the
ArlingtonW Street Church, Unitarianindo Universalist September – November,W 2005, Vol. 5, No. 1 An Adventure of the Spirit Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie, Senior Minister
Dear Friends, implied imperative: Do something. and make it safe again. My anger This fall, I hope that, as a spiritual was made of fear. I learned a lot The last full moon of the sum- community, we will express some from this experience about how mer rose over the quiet highway of that outrage in creative, power- bullying works, and, more impor- this evening as Jamie (16) and ful, and transformational ways. tantly, about what has to happen to I drove the last of a long day’s On a vacation stop it: “safety in journey: a bright orange welcome faraway and long numbers” is part home from her 272 mile backpack- ago, Kem and of it; standing up ing trek on Vermont’s Long Trail! I and two male is a big part of it. Meanwhile, as her sister hiked, friends parked I offer you this Jessye (15) learned to surf. In a ourselves on a story as a medita- word, Kem and I have been out- deserted beach tion on how, to- done. for the morn- gether, we might It’s been a wonderful summer ing. Before long, begin to address for all of us, as I hope it has been I noticed two some of what for you. And now comes a New or three big, threatens our Year (I love that we get two—Sep- unsavory look- sense of peace tember and January). What will ing locals come and justice in the be new about this new year for up over the hill world. This fall, you? Please plan to join me at ASC where our rental with the morass in making it an adventure of the car was parked; in Iraq deepen- spirit! robbing tourists ing and, closer Last night, our family gathered is always great to home, Focus with all kinds of folks on a little sport. “Guys,” on the Family town green on Cape Cod for a I said to our descending on candlelight vigil for peace. It felt friends, quietly, “we have com- Boston, we will have ample op- so important to me that we do this, pany.” Mike, who is 6’4”, barely portunity to test our courage and that we come out from under the stirred from his sunbathing. “Shall fortitude with, as the Dalai Lama rock of our everyday lives, look I stand up?” he asked. says of the Chinese government, into the faces of our companions The answer was yes, and stand “our friend, the enemy.” in this dream, and bear witness to up he did. Not wanting to ap- But first… please join me on the possibilities of peace. Standing pear confrontational, I suppose, Homecoming Sunday, September up to our own despair is a begin- he didn’t even glance up the hill; 11th, for worship and the Water ning; kindling the light of hope he just stood up. The hooligans Service (please bring a small con- is the spiritual foundation. And turned tail and ran. from that emergent sense of yes, For hours afterwards, I was mad. continued on p. 11 we move to now. I appreciate the I was mad at the men who had bumper sticker that says If you’re disturbed my sense of safety, and not outraged, you’re not paying ARLINGTON unreasonably mad at Mike, for be- TREET HURCH attention. And I appreciate the S C ing able to just cavalierly stand up, Unitarian Universalist The Window, September – November 2005
Placing New Steps of Change Brian Souza & Sherene Aram, Prudential Committee Co-Chairs
On this rare, We are delight- the many contributions of our crystal-clear ed they have new ministerial intern, Paul August day, we chosen to offer Sprecher. You’ll be hearing a are reminded up their gifts great deal from these remark- of an excerpt of leadership able individuals as we continue from Maya An- and to join our work to create a vital and gelou’s poem, the Prudential vibrant spiritual community. written for the Committee’s You’ll also notice some amaz- first inaugura- returning ing building improvements at tion of Presi- members, Wen- Arlington Street Church this dent Clinton, dy Ellertson, fall. Thanks to the generous entitled “On Emily Dunn, contributions of Tammy Arcuri, the Pulse of Liz Regan, Liz Regan, Miguel Felipe, the Morning”: Brian Souza work party team members, the “Lift up your and Sherene staff and those who contrib- eyes upon this Aram. Togeth- uted to the 275th fund, we have day breaking er we are look- a newly painted and carpeted for you. Give ing forward to church office, a new minister’s birth again to another year study, intern’s office and sit- the dream… of spiritual and ting room in the church bal- Lift up your organizational cony, enhanced office space for hearts. Each new hour holds growth. our new staff, new choral and new chances for new begin- A hearty welcome to the new classroom risers in the Clarke nings… The horizon leans staff members who have joined Room, a repaired and repainted forward offering you space to us this fall. We’re happy to Boylston Street entrance, and a place new steps of change… report that Alison Green Will nearly-completed, new roof on Here on the pulse of this new has begun in her role as the new the Parish House. Our thanks to day you may have the grace membership and leadership all those who have been part of to look up and out and into coordinator and Vera Obrien as designing, building, or funding your sister’s eyes, and into your our Lifespan religious educator. brother’s face … and say simply, In addition, we look forward to continued on p. 11 very simply, with hope—Good morning.” Let’s begin this new day at Mini Financial Update Arlington Street Church with warm greetings. Please join us Total Pledges To Covenant 2005-2006: $265,066 in welcoming the newly elected rd members of the Prudential Payments Received Through August 23 , 2005: $29,233 (11%) Committee: Charlene Galar- Total Operating Income Through August 23rd, 2005: $60,977 neau, Mark Watanabe, Carol Fisher, and John David McLain. Total Operating Expenses Through August 23rd, 2005: $66,574 www.ASCBoston.org From Joan Goodwin Voices from Unfortunately I was not able to get to Fort Worth until mid- day on Friday and had to leave General Assembly on Sunday morning, so my by Members of ASC’s Delegation report will be short. I did get to the Friday afternoon plenary in time to hear the Study Ac- choir in which I sang. The beau- Ewer, Joan Goodwin, Carmen tion Issues presented. By way tiful Dallas building began with Griggs, Diana Miller, and Chloe of delegate action, I was able to pennies from our church school the Cat). raise my yellow voting card sev- collection. The congregation Paul Rickter was elected Secre- eral times and to sign a petition then met in rented space, with tary of the UUA, starting at the for our ASC-sponsored “right church school in what we called end of GA. He will continue to to vote” action for immediate “the barn,” really a carriage represent the Mass Bay District witness. I found the delegate ses- house behind the old Victorian on the Board. sions extremely well conducted mansion with its attached audi- There was a dazzling array of by Moderator Gini Courter with torium. A nice reminiscence! outstanding workshops, lec- the cooperation of delegates in tures, and exhibits. For exam- making their presentations—al- ple, Jim Hightower spoke to a ways well thought-out and often From Don Rickter huge crowd of activists. quite moving. Elaine Pagels of Princeton did The General Assembly of Plenary sessions were held in a dynamic Ware Lecture on the June 2005 was gathered in Fort the huge sports arena of the Gospel of Thomas. Her 2003 Worth, Texas. There were about convention center, where it was best-seller, Beyond Belief, lays 3700 UUs present. We delegates well nigh impossible to spot fel- out her brilliant understanding attended the same plenary ses- low ASC delegates. It was only by of the early Christian church. sions to hear news of our de- running into one another while She wrote The Gnostic Gospels in nomination and deal with major galloping through mile-long 1979 to explain many manu- issues. Each of us went to differ- hallways that we met at all. I got scripts that were crucial but not ent workshops, lectures, music to several interesting workshops included in the New Testament. events, and social events. but had to miss some of the I gathered signatures to call The new Study/Action Issue great events, including the pre- for a Constitutional Right to voted for 2005 – 2007 is “Moral sentation of the Distinguished Vote, a proposed AIW (Action Values for a Pluralistic Society”. Service Award to our own Gene of Immediate Witness). The See http://www.uua.org/csw/ Navias, because of obligations General Assembly did not vote for the full story. back here in Boston. this one of the 6 Actions of Phyllis and I saw many people On Saturday morning I en- Immediate Witness. Neverthe- like our former ministers Farley joyed the presentation of awards less, I will continue working and Wheelwright, Jack Mendelsohn, and a report from the congrega- gathering support for a Study/ and Carol Strecker, as well as a tion where I grew up, The First Action Issue (SAI) in 2006. multitude of other friends who Unitarian Church of Dallas. It There was a great intergen- are not seen between GA’s. was great to see the photograph- erational barbecue lunch on GA began with an impressive ic history of the congregation, Friday. Those who give to the banner parade on Thursday including many people I re- UUA were entertained at the Pe- evening, June 24th. David Butka member, and to hear their spec- troleum Club, on the 39th floor, carried the banner for ASC—a tacular choir. Back in the 1930s overlooking beautiful downtown beautiful quilted work of art cre- and early ‘40s, the Dallas music Cowtown. ated for the 2003 GA by the ASC program began with soloists like quilt group (Liz Balcom, Carol my mother and a small junior Brown, Cathy Collins, Helen continued on p. 8 The Window, September – November 2005 The UUA Distinguished Service Award As Presented to Gene Navias at General Assembly, Fort Worth, Texas, June 26th, 2005
It’s hard to imagine how any first group to become Certified MRE colleagues in their struggle one person could possibly have Directors of Religious Education for equal status in the denomi- done more to serve the Unitar- in 1967 and later added Ministry nation and in their local congre- ian Universalist movement than of Religious Education [MRE] gations. He helped to create the Eugene B. Navias. As minister, to his Parish Ministry status. Modified Residency Program at teacher, mentor, administrator, During his tenure at the UUA, Meadville/Lombard and serves historian, generous contributor, Gene was involved in the cre- as an advisor to students there. and friend, his lively presence ation and production of the He also chairs the LREDA En- has energized and guided us in multi-medium curriculum kits, dowment Committee. countless ways. Throughout his years Born into a Unitarian in Boston, Gene has family in Schenectady, been actively involved as New York, Gene moved a member of Arlington on from Sunday School Street Church. It was to become president there that he helped to of the local chapter found Boston Unitarian of the Young People’s Universalist Gays and Religious Union, as Lesbians, one of the ear- Unitarian youths were liest gay and lesbian sup- then called. On to St. port groups, which met Lawrence University at the church during the and Theological School, 1970s. Serving as Associ- he first ministered as ate Minister after his re- a student in Richville, tirement from the UUA, New York, then served he was granted emeritus for six years as Director status in 1999. In his of Religious Education most notable the pioneering second retirement, as he [DRE] and Associate Minister “About Your Sexuality.” More re- and his partner travel the world, at the First Unitarian Church cently he initiated the develop- sharing their taste for opera, the of Cleveland, and as minister of ment of the new sexuality pro- unstoppable Dr. Navias serves the Unitarian Church in Con- gram, “Our Whole Lives,” with on the Mass Bay District Board cord, New Hampshire, for six [the] United Church of Christ. and chairs the Religious Educa- more years. He also created the popular tion History Group. In 1963 Gene’s career took a “Singing Our History” program An essential part of his minis- decisive turn toward religious and became an expert in UU try has been Gene’s gift of song, education, beginning a stretch hymnody. Meadville/Lombard humor, and drama wherever of 29 years with the Unitarian Theological School awarded he has gone, from LREDA Fall Universalist Association [UUA], Gene its Doctorate of Divinity Conferences to curriculum first as Education Field Consul- upon his retirement from the development to General As- tant and finally as Director of UUA in 1992. semblies. Lifting our hearts as the Department of Religious As an active member of well as our voices to match your Education. A longtime mem- LREDA through its emergence encouraging example, we love ber of the Liberal Religious as a fully recognized profes- you, Gene, for all you are and Education Directors Associa- sional organization, Gene fully all you bring to us. tion [LREDA], he joined the supported his DRE and, later, www.ASCBoston.org
Worship Notes From the Worship Committee
Seasons Past/ ment to ASC when you see her says: the things we don’t under- this fall. stand, we will come to under- Seasons to Come Highlights of this coming year stand through science, through Shea Mullaney, Committee Co-Chair will include the results of last creative problem-solving. Every- Serving on the Worship Com- year’s Worship Survey in Sep- thing will be explainable in the mittee has taught me that all tember, our Spiritual Passions end. parts of ASC, including the series in the winter, and more But most days I want to believe Service, belong to the people lay-led worship services through- that there is a force out there who walk through the doors. As out the year. We’re looking for- that watches over me. (After all, members, friends, volunteers, ward to being and working with scientific Scully’s theories on and staff, we all make the Ser- each of you. Thanks for you. a case were never right.) After vice. We light a physical Chalice loss: “God only gives you what as part of our Service, but we One Person’s Struggle you can carry.” After setback: are the living light of Unitarian “There are lessons there for Universalism. Over Intelligent Design you to learn.” After a broken Another year of ASC services Ginny Merrit, Committee Member heart: “God has a different plan for me.” After finding an is starting up, and I’d like to I’ve been ignoring the conflict take a moment to thank ev- inspirational person: “When between the theories of Evolu- the student is ready, the teacher eryone for enriching this past tion and Intelligent Design. It summer season. Especially: our appears.” I want to believe that I seemed a distant menace, like am being held in cupped hands, summer guest preachers, mem- bird flu in Thailand, or just bers & friends who took time to that life has a safety net, that the another thing from the “Red” world will carry me. fill out our survey, Mary Mae’s states. Recently, I gave in and birthday cake committee, the I admire people with unshak- read about Intelligent Design. able faith. Right now, I just have parish concerns committee, all Simply, the belief is that life is those who participated in our suspension of disbelief. I am too complicated to be explained sure that government should lay-led services, and most of all by evolution alone, that a higher our sexton, Brad Nobles. not tell us how science should form of intelligence must be be taught in our schools. Nor In the spirit of change/renew- playing a role in how the world al, the committee thanks our does science eliminate my need was designed. I was caught off to believe in a greater mystery. outgoing co-chair, Kate Starr, guard; I might actually believe who finished her term in June. It is enough right now to be that. surprised by joy and stunned by Kate’s selflessness, devotion, and I am perpetually caught be- good humor have been an in- beauty— “Intelligently” de- tween the science of life and the signed or not. I embrace mys- spiration. We’re glad she’ll still mystery, like rational Scully and be serving on the committee. tery with my questions, doubts, mystic Mulder of The X-Files in and skepticism in my hands. We welcome Marilyn Castriotta the same mind. Mulder’s theme as our new co-chair for 2005-06! (Maybe an Intelligent Designer was “I want to believe.” Here gave me those things, too.) Please take a moment to wish I am, pushing up against my her well in her new commit- doubting, scientific mind that continued on p. 8 The Window, September – November 2005 Worship Highlights – Autumn 2005
October 9th, 2005 November 6th, 2005 Preaching Bring a Friend Sunday Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie Preaching Music Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie Special music from Beth Music th September 4 , 2005 Gentner and Stephanie McGuire How Can I Keep from Singing?, “The Fruit of our Labor” trad. Quaker Hymn, arr. Allice Parker Marilyn Castriotta October 16th, 2005 About the Speaker November 13th, 2005 Marilyn has been a member Preaching of ASC since 2002. She serves TBD Preaching on the Worship and Green Music Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie Sanctuary Committees and enjoys Jesu, dulcis memoria, Victoria Music an occasional Arlington Street Special music Outdoors Club event. October 23rd, 2005 th Preaching November 20 , 2005 September 11th, 2005 Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie Thanksgiving Sunday Homecoming Sunday Music Preaching Preaching Who Will Remember?, David Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie York/Judith Barrington Music Music The Road Home, Stephen Vela! Asambeni Siyekhaya!, trad. Paulus/Michael Dennis Browne th Zulu, arr. André van der Merwe October 30 , 2005 Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead, All Saints, All Souls, Samhain November 27th, 2005 September 18th, 2005 Preaching Preaching Preaching Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie TBD Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie Music Music Music They are at rest, Edward Elgar Matt Meyer, handdrummer Quiet Place, Jean Baptiset Lully, arr. Roy Ringwald
September 25th, 2005 Preaching Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie Music Canticle of Love, Hal Hopson
October 2nd, 2005 Blessing of the Animals Preaching Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie Music Fun animal selections! www.ASCBoston.org
Here, and in the next several editions of The Window, this page offers the voices of ASC’s choir. As one of the most active areas of the church community, our group of Why I Joined the Choir 30-40 dedicated musicians—non- Voices of ASC Choir Members music-reading amateurs to conser- edited by Miguel Felipe, Director of Music vatory-trained professionals—gath- ers every Thursday and Sunday for hard work and lots of fun. We are always open to new members and hope, over the coming year, to welcome even more folks interested in having lots of fun while learning and serving the ASC community! portunity to meet people in the be my best opportunity to pass In response to a set of questions church.” the audition. You can imagine asked in June of 2005, choir mem- my surprise when I nervously ap- bers have shared their thoughts on “Initially I joined because of the choir experience so you can proached the director and dis- how much I love to sing and covered there was no audition get an idea of the variety of back- didn’t know very many people grounds and experiences. to pass and I could have joined at Arlington Street. I’ve never the choir anytime!” What made you join the choir? been someone who can read music very well at all, but I could “I joined the choir because “I hadn’t sung in 15 years and see that being in the choir was singing makes me happy. You had missed it. I saw it as a way more about having a positive can’t sing in a group and worry to connect to the greater church experience with the joy of music about your life at the same time. community, to meet people, and and with one another than Choir practice is the one time to get my singing fix.” about showing off years of musi- during the week when I know cal training. (Though there are I will breathe deeply and focus “I joined the choir because definitely people who do have completely on something other the members I met seemed very years of training!) I found the than my fears and concerns. welcoming, because Miguel nicest people in the choir, and The result is often beautiful seemed like a fun person and felt completely at home with music and, just as often, joyful conductor to work with, and Miguel. My insecurities about laughter.” because for a couple of years I my own musical abilities were had been curious about the UU washed away because there was “I joined ASC because of the church and joining the choir such a loving feeling among us.” choir. I needed some music seemed like the perfect way for in my life and I have been in me to have another outlet for “I’ve sung in choirs my whole several other UU choirs, so I was singing and to simultaneously life but I don’t read music and looking forward to joining this see what ASC is all about.” have difficulty maintaining choir.” a harmony line all by myself. “I joined the choir because I I’m a dreadful auditioner. So I had been thinking about find- In the next edition of The thought being a choir member ing a way to sing regularly again, Window, choir members share the was something I’d have to give impressions of the choir before and and I also was interested in try- up when I moved to Boston. after joining. It’s really not so scary ing a Unitarian church.” There are so many talented mu- after all! “I’ve sung in choirs most of sicians in this town—why would If you have any questions about music at ASC, contact Miguel my life and I needed something they take me?!?! One Sunday, I looked up and Felipe, director of music, at MFe- familiar to ground me because [email protected], or show up realized that the choir needed [I] didn’t know anyone in town. to choir at 7:00 pm in the Clarke I thought it would be a good op- more altos. I thought this would Room on a Thursday night! The Window, September – November 2005
continued from p. 5 continued from p. 3 task force which re-structured the UU Women’s Federation, From Phyllis Rickter and I was pleased at the “com- Get Involved ing out” party for the new way General Assembly is always of doing our mission. After 140 We’re always looking for such a rich variety of business, years as a membership organi- volunteers! And while we are on programs, and people that each zation serving women’s groups the lookout for new committee attendee has a different experi- in our churches, our members members, we’re also currently ence. We dealt with the business told us they wanted our current looking for: of our Association of Congrega- efforts to focus on advocacy for • nominations for candidates to deliver tions at the Plenary Sessions, women and girls by becoming a One Member’s Journey (a description a membership grants-making of the personal journey that’s led beginning on Thursday evening, someone to ASC) June 22nd, with the parade of organization. • suggested texts and volunteers to church banners and a concert The Women’s Federation gave read Chalice Lightings by the legendary folk singer, its first grant to the Spiritual • suggested readings and meditations Youth for Reproductive Free- (songs, quotes, poems, etc.) Pete Seeger. • Pulpit Editorials (a particular opin- GA business consists of reports dom, a program of the Religious ion on a subject close—or should from various UUA officials and Coalition for Reproductive be—to UU hearts and sensibilities) departments, honors to special Choice (RCRC.) Our annual We will work with you to make congregations and individuals, Ministry to Women Award went sure that the experience is suc- and actions on social justice is- to attorney Sarah Weddington cessful. E-mail Worship@ASC- sues. I am always especially inter- and the women of our Dallas Boston.org to volunteer or send ested in the report of the Finan- Church for their support of a submission! cial Advisor to the UUA Board. reproductive choice in the days Larry Ladd reported that our offi- before the Supreme Court ruled cial adult membership is 150,735, on Roe v. Wade. Linda Coffey, Feedback up less than l/2 of 1% over 2004. the other lawyer at the table in We welcome the feedback of (We can do better!) Children’s the Supreme Court, was at our all our ASC friends and mem- religious education participants reception at Etta’s Place, an bers! Tell us what works, what dropped 2%, the second year of elegant Victorian house. These doesn’t, and what else might loss. Growth is indeed an impera- two lawyers were 25 years old work. You can: tive in our UU movement! when they changed history. • E-mail [email protected] President Bill Sinkford was Many Dallas women were there • Leave a written note in the Worship elected for a second four-year to receive this honor. Committee mailbox (near the rear The Exhibit Hall at GA is entrance to Hunnewell Chapel) term. Moderator Gini Courter • Speak to a Worship Committee mem- was also re-elected. We at Arling- always a lively place. The UUWF ber (listing on ASC website) one-on- ton Street Church were especial- booth, featuring our new logo one ly delighted to see our own Rev. and colorful materials, was a We prefer signed feedback so Gene Navias named as Distin- center of attention. A popcorn that we can follow up. However, guished UU for 2005. Gene has machine turned out bags of hot if you are more comfortable served our religious movement corn for those who filled out leaving anonymous feedback, at every level - from parish min- our interest survey. We got over we accept that as well. ister, to head of UUA’s Religious five hundred names to our mail- Education Department, and still ing list. serves at the district level. His It is always a honor to repre- Meeting Time acceptance speech was one of sent our church as a delegate to Please join us at our monthly the highlights of the meeting. General Assembly. Please give meeting, the first Tuesday of My particular interest is in some serious thought now to at- every month from 6:00 - 7:30 pm the area of women’s issues. Two tending General Assembly next in the Senior Minister’s Study. years ago I served on a small June in St. Louis. www.ASCBoston.org ASC Named an Anchor Congregation
This past summer, six UU For Young Adult Ministry Unitarian Universalist congrega- congregations were announced Arlington Street Church, Bos- tions seeking to do young adult as recipients of the Anchor ton, Massachusetts and campus ministry. Congregation for Young Adult It is the intention of the UUA and/or Campus Ministry in For Young Adult & Campus Ministry that the Anchor Congregation des- 2005 award. The categories The Unitarian Church of All ignation will help congregations were “Campus Ministry,” “Young Souls Church, New York City, seeking to expand their minis- Adult Ministry,” and “Young New York try to young adults and college Adult and Campus Ministry.” students. The only congregation recog- Anchor Congregations dem- nized for “Young Adult Ministry” About the Anchor onstrate competence in three was Arlington Street Church! Congregation Program areas in their young adult and/ Congratulations to our young Excerpted from www.UUA.org or campus ministry program- adults! ming. Those areas are: The Anchor Congregation program, introduced in 2004, • Institutionalized support for young The Recipients recognizes congregations that adult and/or campus ministry (staff have made a significant com- support, lay leadership involvement, For Campus Ministry mitment to young adult and/or budget, etc) • Regular, balanced young adult and/ Unitarian Universalist Church campus ministry. This award or campus ministry programming (at of Davis, California is aimed at institutionalizing least 12 meetings per year, includ- First Unitarian Universalist So- strong, congregationally-based ing worship, social and social justice ciety of Burlington, Vermont young adult and campus min- components) First Unitarian Universalist • Outreach (working to grow their istry programs across the con- ministry, leadership at district/re- Congregation of Ann Arbor, tinent. The Anchor Congregation gional/national/continental levels, Michigan designation recognizes congre- helping other congregations, etc) Unitarian Universalist Church gations that have made a sub- of Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, stantive commitment to young In addition, Anchor Congre- and the Channing-Murray Foun- adult and campus ministry, and gations have a wide variety of dation which serve as a model to other other program features, includ- ing such things as small group ministry, resource libraries, intentional outreach to youth, bridging programs, and sup- port for young adults to attend district/regional/national/con- tinental conferences. The Anchor Congregation designation is a five-year desig- nation. 10 The Window, September – November 2005
Taking Action Against tee would like to find ways to Human Rights Issue (film and support George in his work. To discussion). We invite you to Breast Cancer begin, we are inviting him to come with your energy and Laura Pattison, SAC tell the story of “Only a Child” ideas about social justice issues On Sunday, October 23rd, 2005 to anyone, especially newer which you would like Arlington from 1:00 – 3:30 pm, the Social ASC members, who would like Street Church to address or to Action Committee will host Tak- to hear it. Look for announce- tell us of ways the Social Action ing Action against Breast Cancer ments of the time and place, Committee can support your in the sanctuary and chapel. probably in November, when advocacy efforts. The event will include a screen- George is back in town. Last year, members of the ing of the documentary One in “Only a Child” is an inspiring committee worked on voter example of the dedication of registration and on September Eight: Janice’s Journey followed th by a discussion and reception one ASC member, who felt so 11 , we will hear a report about with representatives from breast strongly about a tragic situation ongoing election reform and advocacy and environmental that he gave up his comfortable protection efforts. We held a activist organizations. For more life and threw his entire self into “Moral Values” series last Win- information, or to participate doing something about it. If you ter/Spring and will talk about in the planning of the event, are new to ASC, or if for any possibilities for extending what please contact Laura Pattison other reason, are not familiar we learned in our efforts to ar- ([email protected]). with the story, we’re sure you ticulate our values and dialogue will want to come and hear it. with others about these. To read more about the committee, visit Social Action Committee the ASC web site at www.ASC- Social Action Continues Boston.org/programs/cmtes- Supports “Only a Child” Laura Pattison, SAC grps/socialaction/. Bring your Chris Curtiss, SAC The Social Action Committee talents and passions to help us The story of ASC member will have its first meeting of the keep Social Action the impor- George Leger and “Only a year on Sunday, September 11th tant part of ASC that it has Child” is a familiar one to most at 9:30 am in the historically been. of us who have been around Clarke Room. Oth- ASC for a while. Inspired by a er autumn meet- Boston Globe story of the life ings will be held the and death of Giovanni, a home- first Sunday of the less Guatemalan child, George month-—look for left his comfortable life to try the notice in Inside! and connect with and provide All are welcome. opportunities for the “throw- On September away” youth who live on the 11th, we will talk streets of Guatemala City. His about upcoming efforts, which began with orga- autumn events and nizing a soccer team, led to the programs includ- provision of shelter, education, ing: Taking Action a carpentry shop, and, most against Breast importantly, a surrogate family Cancer (October within which young people are 23rd, see above), respected and cared for, so that the Blue Sweater they can grow and develop an campaign, and identity complete with confi- Environmental dence and self-esteem. Justice: Water and The Social Action Commit- Privatization as a www.ASCBoston.org 11
continued from p. 2 continued from p. 1
these much-needed improve- tainer of water from someplace ments. you love). I look forward to Finally, we want to raise up introducing you to our new staff a major milestone that you members, Vera Obrien, Paul may have heard a bit about Sprecher, and Alison Green last spring. Thanks to generos- Will, and know that you will ity of our pledging members welcome them warmly to their and friends, for the first time, service among us. And in the we have reached 100% of fair midst of our joyful reunion, we compensation for all Arlington will remember the devastation Street Church staff members. of four years ago, as we reaffirm Fair compensation guidelines our mission: gathered in love and are produced by the Unitarian service for justice and peace. Universalist Association as a set Finally and always, if you have of recommendations to assist not yet joined Arlington Street, congregations in their compen- I hope that you will search your sation practices. The guidelines soul for a really good reason take into consideration years why not … and then join. Now. of experience, congregation Now, more than ever, we need size, and geographic location. you. Think safety in numbers. For many years, we have set the Think standing up … together. goal of getting all staff members Think adventure of the spirit! to 100% of fair compensation. Here’s to summer’s end, and to Because of your continued the beginning of the best that is generosity, we’re delighted and to come: honored to report that we have achieved this important goal. Sowing the seed, But, let’s not rest on our laurels. my hand is one with the earth. There’s much work to be done, Wanting the seed to grow, and many financial and human my mind is one with the light. resources are needed to keep this community alive and well. If Hoeing the crop, you haven’t yet pledged for the my hands are one with the rain. coming year, please contact the Having cared for the plants, church office to make your com- my mind is one with the air mitment. And, if you haven’t Hungry and trusting, found a volunteer opportunity, my mind is one with the earth. get connected with Alison and let her know of your interests. Eating the fruit, We look forward to seeing you my body is one with the earth. and to being with you at Ar- —Wendell Berry lington Street Church this fall. As we begin the 276th year of Faithfully yours, with love, this remarkable congregation, let us set out boldly toward the horizon before us, envisioning, building and sustaining a com- Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie, munity of grace. Senior Minister the Arlington Street Church Unitarian Universalist 351 Boylston Street indo Boston, MA 02116-3399 W W ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Editorial Staff of The Window Peter Johnston, editor; Miguel Felipe, design; Don Rickter, grammarian Policy for Submission Calendar items may be submitted with title, date/time, and 50 word descrip- tion. Open submissions of no more than 400 words may be submitted on any topic. Committee reports are encouraged. No submission will be accepted by telephone. Materials must be legible, signed, and fully composed and may be edited. Please note that we only publish submissions related to ASC events or the wider UUA community. Submission Deadline and Method Entries should be sent as Word® documents to [email protected] by 5:00 pm, Friday, November 4th, 2005 for inclusions in Vol. 5, No. 2, December 2005 – February 2006. Subscriptions To add/remove your name from The Window mailing list, please contact Corey Spence, administrative assistant, in the Church Office at office@ASC- Boston.org.
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