Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive, Madison WI 53711–4843 (608) 271-8218 admin@uuprairie.com Located off the south frontage road (West Beltline Hwy Rd.) near the Seminole Hwy exit. PRAIRIE FIRE "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." April 11, 2008 Prairie Fire is the semi-monthly newsletter of Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society. View past issues at www.uuprairie.org. President: Rachel Long, ra_a_l@tds.net; 608-328-4899 Editor: Dan Proud, admin@uuprairie.org; 661–0776 PRAIRIE CALENDAR Sunday, April 13 9:00 a.m. Choir rehearsal 10:00 a.m. “Seeking Truth, Living with Doubt” presented by Marshal Onellion 7:00 p.m. Meditation Wednesday, April 16 7:00 p.m. Program Committee meeting Sunday, April 20 9:00 a.m. Choir rehearsal 10:00 a.m. “Earth Day: Reducing the Carbon Footprint” presented by Galen Smith, Ken Skog, and Rev. Ralph Tyksinski 7:00 p.m. Meditation Tuesday, April 22 *1:30 p.m. Prairie Elders meet at Oakwood West Thursday, April 24 *7:00 p.m. Movie Group views The Elephant Man Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27 *Central Midwest District Assembly, St. Louis Sunday, April 27 9:00 a.m. Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m. “This I Believe” with Judy Skog, Bob Cape, and Rosemarie Lester 7:00 p.m. Meditation Monday, April 28 7:30 p.m. Housing & Property Committee meets Tuesday, April 29 *6:30 p.m. Spanish Speakers meet at the home of Mary and Andy Somers, 4467 Crescent Rd., Fitchburg Sunday, May 4 9:00 a.m. Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m. “The Music of What Happens” presented by Christina Klock *11:45 a.m. Spring Parish Meeting 7:00 p.m. Meditation (* = Details follow in this issue.) INSIDE Preview of the May 4 Parish Meeting Memorial service announced for Rachel Siegfried Rev. Ralph's Ruminations Preview of CMWD Assembly, April 25-27 Denominational news Neighborhood news NEXT INPUT DEADLINE SUNDAY, APRIL 20 DETAILS OF COMING PROGRAMS Sunday, April 13 In “Seeking Truth: Living with Doubt,” UW physics professor Marshall Onellion will speak on the role of doubt in faith and reason, in religion and science. Some argue doubt is evil and threatens faith; others argue it is a necessary good, valuable in finding the truth and superfluous thereafter. Onellion argues that it is the essential constant in both science and religion. By contrast, ideologies in science, religion, politics, or elsewhere, that assert a single, absolute truth are the antithesis of both faith and reason. The author of a book by that title, he and his co-author organized a series of lectures on the subject that were held in the public library this fall and attended by several Prairie folks. Sunday, April 20 Our planet has never been so dependent on our actions for its future health. How can we reduce our carbon emissions (our carbon footprint) to avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change? There is an answer: stabilization wedges. Ken Skog and Rev. Ralph Tyksinski will ask you to reflect on our planet's dependence on us and on which of the 15 stabilization wedges (emission reduction actions) you think we should use to offset the possible doubling of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 50 years. Sunday, April 27 Third in a series, this sharing of spiritual backgrounds and beliefs will feature three Prairie members: Judy Skog, Bob Cape, and Rosemarie Lester. These programs are part of a lay ministry organized by Anne Lundin, Prairie Vice-President, and inspired by the NPR series originally started by Edward R. Murrow and now an ongoing series on the radio - and at Prairie. The next one is August 10th. Sunday, May 4 "The Music of What Happens" is the ancient Irish description of poetry. This talk will explore the idea that poetry and evolution are both the music of what happens - scientists and poets use the imagination, putting ideas together to spark illumination. With the assistance of several Prairie members, we will hear some wonderful poetry written about evolution, and watch a short video clip from the PBS series EVOLUTION. Presenter Christina Klock has been a member of Prairie since December and has attended the Humanist Union since June 2007. She is a Senior Manager at Lands' End, responsible for the computer systems running landsend.com and the Call Centers. Although her career now deals with computer systems, she has a degree in Molecular Biology and has always been interested in the sciences. Christina has a son and a daughter. Adam is 21 and a university student at UW-Whitewater. Karissa just turned 20 and is starting the Photography program at MATC this fall. Christina Klock is originally from Illinois, but she has called Madison home for over 15 years. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD IN APRIL 13-14–Baisakhi (Sikh) 14–Ramanavami (Hindu) 19–Lazarus Saturday (Orthodox Christian) 20–Hanuman Jayanti (Hindu) 20–Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian) 20-21–Pesach (Passover) First two days (Jewish) 20-23–Theravadin New Year (Buddhist) 21–Ridvan begins (Baha'i) 23–St. George's Day (Christian) 24-26–Pesach (Passover) final two days (Jewish) 25–Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian) 27–Easter/Pascha (Orthodox Christian) OUR SOCIETY SPRING PARISH MEETING FINANCE ITEMS On March 30 the Prairie board unanimously accepted a proposed budget for the 2008-9 year, along with two additional recommended actions. We will be voting on these items at the Sunday, May 4 parish meeting. First, the Board recommends that the Parish vote to authorize the sale of the Fitchburg land. Though we are already working with a potential buyer, we still may not be able to sell the land for a while. Therefore, the Board also recommends that the Parish authorize the Board to refinance the Whenona property. This will allow us to pay back a loan that is due in May, and to cover a previous loan paid earlier in the 2007-8 budget year. If the land sale is rapid enough to meet our obligations, we may be able to avoid refinancing, but need to have this option available. We plan to pay back the mortgage in full when the Fitchburg land is sold. Our present mortgage on the Whenona land is around $80,000 and we would refinance it to $100,000. The main changes to our budget include the recommendations for a half-time minister and increased janitorial hours, and the increased expense of the mortgage. We are postponing some non-personnel items that will be deferred until the land is sold. These items include a new outdoor sign, painting the kitchen and bathrooms, leadership training and conferences, and some of the books for RE. At that time we will also be able to pay off the rest of our debts. Thank you all again for your generous pledges this year. Mary Somers, Finance Chair Kate Liu, Treasurer SPRING PARISH MEETING Our Spring Parish Meeting will be Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. The agenda is below. We will be sending many documents by email (or written for those who prefer) in advance of the meeting that deserve your review. These documents include Committee Reports, the proposed budget, the slate of nominations for elected positions, the proposed agreement for consulting minister, and new Prairie policies you should know about. Please watch for these documents on "prairienews," and let someone on the Board or Communications Committee know if you still need to be added to that group or if you would like to get these documents by mail. The agenda includes proposals both to sell the Fitchburg property and to refinance the Whenona property. These options will be further explained in summary documents and a Prairie Fire article about our budget which you will be getting in the near future. The bylaws have many minor and a couple of significant proposed changes. The purposes of the minor changes generally are grammatical improvements, updates to reflect our current practices, or simplifications. What you see [bracketed in text] is what we are proposing to delete. Text *** surrounded by asterisks *** is text we are proposing to add. Please look these changes over carefully, and contact any Board Member if you have questions. Please send specific comments or proposals of your own to me within the next week so I can pass them by the Board, and still have time to include any necessary changes in the proposal in another notification, as is required two weeks before the Parish Meeting. In this way we can avoid a lengthy discussion at the meeting itself. We've had plenty of discussion at the Board to put these recommendations together already! The two major changes: 1) The Communications Committee would be a standing committee with its chair as a Board Member, 2) Committee membership would no longer require Board approval, but rather be determined by the Committee Chairs. We will also be discussing possible alteration to our process for amending our bylaws in the future. We could opt to have a process where any amendments are determined ahead of time with congregational input, and an up or down vote at the meeting, rather than attempting to modify them further on the spot. Thanks, and hope to see you at the Parish Meeting! Rachel Long, President PRAIRIE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY SPRING PARISH MEETING AGENDA Sunday 5/4/08, 11:45 a.m. 1. Approval of December 2, 2008 Parish Meeting minutes 2. Introduction and thanks to Board Officers, Committee Chairs and members a. Committee reports (written, emailed ahead) 3. Election of officers and committee chairs 4. Bylaws change proposals (see the end of this Prairie Fire issue) a. Discussion and vote on proposed changes b. Plan how we should change bylaws in the future 5. Actions on our property a. Proposal to authorize Board to sell Fitchburg property b. Proposal to authorize Board to refinance Whenona property 6. Authorize budget for 7/1/2008-6/30/09 7. Approve consulting minister agreement for 7/1/2008 to 6/30/09 8. Distribution of new Board and Committee policies (written and emailed ahead) THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS Thanks to the volunteers who filled in to do the weekly cleaning while John Eligenti (and Rebecca) were in India. Those getting special recognition are: Marcia Johnson, Dave Johnson, Phoenix Wardell, Rick Ruecking, Ken Skog and Mary Mullen. Thanks! Al Nettleton, Housing & Properties Chair A GUEST AT YOUR TABLE DONATIONS ARE WELCOME We are participating in "Guest At our Table" to raise money for UUSC. If you have not picked up a box or donation envelope, they are on the table near the sanctuary door upstairs. We will be collecting the boxes and envelopes on Sunday, April 20th. Kathy Converse, Social Action Committee BOOK CLUB SPRING SCHEDULE The Prairie Book Club meets after the Sunday service on the specified dates, usually starting about 11:45 a.m. Participants bring food to share. We meet in the “couch room” downstairs. Anyone is welcome, whether you have completed the book or not. For more information, contact Mary Mullen, 298-0843, or mmullen(at)chorus.net. Upcoming Prairie Book Club selections: Sunday, April 13-–Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin (a Kansas City Community Read choice). 368 pages. Check out the Web site for this book for many reviews and an author interview you can listen to. http://www.threecupsoftea.com/Intro.php. PRAIRIE ELDERS: GETTING YOUR LEGAL DUCKS IN A ROW Prairie Elders Meeting, Tuesday, April 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Nakoma Room of Heritage Oaks, Oakwood Village West. Or come at 1:00 for informal conversation. Newcomers welcome. Call the contacts below for directions or a ride. TOPIC: GETTING YOUR LEGAL DUCKS IN A ROW. Do you feel at ease because you’ve already done it? Does a nagging voice inside say “stop procrastinating?” Have you learned valuable lessons from being a medical power of attorney or administering another adult’s financial affairs? Come share your expertise or get tips on wills, trusts, medical/financial powers of attorney, medical directives, deeds, designating beneficiaries for property and investments or outside legal resources. What can you do yourself? When do you need an outside expert? This is an important topic drawing on the knowledge and experience of all Prairie Elders participants who wish to contribute. Come help each other take care of business so we can kick back and enjoy the rest of our active or leisurely UU lives. We hope this preliminary, round-robin session will produce further individual or small group information sharing. SNACKS: If convenient, please bring a few snacks to pass and your own beverage cup. ABOUT US: Prairie Elders aims to provide good times and mutual support for members and friends over 65, and UUs who live at Oakwood. CONTACTS: Donna Murdoch 238-3802, Rosemary Dorney 238-4382 or Doleta Chapru, 238-4970. MOVIE GROUP MEETS NEXT ON APRIL 24 The Movie Group will meet at Prairie, 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 24 to view The Elephant Man. Anthony Hopkins as a Victorian surgeon rescuing a disfigured man (John Hurt). Loosely based on the 19th century celebrity, Joseph Merrick and adapted from the books The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences (1923) by Sir Frederick Treves and The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity by Ashley Montagu. Directed by David Lynch and the recipient of eight Academy Award nominations, including best picture, in 1981. The film starts at 7:00. Bring snacks to share. And mark your calendars now for the May 22 Prairie Movie Group evening. SPANISH SPEAKERS CONVERGE ON FITCHBURG Spanish speakers will meet for potluck and conversation, Tuesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Mary and Andy Somers, 4467 Crescent Rd, Fitchburg. Anyone is welcome regardless of your level of Spanish proficiency. For questions, directions, or rides, call Rosemary Dorney at 238-4382. MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR RACHEL SIEGFRIED A memorial service for founding member Rachel Siegfried will be held at Prairie on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. More information will be published in the Prairie Fire. Or contact Maggie Siegfried, 279-4742. HUMANIST UNION TO HEAR CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 11 On April 17-18 Christina Klock and Kathy Converse will be attending the 7th Annual International Bioethics Forum, which this year is addressing the topic of evolution. An impressive array of speakers will be approaching the topic from a variety of perspectives during the 2-day conference, to be held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center (Promega building) in Fitchburg. (You can see the schedule of speakers at http://www.btci.org/bioethics/ schedule08.html.) The Humanist Union will hear their Evolution in the 21st Century: Forum Report, on May 11. We will start with a potluck lunch at noon, with the report and discussion from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested in evolution is invited to join us. MEMBERSHIP WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS I am delighted to announce that we have three new members to Prairie: Sarah Babcock and Ingrid and Rae West. Please welcome them to our community (and congratulate Rae & Ingrid on selling their house!) Paula Pachciarz Chair, Hospitality & Membership Committee Sarah Babcock 244 Yarrow Hill Drive Cottage Grove, WI 53527 608-541-8402 Ingrid & Rae West 1023 Taylor Ln. Stoughton, WI 53589 608-205-0231 REV. RALPH'S RUMINATIONS The great Sir Julian Huxley (1887–1975), British evolutionary biologist, humanist and brother of author, Aldous Huxley, is said to have observed: “It is of the greatest importance that humanity should now and again take out its beliefs for spring cleaning.” It’s April and spring cleaning time is fast upon us here at Prairie UU Society. Does your spring cleaning agenda include “beliefs”? Our human tendency (and I include myself in this grouping) is toward inertia. We can observe this general attitude of wanting to cling to old beliefs because they feel comfortable, safe, and familiar, even though we haven’t brought them out for “cleaning” in years. I believe we all carry a strain of conservatism in our “belief files”. Much of this conservatism is born of fear, fear of the unknown, the new, the trendy, the untried, the unverifiable. “I am afraid that won’t work for me,” or “We’ve never done that before here at Prairie!” we say of a new idea or undertaking. Liberalism, by contrast, is founded on trust, or “faith” if you will, in people, in new ideas, in risking the safe, “homey” and comfortable way. None of us in our beliefs is a “perfect 10” Liberal or a “dyed in the wool” Conservative. Each of us has some of both within our core personality. We tend to be open and liberal about that which we are familiar, fearful and conservative toward that which seems unfamiliar, new, strange, and possibly dangerous. The danger of our Liberalism is to reinvent those past truths that convey important meanings for our present and futures. The mistake which our conservative nature makes is to assume that only our past experience is valid, that nothing more can or need be learned. I believe that Prairie UU Society, as a Unitarian Universalist religious community, is moving toward transforming its liberal calling. I have observed some of this attitude in our recent visioning sessions held at Prairie. I hear members talking about being open to new experiences, to nourishing inquiry, to take journeys of the heart because that is the way people and congregations grow. Being a member of a liberal religious congregation never signifies that one has arrived at a set of beliefs or practices, but only agreement to a process of testing, experimenting, and open inquiry. Being a part of this community then is not a point of arrival, but a point of departure, an agreement that we shall help one another on our journeys and in what we hope is for each of us a lifetime adventure. In this time of spring cleaning, when light and dark balance the day, may we seek balance for ourselves and balance for Prairie UU Society. May we invite the expanding light of Springtime to open us to the possibilities within us and among us—possibilities for seeing new ways to be ourselves and new ways to be Prairie UU Society. Glad to be journeying with you, Ralph PRAIRIE WEB SITES Society Home Page: http://uuprairie.org/ News Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ prairienews/ Views: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prairieviews/ Social Action: http://socialaction.madisonwi.us Humanist Union: http://humanist.madisonwi.us DENOMINATIONAL NEWS NO COOKING, CLEANING, TRAFFIC, YARD WORK, PHONES, OR BOREDOM! WOW! Each summer at the Bayside UU Family Camp (founded 1988), 75 to 90 people come together to enjoy a week of a nurturing “family” atmosphere for singles and families of all configurations and traditions. Join us at Wesley Woods Conference Center in Williams Bay, July 13 through July 19. We offer morning workshops for adults and day camp for the kids, afternoon family time activities, including swimming, hiking, art, and napping, and evening intergenerational activities. We love fresh faces, as well as the “old timers” so please visit our Web site at www.yahoodrummers.com/ bayside for more information or to sign up, or contact one of our Steering Committee Members, below. We hope to see you in July! Emma Williams, 608-838-6604, cnmne@verizon.net Jill DeLisle, 608-238-5536, 4delisles@sbcglobal.net THE AGORA EXPERIENCE: ADVENTURE VOLUNTEERISM IN TRANSYLVANIA Join us this summer for two unforgettable weeks in rural Transylvania. Discover the beautiful birthplace of Unitarianism and become part of a global community for positive change. Through service projects in the villages, you will gain experience and insight in the dynamic field of sustainable rural development. With homestay families and Agora's experienced staff, your group will explore the region's history, culture and landscape, make new friends and discover new ways of thinking, living and having fun. Visit www.experience.green-agora.ro today to learn about the program. See a sample itinerary, and see what past attendees had to say about the Agora Experience. This Summer You Can Make a Difference DISTRICT ASSEMBLY OFFERS AN ARRAY OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES APRIL 25-27 Friday evening, the ministers and musicians of the St. Louis area have created an inspiring musical celebration to open our District Assembly weekend. Bring your congregation's banner for the banner parade. Our keynote speakers, Diana Butler Bass and Michael Tino, were specifically chosen to lead us in thinking about the future of congregational life and in particular of worship. It is going to be particularly interesting hearing from Diana Butler Bass now as the US Presidential campaign has veered into the areas of race and religion. She is very insightful on these subjects, serving as an op-ed writer in the New York Times and other places. Her comments about the current dust-up over Obama’s pastor, Jeremiah Wright, have been much quoted. (See http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics/2008/03/ obamas-pastor-by-diana-butler.html.) Ian Evison says, "One thing I have most appreciated about Diana Butler Bass is that she is a student of history with a rare vision of how the themes of history extend both into the present and future. In this context I found particularly insightful her commentary on the opposition between Obama and Huckabee in the Iowa primary:" http://www.dianabutlerbass.com/blog/gods-politics-iowa-and-the -poles-of-protestantism.html. And some of our workshops: - the story of how Unity Temple has grown from under 300 members to almost 500 in 7 years and was recognized by the UUA as a Breakthrough Congregation - best practices for connecting and involving new members - the spiritual roots of stewardship - the unique needs of children when it comes to spirituality and worship - the ways many congregations are changing their practices to reflect our religious responsibility to care for the Earth - the knowledge of how to strengthen our youth's connections to their faith community - the sharing of questions, answers and ideas for those who manage websites and handle IT in our district's congregations - the ways we can expand theological diversity and deepen our understanding of multiple religious traditions - the revised feminist theology curriculum, Cakes for the Queen of Heaven - the sharing of ideas and experiences for those who serve congregations as presidents and administrators - creative exercises to help us think about new ways of worship, led by Rev. Michael Tino - the most effective ways to publicize and promote your congregation - the multigenerational program that is raising awareness and learning about the causes of homelessness - the goals, philosophy and highlights of the UUA's new on-line curriculum, Tapestry of Faith - the blessings and challenges of ministering to members with mental and emotional disorders - the optimal use of the internet to attract and retain new members as well as enriching your entire church community - exploring drumming and the nurturing of worshipers to encourage their best signing voices If you have not already done so, we encourage you to sign up for the District Assembly in St. Louis: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/ Default.aspx?eventid=131778. Dori Davenport, Faith Development and Growth Director, CMWD, 4415 W. Harrison St. Suite 310, Hillside, IL 60162 (Cell phone: 708-805-1866) ******************************************************* JOURNEY TOWARD WHOLENESS NEWS From the UUA Office for Congregational Advocacy & Witness Email News and Updates, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108 (617-948-4656) ******************************************************* The UUA as part of Faith in Public Life is co-sponsoring a Compassion Forum that will air on CNN this Sunday, April 13, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Both Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will be speaking for more than half an hour each, not in a debate, about issues of faith and morality. It is a bipartisan event although Senator John McCain has declined the invitation to participate. See Faith In Public Life for a clip and more information. Rev. Meg Riley, Director of the UUA Advocacy & Witness Program, is the Chair of the Board of Faith in Public Life. Rob Keithan, Director of the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy, will attend the event for the UUA. The forum will be moderated by Jon Meacham, Editor of Newsweek and author of American Gospel and CNN Election Center anchor, Campbell Brown. Beacon Author Eboo Patel (Acts of Faith) will be on a panel addressing questions about pressing moral issues to the Democratic Presidential Candidates. (Eboo will be at this year's GA as the Starr King Lecturer Acts of Faith: Interfaith Youth in a Fundamentalist Age.) In addition to airing on CNN and CNN International, the broadcast will stream live at CNN.com. Faith and Public Life is coordinating this unique event, which will take place at Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania. Other organizational sponsors include the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, the ONE Campaign, and Oxfam America. OTHER NEWS DUNN'S MARSH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS [excerpts from the Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood E-news, courtesy of Mary Mullen] On-Line Plant Exchange Every spring area gardeners will have extra plants either because they are thinning out an existing garden or because they purchased more plants then they can use. Now those extra plants can find a new home through the Madison Stuff Exchange. "[It gives] area gardeners a chance to find good homes for their unneeded plants and to offer others a chance to get great plants at a bargain," said George Dreckmann, recycling coordinator. The Madison Stuff Exchange Web site is open to anyone who lives or works in Dane County. You can register for the Stuff Exchange and shop for bargains on plants and hundreds of other items by going to www.madisonstuffexchange.com Hard Plastic Flower Pots Now Recyclable Gardeners in Madison have some new recycling options in 2008. The City of Madison will be able to recycle hard plastic flowerpots and trays. The flowerpots must be cleaned before residents drop them off to be recycled. The light plastic containers most often used for multi-packs of vegetables and flowers cannot be recycled. The City of Madison's drop off sites are open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For more information on the rigid plastic recycling program visit www.cityofmadison.com/streets or call 267-2626. Marsh Clean Up Saturday, April 19 Come meet your neighbors and help clean up Dunn's Marsh on Saturday, April 19 from 9 am 'til noon. Meet in front of the Dunn’s Marsh sign on Crescent Road just below the single family homes. It’s a good idea to have gloves. Plastic bags will be provided. Email Brooke Norsted at baswanson@gmail.com with any questions. WCC E-NEWS [news from the Wisconsin Council of Churches] Subversive Books of the Bible for Subversive People of Faith (Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations - The Festival Scrolls), May 9 at Saint Stephen's Lutheran Church, Monona, with Dr. Ken Stone, Professor of Bible, Culture and Hermeneutics at Chicago Theological Seminary. How does the Hebrew Bible model dissent and social resistance? Christians often explore this question by turning to the Old Testament Prophets. This workshop will focus on resources for dissent and resistance found in the five biblical books which function as "Festival Scrolls" in Judaism: Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Esther. Although not always considered subversive, each of these short books raises radical questions about such matters as religious and ethnic identity, gender, marriage, sexuality, suffering, divine activity and retribution, and the legitimate role of doubt and skepticism in the life of faith. Such topics are not only controversial in our own time; they seem to have been controversial already when the Bible was being written. People may also find in these books unexpected support and inspiration for dissent and resistance along their own journeys of faith. Dr. Stone earned his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible at Vanderbilt University and his Th.M. in Scripture and Interpretation at Harvard Divinity School. He authored two books on Biblical interpretation. Register online at www.wichurches.org. (click "events") or phone 608-837-3108. $55 until May 1 2008 Washington Island Forum, June 23-27 With Diana Butler Bass - The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church The 2008 Washington Island Forum features Diana Butler Bass, an expert in American religion. Dr. Bass explores the lesser- traveled paths of the Christian past as a way of personal and congregational spirituality, renewal, and change. In The Tempest, William Shakespeare wrote of the relationship between history and the future as, "What's past is prologue, what is to come in yours and my discharge." Diana will gear her message to equip clergy and lay persons to the challenges of congregational life and renewal in the new millennium. Forum participants will enjoy four mornings of presentations, plus opportunities for daily worship, fellowship and other activities. Sessions with Diana Butler Bass are held Tuesday through Friday at 9 a.m. at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center. Afternoons are open for discussion groups and many Island activities. The Forum ends Friday at noon. Child care is available. The cost of Forum registration is $225 before May 1 and $250 after May 1 and includes the opening picnic, the full program and daily refreshments. Additional picnic meals are available for guests at additional cost. Please complete a registration form found at www.wichurches.org and mail it with a $100 deposit check payable to the Wisconsin Council of Churches to: WCC at 750 Windsor Street, Suite #301, Sun Prairie, WI 53590-2149. Full payment is due by June 1 and a full refund is available for cancellations made by June 1, 2008. Lodging arrangements must be made directly with Island motels, camp grounds and B&Bs. (See www.washingtonislandchamber.com.) Faith, Food and Earth Day 2008: A Celebration of Creation, April 13, Madison "Faith, Food and Earth Day 2008: A Celebration of Creation" will be held Sunday, April 13, from 3:00 to 7:00pm at Madison Christian Community, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison. The event will feature a talk by Dr. Cal DeWitt, internationally renowned scientist, speaker, writer and conservationist, as well as educational workshops, exhibits by local food and faith organizations, and a community meal prepared by Dardanelles restaurant from locally produced food. Seating is limited, so meal reservations are required - $12 at the door (The rest of the event is free.) To make meal reservations e-mail harvestofhope@tds.net or call 608-824-1761. This event is organized by members and leaders of local Catholic, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Unitarian, and United Church of Christ congregations. 7th Annual International Bioethics Forum: Evolution in the 21st Century, April 17-18 We will learn about current scientific work, consider related legal/social policy issues and examine historical and present- day responses of faith communities. Evolution in the 21st Century is designed to allow participants to explore and extend their understanding of: Evolution and creationism - what is the historical context and what evidence do we have? Diverse faith perspectives relative to various scientific perspectives of evolution: Can we reconcile evolution and religion? The complexities of "biopolitics" and where we are headed in terms of basic rights relative to ourselves as individuals and the decisions we make about human enhancement. To be held at Promega Corporation/BTCI, Madison, WI. Visit http://www.btci.org/bioethics/ default.html, or call Karin Borgh at 608-277-2508. John Dominic Crossan lectures, April 18-19, Wauwatosa The speaker for St. Matthew's Lutheran Church's Annual Day of Grace event on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19 is the renowned religious scholar, John Dominic Crossan. The lecture series is entitled, "God and the Violence of Civilization." The series begins on Friday, April 18 at 7:30, with the lecture "Civilization and Empire." On Saturday there will be three lectures from 9:00-2:30, lunch included for $30.00 per person/$15.00 for students. For information, see www.StMattsLutheran.org or call (414) 774-0441. Marcus Borg, April 26, Madison At First United Methodist Church, Madison. Call 608-256-9061. Doors will open for the annual Lyons Lecture at 9 a.m. and events begin with Dr. Borg's first lecture at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26. With a title of "Two Visions of Christianity Today," Dr. Borg will discuss two contemporary and very different ways of seeing the Bible, the Christian tradition, the Christian life, and what it means to be Christian. In describing these two visions, he will clarify the differences and seek points of commonality. The second lecture at 1 p.m. on "What Christianity is All About: Loving God and Changing the World." Marcus J. Borg, who holds the Hundere Chair in Religion and Culture in the Philosophy Department at Oregon State University, is the author of 14 other books, lectures frequently, and was recently interviewed by Jean Feraca (along with Crossan) on Wisconsin Public Radio. That interview was about their other co-authored book, The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus' Birth. You can hear that interview online at www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_071219k.cfm. Archbishop Elias Chacour - Building Peace in the Midst of the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict, May 14, Madison Archbishop Elias Chacour, Leader of the Melkite Catholic Church of Akko, Haifa, Nazareth, and Galilee, will present “What are the Things that Make for Peace? Building Peace in the Midst of the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict,” on May 14, at 7:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI. Archbishop Chacour has worked for reconciliation and peace in the Middle East, especially by building high-quality schools in the Galileean village of Ibillin, where the students and faculty include Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Druze. He is a three-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, and winner of the World Methodist Peace Award and the Niwano Peace Prize. He has written 2 books, Blood Brothers and We Belong to the Land: the Story of a Palestinian Israeli who Lives for Peace and Reconciliation. For more information, contact Rev. Joan Deming, 608-241-9281, jdeming7@gmail.com, or visit www.pilgrimsofibillin.org. BYLAWS of the PRAIRIE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY of MADISON, WISCONSIN (As amended April 22, 2007) ARTICLE I: NAME The name of this society shall be the Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society of Madison, Wisconsin. ARTICLE II: BOND OF UNION We, the members of Prairie, wish to associate ourselves together in a religious community which affirms that we share a common humanity, that we need one another, and that our futures are inescapably bound together. Together we would expand our intellectual horizons, enrich our sensory experiences, and deepen our emotional sensitivities. We would sharpen our ethical awareness and broaden our sense of social responsibility. We would stand tall in our quest for integrity of life, yet not at others' expense. 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. The bond of union may be revised by a two-thirds vote at a business meeting, provided that the proposed revision has been used and identified as a revision in a Sunday morning service at least six weeks prior to the business meeting. When the proposed revision is published in the official notice of the business meeting, it shall be accompanied by any alternative proposals submitted to the President prior to the date of the notice. No further amendments shall be in order at the business meeting. ARTICLE III: AFFILIATION The Society shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and of appropriate subdivisions thereof. ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP A. Members of the Society are those persons sixteen years or older who are in sympathy with the Bond of Union of the Society and principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and have signed the official Membership Book ***, and participate in the activities of the Society.*** Membership shall be in effect until a member dies, resigns in writing, or ***discontinues contact with the Society for two years.*** [the membership committee, has determined that the person has discontinued contact with the society, per Article VII.] B. Friends of the Society are those who have not signed the Membership Book, but participate in the activities of the Society or give evidence of their support. ARTICLE V: BUSINESS MEETINGS A. Business meetings may be called by the President or by the Executive Board at any time, or shall be called by the President or by the Board upon the written request of ten Members. At least two weeks' notice must be given for business meetings, unless a longer time period is specified elsewhere in these Bylaws. B. Notice of the regular fall and spring business meetings and an invitation to the members to submit agenda items must be sent at least four weeks before the meeting. The ***agenda*** [business to be transacted] shall be specified in the final notice of the meeting to be sent at least two weeks before the meeting. Notice of meetings ***shall be given in the Society’s newsletter, or other electronic means, though notification will be by mail to any member who requests it.*** [ordinarily be mailed to the members, either by publication in the Society’s newsletter or otherwise, but may be sent by electronic mail to any Member who has informed the Secretary that she/he wishes to receive notice by such means.] Items of business may include but are not limited to: budgets, elections, appointments, revisions to the Bylaws, committee reports, and resolutions dealing with social issues. The agenda shall be prepared by the President or Board and shall contain items of business originating from the President, Board, committees, and/or individual Members. New business, other than Bylaw changes, may be raised at the meeting at the request of ten members. C. A quorum shall consist of thirty Members. D. No actions, unless delegated by the Bylaws of the Society, shall be official unless voted upon by a majority of the Members present and voting at a properly called business meeting. Any member may require inclusion of a minority report in the minutes. E. Persons other than Members may speak at business meetings, but they may not vote. F. Minutes of all business meetings shall be taken, signed, and filed by the Secretary of the Society, or designee. G. The Annual Meeting of the Society shall be held each ***spring on or before May 15th*** [year in April], at such time and place as shall be fixed by the Executive Board. The principal business shall be the election of officers and of members of the Committee on Committees. H. All business meetings of the Society and of the Executive Board, except as herein otherwise provided, shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD A. The officers of the Society shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Youth Member, and the elected chairpersons of the following standing committees--Finance, Religious Education, Program, Social Action, Housing and Property, Long Range Planning, Denominational Affairs, ***Communications Committee, and Hospitality and*** Membership. These officers constitute the Executive Board. B. Only Members may be elected to office. Officers shall serve for a term of one year and shall not serve more than three consecutive terms in the same office. Officers shall take office following a joint meeting of the outgoing and new Boards, to take place within four weeks of the election. C. Any officer who fails to perform the duties of his/her office or who ceases to be a Member may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote at a business meeting of the Society. Due process shall be observed. D. Duties of Officers. 1. The President is chairperson of the Executive Board and presides at all business meetings of the Society and of the Board. He/she is an ex officio member of all committees except the Committee on Committees and the Committee on Ministry, and is the official representative of the Society. 2. The Vice-President acts in place of the President during his/her absence and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed. 3. The Secretary keeps records of the transactions of all business meetings of the Society and of the Executive Board. All records of the Secretary shall remain the property of the Society. The Secretary is responsible for giving proper notice of all business meetings. 4. The Treasurer receives and safeguards all money and other property of the Society entrusted to his/her care, and may disburse the same under the direction of the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall keep the Finance Committee informed on the financial status of the Society. He/she keeps a complete account of the finances of the Society, which shall be open for inspection at any time to members. He/she shall render a current statement at each regular meeting of the Board and of the Society. His/her statement for the fiscal year may be audited and certified by persons designated by the Executive Board. 5. The Youth Member is a person between the ages of 16 and 24. She or he is a fully participating officer of the society, and is responsible for such duties as may be determined from time to time by the Executive Board. 6. Chairpersons of standing committees are responsible for the functions assigned to their committees (Article VII). They shall call meetings (at least once a year) and cooperate with the chairs of other committees, the Executive Board, and the minister(s). 7. All outgoing officers and appointees shall consult with their successors and invite them to participate in the activities of the officers during the time between election or appointment and taking office, to familiarize the successors with their duties. To this end, they shall convey a detailed list of duties and suggestions to their successors E. Duties and responsibilities of the Executive Board shall be to: 1. Carry out the wishes of the Society. 2. Hold ***at least 10 meetings annually,***[monthly meetings] open to Members and Friends of the Society. A quorum of the Executive Board shall consist of a majority of the number of elected officers. 3. Call business meetings of the Society. 4. Determine and recommend, in coordination with the Finance Committee, the operating budget as outlined in Article IX. 5. Acquire, lease, and lend facilities and building space according to the wishes of the Society. 6. Appoint non-elected committee chairpersons. 7. Fill temporarily any office ***that*** [which] becomes vacant after the fall business meeting. Any office ***that*** [which] becomes vacant earlier shall be filled by special election. 8. Approve the hiring of all employees of the Society (except ministers), and fix their compensation. [9. Appoint lay ministers, if the lay ministry option of Article VIII is in effect.] [10.]***9.*** Act at the direction of the Society in making official agreements and pronouncements. In general, the Executive Board functions as the Executive power of the Society, always subject to the ultimate control of the Members, as specified in Article V, Section D. [11.]***10.*** Maintain a Policies and Procedures Manual for the Society. F. Each member of the Executive Board of the Society, as heretofore defined in this Article, shall be a Trustee of the Society, and the Executive Board as a whole shall constitute the Board of Trustees of the Society. The Board of Trustees shall exercise for the Society the powers and responsibilities specified in the Wisconsin Statutes, Section 187.01 and Section 187.07. ARTICLE VII: STANDING COMMITTEES The voluntary participation of Members and Friends of the Society in the work of the committees is welcomed and persons are encouraged to inform the chairperson of their interest. [Chairpersons must submit a list of recommended committee members to the Executive Board for confirmation.] ***Committee membership is determined by each committee's Chair, who may obtain assistance from the Committee on Committees to find appropriate and willing members.*** Committee meetings are open to Members and Friends. Membership on all committees except the Committee on Committees is open to any Member or Friend of the Society. Committee chairpersons and all members of the Committee on Committees must be Members. Committee appointments expire upon the installation of a new board. The President shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of all standing committees except the Committee on Committees. The minister shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of all committees except the Committee on Ministry and the Committee on Committees. ***Unless explicitly excepted, all Committee functions are delegated by the Board, which retains final authority and responsibility over all aspects of the functioning of the society.*** A. Committees with elected chairs serving on the Board 1. Finance Committee a. This Committee shall prepare a budget as specified in Article IX and supervise the raising of annual and/or special funds. It shall collaborate with the Treasurer regarding the financial condition of the Society. b. The committee shall recommend to the Executive Board the definition of an operating fiscal year. 2. Religious Education Committee a. This committee is responsible for the church school and shall carry out a program of liberal religious education. It shall become familiar with the long-range objectives of liberal religious education and realistic methods for realizing these goals; it shall always be ready to reevaluate these objectives and methods in light of available talents and resources; and it shall establish immediate goals and curricula of the church school. b. The committee ***may hire, with the Board's approval, and supervise personnel to assist in administration and leadership of the Religious Education program.*** [shall recommend to the Board a religious education director, making clear in a written job description what his/her duties shall be. It shall assist the director in carrying out those duties.] [c. All church school personnel and arrangements are subject to approval of the Executive Board.] 3. Program Committee a. This committee is responsible for planning Sunday morning services, including liturgy, and other adult programs, in cooperation with the lay minister, and selecting lay ministers in accordance with Article VIII.B. It is responsible for seating and room arrangements for all programs. b. The program committee shall also make public announcements of time, place, and topic of Sunday services. It shall arrange publicity about events, programs, purposes, personnel, etc., which would encourage those seeking a liberal religious organization to become acquainted with the society. 4. Social Action Committee a. This committee shall keep the Society informed of local, state, national, or international issues on which the committee wishes to facilitate the formulation of Society policy and to enable the Society and its members to exert influence in behalf of worthwhile civic causes. b. The committee may: (1) make public statements or take public action only in its own name and by a vote of two-thirds of its members. (2) take charge of the Society's local service activities, and coordinate the Society's service work with that of national and international service committees, including local fund raising for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. (3) raise and disburse funds independent of the Society's control and regulation. 5. Housing and Property Committee a. This committee is responsible for the care and supervision of Society grounds, buildings, and equipment. It is empowered to arrange for and make repairs and to purchase supplies provided that funds have been budgeted for such purposes. Recommendations regarding improvements involving large expenditures should be made to the Board. b. The committee may hire, with the Board's approval, and supervise personnel for the care of house and grounds, and make the arrangements for heating and utility services. It is responsible for the regular inspection and inventory of all Society property and shall make regular evaluation of insurance programs, recommending changes where necessary. Rentals and use of all property usually come under its supervision. 6. Long Range Planning a. This committee shall make recommendations regarding the long-range objectives of the Society, its services to the community and to its members in the years to come. Problems of expansion, building, location, and area extension come within its purview. 7. Denominational Affairs a. This committee shall maintain for Prairie Society regular relations with other Unitarian Universalist organizations and will act as the contact and liaison to the Prairie Board for persons wishing to represent Prairie at denominational meetings and affairs. It shall inform the membership as to Unitarian Universalist concerns and events, conferences, meetings and camps at all denominational levels and display Unitarian Universalist pamphlets and literature. b. This committee shall ***partner with the Hospitality and Membership Committee on*** [plan] orientation meetings to acquaint new and prospective members with Prairie Society and Unitarian Universalism. 8. Hospitality and Membership Committee a. This committee shall: (1) Recruit, ***orient,*** and retain members. [by greeting visitors, introducing newcomers to others, inviting persons to join the society, conduct orientation meetings in cooperation with the denominational Affairs Committee, and contact inactive members.] (2) Maintain the official membership list. [by identifying annually those persons who have signed the membership book and have maintained active membership by attendance, contribution, or other expressions of interest. Members who have discontinued contact with the society for a period of two years will no longer be considered to be members. A directory of members and friends will be published periodically and required information for UUA membership and benefits will be reported to appropriate denominational organizations.] (3) Publish a directory of Prairie Members and Friends periodically.[Provide hospitality for members and friends by arranging refreshments at meetings and programs; sponsoring circle dinners and potlucks; and organizing other social events.] ***(4) Report required information for UUA membership and benefits to appropriate denominational organizations. (5) Provide opportunities for Prairie Members and Friends to connect with each other socially. 9. Communications Committee a. This committee is responsible for overseeing the communications of the Prairie community.† This responsibility includes ensuring that communications from Prairie to the world at large are consistent in design and layout, and facilitating communication in a variety of ways among members, committees, board, minister and staff. b. The committee is responsible for the Society's web site, email lists, newsletter, and publicity, and will work closely with other committees who will provide content. c. The committee will oversee use of Prairie's logo in all its uses and forms, including electronic, paper, and signs.*** B. Special Committees with appointed chairs not serving on the Board 1. Caring Committee a. This committee shall establish and maintain a support system for Prairie members identifying resources and contacts within the Society and community. b. The committee shall encourage members to be caring and shall determine their areas of interest. ***c. The committee chair will be appointed as needed by the Board. This chair is not subject to a particular term.*** 2. Committee on Ministry a. The purpose of the Committee on Ministry is to enhance the quality of shared ministry within the congregation, if the congregation selects a professional minister. The committee consists of three members who serve staggered three-year terms that begin on January 1. The members are appointed by the executive board upon consultation with the professional minister. The committee elects its own chair. b. The committee advises and evaluates the professional minister. It facilitates shared ministry by explaining the role, expectations, and contract of the ordained minister to the congregation and by helping to make the professional minister aware of any possible concerns arising in regard to shared ministry within the congregation. The committee submits a formal report of the professional minister's performance, including salary recommendations, to the board by October 1 of each year. Due to the nature of its responsibilities, the committee’s meetings are normally closed, but members of the congregation are encouraged to provide comments on the successes and limitations of shared ministry to the committee members. The committee is not intended to replace direct discourse between the professional minister and the membership. c. If there is no professional minister, the committee is dissolved. If a new professional minister is selected, the existing committee is dissolved and a new committee is appointed. 3. Ceremonies Committee a. This committee shall: (1) offer resources, advice and assistance for the planning of dedications, weddings, memorial services or funerals, and other rites of passage. (2) when requested, conduct or assist in the conducting of such ceremonies. (3) maintain a file of notes or transcripts of ceremonies that have been conducted, and other written materials for possible use in future ceremonies. b. ***The Chair will be appointed as needed by the Board. This chair is not subject to a particular term.*** [In appointing the chairperson and members of this committee, every attempt] ***Attempts*** should be made to provide for continuity through commitments to serve for more than one year and overlapping terms ***of its Chair and members.*** C. Committee on Committees 1. This committee shall consist of five members, who shall serve a term of one year. Three shall be elected at the Annual Meeting; one appointed by the outgoing Committee on Committees from its own membership; and one appointed by the incoming Executive Board from its own membership. The Committee shall choose one of its members to be chair. Only the Committee on Committees member elected by that committee may serve a consecutive term, and that member may not serve a third consecutive year. 2. Before the committee makes its nominations, it shall be encouraged to consult with the Board and other Members, soliciting their suggestions for nominees. 3. The duties of this committee are to: a. nominate Members, with their permission, for each elected office and the chairperson of the Ministerial Relations Committee, for presentation at the Annual Meeting. (1) The list of nominations prepared by the committee shall be included in the notice of the Annual Meeting. (2) Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting, provided the consent of the nominee is obtained. b. encourage members of the Society to serve on committees according to their talents and interests, and to recommend such persons to Committee chairpersons and to the Executive Board. [c. if the lay ministry option of Article VIII is in effect, to solicit and interview candidates, and announce at the Regular Spring Business Meeting the names, terms of service, and prospective roles of lay minister candidates for the coming year. These names, along with any additional recommendations from members, shall be passed to the Executive Board for approval. d. Verify Prairie’s representation on the Channing Murray Board of directors and recommend, when necessary, representatives for appointment by the Prairie Board.] 4. Except for the one member it elects, this committee, as a whole, may not nominate its own successors. ARTICLE VIII: MINISTRY Style of Leadership: The Society shall determine by a majority vote which of the following options it prefers. The selected option shall remain in effect until modified or revised. A. Professional Ministry 1. An ad hoc Ministerial Search Committee, elected by the membership, solicits and interviews candidates and makes recommendations to the Executive Board, which reviews the recommendations for the membership. 2. The minister shall be selected by a three-fourths vote at a business meeting. 3. Once selected for the position, the minister need not be reelected yearly, but a review of the minister’s tenure shall be undertaken at least every three years by the Committee on Ministry. 4. The minister may be dismissed by a three-fifths vote at a business meeting. In the event of dismissal, the minister's salary and fringe benefits shall be continued for three months after the date of the vote to dismiss. 5. The minister must give three months notice when resigning. B. Lay Ministry During any period of one year beginning July 1 and ending June 30 (a fiscal year), the society may be served by one or more lay ministers to lead services and undertake such other duties as may be prescribed. A lay minister shall be selected by the program committee, which shall decide the scope and length of her/his ministry. [The membership, at the spring business meeting, shall determine whether to offer an honorarium to the lay minister or ministers to be selected for the following fiscal year.] C. Other options may be adopted if specifically set forth in a resolution adopted at a business meeting. ARTICLE IX: BUDGET In preparing and adopting the annual budget: 1. The Finance Committee shall prepare a tentative budget and fund raising plan for the coming fiscal year which may be modified by the Executive Board. 2. On the basis of the response received during the fund raising the Executive Board shall adopt a recommended budget for presentation to the Society. 3. The society shall adopt the operating budget for the fiscal year. 4. This process shall be completed before the beginning of the fiscal year, or as early in the fiscal year as feasible. ARTICLE X: NON-DISCRIMINATION As a Welcoming Congregation, the Society welcomes members, friends, and guests, and hires employees, including lay ministers and professional ministers, without regard to age, race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION A. The Society may be dissolved by a three-quarters vote at a business meeting. Notice of proposed dissolution must be mailed at least four weeks before the meeting. B. In the case of dissolution, all property of the Society, both real and personal, subject to all just and legal claims upon it, shall vest in the Central Midwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association, to be held in trust for the furthering of the denomination in a manner determined by the Central Midwest District. ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote at a business meeting. The written agenda must carry a full statement of the proposed amendment.