The UU News The Unitarian Universalist Society of City Founded in 1841 April 2015 ______

April’s Offerings Benefit In This Issue Elder Services Minister’s Column...... 2 Elder Services provides programs, services and resources to Religious Education…...... 3 assist persons age 60 and over to stay active, independent Staff Reports...... 4 and safe. A measure of their success is the quality of life Upcoming Events...... 5 experienced by clients in Johnson County and east central Committee Reports...... 8 Iowa who are able to remain in their homes. Service areas 2014/15 Volunteers...... 10 include Case Management, Aging Resource Center and April Calendar & Board Highlights...... INSERT Options Counseling, Home Assistance (Meals on Wheels) and Senior Volunteer Services (RSVP). Thank you for your generosity to help continue these efforts. Cash or checks to UUSIC (Elder Services on memo line) may be given during Sunday offerings or sent to the office.

Upcoming Services

April 5th: ‘Awake, Arise and Rejoice,’ Rev. Steven Protzman One of our hymns says: “Lo, the earth awakes again- Alleluia!” All around us, the world is awakening, spring is beginning to bloom. The air is filled with rejoicing and the time of singing has come. On this Easter morning we will gather as a community of all ages to welcome new members and to celebrate life’s power as it triumphs over winter and fills the world with beauty, vitality and hope once again. 9:30 & 11:15 am Services in the Sanctuary 10:30 am Social Hour & New-member Reception in Channing Hall

April 12th: ‘Planted at the Gates of Hope,’ Rev. Steven Protzman Unitarian Universalism tends to be a cheerful religion—Victoria Safford says that “our mission is to plant ourselves at the gates of hope”—yet we are also realists about a world in need of healing. As we honor our many volunteers this morning, we will also welcome the gifts of spring—hope, renewal, and the promise of new possibilities—and reflect on spring’s spiritual work of both seeing the world as it is and as it could be. 9:30 & 11:15 am Services in the Sanctuary 10:30 am Reception Honoring our Volunteers in Channing Hall

April 19th: ‘There is No Planet B,’ Green Sanctuary Committee and Ed Fallon Ed Fallon walked 3000 miles across America in the Great March for Climate Action in 2014. He hosts the Fallon Forum and is a dedicated activist for climate action, peace and justice. As we celebrate Earth Month, Ed will help us understand the intersection of peace, justice and our climate and invite us into a deeper commitment to care for the earth, because there is no Planet B, no other home. 9:30 & 11:15 am Services in the Sanctuary 10:30 am Social Hour in Channing Hall

Sunday Childcare April 26th: ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame,’ Rev. Steven Protzman Ah spring. In the air there’s a feeling of awakening, the promise of renewal in the world Nursery: open 9:30 am to and of course baseball! In honor of our Treats and Talents Auction with its theme of “Take 12:30 pm Me Out to the Ballgame” this year, this service will be a romp through the theology of First Service: Multi-age baseball. What can we learn about living and about Unitarian Universalism from this sport children’s programming that is a mix of structure and excitement, rules and unpredictability? (9:45 - 10:45 am) 9:30 & 11:15 am Services in the Sanctuary Second Service: Religious 10:30 am Silent Auction & Social Hour in Channing Hall Education Classes (11:30 am - 12:30 pm) From Our “We need not think alike to love alike.” Minister —16th century Transylvanian Unitarian Francis David “If we agree in love, there is no disagreement that can do us any injury, but if we do not, no other agreement can do us any good.” —19th century American Universalist Hosea Ballou Along with the promise of spring, there is another promise I But as the light lengthens, preacher of good news, evangelizing need to remind us about. Our covenant of right relations is our leaves and branches, promise to one another to walk together in love, respecting his large gestures beckon green out of gray. our diversity in all things, and creating a safe space for people A crocus shooting up a purple hand here, there, as I stand to be honest and vulnerable. I am troubled because I have on my doorstep, my own face drinking in heat and light like been told that some members of this congregation who do not a bud welcoming resurrection, and my hand up, too, ready to agree with the outcome of the facilities vote are silent because sign on for conversion. they fear they will be ridiculed for not being in the majority. —From “Revival” by Luci Shaw I heard someone referred to as an “idiot” because they don’t agree with the decisions that have been made. When we I started some yard work these last days of March and I’ve began this process we agreed that our most important task noticed the first crocuses coming up! Spring is truly arriving was to live up to our highest values as an inclusive and loving with, as Luci Shaw says, the light lengthening and spring flowers community. One of our values is radical hospitality, which starting to appear. I really like her playful metaphor of the light means we listen to one another, respect each other and make as a “preacher of good news who lengthens and draws the room for different ideas, opinions, beliefs and convictions exuberant green of the spring out of the gray of the winter.” The about our future in the same way that we make space for light’s good news is that the suffering and death of winter are not our diverse theological, philosophical and spiritual paths. As final; life and love triumph in the arrival of spring. Shaw’s poem Hosea Ballou says, if we are not held together by the bond invites us to participate by “standing on our doorsteps, drinking of love, nothing else ultimately matters. As we celebrate the in the heat and the light” like the buds and flowers which are promise of spring together, will you renew your commitment welcoming resurrection, the appearance of life out what seems to making UUSIC a truly diverse spiritual home where lifeless. There is comfort, relief, even surprise- maybe we have everyone will feel safe, welcomed, loved and cherished? a “conversion experience,” feeling renewal and new hope as Grateful to be here with you as our long and wondrous we realize we have been given an opportunity to awaken after journey together continues, the sleep and quietude of the winter. How will you use this gift you have been given, spring’s promise of the chance to burst Steven forth like a crocus from the great and cold dark of winter into Other News Items of Note the light once again? This month I will be attending the MidAmerica Regional Our worship theme for April is “The Promise of Spring.” Spring Assembly, which will be held in Naperville, Illinois. Along is a time of many religious festivals around the themes of with the annual business meeting of the region, there will be resurrection, hope and renewal. It’s no surprise our ancestors worship services and workshops, time with my colleagues, would want to celebrate after being pushed to their very limits and opportunities to meet UUs from all over the region. The by the winter. All of a sudden there are signs of new life as new theme this year is “The New in the New Era of Unitarian green growth and flowering beauty appear. The most familiar Universalism.” festival for most of us is Easter, when Christians celebrate their Last month, in my Economic Justice sermon series, I mentioned belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his the intimate connection between economic justice, caring crucifixion. In the Jewish tradition, there is the Passover, a major for the earth and . The UUA has declared the Jewish festival that lasts eight days and commemorates the period between March 22nd, World Water Day, and April liberation of the Children of Israel and their Exodus from slavery 22nd, Earth Day, to be Climate Justice Month, a month of in Egypt. In India, Holi, the festival of color, is a Hindu celebration learning and discernment. To learn more about Climate Justice that welcomes the spring and celebrates Krishna. Bonfires are lit Month, go to www.commit2respond.org. This is the website and revellers throw colored powders and dyes over each other. of Commit2respond, a coalition of Unitarian Universalists and Along with the earth-centered traditions, including the Pagans other people of faith working for climate justice. and the Druids, other spring equinox celebrations across the world include the Japanese Higan, which is marked by reciting I am one of 1900 faith leaders who signed Amicus curiae sacred texts and visiting relatives’ graves, Naw-Ruz, the Baha’i (Friend of the Court) Brief #14-556 for the Supreme Court New Year’s Day, celebrated with prayer and festive meal, and case on marriage equality to be heard this year. Along with NoRuz, the Zoroastrian New Year’s Day which is celebrated signatures from many other UU ministers, the Brief also by cleaning the house, wearing new clothes and giving gifts, notes that nearly two decades ago, in 1996, the Unitarian growing green herbs, giving thanks, and making merry. Universalist Association formally resolved to support equal civil marriage rights. Page 2 April 2015 The UU News Religious Education News From Our RE Director Growing up I remember Sundays being the one Become An RE Teacher! day of the week where nothing was scheduled. Are you interested in: Maybe this was just how it was in small town, • Exploring Unitarian Universalism and its unique rural Wisconsin, but to schedule something spirit and sources? on Sunday would have been terribly taboo. • Examining issues of moral and ethical behavior, Now a days, though, this just isn’t the case. diversity and tolerance? Families have to choose between the myriad • Encouraging effective social action? of activities that happen on Sundays – dance • Experiencing joy, wonder and personal growth? class, basketball games, church and religious education (RE), If so, then you may be interested in joining the team of recitals, concerts, competitions, birthday parties and the list UUSIC Religious Education teachers! For more information, goes on. Adults are no different. How many times have you contact Matt Yorek ([email protected]) of the Children wanted to attend a class, worship service or special event at and Youth Committee or the DLRE at [email protected]. UUSIC, and you were already overcommitted with work, volunteer and/or family obligations? While we can hope and certainly encourage participation on Sunday mornings, there is no ignoring the hit and miss, variable attendance trend this Save the Date creates in our, and numerous other congregations’, traditional religious education programming. So what does this mean? Well for many religious educators, this CYC BOWLING means an admittance that we don’t church like we used to. The Saturday April 18th Time: TBA fact of modern day life is that congregants are being pulled in countless directions, and as much as we hate to admit it, RE will not always take priority in a particular day’s schedule. More Join the CYC for our April Family FUUn Day at Colonial importantly, though, it means that we need to create and adapt Bowling Lanes. Stayed tuned to the our programming to meet the needs of our members, and no weekly email for more details. longer is the traditional Sunday School model adequate for the demanding schedule of our families and adults. It also means instead of asking ‘how do we get families to come back to church,’ or how do we get them to conform to our schedule, we Nursery Toys should be asking, ‘how do we get our church to meet people in Taking advantage of the the places out in the world where their lives are happening?’1 spring weather to clean out those gently used toys So what can we do? This is frequent theme in the religious that the kids or grandkids educator’s discussion groups and listservs, and there are many no longer play with? experimental models and proposals floating around. Before Consider donating them we start an intensive process of pilot programs, evaluations to the RE Program. We and analysis, I want to hear from you. Is there support the RE are currently updating the program could offer to benefit your search for truth and meaning toys in the nursery, and and spiritual practices? For those that prefer the concrete versus we are in need of: open-ended, abstract questions, some ideas might include • Toy Vehicles: fire supplemental resources (recommended articles, videos or trucks, helicopters, ambulances, dump trucks reflections that tie into a RE or worship theme) for individuals and/or families to explore at their leisure, online classes or • Pretend Play: play kitchen, cooking and housekeeping discussion groups, projects for taking RE Home or doing RE at toys, doctor set, play tools/workbench home when you are unable to attend, multigenerational events • Learning toys: shape sorters, stacking and pull along or forums. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but just toys, manipulatives (we do have plenty of building a few ideas to get our collective brainstorm going. blocks, lego like toys, and Little People® toys) Ultimately, our goal is to create and maintain a vibrant and • Infant gear: exersaucer, infant bouncer, pack ‘n play robust program that not only achieves the vision and goals of Toys can be dropped off in the RE Office. Since these toys RE, but also does so in a way that meets the needs and lives are for our youngest members, we ask that they don’t have of our members. So how can we meet you where your life is small removable parts or any feature that may pose a safety happening? issue. If you are not certain if your donation is appropriate Yours in Faith, as a nursery toy, please contact the DLRE or Nursery Supervisor, and they will be happy to help. Thank you for Jessica Zimmer-Saltzman your continued generosity and support of our RE program! 1http://fullweekfaith.weebly.com/introduction-how-to-use-these- resources.html The UU News April 2015 Page 3 Staff Reports From Your Administrator From Your Congregational Life Coordinator April is Annual Report Month! If you are the head of a On Sunday, April 5th, we’ll again welcome new members group or committee, please send me your annual report into our congregation during our New-Member Covenant submission by noon on Wednesday, April 15th. The final Ceremonies. Please plan to attend at 9:30 or 11:15 am Report will be available at the All Congregational Meeting that day to meet and greet them and to enjoy the special on May 3rd. Contact me at [email protected] if you need reception we’ll have in their honor during social hour in more information. Channing Hall. You’ll get to know a bit about them through We are still resolving an issue with our phone system the bio information that will appear in the order of service that is causing unheard messages to be deleted. If you that morning. Their photos and bios will be displayed in leave us a message and don’t hear back in a day or two, Channing Hall and appear in the May issue of the UU News. please try again or send us an email. Sorry for the ongoing Last month we welcomed 17 new Hospitality Team members! inconvenience! Their names and the teams they have joined are: Now that the weather is warming up, please remember Linda Rice/Gary Lawrenson Team – Pat Hayek to shut windows and lock doors behind you as you leave Kim Palmer Team A – Nik Jakob UUSIC. Marianne Mason’s Team – Sandy Keller And as always, be sure to check our website, uusic.org for Brian Glidewell’s Team – Amy Fretz, Amy and Jerry Grahs, upcoming events and news! —Emma Barnum Carmen Griggs, Diana Miller, and Maureen Paterson Paula Miller’s Team – Bailey Kelley, Margaret Kinsman From Your Fireside Choir Cindy Spading’s Team – Pat Larson, Virginia Melroy, Summer Music Talent: This is a call for summer service music Kay Schneider, Nicole Shelton, and Susan Wells talent. Do you, a family member, friend, or acquaintance, Kim Palmer’s Team 11 – Susan Krohmer have a musical talent you would like to share during the Welcome, everyone, and thanks for your service to the summer church service schedule? I will be scheduling UUSIC congregation in this manner. “special” music for the services commencing on Sunday, If you’re not currently on a hospitality team and want to get May 17th up to and including August 16th. If needed, I will in on all the fun, we will find a team for you. Contact me at be available to lend a helping hand in preparation for the [email protected] or 337-3030. service. Contact me at [email protected] or 338-5012. —Carol Throckmorton Flute Players: Since last month’s newsletter three flute players have expressed an interest in an ensemble (counting me that makes four). The organizational meeting will take place on April Birthdays Sunday, April 5th after the 9:15 service. We will touch base If you see the following UUSIC members and friends this on the literature we have available (and what might need month, please wish them a happy birthday! to be purchased) and schedule the April rehearsals. It sure Daniel Benton Jerry Nordquist would be nice to contribute to the Sunday services in May. Leiden Cervantes Terry O’Brien Do You Have A Favorite Song? If there is a song you would John Elson Jared Payne like the choir to sing, let me know, as the music selections for Linda Fisher John Raley fall 2015 are being selected in the next few weeks. Nathan Gall Tabitha Rasmussen Piano Recital: Jonathan Tauscheck will be presenting a piano Noah Lehan Mackin Tony Razavi recital on Sunday, March 29th at 3 pm. The recital will be Russ Lenth Tom Rocklin in our sanctuary and a reception will follow. Mark your Marsha Linley Kyle Siefers calendars for a lovely afternoon of piano offerings. Chris Machold Theresa Ullerich Raina McFarland Steve Vincent Choir Rehearsals: Join us each Thursday evening from 7 - 8:30 pm in the church sanctuary. We would welcome you If you would like your birthday to be reported in the UU with open arms. —Gloria Corbin News, please contact the office.

Sunday Attendance for March 1st - 22nd March 1st: 142 total: 102 adults, 40 children March 8th: 126 total: 94 adults, 32 children March 15th: 118 total: 93 adults, 25 children (One Service: Spring Break) March 22nd: 156 total: 116 adults, 40 children

Page 4 April 2015 The UU News Upcoming Events (See the calendar insert and/or go to uusic.org/calendar for more events and information!) Special Needs Committee Meeting, March 31st The monthly meeting of the Special Needs Committee, will be on Tuesday, March 31st at 7 pm in Channing Hall. At our meetings we establish goals and priorities, plan events, discuss and problem-solve issues facing families that have a member with special needs, and develop communications. Anyone with a family member who has special needs and is interested in building Radical Hospitality at UUSIC is welcome to join. Contact Renee Speh at [email protected] with questions. Common Read, April 1st, 8th, & 15th Join with other UUs from all over as we take part in the UUA Common Read on Wednesdays, April 1st, 8th, and 15th. The 2014-15 Common Read is Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public Square by Paul Rasor. We will meet for three 90 minute sessions at 6:30 pm in the 4-6 grade classroom at UUSIC to share our reactions, reflections, and stories in a safe and trusting community, and to explore ways in which the framework presented in the book can strengthen the social justice and witness work of our congregation, groups, and selves. Copies of Reclaiming Prophetic Witness can be purchased from the DLRE for $13.50, and the book is also available as a Kindle book from Amazon. Buddhist Sangha, April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th The UU Buddhist Sangha is a community of people that gathers weekly to explore contemporary Buddhist practice and teachings in the context of Unitarian Universalist principles and for meditation. To join the Buddhist Sangha listserv or to find out more about our group, please contact the UUSIC office. New-Member Covenant Ceremony, April 5th On Sunday, April 5th, New-member Covenant Ceremonies will be held during the 9:30 and 11 am services. Please plan to meet and greet our newest UUSIC members. A special reception will be held during social hour to honor them. Kiirtan, April 6th Feminist Seder, April 11th There will be a Kiirtan in the UUSIC library at 6 pm on Monday, Tickets are now available for our second UU “A April 6th. Kiirtan is a combination of music and spiritual practice— Woman’s Seder,” to be held Saturday, it is the chanting or singing of a certain phrase that is charged April 11th, at 6 pm in Channing Hall. with meaning. Kiirtan uplifts the spirit, calms the mind and opens the heart. It is a wonderful prelude for meditation and a good On this night we will draw on our practice in its own right. It can be combined with a variety of Jewish heritage as we are linked instruments (we’ll start out with guitar) and also with dance. Done throughout time with all peoples in the within a group of people, powerful healing energy is generated. If passion for justice and human liberty. you would like more information about this event, contact Andy Again this year, we will interpret the Douglas at [email protected]. traditional liturgy to establish women’s presence in the Exodus and make Social Justice Coordinating Committee, April 7th women’s voices heard at the Passover table. When we The next Social Justice Coordinating Committee (SJCC) meeting open the door, it will not be to welcome Elijah, but will be on Tuesday, April 7th at 7 pm in the library. We meet Miriam, the prophet and sister of Moses. Because surely monthly on the first Tuesday. Please join us! See page 9 for the God never meant for women to be passed over. June monthly report. Braverman, a member of Agudas Achim Congregration, and UU member Jim Ephgrave will lead the Seder. Two Memorial Service for Margaret Hixon, April 8th women ministers from local congregations have been The memorial service for Margaret Hixon, who died on February invited to be our special Seder guests. 20th, will be held at Oaknoll in the Recreation Room on Wednesday April 8th, at 1 pm. We will remember and celebrate The Seder is open to all UUs and the general public. Margaret’s life with readings, music, stories and shared memories. A social hour is scheduled at 6 pm and a traditional The service will be followed by a reception. Passover meal will be served at 7. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth under 18. Tickets will be Free Lunch Program, April 10th available during the social hour on Sunday, April 5th or The objective and mission for the Greater Iowa City Free Lunch can also be reserved in advance by contacting Joe Brisben Program (located at 1105 Gilbert Court, IC) is to provide free ([email protected]), Carol Nordquist (clnordquist@ hot meals six days a week for the needy in our community. southslope.net), or Dorothy Paul, (dorothy-paul@mchsi. UUSIC supports the Free Lunch Program by sending a group of com). Reservations will close on April 7th. volunteers on the second Friday of each month to prepare, serve, and clean up after a lunch for approximately 140 people. To find Organizing committee members: Carol Nordquist, June out more or to join the team, please contact Sue and Lee Eberly at Braverman, Joe Brisben, Jim Ephgrave, Ruth Muir, Tova [email protected] or Sherry Dolash at bridge_2_learning@ Vitiello, Bonnie Penno and Dorothy Paul. yahoo.com (also see the monthly report on page 9).

The UU News April 2015 Page 5 Upcoming Events, cont’d Special Needs Support Groups, April 10th A support group, “Friends of Friends,” for individuals with special needs and their friends, will meet from 6:30 - 7:30 pm on Friday, April 10th in Channing Hall to build community within UUSIC for those with special needs. A support group for caregivers of people with special needs will meet right afterwards from 7:30 - 8:30 pm, also in Channing Hall. To learn more or to request to join either group, please contact Renee Speh, [email protected]. Green Sanctuary 2nd Sunday Lunch & Film, April 12th The fourth and final environmental film sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Committee is A Fierce Green Fire: the Battle for a Living Planet. Narrated by Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and others, this film is a history of the environmental movement’s evolution from the 1960s to the present. It tells vivid stories about people fighting and succeeding against enormous odds. The film showing will begin at 1 pm in Channing Hall, following a light lunch served by the youth group at 12:30 pm. Please join us. Campus & Young Adult Community, April 12th & 26th Whether you are a student or a young adult in the community, please join other young adults in the library following the second service on the second and fourth Sundays each month for good food and conversation with the UU CAYAC (Campus & Young Adult Community). This is an opportunity for fellowship and sharing ideas about campus and young adult programming. Contact Pete Brokaw ([email protected]) for more information, or if you would like to provide a meal for the group. No Dances of Universal Peace in April There will be no Dances of Universal Peace in April. One or more dance meetings are being planned for this summer to be held at the Sacred Stone Circle at Harvest Preserve. More information to come. Contact Virginia Melroy (338-1778 or virginia-melroy@ uiowa.edu) if you have questions. Green Sanctuary Committee Meeting, April 13th The Green Sanctuary Committee will meet at 5 pm on Monday, April 13th in the library. This committee builds awareness of environmental issues among congregants and seeks to motivate people to integrate good sustainable living practices into their everyday lives. The committee works with other churches and/or groups on environmental injustices beyond the scope of our church. Everyone is welcome to become a Green Sanctuary Committee member. Questions? Contact Deb Schoelerman at dschoelerman@ gmail.com or 594-2373. UU Book Discussion Group, April 13th The next meeting of the UU Book Discussion Group is on Monday, April 13th at 7:30 pm in the library. The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout is our discussion book for this month. Our selection for May’s meeting is The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. The May group will be the last one before we take a break for the summer and we will select the first two books for when we start again in September, so bring ideas of books when you attend either of the last two meetings or e-mail them to Mary Lou Welter. If you have questions about the group, contact Mary Lou at [email protected] or 354-1231. UU Grief Group, April 15th Dealing with the death of a loved one can be overwhelming. Sometimes we don’t have anyone to talk to about our loss, or our friends may be tired of hearing us talk about it. The UU Grief Group (UUGG) offers a safe place to share our stories and support one another. Using UU principles as our foundation, we meet monthly on the third Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in the library at UUSIC. This free group is offered to all. If you think such a group might help you with the grieving process, please join fellow UUs and facilitators Gail Garwood and Marilyn Jennewein. UU Scrabble Group, April 16th The UU Scrabble Group meets the third Thursday of every month at 1:30 pm in Channing Hall or the UUSIC library. Everyone is welcome to join in regardless of skill level! Beginners are welcome! Contact Gary Lawrenson at 936-1291 or glawrenson@mchsi. com for more information. CUUPs New Moon Gathering, April 18th “You Want Me to Lead a Worship Service?” There will be a gathering of the Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs) to celebrate April 22nd the new moon on Saturday, April 18th at 6 pm in Channing Hall. More Ever wondered how to plan a UU worship service information about the gathering will be posted closer to the event. Contact and write a sermon? If so, please join Rev. Steven Marsha at 321-2307 or [email protected] with any questions. and the Worship Associates on April 22nd at 7 pm Discovering Unitarian Universalism, April 19th in Channing Hall for a class that will offer some If you are new to Unitarian Universalism, join the Membership Associates basic skills, resources, and guidelines for planning a from 12:30 - 1:15 pm after the second service in the library on Sunday, worship service and writing a sermon/presentation. April 19th. You’ll learn the basics about UUism and how our church works Everyone is welcome to attend and we especially and plays. Participants will gather at the Welcome Table in Channing Hall encourage people who will be leading a worship and proceed to the library together. Contact Carol Throckmorton for more service this summer at UUSIC to attend. Please RSVP information at 337-3030 or [email protected]. to Rev. Steven at [email protected]. Page 6 April 2015 The UU News Upcoming Events, cont’d Secular Humanists, April 21st The Secular humanists will meet next on Tuesday, April 21st at 7 pm in Channing Hall. The UI group, Secular Students at Iowa, will provide the program: “Secular/Atheist Humor,” including cartoons and video clips. These young people are bright, thoughtful, and engaging; we are so happy to have their participation with our group! It should be a fun evening so mark your calendars. All are welcome. On March 7th we hosted the Dinner/Theater event “Darwin Remembers.” Floyd Sandford gave a great portrayal of the life and work of Charles Darwin. Thanks to the 74 UUs and friends who filled Channing Hall, we raised around $950. Besides an honorarium to Floyd, we gave $100 to our CAYAC (Campus & Young Adults) group at UUSIC, $225 to the Secular Students at Iowa (15 attended), and $300 to The Southern Law Center. If you have questions about the Secular Humanists, please contact Mark Yuskis ([email protected]) Treats & Talents Auction, April 25th, 26th, and May 2nd The Treats and Talent Auction Committee invites you to join us and have a great time at the various 2015 “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” Auction events, which will all be held in Channing Hall: Item Dropoff Times: Non perishable auction items can be delivered to Channing Hall Thursday, April 23rd, 1 - 7 pm, or Friday, April 24th, 9-3 pm. Perishable items can be brought on Sunday, April 26th by 9 am, or Saturday May 2nd by 4 pm. • Opening Reception and Silent Auction: Saturday, April 25th , 4 - 6 pm. Members and friends will have an opportunity to leisurely browse through silent auction items while enjoying wine and snacks. Silent auction items include events, food, and items for the home. Childcare will be available. • Silent Auction continues Sunday, April 26th, 9 am - 12:30 pm. In addition to the silent auction, there will be a cash and carry table where members and friends can name the price they are willing to pay for an item. In the past, the cash and carry table held gently used books, puzzles, DVDs, jewelry and smaller items. • Annual Cakewalk: Sunday, April 26th, 10:30 am - 12 pm. There will be approximately 10 rounds to the cakewalk and winners take home donated cakes. Each round requires a $1 ticket. Children of all ages get involved in this sometimes hilarious and slightly competitive event. • Dinner and Live Auction May 2nd, 6 - 8 pm. “Baseball Bonnie” Penno will MC the Dinner and Live Auction Event, which will feature Dave Jepsen reading the beloved Casey at the Bat. A baseball park-themed meal catered by Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack will be served, along with a vegan option. Tickets for the Dinner and Live Auction are $25, and can be purchased at the Auction Table during coffee hour on Sundays. There will General Assembly, June 24th -28h be approximately 10-12 live auction items. Our auctioneer Prospective UUSIC delegates will be Andy Tygrett. Members and friends are encouraged are being sought for the 2015 to wear a t-shirt or jersey from their favorite baseball team. General Assembly (GA), the Childcare will be provided. UUA’s annual meeting. This In the last three years, under the leadership of Mary Jepsen year’s GA will meet in Portland, and Emma Barnum the annual auction catalog has become a OR from June 24th to 28th. keepsake. The annual catalog will be mailed on approximately Modest UUSIC support is April 10th and will feature both the silent and live auction items. available to defray delegates’ costs. Vegetarian Community, April 26th The Vegetarian Community will meet for their monthly potluck This year’s theme, Building a New Way, explores ways on Sunday, April 26th at 5 pm in Channing Hall. Following congregations might engage in creative outreach and deepening dinner, the DVD “From Table to Able: Combatting Disabling spiritual commitment while promoting universal justice. A Diseases with Food” will be viewed. In the film Dr. Michael multigenerational gathering, GA allows attendees to worship, Greger will present cutting-edge research exploring the role diet witness, learn, connect, and, through congregational delegates, may play in preventing, arresting, and even reversing some of make policy for the UUA. Cornell West will deliver the Ware our leading causes of death and disability. Please bring a favorite Lecture, GA’s keynote address. plant-based (vegan) dish to share along with your own table The Rev. Steven Protzman will be recognized at the Service of service. Reservations are not required. Everyone is welcome. For the Living Tradition (SLT) for having achieved final fellowship questions, call 337-3030 or email carolthrockmorton108@msn. with our congregation, an important milestone for both Steven com. and UUSIC. SLT, one of the meeting’s signature events, honors Girls’ Night Out, April 27th incoming and retiring ministers, as well as those who have passed in the last year. All UUSIC women are invited for conversation, lots of laughs, and good food on Monday, April 27th from 5:15 - 7 pm at Haveli To serve as a delegate, please express interest to the Indian Cuisine, 943 25th Ave, Coralville (south of the Coral Denominational Affairs chair, Steve Vincent, before noon on Ridge Mall). Drop in as your schedule permits. Please RSVP at Sunday, April 5th ([email protected]; 847-650-1634). [email protected] or 337-3030. The UU News April 2015 Page 7 Committee Reports

2015 Treats And Talents Auction Guatemala Service Trip Announcements Shoe drive: Guatemalans need shoes and we are going there! TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME Please donate gently used children’s shoes, size 5 or smaller The Auction Committee has been busy planning for women’s shoes, or size 7 or smaller men’s shoes. Especially another fun-filled auction. We now need the help and needed are work boots. A box on the Channing Hall stage will volunteer spirit of members and friends to ensure another accept all these good soles. successful event. Remember, any amount over $10,000 is Luncheon April 12th: For an opportunity to socialize after used to support our social justice mission. church and to support the Sr. High youth trip to Guatemala, Please consider one of the volunteer opportunities below, stop for a light lunch after the second service on April 12th. and help us hit a home run by volunteering for the task Stay after for the Green Sanctuary movie. —Sally Hartman that best meets your talents and schedule. We need: • Two people and a truck to pick up some larger/ heavier items that have been donated to the Historical Records auction. We estimate one trip, no more than a two- REV. WEIR RETURNS TO SELMA hour commitment on April 23rd or 24th. Fifty years ago, on March 7th, 1965, Selma, Alabama • Cakes, homemade or purchased, for the annual was the scene of an attempted civil rights march over the Cakewalk to be delivered by 8:30 am, Sunday, Edmund Pettus Bridge. This day is remembered as “Bloody April 26th. Sunday” for the violent attacks on the peaceful marchers • Decorators to assist in decorating and setting up for by state and county troopers. Earlier, on February 26th, a the Silent and Live Auctions on Friday, April 24th, young black man, Jimmie Lee Jackson, had been murdered and Friday, May 1st. as he took part in a peaceful march in nearby Marion. • Pies, homemade or purchased, for dessert served at Several days after this march, James Reeb, a UU minister the Live Auction dinner, brought to Channing Hall from Boston, was beaten to death by KKK members. by 3 pm, May 2nd. Another UU, Viola Liuzzo, was murdered later that month, also by the KKK, as she returned from driving several Selma • Kitchen and serving assistance at the Live Auction marchers to the Montgomery airport. dinner, May 2nd. Our own minister at the time, Bill Weir, traveled to Selma If you are able to volunteer for one or more of the above to participate in several marches and attend a memorial activities, please email Sharon Booker, vinkihdl@mchsi. service for Rev. Reeb. Rev. Weir commented at the time com by April 20th. Thanks so much! that the impressive part of the atmosphere in Selma was —The Auction Committee “the determination to look at others with love rather than hate.” Summer Camp for All! In response to UU moderator Jim Key’s call for UU “Selma A UU summer camp experience can be a fabulous and Veterans” to return, Rev. Weir traveled to Selma this March affordable vacation for a family, an opportunity for growth for the 50th anniversary of the event. Now 80, he recalls and community for youth, a spiritual retreat for all ages, the emotional impact of revisiting the now familiar sites, singles, couples, and families of any configuration. Several including the Brown Chapel where he heard Rev. King UUs in our congregation have experienced the richness of inspire the marchers who finally were able to complete two of these camps in the midwest, each unique in flavor the march to Montgomery. Along with other UU “Selma and locale but each offering beauty in natural settings, Veterans,” Rev. Weir also visited the UU congregation simplicity, community, thought-provoking programs, and in Atlanta, which had provided much support for the memorable experiences. By the end of a week, campers movement. He states he returned from Selma “with become a small UU village at its best at the same time as renewed commitment to the Civil Rights Movement, making connections to the broader UU community from especially to erasing the many state laws passed in recent around the midwest. If you have interest in exploring these years.” opportunities at Camp Unistar in northern or (Ted Webb, who was our interim minister in 1984, and Bayside at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, see their websites and/ who passed away recently, also took part in the original or contact me for questions at [email protected] or 338- Selma march.) 8542. I have been to both and can elucidate on the distinct —Jeanette Carter for the Historical Records Committee flavor of each. —Carolyn Johnson

Page 8 April 2015 The UU News Committee Reports, cont’d

Covenant Groups Free Lunch Program Last month groups dealt with a difficult subject, “Evil in On March 13th our group of Free Lunch volunteers served the World.” We discussed what kinds of things we think 129 plates of mac ‘n cheese, lettuce and fruit salads, and other can or should be called “evil,” and considered whether delicious food while dressed in St. Patrick’s Day attire. Clients, the potential for evil lies in all of us and how we can live many with smiling faces, offered appreciative “Thanks” as happy, productive lives in the presence of evil. On March they went through our line. 1st we held our annual potluck in Channing Hall for all group members and guests. About 36 people gathered One of the most fascinating aspects of Free Lunch is engaging that evening to share wonderful food and conversation. clients in conversation and learning about their life journeys. The potluck is one of the highlights of the year for the One couple brought their one-year-old child on her birthday. program. Their love and determination to provide her with a stable life was very apparent. Others have injuries that make it difficult This month we will be talking about “Impermanence.” for them to remain employed for long periods. They talk Nothing lasts forever. Heraclitus, Confucius, and about their past life and feelings of frustration while they forge Buddha all expressed themselves memorably about the ahead and do the best they can. Some offer rags-to-riches-to- impermanent nature of things. Anne Morrow Lindbergh rags stories, expressing how it feels to be on both sides of the wrote: “We insist on permanency, on duration, on serving line. Family members often come up in discussion. continuity, when the only continuity possible…is in Some speak of heart-wrenching estrangement from their fluidity—in freedom.” How does the inevitability of families, while others talk positively of loved ones. One client change influence your perspectives on life, relationships, asks for leftovers to take home for members of his large family time itself? How has impermanence been a hindrance to unable to attend the meals. you—or how has it been a help? Despite the circumstances that have brought them to the If questions like these intrigue you, you may be ready table, there is a sense of camaraderie, friendship, and the to join a covenant group. Groups offer members the willingness to help others who need assistance. There is opportunity to express their views and deepen their joy in watching this group of people make the best of their understanding of a wide range of issues, while fostering situations and persevering in challenging circumstances. It’s a closer ties to other UUs. If you’d like to find out more life lesson for us all. about the program, please contact either Phil Beck (530- 4715 or [email protected]) or Jan Locher (354-6260 or If you would like to assist with the Free Lunch Program please [email protected]). —Phil Beck contact Sue and Lee Eberly at [email protected] or Sherry Dolash at [email protected]. Social Justice Coordinating Committee — Sherry Dolash On Friday, May 29th, UUSIC will host the 11th annual luncheon to benefit Shelter House. This is an opportunity Green Sanctuary Committee for you to donate your favorite salad or dessert, help with A large white composting bucket is now in the kitchen. the event, and to join the Iowa City community over good Instructions about what foods should and should not go in food and good company. And it’s for a good cause! this container are posted on the side of the bucket. Please use The next Day of Service will be on Saturday, June 27th. this wisely. Virginia Melroy has generously agreed to be our We’d love ideas for new projects, so please let Gay compost-master. —Green Sanctuary Committee Mikelson, Barbara Curtin, or Diane Martin know if you have contacts with agencies or individuals that we can support on that date. Watch the Wednesday emails and May newsletter for more details on both events! —Diane Martin

The UU News April 2015 Page 9 Thank You to Our 2014-15 UUSIC Volunteers YOU ARE TOUCHING HEARTS,CHANGING LIVES,AND TRANSFORMING THE WORLD!

UUSIC Volunteers Jonnifer Ellsworth Bailey Kelley Carol Adamson John Elson Larry Kent Tim Adamson Lori Enloe Shelly Kerr Bobbe Akre Jim Ephgrave Kathleen Kingman Bruce Alexander Pat Ephgrave Betsy Klein Kurt Anstreicher Linda Fisher Garry Klein Alice Atkinson Mary Fisher Nita Kosier Ken Atkinson Jeffery Ford Susan Krohmer Julia Audlehelm Margaret Fuller Anna Kusiak Larry Audlehelm Dan Gall Clare Lanaghan Dayna Ballantyne Meredith Gall John Lanaghan Brenda Barbour Winnie Ganshaw Kasia Laskowska Kris Barrash Gail Garwood Barbara Laughlin Barbara Beaumont Joel Gilbertson-White Jim Laughlin Philip Beck Stephanie Gilbertson-White Gary Lawrenson Connie Becker Brian Glidewell Brian Lehan Mackin Sharon Beckman Amy Grahs Melissa Lehan Mackin Sharon Booker Jerry Grahs Russ Lenth Lucas BonDurant Carmen Griggs Heidi Levine Susan Boyd Trudy Gullette Marta Little Peg Bouska Prahlad Gupta Brenda Linley Joe Brisben Kurt Hamann Jan Locher Pete Brokaw Barbara Haring Stephen Locher Wendy Brown Michael Honey-Arcement Mary Losch Bob Burdinie Rochelle Honey-Arcement Caryl Lyons Jen Burdinie Sally Hartman Christopher Malloy Amy Butler Lisa Haverkamp Cari Malone Lynne Cannon Mike Haverkamp Cory Manning Mike Carberry Patricia Hayek Heather Marshall Jeanette Carter Kathleen Henderson David Martin Alesa Case Diana Henry Diane Martin Dixie Cassady Colleen Higgins Ian Mason Norm Cate Sarah Holmes Karen Mason Maryellen Cazanas Al Hood Marianne Mason Michael Cervantes Jean Hood Rosie Math Brett Chaney Peggy Houston Carolyn McCloy Kirk Cheyney Kathryn Howe Jim McCloy Marsha Cheyney Jan Hubel Janet McKee Lucy Chossier Kenn Hubel Mary McMurray Rachel Clark Lois Hughes Tom McMurray Maeve Clarke Merle Ihne Virginia Melroy Gloria Corbin Adam Ingersoll Kathryn Messer Ron Crawford Bridgette Ingersoll Pamela Michaud Laurie Croft Nik Jakob Gay Mikelson Dan Cummins John Jennewein Diana Miller Laurie Cummins Marilyn Jennewein Paula Miller Barbara Curtin David Jepsen Tony Miller Stacy Davids Mary Jepsen Kathy Moon Jane DeWitt Sarah Jewell Larry Mossman Monique DiCarlo Carolyn Johnson Elyse Myers Peggy Dietrich Chris Johnson Paul George Myers-Verhage Rob Dietrich Debbie Johnson Shelby Myers-Verhage Sherry Dolash Donna Johnson Mark NeuCollins Andy Douglas Jessica Johnson Peter Nothnagle Lee Eberly Allan Jordison Carol Nordquist Susan Eberly Haley Kamps Jerry Nordquist Kay Eginton Sue Kann Carrie Norton Jessica Egli Miriam Kashia Nancy Noyer Page 10 April 2015 The UU News Liz Noyes Faye Strayer Isabel Greene Kelly O’Berry Gordon Strayer Atreyu Gullette Terri O’Berry Sheila Streeby Jonah Heath Terry O’Brien Jodie Tate Emma Jo Holmes-Wanluss Alison Oliver Adam Tatro Franklin Hornbuckle James Olson Christopher Taylor Alex Howe Katherine Otto Al Thomas Audrey Howe Sue Otto Betty Thomas Lila Howe Cecile Owings Sharon Thomas Charlie Ingersoll Kim Palmer Joy Thompson Evelyn Ingersoll Lula Palmer Carol Throckmorton Grace Ingersoll Maureen Patterson David Tokuhisa Henry Ingersoll Wayne Patton Judy Tokuhisa Teddy Ingersoll Dorothy Paul Jim Trepka Cassie Kaminsky Pete Paul-Petersen Theresa Ullerich Leah Kaminsky Dorothy Paul-Petersen Aiko Van Cura Megan Kann Gerry Pearson Stephanie Van Housen Clare Lanaghan Emily Peck Steve Vincent Max Lehan Mackin Damian Pieper Tova Vitiello Noah Lehan Mackin Bonnie Penno Peg Voelker Emerson Linley Mark Penno Doug Wallace Norah Linley Kate Perkins-Armond Mary Kathryn Wallace Kiara Malloy-Salgado Connie Peterson Julia Wasson Marina Malloy-Salgado Ron Pile Connie Webb Zaira Malloy-Salgado Paul Pomrehn Susan Wells Alex Miller Steven Protzman Mary Lou Welter Cameron Miller Judith Quinn Lauralee Wilkins Otis Miller John Raley Tim Wilson Madilyn Mossman Bruce Randall Kaye Winder Samuel Myers-Verhage Christina Randall Jessie Witherell Peter Palmer Tony Razavi Haven Witherspoon Wyatt Palmer Jean Reese Kirk Witzberger Abigail Patterson Jacqueline Reger Addison Woll Cora Patterson Linda Rice Ron Wright Emma Peterschmidt Bob Richardson Kari Yorek Teagan Roeder Shona Roeder Matt Yorek Tristan Roeder Jaia Rosenfels Mark Yuskis Amellia Saltzman Mary Roth Jessica Zimmer-Saltzman Joscilynn Saltzman Rhonda Rowden Maddilyne Saltzman Charity Rowley Youth Volunteers Nadia Spragg Wilmara Salgado-Pabon Audrey Adamson Peter Spragg Susan Salterberg Amara Ballantyne Heiko Strack Garrette Saltzman Aubrey Ballantyne Jasper Strack Kay Schneider Ian Ballantyne Carlos Tellez Deb Schoelerman Ike Barrash Noelia Tellez Jamie Sharp Lily Bohlen Lena TePoel Dick Siefers Aidan Burdinie Anneke Thorne Vicki Siefers Nolan Case Rebekah Tokuhisa Sabri Sky Jacelyn Cheyney Ethan Trepka Jane Slaymaker Reed Cheyney Kai Trepka Cindy Spading Brody Clarke Ada Turner Renee Speh Liam Clarke Mira Wilmot-DiCarlo Hope Spragg Audrey Friestad Mabel Wittenkeller Virginia Stamler Keith Friestad Nora Wittenkeller Jill Stephenson Laura Friestad Adam Wolfe Jan Sternecky Nathan Gall Isaac Wolfe Lisa Stover Henry Gilbertson-White Stefan Strack Calvin Greene

**We apologize to anyone whose name was inadvertently omitted from this roster. If this has occurred, please notify Emma at admin@ uusic.org or call 337-3443 so your name can be published in the 2015 Annual Report in May.**

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UUSIC Board of Trustees, 2014-2015 UUSIC Staff President: Vicki Siefers...... 331-1798 Office Phone: 319-337-3443 [email protected] Website: www.uusic.org

Vice President: Jim Olson...... 512-0007 Minister - Rev. Steven Protzman [email protected] Office Hours: 10- 3 Tues. thru Thurs. Email: [email protected] Past President: Diane Martin...... 351-7616 [email protected] Office Administrator - Emma Barnum Office Hours: 10 - 4 Tues. thru Fri. Secretary: Chris Taylor...... …...... 563-343-4711 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Director of Lifespan Religious Education - Treasurer: Adam Ingersoll...………...…...... 338-8811 Jessica Zimmer-Saltzman [email protected] Office Hours: 9 - 2 Mon. & Wed. & 4:30 - 7 Thurs. Email: [email protected] Trustee: Pete Brokaw...... 354-9725 [email protected] Congregational Life Coordinator - Carol Throckmorton Email: [email protected] Trustee: Mary McMurray...... 351-2555 Music Director - Gloria L. Corbin [email protected] Email: [email protected] Trustee: Kirk Witzberger…………………...... 325-3425 Accompanist - Jonathan Tauscheck [email protected] Email: [email protected] Trustee: Kari Yorek...... 560-0423 [email protected] Our Vision Statement: Our vision is to be a loving, inclusive, and growing Our Mission Statement: spiritual community. We celebrate life and a liberal We are a diverse spiritual community that touches tradition that leads social justice work, heals the earth, hearts, changes lives, and transforms the world. and nurtures the lifelong journey of mind and spirit.

April 2015 The UU News UUSIC Calendar for April 2015 (CH) Channing Hall (S) Sanctuary (L) Library (34) Room 34 (Sr. High Room) (F) Fireside Room Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 9:30 AM Service (S) 5:30 PM Zumba 7 PM Special 6:30 PM Common Read 7 PM Fireside Choir 10:30 AM Social Hour (CH) (CH) Needs Committee Discussion Group (S) 11:15 AM Service (S) (CH) (4-6 gr. room) 12:30 PM RE Open House 8 PM Yahoo 7 PM Buddhist Sangha (L) 3 PM Jonathan Tauscheck Drummers (CH) 7 PM Service Trip Recital (S & CH) Meeting (CH) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Easter 5:30 PM Zumba 5:00 PM Executive 1 PM Margaret Hixom 9:30 AM Auction 11 AM Free Lunch 6 PM Feminist 9:30 AM Service & New (CH) Committee (L) Memorial Service Catalog Mailing (L) Program Seder (CH) Member Ceremony (S) 6 PM Kiirtan (L) 7 PM SJCC (L) (Oaknoll) 7 PM UUSIC Board 6:30 PM Caregivers 10:30 AM Social Hour & New 7 PM 8 PM Yahoo 6:30 PM Common Read Meeting (L) Group (CH) Member Reception(CH) Denominational Drummers (CH) Discussion Group 7 PM Fireside Choir 7 PM 2nd Fri. Covenant 11:15 AM Service & New Affairs Committee (4-6 gr. room) (S) Group (L) Member Ceremony (S) (L) 7 PM Buddhist Sangha (L) 7 PM 2nd Thurs. 7:30 PM Friends of Covenant Group (34) Friends Group (CH) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9:30 AM Service (S) 5 PM Green 9 AM Auction Annual Report 1:30 PM UU Time TBA 10:30 AM Social Hour (CH) Sanctuary (L) Committee (L) Submissions Due Scrabble Group (CH) CYC Bowling 11:15 AM Service (S) 5:30 PM Zumba 7 PM CCLAM (L) 12:30 PM UU Grief 7 PM Fireside Choir (Colonial Lanes) 12:30 PM Green Sanctuary (CH) 8 PM Yahoo Group (L) (S) 6 PM CUUPs Lunch & Film Screening (CH) 7:30 PM UU Drummers (CH) 6:30 PM Common Read New Moon 12:30 PM CAYAC (L) Book Discussion Discussion Group Gathering (CH) Group (L) (4-6 gr. room) 7 PM Buddhist Sangha (L) 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 9:30 AM Service (S) 5:30 PM Zumba 7 PM Secular 6 PM Service Planning 7 PM Fireside Choir 12 PM Newsletter 4 PM Treats 10:30 AM Social Hour (CH) (CH) Humanists (F) Course (CH) (S) Submissions Due & Talents 11:15 AM Service (S) 7 PM Buddhist Sangha (L) Silent Auction 12:30 PM Discovering & Opening Unitarian Universalism (L) Reception (CH) 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 8:30 AM Silent Auction (CH) 5:15 PM Girls’ 8 PM Yahoo 10:30 AM Newsletter 7 PM Fireside Choir 4 PM Treats 9:30 AM Service (S) Night Out (Haveli Drummers (CH) Folding (L) (S) & Talents Live 10:30 AM Social Hour & Indian Cuisine, 7 PM Buddhist Sangha (L) Auction & Cakewalk (CH) Coralville) Dinner (CH) 11:15 AM Service (S) 5:30 PM Zumba 12:30 PM CAYAC (L) (CH) 5 PM Vegetarian Community (CH) Look for new events, updates or cancellations, and event details on the calendar at uusic.org. UUSIC Board Meeting Highlights Minutes from all regular Board meetings are reviewed by the Board members and are then collected electronically. Minutes may be requested from the UUSIC administrator.

March 12th, 2015 On Thursday, March 12th, the Board met in UUSIC’s Henriksen Library. President Vicki Siefers called the regular meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Jerry Nordquist appeared on behalf on the Endowment Committee to present its annual report to the Board. Last year saw substantial growth in endowment funds, as a result of both an increase in the market value of existing investments and significant new contributions by members of the congregation. In fact, last year’s member contributions were the second highest on record. Mr. Nordquist also discussed the Endowment Committee’s plans to transition some of the Society’s funds to socially responsible investments over the next three years. This might result in a slightly reduced return on investment; the Endowment Committee will be watching this. There was also discussion about the formulas used to calculate the potential operating income available from endowment dividends. The Board considered a request from a local Spanish-speaking congregation to rent the Sanctuary on Saturday mornings. After some discussion about our desire to be radically hospitable, it was decided to approve the request, contingent upon a satisfactory insurance agreement. [Update: Insurance continued to be a stumbling block, and the Society will unfortunately not be able to rent to them.] Vice-President Jim Olson, speaking for the Denominational Affairs Committee (DAC), shared a proposed slate of delegates to the MidAmerica Regional Meeting in April. The Board approved the delegates and a small subsidy for travel/registration expenses. The DAC will present a slate of delegates to the UUA General Assembly at the May Board meeting. Anyone interested should contact that committee. Jonathan Tauscheck was approved as the summer accompanist, and will be invited back for the regular church year starting in August. The major point of discussion for the evening was the proposed application for a demolition permit. The Board spent more than an hour deliberating, on top of the special meeting held toward the end of February and the innumerable email exchanges since then between the Board, FSC and subcommittees, New Facilities Committee, and other interested parties. The decision reached—to move ahead with the permit application—was not an easy one, and it is not one that any members of the Board are particularly happy with, but it was determined to be the most proactive way to preserve the Society’s property rights during the facilities negotiations. A demolition permit gives the Society the option to demolish the building; it does not obligate us to do so. This application is the first step in a process. The Board continues to explore multiple options in its pursuit of our shared goal of new facilities. Additional details will be communicated as they have in the past: by special, congregation-wide emails and printed mailings; in the weekly email digest; on the Society’s website; and in the monthly newsletter. Several members in attendance reaffirmed their trust in the Board, and thanked the Board and the facilities groups for their continued efforts on behalf of the Society and its ongoing mission. The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 pm. - Chris Taylor, Secretary