Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive, Madison WI 53711–4843 (608) 271-8218 admin@uuprairie.org Located off the south frontage road (West Beltline Hwy Rd.) near the Seminole Hwy exit. PRAIRIE FIRE September 8, 2006 "As the prairie stretches out until it becomes one with the sky, let us reach out to touch and be one with the natural world and with one another." (Bond of Union) Prairie Fire is the semi-monthly newsletter of Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society. The two most recent issues may be seen at http://uuprairie.org President: Mike Briggs (608) 835–0914 Editor: Dan Proud, admin@uuprairie.org; (608) 661–0776 PRAIRIE CALENDAR Sunday, September 24 *9:00 a.m. Prairie Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m. "Highlights from General Assembly" presented by Sarah Lord, Barbara Park, Nancy Schraufnagel, and Pat Watkins Tuesday, September 26 5:00 a.m. Prairie serves breakfast at Men's Shelter. *2:00 p.m. Prairie Elders meets at Oakwood West. Wednesday, September 27 6:30 p.m. Midweek Meal @ Prairie Thursday, September 28 7:30 p.m. Social Action Committee Meeting Sunday, October 1 9:00 a.m. Prairie Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m. "I'm an American, Too" presented by Celia Farran. Wednesday, October 4 6:30 p.m. Midweek Meal @ Prairie *7:30 p.m. New Member Orientation Thursday, October 5 *7:00 p.m. Prairie Film Group Sunday, October 8 9:00 a.m. Prairie Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m. "Against the Amendment" presented by FAIR Wisconsin *11:30 a.m. EnAct Study Group Kickoff Sunday, October 8-Sunday, October 15 Interfaith Hospitality Network Week Monday, October 9 TBD p.m. EnAct Study Group Tuesday, October 10 *7:30 p.m. New Member Orientation Wednesday, October 11 6:30 p.m. Midweek Meal @ Prairie 7:30 p.m. Prairie Board Meeting Sunday, October 15 9:00 a.m. Prairie Choir rehearsal 10:00 a.m."Peace Art" presented by Russ Gardner. Sunday, October 22 9:00 a.m. Prairie Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m. Fall Frolic for kids 10:00 a.m. Presentation by ministerial candidate Ralph Tyksinski. *11:30 a.m. Congregational Meeting. NEXT PRAIRIE FIRE DEADLINE: Sunday, October 1 DETAILS OF COMING PROGRAMS Sunday, September 24 Each June, UU’s gather from around the United States and beyond to work together, worship together, learn together and play together. Come hear Prairie’s attendees share the highlights of this year’s gathering in Saint Louis—-from the UU Service Committee’s work in the region affected by Hurricane Katrina, to lessons about democracy in action, to reflections on the movement toward Right Relations in Unitarian Universalism. General Assembly offers us a chance to connect what is going on at Prairie to what is going on in our larger movement and lets us share in the energy and enthusiasm of many wonderful UU’s. Come be a part of it! Sunday, October 1 What does it mean to be a Patriotic American? This country is ever evolving into a cultural and religious melting pot of diversity. Through story and song Celia explores what it truly means to be a Patriot as well as the great need to reconnect with the foundation that our forefathers laid. Celia is a cross between an earthy Enya, Tori Amos, and Gilda Radner! A red-headed Renaissance Woman, Celia is a singer/songwriter, actress, and storyteller who has perfected the magic of combining the silly and the sacred. Her Web site is www.celiaonline.com. For nine years now, requests made to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to add the pentacle, a common Pagan/ Wiccan symbol of faith, to the list of approved symbols allowed on soldiers' headstones have been ignored. Sergeant Patrick Stewart, an American, died fighting for his country in Afghanistan on September 25, 2005. His space on the Veterans' Memorial Wall in Fernley, Nevada, continues to remain blank while his family waits for approval to add their symbol of faith to his plaque. Celia will present her song "Symbol", which was written to honor the memory of Sgt. Stewart. She will present information about the history of the Pentacle Quest and the current status of the effort. Sunday, October 8 In November 2006, Wisconsin has the historic opportunity to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban civil unions and deny marriage rights to many couples. A speaker from FAIR Wisconsin will present this important issue. OUR SOCIETY PRAIRIE ELDERS SEPTEMBER 26 Prairie Elders Meeting: Tuesday, September 26, 2:00-3:50 p.m., Oakwood Village West, Oaks Building, Second Floor Exercise Room. First segment: A discussion about our group. Prepare to your reasons for coming to Prairie Elders and your for making our gatherings more meaningful to you. We hope to offer enough variety to meet everybody’s needs at least part of the time. Those who wish may send comments and suggestions for topics or activities in advance to Doleta Chapru or Rose Smith. These will be shared with the group. Second segment (as time permits): swapping tales about driving, car ownership, etc. This perhaps humorous exchange could lead to a more serious, future discussion on the impact of the combustion engine and implications for succeeding generations. (A new Dodge Ram gets 7-9 mpg in town.) The Exercise Room will be open at 1:30 for those who wish to come early forcasual conversation. Participants are welcome to come and go as necessaryfor appointments, rides, chair attendants, etc. Refreshments: Please bring a handful of snacks to pass, if convenient. Beverages are furnished. About us: Prairie Elders aims to provide good times and mutual support for Prairie UU Members and Friends over 65. We also welcome other UUs who live in the facility where we meet. For directions, rides, parking and further information please contact Rose Smith 233-3363 or Doleta Chapru 238-4970. Coordinating Committee members Donna Murdoch, 238-3802, and Rosemary Dorney, 238-4382, are not available as contacts for the September meeting. PLEASE CHECK LOST AND FOUND ITEMS By request, the deadline for picking up lost and found from the table in the foyer has been extended. Sunday, September 24 is the last date these items will be displayed. They will then be donated. PLAYREADERS HOSTS SOUGHT Prairie Playreaders is looking for hosts to hold playreading get-togethers. Hosts get to choose the play being read. Comedy, tragedy, drama, all are welcome. You can also provide a treat to entice readers, of course. Please contact Susan Hagstrom at (1) 238-4970; (2) SusanTanyaAmI(at)aol.com or hagstst(at)dhfs.state.wi.us or hagstst(at)yahoo.com; or (3) 916 Shorewood Blvd, Madison, WI 53705 if you would like to host a playreading. Let her know which month (or date) would be preferable for you. ORIENTATION TO PRAIRIE SOCIETY OCTOBER 4 AND 10 The Membership Committee is offering two Orientation sessions, Wednesday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 10, 7:30 p.m., to discuss Unitarian Universalism in general and Prairie Society in particular. A third evening may be scheduled to accommodate your needs. All are welcome. Participants do not have to be new to Unitarian-Universalism or to Prairie to enjoy two evenings of conversation among friends. In the first session, we will discuss the religions of our childhood and those individual paths that brought us to Prairie's door and begin a discussion of UU history and "beliefs". We'll continue this exploration into the second session when we will share the history of our Society, how Prairie works (the secret handshake, etc.), and how each of us can find a find a home and contribute to its success. Please contact Rick Ruecking at 838-8540 so we can plan accordingly for child care and light snacks. Rick Ruecking PRAIRIE FILM GROUP The new Prairie Film Group will meet on Thursday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. to view "Chocolat". Everyone is welcome. EnACT STUDY GROUP KICKOFF MEETING OCTOBER 8 Did "An Inconvenient Truth" get you fired up to save the world and stop global warming? But you wonder what one person could possibly do? Have I got a deal for you . . . The EnAct program (Environmental Action) is packed with tons of ideas for how you can conserve in areas like solid waste, energy, transportation, etc. There are ideas for the newbie to conservation as well as for people who are already doing a lot. The EnAct team will have a kickoff meeting on Sunday, october 8, after service. The regular sessions will be on Monday nights once a month, starting on October 9. For more details, contact Judy Skog. RECOMMENDATION FOR A CONSULTING MINISTER The Minister Search Committee recommends that Prairie accept Reverend Ralph Tyksinski to be a quarter-time consulting minister for Prairie. Ralph and his wife Karleen met many Prairie members and friends at the our Bethel Horizon's retreat. We will be arranging times for Ralph to meet with Prairie members prior to Sunday, October 22. Ralph will give a presentation during our program on October 22. Ralph is a native of Chicago. He grew up in the northwest side neighborhood of Portage Park. He attended Knox (Lombard) College in Galesburg, Illinois, majoring in Philosophy and Religion. He then pursued graduate studies in the history of religions and ministry at the University of Chicago Divinity School. While a call to parish ministry did not come at that time, he chose to follow his passion for teaching young children and pursued a career in elementary education. He taught at the Baker Demonstration School in Evanston, IL and at the Laboratory School of the University of Chicago. In addition to his elementary teaching experience, Ralph has served in professional administrative positions in graduate and post-graduate medical education, (Portland, Oregon VA Hospital; Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland); emergency management training and education (FEMA); and in adult education programming with the National Endowment for the Humanities (Howard County, Maryland Library). Ralph has served as interim minister at the First Universalist Church, Orange, Mass.; the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta, Ohio; and as consulting minister with the Lake Country Unitarian Universalist Church, Delafield, Wis. He has also been a hospital chaplain at the York Medical Center, York, Pa., and at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md. Ralph and his wife, Karleen, have three grown children and three grandchildren. They have been a part of the Unitarian-Universalist fold for more than thirty-five years (Evanston Unitarian Church, Evanston, Ill.; First Unitarian, Chicago, Ill.; and the Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, Lutherville, Md., where Ralph was ordained as a Parish Minister in 1999.) Ralph enjoys gardening, photography, folk music and cooking. He and Karleen are avid bicyclists and hikers, and love camping in Wisconsin. They live in Stoughton. Ken Skog, Chair of the Minister Search Committee PARISH MEETING OCTOBER 22 TO VOTE ON MINISTER After the Sunday program on October 22 we will have a Parish meeting (starting at 11:30) to vote on accepting Ralph Tyksinski for our consulting minister position. This is the official notification of the Parish meeting and the agenda. Please bring finger food to share. CIRCLE DINNERS ARE SET If you signed up for Circle Dinners, you will soon be receiving a call from the conveners of your circle. For those of you unfamiliar with them, Circle Dinners are dinner parties for small groups of Prairie members and friends who like to eat delicious food and engage in stimulating conversations. It is a great way to meet newcomers and old timers. The style is casual and potluck, the talk is good, and the food delicious. Here's how they work: The Membership Committee organizes names on the overall list into groups of usually 8-12 people. Usually 3 or more households are represented in a Circle Dinner group. The households can be composed of families, couples and singles. We will ask one household to convene the first dinner, usually at their home, but the dinner can be held anywhere that is agreeable. It can be held at a park, at Prairie, etc. Once the Membership Committee sets up a group, it is up to members of that group to finalize date, time and place to meet. Paula Pachciarz MEMBERSHIP ADDRESS UPDATE Jerry Simmons 3001 Harvey Street, APT. B, Madison, WI 53705 cell phone: 577-1199 email: jersim47@yahoo.com NEW DIRECTORY Please report any corrections for the new directory to Dan Proud at 661-0776 or by e-mail to prouds (at) tds.net. An update to the directory will be distributed the beginning of October. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION October 22 will be our annual Fall Frolic. If you would like to play games with our children and stay overnight at Prairie let me know. Can't attend our overnight? No problem! We need substitute teachers, people to carpool and help out for Service Sundays. If you would like to volunteer please sign-up or let me know. Rebecca Malke youthcoordinator@uuprairie.org UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST NEWS SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM SERIES AT FIRST UNITARIAN The film series was started in 2001 by the Human Rights Committee to make human rights issues more visible and plan social action on these issues both within First Unitarian Society's (FUS) congregation and in the greater Madison community. Last year the sponsorship of the series broadened to the entire Social Justice Council, so that issues of economic justice, environmental justice, sexual orientation, and peace and justice would be included. Films are selected to educate, encourage dialogue and, hopefully, increase social activism. Film Schedule: Sep. 22 The Empty Chair [on the death penalty] Oct. 20 Daddy and Papa Nov. 17 A Force More Powerful: India--Defying the Crown Dec. No film Jan. 19 You Wake Me Up: Women and AIDS in Africa Feb. 16 A Force More Powerful: South Africa-Freedom in Our Lifetime Mar. 16 An Inconvenient Truth Apr. 20 A Force More Powerful: Poland--We’ve Caught God by the Arm May 18 Paperclips Following the film showing, there is always time to talk about the film. Some evenings there may be a guest speaker who has some experience or knowledge of this event or issue. Great refreshments are available, and of course popcorn. The Film Series is held on Friday evenings starting at 7:00 p.m. It offers an enjoyable, FREE, night out. VIDEOS FROM GA TO BE SHOWN AT FUS ON MONDAYS James Reeb and Prairie UU members are invited to join First Unitarian Society (FUS) for Monday General Assembly (GA) Video Nights by the FUS Denominational Affairs Committee. The committee purchased the DVDs of the the programs at GA that were video-taped. This is the first year videos of very high quality were made available. They are no longer available as streaming video on the UUA Web site. Monday Video Night starts at 7 p.m. in Room C-3, the room in the lower meeting house with the comfy couches. Join us for popcorn and inspiration. Here is our schedule: Oct. 2 Plenary I: Our members voted Plenary the most exciting part of the 2006 General Assembly. Come see what the excitement is all about. You will see a new and different American Indian response to our traditional invitation for words of wisdom from the native people on whose land we hold GA; an introduction to mission topic of 2006 GA - Right Relations; review of Parliamentary Procedures, Commission on Social Witness introduction of Statement of Conscious proposal regarding the Threat of Global Warming, the Study Action Proposal, Peace Making, and the five Action of Immediate Witness Proposals; introduction of new UU Congregations, Youth Caucus and Young Adult Caucus. Oct. 9 Getting on Message: Challenging the Christian Right, presented by the Rev. Peter Laarman and Rev. William Sinkford. The “Religious Right” claims an association between “Christianity” and the conservative social policies. This workshop emerged from Beacon’s new book Getting on Message, and offers ways to frame liberal religious responses “from the heart of the gospel” on war and peace, marriage, the death penalty, economic justice, prisons and globalization. Oct. 23 John Murray Distinguished Lecture: Hospitality and Grace by the Rev. Robert M. Hardies, Senior Minister, All Souls, D.C. In Universalism’s economy of grace, hospitality is the basic unit of currency. How can this gracious and hospitable faith transform us and our world? Oct. 30 Church of the Larger Fellowship Worship Service by the Rev. Jane Rzepka and the Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt. Lively Unitarian-Universalist worship at its best with wonderful, rocking music. Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 Plenary II: How Study Action Issues Work for Congregations and the UUA; Introduction and Statements of Support for Proposed Study Action Issue Peace Making; UUA Budget; Breakthrough Congregation: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes; Plenary Discussion: What are the common traits of our growing congregations? What are the common traits of those with stagnant or declining membership?; Plenary Discussion: What do we need to teach-–as best we can-- to children, youth and new members?; Introduction of GA Service Project Nov. 20 “What Are We Doing Here? With the Rev. Josh Pawelek of UU Society of East Manchester, Conn. As silence graces the mountaintop, Elijah steps to the cave entrance. A voice breaks through the silence, asking, “What are you doing here? In search of right relationship, we will encounter such moments of silence, followed by this very potent question. Our answer will make the difference. Nov. 27 Plenary III: Beacon Press report; Starr King report; presentation of O. Eugene Pickett award; Breakthrough Congregation: Unitarial Universalist Church of Annapolis; Implementation of past Statements of Conscience; Debate on Statement of Conscience: Threat of Global Warming; Review of Potential Actions of Immediate Witness. Karen Jaeger, C0 Chair Denominational Affairs Committee, FUS Madison OTHER NEWS MIDDLE EAST SERIES CONTINUES AT OVERTURE CENTER A special five-part weekly series on “Understanding the Middle East” continues on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. through October 11 at the Overture Center for the Arts. The presentations are free and open to the public. Free tickets (suggested donation $2) are recommended to ensure seating and are available in the Wisconsin Academy’s James Watrous Gallery at Overture, third floor. Gallery hours: Tues./Wed./Thurs. 11-5, Fri./Sat. 11-9, Sun. 1-5, closed Mondays. Presentations are as follows: September 27: The Dilemma of Fundamentalism—-Martin E. Marty, Capitol Theater, 7–8:30 p.m. On the dilemma of fundamentalism as opposed to constructive religious practice, with an emphasis on how this problem pertains to the Middle East. October 4: Beyond the U.S. Veil: Women in the Middle East-—Mary Layoun, Promenade Hall, 7–8:30 p.m. A discussion of the status and promise of women in the Middle East. October 11: Paths to Peace-—Nadav Shelef and Ali Abootalebi, Overture Lobby, 7–8:30 p.m. Presenting their views on possible paths to peace in this embattled region. FRIENDS OF INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR PEACE COUNCIL FORMED The Friends of the International Committee for the Peace Council is forming to raise local and regional awareness about the Peace Council. The next meeting of the Friends will be on September 28, at First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Daniel Gomez-Ibanez, Executive Director of the Peace Council, will speak on this year's project in France. He will share the newest award-winning TV ads for the Council's work. Information on what the Friends are doing and how to join and support the Council's work will be provided. Light refreshment and fellowship time will be provided. The Peace Council is an international organization located in Madison, Wisconsin. Its mission is to demonstrate that peace is possible, and that effective inter-religious collaboration to make peace is also possible. The Peace Council was formed in the early 1990's. It travels worldwide in its work. Members of the Peace Council include Elise Boulding, Joan Chittister, the Dalai Lama, Thomas Keating and Desmond Tutu. The Web site www.peacecouncil.org will give you a full description of their work over the past ten years. The Peace Council's work is supported by voluntary contributions and a few grants. Members of the Friends to the Peace Council include Daniel Gomez- Ibanez, Joann Elder, Deenah Givens, Kim Hokaj, Wendy Cooper, Michelle Honore, Mary Ellen Lewis, Maureen McDonald, Paula McKenzie, Chuck Pfeifer, Ken Pennings, Sandi Penzkover, Jim Roseberry, Sheila Spear, Jody Whelden and Linda Joy Knox. Membership is open to all that wish to join. We are striving to have a diversity of faith and religious communities be involved in the Friends. If you would like to attend the September 28 meeting or would like more information please call or email one of the co-chairs: The Rev. Jody Whelden, Minister, Free Congregation of Sauk County-UU at (608-347-0237) minister@jdwhelden.com or Linda Joy Knox, Peace and Justice Committee, First Unitarian Society-Madison at (608-831-0021) Lknox@chorus.net, or Deenah Givens, Social Justice Minister, Unity of Madison at (608-221-1376, Ext. 304) deenah@unityofmadison.org. Rev. Jody Whelden 2301 Regent Street, Madison, WI 53726 608-347-0237 cell ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOP SCHEDULED IN MADISON How can white community members do our part to build a stronger movement for social, racial and economic justice? Join us for a six-week Anti-Racism Workshop where we will examine how racism and white supremacy impact our lives, institutions, and movements for social justice. We will discuss the history of systemic racism, hear stories of resistance from leaders of color, and analyze how white privilege plays out in our communities, working spaces, and organizations. Through this process we will develop strategies to take action for racial justice individually and collectively! This workshop is organized for white European Americans, but is open to ALL. When: October 8 - November 12; Sundays from 3:00 - 6:00pm Where: YWCA, 101 East Mifflin St, Madison WI 53703 Cost: $50 - $100 sliding scale fee; Scholarships Available What else: Childcare available upon request! We will work to make this workshop accessible to all. If you have specific needs or accommodations, please let us know. Goals of workshop: . Work with other white European Americans to take responsibility for challenging racism and white privilege . Respect the leadership of people of color in the community . Work to end all oppression . Practice and model respectful and accountable behavior in all our anti-racist work, especially in our families and circles of influence 6-week Workshop Overview The workshop will include engaging dialogue, small and large group exercises, reflective readings, and guest speakers as a part of the participative learning process. Bring your wisdom, experience, and visions; along with a willingness to learn, be challenged, and take action in your daily life. Week 1 Orientation & Introduction Of Workshop Week 2 History Of White Supremacy: Oppression And Resistance Week 3 Legacies Of Resistance Week 4 White Privilege: Analyzing and Organizing with an Anti-Racist Lens Week 5 It Takes Courage: Taking Action (Inspired By Jerry Smith) Week 6 Leadership Development: Next Steps This workshop is being organized by Groundwork, a local organization of white anti-racist activists who support the leadership of communities of color. For more information or to receive an application, please contact Terry Ross at 279-2710 or trtrtr@charter.net. net. INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK BULLETIN It’s back to school time for the children at IHN, and they have all started out well, complete with new backpacks and school supplies. But did you know that some of IHN’s parents are also going back to school? Six parents in IHN’s programs have gone back to school this fall to study for their GEDs or as students at MATC working towards higher degrees. Carolyn completed her associate’s degree this spring at MATC and was on the Dean’s List. Her educational determination and success have provided an excellent model for her children, who are also doing well academically. Carolyn is using her degree to seek a clerical or business-related position, but has also decided to continue at MATC in the field of fashion design. Rachel Krinsky, MSW, IHN Executive Director