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First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit 4605 Cass Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 Phone 313-833-9107 Fax 313-833-0127 January 15, 2006

Interim Minister's Column

Hard to imagine, but I have been at 1st Church for 6 months. I have been fortunate to meet so many of you, including our newest members and guests. About now, people begin to understand the several hats I wear: yes, I am a parish minister, having served 4 settled ministries before joining the Interim Program.The UUA has put so much into training AIMs and AIMits (accredited interim ministers in training). Now we have well- trained church consultants, who are ready to deal with the many aspects of transition times in the life of a congregation, when it is most valuable to look at the wider perspective of church life and organization. And that is the second hat I wear.

Someone recently said:"People say they like your services, but the rest of you makes them nervous." While we laughed together, there is an element of reality in that. To have an in-residence consultant, who also pastors, preaches, pays visit, and all the many tasks of ministry, we are not officially "your minister". That title rightly belongs to the minister you will call, and settle. While here, I make every effort to provide you with ministry as time and energy allow. The other part of my role and tasks here - church consultant - is different, in that I work most of all with your board and leadership, to sort through how to take something good and make it even better. If something else seems not to be working, we address that also. Both "hats" take time, consideration and dedication to your health and fulfillment as a congregation. I realize it has been confusing, even to some board members, that I am so direct about concerns I see as urgent, and in working long and hard on the 'foundational' systems of the church that need alteration to get you where you want to be. Someone suggested I actually get a reversible hat, so that they can know what I am doing at any given time. That would be interesting, but truth is, I am the minister to the "church", the organizational patterns, the well-being of the institutional needs, that support the life of the congregation.

There are important choices ahead, and the good news is that you, the congregation, are doing the 'work' of the transition time, and I work as mentor, guide, prod, sometimes nuisance, minister and care-giver. It is good to be with you.
Yours in faith,
Rev. Diana

In Memoriam

It is with sadness we report the death of Dr. Joachim &lquot;Kim&rquot; Bruhn. Kim died suddenly on December 12 following complications from a fall. A family memorial service is planned for later in the year.

Committee & Affiliate News

Book Group

We will be meeting on February 5, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall and will be discussing Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Please come prepared to discuss the book selection and bring a snack to share.

Choir

The following is the rehearsal schedule for the rest of 2006. All rehearsals begin at 9:30 and are in McCollester Hall unless otherwise noted. All are welcome.

Following are choir rehearsal and performance dates:
January 22 Rehearsal & Performance
February 5, 19, 26 Performance on the 19th
March 5, 19, 29 Performance on the 19th April 2, 16, 23 Performance on the 16th
May 7, 21, 28 Performance on the 21
June 4, 11, 18 Performance on the 11

Constitution/By-Laws Committee

The committee met in December and continues to work on developing a draft for a revised Constitution and By-laws for First UU of Detroit. We are using information from other churches, the UUA, Michigan law and our own experience and reality. Everyone will have an opportunity to review, discuss and make recommendations during March so that we will have ample time to vote on these important documents in our annual Meeting. Members of the committee are Sally Borden, Earl Harvey, Mary Lou Malone and Rev. Diana Heath as an ex-officio member. Dr. Linda Darga and Dr. Ivan Cotman will also assist us.

“Our goal of the By-laws revision is to develop a set of By-laws that will provide a foundation for the successful future operation of our Church”.

Fundraising

Twenty-three of us had a great time seeing the four star play Going to St. Ives Saturday followed by dinner at the Traffic Jam. Our church budget is now $130.00 richer. Total raised from plays this year is $245.00. Entertainment book sale is closed but raised $270.00 this fiscal year. Thanks to all who contributed to these fund raising activities. Hope to have another theater party the first Saturday in April. Margaret Beck

What “Will” We Do?

On February 5, 2006 in Memorial hall at 1:00, Charlene Gage will give an overview on the following topics — wills, trusts and estate planning. She will explain how each works and how it can relate to a persons needs.

Individuals may need to contact a lawyer or estate planner to formalize their decisions. Charlene is sharing her perspectives on these tools and how they may help us carry out our wishes to avoid unnecessary taxes and court fees. Please call Janet Thompson to let us know of your interest.

Holy Conversations

All 1st UU members and friends are invited to join together after church for the second in our series of Holy Conversations.  These meetings are opportunities to discuss our mission and plan for the future. Please mark these dates on your calendars: Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19 and March 5.

Welcome New Faces

It's easy to welcome visitors to First UU. Try it and see!'

• Wear your nametag every Sunday
• When singing a familiar hymn, look up and smile at your neighbors>
• Take at least 60 seconds each week to intentionally seek out a face and say, “Hi!”
• Sit next to someone you don’t know and introduce yourself. Better yet, invite that person to join you for coffee in McCollester Hall
• Be a Roving Ambassador. Contact Arlene Teed to find out how.

Thank You