Newsletter

Soto Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki tells of something called "mind weeds." These mind weeds are what we perceive as distraction, things that get in the way of our meditation practice. Yet Suzuki does not see extraneous thoughts as negative; instead he says that we can use our practice to move through these thoughts and so chop down the mind weeds. These then become fertilizer for our practice, helping to strengthen our spiritual lives.

These mind weeds extend to more than just the practice of meditation. Our religious values themselves are often challenged when obstacles arise that seem to question their validity. It is often difficult to see the reason for engaging in creating a better world when around us we see destruction of our own making through war and environmental degradation and calamities outside of our control such as the tsunami in Southeast Asia. To call these "mind weeds" trivializes their import, trivializes the suffering caused to millions of people and to the very soul of our planet. But I know these seemingly insurmountable obstacles do test my resolve. The size and scope can cause me to wonder why. It is then that I need to look deeply inside myself to understand how these occurrences can feed my practice instead of debilitating it.

How does what's happening in the world today create a strong link between me and all of humanity — all of creation? That link can be forged through the bonds of compassion, in the light of hope for a humanity that reaches out to those in need, not just in times of disaster but as a matter of course. We seek to impart a religion that invests in the future, not for our personal salvation but for the salvation of our planet so that future beings will have clean water, air and soil. We seek to create a religion for ourselves that matters in our daily lives, that comforts us in times of need by reminding us we are held in the creative force of a loving community. Yet this religious life must also challenge us to be part of that creative force — established in our Fellowship and radiating into the larger community.

Our Fellowship's ideal of religion is based on grass roots action — in every aspect of our spiritual lives. Each person has the opportunity and the obligation to create this community. Each of us feeds the roots that hold us together through our own compassion and experiences. This is not a religious home for those who want to be spoon-fed their beliefs. This is a place that expects us to struggle with how to make our beliefs concretely real — realized in the very living of our lives. 

Now more than ever such a religious path is needed. The difficulties facing our community, our nation, our world, demand organizing at the grass roots, organizing in such a way that people's deepest values is brought to bear on the way we live our lives. Now more than ever, our Fellowship matters and what each one of you do in your lives matters. Let us continue to join hands celebrating the legacy of this Fellowship's role in our community and extending that legacy through the next century.  Obstacles before us are opportunities to commit ourselves to this religious path.  We walk it with many who lean on us for comfort, look to us inspiration, and listen to our challenge.

Brian

 With February comes our annual pledge drive, a time to consider our resources and how to share those gifts with the Fellowship.
        Members of the board spent about an hour at the January meeting talking about the goals we set in the fall, our ongoing vision and how those translate into budget priorities.

        In the fall, we identified three areas — finance, communication and volunteer management/participation — as priorities for our time and attention this year. Those three all still resonated with board members.

        The UUFA has seen tremendous growth and change in the last decade, partly in total numbers but more significantly in vision and operational expectations. The tradition of congregation-driven programming and vision implemented by staff is giving way to a desire for more staff-driven operation with members helping implement the vision. We hear a call for staff to initiate more programming, to serve in more creative — rather than reactive — roles.

It is with this in mind that we have begun the two-year process of reviewing all our professional and administrative job descriptions to make sure they are growing and changing with a dynamic congregation.

        What emerged from the board's discussions about budget priorities was the idea of "staffing for community," recognizing the central role of staff in carrying out our mission and priorities.

        It is time to return to fair compensation. Pay — in some cases not yet up to minimum guidelines — was frozen for 2004-05 because of our deficit budget. The Personnel Committee has been working to define UUFA target compensation levels and develop a multi-year plan to move us toward compliance. This will transform a nebulous goal into an achievable action plan.

We need to do a better job of communicating, both among members and friends and with the wider community. This will require both volunteer participation (our PR/Communications Committee has been dormant all year) and staff-led innovation. We need to design systems that make the best use of mail, e-mail, our Web site, telephone calls and face-to-face interactions. We need to think about what, and in what way, we communicate to visitors and each other.

        This leads to the third area, encouraging participation. Many congregations are hiring volunteer coordinators. That's not where we are now, but it is clear that we need to pay more attention to integrating new members with existing members so we can all find sustenance and, in turn, help sustain our community.

         In Growing a Beloved Community, a book Brian has shared with the board, Tom Owen-Towle writes, "People increasingly come to our congregations not merely to be fed, but to feed others."

         I urge you to think about this as you consider the ways you are fed by and can feed the UUFA ­ and therefore Ames and the wider world ­ in terms of both financial support and gifts of time and talent.

Brenda

Parents of younger children may want to encourage their children to visit the Dustin Berger Library soon. Books on peacemaking are featured for the month of February. Our 5th UU Principle states that "we affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all." With the war in Iraq still raging, a book on peace may give children new and fresh ideas on how to promote peace or affirm peace in themselves. One of the more poignant books I read is called Faithful Elephants by Yukio Tsuchiya. It concerns three elephants in a Japanese zoo who will be put to death to prevent them from running wild if an enemy bomb hits the zoo and "liberates" them. Many of the more ferocious animals have already been poisoned but the elephants avoid the poisoned food. The zookeepers withhold all food and water and watch tearfully and regretfully as the elephants lose weight and spirit. I won't reveal the ending, but the story illustrates the absurdity of war.

Some of the books on peace, such as On the Wings of Peace and The Big Book for Peace, are anthologies of stories, poems, or commentary on war and peace by noted children's authors and illustrators. The Bracelet is a story about the Japanese internment camps in the US during WW II, and Sadako is the well- known story of a young Japanese girl dying of cancer caused by radiation from the atomic bomb dropped on  Hiroshima. Smoky Night by Eve Bunting  is a story of a young girl witnessing riots in a big city, while 3 Little Wolves and the Big, Bad Pig is a reworking of the 3 Little Pigs.....only in this ending the animals stop to smell the roses and become pacifists. And speaking of smelling the roses, we have the book of Ferdinand the Bull who refuses to be bullish. The Seeds of Peace is a wonderful fable of nourishing the seeds of peace within us in order to find wisdom and contentment.

In following the UU Principles we are also asked to affirm and promote the worth and dignity of each person and to promote justice, equity and compassion in all our relations.  You can find books on multiculturalism, diversity, stay-at-home dads, divorce and adoption in the children's library. Books such as People, For Every Child, Children Just Like Me, Doorway to the World, and Whoever You Are inform us that differences can be appreciated and affirmed. Daddy's Roommate, Heather Has 2 Mommies, William's Doll, and Daddy's Wedding reflect the goal of The Welcoming Congregation--to eradicate the oppression of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people. Robert Lives With His Grandparents is a sensitive telling of a young boy whose father has deserted the family and whose mother can no longer care for him due to her drug use. His grandparents bring him into their home where they provide the much needed love and understanding he needs.

Colors-Black and White is a  cheerful book about a biracial child, while We Adopted You, Benjamin Koo talks of interracial adoption. There are several other books besides these mentioned which will help your child learn to "weave the fabric of diversity." In addition, we have books containing folk tales or stories  from various world cultures.

Children's RE

Feb. 20---Secret Friends Party after the second service

Coming of Age

Feb. 23---next forum on Islam at the Fellowship

High School

Feb. 12--Youth overnight at 8 PM

Feb. 20---Youth Sunday---Please come to this thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening Sunday service planned and presented by the high school class. With your attendance you honor their hard work, leadership skills and insights.

Benette

The "Living With HIV" program through MICA will have its 3rd annual Love Responsibly Silent Auction on Thurs., Feb. 10, at Comfort Suites in Ames. We request community donations of gift baskets, gift cards, products, or services. Donations will be advertised and auctioned-off from 5:30-7:30 PM.

Lucullan's Restaurant will cater a delicious lasagna dinner.  The buffet opens at 6 PM. We will raffle off various items this year. Tickets for the meal ($10) and raffle ($3) are available at MICA. Entertainment will include local musicians and HIV speakers.

Donations can be mailed, dropped off at the MICA office or picked up by an auction volunteer. Gifts of cash are also greatly appreciated and will be used to purchase items for the auction. Please make checks payable to "Living with HIV Program." We would appreciate your donation by February 1.

We hope to see you at this year's auction and dinner! If you have questions, please call Janelle Durlin, "Living with HIV" Program Coordinator, or Alissa Stoehr.

February's First Friday Family Fellowship Fun will also serve as a family-friendly pledge-drive event. We will meet at 6 PM Feb. 4 in the Fireside Room for board games and fun. Pizza and drinks cost $3.50 per person. Please RSVP by Thurs., Feb. 3,  to the office, 292-5960, if you plan to make this your pledge-drive event. Please call the Witherspoons if you are coming just for the games.

A new member/information seeker class will be held Sat., Feb. 26, from 9:30-2 PM at the Fellowship. This class will acquaint people with Unitarian Universalist theology, its religious roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions, how we educate our children, our commitment to social justice and the environment, and the workings of our local congregation as it has evolved in the last 60 years in Ames. This class is preparation for becoming a member, but information seekers are welcome. Lunch will be served. Childcare is available upon request. Please sign-up at the Visitors' table, or call Cindy Scholten.

As reported in last month's newsletter, the Committee for Social Responsibility and Action has been restructured into a tri-partite council consisting of Environmental Action Advocates, Human Concerns Coalition and the Justice Education Forum. All three of these groups need immediate help. Environmental Action Advocates will meet at 7 PM on February 23 in the Fellowship to outline a plan of action for the rest of this year. If you are involved in a local or national environmental group please come and share your experiences and activities. We need your ideas, dedication, and energy. — Erv Klaas

The Memorials and Gifts Committee has been established by the UUFA Board of Directors to compassionately assist individuals and families in the UUFA community to memorialize and honor their loved ones through gifts to the Fellowship. In addition, this group will assure that long range plans of the UUFA buildings, grounds, and programming needs are met appropriately through these memorials and gifts. Contact the UUFA Office or any of the four memorials and gifts committee members for guidance and help in this process. Lynn Avant; Kay Berger; Lynne Van Valin; Susan Franzen.

Because of various Pledge Drive events in February, we will not hold regular potlucks this month. Please sign up for a Pledge Drive event instead.

Potlucks will be held the second weekend in March. Please contact Bobbie Warman if you would like to attend or host a potluck. We need hosts!

Exhibit by Cindy Gould — fibers and mixed media.

Each week, half of our Sunday offering is shared with a non-profit agency in recognition of our place in the greater community.

During February, we will be supporting Mid-Iowa Community Action. This agency houses several different programs including the food pantry, low-income home energy assistance, the "Living With HIV" program, and the Story County Community Dental Clinic.

Reminder: If you want your Sunday offering check to count toward your pledge (either operating budget or building fund), please write that on the memo line of your check. Any undesignated checks will be counted 1/2 toward the operating budget and 1/2 toward the charitable organization of the month.

In February, WOW will meet on the 3rd Monday, Feb. 21, at 7 PM in the library. To join us for more information, contact Lynn Avant or Carole Kazmierski.

This group will meet Feb. 1 & 15 from 7-9 PM at the Fellowship. New members are welcome.

We are serving fair trade coffee every Sunday now.  For additional information, see the coffee table.

UU Women's Book Group will meet Mon., Feb. 7 at 7 PM in the UUFA Tower Room. We will discuss children's books by various authors. Ours is an open group, and we welcome new members at any time. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month. Please join us in our lively discussions. Barbi Greenlaw.

3/7/05 The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Anne Fadiman
4/4/05 Unless, Carol Shields
5/2/05 Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseni
6/6/05 In the Lake of the Woods, Tim O'Brien

Coming in March to a Fellowship Near You:  Wellspring Wednesdays

Wellspring Wednesdays are Wednesday nights for the whole family (no matter how big or small your family may be) to come to the Fellowship and enjoy an evening of fun and learning. We start with a meal, then a short service and off to an event of learning. Along with our children's program, Sources of the Spirit, which will explore the different traditions from which we create our religious lives, we'll offer several adult classes. These will include a "Hot Topics" discussion group, and Mindfulness of the Earth.  There will be forums and intergenerational activities as well.

Some quick facts: You don't have to commit to every Wednesday. You don't have to come for the whole evening — just those events that you can. We'll ask for RSVPs by Monday afternoon to reserve a spot for dinner. There will be a fee for the meal, but no one will be turned away.

Speaking of meals, here's an area that you could join in. We hope that meals will be cooked by UUFA teams. We'll provide the menu and recipes as well as pick up the food. Teams will do the cooking and clean up. If you'd like to join a cooking team or create one, please let Brian or Benette know. Does your family like to cook together? Know some people you've always wanted a chance to work with? Looking for a Coming of Age service project? Cooking for the Fellowship could be just the ticket.

This is a trial run of a Wednesday night ministry. We greatly appreciate your feedback!  Our hope is this will provide a new way for our congregation to connect and nurture each other, a way that is comfortable for all ages, and one that provides us an opportunity to be together as an entire community. An informational brochure and sign up list will be available March 1.

Wanted:  Grown-ups who like to read The Wheels on the Bus, play with blocks, sit in the rocking chair, and help toddlers go down the slide. The Nursery needs YOU!  We need adults to be substitute nursery volunteers during the 9:00 and 11:00 services. We need 4-6 people for each service, so that volunteers can take turns. If you like to play with blocks, sign up in the Nursery or contact Bonnie Bowen or Benette Sherman at the Fellowship

Dianne and Dick Mumm for help with newsletter labels.

Ray Strah and Donald Lewis for shoveling snow and de-icing sidewalks.

Suzanne Zilber for pinch-hitting in the nursery.

UU Women's Book Group will read read Song of the Exile by Kiana Davenport for  the Feb. 7 meeting. We will meet in the Tower Room at 7 PM. Call or email Barbi Greenlaw. Ours is an open group, and we welcome new members at any time.

Future meetings will be held the first Monday of each month on Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2 and June 6.

Art Exhibition Committee: Contact Ellen Wool, 292-5960, uufa@uufames.org, or Jean Hagert Dow.

Caring and Human Concerns Committee: Coordinates the caring efforts of the congregation during members' times of personal crisis and celebration. This includes visits and phone calls; sending flowers, cards and food; transportation or emergency help with child care or grocery shopping. The committee will also provide a list of individuals or agencies helping with a specific need. Please call Trish Strah or Lynne Van Valin if we can assist you.

Social Action & Responsibility Committee: 7 PM, Feb. 16. All are welcome.

Archives Committee: Please contact interim chair Susan Franzen.

Historical Jesus Group meets the 3rd Sunday of each month at 7 PM. Please call Marty Helland for specifics. Beginning in January, the group will read In Search of Paul by John Dominic Crossan.

Morning Meditation meets regularly each Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM in Fellowship Hall for a 40-minute sitting session.

UUFA Recorder group rehearses Fridays at 1:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. Please contact Peggy Earnshaw for more information.

Items most needed include canned vegetables, protein beans (pork and beans, baked beans, chili beans, etc.), canned soup, boxed meals, rice, boxed potatoes, stuffing, crackers, and spaghetti
sauce. We are also in need of diapers (sizes 4, 5, and 6). For more information, please call Alissa Stoehr, MICA Food Pantry Coordinator.

Flyers and registration forms for the Prairie Star District Conference are in the Fellowship office. The conference is April 8-10 at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel in St. Paul, MN. Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul is hosting this event.

Please contact Sam Wormley if you are interested in attending or have questions.

Early registrations with a fee reduction are due by March 11.

The UU Women's Writing Group will meet Mon., Feb. 14 at 7 PM in the Tower Room. Please submit your writing to the email list a week or more before that date so the group can review the writing. Our meetings for this year are the second Monday of the month. Please pencil these dates in your calendar: March 14, April 11, May 9. Contact Barbi Greenlaw.

On Sat., Mar. 26, 2005, the UUFA will present Jim Scott in an intergenerational choral workshop. Save your afternoon and evening and then plan on singing during the services on March 27.

Many people know Jim Scott as a member of the Paul Winter Consort. Jim has a long connection with UUs. His hymn "Gather the Spirit" is one of our favorites! He is known for his lyrical songs of nature and peace, sparked with humor. We will all find something to laugh as well as sing about during our time with this master musician.

Do a Google search or go to www.jimscottsongs.com if you need to think twice about this wonderful opportunity.

Call Cynthia Marten, Brian Eslinger, or Peggy Earnshaw if you have questions.

March 6, 2005, 12 noon (immediately following 11 AM service).

Enjoy lunch with other Fellowship members and help raise money for the youth Boston heritage trip. A variety of soups, breads, fruits, cookies and other goodies will be served, all provided by generous volunteers. Donations will be accepted and all proceeds go to the Boston-bound youth. Volunteers are needed to bring food or help with set-up and clean-up. To volunteer, please sign up in the Fireside Room on February 18 and 25, or contact soup lunch coordinator Lisa Enloe.

Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc. (MICA) is looking for volunteers to help in the food pantry. We need help stocking shelves, bringing over donations from our storage area to the pantry, and filling bags for families. We also need people to help file in the office. If you are interested in either or both of these opportunities, please contact Alissa Stoehr, MICA Food Pantry Coordinator.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames is accepting applications for Nursery Coordinator. We seek an individual who will be nurturing, energetic, and reliable. Hours are 8:45 AM -12:15 PM each Sunday during the school year and 9:45-11:15 AM during the summer. Starting pay is $10.00/hour. One to six children, ages birth to three years, use the Nursery at each service on a typical Sunday. The Nursery Coordinator will be expected to provide direct care and plan weekly activities for infants and toddlers, supervise teens who work side-by-side with the coordinator, maintain a safe, nurturing environment, and adhere to safety policies set forth by the Fellowship. References required. To apply, or for more information, contact the UUFA office (292-5960; uufa@uufames.org), or Bonnie Bowen.

Our web site is in urgent need of some pictures more recent than five years ago. If you have any that might be suitable, please contact Fritz Keinert. Digital pictures would make life easier, but he can digitize printed photos as well.

We especially need two kinds of pictures:

1. Shots of the building. This includes outside views, pictures of the Fellowship Hall, fireside room, nursery, classrooms, kitchen (for prospective renters), or pictures of construction progress.

2. Shots of Fellowship functions (parties, Christmas play, special ceremonies, RE or youth groups in session, youth outings, musical performers, etc.) As someone in a UU webmaster's newsletter put it recently, "One picture of happy people is worth more than 1000 words explaining your philosophy."

Minister:
Office Manager
E-mail address:
Interim Religious Ed Director
Custodian
Youth Coordinator

President:
Vice-President:
Past President:
Co-Treasurers:
Secretary:

Brian Eslinger
Ellen Wool—office line
uufa@uufames.org FAX:
Benette Sherman
Isaiah Cunnally
Benette Sherman

Brenda Witherspoon
Sue Ellen Tuttle
Rich Van Valin
Mary Richards & Joan Mathews
Lynne Van Valin

292-5960; 292-8929 (direct)
292-5960; 292-0456 (fax)

292-5960
292-5960
292-5960

BOARD MEMBERS

Barb Abbott (2005)
Wayne Beal (2006)
Peggy Earnshaw (2006)
Leslie Hanft (2006)
Dallas Thies (2005)
Fred Vallier (2005)
Nancy Schroeder-RE Rep
Carter Slagell (Youth Rep)