First UU Newsoctober We Gather in Community to Nourish Souls, Transform Lives, and Do Justice What If You Were Really Loved? by Rev

January 2013

First UU NewsOctober We gather in community to nourish souls, transform lives, and do justice What if you were really loved? by Rev. Meg Barnhouse I haven’t yet made a New Year’s resolution this winter. For the past 10 years or so, my resolutions have been very short, and they have come to mind, one by one, in late December. Th e fi rst one was “Tell the truth.” I never thought I didn’t tell the truth, but as I tried to keep the resolution on a moment-to-moment basis, I realized how much a small lie lubricates social interactions. I found a way around those and counted down the Th is year no resolution came to mind. I’ve been work- months till I could indulge in them once again. ing on a question, though: “What would it be like if you About some things, you just have to lie. Clogging, for felt really loved?” example. I had someone ask me once how I liked clog- Maybe the resolution is to wonder about this ques- ging. (We used to live in the Appalachian region, and tion. When I feel loved, my mind breathes better. My there was a good bit of it going on at fairs and festivals.) body relaxes. My behavior steadies. Something in my I answered that clog dancing held a special place in my spirit opens like a rose. I want to feel it if I can, from the heart. It does: the place where I imagine hell, if there people around me or from the Spirit of Love that fl ows were one, and what it would like an ancient river through be like. For me it would be “There is a vitality, a life force, the universe. fi lling out paperwork while an energy, a quickening that On my fi rst CD, I printed a quotation from a letter a fl atbed truck full of white is translated through you into people clogged in the back- Martha Graham sent to Agnes ground to a speeded-up track action, and because there is only de Mille. According to Agnes of “Give Me Th at Old-Time one of you in all of time, this de Mille: “I was bewildered Rock and Roll.” and worried that my entire Telling the truth was what expression is unique ...” scale of values was untrust- I paid attention to that whole worthy ... I confessed that I year, discovering that my untruths mainly consisted of had a burning desire to be excellent, but no faith that I lies I told to myself. could be. Martha said to me, very quietly, “Be quiet” was the next year’s resolution. It fl oated ‘Th ere is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening into my head during prayer and meditation. I did an that is translated through you into action, and because inner double take. “What? I make my living speaking. there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is How can I be quiet?” Th e Universe responded with— unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through well, with quiet. I had to fi gure it out. It turned out that any other medium and it will be lost. Th e world will not I needed to pay attention to being quiet inside, to not have it. It is not your business to determine how good having to have an answer for every question I was asked, it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other to being content to let others dominate a group discus- expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly sion, to not voicing every opinion that was in my head. and directly, to keep the channel open.’ ” Over the years there have been some easy resolu- When I feel loved, it’s easy to keep the channel open, tions and some hard ones. Who could have known that and that’s really what I want. the year I resolved to “enjoy life” would turn into one Maybe I could get really good at loving the world just big challenge? Th ere you go. Th e Universe/God/Spirit/ every other day. Maybe on that day I could love myself Wisdom is like that sometimes. continued on page 2 First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin January 2013

What if you were really PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS loved? continued from page 1 as well. Just every other day, How big are we? Why does let go of self-improvement and challenging other it matter? ... conclusion people’s mistakes. I invite by Susan Thomson you to think about doing this, too. Every other day, Several months ago I began using this newsletter space maybe we could let go of to share with you my thoughts about growth at First wondering if we are good enough, of wondering if UU. These are based on a book by Loren Mead, “More we are doing it right. Every Than Numbers: The Way Churches Grow.” other day rest, if we can, in forming lives, witnessing to justice and the warm animal pleasures Mead describes four aspects of church of wind, water, food, earth, growth, the most obvious being numer- providing intentional hospitality. Our friends, love and beauty. ical growth. The others include: mission and our ends were discerned by Every other day put in • Organic growth-building the the board from input from the congrega- abeyance the drive to feel organizational structures and infrastruc- tion provided during a series of sessions that we are smart enough, ture and developing the practices and called “Bridge to Our Future” in 2010. thin enough, cool enough, processes that result in a dependable, I believe implicit if not explicit in our doing enough. stable network of human relationships mission and our ends is a desire to grow. The reason I wonder and systems in which we can grow and Certainly we don’t want to limit nourish- about doing it every other from which we can make a difference ing souls and transforming lives to the day is that, having read • Maturational growth-the ability of lucky ones of us who have already found Kant, I have to ask what the a congregation to encourage all mem- our church. We don’t want to limit our world would be like if all bers to grow in the maturity of their hospitality to just ourselves, do we? And of us did this every day. I’m faith and deepen their spiritual roots as more of us witness to justice by taking not sure how well it would and religious imagination our values and our UU faith out beyond work. Maybe we would • Incarnational the walls of our church, melt into self-satisfied goo. growth-the ability I believe implicit more people will learn On the other hand, the to take the meanings if not explicit in our about and want to join world would be sour and and values of our mission and our ends our community. clammy if we didn’t do it UU faith and make Organic growth, the at all. So, on alternate days them real in the world is a desire to grow. other aspect of church we can all agree that this is beyond our walls, our growth, presents the New Age pap, and we can efforts to make the world a better place. greatest challenge to us now. This has to sharpen our intellectual Too often churches focus on numeri- do with infrastructure, including space claws in ourselves and one cal growth and to some extent organic and facility issues. Rev. Meg has held another with edgy glee. It’s January. I’m growing growth to the detriment of maturation- three town hall meetings to discuss our aware that I do have a reso- al and incarnational growth. Most of us future and space concerns. I attended lution for the year: I get to would agree that our church should be all three meetings to listen to what you wonder about love. Maybe about maturational and incarnational had to say. There seemed to be general being grounded in love growth. In fact, I was struck in think- agreement that our facilities are not makes change easier, rather ing about Mead’s aspects of church adequate to meet the needs of our cur- than lulling us into staying growth how much our church’s mission rent congregation, much less the size we the same. Maybe if we felt reflects a desire for maturational and might become. A variety of opinions were safer we would grow more incarnational growth. “We gather in expressed about solutions, both short and freely. What if we felt really community to nourish souls, transform long term, but we are very early in the loved? This year, I mean to lives and do justice.” We also have three process of making any kind of decisions. find out. May you feel it as sets of ends, or goals, that expand upon Here is what I believe. Unless we well.  our mission: nourishing souls, trans- choose not to live our continued on page 3

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MEMBER PROFILE Brooks Lewis ... feet on the earth, head in the sky “Earth-centered religions have been a part of Brooks Lewis’ spiritual life since the 1960s. Lewis, the new leader of the First UU Yew Grove group, started out as a Buddhist more than 40 years ago. Around that same time, he had several friends who followed the Druid Path, which he also explored. Why an earth-centered spiritual journey? “Experience in nature is tangible and brings up the deeper question of ‘how do I fit in this experience?’ The earch cen- Earth-centered ters us even as we reach toward the sky and rituals the stars,” says Lewis. Growing up gay as a southern Baptist This is the focus of the Yew in Mississippi and Texas, Lewis learned Grove rituals. as a teenager that he was damned because of who he was. At that time, he was also We humans stand with our involved in the civil rights movement and is the kind of place where things can feet upon the earth and our couldn’t reconcile his beliefs on that issue come together, where we can look at heads toward the sky. with the church’s. In fact, he and his entire life with curiosity rather than judg- We honor our connection family left the southern Baptist church ment. It is a welcoming community to the Mother by witness- at the same time. “My parents were both that provides an environment where ing the cycles of nature. born and raised in the south,” he says, “and all kinds of groups can explore their We acknowledge the Five while they recognized that they had beliefs spiritual paths. There is no dogma or Directions: north (earth), that were intrinsically tied to that upbring- creed that everyone has to adhere to.” south (fire), east (air), west ing, they wanted me and my siblings to be Lewis is particularly happy that the (water) and center (heart or different and to think for ourselves. I ap- First UU provides a place where once spirit). We ask the Mother preciate the fact that they encouraged us to every month people can gather for the for compassion. question and to not accept the status quo.” Full Moon Circle. “These are open to Lewis has been involved with First UU anyone of any spiritual tradition as We honor our connection for more than 10 years. He joined the long as you come with an open heart,” to the Father by looking up church because he saw it as an umbrella he says. “That is what makes First UU and out at the sky. We ask community for a wide range of groups. “It so special ... it is inclusive.”  the Father for light. We concentrate on our intentions as shaped by How big are we? we want to make. I hope as we con- continued from page 2 our needs and the cycle of tinue to dialog with Rev. Meg about the moon. Each of the 13 mission or if we decide it only applies to us organic growth and our facility needs, moons have a particular and not to newcomers, we will continue to we reflect on what facilities we need place in the cycle of the grow numerically as we grow maturational- in order to be intentionally welcom- year. ly and incarnationally. This is a good thing ing to more people. What facilities do because it means we are living our mission. we need to nourish more souls and We share bread and juice I think that’s my answer to the questions: transform more lives? What facilities or seasonal fruits and how big are we and why does it matter? It do we need to witness to justice in vegetables to illustrate our matters because if we are not growing in all the many ways we do so at First UU, connection to one another the different ways Mead describes, we are or would like to do if we had the and gratitude for the gifts  not making the difference in the world that space? Let’s talk about it.  of the earth.

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A special thank Men’s Fellowship December Breakfast you to Kitty Traylor They cooked, talked, listened, laughed, ate First UU member and breakfast and, yes, they Usher/Greeter Coordina- cleaned up. On Dec. 8, tor Kitty Traylor is resign- 22 members of the Men’s ing her position effective Fellowship joined togeth- the end of January. Kitty er for breakfast, fellow- has been the coordinator ship and good conversa- for more than five years. tion. Special guest Jason She has done an excellent Edwards, son of Bill and job recruiting and train- Ann Edwards, shared his ing volunteers, creating recent experiences living schedules, and making sure in Ethiopia. that volunteers are available The Men’s Fellow- every Sunday ... and, most ship group, which important, that everything welcomes men from Jason Edwards runs smoothly Sunday after all over central Texas, Sunday. Thanks, Kitty.  gathers for breakfast on the second Saturday of each month (except when it coincides with Mark your a retreat). Men from calendars! many congregations First UU Pre- (First UU, Live Oak, Wildflower, UUCHC, congregational UUSA, Congregation Meeting, Sunday, Beth Israel, Shir Ami) in April 28 and addition to friends and Congregational family participate in this Members of the Men’s Fellowship gather together for breakfast Meeting, Sunday, monthly event. and good conversation. May 5. More All men of good details to follow. will are welcome and encouraged to bring guests. Come join us for a hearty breakfast, with fellowship and conversation that will carry you through the day. The Men’s Fellowship is a self-sustaining group, so a donation of $5 for breakfast helps support the group’s activities. Fellowship members also do all of their own cooking, setup and clean up.  Joe Linsalata doing clean up in the kitchen

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First UU Christmas pageant shines! Sunday, Dec. 16, was a very special day, particulary for Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus ... and the wise men, three kings, shepherds, bunnies, angels and others who gathered around the manger. First UU children dressed up and acted out the “soul story” of the birth of Jesus and dressed up in a wide array of creative costumes. The pageant featured great Christmas carols by both the adult and the children’s choirs and lively interaction from the children and the congregation. The pageant was written by our own Gillian Redfearn. After the service, First UU members gathered for a Christmas potluck lunch with lots of great food, conversation and fellowship.  Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus

Christmas bunnies First UU adult and children’s choir sing together.

Jeanette Swenson with bunny and angel Little Bunny Gillian Redfearn and friend

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Work for a SOCIAL ACTION non-profit Social Justice special offerings for 2013 Looking for a volunteer posi- Whether it’s newcomers or old-timers, in central Austin have the assistance tion that will turn into a paid our Social Justice Special Offerings in needed with transportation, home visits part-time job? Do you care 2013 will help us finance local justice and grocery shopping; about promoting our UU projects in the new year. Three new- ● Planned Parenthood, supporting values in the public arena comers to receive monthly offerings a woman’s right to choose when and and have the organizational next year include: if she will have children and protect- skills to work as an execu- ● The Texas Freedom Network, which ing her reproductive health. They also tive director of a non-profit supports research and education efforts provide high-quality, affordable health- in conjunction with other promoting religious freedom, individ- care that gives individuals the power coalitions? ual liberties and quality public educa- and ability to take control of their lives, Our new Texas UU Justice tion; their health and their future. Ministry wants you or someone you know to join forces ● Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice ● Safe Place, working to end sexual with the six-member steer- Ministry, which is organizing Texas and domestic violence through safety, ing committee, which has UUs and raising the voice of UU healing, prevention and social change, recently earned a $20,000 values publicly by seeking to have those and providing safety for individuals grant from the UUA to coor- values enacted into legislation and and families affected by sexual and dinate our political action for promulgated in public policy; and domestic violences; and justice among UUs through- ● U-Bar-U Retreat and Conference ● Unitarian Universalist Service Com- out Texas. We want you to Center, located near Kerrville, Texas, mittee, advancing human rights and have experience working which has served as a retreat and con- social justice in the U.S. and around with the Texas legislature, ference center for UU congregations the world. Through a combination of political action and/or lob- for 10 years. advocacy, education and partnerships bying. Interested individuals Old-time social justice projects with grassroots organizations, UUSC please email Peggy Morton at promotes economic rights, advances [email protected].  still grabbing the hearts of First UU members to receive offerings next year environmental justice, defends civil lib- include: erties and preserves the rights of people in times of humanitarian crisis. Donate ● Austin Child Guidance Center, peanut butter From Nov. 15 through Dec. 7, First providing comprehensive outpatient UU members nominated 18 groups. and hygiene mental health services to thousands of On Sunday, Dec. 9, and then again on products children (ages three to 17) and their Dec. 16 members voted for 10 groups families; While dedicated First to receive the 2013 special offerings. UUs have been diligently ● Front Steps, providing a pathway Another eight worthy projects didn’t bringing non-perishable home through shelter, affordable make the cut this year. Perhaps we’ll food to our baskets set housing and community education by move toward supporting more projects up outside the sanctuary offering real answers and real solutions in the future. Meanwhile, we may see on each Sunday worship to the needs of people experiencing a couple of new social action projects service, Caritas is now homelessness; sprouting at First UU from the local work being done with American Civil asking specifically for jars of ● Hands on Housing, providing peanut butter and hygiene volunteer teams and building supplies Liberties Union Foundation of Texas, products for the homeless. to repair homes owned by low-income Grassroots Leadership, Open Door, Let’s make a change and Austin residents. First UU organizes Texans After Violence Project, The bring a little protein and these projects each spring and fall; Riecken Foundation, Threads of Hope, cleanliness into the lives of Truth Be Told and Unitarian Universal- ● North Central Caregivers, where the the good people served by ist United Nations Office. UU donation is used to ensure seniors Caritas.  6 January 2013 First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

First UU members gearing up Volunteers for Texas legislative session needed ... In January, members of First UU’s new on Feb. 23, sponsored by Save Texas Peoples Action for Justice committee will get Schools; and a Lobby Day on March Community right to work on promoting UU values 7, sponsored by Planned Parenthood. Clinic in the Texas Legislature. The group also will participate in Texas We need more volunteers Action for Justice, a committee Freedom Network’s Rally for Contra- for the second Tuesday under Social Action, was formed as a ception, which will be held sometime collate group at People’s way to get First UU members involved in February (date TBD). Community Clinic. We in lobbying and political issues. The To kick off the 2013 legislative ses- have taken on additional group is focused mainly on the issues sion, a small contingent from Action responsibilities and need of women’s health, immigration, and for Justice is hoping to meet with the more help. education, and will be partnering with Travis County delegation in the House We meet next on Jan. non-profit organizations and faith and Senate in early January. 8 in the workroom at groups throughout Texas. Action for Justice will hold regular PCC. Arrive any time after The committee held its first official meetings throughout the legislative 9:30 a.m. and leave when meeting on Dec.10, and by the end session and will be inviting speakers to you needwe are always of the meeting the group had already these meetings who can help educate finished by noon. You don’t decided to participate in a handful of the group on the issues of women’s need to participate each rallies, events, and lobby days during rights, immigration, and education. month, just as you can. the 2013 Texas Legislative session. Future meetings are scheduled for 7 There are usually around These include: a Service of Wit- p.m. on Jan. 7, Jan. 28, Feb. 25 and four to eight of us and it ness on Jan. 8, the opening day of the March 18 at First UU. is a nice opportunity to legislative session, sponsored by Texas All First UU members and friends visit with each other. Please Impact; a Rally for Choice to celebrate are invited to participate in all of these email Sheri Overton at the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade meetings and events. If you have any [email protected].  on Jan. 22, sponsored by the National questions or for specific details about Women’s Political Caucus (tentative, the upcoming events, email the Action awaiting approval of city permit); the for Justice chair Samantha Fredrickson Save TX Schools March and Rally at [email protected]. 

January special collection: Texas UU Justice Ministry Texas legislators will learn about our Austin works alone politically as a dependent on a significant Unitarian Universalist values by way thoughtful, progressive mind for a bob- matching investment from of the newly formed Texas UU Jus- bling Texas head. However, we have 59 Texas UU congregations tice Ministry. First UU will help fund UU congregations in Texas and other and individual member- the network as we donate generously UU fellowships of like-minded UUs ships. We need to show to all 12 monthly special collections who join us in thinking critically and our Austin commitment throughout 2013. wanting “all people to access the rich- as we donate generously to We focus on TXUUJM in January ness of life.” our 2013 monthly special as the state legislature convenes on While First UU has its own new offerings. Jan. 8. It’s important to know that our Action for Justice group of political ac- Join us at the worship donations will support the good work tivists, it is important for us to network service Sunday, Jan. 13, and being done as we “practice our liberal with fellow Texas UUs. plan to donate generously religious values in the public arena,” The UUA has also recognized the to our Social Justice mis- according to our church ends. importance of the TXUUJM and has sion by way of the special It’s frustrating at times to feel like awarded it a $20,000 grant, which is collection.  7 First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin January 2013

Freshen UUp: Interfaith Environmental Network improvements, Energy Action Team update fun, and fellowship! The Energy Action Team, sponsored dies and the by First UU Green Sanctuary Com- IEN Energy During the last half of 2012, mittee, will meet the first and the Action Team efforts around First UU’s fourth Mondays from January (only are developing interior have resulted in fourth Monday in January) through effective local visible progress throughout March in Rm. 15 at First UU. The strategies for the building: the gallery, meetings are scheduled from 6:30-9 individuals and Howson Hall, the adminis- p.m. All First UU members are in- congregations. trative offices, the welcome vited to participate. These strategies center, the RE office; how- The IEN Energy Action Team is a are designed to ever, there is still more to do! group of representatives from Austin’s build a sustain- Next steps include prep- faith communities organized by the able future for both our local and global ping and painting the trim Interfaith Environmental Network communities. The IEN Energy Action and doors in Howson Hall, of Austin to address the challenges Team currently consists of more than 20 the little room at the junc- and opportunities we face today with members and is founded on the recogni- ture of the foyer / Howson global warming, climate change and tion of preserving and improving the Hall / gallery, and the meeting the world’s future energy interdependence of human life and the hallways from the kitchen needs. Climate Buddies, an Austin- well-being of creation. all the way around to the based coalition of energy profession- For more information, please contact back playground. We hope als, are facilitating and consulting [email protected].  to finish all of these projects our team. Together, Climate Bud- by early February, but need additional folks to help make this happen! Want to serve as part of Even this guy wouldn’t the painting crew for one of these projects? Are you have enough arms part of a group (committee, ministry, book group, We Unitarian Universalist expect a lot Chalice Circle,and so forth) from our ministers: inspiring sermons; looking for a service project? compassionate care; well-run admin- Please consider volunteer- istration; local, national and inter- ing here by contacting the national awareness and social justice Freshen UUp project coor- action. Even this guy wouldn’t have dinator, Vicki Almstrum, enough arms. Since cloning Meg isn’t and will continue monthly training. at freshenUUp@austinuu. an option, we decided to get her some They want to make sure everyone in org. For longer term involve- more arms. the congregation has a contact person ment, please join the Yahoo Over the next couple of months, whom they can reach if they have a group by sending an email you will be receiving a call from a concern, a crisis, a joy to share or need a to Freshen-UUp-subscribe@ pastoral care associate telling you that listening ear. The pastoral care associates yahoogroups.com.  you are in their touch group. These want to be supportive of you in times of volunteers will be checking in to see joy and of difficulty and to be additional how you and yours are doing, whether arms for Meg because, as much as she you have joys or concerns or needs would like to, she can’t be everywhere. with which they can help. The PACs can listen, help coordinate The volunteers went through two with congregational care or other church months of training with Meg and groups, but most of all, they want to get representatives from Threads of Hope to know you. 

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PARADOX PLAYERS Eclectic Folk The‘ play’s the thing-with Paradox Players Jam Friday, Jan. 11 Did you know that one of the most Without a complete team of volunteers 7-10 p.m. vibrant theater companies in Austin is we simply couldn’t provide the near Howson Hall right under your nose? Paradox Players, professional productions and seemingly seamless evenings of theater we are The Eclectic Folk Jam, an now in its 13th season, produces three open jam session for sing- known for in the Austin community. shows a year, often to sold out audi- ers and instrumentalists, is To that end, we are hosting an “open ences, on the Bethke Stage in Howson held on the second Friday house” and informal presentation Hall. In the spirit of First UU goals, we of every month. Bring select scripts that tackle social issues, about what it takes to produce a play drinks and snacks to share. provoke thought and raise the spirit. on Sunday, Jan. 20. Join us in Howson Contact Pete and Kim Ak- We also have a long-running Read- Hall for sandwiches at 12:30 p.m. fol- enhead at 512-834-0188 ers’ Theater (second Monday of most lowed by a “show and tell.” This will or Mary Jane Ford at 512- months) and a brand new Children’s be geared toward anyone interested in 926-4122 or singalong@ Theater (did you bring your kids to see getting involved with Paradox Players, austinuu.org.  “Billy Goats Gruff” last month?) or just curious about how the magic of The actors you see in our produc- theater works. tions are drawn to Paradox from all We welcome members, near mem- UU/Quaker over Austin and beyond. What you bers and visitors alike. If you’d like Singalong may not know is that for every actor to know more, contact Gary Payne, on stage we need an army of volun- Paradox Player’s Artistic Director, at Saturday, Jan. 26 teers doing set construction, backstage 512-799-5872 or capcitymystery@ 7:30–10:30 p.m and front of house work, and more. swbell.net  Please join us at the Friends Meeting House, 3701 E. MLK Blvd. Bring snacks Theater goers ... mark your calendars! and finger foods, musical instruments, and copies On Friday, Feb 8, Paradox Players through ALL of Shakespeare’s come- of songs you want to sing. brings you, our valued season ticket dies, histories and tragedies in one wild Copies of “Rise Up Sing- holders and other members of First evening that will leave you breathless ing” are provided. This UU, a special Valentine bouquet and helpless with laughter. After you is an alcohol-free event. (sorta), courtesy of William Shake- catch your breath, meet the actors and Contact Larry Vaughn 469- speare. “The Complete Works of enjoy fine food and refreshments at our 0029 or Mary Jane Ford at William Shakespeare (abridged)” is an opulent (sorta) Opening Night recep- [email protected].  irreverent, fast-paced romp through the tion. Bard’s extensive playbook. Join three “The Complete Works of William (that’s right, only three) madcap men Shakespeare (abridged)” runs Feb. Readers’ in tights as they weave their wacky way 8-24, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., plus a Valentine theater performance on Thursday, Feb.14, at 8 Monday, Jan. 14 p.m. All performances will be held on Gallery the Bethke Stage in Howson Hall. Call 7:30 p.m 512-744-1495 or visit paradoxplay- Join us in the Gallery for ers.org to make reservations. FREE the fun of reading aloud childcare will be provided on Sunday, without memorizing Feb.10, and Saturday, Feb.16.  or rehearsing! We’ll be reading an assortment of “The funniest show you are likely to see in one-act plays. Newcomers your entire lifetime” welcome, no experience Montreal Gazette required.  9 First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin January 2013

LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Religious education highlights by Mari Caballero Children’s RE 2nd-3rd: A World of New Friends: Hello all, Introduction to World Religions This year keeps zooming past! This new curriculum, by Sara L. Sautter, begins each “Time flies...”, as they say! RE was unit with an introduction to a new “friend,” a fictional a busy department this past fall se- child who belongs to a different faith tradition. Children mester. We launched a new Sunday will have the chance to explore the beliefs, traditions, school program model, using a and celebrations of various cultures and faiths through talented and highly qualified team the eyes of this fictional peer through stories, discussion of volunteer teachers and assistants and hands-on activities. from within our congregation. This gave our children an 4th-5th: Why Do Bad Things Happen? opportunity to get to know and learn from this wonder- This timely oldie-but-goodie curriculum by Charlene ful community of some of the best Austinites I have had Brotman, et. al. (supplement by Cathy Cartwright) the privilege of meeting. In turn, several members of our begins deeper discussion (and other activities) with our congregation were granted the joyful privilege of getting older children around issues of life and death and other to know and learning from some of the cutest, funniest, complex questions through the perspective of various and most insightful kids in town. If you would like the world religions. This course will serve as a nice segue for opportunity to engage in this delightful spiritual practice our fourth through fifth graders from traditional Sunday of teaching during one of our worship services, please school to Jr. Youth Group, as they prepare for transition contact Laine Young, teacher coordinator at laine@aus- in sixth grade. tinuu.org. Training/orientation is Jan. 20 at noon. Lunch will be provided. We launch the new curricula and spring Adult Religious Ed. Update Sunday school semester on Jan. 27. This fall was not any less busy for adult RE than for This past semester, the children in grades pre-k our Sunday school and youth groups. We launched our through 5th concentrated on curricula that helped them second year of Chalice Circles and have continued to to understand themselves and articulate their faith as offer classes such as book discussion groups, Yoga and Unitarian Universalists. This spring, we are beginning Mindful Meditation. We also have offered several fellow- curricula that focuses on helping the children to under- ship opportunities, such as Women’s Spirituality and our stand and articulate the beliefs of faith traditions outside Young Adult group, as well as training in pastoral care. our own, while continuing to develop strategies for ethi- We also have learned about becoming a better ally to cal decision-making. historically marginalized communities and individuals. I am pleased to report that the RE department will Pre-K (3 & 4 year olds): sponsor an even more robust array of programming this We Are Many, We Are One spring semester! Please read the article on page 11 about This tried-and-true curriculum, by Colleen McDonald, F.Re.D., our new Wednesday night multigenerational continues to introduce our youngest learners to play- program, and the Adult RE courses offered then. Also ing and working cooperatively, expressing their feelings note the announcement on page 11 about another new about themselves and others, recognizing congregations course, the “Not-So-Big-Life” book discussion group. as places where we meet friends and care about our com- Keep your eyes peeled for the rebirth of Evensong at munity, appreciating how individuals and communities First UU. More information about that will be in next are alike and yet different, viewing nature as a gift that month’s newsletter. requires our care, and celebrating the different religions *Please note that the deadline for proposals for fall and cultures of our world. 2013 RE programming is April 15. Email mari@austinuu.org for more details on the application process. K-1st: Picture Book World Religions Looking forward to a great 2013 in Religious Ed.!  Last semester, this class explored Unitarian Universal- ism through children’s literature. This course, by Kate T. In Faith, Mari Covey, focuses on Eastern religions. Each lesson begins with a picture book. This class also will engage in sharing Marisol Caballero is interim director of Lifespan Religious ideas and fun arts and crafts. Education at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

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Introducing… F.Re.D.! Elizabeth Gray and Michael Kersey will facilitate the On Jan. 16, we begin our weekly F.Re.D. programming! classes. Class size is limited to 12. Register at the LRE Who’s Fred, you ask? F.Re.D. stands for Fellowship, table in the gallery. There is $15 fee, and scholarships are Religious Ed., and Dinner. This is an idea that is catch- available. Two books are required for this course: “Emo- ing on throughout our movement, which will allow us tional Intelligence 2.0,” by Travis Bradberry and Jean to eat together, chat together and learn together each Greaves and “Crucial Conversations: Tools For Talking Wednesday night at First UU. Dinner will be a suggested When Stakes Are High,” by By Kerry Patterson, Joseph donation of $6/person and will always include a soup, Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler.  a casserole, a simple salad, and bread. Each week, either the soup or casserole will be vegetarian. After great times at dinner, the fun continues as the children go off and play or watch a movie in childcare. Teens may continue to have fellowship in the youth room. (If a critical mass shows up regularly, we will consider a more structured teen RE.) Adults may go to choir practice or attend a Spring Semester 2013 class. Below are descriptions of our offerings: Children & Youth RE Spirit in Practice, a Tapestry of Calendar of Events Faith curriculum Jan. 13-Feb. 24 - Surprise Pals sign-up led by Marisol Caballero throughout the month of December, party Jan. 16-May 22, every other Wednesday on Feb. 24 This class is designed to help Unitarian Universalists develop regular disciplines, or practices, of the spirit— Jan. 18-20 - Houston Youth Rally practices that help them connect with the sacred ground of their being, however they understand it. Spirit in Prac- Feb. 10 - Valentine’s Party, Howson Hall tice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. “Whether Feb. 22-24 - SWUUC Youth Ministry participants follow a path they identify as Human- Extravaganza at Camp Allen ist, Jewish, Christian, Pagan, Theist, Atheist, Agnostic, Mystic, and/or any of the other paths we follow in our March 22-24 - North Texas Youth Rally diverse congregations, the Spirit in Practice workshops offer a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can March 29, 6-8 p.m. - Passover Seder, enrich their faith journeys.” (uua.org) Register at the Howson Hall LRE table in the gallery. There is a $15 fee, and scholarships are available. March 31 - Easter Celebration. We will be collecting canned food during the month Compassionate Communication of March. Elizabeth Gray & Michael Kersey co-facilitators Youth-led Worship Service (TBD) Feb. 6-May 15, every other Wednesday The Dalai Lama says “We can deal with our emotions Youth Bridging Ceremony (TBD) creatively and employ our intelligence in a beneficial way.” But if you are not always so great at using your April 21 - Intergenerational Worship- Gaia emotions and intelligence in a way that works for you, Psalms the Dalai Lama says, “despair not ... what distinguishes us as human beings is that we are capable of positive May 19 - “Thank-an-RE-volunteer” change.” This compassionate communication course Sunday! strives to help us focus on practical positive change in how we interact with others. Using several texts as a May 26 - Intergenerational Worship- Flower basis for discussion, participants will reflect upon current Communion communication styles and explore new techniques, such as dialogue, appreciative inquiry, balancing advocacy and inquiry, and emotional intelligence. 11 First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin January 2013

Women’s “Not so Big Life” book group begins Jan. 9 Spirituality The bigger-is-better idea that trig- In addition to the weekly chapter Group gered the explosion of McMansions in discussion, we will be encouraging our On Saturday, Jan. 5, the home design has spilled over to give us members to complete the exercises that Women’s Spirituality group McLives. In her bestselling “Not So Big are listed throughout the book. Feel will be working with the House” series, Sarah Susanka showed free to jump in at any time; it is recom- “Web of Change,”a magical us how to change the way we live by mended, but not necessary, to attend tool for setting in motion the adjusting the physical space we inhabit. all of the meetings or to start at the changes you would like to see Now, in “The Not So Big Life,” Sarah beginning. in your life in 2013. We will takes her revolutionary philosophy a “The Not So Big Life” book discus- each make a web collage that giant step further by showing us how sion group will be showing a video of represents these changes. On to change the way we live by fully in- author Sarah Susanka at Casa de Luz, Jan. 19, we’ll return to the habiting each moment of our lives. in the Cielo room South on Wednes- day, Jan. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For the “Rise Up and Call Her Name” “The Not So Big Life” reveals that remainder of January, book discussions curriculum and focus on form and function serve not only archi- tectural aims, but life goals as well. Just will be held every Tuesday from 6:30 to White Buffalo Woman (Lako- as we can tear down interior walls to 8 p.m. at First UU. Please visit http:// tas of North America). open up space, it shows us that we can www.meetup.com/not-so-big-life-Aus- The Women Spirituality tear down our fears, assumptions and tin for additional information. group meets on the first and conditionings in a way that opens us If you have any questions, contact third Saturday mornings of up to new possibilities so we can start Joe Linsalata at 512-327-5000 or lin- each month, from 10:30 a.m.- passionately engaging in the things we [email protected].  12 noon in Rm. 13. This long to do. group is for women of high school age and older. We are open to new members at all Heritage Book topics designed to help explore spiritu- times. For more information, Club update ality and life’s greater meaning. Chalice please contact Linda Webster, Circles are a great way to meet and get [email protected].  The Heritage book club, an all Austin to know other congregants at a level UU group, meets on the second Friday that is hard to achieve just byattending of each month. We have a potluck at services, visiting in Howson Hall or 7 p.m. and book discussion at 8 p.m. serving on committees. Youth group January’s book is “Billionaires and Look for tables in the Gallery after update Ballot Bandits” by Greg Palast. Host is services. Someone will be there to Jim Tucker at 8300 High Oak, phone The junior and senior youth answer questions and register new 345-2728. RSVPs are requested but groups will be working on participants. You also can contact Lisa not required. For those who like to the playgrounds in January. Carrell at [email protected] read ahead, the February book is “The  They will be weeding, paint- for more information. Bonesetter’s Daughter” by Amy Tan. ing, and adding wood chips as needed. The senior youth group will host a lock-in for Sign up for Chalice Surprise Pals all high school UU youth in central Texas on Jan. 4. Circles in January update They alos will be attending Registration is underway for First UU’s The sign-up deadline has passed for a state-wide youth event small group ministry program, Chalice Surprise Pals, so now adult gift- the weekend of Jan. 18-20 Circles. The program is comprised of givers/pen-pals will be paired with an in Houston. If you have several small groups that meet regularly elementary-age child. Parents will be any questions or would like to deepen the participants’ connec- notified of their child’s secret “surprise more information, please tion to the church and its members. pal.” There will be a reveal party on contact Andrew Young at Individuals in these groups share their Feb. 24 in which pals will have the [email protected].  thoughts and feelings on a variety of chance to meet one another! 

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Denominational Affairs Yew Grove Chalice Lighter program, winter 2013 call Moon Circle One of the surest signs of the changing seasons is the regular appearance of Chalice Thursday, Jan. 17 Lighters calls. Chalice Lighters are members of the Southwestern UU Conference 7 p.m. who are called on three times per year to contribute $10 each (or more, as the Gallery spirit moves you) to help a church or fellowship in the district get over a financial hump. These are grants to UU churches with almost no overhead costs. Recent calls We will be shifting our have included the San Marcos Fellowship, the Fellowship of Hidalgo County, the Moon Circles to meet on Huntsville Church and the Horizon Church in Carrollton, all Texas churches. the third Thursday of each The SWUUC is sending out a call to support First UU Church of Houston. The month. www.austinuu.org/ church has requested the grant to create a multi-site church, which will join the con- yewgrove.  gregations of First UU Houston, Northwest Community UU Church and Thoreau UU Congregation into one church with three campuses. If you are not already a member of the Chalice Lighters, consider joining now to receive automatic notification of each call. Whether you are current member or not, Brighid’s Bardic please send your check, made out to SWUUC Chalice Lighters, to Chalice Lighters, Circle & moon SWUUC District Office, 6720 Brentwood Stair Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76112. You ritual also can donate through http://swuuc.org/pages/stewardship/chalice-lighters.php Feb. 14, 7 p.m. using PayPal. Rm. 17 Southwest UU Women’s Conference Come for the song, story, and poetry of this special Feb. 22-24 at the Omni Bayfront Hotel, Corpus Christi, Texas celebration. Talented poets, Women and girls 13 years and older, join UU women from across our district at singers, and storytellers will “Making Waves on a Sea of Change” Southwest UU Women’s Conference 2013! The entertain you on this tradi- conference features Kimberly Dark, storyteller, speaker, performance artist, activist, tional evening of honoring and scholar, and Kit Holmes, Grammy Award nominee, multi-instrumentalist, and the spoken word. Yew- singer-songwriter. [email protected].  Workshop tracks include: ● Spirituality and Ritual: Rhythmic Waves for the Soul ● Creativity: Waves that Curve into Being ● Social Justice: Making Waves for Justice ● Women and Families: Splashing in the Waves Floaters ● Music and Movement: Making Body Waves needed For information on registration, pricing, worship, lodging, t-shirts, workshop tracks, maiden program, area attractions, and the schedule, see the Denominational If you see one of our Affairs bulletin board across the hall from Meg’s office or this link: http://www. members circulating swuuw.org/brochure#workshops around greeting visitors with a big smile on his SWUUC Spring Conference and Annual Meeting or her face, that is one of our “floaters.” A “floater” April 19-21 at First UU Church of San Antonio is a member who has This SWUUC event, “Journey to Justice,” will be held close to home this year! Social generously agreed to donate justice has been a hallmark of Unitarian Universalism. How do we navigate on the his or her time to make justice path with so many needs in our world and in our own communities? The visitors and new members answers lie “deep in the heart” of who we are and who we want to become. feel welcome when they Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, president and CEO of UUSC, the Unitarian Universal- attend one of our Sunday ist Service Committee, a nonsectarian organization that advances human rights and worship services. If you social justice in the U.S. and around the world, is the keynote speaker. He also has would like to participate served as the executive director of Amnesty International USA, is an ordained UU in this important program, minister, and a former president of the UUA. Fabulous singer-songwriter Peter Mayer please contact either Gary will be the special musical guest. Payne or Rue Wood, co- For information about the conference schedule, breakout sessions, lodging, child- chairs of the Membership care, registration, and cost, see the Denominational Affairs bulletin board or visit Committee, membership@ http://www.uusouthland.org/swuucspring2013.html.  austinuu.org. 

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Music matters Intergenerational Choir raises funds Sunday Worship for North Central Caregivers s a n c t u a r y 9 : 1 5 a m a n d 1 0 : 4 5 A M On Dec. 7, the First UU Intergenerational Choir engaged in holiday out- reach as they participated in Jan. 6 Jan. 20 the annual North Central Burning Bowl Service This New Thing Called Caregivers benefit concert. Universalism Singing “Christmastime with Rev. Meg Barnhouse Is Here” from a “Charlie It is good to begin the new year by with Marisol Caballero clearing out old regrets and resent- Brown Christmas,” the Evangelical minister Rob Bell received IC performed to a packed ments. Come toss those things into the fire and get a fresh start. much media attention over his book, house at St. Louis Catholic “Love Wins.” He has come to a Univer- Church alongside 12 other salist theology (although he doesn’t use area church music groups. Jan. 13 this terminology) and has been widely condemned for it by the evangelical com- Children’s Choir -- The Delicate Art munity. Join us as we explore Universal- now at a new of Forgiveness ism’s history and delve into why this idea rehearsal time! with Rev. Meg Barnhouse still causes such an uproar. Also, why does We have received numer- What does forgiveness entail? Does one the concept of God’s unconditional love ous requests for a later have to “forgive and forget?” How do remain so unfamiliar that Bell’s conclu- Children’s Choir rehearsal we forgive ourselves? Another sermon sions are reported in mainstream media as time. As a result, we will having to do with our Covenant of a brand new idea? What part do we play, be rehearsing from 10 a.m. Healthy Relations. as Unitarian Universalists, in such wide- to10:40 a.m. this season. spread unawareness of Universalism? While the new time slot no longer runs concurrently with RE, you may still sign jan. 27 up your child through the RE registration page. “The Eightfold Path” Primary Choir (K-3) with Rev. Meg Barnhouse will meet in Rm. 11 and Buddhism teaches that there is a way Secondary Choir (4-8) will to overcome suffering by coming to an meet in Rm. 13. understanding of the way the world is, and by living in a certain way. There is no Adult Choir -- now requirement that you believe in it, they with childcare! say, you just try it to see if it works. In order to better ac- commodate singers with children and grandchildren, Wednesday night Adult Choir rehearsal (7:30-9:00 p.m). now features free childcare. Make a New Year’s resolution to add more singing to your life! 

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Annual giving statements Sunday Worship The Forum Thank you for your gen- erosity over the past year. s a n c t u a r y a t n o o n a f t e r s e c o n d s e r v i c e Your church office will spend the month of Janu- ary closing up the books jan. 6 Jan. 20 and accounts for 2012. A Town Hall Meeting: Three New York City to the This includes verifying the Levels of Government and Texas Lege: How Did it completeness and accuracy How They Serve You Happen? of the records. After that is finished, we will mail with Lee Leffingwell, Sarah with Rep. Elliott Naishtat statements to everyone of Eckhardt & Donna Howard In Nov. 1990, Rep. Naishtat was elected their giving during 2012 Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Travis to the District 49 seat in the Texas House (January through Decem- County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt, of Representatives. He has been re-elect- ber). Your giving state- ed 11 times and serves as a member of and State Representative Donna Howard ment will go in the mail the Human Services Committee and vice will describe how state, county, and city no later than Jan. 31.  government cooperate to create and chair of the Public Health Committee. implement programs that serve and protect In prior sessions, Rep. Naishtat served on the public interest. All three public officials the Government Organization Commit- are current or former members of the tee, the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues First Unitarian Universalist Church of Committee, the Urban Affairs Commit- Austin, share common values, and live in tee, and the County Affairs Committee. Senior our Austin community. Come prepared for Rep. Naishtat also is a founding board Luncheon some good discussion! member of the Legislative Study Group (House Progressive Caucus). Tuesday, Jan. 8 Howson Hll jan. 13 12 noon The Importance of jan. 27 Sensible Immigration Join us for soup, salad Composting in our 21st Reform: Lessons from Century Food System and dessert. Only $5. Canada, Australia and John Loehlin will read with Jason Sanders the United Kingdom selections from his Jason Sanders, Recycling and Composting with Dr. Ray Marshall book “Verses of a Young Coordinator at Texas Disposal Systems, Man”light verse on will discuss the importance of food waste Ray Marshall, Ph.D., is holder of the Audre and Bernard Rapoport Centennial topics ranging from “A composting, the use of finished compost, Bestiary” to “Of Time and its relevance to the entirety of the Chair in Economics and Public Affairs at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, Univer- and the Weather.” Lis- food system. The U.S. food system is teners should find these mechanized, specialized, centralized, and sity of Texas at Austin. He is author of verses accessible, enter- globalized ... and is unsustainable. Jason’s more than 30 books and monographs, presentation will take you from the farmer’s and has written extensively on immigra- taining, and occasionally gate to the consumer’s plate, and (hopefully) tion policy. This includes “Migration and even nostalgic. back to the farmer’s gate. domestic labor markets: Auctions and John Loehlin is a As a sponsor of this Forum, the Green employer demand versus public policy” retired Professor of Sanctuary Committee invites you to join us (EPI, 2012) and “Value-Added Immigra- Psychology (UT) and after the presentation for further discussion tion: Lessons from Canada, Australia, is married to church and the United Kingdom” (EPI, 2011). of these issues facing our planet. Join us at member Marj Loehlin.  Central Market, 4001 North Lamar, around Professor Marshall served as secretary 1:30 p.m. of labor in the Carter administration, and is founder of the Economic Policy Institute.

15 First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin January 2013

First Unitarian Winter Solstice celebration Universalist The Winter Solstice celebration Church of Austin was a great success. On Dec. 21, 512.452.6168 more than 40 First UU members austinuu.org and guests joined together for a Senior Minister family-friendly evening of song, Rev. Meg Barnhouse story and ritual to celebrate the Director of Finance solstice on the longest night of the and Operations year. Sean Hale Co-sponsored by Yew Grove Interim Director of Pagan Interfaith and Women’s Lifespan Religious Ed. Spirituality Group of First UU Brooks Lewis, Josef Ricketts and Jacob Williamson Marisol Caballero Church, it also celebrated the rebirth of the Sun Child in each Director of Music of us, including the story of the Brent Baldwin first Yule Song, and ending in the Director of Membership spiral dance. The celebration was and Communications followed by a dessert potluck, Carla Jo Schaefer which was enjoyed by everyone.  Board President Susan Thomson [email protected]

The Neemidge family

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin 4700 Grover Ave. Austin, TX 78756