CUUC Newsletter, January, 2010

Editor, Steven Botts,

WE COVENANT TO PROMOTE:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equality, and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning ;
• The right to conscience and the use of the democratic process;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; and
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Schedule of Events
2. Announcements
3. Upcoming Services
4. Articles and Reports
5. Affinity Groups
6. Directory

Note to contributors and readers:

Be advised that the newsletter deadline is the first Sunday after the second Wednesday of each month, and is printed in 12 point Times New Roman font.

#1

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

January 24

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Fourth Sunday Soup Lunch

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

Men’s Group, 6:30 PM

January 26

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7:00 PM

January 25

Women’s Group, 7 PM

January 30

Work and Maintenance Party, 10 AM

January 31

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

February 2

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7 PM

February 7

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

February 8

Women’s Group, 7 PM

February 9

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7 PM

February 14

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Second Sunday Culinary Food Exchange

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

Men’s Group, 6:30 PM

February 10

Committee for the Ministry, 4-5 PM

February 15

Committee For Growth and Development 7-8 PM

February 16

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7 PM

February 20

Work and Maintenance Party, 10 AM

February 21

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

Social Capital Group, 6:30 PM

February 22

Women’s Group, 7 PM

February 23

Pastor’s Class: Compassionate Conversations, 7 PM

February 28

Morning Service, 10:30 AM

Fourth Sunday Soup Lunch

Yoga with Kitty Bevis, 1:30 PM

Men’s Group, 6:30 PM

#2

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

Rev. Phil Schulman

Performers wanted for the Christmas Eve service. - Please sign up early. This will help me arrange the service. This year's theme is the miracle of the Christmas spirit. We are not looking for a discussion on what it means to you. Rather, we are asking you to consider "the miracle of Christmas spirit." Then with an appreciation of this spirit (as you understand it), choose a song, story, poem, dance or other creative expression and give this to the community as a Xmas present.

Social Capital Group

Peter Van Dusen

The next meeting will be the third Sunday of January

Member Care

Glenna Jones-Kachtik

Mary Beth Romeo is taking it easy. She has no immune system right now, so, no visitors, and she reports that she is now infectious again. She is looking for her doctor to recommend her to the Mayo clinic to see if they can isolate and take care of this bug. I am sure she would enjoy e-mails and cards. 5903 Babcock #1203/78240. 694-5233/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

June Kachtik – Many of you may have noticed that June has not been her usual chipper self lately. She has a diagnosis of Diverticulitis, although not flared up and just found out she has a kidney infection as well as an even more whacko thyroid. Keep her in your thoughts.

#3

UPCOMING SERVICES

January 24

Transforming Pain to Power

Rev. Phil Schulman

Transforming Pain to Power and Peace

Often we arrange our world to try to avoid things that trigger our pain. It ends up blocking us from embracing life's deep joy and fulfillment. As we begin a new year, let's consider some ways to make peace with the events or parts of ourselves we would like to banish. When we come home to ourselves, we will find freedom and unleash our creative power.

January 31

The Reasons for Reason. The Reasons for God. The Reasons for Church.

Henry Halff

Unitarian-Universalists are nothing if not rational. So we are out after the truth of the matter when it comes to such things as God. We might do better by asking ourselves not just what is true, but also what we need

February 7

Story-making/Peace-telling

Mary Grace Ketner

What role does storytelling play in creating peace in our hearts and peace in the world? Mary Grace, San Antonio's award-winning storyteller, will fill you in on the details--and, of course, tell you a story in the process.

February 14

Love Makes a Family (Thrive)

Rev. Phil Schulman

This Valentine's Day we'll celebrate that families come in all shapes and sizes. institution. Come hear why the changing picture of our family systems can be a really wonderful thing.

I would also like to hear any thoughts you want to share or questions you want to raise regarding the changing picture of family life in the 21st century. My title and blurb are intended to present an challenge to the fundamentalist and conservative assumption that diverging from the norm is bad. I would like us to make visible the positive changes that have happened, are happening and can happen. I'd be grateful to any who would care to respond and answer these questions:

What does your family look like? Especially if it's something other than 1man, 1 woman, & 2.5 kids, I'd love you to educate me about what that has been like for you. What's been good about it? What's been difficult about it? What do you wish everyone would know about the changing picture of families? PLEASE reflect, comment, and most of all do seek to educate me, share your stories, conclusions, questions, concerns. You are welcome to email me or call me to share anything that you would prefer to share privately rather than publicly.

That said, I know that not all aspects of the changes are delightful. I trust that we can present our doubts and concerns respectfully, and engage in compassionate dialogue so that we can all continue to open our minds and hearts and be supported to continue learning and growing spiritually.

February 21

Sharing Our Gifts With Each Other

Peter Van Dusen

Let’s explore what we have and how we can share to enrich our lives as a community.

February 28

Come Out, Come Out, Whoever You are!

Rev. Phil Schulman

Acceptance and radical hospitality is essential for UU faith to flourish. It provides the environment for us to discover our true selves. Our churches have become home for many GBLTs and allies, but we have seen not enjoyed such success along race and class lines. What might be our spiritual solution?

March 7

Being in Community

Sister Alice Holden

Sister Alice Holden, CCVI, has spent her adult life as a member of the religious community of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word. As we reflect on our own efforts to grow our own liberal religious community, she will offer her reflections from a lifetime of experience and thought about the challenges that we must face in order to BE in community with one another

ARTICLES AND REPORTS

From Our Pastor

Heaven and Hell

Rev. Phil Schulman

Our global market place culture places an extremely high emphasis on product, output and profit. What gets lost is an appreciation of relationships, communities and the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The result has been hell.

Most religious institutions offer a prescription for heaven that comes in the form of a belief system. In our UU tradition we've emphasized “deeds not creeds.” We've placed more importance on behavior and action, and less on what we say we believe. Perhaps unknowingly, we have sought the spirit of life.

Spirit, is what Jesus emphasized in his ministry. The Jewish culture he lived in was structured by halakha (law). Again and again, Jesus suggested that people had strained at the letter of the law, and lost the spirit of the law. He asked people not to lose the forest through the trees. The sum of the law, he said was to love God, neighbor and self.

As UUS, we seek to cultivate a spirit based in the transforming power of love. Structures and forms can help or hinder this task. We try to create structures and forms that encourage us to come to agreements, to hold them and each other as sacred.

Covenants are probably the primary form we use to create this spirit. Covenants are agreements and promises we make to each other about why we come together and how we will treat each other. I have addressed "why we come together." Today I wish to emphasize "how."

UUS claim that “the way we treat each other” is a sacred matter. We want each agreement made, and the means to reach the agreement to be congruent with love and respect. How do we remember and keep this as an emphasis in congregational life? I suspect that the greatest benefit will come not from one person's answer, or even the collective, but when each individual asks this question of themselves. By “of themselves,” I mean: What can I do to make keeping covenant a priority in our congregation?”

We all want what is best for the congregation, but sometimes we disagree on the how. When we disagree, how do we keep from being disagreeable? It's easy to get attached to our personal strategies. It's easy to get urgent about something (like the church) that matters so much to us. It's easy to lose a joyful connection to people. It's easy to see them as enemies. At one time or another, I've seen each of those most dear to me as something of an enemy. I want things to be great between us, but sometimes they don't cooperate with me.

Sometimes, especially on Sunday mornings, we experience church as a little slice of heaven. Later when we experience the “same old crud” in church as other places, it can be hell. We want to experience love, and acceptance and encouragement. It's fine and probably necessary that some times this challenge gets challenging. Do we wait for the church to bring heaven to us, or after each disappointment, do we pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and re-decide to foster beloved community? Can we admit when we have slipped out of covenant? Can we lovingly let people know that we want something different from them? Can we remember to let church be a place that helps us learn to love? Can we practice and accept mistakes?

What's your idea to create beloved community? What's your idea as how to make and keep covenant sacred? The congregation will benefit from your answer, and your questioning!

Phil

RE NEWS

Glenna Jones-Kachtik, DRE

Stephanie Walls, RE Chair

Well, Christmas is over, the Wise men have come & gone and the Snow People have melted away for a bit. The Christmas trees are gone; replaced by Valentines & the St Patrick’s followed by Easter. For San Antonio, there is the San Antonio Livestock show & Rodeo & then Fiesta will be around the corner. There is always a place to party here. Hopefully, kids toys are still in the lovey stage & have not been tossed or the batteries run down.

Religious Education has begun a new format and we have almost completed a whole month:

The 1st Sunday was Children’s Chapel. All the kids came into the fireplace room. We lit the Chalice and we talked about the Wise Men & the Festival known as Epiphany/Three King’s Day. We read the story of the 4th Wise Man – a book donated to RE by Henry Halff after he told the story Christmases ago. Amazing Grace talked about the Golden Rule and how it applied to the story. The kids also learned about 3 Kings day and feasted on King Cake. Michael Parmley received luck as he got the baby Jesus in his piece.

Sunday 2, Laura learned about Moses & the Burning Bush. Glenna, Robert & Laura made their own pictures of Moses & the Burning Bush. Amazing Grace studied the story of Cain & Able in Christianity Quest & Pre K K learned about Colors (Sight II).

Sunday 3 Michael & Laura studied about the Great Flood. They watched videos of The Unicorn Song & Fantasia 2000 (Pomp & Circumstance – Donald Duck as Moses). We talked about some of the problems Moses might have had with animals on the Ark or even why a GOD would want to destroy the world and all His creation. We also talked about the fact that Christianity is one of the latest incarnations of a flood story and how many religions earlier than the Noah story had stories about GOD(s) being unhappy with their creation and destroying it by flood.

This coming Sunday, we will be talking about Guest at Your Table – since the 4th Sunday is Social Justice Sunday.

We are lucky to have Marilyn DeKing taking RE on the last Sunday of this month. Arts & Crafts will see a stamping activity that will culminate in the creation of REs offering for our annual Service Auction on 2/20.

We had 1 birthday this month – Crystal Mattern turned 15. We had Crystal Grant as a visitor and also last Sunday we had William Miller visit. We would like to thank: Mark & Steph; Kelly; Robert; Von; Heather; Vicki & Joan for Volunteering in RE so far this month.

We wish you peace & a Happy New Year.

Glenna Jones-Kachtik, DRE

Social Justice

Glenna Jones-Kachtik

We have just passed Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday and the big march was on Monday. If he had not been assassinated, I wonder what he would have thought of the world today. Would he have thought that with the election of a President who is half African American was a watershed moment? How would he have come down on the quest of GLBTQs for equality and the right to be married? What words of wisdom would he have had for those of us who wonder about corruption? What would he have said about the prevalence of TV Evangelists who chase mammon more than God? Would he have gone to Haiti?

Just yesterday, there was a car at the physical therapists office. It belonged to a Methodist. I knew because there was not only the all too familiar symbol of the cross with the flame from my childhood, but also a sticker or 2. One of the stickers was Jim Wallis’ familiar phrase “God is not a Republican or a Democrat”; another said that Poverty was a social justice issue and one proclaimed the Methodists work for social justice. That was what I remembered from my childhood and one of the things I liked best about my former religion. (I found myself wondering how they could be at the forefront of social justice now, and still be against gay marriage or gay anything.) But, I know without a doubt that they do much work in the anti-poverty area, and they would be one of the first to send money to Haiti.

We collected $21.52 in our noisy collection on Sunday. June will write a check for that amount and send it in to UUSC marked collection for Haiti. This coming Sunday is Social Justice Sunday in Religious Education. We will be talking about Guest At Your Table and taking up a collection. At the soup lunch, we will be passing around one of the boxes for YOUR change. This will culminate the GAYT program this year. Mary Beth & I only got a few boxes and we placed one in each classroom and a couple of families took them home. We ordered lots of envelopes – they are on the front table in the Sanctuary. If you have not yet had the opportunity, please take one – fill out your check and place it in the envelope and put it into the collection plate on Sunday – or send it directly to UUSC. ALL BOXES ARE DUE BY SUNDAY 1/31.

This money goes to help fight equality in pay; to raise the minimum wage; to help fair trade; for disaster relief; to help end violence to women and children, and many other projects the UUSC sponsors. There is a booklet called Stories of Hope & several pamphlets that highlight the works of UUSC on the front table as well. So, Unitarian Universalists also work for social justice. In the front lines of social justice one will always find UUs marching for equality, serving the homeless, fighting to end the cycle of poverty and pushing the boundaries for gay rights and also for many UUs Choice for women. I am proud that my chosen faith will “Stand On the Side of Love” for gay rights and tolerance. I am also glad that most of us do not see Pro-Choice as a black and white issue, no matter which side of it we come down on. I ask you to dig down deep and give to support the work of the UUSC. After all, where would UUism be without the flaming chalice, our symbol? The UUSC was the first to use that symbol as a beacon to persons who could not speak a language; yet knew that this symbol meant safety and security.

UUA actions for February are:

12th Freedom to Marry Day

14th Valentines Day/Standing on the Side of Love Day http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/reimagining-valentines-day/

16th President’s Day

Please go to the links to see what the UUA is doing and what you can do in the social justice area of Pro-Choice and LGBTQ equality.

Always remember the Golden Rule which is the same basic statement in all languages and all religions – Do unto others…

Glenna Jones-Kachtik, & Mary Beth Romeo

Social justice co/chairs

AFFINITY GROUPS

Socrates Cafe

Marilyn DeKing

The Brown Bag Socrates Cafe will meet at 12:15 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at Community Unitarian Universalist Church. Bring your lunch and join us for a satisfying philosophical session.

At the beginning of each session, participants submit and vote on the question to be discussed. Resolution is not the goal of the discussion. We usually end with more questions than we began with.

Everyone is welcome to participate in Socrates Cafe or to visit and see what it is about

Women's Group

Jean Halff

The Women's Group is open to CUUC women and friends of the church. We meet every 2 weeks, on a Monday night at the church, starting at 7 p.m. and usually finishing before 9 p.m.

Each woman usually talks for about 10 minutes about anything she wishes.

However, you don't have to talk if you would rather not. What is divulged is kept confidential unless otherwise stated. It is a great way to get to know the women in the church on a more personal level in a safe environment. We invite you to come and join us and let us get to know you.

Men's Group

Steven Botts

The CUUC men's group meets every second and fourth Sunday from 6:30 - 8:30 PM All CUUC men or male visitors are welcome to join us.

Group leadership rotates from meeting to meeting in alphabetical order of the members. . The leader for each meeting is also the host, and he is responsible for furnishing snacks and drinks.

We usually start off meetings with a clearing, in which each member is allowed to talk about recent events in his life, if he wishes to, for as long as he sees fit. Next, the facilitator introduces the topic for the evening. This may involve a short reading - a poem, an article or other text. The subject could be just about anything that the facilitator would like the group to address: What's going on at CUUC, religion, economics science, health, family, friendship, etc.

Around 8:30, we wind things up by deciding who is going to facilitate the next meeting, declare this one finished, clean up, and leave.

#6

DIRECTORY

Officers:

President -Peter Van Dusen, 210 - 724 -1614 – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Member At Large - Mary Beth Romeo- 210- 694 5233 – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Treasurer - June Kachtik, 210-342-0135 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Secretary – Pierce Presley- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Member At Large, Veronica Gard, 210 - 499 4118 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Coordinators:

Programs Committee - Nancy White, 210 - 650 4785 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Member Services - Mark and Stephanie Walls 210 - 681-8188 -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Operations Committee - John Bradshaw, 210-341-8506, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and Mary Beth Romeo, 210 - 694 5233 -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Staff:

Minister - Phil Schulman, 210-614-2014, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Director of Religious Education, Glenna Jones-Kachtik, 956-451-5925,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Church E-mail Addresses

Messages to the Board of Trustees may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Calendar additions and changes should be submitted to Glenna Jones-Kachtik at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Suggestions for and comments on the worship program may be sent to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Requests for special assistance and pastoral care may be sent to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Requests for use of the church facility and reports of maintenance problems may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Changes of address, other membership information, and newsletter subscription or unsubscription requests may be sent to

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it