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Almost Time to Book a Room for GA

          On March 1, 2006, registration will open for G.A. which will be held in St. Louis, MO, from June 21-26, 2006.  This is a great opportunity to

learn about the business of the larger association of the Unitarian Universalist Churches.  While it is unnecessary to register for the conference itself on that date, it is important to make hotel reservations

at this time if you want to stay at the least expensive facilities!

          We are hoping for a large group of people from our church to be in attendance at GA this year.  The workshops, lectures, luncheons, camaraderie are informative, interesting, and intriguing.  As a GA-junkie, I can say that I enjoy the plenary sessions, as well.

                                                ~ Ruth Ann Ferris

 

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Help Us Keep Your Name on our Mailing List!

Over the past several years, people have moved away or become less active. A red slash on your mailing label means that this will be your last Lighted Chalice newsletter unless we hear from you.

We want you to remain on our mailing list and invite you to call Karin Berman at the church, 765-742-046 if you are still interested in receiving our newsletter.

    

 

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Katrina Update:

The last two forums have enlightened us on issues the evacuees are facing, particularly those in the Twyckenham Apartments (see 2/4/06 Journal & Courier article)     
 

The Red Cross is continuing to coordinate assistance and Family Services is assisting the evacuees as needed.  Give your donations to the Red Cross or to Sue Robinson or Charles Coley.           

Susan Smith from Family Services spoke to the Forum on Sunday and listed these  needs:

      —Sorting clothing stored in one of the apartments.  Contact Crystal Semmes  at semmescm@yahoo.com

      —Grocery and gas debit cards, particularly for Payless since this is the closest grocery with gasoline available. Debit cards can be purchased at the Lafayette or Westside Payless grocery offices.  Meijer would be the next choice.  Cards for $15-20 each would be helpful.

      —Funds or frequent flier miles for an evacuee to travel to Japan to get his wife who returned there to give birth when Katrina hit.

      —Tutoring youth, even those who are good students, who need assistance with school work.

      —Giving rides for medical and other appointments.  Bus tokens can also be  used.  They can be purchased at Riehle Plaza or the main bus office on Canal Rd. for $7.50 a roll.

      —Stationery and stamps

We were told that the apartments have hired a new manager and a new maintenance person, so hopefully things will improve there.

Contact the Red Cross for any questions or ask Sue or Charles.

Lynn Richardson will deliver your donated blankets soon. Thank you for your generous contributions!  If you still have cereal or blankets to donate, we can always take them later.

 

                              ~ Sue Robinson

 

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UU History Trivia ..   

Did you know for the first 9 years of our current Unitarian Fellowship existence (1949-1958) , we did not have our own building?    We met in Hillel Foundation, Episcopalian Canterbury House, Mahara Music  Studio and the old West Lafayette Junior High School.  

 

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Save The Date!   1st Annual Faith & Freedom Dinner

Sponsored by the Indiana Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (IRCRC)

Sat., April 22, 2006    Best Western in Lafayette

5:45pm Reception with music, cash bar, raffle

6:30pm Dinner & Program featuring "The Anti-Abortion Crusade: Reclaiming the Bible from Fundamentalist Distortions" by guest speaker Rev. Paul  Simmons, Professor of Medical Ethics and Philosophy, University of  Louisville

$30 ($25/student)

More information later or visit www.ircrc.org  (Note: Our congregation is a member of IRCRC)

Religious Education Happenings 
 

RE Co- Directors Sarah Boulac and Michele Tomarelli

It seems as though I have said this before… and with sadness mixed with anticipation I want to share again that I will be leaving my position as Co-Director of Religious Education with the church.  I will be continuing through the end of February, and Michele Tomarelli will be taking the reins of the full position at that time.

My husband Matt,  Daphne, and I are getting settled here in Fishers and look forward to putting down roots including attending one of the UU churches in this area.  I am continuing to work with children at the local YMCA and am investigating a few other opportunities as well.  Matt will take the bar exam at the end of this month.

Goodbyes are not easy, but they are important.  I want to take this opportunity to start that process and express how meaningful the last three and a half years have been.  My work here has changed me, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this community in such a special way.  Each of your families and children are so amazing, and it has been such a joy to watch you with one another, and to grow over the weeks and years.

I am grateful to our teachers who give their time and their energy to support our program.  I am especially grateful to our team leaders (current and past) who give so much and are so committed to our children and youth.  I am grateful to Beth Misner who has provided me with unending support.  I am grateful to Hilary who has been a source of support, inspiration, and guidance.  I am also grateful to Michele who brings such creativity and energy and I know the RE program is in good hands.  Michele and I have very different personalities, and I think you will enjoy her spirit and her enthusiasm; she has the well-being of our families, our children, and our program held closely to her heart.

I will be at church each Sunday in February, and I look forward to seeing many of you then.  I can also be reached during my office hours on Wednesdays from about 11:30 – 2:30.  I will also look forward to returning to Lafayette to visit on occasion and see how everyone has grown and to hear about the great things that are happening.  May we each look forward to many great things.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ~Sarah

Upcoming RE Events and Announcements 

**We have several openings in our teaching schedule, particularly in our Preschool class.  RE relies on volunteers to support our program!

Please contact one of the DREs or someone on the RE Committee for more information about our teaching requirements.  It could be a good fit for you!!

 

Teacher’s Schedule

February 12th

Preschool Teacher:  TBD

Preschool Helper:   TBD

K-1 Class: B. Misner

2-4 Class:  K. Coder

 

February 19th

Preschool Teacher: A. Dooley

Preschool Helper:   TBD

K-1 Class:   B. Misner

2-4 Class:  K. Coder

 

.*Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education:  We will  offer OWL to children in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades this spring!  A parent orientation will take place at the church in room 4 on March 5th at 8:30.  Families registered in RE should have received more information by mail.  If you did not receive this letter, contact Sarah.

*We will  offer OWL to children in 5th and 6th grade next fall (this year's 4th and 5th graders).  OWL for 7th - 9th graders will also take place next year. Parents should look for more information toward the end of summer/early fall. 

*All families are asked to register their children in our Sunday morning RE Program.  This gives us basic information about your family, such as contact information, and also specific information such as food allergies or behavioral information about your children. Forms are available in the back of the sanctuary or in the RE hallway downstairs.  See your child's RE teacher or Sarah or Michele and we can get one for you!  Please help us keep our records up to date by completing one of these forms!

 

From the Nursery:       

Our deepest thanks to Patty Wood, who donated so many wonderful quilts to the nursery. They have kept us warm in times of cold. Additional thanks to those who helped in the making of the latest quilts.

 —Noemi, Sondra, Amy and Kathrine French