From the Board President

Dear Church Family,

Many of you may be aware that this is my second “go-round” as your president of the Board of Trustees. This church is very important to me, and I wanted to be an active participant in the continued mission of our congregation. But I must tell you – the experience is much different from my first term. Allow me to explain…

During the time of my first tenure - we had no sanctuary or classrooms, we had less than 100 members, we only had one staff member (the extension minister), and everybody knew everybody. We were renting space for our worship, so we had no need to worry about “building and grounds”; and we were in the middle of a capital campaign to construct our current church facility. During this time our church organizational structure worked. This style of leadership was responsive to the needs of our congregation, due to the fact that essentially every decision came directly to the Board of Trustees. Now move forward to our present situation… we have a sanctuary which stays very busy all week long (including a preschool program during the day), our membership has ballooned, we have increased our staffing substantially, and our budget and financial affairs have become much more complex. We have a thriving satellite gathering in Salisbury, and have had to look at creative solutions to the good problem of not having enough seating capacity due to our growth. As a result of all of these aforementioned changes, I am finding that our leadership structure frequently struggles to meet the challenges of our current times. As our church has evolved over time, our organizational structure has tried to evolve in kind. Tweaking bylaws and making subtle adjustments has helped, but we continue to see that major changes are needed to unleash the potential of our talented congregation.

The Board of Trustees, joined by the co-chairs of the Salisbury Gathering Steering Committee, met recently for an all-day retreat to address this concern. We identified a number of problems with our current organizational structure. They included:

• Lack of clarity with regard to the leadership roles
• Lack of efficiency due to multiple layers of decision-making
• Unclear channels of communication
• Policies and procedures not clear and/or not followed
• Lack of empowerment for our volunteers due to a cumbersome structure

During our conversation, we recognized that these issues could often hamper productivity, frustrate well-intended volunteers, and discourage some from participating as a church leader. We also acknowledged that our current structure does not fully take advantage of our church staff.

Thanks to Karl Hesse, last year’s president, the Board has been discussing this issue for almost a year now. During this time, we have explored other styles of church organizational structure that would better fit our managerial needs and provide better clarity and efficiency. During our retreat in November, the Board unanimously endorsed the movement to adopt a structure called “Policy-styled Governance”. While we looked at various options, we chose the “Hotchkiss Model”, as it seemed to be the best fit for churches and other non-profits (as opposed to for-profit organizations). This model has a number of advantages over our current model:

• It clearly defines leadership roles and related policies.
• It empowers staff and lay-leaders to make the decisions related to those clearly defined roles.
• It distinguishes the “operation” of the church from the “ministry” of the church.
• It frees-up the Board to look more deeply into the “mission-work” of the church.

Needless to say – this undertaking will be lengthy, comprehensive, and encompassing. Rest assured that we will be seeking input from all congregants, and especially those individuals currently in leadership roles. This issue will definitely be on the next Business and Operations Council and Shared Ministry Team meetings, as we seek guidance as to what seems to be working well, and what areas we need to change to be the best we can be. You can look forward to more updates as we move forward. In the meantime, feel free to contact me directly if questions or suggestions come to mind. My email address is samtreadaway@gmail.com.

I am enthusiastic about this process. While it may take years to complete, the goal of empowering our talented leaders to better serve our church mission is exciting. I look forward to walking this journey alongside each of you as we craft a model of decision-making that untaps the true potential of our beloved church community.

Be well,

Sam Treadaway

Spiritually Speaking: What Can Be Shared, What Must Be Shared

Many people dread writing thank you notes. Many more people don’t write thank you notes at all. And while I don’t have many things together – the laundry is piled high as I write this and the dishwasher needs to be run- writing notes of thanks is something I actually enjoy on my to-do list. For me, thank you notes aren’t a to-do but a spiritual practice.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” said the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Churchill knew that generosity was beyond money in one’s pocket given as the widow’s mite. That was a part of it, but in order to rebuild a nation in the wake of a world war, Churchill envisioned a generosity that was as much about a disposition of collective care and agency as it was about monetary power. Generosity for Churchill was one of the founding values that would bring broken people to their own hope.

Thank you notes remind me of the generosity of the people in this world. Each note is a small affirmation of my belief and experience of generosity - as well as an affirmation that I have received a gift. There is a direct relationship between expressing gratitude and cultivating a spirit of generosity. When we feel we have been the recipients of gifts- no matter how small- we are obligated by these gifts to give back to the universe from our wealth.

It is in this giving that we discover how to make a life. Giving of our time, our efforts, our particular skills, our words, and our voice create a life beyond the particularities of employment, identifiers, income, and assets.

This kind of generosity is learned behavior. When I was a small child, my mother handed me a pen and paper to write my first thank you note. It seemed tedious at the time, but over the years I learned to articulate my gratitude and cultivate generosity - even for the small gifts and often for the ones I may not have wanted at the time (a Christmas sweater instead of a new doll).

As we approach this season of gift giving and receiving, I invite you to consider how generosity informs how we might better delve deeper into the opportunity and expression of gratitude. If we didn’t give out of obligation or competition, why might we give? How could we make a life in giving?

And as we receive gifts, how do we make space for the gratitude for what’s been given, even the presents that are far from perfect?

I invite you into a reason for the season, beyond the catch phrases or Christ, into a spiritual journey walked by a humble, grateful man well over two-thousand years ago.

In faith and care,

Rev. Robin

From the Board President

You may have noticed from the minutes of the most recent Board of Trustees’ meeting that Piedmont has agreed to affiliate with Mary Frances Comer, who is entering preliminary fellowship as a Unitarian Universalist minister. We welcome this opportunity to play a part in the development of yet another individual willing to share the light, love, and compassion provided by the UU faith. We look forward to this enriching opportunity alongside Mary Frances, and welcome her considerable talents in our pulpit and in our programming. The following bio helps us get to know Mary Frances, and her journey to ministry, a bit better…

Mary Frances graduated with a M.Div. from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, in 2012. She has also taken courses at Starr King School for the Ministry. For her field education, Mary Frances worked as a Pastoral Care Associate and discussion group facilitator for the Church of the Larger Fellowship (the online version of our denomination) for over a year. Her experience in ministry also includes six months of Clinical Pastoral Education spent as a chaplain at Carolina's Medical Center (a Level I Trauma Center) in Charlotte. Last year, she completed her internship at Eno River UU Fellowship in Durham, NC, where she was ordained in September of 2014.  Her work there was focused with the Justice Council. Her community ministry is with The Charlotte Spirituality Center where she is finishing up a two-year training as a spiritual director.  There, she offers spiritual direction and art programs (mini-retreats that connect creativity with spirituality). 

With a background in education (BS and MS), she has been teaching behavioral and social sciences for over 20 years.  Mary Frances also received a BA in Philosophy and Religion and a Masters in Liberal Arts with a concentration in sociology from Winthrop University where she later served as an adjunct faculty member.  She currently teaches at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte.  Her hobbies include painting, writing, and fossil hunting.  

Mary Frances has been a visiting preacher in six congregations over the last five years and looks forward to sharing in the ministry of Piedmont UU Church.  Look for her in the pulpit in 2015; stay tuned for an art-based spirit nourishing workshop; and feel free to discuss fossils with her anytime!  

Please join me in welcoming Mary Frances to our Piedmont family.

Sam Treadaway

President, Board of Trustees

Spiritually Speaking: Waiting for the Verdict

In a matter of days, as I write this, the people of St. Louis (and Ferguson), Missouri will hear whether a grand jury has deemed there to be sufficient evidence to indict the officer who shot Michael Brown, a young black man, on August 9^th. No matter what the grand jury’s decision, it will be powerfully felt across the country, and particularly by the family of the officer, the officer himself, and Michael Brown’s family. Reporters will ask once the court avenues have been exhausted: Was justice served?

I am reminded of the painful trial of George Zimmerman, not that long ago. I recall how Trayvon Martin, the young dead black man, was put on trial. I recall how the defense attorney attacked his sister for the “way” she spoke. The way she spoke of course was as a frightened, enraged family member. The outcome of the trial—a not guilty verdict on all counts—could hardly be characterized as just.

In the wake of both of these lives lost, one wonders what justice means and how many more black lives will be lost until we find our way to the waters of justice.

As Unitarian Universalists justice is one of the central values to which we hold. We are roused by the call to justice. We are a people spiritually committed to building a more just world. It’s in our core principles. And when Rabbi Abraham Heschel spoke about “praying with our feet” in the civil rights movement he might as well have offered the tag lines for Unitarian Universalists.

I wonder sometimes if the word “justice” hasn’t become like the word “god”. It carries power and weight. It validates the charge it companions. It is inspiring. And likely when uttered in a room of 100 UUs, there would be 100 very different understandings. And so often, as justice is presented in popular culture, there are only two sides to be taken, one winning and one losing. But I wonder when one really calculates the losses in Ferguson and in Florida, if we could see clearly that the pain is woven within both sides. In the words of the ever wise Eleanor Roosevelt, “justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.”

Does this mean George Zimmerman should have gotten a not guilty verdict or that the grand jury will resolve the Michael Brown case? Does this justify the violence perpetrated against Michael Brown or Trayvon Martin? Does it ignore the racism woven into American life and underpinning American wealth? No, not in the least.

But until we begin to understand the substance of justice and the corollary causes of injustice, it seems as Eleanor Roosevelt suggests, we will fail to develop justice for anyone.

So how would you define justice? What do you believe is the essence of this important value to Unitarian Universalists? Let’s explore the images and pulse of this thing we so desperately seek in our community.

Share your thoughts on Facebook or by emailing robin@puuc.org I’d love to hear from you as we go deeper this month exploring justice.

In faith,

Robin

Spiritually Speaking: Reset Button

As you read these words, it is likely that the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur will be fast (pun intended) under way. This year Yom Kippur begins on October 3^rd and ends at nightfall on the following day. It is a solemn observance known as the “Day of Atonement.” It is a time for reflecting on one’s mistakes and sins and seeking reconciliation with other humans and with God. In addition to prayers, many Jews observe the holiday by volunteering somewhere as part of their atonement. There is a 25 hour fast and services are typically held throughout the day. Yom Kippur is a time of introspection and reflection, as Jews evaluate their behavior in the last year and their relationships going forward.

In a way, it’s a spiritual reset button- but a button whose pressing relies upon serious spiritual work.

Yom Kippur is not a unique religious holiday. Most religious traditions have some practice of turning inward, reflecting and being accountable for our actions. Some call it repentance, other traditions favor reconciliation.

When I was growing up my reference point was confession. Since my family was not solely Catholic nor practicing their faith and yet I was, confession was a bit of an illusion to me. I understood you went into a wooden framed box with a bench, shared what you had done wrong, said a few Hail Marys and it was all over. Bada bing, bada boom! You were forgiven!

It wasn’t until years later when talking with a Catholic sister who became a good friend that I understood the deeper meaning of confession. “How come you need a priest to get forgiveness from God?”

She looked bemused.

“I’ve never thought the priest to be God, only to represent the God within us all. The priest is there because forgiveness always requires another person. We all need help hitting the reset button.”

Unitarian Universalists don’t have a ritual of forgiveness but perhaps we ought to have one- a spiritual reset button. It is no coincidence that Yom Kippur falls at the same time that the New Year is beginning in Judaism. And It is no coincidence that this ritual is deeply communal.

As Unitarian Universalists, we don’t believe people are inherently sinful or in constant need of forgiveness, but we do believe that we are all in need of love and connection- a spiritual reset button.

And so with the focus of forgiveness this month we ask, where in your life do you need to hit the reset button? And what’s more, how can we at Piedmont UU Church help you?

We are here for the journey, together.

In faith and love,

Rev. Robin

Thank You!

As I return from leave, I wanted to extend my gratitude to our community for graciously supporting my family and me as we spent this precious time together.  I am especially grateful to Rev. Justin for going the extra mile (or ten) during this time away by assuming preaching responsibilities, pastoral duties, and additional administrative tasks.   Rev. Justin did all of this in just his first year with us!  Sam Treadaway led the Board of Trustees while picking up additional responsibilities in my absence.  A longtime leader, Sam has stepped up numerous times in our history and I was grateful to have his experienced hand at the helm.  And a big thanks to Deb Davelka, our administrator, who coordinated our communications and so often makes it all look so easy! 

Ann Marie and I also appreciate all the members who took the time to prepare meals for us, visits, and notes of support.  A special thank you to the Care Committee Co-Chairs Nancy Delux and Michelle Murphy with support from Anne Laukaitis, Merry Overholser and Shakeisha Gray for demonstrating how care goes to the core of our Piedmont UU Church community. 

With gratitude,

 

Rev. Robin, Ann Marie, Kirk and Ella

Spiritually Speaking: Being Human, Being Buddha

One of the gifts of recent parenthood has been living into the liminal spaces.  Liminal spaces are those that are marked by transition.  From the latin limin, meaning threshold, liminal spaces are times of change.  Babies are all changes all the time.  As soon as we’ve gotten used to the latest pattern- from how much they eat or sleep to how much they weigh or what they can do (rolling over yikes!), well as soon as we are good and used to things, they change.

I say gift because being a new parent has put right in my face something that is always happening-change.  As the old saying goes, change is the only constant.  We joke about this, have bumper stickers that allude to it and authors like Pema Chodron build a life on learning how to live with it.  And yet..

It still surprises me.  What something changed?  How?  When?

Especially people.  I expect people to be absolutely constant.  So, whatever I’ve decided about you in the first ten seconds, well you should just behave according to this perception all the time.

Of course I am exaggerating a bit here.  But I do think a good deal of us spend an unfortunate amount of time living out of our stories of others as well as ourselves.  When folks do enact genuine change and transformation they often encounter immense resistance by those who love them the most in their life.  You need only watch one episode of the Extreme Weight Loss to see change-resistance phenomena in action.  Or talk to anyone who has stopped acting in accordance with an abusive or oppressive system. 

This month our theme-based ministry resumes with the theme of compassion. The more I study Buddhist practices of cultivating compassion and the more I try to cultivate compassion in my own life, the more it seems that compassion relies upon a healthy embrace of change.  When we can grant ourselves the ability to grow and let go, as well as gift that to others, we ultimately become more compassionate beings. 

The cynic relies upon life as it is and will always be but the hopeful, compassionate heart is open to the process of change and transition.

It is hard spiritual work to be open to change.  Sometimes it feels like a screaming child at 2 am that awakens the soul to the fact that things are in transition!  But ultimately, when we can embrace the evolution of life in unwelcome changes (cue screaming baby at 2 am) we open ourselves as to the blissful (such as the acceptance of our humanity at 2 am broken open there before the aforementioned baby).

Glad to be back friends, looking forward to living into compassion with you and what’s more sharing a bit of our journeys together.

In faith and compassion,

Rev. Robin

Rev. Robin is back from leave

Beginning September 1^st Rev. Robin will be returning from leave.  She’ll begin part-time for the month of September and then return full-time beginning October 1^st. 

So what does part-time mean? 

In September, Rev. Robin will lead worship on Sundays, be available for urgent pastoral calls, attend to rites of passage (weddings and memorials), and lead staff meetings and supervise staff.  In addition, Rev. Robin will be attending the Board of Trustees, Shared Ministry Team, and ADORE Team meeting. 

In October, as she returns full-time her office hours will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3-5 pm, by appointment.  In addition, she will take Fridays as her day off and Tuesdays as her writing day. 

As always, please feel free to reach out in September or October by contacting Rev. Robin at robin@puuc.org or by calling the office at (704) 510-0008.

Nerdy Religion Time

Once again I will be filling in for Rev. Robin for her column. We’ll be tackling another fun subject this month in our Nerdy Religion time together. One of the questions I get most often about Unitarian Universalism is what we believe about God. As Unitarian Universalists one of the topics it seems we are least able to discuss is what our beliefs are relating to God. It makes sense that we would be both squeamish and curious on this topic because our views differ and we know that this has been a place of discord for Unitarians and Universalists since long before any of us were born. I propose that we open the channels for discussion on this a little bit.

Historically both Unitarianism and Universalism come from theistic, Christian traditions that make two major, and to some heretical, statements about God. The Unitarians believed that there was one God, rather than the Holy Trinity which consisted of God, the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Our nerdy forefathers came to this conclusion because they analyzed the text of the bible and they didn’t believe that the bible actually has the trinity in it. You can get super nerdy about that by following this link.

The Universalists didn’t believe that God would send people to hell forever. In fact they believed that it would make God evil. These nerdy forefathers derived their conclusions from logic. They didn’t belief that the bible supported the idea of eternal damnation, but moreover they didn’t think it would be fair. They believed there is no way that God could be both loving and capable of setting up a system where people could be punished infinitely for a finite amount of evil living. They believed evil needed to be punished, just not forever. I challenge any one of you to be nerdy enough to read all of this.

For us what we believe God is, if anything, isn’t so uniform, but I believe that the lessons gleaned from these two ideas about God still have a great effect on Unitarian Universalists. From the Unitarians and their one God we see a divine in whatever form that is open to all. There is no God that exists only for some and not for others. The sacred in this world, whether that be God or nature or the spirit that connects us is open to any and all.

From the Universalist we take the idea that there is no special treatment in this life or the next. While we don’t know what happens after you die, we know that it is not affected by your works, beliefs or rates of church attendance. Again, the sacred is available to, within and among all people. None are left out.

What do you think? Tell me about what God is for you in the section below.

See you Sunday!

When being a Chalice Lighter trumps the elevator speech

If you have been a Unitarian Universalist for long, you have heard about the elevator speech.  This is the speech you should always be prepared to make when entering an elevator with a stranger who shows an interest or curiosity about Unitarian Universalism.  You should have at your disposal all the right words to paint a picture of our denomination which will challenge the interest of your captive and motivate him/her to pursue further pathways to share your enthusiasm.  I have always found this difficult!  A few months ago I was starting a new class at the local YMCA.  “Aquatics Blast”, I think it was called.  My new instructor was spending some one-on-one warm up time to become acquainted with me as we paddled about.  She was from the Ukraine, and between her accent and my hearing disability the conversation was doing some stuttering.  “Do you go to this church?,”she asked.  At that time the YMCA was sponsoring the Elevation Church on Sunday mornings.  “No,no, I’m a member of the Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church, which is very close to here  --  only about a mile down the road”, I said, as I waved my arm in a northerly direction.  My new teacher frowned and repeated the name of my church slowly.  “Well, what does your church believe?”, she asked.  I launched into an overview of the Seven Principles, trying to express our philosophy in an efficient manner.  “You mean you have no book?”, she asked incredulously.  “Well, we build our belief system from studying the important books of many religions”. I explained.  “You mean you are not Christian?”, my teacher asked.  “Well some Unitarian Universalists are Christian and some come from another faith, but we have come together in this denomination  which meets our needs and gives us a church home, I said.  “So, you are a new religion?”  “No,no we have been around for a long time.  We have a lot of congregations in the Northeast; we actually  started in Transylvania”, said I.  “TRANSYLVANIA!!”, exclaimed my instructor.  This was going from bad to worse and I just wanted the conversation to be over, which it soon was.  As I swam away I thought how thankful I was for Chalice Lighters.  I could help introduce other people to all that our faith has to offer and not feel so guilty about another failed elevator speech!

Sandra Woolsey

Then and Now

Beginning July 1^st, it is my privilege to serve as the president of your Board of Trustees.  This is my second go-around.  I previously served as president for a couple of years in the mid-90’s.  Much has changed since then… our membership has more than doubled, our campus has increased substantially, we have grown from one to two gatherings where we hold three services each Sunday, we have a sanctuary and classrooms for religious education, we are fortunate to have a terrific staff that supports the mission of our church, and we are equally fortunate to have Justin as our assistant minister.  And then there is Reverend Robin, who inspires us, and challenges us, each Sunday.

Yes - much has changed over the past twenty years.  But I am reminded of what has never changed.  Piedmont has always been a church that has intentionally reached out to our entire region.  That intentionality resulted in the founding of our Salisbury Gathering.  We have always been an inclusive lot.  That spirit has led to us being recognized as a “Welcoming Congregation”.  We have always believed that good faith results in good works.  That belief has resulted in countless social justice initiatives, spearheaded by our Social Justice Council.  We have always pointed-out areas of injustice and inequality, no matter how inconvenient that truth might be.  That temperament has guided us repeatedly as we “stand on the side of love”.

I am excited.  Throughout the life of our beloved faith community, we have been seekers and strivers. Guided by your collective wisdom, passion, and energy – I know your leadership team will continue seeking and striving to hold up this proud tradition. 

It’s going to be a great year!

Sam Treadaway

samtreadaway@gmail.com

Nerdy Religion Time

For the next two months I’m going to take over Robin’s column in the newsletter while she is busy having babies and not getting a lot of sleep. 

One of my favorite things to do as a minister is explore ancient texts and ideas to figure out what they can teach us today. I’m a pretty nerdy guy, and it shows in the way I think about things. That's why I’m calling this Nerdy Religion Time. One of the topics I get questions about most often at newcomer orientations is about Jesus. What do UUs think of him? What does he mean to us? Here’s my take:

First and foremost I think that UU’s are pretty different, so it's hard to answer what most folks think about Jesus. Both Unitarians and Universalists come out of the Christian tradition and a lot of the moral teaching attributed to Jesus informs what we believe and how we act to this day. For instance, Jesus was one of the first to call into question the idea that poverty and sickness were signs of God’s displeasure (Mark 2:1-12 and many others). This may seem like a pretty archaic idea, but it's still around especially when dealing with addiction and AIDS. Jesus taught that health and wealth were not signs of righteousness and identified God with those who suffer. 

When we speak out against repressing the voting rights of the poor or cutting the social safety net, and whether or not it comes to our mind, we are influenced as a tradition by Jesus’s words: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20), “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40).

Jesus quotes the book of Isaiah from the Hebrew bible to sum up what he thinks his mission is:

‘The Spirit of the God is upon me,

because God has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

God has sent me to proclaim release to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free,

to proclaim the year of the God’s favor.’ (Luke 4:18-19)

Now, it might not be the Spirit of God that is upon you, but I hope that there is something that stirs within your soul and calls you to strive for justice. I think that when we are at our best, Jesus’s mission statement would work for us as Unitarian Universalists as well. I’ve done a little translation to fit it into UU vernacular:

The spirit of all that is sacred is upon us,

because we have been anointed by the holy among us;

We have been sent to bring good news to the oppressed,

to bind up the broken-hearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and release to the prisoners;

to proclaim that this is the year of Justice,

this is the year of equality,

this is the year when love for all

will bring comfort to all who mourn;

will provide for those in sorrow all over this world—

to give them courage instead of pain,

gladness instead of mourning,

and praise and celebration instead of a faint heart.

What do you think? Can you get behind Jesus’s mission statement of justice, either its original or adapted forms? What do you think about Jesus? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

See you on Sunday?

Rev. Justin

Welcome to Josh Barbour, Interim Choir Director

We are pleased to announce that Josh Barbour, frequent guest pianist at our congregation, has accepted the position of Interim Choir Director.  Josh will begin his time with us on June 2nd through December 1st.  During this interim transition, Josh has agreed to play for each of our services as well as direct the choir twice a month (with the exception of July when they are traditionally off).  In addition, Josh will assist our Salisbury musicians with music selections for their services.

A North Carolina native, pianist Josh Barbour joins us with an expanse of experience as a vocal coach, teacher, music director and pianist. Josh joined the staff of Opera Carolina as répétiteur in 2011 under the baton of Maestro James Meena. An active recitalist and vocal coach, he has performed and taught throughout the region. He is currently staff pianist at Wingate University but has also performed and taught at Johnson C. Smith University and Queens University. Josh was the official pianist for the 2014 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (NC District) and also accompanied the Heafner/Williams Vocal Competition and the Charlotte Opera Guild Competitions in March.

Josh joined Opera Experience Southeast, a summer program started by Metropolitan Opera tenor John Fowler, in 2012 as pianist and vocal coach. Josh was also the music director and coach for the Opera Carolina Express outreach program last season, and he has performed and coached with FBN Outreach Opera and Palmetto Opera, both based in South Carolina. Josh also accompanies the vocal studios of international opera singers Victoria Livengood and Rosemarie Freni-Molinari.
Josh holds a Master of Music from The University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Music from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His teachers have included Lynn Kompass, Scott Price, and Joseph DiPiazza.
A huge foodie, Josh enjoys cooking and trying new international cuisines. He also loves traveling, shopping and just relaxing by the pool.

We hope you’ll be able to welcome him as he joins us this summer.

Spiritually Speaking: Being the Love People

From yellow T-shirts to banners, we’ve become known as the love people. Amidst the recent work of branding in the Unitarian Universalist Association (see new UUA chalice below), the Standing on the Side of Love campaign seems to be our most enduring recognition thus far. When we show up at demonstrations and witnesses or interfaith services with those bold yellow colors and LOVE written across our chests, invariably someone will say something akin to, “The love people are here!”

Among all the things we could be recognized for- this isn’t a bad one to be known for at all.

But what does it mean to be the love people?

Love as a spiritual value calls us to the edges of our comfort and the core of our being. It asks if we can act with an abiding integrity to treat people with worth and dignity even in the midst of extraordinary circumstance.

Love as a justice imperative calls us to the caverns of silence where humanity must be heard and then change spoken into being. Then love asks if we will not make enemies in the struggle but move toward the flow of justice.

Love is far from the easy work of cards and spoken words, but as a foundation for a people must be animated through action. Far from a neat to-do lis t of religious virtue, being the love people is as much an internal movement as an external one. In truth, even the most ideal actions can be done without love- the evidence is not found only in our completed actions but how doing better can make us better.

To be the love people calls us from ourselves out into the world. Far from an internalized spiritual movement, it is one built upon relationship. As we look at the major shifts in our world, it seems that relationship may very well be the crux of our survival. From climate change, multiculturalism, financial shifts and the realities of technological isolation, we will need to depend upon relationship to restore the balance and heal our world. Silo living will no longer be possible.

We as the love people are not the only key to the future. The world is a big place with many needs. But it may just be that we are a far more critical piece than we’ve been willing to admit—one that is far from the fluffy stuff of cards and words, but a piece that moves us from our core to the community.

Let us stand then, or rather move, toward the side of love.

In faith and love,

Rev. Robin

Popcorn with a Purpose

Wednesday Evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the Meeting House

June 25-Babies 

July 9-Lost Boys of Sudan

July 23- I AM  

August 6-Why Dogs Cry and Chimpanzees Smile

August 20-State of Conflict: North Carolina

Babies (2010). Put a smile on your face and warm feelings in your heart with this fascinating video portrayal of four babies from very different parts of the world: Namibia, Mongolia, Tokyo, and San Francisco. The babies are followed from birth through approximately their first year of life. And there is no narration, no explanations, but only the sights, sounds, and activities from the baby’s environment. Playing time is 80 minutes, not including available bonus features. PG – nudity.

Lost Boys of Sudan (2003). PBS's video is a gripping documentary about young refugees from the Sudanese conflict as well as a moving story of survival and acclimation in a strange new land. The film centers around two young Dinka tribesmen who flee a vicious civil war in their homeland and risk thirst, starvation, and animal attack to reach refugee camps thousands of miles away in Kenya in Ethiopia. Once there, the "lost boys'" journey begins again, as they are resettled in Houston, Texas, and must start new lives in a completely alien country. The film addresses themes of home, acceptance, family, and what it means to be a member of society–-both in America and the global community. 85 minutes

I AM (2011). Successful Hollywood director Tom Shadyac received a life threatening head injury in an accident. His recovery process started him on a journey to answer two questions: What’s wrong with our world and What can we do about it? Tom visits some of today’s great minds including authors, poets, teachers, religious leaders, and scientists. The essence of the story is the one-ness of life on earth. Video is about 78 minutes, not including the bonus features.

Why Dogs Smile and Chimpanzees Cry (2000). This is a fascinating, and often quite moving documentary showing the emotional kinship between man and his fellow mammals. The film footage is remarkable, starting with the basic emotions that pertain to survival, "fear, aggression, and the urge to procreate", and then moves on to the more subtle feelings of joy, compassion, grief, loyalty, and even depression. Since a few of the scenes depict animals in long-term captivity as well as animals’ responses to the death of a group member, viewing is best suited to children 12 and older. The viewing time is 100 minutes.

State of Conflict: North Carolina (2014). From Moyers & Company, a documentary report from a state that votes both blue and red and sometimes purple. Now, however, Republicans hold the governor’s mansion and both houses of the legislature; and they are steering North Carolina far to the right. At the heart of this conservative onslaught sits a businessman, Art Pope. But Pope’s most ardent opponent is the Reverend William Barber, head of the state chapter of the NAACP, who formed an alliance which raised opposition in government as well as a citizen’s protest, “Moral Mondays.” The viewing time is approximately 60 minutes with a follow-on discussion led by Debbie Rubenstein, Board Member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte.

The Stone Cairn is nearly finished. Any missing stones, please report for foundation building duty!

Dear friends, wonderers, wanderers, lovers of leaving, (as the song goes),

The Stewardship pledge campaign officially has raised $212,518 for next FY's budget. Everyone who pledged should have received a personalized thank you note by now which also serves as your only confirmation of pledge amount. (In other words, no statement mailings). Many thanks again to all those who pledged. Together, we make a difference in the world and each others' lives.

If you go to any committee meetings as an observer or member, you would be amazed at the amount of activity that is being planned for the coming year and that requires financial resources from our members. So, if you have not pledged already, please do so now by sending an email to Stewardship@puuc.org with your details. Pledges also may be made online using the PUUC.org/give pledge form. (Since paper can be easily lost, now that the formal pledge drive is over, we would be grateful if you make it easy for us by going electronic.) Did I forget to say that all remaining pledges for next year are still heartily welcome?

P.S. If a confirmed amount was incorrect, please email me with any corrections. Please double check your thank you note. If you did not get a thank you note, please email stewardship.

in faith, fellowship and community,
Lisa Dickinson Chair, Stewardship Committee

NAMASTE AND THANK YOU!

For the past three years, I have been a candidate in the UUA Music Leadership Credentialing Program. The Credentialing Program helps music leaders develop a foundational understanding of three main areas of knowledge: 1) music skills and resources, 2) UU heritage and values, and 3) leadership and interpersonal skills.

The curriculum is delivered through a series of six core courses and additional professional development opportunities. The courses are offered at the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network annual summer conference in a rotation of two courses offered each year. I have attended the summer conferences in Arlington (2011), Tulsa (2012) and Dallas (2013). As part of the program I have also attended the General Assembly in Charlotte in 2011, the Fall, 2013 Western Cluster meeting in Asheville, the 2013 Southeast District annual meeting in Charlotte, and the Southeast District Choral Festival at the UU Church of Charlotte in March.

As I have just completed all the course requirements, I want to thank Rev. Robin and the church for making it possible for me to participate in the program. Each candidate has an advisor and a sponsor. My advisor, Annease Hastings, has just celebrated her 25th year as the music director of Bull Run Unitarian Universalists in Manassas, Virginia. My sponsor is Susan Burns, who has helped me with documenting my assignments, which often including videoing services of me song leading and directing the choir. Susan and I have had many teleconferences over the past three years with my advisor to assess progress and completion of goals and other assignments. Special thanks to Susan for all of the time and work that she has spent since I started the program in 2011.

I will receive my Credentials at this summer's General Assembly at the end of June in Providence, Rhode Island.

In gratitude,

Wally Kleucker
Music Director
wally@puuc.org

From the President

As I write this June letter to us, the congregation of Piedmont UU Church, it is still spring.

Margaret Atwood said “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt”. What did she mean by that? Well maybe she just meant that we should dig in and till, plant and weed our garden. You may have noticed the boxes behind the Meeting House and in those boxes some of us and some others will be digging and planting and weeding. We hope that some of the seeds that we plant will thrive.

On a more abstract level, we have been digging and tilling our collective thoughts for more than a year to plan our vision for the future. We have been digging in what I call brainstorming sessions. We have created the Vision 20/20 team who have been tilling in that abstract plot to prepare a fertile seed bed for the steps that we will be planting in the next 5 to 7 years as our Piedmont UU Church grows.

Just like in a physical garden, our steps have a season for planting and harvest. The operational plan developed from your inputs as we dug through our thoughts for the future tell us and our committees and counsels when to plant each step and when to enjoy the fruits of our work. Now, the plans of mice and men are not always followed. How can we till when the ground is too wet? We may have to wait a few days. Maybe a few of the seeds do not germinate. We may have to plant a later variety of lettuce or tomato. Likewise I can foresee a few setbacks as we implement our operational plan but that does not mean that we quit.  We just adapt and carry on as a loving church family tending our garden to nourish both ourselves and the wider community.

With this last monthly letter from me, your president, I wish us all happy gardening. 

Karl

ADORE Team Plans Trip to Levine Museum of the New South for Members

Join members on an interesting field trip to Levine Museum if the New South on Sunday afternoon, June 22! The newly formed ADORE team is sponsoring this excursion to the Levine Museum as the beginning of a year long effort to increase awareness and appreciation of diversity, especially in our own congregation.

We will leave after the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, June 22. (Only one service starting that Sunday) We will have a light lunch at church that will be provided and then car pool to the museum, leaving about 11:45 a.m. We will probably return between 3 and 4 p.m.

To those unfamiliar with the Levine Museum, the museum is a storehouse of fascinating history of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area and has much information about Charlotte’s civil rights history, including the integration of public schools after the 1954 Brown Supreme Court case and the 1969 case to integrate the school through planned busing.

A current exhibit through August is Faces of Freedom Summer, 104 photographs taken in 1964 in Mississippi.

The Levine is located downtown on East 7^th Street. We will be in a group at the museum

with a tour guide and have an opportunity to meet afterwards to discuss our reactions. The cost of admission is $5 for members of a group and there is no charge for parking on Sundays in the adjoining garage.

Members of the ADORE team include Christine Robinson and Lauren Neal (co-chairs) and David Parker, Eva Danner, Arvind Patil, Alan Perkinson, Elaine Slaton, Anne Laukaitis and Rev. Robin Tanner. This event is the first of many interesting activities the ADORE team will sponsor in the 2014-2015 church year.

Please let Anne Laukaitis (Laukaitis@windstream.net) know if you plan to attend so that we can have a number for lunch on June 22.

Visit the website of the Levine Museum of the New South at www.museumofthenewsouth.org

Summer Reading with ADORE

The ADORE (A Dialogue on Race and Ethnicity) team is PUUC’s multiculturally diverse team aspiring to bring awareness and cultural competency to our congregation through dialogue, human story, worship, education and relationship. One of our summer activities will be a three session book discussion. We’ll have a short meeting on June 8th, following the first service, to decide which one of the following books we’ll read and discuss. Contact Eva Dew Danner or David Parker for additional information.

The Hidden Wound by Wendell Berry (poet, essayist, novelist, farmer, cultural critic, and descendent of slave holders). Through Berry’s personal experience, he explains how remaining passive in the face of the struggle of racism further corrodes America’s potential. In a quiet and observant manner, Berry opens up about how his attempt to discuss racism is rooted in the hope that someday the historical wound will begin to heal.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (science writer, editor, media correspondent, biographer). Lacks was a poor black tobacco farmer, but scientists know her as HeLa. Her cells - taken without her knowledge in 1951 - were vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta's cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown. Skloot tells a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine.

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride (journalist, musician and author). McBride’s mother was a self-declared light-skinned woman who would not admit she was white and Jewish, yet was steadfast in her love for her 12 black children. McBride retraces his mother's footsteps and recreates her remarkable story: daughter of a failed itinerant Orthodox rabbi in Poland, whose family emigrated to America and settled in a small Virginia town where anti-Semitism and racial tensions ran high; marriage to a black minister and co-founder of an all-black Baptist church in NYC.

Spiritually Speaking: No One Ever Mentions the Moth

Typically when we speak of transformation as a metaphor, writers and ministers alike will reference the butterfly. See how this green worm completely changes even its physical composition to become the butterfly! In this metaphor, we are invited to consider our own transformation and what would be required of us in the metamorphosis. In this version, change is seen as a difficult but rewarding process that leads to the beauty of the butterfly.

But transformation, or spiritual change, is not always so.

Consider the moth.

See how this brown worm completely changes even its physical composition to become the moth! Oh, this is significantly less inspiring of a metaphor when it ends in an insect whose claim to fame is the terrible smelling deterrent: moths balls. In this version, change is seen as a difficult and disappointing process that leads to a little-loved bug.

And let’s face it, while we are stretching the metaphor, you are far more statistically likely to be a moth than a butterfly. With 160,000 species of moths and a mere 15,000 species of butterflies, the odds for becoming the less-cherished insect are clear!

In truth we all change, even those of us who aspire not to change. For some, our lives are a constant evolution of ideas, spirit, and experience. We become more open, compassionate, and wise. For others, our lives are marked by a constant narrowing of ideas, spirit, and experience. We become more entrenched than ever and less able to respond to the world, more inclined to react to the world. Thankfully, unlike the genetic coding of the moth or butterfly, our destiny is not set at birth. The only constant is change.

Change is a given, but the path of transformation is ours to choose.

In some religious communities, transformation is presented as an instantaneous moment of “seeing the light.” When I was growing up and so many would speak of profound experiences of God literally speaking and calling to them, I always felt a little lost. My experience of God was so often subtle, diffusive, expansive and universal. I couldn’t point to moments when the heavens opened or a voice came down upon clouds. I could offer a clear insight of constant companionship or greater awareness of the sacred around me. To quote the singer song writer Peter Mayer, “everything is holy now.”

It is this gradual transformation to which I can relate.

So how do we become the butterfly and not the moth?

I think like the transformation process being subtle, it means an intentional effort at reflection, slowing down to notice the processes around as well as within and a clarity of destination. Fortunately, unlike the moth or butterfly, there are some choices we get in this transformation.

I hope you’ll join us in this May of transformation (our theme for the month) as we explore together how to become the butterflies, bringing beauty into the world where we can.

In faith and spirit,
Rev. Robin

A Coffee Hour Favorite, Susan Price’s Peanut Butter Cookies

If you enjoy the cookies during Sunday Coffee Hours at the University Gathering chances are good that the cookies were provided by Susan Price. Nearly every Sunday Susan brings in cookies, often homemade.

Susan is one of the many volunteers who make Coffee Hour possible. Several of our members bring homemade or store bought treats each week, or make donations to the Fellowship Committee to sustain Coffee Hour. Dedicated members of the Spiffy Club stay after second service each week to clean-up. So, if you see Susan, other bearers of baked goods, or members of the Spiffy Club, please thank them for their hard work and generous donations that make the fellowship that happens during Coffee Hour possible.

Would you like to help out with Coffee Hour? You’re welcome to come early or stay late and pop into the kitchen and offer to lend a hand. Or, drop off some baked good or healthy treats to share. We provide fair trade coffee and tea each week, and welcome your contribution to offset the costs of Coffee Hour—just drop some money in the collection basket next to the coffee urns. And, if you’d like to volunteer to help prepare coffee on a regular basis, contact Heidi Magi (htmagi@gmail.com). Interested in joining the Spiffy Club?, drop Carol Slavic a note (caroljoyslavick@gmail.com).

See you at Coffee Hour this Sunday! And, in the meantime, here’s Susan’s delicious recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies, adapted from the Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book …one of her many specialties.

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar or 1/4 cup honey

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

Mix the butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. If necessary, cover and chill dough until easy to handle.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in additional granulated sugar to coat. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten by making crisscross marks with the tines of a fork. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes about 36 cookies.

Music Notes

The wonderful month of May is upon us!  As Shakespeare wrote: “As full of spirit as the month of May, and as gorgeous as the sun in Midsummer.”  Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, the Spoleto Festival in Charleston,  the Indianapolis 500 and Memorial Day all are in the month of May.

At Piedmont UU Church we also have a lot of special events going on.  For starters,  May 10 is a big day starting with our church yard sale at 7:00am where you might be able to find a treasure trove and help the church financially as well!  As the sun begins to set, come to our coffeehouse to enjoy an evening of entertainment celebrating the arts.  Doors open at 6:30pm and the entertainment begins at 7:00pm and ends at 9:00. Though we will not be serving a meal, we encourage everyone to bring pies, cakes, bakery items such as cookies or Danish pastry, soft drinks, beer and wine.

The next day is Sunday, May 11, which is Mother's Day.  The choir will be singing "The Glory of Love" at the 9:45 and 11:00 services. 

The monthly theme for services in May is Transformation. Later this month, the choir will be singing the popular South African song "Siyahamba" (Marching in the Light) and "On a Sunday Morning".

For the past three years, I have been a candidate in the UUA Music Leadership Credentialing Program.  The UU Credentialing Program helps music leaders develop a foundational understanding of three main areas of knowledge: 1) music skills and resources, 2) UU heritage and values, and 3) leadership and interpersonal skills. The curriculum is delivered through a series of six core courses and additional professional development opportunities. The courses are offered at the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network annual summer conference in a rotation of two courses offered each year. I have attended the summer conferences in Arlington (2011), Tulsa (2012) and Dallas (2013).  As part of the program I have also attended the General Assembly in Charlotte in 2011, the Fall, 2013 Western Cluster meeting in Asheville, the 2013 Southeast District annual meeting in Charlotte, and the Southeast District Choral Festival at the UU Church of Charlotte in March.

I want to thank Rev. Robin and the church for making it possible for me to participate in the program. Each candidate has an advisor and a sponsor. My advisor, Annease Hastings, has just celebrated her 25th year as the music director of Bull Run Unitarian Universalists in Manassas, Virginia. My sponsor is Susan Burns, who has helped me with documenting my assignments, which often including videoing services of me song leading and directing the choir. Susan and I have had many teleconferences over the past three years with my advisor to assess progress and completion of goals and other assignments. Special thanks to Susan for all of the time and work that she has spent since I started the program in 2011.

I will receive my Credentials at this summer's General Assembly at the end of June in Providence, Rhode Island.

In gratitude,

Wally Kleucker
Music Director
wally@puuc.org

CHOIR SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 1               NO CHOIR REHEARSAL
Sunday, May 4                  NO CHOIR
Thursday, May 8               7:30 – 9:00pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Saturday, May 10              7:00 – 9:00PM -A Night of a Thousand Stars Coffeehouse
Sunday, May 11                9:00 – 9:30am    Choir Rehearsal
                                          9:45 and 11:00:  Choir sings
Thursday, May 15             7:30 – 9:00pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Sunday, May 18                9:00 – 9:30am    Choir Rehearsal
                                          9:45 and 11:00:  Choir sings
Thursday, May 22             7:30 – 9:00pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Sunday, May 25                9:00 – 9:30am    Choir Rehearsal
                                          9:45 and 11:00:  Choir sings
Thursday, May 29             7:30 – 9:00pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Sunday, June 1                 9:00 – 9:30am    Choir Rehearsal
                                          9:45 and 11:00:  Choir sings