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 25, 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 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 *11:30 a.m. Potluck and Congregational Planning Session 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 Thursday, May 1 7:00 p.m. Communications Committee meeting Sunday, May 4 9:00 a.m. Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m. “The Music of What Happens” presented by Christina Klock *11:30 a.m. Potluck and Spring Parish Meeting 7:00 p.m. Meditation Thursday, May 8 7:30 p.m. Hospitality and Membership Committee meeting Sunday, May 11 *10:00 a.m. “Our Moms, Other Moms, and Apple Pie” presented by the Rev. Ralph Tyksinski Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18 *6:30 p.m. Spring Fling begins Sunday, May 18 *5:00 p.m. Memorial service for Rachel Siegfried at Prairie Saturday, June 14 *2:00 p.m. Memorial service for Betty Jallings, Grand Hall, Meriter Retirement Community June 25-29 UUA General Assembly, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (* = Details follow in this issue.) INSIDE RE News REmembering Betty Jallings NEXT INPUT DEADLINE SUNDAY, MAY 4 DETAILS OF COMING PROGRAMS 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. Sunday, May 11 We celebrate this Mother’s Day by exploring the difficult but valued roles that our mothers and other mothers play in our lives. We use the symbol of the “lanyard” as in the poem, “The Lanyard” by Billy Collins to explore the many and varied kinds of roles our moms and other moms have and do serve in our lives. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION BACK FROM INDIA; LOOKING AHEAD TO SPRING FLING I'm back from India! We had an interesting journey to John's home state of Andhra Pradesh and now we're happy to be back in Madison. During our stay I was able to immerse myself in Hindu tradition. I was invited to a Hindu wedding and visited a number of Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers. I also had the opportunity to interview two Hindu priests. The Hindu religion wasn't the only faith I was able to celebrate. I also saw several Islamic mosques and attended a Catholic Easter festival in a nearby village. Always thinking of what I can do for my RE students, I visited the child labor school I once volunteered at and was given human rights textbooks for next year's social justice curriculum. While interviewing the director of the nonprofit organization, People's Action for Rural Awakening (PARA), I was told of a tragic case of Dalit oppression and their struggle to save a young girl. Fortunately, there is a way we at Prairie can get involved in the "Save Padma" campaign. In the coming weeks I will be working with our high school social action group in the many ways we can help. I would like to thank Yvonne Hiebert and Karen Deaton for being my sub while I was away. If you see them at Prairie please thank them as well. Their dedication to the education of our youth is always appreciated. John and I would also like to thank all those who volunteered to clean the church. Prairie members coming together to help one another is just one of the many reasons why we love coming to Prairie. Thank you! Speaking of coming together, Spring Fling has been scheduled for May 17-18. We will be going to the UW Arboretum from 6:30-8 p.m. for a twilight walk. As always food and fun will be a part of this weekend. If you would like to volunteer to help us eat food, play games and take a walk under the stars please let me know. I hope you're all enjoying the sun, the flowers and the return of our birds. See you on Sunday! Rebecca Malke (YREC) youthcoordinator@uuprairie.org RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD IN APRIL AND MAY 25–Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian) 27–Easter/Pascha (Orthodox Christian) 30–St. James the Great Day (Orthodox Christian) 1–Ascension of Christ (Christian) 1–Beltane (Wicca, Northern Hemisphere) 1–Samhain (Wicca, Southern Hemisphere) 2–Yom HaSho'ah (Jewish) 8–Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Jewish) OUR SOCIETY PRAIRIE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY SPRING PARISH MEETING AGENDA Sunday May 4, 2008, 11:45 a.m. 1. Approval of December 2 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 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) GUEST AT YOUR TABLE CONTRIBUTIONS DUE The Guest at your Table fund-raiser is at an end. You can give Kate Liu your contribution in cash or make out a check to “UUSC” and give it to Kate. 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. 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), 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 Sunday, 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. FALL ALL-CONGREGATION RETREAT Every fall Prairie members and their families and friends spend a weekend of playing, making music, walking, talking, learning, and rejuvenating ourselves and each other. Our 2008 retreat will be September 5-7 at Bethel Horizons bordering Governor Dodge State Park near Dodgeville. Put it on your calendar now-—this weekend for many of us is a highlight of the year. We always need volunteers to help plan the retreat. Please let me or another Board member know if you would be willing to help coordinate adult or youth activities or registration. You wouldn't be alone--folks who have gone before you will assist you. Thanks! Rachel Long, President PARKING AT PRAIRIE An observant member of Prairie asked me to pass along the following suggestion. Some Sunday regulars have more difficulty than others in walking and may appreciate having parking available that is fairly close to the main entrance. The curb parking directly in front of Prairie just beyond the bus sign is the most convenient place to park. We suggest that if you are more able-bodied you avoid parking in this area and leave space for two or three cars. If we can make this a habit then perhaps by next winter, when it is harder for everyone to get around, access to Prairie will be a bit easier for those for whom mobility is a real challenge. Thank you, Paula Pachciarz Chair, Hospitality & Membership MEMBERSHIP REMEMBERING BETTY JALLINGS Betty Jallings, a founding member of Prairie with her husband Jack, passed away April 6 at age 91. She had been in nursing care at Meriter Retirement Center. Betty will be fondly remembered for her dedication to Prairie UU and her passion for social justice. She served as a conscience for us, keeping us well-informed about social justice issues, urging us to attend meetings addressing peace, such as the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and reminding us to write our government representatives about specific bills that could improve the lives of women and children. Betty was committed to teaching children a liberal religious point of view. As a result, she and Jack faithfully brought their four Madison grandchildren, Stacey, Jeff, Claire and Lily, to Prairie RE classes every week. She taught RE classes well into her 70’s, and especially liked to teach curriculum related to world cultures and always pulled in her interests in archeology. She also served one year as President of the Prairie Board. Betty was devoted to her family. Her grandchildren were very special to her and she shared a special relationship with them. Professionally, she taught English at MATC and her love of books was apparent in her home filled with books and her wide knowledge. She was also an accomplished artist and often created clay bas reliefs of Prairie friends as a contribution to our Service Auction. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008, at 2 p.m. in the Grand Hall at Meriter Retirement Center. We extend our sympathy to Jack and the rest Betty’s family. CHANGES TO THE DIRECTORY Warren Hagstrom Changed email: warrenolav (at) aol.com Nancy Schraufnagel Address change: 501 N. Whitney Way Apt. 11, Madison, WI 53705-2746 MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR RACHEL SIEGFRIED A memorial service for founding member Rachel Siegfried will be held at Prairie Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. More information will be published in the Prairie Fire. Or contact Maggie Siegfried, 279-4742. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST NEWS BAYSIDE UU FAMILY CAMP 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. Visit our Web site at www.yahoodrummers.com/ bayside. THE AGORA EXPERIENCE: ADVENTURE VOLUNTEERISM IN TRANSYLVANIA Join us this summer for two unforgettable weeks in rural Transylvania. Discover the birthplace of Unitarianism and become part of a global community for positive change. Visit www.experience.green-agora.ro. OTHER NEWS SAIL AWAY WITH PERFECT HARMONY Perfect Harmony Men's Chorus, Madison's premier all-volunteer men's chorus, wants to show their appreciation to the faith communities in the Madison area that are supportive of GLBT people and issues. That's why they are offering a group discount to selected congregations for “Sail Away with Perfect Harmony,” their spring concert, which will be given on Saturday, May 31 at Mills Hall in the Humanities building on the UW-Madison campus. Usual ticket prices are $15.00 and for students/ seniors $12.00. However, if Prairie sends a group of at least five people, PHMC will discount your tickets by $2.00 each ($13.00/$10.00). Jon Hoffman, who has visited Prairie several times, is a member of PHMC and is the contact person to arrange for tickets. To receive the group rate, you need to purchase tickets as a block (and order them by May 16 to ensure delivery in time). You may leave a message for Jon at 445-6767 or email him at perfectharmony(at)chorus.org to arrange for tickets. This is our send-off concert as PHMC will sail away to represent Madison at the GALA Choruses Festival 8 in Miami July 12-19. The chorus considers it a great privilege to represent all of Madison at this festival. HOST A SCREENING OF THE GLOBAL HEART WORLDWIDE FILM PREMIERE MAY 1 It is the vision of GrandMother Drum International Peace Project and the The Love Foundation to honor Thursday, May 1 as Global Love Day as a symbolic day of unconditional love and to unite one and all in a celebration of love and compassion. All are invited to celebrate by hosting the premiere screening of the new documentary film GrandMother Drum: Awakening the Global Heart. All people and all nations are called on to gather together in the wisdom of peace and love. GrandMother Drum: Awakening the Global Heart is a film that documents how the healing sound of one giant heartbeat gives people the power to reconcile and come together in peace and understanding. Seven years in the making, this documentary film tracks the journey of the large 7-foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum. From a vision given in dream, to a yearlong building process in Chickaloon, Alaska, to traveling the world gathering thousands in worldwide drum vigils for peace and dynamic multicultural performances, the GrandMother Drum sends out her heartbeat of love from the grandmothers. The GrandMother Drum is a living, beating symbol from the hearts of the grandmothers that we are all one people, that Mother Earth is our one country, that love is stronger than fear and that peace and freedom are the birthrights of all humanity. The drum is the centerpiece of creating celebrations that honor the unique gifts and spiritual traditions of the diverse cultures of the human family with the theme: The Heartbeat of One Family, One Earth. Each host site will follow the film screening with a one-hour drumming vigil to consciously focus on love and what it means to practice love in all areas of our lives. TO HOST A SCREENING GO TO: http://www.whirlingrainbow.com/dvd.htm General Assembly registration rates increase May 1. Register now for lower rates. We hope to see you in Fort Lauderdale for an exciting and enriching General Assembly, centered on the theme of the “Common Threads” that weave together the fabric of our Unitarian Universalist faith and community. Join us June 25-29, 2008 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center. Amazing, inspiring, unique and uplifting Opening Worship centered around The Sources, a cantata setting of the UU Sources with music by Rev. Jason Shelton and text by Rev. Kendyl Gibbons. Special Featured Programs on Friday and Saturday will address the issues of civil liberties and immigration policies, followed by Appreciative Inquiry sessions offering a chance to explore and wrestle with these issues in depth together. Hear from award-winning authors and distinguished voices from outside our tradition: Eboo Patel on Interfaith Youth in the Age of Fundamentalism; John Dear on Peacemaking and the Questions of Jesus; and Karen Brodkin on Wrestling with Whiteness; The Politics of Jewish Identity in a Multiracial America. We’ll blending advocacy and celebration and reaching out to the local community during a multi-generational public witness celebrating and defending the rights of Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgender and immigrant families; Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in a Fort Lauderdale city park. To learn more: Explore http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/ index.shtml, call (617) 948-4209, or write gaoffice@uua.org. 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