The UU News The Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City Founded in 1841________________________________________________________________________________

In This IssueMinister’s Column....................................2Religious Education…..............................3Staff Reports.............................................4Upcoming Recurring Events..................4-5Committee Reports & UU News............5-7March Calendar &February Board Highlights...............INSERT2016 Auction Donation Form.........INSERT

Upcoming Sunday Servicesat Sanctuary Church (2205 E. Grantview Dr #200, Coralville, 52241)

Ingathering & Service: 1:30 pm Social Hour: 2:45 pmChildcare: Nursery: open 1:30 to 3 pm Religious Education Classes: 1:45 pm to 3 pm

March 6th: “Racial Justice: Whose Lives Really Matter?” Rev. Steven ProtzmanAs we continue our journey toward Racial Justice, this first of a three-part sermon series on Racial Justice will explore the long and ugly history of what has been called “America’s Original Sin:” racism, the false idea that some lives matter more than others. Together we will seek to understand white privilege more fully, struggle with our own complicity in racism, and reflect on how our First Principle calls us to be actively anti-racist.

March 13th: “Racial Justice: Working the Intersections (and Not Getting Run Over),” Alison OliverAudre Lorde, the self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” declared, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” Her words foretold a shift in social justice work toward an understanding that our multiple identities, and the accompanying lattice of privilege and oppression, are all interconnected. Like many roads converging into one place, intersections can be disorienting and dangerous. How do we successfully navigate these intersections as we build a way toward justice?

March 2016

March’s Social Justice Offerings BenefitTHE CRISIS CENTER

The Crisis Center’s vision is that every individual in Johnson County has support in times of need. Emotional and material assistance are available 24/7 through a dedicated corps of volunteers, including a number from UUSIC who are enthusiastic about the CC and their involvement. Programs include a 24-hour Crisis Line, Food Bank, Emergency Assistance, and Disaster Recovery and Relief. Community Programs such as Survivors’ Support Groups, Suicide Prevention Training and a Speakers Bureau are also offered. Cash or checks to UUSIC (Crisis Center on memo line) may be given during Sunday offerings or sent to the office. Thank you!

Now you can donate online! Find the link at the bottom of uusic.org.

March 27th: “Something Always Sings,” Rev. Steven ProtzmanThe hymn “A Promise through the Ages Rings” says that: “a green shoot always, always springs, and something always, always sings,” affirming life’s universal and triumphant song. As a community of all ages, we will gather on this Easter Sunday to sing and rejoice together and hear life’s message of hope and joy—spring is renewing the world around us and there is the promise of life’s song within our hearts renewing us as well.

March 20th: “Racial Justice: The Third American Reconstruction,” Rev. Steven ProtzmanIn American history, there have been two Reconstruction Movements, both of which brought meaningful social progress in civil rights. It’s time for a Third Reconstruction, which as the Rev. Dr. William Barber says in his book The Third Reconstruction, will be “a profoundly moral awakening of justice-loving people.” As we reflect on our Unitarian Universalist vision of the Beloved Community, how will we help bring about this new era where there is racial and economic equality?

March BirthdaysPlease wish the following members and friends a happy birthday this month!

If you would like your birthday to be published, please contact the office.

Audrey FriestadJonah Heath

Rochelle Honey-ArcementJean Hood

Megan Kann

Kathleen KingmanMax Lehan Machin

Jodi LinleyFaye Strayer

Sullivan Turner

Sunday Attendance for January 31st - February 21st

January 31st: 128 total: 112 adults, 16 childrenFebruary 7th: 117 total: 92 adults, 25 childrenFebruary 14th: Service cancelled due to weatherFebruary 21st: 130 total (Multigen. service)

Page 2 March 2016 The UU News

From Your Minister

But we have only begun to love the earth. We have only begun to imagine the fullness of life. How could we tire of hope?—so much is in bud. How can desire fail?—we have only begun to imagine justice and mercy, only begun to envision how it might be to live as siblings with beast and flower, not as oppressors.

Surely our river cannot already be hastening into the sea of nonbeing ... Not yet, not yet—there is too much broken that must be mended, too much hurt that we have done to each other that cannot yet be forgiven. We have only begun to know the power that is in us if we would join our solitudes in the communion of struggle.

So much is unfolding that must complete its gesture, so much is in bud. —”Beginners” by Denise Levertov

As I reflect on our congregation’s life and work during this liturgical year (which started last September and ends in May) and I yearn for spring to arrive with its energy and possibilities (it’s my favorite season), this beautiful poem by Denise Levertov comes to mind. Her words capture beautifully both spring’s potential and our potential as a spiritual community to imagine (and work for) justice and mercy, mend our broken world, and live in harmony with all of life. As I read her words, I find myself saying: “Yes, so much is in bud at UUSIC. How could we tire of hope? How can our desire fail? We have only begun to imagine the fullness of life that is possible.” I often speak of living as fully as possible, and while that usually refers to us as individuals, it’s also applicable to us as a congregation. We have before us a huge opportunity. As we break ground for our new building in April and this long-held dream of the congregation becomes reality, it is time to imagine the fullness of our life in our new home. What will we do together? What new ministries will arise to meet the needs of our struggling, suffering world with the space we will have to work and to worship together in? How will we equip and empower one another even more to go out into the world to serve others? There are two new ministries I want to focus on in this column: the Land Ministry and Racial Justice.

But we have only begun to love the earth ... only begun to envision how it might be to live as siblings with beast and

flower ...

As an architecture student at Iowa State, one of the things I was taught is that the land on which a building sits is one of the rooms of the building and should be approached with as much care and thought as the building itself. Consultant Timothy Kercheville, whose specialty is sustainable land use and growing food, visited in early February and is providing some initial ideas and recommendations for how we can use the property to further our mission and our vision. Our Board of Trustees, recognizing the Oakdale property as one of our

most important assets, is creating a Land Ministry. We will have a visioning/programming workshop on Sunday, April 10th, to create a vision for this ministry. We have a wonderful opportunity to learn how to live as siblings with the beasts and the flowers, and how to love the earth. Mr. Kercheville also began the work of helping us connect with other individuals and organizations in the Iowa City area with similar earth-centered values. Will part of our vision for the Land Ministry be outreach, inviting others in our community who share our passion for caring for the earth to join us?

—we have only begun to imagine justice and mercy, ... there is too much broken that must be mended, too much hurt

that we have done to each other that cannot yet be forgiven.

My colleague Tom Schade asks: what is it we believe and what does it require of us at this point in history? If we believe that our Second Principle challenges us to practice justice, equity and compassion in our relationships and that black lives matter, we must work for racial justice. This month’s theme is Racial Justice, and the worship services will examine the long and ugly history of racism in this country; help us to understand the concept of intersectionality, which means that no form of injustice or oppression stands alone but they are woven together and reinforce each other; and finally, offer a vision for America’s Third Reconstruction, which has the potential to make great progress in the struggle for racial and economic justice. There is a Jewish concept named ‘tikkun olam’ which means to repair the world. Do we believe that we are together as a spiritual community to mend that which is broken and to bring healing and wholeness to ourselves and to the world?

We have only begun to know the power that is in us if we would join our solitudes in the communion of struggle.

It is in community that we can best discover our individual power and join with others who wish to live out our mission to touch hearts, change lives and transform the world and work toward our vision of being a loving, inclusive, and growing spiritual community that celebrates life, and a liberal tradition that leads social justice work, heals the earth, and nurtures the lifelong journey of mind and spirit.

As spring approaches and the world begins to bloom around us once again, I invite you to reflect on these questions: How do you imagine justice and mercy and living in harmony with the natural world? What hopes and dreams for our future do you have, and how will you help bring them about? How will you share the good news of Unitarian Universalism and invite others to join in our communion of struggle as we work to mend the world and experience the fullness of life?

Grateful to be here with you as we journey together and we work to build a new way,

Steven

The UU News March 2016 Page 3

From Your Lifespan Religious Education Director“In one church, when my toddler started asking questions, a woman behind me leaned forward and suggested I bring an iPad to entertain him during Mass. In another, we arrived before mass started and, being the only people there, allowed our toddler to roam around a little—at which point an usher approached us with a warning: if our son made noise during the service, we’d have to take him outside.”1

This is an excerpt from Meredith Hale’s Washington Post article, “No church for the wild: Trying to find a place to worship with a toddler.” As most of you probably are, I was appalled by the treatment Hale’s family received as they “church shopped” for a place that would welcome them. After my initial disbelief, I started to wonder how families feel in our services. And what about the children and youth? As Hale aptly points out, “[c]hildren aren’t just there as their parents’ appendages. They are part of the community, learning … and entering onto their own spiritual paths. Isn’t it our jobs to guide them along that path, to introduce them into this community—not to exclude them because they’re small, or noisy, or have to go to the bathroom eight times in one Mass?” While I cannot imagine any of the above comments transpiring during a service at UUSIC, Hale’s experiences and comments can serve as a reminder to us all of our commitment to be a welcoming space for all ages.

So how can we make sure that we are creating a worship space that is welcoming to everyone, no matter their age?

Families:• You are welcome here! Worshipping together is as important

as Religious Education classes in terms of your family’s spiritual journey. All Ages worship services are one of the few events where all groups in our congregation are together, participating and helping each other on that journey. I firmly believe it takes a village, and your family is an important part of our village!

• Grab a few fidgets and activities. People of all ages can benefit from having something to put their restless energy into when sitting in service. During All Ages worship services, at the back of the worship hall you will find baskets filled with items—Legos, pipe cleaners, activity sheets—to help redirect energy that doesn’t have an immediate outlet.

• Get up and move around. There is no expectation that anyone will sit still (or perfectly quiet) during any service, but if you are finding sitting down too restrictive for your active ones, please feel free to get up and walk around. There is plenty of space at the back of the worship area. Need more room to groove? The service is piped out to the lobby and kitchen areas.

• Kids–Try playing follow the leader. I know sometimes services can feel like they are something just for the adults, and you can feel bored. We try to make sure that worship is for everyone, but you can help too. Try playing follow the leader—follow along with the hymns, participate in the responsive readings, ask questions about parts of the service or why we might be doing something. Having trouble following along? Ask for help. We want you to enjoy worship as much as we do.

Congregation:• We want you there too! Taking part in All Ages worship gives

you an opportunity to practice your spirituality in a different

way from the typical Sunday. All Ages worship services are among the few events where all groups in our congregation are together, participating and helping each other on that journey. I firmly believe it takes a village, and you are an important part of our village!

• Welcome everyone. During service, greet kids and adults alike. Children want to know they are welcome just like any other visitor or member. If possible, try to get on their level. A six-foot tall adult towering over a four-foot tall kid can be very intimidating. This doesn’t stop after service is over ,either. During social hour, talk to the whole family.

• Include everyone. Many services have parts where we ask all of our ages to interact. Whether it be questions, activities or discussion, during our weekly Story for All Ages, or an interactive segment during our All Ages worship, everyone wants to be included. So make sure you’re including the youth along with the adults. We have very thoughtful youth, and we can learn just as much from them as they can from us.

• Help out. See a family struggling? With permission from the caregivers, help out. Maybe offer to sit with them; share your hymnal to help someone follow along; answer a question about why we are doing something; or help with the fidget activity. The family may not take you up on your offer, but I bet they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

• Smile! Sometimes all it takes to help people know they are welcome is a friendly smile, especially when that smile is one of solidarity and letting a family know that their wiggly and giggly ones are not a bother.

• Get fidgets, moving and grooving! Please see the second and third bullets in the above section. These are strategies that can benefit people of all ages.

Our next all ages worship service is on Easter Sunday, March 27th. I hope to see all of you there! And remember, ALL are welcome and wanted at our church: the wild, the wiggly, the giggly, the peaceful, the serious, the young, the young at heart and all the in-betweens.

Yours in faith, Jessica1https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/02/03/no-church-for-the-wild-trying-to-find-a-place-to-worship-with-a-toddler/

Page 4 March 2016 The UU News

Upcoming Recurring EventsThe following events meet regularly and all are welcome to attend. Find details on our website or in our Opportunities booklet.

Date(s) Time Event Location Contact RSVP?Tuesday 3/1 7 pm Social Justice Coordinating

Committee

Oakdale House Diane Martin (351-7616, dianemartin@mchsi.com)

No

Wednesdays 3/2 & 9

6:30 pm Welcome Home Wednesdays Sanctuary Church Jessica Zimmer-Saltzman (337-3443, education@uusic.org)

Yes

Thursdays 3/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31

7 pm Fireside Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary Church Gloria Corbin (338-5012, music@uusic.org)

No

Sundays 3/6 & 20

9:30 am Racial Justice study/ACTION Circle Oakdale House Alison Oliver (alison-oliver@uiowa.edu)

No

Sundays 3/6, 13, & 20

3:15 pm Children’s Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary Church Gloria Corbin No

Monday 3/7 6 pm Kiirtan Oakdale House Andy Douglas (andy.c.douglas@gmail.com)

No

Mondays 3/7, 14, 21, & 28

7 pm Buddhist Sangha Oaknoll Brian Glidewell (brianandmark711@msn.com)

No

Tuesday 3/8 5 pm Green Sanctuary Committee Oakdale House Deb Schoelerman (594-2373, dschoelerman@gmail.com)

No

Thursday 3/10 6:30 pm UU Board Meeting 105 Iowa Ave. (Suite 231) Jim Olson (512-0007, jimolson921@gmail.com)

No

Friday 3/11 11 am Free Lunch Program 1105 Gilbert Ct. Sue and Lee Eberly (susaneberly@outlook.com)

No

Staff ReportsFrom Your Congregational Life CoordinatorIn February we conducted our new membership class series called “Journey of Discovery.” Classes were held on Sundays, February 7th, 21st, and 28th, with nine people participating. The first class was “Getting to Know U,” where participants introduced themselves and shared aspects of their personal spiritual journeys. The second class, “Getting to Know UU,” included presentations on the 7 Principles, 6 Sources and spiritual practice development (presented by Rev. Steven); our vision, mission and goals (Kirk Witzberger); UU and UUSIC history (Jeanette Carter); being a Welcoming Congregation and governance (Jim Olson). The third class, “Getting to Know UUSIC,” introduced the participants to the many ways they can nurture their spirits and share their passions through involvement in the many opportunities available through our UUSIC community.

The “Journey of Discovery” will culminate with a New-member Covenant Ceremony on Sunday, March 6th. The Order of Service insert will assist you in learning about our new members, and you’ll have the opportunity to warmly welcome them at the reception that will follow the service.

Thanks to the Board members and Membership Associates for their participation in the classes, Steve Vincent for providing logistical support, and Cindy Spading’s Hospitality Team for assisting with the new-member reception.

The next “Journey” series will be held on Sundays, April 17th, 24th, and May 1st, from 3 to 4 pm in the worship hall. If you are interested in participating, please contact me at clc@uusic.org or 337-3030. —Carol Throckmorton

New-Member Covenant Ceremony, Mar. 6On Sunday, March 6th, a New-member Covenant Ceremony will be held during the afternoon service. A special reception will be held during social hour to honor our newest members. Please plan to attend and warmly welcome our newest members!

From Your AdministratorThe “Manage Your Pledge” page of our website has been upgraded to a “Donate” page! (Find it at the bottom left of our homepage.) It will now take you to PayPal, and will allow UUSIC to accept donations for all sorts of specified giving, including Capital Campaign donations, contributions to the monthly SJCC agency, and any other donation, payment, or contribution, requested or unsolicited! However, if you would like to update an existing, auto-paid Stewardship or Capital Campaign pledge, please contact me at 337-3443 or admin@uusic.org, as we still use Vanco for all previously established auto-paid pledges. Thank you to our Administrative Assistant, Bailey Kelley, for setting up this new donation process! —Emma Barnum

From Your Office VolunteersNew Office Volunteer: Cari Malone has joined the office volunteer group (Jeanette Carter, David and Diane Martin, Gay Mikelson) and we welcome her time and energy in our efforts. During this transition period, we are at Oakdale House on Wednesdays and Fridays, usually midday.

—Gay Mikelson for the Office Volunteers

The UU News March 2016 Page 5

Upcoming Recurring Events, cont’dFriday 3/11 5:30 &

6:30 pmFriends of Friends &

Special Needs Committee

Oakdale House Rochelle Honey-Arcement (rochelle.r.honey@gmail.com)

No

Sunday 3/13 10:30 am Vegetarian Community Brunch Trumpet Blossom Café (310 E. Prentiss Street)

Carol Throckmorton (337-3030,clc@uusic.org)

Yes

Sunday 3/13 3 pm Welcome to the Journey (Introduction to UUism)

Conference Room, Sanctuary Church

Carol Throckmorton No

Sunday 3/13 6 pm Dances of Universal Peace Eastside Recycling Center (2401 Scott Blvd SE)

Virginia Melroy (338-1778, virginia-melroy@uiowa.edu)

No

Monday 3/14 7:30 pm UU Book Discussion Group (All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr)

Oaknoll (735 George St. 4th Floor, Mtg. Rm. A)

Mary Lou Welter (H: 354-1231, C: 361-9805, jayhawkeye@juno.com)

No

Tuesday 3/15 7:30 pm Secular Humanists Common Room,Old Brick (26 E Market St.)

Mark Yuskis (resdoggie@aol.com) No

Wednesday 3/16

12:30 pm UU Grief Group Oakdale House Gail Garwood (688-4217, ggarwood42@gmail.com)

No

Thursday 3/17 1:30 pm UU Scrabble Group Cochran/Choisser’s home (2207 Jessica Lane, Coralville)

Gary Lawrenson (936-1291, glawrenson@mchsi.com)

No

Saturday 3/26 5 pm Vegetarian Community Potluck Eastside Recycling Center (2401 Scott Blvd SE)

Carol Throckmorton Yes

Monday 3/28 5:15 pm Girls’ Night Out Azul Tequila(720 Pacha Parkway, North Liberty)

Carol Throckmorton Yes

Sundays 4/17, 24, & 5/1

3 pm Journey of Discovery Series (new-member classes)

Worship Hall,Sanctuary Church

Carol Throckmorton Yes

UUSIC’s Alcohol PolicyThe UUSIC Board of Trustees reminds all members and committees/groups of the Society’s policy on the safe and responsible serving of alcohol at UUSIC events. The policy, in part, requires that the use of alcohol conform to all federal, state, and local laws; prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages, directly or indirectly through voluntary contributions or otherwise; and prohibits the serving of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. The full policy is available at http://www.uusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Policy-Manual.pdf. —Jim Olson for the Board of Trustees

Committee Reports & UU News

Prevent Waste From Being Produced By Precycling, Not Just RecyclingWe have all heard the phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” But have you heard of an additional term called “Precycle?” “Pre” of course means “before,” and precycling means we can prevent producing waste in the first place by taking a little action before we buy things and bring them into our homes.

Examples of precycling include:• Limiting purchases to things that you need.• Buying in bulk or in the largest size you can use so there is less packaging that needs disposal.• Selecting products in reusable or recyclable packages, for example cardboard egg cartons rather than Styrofoam.• Buying fruits and vegetables loose (say no to the plastic bag or plastic clamshell packaging).• Sharing items rather than buying them individually—which can also increase community connection as well!• Shopping with reusable bags or no bags rather than taking single-use bags from the store.• Buying fewer or no disposable items (e.g., choosing cloth napkins and dish cloths instead of buying paper napkins and towels).• Buying “longer life” products such as rechargeable batteries or CFL light bulbs.• Preventing catalogs or other junk mail from even being delivered to your home with websites such as Catalog Choice, www.

catalogchoice.org.• Choosing to buy used rather than new; used products tend to have less or no packaging.

—Kristin Wildensee for the Green Sanctuary Committee

Page 6 March 2016 The UU News

February Free Lunch Program1105 was decorated for a sweet Valentine’s Day meal. A generous donor provided fried chicken from John’s Grocery and there was plenty for seconds and some to take home. Side dishes of green salad, vegetables, a delicious sweet potato dish, fruit salad, and desserts were prepared by our heartfelt team of volunteers. It was a cold day, and the coffee, juice, and hot tea were appreciated. This month we send a special thank you to our Kitchen Crew who wash dishes, clean counters and put dishes away with a sense of style!

If you would like to donate time, food or make a financial contribution, please contact Sue and Lee Eberly at susaneberly@outlook.com or Sherry Dolash at bridge_2_learning@yahoo.com. —Sherry Dolash for the UU Free Lunch Team

175 Years?!! Let’s Celebrate!Along about eighteen forty-one,The Iowa Territory’d just begun,A group of liberals got togetherIn spite of harsh November weather.

Some did walk and some did rideTo Foster’s home on the west side.There they voted to unite.First Universalist was born that night.

Rosella Andrews (not a Miss)Was first to sign the members list.Plans for a building were begun,With Eastern liberals sending funds.*

In this, our congregation’s 175th year, the 175th Committee is gearing up to celebrate the founding and endurance of our religious community. Current committee members are Jeanette Carter, Rob Dietrich, Sue Eberly, Sarah Holmes, Marilyn Jennewein, Gay Mikelson, Jim Olson, and Vicki Siefers, with Rev. Steven and DLRE Jessica as ex officio members. Beginning next fall, we will begin a year-long celebration of our presence in the community with several celebratory events and activities. If you would like to be involved in this celebration, please talk to one of the committee members.

—Marilyn Jennewein for the 175th Committee

[*Watch for more verses in future issues. If you feel compelled to break into song, the verses work well with Doc Watson’s version of “Tennessee Stud.”]

Pay It Forward—Volunteer!Why do people become volunteers? Some volunteer because it makes them feel good about themselves. Some, because it lets them work alongside friends. Some, to support something they believe in—the mission of UUSIC. Often we are moved to volunteer for all of these reasons.

Whatever your reasons, we hope you will think about volunteering at UUSIC. Each year the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) develops a slate of nominees for positions on our UUSIC board of directors and on our congregation’s elected committees. This year, that includes:

• Three board positions: Vice-president, secretary, and trustee

• Two positions on CCLAM, the Committee on Congregational Life and Ministry

• One position on the LDC itself

The UUSIC bylaws (available on the web site) spell out the nomination process. To be eligible for nomination, you need to have been a voting member of UUSIC for at least a year and to have served on at least one UU committee.

As an eligible UU, you can be considered for nomination by:

1. Telling the LDC you’d like to be considered by March 18th; or

2. Self-declaring your candidacy to the LDC by April 18th, accompanied by the signatures of ten voting members who support you; or

3. Accepting nomination from the floor during the spring meeting.

These exciting times offer a real opportunity for you to “pay it forward” by volunteering to serve within our own beloved community.

If you would like to be considered as a nominee—or know of someone else who should be considered—please talk with an LDC member (Sherry Dolash, Susan Eberly, Jim Laughlin, Heather Marshall, or Paul Pomrehn), or email Emma at admin@uusic.org, and she will forward your message to the LDC.

We look forward to hearing from you!—Sue Eberly for the Leadership Development Committee

Committee Reports, cont’d

The UU News March 2016 Page 7

Covenant GroupsIn February’s topic, “Soul Work,” groups focused on the persistence of racism in our society. Despite the progress of civil rights, racist actions, thoughts, and feelings—some unconscious, some disturbingly deliberate—continue to shape relations between whites and people of color. What feelings does this statement evoke in you? In what ways does racism affect you? What do you think we need to do to pursue racial justice, both in practical and spiritual terms? Given recent tragedies and the volatility of the current presidential race, these are questions we must think on hard.

In March, we will discuss “Creativity.” What is it and what is its value? How do you recognize it in yourself and others? John Updike said, “Creativity is merely a plus name for regular activity. Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right, or better.” In contrast to this matter-of-fact definition, Albert Einstein claims: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.” Which view resonates more with you?

If subjects like these intrigue you, you might be ready to join a covenant group. Groups offer members the opportunity to express their views and deepen their understanding of a wide range of issues, while fostering closer ties to other UUs. If you’d like to learn more about them, please contact Jan Locher (354-6260, locherj@mchsi.com).

—Phil Beck for the Covenant Group Facilitators

Committee Reports, cont’dFestival of the First Bread Goes GreenThe Festival of the First Bread (FFB), held at Sanctuary Church on Saturday, February 6th, was a great event to raise funds for our partner church in Transylvania, connect with fellow congregation members, have fun, eat good food, and ... generate (almost) zero waste!

Without access to the durable dishes or commercial dishwasher we had at Channing Hall, a decision was made by the FFB committee this year to use disposable serviceware, but to use only those items that could be composted rather than sent to the landfill. Compostable plates, bowls, drink glasses and napkins were purchased. Special compost collection bins and bags were obtained from the City of Iowa City.

Dinner and drinks were served to seventy guests. At the end of the night, two large bags were filled with compostable waste that was delivered to the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center to be composted along with its regular yard debris collection. Less than a five-gallon bucket or so of landfill-bound waste was produced the entire night, about an amount you could hold in two hands.

Thank you to the FFB Committee members who researched the compostable serviceware, the City which provides access to a commercial compost facility, and to all of the 70 guests who participated in reducing waste at this event!

—Kristin Wildensee for the Festival of First Bread

Treats & Talents Auction CommitteeFor 33 years, members and friends of UUSIC have come together to plan, contribute, and participate in an annual Treats and Talents Auction. This year’s events will take place at both Sanctuary Church and St. Patrick Church and include:

• The Silent Auction, April 10th, 1 to 4 pm, Sanctuary Church,

• The Live Auction/Dinner, April 16th, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, St. Patrick Church, and

• The Cake Walk for children and adults, April 17th, 3 to 4 pm, Sanctuary Church.

This year we have purchased a software program, Charity Auction Organizer, which will allow us to develop an online catalog and better keep track of purchases, donations, and the after-auction bookkeeping. Use of this software package will require members and friends to register in the program, and instructions in how to do this will be available soon, with demonstrations and assistance during social hour. This year, we will also be able to take credit card payments. The online catalog will be available Friday, March 18th, with a few paper copies accessible at the Auction Table on Sunday, March 20th. We will not be sending copies in the mail this year.

Because of the additional space at St. Patrick Church, we will not be limiting the number of tickets to the dinner, and we hope by lowering the price to $20 a ticket, we will see some of our newer members. With our theme, “The Joke’s on UU,” and Tim Adamson and Sally Hartman as MCs, the Live Auction/Dinner promises to be entertaining. Tickets will go on sale on Sunday, March 20th, at the Auction Table during social hour.

We still need your participation to make the 2016 Treats & Talents Auction successful! If you have not submitted a donation for the auction, we are extending the deadline to March 6th. As we move closer to the Auction dates, we will be asking folks to bake a dessert for the Live Auction/Dinner or a cake for the Cake Walk, and to volunteer in other ways.

If you have questions about the auction, please feel free to ask one of the Auction Committee members: Tim Adamson, Joe Brisben, Jeanette Carter, Sherry Dolash, Brigette Ingersoll, Jean Hood, Brenda Linley, Jan Locher, Diane Martin, Mary McMurray, Gay Mikelson, Dorothy Paul, Carol Throckmorton, and Judy Tokuhisa. Mary Jepsen and Sharon Booker, co-chairs.

Thank you so much for your participation. —Sharon Booker for the Auction Committee

The UU NewsThe Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City2355 Oakdale RoadCoralville, IA 52241

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UUSIC Board of Trustees, 2015-2016President: Jim Olson.............................................. 512-0007 jimolson921@gmail.com

Vice President: Kelly O’Berry.................................541-0326 kelly-oberry@uiowa.edu

Past President: Vicki Siefers.................................. 331-1798 vsiefers@mchsi.com

Secretary: Jeanette Carter......…........................338-5922 montehigh55@gmail.com

Treasurer: Adam Ingersoll...………...….................338-8811 adam.ingersoll@gmail.com

Trustee: Kirk Witzberger…………………............... 325-3425 kirkwitzberger@hotmail.com

Trustee: Steve Vincent....................................847-650-1634 stephen-vincent1@live.com

Trustee: Marianne Mason......................................321-9318 marianne.mason@msn.com

Trustee: Steve Locher............................................331-1863 lochers@mchsi.com

UUSIC StaffWebsite: www.uusic.orgOffice Phone: 319-337-3443Office Open: 2 - 6 Mon. & 8:30 - 2:30 Tues. thru Fri.Minister - Rev. Steven ProtzmanEmail: minister@uusic.orgAdministrator - Emma BarnumEmail: admin@uusic.orgDirector of Lifespan Religious Education - Jessica Zimmer-Saltzman Email: education@uusic.orgCongregational Life Coordinator - Carol ThrockmortonEmail: membership@uusic.orgMusic Director - Gloria L. CorbinEmail: music@uusic.orgAccompanist - Jonathan TauscheckEmail: accompanist@uusic.orgAdministrative Assistant - Bailey KelleyEmail: admin.assistant@uusic.orgNursery Supervisor - Trudy GulletteEmail: nursery@uusic.org

March 2016 The UU News

Our Mission Statement: We are a diverse spiritual community that touches hearts, changes lives, and transforms the world.

Our Vision Statement:Our vision is to be a loving, inclusive, and growing spiritual community. We celebrate life and a liberal tradition that leads social justice work, heals the earth, and nurtures the lifelong journey of mind and spirit.

UUs in Action:

UUSIC Calendar for March 2016(SC) Sanctuary Church, 2205 E Grantview Dr #200, CV (OH) Oakdale House, 2355 Oakdale Rd, CV (ERC) Eastside Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd SE, IC

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

281:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC)2:45 PM Social Hour (SC

297 PM Buddhist Sangha (Oaknoll)

17 PM SJCC (OH)

26:30 PM Welcome Home Wednesdays (SC)

37 PM Choir (SC)

4 5

69:30 AM Racial Justice study/ACTION Circle (OH)1:30 PM Ingathering, Service, & New-member Ceremony (SC)2:45 PM Social Hour & New-member Reception (SC)3:15 PM Children’s Choir (SC)

76 PM Kiirtan (OH)7 PM Buddhist Sangha (Oaknoll)

85 PM Green Sanctuary Committee (OH)

96:30 PM Welcome Home Wednesdays (SC)

106:30 PM Board Meeting (105 Iowa Ave Ste. 231)7 PM Choir (SC)

1111 AM Free Lunch Program (1105 Gilbert Ct.)5:30 PM Friends of Friends & Special Needs Committee (OH)

12

1310:30 AM Vegetarian Community (Trumpet Blossom)1:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC)2:45 PM Social Hour (SC)3 PM Welcome to the Journey (SC)3:15 PM Children’s Choir (SC)6 PM Dances of Universal Peace (Eastside Recycling Center)

147 PM Buddhist Sangha (Oaknoll)7:30 PM UU Book Discussion Group (Oaknoll)

155:30 PM Communications Committee (OH)7:30 PM Secular Humanists (Old Brick)

1612:30 PM UU Grief Group (OH)

17 1:30 PM Scrabble Group (Cochran/Choisser’s home) 7 PM Choir (SC)

1812 PM Newsletter Submission Deadline

19

209:30 AM Racial Justice study/ACTION Circle (OH)1:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC)3 PM Journey of Discovery Part 3 (SC)3:15 PM Children’s Choir (SC)

2110 AM Just Mercy Discussion Group (OH)6:30 PM Just Mercy Discussion Group (OH)7 PM Buddhist Sangha (Oaknoll)

22 23 249 AM Newsletter Folding (OH)7 PM Choir (SC)

25 265 PM Vegetarian Community (Eastside Recycling Center)

271:30 PM Ingathering & Service (SC)2:45 PM Social Hour (SC)

285:15 PM Girls’ Night Out! (Azul Tequila)7 PM Buddhist Sangha (Oaknoll)

29 30 317 PM Choir (SC)

1 2

Look for new events, updates or cancellations, and event details on

the calendar at uusic.org.

Diana Henry and Sabri Sky lobby to end mass incarceration with Iowa House Representative Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, at the state Capitol.

Sally Hartman, Joe Brisben, Mike Cervantes, and IUUWAN also addressed criminal justice reform with Mobilizing Against Mass Incarceration Statewide Network and the Inside/Out reentry group on Tuesday, February 9th, at Des Moines UU and with state legislators.

Highlights from the UUSIC Board MeetingThursday, February 11th, 2016

The Board met in the office of Adam Ingersoll at 6:32 pm. Zimmer-Saltzman read opening words.• Opening announcements:

• A congratulatory note from Charity Rowley; • A request for payment of the Festival of the First Bread rental fee; • Approval of a payment equal to a month’s salary for Trudy Gullette, nursery supervisor, who will be taking maternity

leave; • Beginning next month, the Board will begin getting executive committee news from Rev. Steven; • The Board will ask the Leadership Development Committee to try to identify a new treasurer a year in advance. • Jessica Zimmer-Saltzman recruited people to take part in a play for February 21st (originally scheduled for February 14th)

celebrating the end of the 30 days of Love. She also reminded us that peanut butter and jelly will be collected on that day.

• Mary McMurray called the Board’s attention to an infraction about serving wine at the Festival of the First Bread by asking for donations. A notice will be put in the newsletter about the alcohol policy, which includes no collection or “donation” of money for wine at events.

• Treasurer Ingersoll explained the possible uses of the Annual Spending Allowance from the Endowment, which has been recommended by them as 4%, or $37,497, this year. Because of our successful stewardship campaign and Capital Campaign, he recommends we leave it in the Endowment fund to keep retained earnings. A motion passed: “The Board, with gratitude and appreciation, instructs the Endowment Committee that we will not withdraw any ASA funds in 2016 at this time and would rather see those funds remain invested to the Society’s benefit.”

• Pete Brokaw from the Finance Council reported on the Social Justice Action Fund, which was given $5,000 in 2013 by the Endowment Committee as seed money. SJAC also received funds from the Treats and Talents auction. This was repeated in 2014. In 2015 funds were not transferred to SJAF, although Treats and Talents receipts were. Endowment feels it is not in their purview to distribute funds to a specific Society committee. It was suggested that future funds for SJAF should be included in the regular budget. Brokaw stated the Finance Council will bring back a recommendation about this matter.

• Ken Atkinson was approved as a member of the Endowment Committee, filling the term of Tom Rocklin, who resigned.

• The board approved dates for the March 20th Congregational meeting to approve the mortgage on the new building and for the May 22nd Annual Congregational meeting.

• Steve Vincent, representing the Membership Task Force, presented a chart of how the membership group could work. He noted that almost all growth in the UUA comes from churches that have professional congregational life coordinators.

• Witzberger offered a plan for a media/publicity lead person. Bailey Kelley is working on finding someone who could do this work as a UUSIC intern.

• Siefers reported on her work with volunteer recruitment. She has updated committee lists and is working to find out what needs for volunteers the committees have. She has had good luck with several groups.

• O’Berry, working on Leadership Development, stated that we are not doing a good job developing leaders. It was suggested that if a separate nominating committee was formed, the LDC could spend more time on the aspect of developing leaders. Kelly and Kirk will speak with LDC and clarify this.

• In anticipation of developing plans for promoting a land ministry for our new property, a consultant, Tim Kercheville, was hired to prepare a plan, for which he will be paid $500. There is no further commitment beyond this plan. Two co-chairs will be appointed to lead the ministry in implementing a plan. Witzberger noted that all parties involved need to be included to plan, design and implement the land ministry’s work. Witzberger, Siefers, Ingersoll, and Vincent will work on how to go forward with this.

• Siefers is working on the three-year Strategic Plan for 2016-2019, suggesting it be updated by having forums that will choose the top ideas for what we want to accomplish in the next three years. A vision for Religious Education will be part of the Strategic Plan. Two motions put forward to work on the Plan died for lack of a second.

• Witzberger led a discussion of which date would be best to have a public groundbreaking, possibly on Earth Day, April 22nd, to emphasize our hope for the greenest building in Iowa. A motion to this effect passed.

• Ingersoll and Witzberger presented an updated construction budget that shows it is on track.

• A motion to approve the resolution to secure the mortgage for the new facility passed.

• Karen Mason, representing CCLAM, thanked the Board for its work.

O’Berry read the closing words and the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 pm.—Recorded by Jeanette Carter, Secretary

THE JOKE’S ON UU

UUSIC 2016 TREATS AND TALENTS AUCTION DONATION FORM

What do you get if you put two UUs in a room together? At least three opinions.

SILENT AUCTION

Sunday, April 10 1:00 - 4:00

Sanctuary Church

LIVE AUCTION / DINNER

Saturday, April 16 6:30 - 8:30

St. Patrick Church

CAKE WALK

Sunday, April 17 3:00 - 4:00

Sanctuary Church

DONATION:

DETAILS / WHY BUY:

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS / ITEMS: Value:

FOR AN EVENT ~ DATE: TIME: LOCATION:

DONOR(S):

PHONE: EMAIL:

PHOTO: PLEASE PROVIDE A PHOTO OF ITEMS (not necessary for events, dinners,

activities or services/lessons). NEED HELP? Contact Judy Tokuhisa: judy.tokuhisa@gmail.com 319-351-

5470

RETURN FORM / PHOTO by Mar. 6 to the Auction table at Sanctuary Church, OR

Mail to: Bridgette Ingersoll, 925 Meadowlark Drive, Iowa City 52246.

Can send a cell phone photo to Bridgette at: bdingersoll@gmail.com

WONDERING WHAT TO DONATE?

Painting, afternoon tea, cookies, game night, knitted cap, dinner, gift certificate, small furniture, computer lessons.

Questions about donations? Contact Brenda Linley: jblinley@mac.com 319-400-9599

FIND the ON-LINE AUCTION CATALOG: www.uusic.org