| 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, July 30 - 11:00 am
"What Is Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhism"
Join us in person or watch on YouTube.
Second in our interfaith summer series. - Guest speaker: Rev. Kris Ladusau.
Rev. Ladusau is the spiritual head of the Rissho Kosei-kai Dharma Center of Oklahoma. Rev. Ladusau received Gohonzon in 1995, Dharma Teacher certification in 2000, Goshugoshonjiin in 2004, and was ordained as a Reverend in 2009. She is the first non-Asian Reverend for Rissho Kosei-kai. In addition to being a guest speaker for Buddhism classes at local Universities and High Schools, Rev. Ladusau serves on the boards of the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma, Religions United (Oklahoma Conference of Churches), and is a Spiritual First Responder for Natural Disasters in Oklahoma.
Participating in Sunday's service:
Guest Speaker: Rev. Ladusau; Worship Associates: Scot and Maureen Harvey; Accompanist: Steven Elkins Kennedy; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft
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Upcoming Sunday Morning Services - 11:00 am
August
August 6 - "On Overthinking" (Lori Jervis and Paul Spicer)
August 13 - "What Is Sikhism" (Guest: Saurabh Singh) [Rescheduled]
August 20 - Seeker Series Part I (Rev. Diana)
August 27 - Seeker Series Part II (Rev. Diana)
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Summer at First Unitarian
Now through mid-August, things slow down at First Unitarian. But there is still a lot happening! Instead of formal services led by First Unitarian’s own religious professionals, congregants get a chance to hear from other members and get a sense of the talents and different perspectives that are right here within our own walls. This summer, we’ll also welcome guests from different faith traditions, including Sikhism, Baha’i faith, and Rissho Kosei Kai Buddhism. Rev. Diana returns in late August with a "seeker series," services that are designed to address questions of interest to spiritual seekers and those who may be searching for a spiritual home.
Religious Exploration for children and youth has begun and will continue through August with a less structured curriculum than during the school year. Some Adult RE classes and affinity groups continue through the summer while others may take a break, so please check the newsletter to see what's happening on a week-by-week basis.
Rev. Diana takes study leave (to attend Ministry Days and GA, read, research, and prepare for the next church year) the first two weeks in August. She will take vacation during the month of July. DLRE Tim Atkins will be available in the summer. Office Administrator Marlies Grogg and Congregational Life Coordinator Nathan Boone will take a few days off here and there over the summer so please check first to make sure they're available. Our Choir Director Ebuka Ezeakacha will be training with the National Guard through the end of July. You'll continue to hear from our new accompanist, Steven Elkins Kennedy at services throughout the summer.
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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, July 30 - 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, July 30 - 10:00 am
Adult Ed
Each week there are two options for 10:00 am Adult Ed:
- Our meditation group that meets downstairs in the Corley Commons - Meditation Room
- Our main Forum like programming will take place in the Eddy Room every Sunday at 10:00am (except the 3rd Sunday of the month it will be in Daniel Hall) and the topic will change each week.
This Sunday - TBA
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Wednesday, August 2, 2:00 pm
James Robert Broyles Memorial
First Unitarian is sad to announce that very unexpectedly, James "Jim" Robert Broyles (Dianne Broyles's son) passed away recently.
Jim was well known in the church as he started attending at the age of 3. He always attended the Christmas Eve services when he was in town for the holidays and always felt connected with the church even when he moved out of Oklahoma.
All members of First Unitarian Church are warmly invited to attend his celebration of life with a reception to follow.
The service at First Unitarian will also be streamed live and posted to our YouTube Channel: Click here to watch.
(If you are able to contribute to the Broyles reception, finger foods would be appreciated. Please drop off your contribution in the kitchen by 1:30 pm)
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Thursday, August 3
Dave McLaughlin Memorial
It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of longtime member, Dave McLaughlin, who passed away early on the morning of July 24. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Dave was a dear, kind, and generous soul and a pillar of this congregation and the larger community. He will be greatly missed.
The service will be held at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th, Oklahoma City, on Thursday, August 3 at 2:00 pm.
A reception to follow at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, 7000 NW Grand Blvd, Nichols Hills.
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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 fill out a pastoral care request form on our website: https://1uc.org/connect/pastor... or contact Rev. Diana or Susan Bishop (chair of the Befrienders).
Please contact Rev. Diana directly 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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Thursday, August 3, 7:00 pm
UU Book Club
Join us Thursday, August 3, at 7:00 pm, where we will be discussing, The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See.
For more information please contact Steve Gryglewicz at stgryg@yahoo.com
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8805...
Meeting ID: 880 5124 8829
Passcode: 398265
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July Change for Change
For the month of July our Change for Change recipient is the Free to Live Animal Sanctuary
Free To Live is a non-profit sanctuary for stray, abandoned and mistreated dogs and cats. It is the largest no-kill sanctuary in Oklahoma. They are a small group of animal lovers who have been carrying on the mission of their founders, Bill and Pat Larson.
They rescue stray, abused and abandoned dogs and cats and give them care and sanctuary until they are placed in forever homes. Those who are not adopted due to severe medical and/or temperament needs live their life with companionship, care and love from their team of devoted volunteers and staff. Through these life commitments to animals in need they teach humane animal care to the community, state and beyond.
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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 can be found in Breeze.
- “It’s horrible what
politicians are doing to this country — right, left, you name it. We are one
nation and one people. This division, this foolishness? Scripture says:
‘Divided we fall; together we stand.’” - The Rev. Randy Lewis of All Souls Unitarian Church, who attended a press conference by State School Superintendent Ryan Walters on Friday. During the event, Walters threatened Tulsa Public Schools' accreditation after a school board member was reprimanded for leading prayer at a high school graduation ceremony. [Tulsa World]
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6 week class; Tuesdays at 6:30 pm
Racial Justice Team class - "White Privilege"
Do you
understand what “white culture” is? Join the Racial Justice Team for “White
Privilege” facilitated by Rebecca Schaller, Lonney Corder-Agnew and Maureen
Harvey.
Every Tuesday -Through August 22nd from
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
The curriculum is from the United Church of Christ and involves
short readings, writing and discussion to help us better understand the culture
we live in.
To sign up contact Rebecca Schaller at rebeccaagnesschaller@gmail.com
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UUSC News!
Confronting the Climate Crisis
Last fall, UUSC partners testified in front of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). There, they spoke forcefully to the environmental threats faced daily by Indigenous communities in the United States.
Because of their testimony, the IACHR sent the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) to meet with Tribes in Louisiana and Alaska in May.
These first-of-their-kind visits assist the Commission to better understand the harms to Indigenous culture and livelihoods due to the climate crisis. The resulting report from the Special Rapporteur will outline the U.S. government’s obligations to address their concerns.
UUSC is proud to be among the NGOs supporting groups advocating an equitable distribution of federal and state resources to confront climate change. The momentum toward a just recovery for communities on the frontlines of climate advocacy will benefit future generations to come.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing reflections with you via email and on UUSC’s blog so you can also follow the path of the Special Rapporteur’s tour. Please take a look at the first post about the historic visit.
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Welcome new Committee on Ministry members!
Members of the Committee on Ministry are nominated by the CoM and selected by the Board of Trustees. Our newest members (joining as of July 2023) are Rebecca Daniels, Liz Pillar-Little, and Derrick Wagner. They join Lori Jervis, Tom Peryam, and James Vaughn. Dex Marble is rotating off at the end of this church year. Thank you for your service on this important committee, Dex!
The function of the Committee on Ministry is to monitor on a regular and continuing basis the effectiveness of the church’s ministry, acknowledging and praising areas of strength, and assessing the reasons behind areas of perceived weakness or dissatisfaction, so that we, as a congregation, can grow into our full potential and fulfill our mission. If you have any questions about the role of the Committee on Ministry or have concerns, praise, or ideas about the ministries of this church, you are welcome to reach out to a member of the CoM.
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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)
- Adult RE – Every Sunday, 10:00 am in Daniel Hall (contact Tim Atkins for information - see article above)
- Tuesday Discussion Group – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am (contact Ron Wasson for information - see article above)
- Racial Justice Class: “White Privilege”- Tuesdays, 6:30 pm Through August 22, via Zoom (contact Rebecca Schaller or Maureen Harvey for information)
- Jim Broyles Memorial – Wednesday, August 2, 2:00 pm, Sanctuary/Daniel Hall (reception to follow)
- Dave McLaughlin Memorial – Thursday, August 3, 2:00 pm, at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th, OKC with a reception to follow at Oklahoma City, Golf and Country Club, 7000 NW Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City.
- UU Book Club – Thursday, August 3, 7:00 pm (contact Steve Gryglewicz for information)
- HRWG – Tuesday, August 8, 6:30 pm (contact Scot Harvey for information)
- Racial Justice Team – Wednesday, August 9, 11:00 am (contact Becky Tallent for information)
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| It's not too late to make or increase your pledge for our next church year! |
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Current Safety Level: Masks Are Encouraged
Masks are optional at all church events but are always welcome and encouraged.
- If you choose not to wear a mask, it is especially important that you do not attend services or events if you have any symptoms typical of COVID, flu, or RSV. Please stay home and join us online.
- Please continue to wash your hands frequently. And please be sure to throw away used tissues. Don't leave them in the pews.
- No one should ever be pressured into removing their mask. Please honor everyone's choice.
- If you haven't yet had your latest COVID booster please get it now!
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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
Lead Minister - Rev. Diana K. Davies
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration - Tim Atkins
Choir Director - Chukwuebuka ('Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha
Accompanist - Steven Elkins Kennedy
Congregational Life Coordinator - Nathan Boone
Office Administrator - Marlies Grogg
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022-2023
President of the Congregation – Marcia Woodward
President Elect – Catherine Webster
Immediate Past President – Marshal Gimpel
Clerk – Deborah Shinn
Treasurer – Ron Wasson
Clare Auwarter Lorriana Lee-Knapp Larry Little
Ann Meeks Coba Neitzel Doug Vincent
Committee on Ministry
Rebecca Daniels Lori Jervis Liz Pillar-Little Tom Peryam James Vaughn Derrick Wagner
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