UUCE WEEKLY UUpDate
March 11-21, 2010 

TABLE OF CONTENTS / LINKS  
     * Ten-Day Calendar-Lite
     *** Service Opportunities
     * Newcomer Orientation Series
     *** Congregational Notes
     * Gatherings, Meetings, Events, Committees, Groups, Socials
     * Children's Religious Education
     * Religious/Ethics News from Far and Wide - always different

Monthly *Newsletter*: Visit http://www.uueugene.org/Newsletter.html

Weekly *UUpDate* on the Web: http://www.uueugene.org/UUpDate.html <---you are here

WebCalendar (for planning the use of the building): http://www.uueugene.org/webCal.html

Legend: S=Sanctuary, SH=Social Hall, L=Library, B=Breezeway Room, Rm5=Room 5, UU=Unitarian Universalist, UUA=Unitarian Universalist Association (Boston), PNWD=Pacific Northwest District, RE=Religious Education, List/Listserv=email discussion group, AGM=Annual General Meeting of the PNWD, GA=Annual General Assembly of the UUA

Links - If it's underlined, it's a link.  (Use your Back button to return to this UUpDate.) 
Phone numbers - Assume "541" before any phone number that does not have ten digits.

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They [terrorists] can't claim that their suicide bombings are martyrdom operations
and that they become the heroes of the Muslim Umma [global brotherhood].
No, they become heroes of hellfire, and they are leading towards hellfire.
There is no place for any martyrdom and
their act is never, ever to be considered jihad.
- Dr. Tahir ul-Qadri, a London-based Pakistani Muslim scholar in
a fatwa (religious ruling) against terrorism and suicide bombing.
Ul-Qadri is head of the Minhaj ul-Quran religious and educational organization,
founded in Pakistan in 1980 to promote peace and interfaith dialogue around the globe.
Source: Al Jazeera via Verse and Voice from Jim Wallis' Sojourner

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TEN-DAY CALENDAR-LITE

THURSDAY MARCH 11
* Thundereggs Social 2-4pm at Tsunami Books (back room) - All women welcome, especially women-of-a-certain-age!
* Calm Abiding Meditation 6-6:45pm B Drop-ins welcome
* Interfaith Prayer Service 6:45 at First Christian Church downtown. Every 11th of the month since 9/11/2001
* Board Meeting 7pm Rm5 
* Newcomer Orientation Series (2nd of 4) 7pm S/SH Details

FRIDAY MARCH 12
* Women's Alliance Potluck Luncheon -  12noon, Social Hall. Contact: Kathleen Dillon at
541-689-1620 or kadydid@juno.com
* Interweave Dinner and a Movie 6pm S/SH - Potluck at 6pm; Movie at 7pm. The movie: Big Eden. Contact: Nisco at 541-915-0097 or <niscohappy@comcast.net> for info, or if you want childcare. Details

SATURDAY MARCH 13
* Phone your Joys and Concerns to Rev. Stephen Ames' voice mail: 541-743-0640 by noon today to be shared at tomorrow's service.
* Coordinating Council 9:30-11:30am SH
* Music Soiree 7pm S/SH details

SPRING AHEAD!  
Daylight Savings time begins March 14th

Sunday March 14 — two services, 9am & 11am
Renewing Faith Amid the Rubble
Rev. Stephen Ames
      Every day we may learn about the latest violence in Afganistan and Iraq, Darfur and Congo. We may have personal knowledge of this or other violence. What does this destruction mean for our religious faith: our theology, our hope, our commitment? Guided by the essays of Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, President of Starr King School for the Ministry, Rev. Stephen will explore these questions as we approach the seventh anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
     * Children's Religious Education classes during both services, 11am Youth Group
     * Adult R.E. class: Global Warming: Change the Course.  Sign-up after each service today if space is still available. Details   
     * Photo Directory camera reservations are now being accepted.  
     * Correct or confirm with your initials your current Directory listing today
     * Sign up at the Social Justice Table for the Sunday, March 28th UUSC-sponsored Get Together ("Squeezed by the Economy") to discuss the critical issues facing both white and blue collar workers today. Details
     * Fair Trade Coffee Store - with coffee, chocolate, cocoa
     * Worship Associates - 12:30-2:00pm Rm5 

MONDAY MARCH 15
* FOC - Financial Oversight Cte 5:30pm SH
* Northwest Earth Institute Global Warming Changing Course 6:30pm B  Details
* Capital Campaign committee 7pm Rm5
* Chalice Choir 7pm S/SH

TUESDAY MARCH 16
* Morning Doves - Birders and Breakfast group meets 8am - details 
* Directory Photo Day 2pm-9:30pm Rms2, 3, & 4

WEDNESDAY MARCH 17
* (New) Story Circle 10am SH Details
* Order of Service deadline 11am to <publications@uueugene.org>
* UUpDate deadline: happenings due by noon to <happenings@uueugene.org>
* Directory Photo Day 2pm-9:30pm Rms2, 3, & 4  
* Chamber Choir 5:15pm S
* CUUPs (Covenant of UU Pagans) 7pm B - 6:30 Breezway. Second of four book discussions on, "Evolutionary Witchcraft" by T. Thorn Coyle, Chapters 4-7 More
* Sanctuary Choir 7pm S

THURSDAY MARCH 18
* Directory Photo Day 2pm-9:30pm Rms2, 3, & 4
* Thundereggs Social 2-4pm at Tsunami Books (back room) - All women welcome, especially women-of-a-certain-age!
* Calm Abiding Meditation 6-6:45pm B Drop-ins welcome
* Newcomer Orientation Series (3rd of 4) 7pm S/SH

FRIDAY MARCH 19
* Directory Photo Day 2pm-9:30pm Rms2, 3, & 4
* Newsletter Deadline 11am to publications@uueugene.org
* ALL-CHURCH POTLUCK and MOVIE - 6pm S/SH    Movie:  Trashed  Details

SATURDAY MARCH 20
* Phone your Joys and Concerns to Rev. Stephen Ames' voice mail: 541-743-0640 by noon today to be shared at tomorrow's service.
* CUUPs Outing to Belknap Springs. Ostara Ritual and potluck, cost $7 to soak or swim. Clothing or swim suits required.
* Directory Photo Day 2pm-9:30pm Rms2, 3, & 4
* Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - tentative 9am-noon S

Sunday March 21 — two services, 9am & 11am
Bound for a Place Called Earth
Rev. Stephen Ames
      Science Fiction Myths from Star Trek to (the new) Battlestar Gallectica.  Joseph Campbell wrote, "A myth is a public dream. A dream is a private myth." We will explore evolving science fiction myths over the last forty years and what they tell us about our real life predicaments.
     * Our Community Collection today goes to the Relief Nursery
     * Children's Religious Education classesduring both services, 11am Youth Group 
     * Photo Directory camera reservations are still being accepted.  Also, correct your current Directory listing today.
     * Correct or confirm with your initials your current Directory listing today
     * Sign up at the Social Justice Table for the Sunday, March 28th UUSC-sponsored Get Together ("Squeezed by the Economy") to discuss the critical issues facing both white and blue collar workers today. Details
     * Fair Trade Coffee Store - with coffee, chocolate, cocoa
     * Caring Committee, 12pm in the library
     * Unemployment group meeting 12:30-1:30pm B  Contact: Dillehay Pam pdillehay@earthlink.net
     * SGM Steering Committee 12:30-2pm Rm5 Contact Dick Loescher at richardloescher@msn.com

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"Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
~ Anais Nin

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SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Let Love Guide Us

• WORSHIP ASSOCIATES AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATES OPPORTUNITIES NOW OPEN
     Pastoral Associates are selected and trained by the minister to visit church members and friends in times of transition and those unable to attend church regularly, such as those in nursing homes with limited mobility. Meetings every other month are provided to help them deepen their art of spiritual listening. The content of their visits is shared only as needed for supervision, and anything shared is kept confidential. More info and application at http://www.uueugene.org/PastoralAssociates.html
      The Worship Team provides an avenue for church members to participate in the creation of Sunday morning worship services.  Most often, worship associates and anchors support minister-led services.  They also support services led by guest worship leaders.  Experienced worship team members lead services as well, in the summer and at other times during the year, usually working as part of a team of lay leaders.  More info and application (including deadline) at http://www.uueugene.org/worship/Associates.html

• THE MARCH THIRD COMMUNITY COLLECTION
     The March Community Collection will go to the Relief Nursery of Eugene.

• SINGERS AND MUSICIANS WANTED
    Singers and Musicians Wanted for future "fun"raising concerts. We are on the lookout for talent from the congregation. Contact Joseph Bonnevie with ideas for concerts or auditioning to perform. vocalist@earthlink.net or 541-515-6075

• CLUTTERBUSTING GARAGE SALE - April 16-17, 2010
     In just over a month, we will have our first Clutterbusting Garage Sale in 2010. This is an excellent opportunity to clean out your closets, basement, kitchen cupboards and garage and donate gently used items for the sale to benefit our church general fund. The sale will be held in the garage at Judie and Ed Hansen’s. Items wanted: household goods, games, linens, small appliances, kitchen gadgets, garden items, tools, and sporting goods. We cannot accept large furniture, TV’s, books or clothes. Please store the items until just prior to the sale. Questions? Contact Judie Hansen with questions and offers to help: judie310hansen@comcast.net 541-338-2959

• FOOD FOR LANE COUNTY VOLUNTEER NIGHT - March Night is postponed to April 22
     The FFLC facility will be closed on our regularly scheduled volunteer night, March 25th. Please mark your calendar to come on Thursday, April 22nd. Nineteen UUs volunteered in February and we helped package 2150 lbs. of healthy cereal donated by Golden Temple! Go team! Contact Diane Wooldridge to sign up at woolietoys@msn.com or 541-342-8071.

• SORT NOW FOR OUR NEXT USED BOOK SALE - Friday 2pm and Saturday 12:30pm May 21-22
     Everyone is hopefully saving books for the May Used Book Sale. Set-up starts at 2pm May 21, sale at the All-Church Potluck that evening, and then starting again at 12:30pm on Saturday. It has been said by book-buyers that we are the best readers and thus have best book sale in town. Do let Ruth know if you can help and maybe we can raise twice as much as last sale. Save/sort books, CDs, DVDs, and videos and <?> Contact: Ruth Duemler 484-6145

• CHALICE LIGHTER Program
     The idea is simple. It asks individual UUs to contribute $10 or more, up to three times a year, to help congregations in their own district to complete a special project linked to growth. Churches seeking grants must have at least 30% of their members signed up as Chalice Lighters to be eligible. We presently have only 43/384 and thus need a minimum of 128! The easiest way to sign up is to go to www.pnwd.org. You will receive three requests for $10 each year, with an explanation of how the money will be spent. The District does not keep any of the donation for administrative costs, so every dollar you give goes directly to support a project proposed by a UU church in Oregon, Washington, Idaho or Alaska. There are also brochures about Chalice Lighters in the foyer at church. If you have questions, see Bjorn Olson at bdo2@lehigh.edu

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A clash of doctrines is not a disaster—it is an opportunity.
—Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947)

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“GETTING TO KNOW UU”

• SPRING 2010 NEWCOMER ORIENTATION
     We believe that joining this church is an important decision, so we don’t want newcomers to rush into membership. We encourage you to take your time, attend the four-session orientation series, and find your part in our community as you learn more about us. These newcomer Orientation sessions are a good way to begin.
     You’ll learn about some of the highlights of our Unitarian Universalist history. You’ll have a chance to share your religious ideas and values with other newcomers. You’ll meet potential new friends. Even if you have been a member of other UU congregations, you’ll find this series a great way to begin to be part of this community.
     The Orientation series is designed to elicit and answer many questions that you as a newcomer might have, to help you identify what you are looking for in a church home, to share what your own and others’ spiritual journeys have been, and to help you get to know UU philosophy and values. There will be times for asking and answering questions and for sharing with others in smaller groups. You’ll learn about our church’s programs and operation as well as meet some of its members.     
          Class #2: Thursday, March 11, 2010: 7:00-9:00 pm (More about UUCE, organization, committees, and social activities with the Membership Committee)
          Class #3: Thursday, March 18, 2010: 7:00-9:00 pm (Rev. Stephen Ames answers your “Burning Questions” and gives an overview of Unitarian Universalist History)
          Class #4: Thursday, March 25, 2010: 7:00-9:00 pm (Membership, stewardship, RE, Polity & Governance, and small groups with the Membership Committee)
Contact: Marilyn Junkins, Membership Committee chair (541-968-9200 or mdjunkins@comcast.net)
More info at: http://www.uueugene.org/Membership/matters.html

• SPRING NEW MEMBER SUNDAY - April 25, 2010
     The next New Member Sunday will be in the Fall of 2010. Sign-ups will start March 11th during newcomer orientations. Sign up Sundays at church, or contact Marilyn Junkins at mdjunkins@comcast.net or 541-968-9200.

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Red-Handed Miracle Worker!
Ed Zack caught Chuck Wagar in the act of filling the potholes at the church.
Way to go, Chuck!

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CONGREGATIONAL NOTES

• 2010 CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY
     Please sign up NOW to get your family’s photo taken for the 2010 Church Photo Directory. The photo shoots will take place March 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and April 5, 6, 7. This is also your chance to update your family’s contact information. Correct or confirm with your initials your current Directory listing today, and schedule your family’s sitting with Olan Mills in March and April. There is no cost to you or to UUCE for this Directory. Your family will receive an 8x10” color photo for participating. Even if you had a photo taken for our last Directory, you will need to sit for a new photo this year. Questions? Please contact Nisco Junkins, with the Membership committee at 541-915-0097 or niscohappy @comcast.net.

• ANNUAL BUDGET DRIVE & CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMBINED THIS YEAR
      This year we're combining the Annual Budget Drive and the Capital Campaign. During the next couple of weeks there will be an opportunity for you to meet with a Visiting Steward. A big part of the visit is getting to know someone new or getting to know someone better. Take this as an opportunity to elaborate on the congregational survey conducted last fall, and confirm your commitment to continuing spiritual growth and our involvement with the broader community.
      For the capital campaign, as of March 10, we have received $573,920.82 out of $888,167 pledged to purchase our new building! We need to raise a total of $1.25 million so please consider a gift to this important project. And your continuing commitment to our Annual Budget Drive is essential for the healthy operation of our church. For questions about donations to the capital campaign, contact Gil Osgood, Capital Campaign Treasurer, at 541-484-1180 or giloz@comcast.net. For questions about the annual budget drive, contact Brian Lewis at 541-870-6658 or rustic289@yahoo.com and David Green at 541-683-9657 or jodagrn@efn.org. Thank you! 

• DO YOU LIKE COUNTING MONEY?
     Want to work with more than is in your own checking account? UUCE needs a Treasurer for the 2010-2012 term! The Treasurer responsibilities have been downsized to make it a more manageable volunteer position. The Budget and Finance committees provide backup and support and Hutch, our Office Administrator, is now taking on many of the day-to-day money handling aspects. There are also two pledge secretaries and a paid part-time bookkeeper; all are there to enable you to relax and enjoy soft cushions, bonbons, and novels on a regular basis! The Treasurer plays a key role in keeping the Board, committees and the church community informed regarding our finances. Interested? Questions? Contact Betty Hosokawa at 541-683-1907 or betty9758@comcast.net  soon!  

• OUR NEW HOME  -  GETTING TO GREEN
    It’s Official - We now own the 1685 West 13th Street property for our future church home. The Scottish Rite Association will hold a farewell celebration for their members on April 6 and vacate the building on Monday, April 12. We are planning a simple celebratory fun event on Sunday, April 18 from 2-4 pm as we put up a “Future Home of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene” weatherproof banner and take down the lighted sign for the Scottish Rite Center. This will be an opportunity to explore the property and claim ownership. A more structured and spiritual ceremony will be held after the first phase of renovation. On Monday, March 15, our architect Gary Moye, and his staff, will begin measuring the building and begin their schematic design for renovation. We will be putting together a wish list of things we need or volunteer jobs related to our future home. If you have questions or comments about anything related to this process, contact BPOC at newhome@uueugene.org  To review our work so far, visit our question and answer pages:
           First Q&A - thru March 2007  
           Second Q&A - thru Nov 2009
           Third Q&A - current

• ALERT - Please remember to lock your car and take valuables with you. We had an evening parking lot break-in recently.

• OFFICE HOURS
     Rev. Stephen Ames' office hours are Tues-Wed-Thurs from 9am-noon, Fridays off. Of course, he can make appointments at other times. If you have a pastoral concern or other matter to discuss with him, please call 686-2775 x1. His email address is minister@uueugene.org. If you need a reply to an email you sent to Rev. Ames, please leave a voicemail message at 541-686-2775 x1. For pastoral emergencies when Rev. Ames is not available, please contact Kathy Dillon, Pastoral Associate pastoralassociates@uueugene.org or 541-689-1620.
     Rev. Stephen Ames will take study leave March 22-28. During the week of March 29-April 2, his office hours will be Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30-4:30pm. No morning office hours that week.

• SABBATICAL SCHEDULE
     Candee Cole, Director of Religious Education (DRE), will be on sabbatical thru the end of May 2010 - for Religious Education questions, please use Religious Education alternative contacts roster

• OUR NEWSLETTER IS   G R E E N
     Newsletter subscriptions are now for the Web version ONLY, unless you officially OPT IN for the printed edition.  So ---> To receive the Newsletter by paper snail-mail, please contact the church office at office@uueugene.org or 541-686-2775   To receive it by email, start with a request to the listmoms.  The Weekly UUpDate and the Newsletter announcement arrive to you via the UUCE-News listserv, so ask for any of those.

• LOCAL LISTSERVS
     Join a local UUCE Listserv - Members and friends may subscribe to one or more listservs at <http://www.uueugene.org/mailman/listinfo> or contact listmanager@uueugene.org for help. Consider UUCE-Share (personal), UUCE-Chat (banter, news, theology, silliness), and certainly UUCE-News (five church-related calendars a month)...

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"The thrill of danger and uncertainty... always comes with thinking."
http://considerationliberationarmy.ca/propaganda.php

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GATHERINGS, MEETINGS, EVENTS
Building Communities within Community

• THUNDEREGGS SOCIAL - Thursday afternoons:  March 11 & 18   2-4pm offsite
     Since 1997, women-of-a-certain-age have met to solve the problems of the world in the back room at Tsunami Books, 26th and Willamette St. Newcomers and drop-ins very welcome. Contact Elena at elenarae2@gmail.com

• MORNING DOVES - Tuesday mornings, March 16 & 23 at 8am - Birders & Breakfast group
    We are UUs and friends who have been gathering on Tuesday mornings since the summer of 2006 to get a little exercise, learn to recognize different birds, and socialize, which can include breakfast. We ask for a voluntary donation of $2.00 for the church general fund. We go to Skinner's Butte, Checkermallow Meadow, Fern Ridge (various), Delta Ponds,  and other locations. To be notified of the location each Tuesday, contact Judie Hansen at judie310hansen@comcast.net to join the Birders listserv. 

• INTERWEAVE DINNER AND A MOVIE NIGHT - March 12, 2010 Potluck at 6pm Movie at 7pm S/SH
     Big Eden is fable about home and family. It hits upon the universal longing and hope we each have for finding a place where we are loved, and the unconditional desire to see those that we love find happiness. Big Eden is a tiny town tucked away in the timberland of northwestern Montana, where cowboys lounge on the porch of the general store to pass the time away, and keep their eyes on things. Henry Hart, a successful but lonely New York artist, returns to Big Eden. Henry finds he must come to terms with his relationship to Dean Stewart, his best friend from high school, and the object of his unrequited love. Henry’s reappearance sparks a transformation in Pike Dexter, the shy, unassuming, Native American owner of the town’s general store. Pike is as surprised as anyone, and completely unprepared, when he finds himself falling in love with Henry. QUESTIONS: Please contact Nisco Junkins at NiscoHappy@comcast.net or 541-915-0097.

• COORDINATING COUNCIL - Saturday, March 13 from 9:30am-11:30am. Contact Ken Ross at ruthken@pacinfo.com or 541-686-1549

• MARCH MUSIC SOIREE - Saturday, March 13, 7pm S/SH
    Our annual Music Soiree, our free All-Congregation-Talent-Show will feature YOU: members of our congregation who have polished up their best to entertain. Storytellers, comedians, magicians, musicians and more will be featured in this evening of family fun. Plan to arrive early to get a good seat. Refreshments will be available.

• UNEMPLOYMENT SUPPORT GROUP - March 14 after 2nd service 
     If you are a UUCE member or friend experiencing unemployment, please come to the monthly Unemployment Support Group. We'll be meeting after the second service downstairs, on the following Sundays at 12:30 in the Breezeway room: March 14, April 18, May 16, and June 20. If you need childcare (provided for us by the Social Justice Committee's funds), contact Pam Dillehay (343-6332 or pdillehay@earthlink.net) as soon as possible. Bring a simple lunch food to share and your plate, cup, and utensils (we have extra if you forget).   Also:  Reserve your no-cost childcare for the Unemployment Support Group to be held on Sunday by contacting Pam Dillehay 343-6332 or pdillehay@earthlink.net

• GLOBAL WARMING: CHANGING THE COURSE - Adult Religious Education - Mondays March 15 through April 5 from 6:30-8pm B
     The Green Sanctuary Committee in concert with Adult Religious Education will be offering a four-week class on "Global Warming: Changing Course" in March and April.
     Global Warming may be the defining issue of the 21st century, yet for many it is still more a matter of debate than of action. Moreover, it can feel daunting and overwhelming. This course follows the format and booklet of the Northwest Earth Institute, and takes us through the issues to a place of empowerment—to do what each of us can do to make our contributions towards dealing with this problem. The course was last offered at the UUCE a couple years ago and was well-received—it remains as timely as ever.
     Sign-up on Sunday after each service; the class works best with a maximum of 12 participants. There is a fee of $20 for the booklet, which can be waived in special circumstances, so that everyone who wants to participate can do so.

• STORY CIRCLE - Wed March 17 10am 
     A part of the recent End of Life class encouraged attendees to write narratives about some of their life stories for their families in addition to making end of life decisions, etc. Some expressed an interest in forming a Story Circle to help motivate them to write on a regular basis. Judie Hansen has been involved in several groups in the past and has offered to help get a group organized. The first meeting is Wednesday, March 17 from 10am to noon. Judie will share resources and help the group decide whether they want to meet regularly. Even if you did not attend the End of Life sessions you are welcome to attend this information session. Questions - Judie Hansen 541-338-2959 or judie310hansen@comcast.net

• ALL CHURCH POTLUCK (and MOVIE) - March 19  6:15pm Potluck, 7pm Movie
     We are offering a film titled “Trashed”  brought to us by the Green Sanctuary committee. “Trashed” is a provocative investigation of one of the fastest growing industries in North America: the garbage business. The film examines a fundamental element of modern American culture…the disposal of what our society defines as “waste.” It is an issue influenced by every American, most of whom never consider the consequences. Nor, it seems, the implications to our biosphere. At times humorous, but deeply poignant,“Trashed” examines the American waste stream fast approaching a half billion tons annually.
     April’s potluck is April 16th. The activity is “Bring a Poem in Your Pocket.” All are welcome. April is national poetry month. We invite you to bring a favorite poem that you or someone else has written, After dinner, those who wish will read their “pocket poem” to share with everyone.

• WEST FIR HIKE - Saturday, March 20th, 9:00am  Easy, 8 miles round trip
     We will ramble along the middle fork of the Willamette River, starting at the beautiful West Fir covered bridge. The hike is relatively flat, but may be muddy. Bring rain gear, hiking shoes, personal first aid supplies, water, and a sack lunch. We will leave from the church parking lot; car pool drivers are needed. Contact Diane Wooldridge to sign up at woolietoys@msn.com or 541-342-8071. Sponsored by the UFO.  (UFO=Unitarilist Fun Organization)

• WOM'NSPIRIT - March 24 at 7pm
     A women's affinity group practicing earth-based spirituality under the Women's Alliance at UUCE. For more information: 541-683-6691

• SQUEEZED by the ECONOMY? Feeling Alone? It's Time to Get Together!  Sunday, Mar. 28, 12:30pm offsite
    Join us for a UUSC-sponsored Get Together to discuss the critical issues facing both white and blue collar workers today. We will gather at Ruth Duemler's home at 12:30 and participate in a conference call at 1:00pm with Steven Greenhouse, New York Times business and economics correspondent, and author of "The Big Squeeze". We will share a light potluck lunch. Sign up at the Social Justice Table on March 14 and 21 or contact Barb Prentice (541-302-8151) barbprentice@comcast.net. Space is limited, so sign up early. There are 3 copies of the book which can be borrowed. To learn more about or order the book, visit Powell's Books online <http://tinyurl.com/yadbc6e> or read an excerpt of the book at http://www.stevengreenhouse.com/

• OUR FIRST JAM SESSION - March 28 at 12:30pm
     Our first intergenerational, lots of fun and laughs, joyous, JAM session is currently in the works. Pull out that horn, that cello, that harp, find that guitar, or banjo, or violin, dust off the woodwind...and the piano will be waiting for those so inclined. We need singers and your favorite songs, folks who would just like to listen, and people who may find a way to dance to what we play! Bring music, if you need it, and each of us will share a song or two, with everyone else playing along. Or, just come and be the accompaniment for others. Details:  Sue Craig <sueacraig@gmail.com>

• COVENANT OF UU PAGANS (CUUPS) -
     The CUUPS group provides ritual events for the UUCE congregation as a way to provide regular earth-based worship to its pagan members and as a way to offer non-pagan members opportunities to learn more about the sixth source of Unitarian Universalism. All members of the congregation -- pagan and non-pagan alike -- are invited to attend CUUPS events. See Calendar-Lite above for this week's activities. Contact: Grace 541-935-3708 or Elan 541-686-2778   http://www.uueugene.org/CUUPs/Activities.html   

• SPRING NEW MEMBER SUNDAY - April 25, 2010
     After this one, the next New Member Sunday will be in the Fall of 2010. Sign-ups will start March 11th during newcomer orientations. Sign up Sundays at church, or contact Marilyn Junkins at mdjunkins@comcast.net or 541-968-9200.

• SEED AND PLANT EXCHANGE: A UUCE Earth Day Happening - April 25 (Green Sanctuary Committee).
     Start now to collect plants and divided bulbs, plant seeds, save boxes and pots, for a UUCE green exchange and give away. People and plants of all ages will be welcome, from seedlings to mature. Give, take, share -- and no need to bring something in order to take home new plants for your garden. There will be special plants for new members and RE! Sign up at the SJUUCE table to give ideas and help, or contact Carol Armstrong 541-485-0946, armcar@q.com.   

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The great sin of the people of Sodom
wasn’t so much that they were promiscuous or gay
as that they were “arrogant, overfed and unconcerned;
they did not help the poor and needy.” (Ezekiel 16:49.)
Kristoff, "Learning from the Sin of Sodom"

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CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
2009-2010 Theme: Our Fourth Principle
—We are free to search for what is true and right in life—

• TEACHER MEETING  - Saturday March 6th from 10:00— 12:00. Meet in Room 5.

• COMING OF AGE PROGRAM - for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders  --->  Adults: Could YOU Be a Mentor?
     The UUCE is pleased to announce our latest Coming of Age Program for youth in 7th, 8th and 9th grades. In this exciting program, youth will be paired with mentors from our congregation as they explore values, examine rites of passage, work for social justice, challenge themselves, create a personal credo with Reverend Stephen Ames, and have fun! A brown bag informational meeting will be held in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 7th from 12:30 to 2:30 for interested youth, their parents and prospective mentors. Application deadline 3/31/2010. For more information, contact Judy Shaw, chair, at judy_a_shaw@hotmail.com or 541-434-2462; or call any committee member: Angie Hickman, Chris Phillips, Daniel Blades or David Atkin.

• RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE) PROGRAM CALENDAR for March 2010
            Indigo Promise ~ We can be peaceful people and help make a fair world.

Preschool ~ Spirit Play Group
March 14 ~ Daylight Savings– Spring Forward!  Free Play and Art Exploration
March 21 ~ (story) Ferdinand the Bull
March 28 ~ NO RE—2nd week of Spring Break

K-5th Grade
March14 ~ Daylight Savings– Spring Forward!  Let Peace Begin With You!
March 21 ~ It’s A Small World
March 28 ~ NO RE—2nd week of Spring Break

6th-8th Grade ~ Middle School Group
March 14 ~ Daylight Savings– Spring Forward!  Hey! Who’s In Charge Here?
March 21 ~ Learning From Others — Forming Bonds
March 28 - NO RE—Second week of Spring Break

• OUR FIRST JAM SESSION — INTERGENERATIONAL - March 28 at 12:30pm
     Our first intergenerational, lots of fun and laughs, joyous, JAM session is currently in the works. Pull out that horn, that cello, that harp, find that guitar, or banjo, or violin, dust off the woodwind, the tamborine, etc. ...and the piano will be waiting for those so inclined. We need singers and your favorite songs, folks who would just like to listen, and people who may find a way to dance to what we play! Bring music, if you need it, and each of us will share a song or two, with everyone else playing along. Or, just come and be the accompaniment for others. Details:  Sue Craig <sueacraig@gmail.com>

• YOUTH SPRING CON(ference) - A US Passport will be needed, so plan ahead. April 9-11 (NOTE Date Change)
     Spring Conference will be hosted in B.C. Canada this year, mid to late April, most likely.  You will need a passport to go to this con! If you do not have a passport, it does take 3+ months to get one sometimes...so you should start working on this now. Also parents, we will be needing a letter from you to take your kiddo across the border, so look out for those instructions later as well.

• SPRING FAMILY EVENT - Saturday April 24th, 12:00-3:00pm
     Picnic and Games at Tugman Park. Bring your own picnic and we will provide the games!

• HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH on Facebook! Become a friend of “Eugene Youth—UUCE” and keep up with activities and share photos.

• CANDEE COLE'S SABBATICAL
     Candee, Director of Religious Education (DRE) is on sabbatical through the end of May 2010.
                Religious Education Contacts Roster  
     Candee was accepted into graduate school at the University of Oregon and will be working on a Masters in Special Education this next year. One of her goals in this endeavor is to be able to create a Ministry in our church community that reaches out to families with children with disabilities. The hope is that our program can improve our outreach and classroom support in this way. She will be taking a five month sabbatical to complete her program in the Winter and Spring of 2010, as well as rejuvenating herself and her creativity. She plans to return filled with ideas, renewed energy and a creative passion that will benefit the whole UU family! We greatly appreciate Marika Banyacski, the RE Committee, and the many volunteers who will help cover for Candee while she is on Sabbatical.

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"What you call sin,
I call the great spirit of love,
which takes a thousand forms..."

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RELIGION/ETHICS NEWS
from Far and Wide

This section offers recent religion articles, ethics articles, resources, quotations and links from around the country. Some have to do with UU goings-on nationwide, some with freedom of conscience, separation of church and state, medical ethics, or religious shenanigans. In general they have relevance to our open-ended searches for religious and spiritual understanding. Links are underlined.

Heretical Faith
...So, we are people who choose. What does that mean? For some people, this openness is very exciting, and the responsibility to choose feels like an adventure. For other people, this openness can be daunting, overwhelming, or even frightening, even as we recognize the importance and value of religious freedom. How do we go about choosing among so many options? ...Lately, in thinking about what it means to be a person of faith in this context, I have been thinking a lot about making choices as a spiritual practice. Given a context in which we must make choices all the time, including choosing whether to join a spiritual community, and if so, which one, the choosing itself can become a way to be faithful -- faithful to our understanding of God, the Holy, or the Universe, faithful to our understanding of our principles and values, faithful to our understanding of how to be in right relationship with other people and the world around us. Since we have to choose, may we do so with care and love.
http://www.benningtonbanner.com/opinion/ci_14522738

Pagans?  What Pagans?
There seems to be a considerable amount of misinformation and superstition about Paganism in this church, as well as the community at large. First the word Pagan comes from the Latin paganus. This is a derogatory term that means country dweller, ie "hick", "yocal", "hayseed", etc. The term Heathen mean essentially the same thing in a different language. The term was used to refer to the people that continued to practice their native religions. The country dwellers were the last people to convert to the new urban-based "literalist Christianity". Chritianianity made very little sense to someone who lived with and made their livelihood based on the cycles of nature.
   What do Pagans worship?  ... personally, I don't. There are literally hundreds of "Earth-Based" pathways. Do we believe in or worship the supernatural? Not necessarily. We see the natural as sacred within itself. Many of us see the Earth as a living being that we need to care for.
   How do we think that should be done? There are as many opinions on this as there are people who believe it. Since there is very little set liturgy, dogma or scripture, there are as many ways to be a Pagan as there are people who call themselves Pagans. Within the group calling themselves Pagans, there are Humanists, Atheists, Agnostics, Witches, Wiccans, Shamans, Nudists, Pantheists, Naturists, Satanists, Thelamites, Christian Witches, Jewitches, Buwitches the list could go on forever (Pagans say getting Pagans to cooperate is like herding cats...[but] cats are easy: just open a can of tuna). Oh, and Unitarian Universalists, too.
   What is magick?  Many of us do believe in magick. My working definition is:  to change consciousness at will.   Basically, if you choose to go to sleep and you do, you have done magick. Many Pagans don't find others belief systems offensive, just different. We also like to share.
   So whenever you are ready to do something to claim our new church and make it our own open and welcoming community, count CUUPs in. We have already talked about how nice it would be to do something along those lines. The only thing that we request is, as you are being welcoming, CUUPs would like to feel like we are welcome as a part of the church too. Bright Blessings from Elan, Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs) Chair, at UUCE.

Unitarian Universalists promote religious tolerance
Unitarianism was born during the divorce proceedings between Judaism and Christianity in the fourth century. The separation papers were filed with the Council of Nicaea in 325. The divorce was finalized at the Council of Constantinople in 381 with the new doctrine of the Trinity. When Christendom incorporated God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as fully equal in the same divinity, Christianity became alienated from the Jewish religion of their past, and with Islam in their future. The acceptance of the triune God was radically different from the monolithic God held by the Jews, some pagans, Unitarians, later Muslims, Baha¡'as and sundry monotheists.  Unitarians were in "the left wing" of the Protestant Reformation. John Calvin, himself, was the prosecutor of Michael Servetus, who was burned at the stake in 1553 for writing "On the Errors of the Trinity."...
http://cli.gs/yMPMvQ

A March for Human Rights
... A tradition 11 years in the making, the Freedom to Marry Day was created by a youth group from the Unitarian Church in hopes of raising awareness for same-sex marriage among other GLBT rights. Members of that church stood in attendance Saturday, holding signs that illustrated not only their stance but that of those in attendance: “Different people. Different beliefs. One Faith.” And it was the acknowledgement of these differences that many at the rally hoped to call attention to. “People aren’t likely to change their viewpoint if they’re not aware of the situation,” Muniz said... “If people don’t see us or have connections to this community, they won’t think about it and remember to support us.” ...
http://www.collegian.com/index.php/article/2010/03/fighting_for_rights

Statistics
The link below is to an image showing the relationship of income to religious affiliation. The chart shows five income brackets with the lowest being "less than $30,000" and the highest being $100,000 or more. The religious groupings with the highest incomes seem to be Jews with 46% and Hindus with 43% in the top bracket. The groupings with the lowest incomes appear to be "historically black Christian churches" with 47% and Jehovah's Witnesses with 42% in the under $30,000 bracket. There was no listing given for UUs.
http://awesome.good.is/transparency/web/1002/almighty-dollar/flat.html

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Before Enlightenment, chop wood carry water.
After Enlightenment, chop wood carry water.
Wu Li (1632-1718)

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