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November 10, 2002

FROM THE MINISTER...

Representatives from the three congregations I serve met in Oberlin the weekend of Oct 20. We told each group's history, then talked about what each needs and wants today. We finished our time together by looking at schedules and opportunities to share activities and resources. (For example, Oberlin and North Olmsted are currently sponsoring an adult R.E. course, Olmsted will host the Christmas Eve service and Sandusky has invited the other two congrega- tions to join them for the Passover/ Easter/Spring service.)

All that talk about the "interde- pendent web" comes alive when we consider the unique opportunity that is this three-way ministry. I'm truly excited by the prospect of three UU congregations committed to a joint ministry and increased presence. Stay tuned for more opportunities to work together.

Speaking of schedule, I have begun taking Monday as my day off. If you'd like me to attend a meeting or func- tion please try to schedule events for other days. (Don't hesitate to call in the event of an emergency, of course.)

What about the rest of my schedule? I lead a service at Kendal (a retire- ment center in Oberlin) monthly; I attend the meetings of lay-clergy groups in each city; I help develop coffeehouses in North Olmsted and Oberlin; I facilitate adult religious education classes and Sunday morning forums; I meet with members from all three congregations for pastoral care and/or counseling; I attend board and committee meetings; I design and lead worship services; I attend district and national meetings related to our movement and ministry; and I generally have a blast doing all the above!

As Thanksgiving approaches, please know that I'm grateful for this unique privilege to serve such three loving and loveable congregations. A privilege indeed.

INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP

Oberlin UU Fellowship will holding a new member welcoming ceremony at the January 5th service. Anyone interest- ed in joining the Fellowship is asked to get in touch with Rev Don Rollins.

Sunday Evening, 11/24, 7:30pm, Peace Community Church. Don Rollins will preach the sermon.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

At its October meeting, the Board voted to endorse the Committee on Ministry recommended by Don Rollins. This elected advisory committee of OUUF will evaluate OUUF ministry (lay and professional) and address any conflicts that arise around ministry. An educational process will commence in December. More information will be distributed at church November 10.

UNDERGROUND COFFEEHOUSE BEGINS!

Under the direction of the Oberlin Area Cooperating Ministries (and hosted by Don Rollins), the first edition of the Underground Coffee- house is set for November 15, at 8:00 PM at First United Methodist Church. Poets, musicians, storytellers and other performing artists are invited to share in an open mike format. A $1 donation is requested, as is a canned food item to be donated to an area agency. Come read, play, recite or listen!
PS: North Olmsted UU Congregation hosts a coffeehouse on the second Friday of each month, staring at 8:00 PM. Come check it out!

HAUNTING CHURCH/NEW UU

The final, "New UU" session will be held here in Oberlin at First Church at 7 pm on Tuesday, November 12. It will be of particular value to new people or anyone considering formal membership.

YOUR DONATIONS NEEDED

Help Grades 1-3 collect dry food and toiletry donations for Oberlin Com- munity Services food bank through Nov 24. Donation hamper in the lobby. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

OUUF BOARD MEETINGS

7pm, *usually* on the fourth Sunday of the month. November meeting 11/17 at Kim Peter's and Ed Vermue's, 117 Spring St. Visitors are always welcome; input of OUUF members is both welcome and guaranteed under our Bylaws.

UUs Alex and Penny Craig wrote this story/one-man presentation about grace, gratitude and family. Originally set in Downeast Maine, Don's version moves to Appalachia.

Ever wonder how we UUs got to be who and what we are? How do we function as a movement/District? Are we one religious tradition or many?

A government's first duty is to protect its citizens. Thus UUs in uniform are serving their country right now. So it's beyond disturbing, it's downright frightening, how difficult many liberals (and UUs in particular) found it to face the need for a stern military response to the 9/11 massacre. David, a Sixties Era opponent of the Vietnam War, will unpackage the differences between 1968 and 2001.

Natural Selection, or "Darwinism," has been one of the most misunderstood scientific theories since the first publication of "The Origin of Species". Unfortunately, some of these misunderstandings have been used to justify policies ranging from racism to genocide. Can Darwin be held responsible for the misapplication of his theories?

This is the Fellowship's annual celebration of the gifts of the Earth. Everyone is invited to bring bread to share. There will be no Sunday School or child care; children and adults will celebrate together.

HOW TO FIND THE OBERLIN U.U. FELLOWSHIP

OUUF meets in the Oberlin Early Childhood Center at 317 East College Street, marked by a large abstract statue of a parent and child. Service and Forum space is barrier-free. Parking in the front and to the east.