| First Unitarian Connection |
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Note: When the newsletter is sent via email, the text may be truncated. To be sure you are seeing the entire newsletter, please click on the "view in browser" link near the top of the message or scroll to the bottom where it says [Message clipped] and click on: View entire message
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| Sundays at First Unitarian Church |
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Sunday, May 19, 11:00 am, Sanctuary
"Knowing Our Families, Knowing Ourselves"
Join us in person or watch on YouTube.
This is the last Sunday of the church year for our Religious Explorations classes. During the Time for All Ages, we will have our traditional Bridging Ceremony, which honors those students graduating from high school, and also those progressing from one level of R.E. to the next. Rev. Sue’s sermon will lift up the idea of families as systems, and how they shape our ways of being in the world. She’ll share a few stories of how family systems theory has informed her own life and ministry.
Participating in today’s service:
Service Leaders: Rev. Sue Redfern-Campbell, Transitional Minister; Tim Atkins, DLRE; Worship Associate: Carmen McBride; Chalice Lighter: ; Call to Offering: Choir Director: Chukwuebuka "Ebuka” Ezeakacha; Accompanist: Steven Elkins Kennedy; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft
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Child Care and Nursery
The Childcare Rooms are open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm each Sunday morning. (10:00 am to 11:00 am for childcare for any adult programming happening and 11:00 am to 12:30 pm for worship.)
Childcare will be taking place in the nursery and attached preschool room.
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Sunday, May 19, 10:00 am
Sunday Morning Meditation (In-Person)
Please join us for meditation practice in the Buddhist tradition (lower level, next to Corley Commons).
All are welcome; no meditation experience necessary!
For more information contact Lori Jervis.
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Sunday, May 19 - 10:00 am
Sunday Morning Coffee Hour (in-person)
Join us for “Morning Coffee Hour.” In addition to our wonderful Meditation Sunday mornings before service, you’re now also welcome to hang out in Daniel Hall from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, grab a donut and a cup of coffee, and chat with your fellow congregants about whatever’s on your mind. Come back after the service for more social time.
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Sunday, May 19 (immediately after the service) Daniel Hall
Coffee, Lemonade and Conversation
Join us after the service in Daniel Hall for coffee, lemonade and conversation.
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Upcoming Sunday Morning Services - 11:00 am
May
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Nominating Committee - 2023/2024
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following candidates for church leadership positions for the 2024/2025 church year:
Our nominees for officers are:
Sundra Flansburg, President-Elect
Doug Vincent, Clerk
Ron Wasson, Treasurer
Jeanne Parkhurst, Moderator
Gordon Greene, Parliamentarian
Our nominees for new board members are:
Emily Hildebrandt, replacing board member mid-term – term expires 2026
Cortney Custer - term expires 2027
Marilee Peryam – term expires 2027
Mairead Todd – term expires 2027
Our nominees for the Nominating Committee (serving with Immediate Past President Marcia Woodward and a board appointee TBD) are:
Ruth Gordon (third term)
Ellisya Ravencroft (third term)
Bruce Lochner (first term)
Our nominee for the Endowment Fund Committee is:
Tammy Epperson – term expires 2027
Respectfully submitted by the Nominating Committee,
Ruth Gordon, Elli Ravencroft, Jean McLaughlin and Marshal Gimpel
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Friday, May 17
Annual Reports are Due!
It’s that time of year again!
If you are a leader of a group or program, gather your thoughts and information and get that report turned in! The Annual Meeting is June 2 and your report is needed! Email your report to Marlies at mgrogg@1uc.org no later than Friday, May 17th!
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The week of June 3 - June 7
Chalice Camp 2024
Howdy Folks!
The 51st Annual(ish) Chalice Camp 2024 will be June 3rd-7th! Zel is back as our Camp Director, and our theme for Chalice Camp 2024 is "Rebirth and Renewal."
Some important dates:
-Registration Deadline is Saturday, May 18th.
-Training for Counselors and Adult Volunteers is Sunday, May 19th from 1 to no later than 3pm at the Church. We will have pizza lunch and meet down in the Youth Room after RE. For anyone who can't make it, let us know, and we will attempt to zoom from the training.
Chalice Camp 2024 will run June 3rd-7th. It will take place at our usual location, Central Oklahoma Camp Center: 1 Twin Cedar Ln, Guthrie, OK 73044
Register online using this url: https://1ucokc.breezechms.com/form/b953a89273
Although it is still too cost prohibitive to rent a bus, we’re looking at how to have a more community feel to getting to/coming back from camp. This year we are strongly encouraging folks to carpool from the church, so we can go to camp together. We're going to use the same system as last year.
Carpooling Option: Drop off at the church will begin at 8am each morning. At 8:30 sharp, we will leave for the camp. Pick up will begin at the church at 4pm. From 4-6pm we will have aftercare available in the chapel - we’ll be showing a movie each day. Kids will need to be picked up by 6pm. We will need folks willing to drive, especially if you’ve got a bigger car/van/SUV!
If you need a carpool to the church to make the carpooling pickup time, let Tim know and we will see who lives in your area that could help get your kiddo to church and the camp!
Drop Off Option: Now, if you live really close to the camp and not the church, you can meet us at the campsite directly, but your times are slightly different. If you’re doing this, note that Camp will start at 9:30 - kids should be dropped off at the camp 9:15-9:30. Pickup time for the camp is 3pm at the campsite.
During registration, we will ask you if you’re choosing the carpool option (which we hope!) or the drop off option. We will also ask if you’re willing to help carpool from the church to the campsite (and we can help subsidize gas costs if need be, just Tim know.)
This year, families are invited to join us Friday at Noon for a picnic lunch/cookout! Food will start at noon, and at one you can join us for activities like crafts and the pool!
We're attempting to keep the costs the same as last year:
Costs for Members of First Unitarian: One Child is 200 dollars, 175 for each additional sibling
Costs for Non-Members of First Unitarian: One Child is 225 dollars, 200 for each additional sibling
Cost for High School (Grades 9-12) Counselors: 75 dollars
We are offering a 25 dollar discount if you are willing to be one of our carpool drivers from the church to the camp.
And no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Reach out to Tim if the finances are a problem - we can give full scholarships, partial scholarships, figure out payment plans, whatever you need.
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| Adult Education Classes & Courses |
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2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month - 6:00 pm
Wednesday Night Meditation
Interested in meditation but can't quite make it on Sunday mornings? Or maybe you just want more meditation? We are adding a Wednesday night session to our schedule (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm) in the meditation room in the lower level (Corley Commons).
For more information contact Larry Little.
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| Radical Welcoming Team (RWT) |
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UUs at Pride 2024 Celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ Folx!
Please note, there are TWO Pride parades First Unitarian will be participating in, in OKC this year.
The 39th Street Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, June 2nd starting at 6:00 pm. To join us in walking the parade or riding in the First Unitarian trailer, we will be lining up at 5:00 pm. We will meet at the parade lineup on the outside southbound lane of N.Classen Blvd., north of NW 39th Street. Look for our banner or familiar faces in the lineup on Classen. First Unitarian youth will be decorating our trailer for the parade, please meet at 4:00 pm on N Classen Blvd.
The Pride on 39th Festival runs from Friday, May 31st through Sunday, June 2nd on NW 39th Street, click here to learn more about the festival and parade: https://www.prideon39th.com/
The OKC Pride Alliance Parade will be held on Sunday, June 30th starting at 11:00 am (no worship service at First Unitarian this day). To join us in walking the parade or riding in the First Unitarian trailer, we will be lining up at 10:00 am. We will meet at the parade lineup on Walker Ave., more information to come. Look for our banner or familiar faces in the lineup. First Unitarian youth will be decorating our trailer for the parade, please meet at 9:00 am.
Pride Alliance Pridefest runs from Friday, June 28th through Sunday, June 30th at Scissortail Park, click here to learn more about Pridefest and the parade: https://www.okcpridealliance.org/
If you want to join in celebrations and don’t want to walk/ride in the trailer, bring out your favorite chair and join the folx watching and cheering along the parade routes! All are welcome! All are loved!
First Unitarian Church is co-sponsoring the interfaith PRIDE Community Worship Service at Mosaic Community Church on Wednesday, June 26th. See upcoming newsletters for more information.
Need further information? Contact Lynn Ann Wagner for details at flowerdancer@hotmail.com.
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Memorial Garden
Are you familiar with our Memorial Garden? Established in 1987, our tranquil garden, located on each side of the entrance to the church from the Allen Courtyard, holds cremated remains and provides a place for congregants to honor and memorialize the lives and memories of their loved ones.
Beautiful slabs of granite with bronze plaques identify the deceased. The east side of the garden will be in use soon.
You can prepay for a portion of your ashes to be interred in the garden. There is a one-time fee of $275, BUT the price will rise to $300 on July 1. If you think this is something you might be interested in, send your money to the church office.
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News from Befrienders
Befrienders relies upon donations. Those donations are used to provide cards, stamps, and items for memorial receptions. If you wish to make a donation, please send a check and put Befrienders on the purpose line of your check. Thank you.
Befrienders is ready to assist members of our church who are recovering from surgeries or illnesses by offering cards of well-wishes, meal trains, transportation to church or medical appointments as well as arranging for visitations, and we provide the receptions following memorial services.
Befrienders have teams assigned for specific roles.
- Lana Henson leads our Cards of Well Wishes team and can always use extra hands to write cards to our members who are ill or who are recovering from surgeries.
- Ginny Boykin leads our Memorial Receptions team. She calls on folks to bring food for the receptions.
- Patti Kate leads our Transportation team and is looking for folks to be added to her list of people willing to be drivers for anyone needing a ride to a doctor’s appointment, therapy appointment, etc. She is actively recruiting for folks to be on her team.
- Kathy Nyswonger leads our Visitation team. She, along with others, actively go out and visit with members who are unable to get to church or some of the social events. She is actively recruiting for folks to be on her team.
- Meal Trains – we don’t have a team leader yet for this team of people willing to step up and provide a meal to an individual or family. Much of the work of the leader is organizing the Meal Train on line. If you are interested, please contact Susan Bishop for more info,
If you are interested in joining any of these teams, please let Susan Bishop know at sdbishop50@gmail.com.
The next meeting of Befrienders is Thursday, March 14 at noon in the Eddy Room.
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First Unitarian Cares!
If you (or someone you care about in our community) would like a caring card, a ride, a meal delivered to your home, a prayer, or a pastoral visit, please contact Susan Bishop (Chair of Befrienders).
Please contact Marcia Woodward (President of the Board) or Cathy Webster (President Elect) if you need financial assistance. The Minister's Discretionary Fund is available for anyone who needs emergency financial support. In the past, the fund has been used to help cover rent, groceries, fuel, home repairs, medical costs and other needs. Allocations from this fund are completely confidential.
Requests for support from this fund have risen significantly. If you have financial capacity, please consider making a gift to the Minister's Discretionary Fund. Thank you!
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Meet your Health, Safety & Security Committee Team!
Larry Little, chair, Tammy Epperson (IT),Ellie Ravencroft (IT), Keith Daniels (Security), Scott Forbes (Security), Frank Roesler (Safety), Dirk Neitzel (Health), and Todd Hildebrandt (Health)
The mission of this committee is to evaluate and improve the health and safety of people attending worship services and implement security programs for activities/events at the church or sponsored by the church.
This team of volunteers works behind the scenes and is invisible to most.
This one team actually is responsible for the three parts in its name:
Health:
Team members track trends in hospitalizations and cases levels of infectious disease threats such as influenza, RSV, Covid, Monkey Pox and recommend mitigating actions, such as immunizations, masking, even going to virtual services under extreme situations to Church leadership. As you know the three first aid kits are monitored to ensure supplies are available when needed, and the team ensures the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is charged. Fire Department First Aid/CPR/AED training at the Church was conducted a year and a half ago and will be scheduled again this Fall. Additionally, a health team expert on geriatric issues spoke at an Alliance luncheon last year.
Safety:
Team members work with the Facilities Group to identify and eliminate hazards found in the Church or on Church Grounds, such as tripping hazards. Yellow warning tape was placed on all stairs, yellow paint highlighted outside steps, parking signs and handicapped parking signs were updated for parking around the Church and recently red parking cones have been utilized to avoid parking congestion. The 911 emergency call cards in pews are courtesy of your Safety Team.
Security:
Building security is a primary responsibility. Unseen by everyone except Marlies on the external security cameras (thanks to Ron Wasson), team members come by the Church when it’s closed to ensure all doors are locked. And those checks supported the Facilities team’s decision to replace a door that refused to close. Security team members developed the comprehensive First Unitarian Emergency Operations Plan which provides plans and procedures as to how to respond to natural disasters, acts of vandalism, disruption of Services, including de-escalation and monitoring Services for suspicious behavior (not appearance). Efforts are being made to provide professional security training to team members and Church leadership. MalCare security software monitors our 1uc.org website to prevent malware and hacking attempts. Efforts are also in progress to educate the congregation about spoofing and phishing attacks.
And now that you know what your Health, Safety and Security Committee does, please contact Larry if you’re interested in joining.
1 in 3 people will develop shingles: according to the CDC, vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (burning pain in the nerves and skin), the most common complication from shingles. Fortunately, the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles in people with healthy immune systems.
Are you in either of these two groups? The CDC recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine (separated by two to six months) for the following groups:
- Adults ages 50 and older
- Anyone 19 years or older who has a weakened immune system because of disease or therapy
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May Change for Change
For the month of May our Change for Change partner is ReMerge Oklahoma.
Mission Statement: ReMerge of Oklahoma County is a pre-trial diversion program that serves high-risk, high-needs mothers facing non-violent felony offenses in Oklahoma County. ReMerge is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit dedicated to restoring women to their families and the community. They seek to impact Oklahoma’s high rate of female incarceration and to serve as a model to the power of rehabilitation.
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CHANGE FOR CHANGE needs your help. Did you know that anyone can suggest a worthy local non-profit in our community? Do you know how?
- Check out the 1uc.org website and click on the justice tab
- Then click on Community Partnerships and click on the application in green in the middle of the page.
- Submit the application to Deborah Shinn or Anne Murray, or leave it in the office Social Justice mailbox. Or you can email the completed application to them. They be found in Breeze.
WE APPRECIATE IT WHEN CONGREGANTS NOMINATE WORTHY COMMUNITY PARTNERS. THANK YOU!
NEWS FROM UUSC: Kiplinger Lecture: A Promise Unfulfilled: The Future of the Right to Vote Hosted by Cedar Lane UU Church
Saturday, May 18: 3:00 pm ET • 2:00 pm CT • 1:00 pm MT • 12:00 pm PT - In-person (9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD) or via YouTube
Professor Franita Tolson, Professor of Law and Dean of the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, will present for the Kiplinger Lecture in May. Professor Tolson is a scholar of voting rights and voting access. Her presentation will explore protections in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution, and recent federal and state laws and judicial decisions.
Russ Feingold, President of the American Constitution Society and four-term past U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, will moderate. There will be time for questions and a reception to follow.
NEWS FROM RACIAL JUSTICE: Juneteenth is the celebration begun in Texas, when slaves learned they had been freed two years earlier. This year’s Juneteeth celebration will be on NE 23rd St, June 15th, where there will be live music, food vendors and lots of celebrations. Plan to attend with a group of Unitarians. Let Becky Tallent know if you’re interested.
NEWS FROM V.O.I.C.E.: Democracy depends upon the citizenry contacting their representatives with concerns, questions, and comments. How else will they know there are liberal thinking Oklahomans who care about marginalized and disenfranchised people. Contact your representative and let them know your thoughts and concerns.
June 9th 4:00 pm - VOICE ACCOUNTABILITY SESSION AT FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH! An accountability session with candidates in competitive primaries for Senate District 46 and House District 88. Thus far, the following candidates have confirmed, and we await responses from others:
For Senate District 46, Mark Mann (D) and Sam Wargin Grimaldo (D). (Charles Barton is running unopposed in the Republican primary.)
For House District 88, Ellen Pogemiller (D), Paula Sophia (D), and Bobby McCollum (I).
BYSTANDER TRAINING: Witnessing public harassment or bullying can be scary - especially when you don't feel equipped to respond. To better help the OKC community in situations like that, the Oklahoma City Human Rights Commission is hosting a free Bystander Intervention Training on May 22 at noon. Through this training, you'll learn the psychology of bystander intervention, the techniques for successful intervention, and suggestions on other ways to build a safer, healthier world. The location is being finalized, and more information can be found at okc.gov/departments/city-clerk/meetings. For questions, email hrc@okc.gov.
NEWS FROM REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE: The Center for Reproductive Rights is fighting to ensure that every person can decide if and when to become a mother—and that no matter where you live, you have access to the essential reproductive health care you need. That means access to abortion care, prenatal care and postpartum care, and lifelong reproductive health care. But as you know, access isn't guaranteed.
Pregnant people in Texas, Tennessee, Idaho, Oklahoma and beyond are fighting for the right to access essential and life-saving abortion care. People like Amanda Zurawski, the lead plaintiff in our case against the state of Texas’s inhumane abortion bans, who spent three days fighting for her life in a Texas ICU after being denied reproductive health care.
In Hawai'i, we are challenging a law that prevents pregnant people from receiving prenatal and birth care from trusted, skilled midwives. Our lawsuit seeks to expand access to maternal health care and end this restrictive law that particularly harms Native Hawaiian midwifery practitioners and families of color.
In partnership with Lift Louisiana, Physicians for Human Rights, and Reproductive Health Impact, the Center released a report documenting the devastating harms caused by Louisiana’s extreme abortion bans. The study details how Louisiana’s laws have changed the day-to-day practice of medicine and the devastating impact they have on people seeking reproductive health care, their communities, and the people who care for them.
The Center stands firm that when it comes to health and access inequities—more reproductive autonomy is the solution, not less. Your commitment to the Center fuels our mission to ensure everyone, everywhere, is able to make decisions about their health, bodies, and futures.
Help us make a difference for Oklahoma families by contacting legislators today!
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First Unitarian Covenant of Healthy Communication
“We need not think alike to love alike.” One of our Unitarian Universalist ancestors, Francis David, spoke those words more than 400 years ago to describe the foundation of our unity as a religious community. To this end, we, the people of the First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, agree to the following:
* I tell my own story and let others tell theirs.
* I use “I” statements when expressing my own views, always mindful that my thoughts, opinions, and experiences may not be shared by others
* I check the accuracy of my perceptions and assumptions.
* I avoid “awfulizing” negative experiences.
* I say what needs to be said to the one who needs to hear it.
Communicate directly with the person or group involved, instead of gossiping or speaking negatively about others in the wider community
* I devote at least as much energy to careful listening as to careful speaking.
Listen actively and seek to understand the perspectives and opinions of others
Be curious, appreciative, and informed about perspectives that differ from my own.
Recognize and honor the diversity of beliefs and spiritual paths within our community, including the words and ways people choose to express their spirituality
Honor the contributions and needs of those who have been historically marginalized in the larger world and in our congregation and seek growth in our ability to be welcoming.
* If something prompts anger in me, I report it honestly in a way that invites positive solutions.
Be forgiving and loving when I or others make mistakes
Apologize, when warranted, and seek to make amends
Call on congregational resources when help is needed
* I refrain from blaming and shaming.
Assume that others act with good intentions
Be respectful and kind in our words, tone, and body language
Use email, social media and other forms of electronic communication with respect, kindness, and special care.
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Note: Most meetings continue to meet via Zoom but some groups may elect to meet in the building. Please contact the meeting organizer directly if you are uncertain of the location.
- Sunday Morning Meditation – Every Sunday at 10:00 am, Meditation Room - Corley Commons (contact Lori Jervis for information - see article above)
- Tuesday Discussion Group – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am (contact Ron Wasson for information - see article above)
- Bell Choir Rehearsal – Every Wednesday, 5:45 pm, Sanctuary (contact LaDonna Hunt for information)
- Wednesday Night Meditation - 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 6:00 pm, Meditation Room - Corley Commons (contact Larry Little for information)
- Choir Rehearsal – Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary (contact 'Ebuka Ezeakacha for information)
- Exploring Spirituality – Friday, May 17, 7:00 pm (contact Lu Ann Faulkner-Schneider for information)
- Annual Report Due – Friday, May 17, by 5:00 pm (contact Marlies Grogg for information)
- Flute Recital – Saturday, May 14, 4:00 pm, Sanctuary (contact Wendy Pitt for information)
- Sustainable Living Organization – Sunday, May 19, 10:00 am Eddy Room (contact Tempie Nichols-Rood for information)
- Healthy Lifestyles – Monday, May 20, 7:00 pm (contact Lu Ann Faulkner-Schneider for information)
- Finance Working Group – Tuesday, May 21, 6:30 pm (contact Ron Wasson for information)
- Gardening Covenant Group – Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 pm, Eddy Room (contact Barbara Gallivan for information)
- Membership Team Meeting – Thursday, May 23, 6:00 pm (contact Lorriana Lee-Knapp for information)
- Radical Welcoming Team – Thursday, May 23, 6:30 pm(contact Lynn Ann Wagner for information)
- Fiber Connections - Saturday, May 25, 10:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Paula Geisinger for information)
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If you have a newsletter article you would like to submit please email your article to mgrogg@1uc.org no later than Tuesday (the day before the newsletter goes out) by 5:00 pm.
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**********************************************************************************
In order to save printing and mailing costs and to conserve natural resources, the Annual Report will not be mailed by default to all congregants. Instead, it is available online. Please contact Marlies Grogg (mgrogg@1uc.org) if you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report.
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Did you know that you can access all church policies and procedures as well as Board meeting minutes on our new website? Just go to 1uc.org, and click on the "members" link in the upper right-hand corner (just to the left of the Facebook and other social media icons). This will open a page that says "Protected: Members." The password is @600NW13thSt [Note: the password is case-sensitive; do not put in additional punctuation or spaces.]
From here, click on "church documents." All official policies and procedures can be found in the "policies" folder. The bylaws and Board of Trustees meeting minutes are in the "governance" folder. Please disregard the "website SOPs" folder, which is for administrative use only.
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CHURCH STAFF
Transitional Minister - Rev. Sue Redfern-Campbell
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration - Tim Atkins
Choir Director - Chukwuebuka ('Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha
Accompanist - Steven Elkins Kennedy
Office Administrator - Marlies Grogg
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2023-2024
President of the Congregation – Marcia Woodward
President Elect – Cathy Webster
Immediate Past President – Marshal Gimpel
Clerk – Deborah Shinn
Treasurer – Ron Wasson
Clare Auwarter Emily Hildebrandt Lorriana Lee-Knapp Larry Little Ann Meeks Doug Vincent
Committee on Ministry
Suzanne Broadbent Lori Jervis Liz Pillar-Little John Schneider Tom Peryam Derrick Wagner
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