Sunday, January 3 “The Music of Possibilities,” Rev. Danny Reed

Jazz Sunday returns to help us welcome 2016. The John Madden Combo, a local jazz ensemble, will provide special music—jazz that explores possibilities rather than limitations. Come ring in the New Year and let the music ring in your soul.

Sunday, January 10 “Beginner’s Luck,” Rev. Danny Reed

Resolutions are overrated, and worse, may set us up for emotional and spiritual disappointment. Yet meaningful chances to begin again—in faith, in love, in work often still exist for us. Is it dumb luck that leads us, or something more intentional?

Sunday, January 17 “MLK Sunday,” Rev. Danny Reed

Historian Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, under construction in Washington, D.C. said, the African American experience “is the lens through which we understand what it is to be an American. In some ways, the African American experience is the quintessential American experience.” Obviously, we are still wrestling with dimensions of this American experience, but are we also understanding, and if so, what?

Sunday, January 24 “Clumsy Grace,” Rev. Danny Reed

John Newton’s autobiographical hymn, “Amazing Grace,” is cherished by individuals and faith communities alike. We will visit Newton’s salvific story, and ask what makes the hymn iconic. Must grace always be amazing? Can grace also, and perhaps more often, be awkward?

Sunday, January 31 “Stand Up Sunday,” Rev. Danny Reed

Following the invitation of SC Gun Sense (gunsenseSC.org), a grassroots organization working to close loopholes for gun sales, we will join 1,100 SC congregations and stand up for common sense gun policy and reform. We will stand up for the 9 killed at Emanuel AME, for the 9 killed by guns every 5 days in SC, and for the 9 out of every 10 South Carolinians who want background checks on all gun purchases (according to the most recent statewide poll). Stand-Up Sunday is a chance for us to rise together on one weekend to make SC a safer place to live, love and worship.

Forums at 10 am in Gage Hall

Sunday, January 3 “Real Women, Real Leaders,” Priscilla Shumway, Member & Senior Corporate Trainer, Bob Pike Group

The scores are in! Women outscore men on 12 of 16 leadership competencies. Surprised? Probably not. How do men and women score on such competencies as integrity, developing others, strategic planning? Priscilla Shumway will discuss the findings of a compelling study on leadership and a few of the essays by women in her new book, Real Women, Real Leaders. What are the implications for developing and supporting us all in our leadership journeys?

Sunday, January 10 “Rising China,” Matt Brazil, Member

Please check the Gateway update for further information.

Sunday, January 17 “Your Church and Your Budget - How Critical Is Money for a Church?”

Richard Hayes, Member and Chair of the Finance Committee

Each year at the Congregational Meeting, members vote on the Church budget for the next year. This briefing will explain the details of the budget. Learn why it takes almost $10,000 a week to keep our Church doors open.

Sunday, January 24 “Lessons from the Classical Roman World,” Dr. Allison Sterrett-Krause, Member &

Associate Professor of Classics, College of Charleston

As Unitarian Universalists, we come from a diverse set of backgrounds and join together in a faith community that values actions over words. In this, our community has many similarities to the world and faith practices of the Romans. We will explore these connections in a presentation ranging from religious traditions to archaeological materials from across the Roman Empire.

Sunday, January 31 “A Real Second Chance,” Amy Barch, Founder of the Turning Leaf Project

Learn about the Turning Leaf Project, one of the most innovative reentry and rehabilitation programs in the country. Why is it so hard to stop the cycle of recidivism? What does it really take to help a repeat offender make lasting change?

Services at 11 am in Sanctuary

The Rev. Danny R. Reed,

Minister

Published monthly from September to June, and

once during the summer, by the Unitarian Church

in Charleston

Sandra Selvitelli,

Compositor (843) 723-4617

office@charlestonuu.org

February Deadline:

January 24

A liberal and inclusive pathway to finding community Vol.16, No. 22 January 2016

It takes a while to work down the stock of savory and sweet treats that mark December so we’re still enjoying a few holiday leftovers at our house. What follows is also a “leftover” of sorts, because it’s a piece I like to run again from time to time. Just as a Christmas cookie still pleases in January, I hope this occasionally-recurring reflection is still relevant too.

One gift of a spiritual community is the opportunity to be drawn together in friendship, sympathy and trust. For the minister, this a chance to meet an array of people and to be invited into the everyday, and also the exceptional, events of life. I enjoy the pastoral aspects of Congregational ministry, and confess I’ve been off my game lately. I’ve allowed other matters, of importance to both the Church and the community, to distract me from the interpersonal conversations and engagements I find so meaningful. I want to remedy this in 2016, but I need your help. If you feel the need to make contact, trust that instinct and check in. Perhaps the list below will help.

When to Call Your Minister?

When you…

or a family member or a Church member are in the hospital are experiencing a life crisis and need to talk

are celebrating one of life’s joys and want to share it have a concern about our faith community

are feeling challenged by your life circumstances and want to talk

are considering joining the Congregation

have a good story to share

are feeling alone and want to be reminded of the support you have

want to talk about religion

have just read a great book or seen a good movie and want to share it with someone

are planning to get married

have just been promoted or demoted

have just won the lottery (and you want spending suggestions!) would like to discuss your wishes for a memorial service

simply want to talk

Happy New Year, friends. May we offer, and may we receive, companionship, faith and service, this year, and every year we are given. Looking forward to another year together.

The Minister’s MissiveThe Minister’s MissiveThe Minister’s MissiveThe Minister’s Missive

Vestry Visions

This Vestry Vision will be a repeat of the letter to the Congregation sent out mid-December to make sure everyone has a chance to read it.

But before reprinting that letter I am taking a personal moment to testify that this Congregation does a superb job of being the supportive, loving community for which we are all looking when we first enter the doors on Archdale Street. When my mom passed away in mid-November, I was staggered by the strength of the cards and hugs and words of love and sympathy I received from so many of you. It sustained me and fortified me to deal with my family’s loss. I was also reminded that my family is not just the little unit with whom I share blood but all of you who have opened your arms and hearts to Ren and me. We are both so thankful to you and to have stumbled upon this amazing community.

And now for things less sublime:

To ALL MEMBERS OF THE UNITARIAN CHURCH IN CHARLESTON, My Companions on the Journey:

The Congregation has now had four opportunities, including the forum, to discuss the Emergency Operations Plan and more specifically, the hiring of an armed off-duty police person as an Incident Coordinator. Not surprising for UU’s, passions were high on both sides, but civility, respect and patience were demonstrated at all meetings! Though the discussion did not appear to sway any member’s personal stand, everyone who wished to gave voice to their concerns pro and con and was heard by all in attendance.

Furthermore, the Safety Steering Committee and Vestry listened, heard and were distressed by the clear divide in the Congregation over the type of Incident Coordinator to hire and we are proposing a moratorium on any decisions until late Spring when we will know more clearly our finances and may have alternatives to offer that could close what appears now to many an unbreachable gap.

In the meantime, we propose refocusing on the prioritized list submitted by the Safety Steering Committee after evaluating the Church’s vulnerabilities: (1) improving Annex security (2) acquiring walkie-talkies for staff and safety team (3) installing a monitoring system with recording capabilities and a security system (4) installing push bars and keyless entry systems for all relevant doors in the Sanctuary and Gage Hall (5) installing railings in the chancel for safe evacuations (6) tinting or painting Annex windows (7) hiring an Incident Coordinator.

An Incident Coordinator has always been at the bottom of the list but because of its controversial nature has taken the focus off other suggestions upon which we all agree. In the spirit of this season of peace and reconciliation the Safety Steering Committee and Vestry propose that we focus on what brings us together, not what pulls us down different paths. To this end, the Vestry has pledged all of its discretionary funds not previously committed to fulfilling the first six items on this safety wish list.

In the meantime, the Safety Team has already begun working on Sunday mornings with an all-volunteer staff. This is a burdensome task as we need – ideally – seven members each week to sit throughout the Church and act as monitors of suspicious activities and also be prepared to lead the Congregation in an evacuation should it prove necessary. We have had many members step up to the Safety Team, but we need many more of you to do the same.

We are also looking into ways the entire Congregation can participate in our own safety, including classes open to all in (1) use of the defibrillators (2) CPR (3) identification and de-escalation of abnormal/dangerous behavior (4) self-defense.

Be on the lookout for reports/updates on the progress of our Safety Wish List and for a schedule of the above classes. Some will be free and others will have a nominal fee.

With Abiding Love, Judy Manning, Vestry Chair

The Social Justice Committee invites you

to join us on New Year’s Day

as we march or ride in the

Emancipation Day Parade

Friday, January 1st, 2016 at 11:00 .am.

The church will have a float for those that cannot walk the distance -- You are welcome to ride along on the float or walk beside the float and share lots of enthusiasm while enjoying the customized music personally selected by Reverend Danny Reed aka DJ Danny. DON'T MISS the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Church in Charleston's FIRST event of the NEW YEAR. I've heard if you participate you will enjoy good luck and fortune throughout 2016!

WHERE & WHEN: Begin assembling at 9:00 am at Burke High School on Fishburne Street. The Parade starts moving along the route by 11:00 AM. Look for our float and our President Lincoln.

PARADE ROUTE: Depart Burke HS, moving East on Fishburne Street to Ashley Avenue, North on Ashley Avenue to Sumpter Street, East on Sumter to King Street, South on King to Calhoun Street, East on Calhoun to Emanuel AME Church where the parade will disband.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: EVERYONE!! This is a family-friendly event and a great way to start the New Year. Come march with us!

BRING: Friends, family, comfortable shoes, water or fluids to drink (you may get thirsty as we march along and greet spectators), and enthusiasm!

The Social Justice Committee wishes you all a safe and happy New Year's Eve- and we will see you on New Year's Day!

Check out the History of this IMPORTANT Parade http://charlestontimemachine.org/2014/12/11/parade-for-emancipation/

QUESTIONS? Email the Social Justice Committee at

uusocialjusticecharleston@gmail.com, day of parade directions,

questions call Richard Hayes: 843-225-1882.

Submitted by Richard Hayes

Did you notice how quiet the Book of Life was during December? While folks may not have been reporting, I

know the holidays were a challenge for some, and I know that various members and friends reached out to

others sprinkling a bit of warmth and caring among us. These gestures are good for souls on both sides of the

equation – and they are good for our church community. I hope we can continue this kindness.

From the December Book of Life: • Maureen Porter reported the birth of a second grandchild, Mary Lyden Porter, born November 21.

Congratulations to Grandmother Maureen and her family. • The weekend before Christmas, Sandra and James Selvitelli celebrated the birthdays of daughter Kate, (8th)

and Sandra’s Mom (number unreported). Happy Birthday to them both. • On December 27th, Jerry Prazak wrote, “It's great to be back from a multi-run in MUSC rehab. Better yet

to see all the new folks joining the church.”

• Lastly, in a tough decision I know, Gail and Dan Schiffer share with us: “After a six-year journey with cancer, Dan Schiffer has entered hospice.” Please remember all the Schiffers as we go about our lives.

And from two longtime members who have relocated to be closer to family. Both would like to hear from us: • Jerry Cassidy’s daughter reports: at 92, Jerry is losing her sight and no longer able to drive. Her address: The Clairmont Retirement Community, Rm #235, 12463 Los Indios Trail, Austin, TX 78729

• Pru Collier’s sister called to tell us that Pru is missing us here in Charleston. Her Address: Well Spring

Assisted Living, 3540 Wild Flower Dr, Apt 617, Greensboro, NC 27410

Happy New Year, Judy Bruce

Among Our Family & Friends

In December, Mother Nature once again smiled on her Eden Keepers. The day was perfect for gardening--not hot, not cold. Working that day were Cari Brown, Sarah Cothran, John Klintworth, Bob and Pat Jontos, Suzi DeMerell, Tamara Eberlein, Debra Casavant, Ed Stephens, Stan Boyer, Tom Hartry, Karen Del Porto, and Fran Ennis.

It was also a great day for a Bazaar. The Alliance had their usual assortment of goodies, greatly enhanced by items from longtime member and friend Billie Hall. Many of the Eden Keepers took advantage of the wonderful selection plus enjoyed a delicious lunch.

Again Church members are encouraged to stroll through the garden. Soon the camellias will be in full bloom, as well as paper whites and other seasonal flowers.

The next work party will be on January 2nd, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, followed by our covered dish lunch. Let’s hope our nice weather holds.

The Churchyard Committee will hold its January meeting also on January 2nd, during lunch. Interested Eden Keepers are welcome to attend.

Submitted by Fran Ennis

The Eden Keepers “Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps.”

-- Amos Bronson Alcott

Membership Happenings

Some of you may have noticed that our Pathways Class is now just two sessions, where it used to be three Sundays in a row. Thanks to last Fall’s flood and the closing of Church on October 4, we had an unplanned opportunity to try getting the class done in two sessions. The feedback from both participants and mentors was favorable, so we are going to make that the standard, at least for this Church year.

I have had questions from a number of people, mostly longtime members, about Pathways and Membership. “If someone was a member of another Unitarian Church for twenty years, why should they go through our Pathways Class?” “Why don’t we have the Membership Book out at the Welcome Table every Sunday, like we used to?” So glad you asked!

As many of you know, the Unitarian Church in Charleston is a member Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). We, and the other Congregations in the UUA, choose this affiliation because, in simple terms, we think we are better together. That said, each Congregation is free and independent, writing its own constitution, owning its own property, calling the minister of its choice. Because of this freedom and independence, each Congregation has its own unique personality and way of doing things. When one signs our Membership Book, one chooses this Church, this group of people with whom to cast one’s lot, to walk with in personal and spiritual growth, to serve one another in times of celebration, need and grief, and to work toward justice in the wider community. While the UUA can unite us with other Congregations as Unitarian Universalists, the commitment each of our members makes is to this Church.

Years ago, the Membership Book sat out in Gage Hall, always available for anyone to sign. Some were so happy they had found us that they signed the very first day they came! And, no doubt, some of those are some of you, longtime, committed members of this beloved Church community. There were plenty of folks, though, who signed the book and came only a few more times, never to be seen at Church again.

It is my goal and that of the Membership Committee to slow down the process, to give individuals time to think, to decide if membership in this Church is right for them. By the time the Pathways Class is over, most participants, in addition to experiencing the class itself, have attended Church services and possibly other Church events for several months, giving them the opportunity to get to know our community of faith before choosing to formally affiliate with us. And the vast majority of people who complete the Pathways Class do choose to sign our Membership Book. During my two and a half years as Membership Coordinator, there have been a few who decided that this was not the place they wanted to call their Church home. While I was sorry to see them go, I feel we served these people well in giving them the information and experience they needed to make a decision that was true and honest for them. And it tells me that people who went through Pathways took choosing membership – or not – seriously.

I hope this answers some of your questions about Pathways and Membership. I am always happy to hear your comments, questions and concerns.

Classes

Pathfinders for Newcomers: January 10, 12:30 – 1:30, Upper Gage Hall, Room 4

This is a class geared toward those new to our Congregation who would like to receive basic information about Unitarian Universalism and the Unitarian Church in Charleston. Bring your questions! Childcare available. Contact Carol Oates, Membership Coordinator, membership@charlestonuu.org.

Pathways to Membership: January 31 & Feb. 7, 12:15 – 2:30, Charleston Day School

Pathways is a 2-session class for people who are ready to explore what it means to be a member of the Unitarian Church in Charleston. Lunch served, childcare provided.

The Winter Class (Jan.31 & Feb. 7) is full. You may put your name on the waiting list for this class, or sign up

for the Spring Class (April 10 & 17). Sign up at the Membership Table in Gage Hall, or contact Carol Oates,

Membership Coordinator, membership@charlestonuu.org.

Submitted by Carol Oates, Membership Coordinator

Vestry Values

December was a month filled with wondrous EVENTS at Church. The two that stand out among many were our Choir’s annual gift to the Church, the Cantata, on December 13, and our ever-popular, ever-changing, purely creative Children’s Christmas Pageant of the Nativity Story.

I am going to list everyone that participated in those events so we can all thank them personally for so many memorable moments of glorious music – and giraffes.

The Choir Cantata was beautifully organized and directed by our Director of Music, Johanna Evenson. Her sopranos were Dee Bogan, Katy Collins, Emelle Wade, Mary Ann Terry, Susan Teubner-Rhodes, Hilda Sugg, Lilless Shilling, Hillary Hutchinson, Helena Dilling, Joanna Innes, Clair Law, Lena Vennström, Harper Reed, Myrtle Staples, Rebecca Mary Darling, and Susan Conant; her altos: Carol Oates, Sue Findlay, Stephanie Mignone, Nancy Pellegrini, Diane Boyer, Shirley Pearson, Sally Newell, Sharon Strong, Floy Work, Kimberly Tucker, Anne Lindsey, Allison Sterrett-Krause, and Lotta Granholm-Bentley; her tenors: Richard Nelson, Mark Farnham, Paul Garbarini, and Chris Crosby; her basses: Bruce Evenson, Stuart Terry, Ty Collins, Frank Hardie, Tom Hartry, Markus Helander, Tom Ivy, and Marc Kruza; and her instrumentalists Amy Ball and Mark Madden.

WE SHOULD OFFER THEM YET ANOTHER STANDING OVATION TO ALL FOR THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF THE SELECTIONS AND SPLENDID QUALITY OF THE PERFORMANCE.

And from the sublime to the even more sublime…our children’s Christmas Pageant. The adult pageant wranglers were Anita Harrison, Therese Shelton, Bernadette Victor and Terry Walsh. They along with Director of Religious Education Janet Watts deserve special praise for their unflappable natures and unflagging energy! The pageant cast with named roles were Julia Ross, Vincent Hild-

Mullins, Lauren Insinger, Joseph Sherman, Kathleen Sherman, Alexandra Brodeur, Kate Selvitelli, Kaia Reiter, Nicole Ammerall, Kennedy Ross, Grace Albertson, Pluma Rose Hyatt-Eakes, Alex Martin-Vedilago, Calvin O’Leary, JJ Ammerall, Steven Brodeur, Dara Maddan, Bailey Ohl, and Kevin Walsh. I was also witness in the back of the Sanctuary to the multitudes of angels, shepherds and animals played perfectly by the youngest members of Congregation. Each deserves a huge hug for their bravery in dressing up and walking down that looong aisle in front of all of us adults!

And then there were the Three Kings…what can be said?!??

We are so blessed with talent in this Congregation.

BRAVI A TUTTI!!!!

Submitted by Judy Manning, Vestry Chair

Children & Youth Religious Education

A “Refresher” Teacher Training Session will take place on Sunday, January 3 at 12:30 p.m. in room 4 of upper Gage Hall. Our new winter teams of teachers have just started in the classroom and they will be with the children and youth until March 13.

Game Night returns Saturday, January 23, 6:00-9:00 p.m. in lower Gage Hall. Bring your family, a favorite board game or two, and a dish to share to this intergenerational evening for gamers.

The Annual RE Oyster Roast will take place Sunday afternoon, February 21, at Bowen’s Island. Tickets will go on sale at the end of this month. Proceeds fund various Religious Education events attended by our Church youth. Please support the RE Scholarship by attending our annual festivities, and by purchasing tickets for family and friends to join you. We will have fresh oysters, chili, hot dogs, and beverages; live music, an amazing landscape, and beautiful people. All ages are welcome to join in the fun.

Why Do Our Teens Come to Church? The answers shouldn’t surpr ise us. A recent Gallup poll of many religious groups in the US ranked six aspects of life that teens consider important in their religious communities. At the very top of the list was spending regular time with an adult who cares about them, such as a mentor or teacher. Second was an opportunity to serve the community through volunteer work or other charitable activity.

Our Church teens have the same priorities and it was a pleasure to have my instincts and observations confirmed. As participants in our historically open, but small spiritual tradition they have an added need for camaraderie in a liberal religious community. Every Sunday, and at other youth events, I see their genuine affection for each other and their desire to extend support to their friends. It’s not easy being a teenager, especially one who is liberal-minded, actively searching for her/his path in a religious community. Our teens come to Church for many of the same reasons you do—for support, understanding, growth, and acceptance. How fortunate we are to be tasked with such important and amazing work.

If you have questions about our High School group, please contact Youth Leaders Marina Penna-Morrison: mnpm4707@gmail.com, or MJ Welch: welchmj@g.cofc.edu. Our thanks to Marina and MJ for their important role in guiding our youth and coordinating their many activities.

Submitted by Janet Watts, Director of Religious Education

Red Tent Sunday, January 3

5:00 p.m. upper Gage Hall, Room 2

Red Tent Temple of Charleston is a secular space where all women, from all walks of life and all stages of womanhood, can come and be supported by their community. The goal is to be able to reach into different

communities and create a truly diverse and unique experience. Newcomers welcome.

Danica Todd - founding facilitator, danicaltodd@gmail.com, 843-826-0660

Marina Penna-Morrison - facilitator, 910-297-0392

https://www.facebook.com/RedTentTempleOfCharleston/events

http://www.danicatodd.com/red-tent-temple-of-charleston/

Submitted by Danica Todd

You’ve Been Flocked! The Youth Group has struck again! Judy and Ren Manning were our latest target. They

sent us some great pictures of the youths’ handiwork! They have also nominated the next family to be flocked! So watch your lawns, the flamingos are coming!!

As a reminder, if you get “flocked,” a donation/bribe can be paid to the Youth Group for the flamingos’ removal and for an additional fee you can nominate the next yard that the flamingos should flock to. All the funds raised will go towards renting a van, hotel costs, meals, and registration for all our teens to attend the 2017 General Assembly. The commando flamingo evenings are opportunities for our teens to come together for a meal, have fun, and lovingly annoy a member of our Church community. We encourage Church members to have a joyous sense of humor and encourage our teens with financial and moral support. Consider yourself warned! Be on the lookout for the flamingos …they might be coming for you!!

Submitted by Marina Penna-Morrison

Gilman Courtyard Now Includes Commemorative Boulder

In November, the Planned Giving Committee placed a decorative boulder made of Georgia sandstone in the Gilman Society courtyard in front of our Sanctuary on Archdale Street. The boulder sits adjacent to the Samuel and Caroline Gilman Society plaque mounted on the courtyard wall. The Gilman Society, founded in 2003, recognizes Church members whose legacies are helping ensure the vitality of our community in Charleston, today and into the future.

The Gilman area is a reflective outdoor space containing a decorative cast-iron bench, plantings, the engraved stone plaque, and the free-form boulder. Your Planned Giving Committee sees stability, history, and timelessness in this sacred space. The inscription on the boulder speaks of generations supporting generations to follow. One sitting in this reflective setting reads:

To those who shall sit here rejoicing

To those who shall sit here mourning

Sympathy and Greetings;

So have we done in our time.*

You are invited to spend a few moments in the Gilman Society Courtyard, remembering those from our recent past who, through their generosity, remain an important part of our present.

*The poem is engraved on a bench on the Liberal Arts quadrangle of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Below the poem is the

engraving, “1892 ADW-HMW.” ADW is Andrew Dickson White, the first President of Cornell University. HMW is his wife

Helen McGill White, the first woman Ph.D. in the United States (Greek Classics, Boston University, 1877). However, historical

references note the bench as a gift from the Whites and do not attribute authorship to either of them personally. Cornell Archivist

Elaine D. Engst acknowledges that the attribution is lost (private correspondence, 2015). She relates that the Whites placed the

bench in memory of their daughter who died at age 3.

Submitted by Kay Haun and Stuart Terry, Planned Giving Committee

Planned Giving Committee Members (L-R) Hillary Hutchinson (Chair), Stuart Terry (Past Chair), Steve Wilson,

and Mary Ann Terry (Honorary) smoothly settle the boulder in place. They are joined by member Myrtle Staples to

celebrate the occasion. Member Kay Haun was not able to join the festivities.

Denominational Affairs

The Unitarian Universalist Association is the organization which connects and supports the more than 1,000 member Congregations across the United States. The Unitarian Church in Charleston is a member Congregation. The UUA has its headquarters in Boston, MA. Congregations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and parts of Tennessee and Georgia form the Southeast District of the UUA.

The UUA provides resources to member Congregations in many areas, including Religious Education curricula and other materials for children, youth and adults. We avail ourselves of some of these here in Charleston. The UUA also publishes books through the Beacon Press and Skinner House Books, as well as the hymnal we use, Singing the Living Tradition, and the UU World, which is sent to members quarterly. The UUA is also responsible for the accreditation of UU Ministers; Rev. Danny Reed is a UU Minister, as is Rev. Nancy Pellegrini. The UUA can also find a Congregation an interim minister, if needed. Through the Unitarian Universalist Services Committee, we support global social justice actions that make a difference – check it out at http://www.uusc.org/.

The UUA is a resource for Congregations in many other areas such as Congregational management, fundraising and stewardship, employee benefits, tax matters, endowments and conflict resolution. It focuses on issues of social justice, coordinating many activities in this area. Also, the UUA can help in establishing new Congregations, which grow and strengthen the denomination.

Organizing the annual gathering at the General Assembly is also an important function of the UUA. There are usually some members of our Congregation that attend this. The next GA is in Columbus, OH in June 2016.

An important source of funding for the UUA is the contribution of the member Congregations. All Congregations are asked to give their “Fair Share.” For the year-ending June 2016, this is 7% of operating expenses. We have been fair share givers, but this year’s operating budget does not include sufficient funding. It includes only $17,000 whereas it should be $27,790. The Congregation did vote that any increases this year in pledge over the budget will go to increasing our Church’s UUA dues funding – with your support we can raise the extra $10,790 for our UUA dues and make our Congregation a “Fair Share” UUA Congregation! Let’s strive to make support of the UUA an important part of who we are.

For more information on the UUA, go to uua.org.

Submitted by Richard Hayes

Alliance Holiday Bazaar Success

Our annual Holiday Bazaar was a tremendous success! We made over $2,200. There were so many wonderful items for sale not the least of which was the generous donation made by Billie Hall’s son, Wally. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Thanks to all the Alliance members and friends who helped on Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday. We couldn’t have done it without you: Marjorie Beecher, Diane Boyer, Sally Flynn, Judy Ford, Susan Garrison, Barbara Goldberg, Tom Hartry, Marilyn Henderson, Toni Johnson, Linda Maxwell Allen, Will Moredock, Harper Reed, Donna Reyburn, Susan Robinson, Ellie Setser, JoAnne Simson, and Claudia Updike. Thanks to those who made donations as well as shopped. The Alliance is grateful for your support, fellowship and hard work.

Please mark your calendar, the upcoming Rummage Sale will be on March 19.

Submitted by Sue Prazak and Susan Hartry

Gage Hall Coffeehouse

Forty Mile Detour

Saturday, January 16, 7:30 p.m. Authentic. American. Music. Forty Mile Detour is an Americana band based in Charleston, SC founded by

singer-songwriter Mark Yampolsky. Members Mark Yampolsky, John Gross, John Holenko, Eddie Phillips

and Pascal Bouquillard met in the Carolinas while they were each working on individual projects.

Eventually they joined to form Forty Mile Detour. Their talents and experience combine to create a sound

that stays true to the American spirit; the open road, guts, grit and the American dream. These images ring

true with an honest down-to-earth songwriting style. In December 2014, Forty Mile Detour recorded their

second CD, "Ain't No Devil". The sessions featured six original cuts written by Mark Yampolsky,

performed by the band members and produced by John Holenko. Wolf on the Bridge 105.5 FM Radio calls

it "outstanding music... rock 'n roll, blues and country all rolled up together and comes out sounding

great....You need to do yourself a favor and go out and see these folks." The band has been performing their

live show throughout the Lowcountry of South Carolina where their first-time listeners become friends and

fans. Forty Mile Detour plays their music from the heart and hopes that their authentic American music will

inspire everyone.

Home-baked desserts, coffee and sodas will be available. Parking available across the street and behind

Gage Hall.

Profits from Gage Hall Coffeehouses support enrichment activities in Charleston-area elementary

schools. We are currently sponsoring science-oriented field trips for all students at Mitchell Elementary

School.

Gage Hall is located at 4 Archdale Street.

Suggested donation of $15 for Adults; $5 for Students.

Submitted by Richard Hayes

Let’s Do Lunch! Tuesday, January 12

12:30 p.m.

Tasty Fusion, 109 Holiday Dr., Summerville

Let’s do lunch is a monthly luncheon that is open to women and men in our Church. It’s a time for socializing and catching up with friends. Tasty Fusion’s number is (843) 261-2121. If you take I-26 toward Columbia, take exit 199A. Stay in the right lane. At the first light (Holiday Drive) turn right. The restaurant is on the left just past the Shell gas station. Please let me know if wish to join us no later than Tuesday, January 5th so I can make our reservation. Susan Hartry 843-225-1439 or hartry.susan@gmail.com.

Submitted by Susan Hartry

Dinners for Fun

January 23

Happy New Year! Our next Dinners for Fun will be on the 4th Saturday in January. We have been very fortunate to have had great cooks as hosts in September and November: George and Marcia Castano, Barbara and Stan Goldberg, Judy and Ren Manning, and Nina Fair. We are indebted to them

for their assistance in maintaining this lively and fun way to make new friends. I hope some of you will consider hosting and many of you consider attending our next dinner. The time and dinner to be determined by your hosts. If you want to join the fun sign up in Gage Hall at the Welcome Table on Sundays or email me at: abbyhimmelein@comcast.net or call or text at 843-534-8222. My goal is to restrict dinner tables to 6 to 8 seats (including hosts) so we can actually get a chance to really get to know each other.

Submitted by Abby Himmelein

Backpack Buddies

at Lowcountry Food Bank

3rd Saturday of each month (Jan. 16)

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

We will pack food for low-income elementary schoolchildren. The bags we pack are put into the children’s

backpacks on Friday afternoon so they’ll have food to eat over the weekend.

Lowcountry Food Bank, 2864 Azalea Drive, North Charleston 29405; meet in the lobby.

We need at least 20 volunteers to get the job done.

New volunteers welcome – no experience needed. Bring a friend!

With question or to RSVP, please contact Kris Rife: 843-884-8808 work / 843-822-0597 cell

Remember the dress code: Closed-toe shoes and no tank tops.

Minimum age suggested: 14 with parental supervision but a bit younger have been very successful.

Submitted by Kris Rife

Docent Doings

Happy New Year! 2016 will be a big year for our Docent program. On February 5 we will reopen on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in addition to our Saturday and second Sunday schedule. We’ve taken a big step forward since the Sanctuary has not been open for the past five years on Fridays. Our new Friday recruits are Linda Maxell-Allen, Bruce Evenson, Floy Work, Robbie Furtwangler, and Barb McCabe. Our new Saturday personnel will include Karen Ruef. Waiting in the wings will be our new substitutes: Susan White, Diane Roche, Diane Boyer, Hillary Hutchinson, and Kathy Kaknes. Our subs will be on permanent rotation on the 4th Saturday of each month to practice with Tom Hartry and to fill a current vacancy. We still need regular Docents for 4th and 5th Fridays, and 4th Saturdays. If you have an interest in three hours of fun once a month for the benefit of your Church community, please call or text me at: 843-534-8222 or email me at abbyhimmelein@comcast.net.

Submitted by Abby Himmelein

Music Update

I want to thank all of you who have contributed to the music ministry this past year and especially during the Christmas season when so many of you came to sing and play for the Cantata. I feel so fortunate to be working in this place with all you talented musicians who generously give of your time and talent. For those of you who have been thinking that you might want to join the music ministry as a singer or an instrumentalist please feel free to contact me at musicdirector@charlestonuu.org or call me at (843) 259-8013. I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy New Year, Johanna Evenson, Director of Music

Art on Our Walls

In memory of Church member Jean Pendleton, her poetry will be on display until February. Amy Ball and Susan Findlay coordinated this show. Submitted by Joanna Innes

Coffee Hour

Thanks to the following people who volunteered to help set up and clean up for coffee hour in Gage Hall on Sunday December 20th: Wendell Belden, Nina Fair, Rebecca Gilchrist, Kathy Guy, Claire Law, and Shannon Seagraves. If anyone was missed, please know that everyone’s efforts are very much appreciated! If you would like to sign up to help with coffee hour, please contact the office.

Submitted by Anonymous

Books & Coffee

The next gathering of the UU Books & Coffee group will be at 5:30 pm, Sunday, January 13, 2015, at the home of Stan Goldberg, 624 Cain Dr., Mt Pleasant. Stan’s phone number is 843-884-7896. The book we are reading for the January discussion is Living in Fear, by Will Moredock. Will plans to be there to answer questions. Submitted by JoAnne Simson

STAND-UP SUNDAY: May We All Please Rise for the 9

Stand-Up Sunday is a day when we all stand up for the Nine. The nine killed by a gun at Emanuel AME in Charleston. The nine in our state who are killed by guns every five days. And the nine out of every ten South Carolinians who want background checks on all gun purchases, according to a recent statewide poll. It’s an event endorsed by the South Carolina Christian Action Council with over 1,300 Churches expected to

participate and that number growing weekly.

Let’s pause and feel what’s happening in our country. Our children are huddling in closets in preparation drills for a gunman on the loose in their schools. Our Churches are hiring armed security to stand guard over their

Congregations. It’s time we stood up — and what better place than in our Churches, temples and synagogues?

On Stand-Up Sunday, Jan. 31 — or Stand-Up Sabbath that same weekend for Congregations that meet on

Friday or Saturday — faith leaders across South Carolina will:

• Discuss gun violence and the urgent need to close loopholes that allow guns to be sold online and at gun shows without background checks, and strengthen laws and enforcement pertaining to dealers

circumventing the system entirely. Ninety percent of crime guns are being sold by 5% of gun dealers.

• Encourage congregants to sign prepared letters to legislators, or write personal ones, as they exit the

service that day, and to continue until real change occurs.

• Ask for Congregation members to stand up for the Emanuel AME Nine by committing to travel to Columbia at a critical juncture to support legislation. We’ll collect those names and email addresses and

put out the call when that moment comes.

This isn’t a challenge to the 2nd Amendment rights of citizens to possess firearms. Nor is it a partisan issue; an overwhelming consensus on this aspect of gun safety has been reached in our state (Public Policy Polling,

2015), and 85% of gun owners favor it nationally.

It’s a public-health crisis and a moral crisis if guns keep falling into the wrong hands and people keep dying

because the 90 percent doesn’t make its voice heard.

South Carolina has the 11th-highest rate of gun deaths per capita in the U.S. and, as of 2009, was the sixth-

leading supplier of crime guns used in other states. For the first time, in 2015, the number of people dying from gun violence in the U.S. is expected to surpass the number of those who die in car accidents. Closing

loopholes for gun sales works. States that have taken these steps have seen significant declines in gun deaths.

Stand-Up Sunday. Stand-Up Sabbath. Rising together on one weekend to make South Carolina a safer place to

live, love and worship.

Our website is gunsenseSC.org.

Submitted by Gary Smith

Happy New Year!!

Green Sanctuary Committee wishes everyone a Happy New Year. We hope you’ll enjoy many special events at the church this year – please remember to use either washable or compostable serving ware for your meetings and parties in Gage Hall.

Fancy, plastic coated paper plates are NOT compostable or recyclable.

Submitted by Laura Moses and Nina Fair

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Office Closed

Emancipation Day Parade

2

9 Eden Keepers & Churchyard Comm. Mtg.

10 Docents (S)

3

Jazz Sunday

9:30 Meditation (AU) 10 Forum (LR) 11 Service (S) 12 Coffee Hour (LR) 12:30 Teacher Training (GH4) 5 Red Tent (GH2)

4

12 Dealing with Serious Illness Support Group (LR)

3:30 CDS (LR)

5

11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)

6

11 Wu Tai Chi (LR)

3:30 CDS (LR) 5 Community Minister Mtg. (LR)

6:45 Choir (LR)

7

11 Caring Comm. (GH4)

8

5 Wedding Rehearsal (S)

9

10 Docents (S)

2 Wedding (S)

4 Jung Society (LR)

10

9:30 Meditation (AU) 10 Forum (LR) 10:30 Chalice Choir (S) 11 Service (S) 12 Coffee Hour (LR) 12:15 Stewardship Comm. (GH3) 12:30 Bicentennial Comm. (CDS) 12:30 Docents (S) 12:30 Pathfinders (GH4)

11

3:30 CDS (LR)

12

11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)

12:30 Let’s Do Lunch (OS)

13

11 Wu Tai Chi (LR)

2 Archives (GH4)

3:30 CDS (LR)

6:45 Choir (LR)

14 15 16

9 Backpack Buddies (OS) 10 Docents (S)

12:30 Alliance Luncheon (OS)

7:30 Coffee House Concert (LR)

17

MLK Sunday

9:30 Meditation (AU) 10 Forum (LR) 10:30 Chalice Choir (S) 11 Service (S) 12 Coffee Hour (LR) 12:15 Finance Comm. (GH4) 12:30 Worship Comm. (GH3)

18

MLK Day

Office Closed

19

11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)

5 Executive Call (OS)

20

11 Wu Tai Chi (LR)

3:30 CDS (LR)

4 Planned Giving (GH4)

6:45 Choir (LR)

21

5 Vestry (GH4)

22 23

10 Docents (S)

6 Game Night (LR)

24

9:30 Meditation (AU) 10 Forum (LR) 10:30 Chalice Choir (S) 11 Service (S) 12 Coffee Hour (LR) 12:30 Program Council (CDS)

25

Social Justice Comm. (LR)

26

11 Staff Mtg. (GH4)

27

10 Archives (GH4) 11 Wu Tai Chi (LR)

3:30 CDS (LR)

6:45 Choir (LR)

28 29 30

10 Docents (S)

31

9:30 Meditation (AU) 10 Forum (LR) 10:30 Chalice Choir (S) 11 Service (S) 12 Coffee Hour (LR) 12:15 Pathways (CDS) 12:30 RE Comm. (GHD)

January 2016

S-Sanctuary; GH-lower Gage Hall (ground floor Gage Hall); GH #1-4-individual classrooms upstairs in GH; A-Annex; AU-Annex upstairs; C-Churchyard; CDS-Charleston Day School

The Unitarian Church

4 Archdale Street Charleston, SC 29401

RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED

Minister, Rev. Danny Reed minister@charlestonuu.org

Intern Minister, William Epes

internminister@charlestonuu.org

Affiliated Community Minister, Rev. Nancy Bird Pellegrini communityminister@charlestonuu.org

Office Administrator, Sandra Selvitelli office@charlestonuu.org

Religious Education Director, J anet Watts

dre@charlestonuu.org

Music Director, Johanna Evenson

musicdirector@charlestonuu.org

Sexton, Joe McCormack

Vestry: vestry@char lestonuu.org

Vestry Chair, Judy Manning (‘16) 1st Vice Chair, Maureen Porter (‘17) 2nd Vice Chair, Sue Weller (‘18) Secretary, Frank Hardie(‘17)

Vestry Members

Nina Fair (‘16) Jonathan Lamb (‘18) Erica Hattings-Brodeur (‘18) Steve Simon (‘16) John Klintworth (‘17)

Treasurer, Nolan Prestwood

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday 9 a.m - 12:00 pm

Sunday 8 am - 1:00 pm

Phone: (843) 723-4617

Email: office@charlestonuu.org

Gateway Walk

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Unitarian UniversalismUnitarian UniversalismUnitarian UniversalismUnitarian Universalism———— open faith, open hearts, open minds.open faith, open hearts, open minds.open faith, open hearts, open minds.open faith, open hearts, open minds.

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Queen St.

Sanctuary

Churchyard

Jacob’s Alley

Weekend &

Evening Parking Only

Weekend &

Evening Parking Only

1st 6 spaces Church

Business Gage

Annex

Charleston Day School

DO NOT PARK IN AREAS BLOCKED WITH TRAFFIC CONES

FREE Parking is also available at the garages on Queen Street and behind Forever 21 if you show the current bulletin and leave by 1 p.m.

The Gateway is printed on recycled paper and is also available online.

A Green Sanctuary Congregation A Green Sanctuary Congregation A Green Sanctuary Congregation A Green Sanctuary Congregation