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First Unitarian Universalist
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First Unitarian Universalist
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Drew's Views
Canvass
Finance
Membership Committee
Ministerial Search Committee
Women's Alliance
Easter Breakfast
In Memoriam
Step It Up Rally (for the environment)
Viola Liuzzo Travelling Exhibit
We Get Mail
Summer Retreat
Perhaps you have heard by now that I will be staying around longer. I am delighted and honored to continue serving First Unitarian Universalist of Detroit and expect great things from our time together. At one of the first meetings I attended upon my arrival in January I shared some guidelines for how we could treat each other in every encounter at church. I didn't invent these, they were good enough for me to memorize though, and I offer them again as an explanation of how I hope for us to behave.
I like to add a fifth - Bring chocolate. But then I note that I have specific expectations for dark, bittersweet chocolate and realize that this item is the most optional.
I continue to carry high hopes for this congregation and my time here, and I will continue to show up, pay attention, tell the truth, and be flexible. It's worth noting that I am relentless in this, and in expecting us to each do the same to the best of our abilities.
Even though my time here is extended, it is going to take a lot of focused effort from all of us to accomplish the things we need to address. I am counting on us working together as we clarify the direction we want the church to go and give some shape to that future. While this is serious and important work (if we do it right) it is also fun and satisfying (if we do it right). If you have been thinking about ways you might want to participate in the life of the church, give me a call and we'll talk.
Just a reminder, I am in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and make appointments for other times. See you in church!
~ Reverend
Drew
Wow, this communications job is getting better than I expected. I was all set to write a message about how wonderful the canvass dinner was…how Irene Schultz organized a brilliant taste fest of six delicious cuisines and Maria Majer provided a wonderful assortment of beverages, and how Alicia Biggers gave a stirring plea for financial support and how Rev. Drew eloquently praised honorees Ruth and Jim Harvey. I was even prepared to sing the praises of the choir’s performance (blush).
But then I went to church on Sunday morning and heard an even better inspiration for every church member to respond generously when the canvasser calls. After Dr. Robinson gave the Search Committee report and after Linda Darga announced that Reverend Johnston has agreed to stick with us for another year, Drew stepped up to the microphone to make a moving and meaningful commitment. He will make a pledge, and we, the pledging members and friends, will decide how much it will be, because he agreed to commit to 10% above the average of all the other pledges!
What more can I say? If, after reading this, you cannot even wait long enough for a canvasser’s call, just contact Alicia…or any other member of the Canvass committee.
~ Al Acker
There will be a presentation of a proposed 2007 - 2008 budget on Sunday, April 22 after coffee hour. This will be the initial draft reviewed by the Board. The meeting is an opportunity for congregational input before the Annual Meeting in May.
The next U-U orientation will be held on April 12, 19 and 26 from 7 – 9 P.M. in the church house. Come and see what this UU religion is all about. If you have any questions, call Rev. Drew Johnston at the church at 313-833-9107 or Sally Borden at 313-533-1494.
The theater party raised $100.00 for our church budget. I am planning another event the first Sunday in June. I would also appreciate some help cleaning out my garage in preparation of the annual garage sales. I have already given away things that didn’t sell last year to other charities but there is so much more to do. Please call me at 313-882-7775 or email me at margretbeck@comcast.net.
~ Margaret Beck
(Settled Minister)
At the service on Sunday, April 1, Dr. James A. Robinson, Chair of the Settled Minister Search Committee, updated the congregation on the Search Committee's work and results.
Dr. Robinson reiterated what the Rev. Dr. John Weston, UUA Transitions Director, told the congregation during his visit on January 7th: An unusually large number of churches were searching for ministers this year; conversely, there was a shortage of ministers seeking churches; and, of those seeking churches, most were not interested in an urban church.
Despite this, First UU did have success in attracting applicants. Of five, three were not a good fit for our church. The remaining two were interviewed via telephone conferences. Shortly after the telephone conference, one applicant withdrew.
The remaining applicant accepted an invitation for a pre-candidating weekend, consisting of shared meals on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon, a tour of the church buildings and the city, a lengthy formal interview, and two sermons preached at a neutral pulpit. As a result, this highly qualified applicant was invited to be our candidate.
Although the applicant enthusiastically considered our offer, he has accepted an offer at another church, located close to his family. So, at this time, the Search Committee is not able to offer a candidate for minister to First Church.
Dr. Robinson thanked the congregation, on behalf of the Settled Minister Search Committee, for its understanding and support.
Governing Board President, Linda Darga, then informed the congregation that the Board has asked the Rev. Drew Johnston to continue as Interim Minister.
The Search Committee will continue as directed by the Board. It will present a formal report to the Board at the Board meeting on Monday, April 9th. Please feel free to talk to any Search Committee member for more information.
Dr. James A. Robinson, Chair
Dr. Ivan Cotman
Sharlene Gage
Marilyn Mitchell
Kathe Stevens
The Women's Alliance will be meeting on April 18th at noon. Our speaker will be Christy MacGillavary who will be discussing conservation and preservation of water. The cost for the luncheon is $6.00 and reservations must be made by noon April 16 by calling the church office at 313-833-9107 or Eiko Takemoto at 313-869-6389.
Easter Breakfast will start at 9 A.M. and continue until 10:30 A.M. on Sunday, April 8th. The price for the breakfast is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children age 4 and under. The menu will consist of scrambled eggs, Harvey potatoes, ham, turkey ham, juice, coffee and tea. Reservations need to be made by Wednesday, April 4 by either calling the church office or the Harveys (Earl and Ann) at 313-563-2629.
Ben Creech, who attended First UU a number of years ago, will be remembered by some of our members. I was saddened to receive news of his death Monday. A memorial service will be held for him on April 14 at 2 P.M. at the Ann Arbor church.
~ Lee Thume
Mary Lou invites you to join Rosedale Recycles and Voices for Earth Justice on Saturday, April 14th at noon as we join over a thousand other communities across America and host a Step It Up rally for the environment. Help us send a strong message to Congress, "Cut carbon emissions and protect our environment now."
Meet by the large fountain on Fountain Drive for a walk at Belle Isle, Detroit, noon to 2 P.M. Bring banners, signs, friends, kids, dogs, and neighbors. We'll hand out energy efficient light bulbs to the first 50 people to show up.
Register for this walk (Belle Isle Walk) at www.stepitup2007.org.
More information about Step It Up can be obtained
from the same website.
Viola Liuzzo, An Exemplary Woman in Extraordinary Times traveling exhibit, presented by Davenport University, will be at First Church from May 4-15th.
This special exhibit features the story of Viola Liuzzo, a thirty-nine year old Detroiter and mother of five, who was killed by segregationists during the Civil Rights movement. Throughout her life, Liuzzo demonstrated personal commitment to civil rights causes and she also was motivated to act by her affiliation with the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit.
Her story has been a source of inspiration for many, both regionally and nationally. Following a nomination letter written by Davenport University faculty and students, Liuzzo was inducted in the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in October 2006. The exhibit is a collaborative work of many Davenport University students with support and guidance from faculty. The exhibit is partially funded by a "Strengthening Michigan Communities Through the Humanities" grant from the Michigan Humanities Council. More details will follow.
Greetings from Arizona -
When I begin to notice the fragrance of orange blossoms as I walk the mile "Walking Ring" I know that the first day of spring is near and I better start packing to come home to Michigan. Since my hospital stay in February, I sometimes only walk part of a mile but I do get out every day except Sunday.
This year I have been caregiver for my sister Elberta but I need to be home for income tax time and other business. This means leaving Elberta alone with arrangements for others to substitute for me. I have scheduled Meals on Wheels and some Saturday help. Berta doesn't want anyone in her home except me. She thinks she can handle everything herself, but I hope she will accept what I have planned.
It will be nice to see all of you in Michigan from April to August when I will return to Arizona to bring Sister Berta back to Michigan for a visit during the lovely autumn season which she enjoys so much. So I'll just say SEE YOU SOON.
Loyally,
Faye Colling
In the spectacular Grand Teton Mountains of Wyoming August 18-23
Join with other UU's from Michigan and around the country at the beautiful Ring Lake Ranch near Dubois, Wyoming for a week of rest, recreation and spiritual renewal. In addition to a great program, great companions and spectacular scenery, there will be opportunities for walking, hiking, yoga, river rafting, petroglyph hunting, canoeing and trail-riding.
Cost per person is $650, which includes lodging, meals and programs - some outings may be extra and the price does not include travel to or from Wyoming.
For more information contact Jill McAllister at minister@peopleschurch.net.
