MAY 2016

Depth through refl ection WWW.UUCCHARLOTTE.ORG

IN THIS ISSUE ON:

BEACON / WITNESS

SATURDAY • JUNE 25, 2011 • 75¢ charlotteobserver.com CDEF ■■■ + “We are a beacon of UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS GATHER IN CHARLOTTE Dem-led progressive thought and action in the larger agencies’ Charlotte community.”

cuts were – FROM THE UUCC deepest ENDS STATEMENTS Republicans in the General Assembly deny that politics played a role in deciding allocations as they cut $2.5 billion from the state budget. 2 | Member Refl ections By Rob Christensen [email protected] RALEIGH — In an era of downsized state govern- Luis Rodriguez ment, N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Trox- ler has managed to largely protect his department from the budget ax. Ann Wood Troxler, a Republican, also has vastly increased its staff and pow- PHOTOS BY TODD SUMLIN - [email protected] ers, positioning him to be the most Chip Sharpe, right, holds up a sign of support for gays and lesbians during a Friday rally at Marshall Park by Unitarian Universalists. influential agriculture commission- Members of the denomination are in town for their General Assembly. The rally was led by local ministers Jay Leach and Robin Tanner. er since the legendary Jim Graham, who served nine terms before his 3 | Fathoming death in 2003. While other departments were Liberal denomination laying off workers, the agriculture Troxler department payroll grew from 1,300 Jay Leach employees to more than 2,000 workers. In fact, it will emerge from the recession with an operating stands up for its causes budget that has grown from $60 million to $106 mil- lion. By Tim Funk tory of social activism – is meeting this week- Troxler says the numbers are not what they seem. [email protected] end in the Bible Belt, better known for a He notes that his department, too, has taken its bud- 4 | Families: Let’s Dive In! First, they honored the imam who’s in the Christian church on nearly every corner. get lumps, too. And that its growth reflects greater middle of plans to build an Islamic center The 4,000-plus UUs, as they often call SEE CUTS, 9A near ground zero. Then they rallied in up- themselves, are in Charlotte from around the town Charlotte to support gays, lesbians and country to attend workshops, mingle with MORE COVERAGE same-sex marriage. fellow delegates, listen to nationally re- • Gov. Bev Perdue on Friday vetoed a bill And that was just in the first 48 hours or so nowned speakers. restricting medical malpractice lawsuits.1B 5 | From Your Board of Trustees after they got to town. And stand up for their causes – especially • Perdue has signed a bill requiring employers to Today, the 50th annual General Assembly the controversial ones. verify new hires’ immigration status. 10A Megan Van Fleet Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf spoke Friday to of Unitarian Universalists will, among other It’s something members of their church have Unitarian Universalists in Charlotte. He also things, spotlight a human rights activist who always done. Susan B. Anthony pushed wom- gave an earlier interview to the Observer. rescues immigrants illegally crossing the en’s suffrage in the 19th century, when it was For a sampling, see Page 4A. border by giving them water and getting unpopular. In the 1960s, when some wished the Bank holding firm them to hospitals. civil rights movement would just go away, two MORE PHOTOS: The country’s most liberal collection of UUs – Viola Liuzzo and the Rev. James Reeb – 8 | Celebrating Our Volunteers www.charlotteobserver.com/local congregations – with no creed, but a long his- SEE ASSEMBLY, 4A files papers for IPO Led by former Bank of America executives, company specializes in Greg Schropp buying up troubled banks in Southeast. By Rick Rothacker House spurns Obama on Libya [email protected] Since last summer, former Bank of America exec- between Congress and the White House over John McCain, R-Ariz., to blunt criticism that But after the largely symbolic vote utives Gene Taylor and Chris Marshall have been authorization of American military aid for the the president has failed to seek congressional 9 | Welcoming New Members against involvement, members buying up troubled banks around the Southeast. NATO mission in Libya, was a approval for his actions in Libya. Now they’re looking to turn their then back a bill funding U.S. effort. mixed message to the Obama “We are disappointed by that vote,” said Jay venture into a publicly traded com- By Jennifer Steinhauer administration, with Republi- Carney, a White House spokesman. “We think Barbara Devinney pany and raise money for even New York Times cans and Democrats forming now is not the time to send the kind of mixed more deals. WASHINGTON — The House dealt a symbolic alliances that splintered cus- message that it sends when we are working On Friday, their bank holding blow to President Barack Obama on Friday by tomary party lines. The reso- with our allies to achieve the goals that we be- Brenda DiModugno & Rich Exley company – North American Finan- resoundingly rejecting a bill to authorize Unit- lution to support the mission lieve that are widely shared in Congress.” cial Holdings – filed paperwork ed States military operations in Libya. But the failed 295-123, with 70 Demo- He said that these goals included “protect- that could lead to an initial public Curtis & Roberta Griner chamber also defeated a measure that would Obama crats joining Republicans in a ing civilians in Libya, enforcing a no-fly zone, offering that raises up to $300 mil- Marshall have limited financing to support those ef- rebuff to Obama. enforcing an arms embargo and further put- lion or possibly more. The move forts. The resolution was based on a Senate bill ting pressure” on Moammar Gadhafi, the Lib- puts the pair at the forefront of a Michael Masterson The result, coming after weeks of tension written by Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and SEE LIBYA, 6A pack of bankers looking to capital- ize on the financial industry’s woes. Terry Taylor Ask Amy ...... 5E Firms such as NAFH “are look- o o Business ...... 10A PETER FALK, TV’S TODAY’S MUST-READ ing to pick up the gems from the 92 65 Classified .....9B, 3H Radio: ashes of the financial industry’s Bruce Wiley 4-5E ‘COLUMBO,’ DIES Meet the opinionated Comics ...... Vince Coakley. 1E collapse,” said John Fitzgibbon, Taylor Toda : Sunny and warmer with Editorial 12A Actor who became an icon 10| For Further Engagement

The Mission of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte is to inspire children, youth and adults to discover and articulate deeper spiritual meaning evidenced in lives of integrity, compassion and stewardship of the earth. La mision de la iglesia Unitaria Universalista de Charlotte es inspirar a los ninos, jovenes y adultos para que descrubran y articulan un signifi cado espiritual profundo, evidenta en una vida de integridada, compasion y en el mnejo de los recursos de la tierra MEMBER REFLECTIONS on BEACON/WITNESS

SLAYING DRAGONS “WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD” by Luis Rodriguez by Ann Wood

I became an activist because How do we choose who and of a deep discontentment how we will be in the world? with the world around me. It is probably not a particular I’d grown up with stories of moment in time that defi nes how the world should be. us but a collection of such That people should love one moments. Not the infl uence of another, take care of one one person, but the wonderful another. I learned about variety of wisdom gained from Luis Rodriguez heroes slaying dragons, the friction engendered by engaging with others. bringing down tyrants and Ann Wood returning the land to the people. Some outgrow those An early association with the stories. They tuck them away as “nice” and “quaint” but Unitarian Church of Charlotte offered me and my not realistic. family like-minded folk who helped me fi nd – and who And then there are people like me. are still helping me fi nd – ways in which I can justify taking up space on a crowded planet. The formal part You can call me “crazy.” A person has to be a little crazy of my search began as a to think they can slay member of a Unitarian the real dragons, depose Fellowship in Greenville, the real tyrants, and South Carolina. A motley return the land to the crew. I still hear from the people. When I decided survivors. to start on this quixotic path, most of the friends, The informal part began family and acquaintances much earlier when as a I thought I knew began child I was encouraged to look at me like some to act based on the exotic beetle… one that hubris that seemed to be may bite if prodded. It inborn (hubris: “to rush wasn’t such a big leap I impetuously”). I think suppose; in school I was Moral Monday gathering on voting rights, photo by Nancy Pierce it must be true that you voted “Most Likely to become what you practice, Start a Cult.” and equally true that you seldom know how you got to be the person you have become. I felt very alone, however. A cult of one. It wasn’t long before I noticed familiar faces popping up at protests Some things I know for sure. I know that Sydney and press conferences, though. Everywhere I went, Freeman, Sue Riley, Sybil Bernstein, Judge James members of my church were there, fi red up over McMillan, a collection of Quaker friends, Pop Miller the same issues, fi ghting the same villains. It was a from West Charlotte High School, my employees revelation. from whom I learned a new language and culture, and certainly my wonderful husband and children all Church, to me, had always been for people to pray for helped to bring passion, inspiration, and hope to my change. It was a very separate place from the rest of disorderly journey. my life. What I discovered, much to my surprise, was that the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte I do believe that I am my sisters’ and brothers’ keeper, (UUCC) was a place for people to not only pray for that if the world is ever to be made a better place for change, but to plan and coordinate how to bring about all its inhabitants it will take the concentrated effort continued on pg 7 continued on pg 7 FATHOMING: “FATHOMING IS THE VERY PURPOSE OF THE JOURNEY”

It has become a regular part of What happens when lighthouses and cathedrals no our summers in South Carolina longer offer something essential? They are reduced – an excursion to Hunting Island to tourist stops, quaint places to visit but of little State Park on the coast about 20 real value to their larger communities. They may be miles from Beaufort. We take preserved, appreciated for their histories, but no one’s a picnic, swim in the surf, walk now looking to them for guidance and direction in a secluded trail alongside the these challenging times. lagoon, and conclude our day Is obsolescence the truth, not just about cathedrals, Jay Leach watching the sun go down over but about organized religion in general? Should we the marsh. concede that religion’s scant beam may offer a quaint Each year we enjoy a climb to the top of the handsome decorative element, its temples, synagogues, mosques black and white lighthouse. We and sanctuaries may still have historic venture up 167 spiraling steps to a signifi cance, but it is all now just a platform 132 feet above the ground vestige of a once essential place in life? offering cool breezes, a sweeping view Have we, as a liberating religion – we, of the coastline, and, an eye-level as a congregation – come to the end of encounter with massive pelicans our real value? Have we become a place gliding past. to visit occasionally, but not a place to The Hunting Island Lighthouse which our community would look for was originally built in 1859. The guidance or inspiration? bright beacon from its lens could “We are a beacon of progressive shine 18 miles warning passing thought and action” we say in our ships of sandbars and shallow water. defi ning claims. Is that really true? Destroyed during the Civil War, it Can people still see our welcoming was rebuilt in 1875 only to be taken light? Do we serve to enlighten the apart and relocated a-mile-and-a- community? Are we really guiding our quarter from its original location city away from dangerous shoals? Do due to erosion and an encroaching we collectively offer something essential shoreline. not just for our members but to our For more than seven decades region? this lighthouse served to warn Hunting Island Lighthouse photo by Jay Leach Or, have we become a quaint place to and protect. But, in 1933, it was drop in on occasion, to show our kids deactivated, no longer needed or useful. Now this every once in a while, but without any real role in a grand brick and steel structure serves only as a city and region so dramatically different from the one historic site. While it shines a beacon, that beam is we entered decades ago? decorative, not bright enough to aid in navigation. The lighthouse is still a pleasant relic we enjoy each A familiar hymn we sing asserts: “Stand we now upon summer. But, it has long outlived its important the threshold facing futures yet unknown . . .” Looking function. back to our forebears and forward with a still essential vision, it declares: “Guard we e’er their sacred embers Some say the same of organized religion. Once serving written in each heart and mind.” as an important, even primary aspect of society, it too has become obsolete. Venturing into many European E’er: ever. towns we fi nd grand cathedrals, sites around which “We were a beacon.” Or, “We are a beacon.” That whole towns developed, now relegated to tourist choice is ever before us. destinations. They’re still grand, awe-inspiring even. They just represent an institution – religion – that some claim has outlived its value in the larger society. FAMILIES: LET’S DIVE IN! Our spiritual journey begins at birth and continues throughout our lives. We invite parents to use the material presented in LET’S DIVE IN! to engage their children in this journey. Chalice Lighting the group that makes decisions about the schools. We light this chalice to remind ourselves that it can She wanted to help people see that all of the children be scary sometimes and even dangerous to stand should go to school together. While she was trying to up for our beliefs. May this fl ame remind us that we get elected, though, someone shared that Charlotte must be willing to speak out and act on injustice or was a Unitarian. A lot of people didn’t know anything unkindness in the world. about Unitarians and what they believe, and they were frightened. Charlotte didn’t get elected. UU SUPERHERO: CHARLOTTE WATKINS Written collaboratively by Rita Heath-Singer, Belinda Parry, and Charlotte stayed involved in the community, though, Kathleen Carpenter and remained a strong advocate for equality and This is a story about a real Unitarian Universalist integration in the schools, which means allowing superhero – from our own congregation! Her name all children to go was Charlotte Watkins. to school together. Some of her friends In the 1950s, when Charlotte was a young woman, and family didn’t she and her husband, Carlton, moved to Charlotte agree that everyone from Kansas. (Charlotte moved to Charlotte!) deserved equal Charlotte, a nurse, and Carlton, a doctor, both treatment, and they believed that everyone was important and should stopped talking to be treated fairly, no matter what they looked like or her and her husband, if they were male or female. That sounds a lot like Carlton. She could Charlotte Watkins our 1st and 2nd principles, doesn’t it? “Everyone is have easily become important” and “Treat all people fairly.” discouraged, but Charlotte continued to work and Part of the year, Charlotte worked for an organization fi ght for all people to have the same rights. committed to empowering women called the YWCA. The President of the United States at that time, But in the summer, she worked as a nurse at a Richard Nixon, asked Charlotte to be part of a group summer camp for girls in the mountains, called Camp of people who helped him make decisions about Allahe. It was one of the few places black and white integrating the schools. She arranged workshops to children could play together. Charlotte thought it help parents, teachers, and communities get ready for was important that all children be allowed to play integration which fi nally happened here in Charlotte together and learn from each other. Doesn’t that in 1970. sound a lot like our 3rd principle? “We help each other learn.” Charlotte passed away in 2015, and she is missed by many people, including people in our church. During this time, it could be dangerous and scary While she was living and working, Charlotte showed to stand up for fairness because some people didn’t courage, wisdom, and strength and never lost sight think black people and white people should have of her beliefs and the dream that all children would the same advantages. Charlotte fought for fairness, have the same rights and be able to attend the same though, because all people deserve a voice, like our schools. 5th principle says, “All people should be free to speak out.” And like our 6th principle says, “We should Wondering Questions: build a fair and peaceful world.” I wonder if you have ever had to stand up for what When Charlotte came to the South, black children you believe . . . and white children went to separate schools. I wonder if you have ever felt discouraged or thought Charlotte believed that the children would learn about giving up on something . . . more if they could learn together so she tried to get I wonder how you would feel if you lost friends elected to the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board, because of something you believed in. . . .

4 SOUNDINGS on BEACON / WITNESS FROM YOUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BEARING WITNESS deep listening. This was no ordinary rally; no overly organized speaker lineup; no long march through the by Megan Van Fleet streets. This day was about listening actively to stories of heartache and struggle from those denied a voice in the On March 31 a group one conversation. This day was about holding up a mirror hundred strong gathered to and amplifying the beauty of trans lives, and the value celebrate the Transgender they bring as members of our Charlotte community. This Day of Visibility in the plaza was a day to bear witness. Shortly after, trans women of the Government Center in and men of color came forward to share their stories and uptown Charlotte. A national fi ll the space with their presence. celebration, Transgender Day As a predominantly white affl uent congregation involved of Visibility was started in 2009 in social justice issues throughout the city and state, as an opportunity to celebrate there is certainly a time and a place to use our collective the lives and contributions resources to fi ght for change. But it is equally important Megan Van Fleet of transgender people in our to hold the space for marginalized and victimized citizens community. This year’s theme of our community, rather than forcing our narrative on of “More Than Visibility” focused specifi cally on equal them. We need to bear witness to struggle and triumph. rights and dignity in society and in law. In the wake of By listening, we learn; by learning, we grow; by growing, the passage of HB2, it felt more important than ever to we shine; by shining, we change the world. stand in solidarity with our trans brothers and sisters. Through the visioning process, the Board and Vision The circle was opened on that rainy day with love and Steering Team have been engaged in deep listening energy. Several trans women spoke about their personal within the congregation. We heard about your hopes for experiences and struggles, the future of this church, of as well as their hopes, and where you saw opportunities then a speaker asked that for growth and change, and the group hold the space how we could better serve specifi cally for trans people our community. We heard of color to be seen and a deep-seated desire to heard, since they are by far have the work of the UUCC our most likely citizens to inspire transformation— be victims of assault, job for you personally, for the discrimination, poverty, congregation, and for the and poor healthcare. A few larger community. moments of silence passed, and no one entered. A few The Vision will soon be white allies spoke, and released in its fi nal form, then this same speaker ready for a congregational vote at Congregational re-entered the circle, calling UUCC Members in Raleigh on April 25 for HB2 Protest out the group for usurping Conversation on June 5. This the space from the most vulnerable among us. I must is a momentous occasion and admit, I was at fi rst uncomfortable. a turning point for the church. By accepting this work, we have a clear path forward together. We have a guide As a former event planner, silence in a speaker lineup to drive our work as deep listeners in the community makes me nervous. Especially when the press is and beacons promoting change spiritually, societally, watching and recording, it can be misinterpreted as a and environmentally. I urge you to read the Vision and lack of support for the cause and slow the momentum. engage deeply with what our future could be. But in this particular case, it was an important lesson for me on being a witness and holding safe space for uuccharlotte.org MAY 2016 5 SOUNDINGS ON BEACON/WITNESS

What Patsy Remembers about Her Father at Myrtle Beach, 1955

It wasn’t so much the way he took the other girl’s hand that summer day and led her into the ocean, lifted her over waves and later that night from his shoulders onto the merry- go-round. It wasn’t so much the shock on people’s faces to see a colored girl (their family maid’s eight-year old daughter) on a whites-only beach and gilded horse. What it was was her father’s face as he stood there hard as a piling in sand, and then on the boardwalk. Cold stone Julian Bond, drawing by Beth Mussay that face, dull and hollow as the sound of fog on a February sea. As if he knew his bold gestures would not make the world right. What is Seen Not for the staring strangers. Not for his own children, busy in their own bliss, or their mother And the great actor lists, fi dgets, staring at stars. Not for the little girl At a blocked-off intersection, yelling Hey Mister Jack, In the middle of Manhattan, waiting to enact an on-screen monster. on every turn. Again, again! And you see him, --Barbara Conrad Yes, In the gray distance.

So tight the crowds at the anti-nuclear rally, The speeches bounce and shimmer, And you wade there with the glimmer of belief.

You are then at the births, at product launches, At your father’s escapes from realities, At the reading of school acceptances, and later off er letters.

And it all dances on the water, skimming over the soul. Experience, witness, how deep, How deep, only you know.

--Paul Turner

Muslim American Association vigil photo by Nancy Pierce

6 SOUNDINGS on BEACON / WITNESS “Slaying Dragons” continued from page 2 “Where Angels Fear to Tread” continued from page 2 that change in the world outside our sanctuary. I of each of us over the entire span of life to make any was never so proud of my church as when dozens of progress toward that goal. my fellow congregants volunteered to get arrested in I believe we can change things for the better if we keep protest. rushing impetuously in “where angels fear to tread.” Sitting in the basement of the NC State Capitol, These infl uences, these beliefs, led me to develop a handcuffed, I looked around and saw so many UU’s deep concern for the survival of the species. I think there, chatting, laughing and unafraid of the tyrants the survival of humankind will depend on taking plotting against us. a global view and acting at the local level. I chose I discovered, in the UUCC, a “community of crazies,” to work within groups that advance the cause of people determined to change the world and not content total integration of all ethnicities and cultures. to sit in a pew and hope for better days. Get enough Wherever there is an opportunity to advance the legal of us together, and “crazy” starts to feel very normal. and social status of women and girls I want to be Standing up, fi ghting for what’s right, caring for one involved. When there is an opportunity to be part of a another… those things started to feel wonderfully sane. civil liberties action, I want to fi nd an effective way to participate. When fewer and fewer eligible voters go to the polls on election day, I am moved to act. Because of these infl uences, because of these beliefs, I have invested my time, my energy, and my fi nancial resources in the educational work done by the League of Women Voters. I have been part of the Moral Monday marches led by Dr. William Barber. The work I do with International House allows me to engage with folk from cultures that are very different from my own. For many years public education has been part of my volunteer efforts, and I do not envision a time when I will not work with, and advocate for, our schools. The Advocacy Group of the Social Justice Team from our congregation has afforded me an opportunity to push for initiatives that will provide housing for every person in our city. We meet monthly at my home and often have a public offi cial as our guest. We are making progress. The American Civil Liberties Union had no chapter here for an extended period of time, so three of us started one and we meet at the UUCC six times a year. The public is invited to attend. I have also been active with the Friends Committee on National Legislation, which lobbies our Congress for peace through compassionate action in all parts of the world. And, fi nally, much of my time and energy goes into making the Democratic Party a better vehicle for Pride Charlotte Parade 2015 with members Michael Kelley and advancing the common good. I was born a Democrat in Rob Marcy, photo by Denise Weldon 1928 and never wished I had been someone else.

uuccharlotte.org MAY 2016 7 CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS

Greg Schropp The next time you see Greg Schropp, he will probably be in motion. A member since 2000, he’ll likely be in the midst of, on his way to, or coming from helping with something. That Which We Call a Beacon That something could be our children and youth, Room in the Inn, security or any That which we call a beacon by any other name number of things. would illuminate as brightly. His fi rst volunteer role here Greg Schropp Like a peacock among penguins, a beacon stands as a pinnacle in the midst of horrid circumstances or was with coffee service, which he saw as an easy among otherwise cleverly-concealed camoufl age – way to start getting connected. After the fi rst year, warning, informing, transforming and dutifully non- he served as the coordinator for another two years. conforming. With our children and youth, Greg has been a parent assistant, religious education teacher, middle school By its very nature, a beacon serves as a guidepost – setting direction by transmitting critical pulse waves advisor, and chaperone for weekend retreats and or messages outward upon request, or confi rming Habitat build trips. He regularly assists with special the relative position of signals or messages as a events and projects. For a few years, he led the parent benevolent recipient. It stands in service to wayward beings seeking a compass to pinpoint their bearings support group. At the request of one of our youth, Greg before charting a new course. became a Coming of Age mentor. Ever patient, incredibly steady, and readily accessible, Greg’s leadership roles have included serving on a beacon adds value in direct proportion to its the Facility Envisioning Committee, the Board fulfi llment of stated purpose. Nominating Committee and on our Board of Trustees. As such, a beacon bears witness to all that is He is currently chair of our Security Team. Over the encountered as it provides necessary navigation. . . years, Greg has delivered MAP (Metrolina AIDS purposefully. . . willingly. . . and consistently. . . to all Project) meals, helped with the newsletter mailing, who are in need. done Habitat builds and performed in our musical Oh, so grateful am I for the beacons that continue to comedy show Follies. He’s been a stewardship appear exactly at the right moment – illuminating the canvasser and a small group leader. At the suggestion way during times of deafening darkness and deepest of another member, Greg joined the SLUUGs, our obscurity. softball team, which he now coordinates with Lee I am never lost for long. Martinec. Greg also helps with communication for our

hiking group. With Room in the Inn, he’s volunteered –Bernice Marr in several roles, fi nding set-up “a good thing to do with the family” and being overnight host “the easiest thing”. Often when Greg and his family are here for events, they help with set-up or clean-up. Greg feels he’s been a recipient of other people’s volunteer efforts and that it’s important for him to give back. He watched his father volunteering when he was growing up and wants to set a good example for his kids too. Volunteering is part of how he lives his values. “It takes a village,” Greg said. He enjoys the things he does here and wants to do what he can to contribute now.

8 SOUNDINGS on BEACON / WITNESS MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS

Barbara Devinney Michael Masterson “I retired from a long “I am a retired Child and career in social services Family Psychologist, and management. I strive to still licensed in North be an activist for social Carolina. I earned a justice. As a longtime Ph. D. at the University Unitarian Universalist of Nevada, Reno and (UU) worship associate completed North and as a newcomer to Carolina Outward Barbara Devinney Charlotte, I can’t imagine Michael Masterson Bound wilderness school. not being involved with the Vocation is kindness. My UU church. Everyone is so welcoming!” hobbies are afternoon naps. Looking forward to fi nding support for my vocation at the UUCC. ” Brenda DiModugno & Terry Taylor Rich Exley “I’m very involved in global “We have been warming, environmental attending for issues and many other abour a year and social justice issues. I a half and are was born and raised excited to become in Charlotte, and was members. We a trauma nurse as a profession. I have been a are thankful to Terry Taylor widow for seven years. I have found such Brenda DiModugno & Rich Exley a welcoming have three sons who live in the area.” place. We have been in the Charlotte area for two years. Originally from New York and New Jersey. We moved directly from York, Pennsylvania.” Bruce Wiley “I was born in upstate New York and raised in Curtis & Roberta Greensboro, North Carolina. Griner I pursued a career in Public What do you get Health & Social Services when you cross mostly in New Orleans, a Hoosier with a Louisiana where my two Brazilian? You children were born and get the Griners! raised. After moving to In their free Bruce Wiley Augusta, Georgia seven time, Curtis years ago, I retired from and Roberta are social work, but served on the board of a non- Curtis & Roberta Griner very involved profi t foster care support program and performed with animal rescue work. They foster rescue dogs music from time to time. I moved to Charlotte to help then fi nd forever homes. Roberta is a fi ve months ago in order to be closer to family volunteer photographer for animal shelters across including two grandchildren” North and South Carolina.

uuccharlotte.org MAY 2016 9 FOR FURTHER ENGAGEMENT Below you will fi nd a list of books, refl ections, movies, lectures and much more for further engagement on the subject of Beacon/Witness

BOOKS: Grades 4-7 Adult A is for Activist Board book, by Innosanto Nagara, In the Footsteps of Gandhi: Conversations with 2013 Spiritual Social Activists, by Catherine Ingram, Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting 1990 Down, by Andrea Davis Pinkney, 2010 Widening Circles, by Joanna Macy, 2000 Witness, by Karen Hesse, 2003 Abby Hopper Gibbons: Prison Reformer and Social Kids with Courage: True Stories About Young Activist, by Margaret Hope Bacon, 2000 People Making a Difference, by Barbara Lewis, Finding Fish, by Antwone Quenton Fisher, Mim 1992 Eichler Rivas, 2001 Adele Marion Fielde: Feminist, Social Activist, Scientist, by Leonard Warren, 2004 MOVIES: The Therapist as Humanist, Social Activist, and Systemic Thinker: And Other Selected Papers¸ by To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962 Cloe Madanes, 2006 Gandhi, 1982 (PG) Infi del, by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, 2007 Philadelphia, 1993 (PG-13) I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Life Is Beautiful, 1997 (PG-13) Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousafzai, 2013 Patch Adams, 1998 (PG-13) Open Wide the Freedom Gates: A Memoir, by Billy Elliot, 2000 (R) Dorothy Height, 2014 Erin Brockovitch, 2000 (R) The Shed that Fed a Million Children: The Whale Rider, 2002 (PG-13) Extraordinary Story of Mary’s Meals, by Magnus Ray, 2004 (PG-13) MacFarlane-Barrow, 2015 Pride, 2007 (PG) Milk, 2008 (R) 3 Years-Grade 3 Temple Grandin, 2010 (PG) Rosa, by Nikki Giovanni, 2005 The Help, 2011 (PG-13) When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Spotlight, 2015 (R) Anderson, by Pam Munoz Ryan, 2002 Amelia and Eleanor Go For A Ride, by Pam Munoz Ryan, 1999 Freedom’s School, by Lesa Cline-Ransome, 2015 We March, by Shane W. Evans, 2012 Grandfather Gandhi, by Arun Gandhi, 2014 Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words, by Karen Leggett Abouraya, 2014

10 SOUNDINGS on BEACON / WITNESS 10 THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS OF ART, POETRY, AND READINGS:

Barbara Conrad happening at this unique time in history. Beth currently Barbara Conrad is author lives and works in Waxhaw, North Carolina where she of Wild Plums, published takes care of her kids, works on her green thumb, and by FutureCycle Press does portrait commissions. in 2013 and editor of Waiting for Soup (2004), a collection of art and Nancy Pierce poetry from her weekly UUCC member Nancy workshops with homeless Pierce has worked as a neighbors here in documentary photographer Charlotte. Her poems have all her adult life. Her client appeared in numerous Barbara Conrad list refl ects her interests in journals and anthologies. land and water protection, Her writing focuses on sustainable communities, personal exploration, nature and social justice issues. active transportation, social justice and the common Nancy Pierce good. In addition to her Bernice Mar corporate, nonprofi t and editorial work, Nancy was Professionally, Bernice is an commissioned for several recent exhibits in the Charlotte enterprising Information area. She has photographed General Assembly for the Technology Business expert Unitarian Universalist Association every year since 1993. and an engaging agent of change. Personally, she is a life-long seeker and workshop Paul Turner facilitator who “followed the Paul is a longtime Unitarian breadcrumbs” to UUCC in Universalist who came to 2011. “As Theodore Roethke Bernice Mar Charlotte from Framingham, says, ‘I learn by going where MA, in 2014 with his partner, I must go.’ I AM where I fi nd connection… where there Althea Clark. He studied is freedom of choice (and voice). . . where authenticity acting and sings opera. His lives. Curiosity drives me. Beauty and art inspire me. favorite role is Eisenstein in Die Creativity energizes me. Writing is one of many beacons Fledermaus. He says singing that guide me home.” solos at the UUCC has given him “great pleasure.” Paul has Paul Turner Beth Mussay poetry and essay credits, most recently on the TheBillFold.com site. Beth Mussay is a painter and illustrator originally from Indianapolis. She feels proud and lucky to come from a family of compassionate, politically conscious musicians. Beth is inspired by the beauty and complexity of people and the natural world. She aspires to contribute to the global political Beth Mussay and artistic conversation uuccharlotte.org MAY 2016 11 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9 AM - 5 PM PHONE 704-366-8623 | FAX 704-366-8812 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: WWW.UUCCHARLOTTE.ORG

UUCC PROFESSIONAL STAFF

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