First Unitarian Church Weekly Newsletter

December 2, 2021

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INSPIRE LEARN CONNECT SERVE

This Sunday at First Unitarian Church

“Who was the Jewish God?”
Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

Livestreamed at 10:30 am (prelude begins at 10:25)

Chanukah marks a holiday that supports an old narrative and challenges a new narrative about God and the stories of paradise.

NEWSLETTER NEWS

A Bigger Table 2022: Almost There!

$398,072 Pledged – 96% of the Way to our Goal

The good news: We have received 151 pledges and have surpassed the total amount raised in last year’s budget drive! Once again, our heartfelt thanks to all of the members and friends who have pledged to date.

But…we are $17,000 short of our 2022 fundraising goal of $415,000 and 27 pledges shy of 2021's total of 178 pledges. Please: If you have not yet submitted your pledge for 2022, go to first-unitarian-pgh.org/pledge and do it NOW. Help us close the gap before the Annual Budget Meeting this Sunday!

We have been deeply moved by the eloquent comments that many pledgers have offered about why our community at First Unitarian Church matters deeply to them. Here are just a couple of examples:

It provides a community where I feel at home that encourages me to continue to seek and grow.

Music-filled services in a community of caring souls AND social justice action. 

Your financial support is what enables the church to continue to offer the experiences –inspiration, friendship, social activism, educational programs, music, worship, outreach – we all value so much.

Let’s wrap this budget drive up in style so that we can build A Bigger Table with room for all in 2022!

Notice of Annual Budget Meeting

WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2020 – 12:00–1:00 p.m. WHERE: Via Zoom (link will be provided)

All members and friends of First Unitarian Church are invited to attend the Annual Budget Meeting. Treasurer Kyle Gracey will present the proposed 2022 church budget and answer questions. Our budget process is open and transparent. Please come to listen and ask questions! The 5th principle that we choose to affirm and promote as a UU congregation is: “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large” The Board of Trustees thanks you for your attention to one of the responsibilities of membership of our self-governing congregation!

INSPIRE

Inspiration

December 2021

Why are we doing this? A great question that arose early in a meeting this week about our Share the Plate program*. I had invited several social justice leaders to talk with me about how we want to choose recipients for the monthly Share the Plate, which the church has been doing for several years. Upon my arrival in August, I was told I could choose the designated organizations.

My immediate reaction was this doesn’t feel transparent or democratic. In took a few months for me to schedule the meeting for a deep conversation, but once we gathered, I soon discovered that I underestimated how deep the conversation needed to go. It wasn’t just about how; it was about why.

Leaders said that Share the Plate is how we as Unitarian Universalists live our faith in our larger community. It helps create a network of partners through relationship building, not just financially, but through education, volunteering and advocating. Many organizations that receive funds from the plate list First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh as a donor organization, and while self-gratification is not a healthy end value, it is a way to inspire other churches to be generous, and expands our network of support for community organizations.

Some leaders shared that they learned about an organization for the first time and felt inspired and moved by the incredible mission. Because a representative from the organization, staff or client, speaks during the worship service, we have a chance to personally connect and strengthen our relationship. We also recognized that, while yes many of us have our organizations that we personally support, it feels more powerful when we pool our financial resources and an organization receives a large check from this church.

When the idea of Share the Plate first took hold at Unitarian Universalist congregations over the past 20 years, many resisted, in large part out of fear that there would be less donations directly to the church. Board members and finance committees, engaged in due diligence of their financial duties, saw small pieces of a pie and didn’t believe the pie could get bigger, nor – because like this metaphor – did they see more pies could be made.

Across the country, courageous and visionary board members led the way, and we soon discovered that in fact more pies were made. Donations through Share the Plate were high, and donations to the churches actually increased. We are generous people and we want to make a difference in this world, particularly through our faith. In many churches, including my previous one in Virginia, every Sunday is Share the Plate. Some share it 50/50 (people can specify their gift not be split, and pledge payments are not split), and other churches give the whole offering away (again, not pledge payments).

By the end of our conversation many commented how much the conversation about why are we doing this, was inspiring and increased their excitement for our program. We did not decide on how we will do it. But we did find that our commitment is deepened and that a few of us are going to bring you a new plan by next spring that is transparent and democratic. We hope you’ll be more inspired and committed.

Until the new program begins, the first Sunday in January (note the change), we are designating Habitat for Humanity, February is Khasi Hills Partner Church and March is Reading Ready Pittsburgh.

As you ponder your generosity during the holidays, ask why are you doing it? May your answers broaden your heart and your faith.

With holiday cheer and love, Rev. Kate

*Share the Plate is when all or part of the offering is given to a designated organization. Many Unitarian Universalist Churches engage in this form of generosity. This church has designated the third Sunday of the month.

Upcoming Worship Services

December 12, 2021

“Cosmic Christ”
Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

The Holidays are upon us with images of the Christ child being born. There are some incredibly beautiful stories that help reframe and imagine an all-inclusive Christianity.

December 19, 2021
“Holiday Pageant”
Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

SERVE

Holiday Toy Drive
for Matilda Theiss Children

As has been our tradition for many years, First Unitarian Church is once again proud to be coordinating a toy drive for local children who receive services at the Matilda Theiss Center.

If you are able to donate one or more toys this holiday season please sign up using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4BAEAB28A6F94-holiday

All gifts should be unwrapped and dropped off at Heather Masterson's house in the East End (address to be provided after sign up) no later than Saturday, December 11.

Please direct any questions to Heather Masterson or Shelley Ross at hamasterson@gmail.com or ross.shelley2@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Alternative Gift Market

Looking for the perfect gift for that person that is "too hard" to shop for? Wondering what to give that inspiring teacher other than yet another "World's Greatest Teacher" mug, or the friend who has embraced decluttering as a lifestyle? Why not give something that will "spark joy" for your friend or loved one by spreading Holiday Cheer and Good Will to All with a gift from the First Unitarian Church Alternative Gift Market!

Select among these featured charities to make a gift as an alternative to a traditional holiday gift!

Reading Ready Pittsburgh

Reading Ready Pittsburgh partners with local underserved communities to support the healthy development of young children by increasing access to books and encouraging family engagement through reading. A donation to support the delivery of 12 books to one child’s home by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for one year would be $25/year or for $100/year you can pay for Dolly’s books to be delivered to four children! Every child deserves a full book shelf!

Khasi Hills, Kharang, India

Our church has been supporting the Annie Margaret Barr Secondary School in Kharang in the poor, rural Khasi Hills of India since 2003. We hope you will help us to continue to support the two teachers we have been sponsoring that enables students to complete high school locally rather than traveling to the state capital.

Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light (Pittsburgh Chapter)

As our planet warms, urban areas such as Pittsburgh are disproportionately impacted because of the heat island effect. PA IPL is working with the Pittsburgh Blueberry Project (PBP) to plant 500 high top blueberry bushes that will provide local cooling through Nature’s process of transpiration. With just a $10 donation, the PBP will buy and plant a blueberry bush that will make the inner city just a little cooler.

Make your gift online or by check made out to First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. Be sure to indicate "AGM 2021" on the memo line of your check and clearly indicate which charity(ies) you are supporting and mail to First Unitarian Church, Alternative Gift Market, 605 Morewood Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15213. You will receive email acknowledgment of your transaction. If you’d like an email suitable to print for your gift recipient, email all pertinent gift information after you donate to Karen Burns Rutigliano

Khasi Hills Update

The Khasi Hills Partnership team received the above photo greeting from our contact in India. Our school management contact, Barri Mukhim, wrote "Today is a harvest Thanksgiving of our Khasi Tribe." Barri wrote in response to our request to learn more about major events and festivals celebrated in the Khasi Hills. These are different than more visible Hindu cultural holidays in India, like Holi and DeWali for which our team hosted events during church social hours. The Khasi Hills Partnership team hopes to bring elements of a Khasi Tribe spring festival to our church in April, hopefully outside.

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral Care Team Contact Information:
Christine Beregi: cberegi1@verizon.net Phone: 412-992-1888
Jan Carlino: jancarlino807@gmail.com Phone: 412-727-0200
Julie Childers: julie36pa@gmail.com Phone: 412-726-3590
Jim Cunningham: cunni@comcast.net Phone: 412-256-0205 (Co-Chair)
Kathy Miller: kathymillerotter@gmail.com Phone: 412-639-8012 (Co-Chair)
Bob Sullivan: r.sullivan13@verizon.net Phone: 412-952-7772
Church Office: 412-621-8008

CONNECT

Men's Group Meeting

December 8th
7:30 to 9:00
ZOOM gathering.

Ali Masalehdan will lead a discussion on the topic of the middle East upheaval. Come ready to share your understanding of the elements that led to the overthrow of the Shah and of the Iranian revolution of 1978-79 and Ali will help us understand what happened. For more information and the Zoom link, contact Jim Reitz at J5650R@comcast.net.

Humanist Group Meeting

A HUMANIST VIEW OF GENE EDITING AND CRISPR
Tuesday, December 7
7PM

Speaker: Christine Milcarek, PhD
Professor Emerita, Dept. of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh

UPDATE: THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ENTIRELY ON ZOOM
Send an email to sph@pitt.edu to get the link.

Here is a link to an excellent introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j-wgfnje4E

In 2013, University of California Berkeley biologist Jennifer Doudna and coauthor Emmanuelle Charpentier of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Pathogens in Berlin published a paper which has been described as the most important advance in biology since the discovery of the double helix by Crick and Watson AND as carrying “great risk”, the latter comment being from Professor Doudna. After an abbreviated description of what CRISPR is and what it does, Dr. Milcarek will discuss the many ethical questions which it raises. If you want to read about this topic, she suggests “The Code Breaker”, by Walter Isaacson

Women's Alliance Holiday Party

Thursday, December 9
10:30AM to noon

The holidays are here!!! Women's Alliance would love to be together sharing a delicious meal and giving holiday hugs, we know that virtual smiles and fun activities will have to suffice again this year. On Thursday, December 9th at 10:30 to noon, we will repeat last year’s Holiday JOY and FUN! Zoom Party. We will eat little treats, play some games, and make a card for another guest at our party (your “Secret Friend”). Join us in the JOY and FUN!
Please contact Alice Carnes at: alice.carnes51@yahoo.com for additional information.

Racial Justice Task Force

Racial Justice Task Force Meetings

The First Unitarian Racial Justice Task Force meets on the third Sunday of every month from 3:00 - 5:00 pm ET via Zoom. If you have any questions about the Task Force or would like to get involved, please email Sonia Wellington at sonia.wellington@gmail.com. And please stay tuned for more information on our upcoming book club, movie nights, and much, much more.

Covenant Groups

Covenant group Opportunities

Consider joining or creating a virtual covenant group.
If you are interested in joining or creating a new covenant group, you can complete a Covenant Group interest form or contact Alice Bright: ab03@andrew.cmu.edu.

If your group wants to set up meetings using the church account, please contact Cicely Moultrie: cmoultrie@First-Unitarian-pgh.org

LEARN

Virtual Workshop for Parents

Family Circles
Saturday, Dec. 4th @ 10 a.m.

Based on the practice of restorative circles, religious educator Sheila Schuh passes on how family circles helped her raise her own family and keep communication open in challenging times and schedules. She has taught workshops on family circles in several UU settings and at events such as the Liberal Religious Educators Association fall conference.

Sheila on family circles: "Family circles are one of many kinds of “restorative practices.” Circles of different kinds form a continuum of practices that a community might use in an effort to “restore” or keep the relational connections strong and healthy in a system. These practices may be short or long, simple or complex, and done with few or many, depending on the needs present. Structures for different restorative practices vary and have different levels of circle process and characteristics. When using the term, “restorative justice,” for example, these kinds of practices are used when there has been an offense or action of harm done, and a “restorative circle” or “community conference” is called to promote healing and responsibility."

This workshop is offered as the beginning of a series geared specifically toward parents of children in our congregation. You do not need to be a parent in the religious education program to join, but please just be aware that the intended audience are parents with youth or younger children in the program. There is no cost to attend.

The workshop will be 90 minutes, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. with a break via Zoom. You can RSVP to receive the Zoom link on the adult faith development sign up here: https://forms.gle/5dfWnCtK19kRDosb8

Adult Faith Development

Announcing the 2021-22 UUA Common Read:

Cover image "Defund Fear: Safety without Policing Prisons and Punishment" by Zach Norris

If you are interested in being part of a book discussion group for the UUA Common Read, please sign up on the adult faith development form in this section.

Ongoing Book Discussion Group

We just finished reading Trace by Lauret Savoy and prior to that The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature by Drew Lanham, Writing Wild: Women Poets, Ramblers, and Mavericks who Shape How we see the Natural World by Kathryn N AAlto, and Tales of Two Planets Stories of Climate Change and Inequality in a Divided World edited by John Freeman, Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist by Kate Raworth, and Robin Wall Kimmerers' Braiding Sweet Grass.

Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard.

It is on the NY Times best seller list. Here's some info about the book:

Suzanne Simard is a pioneer on the frontier of plant communication and intelligence; she's been compared to Rachel Carson, hailed as a scientist who conveys complex, technical ideas in a way that is dazzling and profound. Her work has influenced filmmakers (the Tree of Souls of James Cameron's Avatar) and her TED talks have been viewed by more than 10 million people worldwide.

Now, in her first book, Simard brings us into her world, the intimate world of the trees, in which she brilliantly illuminates the fascinating and vital truths--that trees are not simply the source of timber or pulp, but are a complicated, interdependent circle of life; that forests are social, cooperative creatures connected through underground networks by which trees communicate their vitality and vulnerabilities with communal lives not that different from our own.

We meet on Thursday November 18th at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Please email or text Alice Carnes (704-453-4175) to receive the Zoom invitation. We plan to meet every other Thursday.

New Book Groups and Upcoming Classes for Adults

Please sign up if you are interested in any of the following book groups! Once at least 3 people have signed up for a title, you will be contacted together so that you can coordinate dates and times of meeting.

ADULT FAITH SIGN UP FORM (https://forms.gle/SwiibCaBnUYftSPcA)

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters at the End by Atul Gawande

Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything by Victor Frankl Tuesdays @ 6 pm

A UUA recommended read.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

For information on these books contact Erica eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org

Religious Education for Children & Middle School Youth

Contact Erica Shadowsong for more information.
eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Register here
https://forms.gle/QDWt8j2Kpzp2k8DX8

Dear families, registration online is back! Please register your children and youth whether you are new or returning.

Sunday Religious Education for School - Aged Children - OUTDOORS in the Church Garden @ 11:30 - 12:30!!! Weather permitting, we will meet outdoors to have some face-to-face time. Masks encouraged. In the event of rain and when it gets colder, we will move indoors with open windows, with masks mandatory. Please register or email eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org to receive announcements on the parent list weekly for any changes or updates.

Chalice Weekly Newsletter Deadline and Information

The deadline for submissions for the Chalice Weekly Newsletter is Tuesday for the week’s Thursday publication. Please submit your items through the church website at https://www.first-unitarian-pgh.org/blog/submit-an-article/

The “Chalice Weekly Newsletter” is organized around the four areas of our mission, with each of the areas featured on a rotating basis:

Inspire (first week of the month, with the month’s Sunday service topics, minister’s column, and news from the Inspire Council)

Learn (second week of the month, with lifespan religious education news, religious educator’s column, and news from the Learn Council)

Connect (third week of the month, with news about connections-related activities such as Covenant Groups, and other news from the Connections Council)

Serve (fourth week of the month, with news about social justice and service-related activities such as Green Sanctuary and Habitat for Humanity, and other news from the Serve Council)

Information about upcoming events will be included on a timely basis, ideally beginning three weeks or more before the event. If you have questions, please contact Cicely Moultrie, Communications Coordinator, at cmoultrie@first-unitarian-pgh.org.

OMBUDSMAN

Need an answer to a question and don’t know who to ask? Want to pass along some feedback and not sure who to contact? Reach out to your Board Ombudsman Ebe Emmons. Ebe will coordinate with staff, committees, and the board to get an answer or pass along feedback. Ebe can be reached at firstuupghombudsman@gmail.com

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First Unitarian Church · 605 Morewood Avenue · Pittsburgh, PA 15213 · USA