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March 2015
The Messenger
The Messenger
March 2015
Volume 16 Issue 1
Keene Unitarian Universalist Church, 69 Washington Street , Keene, NH 03431
http://www.kuuc.org/
office@kuuc.org
603-352-1719
______________________________________________________
CONTENTS
2
Worship
Calendar
3 Rev. Michael’s
Moment
3 President’s
Corner/Board
of Trustees
6 Stewardship
Campaign
7 RE News
8 Music Notes
10 Montessori
Tour
10 Events,
Activities
17 Office Hours
18 KUUC Contact
List
Please join us:
10:00 a.m.
Worship Services
and Coffee Hour
following the
service.
Childcare is
available for
children ages 5
and under.
Children’s RE
and/or Worship
activities are
offered every
Sunday.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, March 29 11:30-12:15
(Quorum required)
We will be discussing and voting on three
items:
1. Funding Source for Past Due Payments
on our Ministers Retirement Account.
2. Funding for review of our financial
practices and year-end statements.
3. Bridging the Gap We anticipate a gap of
nearly $30k in our budget for the 2014 fiscal
year. How will we close this gap?
For each of these topics, more information
will be forthcoming and proposals will be
generated by the Board of Directors
for membership consideration.
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MARCH WORSHIP CALENDAR
March Hymn of the Month
#100 “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”
March 1: “AC/DC”
It is hard not to feel isolated in a society that is always expecting us to take sides:
politically, religiously, socially and sexually. What do we do with our “both/and”
feelings and beliefs in an “either/or” world? The Choir will lend its musical ministry to
the morning and we will Share our Joys & Concerns as a community.
March 8: “Chaos, Stillness and Creative Inspiration”
Eckhart Tolle asks the question: "Is stillness just the absence of noise and content? No,
it is intelligence itself — the underlying consciousness out of which every form is born.”
We can find stillness in the midst of chaos, in the midst of our ordinary lives, and find
creative inspiration in the stillness and silence. But we need to practice! It is said that if
prayer is talking to God, meditation is God talking to us, perhaps providing us with
divine inspiration! Rev. D’Vorah Kelley will lead this service that will explore the
interplay between Chaos, Stillness and Creative Inspiration, through poetry, prayer and
words of wisdom from many faith traditions, as well as her thoughts. DON’T FORGET
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STARTS AT 2 A.M.!!
March 15: “That’s Heresy”
Our service today explores the old-fashioned religious concept of heresy, and how our
search for spiritual truth and experiential meaning has real consequences. Join us as
Rev. Michael celebrates the lives of three Unitarian Universalist martyrs, (another old
fashioned religious concept), two of which died 50 years ago during the campaign to
march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The Choir will sing, we’ll share Joys and
Concerns. Our Third Sunday Collection will be given to Head Start of Cheshire County.
March 22: “You Look Good (For 191)”
Today we wish a belated birthday to this congregation, which turned 191 years old on
March 18th. In keeping with that theme (belatedness) we will also have a Birthday Wish
Tree set-up where the various committees and program staff can place their Birthday
Wishes which congregants can then fulfill at our Easter Sunday Service on April 5th.
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March 29: “Listening to the Times, Looking for a Sign”
It has always been difficult to read the tea leaves and see what is really going on, or what
will happen next. Today we will make an attempt to pay attention to the times and what
they are telling us. The service will include a special Multi-Generational Moment based
on the theme of mystical interconnection.
REV. MICHAEL’S MOMENT
Anything you may hold firmly in your imagination can be yours.
― William James
I want to write about Selma. I want to write about how inevitable it is for courageous
people, “Standing on the Side of Love” and “fighting the good fight” to build a
community large and diverse enough to see their dreams realized; to buck the odds, face
down their own fears and inspire others to change themselves and change their world.
That’s what I want to write… but then there is the here and now: our church and
mission, the building needs, our families and jobs to think about. It’s budget time,
there are things we need to address from the past, things in the future that we need to
plan or defer.
There is a way in which we, as individuals and as members of church societies,
can become dulled by our experiences. There are the doubts that spring from our past
regrets and mistakes. We may also become creatures of comfort---spiritual, emotional,
physical. This has little to do with how much money we actually have, but what we feel
we have to spend and how much we are willing to commit. We can get all caught up in
the need to stay under the radar, not to make waves. We settle for less and we give less.
Then there are all the distractions of life. There are a hundred seemingly
important things distracting us; long to-do lists, numerous obligations, multiple claims
on our time and our money, uncertainty about the future. Before you know it dreams
are aborted and we become tempted to reach for the lowest hanging fruit bruised by a
million previous touches. We settle for the life and the society we were handed. We
have seen what happens to others and fear what may happen to our kids if we step out
of the line stretching toward “the way we have always done things” and say “no more!”
Few there are who say, “WE ARE THE NEW DAY!!”
It must have been frightening leaving the town of Selma on that first Sunday of
March, 1965. As they marched the quiet streets, just a few hundred marchers living
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their convictions — people tired of waiting. Could they have possibly known what was
awaiting them on the other side of the bridge? Some of them did I’m sure. Some of
them knew that they were marching against History just as much as they were marching
into it. But people who are tired of waiting care more about making History and less
about being beaten back by it once again.
We have all seen that bridge in Selma, The Edmund Pettus Bridge, named for a
Confederate general and leader of the Ku Klux Klan. We all know what happened the
first time that the civil rights marchers tried to get out of town and cross that bridge to
bring on a new day. They were bloodied, beaten back, driven back into what had always
been, while TV cameras caught the horror and America saw herself once again beating
back freedom. Willing to risk it all, these justice-seeking people of good will, religious
conviction and sacrificial spirit got up, ready to march again.
We mustn’t ignore or undervalue the religion in all of this---something separate
from being a church. This isn’t to say that being a church, a member of a church, or one
who pledges or tithes isn’t important. Churches offer haven and a place for like-minded
people to gather. Churches provide a caring community where people gather for
spiritual nurture, uplift, where they self-define, learn, grow and worship. But being a
church is also about framing budgets, cleaning floors and maintaining buildings; almost
as much as it is about serving a mission and reaching out to the community beyond its
doors.
True religion, however, is something more. It is living one’s beliefs openly in the
world, in places where it is dangerous and unexpected things can happen… to be as
brave in the public square as we are in the quiet of our sanctuaries. Religion is about
creating, sometimes demanding an ever-enlarging community where individuals live
freely and responsibly, where justice and love are rewarded, here, now---and hope is in
the air one breathes. True religion leaves no one behind. It brings to life here on earth
dreams once reserved for heaven.
With Heart and in Hope,
Rev. Michael
PRESIDENT’S CORNER/BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Your Board of Trustees has been pretty active these days, as I
mentioned last month, in addressing our financial concerns. We
have moved forward with our examination of the books and a full
report will be forthcoming. We have set dates for communication
gatherings and you will be notified of those. We have worked with
the property folks in determining the needs of the property that
houses our spirit, our energy, and our service. We have discovered that we must act on
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major repairs and renovations as well as “minor” ones, no more deferrals. In order to
continue our activities and services to all whom we serve, we must aggressively address
the needs of our “body”, the church building.
A while back, a survey was completed regarding “Long Term Property
Planning.” The results of that survey reveal a major concern regarding the
Washington St. Vestibule entrance. This area has been the bane of our existence for
some time now. The real concern is not only preservation of the historic aspects of
the building, but making sure all areas are safe, sound, attractive and useful in the
long-term.
From the survey, the vestibule was identified as the most important
property concern. And, guess what? This is the most expensive item on the list, about
$150,000. The following, in order of priority, include: protecting the Truth Window$25,000; repairing and replacing windows in Sanctuary and Parish Hall-$75,000;
bathroom renovations-$5000; furnace work; RE wing south wall repair-$20,000;
Wiring upgrade-$10,000. Some of these estimates may be exaggerated, but you get
the idea.
We have determined RE needs its own area. The Undercroft was supposed
to be that space, but that, too, needs work and is dependent upon the Vestibule work.
We are feeding people from an inadequate kitchen that has needed upgrading for
years. Montessori is leaving in June and we are actively seeking new tenants. We are
actively seeking grants to address the kitchen, the Undercroft, bathroom rehab,
windows, vestibule etc. etc. etc. These grants will help but they won’t complete what
is needed. The survey revealed a consensus that we need a capital campaign sooner
than later. In the meantime, we have lots of other smaller cost work that needs to be
done and be reflected in each new budget cycle.
Now I haven’t even mentioned the everyday upkeep and aesthetics of our
plant. The members of the Property Committee have worked hard at completing
some of the items on the long list. They have gathered information and reports while
putting band-aids on the immediate “wounds.” (Hey, I’m a nurse!) They have done
so much to improve our facilities and more they’d like to do including the Parish Hall
floor, which needs a fresh surface. There are plans for this to be done in the spring.
Already the handicapped door actuator has been put in place; the sanctuary steps
have been shorn up; the dumpster has been enclosed; the source of a leak into the
Undercroft was found and fixed.
We have lots of work to do and it appears overwhelming, but I have faith we
will do it. We just need patience, dedication, love, energy and determination. We also
need you to help with your pledge, no matter how small-every penny counts. If you
would join us in discussions that the Board of Trustees will hold soon, you will be
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heard, we will move forward and in the end, we will have a church whose history we
cherish, whose present we are proud of and whose future is secured.
With hope,
Leslie Erdoben-Evans, President, Board of Trustees
IMPORTANT BUDGETARY MEETINGS THIS SPRING
Sunday, April 26
11:30-12:30
Review 2015-2016 Budget
The KUUC Board’s proposed budget will be published prior to this meeting and will be
discussed. This will be your opportunity to ask questions and discuss our future.
Sunday May 17
11:30- 12:30
Review 2015-2016 Budget
The KUUC Board’s proposed budget will be published prior to this meeting and will be
discussed. This will be your opportunity to ask questions and discuss our future.
Sunday, June 7
11:30-12:30
Annual Meeting (Quorum required)
Discussion on the budget will be limited. Please attend one of the earlier meetings to
discuss the details of the budget or speak with a board member prior to the May 18th
board meeting.
Please make sure these dates are on your calendar as we hope
to have full membership participation in our financial decision making.
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN: UPDATE AND BLESSING OF PLEDGES
First, of all – THANK YOU! As of this writing, we have raised $80k for next year’s
budget and have crossed the halfway mark of our goal. We need $60K more to raise
enough money to maintain our current budget levels. We can discuss what it will take
to realize our broader dreams (as well as take care of many years of deferred
maintenance on our historic building) during our budget discussions in April and May.
Every dollar we raise through the stewardship campaign is a dollar we don’t have
to raise through a fundraising event like the auction. While these events can be fun to
attend, they are draining on our volunteer and leadership resources, which might be
better spent elsewhere (such as supporting a living wage in the Monadnock region or
expanding the community breakfast program or teaching in our RE program).
So, really, if we could raise $160K through the stewardship campaign, we could
focus our leadership and volunteers talents on activities that nourish the soul and
strengthen our community. Food for thought as we bless our pledges this Sunday and
finalize this year’s stewardship campaign.
-Michelle Thevenin, Stewardship Chair
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SUNDAY ATTENDANCE: SEPT. 7, 2014 – FEB. 22, 2015
Over the next few months we will provide different views of our monthly attendance
count. It is necessary to take these numbers as approximate since there are several
variables that affect the data such as the weather, when the actual headcount was
taken, whether it was updated during the service to allow for latecomers and how the
children and teacher numbers were accounted.
2014:
September 377 (average 94) Ingathering
October
402 (average 101) Sermon Series
November 499 (average 100) Month of Sundays
December 562 (average 112)
The December number includes Christmas Eve & the traditionally less well-attended
service between the holidays, which tend to balance each other out somewhat.
2015:
January
February
315 (average 79) Heating woes and snowy month didn’t deter us!
259 (average 65)
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Sunday, March 1: Children begin in Sanctuary, and then
leave for regular RE classes.
11:15-noon Tour of rental wing. See details elsewhere.
Sunday March 8: Children begin in Sanctuary. Weather
permitting grades 4-5 class take a field trip to Goose Pond
(fingers crossed, everybody!). All other children will attend
their regular RE classes.
11:45am - RE Committee meeting in classroom. All welcome.
4:30-6:30pm Coming of Age class meets, Parish Hall and Alliance Room
This is the first day of Daylight Savings Time -- remember to turn your clocks
ahead!
Sunday March 15: Children begin in the Undercroft (water seepage permitting, more
fingers crossed!) for Children's Chapel, then to regular RE classes.
Sunday March 22: Children begin in Sanctuary, then leave for regular RE classes.
4:30-6:30pm Youth Group Social meeting in Parish Hall and Alliance Room.
Sunday March 29: Bonus Sunday! Children begin in Sanctuary, then leave for
regular RE classes.
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Looking ahead: April 5 is Easter Sunday; the children will begin in the sanctuary
and stay just a little longer than usual. They will leave for a Whole Group Activity
with a holiday theme.
By the Numbers - In the 2014-15 church year, 18 families are participating in the
Sunday morning RE program, for a total of 25 children. An additional 3 families and 10
youth are participating in the Sunday evening youth programs. (Totals then are 21
families; 35 youth.)
Average attendance at Sunday morning RE classes from September 21 through
February 1 (including nursery) is 12.3 children. Although the last three Sundays of
February were very snowy, we had at least 5 children join us every week, for an average
of 6.3 children for February 8 - 22. (If you include those 3 Sundays in the overall
numbers the average attendance is 11.3 through February 22).
Jill M. Hall, Director, Religious Education
MUSIC NOTES
Hello Friends!
As we approach a season that brings brighter light to our days and
shorter nights, the choir continues to sing on the first and third
Sundays in March.
On March 1st, the choir will sing two songs: “A Quiet
Moment” with text borrowed from William Blake, and KUUC
favorite, “You Are the New Day.” During the service, Reverend Michael will discuss the
extremes in our culture that drive us away from finding common ground. The original
text is borrowed from the first lines of Blake’s poem entitled, Auguries of Innocence:
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.
The text is further enhanced by Audrey Snyder (composer) who added:
Find a quiet moment and celebrate a miracle
To hear a song in a gentle breeze
And a symphony in the laughter of a child
Find a miracle in a moment of peace
And find heaven in a smile.
In the midst of the service, the music ministers within the choir will try to engage
church-goers in a moment of quiet, meditation, and awareness in one’s life, which can
be especially needed during moments in life that seem to demand a black and white
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reaction. In addition to “A Quiet Moment,” the choir will also sing “You Are the New
Day.” Although experiences in our lives seem to demand that we choose one extreme or
another, we can choose what is right for us, whether that is black, white, or somewhere
in the middle. In the spirit of renewal, the choir encourages YOU to start with a clean
slate in John David’s “You Are the New Day”:
You are the new day
I will love you more than me and more than yesterday
If you can but prove to me you are the new day.
Send the sun in time for dawn,
Let the birds all hail the morning.
Love of life will urge me say, “You are the new day.”
When I lay me down at night knowing me must pay,
Thoughts occur that this night might stay yesterday
Thoughts that we as humans small could slow worlds and end it all
Lie around me where they fall before the new day.
One more day when time is running out for everyone
Like a breath I knew would come I reach for a new day.
Hope is my philosophy, just needs days in which to be,
Love of life means hope for me
Borne on a new day.
You are the new day.
On March 15th, this intense service will focus on the civil rights martyrs of 1965,
specifically Unitarian Universalist minister James Reeb, beaten severely by white
segregationists after joining the symbolic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in
Selma, Alabama on March 9, 1965, and Viola Liuzzo, a UU lay-leader who was shot to
death after the successful completion of the march from Selma to Montgomery. It is for
that reason that the choir will sing the “Lacrymosa” from the Mozart Requiem. I am
drawn to this movement of the Requiem for its extremely powerful emotion. Mozart
himself was only able to complete the first ten measures of the “Lacrymosa” before he
died; his student Sussmayr completed the unfinished portions of the Requiem.
Lacrimosa dies illa
Qua resurget ex favilla
Judicandus homo reus
Huic ergo parce, Deus:
Pie Jesu Domine,
Dona eis requiem. Amen.
Full of tears shall be that day
On which from ashes shall arise
The guilty man to be judged;
Therefore, O God, have mercy on him.
Gently Lord, Jesus,
Grant them eternal rest. So be it.
We need singers for March 15th! If you would like to join us for only the
“Lacrymosa” from the Mozart Requiem, please attend Thursday rehearsals from 7:30 –
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8:30pm in Parish Hall. This is quite a powerful piece and could use an extremely large
choir. Consider joining us temporarily.
Everyone of any experience and ability is welcome to sing with the choir. We are
like a family with open arms and big smiles, and we will give you major high-fives if you
join us for a rehearsal, or for the season. Please feel free to contact me via email:
esther.rh.rhoades@gmail.com with questions or ideas.
Warmly, Esther
MONTESSORI SPACE ENVISIONING TOUR- RESCHEDULED
In June, the Montessori school will be vacating the space they rented at the church.
KUUC has a golden opportunity to spend some time envisioning how we want to use
this space. To facilitate creative thinking, the rental wing will be open for "tour" on
Sunday, March 1 from 11:15-Noon. Please take a few minutes to come down, look
at the space, and think about what we can do with it. There will be a brief "talkback"
meeting to gather ideas from 11:45-noon, in the large classroom at the end of the rental
wing. There will also be a place to record written suggestions that morning, or please
send ideas to Susan MacNeil at office@kuuc.org or Jill Hall at jillmariehall@gmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, UPDATES & OTHER NEWS
SACRED SPACE TO CREATE IN CIRCLE
Begins February 28
A New Year, a new opportunity to collaborate, and an
invitation to you all who are inclined to step into a Sacred Space to Create in Circle.
The fourth Saturday of every month Hazel Erdoben-Evans will open her home
studio in Gilsum from 9:00A.M – 4:00P.M. for the purpose of KUUC and friends to
gather as "Elves" to work on projects to sell at the annual Green's Sale. She will make
materials and equipment available for collaborative projects in a comfortable setting.
Bring a bag lunch, come for a part or all of a day. For more information, contact Hazel
at 499-6162.
PUBLIC WORSHIP AND FAITH FORMATION CLUSTER MARCH 1ST
Sunday, March 1: 11:45A.M.–12:45 P.M. Alliance Room The Public Worship
and Faith Formation Cluster was formed last winter in an attempt to increase
collaboration and shared vision between the minister and committees most closely
associated with spiritual growth (Worship, Religious Education, Music & Covenant
Groups). We generally meet once a month to discuss ideas that are arising within those
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committees and see if there are services we can provide, programs we can develop and
things we can do together, now or in the future, to help expand the faith formation and
spiritual growth of KUUC members and friends.
Although each of the above mentioned committees is formally represented within the
cluster all members of each committee are invited, as are other interested congregants.
This is no private club or privileged set. All interested members are welcome to attend.
INTERFAITH ORGANIZING
Sunday, March 1: 1-3P.M. Come learn about the power of lay-led, faith-based
community organizing, where people of many faith traditions come together, build
relationships, develop leadership skills, gain power, and make a difference in their
communities.
Members from New Hampshire’s United Valley Interfaith and Granite State
Organizing projects will join us to share their experiences and answer questions.
We want a diverse group of faiths represented. New attendees, laity and clergy, are
welcome and encouraged. Please RSVP using the phone number, email or link below,
or just come!
When:
Sunday, March 1, 1-3P.M. (Snow Date March 15, 1-3P.M.)
Where:
Ahavas Achim Synagogue, 84 Hastings Ave., Keene, NH.
Info:
Tom Julius, (603) 357-4521, tjulius@antioch.edu
RSVP at:
http://goo.gl/forms/wJ1jJVzlci
MARCH SLICE OF FELLOWSHIP
March 6, 5:30 – 7P.M. The Slice Pot-Luck will feature all things Irish! Hors
d'oeuvres will be at 5:30 and pot-luck at 6:00. Your hosts for this month are Andi
Johnson and Betsy Zimmerli. See you there!
ZACH BENTON COFFEE HOUSE AND CONCERT
March 7: 6:30-8:30P.M.
Local musician and KUUC regular Zach Benton will be rocking the Parish Hall in
a special coffee house style concert. All members and friends are welcome to the show
which is only $5/person. There will also be coffee and baked goods available for sale.
Young adults will find this show particularly to their liking, but not just them; so bring
your sweetheart, bring your family; bring your neighbors, anyone who likes good music
in a casual, fun environment.
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Zach is a Keene local, recording artist, and musician, who has released "17 top ten
hits on iTunes R&B/Soul chart for new releases." Show starts at 6:30 P.M. Zach will
play two 45 minute sets with a half-hour intermission.
PIE SALE & CIRCLE GAMES TO CELEBRATE π DAY (AKA PI DAY)
On Saturday, March 14 from 10 AM to 2 PM a celebration of π Day will be held in
the Parish Hall. This year is a very special π Day, as the holiday will be on 3–14-15: the
first 5 digits of the mathematical constant π (3.1415…)
The factor of π has been known since ancient times as the key to calculating the
area and circumference of a circle or the volume of a sphere or a cylinder. Knowledge of
π may have helped in the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, and in our modern
times it is important in engineering, astronomy, and astrophysics, and is used in
telecommunications.
The event will offer a variety of pies for sale: fruit pies, pecan pies, cream pies,
cheese pies, and savory main-dish pies. Whole pies will be available for purchase or
priced at $3.14 per slice. Over the lunch hours there will be pizza by the slice available
from Keene’s own Pizza π on West Street. Hot beverages will be available to accompany
your pie.
An assortment of fun family activities involving pie, circles, and math will
accompany food options including hula hoops, mandalas, circle songs and compass art.
At 11:30A.M. young and old can challenge their memories by seeing how many digits of
π they can recite: the winner will select a pie as a prize. If there is still snow on the
ground, there may be a circular labyrinth to walk in the church yard; if the weather has
turned spring-like, there may be parachute games in the yard.
Gather together you circle of friends and join us for a delicious celebration of Pi.
For questions contact Beth Caldwell (bcaldwell@rgbcassociates.com or 357-0130) and
Ann Shedd (ladyleafy@gmail.com or 352-0720).
To get you started: π =
3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510582097494459230781640628620899
8628034825342117067982148086513282306647093844609550582231725
KUUC & REVEREND MICHAEL FEATURED IN MONADNOCK
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING MARCH 15
In advance of the 3rd annual Monadnock International Film Festival (MONIFF), special
programming throughout the month of March will feature film screenings and
discussions around the civil rights movement. The effort was conceived by MONIFF
to honor the 50th anniversary of the sacrifice by Keene resident and martyr Jonathan
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Daniels, who gave his life to save Ruby Sales in Hayneville, Alabama as a young
seminary student working in the civil rights movement. To view full schedule, visit
www.moniff.org
March 15th. Noon Role of Clergy in the Civil Rights Movement
Keene Unitarian Universalist Church, Parish Hall
In this program we honor the memory of Rev. James Reeb, who was beaten death by
white segregationists in Selma, Alabama after joining the second march across the
Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March 9, 1965 and other clergy who
travelled South to aid in the struggle for Civil Rights in the 1960s.
The Keene Unitarian Universalist Church and MONIFF will host a reading of
Reeb’s eulogy, delivered on March 15, 1965, followed by a discussion on the role that
clergy played in the Civil Rights Movement with filmmaker Larry Benaquist (Here Am
I, Send Me) and Keene UU Minister, Reverend Michael F. Hall.
MARCH LUNCH BUNCH
Our Senior Lunch Bunch will meet on Wednesday, March 18th at Noon in
the Parish Hall. Hosts for this month are Betty and Mike Forrest. If school is cancelled
due to weather issues, there will be no lunch bunch that day.
ALL CHURCH SOCIAL AT STONEWALL FARM
Snow and cold weather didn’t stop the February 15 fun! About 40 people
joined together in fellowship to enjoy a cold but sunny winter afternoon. Check out
the photos on the bulletin board taken by resident photographer Rachael Walter!
CREATIVE COLLABORATORS AND QUIILTERS SOUGHT
It’s time to plan the next Quilt that will be raffled during the 2015 Greens Sale! We
meet every Tuesday morning at 10:00 A.M. in the Parish Hall. Please join us.
Let's create together another successful heirloom to enrich our community. See or call
Hazel with questions (499-6162.)
DANCE FOR LIFE, FUN AND FITNESS WITH CARIN TORP
Every Wednesday from 2 P.M. – 3 P.M. Dance is exercise! Loosen up with Carin
Torp in the Parish Hall. No class fee, but donations for space appreciated. Open to
everyone regardless of experience!
"To Dance is to Live, To Live is to have the Chance to Dance."
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CIRCLE OF CARING; WHAT’S THAT?
It has come to our attention that some members and friends of Keene Unitarian
Universalist Church do not know about this activity. The Circle is comprised of several
members who are ready to assist others among our folk who need short term support
and assistance. We can provide, for example, meals brought to your home during a
crisis, transportation to medical appointments, home or hospital visits and other
errands to help speed your recovery. Of course we hope all will stay healthy and
happy, but just in case...we're here for you. Requests can be made to Circle
Coordinators, Martha Bauman (352-8725) and Suzanne Morin (352-2534).
THEATRE AT KUUC
Change in Theatre Plans: “No Exit” to Begin Series
Due to unforeseen circumstances Rev. Michael has decided to begin the KUUC theatre
series with a staged reading of Jean Paul Sartre’s masterpiece No Exit. If you are
interested in being part of this production, set for March 28 & 29th please contact Rev.
Michael directly: rev.michaelkuuc1824@gmail.com or call his cell (508)821-6092.
The Dinner Theatre, A Night of Irish Love and Laughter (but Italian
Food), this joyful celebration of food, fun and diversity will now happen on May 15th &
16th. We need singers, actors, servers, production help and, of course, diners. Tell
your friends and family!!
Spring 2015 Ferry Beach Weekend Gathering
Friday, April 17 . Saturday, April 18 . Sunday, April 19
The Ferry Beach Committee invites you to our eleventh Annual Ferry Beach GetAway Weekend. Ferry Beach is a UU Conference Center on the Saco Bay in Maine.
During Spring and Fall weekends, the facilities are rented to UU Church groups.
Our weekend is a wonderful intergenerational gathering. Imagine long walks on
the beach or in the nearby State Forest, conversations in front of the large fireplace in
Quillen lobby, playing board games, joining various activities to get to know one
another, or long solitary walks by the ocean. The accommodations are rustic, but the
setting is wonderful.
Meals will be provided by Pangea Food Service, LLC in the DeWolf dining hall.
For further information contact Jim Peale or Carol McIntyre-Peale, 357-7875 or
pealefamily@ne.rr.com .
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KUUC OUTDOORS
Keene Walking Tour
Saturday, May 16th, 9:30am
Keene native Barry Faulkner was one of
the foremost mural artists of the 20th
century, and a family member of our own
Carl Jacobs. His works are on the walls of
public and private buildings from Rome,
Italy to Salem, Oregon and Keene, NH.
Join us Saturday, May 16th, 9:30am for a
Walking Tour featuring sites and works
of art related to Barry Faulkner. We will
walk from KUUC to Keene State College
and back with stops along the way. Wear
comfortable walking shoes and clothes
appropriate to the weather.
Upcoming
Events
 July, TBA,
Rhododendr
on State Park
& Little
Monadnock
Mountain,
Fitzwilliam
Questions or
suggestions?
More about Barry Faulkner at:www.monadnockart.org/index.php/artists-past/barry-faulkner
Contact Tom Julius 603-357-4521; tjulius54@gmail.com
As always, KUUC Outdoors says… Go take a hike!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Many people contribute to the success of the Community Breakfast Program. Nancy
Brigham does the inventory several times a week. Carol and Bob Hill join with others to
go shopping. Without Sue and Bill Hay conceiving of the idea years ago we would not
be providing people with the opportunity to thaw out from freezing morning temps and
enjoy a nutritional daily breakfast. And Reverend Michael brought in other
denominations and social service agencies to increase the program to five days/week.
What does it take to feed 28-30 people a day? 80 eggs, 4 cans frozen orange
juice, 1/3 pound coffee, 2 loaves bread, 1/3 container oatmeal, 1 gallon milk, 1 box cold
cereal… and brown/white sugar, raisins, butter, jam, peanut butter, ketchup and hot
sauce. And on many days, volunteers bring in home fries, sausage and occasionally
pancakes or French Toast.
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The Messenger
Guests are very appreciative and often help with set-up and clean-up. Each day a
different congregation is in charge of preparing breakfast.
Monday
KUUC
Tuesday
UCC
Wednesday
Knights of Columbus
Thursday
KUUC
Friday
Various Catholic organizations
Carol’s ongoing conversation with guests recently addressed an expressed need…
lockers in which to store backpacks that often carry the entire belongings of someone
who is homeless. She brought in husband Bob, Bill Hay, Mindy Cambiar, Susan
MacNeil and Tony Marcotte of MDP Development, who manages the former Middle
School, to obtain 12 lockers and install them in Hundred Nights Shelter. Tony offered
a reduced price per locker, and Carol’s sister, Nancy Browning, underwrote the project.
It only took 4 days from idea to installation! Next up: backpack donation from
WalMart. And all because Carol cared enough to ask people how they were and what
they needed. Truly an example of Faith in Action!
The breakfast program on December 1, 2014 and will conclude on April 3, 2015.
That’s about 750 meals served. We can be proud of our commitment to feeding hungry
people in our community.
THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS!
It’s important to recognize and thank our community business partners. A handwritten
thank you note goes a long way toward making the next request possible!
Korvin Appliance
Community Breakfast
Refrigerator
Amer Electric
Community Breakfast
Electrical wiring
MDP Development
Hundred Nights Project
Lockers from Middle School
Gem-Graphics
Social Justice Outreach
Banner with MLK quote
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
The church office will be open M-F from 9 A.M. - 1 P.M. Because Susan works
Sunday evenings on weeks when there are is a Board of Trustees meeting, her Office
Hours will adjusted accordingly.
DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH MESSENGER
The deadline for the April Messenger is Monday, March 23, 2015.
Please send all articles to both Susan office@ kuuc.org & Rev. Michael at
rev.michaelkuuc1824@gmail.com
REV. MICHAEL’S OFFICE HOURS FOR MARCH 2015
Rev. Michael’s Office Hours for March 2015:
Mondays: 11 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Tuesdays: 8 A.M. – 12 P.M.
If you cannot meet with him at these hours, you can schedule an appointment with
Rev. Michael by calling him directly at (508) 821-6092 or emailing
rev.michaelkuuc1824@gmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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KUUC CONTACT LIST
WORSHIP SERVICES
STAFF
Sunday Services:
10:00 A.M.
Childcare available for infants and toddlers.
Minister:
Religious Education:
(9/14/14-6/7/15)
Summer Services
(6/21 – 9/6)
Director, Religious Education:
10:00 A.M.
9:30 A.M.
Address:
69 Washington Street
Keene, NH 03431
Phone: (603) 352-1719
E-mail: office@kuuc.org
Website: www.kuuc.org
Rev. Michael F. Hall
352-1719, ext. 1
(cell) 508-821-6092
rev.michaelkuuc1824@gmail.com
508-821-8935 (cell preferred)
Jill M. Hall
jillmariehall@gmail.com
Choir Director:
Esther Rhoades
603-499-3505 esther.rh.rhoades@gmail.com
Organist/Accompanist:
Vladimir Odinokikh
603-239-4109 odinokikh@yahoo.com (email preferred)
Office Administrator:
603-352-1719 office@kuuc.org
Susan MacNeil
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9A.M.-1 P.M.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers:
Leslie Erdoben-Evans (499-3939)
lae922@gmail.com
Dan York, Past President (352-9675)
dyork@lodestar2.com
John Lowry, Treasurer (355-2958)
Lowry63@ne.rr.com
Murray McClellan, Clerk (390-3352)
murraydigsit@gmail.com
General Members:
Scott Ansevin-Allen (358-3701)
aansevin@yahoo.com
John Bordenet (352-0680)
jbordenet@hotmail.com
Betty Forrest (357-1534)
mandbforrest@myfairpoint.net
Mark Meess (352-0720)
1nhmoose@gmail.com
Hope Therrien (358-5480)
hopetherrien@myfairpoint.net
Michelle Thevenin (209-2916)
mthevenin@ne.rr.com
easurer:
John Lowry, (355-2958)
(email: nhbuck63@ne.rr.com)
COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Auction Committee: Elizabeth Williams, Andi Johnson
Budget Committee: Michael French
Circle of Caring: Martha Bauman, Suzanne Morin
Committee of Ministry: Melinda Hildreth Honkala
Covenant Group Council: Rev. Michael Hall
Greens Sale: Carol McIntyre-Peale
Investment Committee: John Bordenet
Membership Committee: Chip Southgate
Music Committee: Susie Ericson-West
Nominating Committee: Dan York
Personnel Committee: Carolyn Antrim
Property Committee: Mark Meess
Public Relations/Advertising: Susan MacNeil
Religious Education Committee: Barbara Bryce
Senior Lunch Bunch: Sue Segal
Shawls of Love: Darcy Doyle
Slice of Fellowship: Betty Forest, Sue Segal
Social Action/Green Sanctuary: Nancy Brigham, Ann
Shedd
Stewardship Committee: Michelle Thevenin
Wayside Pulpit: Hazel Erdoben-Evans.
Welcoming Congregation: Leslie Erdoben-Evans
Worship Committee: Carin Torp
Ushers: Gareth Williams