March 2012 The Oak Leaf Kathy Grey, Editor [email protected] NEWSLETTER OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF OAK CLIFF We, the Unitarian Universalist Church ! Oak Cliff, facilitate individual spiritual growth and manifest our shared values through action with the greater community.

SUNDAY SERVICES 10am – 11am MARCH 11:15am – noon: SUNDAY Children’s/Adult Religious Education SERVICES Choir Rehearsal 10-11am Guided Meditation Meet & Greet Childcare is available 10am–noon Architects of Faith “Our theologies must drive our commitment to the UU Religion, and our religion must compel us to the creation of a welcoming and justice-seeking Beloved Community. We are the Architects of our Faith and our future.” —Rev. Mark Walz Preceded by Ingathering and We continue to explore this theme as lay leaders and guest ministers take Lifespan Religious Education the pulpit in Mark’s absence. Childcare is available 6:30–8:30pm March 4 – Spring Cleaning for the Soul – There is something instinctive about the connection between the time-honored tradition of opening the IN THIS ISSUE windows to clear away the dust of winter, new seedlings shaking off the soil as they push towards the sun and clearing out the past in our lives to UUCOC Updates ...... p.2 create a space for new growth. This Sunday we will discuss “spring cleaning” around the world and explore the purposes of this phenomenon Did You Know...? ...... p.2 that move beyond simply removing dirt. Star dust will be used, in place of Pastoral Care/Community Caring ashes, during a worship ritual, to remind ourselves that this holy day is not Speaker’s Forum ...... p.3 a time for monastic introspection, but for expansion of mind and heart. Rev. Marcia Shannon will preach. Children’s Religious Education ...p.4 Rev. Shannon received her MDiv from Duke University, and is currently UUCOC’s Vespers & Monthly Adult RE ...... p.5 Director of Lifespan Religious Education and coach of the Lay Pastoral Care Team.

Fundraising Concert ...... p.6 March 11 – From John Murray to Meg Riley and Beyond – Members of Endowment / Estate Planning .....p.6 the UUCOC Social Justice Ministry will take the pulpit, looking at the concept of universal salvation and how we got from there to “Standing on Coordinating Council Report ...... p.7 the Side of Love.” Board Reports ...... p.8 March 18 – If Grace is True – Existential validation, not empirical Social Justice Film ...... p.9 verification grounds religious truth. Thus we can experience religious truth Book Review ...... p.9 as being “struck by grace.” Mark’s good friend Rev. Tony Lorenzen visits our pulpit with this exploration of Grace and Universalism. Ethicureans ...... p.10 Rev. Lorenzen is a Harvard-trained UU Minister (formerly of Pathways UU in Oak Cliff Earth Day ...... p.10 Southlake) and Reiki Master. Church Community ...... p.11 March 25 – Developing Balance Between Logic and Love – UUCOC Labyrinth Walk Coffee House ....p.12 Worship Ministry members Geoff Poole and Heather Hood will bring their unique perspectives to the pulpit. Southwest District Events ...... p.12

UUCOC • 3839 W. Kiest, , TX 75233 (214) 337-2429 www.oakcliffuu.org • Rev. Mark Walz, Minister ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY EDITOR’S CORNER Kathy Grey Rev. Mark Walz continues to improve, Observations and opinions from your Oak Leaf editor dropping in at Vespers and attending the Oh, we had been doing such a good job getting the newsletter out on service last Sunday. Want to visit him at time! What happened, you ask? Life got in the way. (Life = illness, work, home? Just call first. As he recuperates, all those routine things that end up taking longer than expected, and all church questions should be directed to that unexpected stuff that happens routinely. So...apologies from your these “go-to” people: newsletter editor! Better late than never, I ALWAYS say! And a big thank- you to everyone who contributed articles and news.) Kimberlyn Crowe Submission deadline for next month: March 22. (214) 205-0344 [email protected] DID YOU KNOW....? Worship/Vespers, underwriting of guest speaker/minister A Lay Pastoral Care Ministry Team (LPCT) and Community Caring Anita Mills Ministry Team (CCT) are now being organized at UUCOC. These two teams will support the minister to provide pastoral care, and do so as an (214) 450-4606 expression of the caring we have for our fellow congregants. [email protected] The Lay Pastoral Care Ministry Team’s pioneer members have experi- Underwriting of guest speaker/minister ence in providing pastoral care or in crisis counseling. They will offer their or general questions skills by being present in times of need, lending a listening ear, and Marcia Shannon sharing their knowledge of community resources and making referrals. (214) 929-2094 They will not do in-depth counseling/therapy, or give advice. The LPCT's [email protected] help will mean being present at hospitalizations, institutionalizations, at times of death and bereavement, or when a member is dealing with a life Visitation/assistance to Mark and crisis or emotional distress. family, pastoral care and crisis support The Community Caring Team’s pioneer members want to express their care for fellow congregants by acknowledging changes in members' lives, Jay and Mari Vega calling on persons who are chronically ill, shut-in, or in long-term care (214) 659-1866 facilities, and by calling and sending cards to members and friends who [email protected] have not been seen in some time. In addition, this team will assist in Rental administration making community referrals for practical needs such as durable medical equipment, emergency food resources, and pet care in time of need. Pat McAfee Organizational meetings are continuing, and vision and mission (214) 957-7505 statements will need to be written to bring this into existence. We have an [email protected] excellent start, and invite you to help be a part of one of these teams. Anything else! Your willingness to work as a team, and respect for confidentiality will be key. Interested? You are needed. Please contact Rev. Marcia Shannon and express your desire to participate as soon as possible. BLOOD DRIVE CONTINUES Anyone can go to the RETURN OF THE CALLING CIRCLE donation center of their choosing at a time convenient We're reviving a "Calling Circle" to check on members for them and donate in Mark’s living alone. Elaine Wildman is gathering the names of name, using the Sponsor #: those who want to be a part of this system to assure that SPON100370. you are OK and ready for another day. Call her at 972-224-2377 or email [email protected]. For every donation, Mark receives $10 off the uninsured portion of blood products.The donor also receives a UUCOC Covenant Of Right Relations: $1,000 credit toward the uninsured portion of blood products for him/herself We honor each individual’s spiritual journey. and dependent family members for one We celebrate life’s abundance in service to each other, year. There is no time limit for donations our community, and the world. in Mark’s name. We connect with each other in love, respect and acceptance. See www.carterbloodcare.org for locations. Thus do we covenant together.

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 2 Downwinders at Risk Recap

February’s Speaker’s Forum guest Jim Schermbeck, leader of grassroots environmental group Downwinders at Risk, offered a sobering look at the environmental risks from gas drilling and development (“fracking”) in the Dallas area—while assuring that active citizen involvement can, and has, effected positive change. Best known as the longtime watchdog over Midlothian’s waste-burning cement plants, A monthly presentation and Q&A session Downwinders today is a major defender of clean air in our region. The group’s success featuring an organization making a positive difference in . The goal? Offer the Oak Cliff stories are significant and hard-fought. In 2006, Downwinders negotiated a landmark and Southwest Dallas communities a chance to settlement that brought new pollution control technology to the Midlothian cement participate in a stimulating, thought-provoking complex, and also created the largest private clean air trust in Texas: “The Sue Pope discussion of meaningful issues of the day. Fund.” Environmentalists are now participating in North Texas air planning committee decisions; before then only government and business leaders took part. Schermbeck pointed to action on Frisco’s lead smelter as an example of empowering the citizen “to quit being a passive receptor, a downwinder, and get a seat at the table.” Once Discusses on the outskirts, the smelter now sits downtown, near public parks and 1,000 ft. from a GLBT Rights high school. Piles of lead lay in plain sight, lead lined walls around the smelter, and lead was dumped into an adjacent creek. Last year Downwinders organized residents to act March 14 (“Frisco Unleaded”), and “now the city is taking the first steps toward closing the plant. This is what happens when you combine Downwinders with concerned citizens.” Speaker’s Forum presents a discussion with representatives from Today, Downwinders has joined a coalition concerned with fracking: Dallas Residents Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest at Risk. Using data from the Open Records Act, the group developed a startling map national legal organization committed (shown below) which shows the inventory of gas leases (110 total) ALREADY approved to the civil rights of GLBT people and on city-owned land. “More smog-producing pollution is being released into North Texas skies from gas drilling and development than from all the cars and trucks in DFW com- those with HIV. bined,” said Schermbeck. These gas industry emissions, he said, “are essentially un- Regional Director regulated.” Left unchecked, there could eventually be 50,000 gas drilling leases in DFW. Roger Poindexter (left) is Dallas’ Gas Drilling Task Force is rewriting the city’s responsible for ordinance, and will make expanding recommendations to the City Lambda Legal’s Council after its last reach within eight scheduled meeting February states; Omar Narvaez (below) 28. The stakes could not be is Regional Community higher. Schermbeck urged Educator. attendees to attend a city- wide meeting of Dallas Our speakers will talk Residents at Risk March 27, about the group’s to find out what fracking priorities, highlight means for Dallas, and the landmark cases, and future of our neighborhoods. discuss recent Find updates about the March developments in the fight over 27 fracking meeting, plus sign marriage equality, including efforts to up for news alerts at roll back the Federal Defense of Downwinders’ website Marriage Act (DOMA). (downwindersatrisk.org). It’s thorough, timely, and one of WHO: Lambda Legal Dallas the few air quality resources WHEN: Wednesday, March 14 at left in D/FW: neither the Ft. 7:00pm in the sanctuary Worth Star Telegram nor now Refreshments and discussion open have full-time environmental the evening at 6:30pm; the 7pm reporters. presentation will be followed by a Much thanks for your thought- Vespers service from 8:00-8:30pm ful presentation, and tireless focusing on the evening’s topic. environmental efforts, Jim!

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 3 EXPLORING SPIRIT WITH JOY Religious Education for Children and Youth In order for our children and youth programs to grow we need specialized, age-appropriate classrooms and engaging curriculum. We have chosen the UUA’s Tapestry of Faith Curriculum: Wonderful Welcome, Faithful Journeys, Heeding the Call, and A Place of Wholeness. (See descriptions below.) Our newly divided classrooms are small, but we have the room and leadership to grow. Please consider donating your time and talents to our children’s, youth and teen programs. Contact our Director of Lifespan Religious Educator, Rev. Marcia Shannon, if you are interested in volunteering full, part-time, sporadically or as a substitute. Sundays, 11:00am–noon Nursery – Sundays 9:45am -12:15pm and Wednesdays 6:45-8:45pm Wonderful Welcome – Ages 4-5 Infants through age three are welcomed in The Wonderful Welcome curriculum engages and challenges leaders and our newly decorated nursery. A paid children alike to explore how and why we are willing to welcome others supervisor works with volunteers and into our lives. We welcome not only strangers, but family, our peers, our parents to help our youngest children feel neighbors and even entities that are not people such as our animal friends part of our community. We encourage a and nature itself. We are currently looking for a lead teacher to parent, an adoptive/foster parent, a family facilitate this small group with a regular assistant teacher. member or a legal guardian to volunteer in Faithful Journeys – Ages 6-8 the nursery once per month. Participants embark on a pilgrimage of faith, exploring how Unitarian Universalism translates into life choices and everyday actions. In each session, they hear historic or contemporary examples of UU faith in action. Children will have regular opportunities to share and affirm their own stories of faithful action. Through sessions structured around the Unitarian Universalist Principles, Faithful Journeys demonstrates that our Principles are not a dogma, but a credo that individuals can affirm with many kinds of action. Over the course of the program, children discover a unity of faith in the many different ways Unitarian Universalists, including themselves, can act on our beliefs. We have a room prepared for this classroom, but do not have volunteer teachers to lead the class. Please consider tithing your gifts to this small group of children.

Heeding the Call: Qualities Of a Justice Maker – Ages 9-12 Heeding the Call is a social justice curriculum that not only explores linked oppressions in our society, but also encourages participants towards personal growth in values that counteract the marginalization of others. Workshops on empathy, courage, abundance, joy, and other qualities ask participants to recognize how these standards can be tools for justice. Additionally, the program includes more concrete tools, such as suggestions on how to be a good ally and tips on the language of conflict resolution. True stories of courage, sacrifice and collaboration, role-plays, games, and a program-long justice project will feed youth’s rising realization that as people of faith we are all called to love justice— not just with our words, but also with our deeds. We have a lead teacher for this classroom, but are in need of an assistant or co-teacher.

A Place of Wholeness Teens – Ages 13-17 For many youth, especially those raised in UU communities, the principles, values, and theologies of Unitarian Universalism are in their bones. A Place of Wholeness is an opportunity to examine their faith journeys to better understand themselves in the context of UUism. Every class begins with the same opening reading, the last lines of which are: “We are part of this living tradition. Through it we become whole, and through us it becomes whole.” It is this sense of interdependence that the program reinforces. There are several overarching themes that structure this program. Wholeness—the primary theme of the program—is defined as the way in which our Unitarian Universalist “outsides” match our Unitarian Universalist “insides” by understanding, professing, and living our faith. Wholeness is also important in the sense that each person is integral to the wholeness of the Unitarian Universalist community. We currently have a lead teacher in this classroom, but are in need of a female co-leader or assistant teacher.

Director of Lifespan Religious Education: Rev. Marcia Shannon (214) 929-2094 [email protected]

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 4 EXPLORING SPIRIT WITH JOY MARCH WEDNESDAYS AT UUCOC Vespers & Once-A-Month Adult Religious Education A light meal is provided to encourage fellowship between 6:15-6:45 and 8:30-9:00. Participation in the fellowship time is optional. 1st Wednesday – March 7, 2012 6:45-7:45pm Articulating Your UU Faith The course offers an alternative for those unable to participate on Sunday, those who would like to move at a slower pace or those who need to make up classes missed on Sunday. Donna Leach will facilitate the course, which meets every first Wednesday of the month. 8:00-8:30pm Vespers: Imagine If....(Visions and Dreams) Heather Hood will lead the Vespers. 2nd Wednesday – March 14, 2012 7:00-7:55pm Speaker's Bureau: LAMBDA LEGAL Learn about the state of LGBT rights in Texas and the US. See the article on page 3. 8:00-8:30pm Vespers: Celebrating Our Lives—Songs of Queers Everywhere – Rev. Shannon & The LGBT Group will lead.

3rd Wednesday – March 21, 2012 6:45-7:45pm Ceremonies of the Season (Formerly the Family Circle Group) Single adults, rather than families, have shown interest in this exploration of rituals that celebrate nature’s eternal cycles. Clara Moses has expressed a desire to participate rather than lead the group, so Rev. Shannon will be facilitating. This month participants will focus on the celebration of the Feast of Imbolc, rituals that mark the transition from winter to spring. Participants are asked to bring items to create an altar that celebrates newness and re- emergence. 8:00-8:30pm Vesper Theme: A Celebration of Awakenings – Led by Rev. Shannon & The Ceremonies of the Season Group.

4th Wednesday – March 28, 2012 6:45-7:45pm UU Page Turners Book Club Book for the Month: Genocide & Rescue: The Holocaust in Hungary in 1944 Edited by Prof. David Cesarani (Oct. 1, 1997), Professor of Twentieth-Century Jewish History and Culture at the University of Southampton and Director, Institute of Contemporary History and Wiener Library. Why didn't the Hungarian Jews do more to resist the ‘Final Solution’? Why didn't the Allies bomb the gas chambers at Auschwitz? Why did the Allies sabotage schemes to save the Jews? In this provocative book, historians from Hungary, Israel, Britain and the examine one of the greatest tragedies of World War II -- the deportation and murder of 435,000 Hungarian Jews during the last months of the war when German military and diplomatic power was on the wane. Could Jews in the West have done more to help, or were they 'prisoners' of civil servants and politicians in Whitehall and the US State Department? Drawing on new sources, leading scholars address these controversial issues and shed new light on a shameful period in history. 213 pages. Note upcoming 1st Tuesday Film — page 9. 8:00-8:30pm Vesper Theme: Chant and Meditation – Glorian Mulligan-Stratton will lead the Vespers.

Director of Lifespan Religious Education: Rev. Marcia Shannon (214) 929-2094 [email protected]

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 5 FROM THE ENDOWMENT FUND MANAGERS… REMEMBERING UUCOC IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS A FUNDRAISING CONCERT Estate planning is deciding what will happen after AND TALENT SHOW your lifetime to your possessions and your Come One and All! heirs. Almost everyone needs an estate plan, even Singers/Songwriters/Comedians/Mystery Talents…… though many people think estate planning is only for Dare to Dream! the very rich. The more modest your estate, the more important it is to arrange for its careful MARCH 24, 7:30pm handling and disposition. Plus, if you examine all of Unitarian Universalist Church in Oak Cliff your assets, you'll probably find that your estate is bigger than you think.

A Talent Show will Perhaps the most important reason for making an precede a concert by estate plan, however, is that it gives you the peace Shawn Madden as part of of mind that you're doing all you can to benefit those the UUCOC Fundraising you care about most. Elements of an estate plan Campaign. Tickets are $15 include a will, trusts, life insurance policies, buy-sell (with a discount for talent agreements, joint ownership or community property, contestants at $10 a ticket). a living will, a durable power of attorney, deferred Only 10 slots are available employee benefits/retirement plans and more. for contestants, so sign up The first step is to compile an inventory of your ASAP! Two prizes will be assets, liabilities, and beneficiaries. Outline your awarded; 1st place and goals, then see an attorney for more information and “Audience Choice” help in preparing documents. Please consider (which may or may not be UUCOC in your plans. A bequest to the Endowment the same person or act)! Fund in your will is an easy way to give. The rate of Questions? Contact return on a charitable gift annuity is hard to beat. Heather at 978-335-5797 or You could enjoy the tax advantages of donating your “Funky Acoustic Soul-Pop [email protected] home, and still live in it. Giving closely held stock with Spirit and Blues” While some tickets may be can be a win-win situation. Bequesting a specific available at the door; there cash amount is possibly the easiest way to give. are no guarantees, so please reserve your tickets ahead of time! Emerson said, "We are not born free, but with You can place your reservation for the concert and talent show a mortgage.' We need to recognize what we owe to by emailing [email protected], buying a ticket via the past. UUism has been a guiding influence in our Paypal on the church website (http://www.oakcliffuu.org/ lives and we are happy we can repay part of that special-events.shtml), or mailing a check payable to UUCOC. debt. We want to secure this important resource for (If you choose the third option, please write “Talent show/benefit future generations. concert” in the memo field.) — Susan Ammons

The Ladies Night Out Bunch has decided to CONGRATS, continue meeting on the 3rd Monday, with a gathering time HEATHER! of 6:30pm. In March, we'll be going to the Bamboo Palace in Leadership Lambda Cedar Hill, at 67 & Pleasant Run, behind the Best Buy. Toastmasters Please let Elaine or Nancy know if you will be coming so we International Contest can give a count to the restaurant ahead of time. Master, D. Scott Elaine: (972) 224-2377 or [email protected] Cooper awards Nancy: (972) 274-5571 (afternoon and evening) or Heather Hood First [email protected] Place in a recent competition.

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 6 COORDINATING COUNCIL

RECAP OF CC MEETING OF FEB. 14, 2012 A new Forum has been set up for Social Justice Pat McAfee, UUCOC Vice President discussions (which is not the Yahoo group).

Attending: Marcia Shannon, Dee Stofko, Ed Stofko, Scott Worship Committee now has it’s own blog. Grey, Kathy Grey, Vickie Johnson, Don Watkins, Pat The Membership database has been updated, the McAfee Website is current and Scott requests updates from Resurrection of Hospitality Committee: Pat threw out active groups so he can add those. idea for group to ponder and discuss more in length at Coffeehouse & First Tuesday Film email accounts have March meeting. anti-spam in place. Worship: Kimberlyn provided two detailed reports from Social justice: Vickie reports that SJ had a productive the Worship Committee meeting. General consensus is meeting this month. Plans are in the works for Oak Cliff that the the Worship Committee is covering all their bases Earth Day. and it’s good to have the schedule completed through March. LGBT: Attendance at the first LGBT meeting was light. Vickie will be contacting folks about further interest. Marcia reports that Vespers services have been planned through May. They need a lay leader to be point person Sacred Spaces: Don is taking suggestions for new and they need their own spot on the Coordinating projects. Next on his list is cleaning and painting the Council. As of the March meeting, Vespers will added to closets in Faith. He also expressed a need for signs on the CC agenda. Recycle Bins to identify correct products to be disposed of in each. Religious Education: Marcia reports great news that the Teen Room is rented on Monday & Tuesday nights. The Fundraising: The committee is working on a talent show neighborhood organization provides group counseling to fundraiser for March. Because the church doesn’t have a men with anger issues one night and to Gulf War veterans standing agreement or policy for this type of function, suffering from PTSD on the other. Their weekly presence Heather constructed one to cover this event. It’s intention enables us to stretch into the community as we, as a is to introduce our Covenant to performers and assure church, have been trying to and gives us the opportunity that acts are respectful of our policy of being inclusive to partner with the organization to bring spirituality into and welcoming of all beliefs and are family-oriented. their process. Discussion: We need to replace the refrigerator in Faith, RE needs a teacher for the 6-8 year olds, plus a nursery and will begin the search for a possible replacement. backup person. The aesthetic of the Faith lobby created a lively Lay Pastoral Care: Needs assistance with transportation discussion of what possibilities exist. Suggested: being and mileage and parking reimbursement for travel to and proactive cleaning out displays on walls and tables; from homes and hospitals. Perhaps the Caring hanging wall-mounted display units; changing the décor Committee, once it’s up and running, can assist with on the wall across from the front door to something with some transportation for members in need. greater impact (mini-banners with Principles and Purposes?) and changing the placement of coffee Finance: Ed reports that pledge packets went into the condiments/hot water/tea bags to the table to the left of mail this week. There is follow-up planned for members the Pass Through, thereby eliminating blocking of the who haven’t responded by 3/31. Dee will check on any coffee pots and the bottleneck at the front door. returned mail and address corrections. Summary of Items Needing Board Attention: Membership: Dee has updated our list of members which now sits at 101. New visitor cards are at the Board needs policy to address how church will greeters table. handle replenishment of consumables (TP, coffee condiments, candles, etc.) Communications: Scott reports that a secure communications channel has been set up for Pastoral Lay Pastoral Care needs mileage and parking Care. A Referral/Request form is in the works to be added reimbursement to travel to homes and hospitals to this new link. while filling in for Mark.

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 7

DID YOU KNOW…? BOARD REPORTS Anita Mills, UUCOC President

FEBRUARY 15 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING Board attendees: Bert Vandenberg, Pat McAfee, Mike Cipolla, Heather Hood, Vickie Johnson, and Anita Mills. Three non-board members attended. The purpose of the Special Meeting was to review the Rental Administration position, discuss changes in the rental function, establish general guidelines for rental of the Faith Building and related UUCOC facilities and appoint a Rental Administrator. The Rental Administration Policies for Faith were accepted, the Rental Administrator Job Description was approved, and Jay and Mari Vega were appointed as co-Rental Administrators.

REGULAR BOARD MEETING • FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Board members attending: Kimberlyn Crowe, Vickie Johnson, Heather Hood, Mike Cipolla, Bert Vandenberg, and Anita Mills. Seven non-board members attended. The minutes of the January 2012 Board meeting, as well as the Minutes of the Special Meeting held on February 15, 2012 were approved on the Consent Agenda. Rental policy for Hope and Charity: Upon motion duly made and seconded it was resolved that the rental of Hope and Charity be conducted under the auspices of the RE Advisory Committee, and that rentals received would be used to offset upkeep and maintenance. Ministry chairs are reminded that a calendar is online as well as in the hallway of Hope on which to enter any scheduled meetings so that there are no conflicts. Cleaning of Hope was revisited, per resolution of the Board at its January meeting. It was noted that in the agreement for cleaning of Hope, Charity (especially the teen room) was not included. Rentals are now starting for the Teen Room, in particular. Although users of Charity are expected to clean up after themselves, the Board decided to include cleaning of the Teen Room in the bi-weekly cleaning contract. Replenishment of consumables (e.g., toilet paper, coffee supplies, soap, paper towels, etc.) will be inventoried by Sacred Spaces Ministry (Don Watkins, Chair) and coordinate with the Treasurer to purchase the supplies. This will continue until a policy has been formulated. Mark Walz's prolonged recovery: The Board passed a resolution to continue Mark Walz on full salary during his recovery. The Pastoral Care Ministry has met twice and organized with trained counselors as well as lay persons to provide care and comfort to our congregation. The Board voted to provide for expenses such as mileage and parking incurred by members of the Ministry. For the next two months, the Building Fund box will be relabeled The Caring Box, and the Board will revisit this issue at the April meeting. Meanwhile, the Ministry members will be recording mileage, as well as hours worked, so that we will have a better idea of the needs of the community. This will also help if we decide to go for grant or other funding of the Ministry. Finances: As of 2-26, 12 pledges, for total of $12,820 had been received. The internal audit is on hold for the next 6 weeks while Jill handles personal business. In the meantime, record keeping issues she identified will be addressed. A blanket fundraising policy was adopted by the Board, such that any fundraising be presented to the Finance Ministry and Coordinating Council for forwarding to the Board. A tentative schedule of fundraising events was approved, while the talent show on March 24 and its promotion were approved. A policy for reimbursement submissions is needed, to ensure that expenses are recorded and reimbursed in a timely manner. While a policy is being drafted for presentation at the March Board meeting, the congregation is advised that a policy is in the works and that timely submission of expense reimbursement requests will be required soon. NTAUUS Report (Kelley O'Conan): It was noted that members of any NTAUUS congregation can serve on NTAUUS committees without being on the NTAUUS Board. In addition, a Board Training workshop will be held by NTAUUS for congregational boards on July 14 at First Jefferson in Fort Worth. Community: La Academia de Estrellas, a charter school, has applied for a zoning change to the property they purchased at the corner of Rio Grande and Kiest Blvd. They plan on an enrollment of approximately 800 students from K through 8. UUCOC is within the affected area and therefore was mailed a zoning form for voting for or against the rezoning. Aside from the zoning issue, discussions with school management indicate a synergy for our planned ESL/ Immigration outreach. In addition, with increased traffic in the area, exposure to UUCOC could be increased. The Board agreed to respond "No Objection." The next Board meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2012.

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 8

DID YOU KNOW…? SOCIAL JUSTICE

STEPHEN SPIELBERG and THE SHOAH FOUNDATION Social Justice Ministry Meeting present March 11, 2012 • 12:15pm Hope Chapel • All welcome!

A GOOD READ By Judy Watkins Reviews of books relevant to our lives as UUs

The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach. Upton Sinclair, referencing The Jungle, published in 1906, about Chicago’s “Back of the Yards” stockyards

Sinclair spent weeks investigating how sausage and other meat products were processed — from the use of diseased animals to unsanitary slaughtering and processing practices. In response to public outrage, federal regulations passed in 1906, but questions regarding sanitation and inadequate inspection continue to exist. The slaughter of animals seems as inhumane now as then and FREE SCREENING breeding them even more so. 1st Tuesday Social Justice Film But workers’ working, housing and living conditions exposed by Sinclair did not stir public ire. For little April 3, 2012 • 7pm pay and no benefits, men, women and children UUCOC Sanctuary, followed by discussion worked long, hard hours in unsafe conditions causing illnesses, serious accidents, and premature Using candid interviews with survivors of one of the most death. It took unions—which then, as now, were intense and brutal periods of killing during the Holocaust, under attack—to address those issues. The Last Days chronicles the experiences of Hungarian Some immigrants purchased “new” homes—that is Jews. This vivid and haunting film was the Winner of the newly painted, poorly constructed shacks lacking Academy Award® for Best Documentary, 1999. sewer hookups. A down payment—often their entire savings—and monthly rental payments were required for 12 years; if all payments were made, PLEASE NOTE: the house was theirs; if not, eviction ensued, the The newly formed UU Page house resold. Buyers were not told about interest rates, insurance premiums, and property taxes. Turners Book Club Many families became homeless and poverty- is reading stricken because of these shady practices. But real Genocide & Rescue: estate shenanigans continue. The Holocaust in Hungary Over 100 years old, this novel shows that everything in 1944 old is new again except, hopefully, hearts and heads are getting involved. The club’s next meeting is The book is available at Amazon.com. If you access Wednesday, March 28, 2012, from 6:45-7:45pm. Amazon from the link on the UUCOC website, a See page 5 of this newsletter for more information. percentage of your purchases will be remitted to the Church. Everyone is welcome!

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 9 ACTIVITIES We share food at every meeting, though it’s not mandatory to contribute to the potluck in order to come. For now, we’re keeping things simple—whatever people want to bring is fine. We eat while we meet. (Last meeting: spicy bean dip with gluten-free crackers and fresh veggie/fruit juice. Delicious and nutritious!) All are welcome — there’s always room at the table.

SPECIAL REPORT: OUR GREEN SANCTUARY? Every time we have an event at church, the issue of disposable plates and utensils arises. Last month, Kathy Grey shared her research into “Disposables versus Durables.” In summary: GOOD: Multiple use: ceramic, glass, durable plastic. Modern dishwashers are generally water/energy efficient — just be sure to run a full load. Hand washing is OK, but don’t keep the water running. (Yes, some of this stuff IS obvious!) Compostable dinnerware is great if it’s composted properly. It’s not meant to be tossed in the trash. OK: Recyclable plastic is certainly preferable to non-recyclable plastic. Note that not all communities accept #6 (rigid plastic) for recycling, and no one (that we know of) recycles styrofoam. Unfortunately, we still have many styrofoam items in the church cupboards. We need to say “no more!” when these are used up. BAD: Anything that’s thrown away after a single use. And while I can envision trash preserved for centuries in a landfill, I often forget that trash removal involves even more trash (garbage bags) and energy for transportation to the landfill. (Do note that some things really are trash — PLEASE do not put paper towels and tissues in the recycle bins!) What does this mean for UUCOC if we’re trying to be environmentally smart? Use durable dishes whenever possible. Do not buy styrofoam. Choose compostable disposables over others, and then compost properly. NEXT ETHICUREANS MEETING: March 18, 2012 • 12:15pm • Hope Chapel

Oak Cliff Earth Day is April 22, 2012 from noon to 5:00pm at Lake Cliff Park (Colorado & Zang), and UUCOC will once again have a booth. Watch for more information soon. (Photos are from 2011 event.)

WEBSITE 101 A number of our members turned out for webmaster Scott Grey’s Intro to the UUCOC Website on February 1st. Oh-verheard: “Oh, look at that!” “Oh, that’s where that is.” “Oh, I see!” Watch for more classes in the future. Do you have questions about our website? Email Scott at [email protected].

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 10 It’s a Gene Dailey asks… Birthday Party Hey, Want to go fishing? for How about a picnic? Marcia Shannon! Want to eat some burgers and hot dogs cooked outside on an open fire (or veggie burgers and veggie dogs), crank up March 12, 2012 the radio, and enjoy a day to fish or just enjoy the outdoors? 7:00–9:00pm There’s nothing better than a beautiful day at the park! Well, several of us are going fishing at Joe Pool Lake, out of the Cedar All are invited to join in the celebration! Hill State Park, sometime in April or May and would love for you to come Marcia is planning a ritual (of course), some along as well and we all can make a day of it. Also, by going fishing in the state park, no Fishing License is required. Bring the kids or grandkids or singing around the piano, a time for folk both and drag along a neighbor. If enough of us go we can rent a shelter dancing (optional) and a casual time for there and enjoy a central place to be and all the fun that goes with it. conversation, cake and laughter. Marcia invites you to bring a used book that is If you are interested please contact Alicia Morales, Cheryl VanVolkinburg, or myself and let us know so we can add you to the list. Also, let us know meaningful to you, a single flower and any the best month and day for you so we can have as many go as possible. sage wisdom (ie: song, poems, reading) you They have a lot of very nice facilities at the park to take advantage of. have to offer on the topic of “The gift of a second adulthood”! Following the Japanese So grab your pole, or use one of mine and let’s go fishing. tradition of giving gifts on your birthday, Hope to hear from you soon! Marcia (and her party gurus) will provide [email protected] light refreshments. [email protected] (214) 475-0638 NEWS FROM AMY IN ARMENIA All, I am attaching the newsletter that went to the Armenian Community and Business Development volunteers and their Our Amy! counterparts. [Here’s part of p.2 — see www.oakcliffuu.org/directory/ Amy_CPNewsletter-February.pdf for the whole newsletter. – Ed.] This is the second newsletter I have been in. Page 3 shows 2 of my computer workshops with a blurb. I have written and translated one on basic computer use (virus protection, data backup, secure passwords, etc.) and one on using PowerPoint 2007. My new counterpart (seen looking over the shoulder of one of the workshop partici- pants) runs the Aarhus Center in Aparan: http://www.aarhus.am/index.php? option=com_content&view=category&layout=bl og&id=109&Itemid=124&lang=en. Tomorrow after my workshop, we are going to discuss organizing an Environmental Leadership camp for children. Just wanted to let you know what I am doing. More about my experience is on my blog: http://amyinarmenia.wordpress.com/ Enjoy your warm winter! Amy The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 11 MARK YOUR CALENDAR LABYRINTH WALK COFFEE HOUSE April 28 • 8:00pm

Chuck Pyle has won high praise from both fans and peers alike throughout an inspired performance career Chuck Pyle of over 40 years. When reviewers first gave him the Opener: Steve Leach “Zen Cowboy” moniker, he decided to, as he says, “Always ride the horse in the direction it's going,” and took the nickname to heart, shaving his head and blending his upbeat perspective with old- fashioned horse sense. He mixes infectiously hummable melodies with straight-from-the- saddle poetry, quoting bumper stickers, proverbs, world leaders and old cowboys.

An accomplished songwriter, Chuck's songs have been recorded by John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Suzy Bogguss. Country fans know him best for writing, "Cadillac Cow- boy," recorded by the late Chris LeDoux, and "Jaded Lover," recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker.

While fans love his recordings, they adore Chuck's live performance. A nimble guitarist, critics say his sense of rhythm is more like a fine classical, or jazz, soloist, his songwriting musically sophisticated yet full of uncluttered space. The Chuck Pyle Finger-Style approach to guitar has distinguished him as a true original, earning him invitations to teach at such prestigious events as The Puget Sound Guitar Workshop and The Swannanoa Gathering. His music has made him a favorite of Bill & Melinda Gates who have had him play at their home in Seattle. Since writing the theme song for a PBS series called Spirit of Colorado, he's attained local fame, and even sings for the opening session of the Colorado State Legislature.

SEE WWW.SWUUC.ORG FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR ALL EVENTS BELOW March 30, 2012 North Texas Youth Rally “DON’T HATE — LOVE AND TOLERATE” The North TX Rally for Youth will be held March 30 - April 1, 2012 at First Jefferson Church in Fort Worth, TX. This event is limited to 100 youth (plus adults, of course). Includes an “away” social action project. You may reserve a space online, but you will not be registered (and your space will not be saved) until the registrar receives your signed forms and payment.

Leadership The First Unitarian Church of Dallas Cost: $275 for a Multi-Cultural SIX TRACKS: Age Leadership Experience Prep Course April 27-29 Our Whole Lives (OWL) — middle & high school OWL — young adult & adult Emerson UU Non-Violent Communication/Dialogue Church The Smart Church: Healthy Congregations The Philosophy of RE Renaissance Module

The Oak Leaf • Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Page 12