First Unitarian Universalist
Church of Detroit

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The song says, “Our separate fires will kindle one flame…” and that is an enticing possibility. What I have learned so far is that here we have many strong and separate fires and not much of a common flame. We do have a great potential to join together in a common purpose, though, and that is made clear in the conversations we have been having.

We now have a fine collection of results from the Appreciative Inquiry interviews and it is time to consider what it all means. On March 25th we will have a meeting after church for the entire congregation to see the results and consider what to do with them. I think it will quickly become apparent how much we do actually carry in common. The 25th is a day to consider collaboration and to offer innovative ideas to move us toward that “one flame” that can continue to burn brightly here at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit – IF that is what we choose to do.

A strong community does not happen as a result of sitting back and waiting for it to happen. We each must choose to make this a strong and vibrant community and that requires participation. Fortunately, participation can also be fun! On March 23rd we will have a dinner to mark the kick-off of the Annual Canvass, which will be a great evening of international foods.

On Sunday the 25th we will enjoy some special music that Todd has been preparing. The service will be entitled, “The Once and Future Church”. My job of crafting words for a powerful Sunday together is made so much easier by offerings, such as special music, and that particular Sunday will be even more powerful due to your participation in the meeting afterward.

You know how spring can sneak up on you, if you haven’t been paying close attention? Note the following – the days are significantly longer than they were when I arrived. The days are warmer (not yet really warm, much warmer), pussy willows are abloom and the bravest flowers will follow soon. The Vernal Equinox occurs in March and the month promises to be a time of surprise and news and change. And we are all in it together! See you in church!

~ Reverend Drew
By the way, if you have managed to avoid being a part of the Appreciative Inquiry interviews, there is still time! Call Wendi in the office to see what times are available and call soon.

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My “Surge of Optimism” has turned into a steady current of belief in our future. Rev. Drew Johnston and his “mellifluous voice” (a member’s comment from his first Sunday) have given us much to ponder these past few Sunday mornings. Today’s sermon, which linked our UU principles to our moral and political responsibilities (Privilege and Obligations) stimulated discussion during coffee hour and possibilities for future adult education. I also am grateful that Drew is helping us feel more connected to each other and more positive about our church family. I completed my interview last week and am anxious to hear what we all had to say. Thank you to those who volunteered to be the interviewers.

March marks the month that our new By-laws take effect with a smaller Board (see our thank you elsewhere in the Newsletter) and a new life to this contribution to the Newsletter. We are striving to communicate better, with our Board Secretary now publishing the highlights of the Board Meetings. Also, you can check out the Board Meeting Minutes, which are posted on one of the bulletin boards as well as on our website. The Annual Church Canvass is in the extraordinarily capable hands of the Vice-President, Alicia Biggers, who chairs the Canvass this year. Thank you, Alicia. The Settled Minister Search Committee continues their work, AND our church school is growing. I love seeing these beautiful young people on Sunday mornings and watching them grow.

As happy as I am with the progress of the church and the efforts of Rev. Drew, there are a lot of people I miss seeing on Sunday mornings. If you’ve been away for a while, we would love to see you again.

~ Linda Darga, President

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The dampness of winter affected the outdoor light that keeps the beautiful sanctuary entrance on Cass Avenue lit. Water seeped into the fixture and caused the light to malfunction. Dan Kosmowski installed a replacement light fixture.

A heating tour was given on Sunday, February 18th to a group of new heating volunteers. Alicia Biggers, Dan Wiest, Rev. Drew Johnston, Jonathan Schultz, Margaret Wilkie, Carolyn Ludwig, and Mary Lou Malone learned the intricacies of the building’s three different heating systems.

Church staff will be responsible for heat settings Monday-Friday and volunteers on the weekends. Please direct any heating issues to Rev. Johnston.

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Just to let you know some of what the Membership Committee is up to recently to maintain and expand our membership. Every visitor who signs the visitor form on Sunday mornings is sent a welcome letter and the Newsletter, either by regular mail or e-mail, their preference. We are planning a New UU Orientation for prospective, new and recently minted church members in the early spring. The dates will be announced soon.

Alma King has been presenting some of our Universalist history during coffee hour for your perusal and reflection. She is to be credited with continuing to sort and organize our historical archives amidst the dust and din. Please let her know your appreciation and offer your help if you’re interested in doing this.

The following are some of the people who are assisting with membership duties, including the ongoing coffee hour event – Dan Weist, Margaret Beck, Helen True, Lencha Acker, Caroline Taylor, Nora Holt, Alma King and Mary Neale. Please let me know whom I’ve left out as there are many of us who work behind the scenes to make Sunday and other days “happen” at the church. Also let me know any ideas you have for other membership activities.

~ Sally Borden, Membership Trustee/Chair

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Our efforts are not readily apparent, but the Ministerial Search Committee is busy as we continue our work to bring the best minister to First Church. Rev. Johnston continues to impress, comfort and guide us. We look forward to the future.

The Ministerial Search Committee:

Dr. James Robinson, Chair

Dr. Ivan Cotman

Sharlene Gage

Marilyn Mitchell

Kathe Stevens

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The Women’s Alliance will meet on Wednesday, March 21 at noon. Lunch will be served at noon with a cost of $6.00. Following lunch, Rev. Lynda Smith will speak to us about social justice issues. Please make reservations by phoning the church office at 313-833-9107 or Eiko Takemoto at 313-869-6389. The deadline for reservations is Monday, March 19th before noon.

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The Worship Committee is looking for a talented volunteer, artist/designer to help us create a cover for the Order of Service into which we will place the weekly program. This cover will have artwork, the UU Principles and general church information. Are you an artist? Do you know how to do computer-generated design and layout? Contact Lencha Acker, Worship Trustee or Dan Secrest, Committee Chair, or leave a message for them with Wendi in the church office 313-833-9107.

Thank you - Lencha Acker

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Dare to Dream

All are invited to join us in our Canvass Kick-off Dinner on Friday, March 23 from 5:30 - 8-30 P.M. in McCollester Hall. Please be our guest for a multi-cultural taste-fest. Reservations must be made by calling the church office by noon, March 20 at 313-833-9107.

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Our time together on Sunday is our most public event and, in some ways our most personal. To be together for the hour we designate as Worship is a rare and precious thing. Please note that entering and leaving the sanctuary during certain times can be disruptive to those who are seated and attempting to participate in the service. If you have arrived late, first - thank you for coming! Second - please open the door gently and make sure it is not a quiet time of the service. If those in the sanctuary are sharing a time of silence, please wait to enter until that time has passed. If you need to leave the sanctuary during a service, please wait for a time that will not disturb your fellow attendees. It is never appropriate to enter or exit during a time of silence, prayer, or meditation. Let us show our kindest behavior to each other, because we are worth it.

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Invite Your Friends

Mark you calendars! I have been eager to share some special music with you, and March 25th is the date. I’ve been working awhile on a program of Russian music, and I would be honored if you would spread the word and invite your friends to visit the church with you. The program includes diverse music by Katchaturian, Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. It will be a day for me to spread my wings a bit and take a few risks. I would love for you and your friends to join me in this adventure.

~ Todd Ballou, Music Director

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The First Unitarian Universalist/Buddhist Practice had its first meeting at the end of February. Nine people turned out for the one-hour program. Following introductions, Jim Brown shared his understanding of the Kalama Sutta (a sutta is a verbal exchange of ideas between the Buddha and others that was transcribed to text form) and the Four Noble Truths (Buddha's first teaching). Lynda Smith then introduced the fundamentals of meditation, after which we all enjoyed a meditation together.

Buddhism is a way of life, more than a religion, but it shares many ontological and ethical principles with Unitarian Universalist thinking. The essence of Buddhist living is very simple, but its underlying structure is very comprehensive. If this interests you, please consider joining us to explore Buddhism and share in the benefits of meditation. This group will meet at 7:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month through May: 3/12, 3/26, 4/9, 4/23, 5/14 and 5/28.

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The next Interfaith Dialog is scheduled for March 18th. Please note the time and room change. We will meet at 1:30 in the Yoga Room behind the kitchen. All are invited.

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Transitions are not always seamless or unemotional times. When a minister retires and interim ministers are called, much work needs to be accomplished not only for the continued running of the church, but to get us over the bumps. We have had, in the past and current year, hardworking and dedicated Board members. With the new By-laws now effective, we will lose three members of the Board of Trustees for a new, smaller and sleeker-sized Board. Therefore the Immediate Past Moderator, President and Vice-President would like to express our gratitude to the departing members for your efforts and work that have often extended beyond your "duties". We thank you Mary Lou Malone, Earl Harvey and Jim Brown for your contributions to our church. We hope to work with you in other capacities for a long time to come.

~ Jim Harvey, Immediate Past President

~ Linda Darga, President

~ Alicia Biggers, Vice-President

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If you have not yet seen it, this is your chance to see the Oscar winning documentary with Al Gore. If you have seen it, please come and see it again with us. Friday March 30 at 7pm at the church. Donations will be accepted.

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Donna Walker is attending a leadership conference in Columbus, OH the last weekend in March. The Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community is sponsoring the gathering to advance our understanding and create networks based on David C. Korten's book The Great Turning - From Empire to Earth Community. This event runs from March 30 - April 1. Donna will leave Friday morning and return late April 1. She can offer rides to 3 people and/or share a motel room with 4 women/children. The conference is free and meals are based on ability to pay up to $100.00. You can contact Donna at 313-333-3764 or email at donnajoywalker@yahoo.com.

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I have play tickets for Wrongful Life at the Detroit Repertory Theater for the Saturday Matinee at 3 pm on March 31. If you would like to see a great play and have dinner afterward at the Traffic Jam, please contact me. Also, thank you to all who have bought tickets in the past.

~ Margaret Beck

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The 2007 General Assembly information and tentative agenda for congregations, delegates and attendees is available in the church office as well as on the UUA website.

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From Connie Hart:

I find that I still have a very fond place in my heart for you all, and wish to let you know. I send my love to the many dear friends I still have there, though Cindy and Jan will soon be moving away, but especially friends in the choir.