Group Events in 1 weekend at UCH! A a meeting with Bo Lozoff Friday, April 27, 2007 at 7:00 pm  The cause of all our personal problems and nearly all the problems of the world can be summed up in a single sentence: Human life is very deep, and our modern dominant lifestyle is not. Bo Lozoff  Bo and Sita are remarkable people...I know of no one who has done so much for so long, with such cheerfulness and joy. Dr. Karl Menninger, Menninger Foundation  My personal heroes? I would say Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Schweitzer and Bo Lozoff, to name a few. Fred Rogers, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”  Remarkably gifted and lovable...Bo remains for us a great inspiration on our human/spiritual journey. C. Murray Rogers, Anglican Priest, Hong Kong  Bo cuts through sentimentality. I think his is one of the best interviews we've ever aired. You can listen to it many times over, getting new insights each time. Elizabeth Gips, CHANGES Radio

Search the internet for the name Bo Lozoff and you’ll find thousands of websites quoting or honoring this unique, street-wise sage and activist whose fans range from Mister Rogers and the Dalai Lama to Outlaw Biker Magazine. Join us in this very special meeting and find out why. Bo Lozoff is founder of Human Kindness Foundation and its internationally acclaimed Prison-Ashram Project. His books include Lineage And Other Stories, Just Another Spiritual Book, It’s a Meaningful Life, Deep & Simple, The Wonderful Life of a Fly Who Couldn’t Fly, and the classic, We’re All Doing Time, hailed by The Village Voice as “one of the ten books everyone in the world should read.” He and his wife, Sita, have practiced intensively in the world’s Great Traditions since their marriage in 1966. Casual Reception and book signing will follow. Donations to Human Kindness Foundation welcomed! Human Kindness Foundation: www.humankindness.org A Bo Lozoff in concert Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 8:00 pm

A “If Bob Dylan and John Prine had a love child raised by the Dalai Lama...” CD Baby A “one of America's 100 spiritual visionaries.” Utne Reader A “This is music with a social consciousness.” Raleigh News & Observer A “The material for his songs and stories runs the whole gamut of the human condition, from wretched to divine. If you like Johnny Cash’s voice and great lyrics, Bo Lozoff’s your man!” Carrboro Music Festival A “Lozoff's talent as a lyricist shines” The Independent

Type “Bo Lozoff” into the internet and you’ll find thousands of websites quoting or praising this unique, street-wise sage, author and award-winning singer-songwriter. Join us for this very special performance to find out why.

No Tickets or Registration. Donations to Human Kindness Foundation welcomed! Human Kindness Foundation: www.humankindness.org

Submitted by George Hellmann

QueenSpirit Potluck & Circle Please note the 1st Wednesday date! Wednesday, April 4, 2007, 6-9 pm Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, Common Room and Joseph Priestly Room -Bring a favorite dish, dessert or beverage to share -Bring your place setting and serving spoons and plates Joan Hellmann will lead a discussion of the book, Leaving Mother Lake: A Girlhood at the Edge of the World, by Yang Erche Namu and Christine Mathieu From Joan: “Yang Erche Namu’s memoir takes us to western China, home to many Chinese minorities. She is a Mosuo, a society in which women rule. Marriage is considered a foreign practice; property is passed from mother to daughter; a matriarch oversees each family’s customs, rituals and economies. Namu’s personal story tells of a girl from nowhere becoming a star, but it also documents a unique time and place and tells of a mother’s fierce love and a daughter’s attempt to straddle two worlds. I read this book after visiting the minorities of western China and Tibet in September 2004. We visited several families in their homes and took many pictures. Through discussing the book and looking at the pictures, I hope you will gain insight into what it might be like to live in such a society.” QueenSpirit Sisters Co-Create a Circle with a Spiritual Center. Submitted by Mary Ann Rhoads QueenSpirit presents An Inspiring Workshop with Donna Henes THE QUEEN OF MY SELF:

STEPPING INTO SOVEREIGNTY IN MIDLIFE

Based on her award-winning book from Monarch Press SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2007 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM Unitarian Church of Harrisburg Cost: $85.00 ($75.00 for UCH members)

Are you in your middle years, or about to enter them? You know you’re not a maiden anymore, but the term “crone” doesn’t seem to fit your dynamic, accomplished self! Join renowned spiritual practitioner Donna Henes and discover the Queen in your Self – that wonderful middle stage of mastery, moxie and power that is rightfully yours to enjoy.

In this workshop, you will learn to read the signs of entering this sacred life change and to recognize it for the spiritual opportunity that it is. Donna will help you to identify the pitfalls that keep many of us from becoming the Queens that we were meant to be. And you will get plenty of upbeat, practical and ceremonial inspiration for caring for your own inner Queen from cultures and mythologies around the world.

For more information, visit Donna Henes’ website at www.thequeenofmyself.com or Vicki Fox Productions at (717) 774- 1275 or www.vickifoxproductions.com. or call Randa Todd at 732-6576. Submitted by Randa Todd

What is Unitarian Universalism’s Role in American Religion?

a congregation-wide conversation at the church Monday, April 9th from 7 to 9 pm I mportant: Google Davidson Loehr’s paper Why “Unitarian Universalism” is Dying (or pick one up at the church office) and read it bef ore you come. All are welcome.

Coast To Coast Baseball Tours Benefit Golf Tournament for Jordan Wright-UCH HS Class & his friend Brendon Meyers-CD East HS

After much competition during a recent tryout in Pottstown, Coast To Coast Baseball Tours have chosen Jordan Wright, UCH High School class, and his friend, Brendon Meyers, C D East High School, to participate in a week-long international baseball tournament, June 17-23, 2007, in San Juan , Puerto Rico. A benefit golf tournament will be held at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, Harrisburg , on Friday, April 6, 2007, beginning at 12:00 noon, to help offset costs and expenses associated with their trip. Golfers and sponsors are needed to make this a successful fundraiser for Jordan and Brendon. See Bobby Wright for a registration brochure or call: home-558-8582, cell- 421-5232. Submitted by Bobby Wright