| 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, June 25
NO SERVICE at First U! All are invited to participate in the Pride parade and watch the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly worship streamed from Pittsburgh.
Watch the live stream HERE. Watch live at 10:00 CT or any time after.
Ever Willing: Becoming the People Our World NeedsGeneral Assembly 2023 -- The pandemic has wrought change and created uncertainty for institutions, like our Unitarian Universalist congregations, and our wider world. Who and what are we becoming, individually and collectively? Our GA Sunday service explores these themes as we gather in community to celebrate the best of who we UUs are.
Order of Service: HERE
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Upcoming Sunday Morning Services - 11:00 am
July
July 2 - "The 'Us' of A" (Suzanne Broadbent and Deborah Shinn)
July 9 - "Love Your Enemies" (Rebecca Schaller)
July 16 - "On Friendship" (Joan Chambers and Celeste Flemming)
July 23 - "What Is Baháʼí" (Guest: Terri Angier)
July 30 - "What is Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhism" (Guest: Rev. Kris Ladusau)
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
Mid-June 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 mid 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 takes a break in June and returns in July and 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 last two weeks in June and the first two weeks in August. She will take vacation during the month of July. DLRE Tim Atkins will be attending General Assembly in late June but will otherwise 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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NO CHILDCARE - SUNDAY - JUNE 25
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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NO MEDITATION - Sunday, June 25
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.
No Class this Sunday!
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NO CLASS - Sunday, June 25
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 - No Classes
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June 23 through June 25
OKC Pride Alliance Parade!
UUs at Pride 2023 Celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ Folx!
The OKC Pride Alliance Parade will be held on Sunday, June 25th starting at 11:00 am (no worship service at First Unitarian this day). To join us in walking the parade or riding in the First Unitarian trailer, we will be lining up at 10:00 am. We will meet at the parade lineup on North Walker Ave. between Robert S. Kerr Ave. and Dean A. McGee Ave. Look for our banner or familiar faces in the lineup. First Unitarian youth will be decorating our trailer for the parade, please meet at 9:45 am (please note time change). Contact Ellisya Ravencroft on the day of the parade at 405-208-0746 if you have a hard time finding us.
Pride Alliance Pridefest runs from Friday, June 23rd through Sunday, June 25th at Scissorstail Park, click here to learn more about Pridefest and the parade: https://www.okcpridealliance.org/
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OKC Pride Alliance Parade T-Shirts!
First Unitarian Pride shirts are here! We will have them available to pick up at the parade staging area before the OKC Pride Alliance Parade, this Sunday, June 25th between 10:00 am and 11:00 am, when the parade starts, on North Walker Ave. between Robert S. Kerr Ave. and Dean A. McGee Ave. If you ordered one and can't pick up at the parade, please pick it up from Coba Neitzel at the bookstore table in Daniel Hall after the service on Sunday, July 2nd!
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| It's General Assembly Time! |
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General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles.
The theme for General Assembly 2023 is "Faithfully Becoming."
Like Unitarian Universalism, GA offers a wealth of theological diversity. A variety of worship choices are offered throughout GA. The Service of the Living Tradition is where we commemorate fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders, those who have died, those who have completed active service, and welcome those who have received fellowship or credentialed status in the past year. Sunday Morning Worship at GA is a powerful, communal worship experience and is the largest annual gathering of UUs in Worship.
Click on the link below for a schedule of streamed events open to the public.
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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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Just a reminder: When Using the Church Kitchen
Remember: If you are planning on using the church kitchen you are asked to clean up after yourself and your event.
Instructions are posted on how to use the appliances: dishwasher (right above it) and the convection oven/stove (on the side).
Dishes and coffee cups are located in the blue rolling carts and other drinkware, dishes/bowls are located in the cabinets above the dishwasher and main kitchen sink area. Cleaning supplies are in the storage area next to the tall silver fridge.
Before leaving, make sure all appliances, lights are off and dishes/cups are put away.
Thanks for helping to keep our church tidy!
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| Lifespan Religous Exploration |
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Summer RE
We're looking for volunteers for Sunday Morning RE during the Summer time - July and August. Our plan is to have two classes - one for elementary aged students, one for middle/high school aged students. And the "curriculum?" It's all about games and community building and fun over the summer time! If you've got a lesson/activity you want to lead, let’s do it! And if you need help, Tim is here to help plan it. We're looking for two volunteers to be with each class. Ideally, over the summertime is when we have volunteers from the whole congregation so our regular RE volunteers can have a small break. You can sign up for one or more Sundays to help out.
Sign up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EAFAA2DAAFCC61-summer1
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| Adult Education Classes & Courses |
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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.
We will meet weekly on zoom every Tuesday until 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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Sunday, July 23, 9:00 am
1UC VOICE
The
1UC VOICE Team is on a break until July 23rd when we will meet at 9:00 am in the
Eddy Room. Later that day we’ll attend the Delegates Assembly at 3:00 pm,
location to be announced.
Rebecca Schaller and I will be attending the 5 day
Leadership Training in Denver, July 10 - 15th, so I’m sure we’ll have a thing,
or two, to share!
Join us if you’re interested!
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June Change for Change
For the month of June our Change for Change recipient is the The Exodus House.
The Exodus House is a key part of Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries. Its mission is to offer opportunities for ex-offenders to have a healthy, nurturing, and accountable environment where they may begin their life again. Individuals are accepted into our program while still incarcerated through an application process. We have individualized treatment plans and upon completion of our 6 month program they can take all furniture and household goods to their new residence. While living at Exodus House, residents are responsible for paying their utilities. Rent is not charged but monies are collected each month and deposited into a savings account and returned to them upon leaving or graduating. Exodus Houses currently have a 1.7% recidivism rate over the past 4 years.
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Social Justice News!
OKLAHOMA COALITION TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY 31ST
ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER AND MEETING. First Unitarian Church has been a member of OCADP since its inception. Each year members of our church attend the annual dinner and become individual members of an organization that our church supports. This year Adam Luck, Former Oklahoma Pardon & Parole Board Chair is the keynote speaker. Jasmine Brown-Jutras, Jamie Pybas & Rev. T. Sheri Amore Dickerson will be award recipients with a special tribute to Rex Friend, longtime friend of our church.
Purchase tickets at okcadp.org for in-person or virtual tickets. The event will be Saturday June 24th @ New Covenant Christian Church/Disciples of Christ 12000 N. Rockwell. Dinner will be at 6:15 with the program and meeting following.
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE NEWS – The United States, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Poland are the only four countries that have removed legal grounds for abortion since 1994. These countries are regressing their laws and policies to deny people the right to health care and reproductive autonomy. Since 1994, 61 countries around the world have liberalized their abortion laws. This reform, no matter how incremental, has the power to transform people's lives. If in reading this, something shifted inside you, consider becoming involved with the Reproductive Justice Team. We plan to offer SACReD (Spiritual Alliance Communities for Reproductive Dignity) dialogues next fall.
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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1UC Green Minute
First Unitarian is beginning the process of qualifying for the new Unitarian Universalist Association’s Green Sanctuary.
One aspect of it is recycling. Oklahoma City has amorphous rules concerning recycling, that need to be checked often. Currently, there are no number requirements for recycling plastic. The only requirement is that they not have hard, black bottoms. Utensils, being hard, are probably included. All recycled items must be clean and dry. The accepted materials are plastic but not bags, tin cans, bottles, glass and cardboard.
Another aspect of the Green Sanctuary is that we use our extensive collection of dishes, not disposables. It is necessary to do the following;
- Learn how to use the dishwasher. The directions are on the wall above it.
- All dishes, utensils, glassware and cookware must be washed and put away.
- Some items brought to the church may be recyclable. They must be cleaned and dried prior to recycling. Please check the list of items, because OKC keeps changing the rules.
This was the policy in the church when we joined in 2006, after the extensive work done to qualify us for the first Green Sanctuary.
Thanks to Nancy Cain for researching this information for us. If you have a suggestion for the Green Minute, please email me, Lonney Corder-Agnew; lacorderagnew2cox.net.
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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)
- 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)
- Fiber Connections – Saturday, June 24, 10:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Paula Geisinger for information)
- Gardening Covenant Group – Tuesday, June 27, 7:00 pm, Will Rogers Park (contact Barbara Gallivan for information)
- Bell Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, June 28, 5:45 pm, Sanctuary (contact LaDonna Hunt 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 - Marshal Gimpel
President-Elect - Marcia Woodward
Immediate Past President - Lynn Ann Wagner
Clerk - Deborah Shinn
Treasurer - Ron Wasson
Clare Auwarter Lorriana Lee-Knapp Larry Little Laura Lochner Ann Meeks Becky Tallent
Committee on Ministry
Lori Jervis Dex Marble Tom Peryam James Vaughn
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