First Unitarian Universalist
Church of Detroit

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For this edition of the newsletter, I would like to focus on the 2008 Canvass and its importance to the future and legacy of our Church, on this corner, in this city. As many of you know, 1st UU Detroit has a rich history and deep connection to this state, city and community. As we, your leadership, listened to your voices, we noted the desire to continue this legacy at 1st UU of change and commitment by our membership. You voice is seen in our mission statement to "liberate the truth, radiate kindness and love courageously" and with this voice, we will together work to plan our future to build our legacy further. I ask you to personally consider what this Church and its future mean to you and make your commitment, make your membership count by increasing your pledge this year or pledge this year.

Fiscally speaking, we need to be honest with each other and realize to keep the level of programming, staff and quality of ministers; we are responsible to balance our budget. Our annual pledges are our core source of income to balance our Church's operating budget. You Board of Trustees and numerous other members are hard at work planning the Church's future including alternative ways to generate income from building use to programs to grants to financial campaigns to Friends of 1st UU Detroit. These alternatives will be core to our future; however, we need to fund today and your pledge directly supports today.

We are working together to pass the torch to the next generation by inviting members to participate in the Church life from coffee hour to Worship Committee to ushering to Board of Trustees. It has been an inspiring few months to watch new members join and "seasoned" members become mentors and share their knowledge and passion for this Church. You will see members honor our past by working hard to ensure its future, today.

Speaking of honoring the past and securing our future, your leaders of the "Trust" have step up and will lead our Canvass this year. As they manage our "Trust" and work with your Board of Trustees", they know first hand how important our canvass is this year. You will be hearing from each of these leaders and you will be invited to dine with small groups to learn more about the canvass, the Church and the value of your membership with 1st UU Detroit. When asked, I hope you accept the invitation.

Rev. Drew Johnston and I (along with other Trustees) will host a series of conversations called “How We Lead” to share in small groups information on the change with the Board and governance as well as to offer a Q&A on the “business” of the Church. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the governance of the Church as well as hold your Trustees accountable.

You will also notice the "Committee or Team of the Month" in McCollester Hall. This is an effort to highlight each month a team or committee of the Church. This is your opportunity to ask questions, learn about the group and sign up to participate! Every member is welcome and encouraged to "plug in" to a committee or team they have an interest. Listed is a brief sampling of the areas where you are welcomed to join: Youth/RE Committee (you do not need to be parent to help); Worship Committee, Women's Alliance, Men's Group, Marketing/Promotion, Coffee Hour (Hospitality), Membership Committee, Finance Committee, Social Justice Team, and much more. Perhaps you have an idea for a group effort, if so, let any of your Board of Trustees know: Lencha Acker, Sally Borden, Dave Lingholm, Trey Greene, Glenn Maxwell, Dan Wiest, and Linda Darga.

I invite you to participate in this year’s Coffee Hour by volunteering to host a Sunday or several Sundays. In February, Al’s Pals (that is Al Acker) have hosted the Coffee Hour. In March, you will have members of the Social Justice Team along with Maysel Brooks and Gladys Santiago hosting. Who can host? Anyone including members, church groups, and groups of friends can host and there are mentors around who can guide you through and answer your questions to ensure your success!

Remember, it is your Church and as we pass from generation to generation, there are opportunities for everyone to participate, all ages, and all skill levels!

Calendar items to note and participate:
Wednesday is Church Night with Vespers helping us to reflect and meditate mid-week.
1st Wednesday – Building a Better World series @7pm
2nd Wednesday – Board of Trustees Meeting @7pm – Open to members
3rd Wednesday – Worship Committee @ 7pm – Open to members

Finally, don’t forget we have our own Ms. Lee Thume and company’s music CD available for purchase and the proceeds support the Church. See Lee Thume or Gwen Foss to purchase your copy.

Let’s continue to “liberate the truth, radiate kindness and love courageously”, together.

Alicia Biggers

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There will be no Souper Sunday in March. Contact Carolyn Ludwig for more info.

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Let's carpool to UU District Conference in Louisville, April 4-6! Call Sherry Wells, (248) 543-5297.

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Every Sunday Service is recorded on CD by the sound crew. Copies are made after service in coffee hour at the sound table. Please fill out the order request form as soon as possible so we can graciously make your copy for only $5. Copies of past sermons are also available.

The sound crew schedule is as follows:

First Sunday: Linda Darga

Second Sunday: Len Zettel

Third Sunday: Glenn Maxwell

Fourth Sunday: Dan Secrest

Fifth Sunday: Dave Lingholm

Contact them on their respective Sunday for questions. If you are interested in being on the sound crew, contact Glenn Maxwell or Dan Secrest.

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The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 19. All are welcome! Lunch is $6 and begins at Noon. The program following will be on the topic, “Women Who Run for Office and Their Experiences”. The speaker will be Toni Tront, 1stUU member and active in the League of Women Voters. Please consider joining us for the luncheon or the program or better yet—BOTH! Reservations for the meal can be made with Eiko Takemoto or through the Church Office by Noon of the Monday before the meeting day.

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The deadline for printed material is Sunday, March 16, 2008 no later than NOON or the following Monday no later than 9:00 a.m. for electronically submitted material. Contact the Office Administrator for information.