MISSION AND CONVENANT STATEMENT

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF JAMESTOWN

The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is to promote and provide a community where diverse people of all

ages may explore the meaning of existence, give expression to liberal religious values, and work for a just, sustainable society.

As members, we covenant to provide programs and caring community in which all persons are empowered to serve one another, encour-

aged to pursue spiritual growth, accepted for who they are, and supported in life’s transitions.

September 9

CLIMATE CHANGE’S THREE SOBERING NUMBERS

What shall we do and how shall we live while the news seems to get grimmer and grimmer? Rev. Angus Watkins

September 16

GOOD NEWS FOR NON-BELIEVERS

There is good news for non-believers of all kinds: atheists, agnostics, skeptics, non-theists. It is happening despite the rapid

growth of religious fundamentalism in America. It is happening despite widespread intolerance of non-believers. What is the

good news? Come and hear about it.

Dr. Jeffrey Victor, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology

September 23

I WILL IF YOU WILL—A LOOK AT EARTH HOUR

A talk inspired by Earth Hour a program to support climate change action. Lynne Meyers

September 30

OVER THE RAINBOW

The continuing popularity of “(Somewhere) Over the Rainbow” suggests that it’s not just little girls in Kansas who dream of a

better place where the skies are always blue and all our dreams come true. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Doug Yeomans

will join the Rev. Frances Manly to weave together music, story, and reflection to explore the deep human yearning embodied in

this song. Rev. Manly is a retired minister, currently serving as Consulting Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church

of Hamburg. Doug Yeomans is one of Western New York's finest and most versatile musicians.

If you’ve been looking for a special Sunday to invite a friend (or two or three) to visit your church, this could be the one.

Rev. Frances Manly and guitarist Doug Yeomans

U N I T A R I A N U N I VE R S A L I S T C O N G R E G A T I O N O F J A M E S T O W N 1 2 5 5

P R E N D E R G A S T A V E N U E , J A M E S T O W N , N Y

SEPTEMBER 2012

Services start at 10:30 AM

2

QUEST DISCUSSION

Wednesday, September 19th, 7:00 PM

On Wednesday, September 19th at 7:00 PM at UUCJ we will have our Quest dis-

cussion . The subject of discussion will be announced.

Snacks will be welcomed.

Bruce Michaelsmichaels066@gmail.com

My dear friends,

Yesterday I was sitting

in my office at the UU

Church of Spartan-

burg, SC when a florist

delivery truck arrived.

Imagine my surprise

and joy to receive a

beautiful dish garden

from all of you at

UUCJ! The basket of

plants (there are 4 dif-

ferent plants!) has a

prominent place in my

office - and it makes

me smile every time I

see it. Thank you so

much!

Les and I are getting

settled in. I think we

are down to the last 6

boxes (of approxi-

mately a zillion boxes)

- and now I just need

to find the time to ac-

tually unpack them!

I've only been

(officially) the settled

minister here for 3

days - but they've been

event-filled and action

-packed! I hope you'll

make Spartanburg a

vacation destination

and look us up when

you're here! It's a lovely

city - but you may

want to avoid July and

August - whew! HOT.

I think of you all the

time and wish all at

UUCJ every happiness

and continued growth

and success as a con-

gregation. Keep the

faith!

Love,

Michelle (the Rev.)

Buhite

On September 30th, UUCJ will be enjoying a spe-

cial service widely presented in UU churches in

the region. Rev. Francis Manly and singer, song-

writer, guitarist Doug Yeomans will weave to-

gether music, story, and reflection that deal with

the deep human yearning for a better

place. Titled "Over the Rainbow", and based on

the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow, this

moving presentation speaks to the promised

land that we may envision.

Reverend Manly is a retired minister, currently

serving as Consulting Minister at the Unitarian

Universalist Church of Hamburg. Prior to retire-

ment, she was minister of the First UU Church of

Niagara for twelve years as well as having been

religious Education Director at the Unitarian Uni-

versalist Church of Buffalo. She earned her M.

Div. at Meadville Lombard Theological School

and before entering the ministry taught Eng-

lish. Doug Yeomans is a singer, songwriter, gui-

tarist with a hybrid style. In addition

to performing regularly in the region, he toured

the country as lead guitarist for the Broadway

show "Ring of Fire." In the Jamestown area he

has offered workshops at Trinity Music in James-

town. In 2004 he was inducted in the Buffalo

Music Hall of Fame.

They will both be returning to Jamestown to the

Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Novem-

ber 11th for another not to be missed presenta-

tion titled "The Holy and the Broken Hallelujah"

wrestling with the question on how to respond to

a broken world.

CD PLAYER NEEDED!

The religious exploration curriculum project needs a gently used or new CD player

for our rainforest curriculum cd and just plain fun music. If you have one to do-

nate, please contact Susan Meara or Carole Faulk. It needs to be smallish and

portable. Many thanks.

Carole is tenlen@windstream.net Susan is susan.meara@gmail.com.

3

Now is the time to think about volunteering for coffee hour! I'd like to have people sign up for dates in September and

October.

Please e-mail Ellen Butkus at twovirgos@verizon.net if you'd like to volunteer for any of these dates:

September 9 October 7

September 16 October 14

September 23 October 21

September 30 October 28

COFFEE PRE-HOUR

Does 10:30 AM seem to come awfully early on a Sunday morning? Do you sometimes swoon when you can smell the delicious

coffee brewing in the big pot? We'll be trying out an experiment in September, making a pot of coffee before church so you can

bring a cup in to the service with you. This will be placed in the dining room and available "first come, first served." Don't worry,

we'll still have the big pot after church too for our normal coffee hour.

ATTENTION UU PARENTS!

From the Religious Education Committee:

This year we will be introducing a new multi-aged Sunday school curriculum for our K-6 grade school age children. It

is called Celebrating Rainforests, and it speaks to the UU seventh principle -- to "affirm and respect the interde-

pendent web of all existence of which we are a part." Our fragile planet calls us to involve our children to honor and

care for it, and this program is one answer to the call. The activities and experiences will give the children an oppor-

tunity to feel connected to our Earth and to feel empowered to help make a difference. We will experience the

sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the rainforest during this 10 week program, as well as creating our own rainfor-

est in the classroom! We will learn about the importance of the rainforests to the life and health of our planet and

ourselves.

This program will begin in early October and run through December. Children will benefit most from the program by

attending all of the classes. There will be no charge, but we are asking parents to register your children for the

Sunday school, using the form that will be available at the church, so we can be better informed about any allergies

and food sensitivities, special interests, talents, and needs. If you have friends with children who are not enrolled in

Sunday school at another church, and you think they would be interested in having their children attend these

classes, please invite them! (Also, if your children have friends who might like to attend with them.)

Before and following the Celebrating Rainforests sessions, we will continue to develop our Sunday school program

throughout the year by addressing the seven UU principles in other fun, multi-aged activities and lessons.

FOR PARENTS OF TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Come and check out our freshly repainted and refurbished church nursery. We now offer free child care each week

for young children while their parents attend the Sunday service. We would love to see you and your children each

week (some of us have grandchildren who live far away and we don't see them nearly often enough!), so we invite you

to come and be a regular part of our UU "family"

4

COMING SOON!!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS JAzzFEST JAMESTOWN

Saturday, September 22nd—6—11:00 PM

Jazzfest Jamestown will showcase many local jazz artists and 5 groups including:

Infinity Big Band

Jazz Revival

Bluze Inn

Dave Golando Jazz Quintet

Chautauqua Idol Babalu Band

Jazz musicians will be invited to "sit in" with the Chautauqua Idol Babalu Band from 10:00 to 11:00 PM.

Over 30 different jazz musicians will be featured at the festival playing a wide variety of jazz favorites.

Fun food and beverages will be provided by the Cassadaga Valley Jazz Boosters.

Jazzfest Jamestown is made possible by a grant from the Ralph C. Sheldon foundation. Donations will be grate-

fully accepted. Hopefully this will be the start of something “big” for both UUCJ and the Jamestown community—

”think annual”!

This free festival will be enjoyed by the entire family!

AUGUST PICNIC

Although the weather outside was frightful, the UUCJ picnic held on August 11 at Julie and Bob Boozer's farm was

just delightful. Organized by Ellen and Richard Butkus, the thirty or so people who attended were treated to a tour

of Julie's wonderful Swedish log home, along with its exquisite grounds. Since the weather didn't permit any out-

door activities, we were fortunate that Julie's home comfortably accommodated all of us. Julie's parlor was the site

of entertainment provided by vocalist Marika Koch, who sang three songs, accompanied by Rosemary MacKown

on the piano. We enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres and dinner, with a lovely variety of foods and beverages, includ-

ing the pièce de résistance, Julie's sweet corn! Thanks to everyone for pitching in, and especially to Julie for invit-

ing us to share her farm for the day, to Marika and Rosemary for their musical offerings, and to Ellen and Richard

for planning a special day!

GREEN SANCTUARY MEETING

September 16—9:15 AM

The Green Sanctuary group will be meeting on Sunday, September 16, at 9:15 AM. All are welcome to attend

5

COME TOGETHER -- THE UUCJ SEPTEMBER 15th RETREAT ! September 15th—10:00 AM—3:00 PM

6 Bliss, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY

On September 15 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM we will have an oppor-

tunity to gather at Chautauqua and, with the assistance of a profes-

sional facilitator from UUA Ohio Meadville District, refine our vision

for the future of the church. Our survey last Spring raised practical

and philosophical questions that have already energized a number

of initiatives over the summer. We want 2012/2013 to be a year of

growth, of creatively fulfilling our role as a liberal religious institution

in our community, and nurturing our relationships as a congrega-

tional community. So we need you, as a Unitarian Universalist mem-

ber or friend, to join with us on September 15th and begin the proc-

ess of refining our vision as a congregation and deciding on pur-

poseful next steps. In the midst of our active lives, we ask that you

attend as much of the retreat as possible and commit to attending

at least some of it if you cannot be with us the whole day. Only to-

gether, can we continue to build UUCJ for the future it deserves.

This vital retreat will be facilitated by Rev. Francis Manly, retired UU minister and currently

consulting minister to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hamburg. Rev. Manly was minister

of the First UU Church of Niagara and has also served as Director of Religious Education for

the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo. In recommending her as a facilitator for our re-

treat, the UUA Ohio Meadville District is also sharing the costs for this event. We need to fully

participate in this opportunity to connect to the broader experience of our UU regional com-

munity and utilize this chance for professional facilitation. So plan on the short drive to

Chautauqua Institution to the UU Denominational House and enjoy the ability to park on the

grounds now that the season is ended. Our formal retreat work will be done from 10:00 AM

to 3:00 PM, but Linda Hiers will be at the UU House to put the coffee pot on at 8:30 AM and

lay out treats for anyone who wishes to share conversation or take a walk on the grounds.

Lunch will be at the UU House from noon to one. We will close the meeting at approximately

3:00 PM , but we encourage anyone who can to stay for cleanup and enjoy few more min-

utes of informal discussion with the rest of the attendees as well as enjoy that last cup of

coffee.

The Denominational House is located at 6 Bliss, just off Bestor plaza near the Colonade, the

Bookstore, and the Tally-Ho.

SEPTEMBER CLEAN UP DAY

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 8th, from 9 AM to 1 PM, and plan to attend our new monthly clean up day at

UUCJ. Let's get our building looking great before the start of church on September 9th. One of the tasks we would like to accom-

plish is painting the front door. We're hoping to have a volunteer or two before Saturday to do some scraping and prim-

ing. Some fun jobs to do outside on Saturday include: pulling out maple tree volunteers; waging war against the ivy; weeding

flower beds and trimming shrubs. Some fun inside jobs include: washing windows; emptying items from garage and arranging

items for "free sale" on tables in basement. We would welcome any other fun ideas that you can come up with - be creative, but

come! Many hands make light work.

TREASURER'S REPORT - June 2012

Our usable checking account balance at June 30, 2012, was $3,895, compared to ($311) a year ago. We continue to hold funds

for the Olean Church of $1,694, and we have $3,000 in the savings account, so the actual balance was $2,589. The balance in

the "Catastrophe Funds" (CD and savings account) was $26,548. We have collected $1,400 in Flush Fund 2012 pledges through

June. The balance of Catastrophe Funds a year ago at June 30, 2011, was $22,493.

Income through June 2012 was $15,532, compared to $15,178 a year ago. Overall expenses were $16,184 in 2012, compared

to $18,310 a year ago, a decrease of $2,480. Expenses were higher in 2011 as we purchased the new round tables as well as

making improvements to the parking lot. Our net income through June was ($651) compared to ($3,132) a year ago. We do an-

ticipate extra expenses in the summer of 2012, as we will be paying for new cabinets for our round tables, a new window, kitchen

update, and professional carpet cleaning.

6

KITCHEN RENOVATION

Sue Meara volunteered to spearhead a Kitchen Beautifica-

tion project, and it was certainly accomplished this summer

with a lot of hard work. The first decision was the color

scheme, which is a shade of light gray for the walls, a light

cream color for the cabinets, and white for the trim. The

first job was to empty all the cupboards and drawers. If

you were at the church anytime this summer, you saw four

large table in the dining room covered with "stuff" from the

emptied cupboards, and another two tables in the living

room with more stuff.

The next job was to take off all the cupboard doors and

drawers, and remove all the hardware from hinges, drawer

pulls and cabinet knobs. Then came the job of sanding all

the cupboard doors and drawers and cabinets, so the new

paint would adhere. Then came painting! First Sue

painted the ceiling. Then painting began in earnest - walls

were painted. Cabinets, doors and drawers were painted,

two coats. Trim was painted, two coats.

Another much needed improvement was made in the back

corner of the kitchen. Richard Butkus was hired to take

out the step; remove the cupboard doors in the little nar-

row closet; make the door from the stairway inoperable;

and build shelves along the back wall. The space was im-

mediately transformed into a much-needed open storage

space for cleaning supplies, the coffeepot, and many other

kitchen items which are now accessible. That area needed

three coats of paint!

Shelf paper was put in cabinets and drawers. Hinges were

reattached and cabinet doors and drawers put back into

place. It was now time to decide what to put back into the

cupboards. A crew of volunteers went through items, put-

ting away kitchenware we use, discarding "trash," donating

some items, and saving others for church members to look

over and see if they want before donating those items, too,

to Community Helping Hands. The transformation is amaz-

ing, and we owe a big thank-you to Sue Meara for her hard

work in making a huge improvement to our kitchen space!

TRADITIONAL TEA PARTY

Our annual Tea Party was held on Sunday, August 19,

from 1:00 to 3:00. A total of twenty-four guests en-

joyed delicious tea and goodies in our beautifully deco-

rated sanctuary. Linda Hiers was once again hostess

for this event, and she was assisted by bakers Anne

Kenefic and Anne Watkins. Music was provided by the

talented Rosemary MacKown on piano and the beauti-

ful soprano voice of Marika Koch.

The afternoon began with Linda's sharing information

on the teas of the day as well as a history of tea. The

first course was then served, which consisted of Quiche

Lorraine and an Asparagus-Artichoke Quiche. There

were also dainty finger sandwiches in two varieties, egg

salad and fresh cucumber with cream cheese.

We were then treated to a musical interlude performed

by Rosemary and Marika. The second course was

crumpets and scones. The crumpets were accompa-

nied by Amish butter, homemade blueberry and straw-

berry jams, and fresh whipped cream. There were two

varieties of scones, date-walnut and currant-cream.

Linda then provided an entertainment interlude. She

kept the guests laughing by sharing jokes from come-

dian Paula Poundstone, then proceeded to test their

intellect through trivia questions. The third course, des-

sert, was then served. Cookie selections included Eng-

lish tea cakes, raspberry-almond thumbprint cookies,

coconut-carrot macaroons, mini chocolate chip cookies,

and macadamia lace cookies. There was also a rich

chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. We then en-

joyed additional musical selections from Rosemary and

Marika.

The tables were beautifully arranged with tablecloths,

fine china plates and teacups, and fresh flower arrange-

ments. Each table also had a lovely teapot for individ-

ual guests to prepare fresh brewed tea. All food items

were homemade and prepared from scratch by our tal-

ented bakers. All guests were on their best behavior,

and many were attired in fine jewelry and hats. It was a

truly delightful afternoon of refined indulgence

NEW TO UU?

It's been exciting to see guests and visitors finding their way to UUCJ. We would like to invite anyone who is interested in learn-

ing more about this church and/or about becoming a member to speak with any Board member. We hope to schedule a meet-

ing after church on a Sunday in October where we can talk about our traditions and aspirations, and get to know you and what

you're looking for in a church. Becoming a member of UUCJ is technically achieved by the simple act of signing the membership

book in the presence of any Board member, but we'd like to make it a little more special by sharing soup, bread and conversa-

tion at a special meeting.

7

Short takes from the July30th, 2012

THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Present: John Anderson, Carole Faulk, Anne Watkins, Ellen Butkus, Linda Hiers

We approved the minutes of the June meeting, accepted Anne’s finance report, and discussed the following:

Election of officers: John Anderson will be the new President, and Co-Vice Presidents are Carole Faulk and Ellen Butkus, Treasurer is Anne

Watkins and Secretary is Linda Hiers.

Michelle Buhite begins her career as minister of the Spartanburg, South Carolina Unitarian Church on Aug. 1st, and it was decided to send a

plant to her for her office from our congregation to wish her well.

RE Committee: Susan Meara has volunteered to chair the RE committee and is seeking others to assist her on this committee. She is asking

parents of our children, and others from our Board and from the congregation to join this committee. A meeting is to be held on Aug. 7th at

7:00 to discuss this endeavor.

Worship Committee: 2 Sundays in December remain unfilled at this time, but ideas were entertained as to who could fill these spots.

John will be in contact with Susan Meara to discuss the redesigning of the website. When this is completed, the Board will be looking at the

website for its final approval.

UUCJ picnic is to be held on Saturday Aug. 11. Confirmations of attendance have be trickling in, and Ellen will have another e-mail sent out

ASAP to remind people.

The position of heading up the Congregational Forums for the coming year is still open, with no responses yet from anyone in the congrega-

tion volunteering for this.

A UUCJ retreat is to be held at the UU House in Chautauqua on Saturday Sept. 15th. The meeting time will be 10:00- 12:00 with lunch from

noon to 1:00. The meeting will resume at 1:00 and last until 3:00, with the purpose of discussing the survey that UUCJ members and friends

filled out in the spring……..there will be time before and after the scheduled meeting times for relaxation, walking, or conversation. We are

seeking someone from outside the congregation to be the facilitator of this meeting.

Retaining wall: some trees have been taken down by our neighbor as planned, and John will ask him how the project is going on our next

cleanup day.

Before winter and when the man who snow plows our parking lot gets his plow back on, he will even out the gravel.

The window in the office upstairs will be replaced by Dave Watkins for a cost of $1100

Cleanup days in the fall: there will be 3 cleanup days at UUCJ on the 2nd Saturday of each month: they are as follows: Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov.

10

Jazz Festival: This will take place on Sept. 22nd from 6:00 – 11:00 at UUCJ. A grant has been received from the Sheldon Foundation and

funds also from the Music Salon will be used for this event. Anne Watkins and Joyce Rose and John Cross have been working out the details

of this event.

John Anderson will be purchasing a projector for our congregation before the fall season begins.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held at 10:00 AM at Linda’s house on August 28th.

Kristin Chambers as she presides over her last Congre-

gational Meeting in June as President of the Board of

Trustees of UUCJ. We thank her for her contributions

as leader of the Board and she will be sorely missed.

Outgoing Board of Trustees............L—R: Anne Watkins, Linda Hiers, Kristin

Chambers, John Anderson, Carole Faulk. Ellen Butkus has recently been

elected to the Board of Trustees, as of the June meeting and we welcome her

with open arms and a promise to keep her busy!!

8

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3 4 5 6 7 8

Clean-Up Day

9 AM—1 PM

9

Rev. Angus

Watkins

Board Meeting

9 AM

10 11 12 13 14 15

Chautauqua

Retreat

10 AM—3 PM

16

Dr. Jeffrey Victor

Green

Sanctuary Meeting

9:15 AM

17 18 19

Quest

Meeting

7 PM

20

NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE

21 22

JAZZFEST

6—11 PM

23

Lynne Meyers

24 25 26 27 28 29

30

Rev. Frances Manly

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society

at large;

The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

A Board Meeting will be held at Linda Hier’s home on August 28th at 10:00 AM

9

Phone: 716-488-1902 Email: uucj@windstream.net Website: http://home.windstream.net/uucj

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

CONGREGATION OF JAMESTOWN

1255 Prendergast Avenue

Jamestown, NY 14701

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

John Anderson…..(716) 488-1306…..janderson1770@yahoo.com

Co-Vice Presidents

Ellen Butkus…..(814) 757-9142…..twovirgos@verizon.net

Carole Faulk…..(716) 487–0485…..tenlen@windstream.net

Secretary

Linda Hiers…..(716) 484-6018…..lghiers@windstream.net

Treasurer

Anne Watkins…..(716) 782-4334…..annewatkins@juno.com

Administrator & Newsletter Editor

Susan Spillane…..(716) 664-6778…..mspillane@stny.rr.com