Many of you have asked how you can help us downstairs. Several ways to lend a hand this year is to be a teacher's aide for the younger students. Holding babies in the nursery and assisting the RE Chair and I by being on the RE Committee are also areas where we could use a hand. I hope to see you downstairs sometime! Rebecca Malke (YREC) youthcoordinator (at)uuprairie.org

Our Society

Prairie Elders Meet September 22nd

Prairie people over 65 are invited to the Prairie Elders meeting Tuesday, September 22. Prairie Elders aims to provide good times and mutual support for Prairie UU Members and Friends over 65. Current participants range from age 65 to 90-something. We welcome other UUs who live in the facility where we meet. Informal conversation begins at 1:30 pm and discussion on the topic is from 2:00-4:00. Newcomers welcome.

This month, Pat Watkins will lead a discussion on the following: At the age of eight, Mark Reich was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, at twelve he was confined to a wheelchair, and at twenty-three, he was rushed to the hospital, where he remained four months, unable to breath and on a ventilator. The doctors predicted that he had only a year or less to live, and he wanted to go home rather than to a rehab center. Congregation Beth El (Sudbury, MA), of which he was a member, vowed to finance this wish for as long as he lived. Twenty-four years later, Mr. Reich was still alive. The Rabbi had left the congregation; the newer families did not know him; the ones who did found the financial burden overwhelming, the cost of his care had more than doubled, and his parents were no longer able to provide some of his care, but Mr. Reich still wanted to remain in his home. We will explore the ethical and moral issues of the Temple’s dilemma; Mr. Reich’s feelings, and our own responsibility to consider all the ramifications of our own impulses, decisions and actions.

We meet in the Nakoma Room in the Heritage Oaks building, Oakwood Village West. Parking is available in front or underneath the building. You can bring your own beverage cup and snacks to share. Call contacts listed for directions or a ride: Donna Murdoch 238-3802, Gordon Cunningham 230-3367, Rosemary Dorney 238-4382 or Rose Smith 233-3363.

"Passage to India" Presentation

On Sunday, August 9th, members and visitors to Prairie were treated to an excellent program by Reuben and Madeline Arnold, titled "A Passage to India." Reuben and Madeline spent the month of July volunteering at the Don Bosco Mission School and the Peoples Action for Rural Awakening (PARA) in Ravulapalem, Andhra Pradesh, India. In addition, they were also able to spend time with the family of Prairie's own John Eliganti. Their presentation featured an amazing slideshow of their photographs as well as short video clips, along with their thoughtful and insightful commentary on what they saw and experienced. If you missed the service and would like to see it, Rachel Long made a video recording and has indicated that she would be happy to loan out the dvd. Thanks again to Reuben and Madeline for a wonderful service.

Kate Liu

Prairie Admin

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Humanist Union Oct. 4 Speaker
The Humanist Union will meet on Sunday Oct. 4th for a potluck lunch at 11:45 am followed by speaker and discussion 12:30 - 1:30 pm. Our speaker will be Ron Solomon, who is on the national board of the American Ethical Union (AEU). He will talk about the AEU's membership in the Secular Coalition for American and how the latter organization helps promote the goals of today's Ethical Humanism. The program should also be of interest to those who participated in the meetings of the Ethical Humanism Study Group led by Ron at Prairie in the spring. If there is time, our discussion may include further exploration of ethical humanism topics from the study group. The Humanist Union normally meets monthly at Prairie, usually on the first Sunday of the month. See http://humanist.madisonwi.us/events.htm for more about our coming and past programs.

Bob Park

The Prairie Retreat is Coming - Read All About It!

Prairie's annual family retreat is coming up on October 23 - 25, 2009, at Pine Lake United Methodist Camp in Westfield, Wisconsin. This is a new place for us this year - due to scheduling conflicts we were unable to use Bethel again. Several Prairie folks have visited it, and agree that it is beautiful and has a lot to offer us. Included in this article are a rough schedule of activities, descriptions of the lodging options, and other information. The registration form is attached to the newsletter, too.

Schedule:

Plan to arrive, if you can, on Friday evening between 6 and 7:30 pm

to enjoy a finger food potluck and settle into your room before games and dancing at 7:30. If the weather cooperates, we will have a campfire with s'mores, or you could choose to play charades instead.

There is a plethora of activities available on Saturday. In the morning, you could see a dvd of the Ware lecture from GA, play games, visit the nature center, do the low ropes course, have story time, and do 2 different kinds of yoga. After lunch, the fun continues with Ukrainian Easter eggs, collages, an ethical humanism discussion, knitting, Bollywood dancing, a nature walk, singing hymns and rounds, learning the recorder, teen talk, paper bag crafts, and bridge. Also on Saturday, three of Prairie's "regular" groups will hold meetings - the women's group, the book club, and Spanish conversation. Saturday after dinner there will be the world-famous Prairie talent show, and an opportunity to brush up on your folk dancing and then dance the night away.

Sunday after breakfast we will have the traditional Key Log ceremony. After the ceremony it will be time to clean up and head home.

Lodging descriptions:

Rader Retreat Center: This is the "hotel style" building. There are 23 sleeping rooms in this building, and all have at least one queen bed, one twin bed, and a private bathroom. Some of these rooms also have an additional twin bed, though it is a pull-out trundle bed. These rooms are great for 2, 3, or even 4 people. The room rates are as follows:

$82 per room per night for 2 people sharing ($41 per person per night)

$99 per room per night for 3 people sharing ($33 per person per night)

$110 per room per night for 4 people sharing ($27.50 per person per night)

Linens (bedding and towels) are provided. These rooms are in the main retreat building, convenient to most of the meeting spaces and the craft cabin.

Susannah Wesley House: The Wesley House features four bedrooms, with two on the upper level and two on the lower level, and two complete bathrooms. There is also a full kitchen and dining area on the upper level. Each level also features a living/meeting space. There are beds in bedrooms for 8 people (1 queen bed and 6 twin beds.) There is also a pull-out couch in the lower living room. The house could accommodate a couple of families, with kids taking the pull-out couch or slumber-partying on the floor, or a group of up to 8 adults. There are no linens provided, however, so you need to bring your own bedding and towels if you choose this option. This building rents for $240 per night or $30 per person per night.

Camping: Campsites are available for either tenting or RV. Sites have electricity available, but no water at the time of the year we'll be there. You'll need to bring your own bottled water for toothbrushing, and plan to use the shower

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probably in the Wesley house (since there are 2 bathrooms.) The sites are a short walk around the lake trail from the rest of the camp buildings. Camping is $18 per site per night for tents, and $21 per site per night with electricity for an RV.

Getting there: The retreat site is easy to get to: take highway 90/94 out of Madison to the north / west, then get on 39/51 going north. Take the exit for Westfield and follow highway M west for about 8 miles. The camp is on the left hand side of the road and is fairly well marked.

What to bring: Dress casual, but bring layers as late October weather can be unpredictable. A flashlight would be a good idea. Finger foods to share for Friday night's potluck. Your book club book, your recorder, and any props you need for the talent show. Bedding and towels if you're staying in a cabin. Your item for the silent auction.

Please register as early as you can by using the form attached to the newsletter. We have invited both the Sauk City congregation and the Stevens Point fellowship to join us, so you need to reserve your space as soon as you can. The retreat does have a higher cost this year than last year, so please do not hesitate to ask for a partial scholarship to help you attend the retreat. Forms should be mailed to Robin Proud or brought to Prairie. If you have any questions, please contact one of the following: Robin Proud, registrar, 661-0776; Kate Liu, administrator, 271-8218; or Phyllis Long, program coordinator, 608-325-7397.

We hope to see you there!

Robin, Phyllis, and Kate

Spanish Speaker's Potluck

The next Spanish Speaker's potluck will be Monday, October 26th at 6:30 pm at the home of Kate Tucker, 4504 Camden Rd. Please call Kate at 221-2168 for directions, or Rosemary Dorney at 238-4382 for more information.

Adult Education Courses Available: Introduction to UU, Building Your Own Theology

Want to Learn More About Unitarian Universalism?

A beginning session: “Sharing Our Faith,” Sunday, October 4, 11:45-12:30, followed by two additional gatherings to learn more: “Introduction to Unitarian Universalism,” Sundays, October 11 and 18, 11:45-12:30 p.m. Leader: Rev. Ralph Tyksinksi. Sign up on Registration Sheet on the Prairie Bulletin Board, the form on the back of the newsletter, or call Prairie. Child Care will be provided if requested.

Building Your Own Theology (Part I)

In this 4-session series, individuals reflect on their religious experiences and knowledge and create their own credos within a community context. 7:00-9:30 p.m., Tuesdays October 13, October 20, November 10, November 17. Part II will be a continuation with 4 additional sessions in February-March. Please register on the form on the back of this newsletter or call Rev. Ralph at 271-8218. Child care will be available upon request.

Prairie's Second Annual Silent Auction announced!

At last year's retreat, we had our very first silent auction, featuring such items as homemade liqueurs, shopping bags, books, roller blades, and musical instruments. We will have another auction this year at the retreat, so think about what you might have to contribute. Good silent auction items are things (not services) that you can either bring with you or larger items that you can photograph to display. A form will be available shortly, but if you have a great idea, contact Dorothy Krause (271-7532) and give her your information: what the item is, if you'll be bringing it with you, and a good minimum bid for the item. All items must leave the retreat with either the buyer or the donor, so please be prepared to transport your items. More information will be available soon.

Housing and Property Notes

The flooring project in the basement is finally completed. (Several people have asked if the floor in the upstairs will receive similar treatment. It is "on our radar" as a possible project, but not in the 2009-2010 budget year.) The basement flooring can be recorded as a significant project leading to our certification as a Green Sanctuary. Old carpeting was recycled and linoleum was installed. Linoleum is a green product, consisting of a binder made from linseed oil and/or vegetable drying oils and rosin mixed with wood flour and/or cork, inorganic filler (often limestone) and pigments, on a carrier of jute. To prolong the life of the floor, we ask that nothing heavy is dragged across it and that spills are taken care of promptly.

In that same vein, after all the work that was done to paint our walls downstairs, please be kind to them. We ask that you only use gummy poster tacking (no tape please!) to hang things on the walls. Ask in the RE office if you need some.

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Finally, everyone using the building is asked to take an active role in keeping the building and our staff safe and secure. It is critical that when you have a meeting in the building, you walk through before you leave and check every door and look at every window. Even if you come in and out the same door, you still need to check the others. Your few minutes spent checking this means that our staff can feel secure at work.

Thank you,

Al Nettleton, H&P Chair, aanett (at) execpc.com

Prairie Book Club Meets October 24th

The Prairie Book Club meets once a month to discuss a book over potluck lunch after the service. On Saturday, October 24th (at the retreat,) the group will be discussing What Was She Thinking: Notes on a Scandal, by Zoe Heller. “A lonely schoolteacher reveals more than she intends when she records the story of her best friend's affair with a pupil in this sly, insightful novel…What Was She Thinking? is a story of repression and passion, envy and complacence, friendship and loneliness. A complex psychological portrait framed as a wicked satire, it is by turns funny, poignant, and sinister. With it, Zoë Heller surpasses the promise of her critically acclaimed first novel, Everything You Know.”

WOW group

Prairie's Women's group, known as WOW, will meet next on Saturday, October 24th at the Prairie retreat. Time is still to be determined. New members are always welcome. For more information or to get on the Prairie WOW email list, contact Mary Somers, 276-8397 or marysomers44(at)charter.net.

Movie Group

On Thursday, October 15th at 7:00pm, the Movie Group will view "Black Narcissus." This is a a 1947 film staring Deborah Kerr, David Farrar, Jean Simmons, and Sabu. Direction and screen writing by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. This is the story of five nuns trekking in the Himalayas to establish a school and hospital while confronted by the isolation, weather, and men. Bring snacks to share.

Membership News

New Member, Estrella Donald

My name is Estrella Donald. You usually catch me with my three kids on a Sunday morning. Logan (11/29/02) is my oldest, Kalob A.K.A “Peanut” (3/31/05) my middle child and Ella (8/08/09) our baby. My husband Jacob is yet to join us for a service but we’re keeping our hopes up that he’ll come along some Sunday.

We live in Black Earth and love the small town feel. I personally grew up in Madison all my life. I am the oldest of three girls; sometimes my youngest sister Alisia and her son Dylan join us at Prairie as well. I grew up always thinking “outside the box”, not really sure what or where I belonged religiously. I feel like life began for me in high school. I attended Malcolm Shabazz City High school on Madison’s north side. There I was taught by great teachers who helped me learn how to educate myself in a way I couldn’t have ever expected to become part of who I am. I commuted back to my home school, East High, for Band class. I played the flute and piccolo for many years and loved it!

Shortly after graduating I had my first son. While he was a toddler I began my college education. I started getting what I needed to practice teaching in child care, and then came Kalob. I took time to be a stay at home mom, then when he was out of “babyhood” went back to school to major in psychology with a human service focus. My husband Jacob drives semi truck for a living and during that time he was driving all over the country and only home for a few days at a time. So with becoming a mother a third time around (with our daughter Ella) I decided to put school on hold and enjoy my children, which has been great for me for I feel as though my true calling is parenting/teaching/ and family. My husband now works for a local company and we have moved back to the area where he grew up. Someday I may go back to school, although I couldn’t tell you at this time for what. I’m leaning towards midwifery, but hey, I’m a young 25 and have plenty of years ahead of me. I’m in no rush.

I think that being a mother and my upbringing is what brought me to Prairie on that April morning of 2009. I have

been hooked since then and signed the book in June 2009. I have definitely always had an open mind and excitingly

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welcomed thoughts and opinions. I love to hear people’s stories from all points of the world and all different beliefs. Teaching my children about the differences in the world is important to me and I hope that they will gain as much as they can from our community here at Prairie.

We are currently homeschooling and find this weaves into our life along with all other beliefs and practices. I love “taking education into our own hands” and find myself to be a researcher at heart.

We enjoy new places, nature, the library, parks, art, cooking out, board games, movies, and each other. Family is my biggest priority and hope that Prairie will be our extended part to it.

Social Action News

Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice Annual Assembly Prairie Society is a dues paying member of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice (WNPJ), a statewide organization whose purpose is "to facilitate activities, cooperation, and communication among Wisconsin organizations and individuals working toward the creation of a sustainable world, free from violence and injustice.” Coming up on Saturday Oct. 3rd is the WNPJ annual assembly. It will be held this year in Madison, from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St. (Rm Evjue Room D). Any interested Prairie member can attend, and since we are a member organization the registration fee is just $20. The registration form is available online at http://www.wnpj.org/node/2416. If you would like to be Prairie's official voting representative at the assembly, contact Mary Somers. Presentation of Peacemaker of the Year awards will occur from 3:15 - 4 pm. There is no charge if you wish to attend only that, Award winners this year include Joe Elder, Esther Heffernan, Will Williams, and others that you can read about at http://www.wnpj.org/node/2565. Men's Shelter Needs Blankets Prairie serves breakfast at the Men's Shelter the first Saturday of every month. Currently, 60 to 65 guests are being served there every night. They passed on the following message: "We desperately need blankets for the Drop-In Shelter. If you can either have a drive or donate some blankets (only for twins or singles please), we would appreciate it." If you bring blankets to Prairie the next Sunday, September 27th, or drop them off at my house (4467 Crescent Rd,) I will make sure the Shelter receives them. Thanks, Mary Somers, Social Action Chair, 276-8397 Social Action to present "Seven Jewish Children: A Play for Gaza", by Caryl Churchill This play was presented by the Social Action Committee over the summer, following a Sunday program on Palestine, and is now being performed again on November 14th at the Socialist Potluck located at the WilMar Neighborhood Center, 535 Jennifer Street. Time of potluck and play tba. The performance of the short play will be followed by open discussion. The play is free but donations will be accepted for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Rev. Ralph's Ruminations

What is "Association Sunday"? Association Sunday is a request by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) for all congregations to recognize and support, both in spirit and financially, the national work of the Association. Envisioned is a day—an "Association Sunday"—during which thousands of Unitarian Universalists across the nation are simultaneously celebrating our shared commitment to Unitarian Universalism.

We are being asked, as one of over 1000 congregations, to schedule this Sunday service and take

a special collection to affirm our connection, and to bring our resources together for greater effect. On Sunday, October 4, Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society will celebrate this opportunity for us to come together to grow our faith and our influence in the world. This is an opportunity for us to support the work that individuals, congregations, and the UUA do to make Unitarian Universalism a haven for those who seek a liberal religious home.

What happens on Association Sunday? On October 4, Prairie’s program will be about the Unitarian Universalist Association and the campaign to grow Unitarian Universalism. The special collection taken on that day will go to support the UUA’s Growth in Diversity funding initiatives.

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On the first Association Sunday, 2007, Prairie’s contribution was over $700. Last year Prairie increased its giving to more than $1000! Let us continue, even in these difficult economic times, to support our efforts to Grow Our Faith, and in so doing build the beloved community. Through this special service and collection to fund Growth in Diversity programs, we can develop spiritual communities that are more racially, culturally, intellectually, and economically inclusive and welcoming to ALL people.

As your Consulting Minister I am inviting and will hopefully be inspiring our congregation to generously support this important growth effort. (Go to http://www.uua.org/associationsunday for more information)

Glad to be journeying with you,

Rev. Ralph

Denominational and Community News

Open House at JRUUC

James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation invites the community at large to our ‘Green’ Renovation Celebration on Sunday October 11, 2009. Open House 2pm - 4pm with a short program at 2:30. 2146 Johnson Street. Honoring the work of many hands. Opening our doors to the neighborhood. For more information: (608) 242-8887 or www.jruuc.org

Open House at Lakeshore UU Fellowship in Manitowoc

Lakeshore UU Fellowship in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is celebrating acquiring its first permanent home at 620 Park Street in Manitowoc. Dan Fischer, President of their fellowship, has invited us to attend the dedication for their new building, Sunday, September 27th, 2009, beginning at 10am. Arthur Thexton of James Reeb Congregation will perform the dedication, which will be followed by light refreshments and a tour of the building. All are welcome.

Central Midwest District Women's Connection Fall 2009 Retreat

On November 6-8, 2009, the women of Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, will host the fall women's connection retreat at Lake Geneva, "It Is What It Is: Healing In Hard Times." For more information, please see the brochure posted at the back of the meeting house, visit their website, www.womenandreligion.org, or contact Judy Plum at ripeprunus@att.net.

Interfaith Hospitality Network Week is October 4th to 11th Please consider helping homeless families. You can call Erin Bosch for more information about IHN (238-6285)... or... you can go to this website for an explanation of the volunteer jobs: http://midvalelutheran.org/ihnjobs.htm ...and you can sign up online at this address: http://nordengs.com/ihn/group.asp?eg=13&u=true. Because of construction at Midvale Lutheran Church, we will be going to Covenant Presbyterian at the corner of Segoe Road and Mineral Point Road for that week, but all the volunteers will still come from Midvale Lutheran and the other buddy churches, like Prairie.

Prairie UU Society

2010 Whenona Dr.

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-8218

Prairie UU Society 2009-2010 Adult Education Registration Form

Send to Rev. Ralph Tyksinski, Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive, Madison, Wi 53711

________ Want to Learn More About Unitarian Universalism?

Leader: Rev. Ralph Tyksinski; Sundays, October 4, 11, 18 - 11:45-12:30 pm,

(Need Childcare? To ensure safety and adequate supervision please request your

childcare needs at least one week in advance to Rev. Ralph, 608-873-6041)

_________Building Your Own Theology

Four Tuesday Evenings 7:00 – 9:30; Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Nov.17

Fee: $20; Leader: Rev. Ralph Tyksinski

_________Menu for the Future

The Green Sanctuary Committee will be presenting this six-session course exploring the

connection between food and sustainability. First session to be offered in late Fall (Dates

and time to be announced) First session facilitators: Dave and Marcia Johnson

__________ Spanish Conversation Group

Leader: Marcia Johnson,6 sessions: October 4, 11, 18 & 24, November 1 & 8.

Beginning Spanish conversation.

Name_____________________________________________________

Address_______________________________City State,Zip________________________________

Home Phone_________________________Work Phone____________________________

Email_________________________ Cell Phone________________________

Child care will be available for some of the courses. Please let us know if we will need to make arrangements prior to the class event.

PRAIRIE UU FALL RETREAT – PINE LAKE – OCTOBER 23-25, 2009

Names_______________________________Phone_____________Email_______________________

ACCOMMODATIONS (Same rate for children & adults except as below. See Description sheet for details)

Rader Retreat Center (linens & towels provided)

# of nights _____ 2 in room - $41 per person per night Total _____________

3 in room - $33 per person per night Total _____________

4 in room - $27.50 per person per night Total _____________

Susanna Wesley House (bring linens & towels) – room for 8 adults

# of nights ______ $30 per person per night (room for 2 kids, no extra cost) Total __________

Black Oak Cabin - full

(White Oak Cabin - already filled!)

Camping

# of nights ______$18 per tent site, $21 for RV (electricity but no water at site) Total ___________

TOTAL ACCOMMODATIONS COST _________________

MEALS

Adults Children under 12

#______Saturday breakfast – 8.50 #______ Saturday breakfast –4.25

_____ Saturday lunch -10.50 ______ Saturday lunch – 5.25

______ Saturday dinner - 12.50 ______ Saturday dinner - 6.25

______ Sunday breakfast -8.50 ______Sunday breakfast - 4.25

Or______all meals 40.00 ______ all meals20.00

TOTAL MEALS COST ________

Total Charges _______________

My family needs a scholarship of (subtract from total) _____________

I am donating to the scholarship fund ______________

Amount paid ______________

I would like to carpool – day & time leaving Madison ___________ returning______

I will be rooming with ____________________________________

I need a roommate (list any preferences)______________________________

I /we need a special Vegetarian Vegan Other (please specify)

**RETURN TO PRAIRIE OR MAIL TO ROBIN PROUD, 114 GLEN HWY, MADISON, WI 53705

****DEADLINE, FRIDAY OCTOBER 9******* Questions, call Robin 661-0776 or Kate 271-8218