Newsletter Articles

Moderator’s Jabberwocky

The Board has been facing a growing budget deficit. One source of this deficit is the $28,400.00 we’ve paid for furnace repairs in the past two years. Fortunately, the congregation generously donated $13,000.00 (over and above their regular pledge contributions), when we made an emergency request in December, 2001. This fall, the Board asked the Memorial Funds Committee to advance us $10,700.00 from undesignated Funds to pay for furnace bills that our cash flow could not meet.

The problem with our furnace system is that with each repair and parts replacement made, another problem is found which needs more money to get the system working efficiently. While we’re getting heat now, the problem is balancing the heat so that some parts of the facility are not overheated and other parts under-heated. However, we still do not know how much more money it will take to get the system working properly.

Because we are committed to stay in our building at our current location, we need the necessary repairs. This month, a member of the congregation pledged an extra $2000.00 beyond the annual pledge to help with capital expenses such as the furnace. We ask any other members who are able to make extra contributions to do so.

      Long term members know that the high maintenance costs of our facilities has been an issue for years. Newer members should know that 1st UU had a Capital Improvements Campaign in 1992-94 that raised $200,000.00 from members. In addition, we took out a UUA loan for $100,000.00 and we received a generous bequest for $150,000 from the White estate. This total of $450,000.00 did much needed roof and masonry work on the buildings and refinished Memorial Hall, the Church House Foyer, the third floor of the church house and several other projects. We are still paying off the UUA loan at approximately $800.00 per month and have about ten more years to pay on this note. Currently we are several months behind in this obligation.

    Church members and friends also contributed $20,000.00 four years ago toward buying the parking lot on Prentis Avenue. We borrowed an additional $25,000.00 from the bank to buy this lot. We are paying off this note by charging monthly fees from community/WSU parkers. We owe $6,900.00 on this note. 

     We invite all special donations to our Memorial Fund, our Celebration Fund, and our Operating Budget at this time. We are planning a workshop on how you can include 1st UU in your will, trust, or as a beneficiary to enhance our Trust which generates about  $54,000.00 a year for our Operating Budget. It is well managed by our Trust Committee  and has not suffered great losses due to the stock market decline.

   You are a very generous congregation. Your Board is working on ways to increase our  income and decrease our expenses so that we can be fiscally sound. When we cannot pay our bills on time, it causes great distress to our Treasurer and Finance Committee not to mention our creditors. Please direct any suggestions or questions to anyone on the Board to help us as we plan long and short term strategies to put the church on better financial grounding.

    Peace, Lynda

Committee News

Choir

Rehearsals for the upcoming months are as follows:

January 19, 9:30 A.M. rehearsal – 11 A.M. performance

February 2, 9:30 rehearsal.

February 8, 10:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Choral Festival Rehearsal

February 9, 2:00 P.M. Call for 3:00 P.M Choral Festival

February 16, 9:30 A.M. rehearsal – 11 A.M. performance

February 23 – NO REHEARSAL

Denominational Affairs

Here is an update of news from the Heartland District. The District is in the process of trying to hire an educational program consultant so that more services can be offered to congregations or groups of congregations.

The Annual Meeting date is April 11 – 13, 2003 and will be held in Lexington KY. More details will be forthcoming. Our First Church/Birmingham Unitarian Church coalition will be presenting a dry run of a workshop about our journey as a model for the UUA’s Journey Toward Wholeness. The workshop will also be presented at the General Assembly in late June. This year’s General Assembly will be held in Boston MA and is expected to host the biggest GA yet.

 Some of our members are making plans to attend and some will be helping with the presentation of the Coalition Workshop, so let’s start talking to each other and share information. You can go on-line to register for GA and obtain more information.

The address of the new district office is
Heartland Unitarian Universalist District
445 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 330
Indianapolis IN 46204-1889

This is the office to which we send our Chalice Lighter donations. The phone number at the District Office is 888-948-4883.

Check with me if you have any questions.
    Sally Borden 313-533-1494 or sborden@yahoo.com or Sally233@aol.com

Development Committee

A Little Ceasar’s pizza kit and cookie, spice and bread sale will take place in February with delivery in March.

Thank you to Roger Drake, Jerry Stark, Helen Riebling, Nicole Ludwig, Ivan Cotman and Mazel Brooks for their garage sale donations, also thank you to John O’Connor and Ruth Seifert for making purchases. Our church’s treasury is $40.00 richer. I have several blank video (new) tapes – 120 minutes – for sale if anyone is interested. Please call (313-882-7775) or see me during coffee hour.

Membership Committee

New UU Orientation An orientation for new or prospective members at First Church will be held for three sessions on consecutive Wednesday nights starting February 5 from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. in Memorial Hall. The series provides an opportunity for new members to meet more established members in an intimate atmosphere and to learn more about Unitarian Universalism.

·        Get to know one another

·        Share personal odysseys

·        Learn about this church in particular – why it has existed, what it has represented in the community, some of its struggles and successes

·         Learn about Unitarian Universalism and its history and beliefs

·         Learn about the structure and activities of the congregation

·         Discuss ways of becoming actively involved

I hope the series will prove as helpful to you as it has to past participants.  It is often in these more intimate settings that one can get a better feel or understanding of the group you have chosen to become a part of.

If you have further questions, feel free to call me, Dan Wiest, evenings at 313-567-2531 or Rev. Larry Hutchison during church office hours at 313-833-9107.

Women’s Alliance

The Women’s Alliance February meeting date is the last Wednesday of February, the 26. Please make reservations for the luncheon by phoning Eiko Takemoto at 313-869-6389, or the church office at 313-833-9107 by noon on Monday, February 24. Following the luncheon we will attend Hilberry Theater for the matinee performance of “Comedy of Errors” by William Shakespeare. Please purchase $10.00 theater tickets (special group price) from Eiko Takemoto by Sunday, February 16 at the latest – before, if possible. The supply of $10.00 tickets is limited.

Worship

Have you ever thought of being a lay leader? Well, now is your opportunity and invitation to explore that possibility. On Monday, February 10 from 7 – 9 P.M. the Worship Committee will hold its Annual Lay Leader Learning session for those who want to join this wonderful cadre of members who help design Worship experiences at First UU. Some time in January, during coffee hour, you will have an opportunity to dialogue with lay leaders about their roles in worship. Look for details soon. If you have an interest, call Gwen Winston at 313-832-2928 to put your name on the lay leaders RSVP list.

First UU Church Happenings

Purchase an original Valentine's Day gift for your valentine on Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2, from noon - 4:00 P.M. both days, in McCollister Hall.

          Artists and businesses featured include:

                     Journey Bead Bracelets ™ and matching necklaces and earrings designed by Kathy McQuade and Colleen Dolan-Greene

                     Woods of the World

hand-crafted works of art by Larry Hutchison

                     Photographic Art

by Mary Jane (MJ) Murawka

                     Café deTroit

gourmet chocolates, coffees and teas by Lee Padgett

                    Fine Jewelry in Gold and Silver

By Allison Parks

CANVASS DINNER

After church on Sunday, February 9, there will be an informative and entertaining potluck gathering in McCollester Hall. Our annual canvass dinner will include some important financial news and information regarding the future of our church. This will kick off our annual canvass, which will take place during the month of February, and will culminate in early March. The atmosphere surrounding the canvass dinner should be especially festive this year, as there will be a U.U. choral festival at the church at 3:00pm on the same day! Plan to attend, as the future of our church depends crucially upon everyone's participation.

Please note: This potluck dinner on February 9 will replace the potluck that is usually held on the third Sunday each month.

EVER WONDER WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO HAVE A 100-MEMBER CHOIR?

Come find out on Sunday, February 9, 2003 at 3:00 P.M. Our choir will join 7 other Unitarian Universalist Churches from Southeast Michigan to present music from a liberal and diverse spiritual tradition including congregational singing with the mass choir. The performance will be in the Sanctuary and the admission is free. Please conserve the parking for our guest musicians by carpooling. For more information call Todd at 734-480-4480 or trballou@aol.com

COME HAVE A BALL

At the Saint Valentine HUSTLE DANCE PARTY on Saturday, February 15 from 6:30 – 10:30 P.M. in McCollester Hall. Learn the Hustle and the “Ballroom” with instructor Shirley Mitchell. Tickets are $10.00 with no charge for children under 10. Delicious snacks and refreshments will be for sale. For more information call Donna Walker at 313-898-5517 or the church office at 833-9107. This is a fundraiser for UU Community Place.

Filipino Ethnic Dinner

Please join Lily & Dan Secrest and their crew of hard-working friends on Saturday, March 8, at 6:00pm. This fun(d) raiser for the church will feature brief entertainment in addition to sumptuous specialties from that melting pot of Southeast Asian, Chinese, Spanish, and American culture. Come one, come all, invite your friends...

Please make reservations by calling the Secrests or the church office, or via email
Lily Secrest
lilysecrest@comcast.net
313-864-0177

WDET Reporter and Michigan Opera singer, Celeste Headlee will perform her grandfather, William Grant Still's music at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4605 Cass Ave. (at Forest).   Called the "dean of African-American composers",  Still was the first African American to write a major symphonic work performed by a major American orchestra, the first to conduct a major orchestra in the US, the first to have an opera produced by a major American company and the first to have an opera televised over a national network in the US.  Leopold Stokowski said that Still is one of America's greatest composers.  The program will include art, songs, arias, and popular songs performed chronologically with Celeste telling the story of her grandfather's life.  This will be an intimate look at one of our nation's most important musical and racial figures, combined with some of the composer's beautiful melodies.  Celeste is an accomplished soloist in her own right and has been traveling, performing, lecturing, and editing books  on her grandfather, William Grant Still, for the past 10 years.  Accompanying Celeste will be Rob Conway, pianist for the DSO and chair of the Piano Department at Wayne State University. Master of Ceremonies for the program will be WDET's "Legend of Jazz", Ed Love. The public is invited and a  $10.00 donation will be accepted at the door.

Contact Person: Nancy Hutchison - 517-547-3429, nhutchi@aol.com

It’s Time!

Do you know how long it’s been since we last published a First UU cookbook?  That is the question I asked after pigging out last Sunday on our wonderful potluck!  It has been almost 20 years and I think it’s time to update this wonderful tradition.  Irene Schultz and I are looking for interested food sleuths to ferret out some new recipes.  If you are interested in helping to compile the cookbook, join us during coffee hour on February 16^th.

Do you have a few spare hours to help out in the church office?  If so, we could use your help on Wednesdays from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.  Please call John Strauther at 313-342-8969 for more information.

Journey Toward Wholeness

Journey Toward Wholeness” meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M.  This is a partnership program between our church, Birmingham Unitarian Church, and the Northwest UU Church, in our quest for racial justice. Everyone is welcome to join us in this initiative.  The next meeting is at the Birmingham Church on February 12.

Guest at Your Table

Please return your checks, made out to UUSC, as soon as possible so we can send them all directly to UUSC.  Our goal this year is to raise $500.00.  The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is a very worth while organization so please consider joining.  Checks can go in the UUSC box or in the church office.  If you have any questions, see Barbara Stevenson or call her at 863-6891.

First UU Women’s Book Club News

All of our meetings are from 1 – 3 P.M. and are held in Memorial Hall unless otherwise noted. Our upcoming meetings are as follows:

v      Sunday, February 2  Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

v     Sunday, March 2   The Plain Truth

v     Sunday, March 31  1-4 P.M.  Women’s History Dinner (come as the woman in history you would like to have been).  There will be a catered dinner with the cost of $12.00.  Please R.S.V.P. by calling Barbara Stevenson at 313-863-6891

v     Sunday, April 6  Dead Man Walking by Sister Helen Prejean

v     Sunday, May 4  book to be decided

v     Sunday, June 8  book to be decided – possibly brunch or dinner at a restaurant

v     No formal meetings in July and August

Books under discussion for the group include:  Middlesex, Redemption Story and Chalice and the Blade among others.

Publicity – Publicity – Publicity

Is your committee planning an activity, which needs publicity? Arlene Teed will provide basic details to the church Newsletter monthly calendar, which begins today, and to Detroit area newspapers if you give me your information in a timely manner.

A Publicity mailbox is now available for our use. It is still your responsibility to give your dates to Wendi in the church office and to send detailed information to publications of your choice.

The deadline for March events is February 9. Be sure to include date, time, place and charge along with a contact number.

Mark your February Calendar

February 2 – Social Action Meeting – Join us if you are interested in anti-war actions 12:15 – Memorial Hall

February 5, 12, 19 – New UU Orientation for new members and others interested in learning more about our church.

February 9 – Canvass Potluck after church and Concert/sing along with 8 UU choirs. Led by Todd Ballou in the Sanctuary

February 9 – Publicity deadline to publish events in March Metro papers.

February 15 – Hustle with Heart Dance – learn the hustle – bring the family – from 6:30 – 10:30 P.M. Adults $10.00, children under 10 – free.

February 17 – Lay Leader Training 7:00 P.M.

February 23 – Concert – The music of Famous African-American composer William Grant Still performed by his granddaughter, Celeste Headlee with DSO pianist Robert Conway and guitarist Daniel Gurin. 3:00 P.M in the Sanctuary. Cost $10.00

February 26 – Women’s Alliance – Luncheon and theater party at the Hilberry.  Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors”.  Luncheon at noon $6.00, play at 2:00 P.M., $10.00  - reservations a must for theater. Call Eiko Takemoto for more details.

We get Mail

From Louise Walker... “Happy New Year and many thanks for the cute card and all the signatures

It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Thomas James Moore, Jr. on January 10, 2003.  Tom died of natural causes, quietly, at the age of 87.  He loved music and played the harmonica, guitar and violin. Tom attended First Church many times and his son Thom is still a member.  His gentle, jovial, loving spirit will live on in our hearts.

February Birthdays

1. Bessie Mercer, Liana Perez, Wendi Winston

2. Catalina Hall

3. Lew Thompson

18. Al Acker

21. Chris Acker, Veronica Agosta, Jon (JD) Schultz

24. Nancy Hutchison, Pat Kniel

25. Andrew Malone

26. Walter Greene IV, Laura Thompson

Ed. Note…If you haven’t seen your name on our birthday list and you would like it to appear, please jot down your name along with your birthday – year not necessary – and put it in the Newsletter box located outside the office in the mail cubbys.

The Business of Art

An all‑day intensive workshop with

Allison Parks

Come join working artist and teacher Allison Parks for an experiential workshop on the business of being an artist. Topics to be covered include:

u Uncovering your creative vision

Li Identifying your goals

• Living with risk

• The four P's of marketing: Product, Promotion, Place & Price

• Taking your work to "market"

• And much more !

Allison Parks is a jeweler with almost 20 year's experience in the visual arts. She teaches at Oakland Community College and is the head of the Jewelry and Metals Department at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. She also has worked for the Detroit Entrepreneurial Institute mentoring fledgling artists. In addition she has helped many people overcome creative blocks and live more creatively through her teaching of Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, a spiritual path to higher creativity.

When:          Saturday, March 8, 2003

                    10 am ‑ 5 pm

                    Bring bag lunch

Where:         First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit

                    4605 Cass Avenue,, Detroit, Michigan

Cost: $75.00 includes all course materials

Pre‑registration is required by March 1, 2003. Please email parks@earthlink.net or call 313.273.6225 to register.

Contact Person: Nancy Hutchison ‑ 517‑547‑3429, nhutchi@aol.com

William Grant Still Concert ‑ On February 23, 2003 from 3:00 ‑ 5:00 pm, WDET Reporter and Michigan Opera singer, Celeste Headlee will perform her grandfather, William Grant Still's music at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4605 Cass Ave. (at Forest) Called the "dean of African-American composers," Still was the first African American to write a major symphonic work performed by a major American orchestra, the first to conduct a major orchestra in the US, the first to have an opera produced by a major American company and the first to have an opera televised over a national network in the US. Leopold Stokowski said that Still is one of America's greatest composers. The program will include art songs, arias, and popular songs performed chronologically with Celeste telling the story of her grandfather's life. This will be an intimate look at one of our nation's most important musical and racial figures, combined with some of the composer's beautiful melodies. Celeste is an accomplished soloist in her own tight and has been traveling, performing, lecturing, and editing books on her grandfather, William Grant Still for the past 10 years. Accompanying Celeste will be Rob Conway, pianist for the DSO and chair of the Piano Department at Wayne State University. Master of Ceremonies for the program will be WDET's "Legend of Jazz", Ed Love. The public is invited and a $10.00 donation will be accepted at the door.

Link Home and Church with uu&me!

You can learn and grow together with uu&me! , the only Unitarian Universalist magazine for kids. Regular features include stories about the real-life decisions kids make, holiday clebrations, famous UUs in history and today, religious beliefs aroun the world, nature activities that nurture good relationships with the earth, plus reproducible games, puzzles, and crafts. This quarterly magazine tragets children ages 6 to 12 but is read and enjoyed by families with children younger as well. Subscriptions: $17.95 (US), $19.95 (Canada, US $$), 21.95 Foreign (US $$).

uu&me! is published by the Church of the Larger Fellowship in Boston. Check out the public archives. subscribe on line or contact Betsy Williams. OR, mail your check, along with your name and address and your child's name to: