Second Congregational Meeting House Society

Unitarian Universalist11 Orange St. ~ P.O. Box 1023

Nantucket, MA 02554(508) 228-5466

Nantucket Unitarian Universalist Newsletter ~ April 2012

WHERE LAND AND SEA MEETReflections on the life and lives of a religious community

by Rev. David M. Horst

How are we to live? This is a central religious question, and at our Sunday services in April we seek answers from radically different perspectives.

We remember and honor the Jewish tradition in the context of the Exodus and the story of the enslaved Israelites who escaped from Pharaoh to seek the Promised Land. In those tribal times, absolute faith in God gave meaning and purpose to human life. Does this trust in the super-natural God still guide our living?

The views of the ancient Greek philosopher, Epicurus, who imagined a wholly material world and disavowed any belief in a spiritual realm, informs many rational-minded people today. He reasoned that the ultimate goal of our one life is pleasure. Is this the meaning of existence that we seek?

The Christian tradition, through the suffering and resurrection of the one called Christ, teaches that his sacrifice ensures our salvation and a life beyond death. Should the expectation of a heavenly reward be our guide for living?

Caring for mother Earth guides the ethical living for many. We are creatures of this planet, formed of the same star stuff and cosmic energy. Does love and care of our planet home give us the answers we seek for a meaningful life?

When we share the flowers of spring in our Flower Communion, might we find re-emergent hope in the beauty of nature? Might we find a personal sense of renewal through this simple ritual?

There’s more to this question of life, however: How are we to live in the face of tragedy and death? Remembering the victims of the Holocaust on the Yom Hashoah Remembrance forces us to confront the evil that humans do. Whatever beliefs you and I hold about the worth and dignity of every person fall to ashes at the horror of genocide.

We are caught inescapably between the goodness of life and the despair of life. The answers are elusive and the questions never cease; but by the power of faith and the strength of will, we go forward -- celebrating when we can and crying when we must.

To life! To hope! To the renewal of our spirits! May we gather together each Sunday in true meeting. Heart to heart, soul to soul. Let us live!

“Where land and sea meet” is my Nantucket analogy for congregational life. A church lives in a tidal zone where our private and public lives meet and converge like the meeting place of the land and sea.

JOIN US AT 10:45 A.M. FOR SERVICES EVERY

SUNDAY.

Sunday, April 1“Primrose Sunday”

Sunday, April 8“Easter/Passover

Celebration”

Sunday, April 15“Yom Hashoah Remembrance”

Sunday, April 22“Earth Day Celebration”

Fourth Sunday Lay Led Service

Sunday, April 29“Flower Communion”

Families Welcome! Religious Education

for Children Each Week

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MUSIC COMMITTEE REPORTby Jack Reindel, Committee Chair

Thanks to some helpful direction from Rev. David Horst, the Fundraising Committee and the Music Committee have joined forces for the planning and presentation of this year’s Thursday Noonday Concert Series. The two groups met together on March 21 and it was determined that theMusic Committee would choose and hire the performers for the eight Thursday concerts beginning July 5th and ending on August 30. The Fundraising Committee folks will takeon the all-important publicity tasks--posters, flyers, media, contacts, etc.

Among the artists scheduled are superstars like Diane and Bob Lehman and Marcia Hempel, who will return on July 26 to play her beloved Goodrich organ.

In addition to the Noonday Concert Series, the ever-popu-lar jazz pianist Matt Hutchinson will not only be here for a Thursday date (July 12) in the Series, but has also plans to play twilight interludes on Tuesdays throughout the sum-mer.

We have the good fortune of receiving important financial support again this season from ReMain Nantucket, which we enjoy because of the similarity of our missions - to keep the downtown district culturally active and appealing. Our Noonday Concert Series helps fulfill our pledge to support for the missions of both organizations.

Please mark your calendars for UU Church attendance at both events throughout the summer and enjoy!

SOUTH CHURCH PRESERVATION FUND UPDATEby Leslie W. Ottinger, M.D., SCPF Chair

Plans for the work to be done on the main sanctu-ary this spring are now finalized. This will include refinishing the mahogany surfaces as well as some of the painted areas such as the pew doors and floor trim. The side lighting fixtures were in severe need of replacement and new ones are being fabricated in the pattern of those on the organ. The Marine Home Center has been selected to supply and install the new runners and front carpets. In the meantime, work to make the windows weather tight and to replace inap-propriate sashes, as was done for the tower, is proceed-ing in a stepwise fashion.

The church bell is sounded by a bell striker system with an electro-magnetic hammer. Strong demands are placed on the system by the fact that the bell sounds nearly 200 times a day and by the rigor of our island’s weather. We are fortunate to have found Alan An-drois of Americlock Inc. in St. Louis when the bell and clocks were in need of major restoration in 2002. Since then, he has kept an eye on the system. When he is here in June to service the 1881 town clock at the Whaling Museum, he will be replacing worn compo-nents of the bell striker system. The huge town clock mechanism at the museum, like the electric clocks now in place in the tower, belonged to the town. It occupied our clock room for just under 100 years.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATEby Sissy Girard, Committee Member

Thanks to all who joined the P&J’ers at the post office as they recently held a peace vigil protesting the continued U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. There will be more scheduled vigils during the spring and summer months. We meet at 10 – 11 a.m. at the Federal Street Post Office. Dates will be announced. All are welcome!

On Wednesday, May 23rd at 7 p.m. The Welcome will be presented at the Atheneum. This is a film about war vet-erans returning home, the post-traumatic stress they face, and how they are able to transform and heal. John Merson has agreed to present the film and lead discussion/Q&A afterward. Light refreshments will be served.

1815 Portuguese Bell

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORTby Bob Hall, President

March began with the shocking news of our Bradford Garrison’s death. Bradford was our shining star. Everyone who came to know Bradford quickly came to respect him for his humanity and talent. Bradford was a strong leader in our newly formed RE program, leading the workshop on February 11. He was the man behind the scenes in our Christmas Carol service.

His children were mature beyond their years reflecting his strong parenting abilities. We were not alone in our love for Bradford. At his memorial service the sanctuary was filled with his friends even though he had been here barely a year. Although the service we held for him in the cold room was warm and touching, it cannot begin to fill the hole in our hearts. We approved sending Rev. Horst to Bradford’s service in Salt Lake City who returned to give a very positive report after the service on March 18. The RE program is continuing well with the help of dedicated volunteers despite our sad loss.

The trustees have been busy. The work proposed by Verizon has taken the time of several of us. The process is complex and technical with our role being protectors of our precious home. Much credit is owed to Craig Spery for his insight and oversight. In more routine work we approved a safety policy for children in the RE program. Christine Sanford works hard on several subcommittees, one of which was organizing the keys to the building. The trustees approved rekeying the building. We approved including the sexton’s fee in all wedding rentals. Work transitioning bookkeeping to our office continues. This is a slow, but critically important task involving much careful work by our skilled office manager, Kim LaRue.

Georgen Charnes has worked hard on an upgrade and face lift of our website. We approved funds to get the project finalized. Georgen deserves much credit for her dedicated work, and her patience. We have been doing background research on implementing a hearing assistance device, much to the credit of Jack Reindel. Importantly, we have been meeting with a subcommittee and the Personnel Committee to obtain the services of Diane Lehman as acting music director.

The trustees approved the preliminary plans submitted by the SCPF for completing work on phase four of the sanctuary restoration project. These include many projects including repairing a leak in the lantern roof, washing the mildew on the paint, work on the mahogany on the pews, and work on the lectern. The window on the north wall will be completed as well as other work on the windows. The policy of this Board is to make all our work and decisions open to all members. Much is happening. If you want to learn the details of anything, or become involved in any way, you are most welcome.

Nantucket Unitarian Universalist Fundraising Committee

invites you to our 1st Annual

“Souper Bowl” Sunday, February 5 5:30 p.m. • $10 per person

Home of Christine Sanford • 3 Mill St.

The Nantucket UU Fundraising Committee invites you to join us to watch the NE Patriots and the NY Giants com-pete in Super Bowl XLVI. Bring your favorite cold weather soup and/or salad to share, along with your own beverages. We’ll supply snacks and rolls. It’ll be fun to enjoy the game together!

Like to watch the commercials and halftime show but you’re not a serious football fan? We’ll have one room with a TV set up for your group. In another room, die-hard football fans will be in front of the other TV rooting for their favorite team.

All proceeds will go to the 2012 operating budget. Sign up today on the clipboard in the Activities Room at the Coffee Hour after service. Questions? Ask Linda Spery or Pete Sawyer, Fundraising Committee co-chairs. Space is limited so don’t delay!

FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATEby Brian Girard, Committee Chair

Your Finance Committee has been meeting regularly, and has faced challenges of change. We are moving in the direc-tion of “pay as you go” financing, notably in the service areas of Music and RE. Our reliance on capital withdrawal from investment principal is dramatically reduced, and after separation bonuses, we enjoy a much more favorable monthly prospectus. Because of some changes in bookkeeping responsibilities and systems changeover, we apologize for not providing an en-lightened financial summary thus far in 2012. Better nothing than something inaccurate or misleading. Next month we’ll come through. Promise! Members of the committee are Brian Girard (chair), Marty Eerhart, Larry Miller, Craig Spery, Jack Weinhold (treasurer) and ex officio members Bob Hall and Rev. David Horst.

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FUNDRAISING NEWS:ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNERby Marty Eerhart, Board Member

Not sure if the luck of the Irish had anything to do with it, but on St. Patty’s day, 22 people from either Irish decent, or those who temporarily turning Irish, after being “baptized” with green beer, got together as a fun-draiser for our congregation, and raised $400. It was a great time had by all. Or, as John Rivera explained at the last Sunday service, those who carry the all elusive green shells around their necks, are the keepers of the secret to a great Irish good time.

Those who want to learn the secrets of the green shells that so many of us were wearing during that service would need to attend next year’s St. Patty’s fundraiser. Catherine shared at that same service, it was great food, and lots if colorful characters resulting in a wonderful time. Because of the incredible positive response, we will have an Alice in Wonderland event this June, where we hope to see many of you with all the (Mad) hatters we can find!

UU VOLUNTEER DAY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITYSATURDAY, APRIL 14 by Craig Spery

SAVE THE DATE: “TED TALKS”

Two video presentations from the Ted Talks library (www.ted.com/pages/about) will be the basis for an evening salon on the subject of “compassion.”

Mary Beth Splaine and Jack Weinhold invite you to join them from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 to watch and listen (a large projected presentation) to two views on the multi-faceted idea of human compassion, and share your experiences and perspective on the subject.

The event will take place at their barn-studio, 11 South Shore Road. Please call 508-228-5242 to reserve a place.

Congregation members and friends are invit-ed to participate in helping to bring affordable housing to deserving Nantucket families. We will gather at the worksite at 5 Pochick Ave, off Surfside Rd, at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. We are currently working on two houses at the site, one nearing completion and the other just starting. No construction experience is required and all skill levels are welcome. In-struction and lunch are provided. The newer house will be the future home of the Ed, Sharlene and Ben Rudd from our con-gregation. Come show your support and learn about the state-of-the-art energy efficient construction techniques being used. For more information, contact Habitat Con-struction Supervisor Craig Spery at 508-228-7892, or craigspery@aol.com

I received a check today for the donations that people had contributed after the An-nual Meeting. I want to thank them so much for their generosity, and it will help a lot with this time of transition in my life, working out my new life on the Cape.

-Marcia Hempel

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THE NEW RE: THE NEXT CHAPTERby Casey Sayre Boukus, RE Committee Chair

I sit here at the last minute struggling with this issue’s column unsure what to write for some reason. The program itself blossoms with new energy and ideas however. The children have experienced stories, weaving, painting, backpacking for water, their own special food table, freshly made grilled cheese sandwiches, and lots of focused attention from new adults in the community. I am proud to be a part of this evolving group.

Losing Bradford, however, was a huge blow to this creative endeavor, as his energy, enthusiasm and commitment as one of three lead teachers are and will be sorely missed. He had become a close friend to me very quickly and was a large influence in my joining this group. When I wrote last issue’s column, I concluded it with the information to contact him if interested in working with the RE committee and/or the teachers. Now that connection can be made through me or any other committee member while we regroup and plan ahead for the future.

I am so grateful for the love and support of this congregation for each other and for anyone who has lost someone. The strength of connection and character that I see within the people here, the willingness to speak, to share, to accept, to embrace, the joy at gathering, the creative ways we share what matters to us, the music and singing together, the blend-ing of different faiths and backgrounds, the cooperative methods of running a church community; these are the lessons our children shall learn here. These are the reasons for RE in the first place. Spring is here and let us plant new ideas and hope for our children, our community and the world. Blessed be.

I wanted to reprint my poem for Bradford here, as many have asked me for it.

“Fallen Angel” for Bradford

o, you pirate, swashbuckling comedianyou first swaggered into my awareness out of Neverlandmusic and laughter in your wakeand then the undertaker’s parlorwe wove humor and wickedness with ghastly white facesinto theaterand lasting friendshippeople speak of seeing ghostsbut I am haunted by what we didn’t seebeneath the shining radiance of your presence and evident sadness of your past losswas it a cancer of a different sort?a wound that went far deeper than the beautiful scar that split the painted angel on your chest?you touched us allyou became my brotheryour crooked smile is inked upon my heartthe magic of your children lingers in the air around usand the story feels unfinishedwhat happened to the final act?the curtain fallsI miss you

“We would like to be known as an open, diverse, loving and respectful, compassionate and supportive congregation. Building on the foundation of Sunday worship services with uplifting music and inspiring and challenging sermons, we would like to be known as a place where there are exciting, provocative, interesting, and fun year-round youth and adult programs that motivate involvement of the congregation in the direction of community outreach and social justice.” -Board of Trustees, 2012 Draft Vision Statement

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APRIL 2012 WORKSHIP & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THEMES

SUNDAY, APRIL 1 • “PRIMROSE SUNDAY”Join Rev. Horst as he takes us on a stroll down the primrose path! We’ll consider the life of pleasure as presented in the philosophy of Epicurus and his greatest disciple Lucretius and contrast this with the path of suffering as promoted by the later Christian church. Sissy Girard, Susan Richards, and Anne Sutherland lead religious education. Diane Lehman is the pianist and Gerry Mack leads the choir. Coffee and conversation follow the programs. All children and youth receive a springtime primrose to take home, courtesy of the Religious Education Committee.

SUNDAY, APRIL 8 • “EASTER/PASSOVER CELEBRATION”A funny thing happened to a Jew named Yeshua ben Yosef in the land of Judea during the rule of the Ro-man king Herod the Great: This enigmatic rabbi from a middle-class Jewish family became the founder and namesake of the most powerful religion in history of humankind – and in the process he lost his Jewishness, his name, and his Semitic origin. At today’s service Rev. Horst discusses the links between Passover and Easter traditions in the year when these important Jewish and Christian holidays overlap. Barbara Elder provides the music, and Gerry Mack leads the choir. Yve Shevalier and members of the Religious Education Committee are the RE teachers. Coffee and conversation follow the programs.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 • “YOM HASHOAH REMEMBRANCE”Each year Jews around the world remember the six million Jews who died as victims of Nazi atrocities on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We join our Jewish sisters and brothers in this day of remembrance, mourning also the millions of Roma (Gypsies) and Slavs, political and religious dissidents, the physically disabled, and gays and lesbians who perished as well. David Horst leads the service and dis-cusses the Holocaust and recent genocides in other parts of the world. Mollie Glazer performs on piano and cello and conducts the choir. Sissy Girard, Susan Richard, and Linda Spery lead religious education. Enjoy coffee and conversation following the programs. Following coffee and conversation at 12:15 we gather in Hendrix Hall for our monthly congregational conversation. Today we explore ways to cope with the horror of war and attempt to find hope in death and ashes.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 • “CELEBRATION OF EARTH DAY”Join us for this Fourth Sunday Lay Led Service as we honor the celebration of Earth Day. Yve Shevalier of the Fourth Sunday Committee will perform a solo accompanied by Diane Lehman on piano . Diane will also be leading the choir and playing the piano for our chosen hymns. Casey Boukus and David Barham lead the religious education program.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 • “FLOWER COMMUNION”Join us for a “Flower Communion” as part of the Daffodil Festival Weekend celebration on Nantucket. Bring a flower to place in the communal bouquet, and then take one home as a reminder of love and community we share. Children are welcome to participate. Norbert Čapek, founder of the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia, created the Flower Communion in 1923, which is now celebrated by Unitar-ian Universalist congregations throughout the U.S. His wife, Mája, visited Nantucket at the beginning of a speaking tour in 1939; her husband remained in Czechoslovakia, was arrested by the Gestapo, and executed at Dachau in 1942. David Horst leads the service. Music provided by Barbara Elder and the choir. Sissy Girard and Susan Richards lead the religious education program. Enjoy coffee and conversa-tion following the programs.

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MEMORIAL DAY AUCTION UPDATEby Linda Spery and Pete Sawyer, Fundraising Committee Co-Chairs

Have you returned your Memorial Day auction item list? Many thanks to all of you who have submitted your com-pleted forms of goods and services you’d like to offer for either the silent or live auction.

The Memorial Day auction form is inserted once again in the Weathervane. Please fill it out and mail it in to or drop it by the church office. You can also drop it in the offering plate on Sunday. Our next fundraising committee meeting is Thursday, April 12, when we will be putting our Memo-rial Day auction planning into high gear.

If you can submit your auction item list before April 12th, that would be great. Our goal is 100% involvement by the entire congregation with participation in event planning, volunteering during Memorial Day weekend, auction item submittals and, of course, bidding! Chairing the auction are Jack Weinhold, Linda Spery and Pete Sawyer.

If you’re a new member or friend in the congregation and would like to join forces with one of the long-time mem-bers to plan a dinner or event to offer, it’s a great way to get to know each other better, build community and share the responsibilities.

If you haven’t responded yet, maybe the list of items received thus far from some of our talented UU members and friends will give you some inspiration:

-Artist Christine Sanford, whose work is featured in many private collections on island and beyond (in addition to the Museum of Art and Design in New York), was the first to submit her auction form. Christine will be donating an 8 x 10” oil painting to the auction. -Gretchen Anderson will be lovingly crocheting a color-ful carriage/stroller baby blanket (washable, 25” x 30”) to donate for the auction.

-Man of many talents Marty Eerhart has donated his in-structor talents for three dance classes and also a “Massage 101” class.

-One lucky auction bidder will win a St. Louis BBQ baby back ribs dinner for 10 prepared by chef extraordinaire Brian Girard. Included will be his famous bluefish pate and crusty baguettes for the appetizer course, accompanied

FOURTH SUNDAY REPORTby Christine Sanford, Committee Member

Thanks to all who have participated in and attended our Fourth Sunday Lay Led Services this winter! We've had a good time planning and leading the services. It's been a rewarding opportunity to get to know more about our congregation and community .

Our next service will be April 22nd and we will be honoring the celebration of Earth Day. Yve Shevalier will perform a solo accompanied by Diane Lehman on piano . Diane will also be leading the choir and playing the piano for our chosen hymns.

Look forward to seeing you all and let’s hope the daffodils last through the month!

by smoked ribs, cole slaw, Ghirardelli bittersweet choco-late mousse and French Gaufrette wafers, all delivered to your Nantucket house or cottage.

-Linda and Craig Spery will be joining forces with Fran-cophiles Mary Beth Splaine and Jack Weinhold to offer a French bistro dinner guaranteed to transport you to an evening in Provence without ever getting on the airplane. All things French, from music to cuisine and wine. Bon appetit!

-Linda and Craig Spery and Mary Beth Splaine and Jack Weinhold are also planning a family friendly participa-tory event--“Sound of Music Sing-a-long.” Come dressed as your favorite “Sound of Music” character and join in watching this classic Julie Andrews film AND sing your heart out during the movie with song sheets provided with all of the movie’s favorite tunes (“Edelweiss” etc.)

--Annye Camara, Jack Weinhold and Mary Beth Splaine will be hosting a “Foodie Feast” for 10 lucky bidders who will enjoy an evening of local organic food and entertain-ment in the Barn-Studio.

-Like classic movies and pizza? Then Jack and Mary Beth invite you to bid on this auction item they are offer-ing, featuring screenings on the giant silver screen at the Barn-Studio.

Second Congregational Meeting House Society11 Orange St. ~ P.O. Box 1023Nantucket, MA 02554

NON PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDNANTUCKET, MA

02554PERMIT NO. 5

Second Congregational Meeting House SocietyUnitarian Universalist

11 Orange St. ~ P.O. Box 1023Nantucket, MA 02554

(508) 228-5466 (Office)www.unitarianchurchnantucket.org

uuchurchnantucket@verizon.net

Church StaffDavid M. Horst, Interim Minister ~ Edward B. Anderson, Minister Emeritus

Kim N. LaRue, Office Administrator and Receptionist ~ Mimi Jones and Dennis Santangelo, Sextons

Board of TrusteesBob Hall (President), Christine Sanford (Vice President), Marty Eerhart (Clerk), Jack Weinhold

(Treasurer), Brian Girard, David Hall, John Rivera, Linda Spery, Marina Sutro

Church Office HoursMonday - Friday ~ 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Minister’s Office HoursTuesday (10 a.m. - noon) and Friday (noon - 2 p.m.)