Minister's Message
Confession, as the truism goes, is good for the soul.
But, let's face it, there's not much confession associated with Unitarian Universalism, and most of us probably think that's a good thing. Our ideas of confession come primarily from the Catholic tradition of going through the sacrament of confession with a priest, complete with penance.
We part ways with our Catholic (and Protestant) background when it comes to original sin, that we are born in sin and that we must ask god for forgiveness -- which includes a lot of questions, as well, about the existence of god and god's nature.
But without confession, we also are left without a sense of grace and forgiveness, not to mention humbleness and humility over our own faults. We do not wrestle well with the existence of evil in human nature and our world, and we are often at a loss as to how to handle it, when it's ugly head inevitably emerges. Confession, atonement, salvation and forgiveness are the answers of Christianity.
What are your answers?
I have been contemplating confession and grace, in particular, because at my stage of life I am fairly fully aware of the human grayness of my nature and the impossibility of always being full of light and truth (in deed, I would be "full of it" if I thought otherwise!).
Awareness of our shortcomings and our failures brings us up against, at the very least, an internal barometer of grace and humility. But often, because of the depth of our pain or the horror of the events in our lives, an internal healing may not seem enough.
For us, then, we turn to our community for solace, comfort and ritual. And, again, we must ask, "Is it enough?"
Creating worship that addresses the needs of our souls is one of the most important goals of our ministry together. Finding a way for us to confess, to find forgiveness and grace, to honor the humbleness of the human condition and the humility that comes with our failings -- this is a tall order for our church, especially if we have trouble even finding names for our darker sides.
I will be exploring these issues in several sermons this year, and I also will be looking at our liturgy -- the work of the people in community -- to see if there are some ways we can create together better worship. I truly humbly welcome your thoughts and suggestions.
In Peace,
Jann
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How to reach the minister:
303-840-5928 (church number)
Jann's day off is Monday, so please only contact her on this day if it is an emergency or critical. Her sermon writing and study day is Friday.
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The Board's Message Board
I've been trying to catch up on some of the books and material that I brought home from General Assembly. One of those books is titled "Leading Change in the Congregation", by Gilbert R. Rendle. Gilbert was the keynote speaker at the UU University, just prior to General Assembly. One of the quotes that he uses in his book, and attributes to former New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra (like the way I fit baseball in as we head into October?), is "If you don't know where you're going, you're liable to wind up somewhere else". That is becoming a common question at Prairie; Where are We Going?
Last month, I mentioned the Board's work with the Committee on Ministry to update our 5-Year Vision Plan. That project is moving forward, with a meeting scheduled for October 8th. Rev. Nancy Bowen, our Mountain Desert District Executive, will be attending the meeting, and helping us focus our efforts on revisiting our Vision Plan, which was first documented some 3 years ago. This will also be a great way to begin looking at a Strategic Plan for accomplishing the Vision that we, as a Congregation, decide is how we want to move forward in the coming years.
I'd like to express my thanks once again to Jan Spooner, Lisa Stull, and everyone who worked on the Auction Committee this year. We had a great turnout on September 15th, and it seemed that everyone had a great time. There was plenty of food, entertainment, and activity to get everyone who attended involved in the proceedings. Financially, we exceeded our goal for the auction by over $2,000. Thanks again to everyone who participated!
I'd also like to publicly thank Ross Walker for his work with the Board this year. Ross and I discussed a series of scheduling conflicts that have arisen, and we agreed we would find a replacement for Ross on the Board. In addition, Amy Phillips has begun her PhD program work, and is moving from the role of Board Secretary to At-Large Trustee. Linda Eller has agreed to join the Board and assume the role of Board Secretary, effective immediately.
The next scheduled meeting of the Board is Tuesday, October 30th, at Prairie Crossing, at 7:00pm. This is a change from our originally scheduled date. Please let me know if you have any business that you'd like the Board to consider.
Yours in service,
Mike
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Board Members 2007-2008
Mike Spooner,
President
Mollie Cullom,
Vice President
Linda Eller,
Secretary
Mike Rodman,
Treasurer
Peter Faris
Maria Galloway
Cory Leddy
Eric Jorgensen
Amy Phillips
Trustees-at-Large
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Prairie's Covenant
We covenant to be a welcoming and loving community,
Offering each other fellowship, sanctuary, and a joyful spirit.
We seek justice and peace in all our deeds and relationships,
And we respect and honor both the individual and the collective search
For sacred meaning and truth.
We revere and celebrate the diversity of our Earth
And are guided by the Spirit that connects all life
As we reach out to offer our best to ourselves,
Our community and our world.
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Our Meeting Space and Mailing Address:
Most of our meetings and classes are held at the Prairie Crossing Conference Room:
11605 S. Bradbury Ranch Dr., Parker.
Please contact Jann to reserve it. Please also contact Pam Olmstead 2 weeks prior to a meeting if childcare is needed.
Our mailing address is: 17011 Lincoln Ave., #205, Parker, CO, 80134
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Guest Speaker - Benjamin Ledell Reynolds
Benjamin Reynolds grew up in the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, where his parents are still members. After occupying the pulpit for nearly 16 years, on September 29 of last year he stunned his church by resigning and telling them he was same-gender loving. This is the term many African-Americans use to describe living a gay lifestyle.
During his tenure as pastor of Emmanuel, Reynolds was instrumental in leading the 1,200 member congregation to offer a myriad of ministries including prison outreach, HIV/AIDS ministry and a scholarship program for graduating senior high students. Reynolds himself, who served as president of the local branch of the NAACP during the period of 2003 to 2005, had become one of Colorado Springs' most visible civil rights champions, while privately wrestling with making the public aware of his sexuality.
He became an advocate for the rights of gays and lesbians, officially welcoming them into the life of the church. He taught a series called "The Black Church and Sexuality," which among other things examined how black congregations often discriminate against gays. His position on homosexuality caused some congregants to leave the church. Reynolds said it was the congregation's opposition to his advocacy for gays and lesbians - not his own sexual orientation - that convinced him it was time to leave. He knew in order to depart with integrity the congregation needed a face for same-gender love, and that such individuals could be faithful servants of God. The fallout was predictable: some congregants were fully supportive, some downright angry. Most felt his views on sexuality were simply incompatible with those of the church, and he was voted by the congregation to depart sooner than the date his resignation incited.
Benjamin is in transition preparing to begin a PhD program at Chicago Theological Seminary; seeking Privilege of Call in the United Church of Christ; Program Director for Brothas4Ever, a Denver based organization, which is a peer led program of It Takes A village promoting the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of same-gender loving African American men by building community; as well as Coordinator of Ministry Studies at the Iliff School of Theology.
Reverend Reynolds long-term goals are to return to the pastoral ministry, teach and facilitate social justice and preaching on the seminary level to students preparing to go into congregations as leaders.
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| Dear Member,
You were recently sent an invitation to participate in a survey on Prairie's recent auction. If you attended our auction, please take a moment to fill this out and help our Auction Committee make next year's auction bigger and better!
If you signed up for the Change a Light, Change the World program (along with the free compact fluorescent light bulb), make sure to come to church on October 21. After the service, Kevin Singel will present a brief program about energy conservation, and then you will receive your light bulb. If you signed up, but cannot come on the 21st, we will give your light bulb to you on a following Sunday. If you didn't sign up, come to the informational session and you can still get a light bulb (while supplies last!)
A final note: We will be ordering new magnetic name tags early in October. If you need a name tag, please contact Diane McMahan or anyone at the greeter's table.
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Sunday Services
All services are at 10:30 a.m.
October 7
"Now Is the Time, Association Sunday"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will speak about the importance of our religious movement and the need to support it as we reach out to become more visible. Special collection envelopes are available for special donations that will go to the Unitarian Universalist Association. On this day, we also will have a New Member Recognition Ceremony and honor Habitat's Week of Prayer. Our Prairie Band will perform.
October 14
"Testimony: Talking the Walk"
Our Welcoming Congregation Team proudly presents the Rev. Benjamin Reynolds, Past President of the local branch of the NAACP and former pastor of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church of Colorado Springs.
Rev. Reynolds will share his life journey - including his story of coming out as a gay black man to his congregation. You don't want to miss this dynamic speaker or his fascinating story! A longer biography is included below.
Our Prairie Choir will provide special music.
October 21
"The Dark Night of the Soul"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will address issues of doubt and faith, evil and good in this sermon which will touch on the darker side of religious life, including how even Mother Teresa expressed doubt about her faith in the recent book on her writings. Our Prairie Band will perform.
October 28
"A Gathering of the Spirits"
Join us for our annual tradition of having a Halloween service at which everyone is invited to wear costumes. The Rev. Jann Halloran promises this year that her character will bring a wry wit to these goings on. Our Prairie Choir will perform.
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Religious Education - Youth
"O.W.L."
Sexuality Education
The 2007-2008 Our Whole Lives program has started! All 7th, 8th and 9th graders are invited to participate in this Sexuality Education Program.
Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
Although our classes began September 5th, we do still have space available for participants. We are offering OWL to all 7-9th graders, even if they are not members of Prairie UU-so please invite friends and family to participate. Please contact Kristin Famula to register or with questions.
Fall Festival
Don't forget! On October 28th, we will celebrate with our Fall Festival! Children and adults are encouraged to come to church in costume! A holiday fun shop will be provided for our children. After the service, children will be invited to participate in our fall festival activities.
We need YOU once per month!
Childcare--we need a volunteer just one Sunday per month to play with our youngest children. Please contact Kristin if you are interested!
Moderators--volunteer to help once per month to prepare our Religious Education program. We need a volunteer to help open RE classrooms, turn on lights, put out materials, etc. If you are interested, contact Kristin!
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Caring Circle
Best wishes to Susan and Paul Ermisch on their 12th wedding anniversary and Mollie and Jim Cullom celebrating their 15th!
Happy Birthday to Kristin Famula who celebrated on September 10.
Congratulations to Andrew Paschetto on his new job with Crocs, and to Janita Mann on her promotion.
Our thoughts are with those who have friends or loved ones with serious illnesses, and also with those who have friends or loved ones returning from or going to Iraq or other areas overseas.
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In this space every month, we want to remember and think about Prairie members and their families who are going through some particular difficulty. Please contact Diane Long, head of the Caring Circle, or Jann Halloran.
Needs and concerns of the Prairie community are coordinated through Prairie's Caring Circle, chaired by Diane Long. If you would like to write cards, visit people in the hospital, make telephone calls or bring dinner to families and persons as they go through life changes, please contact Diane to join the Circle. Also, if you know anyone with an illness, a death in the family or other loss, or if there is a significant anniversary or celebration, please contact Diane.
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Upcoming Meetings
All of Prairie's committees are open to members and friends and new members are always welcome!
Most of Prairie's committee meetings and classes will be canceled if there is inclement weather conditions. If the weather turns bad, please double check with the committee chair, the Minister or your facilitator when in doubt. When possible, cancellations also will be noted on our church phone and by email.
Board Meeting: (Note date change!) Tuesday, October 30, 7:00 p.m., Prairie Crossing
Book Group: Thursday, October 11, 7:00 p.m. (Second Thursdays) The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. Host: Marlene Waite. Contact Chris Zanoni or Carole Furnish.
Buddhist Group: (2nd and 4th Mondays) at the home of Sue Goodhard. Contact Cindy Hanna.
Building Your Own Theology: 8 Wednesdays, beginning October 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing
Caring Circle: Thursday, October 4 , 7:00 p.m., at Prairie Crossing (First Thursdays)
Circle Suppers: Second Saturdays. Contact Jenny Rodman for details.
Committee on Ministry: Thursday, October 18, 1:30 p.m, at Cindy Hanna's office conference room
Committee on Ministry/Board Meeting with District Executive Nancy Bowen: Monday, October 8, 7 p.m., at Gail Barr's home to discuss a vision and long-range process for Prairie
Green Team: Friday, October 12 at home of Laura Hoeppner, 7:00 p.m.
Social Justice Committee: Sunday, October 14, 12:45 p.m. at Panera Bread just east of Twenty Mile Road
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| Path to Membership Class
We will hold a fun and interactive Path to Membership Class THIS SATURDAY, October 6, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing. Child care will be provided and we will have a light lunch and refreshments.
The Rev. Jann Halloran leads this class with help from several leaders in the church. It's a great opportunity to get to know one another better and learn about our church and our Unitarian Universalist history.
For those who are ready, there will be an opportunity to sign our Membership Book at the end of the class, as well. Please contact Jann to sign up. |
Building Your Own Theology
This popular eight-part class will be held on Wednesdays, beginning October 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing. Come explore with the Rev. Jann Halloran what you think about ultimate reality, human nature and ethics, so that you can learn to articulate your own theological beliefs.
Curriculum books will be provided; they are $16 apiece, which you can purchase for yourself or use and give back to the church.
Please sign up during Fellowship Hour or contact Jann directly. Let her know, too, if you need child care, which can be provided.
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Photo Membership Directory
A church-wide photo session is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing.
This is a wonderful program. Each member/family will have 6-8 photos taken. There will be about 7 minutes from when a member's photos are taken until the proofs are available for review. From that collection they will choose which picture goes into the directory, and which one they would like to have as a free 8x10. Olan Mills will compile the photos into a directory and deliver one for every member in early 2008. They will also send us 20% extra to distribute to next years' new members. All this for no charge.
Individual orders, for those who would like them, will be delivered December 12. This will be just in time for those folks who would like photo Holiday cards. The freebie 8x10s will also be delivered at this time.
There will be a sign-up kiosk across from the gym entrance each weekend starting October 7.
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Habitat for Humanity Pumpkin Patch
Our annual Pumpkin Patch sale is here again! The sales at the Pumpkin Patch not only benefit the Habitat for Humanity home for the Luna family, it also benefits the Native American tribe in Arizona that grows the pumpkins, corn, gourds, and straw. Volunteers are needed to staff the Patch each day through the end of October. This is a great way for people of all ages to help out. For example, to build on the home itself, volunteers need to be 16 years of age, but the Pumpkin Patch needs volunteers of all ages!
To sign up, get more information and a map to the Patch, or to get information on purchasing pumpkins, visit the pumpkin patch information page. As always, volunteers are needed to build on the house as well.
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Publicity / Literature Drop
Interested in getting the word out about Prairie Unitarian Universalist Church?
Help us to publicize the church and let people know what they will find in our community. We need help distributing flyers, submitting information to the press, and putting up yard signs. If you have your own ideas about how we can promote our church, we'd love to know about those as well. Please contact Laura Hoeppner to let her know if you want to help.
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Setup / Takedown Team Members Needed
The setup/takedown team has some openings. If you are looking for a way to contribute to the church that is not time intensive please contact Carol Morrison. This donation of your time will only add an hour to your usual Sunday visit. We have openings in both the 9:30 Setup crew and in the Takedown crew that stays till 12:30. The next training will be on Sunday, October 14th.
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Small Group Ministry
An important part of Prairie's community is the offering of small groups to our members and guests. Anyone is welcome to contact facilitators at any time if you want to join or learn more about a group. Everyone is encouraged to find a group that meets their needs.
We are in the process of reforming our groups now, so this is an excellent time to join. Please contact Jann for more information.
Our groups include:
* A Day-time small group, Phoebe Stayton
* A Buddhist Meditation Group, contact Cindy Hanna or Chris Zanoni.
* A Small Group for Parents, contact Patti Kyne, (with child care)
* An Exploring Spirituality Group, contact Jan Spooner
* A Book Club, contact Carole Furnish, Chris Zanoni or Amy Phillips-Haskett
* A New Woman's Group, contact Jan Spooner
* Music/Choir Groups, contact Paul Ermisch or Sheldon Berrett
* Welcoming Congregation Team, contact Gail Barr or Chris Zanoni
* A Green Team, contact Laura Hoeppner
We also have Circle Suppers on the second Saturdays of the month which are open to everyone. Contact Jenny Rodman for more information.
Anyone interested? We also have people interested in starting small groups on:
Creative Writing (Jeannene Bragg and Laura Hoeppner) Handcrafts (Karen Bacon)
Wine Tasting (Carol Morrison)
Scrapbooking (Kelly Everitt and Diane Long)
Sign Language (Diane Long).
Look for these sign up sheets during Fellowship Hour or contact Jann.
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Food Bank
Please continue to bring items for the Parker Task Force food bank. All canned and dry foods are welcome, especially cereal, as well as sugar, spices, coffee, tea, feminine hygiene items, toliet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies and laundry detergent.
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| Arts and Crafts Fair
Fine handmade crafts and a bake sale will be held at First Universalist Church
Saturday, October 13th
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, October 14th
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Free Admission and lunch will be available and 20% of the proceeds will go to First Universalist.
Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted.
Prairie's own Laura Hoeppner will be selling her photography and note cards. |
Thank God for Evolution!
Nobel Laureates Praise Bold New Book by UU Evangelists
http://www.ThankGodforEvolution.com
Rev. Michael Dowd and his science writer wife, Connie Barlow, are America's UU evolutionary evangelists. They have spoken in more than 250 UU churches and fellowships over the past 5 years and were recently featured on the cover of the UU World.
Rev. Dowd's forthcoming book, "Thank God for Evolution!", has been endorsed by 5 Nobel Laureates and 120 other luminaries, including prominent UU ministers: http://thankgodforevolution.com/nobel
Advance copies can be purchased for $15 each (40% off retail) from Dowd's website.
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Bulletin Board
Jann and Michael Halloran have an antique, upright piano (in good shape!) which they would be happy to give away to someone willing to bear the expense of transporting it to their home (usually $50-$100 for a professional mover). Please contact Jann.
A feature open to MEMBERS ONLY and/or UU related positions. Post skills or talents you have to share, help with a job search, etc. Items will be posted for a maximum of three months. Items WILL be edited for space. Send postings to
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