| 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, April 2 - 11:00 am
"To Hope and Be Held: Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health"
Join us in person or watch on YouTube (not Zoom).
In our community, we show up for each other when someone is suffering from physical illness, a serious accident, a death in the family, or other traumatic events. But what about when someone is struggling with mental illness? Today, using Rev. Barbara Meyers's book Held: Showing Up for Each Other's Mental Health as a primary source, we'll explore the ways our congregation can become a place of sanctuary and support for people with a wide variety of mental health concerns.
Service Leader: Rev. Diana K. Davies, Lead Minister; Worship Associate: Ashley Thomas; Call to Offering: Readers: Wendy Pitt, Ingrid Young; Choir Director: Chukwuebuka (‘Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha; Music: Dianne Broyles and 1UC Choir; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Chris Gonzales
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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 9: Music Sunday (Easter)
April 16: "So Many Sunflowers: On Reckoning and Remembrance"
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, April 2 - 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, April 2 - 10:00 am
Adult Ed in the Eddy Room
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 this Sunday at 10:00am and the topic will change each week.
This Sunday - APRIL 2 FORUM at 10:00 am IN EDDY ROOM: (note location change) 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 to 2:00 pm. If you would like to attend the planning session, bring a lunch and beverage. We plan to begin at 10:00 am and end at 2:00 pm.
If you need additional information, please contact Susan Bishop.
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The Nominating Committee Is pleased to announce the following candidates or church leadership positions for 2023-2024 church year:
Our nominees for officer are:
Catherine Webster, President Elect
Deborah Shinn, Clerk
Ron Wasson, Treasurer
Jeanne Parkhurst, Moderator
Gordon Greene, Parliamentarian
Our nominees for new board members are:
Coba Neitzel – term expires 2026
Doug Vincent – term expires 2026
Ann Meeks, replacing board member mid-term – term expires 2025
Our nominees to serve on the 2023-2024 Nominating Committee with Immediate Past-President, Marshal Gimpel and Board appointee Jean McLaughlin are:
Chris Gonzales (second term)
Ruth Gordon (second term)
Sarah Gray (first term)
Our nominee for Endowment Fund Committee is: Linda Wasson – term expires 2026
Respectfully submitted by the Nominating Committee,
Chris Gonzales, Ruth Gordon, Lynn Ann Wagner and Zel Scott
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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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| April 2 through April 22 |
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| Meal Train |
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Befrienders has set up a meal train for John and Marianne Yarbrough. Marianne recently fell and fractured two bones in her pelvis.
We need meals three times a week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) so please sign up to bring a casserole or something similar. Thank you.
Please sign up here.
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Tuesday, April 4, 11:30 am
1UC Alliance Brown Bag Lunch and Program
The next Alliance Membership meeting will be on Tuesday April 4 at
11:30 am. Please bring your sack lunch and meet in Daniel Hall for fellowship
and conversation. At 12:00 noon there will be a presentation by Melody Garneu
from "Green Pastures Studio" in Spencer, OK. Melody will be
presenting on filmmaking in Oklahoma. Please be aware that since we are eating
lunch, universal mask-wearing cannot be insured.
If you would like to attend the presentation online, the Alliance
Zoom information is listed below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92600917353?pwd=K1pjRURzTkdLYkFqRzRUYWs4VXBaZz09
Meeting ID: 926 0091 7353
Passcode: 931009
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| Adult Education Classes & Courses |
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Every Wednesday through April 12, 5:45 pm - 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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Thursday, April 6, 7:00 pm
UU Book Club
Join us on Thursday, April 6, at 7:00 pm, where we will discussing The Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende.
If you have any questions, please contact Steve Gryglewicz at stgryg@yahoo.com.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8997...
Meeting ID: 899 7238 4616
Passcode: 729712
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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 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!
APRIL 2 FORUM at 10:00 am IN EDDY ROOM: (note location change) 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 to 2:00 pm. If you would like to attend the planning session, bring a lunch and beverage. We plan to begin at 10:00 am and end at 2:00 pm. -
FROM THE OK POLICY INSTITUTE:
“Those jobs aren’t valued because the people they’re caring for aren’t valued. We aren’t looking at our most vulnerable, those that don’t have a voice at all in the community because their parents are too tired. We don’t have the help we need and we’re too tired to fight for it.”
-Andee Cooper, whose teenage son Kannon lives with a rare intellectual disability and life-threatening seizures, on the persistent shortage of available in-home caregivers for Oklahomans with disabilities even after lawmakers approved $32.5 million to clear a 13-year waitlist for help. [Oklahoma Watch]
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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March Change for Change
For the month of April our Change for Change recipient is the Cleveland Elementary School Garden.
Their Mission: Is to bring environmental science to life through a school garden! To do this they involve students in the preparation of garden soil, planting, growing and eating healthy foods. Our educators provide curriculum tied to state standards.
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Friday, March 31
Trans Day of Visibility
Trans Day 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.
Friday, March 31 Events:
- National March for Queer and Trans Youth Autonomy - 5:00 pm at the Supreme Court of Oklahoma then marching to the Oklahoma State Capitol. Learn more here.
- UUA Trans Day of Visibility: A Virtual Party for Trans/Nonbinary Families - 7:00 pm. Register here!
- Transgender Day of Visibility Celebration! - 7:30 pm at Factory Obscura, 25 NW 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK. Please sign up for the event here!
- Love Letters/Arts to Trans Oklahomans - Please write/draw/creat your love for Transgender, Two Spirit and gender diverse Oklahomans! Submission form here!
See the 1uc website for more detailed information under Special Events! Or contact Lynn Ann Wagner for more information at flowerdancer@hotmail.com,
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| Green Sanctuary/Green Minute |
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Confetti Chili Recipe
The Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations that furnish most meat in our country are brutal and filthy. Meat production is also infamously inefficient compared to food from plants. We can be a vegan and eat no meat or animal products; or vegetarian and eat no meat; or greatly reduce the amount of meat to be a conscientious omnivore. The following chili recipe is one suggestion for a reduced-meat dish. It can be a meal on its own, or used in taco salad or over cooked rice, corn bread or polenta. We usually top it with cheese.
Confetti Chili Recipe
This recipe makes nearly a gallon of chili. Feel free to cut it in half or freeze some. It re-heats great.
Ingredients:
1.75-2 lbs chorizo, ground meat or a combination. Chorizo needs less seasoning, but can be too spicy. Vegetarian chorizo works fine.
2 t. olive oil
1-2 onions, chopped
1-2 green peppers, chopped
4-6 sticks of celery, chopped
2-5 cloves of garlic, sliced or crushed
1 T salt
Chili powder to taste
2 t. cumin
2 zucchini or summer squash, grated (optional) or 1 can pumpkin
1-2 c. frozen corn
6 cans of black, pinto or kidney beans
1-2 cans of diced tomatoes
1-2 c. broth (if necessary)
2 T corn meal, if needed
Cilantro or parsley to taste
Brown meat or substitute in oil. When half-cooked, add onions, garlic, peppers and celery.. Cook until the veggies are translucent. Add garlic & salt, and cook until done, then add chili powder and cumin; stir and cook for 1 min.
Add tomatoes, corn, beans and squash or pumpkin. If too thick, add broth. If then too thin, add corn meal. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, *stirring every 5 minutes*, until it looks and tastes right.
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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)
- Family Game Night/Potluck - Saturday, April 1, 5:00 pm, Daniel Hall (contact Keith Daniels for information)
- 1UC Alliance Brown Bag Lunch and Program – Tuesday, April 4, 11:30 am, Daniel Hall (contact Lu Ann Faulkner-Schneider for information)
- UU Book Club – Thursday, April 6, 7:00 pm (contact Steve Gryglewicz for information)
- Egg Dyeing Party – Friday, April 7, 6:00 pm, Daniel Hall (contact Tim Atkins for information)
- Yoga with Rev. Diana – Saturday, April 8, 10:00 am, Upstairs classroom and online (see Rev. Diana for information)
- Green Sanctuary Project/Workshop – Saturday, 10:00 am, Daniel Hall (contact Susan Bishop 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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