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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.

NO CHILDCARE THIS SUNDAY - BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED

Since the on-line auction catalogue opened last weekend, many of you have registered and bids are already coming in – 10 more days to go! 

For those who have not yet registered, follow the link sent out by Marlies in her all-church email on Friday April 19. You will register and then sign in. The program allows you to bid and to see what you (and others) have already bid on specific items.

We have over 70 on-line items, which include dinners, parties, classes, gift cards, theatre tickets, museum passes and much more. The on-line auction will close at 10:00 pm on Friday, May 3. Keep watching the bids on the auction website, going back to increase your bid so that you will not lose your favorites! It’s fun AND a great fundraiser for the church.

Also, on the website, you can preview the 7 items which will be auctioned live in Daniel Hall on Saturday evening, May 4 (see poster below). You will also find information about the accompanying party, “Auction de Mayo.” We really hope that all of you will be there!

In preparation for the party, Elizabeth Muller plans to decorate Daniel Hall on Friday May 3 at 11:00 am. She would love to have helpers. If you can help, please call her at (405) 630-0895.

This year we have 2 worthy missions to which you can contribute – helping the church pay its dues to VOICE and starting to equip the anticipated playground. Further information about both missions is available on the auction website.

Marlies Grogg, our Church Administrator, has kindly offered to troubleshoot for those who experience problems with bidding. She can be reached through the church office. 

The Auction Committee members welcome your comments and suggestions. We are: Joan Cain, Deb Cretsinger, Emily Dunagin, Barbara Gallivan, Carmen McBride, Becky Tallent, and Mairead Todd.

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

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!

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!

Because of your generosity, the following non-profits received our change for change monies:

• December ’23 – UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) $2,433.83
• January ’24 – Not Your Average Joe $1244.00
• February ’24 – Exodus House $1,433.00

Thank you!

NEWS FROM UUSC: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee: The Pink Haven Coalition is a joint project between frontline trans organizers, UUSC, UUA, other progressive faith groups and mutual aid networks across the country. Through the Pink Haven Coalition, the UUA and UUSC are a part of creating a network to organize housing and transportation for trans people who feel the need to move due to oppressive laws

NEWS FROM REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE TEAM: On Wednesday, April 24, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that has nationwide implications for the right to emergency abortion care for pregnant people. The Court will consider whether state abortion bans trump a federal law that protects patient access to tabilizing emergency care.

A patient's health should always come first, and for nearly 40 years, the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) has mandated that protection.

But now, that protection is in jeopardy.

EMTALA is more important than ever. Since the federal right to abortion was demolished, 14 states have banned abortion entirely... with Arizona soon to become the 15th. And on top of that, many states ban abortion as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy... with Florida joining that list soon.
States with abortion bans often have "exceptions" for pregnant people who experience life-threatening pregnancy complications. But if you followed the Center's work over the last year, you know these exceptions do not work. Pregnant people are still being turned away from life-saving emergency health care.

If the Supreme Court decides that state abortion bans can trump EMTALA, the already devastating landscape for reproductive rights in the U.S. will become even more nightmarish.

Anti-reproductive justice advocates are coming after health care. If this is not what you want to see, contact your state legislator and Congressional representatives as well.

Contact Laura Lochner if you are interested in fighting the good fight!

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:

• HB1449: Establishes a trans exclusionary definition of women in statute, similar language to Stitt’s EO, SB202, and SB408 (note: there are numerous other bills quite similar in statute)
• HB2177: Trans healthcare ban, under age 18, civil action, ban on insurance coverage for gender affirming care for minors in OK, ban on public funds to any facility that provides gender affirming care to someone of any age…
• HB3214: Provides protection for health care workers refusing to perform medical procedures based on their religious beliefs
• SB0613: Trans health ban, under 18, physician license revocation, criminalization, and civil action. 11/1/24 effective date.

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 V.O.I.C.E.: Punishing people without housing won't help address homelessness in Oklahoma. Ask your Representative to vote NO on SB 1854. If you don’t believe this, read the next part of this article…

Dear [elected official],

I am a constituent in your district, and I urge you to vote against bills like SB1854 that would punish or jail people without housing.

SB1854 would provide punishments for people without housing, subjecting them to a $50 fine or up to 15 days in jail for sleeping on state-owned land.

Concerns about this policy:

* Jailing or fining people for being homeless does not stop them from being unhoused.

* Adding a criminal record to someone without housing does make it even harder for them to find housing.

* The best way to combat homelessness is to increase access to affordable housing.

SB1854 could be heard on the House floor anytime next week before Thursday, April 25th. If the bill comes up, I ask you to vote NO on SB1854.

Thank you for your consideration and your service to the people of Oklahoma.

Sincerely, [Your information here]

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 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 13^th. If you are interested or want more information, visit their website at www.cairoklahoma.com/event/mdac2024

Help us make a difference for Oklahoma families by contacting legislators today!

Oklahoma lawmakers are set to hear HB 4156, a punitive anti-immigration bill that would criminalize undocumented Oklahomans for simply residing in the state. Individuals charged under the “impermissible occupation” crime would be subject to jail time and fines. Following conviction or release, whichever comes later, Oklahomans would be required to leave the state within three days.

HB 4156 would separate our neighbors from their loved ones and instill fear in our communities. It would hurt our economy by incarcerating hard working Oklahoma immigrants who are part of our workforce.

We should not erode trust between our law enforcement and immigrant communities by burdening the police with ICE-like responsibilities.

Email your Senator today using the convenient form linked below to send them an email, or you can find your state Senator's contact information at the Oklahoma Legislature's website.

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.

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)

• 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)

• UU Book Club – Thursday, May 2, 7:00 pm (contact Steve Gryglewicz for information)

• Live Auction Party – Saturday, May 4, 6:00 pm, Daniel Hall (contact Joan Cain for information)

• Social Justice Meeting – Sunday, May 5, 9:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Susan Bishop for information)

• Gardening Covenant Group Plant Sale – Sunday, May 5, 12:00 pm, church lawn (contact Carmen McBride for information)

• 1UC Alliance Brown Bag Lunch/Program – Tuesday, May 7, 11:30 am, Daniel Hall (contact Maureen Harvey for information)

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.

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.

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