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The Windmill |
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| May 1, 2004 |
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The Windmill |
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| May 1, 2004 |
REV-ving Up!: Words from our ministerBy The Rev. Louis V. Schwebius
I refuse to admit impediments to the
marriage —William Shakespeare Dear Friends, Two Unitarian Universalist ministers, The Revs. Kay Greenleaf and Dawn Sangrey, were charged recently with solemnizing unlicensed marriages in New Paltz, NY after Mayor Jason West ceased to officiate over same sex marriages on March 6th. Bill Sinkford, the President of the UUA had this to say after the charges were announced:
The hundreds of marriage ceremonies held in Oregon and San Francisco and New Paltz were a response to the words of President Bush who said that he would support a marriage amendment to the Constitution defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. This amendment would deny same sex couples not only the right to marry, but also all of the rights that come with marriage. With issues of justice—of basic human rights—we need to stand together. I strongly believe that if people are in love and want to create a home together that they should be able to do so. As a minister, I have performed numerous weddings over the years, and many of these have been for same-sex couples. I have begun the practice of asking opposite sex couples to donate 10% of my fee to such organizations as the Human Rights Campaign, the Servicemembers’ Legal Defense Network or the UUA President’s Freedom To Marry Fund. When I perform ceremonies for same-sex couples, I give them a certificate of union since I cannot sign a license for them. I also record their names and addresses on a special form, so that someday I can sign a license for them. As we sign the form together, I always say, One day this union will be recognized as a civil marriage. May it be so. I continue to believe in this cause—for civil marriages are a civil right—and I continue to believe in love and justice. I will conduct weddings for all couples—and proudly pronounce them to be married. I am prepared to honor and sign any valid marriage license, whether it has been issued to opposite sex or same sex couples. As I struggle to decide what further actions I can take, I look to you, the members of this congregation, for support and ideas - today, tomorrow, and until justice prevails! In faith and love, —Rev. Lou |
A Month of SundaysServices at 9 am and 11 am May 2 May 9 May 16 May 23 May 30 Audio tapes of all services are available upon request. Some sermons are available online in the sermon library. Program HighlightsMemorial Society of Northern Virginia Flea Market Setup Good Companions Flea Market Social Justice Workshop Movie Night |
The May 1 meeting will take the place of our regular monthly meeting. It is being held in Reston at the Hunters Wood Fellowship House, at the Social Hall next to the Town Center (where the Safeway is) on Colt Neck Road. The program will run from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
The Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging will show a video entitled No Place Like Home, which will assess how to help keep older citizens with care-giving in their own home. All are welcome. For additional information, please call 703-620-4450.
The Guest Speaker will discuss the role of the Medical Examiner when the deceased has chosen cremation. The program will be held on Sunday, October 10 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church, 444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22244. For additional information, please call Bev Southerland.
Well before the current school year ends, Fort Hunt Preschool (FHP) must prepare for the upcoming 2004-2005 academic year. Priority enrollment ended on January 24th and there was a great response. All current families enrolled at the school submitted an application for next year. Open enrollment began on Saturday January 31st, the day of our Open House. This event was once again a huge success due to the enthusiasm and dedication of our parent volunteers. Thirty families from the area attended and thirty applications were received. For the past couple of years our focus has been on making the school better known throughout the community. The last two Open Houses have demonstrated that there is a great need for quality cooperative preschools in the area. Waiting lists are common and often long at the two cooperative preschools that serve our community.
Not only were we impressed with the number of people attending the Open House this year, but we were also surprised at the number of second generation FHP families that were there. Several parents who attended the Open House went to the preschool as children and are now interested in enrolling their own children. This gives the school a real sense of history and tradition. The discussions during the Open House were not just facts, figures, and certifications. Many personal accounts were given about the preschool and the effect that it has on our lives and our children’s lives. It is wonderful to see a child so happy to be at school and to love their friends, teachers, and the community of caring individuals that surrounds them.
As part of the expanded Church & Community Liaison position, Gioia Chilton is developing community contacts and identifying possible outreach areas that will aid FHP’s goal to develop a more racially diverse student body. As part of this effort, Gioia visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, the Gum Springs Children’s Center (Head Start Program), and the Sacramento Neighborhood Center.
At each location, Gioia briefly described the FHP program and left brochures. There was a lot of interest and community leaders agreed to distribute the brochures and let parents know about our school during their upcoming meetings.
| May 2 thru May 23 | PreKindergarten: Classes as usual | |
| Grades K thru 7: Maymester RE at both services; report to | Carriage House | |
| May 2 thru May 9 | Coming of Age 8th graders: Class as usual | |
| May 2 | YRUU | Our Whole Lives: 11 am–3 pm |
| YRUU non-Our Whole Lives: Meet at 11, as usual | ||
| May 9 | YRUU meets as usual | |
| May 16 | Coming of Age church service: 6th/7th graders & YRUU attend | |
| May 23 | Coming of Age and YRUU: Classes meet together | |
| Retirement celebration for Janice Fitzpatrick after 2nd service | ||
| May 30 | Summer service schedule begins. One church service at 10 am | |
| YRUU group leading RE for PreK thru 7th grade | ||
| June 6 thru Sep 5 | Summer RE for PreK thru 6th grade (details to be announced) |
Spring Workennany was held on Sunday April 4. In spite of cool temperatures, brisk winds, busy church calendar and insufficient publicity, members of five families turned out to tackle grounds-keeping tasks of spring. The Pourchots, Eric, Georgeta & Michael, pruned and weeded extensively around the Windmill. The Kitrossers worked on the other side, Joe making improvements along the wood chip path while Sally & Helen filled, graded and seeded the new brick walk to Hollin Hall. Marty Bredeck dug and moved heavy things from the area of the large magnolia tree. Henry Bobotek took an assignment to tidy the meadow. Anne Bredeck agreed to repaint the sign that says "Church Path." Al Macomber pruned trees in the Mason Hill Road area and organized jobs while Diana pruned in the Wisteria Patio and secured and served lunch of pizza with sodas. Many thanks to all who came out.
Here is a short list of spring tasks that still need doing that didn’t get started during Workennany. Call the church to request which task, or just do it and leave a note in the Grounds slot of the church mailbox to say its done and by who.
Alvin Macomber, Grounds
Volunteers, age 25 or older, are needed to assist with UU Conferences (CONs). Duties include providing transportation and acting as advisor at CONs over a weekend. The next CON is set for May 7–9 and is focused around RA: Egyptian Fun. See www.jpdysc.com for details. The advisors who attend the CONs provide an opportunity for Mt Vernon YRUUs to meet other UUs and to participate in interesting CON workshops! There is NO cost to advisors! If you can help, please contact Chuck Reams.
Reserve May 16 for the UUAHC Over the Rainbow Gala celebrating the contributions of supporters and friends of the UU Affordable Housing Corp.
Join us for an afternoon of entertainment, prizes, and dessert at the UU Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA, on May 16 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. A quartet from the Voce Choral Group will entertain with Broadway hits and popular tunes. Tickets are $20 ($14 tax deductible) from your church; you may also call UUAHC at 301 588-5533, or email glcearwaters@uuahc.org.
Ginny and Bev are working hard to finish this year’s Wisdom Years schedule with exciting ideas.
On May 25, our speaker comes to us from Adult Health Day Care. Georgia Miller will give us insight into taking care of health as we get older.
Our June get-together will top off our year’s offerings and we’ll take off the months of July and August to "play." On June 29, Sunrise Assisted Living of Mount Vernon will play host to our group with a tour of their facility, to be followed by a luncheon. We need to let them know by June 23 how many people to expect, so please call Bev before the 23rd of June to let her know if you are attending. We can car-pool from the church or meet at the Sunrise facility on Holland Road behind Mount Vernon Hospital.
There’s nothing like Rowe Men’s Wisdom Council anywhere. Each year, men return to renew themselves and drink from the rich waters of the male spirit, drawing sustenance from the deep emotion and passionate spirituality that take root and flower in this unique environment. A group of new and returning UU men is now forming to carpool. For more information contact Mark Knight (markuuca@aol.com). To read more about the week visit www.rowecenter.org and select "adult camps."
Elaine Bronez and Bev Southerland, coordinators
Meetings will be held in the Chapel.
11:45 to 12:45—BYO Lunch; 12:45 to 1:45—Speaker
After World War II, Chuck worked 15 years as a consultant for defense contractors who used and developed code-making control methods that were initially introduced during World War II; and then further updated during the cold war era.
He will discuss the importance of code-making and code-breaking which was used during World War II. Many of these code making techniques were originally developed during World War II. Chuck will include different kinds of codes such as secret codes, secret ciphers, secret and concealed writing. This is a follow-up to his recent presentation of ENIGMA code-breakers.
Laura will explain:
Laura has raised four children, practiced law, taught undergraduate courses in legal studies at George Mason University, as well as classes in MVUC’s RE program, and is a free-lance writer.
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RE Youth
Birthdays! 1 Lucy Neer 3 Anjum Choudhury 8 Ian Anderson Eben Kuhns 9 Marisa Lewis Tabitha Chilton 10 Ken Johnson Alex Johnson 14 Ethan Walker 23 Sarah Jesup 24 Caitlin Stewart 25 Emily Irish 27 Becca Roberts Kathy Hall 30 Benn Mellinger Dylan Mellinger |
Our thoughts are with:
Kris Rosenthal, who is home recuperating from a broken hip. She welcomes calls.
Betty Stafford, a long time friend of MVUC, who is home recuperating from a broken pelvis. She welcomes calls.
Jean Hinman has a change of address: she is now living at the Gables of Mount Vernon, 3709 Shannons Green Way, Alexandria. She welcomes visitors.
Our Condolences to:
The family of Marjorie Erdman, a long time member of MVUC, who died March 29. A memorial service will be held May 16.
Doug Masterson, on the recent death of his father, Donald Masterson, who lived in Boca Raton, FL.
Pete Solt, on the death of her sister, Gerda Kellershohn, in Cologne, Germany on April 16. Pete and her son, Victor, have gone to Cologne to settle family affairs.
Need temporary help with a ride to an appointment, shopping, picking up prescriptions, delivery of meals due to an emergency? Caring Associate members wear green name tags during Sunday services and there is always a member on call to respond to your needs, as noted in the Order of Service. Call Jo Jackley interested in joining us.
Social Justice Programs at the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church
Love is the Teaching of this Church ... And Service is its Prayer
A Gathering for Social Justice Leaders
Saturday, May 8, 2004
Civil Liberties
Voter Mobilization
Freedom to Marry
Women’s Issues
Do you:
This is your chance to join with other social justice leaders (formal, informal, appointed, designated, or activists) from the Baltimore-Washington-Virginia area. If your passion is not listed, come anyway; there’s common ground among us and strength in numbers.
We want you to attend this UUSJ sponsored gathering on Saturday, May 8 from 9:00 am–12:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, MD, 7246 Cradlerock Way in Columbia. You will receive information about tools and resources to make your work more effective. We will also meet in small groups on specific topics to strategize about regional action. Don’t miss this chance to continue organizing for justice!
An optional networking lunch will take place from noon–1:00 pm. You are invited to stay and talk informally with other UUs. For lunch add $6.00 to registration fee. Please mail registration form and payment to UUSJ at 8730 Georgia Ave., Suite 306, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Checks made payable to UUSJ. Questions: CSnavely@uusj.org or call 301-588-1951.
The Mindfulness Meditation Group of the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg would like to make the members of your congregation aware of the following event:
Tuesday, May 25, 7:00 pm. Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg, PA.
Cheri Huber is a Zen teacher, guide, and author. She has been a student and teacher of Zen for 30 years. She is the author of 17 books. Her annual visit to UCH is the major public event in the UCH Mindfulness Meditation Group’s calendar.
Further information can be obtained by going to the Mindfulness Meditation Group webpage at http://www.uchuua.org/mmg.htm, or you may contact George Hellmann at jghellmann@mindspring.com or Brad Byers at bodhibkb@pa.net.
This is the third and final report of this church year: 2003–2004. The proceeds of this call will be split evenly between the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, Leesburg VA and Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Collegeville PA.
Loudoun will use the grant for their first Director of Religious Education. Loudoun is committed to growth. They are in double services and are installing temporary classroom buildings to accommodate their growing RE program.
Thomas Paine will use the grant to aid the transition from part-time to full-time ministry. This congregation owns a modern building with expandable space, so a full time minister should help them grow.
The two grants were awarded by the Growth and Extension Committee after much intense consideration among three qualified applications. As the fervor for growing our denomination intensifies throughout our district, there are more and more worthy requests for Chalice Lighters grants. Every Chalice Lighter can help increase the funding so we can reach one more congregation in each cycle.
—JPD Growth and Extension Committee
Linda Jemison, Chair, MVUC Board of Trustees
This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples;
no need for complicated philosophy.
Our own brain, our own heart is our temple;
the philosophy is kindness.
—Dalai Lama
By the time you read this, the Annual Meeting will have come and gone, four new board members will have been elected and four board members will have moved into the category of "former board members." Jim McGovern, Betsy Stephens, and I have served out our three-year terms on the Board of Trustees and Will Jernigan, as youth member, has served a one-year term. And by now, a new BOT chair has been formally elected and the work of the church continues in good hands.
At our last meeting Jim, Betsy and I took a moment to say a few parting words to the remaining BOT members. Jim remarked on how congenially the BOT had worked together during his term; Betsy seconded that comment and then said, directing this comment to me, "And you’ve grown." And we all laughed, but she’s right, I have grown and here’s how—by being pushed by the nature of the job. Here’s what I mean.
As a BOT member and officer, you’ve got to reach out to people you don’t know, people you don’t know very well and people you may or may not like. This has made me a richer person because I’ve found friends in people and places I might never have discovered, left to my own devices. I’ve found wisdom and comfort, knowledge and humor with those I might never have spoken with otherwise.
I’ve learned the value of dissent as well as consensus. Don’t get me wrong: if we all agree right away, BOT meetings are a lot shorter. But a well-reasoned dissenting vote, even if it doesn’t carry the day, causes all of us to examine our positions more sharply and think more carefully about what we "know" to be true. The right course for the church is seldom obvious and sometimes our way can only become clear through lengthy discussion. It’s sort of like pushing our way gingerly through briar bushes.
And speaking of being "right," BOT members work very hard to steer MVUC on the most prudent course. But sometimes we can’t just consider saving the Congregation money, sometimes we have to consider the Congregation’s right to participate in the decision to spend the money. The BOT must often balance the value of a speedy decision with the value of democracy.
Some parting advice for the Congregation from my last turn at this most-excellent, bully pulpit: remember, the Board of Trustees is a group of your friends and fellow members in whom you have placed your trust. Decisions are not made cavalierly or quickly and they are all doing the best they can to make good choices and keep you informed. Each of them is just a phone call away to answer a question or hear a concern. They deserve, and you owe them your goodwill, just as you owe each other your goodwill.
One of my first acts as Chair was to lead the membership in saying goodbye to Reverend Walter Braman, our interim minister. I’ll close my last column with the closing words we used that Sunday last June and thank you all for the privilege of serving Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church.
May we step forth from here in love;
Love that empowers us;
Love that spills forth from us;
Love that recognizes our neighbor
in the nameless stranger on the street.
—Closing words from the UUA
Donna Bledsoe was born in Texas but quickly came to her senses and moved to Mississippi for her upbringing and her formal education. She holds a BBA degree from the University of Mississippi (Major: Marketing, Minor: Journalism) and an FCBA (Fellow in Church Business Administration).
Her professional experience includes a 12-year stint as Administrator at First United Methodist Church in West Memphis, Arkansas during which time she ran or helped to run annual budget campaigns each year along with three capital campaigns for that church and four other capital campaigns for outside churches and organizations.
Donna lives in Fairlington with her husband Steve Stall, a Senior Accountant with National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, and their two cats, DC and Rockie. She enjoys piano and organ, reading, cooking, participating in community theater, and traveling—especially to places where there are museums and/or major league baseball stadiums. A life-long Cardinals fan, she also loves the Red Sox and despises the designated hitter rule.
Our Annual Flea Market is about to happen! We will be using the entire first floor of the newly restored Hollin Hall mansion, with set-up beginning Monday, May 3 and continuing every day until the May 8 Saturday Sale Day, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
We cannot accept any items until Monday the 3rd. The contractors have been working hard to complete all the scheduled projects in time for a long-scheduled May 1 wedding. Look for the insert in this newsletter with complete details, how to, when to, who to, etc. Call Pat Jackson if you have questions.
The deadline for the mid-month newsletter, Stirrings from Windmill Hill, is the 5th of each month. Material should be submitted to Mimi Stevens by email (mimis (at) erols.com) or left in the Newsletter box by the Church Office.