The Candle
The Voice of Liberal Religion on the Kitsap Peninsula
March 2003

Scintillations
a column from your minister

Here are a couple of equations. Which one is correct?

The Canvass is coming + the minister is leaving = uncertainty.
The Canvass is coming + the minister is leaving = possibilities!

They’re both right, aren’t they?

It’s true. Last month, I announced to our Board, Staff and congregation that I will be leaving KUUF in mid-July. I’ll be going to serve another UU congregation in the Midwest – closer to where Young’s and my families live.

And this month, starting on Saturday night, March 15th, we’ll have our Annual Financial Pledge Canvass – the time when we ask each and every member and friend of our Fellowship to promise to give a certain amount of money to KUUF for the fiscal year beginning May 1. Our pledges fund all that our Fellowship offers.

We have had eight good, productive, lovely years of ministry together, you and I. KUUF has grown, changed, deepened, expanded – and so have I. We’ve worked hard and played hard and enjoyed a good partnership. I am very grateful for this, and I know many of you are, too. I have loved being your minister, and I’m glad I’ll have five more months with you.

When a congregation knows their minister is leaving, uncertainty can’t be avoided. Uncertainty is just there, a new presence in the room. A companion wearing a cloak woven of hesitation and doubt. That’s what the first equation tells us. But what I know about KUUF is that it is strong, resilient, and full of gifted people who can acknowledge and understand that new presence, that companion, and keep on caring and growing and moving forward.

That’s what the second equation proclaims. The spark and excitement of possibilities is in the air at KUUF, even as we send a Canvass invitation to the companion in the cloak. The possibility of new ministry brings the presence of new ideas, new views, expanded opportunities into the room. Not for small reason has our Canvass Committee chosen the theme: “A New View, UU and You” for this year’s events!

I hope I will see you at the Canvass Dinner on Saturday, March 15th. The social hour begins at 6, dinner at 7 and entertainment sometime after that. We will ask you to pledge at the dinner, but even if you are unable to pledge, please come anyway. Money is important – we can’t have a Fellowship without it – but your presence is more important than anything else.

On another note, you’ll notice that this month’s Candle is chock-full of great articles and information – still more evidence of the liveliness of our Fellowship. Give it a read – there’s joy on every page.
With love,

Suzelle Lynch, Minister

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Sunday Worship Services & Other March Events

Sunday, March 2 - 9 and 11 am KUUF on Sunday: The Whys and Hows of Worship The Rev. Suzelle Lynch. Have you ever wondered why we have an Affirmation? Why we sing, “As We Leave This Friendly Place”? Where Joys and Concerns comes from? All will be revealed this Sunday – come and find out! The KUUF Choir sings at 11 a.m. today.

Sunday, March 9 - 9 and 11 am To Be Determined The Rev. Suzelle Lynch. Sometimes it is simply not possible to plan ahead. Sometimes we have to leave an opening in our schedule, a gap in our preparedness, some unlabeled, uncommitted space in our hearts, minds, and lives. Special Music Today.

Saturday, March 15 - 6 pm CANVASS DINNER If you have questions, or did not receive an invitation, please contact the KUUF office (360) 377-4724. See page 5 for more information.

Sunday, March 16 - 9 and 11 am CANVASS SUNDAY Investing in a Dream, and Other Great Reasons to Give The Rev. Suzelle Lynch. Our annual Pledge Canvass kicks off on Saturday night with food and drink and fun – and the opportunity to pledge how much money we will give to support KUUF from May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004. Without our support, KUUF would be only a dream, instead of a very solid, very exciting, very important reality. Let’s consider what investing in our dream means. The KUUF Choir sings for both services today.

Tuesdays, March 18, 25 and April 1 - 7 to 8:30 pm New UU Workshop Come learn more about KUUF and Unitarian Universalism in this three-session workshop led by Rev. Suzelle Lynch and the Membership and Welcoming Committee. Sign up in the KUUF foyer, or by contacting the office (360) 377-4724; alex@kuuf.org.

Sunday, March 23 - 9 and 11 am The Hereafter – Why We’re Here and What We’re After Come enjoy a panel of KUUF members and friends as they tell us what brings them back to KUUF time after time. The KUUF Choir sings for the 9 a.m. service today.

Sunday, March 30 - 9 and 11 am The Ineffable Lives Out Beyond the Stars, and Deep Within Every Atom The Rev. Suzelle Lynch. What do science and religion have to say to one another? A great deal, that’s what. They chat all the time, and it’s time we listened in. The KUUF Choir sings for the 11 a.m. service today.

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KUUF Needs YOU!
You might have noticed a Sunday volunteer form, inserted in your order of service not too long ago, asking you to let us know how you'd like to help out here at KUUF on Sunday mornings. It is only through the contributions of members such as yourself that we are able to provide the level of worship we all enjoy. Many of these contributions require very little effort but make a huge difference in the level of community and worship we create together. If you haven't filled out the form yet, please pick one up in the foyer and put it in the offering basket or drop it off at the office. Or if you prefer e-mail, contact our hard-working chair, Marlene DiMauro. Please be sure to let us know whether you normally attend the early service or the later one!

Thank you . . . The Worship Committee.
P.S. We'd also love to have you join our committee. We work with Rev. Suzelle Lynch as a "think tank" on worship ideas, and coordinate with outside and lay speakers.

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Women Who Love to Read will be meeting Monday, March 24, 2003, 6:30pm, at the home of Phyllis Millard to discuss All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville-West. Anne Stout will facilitate the discussion, all women members and friends of the Fellowship are invited. Everyone brings finger foods for a simple potluck. Please contact Phyllis for info or directions to her home.

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Spiritual Book Discussion Groups
Group 1 will meet in the Elmore room at the Fellowship on March 9 at 9 am. This is a new group for those who are unable to attend the weekday Group 2 which meets on March 19 at 1:30 pm at the home of Lois McAllister. Both groups will discuss The Power of Now, A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, by Eckhart Tolle All are welcome. For details contact Bob Trainer.

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Welcome to KUUF's Newest Members!

Jane Freeman signed the KUUF Membership Book on January 22. Jane is a freelance photographer and writer for the Bremerton SUN newspaper and other publications. She’s also an artist with a degree in fine art. She’s been part of UU churches off and on for more than 20 years, but first came to KUUF with member Carlos Ramirez just after Thanksgiving. She saw lots of people she already knew here – but hadn’t realized that they, too were UUs! Jane grew up in Tacoma, but has lived all over the United States. She enjoys traveling, and likes to be in places where people of different cultures come together, and diversity is valued. Jane’s roommate is a Siberian Husky named Tasha, who “rules the roost,” she says. Welcome, Jane!

Jim and Mary Manning also became members of the Fellowship on January 22. Jim’s a native Bremertonian, who works as a mechanical engineering technician for PSNS. Mary is a pharmacist at the Safeway on McWilliams Road. They have been coming to KUUF for a year, and love the openness of Unitarian Universalism, and also that KUUF is a Welcoming Congregation for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Mary is working to help plan the June KUUF Women’s Retreat, and they both came to the recent Interweave brainstorming session. They enjoy gardening, travel, hiking, boating and being in the great outdoors, and find KUUF a good place to explore spirituality. Welcome Mary and Jim!

Alex Miller and Arlis Stewart joined KUUF on January 23. Many of us know Alex as KUUF’s Office Assistant, and for her wonderful singing voice. She’s also a semi-retired psychotherapist. Arlis is retired from her work for Seattle non-profit organizations. They moved to the Kitsap area in June of 2000. Alex sings professionally, and also is in the new Seattle Women’s Chorus. She used to sing in the choir at University Unitarian Church as well. Arlis says she is “celebrating sloth in retirement,” and also loves reading and learning. She possesses the ability to get people and projects organized and to make things happen. She’s helping KUUF by editing this month’s Candle! Alex says she has very much enjoyed KUUF’s people and the sense of fellowship she has found here – both on and off the job in the office, while Arlis says the thing she likes best about KUUF is that Alex has found a home here. Welcome, Arlis and Alex!

Kathy and Fritz Bonsall signed the Membership Book on February 3. They began coming to KUUF in the Fall of 2001 – Kathy first, for she was seeking a spiritual home, and then Fritz with her. Fritz had found the Fellowship on the Internet, and suggested to Kathy that it might be just what she was seeking. They have connected with the Olalla/Gig Harbor Neighborhood Group, and Kathy is enjoying the Women Who Love to Read group. Kathy says that coming to church is a good reminder to nurture her spiritual self. Both Bonsalls are retired – Fritz was a pilot for American Airlines, and Kathy is retired from a nursing career. They enjoy spending their summers in the Queen Charlotte Islands, and even took the UU tradition of Joys and Concerns to share in the small Anglican church they attend there. Fritz enjoys studying the new scholarly work about the early Christian church, like that of the Jesus Seminar, as well as computers and woodworking. Kathy plays piano, and volunteers for a thrift shop that raises funds for high school scholarships. Welcome Fritz and Kathy!

Joyce Duncan also became a member of KUUF on February 3. Joyce is retired, and moved to the Kitsap area from Pt. Ludlow six years ago after the death of her husband. They had lived in Pt. Ludlow for 25 years, enjoying the waterfront life there. Joyce began coming to KUUF in January 2002, having heard about the Fellowship from Dr. Gary Heine. She enjoys the friendship and open-mindedness she’s found here, and the affirmation of the kinds of spiritual things she’s enjoyed all her life. Recently she’s been reading about Buddhism, and finding it fascinating. Joyce has a degree in music, is originally from North Dakota, and enjoys her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Welcome, Joyce!

Peggy Moore and Dale Finholm also joined the Fellowship on February 3. Peggy is controller for Kitsap County’s largest legal firm, and Dale is a retired PSNS engineer and avid and expert skier. Dale’s a former member of KUUF who returned for Arlee Osborne’s memorial service in December of 2001, and then he and Peggy decided to stay. Peggy was a UU in Lubbock, Texas and also in Yakima, and loves the feeling of community at KUUF. Dale came originally when his children were young and needed a good religious education, and he wanted to give something back to the Fellowship. Peggy is the liaison for KUUF’s Cancer Support Group, and also is working on the coordinating committee for the April HOST (homeless shelter) project. She’s also one of our volunteer accompanists on Sunday morning. Dale is serving on the Finance and Canvass Committees. They both enjoy kayaking and community theatre. Welcome Dale and Peggy!

Odette Hugues and Bud Wiser signed the KUUF Membership Book on February 4. Odette and Bud own and operate Odyssey Signs, a sign business in Gig Harbor which they began in 1995. Odette first went to a UU church as a child in Topeka, Kansas, and was involved with the fellowship in Alamogordo, NM where she and Bud lived before they moved to Washington for her work as a public affairs officer for McChord Air Force Base. Odette has also been a private practice counselor and social worker, and Bud was a zoo director in New Mexico, and also worked for NW Trek. They’re both creative – Odette is a woodcarver and Bud enjoys woodworking, and their work makes great use of their gifts. They also are animal lovers, and their home also is home to one dog, two cats, a chinchilla and a cockatiel. They found KUUF when our ad for a Religious Education Director appeared in the Gig Harbor paper. Bud has enjoyed the acceptance and friendship he’s found here, and Odette has enjoyed those things as well, particularly through the Women Who Love to Read and their Neighborhood Group. Welcome, Bud and Odette.

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President's Corner

Already the crocuses are popping out, oblivious to spring’s official beginning. Their bright colors and sweet petals energize me with a kind of “Hey, it’s that’s time of year again!”!

Ann Lovell, our current chairperson of the Finance Committee, conveyed that same springtime message to the Board at our February meeting. She came with the proposed budget for next year (May, 2003 through April, 2004).

There were no crocuses, but the figures looked pretty bright and sweet. If we can raise the money, the proposed budget calls for two new (parttime) positions for our religious education programs. This would positively impact both RE for children and adults! For this to happen, we need the financial backing from all of us. Please pledge as generously as you can.

The Board moved from the budget to a lively discussion about possible courses of action we could take concerning the impending war against Iraq. Brian Watson represented the Social Concerns Committee; and in a kind of ‘never-underestimate-what-a-small-group-can-do’ mode, Board member Claire Favro presented some ideas from a discussion she had with Sandy and Charlie Coates.

The Board’s discussion resulted in our writing a letter to the Editor of the Bremerton Sun (see page 9) expressing our opposition to the impending war (not our opposition to our military). I think that the letter was clear; and, perhaps more importantly, our discussion encouraged an open and respectful exchange of opinions and beliefs among the Board members on this extremely important international issue. Closer to home, the Board members will be involved in a variety of steps to be taken concerning the replacement of Suzelle.

Already (the first Sunday after Suzelle announced her move) half a dozen members have mentioned to me their willingness to be involved, directly or indirectly, in helping the Fellowship during this transition. What a bouquet that was!

And, why should I be surprised? This Fellowship is full of people who give ‘bouquets’ year round.

Smelling the tulips and praying for peace,

Susan

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A Canvass View of
Our Annual Financial Planning


We have enjoyed eight years of relatively stable financial planning. The coming departure of Rev. Suzelle Lynch has initiated a transition process that injects a degree of uncertainty in the current ministerial cost estimates. Current planning assumes that transition costs will compare favorably with ministerial costs. Total annual estimate for program, facility, and personnel costs is $200,000.

This year will require us to look forward as well as backward as we tackle new challenges. The Fellowship has participated in ministerial search processes twice, the first time in 1984, and the second, a decade later. In this process, interested ministers and the Fellowship must try to sell themselves to each other. We must support a budget that will allow us to continue our programs, maintain our facilities, fund the search/transition process, and attract a minister.

A Canvass letter, brochure, and dinner invitation will be in your mailbox soon. The brochure will provide budget summaries and information about canvass procedures. Canvass Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 15.

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Bi-Annual Ministry Reviews Due Sunday, March 9

The Committee on Ministry requests that you please return your completed Ministry survey forms to the box in the KUUF foyer or by mail: P.O. Box 2015, Bremerton, WA 98310 by March 9, 2003. If you did not receive a form and reply envelope in the mail, copies are available in the foyer next to the colorful return box. Questions? Contact COM Chair, Sara Campbell.

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Finding a New Minister for KUUF
What Happens Next?

Now that Rev. Suzelle Lynch has announced that she will be leaving KUUF in mid-July, what happens next?

First of all, you should know that our congregation's lay leadership is already moving in the right direction. Our President, Susan Weinstein, has talked with the Rev. Anne Heller, our District Executive, to help begin the process of finding an Interim Minister for KUUF. As Suzelle said in her letter to all of us, an interim minister can help us understand our history, our current strengths and weaknesses, our priorities, goals, and what we seek in a new minister. From that process comes the awareness and strength that will allow us to successfully search for and settle a new minister.

The ministerial search process typically begins as soon as the current minister announces his or her upcoming departure. By May, the congregation elects a Search Committee. Over the summer, the Committee gathers information from the congregation about their desires and needs in a new minister, and completes the "Application for Minister" and "Congregational Record" that go on the UUA's Settlement website so ministers can learn about the congregation and apply to be considered.

By fall the Search Committee is ready to receive the first names of interested ministers. Pre-candidating weekends occur from January to March. Pre-candidating involves the Search Committee meeting with ministers they believe would be good for KUUF, and hearing those ministers preach in what's known as a "neutral pulpit," one of our neighboring UU churches. Candidating week takes place in April or May - that's when KUUF will meet the ministerial candidate the Search Committee has selected, hear the minister preach, and vote to call the minister to serve the congregation.

The minister, once called, moves during the summer and usually begins work in August. More details about the process can be found on the UUA's website -- www.uua.org/Ministry/settlement/handbook.html.

This is an exciting time in the life of our Fellowship. Your thoughts, ideas and energy will be needed to help us find our new minister. If you would like to be considered for election to the Ministerial Search Committee, please contact our President, Susan Weinstein.

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ABOUT the CANDLE
Content&Style
Rev. Suzelle Lynch
360.377.4724
minister@kuuf.org

Mailing List
Office Staff
360.377.4724
admin@kuuf.org

Editor&Deadlines
Odette Hugues
wisersigns@centurytel.net

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Come to the Canvass Dinner
Saturday, March 15th at 6 p.m.

In your mail you should soon receive an invitation to our Annual Canvass Pledge Dinner on March 15th. This is the time when we gather KUUF members, friends and guests to break bread together and then invite everyone to pledge their financial support to KUUF for the 2003-04 fiscal year. This year's theme is A New View: UU & You - with thanks and apologies to Dr. Seuss!

Our Canvass theme echoes the planning of our Board and lay leaders to discern who we are at KUUF now, and what our future direction should be -- since more than half of our members have joined in the past five years. It is especially appropriate since Rev. Suzelle Lynch will be leaving us, and we are beginning the process to find a new minister.

For newcomers, the Canvass Dinner is a great way to get to know more people here. There's never a dull moment at a Canvass Dinner where the entertainment brings out the best (and wackiest) of our members and friends. It's free, childcare is provided, and the table hosts make us all feel
welcome.

If you have questions, or did not receive an invitation, please contact the KUUF office (360) 377-4724.

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TALENT SOUGHT FOR
CANVASS DINNER on March 15th

Some years ago my husband and I chaired the talent portion of the Canvass Dinner evening. In our planning it occurred to us that one really did not have to have talent to be.....expressive. If you were present at that time you must remember Mack Johnson's dancing stomach, Eric Samson's mad scientist, Young Kim's blown up head and my own Michael Stowell's lizard face. All truly marks of great non-talent.

Of course, we all know that we are fortunate to have an abundance of real, topnotch talent at KUUF and we had remarkable performances interspersed among the .....more expressive numbers. Many of you have no memory of that night, either because you were not here, or you've blocked it. So, I concluded, it's time to do it again.

Sign up sheets are in the KUUF foyer, or you may call or email the KUUF office, (360) 377-4724 or admin@kuuf.org. Please indicate your interest ASAP, provide your phone number and Jennifer Stowell will be in contact. She will gladly answer any questions.

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New Fellowship Office Hours
9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Tuesday – Friday

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Open Forum on War in Iraq – First Meeting
Reported by Claire Favro, KUUF Board Member

Over twenty members and friends of KUUF gathered in the first advertised open forum from 4-6 pm on Sunday Feb. 16 at the Fellowship. The purpose of the gathering, as noted in the KUUF Board’s Letter to the Editor (see page 9) was to provide a safe place for Kitsap community members to engage in honest and open dialogue on the Bush administration’s push to war in Iraq.

The open discussion drew a diverse group: veterans, people who work for military contractors, relatives of those actively serving in the Gulf and many who are deeply concerned that being anti-war should not be construed as being anti-military. General agreement was reached on the following points:

- We support our troops, and because of this, do not want them to be sent into harm’s way on an illegal and immoral venture.
- The Bush administration, in its current agenda, is striking at the heart of our democracy and we must do all we can to understand and counter this agenda.
- Our national media is not conveying the scope or depth of news we deserve to be receiving and we must look outside our borders for more information and wider perspective.
- What is happening in our country is occurring at a political level, in a highly partisan political process and, if we wish to have an impact on the outcome, we must get involved ourselves, at the political level.

Lots of suggestions were made for both personal and collective action. At the conclusion of the session, these were listed, in no particular prioritized way, although they are clustered in topics for ease of reading:

Educate Yourself
- Listen to 91.3 KBCS from 6-8pm weeknights Democracy Now. Similar broadcasting on 90.3 KEXP from 6-9am weekends
- Watch Bill Moyers’ Now on Friday nights on PBS
- Get on Beth Wilson’s PEACE LIST by emailing her with your request (you will receive no more than one missive a day, she promises)
- Websites for information, action, etc:
Moveon.org
Actforchange.com
Michaelmoore.com
Truemajority.org

Take Action
- Meet with our elected officials. In their offices. At town meetings. Find common ground; do not simply complain; be prepared with specific requests. Email Beth Wilson to get involved in this action.
- Write, email and call our elected officials (both moveon.org and actforchange.com simplify this process)
- Participate in vigils. The following is a list of ongoing vigils in Kitsap County:
Bremerton Mondays 5:00 – 6:00 pm Sheridan & Wheaton Way
Silverdale Tuesdays 4:00 – 5:00 pm Randall Way & Kitsap Mall Blvd. (at Target )
Kingston Wednesdays 4:30 – 6:00 pm On Hwy 104 at Library
Bainbridge Fridays 5:15 – 6:30 pm Winslow Way & Hwy 305
Poulsbo Sundays 1:00 – 3:00 pm On Hwy 305 at Mitzel’s
Port Orchard Fridays 5:00 – 6:00 pm City Hall
Port Orchard Saturdays 12:00 –1:00 pm Bethel & Lund

- Sign the Amnesty International Petition in the KUUF Foyer, calling on President Bush to respect human rights.
- Develop outreach to KUUF military members seeking support as they face difficult decisions related to the Bush administration’s current use of the military.


In order to encourage more participation by non-KUUF residents, the next open forum will be held in a more public, neutral location. TBA.

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KUUF Social Concerns Committee News and
Kitsap County Peace Activities

The KUUF Social Concerns Committee has been part of the local effort to raise concern, consciousness, and opposition to a war against Iraq. Below are additional peace activities and resources you can use to take action. Please spread the word!

Kitsap County-wide Peace Portrait
- March 1, 12:00 noon at Evergreen Park in Bremerton
- Join hundreds (thousands?) of others who want peace in a mass group photo.
- The photo will be made into postcards to mail to Congress, President Bush, and world and national leaders
- Rain or shine; bring a lunch; pets; kids; friends; signs; a BIG smile!
- Contact: Sound People for Peace, Hap Bockelie (360) 479-8899

Peace Portrait Planning Meeting
Monday, Feb. 24, 7:00 p.m. Café Destino
1223 McKenzie, next to Evergreen Park in Bremerton

Peace Resources on Line:
www.snowcoalition.org (Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War)
www.gzcenter.org (Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action)

Alternative Media & News Sources:
KBCS 91.3 FM, 6-8pm Mon.-Fri.: Free Speech Radio News, Democracy Now, and other news you won't find on NPR or in the corporate media
KEXP 90.3 FM, 6-9am Sat. & Sun.: Mind Over Matters, alternative radio news
KUOW 94.9 FM 3-4pm Sat.: Alternative Radio, lectures by dissidents such as Howard Zinn, Noam Chomsky, Arundahti Roy, and Vandana Shiva

More Alternative Media Sources…on the Web:
www.fair.org (Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting)
www.eatthestate.org (Eat the State)
www.democracynow.org (Democracy Now)
www.fsrn.org (Free Speech Radio News)
www.indymedia.org (Independent Media Center)

Resources within Our Fellowship
Social Concerns Committee Members
Rich Renner
Beth Wilson
Brian Watson

GI Rights Hotline 1-800-394-9544
Call for legal information from a network of nonprofit, non-governmental counseling agencies. Help with discharges, DEP, hazing, discrimination, Gay/Lesbian, AWOL/UA, harassment, conscientious objection. The call is free and confidential.

KUUF Social Concerns Committee Supports Local Efforts to Stop Iraq War
The KUUF Social Concerns Committee voted to provide a $500 "seed money" loan to the local group, Sound People for Peace, which is organizing the March 1 Kitsap County Peace Portrait at Evergreen Park. The $500 comes from the Margaret Carlson Endowment to the KUUF Social Concerns Committee, and will help organize and promote the Peace Portrait, as well as help pay for the first printing of color postcards of the Peace Portrait to mail to national and world leaders. This money will be paid back to the KUUF Social Concerns Committee so that the endowment can be "recycled" to fund other peace-making efforts.

"The Heart of the Peacemaker: a Journey of Discovery during Lent"
St. Hugh Episcopal Church, 280 Wheelwright St. in Allyn. 360-275-8450, No Charge (donations accepted)
Thursdays March 6-April 10, 5:30pm Soup Supper, 6:15 - 8:15pm Program
Facilitated by Rachel A. May and Patricia S. Trytten
"The Heart of the Peacemaker" will provide an opportunity to examine various aspects of our culture that support and/or undermine our work of becoming peaceful people and people for peace. Each evening will provide time for learning things that are new and time for small group conversation. Topics include: Reading Media Rhetoric, The Faces of the Enemy (film and discussion), Fatal Attraction (the ways we're attracted to violence and violent behavior), Forgiveness and Peacemaking, Reconciliation and Peace, and The Practice of Peace.

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Contacting Folks at the KUUF Office
By phone: 360.377.4724 By FAX: 360.377.0424
Sherry Attaway, Office Manager, Wednesday & Friday, 9:30am-2:30pm, admin@kuuf.org
Alex Miller, Office Assistant, Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30am-2:30pm, alex@kuuf.org
Melinda Hughes, Director of Religious Education, Thursday 3:30 – 5:30pm, dre@kuuf.org
The Reverend Suzelle Lynch, Minister, by appointment, Monday-Friday, minister@kuuf.org


KUUF ANNOUNCEMENTS

KUUF EARTH BASED GROUP
Due to inconsistent interest there will be no further meetings of the Earth Based Discussion Group. Some current members are forming a KUUF Earth Based Project group that will apply to the Board of Directors for committee status. The new group will focus solely on projects and earth based ritual for the Fellowship. If any of you develop a renewed interest in an earth based discussion group, please contact John Younie.

KUUF FAMILY CAMPOUT
The KUUF's annual FAMILY Campout will be on July
18 - 20, 2003 at the Lyre River Park. The park limits the group camp along the river to 60 campers. There are additional campsites at this park which will be available. A sign up sheet will be in foyer. The first sixty on list will be at group camp. Overflow may make reservations at park for individual sites. Questions? Jim Chapin or Frank Seehale.

KUUF TECH COMMITTEE START-UP
The Fellowship is forming a Technology Committee to help with maintaining the computer equipment, making software and hardware recommendations, drafting a technology budget and planning for KUUF's future technology needs. Meetings will begin in March. Join us! Leo Bouc
her.
KUUF SAFE CONGREGATIONS TASK FORCE
A KUUF Board-appointed Safe Congregations Task Force will soon begin meeting. The Safe Congregations Task Force will take a deliberate look at the safety philosophy, policy and procedures guiding our programs for children and youth. Some of the more important issues have to do with preventing sexual abuse of children. There are many congregations who have completed this process; the task force will be drawing on their experiences and work. If you are interested in participating please contact Melinda Hughes at dre@kuuf.org or 360.377.4724.

KUUF RECEIVES NEW PIANO BENCH
Have you noticed the new, padded artist's bench at our KUUF grand piano? It's the gift of KUUF member Peggy Moore, one of our volunteer accompanists, who gives it to us in the name of her mother, Ellamae Peggy Moore. Peggy noticed that our old bench was uncomfortable and squeaky. She wanted to fill the need with a bench our staff accompanist, Diane Hudnall, would like, and one that all our volunteer pianists could enjoy as well. Thank you, Peggy, for this lovely gift.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONTACT: MAKING FRIENDS
The Pacific Northwest District Young Adult District is sponsoring a conference for ages 18-35, “Contact: Making Friends,” April 25-27, 2003 in Boise, Idaho. Cost is on sliding scale from $25-$60. For more information, contact Andrea Anderson, 208-433-8362, or Topher Benum at 253-212-9317.

YOUNG ADULT RESOURCE COMMITTEE
The District Young Adult Resource Committee (YARC) announces an all day business meeting on Saturday, March 22nd at the UU Church in Yakima, WA. The YARC seeks to provide UU community and ministry for UU young adults (age 18-35) and is always looking for new members and interested individuals. Meals and lodging will be provided for the entire weekend. Have questions? Please contact Brock Turner at 503-636-7643.

CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS (18-35)
Are you a young adult? There are quite a few of us at the Fellowship and we're trying to get together and get some activities going. We'd like to gather names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses so that we have a way to get in touch. If you are 18 to 35 and are interested in being informed about young adult activities at the Fellowship, in the district or nationwide please contact Stephanie White or Melinda Hughes at (360) 377-4724 or dre@kuuf.org. We hope to hear from you! In the meantime there is some young adult information on the RE page, check it out.

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ECO-PHILOSOPHER JOANNA MACY
Eco-philosopher Joanna Macy, PhD, will speak Friday, March 21 at 7pm in Room 510 of Kane Hall on the University of Washington Campus. Her topic:
Cultivating a Spiritual Ground for World Engagement. Tickets will be sold at the door, $10 general admission and $5 for students and seniors.

On the next day, Saturday, March 22, East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue will host a workshop with Dr. Macy, from 9am to 4pm: Coming Back to Life. Workshop registration is limited to 60 people. The fee is $60 for Adults, $45 for seniors (62+), $30 for youth (25 and younger). Fee includes lunch. Register at East Shore, 12700 SE 32nd Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.

Members of KUUF who would like to help coordinate the Joanna Macy events, please contact the Reverend Suzelle Lynch. 377-4724 or minister@kuuf.org

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Partner Church News
from Recsenyéd, Romania

Sunday Service
The Partner Church Committee would like to thank Rev. John Gibbons for his visit to KUUF on Sunday, February 2nd. Your talk was inspiring and helped us to understand the "bigger picture" surrounding our work with our partner church in Recsenyéd, Romania. Linda Gabriel and Barbara Mades can both attest to the fact that traveling to Eastern Europe, and especially to our partner village, has changed the way they view the world. They believe their travels have made them better Unitarians and that two heads are better than one. The committee would also like to thank Rev. Leon Hopper for sending Rev. Gibbons to KUUF!

Our Partner Minister
On February 1st, Linda and Barbara attended the Partner Church Workshop at East Shore Unitarian Church in Bellevue. While we learned of new ideas, the most exciting information was that a member of the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council (UUPCC) told Barbara that she had been to Romania recently to attend a wedding. Rev. Kiss Akos, our partner church minister, was also in attendance. The council member reported that Rev. Kiss was drinking coffee even though everyone else was drinking palinka (brandy). It was understood that he has been sober for two years. Linda and Barbara have heard similar news from other sources, but this report was from someone who was actually visiting Transylvania. Rev. Kiss is in our thoughts, and we wish him well on his recovery.

Travel Information
There is still time to make your plans to travel to Transylvania to visit our partner church congregation. Because Linda Gabriel is the North American Travel Coordinator for the UUPCC, she can easily give you the information you will need about the logistics of the trip. We hope to travel in September of 2003, but that depends on the reservations that have already been made by other groups. Our travel plans can be somewhat flexible, especially if we need to travel later in the year. We have been disappointed to learn that four potential travelers from KUUF will be unable to make the trip due to various circumstances. If we cannot get a van tour due to too few travelers, we most likely will have some other travel options. Therefore, if you are at all considering traveling to Transylvania, please contact Linda for details.

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KUUF Board on the Prospect of War
The Bremerton Sun
Letter to the Editor

The Board of Trustees of the Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and our minister, the Reverend Suzelle Lynch, are deeply concerned about the prospect of war with Iraq. We speak out as representatives of a religious community, called by our principles to be peacemakers. We share a conviction that war is not the way to resolve the crisis in Iraq. To remain silent about the proposal for war is a form of complicity.

Among our fellowship are people with differing views on the military: those who served or still serve in its ranks; those who work for military contractors; those whose livelihoods depend on the military economy of Kitsap County; as well as those who frame their lives and activities in other ways. The issue before us is not approval or rejection of the military or its members; indeed, we care very deeply for the welfare of our brothers and sisters who serve.

In fact, many of the public figures speaking out against the Bush administration's rush to war are themselves veterans dedicated to the military service of this country. The issue is whether this proposed war is justifiable and necessary.

In stating our opposition to the proposed war in Iraq, we join our voices with others, hoping to avert the suffering and chaos that war inevitably brings, to the victor as well as the vanquished. We support our military personnel, and believe that we must not abuse their trust by sending them to an unjustified war.

We welcome honest discussion of the proposed war in Iraq, and invite you to the Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4418 Perry Avenue NE, Bremerton at 4:00 pm on Sunday, February 16. This will be the first in a series of open forums on the proposed war in Iraq. We invite any members of the Kitsap community to come share thoughts and convictions.

Jim Brophy
Claire Favro
The Reverend Suzelle Lynch
Phyllis Millard
Ed Ramey
Alan Searle
Frank Seehale
Susan Weinstein
John Younie

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RE Calendar
March 2003

Sunday, March 2nd
9:00 Youth/Adult Council

Sunday, March 16th
9:00 Religious Education Committee

Sunday, March 23rd
9:00 Religious Education Committee

Youth Information (High School)
Searching for KUUF graduating seniors-If you (or your son/daughter) is graduating from high school this year please contact Melinda Hughes, DRE.

Youth raised $124.46 by selling Valentine's Day cookies. Thank you for your support!

Mark these dates on your calendar:
- Sunday, March 2nd-Vertical World permission slips due
- Saturday, March 15th-Serve for canvass dinner
- Sunday, April 13th-Vertical World
- Friday, May 23rd-Sunday, May 25th-High School Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)

Young Adult Information (18-35)
The following events are sponsored by the Pacific Northwest District. If you'd like more information please contact Melinda, DRE.

Mark these dates on your calendar:
- Friday, April 25th-Sunday, April 27th-Young Adult Conference (Boise, ID)
- July 20-25-GoldMine Young Adult Leadership School (Olympia, WA)
Diverse and Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM)
Youth and Young Adult Information
- March 27th-30th-DRUUMM Youth and Young Adults of Color Conference (Washington DC)
- March 27th-30th-White Youth and Young Adult Anti-Racist Allies Conference (Silver Spring, MD)
- August 21st-24th-Summer DRUUMM Youth Conference (Brooklyn, NY)

Lend a Hand!
Volunteer Opportunities in the RE Program
- Keep the supply closet organized. Swing through the supply closet at the Learning Tree and make sure supplies are where they belong, note any supplies that are running low.
- Be the second adult in the Toddler room any Sunday. Volunteers are need for both services.
- Help organize this year's Easter Egg Hunt

Contact Melinda Hughes, DRE (360.377.4724, dre@kuuf.org) if you can help.

The Youth Place
Youth Adult Committee (YAC)
Youth Members
Drew Campbell- Chair
Mariam Akgar- Vice Chair
Cody Oakes- Co-Treasure
Michelle Thompson- Co-Treasurer
Kelsey Campbell- At Large Youth

Adult Members
Jim Chapin-Youth Advisor
Eric Samson-Congregation Member
Thomas Oliver-Youth Parent
Claire Favro-Board Member

Want to Know More?
If you want to find out more about our Youth Program or if you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Melinda L. Hughes, Director of Religious Education at 360-377-4724 or dre@kuuf.org or Drew Campbell, YAC Chair.
 
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Rainbow World
A Column on the Issues of Racism, Diversity and Multiculturalism

Affirmative Action at University of Michigan: Myths and Realities
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to hear two cases within the next few months that represent one of the most important civil rights issue of the 21st Century: whether American universities will continue to prepare all students for life in an increasingly diverse society and global marketplace. For students of color, these cases are as significant as Brown v. Board of Education, because they will determine whether colleges and universities have an affirmative duty to provide equal access to higher education.

The two 1997 lawsuits challenge the use of race and ethnicity conscious affirmative action at the University of Michigan's (UM) Law School (Grutter v. Bollinger) and the undergraduate college (Gratz v. Bollinger). In both suits, the plaintiffs are white women who claim that their rejections for admission are the result of discrimination against them for being white. The university has vigorously defended its affirmative action programs as a lawful and crucial component of its mission to provide educational opportunity to a diverse student population. The lower court rulings sided with the university, finding the current programs to be constitutional.

In January, President Bush ordered the Department of Justice to file a brief in the Supreme Court on the side of the white plaintiffs, causing the Department of Justice to switch its long-held position in support of such programs.

Myth: UM's affirmative action programs are racial "quota systems."
President Bush grossly mischaracterizes the UM program as a quota system. A quota system is the admission of a fixed number of candidates from a given group without regard to the actual abilities of the individual candidates. Quotas have been illegal since the 1978 Supreme Court Bakke case.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the law school admissions program was consistent with Bakke. The university's affirmative action program does not involve quotas. Rather, it is a point system that considers a myriad of factors of which race is only one. The school's goal is to "choose among a pool of well-qualified applicants to enroll a student body that is diverse in a rich variety of ways."

Myth: President Bush claims that "students are being selected or rejected based primarily on the color of their skin."
The truth is that more than 450 admitted white applicants had either grades or test scores lower than Grutter's in the year she applied. In the UM point system, 150 points is the maximum number of points an applicant can receive, 40 of which can be given for a number of factors not related to academic performance. Of these points allotted to "other factors," 20 can be allotted to an underrepresented minority, to a socio- economically disadvantaged student, to a scholarship athlete, or to a student with an underrepresented racial-ethnic minority identification or education. 20 points can also be awarded at the provost's discretion. Other factors that are given points include geography, legacy/alumni relationships, personal achievement, essay, leadership and service.

Under this system, white students are offered the opportunity to receive the same extra 20 points as the minority students. The point system is designed to bring diversity to the student body of all different types of students, not just racially different students.

Myth: The undergraduate admissions program's point system grants African-American, Hispanic and Native American applicants points on the basis of race, "not because of any academic achievement or life experience."
President Bush makes the startling assumption that being a member of a minority race is irrelevant to life experience. This is simply not true. The university recognizes that the simple fact of being a racial minority in America today leads a person to have certain life experiences that would not be experienced by those in the racial majority. This understanding is also evidenced by the 20 points awarded to students with an underrepresented racial-ethnic minority identification or education - thus a white student in a predominantly African American high school would receive 20 points for their life experience as a minority in their school.

The above information on Affirmative Action and the University of Michigan was adapted from the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to advance the legal and civil rights of Asian Pacific Americans through litigation, public education and public policy.

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How To...
get things done at the Fellowship. Below are answers for frequently asked questions.

HOW TO RESERVE SPACE AT THE FELLOWSHIP
1. Alex Miller, KUUF Office Assistant manages the Fellowship Building-Use Calendar. To reserve the date, time and room you wish to use, call or e-mail her: (360) 377-4724; alex@kuuf.org. If you leave your request on the voice mail, be sure to give a telephone number where you can be reached. The Office Assistant, who is in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, will return your call in order to confirm your reservation. If you need childcare during your event/meeting, please remember to reserve the space for that too.
2. If you're not a member of KUUF and want to use space at the Fellowship for a personal event (party, wedding, etc.) call the office, (360) 377-4724, for information regarding policies and fees. If you're a KUUF member who belongs to a non-KUUF, nonprofit group that would like to use KUUF space, contact Alex regarding our discount policy.
3. There is no fee for use if you are a KUUF Member scheduling a personal special event for you or your immediate family.

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MEETING AT KUUF ON SUNDAYS?
If your group, task force or committee is planning to meet at KUUF on a Sunday, please make sure:
a. You have a prior reservation for the space you intend to use (contact the office and talk with Alex Miller to reserve space);
b. Someone in your group has a building key, a security code, and instructions for arming the security system (contact a Board Member or Committee Chair for help if you don't have a key; they have keys and codes);
c. If you are meeting after the 11am service -- please tell the Worship Coordinator for that day that you will be responsible for locking up the building and setting the alarm. (The Coordinators' names are on the last page of the Announcements, under Participants in Today's Service.)

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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.