| 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, January 21 - 11:00 am
"Brave and Besieged Bodies"
Join us in person or watch on YouTube.
The power struggles waged by White Supremacy and Christian Nationalism are played out on bodies: women’s bodies, trans bodies, disabled bodies, Black, Indigenous, and of Color bodies… On the anniversary of Roe v Wade, we consider how besieged bodies can also be sites of beauty, courage, and joy, and how UU theology (with its celebration of all kinds of bodies and bodily autonomy) offers a ground of resistance.
Participating in Sunday's service:
Service Leader: Rev. Diana K. Davies, Lead Minister; TFAA: Tim Atkins, DLRE; Worship Associate: Laura Lochner; Choir Director: Chukwuebuka "Ebuka" Ezeakacha; Accompanist:
Steven Elkins Kennedy; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft; Ushering Team: Healthy Lifestyles; Lead Usher:
Healthy Lifestyles: This group meets the third Monday of the month to discuss the elements of a healthy life. We emphasize exploring positive and healthy ways of living, including stress reduction, preventing/coping with physical ailments, enjoyable exercise, better nutrition, and attention to our spiritual and psychological health. Currently the members share facilitation duties. Individuals use the resource, Small Group Ministry website for topic ideas.
For more information contact Janice Martin or Lu Ann Faulkner-Schneider.
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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, January 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, January 21
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 cup of coffee, and chat with your fellow congregants about whatever’s on your mind.
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Ornament Sale!
We're starting up a new tradition in January - our Ornament Sale! We're going to sell the ornaments we created during our Blessing of the Greens Service and that were used to decorate our holiday trees. (The plastic wish ornaments will stay year to year.) Every year we're creating more ornaments, so let's sell them after the holidays each year!
We're suggesting a donation of $5 dollars for 2 ornaments. We'll be selling them in Daniel Hall after worship the Sundays in January (or until they're all sold!) We're going to take these proceeds and put them in our Chalice Camp account! So help fund this year's camp and take home some beautifully decorated ornaments for next year's tree!
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Upcoming Sunday Morning Services - 11:00 am
January Theme
Where Do We Come From? Where Are We Going?
January 28 - "Loneliness and Community"
February & March
February 4 - "Tyranny and Freedom"
February 11 - "The Power of Love"
February 18 - "Duende and Puhpowee: On Answering Your Calling"
February 25 - "COVID and Cacti of Love"
March 3 - "Farewell: a Celebration of Our Time Together"
March 10 - "Chiron Redux: Returning to the Wounded Healer" (Rev. Diana's final sermon at 1UC)
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Saturday, January 20, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Daniel Hall)
Bohemian Cafe
Join us on Saturday, January 20 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm in Daniel Hall for the "BOHEMIAN CAFE".
Come join us for a night of dancing, eating savory food and beverages, and having fun. This is the only fund-raising event the Social Justice Council sponsors and monies are used for parade entry fees, registration fees for the Peace Festival, the purchase of flags, brochures, signs and so much more. Come and support the justice work of our church by supporting the Council.
Featuring the music of Mary Reynolds & Louise Goldberg of
"Miss Brown to You"
There will be raffles with prizes, yummy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
$15 entry (includes a plate of food)
$50 entry (includes unlimited food and drink)
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Through your generous donations on Christmas Eve 2023, the Minister's Discretionary Fund received $2,450.
Thanks to all who donated!
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Saturday, January 20, 10:00 am - Eddy Room
Board of Trustees Meeting
Join the Board of Trustees on Saturday, January 20 at 10:00 am in the Eddy Room for the monthly Board meeting. (dointg it a little different this time....meeting in-person)
Everyone is welcome!
See Board documents here.
For more information contact Marcia Woodward at marcia_woodward@verizon.net
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Transition Tracker News!!
We had a good Q&A session on Zoom last Sunday. Thanks to all those who participated! If you didn’t come to it but have questions about Rev. Suzanne Redfern-Campbell or the transition process, we will have another session in person sometime soon. Watch for the announcement in the newsletter and at church.
Marcia Woodward
President of the Congregation 2023-2024
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News from Befrienders
Befrienders relies upon donations. Those donations are used to provide cards, stamps, occasional meals, 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 Reception team.
- 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 online.
Our next Befriender meeting will be Thursday, January 11th at noon. This will be an in-person meeting in the Eddy Room for the team leaders.
If you are interested in joining any of these teams, please let Susan Bishop know at sdbishop50@gmail.com.
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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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Every Wednesday - 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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Sunday, January 21 - 9:00 am, Eddy Room
VOICE Meeting
The 1UC VOICE Team will meet Sunday, January 21 at 9:00 am, in the Eddy Room.
There is much work to be done! Join Us!
Also, the SoUUp Cook-Off will be happening on Friday, February 23... put it on your calendar!
- Maureen Harvey
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Sunday, February 11, Daniel Hall - 1200 pm
The 1UC Alliance - Buck a Dip!
The Alliance Annual Buck-A-Dip Lunch Fundraiser has been moved to Sunday, February 11, after the service.
Our next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, February 6 at 11:30 am.
Bring a brown bag lunch and join us!
-Maureen Harvey
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January Change for Change
For the month of January our Change for Change partner is Not Your Average Joe.
Their mission is to inspire the community by including students and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in the creation of exceptional coffee in an encouraging atmosphere.
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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.
- October’s community partner, Freedom OK, received $1,276.05
- November’s community partner, VOICE, received $2,619
- December’s community partner, UUSC, received $2,413.83
WE APPRECIATE IT WHEN CONGREGANTS NOMINATE WORTHY COMMUNITY PARTNERS. THANK YOU!
UPCOMING EVENTS
***Oklahoma City MLK Alliance celebration events (breakfast, silent march, parade) has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 27th. The Racial Justice Team is sponsoring a decorated car and will have signs for people to carry if they want to march. Family friendly event. Additional details to follow in upcoming newsletters.***
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JANUARY 20TH 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: BOHEMIAN CAFÉ NIGHT! Mark your calendars now to join in a celebration of all the social justice teams to the musical entertainment by Miss Brown to You. Come join us for a night of dancing, eating savory food and beverages, and having fun. There will be raffle prizes as well. This is the only fund-raising event the Social Justice Council sponsors and monies are used for parade entry fees, registration fees for the Peace Festival, the purchase of flags, brochures, signs and so much more. Come and support the justice work of our church by supporting the Council.
NEWS FROM V.O.I.C.E: (Voices Organized in Civic Engagement)
Jan. 20 (Sat.), 9:00 - noon: Recognizing the Stranger @ St. Charles Borromeo.
Jan. 21 (Sun.), 3:00-6:00: Leaders Retreat/Delegates Assembly. Location TBD.
Jan. 25 (Thu.), 1:00-5:00: Congregational Organizing 101 - For Clergy @ Fellowship Lutheran Church (6727 S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa 74133). More info, and free registration here: https://www.actiontulsa.org/cl...
Jan. 26 5:00-8:00 p.m. to Jan. 27 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Community Organizing 101 in English and in Spanish @ Fellowship Lutheran Church (6727 S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa 74133). More info, and $25 registration here: https://www.actiontulsa.org/community_organizing_101
The Tulsa trainings are great opportunities, and your help in spreading the word and helping with turnout is requested. We might be able to help with transportation or lodging, if needed. If you or others you share info with register, please let Sundra Flansburg or Maureen Harvey know!
NEWS FROM OK POLICY INSTITUTE: Dr. King’s dream of economic freedom (Commentary) - As we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we should not forget that the context of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech was primarily about economic freedom through quality jobs with good benefits that pay a living wage. Dr. King understood, then as it is now, that income inequality binds Americans into a cycle of poverty that often becomes generational. Poverty lowers life expectancy as well as educational attainment, which is a predictor of wealth for all races. [Kandis West / OK Policy]
NEWS FROM OK WATCH - The rapid pace of Oklahoma executions set during John O’Connor’s time as Oklahoma Attorney General has slowed dramatically.
Oklahoma recently led the nation with 13 scheduled executions, when only three other states had any scheduled at all: Ohio, which has nine on the calendar, plus Texas and Alabama with one each. But most of Oklahoma’s executions are set to be rescheduled, and the next one on the calendar has been postponed.
In 2022, O’Connor’s scheduling request set a calendar of 25 executions in 29 months, a pace so intense former Department of Corrections Director Joe Allbaugh was among those who wrote to Attorney General Gentner Drummond shortly after his 2023 swearing in asking him to slow the pace in the interest of the prison staff’s mental health.
Drummond complied. The court had 13 executions set for 2024, beginning Jan. 11. Ten of those are set to be rescheduled, and the execution of James Ryder has been postponed pending a competency hearing. Ryder, 61, was scheduled to die Feb. 1 for the 1999 slayings of a mother and son in Pittsburg County after a property dispute, but several psychologists have diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia and concluded he is not competent. On Dec. 22, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ordered the competency hearing and postponed the execution for 100 days.
That leaves just two death row inmates with scheduled executions this year. Michael Smith, whose execution is set for April 4, was convicted of murdering Janet Moore and Sarath Pulluru in 2002. Wade Lay, 62, was convicted of killing Kenneth Anderson during the robbery of a MidFirst bank in Tulsa in 2004. He is scheduled for a lethal injection June 6.
There are 36 inmates on death row. NOTE: FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH, SINCE 2014, HAS PUBLICLY PROCLAIMED IT IS AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY.
1UC Recycles! Look for the blue bins lined with plastic bags throughout the church. Deposit your paper, cans, and plastic bottles. The kitchen and Daniel Hall have compost buckets that can take food waste including meat and even napkins! There is a separate blue bin for glass in the hallway west of Daniel Hall.
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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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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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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 - Beginning January 3 - Every Wednesday, 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)
- Radical Welcoming - Thursday, January 18, 6:30 pm (contact Lynn Ann Wagner for information)
- Exploring Spirituality - Friday, January 19, 7:00 pm (contact Lu Ann Faulkner-Schneider for information)
- Board of Trustees Meeting (In Person) - Saturday, January 20, 10:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Marcia Woodward for information) Everyone is welcome!
- Bohemian Cafe - Saturday, January 20, 7:00 pm, Daniel Hall (contact Maureen Harvey for information)
- VOICE - Sunday, January 21, 9:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Maureen Harvey for information)
- SLO - Sunday, January 21, 10:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Rob Hamm for information)
- Membership Meeting - Thursday, January 25, 6:00 pm (contact Lorriana Lee-Knapp)
- Fiber Connections - Saturday, January 27, 10:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Paula Geisinger for information)
- Gardening Covenant Group - Tuesday, January 30, 7:00 pm, Eddy Room (contact Barbara Gallivan 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
Lead Minister - Rev. Diana K. Davies
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
Rebecca Daniels Lori Jervis Liz Pillar-Little Tom Peryam Derrick Wagner
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