| 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, March 26 - 11:00 am
"The Bully on Our Block"
Join us in person or watch on YouTube (not Zoom).
Bullies don’t just go away. Their legacies don’t just disappear. The bully must be confronted intentionally, his impact named and addressed. Even so, it seems there’s no clear consensus on how to deal with the bully on our blocks. – DeRay McKesson
How do we respond to the grown-up bullies who seem determined to cause harm to those who are already marginalized and struggling in our society? Do we try to ignore them? Do we match their violence with more violence? Do we attempt to love them into positive change? How do we achieve the world we want to see when we are fighting so hard just to keep fighting?
Service Leader: Rev. Diana K. Davies, Lead Minister; Time for All Ages: Tim Atkins, Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration; Call to Offering: Lynn Ann Wagner; Choir Director: Chukwuebuka (‘Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha; Organist: Galina Brauer; Music: Dianne Broyles, 1UC Ensemble, and 1UC Choir; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Chris Gonzales; TDoV Presentation: Radical Welcoming Team
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| So that we can craft a budget that reflects our capacity and our values, please make your pledge! |
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Upcoming Sunday Morning Services - 11:00 am
April
April 2: "To Hope and Be Held: Showing Up for Each Other's Mental Health"
April 9: Music Sunday (Easter)
April 16: "The Grace of the World"
April 23 - Earth Day
April 30 - Celebrating Chalice Camp [Note: this service will take place off-site, at Will Rogers Park, to avoid marathon traffic around the church]
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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.)
Children age four and up are expected to wear masks. Childcare will be taking place in the nursery and attached preschool room.
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Sunday, March 26 - 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, Sunday, March 26 - 10:00 am
Adult Ed in Daniel Hall
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 Daniel Hall every Sunday at 10:00am and the topic will change each week.
This Sunday - To be Announced
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Art Show through Sunday, April 2
“Sunday Morning Meditations”
by Mtn Woman Silver
The current exhibition is intimately connected to this church. All the art pieces started as sketches which Silver created while listening to sermons on Sunday mornings. In 2020, while looking through her sketch books, she counted over 80 of the elaborate abstract sketches and was inspired to reproduce them on canvas, using acrylic paints, ink and sometimes pencils.
This exhibition will be on display through Sunday, April 2, 2023. On Sunday, March 26, at 12:15 pm in Daniel Hall, there will be a reception and a “Meet the Artist” event.
Calling all visual artists!
The 1UC Art Committee is up & running. We are planning shows for every other month of the 2023 calendar year.
Are you an amateur or professional artist who might be interested in participating in a group or solo show at 1UC? Do you have a good idea for an art show? If your answer is "yes" to either question, we want to hear from you!
Please contact Jeanne Parkhurst via email or text: jeanne.parkhurst@gmail.com; (405) 496-0445.
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| Lifespan Religious Exploration |
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June 5th through June 9th
SAVE THE DATE for Chalice Camp!
Every year in early June, we host a week long day camp called "Chalice Camp" that's been going for almost fifty years.
The dates for this years Chalice Camp will be June 5 through June 9! Mark your calendars!
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| Adult Education Classes & Courses |
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Every Wednesday through April 12, 5:45 - 7:00 pm
A New Adult RE Series: "A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week"
Join Rev. Diana for an exploration of Christian Holy Week, using Dr. Amy-Jill Levine's book, Entering the Passion of Jesus. Wednesday evenings.
Support VOICE by purchasing your book at the 1UC bookstore. You will not need to have the book or do any reading or preparation before our first meeting. Please just show up!
We will meet in-person, in Daniel Hall. You're also welcome to join via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8442...
Meeting ID: 844 2118 0872
Passcode: 112358
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Saturday, March 25, 10:00am in Daniel Hall and online
Yoga with Rev. Diana
Beginning this week, we will transition to a hybrid model, so you can attend in person or via Zoom. We'll meet in Daniel Hall, unless it's an especially beautiful day, in which case, we may practice in the courtyard. All you need is a mat, a pillow or blanket, and comfortable clothes that allow you to stretch. This will be a Kripalu-style class, accessible to all bodies and experience levels, incorporating breathwork and meditation into gentle movement. The theme is spring cleaning, which means lots of nice, soothing twists!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88186974124?pwd=YU1iSWZlZVljQ0RUb0Ryd2FYVHdLZz09
Meeting ID: 881 8697 4124
Passcode: yoga
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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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Through April 2
Sense and Sensibility
Go see 1UC member Lana Henson, in Sense and Sensibility which runs now through April 2 at Jewel Box Theater.
Jewel Box Theater is located at 321 NW 36th St, Oklahoma City. Call for tickets at (405) 521-1786. Or purchase tickets here. When purchasing your tickets tell them to give credit to actor Lana Henson.
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Michael Lomeka. is a frequent 1UC visitor and recently moved to OKC for a faculty position in the Musical Theatre Department at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). His first UCO show, as director/choreographer, is opening next week at the UCO Boathouse. Fugitive Songs is a wonderful song cycle that speaks of community and inclusivity.
The show runs Wednesday, March 29 through Saturday, April 1 at 8:00 pm. For tickets visit mitchellhalltheatre.com or call 405-974-3375.
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Social Justice News!
- Sunday, April 2, FORUM at 10:00 am IN DANIEL HALL: Members from the Sustainable Living Organization will present information on our Green Sanctuary status and the upcoming 2030 Green Sanctuary Project. There will be a follow-up planning session April 8th 10-2p. Watch this space for additional information.
- Bohemian Café Success! Miss Brown to You was the best entertainment for dancing and celebrating. As a result, your Social Justice Council netted a tad over $1600 to put towards our efforts at protecting rights and advocating for justice in the ’23-24 Church year. Thank you to all who attended. We know you enjoyed yourself. Shout outs with lots of thanks to the following for making this year’s Bohemian Café a huge success: Coba and Dirk Neitzel for being great Bartenders (Radical Welcoming Justice Team), Becky Tallent for organizing and displaying the food (VOICE), Rebecca Schaller for organizing the cleanup (Racial Justice Team), Deborah Shinn for organizing the raffle ticket sales (Change for Change Justice Team), Larry Little and Stephen Melsh for all the set up and “mood” lighting (VOICE), Sue Scott for creating the wonderful centerpieces on the tables, Ginny Boykin for finding all the great raffle prizes. Marlies Grogg for printing the invitations Stephen Melsh handed out after services, procuring our liquor license and keeping us on track! Thank you all for your time, talent and patience! You’re the best!
If you are interested in becoming involved in social justice programs and activities, please contact Susan Bishop at (405) 623-4017 or sdbishop50@gmail.com
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CELEBRATE RAMADAN! Yes, it’s been four years since
1UC was able to host the iftar for our Muslim friends from the Turkish Raindrop
House and Dialog Institute. This year we are opening our doors and our hearts
as a chef direct from Turkey delights us with wonderful delicacies. The holy
days of Ramadan begin March 21st and this year, our church is
hosting the dinner on March 26th beginning at 7:00 pm. Children
are welcome. Prior to the dinner, there will be an opportunity to learn about
Ramadan, including Q & A’s. Seating is limited to please contact Susan
Bishop (sdbishop50@gmail.com) for a reservation by 5:00 pm Friday March 24th.
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March Change for Change
For the month of March our Change for Change recipient is Pambe Ghana.
Their Mission: Their mission is to provide a model of quality basic education that integrates language, culture, literacy and academic excellence.
PAMBE Ghana is a partnership with local communities in northern Ghana and a United States-based Board of Directors. Together we have built the La’Angum Learning Center, an innovative school for bilingual child-centered education from pre-Kindergarten to grade 6.
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Friday, March 31
Trans Day of Visibility
Trans Dat if Visibility is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the transgender community. To acknowledge the struggles, challenges, and accomplishments of transgender people and to advocate for their rights and inclusion in society.
It is a day to celebrate the diversity, strength, and love of the transgender community, and to show support and solidarity with our community. It is a reminder that Trans people are, and have always been, an integral part of our society, and that their contributions and experiences should be recognized and respected, and cannot be ignored.
However, it's important to remember that visibility is not always a positive experience for transgender individuals. Visibility can lead to discrimination, harassment, and violence. Therefore, it's crucial that we not only celebrate and raise awareness of the transgender community, but also work towards creating a society where transgender individuals can live safely, freely, and with dignity.
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Love Letters/Art to Trans Oklahomans
We need YOU to write/draw/create a physical manifestation of your love for Transgender, Two Spirit, and gender diverse Oklahomans ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st.
We know that art has always been central to celebrations for 2SLGBTQ+ folks, so use the medium that makes sense for you. We want to see your photos, your videos, your zines, your quilts, your knitting, your protest signs, your poetry, your handwritten letters, and everything in between.
Tag Freedom Oklahoma on social media, use the hashtag #TDoVOklahoma23, fill out our form or DM us your submissions, and we'll spend the day highlighting the beautiful, expansive community we celebrate on Transgender Day of Visibility and beyond.
Submission form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScATKsrJ_cdEUFKY2jDAvcZt7LmbLhcn7hRHP5kYpqhUd_dSg/viewform
Twitter: @FreedomOkla
Instagram: @freedomoklahoma
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreedomOklahoma.org
*Disclaimer: While we believe in art free of censorship, we will be limited by the community guidelines of social media platforms in terms of what we can share.
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| Green Sanctuary/Green Minute |
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Sunday, April 2, 10:00 am
Members from the Sustainable Living Organization will present information on our Green Sanctuary status and the upcoming 2030 Green Sanctuary Project.
There will be a follow-up planning session Saturday, April 8th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Watch this space for additional information.
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The motto of the Green Revolution is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. I heard an interesting discussion recently, in which the point was made that the first word in the phrase is “Reduce” and the last is “Recycle”. This is particularly relevant when we consider the problems that have come to light with recycling.
Reducing and reusing are easier. Last month I wrote a bit about reusing or thrifting, as opposed to buying new clothing. There are also many online options for making over old garments.
I am also proposing, again, that we have a Swap Meet at the church, to exchange clothing, and also give advice.
If you have any suggestions for the Green Minute, email me at lacorderagnew@cox.net
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Wednesday, April 12 - 7:00 pm, Eddy Room/Meeting Room
1UC VOICE- House Meeting Scheduled
The VOICE 1UC Team has been gearing up for House Meetings.
Through House Meetings we are able to find out what pressures are affecting families and this information is used to develop VOICE's agenda. Sign up after the service on Sunday.
There will be a Leadership Retreat on Saturday, April 15th, and a Delegates Assembly on Sunday, April 16th.
Our next VOICE 1UC meeting will be Sunday, April 23rd, at 9:00 am in the Eddy Room. Join us!
For more information contact Maureen Harvey at mharvey5@cox.net.
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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)
- Qigong - Every Monday and Friday, 12:15 pm (contact Janice Martin for information)
- Tuesday Discussion Group – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am (contact Ron Wasson for information - see article above)
- Bell Choir Rehearsal – Every Wednesday, 5:45 pm (contact LaDonna Hunt for information)
- Choir Rehearsal – Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm (contact 'Ebuka Ezeakacha for information)
- Art Show: “Mtn Woman Silver” – Through Sunday, April 2, Daniel Hall (contact Joan Cain for more information)
- Ad Ed Class: Beginner's Guide to Holy Week - Wednesdays, March 8 - April 12, 5:45 pm, Daniel Hall (contact Rev. Diana for more information)
- Membership Committee Meeting – Thursday, March 23, 6:00 pm (contact Lorriana Lee-Knapp for information)
- Yoga with Rev. Diana – Saturday March 25, 10:00 am, (in person and online), Daniel Hall
- Fiber Connections – Saturday, March 25, 10:00 am, Meeting Room (contact Paula Geisinger for information)
- 1UC VOICE – Sunday, March 26, 9:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Maureen Harvey for information)
- Meet the Artist – Sunday, March 26, 12:15 pm, Daniel Hall (contact Joan Cain for information)
- Ramadan Dinner – Sunday, March 26, 6:00 pm, Daniel Hall (contact Susan Bishop for information)
- Board of Trustees Meeting – Tuesday, March 28, 6:30 pm (contact Marshal Gimpel for information)
- Garden Covenant Group – Tuesday, March 28, 7:00 pm, Eddy Room (contact Barbara Gallivan for information)
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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.
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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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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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**********************************************************************************
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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CHURCH STAFF
Lead Minister - Rev. Diana K. Davies
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration - Tim Atkins
Choir Director - Chukwuebuka ('Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha
Organist - Galina Brauer
Congregational Life Coordinator - Nathan Boone
Office Administrator - Marlies Grogg
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2021-2022
President of the Congregation - Marshal Gimpel
President-Elect - Marcia Woodward
Immediate Past President - Lynn Ann Wanger
Clerk - Deborah Shinn
Treasurer - Ron Wasson
Clare Auwater Lorriana Lee-Knapp Larry Little Laura Lochner Becky Tallent
Committee on Ministry
Lori Jervis Dex Marble Tom Peryam James Vaughn
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