March 5, 2010

Greetings from the Red Floors!

Well, another weekend is upon us, and it is very spring-like out there right now. Hopefully the ice dams on my house will recede gracefully instead of removing the gutters like they did a few years ago.

The weekend at FUS looks promising. The pulpit will be filled by none other than Charlie Clements, President of the UUSC, the national UU human rights organization which is so amazing. Charlie has had a lot to do with that success. It is a little hard to describe Charlie, except to say he is a very humble and genuine guy. Come to the service. You'll understand.

A second element of the weekend (besides doing my laundry) is the appearance of James Baratz at FUS. Mr. Baratz is a very widely known teacher of mediatation. Here is what Dave Creswell says about him: "James is perhaps Lori and my favorite meditation teacher and has been focusing on joy in his teaching for several years.  We reccomend this event highly." There is a $5 charge for this event.

Ok, so I'm out of room, and have to go check my gutters. Read on, please. There is much more below.

Harry Carnes, Publications Czar, etc.

This Weekend...

Saturday, March 6 at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 7 at 9 & 11 a.m.
“Justice for All: The UUSC at Work”
Dr. Charlie Clements, UUSC Executive Director
Our very special guest this weekend is a medical doctor whose compassionate and courageous work in war-torn El Salvador is documented in the best-selling book, Witness to War. Prior to assuming his present role with UUSC, he served as president of Physicians for Human Rights and was instrumental in the international campaign to ban land mines. Under Clements’ leadership UUSC has grown in stature. He has just accepted a new position as director of human rights research at Harvard University.
Musically, FUS member and University of Michigan student, Samuel Livingston, will play music for marimba at all three services.

UUSC 101
On Saturday, March 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. staff members of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee will offer a free workshop titled, “UUSC 101.” Learn how the UUSC fulfills its mission, who its partners are, and how our donation to the Haiti Fund is being used to offer critical relief. To register e-mail Wendy Cooper at wendyc@fusmadison.org.

James Baraz Meditation Talk Sunday
Spirit Rock meditation teacher and author, James Baraz, will give a public talk at FUS this Sunday, March 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. The talk will focus on topics from his new book, Awakening Joy, which explores the importance of cultivating joy as a part of one’s spiritual life. Join us for a Sunday afternoon that is sure to entertain as well as inspire. Admission is $5.

Campus Ministry Meeting at FUS
Join us Sunday, March 7, the first Sunday of the month, when we meet at FUS! We’ll cook, plan the service, and maybe even play some music together. If you know ahead of time that you’ll be coming, please e-mail Karen at karenb@fusmadison.org. Feel free to come at the last minute, too. We’ll meet in the Commons Kitchen at 4:30 p.m. See you then!

Monday, March 8...

Open Men’s Group
On Monday, March 8, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., the Open Men’s group will meet in the Gaebler Living Room. Please bring a reading to share with the group. All men are invited! If you have any questions, contact Gordon at 836-1779 or olson99@tds.net.

Tuesday, March 9...

Growing Food and Community in the City
On Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. come and hear Will Allen, CEO of Growing Power in the Atrium Auditorium as he tells the story of his pioneer work founding this non-profit organization. Growing Power raises 159 varieties of food, including fruits, vegetables, animal forage, goats, ducks, and fish in an aquaponic system. Learn more at the Ethical Eats webpage, http://www.fusmadison.org/adult/ethical-eating.shtml. Admission is $5.

Wednesday, March 10...

Alliance Meeting:“Attracting Backyard Birds”
On Wednesday, March 10 at 1 p.m. join the Alliance in the Courtyard Classrooms as Dee Wylie gives this Audubon power point presentation which introduces many of the birds that come to our backyard bird feeders, and provides some tips about feeding as well as attracting them to your backyard. Birders and non-birders of all levels are welcome and invited!

Thursday March 11...

Shawl Ministry
The next shawl ministry drop-in is Thursday, March 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join Joyce Carey and friends (joycecarey@charter.net) in Courtyard D. Bring along your current projects, your smiles, and your questions about what the FUS shawl ministry is all about. Newcomers always welcome.

Friday, March 12...

Noon Musicale
Next Friday’s Musicale features music for alto sax and piano…
Hear music by Chopin, Debussy, Muczynski and Jean Rivier played by alto saxophonist Chris Dickhaus and pianist Jonanthan Kuuskoski. Friday, March 12, at 12:15 p.m. in the Landmark Auditorium.

“Raging Grannies” at LBGTQ and Allies Potluck
Some of the Madison’s Raging Grannies will entertain and enlighten us with their satiric protest songs at the March LBGTQ potluck. The potluck is Friday, March 12, at 6 p.m. in the Landmark Auditorium. Bring a dish to pass and a beverage of your choice. RSVPs by March 7 to liz.winter.dannenbaum@gmail.com or 221-3997 are appreciated. Children are welcome.

Next Weekend...

Saturday, March 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 14 at 9 & 11 a.m.
“The Problem with Parsimony”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
In recent decades Americans have not been known as a particularly thrifty people – Ben Franklin’s timeless advice not withstanding. Aided and abetted by an opportunistic financial industry many of us went on a spending spree. Having sobered up, however, we need to think twice before becoming tight-fisted. Parsimony is no more virtuous than prodigality.
Musically, on Saturday, Tamara Brognano, Marjie Marion and Barbara Walden comprise the flute trio that will play the musical offerings. Sunday, the Society Choir will sing Lay Up For Yourselves Treasures in Heaven by Ned Rorem, and Chief Seattle’s Psalm by Daniel Moe with guest trumpeter Logan Brown.

Wartmann Lecture on Human Sexuality
This year marks the 18th annual William and Joyce Wartmann lecture series on human sexuality and the liberal religious tradition. Our speaker is the Reverend Benjamin Ledell Reynolds, a United Church of Christ Minister, serving as the Director of the LGBTQ Religious Studies Center at Chicago Theological Seminary. His lecture is called, “Pumps and Circumstance’s: A Journey of Human Sexuality.” The lecture will be held on Sunday, March 14 at 3 p.m. in the Landmark Auditorium; reception to follow. There is no charge for the event which is open to the public.

Informational Meeting for Next Year’s 9th Graders
There will be an informational meeting about next year’s Coming of Age program for 9th graders. The meeting will be held on Sunday, March 14, 1 to 2 p.m. in the Landmark Auditorium. Pizza will be served beforehand from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Parents and youth are invited. All current Mind, Body and Soul participants are scheduled to attend a presentation that day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as well. Please plan to stay on for our informational meeting!

In Two Weeks...

Saturday, March 20 at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 21 at 9 & 11 a.m.

“Relationships without Easy Answers”
by Karen Gustafson, Associate Minister
In 1994, Ronald A. Heifetz published a book entitled Leadership Without Easy Answers in which, among other things, he puts forth four principles for bringing about “adaptive change” in institutions. Susan Millar asked that I consider these principles as a possible basis for a sermon which she purchased at last spring’s Cabaret. In reading the book and considering these principles, it occurred to me that these principles have sound application to interpersonal communication, particularly those relationships which have the greatest impact on our overall well being in what seems to be a culture which is forcing change at every turn. See what you think.
Musically, on Saturday, The Teen Choir, directed by Heather Thorpe, will sing. Sunday, the Cherub Choir and Chorister, directed by Heather Thorpe will sing, and singing and songwriting guests Reggie Harris and Joseph Jencks will provide additional special music.

Emily Melcher’s Ordination
Emily Melcher will be ordained at First Unitarian Society at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 21, in the Landmark Auditorium. The congregation is invited to attend the service and the reception afterwards.

Monday, March 22...

Peace and Justice Book Club
Book discussion and dessert are a happening on the 4th Monday of each month. All are welcome, no need to sign up!.
March 22, Courtyard A, 7 to 9 p.m.
The book: Citizen: Jane Addams and the Struggle for Democracy by Louise W. Knight, out in paperback.
April 26, Courtyard A, 7 to 9 p.m.
The book: The Soloist: Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez, in paperback. This book has been chosen as the year’s “Madison Reads” book.
Questions? Call Peggy Larson, 442-7250

Sunday, March 28...

Joyous Family Dining
If your family needs a boost around dinner time, Kelly Crocker and Jen Gaber would be delighted to have you and your children join their insightful and playful class, Joyous and Thoughtful Family Dining on Sundays, March 28, April 11 and 18 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Consider inviting Grandparents too! Questions? Contact Kelly Crocker at kellyc@fusmadison.org.

Teach a Class!
Do you have an idea for an Adult RE Course? Would you like to facilitate a program for your community? If so, please check out the information at the religious education table in the commons. Course proposal forms are online at http: www.fusmadison.org/adult/adult-ed-proposal-form.shtml. Proposals are due by April 1. If you have questions, please contact Kelly Crocker, Minister of Religious Education at kellyc@fusmadison.org or 233-9774, ext. 112.

Wednesday, April 7...

End of Life Task Force
On Wednesday April 7 at 5:30 p.m. a task force planning for FUS end-of-life resources will be held in Courtyard AB. Those interested should plan to attend! More information? Susan Wester smwester@mac.com or Dawn Stucki destucki@tds.net.

Saturday, April 10...

Performing Arts Fundriser: Teen Talent Wanted!
Our annual Teen Performing Arts Fundraiser is coming soon! On Saturday, April 10, we’ll shake the Auditorium with the amazing talent of our FUS teens. Why should you – oh talented youth – want to participate in this? Because by doing so you will help raise money for a worthy cause, a cause that YRUU will select, but haven’t yet! To receive a flier/registration form, contact Leslie Ross at 233-9774 x 119 or leslier@fusmadison.org.

Cabaret “Appalachian Spring”– Sharing Our Simple Gifts
Check out the latest Cabaret donations on-line by going to www.fusmadison.org and clicking on Cabaret link or stopping by the Cabaret table! Just donated – a Barnett 1400 sailboat, a scotch tasting party, an Indian dinner, a jazz trio that will perform at an event of your choice, a ticket to the sold-out Gilmore House Concert, and more! We still need your donations to make Cabaret a success. Then we want everyone to buy a ticket to the party! If you need more, there are homemade corn bread muffins at the table, too!

District and General Assembly
Interested in attending the UUA District Assembly(April 30- May 2 in Wheeling, IL) or the General Assembly (June 23- 27 in the Twin Cities)? Or just want to find out more? There is a table in the Commons with information. Chat with us about these amazing opportunities!

Adult Education Survey
Our Adult Religious Education Committee is currently reviewing the future of our programs and would welcome everyone’s suggestions and comments. Please take a few minutes to complete a short and friendly on-line survey. We greatly appreciate your participation! http://tiny.cc/FUSsurveyFORM