In an effort to keep the community updated with the correct information, our 11AM Sunday service schedule is:

Programs for the Month of May, 2008

 5/4 - Flower Ceremony, bring your flowers

           Spring Planning Committee will meet following the service 

5/11 - Open Forum, Jim Crowley, sharing stories of Mothers and other ideas

5/17- Potluck and movie at 6:00 pm Saturday

5/18 - Introducing our UUA Presidential Candidates, Peter Morales and Laural Hallman

             Get to know them and hear about their vision on DVD.  Also, Unitarian Universalist “Uni-what.”  Facilitated by Leesa Kern.

5/25 - One of the 7 Principles of UU - Marco Valdez

 In June, Betty Aiken will begin our environmental series.  Your ideas and particpation are welcome.

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“Slavery in the legal fiction that a person is property. Corporate personhood is the legal fiction that property is a person.” - Jan Edward

Prelude “Greed” by Sweet Honey in the Rock

Welcome / Opening Statement

Bell Tone / Chalice Lighting
(Justice, equity and compassion in human relations)

Responsive Reading, Opening Words #442

Announcements

Joys, Concerns, Birthdays

Children’s Story

Offertory “Inner City Blues” (Marvin Gaye)

Speaker: Wes Thompson
Topic: Economic Justice

Comments

Reading of the Covenant

Postlude “Money” (Pink Floyd)

You are invited to refreshments and socializing, following the service.

Opening Words

We bid you welcome, who come with weary spirit seeking rest.

Who come with troubles that are too much with you; who come hurt and afraid.

We bid you welcome, who come with hope in your heart.

Who come with anticipation in your step; who come proud and joyous.

We bid you welcome, who are seekers of a new faith.

Who come to probe and explore; who come to learn.

We bid you welcome, who enter this hall as a homecoming.

Who have found here room for your spirit; who find in this people a family.

Whoever you are, whatever you are, where ever you are on your journey.

We bid you welcome.

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The below quoted text is describes one Action Issue our congregation will vote on. The source of this information comes from the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations web site. For more information click to http://uua.org/socialjustice/issuesprocess/currentissues/index.shtml. - Marco

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Proposed CSAI-2 (2008-2012)

Issue: Should the Unitarian Universalist Association work with other faith communities to advocate a dramatic reduction in the world’s nuclear weapons inventories, primarily those of the United States and Russia, in favor of reinvigorated nuclear arms control agreements and principles, such as those embodied in the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty?

Background and Reasons for Study: Two hundred well-placed nuclear weapons could drive civilized society back to the Stone Age. Each of these weapons can kill more than 100,000 in populated and targeted areas. The Nunn-Lugar Act, funded by Congress in 1994, allows money to be spent to help Russia stabilize its large number of unsecured weapons materials facilities and to identify, destroy, and dispose of a portion of its nuclear weapons.

Significance to Unitarian Universalism: Russia and the United Sates and by the national policies that appear to provide in perpetuity for the maintenance of large numbers of nuclear weapons. Advocacy of a position against nuclear weaponry is highly consistent with UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) principles, which show support and respect for the interdependent web of all life and for the goal of world peace.

Possible Study Questions

• What is the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, and what is the United States policy on nuclear weapons?
• At present, who are those engaged in nuclear proliferation, and what are the prospects of using diplomacy to reduce the threat of use of weapons of mass destruction?
• How much nuclear deterrence is enough; and how did we get to the point of having the level of nuclear bombs and weapons that we have?
• Could a mutual reduction be encouraged and negotiated? If so, by what factor might it be possible to reduce the “overkill” potential of the United States and Russian nuclear arsenals for mutually assured destruction?
• What actions might make nuclear weapons reduction possible politically, and how long would it take to accomplish such a reduction under different scenarios of funding and political support?
• What is the Nunn-Lugar Act, and what have its accomplishments been? What level of funding has been provided for this Act, and what can be accomplished with the amount currently requested and authorized?

Possible Actions

• Form a nuclear weapons study group and become familiar with reliable sources of information.
• Appoint study group members or experts to report to the congregation on the various study questions at congregational forums.
• Promote adoption at district meetings of non-proliferation and anti-nuclear arms control statements of policy and conscience.
• Form a social action group to develop informed opinions to lobby politicians and to write letters to the editors of local papers (individually or on behalf of the social action group).
• Collaborate with district or area congregations in offering study opportunities and forums.

Related Prior Social Witness Statements

From 1961 to 1986 there were twenty-seven Unitarian Universalist resolutions of various kinds that included a nuclear weapons component. Nineteen of these were specifically concerned with nuclear weapons. The most representative and recent resolutions are:

• Maintaining the SALT II and ABM Treaties (General Resolution 1986)
• Nuclear Free Zone (General Resolution 1985)
• Mutual Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban (General Resolution 1985)

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Comments Off

The below quoted text is describes one Action Issue our congregation will vote on.  The source of this information comes from the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations web site.  For more information click to http://uua.org/socialjustice/issuesprocess/currentissues/index.shtml. - Marco

– begin quote text

Proposed CSAI-1 (2008-2012)

Issue: Religious organizations throughout the world have discussed the production, distribution, and use of food. Some people enjoy many food choices while others remain hungry. The food industry produces wealth, but small farmers and farm workers are often poor. Food production and transportation contribute to many environmental problems.

Background and Reasons for Study: This Congregational Study Action Issue is inspired by the work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee with Equal Exchange and the involvement of our congregations with both human rights and environmental protection issues.

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and Equal Exchange work together so that small farmers can receive a fair price for coffee, tea, and cocoa. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee supports economic justice and safe and sustainable agriculture.

Hunger is both a community problem and an international problem that can be approached in a variety of ways. There is a need for political advocacy in support of government programs that try to feed the hungry. There is a need also for involvement with service programs that deliver food to individuals and families—for example, Meals on Wheels programs.

Significance to Unitarian Universalism: Unitarian Universalists have a vision of environmental justice. One of our principles acknowledges “the interdependent web.” Others affirm the importance of human rights. Together our principles form one holistic statement that helps to define liberal religion.

Possible Study Topics

• There are different religious teachings concerning the production, distribution, and use of food. Why is food so important in religion?
• There are environmental concerns and concerns about animal rights and human rights. What moral guidelines, if any, should govern food production?
• Some people have too much food and some have too little. How should congregations address issues like poverty and hunger, nutrition education, and health promotion?
• What guidelines, if any, govern the purchase and use of food and beverages in your congregation? Do you pause for a blessing when you serve food?

Possible Actions

• Support sustainable agriculture and farmers’ markets. Encourage organic community gardening.
• Volunteer in support of community food pantries, Meals on Wheels programs, and similar projects that address the problem of hunger.
• Become an advocate for social and economic justice. Support labor unions, farmers’ cooperatives, “fair trade” associations, and other organizations that help the farmers and other workers who produce and distribute food in the global market.

Related Prior Social Witness Statements

• Ending Hunger (1987 General Resolution)
• Environmental Justice (1994 General Resolution)
• Nutrition for a Healthy Start in Life (1994 General Resolution)
• Support of United Farm Workers (2005 Action of Immediate Witness)

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Groups Meeting Regularly at UUCE

            The Three Cranes Grove, ADF (Web-site Three Cranes Grove, ADF) meets regularly the sixth day after the Full Moon.  They have been a wonderful addition to our church, as they have brought a spiritual richness, along with helping to maintain and beautify our grounds.  We welcome them and look forward to supporting each other in our growth efforts. 

            A newly formed Knitting and Sewing Group meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday afternoon. 

            Also, Alcoholics Anonymous gathers here every Wednesday from 8 – 10 P.M.

Expanded Parking

            New parking spaces and gravel have been added and 4 trees removed to accommodate our expected growth.  Check out the hugh difference.

Summer Institute 

Registration begins for the 2008 Ohio Meadville Summer Institute at Kenyon College , Gambier OH. The beloved Summer Institute, a spiritual oasis to refresh your mind and body is scheduled July 13- July 19. Summer Institute is like a camp for adults and children featuring a smorgasboard of activities. The day starts with breakfast and morning worship. Then it’s your choice of workshops or sheer relaxation. There is swimming and biking available. In the evening there is vespers followed by entertainment and an alcohol-free pub. This year’s theme is Living Out Loud speaking up as religious liberals. For more information and registration go to www.omdsi.org.

Our church is so appreciative of Marco for donating an extraordinary amount of his time to creating our Web-site.  We can’t thank Marco enough for his invaluable service and outstanding job that contributes in such an essential way to our growth and visibility.

Citizens Intent of Reforming Corporate Accountability, CIRCA , is a advocacy group that is a part of Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community.  On April 2oth the members of CIRCA through a survey process selected support of the proposed guaranteed single payer health plan as it’s major project for the near term future. Members will look at health care reform from the perspective of a corporate personhood/power issue i.e. what are the economical structural barriers to health care reform? The project will start with showings of the PBS film “Sick Around the World”. The film discribes health care systems in other industrialized countries. This information can be the springboard for discussion and building local support for GSPHP.    

 CIRCA encourages members and friends to participate in the Wednesday April 30th Rally and March at the statehouse to demonstrate for Universal Healthcare for all Ohioans. If interested meet at Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E Broad St Cols OH, at 10am on 4/30/08. For further information go to www.spanohio.org

KIRTAN IN COLUMBUS meets the first Friday of each month at Broad Street Christian Church 21^st and Broad Street. For more information check out www.mikecohenkirtan.com.

The Church of Larger Fellowship (CLF) is a UU congregation in cyberspace, providing helpful online resources. It is online worship and has religious education resources for groups and individuals.

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Prelude

Chime

Opening Words and Welcome Statement

Chalice Lighting: A movement from Johann Sebastian Bach. Unaccompanied Cello Suite Nicole S., Viola.

Announcements

Joys, Concerns and Birthdays

Children’s Story: Northern Lullaby, Read by Betty A.

Offertory

“A Talk With God”

Discussion

Reading of the Covenant

Extinguishing the Chalice

Postlude

Social Hour Immediately Following the Service.

Everyone is invited.

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Ár nDraíocht Féin - The Irish words, pronounced “arn ree-ocht fane”, mean “Our Own Druidism”, and that’s just what ADF is - a completely independent tradition of Neopagan Druidism. Like our sisters and brothers in the other Neopagan movements, we’re polytheistic Nature worshipers, attempting to revive the best aspects of the Paleopagan faiths of our ancestors within a modern scientific, artistic, ecological, and holistic context. Like our predecessors and namesakes the Druids, we’re people who believe in excellence - physically, intellectually, artistically and spiritually.

We’re researching and expanding sound modern scholarship about the ancient Celts and other Indo-European peoples, in order to reconstruct what the Old Religions of Europe really were. We’re working on the development of genuine artistic skills in composition and presentation. We’re designing and performing competent magical and religious ceremonies to change ourselves and the world we live in. We’re adapting the polytheologies and customs of both the Indo-European Paleopagans and the Neopagan traditions that have been created over the last fifty years.

We’re creating a non-sexist, non-racist, organic and open religion to practice as a way of life and to hand on to our grandchildren. We’re integrating ecological awareness, alternative healing arts and psychic development into our daily activities. Together, we’re sparking the next major phase in the evolution of Neopaganism and planting seeds for generations to come.

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Welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation East

Prelude: “Sister Moon, ” Daughters of the Celter Moon, By Lisa Lynne.

Bell Tone

Chalice Lighting

Welcome / Opening Words

Children’s Reading

Announcements

Joys, Concerns, Birthdays

Offertory / Music meditation, “Maiden Dance,” by Lisa Lynne.

Responsive Reading

Facilitator: Shawn Scott

Topic: Druidry

Speaker: Mike Dangler

Comments / Discussion

Reading of the Covenant

Closing Music, “Brigid Cruise/Black Muddy River,” By Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter and O’Carolin.

You are invited for refreshments.

Thank you for attending.

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Prelude Chiller Twist - “Bangtician”

Opening Statement

Bell Tone

Chalice Lighting

Seven Principles:

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

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

Announcements

Joys, Concerns, Birthdays

Offertory Bon Jovi - Thank You For Loving Me

Speaker: James J. Crowley

Title: New Year’s Resolutions

Comments and Discussion

Reading of the Covenant

Shahid Rogers - Auld Lang Syne

Thank you for attending, Come again.

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Prelude: It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Chime / Chalice Lighting with Words

Welcome Statement

Announcements

Joys, Concerns, Birthdays

Offering Ave Maria - Barbara Streisand

#3 Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

Our gift to each other hosted by Betty A. or Barbara H. This community shares music of the season that touches us. It is a joy that -

Bob Umholz is here to share our joy (Thanks Becca)

Please introduce yourself and your music loudly so all can hear you.

Reading of our Covenant.

Postlude: Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

All are welcome to stay for Social Hour following the service.

Music, when soft voices die, Vibrates in the memory. - Shelley 1821

Closing words: May the joy of this morning remain in your heart.

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