| 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, April 21- 11:00 am
"Ecology and Liberation"
Join us in person or watch on YouTube.
This year, Earth Day coincides with the first night of Passover, the Jewish freedom festival of freedom. What better time to explore the connections between these two celebrations – care for our beloved planet, and liberation from oppression?
Participating in today’s service:
Service Leaders: Rev. Sue Redfern-Campbell; Worship Associate: Scot Harvey; Chalice Lighter: Rob Hamm; Choir Director: Chukwuebuka "Ebuka” Ezeakacha; Accompanist: Steven Elkins Kennedy; Music: 1UC Choir; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft; Ushers: Members of the Sustainable Living Organization (SLO)
SLO: The SLO group is about developing our community in a way that makes ecological and economic sense. They want you to engage in sustainable living which means to first take stock of how you impact all life on our planet and then to adjust habits in respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
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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, April 21, 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, April 21 - 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, April 21, (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
April
April 28, 2024 - "In Praise of Frolicking" (service is offsite at Edwards Park Pavilion, 1515 NE Bryant Oklahoma City - due to the memorial marathon)
May 5 - "Youth Sunday"
May 12 - "Flower Communion & Mother's Day"
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Hello from Rev. Sue
Friends, I write on the eve of April 19, the anniversary of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building downtown. The church will be open on Friday from 8:30 to 9:30, for prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection. At 9:02, we hope to continue the tradition of tolling the bells. If you'd like to help with this, please let me know by text, phone, or email as soon as possible.
Twenty-nine years later, I doubt there's anyone in Oklahoma City who wasn't affected, either directly or indirectly, by this act of domestic terrorism. At this church, I'm told the explosion was so powerful that it blew some of the doors off their hinges. Worse, HUD employees Mary Rentie and Susan Ferrell, who by rights should now be church elders, were among the 149 adults and 19 children killed that day. A third church member survived the initial blast, but took their own life sometime later.
It's vitally important to remember this day. It's important for the sake of these beloveds, and for all whose lives it changed forever. In the face of the domestic terrorism currently threatening our democracy, it's also important for our own sake and the sake of those coming after us. Remembrance keeps alive our resolve: that nothing like the OKC bombing can be permitted to happen again.
But it keeps alive something else, as well: the outpouring of love that came to Oklahoma City after the bombing. That love took the form of letters, notes, and children's drawings, often with a check tucked into the envelope. Those that came to our church are preserved in six thick notebooks that will be available on Friday morning. They're a tangible reminder that, even in the face of overwhelming evil, Love has a way of prevailing.
Love and blessings,
Rev. Sue
**FYI - The minister will never ask for money or gift cards from anyone.
Please know that this is a scam.**
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This Sunday, April 21, we will open the 2024 auction online catalogue! You will have 13 days to bid! Keep watching the bids on the auction website and go back to increase your bid! It’s fun and a great fund raiser! You will receive an email very soon with the instructions for accessing the auction catalogue.
We have had many outstanding donations! Here are just a few which will be in the online auction: a karaoke party for 15 people where food and drink will be served and we will explore our inner Patsy Cline and Frank Sinatra!!! A movie pass for AMC Theatres which includes 2 movie tickets and a $20.00 gift card for snacks and drinks. A 60's cocktail party where you will come dressed in your favorite 60's look and party surrounded by the woods as a backdrop. A quarterly 12-pack of beer. A delicious key lime pie. An October Feast. A Frida Kahlo dinner party. Voice lessons. Drawing lessons. Restaurant, museum and theatre tickets and MUCH more!
On Saturday evening, May 4, we will have a live auction and party. On the auction website you will be able to see the items listed for the live auction! Here are just a few: Angel Fire, NM vacation home. Annual membership to the YMCA. Reserved parking spot at church. Garden makeover by the Gardening Covenant Group. Design a silver chalice necklace. Also on the night of May 4 there will be a raffle. The party theme is Auction de Mayo (Auction of May) with Mexican snacks, music and decorations, beer, sangria (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) and soft drinks.
Elizabeth Muller will decorate Daniel Hall on Friday, May 3 at 11:00 am. She needs volunteers who would enjoy helping. Please contact her at elizmuller@mac.com
or 405-630-0895.
If you have a question, contact one of the members of the auction committee: Joan Cain, Deb Cretsinger, Emily Dunagin, Barbara Gallivan, Carmen McBride, Mairead Todd and Becky Tallent.
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| Mark Your Calendars! |
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More details to come in upcoming newsletters for this event! Keep watching!
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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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| 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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April Change for Change
For the month of April our Change for Change partner is The Third Space Foundation for Juneteenth on the East Festival.
Mission Statement: The Third Space Foundation grew out of The Third Space, a co-working and community-building environment in Norman, Oklahoma. Dr. Suzette Grillot founded The Third Space in the summer of 2019. Our mission was to create an empowering and supportive third place where all individuals would feel welcomed and safe.
Our contribution to the Third Space Foundation enables us to be sponsors of Juneteenth on the East Festival.
They are committed to being honest and trustworthy.
They are committed to promoting a spirit of openness in all that we do.
They are passionate about creating and cultivating an inclusive community.
They are committed to serving all of humanity in a respectful and equitable manner.
They believe in learning, growing and developing throughout life, which involves engaging in open discussions and listening to others.
They are committed to collaborative work that facilitates the collective good and the joint promotion of our common interests.
They are passionate about maintaining positive and hopeful perspectives as a basis for bold and energetic action in our community.
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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!
Thank you!
NEWS FROM RADICAL WELCOMING TEAM: There are several bills that may come before the OK State Legislature. These are some that negatively impact residents of Oklahoma:
- HB3022 Single Sex Bathroom Restrictions – Forced detransition for incarcerated persons and mandates single sex bathrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters in OK DOC facilities.
- HB3451 - will create a data base of autistic people that the state has access to, and without constraints on removing someone even if they choose not to have the marker on their ID at a future date. As we see more language in gender affirming care bans and similar efforts suggesting autistic people can’t be considered by the state to consent to gender affirming care treatment. This would deny care in the future. Given that autistic people are disproportionately likely to identify as 2STGNC+, this is concerning.
- HB3782 - Creates a rebuttable assumption of no release on bond for people with a history of certain charges (?), including a list that has been expanded to include protestors in particular.
- HB3451 – Amends definitions of mentally incompetent in statute in a way that could expand institutionalization of disabled Oklahomans.
- HB3157 – Expands criminalization of sex work.
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.
NEWS FROM UU MINISTRY FOR EARTH:
Happy Earth Month!
The theological grounding of Unitarian Universalism is covenant, which put simply, is a promise to connect. As UUs, we promise to connect to:
• our own true selves
• each other in congregations
• our local communities
• those most impacted by oppression
• Earth
When we connect in these ways, relationships are restored and deepened. And we tap into what our Universalist ancestors named as Universal Love; a love that never lets us go. That love fuels us for the journey of creating salvation in this life.
NEWS FROM OK WATCH: Would you go to the doctor for a minor ailment if it meant skipping a much-needed meal and the risk of losing everything you own?
Every day is a life-or-death struggle for people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma, where finding basic survival needs like food and shelter often take priority over seeking healthcare and emergency services become primary care.
As Heather Warlick reported, of 3,229 cases of hospital discharges of Oklahomans experiencing homelessness in 2022, a vast majority, 2,301, were discharged to home or self-care.
The challenges include transportation. Taking a bus or shuttle can add hours to a simple office visit. That means there’s a greater chance that when the patient returns to their spot they’ll discover their tent, clothes and other possessions have been stolen.
Even end-of-life care presents hurdles; there’s no such thing as home hospice for those who don’t have a home.
NEWS FROM C.A.I.R. (Council on American Islamic Relations Join with others as we celebrate the 10th Annual Muslim Day at the OK Capitol May 13th. If you are interested or want more information, visit their website at www.cairoklahoma.com/event/mdac2024
ACTION ALERT FROM V.O.I.C.E. (Voices Organized in Civil Engagement) - Please contact your representatives today to request they oppose HB 4156, which was filed on Monday. The bill claims to combat a crisis of immigrants who enter our state without documents and who have "no regard for Oklahoma's laws or public safety" and are involved with illegal drug trafficking. While serious issues do exist in rural Oklahoma in terms of illegal marijuana grow operations, this bill instead targets all immigrant families, most of whom are honest and hardworking members of our communities.
Please contact your State Senator and House Representative today!
Talking Points
- There is need for targeted legislation to address crime and the illegal marijuana grow operations that are plaguing Oklahoma’s rural areas. However, we need to address that issue in a focused way that targets actual crime. HB 4156, rather than doing that, would primarily impact honest, hard-working immigrant families who contribute in many positive ways to our communities.
- It is impossible for law enforcement and other government officials to know by looking whether someone is a citizen, legal immigrant, or is here without documents. Without a narrowly defined and focused approach, people who simply look Asian and Latino are likely to be swept up in problematic identifications and actions.
- Immigrants are in fact far less likely to commit crimes than U.S. born citizens. Studies have shown that they are more likely to be employed and to have families.[i] The vast majority of immigrants are good neighbors and valuable community participants.
- Indiscriminately targeting undocumented people hurts tens of thousands of Oklahoma families. Approximately 170,000 Oklahomans are in mixed status families, where there is at least one undocumented person. About 60,000 children live in families with at least one undocumented family member.
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| Radical Welcoming Team (RWT) |
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As we enter what is sure to be a volatile political season, the Radical Welcoming Team (RWT) would like to emphasize the importance of respecting the privacy of transgender and non-binary individuals. Even if you are certain someone is open about being transgender, it is never okay to out anyone without their explicit consent. It is crucial to recognize that each individual has a right to decide when, where, and to whom they disclose their private information.
Additionally, we urge everyone to support our transgender members and guests by ensuring that correct pronouns and names are used. If you hear anyone refer to someone using an incorrect name or pronoun, simply state the correct name or pronoun, and allow the conversation to continue while remaining non-confrontational. This practice is essential even when the individual isn’t present. Let’s take some of the pressure off those most affected by anti-trans rhetoric by showing our support through everyday actions.
Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to any member of the RWT. Thank you for helping keep our congregation safe for all.
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Help Us Keep Our Building Safe
Please, if you exit the building through a door that is locked, make sure that the door is completely closed and locked behind you. If you are one of the last people out of the building, please help us make sure that all doors are fully closed and locked. And if you are holding an event at the church, please do not prop exterior doors open or unlock them and leave them unattended. And when you are done, don't forget to lock the door!
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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)
- Befrienders – Thursday, April 18, 12:00 pm, (contact Susan Bishop for information)
- Radical Welcoming Team - Thursday, April 18, 6:30 pm (contact Lynn Ann Wagner for information)
- Exploring Spirituality - Friday, April 19, 7:00 pm (contact Lu Ann Faulkner-Schneider for information)
- Online Auction Begins – Sunday, April 21, 12:00 am (contact a member from the Auction Team for information)
- Board of Trustees Meeting - Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 pm (contact Marcia Woodward for information)
- Handbell Concert - Friday, April 26, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary (contact LaDonna Hunt for information or see article above)
- Fiber Connections – Saturday, April 27, 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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