From the minister

Landscaping the Face of Our Ministry

This summer I spent a good deal of time planting new shrubs, bushes, and even a couple of trees in our front yard. All this replacement work was needed after we'd had a trench dug to fix a drainage problem in our basement. With the help of Ken Lane, we developed a landscaping plan and attempted to improve our house's curb appeal.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well all these new plantings integrated with the existing trees (those lucky few who'd escaped the backhoe). Careful planning and a willingness to pick up our shovels and sweat it out allowed us to bring a new to look our home. While it was unfortunate to have lost so many mature plants, the result was that we have a garden with a greater sense of harmony, one that better fits the look we'd like for our home. We also know that these little bushes will have to grow into their full beauty, so patience in this many-year process is key.

We're also doing some judicious pruning and planting in the metaphorical sense this fall here at the Fellowship. In this second year of our overall Fellowship review process, we'll begin to explore our ministry at all levels. What is it we want to "be" and "do" as a congregation? How do we best facilitate that happening? These are questions that the committee on ministry will be exploring with us this fall. The committee is developing a research vehicle that will be coupled with focus groups and interviews to help them get a clearer vision of our ministry. Such a comprehensive look hasn't happened in the past six years, so it's time we do the work. Just as with Ken's landscaping design, a good plan will yield the desired results.

This exploration will culminate the work we began last year during the review of our religious education and administrative programs. We want to be sure that we have the structure and staffing that best meet our goals. It's not so much that we're striving for "curb appeal" but for that sense of harmony, the feeling that this is our congregation. I look forward to engaging in this process with all of you and hope we can continue to develop a landscape that will help us to beautify the lives of all who attend here and our community as a whole.

See you on Sunday,

October 2

Discussion

Toby Ewing, Kelly Poole, Chris White

Check the guns, ropes, and knives at the door! (Rotten tomatoes will be allowed, though...) Join Toby, Kelly, and Chris in a group discussion of the previous Sundays' presentations.

October 9

Everything Is Holy Now

Rev. Brian Eslinger

How do we understand reality if we see only special people or things as "holy"? What happens if we see the world as imbued with holiness? What do I mean by "holy" in the first place? Join us for Part Three of our continuing theological journey.

October 16

On Being Human

Rev. Brian Eslinger

Throughout human history we have explored and altered our understanding of what it means to be human. In today's world that question is extremely important as humanity has the power not only to destroy our planet but to alter the environment to an unprecedented degree. How do our religious values help us define what it means to be human?

October 23

Discussion

Kay Puttock, Mary Richards, Chris White

We'll break into smaller groups this time to explore our recollections of and our reactions to the programs of the past two weeks.

 

October 30

Something Wicked?

Rev. Brian Eslinger

Is evil real or an invention of humanity? On this Halloween program, we'll explore the different theologies of good and evil and what masters they might serve.

 

From the director of youth and children’s ministries

RE Program Blessed with a Profusion of Both Youth and Adults

Dates to Remember

We have an abundance of children and youth this fall, and it feels wonderful! Our registration is about 120, and we expect a few more to join soon. The middle and high school youth make up a third of the registration. We also have an abundance of RE Committee members who have graciously volunteered their time. The members are Sharon McGuire (in her second year as chair), Bill Kannel, Katie Pope, Faith Winchester, Mike Winchester, Gretta Albrecht, Tara Van Brederode, Beth Herbel-Eisenmann, and Greg Bruna. Bill and Katie are our only other returning members.

Our Youth/Adult Committee is also fully staffed with Tammy Hartmann, Sarah Carlson, and Terry Alexander as adult members and Jess Egli-Davis, Cole Peiffer, Joshua Larson-Konar, Emily Roth, Anne Tepper, and Sarek Hartmann as youth members.

It helps tremendously to have these committees providing the extra attention to both the children and youth programs.

Parents of children in preschool through 8th grade: remember to show your appreciation to the RE teachers now and then. Each teacher has a "mailbag" for notes, gifts, cards, cookies, etc. Other ways to appreciate them: provide babysitting hours, provide homemade baked goods, substitute for them, have a short chat with them, etc. Also, I frequently leave notes for preschool- to 6th-grade children by the door that leads upstairs. Please check there on the Sundays when the children start upstairs.

In the words of Alice Walker, "The transformation required of us is not simply to be 'like' Christ, but to be a Christ."

- Benette

Children’s Activities

Sacred Space Awareness: This is a two-hour program designed for children in grades 1 through 5 to enhance their awareness and appreciation for the Fellowship as a sacred place. We tour various rooms in the Fellowship and talk about their significance; we talk about other sacred spaces and why people need them; we sing some songs, play some games, have a snack, and more. This program is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 to 11. There is a limit of 10 children.

Free Spirits: The Free Spirits children's choir welcomes all Fellowship children to sing our principles. We started on Sept. 11 and will rehearse from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. on alternate weeks (Sept. 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 23), preparing for our first presentation on Nov. 6. If you have any questions, please contact Anne Kimber.

Holiday Play: The holiday play takes place on Christmas Eve with rehearsals usually beginning in November. Look for more information in the next newsletter.

Secret Friends: This intergenerational program begins in January and ends with a party in February where children learn the identity of their adult secret friend.

Youth Activities

Wednesday Night Youth Groups: High school youth meet in the youth room from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Overnights: There is an overnight planned for the high school students on Oct. 15. And save the dates for overnights on Dec. 10 and Feb. 11

Youth Conference: Nov. 4-6 in Minneapolis

Boston Trip Review and Highlights: On Sunday, Oct. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m., the youth who participated in the Boston Heritage trip will speak about their experiences and show slides of the places they visited. This event is open to the Fellowship, and we hope to see many of you as we recall our wonderful experiences!

From the office administrator

Just a brief note... You may have noticed that I'm trying to get a standard order of articles for the newsletter. The first page is always either the minister or the president's letter along with the Sunday blurbs, the second page is always the calendar, the third page is always the religious education page.

But then things get dicey since I don't get reports from the same committees each month. Last month, the "leftover" articles separated themselves into education opportunities in Ames and in the Fellowship. This month, there was a group of requests to use our minds and another group of requests to use our hands.

So, I've done a "Think" page and a "Do" page. Wouldn't it be cool if everyone would take a look at these and pick at least one activity on each of these pages? And don't just THINK about getting an electronic subscription-DO it!

- Becca

Think

Think

Think

Think

Think

Think

Think

Think

THINK ABOUT SCIENCE

Fritz Franzen and Sam Wormley are continuing to host a Science Video Discussion Fellowship Circle at the home of Fritz Franzen on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7-9 p.m., beginning Oct. 4. The first video will be Richard Dawkins' The Blind Watchmaker on Oct. 4.

- Sam Wormley

THINK ABOUT BOOKS

The UUFA Women's Book Group will be meeting Monday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Tower Room of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames. We will be discussing Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. This novel features a frail elderly minister's memoirs, written so his young son will have a record of his life. This novel won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize as well as the 2004 National Book Circle Prize. All our selections are in paperback and available in local bookstores. Please come join us we always welcome new members! The Book Group always meets the first Monday of the month. Our calendar for the year includes: Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood (Nov. 7), Master Builder's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich (Dec. 5), Hoot and/or Flush by Carl Hiassen (Jan. 2), From Here You Can't See Paris by Michael S. Sanders (Feb. 6), Angry Housewives Eating Bon-bons by Lorna Landvik (Mar. 6), Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (Apr. 3), Nine Tailors by Dorothy Sayers (May 1), and Mermaid's Chair by Sue Monk Kidd (June 5).

- Barbi Greenlaw

THINK ABOUT RELIGION - WELLSPRING WEDNESDAYS

Gather at the Fellowship on Wednesday nights, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9 for fun, fellowship, and a chance to learn as well. We'll have two classes: "Engaging Our Theological Diversity" led by the Rev. Brian Eslinger and "Science and Religion" led by Sam Wormley, Marty Helland, Martha Atkins, and Fritz Franzen. A third group will be our "Hot Topics" discussion group. Although the leaders may offer short stimulating essays, the real driver of these discussions is you. Classes will begin at 7 p.m., so we'll gather for a potluck dinner at 6. Please contact the office at 515-292-5960 to register for both the potluck dinner and classes.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Engaging our Theological Diversity: This class will be based on the 2005 UUA Commission on Appraisal Report. This in-depth commentary explores the wide variety of UU theological beliefs and the ways in which this diversity is a source of enrichment and conflict. Together, we'll probe the questions: What is at the center of our faith? What holds us together as a community? Advanced registration is needed to ensure we have enough books. Please call the office by Oct. 12 to order your book. Books are $15.

Science and Religion: During the Coming of Age retreat last May at the 4-H camp along the Des Moines River, youth and mentors engaged in an activity known as "unrequited love." Half of us stood, eyes closed, with the instruction that we could not react, while the other half, one by one, could interact with us. Some people would come up to me and give me a hug, or whisper something in my ear. One person actually "crashed" into me... I've always suspected it was my mentee - a "love crash," if you will. Then we changed roles - I got to be in the group that could interact. As I approached each individual, a youth or an adult mentor, I placed my hand on the person's shoulder and quietly spoke, "Science does not deny spirituality." The relationship between science and religion (including spirituality) varies through history and from individual to individual. Each of our seven UU Principles seems to be applicable to the relationship between science and religion:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person
• Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

Please join us at the Fellowship as we explore the relationships between science, religion and spirituality.

JUST THINK

Just a reminder that there is a women's retreat scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 28-30. The retreat is at the Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Indianola. See its Web site: www.gbgm-umc.org/wesleywoods/pages/home.html.

- Cheryl Lawson

Do It

Do It

Do It

Do It

Do It

Do It

Do It

Do It

BEAT YOUR DRUMS

Please join us for our first gathering of the Drum Circle on Oct. 23 (fourth Sunday afternoon) from 3 to 5 p.m. No experience necessary, and all are welcome. If you don't have a drum, this is your chance to be creative - there are often household items that double as a great percussion instrument! Just come make new friends and have fun.

- Jennifer Klages

CLICK YOUR NEEDLES

This is a great opportunity for Fellowship women (and friends) who enjoy knitting. We're exploring the possibility of forming a local Conscientious Knitters (CK) group. The goals of the group would be to build community, increase environmental respect, and work for social and spiritual justice. Possible activities include a monthly newsletter (we can use one from another CK group), workshops (Learn to knit? Knitting as a spiritual practice? Knitting bee for a special need?), a monthly "drop-in" knitting group, and creating auction items. Are you interested? Do you have questions? Do you want to expand this idea to include other needle arts? Contact me!

- Mary Richards

JOIN A CIRCLE

Circles are a great opportunity for women who have a little daytime room in their lives for small-group fellowship. The members of the women's daytime circle (currently meeting every other Monday afternoon 1:30 to 3) invite you to join us. (Maybe you can help us think of a catchy name for our group!) Circles are a great way to make new friends and develop connections in the Fellowship. All ages and interests are welcome.

- Susan Franzen

WIELD YOUR BRUSH - SHAPE YOUR CLAY - STITCH YOUR FABRIC - SNAP YOUR PICTURE

The current Gallery in the Round exhibit, Jeff White: Multiple Dimensions, comes down Wednesday morning Oct. 19. That afternoon, the Art Committee will hang its annual presentation of Fellowship Artists. This is an all-Fellowship Artists exhibit. Each artist may contribute two pieces and must fill out a blue sheet, available from the office, that states the title of the work, its price or NFS (Not For Sale), and an insurance value. If you are unable to come in the afternoon on 10/19, you may leave your work and the completed blue sheet in the Fellowship office beforehand.

- Jean Dow

WELCOME A STRANGER

You probably forgot what people said. You probably forgot what people did. But from the first time you walked in the door of our Fellowship, you did not forget how people made you feel. In this congregation, we want everyone, whether brand-new or a long-timer, to remember a pleasant welcoming feeling when they enter the doors. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you if you don't know him or her. As did you, they will remember how they felt the first time they came. Let's make new people feel our joy at their presence in this religious community.

- Cindy Scholten

NOMINATE OUR VOLUNTEERS

Now is the time to nominate your stellar congregational volunteers for Prairie Star District, and perhaps even UUA recognition! Nomination forms are at www.psduua.org and are due by Jan. 31, 2006.

• PSD SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARDS pay tribute to those who witness to the ideals of social justice and responsibility so important to our UU heritage (youth and adult).
• UNSUNG UU AWARD affirms those UUs whose actions inspire, support, and express Unitarian Universalism, but have not been previously recognized. The award is given to a person or group whose lifetime activities have made a significant contribution to the cause of Unitarian Universalism.
• KEEPING THE FAITH AWARDS were established to recognize people who live by UU principles. They are presented to persons in large and small congregations who have worked to keep Unitarian Universalism alive in their community and who touch the lives of congregation and community members in a positive way.
• ELLIE MORTON AWARD honors a person/group that has made a contribution to religious education in our District.
• BETTY GORSHE HERITAGE AWARD recognizes an individual/group which has made a contribution to preserving, understanding, and celebrating our Unitarian Universalist history.

The Prairie Star District Awards Committee of Ted Downey, Nancy Miller, Kelly McKown and Karen Hirsch can answer questions.

Sarah Greene, District Administrator, Prairie Star District

JUST DO IT ALL AND BE A HAZELNUT

Who are the Hazelnuts? They are a group of volunteers, named in memory of longtime Fellowship member Hazel Hammer, who did "anything and everything" to make our building a neat, clean, inviting place, including maintenance and cleaning projects around the Fellowship. How can you become a Hazelnut? Simply email, call, or tell Cheryl Lawson. She will put you on an email list and you will be sent a description of opportunities. If you can help, just reply. There is no obligation to do anything, but if you can help out once in a while, it will be appreciated.

- Cheryl Lawson

From the president

Tinker, Tailor, Minister, Teacher...

Like some of you, I am back into full swing teaching at Iowa State. I've often said that teaching doesn't feel like a calling to me; the classroom setting sometimes drains more than it fills.

But this semester, noting that I've agreed to teach for three years running now, it was time to adopt a fresh perspective. I'm reinventing a lot, taking more risks, trying to make it a better fit for me, and, in the process, finding out that it's a better fit for student learning, too.
Some of you may have noticed that our minister, Brian Eslinger, is also sporting a teacher's hat at ISU this semester. He's leading a beginning course in world religions and will switch to a course on religious ethics in the spring.

During the summer, when Brian was weighing whether to take on the opportunity to explore religion in a classroom setting, he sought guidance from the Fellowship's executive leadership team - those officers who handle business between board meetings and during the summer meeting hiatus - and he also had conversations with other board members and the Committee on Ministry. He teaches at 8 a.m. before starting his Fellowship day, and we talked about having enough free time in his schedule to handle the grading, which is clearly not part of his work for the Fellowship. We were comfortable with giving it a try and encouraged him to proceed.

Brian reports that he's pleased with how the challenge of researching and structuring his thoughts for class has helped him approach his Fellowship work. And while it would be inappropriate to look at an academic class at a public institution as "outreach," per se, I think many of us might see merit in exposing students to an open-minded approach to studying world religions.

Nonetheless, I think that, as members become more aware of Fellowship machinations, the question of the minister's time arises naturally. UUs nationwide typically ask ministers to work six-day weeks, balancing the always-on-call demands with month-long vacation and study leaves. We want our ministers to be available, but we also expect them to have times of quiet reflection and restoration so that they might be more ministerial when they are present.

And in Brian's case, specifically, I think members sometimes wonder about his time spent on wider denominational work. When Brian arrived in Ames, the Fellowship saw this engagement - whether being in the pulpit at start-up congregations some Sundays, attending GA, or serving specific roles within the Prairie Star District - as important and appropriate outreach and, thus, part of his work time. Teaching does not fall into that same category, but it is a broader engagement with religious questions.

The question of how Brian's time is spent is critical to his covenant with the congregation, and it's one that requires open and ongoing communication, discussion, and adaptation.

If you'd like to explore this topic in more depth, I'd encourage you to talk directly with Brian about the myriad facets of his role as minister. The Committee on Ministry will soon seek input from the wider congregation about its collective view of the minister's role, and that will provide another venue to continue the conversation.

- Brenda

UUFA Auction

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29

Fellowship Hall

Donate Items, Service and Events

For an Auction

To benefit the Fellowship Operating Fund.

Go to the Auction Page for donation forms (print-out and online). Donate an Item, a Service or an Event - Or all three.

Deadline for the submission of Donation forms is Oct. 17 (Firm Deadline - No donations will be accepted after Oct. 17.)

An exciting evening is being planned!

Light finger foods and desserts

* Entertainment! *

Watch for Announcements!

The Auction is a Fellowship-wide community event where you can donate something of value that others will value and will purchase. It is not a garage sale. It is an entertaining, fun-filled evening. The joy of the evening is relived when you look at the painting, attend the dinner, or sit and watch someone weed your garden. What joy! The most valuable items, services, and events attract the most competitive bidding. The Auction proceeds benefit the entire UUFA community.

- Wayne Beal

Next Board Meetings:
7pm Wednesday, October 12
7pm Wednesday, November 16