Sunday, October 27, 11:00 am, Sanctuary

"Fear: Embracing and Escaping"

Join us in person or watch on YouTube.

What’s Halloween about? Scariness! A time we try to scare ourselves and one another, often with stories and threats we have made up. Which can be a way of coping with very real fears. So, what do we need to learn about fear? How do we accept our fears? How do we overcome them? Wear a costume… if you dare! A multigenerational service where all ages worship together.

Participating in today’s service:

Service Leader: Rev. Jonalu Johnstone, Worship Minister and Pastoral Care; Worship Associate: Cortney Custer; Time for All Ages:  Tim Atkins, DLRE; Chalice Lighter: Maureen Harvey; Choir Director:  Chukwuebuka ('Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha; Bell Choir Director:  LaDona Hunt; Music: 1UC  Choir and 1UC Bell Choir;  Accompanist: Steven Elkins  Kennedy; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft: Ushers: Sponsors for SJC's Change for Change

Our Ushers for Sunday are:  Sponsors for SJC's Change for Change: C4C gather applications for the program from members of the congregation for nominations of charitable organizations to be chosen to receive one month’s Sunday service plate collections. Any 1UC member, in good standing, can submit a not-for-profit organization that is doing the work we want to be done in the world for a Change for Change Recipient. The Committee will review accept, ask for more information, or deny. The accepted are then recommended to the Board of Directors for a month when donations are accepted for Change 4 Change. Chairs:  Rosalinda Espinosa and Deborah Shinn

Sunday, October 27, 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.

Sunday, October 27 (immediately after the service) Daniel Hall

Coffee, Lemonade and Conversation

Join us after the service in Daniel Hall for coffee, lemonade and conversation.

Sunday, November 3, following the service

Let's Have Lunch!

Everyone loves an all-church potluck! On Sunday, November 3, we will share a potluck lunch after church! Bring your favorite main dish, side dish or dessert to the kitchen before the service. Members of the Membership Committee and Board of Directors, sponsors of the potluck, will arrange the food, prepare coffee and tea or lemonade and set up the tables and chairs.

(If you can give us a hand setting up ahead of time or breaking down the setup afterwards, please let Lorriana Lee-Knapp, Misslorriana@sbcglobal.net, or Barbara Gallivan, bgallivan@cox.net, know. We would appreciate that.)

This is a great opportunity for fellowship across generations and among families and singles. Put November 3 on your calendar!

Sunday, November 10, 12:00 pm, Sanctuary

Q & A with the Transition Team

Come with your questions and hear what the Transition Team has to say about 1UC and the Minister search!

Sunday, November 10, 12:15 pm, Corley Commons

New Friend Gathering

Interested in learning more about 1UC?

A New Friend Gathering is your opportunity to meet with church leaders, ask questions, and connect with others. This is also a wonderful time to speak with leaders if you have been thinking about becoming a member of 1UC. 

We’ll see you after church at 12:15 pm on November 10^th downstairs in Corley Commons. (lower level)

Questions?  Contact Lorriana Lee-Knapp, Misslorriana@sbcglobal.net,

Saturday, October 26, 9:00 am

1UC WORKDAY!

We are having 1UC workday Saturday, October 26 from 9:00am to 12:00 noon to do some cleaning and trimming to help spiff up the church. 

This is in conjunction with the OU Fall Community Service Event, which will furnish several students to help. So put on your favorite window washing clothes (yes, we do windows) or grab your favorite trimming tool and come on down.

It's a fun activity. If you have questions, contact me, Ron Wasson, wassonr@sbcglobal.net or Marlies in the church office.

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.

Thursday, November 7, 7:00 pm

UU Book Club

UU Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, November 7, at 7:00 pm and will be discussing "The Covenant of Water " by Abraham Verghese. (this is also our discussion for December as well)

Our book selection for January is: "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88051248829?pwd=dHhUZjJIenozazJ1K1pNNEVOWHhlUT09

Meeting ID: 880 5124 8829

Passcode: 398265

For question or more details contact Steve at stgryg@yahoo.com

Sunday, November 10, 12:15 pm, Small Chapel

Let's Talk Medicare

There are so many changes, and new options for 2025.

A $2000 a year max cost for drugs.

More Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.

Shop prices every year for your Supplement (Medi-Gap).

Whether it's for you or the elders in your life, let's share our experience and learn what's new. Church member Steve Goldman will host. He works on health insurance options education, but is not an agent/broker -- does not sell any insurance.

Bring your questions and listen in while Steve explains how things work.

News from Befrienders

BEFRIENDERS WELCOMES REV. JONALU JOHNSTONE TO OUR MERRY BAND.

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.

Change for Change

For the month of October our Change for Change partner is Calm Waters. 

The Calm Waters mission is to help children and families in their grief journey caused by death, divorce, or other significant loss.

The Calm Waters vision is to be the leading provider of grief support services for children and families throughout Central Oklahoma, serving as a safe place for those who have experienced a loss to receive grief resources, peer support, and hope for the future. Calm Waters is the expert on grief and trauma as it relates to loss, using research-based curriculum and programming.

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 THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL: 1UC’S CURBSIDE PANTRY needs donations. When you attend services or activities at church, please bring a can or other non-perishable food item and place it in our pantry along Dewey St. If you can’t bring food, consider making a financial donation to the pantry instead. We have a very helpful elf who does the shopping.

PEACE FESTIVAL CANCELED. The Peace Festival, normally held the 2^nd weekend in November has been canceled.

TURKISH FESTIVAL SCHEDULED: Join other UU’s as we engage with our Muslim siblings at the Turkish Raindrop House November 2^nd 10-4p. There will be gifts to purchase and lots of great food to eat! Come and break pita bread together with our Muslim neighbors.

NEWS FROM UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee): UUSC Supporting People Affected by Hurricane Impacts. As communities rebuild in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, UUSC is distributing rapid response grants to our existing partners in Florida and North Carolina to help with long-term recovery efforts. Support the recovery work with a special gift by going on line to UUA.org to make a donation for the hurricane recovery efforts. 

Elevate Women’s Voices in Solutions to Haiti’s Crisis : As Haiti undergoes governmental transition and starts making decisions to restore stability to the country, women's voices and representation are needed more than ever. Many of the strongest advocates for Haitian rights are civil society groups supporting women and girls experiencing oppression — such as those providing shelter and legal assistance for survivors of gender-based violence.

NEWS FROM REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE: In just two weeks, crucial constitutional amendments will decide the future of reproductive rights in nine U.S. states. And not just because millions in those states will be voting to reject extremist anti-abortion agendas—but because these constitutional amendments could reshape access to abortion for millions of people. We know that abortion is a winning issue, but only if we can rally voters in time. Check the state constitutional amendments and help get this important information out to your friends and family in those states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, or New York

NEWS FROM THE OK POLICY INSTITUTE: 38 - Number of federally recognized Tribes in Oklahoma. 

1.6% - Adults who are not working or looking for work account for only 1.6 percent of Oklahomans in poverty. The largest groups living in poverty are children, working adults, seniors, and the disabled.

-12% - Percentage decrease of Florida’s per-pupil expenditures between 2008 and 2019, while state spending on educational vouchers and tax credits increased by 313% to $996.3 million during that same period as the state expanded its subsidies for private schools. 

18.6% - Immigrants account for 18.6% of the nation’s labor force, while representing 14.3% of the U.S. population. Immigrants also account for 21.3% of business owners in the U.S. 

81,000 - Oklahoma needs more than 81,000 additional homes or apartments just to meet the needs of extremely low-income renters, those making less than around $22,000 per year for a family of four.

October 20 - 26

Asexual, or ACE - Awareness Week

Asexual, or ace, Awareness Week is celebrated October 20 -26 to promote visibility and understanding. Ace exists on a spectrum where members of the ace community experience no, little, or conditional sexual or romantic attraction. The ace Flag represents the different ace orientations. Black represents asexuality. Gray represents the gray area between asexuality and sexuality and describes someone who may experience sexual attraction rarely or only in certain circumstances as well as demisexuality which describes those who only experience sexual attraction after forming a close emotional bond with someone. White represents non-asexual partners and allies. Purple represents community. Aromantic describes someone who does not experience romantic attraction.

‘Many of us on the ace spectrum spend much of our lives believing we are the only ones like this, and think of ourselves as abnormal, sick, broken or missing something. Ace members are erased and marginalized and feel shame because we’re living in a world that hasn’t yet made room for us…There’s nothing about being asexual, aromantic, demi or gray ace that is inherently bad, wrong, sick or broken… Ace Awareness week is a time to change the narrative to celebration, connection and togetherness’. (Ace Voices in Eddy Room Library).

Understanding Asexuality: FAQs & Supportive Resources (thetrevorproject.org) 

Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month: Honoring a Legacy of Resilience and Pride

LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrated every October, offers an opportunity to reflect on the rich history and profound contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Founded in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson, the month is dedicated to recognizing the milestones in the fight for equality, the individuals who have shaped LGBTQ+ history, and the culture that has been built from resilience and pride.

The month shines a spotlight on iconic figures like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Bayard Rustin, and Harvey Milk, whose activism and courage paved the way for progress. It also educates the broader community about landmark events such as the Stonewall Riots, the struggle for marriage equality, and the ongoing fight against discrimination.

LGBTQ+ History Month also provides a platform to celebrate diversity and foster understanding, aiming to bridge gaps between different communities. Schools, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to engage in discussions, host events, and share resources that highlight the triumphs and challenges of the LGBTQ+ movement.

Ultimately, LGBTQ+ History Month serves as a reminder that the fight for equity is ongoing, and the stories of the past inspire the activism and progress of today.

Here are a few helpful resources for learning more about LGBTQ+ historical events and figures:

1. Wikipedia’s Timeline of LGBTQ+ History: This comprehensive timeline covers global LGBTQ+ historical milestones from the 17th century to the present, including key legal changes and cultural moments. It’s a good starting point to explore major historical events across different countries. Learn more here: (Wikipedia)​.

2. University of Northern Colorado’s Historical LGBTQ+ Figures: This resource highlights influential LGBTQ+ activists, authors, and leaders, such as Marsha P. Johnson, Stormé DeLarverie, and Audre Lorde, all of whom contributed to social justice movements, the arts, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Explore these figures here: (UNC).

3. Wikipedia’s Timeline of LGBTQ+ History in the United States: For a U.S.-focused overview, this timeline provides key historical moments such as the Stonewall Riots, the establishment of important LGBTQ+ organizations, and major legal battles that shaped the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. Find more information here: ​(Wikipedia).

4. LGBT History Month Website: This official site offers a wealth of information on LGBTQ+ history, featuring biographies of notable figures, educational resources, and information on past and present LGBTQ+ milestones. It’s also a great source for finding out about events and celebrations during LGBTQ+ History Month. Visit the site here: (LGBTHistoryMonth).

Racial Justice Team Book Club

Your Racial Justice Team will be hosting a book club. We have done this occasionally over time. Our upcoming book is "Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race" by Debby Irving. Rev. Sue recommended it to us. We have 9 people signed up so far.

We will meet in person in Eddy Room the first Saturday of the month: November 2, December 7, January 4 and February 1 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. 

The book is available through Half Priced Books, etc. I will try to explore ordering them in bulk through the book store once we have a number.

Text or call Becky Tallent at 405.882.8095 or email beckyktallent@gmail.com.

Information for our Consulting Minister - Rev. David Messner

Schedule a meeting directly: https://revdave.youcanbook.me/

Professional FB Profile - like/follow: https://www.facebook.com/revmessner

Visit his website:  messnerministry.com

You can email him directly at:  dhmessner@1uc.org