| 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, October 6, 11:00 am, Sanctuary
“Leadership, Values, and Activism: Lessons from Student Movements”
Join us in person or watch on YouTube.
Guest Minister, Rev. Angeline Jackson will be talking about student leadership and the importance of being firm in our beliefs and values.
Participating in today’s service:
Service Leader: Rev. Angeline Jackson, Guest Mnister; Worship Associate; Rev. Jonalu Johnstone, Pastoral Care/Worship Minister; Chalice Lighter: Lorriana Lee Knapp; Reading: Wendy Pitt; Choir Director: Chukwuebuka ('Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha; Music: 1UC Choir; Accompanist: Steven Elkins Kennedy; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft: Ushers: Change 4 Change
Our Ushers for Sunday are those from the SLO - Change 4 Change group. C4C gather applications for the program from members of the congregation for nominations of charitable organizations to be chosen to receive one month’s Sunday service plate collections. Any 1UC member, in good standing, can submit a not-for-profit organization that is doing the work we want to be done in the world for a Change for Change Recipient. The Committee will review accept, ask for more information, or deny. The accepted are then recommended to the Board of Directors for a month when donations are accepted for Change 4 Change. Chairs: Rosalinda Espinosa and Deborah Shinn
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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, October 6, 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, October 6 (immediately after the service) Daniel Hall
Coffee, Lemonade and Conversation
Join us after the service in Daniel Hall for coffee, lemonade and conversation.
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Transition Tracker
Dear ones,
Thank you for providing such a warm and robust welcome to our Consulting Minister, Rev. Dave Messner! And for the spontaneous and positive response to his announcement that Rev. Jonalu Johnstone will be returning to us on a part-time basis for this Church Year as our Pastoral Care and Worship Minister
Many of you have asked the appropriate question: "Who is doing what?"
While I will let them do more of the explaining in the days ahead, I find it helpful to think of it this way, using a restaurant as a metaphor.
Dave is our "back of house" specialist (kind of a good analogy because he just worked in the kitchen at Star Island). He will be working with the Board, Transition Team, Staff, Committee on Ministry, HRWG, etc. to guide and advise. Most of the time, this will all happen virtually, but Dave will return to 1UC three more times during the church year.
As of October 1st, Rev. Jonalu will be our "front of house" specialist. She will be in the pulpit about twice each month and coordinate Sunday services even when she's not preaching (coordinating with Tim and our in-development Worship Committee). In addition, she will assist the congregation with our pastoral needs, connect with the Befrienders, and be available for rites of passage.
Please stay tuned for more information as specifics get worked out, including Rev. Jonalu's schedule and details surrounding Rev. Dave's next visit (he'll be back October 11).
I deeply appreciate everyone's grace and good will as we have made this team a reality! Special thanks to Tim Atkins for stepping up as Acting Head of Staff these past few months, and to the Transition Team members, past and present (Sundra Flansburg, Ann Meeks, Marilee Peryam, and Marcia Woddward,, plus Marshall Gimpel, and Deborah Shinn) for their good and thoughtful work.
In faith,
Cathy
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Deadline is Friday, October 11
Voter Registration!
New Registrations or Address Changes
Tell your friends! Tell new neighbors!
Update your own info with a new address
Now on the web at: OK Voter Portal
https://oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.html
See info flyer and paper forms
on poster in our church hallway
(Part of nationwide UU The Vote Project)
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Fellowship Dinners
The time is drawing to a close to sign up for the popular social activity, Fellowship Dinners. Descriptions have been in the newsletters. Registration ends via email and in person in Daniel Hall on Sunday after church. If you are interested but have questions, please email or call Barbara Gallivan, bgallivan@cox.net, 405-209-7386. We would love for you to join us!
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Sunday, October 20, 12:30 pm, Eddy Room
Let's Talk Medicare
There are so many changes, and new options for 2025.
A $2000 a year max cost for drugs.
More Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
Shop prices every year for your Supplement (Medi-Gap).
Whether it's for you or the elders in your life, let's share our experience and learn what's new. Church member Steve Goldman will host. He works on health insurance options education, but is not an agent/broker -- does not sell any insurance.
Bring your questions and listen in while Steve explains how things work.
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| Adult Education Classes & Courses |
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2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month - 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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Thursday, October 3, 7:00 pm
UU Book Club
UU Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, October 3, at 7:00 pm and will be discussing "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus.
Our book selections for the next few months are:
- November and December: The Covenant of Water: Abraham Verghese
- January: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88051248829?pwd=dHhUZjJIenozazJ1K1pNNEVOWHhlUT09
Meeting ID: 880 5124 8829
Passcode: 398265
For question or more details contact Steve at stgryg@yahoo.com
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News from Befrienders
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 and visitations.
Even though the work of our church relaxes during the summer while a minister is taking time for reflection and study, the work of Befrienders continues. We may not meet in person, but we continue to offer cards of well wishes, meals, transportation and visitations. Remember that Befrienders offers short term care to our congregants and friends of First Unitarian Church.
Our Befrienders team consists of:
Lana Henson and her team of well-wishers with cards
Kathy Nyswonger and her team of visitors
Patti Kate and her team of drivers ready to help with transportation
Ginny Boykin and her team ready to provide receptions for memorial services
At First UU, we are all Befrienders to and with each other because we care about you!
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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 contact Susan Bishop (Chair of Befrienders).
Please contact Cathy Webster (President of the Board) or Sundra Flansburg (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!
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Change for Change
For the month of October our Change for Change partner is Calm Waters.
The Calm Waters mission is to help children and families in their grief journey caused by death, divorce, or other significant loss.
The Calm Waters vision is to be the leading provider of grief support services for children and families throughout Central Oklahoma, serving as a safe place for those who have experienced a loss to receive grief resources, peer support, and hope for the future. Calm Waters is the expert on grief and trauma as it relates to loss, using research-based curriculum and programming.
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!
NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL: The national election is right around the corner and we know that some of our congregation prefer to vote by mail. If you need a notary, the Council is providing two. Sundra Flansburg and Marlies Grogg have agreed to staff a table so bring your ballots on either Oct 13th or Oct 20th. Stamps will be available for those who need them.
We each have a responsibility, not just a role, in our community history. Every year, as October begins, we celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ History Month. An exercise that has become grounding for all of our team, in expanding our knowledge of the 2SLGBTQ+ folks who came before us, who fought and loved before us, who paved the way for us, as our work now will become history for future generations. We’re kicking off this month, focusing on what a commitment to keep one another safe means, what it means to build a future where every 2SLGBTQ+ person has the safety to thrive. So, we’ll ground our history in our commitment to the future.
NEWS FROM UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) Juan Antonio López, a Honduran human rights and environmental defender who fought to save rivers from environmental destruction — was shot and killed leaving church this past Saturday evening.
Juan’s fierce advocacy for justice contributed greatly to recent successes achieved by our partner Fundación San Alonso Rodríguez (FSAR) against extractive industries in the Honduran Aguán region.
The circumstances of the murder suggest López was targeted for his very public witness against powerful corruption. We are holding Juan’s family and community in our hearts as they face unthinkable grief.
NEWS FROM REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE: Oklahoma represents nearly one-third of pregnancy-related prosecutions a year after Roe’s end: Oklahoma had the second-highest number of pregnancy-related prosecutions nationwide in the year after Roe. v. Wade was overturned, according to a new study by the advocacy organization Pregnancy Justice.
If reading this is upsetting, consider joining the Reproductive Justice Team. Contact Susan Bishop at sdbishop50@gmail.com
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Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month: Honoring a Legacy of Resilience and Pride
LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrated every October, offers an opportunity to reflect on the rich history and profound contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Founded in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson, the month is dedicated to recognizing the milestones in the fight for equality, the individuals who have shaped LGBTQ+ history, and the culture that has been built from resilience and pride.
The month shines a spotlight on iconic figures like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Bayard Rustin, and Harvey Milk, whose activism and courage paved the way for progress. It also educates the broader community about landmark events such as the Stonewall Riots, the struggle for marriage equality, and the ongoing fight against discrimination.
LGBTQ+ History Month also provides a platform to celebrate diversity and foster understanding, aiming to bridge gaps between different communities. Schools, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to engage in discussions, host events, and share resources that highlight the triumphs and challenges of the LGBTQ+ movement.
Ultimately, LGBTQ+ History Month serves as a reminder that the fight for equity is ongoing, and the stories of the past inspire the activism and progress of today.
Here are a few helpful resources for learning more about LGBTQ+ historical events and figures:
Wikipedia’s Timeline of LGBTQ+ History: This comprehensive timeline covers global LGBTQ+ historical milestones from the 17th century to the present, including key legal changes and cultural moments. It’s a good starting point to explore major historical events across different countries. Learn more here: (Wikipedia). University of Northern Colorado’s Historical LGBTQ+ Figures: This resource highlights influential LGBTQ+ activists, authors, and leaders, such as Marsha P. Johnson, Stormé DeLarverie, and Audre Lorde, all of whom contributed to social justice movements, the arts, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Explore these figures here: (UNC). Wikipedia’s Timeline of LGBTQ+ History in the United States: For a U.S.-focused overview, this timeline provides key historical moments such as the Stonewall Riots, the establishment of important LGBTQ+ organizations, and major legal battles that shaped the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. Find more information here: (Wikipedia). LGBT History Month Website: This official site offers a wealth of information on LGBTQ+ history, featuring biographies of notable figures, educational resources, and information on past and present LGBTQ+ milestones. It’s also a great source for finding out about events and celebrations during LGBTQ+ History Month. Visit the site here: (LGBTHistoryMonth).
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Racial Justice Team Book Club
Your Racial Justice Team will be hosting a book club. We have done this occasionally over time. Our upcoming book is "Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race" by Debby Irving. Rev. Sue recommended it to us. We have 9 people signed up so far.
We will meet in person in Eddy Room the first Saturday of the month: November 2, December 7, January 4 and February 1 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
The book is available through Half Priced Books, etc. I will try to explore ordering them in bulk through the book store once we have a number.
Text or call Becky Tallent at 405.882.8095 or email beckyktallent@gmail.com.
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| How to Contact Our Ministers |
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| Information for our Worship Minister and Pastoral Care - Rev. Jonalu Johnstone |
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You can email her directly at: jjohnstone@1uc.org
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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 Adult Ed: Tuesday Discussion Group - Every Tuesday, 11:00 am (contact Ron Wasson for information)
- 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)
- UU Book Club - Thursday, October 3, 7:00 pm (contact Steve Gryglewicz for information)
- Ordination of Alyssa Lee - Sunday, October 6, 3:00 pm, Sanctuary (contact Sundra Flansburg for information)
- HRWG - Tuesday, October 8, 6;30 pm (contact Cortney Custer or Kate Elliott for information)
- Racial Justice Team - Wednesday, October 9, 11:00 am (contact Becky Tallent for information)
- Stewardship Meeting - Thursday, October 10, 7:00 pm (contact Paul Spicer for information)
- VOICE Team Meeting - Sunday, October 13, 9:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Maureen Harvey for information)
- Fiber Connections - Sunday, October 13, 12:15 pm, Eddy Room (contact Paula Geisinger 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
Worship Minister and Pastoral Care - Rev. Jonalu Johnstone
Consulting Minister - Rev. David H. Messner
(from First Unitarian Church Chicago)
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration - Tim Atkins
Choir Director - Chukwuebuka ('Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha
Accompanist - Steven Elkins Kennedy
Congregational Administrator - Marlies Grogg
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024-2025
President of the Board of Trustees – Cathy Webster
President Elect – Sundra Flansburg
Immediate Past President – Marcia Woodward
Clerk – Doug Vincent
Treasurer – Ron Wasson
Cortney Custer Lorriana Lee-Knapp Ann Meeks Carrie Moore Mariliee Peryam Maired Todd
Committee on Ministry
Suzanne Broadbent Liz Pillar-Little John Schneider Tom Peryam Derrick Wagner
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