REV-elations: a column from Rev. Margaret  

     I use the language of gift and giftedness often, since I’ve grown to perceive it at the heart of truly living and living true. It’s probably a very good thing that I’m an interim minister. If you grow weary of this, you don’t have to live with me long; and meanwhile, what you like, you get to adopt as your own. And that’s a pretty good way to “do life” too.
     December is the great giving time in our year, and it may oppress us with its expectations of love and magic beyond what’s humanly possible, fully as much as it may bless us. Let this column toss you lifelines. 
First, take a second look at strings and ribbons. When you wrap them around a gift, are they attached? Gifts with strings attached aren’t truly gifts; they’re obligations of one kind or another. The phrase, “a free gift”, is redundant. If it’s not freely given, it’s not a gift. So often we “should” upon gifts; it sinks the joy of them.
     The reason genuinely free gifts are uncommon may be that we live our days convinced that we are isolated selves; so we reach out seeking connection, and gifts become entangled with strings of commitment. But if I draw the circle of my self, my being, large enough to include you in that to which I belong, whatever I may give you is an expression of kinship and is truly free. I need nothing in return. Your joy expands my own. 
     This holiday season, you can play with “gifting” differently. Here are several ways: 

• Let go of gifts you give out of habit; give only from gratitude and love.

• Ease up on hunting for the “perfect” gift. Aim for a spontaneous smile.

• Dare to try going radically string-free once in a while, with an anonymous gift—to someone who’ll never guess it’s from you, or to some wonderful cause—a gift you can’t be thanked for.

• Remember that acts of kindness are gifts, too.

     ANOTHER LIFELINE is your giftedness together—and this is precisely what Mission/Visioning day on December 6th is all about. If at all possible, be with us!      

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

     I had occasion recently to look over some minutes from board meetings during the last year. You know it is amazing how we tend to forget where we have been as we concentrate on where we are or where we might go. How is your recollection about the special services held at KUUF with the outbreak of war in Iraq pending? How about the month in 2003 when so many people volunteered to feed and house the homeless men for just awhile?
     I admit that my memory is not what it used to be. But it is more than that which I want to bring to your attention. It is the forgotten people or missed opportunity to thank people for all that they do. We have such an opportunity now!
     The Pacific Northwest District of the UUA is soliciting nominations from the various boards of trustees of PNWD UUA congregations to name an individual from our congregation who has received a relatively low level of recognition but who is truly an “Unsung UU.” This is not a lifetime achievement award, but rather a recognition of a UU whose actions inspire, support and express Unitarian Universalism. The individual from the district so awarded will be eligible for national recognition in June at the General Assembly. One should consider service given at the fellowship, district, national, or community or international levels. 
     Nominations should be supported by words that would be used in writing a citation and in depth that those reading supporting documentation will really get to “know” the individual and their service. Please submit your nominations to me either in written or emailed fashion so that the board can act upon the selections in time to get them to PNWD by January 3, 2004. Submitting them to me by December 3 would be best. Let’s not let my memory or yours forget our “unsung UUs.” 

Yours in Fellowship, 
Paul D. Flemm

TREASURER’S REPORT As of 11/12/03

Budgeted income from 5/1/03 to 11/12/03
 $86,754.79
Actual income from pledges for the same period
 $84,024.18
Shortfall in pledges
 -$2,730.61

Budget income from offerings for same period:
 $3,731.20
Actual income from offerings for same period:
 $2,370.82
Shortfall in collections: 
 -$1,360.38

We appreciate everyone’s efforts in keeping up with pledges. If your circumstances have changed and you must adjust your pledge please contact Sherry Attaway at the KUUF office, her number is (360) 377-4724. Sherry is in the office wednesdays and Fridays. 

Thank you all for making KUUF such a great place.

Lene Hajek, Treasurer

KUUF Ministerial Search Committee

     At their November 6th meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a draft letter of agreement that will serve as a starting point for negotiating a contract with our next minister. We submitted a copy of the draft letter of agreement to the UUA Settlement Office the next day. On November 7th, the Search Committee reached an important milestone – the names of the ministers who have “clicked” on KUUF on the UUA’s Settlement website were released to us. Those ministers had reviewed the extensive “Congregational Record” we posted on the Settlement website and decided they were interested in having us consider them as candidates to be our minister. We gained access to their Ministers’ Records posted on the website and have been reviewing them with keen interest. 
     By the time this column goes to press, we will have met with our Ministerial Search Consultant, Milly Mullarky, again and conducted telephone interviews with the candidates. Then we will exchange packets with those in whom we are interested, review the ministers’ packets sent to us, and invite three candidates here to visit for a pre-candidating weekend in February or March. We expect KUUF to be hosting the candidate we select for the congregation’s consideration in April. 
     We will share more with you about the “Candidating Week” in a later column as April draws near. Suffice to say that everyone in the Fellowship will have an opportunity to meet the minister and hear him/her preach. We will need the help of many of you to host social events for groups to meet the minister.
     A word of thanks: Marilyn Drengson and Jackie Westwood are helping the Search Committee by creating and assembling KUUF’s “packets” which are mailed to the ministers we are considering. Each packet is a three-ring binder filled with information about KUUF, our congregation (including the results of the survey), and Kitsap County and our region. There are lots of photos beautifully laid out within the text. It’s a lot of work, and we are very grateful to Jackie and Marilyn for their extraordinary efforts to make the packets beautiful and appealing. We encourage all members and friends to let Marilyn and Jackie know how much you appreciate their work. 

The Search Committee wishes you a love-filled and joyous holiday season. We have so much for which to be grateful. 

KUUF & UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rainbow World
A Column on the issues of Racism, Diversity and Multiculturalism
Provided by the KUUF Anti-Racism Committee

Tis the Season
By Deborah Horn, ARC Chairman
 
     The 2003 Holiday Season is upon us, and while most of us are familiar with the traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, others in our KUUF family and the wider community will be celebrating religious and cultural holidays that are less familiar.
     Holidays can be a way of enhancing respect for religions and cultural traditions different from our own while celebrating the common themes between them. For example, many religious celebrations focus on festivals of light, including Diwali, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Liberation and freedom are themes of the Fourth of July, Cinco de Mayo and Dr. Martin Luther King Day. Renewal and the arrival of a New Year are common threads of New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year and Tet Nguyen Dan celebrations. Here’s a sampling of some common—and not so common—holidays being celebrated in our communities around the world during this time of year.

Diwali (October 25) is a five-day Hindu festival often referred to as the Festival of Lights. During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned, windows are opened, and candles and lamps are lit to welcome Laksmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared during this celebration of the Hindu New Year.
Ramadan (October 27-November 25), the most sacred season of the Muslim year, is symbolized by a holy month of fasting. It is a time of atonement (similar to Yom Kippur and Lent) during which Muslims who are physically able, do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. Ramadan ends with Eid-al-Fitr (November 25) or the Festival of Fast-Breaking.
Hanukkah (December 20-27) is a Jewish celebration that is also known as the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the victory (165 B.C.E.) of the Maccabees over the Syrian tyrant Antiochus IV and the subsequent reclamation of Jerusalem. According to the Talmud, only a one-day supply of non-desecrated oil was found in the Temple when the Maccabees prepared it for rededication by removing all Syrian idols. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days until more could be obtained. This miracle is commemorated by the lighting of the Hanukkah candles which are placed on the menorah or hanukkiya, a nine-branch candelabrum. The ninth branch of the hanukkiya holds the shamash, or servant light. The candle lighting is accompanied by the chanting of blessings and exchanging of gifts.
Las Posadas (December 16-24) is a traditional Mexican festival which re-enacts the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their search for room at the inn. Each Christmas season, a processional carrying a doll representing the Christ Child and images of Joseph and Mary riding a burro walks through the community streets. The processional stops at a previously selected home and asks for lodging for the night. The people are invited in to read scriptures and sing Christmas carols called alguinaldos. Refreshments are provided by the hosts.
Winter Solstice (December 22) is the day when the Northern Hemisphere is leaning farthest from the sun making it the shortest day of the year and marking the beginning of winter. Ancient cultures, unaware of the changes in the Earth's position, feared that the sunlight would never return. To bring it back, they engaged in many celebrations and ceremonies. Winter Solstice celebrations are part of the Native American, Iranian, Pakistani, Tibetan, Chinese and Wiccan cultures.
Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1) is a cultural festival created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga that is based on the African-American goals of building a strong family, learning about African-American history, and developing unity. Kwanzaa is devoted to seven principles known collectively as the Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Each day of Kwanzaa focuses upon one of the seven principles. After a candle-lighting ceremony, participants discuss what the principle means to them and exchange gifts. A Karamu (feast) featuring traditional food, a ceremony honoring ancestors, music, and dancing on the last day.
Tet Nguyen Dan (January 22) is a popular Vietnamese festival which marks the beginning of the lunar new year and the arrival of spring. On the eve of this three-day festival, houses and ancestral graves are thoroughly cleaned and a ceremonial meal is prepared. Customs associated with Tet celebrations include paying off debts, giving gifts, resolving conflicts in relationships, wearing new clothes, the lighting of firecrackers and traditional dragon dances which spread good health and wealth. 

To learn more about other religious and cultural celebrations, check out the 2004 Multifaith Calendars being sold by the KUUF Caring Committee, or search the multitude of internet sites available on this topic. 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 
DECEMBER 2003  

Children’s RE

TEACHER RECRUITMENT
How many teachers does it take to run the RE program? If all calculations are correct, fifty-two. Half of these teachers are finishing up their September through January commitment and soon the other half will be starting. If you are interested in joining one of the teaching teams, or if you would simply like more information, please contact Melinda L. Hughes, Director of Religious Education, or any member of the Children’s Religious Education Committee, Jenny Aunan, Denise DeLaCruz, Jenny Morgan, Kristin Moore, Emily Rohrer, Lori Thompson, or Kaela Ultican.

RENAISSANCE MODULE
What a wonderfully welcoming and caring congregation KUUF is!  The participants at the Renaissance Module raved about their gracious hosts from those who shopped, prepared food and housed participants to those who shared conversation and coffee. Thank you for sharing your bounty, your food, your homes and your warm words.

Worship for All Ages
Henry David Thoreau and Christopher Reeves, who else will grace our pulpit this year? We’ve heard about our chalice and will be hearing about the quilt hanging behind the pulpit. If you’re interested in being a mystery guest or have a piece of Fellowship history that you’d like to share, please contact Rev. Margaret or Melinda Hughes, DRE.

ADVENT TREE
What a gift Elizabeth Bondy brings to our Fellowship, cider, cookies, the Advent Tree . . . This holiday season she will once again regale us with tales of her childhood and the tradition of the Advent tree during the Worship for All Ages segment of our services.

Adult RE

WHAT’S NEW IN ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION?

     The newly formed Adult Religious Exploration Committee began taking form in May 2003. During the first several months we had a number of changes in chair and membership of the committee. We are now “settled in” and our committee members are: Susan Dearth (Chair), Diane Hudnall, Bill Kepper, Darlene Johnsrude, Phyllis Millard, Alex Miller, and Arlis Stewart. We have adopted the following mission statement: The mission of the Adult Religious Exploration Program is to nurture and stimulate the spiritual and personal growth of the adult Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship community and the community at large by offering a varied and cohesive program within the context of the larger Unitarian Universalist tradition and religious community. 
     In keeping with the mission, we are planning to gather information from our members and friends about their interests as we put together the program for the upcoming year and future years. There will be more information about that process in the next Candle. 
     In the meantime, we are planning our initial program in January and February 2004. It is entitled Articulating Your UU Faith and will be co-led by Darlene Johnsrude and Diane Hudnall. The focus of this program is practicing how and what to say in various settings in which you are called upon to declare yourself religiously or to explain some element of this liberal religious movement. It is a five session course from 7:30 to 9:00pm on January 12, 19, 26, and February 2 and 9. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for those who wish to participate. 
     Our committee wants to hear from everyone in our Fellowship about the religious exploration activities that would interest you. So don’t wait for the survey. Please contact anyone on the committee with your thoughts and ideas. We are also interested in hearing from people who would like to teach or facilitate a program. Please contact the Chair, Susan Dearth. 360.871.7245.

Caring Committee Volunteer Survey

     The Caring Committee at KUUF coordinates assistance to our members and friends as needed in times of illness or personal crisis and develops ways for us to stay in touch with those among us who are homebound. Sometimes all that is needed is a friendly get well card, a phone call or a ride to the doctor.
     The Caring Committee is a ‘Committee of the Whole Fellowship’ as we call upon everyone to volunteer to help out when there is a need. Everyone benefits by knowing their religious community cares about them and no committee alone can provide that.
     To keep our database current, we ask that you take a few minutes to fill out this survey and return it to KUUF, or put it in the offering basket at a service. We will use this information to develop a current list of resources. 

THANK YOU 
Your Caring Committee, 

Vicki Flemm, Karen Leader Scott, Vivien Galitzki, Anne Stout, Lene Hajek, Jackie Westwood, Ann Lovell, Ruth Ann McCann & our minister 

Congregational Caregiving Survey

Please complete and mail to: 
     Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
     P.O. Box 2015, Bremerton WA 98310

I can offer a helping hand when the following is needed: 

_______ Meals prepared and delivered

_______ Transportation (to and from KUUF)

_______ Transportation (doctor’s appointments, etc.)

_______ Short notice childcare

_______ Short term housing

_______ Pet care

_______ Minor home repair, yard work

_______ Shop for groceries or other needed items

_______ I’m willing to loan: _________________________________ 
                                       (durable medical equipment)

_______ other: ________________________________

Name ________________________________________

Area of town __________________________________

Telephone ____________________________________

Email ________________________________________

IN THE NEWS

UUA President Issues Statement on Massachusetts Court Decision in Support of Same-Sex Marriage

(Boston, MA - November 18, 2003) Following the announcement of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's long-anticipated decision in the case of Goodridge et al vs. the Department of Public Health, UUA President William G. Sinkford issued a statement lauding the decision of the Court. Sinkford said, "We enthusiastically applaud today's ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in favor of same-sex marriage. 
     The Unitarian Universalist Association has a long-standing and deeply held religious commitment to support full equality for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people, and today's ruling is a significant step forward in guaranteeing that the rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are also available to its bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender citizens. We trust that the Massachusetts Legislature will act promptly and fairly to support same-sex couples and their families."
     The Court, in its 4-3 decision, found that the Commonwealth's law, which opposes same sex marriage, is unconstitutional, saying that the state "failed to identify any constitutionally adequate reason for denying civil marriage to same-sex couples," but it stopped short of ordering the Commonwealth to immediately enact same sex marriage. Instead, the Court ordered the Legislature of the Commonwealth to remedy the inequitable situation "within 180 days." 14 plaintiffs from five MA counties brought the original suit in 2001, when seven same sex couples went to their city and town halls to obtain marriage licenses. Seven of the fourteen plaintiffs are Unitarian Universalists.
     The UUA President went on to say, "The citizens of Massachusetts should be proud that this state is at the forefront of the growing movement to extend basic civil rights to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, and it is our fervent hope that Massachusetts can be a model for other states to emulate. In addition to the decision by the Supreme Judicial Court, the recent United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Lawrence v. Texas and legal rulings in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands, demonstrate a growing understanding that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is wrong. The decision also reinforces the Unitarian Universalist commitment to work to end homophobia. We acknowledge that while progress has been made, we still have work to do to honor every person's inherent worth and dignity." 

Read Rev. Sinkford's complete statement at http://www.uua.org/president/031118.html.  The decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is posted at http://www.uua.org/news/2003/031118b.html . The complete story on the SJC ruling and UUA reaction and comment can be found at http://www.uua.org/news/2003/031118.html . The media in Massachusetts and in other locations are giving significant coverage to the decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court which found in favor of seven same sex couples who sued the Department of Health for the right to marry. Today's coverage includes the following:

Nov. 19, 2003 - Boston Globe: "Strong, divided opinions mark clergy
response" by Michael Paulson which includes a quote from Rev. Sinkford- go to
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2003/11/19/strong_divided_opinions 

Nov. 19, 2003 - Boston Globe: "Among same-sex couples, proposals, tears
flow" by Yvonne Abraham which includes information on the seven couples who
brought suit. Seven of the fourteen plaintiffs are UUs. Go to
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2003/11/19/among_same_sex_couples_ 

Nov. 19, 2003 - Bozeman Daily Chronicle (MT): "Massachusetts same-sex ruling
draws applause, objections" By Joan Haines - offers local reaction
including quote from UU minister in Montana - go to
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2003/11/19/news/samesexbzbigs. 

JANUARY CANDLE SUBMISSION INFORMATION

If you would like to place an item in The Candle please email it to Odette Hugues. The deadline for submission requests is the 2nd Sunday of December for the January edition. It will revert to the 3rd Sunday the following month. Submissions may be subject to approval. If you didn't receive your newsletter, need to change your address; would like to be on our mailing list or have other questions you may contact the fellowship office staff, admin@kuuf.org, 360.377.4724

KUUF BOARD & STAFF

BOARD OF TRUSTEES — 2003-2004
Paul Flemm – President
Frank Seehale – Vice-president
Ed Ramey – Secretary
Lene Hajek – Treasurer
Claire Favro
Jim Brophy
Ray Jessen
Margo Rinehart
Alan Searle
Susan Weinstein

KUUF OFFICE / PROGRAM STAFF
Office phone: 360.377.4724 
Rev. Margaret Keip – Interim Minister
mkeip@uuma.org, 360.308.8200
Melinda Hughes – Religious Education Director
dre@kuuf.org 
Jenell DeMatteo – Religious Education Assistant
jenell@kuuf.org 
Sherry Attaway – Office Manager/Bookkeeper
admin@kuuf.org  (office hours: Wed/Fri
Alex Miller – Office Assistant
alex@kuuf.org  (office hours: Tues/Thurs)

The Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship affirms and promotes the inherent worth and dignity of all persons, without regard to faith, creed, race, color, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, economic status, or political affiliation.

4418 Perry Ave NE
PO Box 2015
Bremerton, Washington
98310
360.377.4724
admin@kuuf.org

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