| 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, December 3 - 11:00 am
"Hanging of the Greens"
Join us in person or watch on YouTube.
Join us as we usher in the winter holidays! Families and friends gather in the sanctuary for opening words and the offering, then split into different groups. Some sing beloved carols, some decorate the church, and some create ornaments. The groups rotate and then we return to the sanctuary for one last hymn together. After the service, all are invited to stay for coffee, juice, and treats as we continue to make decorations and trim the tree. This is a multigenerational service. No children’s or youth RE.
Participating in Sunday's service:
Service Leaders: Rev. Diana K. Davies, Lead Minister; Tim Atkins, DLRE; Worship Associate: Maureen Harvey; Call to Offering: Clare Auwarter; Choir Director: Chukwuebuka "Ebuka" Ezeakacha; Music: 1UC Choir; Accompanist: Steven Elkins Kennedy; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft; Ushering Team: The Gardening Covenant Group; Lead Usher: Susan Bishop
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Upcoming Sunday Morning Services - 11:00 am
December Theme: Light and Shadows
December 10 - "In the Bleak Midwinter"
December 17 - "Welcome Solstice"
December 24 - Family Pageant (11:00 am)
December 24 - Candlelight Service (7:00 pm)
December 31 - New Year's Eve
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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, December 3 - 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, December 3, 10:00 am
Sunday Morning Coffee Hour
We’re making a slight tweak to our Sunday morning pre-service programming. Instead of the “Forum”, we’re thinking of it as “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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Sunday, December 10, 10:00 am, Daniel Hall
Janie Kirt Morris will be here on Sunday, December 10 to give a short presentation on Palomar.
Palomar partners with other community agencies to provide wraparound services to victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, and human trafficking. They are a Family Justice Center, which means that we collaborate with our partner organizations, many of whom have offices in our building, to fulfill our mission.
Please join us!
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Sunday, December 10 - 4:00 pm
Winter Concert
Our Choir Director Chukwuebuka Ezeakacha is planning a First Unitarian winter concert, scheduled for Sunday, December 10, at 4:00 pm. The free concert will feature our 1UC choir and bell choir, musicians from our own congregation, and some special guests.
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The Sub-Committee composed of Deborah Shinn, Marshal Gimpel, Cathy Webster and Ann Meeks is in the final stages of writing the contract for the 3-month minister who will be with us beginning March 18, 2024. After approval by the full Board, it will then be looked over by our UUA Transition Advisor, Keith Kron.
If everything is satisfactory, the contract will be forwarded to our candidate. Once it is signed, we will be able to announce the name and other information about our 3-month minister.
That will be a good time to have another town hall-style meeting following a Sunday service, where you will be able to ask any questions you want about this minister or other aspects of the transition process. Watch for an announcement of the date.
Questions in the meantime? Corner me or another Board member any time. Or email questions you'd like to see addressed in this column to me.
Marcia Woodward
President of the Congregation 2023-2024
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Money Matters
Last spring the Finance Working Group and the Board of Trustees finalized the Church Budget with pledges of $383,684 made by you. Through the 1st four months of this fiscal year, we are 25% under Budget for pledges received. The Church depends on your pledge to continue providing our programs, pay our staff and other expenses. This is a friendly reminder to take a look at your pledge and see if you are on schedule.
Ron Wasson, Treasurer
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Wednesday, December 20, 7:00 pm
Winter Solstice with UU Ministry for Earth
The
Winter Solstice occurs when Earth’s axis tilts away from the sun, making it the
shortest day and longest night of the year for those living in the Northern
Hemisphere.
Join us
the evening BEFORE the Winter Solstice for music, reflection, meditation, and
spiritual grounding.
On this
longest night, we will be featuring the work of the Energy Democracy
Project and sharing a portion of our offering with them. Let’s
work for light for all on the longest night of the year. Our service is part of
the larger arc of Clean Energy as a Human Right being led by Side with
Love.
Register
Here For. the Zoom Link: here.
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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 Hanson 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, December 14, at noon. This will be a zoom meeting 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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December 3, 10, 17 at 1:00 pm - Eddy Room
Blue Christmas Circle: Grieving Over the Holidays
For many who are experiencing profound loss, grief, or sadness, the winter holiday season can be especially painful. We will gather (in a small group) over three weeks to share feelings and experiences and support one another through this difficult time. Because the group must be limited in size, and because participants are expected to do their best to attend all three sessions, please be sure to register in advance, as soon as possible. Please contact Rev. Diana or Marlies Grogg if you are interested in signing up or learning more.
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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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Tuesday, December 5, 11:30 am
1UC Alliance Potluck and Program
We will have Christmas entertainment from our 1UC Choir AND another POT-LUCK. Bring a dish to share to the kitchen by 11:15 am so we can serve at 11:30 am!
There will be a $1 charge, $5 if you don’t bring a dish. New folks and guests are welcome!
Contact Maureen Harvey for information mharvey5@cox.net.
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Thursday, December 7, 7:00 pm
UU Book Club
Join us Thursday, December 7, at 7:00 pm, where we will be discussing, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.
For more information please contact Steve Gryglewicz at stgryg@yahoo.com
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8805...
Meeting ID: 880 5124 8829
Passcode: 398265
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December Change for Change
For the month of December, our Change for Change partner is Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC).
Their Mission: UUSC advances human rights and social justice around the world, partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies. Their work is grounded in the belief that all people have inherent power and dignity.
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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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
DECEMBER 3rd: 1UC SENDS HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS TO DEATH ROW INMATES IN MCALESTER. Immediately after church there will be a table with holiday greeting cards to sign to the 40 inmates who reside on death row. 1UC declared in 2014 to be a church that stands on its First Principle by opposing the death penalty.
JANUARY 15TH: MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION: There will be a breakfast, followed by a Silent March to the Capital, and a parade/celebration.
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 Ms Brown to You. Come join us for a night of dancing, eating, and having fun. There will be raffle prizes as well.
FROM OK POLICY INSTITUTE: OKC to Keep the Light
on for Homeless - A Motel 6 east of
Bricktown is set to become the first conversion to housing for the homeless
using funding from the city’s MAPS 4 program. [The Oklahoman]
FROM THE CENTER REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: The Center's workload
continues to grow... from today's oral arguments in our case against the state
of Texas's abortion bans... to our testimonies to the Inter-American Commission
on Human Rights earlier this month underscoring reproductive rights as human
rights... to our recent case in Kenya which affirmed abortion care as a
fundamental right under the Kenyan Constitution.The Center use the power of law to advance reproductive
rights as fundamental human rights around the world.
FROM FREEDOM OKLAHOMA:
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, we reflect on the incredible strides we've made toward equality for all 2SLGBTQ+ Oklahomans. This Giving Tuesday, we extend our deepest appreciation to you for your unwavering support of Freedom Oklahoma's mission and the broader cause of inclusivity and acceptance in Oklahoma. Generous donations have been pivotal in our efforts to advocate for the rights of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, foster understanding, and build a more inclusive Oklahoma.
In the spirit of collaboration and collective impact, we would also like to highlight the invaluable work being done by organizations that we work closely with. These organizations share our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equal society for all:
- SHRED THE STIGMA: SHRED the Stigma works to end overdose and other drug-related harm through realistic and achievable approaches to drug use, seeking to completely eliminate overdoses in and around the Oklahoma City metro area.
- TRUST WOMEN: Trust Women provides access to healthcare for those in need. Established first to provide abortion care, our services have expanded outside Kansas. Their clinic in Oklahoma provides gender-affirming care and low-barrier medication-assisted treatment for opioid use.
- Tulsa Intersectional Care Network: Tulsa Intersectional Care Network (TICN) is a project led BY Trans, Queer, Disabled, and BIPOC Tulsans FOR Trans, Queer, Disabled, and BIPOC Tulsans, implementing mutual aid and community care practices for our shared empowerment.
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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| Tuesday, December 12 |
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| 1UC VOICE |
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The Forum on the new arena has been cancelled but we encourage you to go to the polls and VOTE on December 12th!
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GREEN MINUTE
Today’s Green Minute concerns decreasing our usage of large, plastic bottles and shipping costs.
One method is to use bar shampoo and conditioner instead of bottled. The up side is that it obviously saves on shipping and storage for the seller and the consumer. The down side is that not all the products work well, which may be corrected in time. I’ve been using bar shampoo for several months, and am beginning to like it. A lot. The first brand we bought took too long to work up a lather. I am now using a tea tree oil shampoo bar from Trader Joe’s, which works better. I have only used two of this type of product, so you may want to rely on your own research. There are also bars of conditioners.
Another saving source is laundry soap. We have changed from a large bottle of liquid detergent to a 5’’ X 7’’ X 2’’ box of 50 laundry sheets. It’s very user-friendly.
Next week, I hope to have some more of these type of energy savers.
If you have a suggestion for the Green Minute, please contact me, Lonney Corder-Agnew, lacorderagnew@cox.net.
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Help Us Keep Our Building Safe
On Monday, 11/27, two individuals found a way into our building and they created a mess in the nursery and pre-school area, throwing toys and cleaning supplies on the ground, moving furniture, etc. Thankfully, they didn't do any serious damage. It appears they were planning to steal some things (there were several garbage bags filled with items, lined up in the hallway) but, we believe, they were scared away by one of our wonderful First U volunteers who had come into the building to do a security check. Based on security camera footage, we believe that they came in through the door near the nursery, that exits onto the courtyard. This is an old door that doesn't always latch fully unless it's pushed or pulled closed. 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)
- Choir Rehearsal – Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary (contact 'Ebuka Ezeakacha for information)
- Family Board Game/Potluck – Saturday, December 2, 5:00 pm (contact Keith Daniels for information)
- Hanging of the Greens Party – Sunday, December 3, 11:50 am, Daniel Hall (contact Tim Atkins for information)
- Blue Christmas – Sunday, December 3, 1:00 pm, Eddy Room (contact Rev. Diana for information)
- 1UC Alliance Potluck/Program – Tuesday, December 5, 11:30 am, Daniel Hall (contact Maureen Harvey for information)
- UU Book Club – Thursday, December 7, 7:00 pm (contact Steve Gryglewicz 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 Lorriana Lee-Knapp Larry Little
Ann Meeks Doug Vincent
Committee on Ministry
Rebecca Daniels Lori Jervis Liz Pillar-Little Tom Peryam James Vaughn Derrick Wagner
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